LONDON RAIN, Part 36

The early morning sunshine was just beginning to cast shadows across the main room of the suite when Sue Ellen padded in on bare feet, running a towel over her wet hair. The silk of J.R.'s robe softly slid over her legs as she walked, making her smile at the unavoidable association with the man in the other room. She was finding it difficult to think of anything but him.

In the rational light of day, everything that happened last night was supposed to make sense. None of it did. The past few hours had been a revelation. She thought she knew J.R. so well, thought she could predict his every move. He had proven her wrong, over and over again. He had uttered no words of love. Demanded nothing in return. All he did was physically express what he felt for her in a way that left no doubt about his intentions. It had shaken her to her foundation.

Sex couldn't describe it. J.R. was a master of using sex as a weapon, buying and selling it like barrels of oil in exchange for favors and deals. Yet it was so much more than making love, even though they had both allowed one another through the complex emotional barriers that ruled their response to each other. It was a trust, a need that wasn't biological and so much more than emotional. And to her surprise, J.R. had set it all in motion, been the catalyst that sustained it throughout the night.

The pleasure had been intense. His actions decimated all her defenses and coaxed her to levels never even imagined. A passionate mixture of despair, frustrated desire and ultimately love that echoed a need in her she wasn't even aware of.

Explicit memories flooded her mind, making her heart beat faster. The way he had kissed her … the way his long, tapered fingers had enticed such a sweet, aching desire … the way it felt being against him once again with nothing else between them. She sighed. So many feelings and sensations she had denied herself for so long. So much better than she remembered. Nothing like she had experienced with anyone else.

Her thoughts unintentionally jerked back to Don. It was difficult thinking of him, even to the point of sadness. Being unfaithful to him was not what she had intended. But there would be no "morning after" regrets. If that was wrong, so be it. She would accept whatever consequences crashed down on her. The need she and J.R. had satisfied in each other had been too special to deny now and were moments she would treasure always.

She felt warm, flushed by the thoughts of the night before, yet she smiled wickedly as she touched her cheek with the back of her hand. As wonderful as it had felt being the center of his attention, it was a night she knew J.R. wouldn't soon forget it, either. She had made sure of that.

A knock sounded against the door, disrupting the shameless thoughts she wasn't a bit sorry for. Still smiling, feeling very self-satisfied, Sue Ellen placed the towel over her shoulder and crossed the room to the door. She silently vowed to work everything out with Don once she left the hotel, wherever that took them. But until then, she would enjoy whatever time she had left with J.R. However he chose to spend it.

"Good morning, Mrs. Ewing," Marian the butler said, smiling brightly as she pushed in the breakfast cart. "What a nice surprise to have you staying with us again."

"Thank you, Marian." Sue Ellen shyly grinned and unconsciously tightened the robe securely around her, suddenly feeling a little too exposed.

"It's going to be a lovely day today," Marian remarked as she set up the breakfast buffet on the table

It had certainly started out that way, Sue Ellen thought with a grin. "Marian, were you here when my, uh … husband cut his hand?"

Marian straightened up and looked over at her. "Oh yes, madam. I haven't had a fright like that in years. He was passed out when I found him and bleeding something fierce. Looked as if he'd broken that glass with his bare hand, the poor dear."

"Was that the night I left with my son?"

"Why … yes, madam." Marian suddenly became hesitant, startled by the question. She thought the lady would have known what happened. Now she worried she had said too much.

Just as Sue Ellen feared, it was the alcohol again only now she understood why he had been drinking so heavily. He had shared his pain and loneliness with her last night, allowed her to soothe him instead of the bourbon. Realizing that also helped reinforce her decision to stay. Whatever the consequences would be for spending the night with him, she was glad she did.

"Thank you, Marian," Sue Ellen quietly remarked with a smile. "For looking out for him."

Marian looked over at her and grinned, pleased at the compliment. "If you'll permit a personal observation, madam, I've enjoyed being in his service immensely. He's a very charming man."

Sue Ellen softly laughed. "Yes, he is."

Marian quickly finished setting up the breakfast buffet and retreated, wanting to give the couple as much privacy as possible. "If you require anything else, please ring."

Sue Ellen nodded and watched as the butler let herself out. She then turned and surveyed the full breakfast that covered the table. She grinned, knowing J.R. would be thrilled. As she sat down and poured a cup of coffee, she called out to him, "J.R., breakfast is here."

"Good, I'm starvin'!" He replied from the other room.

Sue Ellen giggled at the confirmation, especially because it was the same response she had gotten from John Ross only a few days ago. Like father, like son.

