By the time Jack finished his seminar, Kate was on her third drink. Of course he noticed the number of full glasses that sat next to her. He didn't need to question it, men were always buying her drinks in a meek attempt to get laid. He was grateful that it was Kate who garnered so much attention because he trusted her in a way he hadn't trusted Sarah. With Sarah, his hesitation to trust her completely was confirmed when she cheated on him. But with Kate he knew there wouldn't be anyone else; Kate was his.

"You're gonna burn," he teased, sitting down on the chair next to her. She held a hand over her eyes to help her see and sat up.

"I was hoping you'd help me," she handed him the bottle of suntan lotion, biting down on her lower lip.

"You won't be outside much longer," Jack warned. He held a hand out, which Kate grabbed and got ready to go.

As they walked past the bar a man spun around, making the metal on his barstool screech. The sound caught Jack's attention and he watched a familiar looking man push his glasses down his nose, looking Kate up and down too intensely for Jack's liking. He wrapped his arm around Kate's hip, pulling her closer to his side. She glanced up at him with a smile and was none the wiser.

"I should shave," Jack said once they were back in the hotel room; he ran a hand through his stubble.

"I like the stubble," Kate called from the bed. With the placement of the mirror, they were able to make eye contact through the reflections.

"It's more doctorly shaved..."

"I like the way it feels," she whispered.

He shrugged and began to run the water in the sink, applying shaving cream. He stopped dead in his tracks when he glanced up. Kate had removed her bikini and laid down on the bed. Her green eyes burned a hole into him and she rubber herself with her legs sprawled open, giving him full view.

He didn't even clean off his face before moving towards her. He was hypnotized by the way her fingers danced around her intimacy, making her toss her head back, exposing her neck as she moaned.

"Thought you were shaving," she teased.

He didn't answer; instead he grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head roughly. He took advantage, wiping the shaving cream against her bare stomach; the move left her laughing and trying to squirm from his grip. He didn't think he'd ever heard Kate laugh so loudly or act so relaxed.

"I want the stubble," she panted, her hips squirming. In one swat of his hand he had released her wrists and was pushing his fingers inside her.

"Don't stop," he warned her when she started to pull her fingers away. Instead they worked together, rubbing and pushing until her toes were curled in ecstasy. After his mouth moved over her, tickling her thighs with his stubble until she hit her peak. We do have to get ready," he whispered when her breathing had steadied. She took control, flipping him and straddling him. She let her body press down on his hardness enough to elicit a moan. "Baby," he pleaded.

"Can't we stay here all night? Alone?" She squealed, beginning to grind her hips. "I don't want to leave this bed."

"You know we have to go," he groaned, pulling her hips down against him. He didn't know if he was able to resist her but he had to try.

"I'm not ready..."

Jack grabbed her with ease, and ran into the bathroom where he put her in the shower where he joined her.

"I love you," she whispered, pulling him against him and into a passionate kiss.

Despite her urgings, they made their way to the party. Even in a little black dress and a suit, they were every bit the power couple and heads turned as they entered. As they were mingling, Jack noticed the same man from the pool enter the party alone. Jack shifted uncomfortably, hoping to block Kate from the man's view.

Unfortunately, the man's eyes caught Kate immediately. He watched the brunette laughing and smiling as she made small talk with other guests.

"Kate?" Jack whispered, growing nervous. Recognizing his tone, she turned to him, squeezing his arm. "Let's dance," he said, pulling her onto the ballroom floor when he noticed the man moving towards them.

"Are you okay?" She whispered on the dance floor.

"I'm sure it's nothing," he kissed her forehead reassuringly.

"Jack, just talk to me..."

Before Jack could respond, the man interrupted them. "I don't think we've met," the man extended his hand. "I'm Kenneth Smythe."

"I'm Dr. Jack Shepard," although Kenneth reached his hand out to Kate, Jack reached in front to grab his hand. "This is Kate."

"Your wife is beautiful."

"Oh, we aren't married yet," Kate smiled politely. She glanced towards Jack, her mind immediately entertaining the idea of marrying Jack. If he'd offer her a ring, she'd marry him in a heartbeat.

"Interesting," Kenneth's smug smile made Jack want to clock him. "Would you dance with me, Kate?" He finally asked.

"Ummm... yeah," Kate glanced towards Jack as if looking for reassurance. He saw the questions written all over her face.

He watched helplessly as they swept across the dance floor. He saw Kate's cheeks pinken as she laughed; the image made him see red. He knew this wasn't the end of Kenneth Smythe.