Chapter Fifty-one
It was early still. The light of the early morning had begun to lighten the sky, but the sun hadn't quite made its presence known. However, it was enough to have alerted the birds for they had started their early morning chirping. Carly sat quietly leaning against the headboard with her eyes closed. Michael nursed contentedly and Jack slept peacefully beside her. His hand resting protectively on her hip. Carly smiled at the reassurance his touch gave her.
After their talk last night, she'd carried Michael back to his crib and put him down. Then she'd crawled back into bed and into Jack's waiting arms. They held each other like that for a long time. Not saying a word, just listening and feeling each other's hearts beating. Carly had finally drifted off to sleep. Each time she stirred or moved in the slightest though, Jack would wrap an arm around her and pull her toward him, holding her close. It was almost as if he were afraid to let go because if he did, she'd disappear.
Carly glanced down at Michael and noticed that he'd fallen back to sleep. She brushed a finger against his soft little cheek and kissed the top of his head before she gently moved Jack's hand away from her. She slowly and quietly got up and walked Michael back over to the crib and gently laid him back down. She climbed back into bed and pulled the covers up. As she did so, Jack rolled over and pulled her close once more so that her back was snug against his chest.
"Mmmm. That's better," he said sleepily in her ear.
"I thought you were asleep," she smiled snuggling closer.
"I was, but I felt you get up."
"I'm sorry. I was trying not to wake you," she said as she gently rubbed his arm.
"It's alright. I need to get up anyway. I want to check in at the station," he said rubbing his cheek against hers. Carly stiffened immediately.
"Relax. I'm just going in to the station for a couple of hours," he said kissing her neck and giving her a squeeze. "I'll be back by lunch."
"I didn't say anything," Carly said defensively.
"You didn't have to say anything. Your whole body tensed up the minute I mentioned going into work," he teased her.
"I know," she sighed. "I can't help it. We just got back yesterday. We've been apart for what feels like forever. I just wanted you here with me and the kids," she said with a slight pout on her lips.
Jack smiled at her blatant attempt to persuade him to stay. She knew he was powerless against that mouth of hers.
"Isn't there any way I could convince you not to go," she said softly wiggling up against him. His sharp intake of breath indicated she'd hit just the right spot.
"You aren't playing fair," he said huskily in her ear.
"Who said I would?" she said grinning mischievously.
Jack moved his hands down to her hips and held her steady. "What am I going to do with you?" his breath was hot against her skin right before he nipped that sensitive spot where her shoulder and neck met.
"I can think of a few things," Carly said seductively.
"So can I," he said quickly rolling her onto her back and positioning himself above her.
He grabbed her wrists and moved them so they were above her head. Then he allowed his hands to slide slowly down her arms, to her shoulders and finally down to the side of her breasts where they lingered. His eyes moved with his hands, taking in every inch of her. God, he'd missed her! Her nightshirt was still unbuttoned from when she'd been nursing and it exposed an ample amount of skin that was making it very hard for Jack to concentrate. He knew it was much too soon for them to make love. However, after everything they'd been through and the fact that he'd nearly lost her, he was going to take his time and appreciate this moment for all it was worth.
Jack leaned down and kissed the exposed swell of her breast. Carly arched her back and tilted her head to the side savoring the sensations Jack was creating. Her hands mindlessly found their way to his hair. Jack pushed the nightshirt out of his way and bared one hardened nipple. He flicked it lightly with his tongue and Carly moaned with pleasure as she grabbed a handful of his hair at the slight touch. He continued his assault as his tongue traced circles around the firm nub. He moved his body against hers, the thin fabrics between them unable to conceal Jack's desire for her. She wrapped a leg around him, moving just so. The slight shift provided the intended result. The rock-hard length of him rested perfectly against her. Carly's fingers grabbed hold of his shoulders and dug in. Her body was on fire.
"Jack," she breathed heavily as she moved herself against him.
He rocked against her creating a dangerous friction. Somewhere in the far corner of his mind, Jack knew he had to stop, but she felt so good and they felt so right together… just like always. He trailed kisses up her neck and sought her mouth.
Carly wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, pulling him toward her. She needed this, needed him. Though he fought it, she was finally rewarded and felt him give in. He lay against her, letting her feel his full weight. Their tongues danced to a familiar carnal rhythm. Her hips moved with his, eliciting a low moan from him. He pulled back abruptly, breathing heavy.
"Carly…" he panted as he pushed himself up. He shook his head slightly trying to clear his mind.
