Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart."
Many thanks to my #Hearties BFF LisaNY for proofreading and being my second set of eyes. As always, your assistance is very much appreciated!
Chapter 5- Taking the First Step
Elizabeth wasn't certain why, but she felt safe, for the first time in as long as she could remember. She didn't think it was because he was a police officer, and there was an assumption that he could be trusted, although that was true. She didn't think that it was because they had friends in common and he felt obligated to be kind to her, although she also felt that was true. But even more so, she prayed that he didn't see her as helpless, another man who would come into her life, draw her in, only to eventually show his true colors, completely disappointing her in the end.
She thought back to her recent journal entry, and her promise to take her time; to learn from her mistakes, but most importantly not to allow her insecurities to have the power to ruin something which may prove to be amazing.
He stood before her, with his arm outstretched, asking for hers. The night was clear; the stars were abundant, and she saw no one else on the boardwalk but him. Elizabeth reached out her hand; the moment their skin touched, she relaxed... he held her hand firmly, yet gentle. Ironically, she felt warm, even as a shiver rushed over her body.
"Are you chilly?" He asked, realizing that she was only wearing a thin sleeveless blouse with no jacket.
"Oh no, I left my jacket in Landon's car," she replied as she rubbed her hands up and down her arms hoping to settle her goose bumps.
"Here," Jack took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"Thank you," she said as she snuggled in, inhaling deeply, and taking in the fragrance that was him, woodsy and musk.
They walked toward the pier, neither one spoke, but they both had the same thought… Should I let go of her hand…? Should I let go of his hand…?" The answer for both was a resounding "No."
Jack broke the silence, "There's a Starbuck's on the corner…would you like a cup of coffee?"
"Are they still open?" She asked, glancing down at her watch to see the time… "1:45am?"
"They're open 24 hours until sometime in October," he advised.
"I'd love a cup of coffee," she replied as he led her inside.
He'd taken the initiative to reach for her hand, now he didn't want to give it up. Would he have the courage to assume that she'd want to hold his hand again? He hated to let go, but with only two hands, and needing to reach into his pocket for his wallet, and carry the coffees to a table, he quickly realized that he'd have to.
He ordered two Grande house blends…his was black; hers was with four sugars and three pumps of caramel macchiato added. They walked to a table in the corner; before sitting, she removed his jacket and offered it back to him. "You keep it for now; you'll be chilly again when we leave," he offered.
"Thanks, I'll make sure you get it back," she replied.
"Do you want to talk about tonight?" He asked.
"There's not much to say…" she began. "Once again I've shown poor judgment. How can I trust myself when I've proven over and over again that I trust too easily? Do I have door mat written across my forehead?"
"You're trusting, that's true, but if you don't open yourself up, just think of what you could be missing…" he said as his warm smile encouraged her own.
"Why can't people be honest; just be who they are without hiding behind kindness that is not them?" She asked, turning her head to look out the window, trying to wipe the tears from her eyes before he had the opportunity to see them.
Too late, he was mesmerized by her, and had not taken his eyes off her since they'd taken their seats. "Not everyone is like that, Elizabeth. Some people are honest," he commented as he reached over and squeezed her hand gently.
He startled her; she started to pull her hand away, but looked up, and was quickly drawn in to the honesty in his eyes, and smile, and oh those dimples, she thought. She smiled nervously as her hand rested comfortably underneath his. "It's… uh it's late; I have a 9am riding lesson this morning. I guess that we should get home…Um I mean, you to your home, and me to my home, not us together going home…" She babbled.
He laughed softly, "I knew what you meant. Your chariot awaits ma'am…well, it awaits after we walk a few blocks back to Mahi-Mahs."
They finished their coffees and Elizabeth slipped his jacket on, zipping it up before they stepped outside.
He thought to himself how she looked beautiful in his clothing, and he knew that it would now smell like her, jasmine and orange blossom, and that's a really good thing, he thought.
"Are you sure you aren't cold?" She asked as they stepped out into the chilly beach air.
He took his chance; he found it hard to catch his breath as he reached over to take her hand again. His heart pounded; she didn't pull away, "No, I'm fine. You keep it."
As they approached the parking lot to Mahi-Mahs, Jack attempted to get Elizabeth to the truck unseen by the group of men heading to the boardwalk…
"Hey Jack…"
Oh no, he thought. He walked away from Elizabeth, hoping to keep them from approaching her. Although they were near the boardwalk, their voices were loud, and easily discernible.
"Is that her…?"
