Chapter 9

Lucy was proud of the fact that her knees didn't give out until after she was inside and had shut and locked the door. She vaguely remembers staggering over and plopping down on the bottom step, just needing to take a couple minutes to compose herself before she actually tried something like walking upstairs. Closing her eyes, she gently touched her trembling lips, still able to feel his warm, firm mouth moving over hers. Her heart was trying to beat itself right out of her chest, and she felt faintly dizzy. Lucy had never been kissed like that before, ever. She quivered as she relived every sensation: intense dark blue eyes gazing down at her, a big hand tenderly cradling her cheek, the feel of his broad chest against her own, and then his lips on hers, forceful but gentle at the same time. Her face grew warm as she considered what he would be like as a lover, if that was how potent Wyatt's brief first kiss was. (You just had to go there, didn't you?)

Shaking her head, she decided that kind of thinking could seriously impede her ability to function. Lucy made her way upstairs, and got ready for bed, although she doubted she would fall asleep any time soon. Her thoughts and emotions were all over the place. In just a few short weeks, Wyatt was making her feel things she had never experienced before. Lucy had no idea she could be so attracted to a man, and not just his looks. (Like getting struck by lightning or something.) Lucy wasn't a virgin, but there had only been one other guy before Doctor Noah, a fellow education major when she was around 21. Her relatively limited experience, however, was not only because she had been so diligently devoted to her studies, but also due to her natural shyness and reserved nature, as the very idea of a casual "one-night stand" was abhorrent to her.

During the two years with Noah, the intimate part of the relationship with him had been pleasant, at best. He had been a gentle but unimaginative lover, and Lucy had always secretly wondered if there was something wrong with her (shouldn't making love feel better than just pleasant?) She was happy to realize there didn't seem to be anything wrong with her at all-she apparently hadn't found the right guy yet. And judging by the physical reaction he had coaxed from her earlier this evening, she had a feeling that Wyatt Logan was a man with all kinds of solutions for her "non-problem." Right before drifting off to sleep, she remembered that he had promised to call her tomorrow, and she smiled.

Early the next morning, Wyatt woke suddenly, breathing hard and heart racing as he blinked away the remnants of an extremely vivid dream involving Lucy, some very naughty lingerie, and his king-sized bed. He rolled over quickly, sighing in relief that he was alone. Jamie hadn't wandered into his dad's room yet this morning, which was probably a good thing. If his son would happen to notice the current aftereffect of Wyatt's dream, it might have scarred the poor kid for life. Putting a hand over his eyes, he tried to slow down his breathing. He hadn't dreamed like that in years, since long before Jess passed away.

Without warning, it occurred to him that if he had turned over to find a certain brunette in his bed just now, he would have locked the door and rolled her under him in a heartbeat (Not helping, Logan). He shivered at the thought of sweet Lucy in his bed (naughty lingerie optional). The force of his burgeoning desire for her shouldn't have surprised him. He was a normal, healthy, physically fit 30-year-old man who had resolutely built a wall around those kinds of feelings after his wife died, and damn him if Lucy Preston wasn't driving a big-ass tank right through that wall. It had been so long for him, there was no doubt he would probably embarrass himself the first time with her, but hey, that was just more incentive to excel the second time, and the third time, and the fourth time, and so on (really not helping, Logan).

And it was also no surprise that he already knew absolutely she would be the one he would take that next step with. It was definitely too early to put a label on what he was feeling for Lucy (attraction, desire, plain old lust?) or even what was happening between the two of them, but Bam Bam had called it–no other woman since Jess had even gotten a first glance (much less a second one) from him. He had loved and cherished and desired his wife very much, so (unfortunately) mixed in with this growing need for Lucy was just a hint of (irrational) guilt, and all he had done so far was kiss her one time. And as kisses go, it had been sweet and gentle, but pretty tame. Although so far Lucy hadn't mentioned any past relationships, she didn't really seem all that experienced, and damn, but the Neanderthal in him was just the tiniest bit pleased that she wasn't a young woman who "slept around."

In the brief time he had known her, Wyatt had found Lucy Preston to be beautiful, intelligent, and refined, and that was enticing enough for him. And while last night's kiss was very promising, he certainly wasn't going to rush her into a more physical relationship before she was ready (he wasn't a caveman, Jesus). So he would let Lucy set the pace. Sighing, he just really hoped she wouldn't take long though, because if dreams like the one he experienced last night continued, he would be taking a lot of cold showers (dammit).