She tugged at him, trying to pull him back. Her lips were parted and swollen from the kiss. He looked down at her with heavy lidded eyes, dark with desire. He reached a hand up and caressed the side of her face and kissed her softly on the mouth. "I want you so bad," he said never taking his eyes off her.
"Yes," she nodded, sliding her palms down his chest.
"Sweetheart," he pleaded closing his eyes at her touch. "We can't…"
Carly groaned in disappointment. She knew he was right.
She lay back down, frustrated. Her tousled hair splayed all around. Jack thought she'd never looked sexier. He straightened her nightshirt and slowly buttoned the top few to help lessen the distraction they induced. He felt her pulse race instantly as the side of his hand slightly grazed the tip of her nipple. He gave her a look that made her blush as they locked eyes and just gazed at each other for a few quiet moments.
"I love you," he spoke softly to her.
"And I love you."
"I'm going to go jump in a cold shower," he said kissing the tip of her nose.
Carly smiled slowly with a raised eyebrow.
"Don't even think about," he said, casting her a warning look.
She opened her mouth to reply but he swiftly kissed her before getting up and heading to the bathroom. He couldn't help but look back at her lying there on the bed. One of her long legs peeked out at him and he fought every basic desire in his body that urged him to return to the bed and ravish her.
Carly lay still on the bed for the moment and contemplated whether or not to join him. She heard the click of the lock and dissolved into a fit of giggles.
A short while later, Jack emerged clean-shaven and dressed for work. She smiled knowingly at him as he walked over to the bed and sat down next to her.
"I will freely admit that I have no self-control when it comes to you," he said quietly, grinning at her.
"That's the way I like it," she said naughtily.
"I know." He kissed her cheek. "Try and get some sleep and I'll be back for lunch."
"Promise?"
"Absolutely. You have my word," he said kissing the top of her head before getting up and heading toward the door. He stopped and blew a kiss to her before he left, shutting it quietly behind him.
Carly lay there quietly for a bit after he left. Her body was still humming after their encounter. Finally her eyes became heavy and sleep took over.
Later that same day…
Since it was a Saturday, Parker and Sage didn't have school Carly had spent a wonderful morning with the kids. Sage was a terrific big sister and Carly barely had to attend to Michael other than for feeding. Sage wanted to help with everything and Carly was more than happy to have this time with her daughter. Parker and JJ were sweet with Michael too. They each held him and talked to him promising to show him how to ride a bike, catch a ball and the best way to annoy Sage. The morning had nearly been perfect. The only thing missing was Jack.
The day was turning out to be a warm one. Lucinda had called and invited Parker, JJ and Sage over to swim with Faith, Natalie and Ethan. Lucinda, aware of the current situation with Julia, said she'd send her driver over to pick the kids up.
So, it was just Carly and Lily in the living room talking about everything that had happened with Julia, when the doorbell rang. Lily jumped up to answer it.
Carly turned her head when she heard the familiar voice and saw her sister walk into the room, followed by Daryl. Carly stood up and hugged Rosanna and then carefully hugged Daryl.
"It's so good to see you," she told him. "I was so worried when I heard what had happened. How are you feeling?"
"Lots better. But how are you? You had a rough time of it too," he asked concerned.
"I'm fine. Sore, but that's normal after having a baby," she laughed. She moved over to one of the chairs as did Lily so that Daryl and Rosanna could sit on the sofa.
Carly noticed how comfortable Daryl was around Rosanna and watched him put his arm on the back of the sofa, but also around her. Rosanna rewarded him with a sweet smile and patted his leg.
"You had more than just childbirth to deal with," he said seriously turning his attention back to Carly.
"Yeah, I know. I just don't know what to say about all of it," Carly said quietly.
"I know. Sometimes the emotional wounds take longer to heal," he said softly.
"Yes. They do," Carly agreed.
"So where's Jack?" Daryl asked looking around.
"He went down to the station to check up on how things are going. But he should be back soon," she added quickly.
"Oh. I just thought he'd want to stay…" he began.
"Yeah… well, he said he'd be back by lunchtime," she said looking down at her watch. It was lunchtime now and he wasn't back. Carly had a million thoughts run through her head. None of them good.
"Speaking of which, I'll go and get lunch ready. I made some sandwiches earlier," Lily said. "You guys are more than welcome to stay," she said to Rosanna and Daryl.
"That sounds wonderful," Rosanna said. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
"No. Just sit and visit. I'll be back in a moment."
