Throwing the covers off in disgust, Sue got out of bed, resigning herself to a long, sleepless night. Her mind was still racing, processing the influx of information it had received throughout the day. Pulling her robe on, she migrated toward the window, hoping the view would help her relax.
The moon was full, reflecting off the calm waters of the lake, causing the trees to cast long shadows on the perfectly manicured lawn. She smiled as she remembered Myles talking about his cabin on the lake. "Just a small place, really," he had said and she supposed by his standards it was. There were two large bedroom suites,one on each end of the house, both with a magnificent view of the lake. The Great Room had an open floor plan which included the kitchen and dining areas.
She saw a movement from the corner of her eye on the property's dock, startling her out of her musings, causing her heart to race fearfully. Looking closely, concentrating on what had garnered her attention, she noticed the swing on the end of the pier gently swinging back and forth. Recognizing the solitary figure, she tightened her robe before disengaging the security system and stopping outside, her heart now racing for an entirely different reason.
He sensed her presence, his body responding to her nearness. Steeling himself, trying to shore up his heart, he stood and slowly turned to face her, his expression neutral. He knew it was a losing battle when he found her just as beautiful in her robe and slippers, her hair piled haphazardly on her head, as he did in her finest attire.
Sue watched him, noting the sadness of his eyes and the slump to his posture. When he continued to stand and stare her way, she could take no more. "Are you okay, Jack?"
One of his eyebrows lifted slightly. "Isn't that my usual question?" When she didn't immediately answer, he stepped closer. "INSIDE WE GO. TALK?"
"There's enough light out here," she replied, answering his unspoken question. "I can read you just fine if you'd rather stay out here."
"You ought to be in bed."
"So should you."
"It's my watch," he said by way of explanation. "What's your excuse?"
"You looked lonely," she confessed. "I came to keep you company." At his dark look, she tried a different tactic. "I would think you'd be happy since I'm making your job easier by being here. Usually I get accused of being stubborn and making things harder."
Jack ducked his head, the glimmer of a smile crossing his features before he turned and dropped back down in the swing. Patting the space beside him, he held it motionless as she settled beside him. Only when she was ready did he set a gentle rhythm, staring off across the lake, deep in thought.
A tentative hand on his brought his attention back to her. "I see you sitting right beside me," she whispered, removing her hand. "How come I feel like you are miles away? Want to tell me what's on your mind?"
"You," he replied seriously, taking her by surprise. He rushed on seeing that he had her full attention. "I want,more than anything, for you to be happy, Sue. And if that means being away from me, then I'm prepared for that."
Sue's heart tightened at his words. "I don't understand, Jack. Earlier today..."
"Earlier today," he interrupted almost angrily, "I hadn't witnessed your joy at being with the team. Earlier today I was being selfish. Earlier today," he began but had to stop and clear his throat of the swelling emotions, "Earlier today I hadn't witnessed your reaction to Trevor's death."
Understanding began to dawn as Sue replied to his words. "Trevor and I never went out, Jack. And he's dead. Of course I'm saddened by that, but he's no threat to you."
"But if he weren't dead, how would you feel then?"
Her answer was immediate. "I'd feel happy." She watched his face tighten, understanding he didn't care for her answer. "I'd feel happy, Jack, because he had a bright career ahead of him. I don't wish death on anyone. Not," she stressed, waiting for him to meet her eyes, "Because I was interested in him. I wasn't. I was being nice, working with a fellow agent, answering his questions."
"But Bobby led me to believe that Trevor was interested in you."
"And did you date everyone that was interested in you?"
When she witnessed what she assumed was a snort, she continued. "Just because he was interested doesn't mean I was interested back. Can I help it if I'm utterly irresistible?" Her grin was contagious and he couldn't help but respond.
"You are, you know...enchantingly irresistible."
"Then quit trying to send me away."