Chapter 10

Arlene POV

Standing by her bedroom window she watched the snowflakes drift down from the clouds. She shivered and pulled the blanket she was already wrapped in closer to her. When she was a child growing up in California she'd dreamt of having a white Christmas. She'd beg her parents to take her to their apartment in New York but her mother had always refused, hating the cold. Arlene was sure it was because it reminded her so much of herself. She loved her mother, but she didn't like her and she was sure the feeling was mutual, even more so after she'd rebelled and enlisted against her parents' wishes.

She turned away from the window, her stiff muscles complaining at every movement. This was her first day off from training in weeks and she found herself torn between staying in bed all day and using her free time for something more productive. She knew Clark would be out, spending time with their neighbour's daughter. A pretty little thing that he seemed quite smitten by, for now at least.

The man did fall in and out of love at a break neck pace.

Jessica was available, but that would mean having to get dressed and go outside which she wasn't too keen on either. She'd gotten over her dream of a white Christmas the first time she'd spent one in a foxhole while being shelled, now she hated the cold almost as much as her mother did.

Oh God, I'm turning into her, she shuddered at the thought.

She faintly heard a knock on the front door. She wasn't sure if she was alone in the house, but when there was another knock and no other movements from outside her door she sighed.

For a second she considered changing into something more respectable than a thick blanket and old pyjamas, but when there was a third knock she decided against it.

This had best be good.

Reaching for the door she quickly glanced at herself in a mirror. She was pale and had dark circles under her eyes, but her hair looked pretty damn good for some inexplicable reason so she decided that balanced everything out.

When there was a fourth knock she shouted, "Coming!"

As she opened the door a rush of frigid air made its way between the blanket and her skin. "Jesus, this had best be good soldier," she hissed trying to wrap herself up so the wind would stay out and not looking up from the man's chest.

"I hope this isn't a bad time," the soldier said and she froze.

Her eyes slowly travelled up from his chest to his face before settling on those familiar dark eyes. "Joe?"

He nervously stroked the back of his neck with one hand. "I can come back."

"No-no, ummm…come in," she replied as she took an awkward step to the side so he could squeeze past her.

He moved inside the house, removing his cap as he went, his eyes scanning the interior.

Closing the door behind her she said, "We're alone. The family must be in town and Clark's visiting a friend. Not to be rude, but why are you here?"

He twisted the cape in his hands and cleared his throat. "I've been an ass," he blurted out before continuing without even taking a breath, "I had this whole speech planned but now I can't remember it. I've been an ass and I'm really sorry."

"Oh, umm…alright. It's okay?" she ventured, not sure what to say.

He straightened out and stopped fidgeting with his hands. "No, it isn't. I was an ass and I really am sorry."

She smiled softly having all but forgotten about the cold that still clung to her skin. "I'm sorry too Joe. Some of the things I've said weren't exactly nice and none of them were true. I was just lashing out. One of my less attractive traits."

He smirked and another kind of chill made her hair stand on end. "I don't know. I don't mind a bit of spunk."

She rolled her eyes, but felt the blush start to warm her cheeks. "Apology accepted."

"Good, but I actually didn't come here just to apologise."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, do you wanna do something this afternoon? I checked with one of your new guys and he said because tomorrow's Christmas eve you have a 72-hour pass."

"You don't have plans already?"

"Nah, not if they're not with you."

She smiled and nodded. "Okay then. When should I be ready?"

His face transformed and he seemed to bounce on the balls of his feet. "I'll pick you up at 12:00? And dress warm and comfortable."

She quirked an eyebrow up and was about to ask what he had planned when he said, "Don't ask, it's a surprise."

"Fine," she relented.

An awkward silence started to stretch out between them when he took a step towards her. She looked up, brazenly meeting his dark gaze as he used one finger to brush a strand of hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. He paused, his hand now gently resting on the back of her neck.

She felt her pulse quicken and her every nerve scream out to be closer to him. He tilted his face down so their lips were only an inch apart. "I'll see you later," he whispered, his voice deep and rich.

She smirked. Two can play this game.

Standing in her toes, their lips barely grazing she replied in a hushed voice, "Don't be late."