After Jamie got up and Wyatt made them breakfast, he sat the little guy in front of a Sponge Bob video so he could have a bit of privacy when he called Lucy. As he walked past the fridge, he noticed his invitation to the Baumgardners' annual Halloween cookout stuck on there with a magnet, and realized that it was going to be next Saturday night. That gave him an idea. Before he called Lucy, he wanted to check on something. He quickly sent Julie a text, and was a little surprised that she immediately responded back. More than once. More than twice. Several times, in fact. Wyatt loved and appreciated Julie Baumgardner, but by the tenth time the text message alert on his phone sounded (in less than an hour), he was about to drive over to their place and smash her phone. She was apparently tremendously excited about his request, and just like he knew she would, was really making a big deal out of it. After replying to her first two texts, he decided to just ignore the others (in hind sight, perhaps not the smartest decision).

Seeing that his son was still absorbed in Sponge Bob, Wyatt sat on the bottom step to call Lucy. She answered on the second ring in a rather breathless voice, "Wyatt, hi, um, how are you today?" He realized she was nervous, and that made him smile. "We're just hanging around here at Casa Logan. Jamie's watching Sponge Bob, and I'm sitting here talking to you, and for the record, you are way more attractive than Sandy the Squirrel." She laughed, pleased with the silly compliment.

After that, Lucy seemed to relax, and they ended up talking for over an hour before Jamie caught on to who he was talking to, and begged to say, "Hi." And it was kind of sweet to watch the little boy's conversation with his teacher, as Jamie's voice got higher and louder in his excitement. Finally, after five minutes or so, Wyatt patted his son on the arm and gestured for him to give the phone back. He hid a smile at the child's obvious reluctance to do so (join the club, kid). He ended the call with Lucy by promising to at least text her later (that big pile of laundry in front of his washer wasn't going to wash and dry itself). And yet another text message alert sounded. Wyatt sighed. (Good Lord, Julie).

Wyatt may have set his lunch tray on the table with a little more force than was necessary because Bam Bam actually jumped a little. "What the hell, son?" he glared at the other man. "Are you not able to control that wife of yours, Master Sergeant Baumgardner?" Wyatt glared back. Looking somewhat puzzled, his friend responded, "Two things: first of all, is that a rhetorical question? And second, have you actually met my wife?" They both burst into laughter, and it took a minute before either could speak.

"So what's your beef with Julie?" he finally asked Wyatt. "Only that she has been blowing up my phone with texts since yesterday," he groused. "Is that all you got, you big whiny baby? Hey, listen, pal, I'm the victim here. Picture this: the girls are asleep, and I'm trying to get a little busy with my beautiful wife, and that's not happening because she can't stop talking about my best friend. It was all 'Wyatt this' and 'Wyatt that' so I finally gave up and rolled over and tried to sleep. What the hell did you do to get her all stirred up, anyway?" Bam Bam looked so disgruntled that Wyatt started laughing again.

With a slightly guilty look on his face, he admitted, "I may have texted her yesterday afternoon to see if it was okay to bring someone to your cookout on Saturday night." Bam Bam looked surprised, then smug. "Glad to see you took my advice, son," he bragged. "So, you and the pretty teacher, huh?" Wyatt shrugged uncomfortably, and after a long moment, said, "Yeah, maybe, I honestly don't know, but I really like her, and Jesus, my son is head over heels in love with her already. I feel like an ass, Bam, because I didn't even notice how much Jamie was missing not having a mom. I mean, Julie has been really good with him, and he does love his Aunt Julie so much, but then this woman comes into our lives, not even two months ago, and now all hell has broken loose. I guess we're taking things slow because if this 'whatever it is' doesn't work out, and she breaks my child's heart, well, that's on me, and it kills me to even think about it." He fell silent.

Bam Bam sat quietly listening to his friend, then offered, "Hey, it's all a big crap shoot, Wy, you know that. And you had good intentions after Jess died, but, no offense, it's kind of unrealistic to decide at the age of 25 that you are gonna cut yourself off from any kind of relationship because of your child. You're a not-completely-ugly guy in your prime, and honestly, I'm surprised you haven't spontaneously combusted by now (if you only knew, Baumgardner). I get that you're afraid it's not your brain in the driver's seat, but maybe that's a good thing." Bam Bam stood up to leave and said, "You got this, son, I know you do. And yeah, sorry about Julie, she does get kind of carried away, but that's why we love her, right?" Wyatt grinned, "Yep, there's nobody like Julie. Thanks for the advice, man." He pulled out his phone and after checking the time, sent Lucy a quick text.

