The shrill ring of Jack's cellphone cut through them, he pulled it from his pocket and glared at the screen.
'O'Neill' He answered irritated
'Jack'
'Daniel'
'Uh, yeah hi, how's Sam doing?'
'She's okay' Jack watched Sam steadily as he answered Daniel's questions. She didn't break his gaze but he could see the steeliness returning to her expression. 'Are you coming over?'
'Um, about that... General Hammond wants us, me and Teal'c that is, to accompany the Tok'ra back to Vorash first thing in the morning, he's assigned SG-3 to come with us before you ask. He asked me to tell you that he wants you and Sam to take the next two days off'
'You are... and he did?' Jack replied
'Uh yes, so we're going to stay on base tonight'
'Okay, be careful Danny - i don't want me and Carter to have to come and rescue your ass... again'
'Firstly we're going to Vorash... secondly the marines are coming with us, and Teal'c will be with me - it's hardly a dangerous mission'
'Yes but we all know your track record of getting into trouble when we're not there to watch you, tell Reynolds he better get you both back in one piece!' He mocked
'So, is Sam really okay?' He asked again
Jack gazed at the woman in front of him, still wearing her BDU's and leatherjacket she looked every bit the kickass soldier he'd always known, but there was a shadow in her eyes that wasn't there before... like someone had dimmed the light in her soul.
'I hope so' Jack replied without breaking her gaze
'Look after her Jack'
'By Danny' Jack hung up the phone and dropped it on the table behind him.
'Daniel and Teal'c are caught up at the base, it's just me and you, kid' He smiled.
'Sir, i'm sorry...'
'So, Chinese take-out? He cut her off standing to fetch the menu from his kitchen.
'Uh, yeah' she replied. 'I'll just have my usual. Do you mind if i go and freshen up?' She needed to escape, sheer embarrassment rising up through her.
'Sure' He gestured towards the guest bedroom where there was an ensuite shower. 'I'll head out and get this in 15 mins'
'Thanks' she grabbed her bag and walked up the corridor into the bedroom. Closing the door gently behind her she sighed. Kissing Jack O'Neill had been everything she had imagined it would be, the small glimpse into a life and a love that she would never be able to have.