Daryl could tell Carly was becoming a little agitated as she glanced toward the door as if by willing it she could somehow conjure Jack. "I'm sure he'll be home soon. You know Jack… when he's working he looses track of time," he said trying to reassure her with a smile.
She pasted a smile on her face and nodded in agreement. She forced herself to stay on the sofa and pretend everything was fine. That despite appearances what she really wanted to do was run to the car and drive to the station and see for herself that everything was fine.
A small cry from the monitor sitting on the end table gave Carly a desperately needed distraction. She stood up to go get Michael, but Rosanna was quicker.
"Please let me get him. You sit and rest," she said allowing no room for argument.
"Thanks," Carly said genuinely. She knew holding Michael would help calm her nerves.
"I can't wait to see him," Daryl said. "Rosanna can't stop talking about him. She's head over heels for the little guy."
"I think there's someone else she might like a little more," Carly said no-so subtly.
Daryl flashed a grin at that. "I hope so," he admitted genuinely. "Hey, do you want me to give Jack a call for you?"
"That would be fantastic," she smiled back at him gratefully.
"I'll be right back," Daryl said getting up and stepping outside.
Lily showed up a few moments later and was surprised to see only Carly in the living room. "Did they leave?" she asked setting down a platter of sandwiches, fruits and vegetables.
"No. Rosanna's upstairs getting Michael and Daryl stepped outside to make a phone call."
"Oh good. I was worried for a minute. My mother just called. Apparently Ethan doesn't have his swim trunks. I'm going to bring those over to her place and I'll be back in a little bit. Do you need anything while I'm out?"
Just Jack, Carly thought to herself.
"No I'm good. Thanks for asking, though. You've been a lifesaver. Thanks Lily," she said getting up and giving her a hug.
"Here he is," Rosanna called out as she entered the room carrying Michael. "We changed his diaper and he was such a good boy," she said rubbing his back.
"He is so precious," Lily said taking a peek at him before leaving. "Be back later."
"Here's mommy," Rosanna cooed as she handed him over to Carly. "I swear he's gotten bigger since yesterday," she chuckled.
"With the way he eats, I wouldn't be surprised," Carly said, sitting down in the chair to nurse him.
"This looks great," Rosanna said helping herself to a sandwich and the strawberries. "Where did Daryl go?"
"He stepped outside to call Jack for me," Carly said sheepishly. "I didn't ask him to, he offered."
"That was very sweet of him," she said sitting back down.
"So how are things going between you? By the looks of it… pretty well," Carly smiled knowingly.
Rosanna tilted her head and smiled. "Things are going really well."
"I didn't realize that he was already out of the hospital."
"He was released last night."
"So did he go back to the Lakeview? I don't know how I'd feel about staying there again after what happened."
"Yes, I felt a little weird about going back there. He didn't say anything to make me think otherwise, but I offered to let him stay at my place anyway," Rosanna said very nonchalantly, making sure to keep her eyes averted.
Carly sat there and just stared at her sister. Slowly Rosanna peered over at her which was what Carly had been waiting for. "You're just telling me this now? So what does this mean? Are you two pretty serious then? I knew you two were going to hit it off," she smiled smugly.
"Slow down," Rosanna laughed. "Nothing happened last night… other than he slept over at my place. And yes, I do mean just sleeping," Rosanna added when Carly raised her eyebrow. "To be honest, I was grateful for the company. I have another suite, but even still with everything that happened to you and Daryl there… it was nice to have someone with me."
"I know exactly how you feel," Carly said quietly her thoughts drifting back to Jack once more.
"Look who I found outside," Daryl said coming from the hallway. A moment later he and Jack walked into the living room.
"Jack!" Carly said visibly relieved.
"Hey sweetheart. Sorry I'm a little later than I thought I'd be. I stopped off at the hospital thinking I'd check in to see how this guy was," he said patting Daryl on the shoulder, "only to find out he'd been released last night." He walked over to Carly and kissed her.
"I'm just glad you're home safe," she said touching his cheek.
"You don't need to worry," he said softly to her so that only she could hear him. "Did I miss lunch?" he asked standing up.
"No. Lily just set everything up a little while ago. She had to run over Ethan's swim shorts to Lucinda's. All the kids are swimming over there today."
"Well, this looks great," Jack said reaching for a sandwich. "I'm starving. What can I get you ladies to drink?"
"Ice tea for me," Carly said.
"That sounds good to me," Rosanna replied.