Lucy was a mess. Well, not physically (hopefully), but this roller coaster wave of emotions she'd been feeling all week was making her slightly queasy. When Wyatt had asked her during their phone call on Sunday if she would like to go to a cookout at the Baumgardners on Saturday night, she had quickly accepted. Her initial reaction had been happiness and anticipation at the thought of seeing him again, followed almost immediately by trepidation at meeting his best friends. Lucy knew how important they were to him and his son, he had told her so, and she was worried about making a good impression. (What if they don't like me? Or don't think I'm good enough for Wyatt and Jamie?) Some of her anxiety must have shown itself in her texts because several times during the week, Wyatt had reassured her that Bam Bam and Julie would like her just fine, and they would have a good time.

Her sister had proved to be surprisingly supportive. Lucy had been a little worried Amy would think that this new relationship was moving way too fast, but after filling her in on (most of) the details, her sibling's response had been heartfelt and encouraging. "Luce, I am so glad for you. Guess you were able to change that bad first impression he had, huh?" Amy laughed kindly at the expression on Lucy's face. "Hey, listen, I tried not to interfere, but I was never very impressed with that doctor you were dating. He was kind of patronizing, and well, frankly, boring. I always wanted more for you, and Luce, just from the way your face lights up when you talk about him, I already approve of this guy. So when do I get to meet this Wyatt Logan?" she teased.

"Soon," Lucy promised. "Amy, can I tell you something?" At the "duh" look on her sister's face, all of her doubts and misgivings spilled out. "I'm 30 years old and have never felt this way before, didn't even know it was possible. If I tried, I couldn't have invented someone like him for myself. And I've only known Wyatt a couple of months, and it's probably too soon, but Amy, every single day, whatever this is that I'm feeling for him keeps getting stronger, and I think he could break my heart if this doesn't work out, and I'm scared," her voice dwindling to a whisper. Amy softened at Lucy's admission. "Oh, Lucy, sweetie, it's okay to be afraid. Sure, I'm not gonna lie, your feelings for this man could give him the power to break you, but Luce, I think it's a risk worth taking. Even this early on, I can see how happy he and his little boy make you. You're my big sister, and I love you, and you deserve everything good in this life and more."

By now, both women had tears in their eyes. "All right, enough of that," Amy sniffed. "When are you seeing him again?" Lucy told her about the cookout at his best friends' home on Saturday, and confessed she was a little anxious about making a good impression, but Amy assured her it would be fine, and gave her a big hug. Lucy was grateful for her sister's advice, and taking a deep breath, decided it was time to face her fears because Wyatt and Jamie were definitely worth it.

They arrived at the Baumgardners around 6:30 on Saturday night. Wyatt had already asked Julie if it was okay to bring Lucy over a little early so that he could introduce her to them without a big audience. By the time he walked around to open Lucy's car door, Jamie, who was wearing a Spiderman costume, had already hopped out of the back seat and was heading towards the front door. With a soft smile at the nervous look on Lucy's face, he took her hand in his, and said quietly, "It's going to be fine, they are going to love you, stop worrying, okay?" She nodded, took a deep breath, and held his hand tightly as they went up the sidewalk.

The front door opened, and a tiny blonde tornado in a purple princess dress headed straight for Wyatt, grabbing him around the knees. "Uncle Wy! You're here!" she shrieked. Letting go of Lucy's hand, he bent down and swooped her up in his arms, "Hey there, Sadie Jane, did you miss me?" "Uncle Wy, I miss you lots," and wrapped her chubby arms around his neck. Lucy smiled at the child's excitement, and her obvious affection for Wyatt. The little girl turned curious green eyes to look at Lucy, and asked, "Uncle Wy, you gots a lady?" "Yes, I do, Sadie Bug. This is Miss Lucy," he replied. Sadie stared at Lucy, then suddenly lunged towards her saying, "You, lady, hold me!" Startled, Lucy managed to hold on to her and set the child on her hip. "Whoa, there, Sadie, I almost dropped you," Wyatt scolded. The little blonde just beamed at him, and laying her head on Lucy's shoulder said to her, "You smell pretty." Wyatt shook his head and chuckled at them, "Looks like I've been replaced." "I doubt that, 'Uncle Wy'," Lucy quipped.

