Joe had been pacing for the better part of 20 minutes and within that time period, with each passing second, he was pretty sure he was being stood up by Jami. April and AJ had said they had set everything up for the two of them, including sparing no expense for a VIP section with the works. Champagne, roses, candlelight, soft music, wait staff, the view. Anything he would need to for romance was already set up, and for that, he was grateful he had friends who cared so much for he, and for Jami as well.

However, now he stood looking out at the night skyline, alone, realizing he was about to enjoy an amazing dinner and drinks alone. He was upset and slightly angered. He was sure he would be able to get through to Jami, especially in a setting like this. How could he not? He knew Jami had her own set of issues to overcome, and he was fine with that. He was willing to do everything and anything it would take to convince her his intentions were nothing but pure and if anything else and if he were being truthful with himself, intense. Intense, raw emotions and feelings that he absolutely had never felt for anyone before.

"Joe." came a soft voice from behind him, startling him and bringing him back from his thoughts and into reality.

He turned suddenly, his breath caught in his throat, not being able to even utter a single word. Not only had Jami made it and he didn't even care that she was almost a half hour late, but the vision of seeing her, the sight of her in the long, white, shimmering dress took his breath and made time stand still. He tried playing it cool and clearing his throat before speaking, because he was quite sure had he not, he would sound like a pubescent teenage boy, squeaky voice and all.

"You made it." he managed to say, a smile playing on his face and walking towards her, not sure if a hug was appropriate or not, but not being able to control himself, he reached for her hand, which he grabbed softly. Not being able to control himself even further, it was as if he hadn't seen her in years, and he enveloped her in a tight embrace, taking in her sweet smell and capturing the way his hands felt on her body and how they fit so well together when their arms were wrapped around each other.

"I missed you." he whispered huskily in her ear, pulling back from her and giving her a glance up and down. "And, you didn't disappoint. You look amazing."

Jami felt the heat fill her cheeks, her own senses captivated and taking over, realizing he was speaking to her, but still feeling the heat of his body, his arms wrapped firmly around her and his breath against her neck.

"I um, thought I'd be overdressed, but you look good yourself." she managed to say.

"Um, let's sit down. They spared no expense so we should at least enjoy dinner and drinks." he said, moving to pull the chair out for her before he took his own seat.

Finally seated, the air around created tension that was starting to build, both eager to say something, but neither one wanting to speak first. Jami looked him over, from his sparkling eyes, to his perfectly chiseled jawline, to the long, dark hair she loved so much, pulled back at the moment, but still fine with her, too.

Before either could speak, the wait staff filled their glasses and brought out their pre-ordered meals, placing them in front of them, but giving yet an awkward tone still. Joe was ready to delve into important questions and to hopefully find a way to positively move forward with the woman he was now certain was the one for him. The woman of his dreams, which he had never labeled or had envisioned before in his life, but he was struck by lightening almost after seeing her again and he just knew.

"So, um, how are your treatments going?" Jami asked, breaking the ice?

"I'm making progress. I have my good days and my bad days, but my screens are all showing that the medication is working, and God willing, I continue on this same path." he answered.

"Joe, that's great. I couldn't be happier for you." Jami said endearingly.

"Thank you." Joe answered.

A few more moments went by with no words. They both awkwardly moved the food around on their plates, neither one really eating or showing signs of having an appetite. The tension continued to grow and it was either going to reach a head or someone was going to have to make a move.

"Alright, babe, I can't do this." Joe said, giving an awkward smile and pushing his plate across the table. "Eating is probably the last thing I am wanting to do right now."

"Yeah, I don't have much of an appetite, either." Jami answered, pushing her own plate away. "Joe, I…."

"Please, let me start." Joe said standing. "Can we talk…" he asked, pointing to the cushioned bench behind them.

"Sure." Jami said, standing and sitting next to him.

"I… I don't even know where to start." he began, looking into her eyes and moving closer to her as he grabbed both of her hands into his own. "Jami, I have been a wreck for the past couple weeks. I don't know if it's symptoms from the medicine or if this is something more I wanted to pursue. I thought for sure after that kiss…. God, that kiss…" he trailed off, groaning outwardly.

"Um, anyway." he said, clearing his throat. "I thought for sure it was something I did wrong after you changed positions and departments. And, I thought I'd be okay with that, and honestly, I am.

"You are?" Jami asked, a disappointed look on her face as she dropped her head.

Joe gently reached up and cupped her chin in his hand, forcing her to look at him. The simple touch sent her senses into overdrive, catching her breath.

"Not for the reason you may thing, but if there was ever a blessing in disguise, it's this, darling." he said, barely above a whisper. "With you stepping out of my case, it gives us a chance to explore…. this. Is that something you want, too? Please tell me there's a chance."

"Joe…" Jami sighed. "I have so much going on. I have so much baggage that you would have to accept. It's just… so much."

"I don't care what you have going on, what issues you may have. I don't care about none of it. All I care about is you." Joe said reaching up and brushing a strand of hair from Jami's face before cupping her cheek and stroking it gently.

"Joe…" Jami sighing again. "It's not you. I know that sounds cliché, but really it's just…."

"It's what?" Joe asked.

"I'm… scared." Jami whispered.

Joe grabbed her, bringing her head to rest on his chest, as he traced small circles on her back. He kissed the top of her head, trying to comfort and release any fear she had, but he wasn't sure how to respond to her.

"Jami, I just want a chance. I won't hurt you." he finally said huskily, pulling away but his face coming to stop just inches from her own.

"Joe…"

He didn't allow her to say another word, as his lips brushed her softly, before embracing her and kissing her deeper. She released a small moan against his lips, causing him to release his own small growl, before biting her lip gently. She entangled her fingers through his hair, pulling slightly as she pressed herself firmly against his chest.

"I think we need to move this somewhere else." she whispered breathlessly, pulling away from him but resting her forehead against his.

"Are you sure?" he asked, searching intently in her eyes.

"Joe, I need this. And, I need this from you and only you, baby." she answered, placing a small kiss on his lips.

"Ok, honey, but I don't think AJ and April paid for a hotel room, too." Joe said, a smile spreading across his face.

Jami smacked him playfully, before standing and grabbing his hand.

"I doubt they did, but I don't want to be scared anymore." she said, as he embraced her once more, kissed her gently.

"Let's go to my place, darling." he said, leading the way.