She felt his muscles tense but she quickly stepped away reaching for the door and holding it open for him.

He shook his head as if to clear it and ran a hand through his hair.

"I'll pick you up at 12:00," he greeted her as he stepped outside.

"See you then," she replied, this time embracing the cold air against her scorched skin.

He nodded and turned away from her, his cheeks just as flushed as hers she couldn't help but smile triumphantly.

Once the door was closed behind her she bounded to her room, no longer dreading the cold she knew she had to visit Jessica immediately.

Jessica POV

"Nix, please get that," she shouted from her seat at the kitchen table.

"Yes Milady," her friend retorted, but she heard him go to the front door anyway to see who was there.

She rolled her eyes, turning her attention back to her brother sitting across from her. David had arrived at her door late last night. Her amazing hosts had immediately invited him in and insisted he stay for a cup of tea so they could get to know him better. She was sure they were going to invite him to sleep on one of their couches, but luckily her brother had the good sense to book himself into one of the small local inns.

She'd hoped to see him over Christmas, but she hadn't bargained on it least she be terribly disappointed.

"Look who I found," Nixon said as he waltzed into the kitchen with Jessica hot on his heels.

"David!" her best friend exclaimed.

Her brother stood and immediately swept Arlene into his arms, twirling her around in the small kitchen, just barely missing a tray full of cups and saucers.

Arlene and David had met during their first year of training. They'd instantly hit it off but instead of a romance flourishing, their relationship took on a brother-sister feel much to her relief. She loved both of them, but if they'd dated then surely a murder would have followed.

"You look so good! That RAF uniform always did do wonders for you," Arlene said when David finally put her down.

"Please, I look good in anything and even better out of everything," David replied.

She groaned and hid her face in her hands. He's even worse than I am.

She heard Arlene's giggle and Nixon's chuckle. Unsurprisingly, David and Nixon had gotten on like a house on fire.

"Oh, c'mon sis! I've heard you say worse!" David said, ruffling her hair.

Smacking his hand away she replied, "Yes, but when I say it, it's adorable and charming. When you say it….you're my brother, I prefer to imagine you being celibate until your married."

"Shit, sorry to burst your bubble, but that ship sailed a hell of a long time ago."

"Too much information David. Way too much," she said, but couldn't help the smile that pulled at the corner of her mouth.

God, I missed him.

David turned his attention and charms back to Arlene and her friend narrowed her eyes at him.

"Don't look at me like that gorgeous, you're gonna break my heart."

Arlene's face softened into a lopsided grin which earning her a dazzling smile and a peck on the cheek from David.

"Now," her brother continued, pulling out a chair and taking a seat, "what are our plans?"

"How long can you stay? Last night you said it was up in the air, pun intended."

"Yeah, I said that. Man I'm witty."

She rolled her eyes as Arlene took an open chair and Nixon leaned comfortably against the kitchen counter.

"My squad leader gave me a 72-hour pass with the caveat that he can recall me anytime if I'm needed. So I'm kinda taking it one hour at a time really. You never know with the Krauts, they like their surprise Christmas missions. Bastards."

"Tomorrow night is Christmas eve and Jane asked if we would spend it with them. With both their children in London and unable to make it home I think they miss having people around them, especially this time of year," she replied.

"Great! Tomorrow night here it is then," David said and Nixon nodded, showing he would be joining hm.

"Okay, so tomorrow night is set. How 'bout today we go to the market in town and then head to the pub after?" Nixon suggested.

She briefly glanced at David and Arlene. She could tell David was happy with the plan by the smile on his relaxed face, but she noticed the way Arlene shifted her weight around and asked, "Well?"

Her friend stopped moving and replied, "Actually, I won't be able to join. That's why I came over, to tell you I have a date."

David threw his hands in the air. "What? I thought you came over to see me! I feel so cheated!"

Arlene patted his shoulder. "Oh, I'm sorry darling. Maybe next time."

David smiled up at her and Arlene messed his meticulously styled hair.

With a sigh she said, "Well, now that you two have mended your bridges can we please circle back to the important part, Arlene's date. Who, where, when? Tell me everything."

Her friend looked at the two men, a blush giving her cheeks a rosy glow.