As J.R. entered the room and walked toward the table, he slipped a silver cuff link into the sleeve of his pale blue dress shirt that was complimented by a black and gray striped tie. The colors were an excellent match for the shirt and set off the silver of his eyes and hair. Sue Ellen marveled at her train of thought. It seemed she was back in the habit of admiring him after years of vowing never again.

Finished with the cuff link, J.R. stopped at the table and looked over at her. The mixture of approval and enjoyment in her expression instantly captivated him.

"Damn," his voice dropped to a breathy growl. "How 'bout if we skip breakfast and go back to bed?"

"Thought you were hungry?" Sue Ellen remarked with a sensual half smile.

"I am."

"You'll miss your plane."

"I don't care."

"You promised to get my bag out of the car."

"Did I?"

J.R.'s eyes dropped to survey every inch he could see of her. His robe was wrapped around her and her hair was still wet from the shower. She looked exquisitely fresh and so utterly delicious.

"J.R. Ewing," she warned, trying to suppress another giggle, "don't you even think about it!"

"About what, keepin' you captive in this room 'cause you don't have any clothes to wear?"

"Yes!" She laughed.

He tried to suppress a mischievous grin but failed. "Sorry I wasn't a little more careful with your dress last night."

They exchanged a very intimate look then both started laughing.

"You owe me a new one."

"Yes, I do. You gonna come over to Paris and collect?"

"I just might."

"I sure as hell hope you do," he grinned. "Damn, you looked gorgeous last night. Where were you goin' all dressed up like that?"

"I was on my way to the opera."

"Why did you pack a bag? Were you leavin' Lockwood?"

"I always stay at the Savoy after the opera," she said, deliberately avoiding his question. "Makes for a nice getaway."

"Mmmm." J.R. remembered how much she loved the fine arts. Symphony, theater, museums, opera … she adored them all. Especially opera. He slowly grinned at the recollection of the way she reacted to it. He didn't care for it himself but her response afterward had always made it worth his time. "Don't tell me Lockwood lets you go alone?"

"Don doesn't like opera," Sue Ellen shrugged. "I meet friends at the theatre then spend the rest of the evening by myself at the Savoy. He indulges me."

The man truly was an idiot, J.R. thought. Or perhaps opera was something she only shared with him. That thought was enticing.

"Well, I owe John Ross a big thanks for sendin' you my way last night," J.R. said as he approached her. He bent down and kissed her then kissed her again.

"Sit down," she said with a satisfied smile and pointed to the chair across from her. "I'll pour you some coffee."

Content with being able to just look at her, J.R. went to his chair and sat back to watch. She handed him the cup then busied herself with serving breakfast. She had such an elegant grace that even her most mundane tasks fascinated him. Plus she looked radiant. The faint hint of pink on her cheeks made him feel damn good.

"You look beautiful this morning," he said before taking a sip of coffee.

She had been keenly aware of his penetrating gaze and it had surprisingly unnerved her.

"Don't start," she playfully warned, her blush spreading.

"Start what?" His grin became wickedly enchanting.

"That charm of yours has gotten me into enough trouble the past few days."

He softly chuckled and took another sip of coffee as he continued to watch her. Letting her go this morning was going to be difficult but while she was there, he was going to enjoy every moment.

"By the way," she added, trying to sound serious but the curve at the corner of her mouth betrayed a smile. "Where did you get the pictures of John Ross and me on the nightstand?"

"Oh, those," he said casually, knowing exactly what pictures she was talking about. They were the ones he had taken off Lockwood's desk. "Nice, aren't they?"

"You're going to give them back to me and I'll get you another set."

"The hell I am! Get Lockwood another set."

"J.R. …"

"You just tell him that nitwit maid of yours broke the frame when she was dustin'," he cut in. "'Cause those are mine now. I stole them fair and square."

"Then it's going to cost you." Her voice was a sensual combination of irritation, amusement, and desire that matched the look she gave him.

J.R. suddenly found it difficult to concentrate. "How much?"

"Make me an offer."

"Honey, you keep lookin' at me like that, I'll give you anything you want."

"Well, that was easy," Sue Ellen replied, her low, enchanting laugh exciting him just as much as her flirting did. "What happened to those devious, no-nonsense negotiation skills you are famous for?"

"I know the difference between givin' up and givin' in. You got me beat. Besides, givin' in to you is my pleasure."

Sue Ellen studied him for a moment, enjoying the satisfaction of both his verbal retreat and the way the thought of his pleasure made the nerves in her stomach light up.