Jamie had already disappeared through the front door, eager to show Annie his costume. The three of them went inside where an older, larger version of Sadie was busy in the front room lighting jack o' lanterns here and there. Julie Baumgardner turned to greet them with a welcoming smile when she noticed Lucy holding her younger daughter. "Sadie Jane, what do you think you're doing?" she asked, exasperated. "Uncle Wy gots a lady, Mommy," was the innocent reply. Rolling her eyes, Julie started to apologize and reached for the little girl, when Lucy interrupted quietly, "No, please, she's fine. I'm Lucy." Julie smiled first at her, and then at Wyatt, "Yes, I can see that. Well, it's a real pleasure to meet you, Lucy." "Thank you for inviting me to your home," Lucy responded shyly.

Wyatt asked, "Where's Bam, out back?" "Yes, he's firing up the grill, and trying to get the chairs all set up. Wy, you go on out and help him while Lucy and I get acquainted," she ordered. At the slightly panicked look on Lucy's face, Wyatt leaned in and whispered, "It'll be fine, be back in a few minutes," and kissing her on the cheek, went to find his friend. Lucy's cheeks pinked at the knowing expression on Julie's face. "Come on back to the kitchen, Lucy, and have a seat while I finish up some things." Lucy, still holding Sadie, followed her down the hallway into a bright, spacious kitchen, where Julie motioned for her to sit down. "Sadie, why don't you let go of Miss Lucy and go on outside and find your sister and Jamie?" The little girl calmly said, "No," and held tighter to Lucy's neck. After Lucy sat down and got Sadie settled on her lap, Julie started taking containers out of the big double-door fridge and setting them on the counter. "So, Lucy, tell me about yourself," she invited with a warm smile.

Wyatt had been outside talking to Bam Bam for a few minutes when some of the other guests started wandering into the back yard. "I better go check on Lucy before Julie has a chance to introduce her to people as my fiancé or something," Wyatt muttered. Bam Bam snickered and admitted, "Yeah, knowing my wife, that could actually happen," much to his friend's chagrin. Wyatt hurried into the house, only to find an obviously relaxed Lucy sitting at the kitchen table with a drowsy Princess Sadie on her lap twirling a lock of Lucy's dark hair around her small finger. Lucy and Julie both turned to look at his abrupt entrance, and then at each other, and burst into laughter. "Where's the fire, Wy?" the blonde asked, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, Wyatt, everything okay?" Lucy chimed in. And then both women laughed again.

Wyatt's face flushed as he figured out they were messing with him. He bent down and whispered close to Lucy's ear, "Okay, have your fun, but you know what they say about paybacks, Miss Preston." She turned her head and murmured against his lips, "Promises, promises, Mr. Logan." He raised both eyebrows in pleased surprise and growled, "Oh, you have my word, Lucy Preston," and walking over to Julie, mock threatened, "And I will take care of you later, Mrs. Baumgardner." And the women laughed even harder. Pleased that Lucy and Julie were getting along so well, Wyatt picked up some dishes of food and started carrying them outside for supper, and grinned as the sound of amused females followed him out.

A few hours later, Lucy was pleasantly surprised to realize she was enjoying herself. Jamie had solemnly introduced her to Sadie's older sister, Annie, who also looked very much like their mother. She and Jamie were thick as thieves, and the three children were having a grand time trick or treating around the back yard where Julie had hidden some candy in various spots for them. And Wyatt apparently wasn't one to hold a grudge, as he had been very attentive, either holding her hand or putting a casual arm around her, and scarcely leaving her side all night. He had introduced her to several people from the base, and everyone had been very friendly. All except for one person, a well-built, attractive redhead. Lucy had noticed a couple of times that the woman had sent a few not-so-friendly looks her way, and once she and Julie were sitting by themselves for a few minutes, she asked Julie who she was.

Her new friend sighed, knowing instantly who Lucy was referring to. "I'm so sorry. That's Gwen, one of my old college roommates. She's been married and divorced twice already, and is always on the hunt for her next victim, I mean husband. Poor thing wears desperation like cheap designer perfume." Lucy was in the middle of a sip of water, and hearing that, nearly snorted water through her nose. Julie grinned, and added, "Unfortunately, she's been sniffing around Wyatt for a couple years now, but Lord bless him, he's never once, ever, welcomed or encouraged her interest." Glancing around the yard, she added, "Speaking of Wyatt, I don't see him outside, and uh, oh, I don't see Gwen either. You better get inside and rescue him. I bet she's trying to pin him down somewhere." Lucy laughed, but one look at Julie's face told her the other woman was serious.