"Don't worry doll. It won't be anything we haven't heard before," Nixon said.

She shrugged and Arlene frowned, but continued, "Joe. He came over this morning, looked nervous as all hell, and asked if I wanted to spend the afternoon with him."

"I see. And you said yes?"

"Of course I said yes, eventually."

"So the two of you have sorted everything out?"

Arlene stamped her one foot and placed her hands on her hips. "I thought you would be happy about this!"

"I am. You know I'm the President of the 'Get Arlene a Man' club. I just want to be sure that you're sure."

Arlene was about to reply when David held up a hand. "Wait, wait, wait. There's a club and my own sister is the President of it? Why aren't we an item?"

"Because big brother. You love women and they love you and your sister is the President of the club."

He scowled at her but his face quickly softened when she playfully shook her head at him.

"To answer your question," Arlene said, happy to bring their conversation back on track, "I'm sure that I want to spend time alone with him and see what could happen."

She eyed her friend for a moment and then nodded. As happy as she was that Joe had taken her advice she couldn't help but worry about her friend at this time of year.

"I was actually hoping I could borrow that thick navy coat of yours? The one with the gold buttons."

She stood, the chair scraping over the tiled floor as she pushed it out. "Let's go. We must get a fabulous outfit together."

"It's a date in the middle of the day," Arlene said.

"I'm living vicariously through you so stop complaining would you?"

Arlene shrugged, but she caught the excited smile playing at the corner of her lips.

"Get comfortable boys, this may take a while," she chimed over her shoulder as she led Arlene upstairs.

Joe POV

He leaned against the jeep, nervously smoking a cigarette as he waited for Arlene. He'd won a poker game against a guy that worked at Battalion HQ. His winnings meant he had the use of a jeep for an entire day, no questions asked.

The front door moved and he straightened out, flicking the cigarette to the ground as his stomach did somersaults into his throat.

When Arlene caught his eye he smiled, all the nerves fading away as all he could see was her. He was relieved to see she'd dressed warmly and comfortably like he'd suggested, anything less would have meant their date ending in frostbite and disaster.

He walked towards her as she approached the jeep. "You look beautiful," he said, certain she'd look beautiful no matter what she wore.

She smiled coyly. "Thank you. I have to be honest, not knowing what you have planned made it a tad tricky to dress. I hope this is fine?"

"It's perfect. C'mon," he said, holding out his arm for her.

She slotted her hand into his arm and he led them the short distance to the jeep. Holding open the door for her he waited until she was securely inside before closing it and quickly jogging to his side.

He looked over to her and found two dark eyes watching him. "You ready?" he asked.

"Are you?" she replied, a mischievous smirk pulling at the one corner of her lips.

"Yes," he lied, certain he wasn't ready for her, that no man would be.

He started the engine and took the road that would lead them out of town, past the church and the Christmas market where people were milling about.

As soon as they were clear of the town limits he sped up. He heard Arlene giggle, but the wind speeding past them quickly carried the sound away. The roar of the engine and the wind made it impossible to talk, so he settled for stealing glances at her. He was relieved and overjoyed to find her doing the same.

About ten minutes outside of town he found the dirt track he'd memorised days earlier. Turning onto it they continued for another few minutes until he killed the engine at the bottom of steep, snow covered hill.

He turned to Arlene who looked between him and the little hill. "Well, that's a nice you hill you got there," she said, clearly confused as to why he'd brought her here.

"Do you remember that night in New York," he started.

She nodded. "Every moment and every word."

He smiled, trying to ignore the thumping of his heart. "You told me you'd never sledded down a snow covered hill."

"I did. You told me the same"

"So I figured we could share this. And that way whenever you think about snow or sledding you'll think of me."

She looked to the snowy slope and the softest smile graced her face. "My parents always said it wasn't the done thing. Then again they didn't approve of a lot of things."

As he waited for her to continue he reached behind his seat and pulled out a small picnic basket. The movement caught her attention and she returned her gaze to him in time to see him pulling out a large, thick red blanket, two metal mugs and a large thermal flask.

"Where did you get all of this?" she asked.

"The woman who runs the laundry showed us some things she was selling for Christmas. The blanket and flask were up for grabs so I bought them."