"Way to go, Jack…"
"We knew you could get her…"
"Shh, guys, stop being crude…" Jack attempted to squash the talk. Jack turned and seeing the concern on Elizabeth's face, he headed back to the truck.
"Hey Jack… see you Monday. Don't do anything we wouldn't do…"
"Hey, that doesn't leave much…" one voice was heard, but then several started laughing.
Marco jumped in, "Guys, knock it off, he really likes her."
Everything in her head told her that Jack was a nice guy; someone that she could trust. However, the comments made by his friends made her wonder if he was really someone who was simply there to toy with her emotions. Was she willing to take a chance?
As they drove out of the parking lot, Jack commented, "I'm sorry Elizabeth. They just thought they were being funny."
Elizabeth glanced over and smiled, but gave no response.
It took 30 minutes to reach Elizabeth's apartment complex. The radio was on, but they remained quiet. Jack was worried, thinking that his Brothers in Blue may have scared her away; hoping beyond hope that she didn't think of him as simply another guy out to get what he could before moving on.
Jack pulled up to her apartment building, and shut off the motor. As crazy as it felt, he didn't want this moment to end. He looked out the front windshield, thinking that if he looked into her eyes, he'd forget what he wanted to say, or would not say it right…
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry for what happened tonight; I mean the part that I wasn't involved in… I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to call me. I don't know, and maybe you haven't felt it, but I do think there is something here, between us, and we owe it to ourselves to figure it out…"
She was silent, and he was afraid to look over at her until he finished…
"I know that Rosemary and Lee will be back today some time, but would you have dinner with me tonight?" He asked; his voice wavering slightly.
Ah Choo… "Ouch I hit my head on the window," she stated as she reached up to rub the point of impact.
"Are you okay?" He asked, now unsure how much of his emotional outpouring she had heard.
"I'm sorry, Jack…"
Oh no, she's sorry…that's not a good thing…
"I didn't mean to fall asleep. Did I miss anything important?" She asked as she took off his jacket and handed it back to him.
"Nothing that won't keep until later," he reluctantly said as he exited the truck and walked around to open her door.
He's very polite…she thought as he walked her to her door...
He waited as she pulled her keys from her purse and unlocked the door.
As she stepped inside the doorway, she turned to face him, "Thank you again Jack for coming out to get me. I really do appreciate it."
"You're very welcome. I was out there anyway…" He said, trying to quickly reel in the last sentence.
"Oh okay, well, thanks anyway…please be safe on your way home," She stated as she leaned in, her lips brushing his cheek. Leaning back she added, "Would you please text me when you get home. I do feel partially responsible for you being out this late."
"I will…sleep well, Elizabeth…" His eyes met hers; his heart pounded and he had to remind himself to breathe. His mind was blank; his eyes dropped to her lips, so beautifully shaped, so soft, so perfect…
She spoke, drawing him out of his self imposed trance, "Thank you again, Jack…I guess my teachers were right when they told us growing up that if we ever needed help to seek out a police officer…I trust you Officer Thornton…"
He returned the smile, "Elizabeth, I hope you'll soon realize that you can also trust the man that wears this officer's uniform…"
She wanted to trust him; she already felt safe around him, but she had also thought that Charles and Landon could be trusted, and she knew now how wrong she was.
She walked inside and closed the door behind her. He stood outside until he heard the deadbolt engage, and feeling that she was safe for the night, he left.
She leaned her back up against the door, "Why did I do that?" she asked herself. "He drew me in, just like Charles and Landon. Okay, I didn't kiss Landon, and any kisses between Charles and I were on the cheek. Wait, just like the kiss I gave Jack. That's a friend kiss…yes, just a friend kiss. It doesn't mean anything…but why did I do it? I'm not sorry; I guess that means something…doesn't it?"
He sat in his truck for a moment chastising himself for the stupid comment he made… I was out there anyway… seriously Jack? What were you thinking? I know, I get around her and I don't think!
