Jack was finishing his first glass of bourbon when he saw her walk in. He had prepared himself for the evening, prepared himself for her. As much as he loved spending an evening with her, the evening was meant for singles and he knew he wouldn't be the only man looking at her. He knew her all too well. She'd find some new little black dress, heels and an updo. They had attended many functions in their time together and Kate wore a little black dress to just about every function. He suspected the LBD was her favorite article of clothing to buy although he suspected she felt the same about boots. He couldn't blame her for her always growing wardrobe; everything she put on looked knockout on her.
He noticed her before she even walked into the room. In the hallway, men wore suits and most women wore black. He had expected Kate to wear a black dress but she kept him on his toes and wore a dress so green that he saw those sparkling green eyes from the hallway. Her hair was half up in a style that let brunette tendrils flow over her shoulders while still exposing her beautifully freckled face. He didn't need to take his eyes off her to know that he wasn't the only one she had caught the eye of.
"You clean up nice," Kate smiled coyly as she approached Jack. She breathed a small sigh of relief; even if he wasn't hers anymore she would have been disappointed if he had shaved his beard.
"You don't look half bad," Jack smiled back. The minute her green met his brown eyes, he knew it. He felt that same flutters he had felt on the island with every single smile she gave him. He felt the playfulness that had fueled their relationship. More than anything, he saw the way she was looking at him.
He had known since the article came out that Kate was jealous. She hadn't been around him more than 5 minutes before she brought it up. She had jumped at the chance to come along with him. Most importantly, he knew it wasn't over with them. She still loved him, he just had to slowly break down the walls his actions had forced back up. And he knew exactly how to do it. "You might just get a number or two."
"A number or two?" She tilted her head, her competitive streak kicking in. "I'll get more than you." She tilted her head back as she polished her scotch. The action caused Jack's loins to stir.
He loved that she didn't drink fruity drinks like the girlie girl types that ruled California. Kate not only drank typical "men's" drinks but watching the way her neck looked as the alcohol trickled down her throat with one swallow was strangely erotic. He had never known a woman who could turn him on with such ordinary actions; he certainly had never been able to love one. With Kate he had been able to study her every move up close. And every movement made him fall even harder for her.
"You have a bet," his eyes flickered dangerously. "May the best man win," he smirked as he slammed the drink down in one swig. He knew it wouldn't be easy; the idea of another man flirting with Kate made his blood boil but he knew she felt the exact same. He had to stay strong until she admitted defeat.
Kate gave a twisted smile. She wasn't stupid, she knew what they were doing. Each of them had been territorial both before and after the breakup; together or apart they both still knew the other was theirs. Even if it killed her, she was going to win that contest.
"Ma'am?" The bartender interrupted. "This is from the gentleman in the corner." He slid her a refill. She glanced over her shoulder, smiling as she raised her glass to the man, who had a blonde crew cut and sparkling blue eyes.
"If you'll excuse me," Kate smiled, purposely batting her eyelashes. She took a few steps and turned back. "Oh, Jack?" She called seductively. "Game on."
Jack felt the pit in his stomach. What had he done?