"When was this?"

"A few weeks ago."

"You've been planning this for a few weeks?"

He busied his hands by spreading out the blanket so it covered them both, suddenly shy. "Kind of, I've been planning something, but it took seeing Bill drape his arm over you the other day to really kick my ass into gear."

"Wow, remind me to thank Bill."

He smirked as held out both mugs to her. She held them out as he screwed the cap off the flask and decanted the steaming chocolate brown liquid into the mugs, making sure to top hers up a bit more.

She bent forward and inhaled the steam rising from the mugs. "Chocolate. Where did you get this with all the rationing?"

He gave her sly smile. "I have my ways."

"Well, I am duly impressed."

He put the flask away and took his mug from her hand, their fingertips grazing wiping out all the cold that surrounded them.

"So," he said, clearing his throat as he tried to regain his cool composure, "if your folks didn't want you to sled down a little hill, how did they feel about you joining the war?"

She smirked. "God only knows, I didn't hang around to find out."

He tilted his head to one side, urging her to continue.

She curled her fingers around the mug and eased back into her seat. "My parents believed in things being done a certain way. They wanted their only daughter to be the perfect picture of high society class and grace. They also believed she should know her place, which was on the arm of a wealthy man with enough influence and money to further their standing."

He raised an eyebrow, unable to imagine her sitting quietly by someone's side like a living doll.

Taking a sip from her cup she smiled around the edges.

"Good?" he asked.

"Perfect," she replied.

"So how did you end up in England?" he asked when it didn't seem like she was going to continue her story.

"Three days before my seventeenth birthday they betrothed me to a thirty-five year old banker with a mean reputation that loved his bourbon a little too much."

"Are you kidding me!?" he exclaimed.

"I wish I was. I shouldn't have heard, they were only going to tell me the night of my birthday, like it was their damn gift to me or something. But I'd snuck out to see a friend and when I got back I'd overheard them talking."

"That was lucky," he said as he placed the mug on the dashboard so he could light two cigarettes.

She gladly took the one he extended to her, giving him a small smile in thanks. "A few days earlier I'd read some of my father's mail that had been marked 'confidential' with a military stamp."

He smirked, of course she would read a letter marked confidential.

Seeing his expression she said, "What? I was curious. Anyway, so the letter was from an old acquaintance that worked high-up in the government as a military liaison. It spelled out the idea the government had of training women to become, well for lack of a better word, spies. The author of the letter thought it was a terrible idea, so terrible in fact he named the person responsible for the operation as well as where to find him."

He took a drag of his cigarette and leaned forward, knowing where the story was going but so enthralled by her telling it that he hung on her every word.

"So when I overheard my parents that night the first thing I felt was sick and my first thought was that letter. I packed a bag, took some money out of the not so secret hiding places my parents had and waited. Two days later I bought a train ticket, found the person responsible for the programme and tried to convince him to enlist me. Since I wasn't eighteen yet he didn't want to enlist me without my parents' consent so he phoned them. I was sure they were going to refuse. Tell him to put me on the next train back so I could get engaged."

"That isn't what happened," he said, the sadness that swept over her features forming a knot in his throat.

She shook her head. "My father wanted me to come home, but my mother refused. She said I'd spent my entire life embarrassing her and this was the last straw. As far she was concerned she no longer had a daughter. She slammed the phone down and that was it. Minutes later I signed the papers and the next day I was on a ship bound for England."

"England?"

"We trained in England and Scotland mostly. A little bit in Europe. They had a more established training programme for the type of work we were going to be doing. I met Jessica on my first day and about a year later the plan changed a bit and the men joined us. And that is it."

He emptied his mug and tossed the cigarette butt out of the open window. "I can't believe your family disowned you. Are they out of their goddamn minds?"

She smirked. "No. I just didn't fit into their picture of a perfect family."

"How can they think you're anything less than perfect," he whispered and when she shyly smiled back at him he knew she'd heard.

Gently taking the mug from her hand he said, "C'mon, we have a memory to make."

Arlene POV

She leaned back into Joe, allowing his arms to wrap around her body as he grasped the sled's rope.

