Another fluffy fun little chapter. Jean & Richard get to meet Jack. There is one more fluffy chapter and then the angst sets in.

Chapter 37

"Jeannie, would you hurry up, we're going to be late."

She appeared at the top of the stairs with her shoes in one hand and her jewelry in the other. "I can't believe you are fussing at me about running late when you are the cause of my tardiness." She walked down the stairs.

When she was on the second to last step, Richard grabbed her waist and lifted her to him. "Looking this good, might cause us to be even more tardy. You look magnificent. Where has this dress been hidden?" He set her down and she stepped away.

She twirled around so he could see the entire thing. It was a fitted red dress that hugged every curve of her body. She slipped on the black strappy high heels to complete the look. "Well, when my husband couldn't meet me for some afternoon delight yesterday I went shopping."

"Was that your only purchase?"

She smiled knowingly at him, "There might have been a few others. But, discovering those would make us unforgivably late so you will just have to wait."

He pulled her closer to him and kissed her neck. "I have half a mind to take you upstairs, tear this dress off you and make love to you all night long."

"Alas, this evening out was your idea since you had to meet Jack. So, you will have to put those plans on ice for now."

He growled into her neck. "You make it very hard to keep my hands to myself."

"Well, when we go to listen to James play, perhaps we can dance and then you can let your hands wander within reason."

He spun her lightly around, and into his arms. He moved them around the room gracefully, his hand low on her back just above her bottom. He whispered in her ear, "Tell me when I hit within reason." They danced to a rhythm that was their own for a few minutes. With each turn around the room his hand moved lower down her back. Once his hand was fully cupping her bottom, he stopped dancing and pulled her tight to him. He kissed her tenderly and then deeper. Then slowly they started swaying.

His other hand moved to her side and stroked up and down lightly teasing the side of her breast. She inhaled deeply, "I think we might be within reason."

He kissed her on the nose and then on the forehead, "Good to know my boundaries Mrs. Innocent. Now, let's go."

Across town, Laura and Jack had arrived at the restaurant. They too were a little late. When Laura gave the host their name she learned that the always on time Jean Innocent was late.

"That's unusual, Jean is never late."

Jack smiled at her, "Perhaps they hit traffic."

Laura turned to say something to him and saw Jean and Richard enter the restaurant. She saw the flush in Jean's skin and smiled. "I don't think traffic is what kept them."

Jack turned to follow Laura's gaze. Coming towards them were one of the most attractive couples he had ever seen. And, based upon how they were touching and looking at each other, they were deeply in love. For a minute, he thought of Fiona. Then he looked at Laura and realized that he probably looked just like them when he looked at her. He took her hand and guided her to her friends.

Laura and Jean hugged and kissed. Richard leaned down and gave Laura a kiss on the check. "Jean, Richard, I would like you to meet my, gosh I don't really know what to call you, boyfriend, lover, companion."

Jack laughed at her awkwardness and kissed her. "Whatever you want to call me is alright with me." He reached out his hand to Richard. "Dr. Jack Avery, it's nice to meet you."

Richard shook his hand, "Richard Innocent. It's a pleasure although, honestly, I would have made her pick one." He winked at Laura as she blushed.

Laura laughed, "Jack this is my best friend, Jean Innocent."

Jean shook his hand, "Well, Laura, glad you can call me something specific. It's a pleasure to meet you Jack. I've heard lots of good things about you."

Jack looked at Laura, "So, you've talked about me?"

Laura smiled, "Once or twice."

The host came to them, "Your table is ready. Follow me please."

The four followed him to the table. They ordered wine and fell into easy conversation as if they had been friends for years.

After dinner, Jean looked at the other couple. "So, if you guys are interested, James has invited us to see him play. I didn't make any promises and we aren't under any obligation but I'm not really sure I'm interested in ending this night just yet."

Laura looked at Jack who nodded and answered Jean. "I say we do it. If the music is too bad, we can go back to my house and have some wine on the patio."

They rose to leave. Jean gave Jack the directions in the parking lot and they agreed to meet there. Once at the club, they were escorted to a table and ordered drinks. As they were making toasts James joined them.

"I'm so happy you came ma'am, Dr. Hobson. It's nice to see you again Dr. Avery."

Jean smiled at him. "James, for tonight, I think you can call us Jean & Laura. And, I would like you to meet my husband, Richard Innocent."

Richard stood up and shook hands with James. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Jean has told me all about you."

"It's nice to meet you too, sir. Honestly, the chief super doesn't tell us much of anything about you."

Richard smiled at his wife as he sat next to her and placed an arm around her shoulders. "Really, are you keeping me a secret?"

She beamed at him, "Yes, I am along with the rest of my personal life."

Richard turned his attention back to James, "Won't you join us for a drink?"

"I appreciate the offer but I don't like to drink when I am performing."

"Well, at least have a seat tell us about tonight's show."

James pulled up a chair and gave them an idea of what to expect. Jean and Laura both noticed how animated he became when he talked about his music. They smiled at one another as they were weren't accustomed to seeing James this way.

Richard watched the young man talk. He tried to pretend like he was talking to all of them. But, you could definitely see that he was really talking to Jean. Richard tightened his arm around Jean. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Jean smile and then felt her hand on his leg under the table. It moved higher and higher until she was just grazing him.

He sat up a bit straighter and looked at her. He raised his eyebrow and whispered into her ear, "I think your hand is no longer within reason."

She smiled back at him, practically glowing, "I made no such promises."

He rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the conversation. "So, James have you been in a band for a long time?"

"Well, with this group less than a year. But, I've been in a band since Cambridge."

Richard looked at him, "It seems we have something in common. I also went to Cambridge."

They started talking at once asking all sorts of questions that were specific to Cambridge. No one else at the table could follow the line of conversation. The only thing anyone understood was rowing. Suddenly Richard bellowed, "You're Attaway Hathaway, Jeannie never shared that." Then he clapped James on the shoulder.

At the end, the two men took a fresh look at one another and a grudging respect passed between them. Jean and Laura looked at one another and shook their heads. They had no idea what had just happened but it looked like James and Richard were well on their way to a friendship.

James looked around, "I have to go. I hope you enjoy the show." He shook Richard and Jack's hands and waved at the ladies. Then, he was off.

Richard took a sip of his drink. "He's alright that kid." Jean and Laura simply laughed and rolled their eyes.

The group went back to their conversation and the time passed quickly. Not long later, the group took the stage and the music started. They sat and listened for a few songs and then Richard stood and offered his hand to his wife. She smiled up and him and let herself be led to the dance floor.

Laura and Jack watched the couple move across the small dance floor. They moved beautifully together. It was very difficult to tell where one started and the other ended. One dance melted into another finally Jack leaned over to Laura. "I want to ask you to dance, however, after watching them, I am afraid I will pale in comparison."

Laura laughed, "Don't worry, I have two left feet. So, you will be in good company."

He took her hand and led her to the floor. They danced the last two songs of the set. Anyone watching them would never have guessed that neither of them thought they could dance as they moved quite well together.