Elizabeth went to her room, changed into her shorts and tank top, and sat on the side of her bed. Looking off in the distance, she thought about the ride home; embarrassed that she'd pretended to be asleep… "I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to call me. I don't know, and maybe you haven't felt it, but I do think there is something here, between us, and we owe it to ourselves to figure it out…" He is interested, but can I trust my judgment? I was wrong about Charles and Landon. Is Jack just like the others? Could I be wrong about him too? I like him being around, but I'm scared…
She pulled her covers back and slid into bed. Reaching her hand under her pillow, she found her old faithful, her true confidant… her journal. Pulling it out, she read through some of her prior entries…
"Charles and I had a long talk this evening and many things were resolved. We're friends, so I shouldn't be embarrassed, but I am… I think of him as a brother, nothing more, but others have told me to be careful…like there's something more. But allowing others to enter my thoughts, suggesting that his true feelings are not what he claims led me to confront him. He has never been anything but sweet to me, so I do trust him completely when he says he wants nothing more from me than friendship. Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for men and women to be friends…nothing more, with nothing expected. I am one lucky girl to have him in my life. I feel so safe and protected, knowing that he won't let anyone in to hurt me…" Boy, was I way off on that one. But in my defense, I wrote this while in college, and I had no idea what I wanted in a relationship at that time, and the "not letting anyone in part," he certainly saw to it that I didn't have any dates. I thought there was something wrong with me… I'm still not sure there isn't!
She flipped forward in her journal
"I see my life passing before me, fast forward, needing to slow down, but can't. I want so much out of life, and waiting for things to happen is not a comfortable option. Patience is a virtue, I understand, but sitting back, watching, knowing that my future is uncertain, is difficult. My career path was easy…waiting to see it materialize is excruciatingly painful…" I remember writing that just before graduation… things worked out, and I found a wonderful job.
She flipped ahead in her journal to the next blank page and began to write…
"Learning from mistakes is a necessity of life. Understanding that a mistake is not always a 'what,' but a 'who,' forces us to delve deep inside, searching for that insecurity within our self that allowed them in to begin with. The saddest part is realizing that some mistakes cannot be erased, and the impact they make will remain with us forever. Placing trust where it truly does not belong opens our heart to a hurt like none other. It forces us to question our ability to judge for ourselves, knowing that people are capable of hiding their true agendas, only allowing us to see that which they choose…"
Fifteen minutes later Elizabeth heard the text alert on her phone. She picked it up from the table and smiled…"I'm home. I'm sorry that you were stranded, but I'm glad that you felt comfortable enough to call me. Please forgive my stupid comment about already being at the beach. Truth is I would have come and gotten you no matter where you had been. Sleep well…"
Elizabeth sat her phone down on the table… she picked up her journal to finish her last entry…
"Learning from mistakes is a necessity of life. Understanding that a mistake is not always a 'what,' but a 'who,' forces us to delve deep inside, searching for that insecurity within our self that allowed them in to begin with. The saddest part is realizing that some mistakes cannot be erased, and the impact they make will remain with us forever. Placing trust where it truly does not belong opens our heart to a hurt like none other. It forces us to question our ability to judge for ourselves, knowing that people are capable of hiding their true agendas, only allowing us to see that which they choose… Is it worth continuing the search and opening up our heart to further hurt? I'm not so sure, but I'd like to think so…"
Glancing at the clock, Elizabeth realized that she would need to be up and headed for the barn in four hours. Every time she closed her eyes, the vision of the party, and her inattentive date flooded her. Sleep was not coming easily.
She peeked at the clock one last time…4:15 am. She closed her eyes, but this time she wasn't angry or humiliated. She saw Jack's hand reach out to her; taking it she felt warm, her breathing calmed and she fell asleep.
Jack had his own difficulties falling asleep. Every time he closed his eyes he saw her. He didn't ever remember feeling this way about a woman so quickly. Something about her completely drew his in; he felt like a little boy with his first real crush, and he loved the feeling. He knew she had been hurt before; she had trust issues with men, and he didn't want to rush her. He did, however, hope that with time she would be able to tell that he was honest; he was a friend to a fault, and he would never intentionally hurt her.
Before she knew it, the alarm clock was screaming… 7:45 am. She was tired, but going to the barn and spending time with her horse always seemed to energize her. Only this morning she wasn't excited; she and Landon were both scheduled to ride at 9am, and she wasn't looking forward to having contact with him.
Elizabeth jumped into her VW and made the short trip to the barn. Pulling into the driveway at Breckenridge Manor, she perused the parking lot… no BMW… "Good," and she breathed a sigh of relief.
Elizabeth opened her trunk and pulled out her saddle and bridle. Unfortunately with all of her good intentions, she had neglected cleaning them yesterday following her lesson. She intended to do so once she returned home, but one thing led to another, and before she knew it, Landon was at her door. She rested the saddle on the railing outside her stall and began cleaning it, careful not to use any oil before her lesson…
"Good morning…"
"Jack, good morning… What are you doing up so early?" She was surprised but her delight at seeing him was ever present in the smile that graced her face.
