A/N: Nothing much except carry on... Thank you SWWoman, you are a true mentor.
Chaos 7
The next morning John was up early. He was ready to get out of this place, he was starting to feel caged and he didn't like it. The doctor had already been in to check him out and re-bandage his ribs, which only made him feel more constricted. He gave him a laundry list of do's and don'ts and instructed him on how to bandage his ribs. John already knew all of this having gone through it before, many times, but let the doctor drone on until he was satisfied John was well educated in how to take care of himself at home. Now he was only waiting for his discharge papers and Joss.
She had said she would see him today but he didn't know if that meant she was picking him up from the hospital or having someone else do it and she would see him later. He hoped she was coming herself. He hated to admit it but he wanted to see her and not just because of last night, which was reason enough. He missed her, which was ridiculous since he had just seen her yesterday at lunch. As anxious as he was to leave the hospital, he was just as eager to see her.
He had changed into his street clothes Harold had brought him yesterday. Jeans, a soft, lavender button down shirt, his favorite boots, and some essentials. He had also gathered all the things he had accumulated in the two days he had been there, placed them in the small carry bag Harold had brought his other things in, and sat it on the end of the bed. He had begun pacing his room ten minutes ago to help work off some edginess.
He stopped and turned when he heard someone walk in the room behind him. He actually let out a breath he had not known he was holding. Joss was standing there in simple blue skinny jeans with leather ankle boots, a pull over knit shirt, and a light blue jean jacket. Her hair was simply brushed, falling down her back in shimmering waves and she had just the barest touches of make-up. She was stunning.
They stared at one another for a few moments and then she rushed toward him and he wrapped his arms around her holding her close. She held him also but not too tight because she didn't want to hurt his injured ribs. They stayed that way for a long time until finally Joss pulled back enough to look up into his face, tears glistening in her eyes. They didn't say anything, just gazed at each other trying to gain their footing on this new ground of their relationship. He had meant to go slow, build a relationship, but that was before last night, and the strange events that led to this moment. As he looked into her beautiful dark eyes he raised his hands to place them on either side of her face. Before he could change his mind he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers in the briefest kiss. But it was not enough. Moving his hands to slide through her hair he brought her closer and with more pressure deepened the kiss. Her hands slid up his chest, and over his shoulders to run her fingers through the short soft hair at the nape of his neck. They both sighed into the kiss and gave themselves up to the moment.
John's lips moved over hers with expert ease and when he swiped the seam of her lips with his tongue she welcomed him willingly. His tongue delved deep and she didn't fight him, she pulled him in to explore deeper and heard him echo her soft moan of pleasure. Soon his hands left her hair and began roaming up and down her back, molding her body to his. She knew he had to be in pain but he didn't seem to care. Both in need of air, they reluctantly broke the kiss, gasping for breath.
Joss smiled softly. "I guess this means you're happy to see me," she said breathlessly.
John smiled back a devastating smile. "I guess so," he replied just as breathless, his voice heavy with desire. He still held her in his arms.
Now that they had reached this stage, he didn't want it to end. He wanted to hold her forever. Rationally he knew he couldn't but he wasn't thinking very rationally at the moment. They both looked up when they heard someone at the door. It was the nurse bringing him his discharge papers to sign and pushing a wheelchair. He frowned at the wheelchair, disengaging from Joss with her slight protest. He looked back down at Joss and smiled then back at the nurse,
"What's that for?" he asked motioning to the wheelchair.
"This is for you Mr. Reese. Hospital policy, every patient is to be wheeled out." She said sternly, her tone meant she would brook no argument.
John opened his mouth to disagree when he felt a light touch on his arm.
"Don't argue John. It will just delay getting out of here. It's not going to kill you to sit in the wheelchair." Joss said reasonably.
John didn't like it but he agreed, so after he had signed everything and looked around the room once more to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything he allowed Joss to wheel him out of the hospital to her car which was a stunning Shelby GT500. John whistled; he was very impressed. Joss saw him admiring her car and said, "So, what do you think? "
John grinned and before he thought about what he was saying, "You gotta love a woman who knows her cars."
Joss looked at him with a knowing smile. "Is that right?" she asked as she unlocked the doors with the push of a button on her key fob. She waited for John to get out of the wheelchair before handing it back to the nurse who had followed them out. She walked around to the driver's side while John went to the passengers. He continued smiling at her over the top of the car as he tossed his bag in the backseat and felt a twinge in his ribs.
"Yeah, that's right." He said then opened the door and slid into the seat. Joss got in after him and started the car which roared to life.
"If you're a good boy, one of these days I might let you take her out. But you have to be very good." She said without taking her eyes from navigating the parking lot but her words were heavy with innuendo.
John could see the corners of her mouth twitch. He got her message loud and clear.
"You don't have to worry, I'm always very good." He replied in a sultry voice that had her squirming in her seat.
They didn't speak for a while until John had to give her directions to his penthouse. Surprisingly it wasn't very far from her place. A coincidence she found intriguing.