"Does this have to be the last one?" she asked, her eyes closed, forehead resting against his cheek.

She felt him smile as he said, "It has to be baby. It's going to be dark soon."

She wasn't sure when he'd started calling her baby, but she loved it, a shot of excitement running up her spine every time he said it.

"Very well," she conceded with a dramatic sigh, mostly because she knew if she wasn't back by dark Jessica would get all their men to come looking for her.

They'd spent the afternoon climbing up the hill just to slide back down. Often times they'd descend into a fit of laughter half-way up the hill as one of them finished telling a story. At the top Joe would position the sled and she'd sit in the front, her body tucked into his. She loved feeling the heat from his chest and legs through her clothes, the strength of his arms around her as he steered them safely to the bottom. They both avoided discussing why she'd left him in New York or the things he'd said to her in England, they didn't want to spoil the perfect memory they were creating.

"Ready?" he whispered in her ear, his warm breath caressing her sensitive skin.

All she could do was nod, no trusting her voice not to betray her.

One moment she felt him shift their weight and the next the icy cold wind swept past them, biting into her cheeks as the snow crunched underneath.

A high pitched giggle spilled from between her lips. She felt Joe's chest reverberate through her back and into her chest.

They hit the bottom of the hill hard and the sled bumped up and down a few times before it swerved from left to right. Her eyes flung open just in time to see the sky flip upside down as she landed flat on her back, her limbs entangled with Joe's as he lay partially on top of her. There was a beat of silence before they both broke into uncontrollable laughter. She was still laughing when she realised it was quiet around them. Slowly her laughter subsided as her eyes drifted to Joe's. He was watching her intently, a small frown etched into his forehead as he tilted his head slightly to one side.

He reached over and brushed the hair that had come undone during the fall out of her face, his fingers tracing the line of her cheek as they went. She didn't feel the cold ground beneath her or the snow melting into her clothes, all her senses were consumed by Joe. The way his body felt on top of hers, protective and dangerous at the same time, his warm breath burning her skin as his dark eyes pulled her closer.

He dipped his head down, his breath tickling her lips as he held theirs a fraction apart.

"Kiss me," she whispered.

He closed the space between their lips as they met in a gentle kiss. She dug her fingers into his hair, pulling him closer to her. He traced the edge of her lips with his tongue for a moment before deepening the kiss. She could feel the blood racing through her veins, pulsing from her heart to every inch of her being as it screamed to be closer to him.

All of a sudden the only thing on her lips was the cold winter air. Her eyes snapped open to find Joe still there, his cheeks flushed as he stared down at her.

She could feel herself frowning. Was something wrong, had she done something wrong?

"You don't deserve this," he said, sounding out of breath.

"What?" she asked, a familiar dread settling over her.

"You deserve better than this Arlene. I mean, God knows I've spent hours dreaming of this exact moment, and it's taking every ounce of my self-control not to keep kissing you until you scream my name at the top of your lungs, but you deserve better than this."

"I – what are you trying to say Joe?"

"You deserve better and I want to try and be the guy to give you that. I'm not very good at it, and I'll probably mess it up, but I want to try. Will you give me a chance to try?"

His face, usually hard and smug, was soft, shy and uncertain. She reached up and ran her hand through his hair, pushing the tips away from his forehead. "You should give it your best shot."

He smiled, not a smirk but a genuine smile. "Yes ma'am," he husked as he bent down for another long kiss.

Arlene POV

As they stopped outside her billet she sighed, deflated by the end of their magical day together. Joe must have heard her, or sensed the change in her mood because he took her hand, giving it a gentle tug so she would look at him.

"I know you probably have other plans for tonight, but in case you don't, I was hoping you'd join me for dinner?" he asked, a shy glimmer to his dark eyes.

She felt her lips curve up as she replied, "Pick me up at 19:00. Don't be late."

Pulling her towards him he whispered, "I wouldn't dream of it," before kissing her gently.

With one hand braced against his chest she pushed herself away from him, knowing she had to leave now before she did something that would make her the talk of the town. She quickly grabbed her purse and jumped out of the jeep as she felt her self-restraint ebb away with every passing second.