As J.R. watched her, he considered what she had just said about negotiations and suddenly devised the plan he had been trying to find for the thin black velvet jewelry box hidden in his back pocket. He knew it was going to take one hell of a negotiation to even bring the contents of the box up to her but he had to try.

"Say, remember our talk last night," he remarked, hoping it sounded spontaneous. "About why I came to London?"

Sue Ellen nodded. "I do."

"Well, there is somethin' else … another reason I'm here. Seems I have somethin' that belongs to you." J.R. withdrew the box and she gave him a quizzical look as he handed it to her. He paused for a moment, watching her reaction. "When I give a gift," he said carefully, "I don't want it returned and I especially don't want it given to someone else."

Beginning to comprehend his meaning, Sue Ellen hesitated before opening the box. She already knew what was inside. The lid creaked open and revealed an antique bracelet made up of diamond X's set in platinum that sparkled brilliantly in the light. It was the first gift J.R. had ever given her. She in turn had given it to Cally the day she married J.R.

"Cally left it on my dresser the day she left Southfork," J.R. continued. "I didn't even know she had it or I would have returned it sooner."

"It wouldn't have done you any good," Sue Ellen angrily replied as she snapped the box shut then swiftly sat it down on the table as if it burned her fingers. It was a painful reminder of why she had escaped to London in the first place … of why she shouldn't be with him now. "I don't want it."

"Sue Ellen, when I bought that bracelet, it wasn't just on a whim. I searched for weeks, tryin' to find somethin' special for you, somethin' just right. And I knew as soon as I saw it, it was what I wanted. I wanted it to show how much you meant to me. I loved you like I loved no other woman." He smiled tenderly at her. "I still do."

She shot him an angry glare then looked away, hoping to hold in the emotions that threatened to break out of her control.

"Damn you, J.R.," she quietly cursed.

J.R. remained silent, angry with himself for having misread her. He had no intention of hurting her, especially not by giving her the bracelet, but now realized he had done just that.

"Sue Ellen, there is somethin' you need to know. Somethin' I should have told you a long time ago …"

"No, please don't say it," Sue Ellen interrupted.

"Darlin' …"

"And don't call me darlin'!"

Not allowing herself to look at him, Sue Ellen's attention remained focused on an invisible object outside the window. Her sudden distance made J.R. desperate to save the situation. Their remaining time together couldn't be spent like this. Then he realized where he needed to be. He went to the side of her chair and knelt down.

Sue Ellen tried to look away from him but he cupped his hand around her cheek and tenderly turned her face back to his, now only inches away.

"Listen to me. My bein' here in London with you, it means everything to me. And it was by choice. There was only one woman I wanted … needed to be with."

"J.R. …" she tried to stop him but he cut her off.

"You've given me one hell of a fight up 'til now," he softly said as he stroked her cheek, "But I won't deny what I feel about you any more. You are the best thing that ever happened to me. You're certainly more than I deserved." He kissed her with a tenderness he only rarely demonstrated then gave her a smile as gentle as the kiss had been. "Now, go ahead and argue with me."

Her breath escaped in a mixture of amusement and heartache. She knew exactly what he meant. Whatever the future held for them, together or more likely apart, she knew they would always be connected and it was pointless to fight or deny it anymore. She slipped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

Relieved her mood had changed, J.R. sighed and stroked her back, soothing them both.

"Destiny keeps pushin' us back together, darlin''," he softly whispered against her ear. "How 'bout if we both stop fightin' it?"

Sue Ellen drew back from him and brushed a tear away from her cheek. "It's not that simple, J.R."

"It is if we take it one step at a time." He reached out and tipped her chin up to meet her gaze then lightly traced his thumb over the corner of her mouth. "That's all I'm askin' for, Sue Ellen. Just keep steppin' towards me, honey … not away."

Sue Ellen studied him. He was being honest. She knew it in her soul. Just as she knew she would never be able to turn from him again. He would always be there. She wanted him there.

"Now, please take the bracelet," he gently pleaded. "If nothin' else, let it be a reminder of the good things between us like right now. 'Cause that's the way I intended it the day I gave it to you." He suddenly grinned. "Hell, it's gotta be worth a small fortune now. At least I've got good taste."

"Damn you," she quietly replied, both frustrated and amused he had charmed his way with her yet again.

"Stop fightin' me, honey."

"No way in hell."

"Nice talk from the mother of my son," he playfully scolded.

Sue Ellen finally laughed, breaking them both away from the heavy emotions. J.R. took the opportunity to reach over and pick up the velvet box. Before she could object, he quickly opened it and removed the bracelet then slipped it around her wrist.