"I'll be right back," Jack told them as he headed to the kitchen.
"I'll help you," Daryl said following.
Jack and Daryl headed to the kitchen. Jack opened up the refrigerator and pulled out the pitcher of ice tea. Daryl found the cupboard with the glasses and got 2 of them down.
"What did you need to talk to me about?" Daryl asked him.
"You picked up on that?"
"It may have been several years since we worked together, but I can still read your signals Jack."
"Agent Willis was at the station. He told me that you're heading back to work already. Are you sure you're feeling up to it? You've already gone above and beyond, Daryl. I don't want you risking your life again. Not for me," Jack said seriously.
"Jack… I'm an FBI Agent. I put my life on the line everyday. What kind of asinine statement is that?"
"I'm just trying to say that…" Jack began.
"Well don't say anything. Julia Lindsey, regardless of the fact that she's your ex-wife, is wanted by the FBI. I'm one of the officers assigned to the case. End of story," he stated.
"Yes, because I called you. I got you involved," Jack argued.
"No. Because I asked to be," Daryl shot back.
"I just don't want you coming back too soon. Don't rush it. Wait until you're ready."
"I am ready. I may not be doing a lot of field work right away, but I can certainly do plenty behind the scenes. Have they found any new leads?" he asked abruptly changing the subject.
Jack conceded the point and felt no reason to argue about it further. "No, not really. They've narrowed down the area she could have covered and so they're concentrating their search there. Margo seems confident that they're getting close."
"What about you? How involved do you plan on being?" Daryl asked him.
Jack sighed. "Originally I had planned on being right there in the thick of things. However, Carly and the kids need me right now. My focus has to be on her and keeping her feeling safe."
"I could tell she was worried about you."
"She didn't even want me to leave this morning. And I understand what she's feeling, but I need to be somewhat involved. I can't just sit back and do nothing. At the very least I need to be at the station. But on the other hand, I don't feel comfortable just leaving her by herself," said frustrated.
"What are you going to do?"
"I haven't fully figured that out yet," he said grabbing the glasses and heading back out to the living room with Daryl following behind.
Jack and Daryl found Carly and Rosanna on the sofa. Carly had finished feeding Michael and Rosanna was now holding him. Jack walked over and handed Carly her glass and then turned to Rosanna.
"Trade ya," he said setting her glass down on the coffee table and holding out his arms for his son.
"Oh alright," Rosanna said disappointedly. "I get to hold him later."
"We'll see…" Jack chuckled as he picked up Michael. He began walking around the room with him humming a little tune.
"I've had all this extra help today," Carly smiled as she filled a plate with some of the lunch Lily had made. "Sage was a huge help this morning. She just jumped right in and changed each diaper and burped him. I'll miss having her around during the day while she's finishing up the school year."
"You'll have me," Jack said smiling back at her.
"Yes. When you're not at the station," she said softly looking up at him.
Jack stopped his walking and met her eyes. They spoke volumes. "I'm sorry I worried you. I won't do it again."
Just then Daryl's phone rang. He looked down at the number and excused himself to take the call, but not before glancing quickly at Jack.
Jack began humming and walking with Michael again in an attempt to distract Carly and Rosanna. He played that up for a little while until walking over to Rosanna.
"Would you like to hold him while I run to the bathroom?" he asked.
"Of course I would!" Rosanna exclaimed setting down her glass quickly.
Jack carefully handed Michael to Rosanna and headed down the hall toward the bathroom. Carly watched him leave knowing full well that wasn't where he was headed.
Jack caught up with Daryl outside on the front porch and waited impatiently for Daryl to finish up the phone call.
"So? What's the latest?"
"Apparently they received a tip about an elderly couple. A dairy deliveryman stopped by their farm early this morning and noticed they weren't up and about as usual. He noticed their truck still parked outside but neither one of them was home. He says he usually has a cup of coffee with them on the mornings he makes his deliveries and he was concerned about them after seeing the reports looking for Julia. Their farmhouse falls right in the area the search is being concentrated in," Daryl explained.
"And did they go out and investigate?"
"They're heading out there now. Agent Willis and Margo will be among them."
"I'm surprised Margo hasn't called me," Jack said irritated. Not a second later, Jack felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Pulling it out and giving Daryl a sheepish grin he answered it. "Hey Margo." Margo filled him with the latest information and that she'd call him as soon as they were done. "Thanks and be careful," Jack said before hanging up.
"What do we do now?" Daryl asked him.
Jack took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Now we wait."