"See you soon soldier," she said with a flirty wink before turning on her heel and walking to the door. She never looked back, but she knew he was watching her and she loved every moment of it. It was only as she reached her door that she heard an engine start seconds before the jeep pulled away.

She was so engrossed in her own thoughts, daydreaming about her night with Joe, that it took her ages to find her keys. Just as she found them she heard snow crunch underneath a boot right behind her. Quickly spinning around to face the newcomer she lost her balance on the icy flagstones, but two strong hands shot out, steadying her.

"Careful gorgeous, we can't have you falling and hurting that beautiful face of yours," David teased.

Still regaining her balance and dignity she exclaimed, "Shit David! Don't sneak up on people like that!"

"I really wasn't doing much sneaking. You were just dreaming about lover boy."

She slapped his chest, but a smile betrayed her anyway. Happy that she was finally stable David let go of her and took a small step closer to her, so their bodies were almost touching.

She raised an eyebrow and he shrugged. "The bloody snow is falling into the back of my collar and you're hogging the roof."

She rolled her eyes, stepping back a little bit so he could get more cover.

"I'm assuming you're here for a reason," she said, anxious to get inside so she could start to get ready for her night with Joe.

"Yeah, we never made it to the pub this afternoon. Jess and I got a bit side tracked drinking a whiskey by the fire at her place so we're going tonight. She's getting changed so she asked me to come by and see if you're back from your date and wanted to join us."

"Oh, thanks but tell Jess I'll have to pass this time."

He smiled mischievously at her. "Well, it either went very well today or very badly. Considering the sparkle in your eyes I'm going to bet on very well."

Dipping her face she felt the blush warm her cheeks, hoping he couldn't tell just how well it had gone.

David laughed, a deep melodic sound that forced you to join in. He and Jess had that in common, when they laughed you just had to join in.

"He's picking me up in a few. Tell Jess I'll give her all the details tomorrow. I'll pop by a bit early so we can catch up before dinner."

"You better take notes because she's going to want to know every single detail."

"I know, she's like a Bloodhound when she gets wind of a good story."

"That's an understatement. But since I caught you, she also asked me to get her red scarf from you. I'm assuming you know the one she's referring to."

"I do. Come in while I get it, don't want you catching a cold and then wining about it all day tomorrow."

As she turned around to open the door he moved in closer to her, impatient to get out of the cold.

Patience is not a King family strong suit.

The door clicked open and she led them in, smiling over her shoulder at the miserable expression on his face as a gust of wind drove snow into his back.

"God, you're such a baby," she said, stepping inside before closing the door firmly behind them.

Joe POV

"Shit," he hissed to himself, noticing the emerald green scarf lying on the floor of jeep at the passenger's side.

He debated for a while keeping it and giving it to Arlene that evening, but honestly he wanted any excuse to see her again so he made a sharp U-turn, tires squealing in protest, and rushed back to her house.

Rounding the last corner he spotted her house but took his foot off the gas when he saw her huddled underneath the roof covering the entrance with a tall, broad shouldered RAF pilot.

"What the fuck?"

He slowly creeped closer until he was only one house down from hers. His stomach sank as rage boiled up in his chest, warming him from the inside as she watched her open the door for him, the man pressing himself in close to her and she playfully laughing at him over her shoulder.

Before he could say or do anything they'd disappeared inside the house, the door closing behind them sounding like a bomb going off inside his brain.

Starting the engine back up he revved it aggressively. He wasn't going to sit around to see the smug bastard walking out of her door. They'd never talked about why she'd left him alone in New York. He'd made up a thousand reasons but never was it because she had someone else in her life already. Apparently he'd missed the obvious.

With a screech of tires he sped off towards the barracks.

Fuck her, he thought darkly, the freezing wind turning a lone tear to ice on his cheek.

XXXXXXX

Hello (she says shyly, hiding her face behind her hands)...I know it's been damn long, and I promise I never forgot about the story. We moved so all my energy was focused on packing and unpacking. Anywho, we're busy settling in so hopefully I'll be able to post a bit more regularly. This chapter was originally almost twice as long, but I've decided to split it into two "shorter" chapters, this way there also isn't such a long lag between chapters. Hope you all enjoy it and keep reading.