As the clasp caught, he turned her hand over then bent down to place a kiss at the pulse point on the underside of her wrist. It was a spot he knew so well, knew would trigger a response. As if on cue, she slightly gasped as J.R. felt a tremor run through her. He grinned, enchanted once more by the way she reacted to his touch.

He drew closer, needing to kiss her, but the phone rang, jarring them both from the moment. J.R. swore under his breath and Sue Ellen tried to contain a giggle at his frustration. She reached over to where the handset was sitting, where she had left it after ordering breakfast, and handed it to him.

"Hello," he answered after punching the "talk" button, clearly irritated at the interruption. "Yeah, Jacobs. … Wait, slow down, boy! I can barely …" His expression instantly sobered. "Say that again," came his now guarded reply. "All right. You call me just as soon as it's capped."

J.R. terminated the call then looked back at Sue Ellen.

"J.R., what's wrong?" She asked, genuinely concerned.

"That bottomless pit in Saudi Arabia I've been throwin' money down," J.R. replied, unable to keep the awe he felt out of his voice. "It just sprung a three-thousand-barrel-a-day leak."

"You hit."

"I hit big," J.R. replied as a smile slowly spread across his face and he laughed. He wrapped his arms around her again and hugged her tightly. "Damn, it's good to have my lucky star back!"

"Oh come on," she sweetly scoffed. "It's just a coincidence."

He quickly pulled back to look at her again. "The hell it is! That field has been bone dry since the day I was conned into buyin' it. I'm around you a few days and it hits. I can't wait to find out what else is comin' my way."

The amusement in her expression transformed into a playful, smoldering smile. "Then it's about time you had a little luck."

The sensual tone of her voice sent a thrill racing through J.R., igniting a slow burn throughout his body, just as it always had. He loved her voice, had loved it from her first time he heard her speak at the Miss Texas pageant. He heard it in his dreams. It had fueled all the fantasies that had gotten him through the past few years without her. Now, hearing it deepen from the arousal he sparked in her, he knew he had finally beat the losing streak.

"To hell with breakfast," he whispered. "Let's go back to bed."

His earlier request had transformed into a provocative demand, making Sue Ellen grin as she looked down and ran her fingers over his tie. The silk felt wonderfully maddening as she worked it free from the knot. The way she had done a hundred times before. His ties had always both fascinated and aroused her. They were symbolic of bonds that tied him to Ewing Oil. The bonds she had always longed to free him from.

J.R. was spellbound as he watched her free the tie then concentrate on the button of his shirt. He knew she would touch him, couldn't wait until her fingers grazed the skin of his chest. But as the button released, she stopped and looked up at him then brought her mouth to his, heightening the anticipation.

Sue Ellen had forgotten how much fun it could be to tease him up to a fever-pitch and how easy it was to do so. But giving into him was the better reward. Her fingers finally worked inside his shirt and he inhaled sharply at her touch. Her victorious grin at his reaction was quickly lost under the hungry kiss he pulled her into.

Somewhere in the haze of desire they had fallen back into, there came a distant ring. Then another. Sue Ellen reluctantly pulled back realizing the phone was ringing again.

"Damn it!" J.R. cursed, frustrated by her withdrawal. "If that's Jacobs again …" He picked up the phone and barked out the customary greeting, "Hello!" His entire demeanor instantly softened upon hearing the reply on the other end. "Oh hey, John Ross. Good morning!"

Sue Ellen suppressed a laugh and J.R. glared at her.

"You okay, Dad?" John Ross asked.

"Sure, I'm fine, son." J.R. smiled at Sue Ellen even as he focused on her tempting mouth. "Everything is just fine."

"Good, 'cause I was getting worried about you," John Ross replied. "I asked Mom to check on you last night but I never heard back from her."

"Well, I'm sorry I had you worried. And your mamma did come to check on me last night. Thanks for sending her over here."

Sue Ellen gave J.R. a panicked look that quickly morphed into an embarrassed grin. There was no point in trying to conceal anything now.

J.R. listened through an awkward moment of silence from John Ross, followed by the sound of his laughter.

"Mom is there, isn't she?"

"She is," J.R. said, grinning at both his son quickly catching on and Sue Ellen's reaction. "I invited her back for breakfast this morning."

Even though J.R. had covered for her, it was still awkward being caught in her ex-husband's hotel suite by her son. But the awkwardness was soon replaced by the secure feeling of knowing the two men she loved were conspiring to look out for her.