Wyatt was looking in the fridge when he felt two slim arms encircle his waist. Pleased at shy Lucy's boldness, he was immediately not pleased to hear a voice that was definitely not hers say, "Wyatt Logan, have you been hiding from me all night?" Carefully but politely, he removed the arms from his person, and turned around to find Julie's college roommate, Gwen, standing way deep in his personal space. And, dammit, but his reflexes were slow tonight. He knew better than to ever be alone with the tall redhead, especially when she'd been drinking. She was pretty enough, in an obvious, artificial way. But that wasn't his style, and never had been.

As he was standing there trying to figure out how to get out of the situation, he saw Lucy in the doorway watching him and Gwen with an odd expression on her face. She quickly scooted in between the two of them, and sliding an arm around his waist, drawled, "There you are sweetheart, I was looking for you," and ignoring the other woman, leaned up to nuzzle the underside of his jaw. She breathed, "You need some help in here, cowboy?" and started slowly kissing her way up his neck. He shivered, and closing his eyes, whispered into her dark hair, "Name your price, woman, just get me away from this red-haired piranha." Aware that Gwen was still standing there, now openly glaring at the couple, Lucy reached up and pulled his head towards hers and brazenly claimed her reward, right there in the Baumgardners' kitchen, as Gwen slammed out the back door. And Lucy had to admit, Wyatt Logan was a man who absolutely kept his promises. (Payback indeed.)

It was starting to get late, and after running around the Baumgardners' yard all night, and making s'mores with Uncle Bam, Jamie and the girls had nodded off on sleeping bags in the front room at least an hour ago. The party had started winding down not too long after the kitchen incident. Julie had been highly amused at Gwen's sudden exit, but only grinned at Lucy when she and Wyatt came back outside, holding hands. Finally, all the guests but Wyatt, Lucy, and Jamie had gone home, and as Lucy and Julie hugged and exchanged phone numbers, Wyatt picked up his son, fist bumped Bam Bam and kissed Julie on the cheek, and they took their leave.

The ride back to Lucy's was quiet, but it was a comfortable silence. Wyatt reached over and took Lucy's hand in his, easily driving with the other hand. A quick look back confirmed that Jamie was sound asleep. Wyatt asked, "Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" Lucy squeezed his hand and assured him it had been a wonderful evening. "You and Julie seemed to take to each other right away," he noted. "I have learned that Julie Baumgardner is a force of nature," Lucy confessed. Wyatt chuckled at that. "Well, you can relax, because in spite of your doubts, I know you made a great impression on Bam Bam and Julie, not to mention you are apparently little Sadie's favorite new person," he teased. She said lightly, "I am very happy to pass the 'Baumgardner' test." Sitting at a red light, he leaned over and kissed her cheek, and said softly, "With flying colors." She turned her face slightly and gently pressed her lips to his.

All too soon, they were sitting in front of Lucy's place. She sat patiently, aware now that Wyatt would get out and open her door for her. She felt a faint sense of deja vu as they unknowingly repeated their actions of a week ago. Wyatt stood still, looking down at her with tender blue eyes, and she just couldn't resist. She reached up and putting a hand around his neck, gently coaxed Wyatt towards her, offering him her lips. And never one to disappoint a lady, he willingly obliged.

Sliding one hand through Lucy's soft, thick hair and the other around her slim waist, Wyatt tugged her close and lowered his mouth to hers. He quickly deepened the kiss, teasing her bottom lip with the tip of his tongue until she parted her lips. Lucy whimpered, pressing herself tightly against his chest. All too soon, they reluctantly eased apart, both breathing heavily. Lucy stroked the back of his neck, and then slowly pulled away, trailing her fingers down his chest. Wyatt took her hand and pressing a soft kiss to her palm, placed it over his pounding heart. "Feel what you do to me, Sweet Lucy," he whispered hoarsely.

Blushing, she briefly caressed his chest and murmured, "Good night, Wyatt," before stepping back, and with one last sweet smile, she went inside. Watching her walk away, Wyatt's heartbeat slowly calmed down. As he drove home, he marveled at the sense of contentment he felt. Not only because the evening had gone so well despite Lucy's worries, but judging by her eager response to his kisses, he was fairly confident that she was definitely not opposed to taking the next step.

A/N: Quick disclaimer - The fic rating is now a "T" starting with this chapter. This is the one I had really been looking forward to writing, and turned out to be the longest one yet. Hope y'all enjoy, and as always, thanks for all the great support and encouragement, I really appreciate it. Hope everyone has a great weekend :)