It was cool out for a Georgia night. I wrapped my arms around myself and continued across the prison yard.

The slight moans of the dead filled the night air, and I longed for a time when there was nothing but silence. Now any unknown crack of wood in the distance could be the death of you ...

Gravel crunched behind me and I turned in alarm knife ready.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Rick's hands were raised as a gesture of peace, and I felt silly for pulling my knife on him.

"It's alright - no harm done."

He ran his fingers through his dark hair pushing it back and I found myself imagining what it would feel like for even just one moment; one night. I had a feeling, like his kiss, once wouldn't be enough.

He stood beside me in the middle of the yard and we gazed at the full moon. His eyes looked like a navy blue in the light; piercing and mesmerizing.

Did I look okay? God, did it even matter? We could die tomorrow.

"Chilly out." He speaks first. I nod my head in agreement, suddenly feeling the cold, wondering if he's warm. I rub my arms and shudder.

Rick catches my slight movement and takes off his coat, slipping it on my shoulders. I protest, thinking he might be cold, but he's having none of it. It's the familiar brown leather coat he had that night in the bar. I subtly bury my nose in the shoulder and catch his scent. No aftershave, or cologne. Just purely him - sweet mixed in with the scent of leather. It's almost intoxicating and I feel my head spin.

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thank you. If it wasn't for ya'll-"

"Jolene, believe me - it's not any trouble."

Wind blows and I pull my arms into the coat's sleeves and put my hands into the pockets. I think I see him shiver, but I'm unsure.

"It's funny."

"What is?"

"Out of anyone who might be left out there," He motions to the impending world, "I never thought we'd be brought back together again."

I smile to myself then to him. "Didn't think I could take care of myself?"

He smirks. "Let's just say you continue to surprise me."

"Rick?"

"Hmm?" He's lost in thought.

"Was that a compliment, or a compliment with a sting in the tail?"

He laughs. "That night we met, and you sang ... Can you still sing?"

I take a deep breath and sing the first lyrics that come to mind, You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go.

"I've seen love go by my door
It's never been this close before
Never been so easy or so slow
I've been shooting in the dark too long
When something not right it's wrong
You're gonna make me lonesome when you go."

He claps his hands. "Little girl, big voice."

"You look just as dumbfounded that night in the bar."

Rick laughs and smiles. He turns to look at me and our eyes meet. I chew my bottom lip.

"I can't believe this."

"What?"

"You. You're okay. I feel like..." I break off early, afraid to offend him.

"Like?" He watches my body language intently.

"Like I'm talking to a ghost."

"Yeah, well, I thought you might have been gone too, Jolene."

The night air blows again, and I'm sure I see him shudder against the chill. I slip off his coat and hand it to him. He's reluctant, but once I assure him I'm heading to bed he agrees.

I nod and as I'm walking away I can almost feel his eyes burning right through me. I turn to find him staring at me. "Thanks for letting me borrow your coat."

"Anytime."

"Goodnight, Rick."

He smiles that flirty smile from earlier in the day and it's all I can do not to race to him. "Night."

I awake from my restless slumber and wish I knew what time it was. I know it's in the middle of the night, but I wish I had a better idea. I turn over with hopes of falling asleep again and all that fills my mind is Rick.

I could die tomorrow and never know if he's even slightly interested. Hell I just want to kiss him again, and if I died tomorrow after that, I just might die happy.

I slip out of bed and walk down the hall and toward his cell, hoping I'll find him there.