John watched how she handled the car with ease and confidence and had a feeling that they had something in common; a love of a good ride. This thought made him smile at its double meaning.
Arriving at his place he showed her where she could park in his empty space since his car was still at the office where he left it the day he was shot. "You ready to see my inner sanctum?" He said jokingly as he got out of the car.
"Sure, lead the way John." And she fell in step beside him as they walked toward the elevator, each adjusting their steps automatically for the other. The ride in the elevator was silent as each of them got lost in their own thoughts. John's penthouse was on the top floor of the expansive building. The elevator opened onto a softly lit hallway with red plush carpeting. They walked only a few steps to their left to his door. He opened it and stepped aside allowing her to walk in ahead of him. This was a first for him because he had never brought a woman back to his home before. It was part of his keeping them at arms-length plan to never allow them close enough to enter his space. Joss had shattered that glass ceiling with hardly any trouble at all. He followed her into the center of his apartment where she stood looking around her.
Joss scanned the wide open space with admiration. To her right she could see French doors that looked like they led to the kitchen and just in front of her was a comfortable leather sofa with a large matching recliner, a flat screen TV and complicated looking stereo system. Glancing to her left she saw the large California King sized bed draped with a royal blue comforter and fluffy inviting pillows. What drew her attention was the floor to ceiling windows showing a stunning view of Manhattan. She imagined this was absolutely beautiful at night with the moonlight shining in.
She had walked over to these windows when she heard John walk up behind her.
"Does it meet your approval?" He said in that soft voice of his.
She turned, not realizing how close he was and stumbled slightly. His arms instantly reached for her to steady her but didn't he didn't release her when she was upright.
"It's gorgeous John. I can see why you would want to come back here." She said a little breathlessly. Was he going to kiss her again? God she wanted him to kiss her again. For a moment he looked as if he was, then he backed away. She felt unreasonably disappointed.
"I'd better get my stuff so we can get to your place," John said swallowing hard. He had almost kissed her again but had stopped himself. If he had kissed her he wouldn't have stopped until they were in his bed and he was not quite physically ready for that although he damn well would have tried.
"Yeah, okay. Is there anything I can do?" She said a little shakily. She needed to get a grip on herself.
"No. Not really. Just have a seat and make yourself comfortable. There's some beer or soda…. or even some bottled water in the fridge if you want something," he said over his shoulder as moved around his apartment gathering what he would need for his stay at her spare apartment.
"Oh, great, thanks. I could use a beer. You want one?" She asked.
"Yeah, thanks." He replied with a smile that had her melting. He has no idea what his smiles did to women, she thought as she made her way to the kitchen. It was a very modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a center island topped with marble and with bar stools lining one side. A hanging rack above it held gleaming pots and pans. Walking to the refrigerator she opened it and pulled out two bottles of beer and carried them back out to the living area.
John already had two large leather bags halfway filled when she handed him the beer. "Thanks." He said unscrewing the top and taking a long draw. "I hope you have a lot of space in the trunk of that Shelby. I've got a lot of gear to take along," and he motioned to the half packed bags and all the stuff spread out on the bed.
Joss nodded her head then looked at him. "Uh huh, and how do you plan to get all this 'gear' to my car? You can't carry it. From the looks of it I can't either. So what's the plan?" She asked taking a draw from her own beer and watching with amusement the crestfallen look on his face.
He hadn't thought about that. How was he going to get everything downstairs to the parking garage? Then he had an idea. Glancing at Joss he pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a number. It must have rang a couple times while John waited then he said,
"Charlie, this is John Reese in the penthouse. Yes. Thank you. Charlie, do we have a long dolly here at the building to use for deliveries and things? We do? Great! Would it be possible for me to use it to get some of my things downstairs to the parking garage? Yeah. Uh huh. The freight elevator at the end of the hall. You'll bring it up for me? Aw, thanks man. I really appreciate this. Okay. Give me about another hour. Okay." Grinning ear to ear he disconnected the call. "Problem solved." He said victoriously.
"That's great," Joss said with a sly smile on her face that made John frown. "Who's gonna load and push the dolly?" John glared at her in frustration. She laughed and said, "Don't worry John, I can do it. It won't be as bad as trying to carry all this." He laughed with her, and took her in his arms and gave her a blistering kiss that rocked her back on her heels. When he finally pulled away she said, "Wow, I should piss you off more often." He grinned. He was doing that a lot today. He kissed her soundly letting her go to finish packing.
It took them over an hour to finish packing, Joss finally stepping in to help, and move everything downstairs via the freight elevator and to Joss's car. John felt like a heel because he couldn't lift any of the bags which meant Joss had to do the loading and unloading of the dolly placing everything in her trunk. John was in a very grumpy mood when they got on the road to her house. He sat in the passenger seat brooding about not being able to do anything and the more he brooded, the grumpier he became. If Joss tried to make conversation his responses would be short, clipped answers or he just ignored her completely. She finally had enough. She pulled into her circular driveway and placed the car in park but didn't turn it off.
She turned in her seat to face him and he turned in his.