He handed her a cup of coffee, "Starbuck's House Blend…four sugars, and three pumps of Caramel Macchiato, right?"
"WOW, you remembered, I'm impressed," she stated as she took the cup, her hand momentarily lingering on his.
"Impressed…hmm, that was what I was going for," he remarked. He thought, "Remember? I remember everything about last night, from the way the moonlight brought out the flecks of color in your eyes, and the feel of your soft hand in mine to how beautiful you looked wearing my jacket…"
"Yes, I'm impressed… Most men don't usually make a mental note of such things," she remarked.
Jack took the sponge from her hand and started cleaning her saddle, "Well, you will find out that I'm not like most men."
"Do you have time to stick around and watch? I need to get over the nerves of people ringside watching. I understand the Commonwealth Classic brings in a lot of spectators," she mentioned.
"I would love to watch you…oh and your horse," he responded.
"Good morning Elizabeth… and aren't you both up early this morning," barn manager, Stacy Freeman commented.
"Didn't you go with Landon to Heather's party last night?" Stacy asked.
"Um, I did… Stacy this is Jack Thornton. His good friend is dating my good friend…" Elizabeth responded.
"Hello Jack, nice to meet you officially. I mean, I've seen you around, but we hadn't had the pleasure of an introduction," Stacy stated as she reached out and shook his hand. "Speaking of Landon, he's coming in to ride later this afternoon. Do you know if he was sick last night? He called and said that he couldn't get out of bed," Stacy advised.
Elizabeth pursed her lips, raised her eyebrows and shrugged her shoulders… Sick? He's sick alright… she thought.
"George is out in the ring waiting on you. Looks like you will get his undivided attention this morning since Landon is out. Make good use of this time; he's the best trainer around!" Stacy remarked.
"I know we're fortunate to have him. Thanks Stacy, I'll be right out…" Elizabeth stated as she sat her coffee on the railing, grabbed her bridle, used it to pull Bugsy from the stall, and finished tacking him up in the aisle way.
Elizabeth felt rushed; it was actually only 8:45, she had fifteen minutes before her scheduled lesson, and she wanted to spend them with Jack. Slightly disappointed, she finished most of her coffee, and started for the ring.
"Talk to you later?" She asked.
"Sure, I'll be around…" he replied. I'll be around? Jack, that's a stupid response…he thought.
Elizabeth stopped and turned back to Jack, "Would you do me a favor…?"
"Anything," he replied.
"Thanks for the coffee, but now I have to go to the little girl's room..." she giggled softly. "Would you hold Bugs for me?"
"Sure," he stated as he took the reins from her, watching her head for the tack room. "The view in front is gorgeous," he thoughtbut his eyes showed that the view from behind was also very much to his liking as well.
Jack wasn't paying attention when several of Elizabeth's barn friends approached…
"That's sweet; Elizabeth has a barn boy helping her…" Miranda remarked.
"Excuse me?" Jack responded.
"That's what money will get you…" Tammy replied, both girls giggling as they walked off.
Elizabeth rushed out of the tack room, "Thank you Jack."
"Uh, I have some things to do, so maybe I'll see you later …" Jack remarked.
"Is something wrong, Jack," Elizabeth asked, recognizing that he seemed different, like he couldn't get away from her fast enough.
"I'm fine, just have some things to take care of," he said as he handed Elizabeth the reins, and started for his truck.
Elizabeth and Bugsy headed for the ring as she watched Jack pull out of the driveway.
"She's rich? How did I not know that?" He thought.
"When will you be back in town?"Jack sent a text to Lee.
"Leaving in a few hours. Be home later this evening…is something up?" Lee responded.
"No, just want to talk," Jack replied.
"About what…?"
"Nothing in particular…"
"Right, what's going on?"
"Nothing, just need to talk to you…"
"Who is she, Jack…?"
"Who is who…?"
"The woman you need to talk to me about…"
"Why do you think it's about a woman…?"
"Because I know you. We've dealt with stuff before and you never needed to talk… So, who is she…?"
"Elizabeth…"
"ELIZABETH?"
"Stop it…don't yell at me, but hurry home…"
"What's wrong? Is Elizabeth okay…?"
"She's fine, but why didn't you tell me that she was rich…?"
"Is that important…?"
"Maybe…"
"Why…?"
"I don't know…"
"Do you like her…?"
"Yes… but she's rich…"
"Yes, but did you like her before you found out she had money…?"
"Yes…"
"Then why does it matter…?"
"Well, when you put it that way, it doesn't. Talk later; I need to go see a woman about a horse…!"
To be continued…