"Is this how you're going to behave the whole time you're here? Because if it is, I'm takin' your ass back home!" She said irritated beyond measure at his childish behavior.
John's anger boiled over. "Fine! Take me home! It was your idea I come here anyway! I wanted to go home!" He said spitefully, although he didn't want to go back to his lonely apartment. He wanted to be with Joss. He knew he was being an ass, he couldn't help it. He was frustrated with his whole situation.
He didn't know who moved first but suddenly they were in each others arms kissing furiously. John's ribs hurt like hell but he ignored it as he plunged his tongue deep into her sweet mouth and felt her shiver. Dear god how was he going to wait three weeks to be with her? He couldn't even wait till he got out of the damn car! He pulled away from her lips, kissing her cheek and jaw murmuring,
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It's just so damn frustrating. Not being able to do what I want, when I want," hoping she understood his double meaning.
She did. "I know. I know. I don't want to take you back. I want you….here, with me." She said hoping he understood her double meaning.
He did. He placed his forehead against hers. "Do you think we'll survive the next three weeks?" He asked in a throaty whisper.
"I don't know. But we better get out of this car or we won't survive it at all." They both laughed as the tension broke and they climbed out of the car.
Thankfully Joss had people ready and waiting to help with his things to take it to the small but spacious apartment attached to the west wing, the same wing as her suite of rooms he noticed. The apartment had one bedroom with a queen size bed thankfully big enough for his large body, a small kitchen with a dinette set, and large living area with a desk in the corner, a flat screen TV, a comfortable sofa and chair with a large wood coffee table. The floor for the whole apartment was stained scored cement, which was functional as well as striking. It had a separate entrance for him to come and go as needed, he was pleased to see. The men piled his things in the bedroom on the bed and left quietly with John's thanks. It was just him and Joss alone again.
"Do you think you'll be comfortable here after that large penthouse?" Joss asked softly looking into his enchanting bluish grey eyes.
"I'll be fine." He replied just as softly gazing into her captivating dark eyes. They were like dark pools he could get lost in.
Walking toward him she kissed him only briefly, both wanting more but not daring. "Well, I'll leave you to get settled. I'm just up the stairs to the right. And you're welcome in the main house any time. You don't have to bury yourself down here," she offered with a smile as he walked her to the door.
He bent down and kissed her once more, this time a little longer. "I better go," she said breathlessly.
"Yeah," he agreed turning the knob and opening the door. One last kiss as she stepped over the threshold. "Oh god," he murmured as he took her in his arms and she moaned softly.
"Go, now, or I won't let you," he whispered against her hair. Without a word she turned and sped up the stairs. John closed the door and leaned his forehead against it. How did this happen? Just yesterday he told Harold he was going to pursue a relationship with Joss. Today he couldn't keep his hands off her. He had never felt anything this powerful before. Not with Jessica. His relationship with Jessica paled in comparison to Joss.
He straightened and looked around the room trying to get his bearings. His ribs were throbbing painfully from the day's exertion. His doctor had given him pain medication to take at home but he wanted to take that sparingly, only at night if possible. He was going to wait a while to unpack. Looking over at the desk in the corner he noticed something sitting on top. He walked closer and saw his laptop and a thumb drive. Harold must have delivered it this morning while he was still at the hospital. This was good. He could begin work on Joss's case and find out who wanted her dead and eliminate the threat. Joss was not going to be free until they caught the people behind this. Sitting at the desk he booted up his laptop and put the thumb drive in so he could get to work.
Joss had sped up the stairs because if she hadn't, she wouldn't have left. She had known all along she was attracted to John, had even confessed to herself and Harold that she loved him. She knew now what she felt for John transcended love to another dimension. She had never felt anything so powerful, so all-consuming, before. It was awesome and terrifying at the same time. She could feel the goose flesh on her skin from just the thought of his kiss. She hadn't bargained for this but she'd be damned if she let it slip through her fingers. She needed to spend as much time with John as possible, stay in his orbit. Thinking, she decided to invite him for dinner. He probably hadn't had time to do any shopping yet so it would be perfect. That decision made, it was time to head for the kitchen to make arrangements for dinner before she called John to casually ask him if he would like to grab something to eat with her.
She had just opened her bedroom door to leave when she came face to face, or in her case face to chest, in her doorway with a tall, dark haired man with hooded black eyes. Joss screamed John's name in terror and tried to slam the door shut but the man pushed his way in and lunged for her wrapping his arms around her waist, effectively lifting her small body from the floor. Joss was kicking and screaming for her life. The man finally dragged her back into the hallway with his hand over her mouth and Joss's eyes went wide with terror. Turning toward the stairs the man stopped, seeing John standing there, his eyes nearly black with rage. His face was stone cold and a shiver run down Joss's back. She had never seen him like this and it was terrifying to see the death in his eyes….and murder.
A/N: Looks like John's got killing on his mind. They're messing around with the wrong man's woman. Next chapter things get even more cozy for John and Joss and they finally get a lead to who might be behind the threat to Joss albeit a small one...can't give everything away all at once. See you soon...
