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."

Thank you to my Hearties BFF LisaNY for your thoughts, and suggestions. I appreciate all of your help.

Steam Alert…Just a slight one, but I thought I'd give you a warning…

Chapter 8- To Tell the Truth

Elizabeth stretched out in bed; she closed her eyes, and prayed that sleep would not completely evade her, although she had to admit that she was losing hope. Her mind was racing, and all of her thoughts centered on Jack. She had felt betrayed by Charles, and Landon turned out to be another jock, stuck on himself, neither of which appealed to her. She liked Jack; she didn't know why, especially since she didn't know enough about him to make any judgments.

She knew Lee; they'd met when he started dating Rosie months ago. They'd had serious talks before; he knew that she didn't sleep around, and certainly he'd already informed Jack of that fact. "If that's what he's after, he needs to look elsewhere," she thought.

Although she hadn't dated a great deal, thanks Charles, she had listened to her girlfriends talk, and was well aware that most men start pushing the sexual limits after only a few dates. Although Elizabeth was appreciative that Jack had treated her like a lady, she suddenly thought, "Jack and I have been out alone together several times, and the only thing he's done is kiss me, but kissing him is really nice. There must be something wrong with me…he hasn't tried anything else." She exhaled sharply and smiled, "But I do like kissing him."

Elizabeth closed her eyes while visions of Jack danced in her head, and before long she was sound asleep.

It was Sunday morning, but still dark outside when Rosemary cautiously opened her bedroom door, and stepped out into the hallway. She recalled Jack sleeping on the sofa when she returned home, and Elizabeth, she presumed, was in her room. She quietly headed for the kitchen…

"Good morning, Rosie. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to sleep over. I'll get going…" Jack sat up rubbing his eyes, hoping to awaken them fully.

"That's okay Jack. It's so early; I didn't mean to wake you. Go on back to sleep. You can go home in the morning," she suggested.

"Technically it is morning," he advised as he glanced at the clock on the wall, 4:00am.

"Is Elizabeth okay?" She asked as she stopped and took a seat across from him.

"I think she's fine. You weren't home, and I just didn't want to leave her alone. It was a pretty emotional day for her," he replied as he brushed down his hair with his hand.

Suddenly the realization of what occurred less than one day ago weighed heavily upon her. Rosie exhaled, "Emotionally hard for all of us."

He looked up; her eyes were sad as he watched her wipe a tear that rolled down her cheek.

"Rosie, she's okay… It'll be okay," Jack said softly, trying his best not to waken Elizabeth.

Rosemary fiddled with a Kleenex she'd removed from its holder, "Jack, I know we don't know each other well, but Elizabeth is a good friend of mine, and I…"

Jack jumped in, "You aren't sure about me yet…"

Rosie looked down the hall toward Elizabeth's bedroom, "I know that Lee thinks the world of you, and I have to say, I like what I've seen so far. But Jack, she's special, and I want to make sure you aren't playing games with her."

"I don't like games, Rosie. As for how I feel about Elizabeth, I think I should talk to her first, don't you?" He asked.

She continued, "I just don't want you to hurt her. I think you're a good guy, Jack, but please…"

His eyes lit up as the corners of his mouth turned, showing his dimpled cheeks, "I care about her, Rosie. I won't hurt her."

Rosie stood up and walked to her purse, returning with a piece of paper. "This is the number to my extra phone. I only carry it when I'm out of town, so Elizabeth can use it until hers is replaced."

He took the paper and placed it in his pocket. He stood and tucked in his shirt, "I'll get out of your hair. Sorry if I scared you when you came in."

"Jack don't be silly. Go back to sleep. You can go home when it gets light," she suggested as she bypassed the kitchen and headed back to her room.

Several hours later, Elizabeth came down the hall and found Jack still sleeping on the sofa. She glanced up at the clock on the wall, 6:12 am. She repositioned the blanket, hoping to keep him from catching a chill. Before she could straighten her body, she felt his hand on her arm, pulling her over the back side of the sofa. Caught off guard, she laughed nervously…

"Jack," she whispered, "What are you doing?"

"Exactly what I've wanted to do since you left me last night," his voice was so gentle, and she could feel her skin begin to tingle from his touch.

He took her upper arms and gently pulled her down to him, closer…closer still, as his lips gently brushed across her ear; his warm breath was like the softest whisper, sending a shiver through her entire body, causing her to tremble.

"Do you want me to stop?" He whispered.

She said nothing… her body said it all. She closed her eyes, and parted her lips slightly as she found herself surrendering to him.

He cradled her face just below her ears and tenderly caressed her cheeks, "Should I stop now?" He asked, giving her every opportunity to shut him down.

She still didn't respond, as her pulse quickened with equal amounts of excitement and trepidation.

He pressed his lips to her temple, "Elizabeth, should I stop?" he softly spoke.

Her eyes remained closed; the soft warmth of his voice melted her, as the moan that escaped her lips told him to continue.

His tongue traced the line of her cheek toward her perfectly shaped lips, "Do you want me to stop now?" He felt a fire building within his body, weakening parts of him, while strengthening others.

She worried about Rosie catching them, but even that possibility didn't make her tell him to stop…

His hand behind her head pulled her closer. "Elizabeth," he breathlessly whispered her name, so soft and gentle; it felt as though he was caressing her soul.

Elizabeth felt his warm breath as his lips brushed her neck. Her skin tingled at his gentle touch. His head lifted slightly as he nibbled on her ear lobe, sounds of satisfaction slipping from her lips.

There was no way that she could have any idea how she affected him; how her gaze could cause him to lose control, and clear his mind of any rational thought. He wanted her; he needed her, but it was evident to him that she needed him just as much…

She felt his warm fingers as they slipped under her camisole. His touch was so strong, yet tender; bold, yet gentle, and reckless, yet discreet. And regrets… she had none!

Her lips mesmerized him, so soft and inviting. He wanted to touch them, taste them, feel them on his skin, "Elizabeth, if we don't stop now, we won't…"

She took a deep breath; her head told her to let logic rule, not emotions. She knew they needed to stop. Jack gave her every opportunity to stop, but she didn't want to. She could feel his gaze moving over her as tangible as the early morning sunlight. Her bottom lip trembled slightly, drawing his attention, begging for his touch.

His lips brushed hers; not innocently like a tease, but like the devil himself, hot, demanding, possessing. His kiss was like the forbidden cookie jar; she wasn't supposed to reach in, but she did.

As they separated slightly, there was that moment of anticipation, like the time between a lightning bolt and a clap of thunder. Their lips touched again. It was cool and warm at the same time. He quickly noticed that she did much more than not stop him; she had kissed him back.

She was surprised at her desire for him as they rolled off the sofa and into the floor, still wrapped up in each other…

*Knock, knock, knock…

"Elizabeth, are you okay?" Rosemary called out as she rushed into the bedroom to find Elizabeth on the floor wrapped up in her blanket.

Flushed, Elizabeth looked up, "I'm okay; I'm not sure what happened. I guess I had a dream."

"Looks more like a nightmare," Rosemary remarked as she helped unwrap Elizabeth from her blanket...

"Nightmare…? 'Not from where I sit," Elizabeth thought. "Stop it, Elizabeth. You and Jack are far from that; that is if you ever get there."

Rosemary walked toward the door, but quickly turned around, "You aren't getting rid of me that easily. Hurry up and get out here. I have coffee ready, and I want to know what happened with you and Jack."

"Shh, you're going to wake him," Elizabeth walked over to close her bedroom door...

"He's gone, but this note was sitting on the den table. I think it's for you," Rosie stated as she handed her an envelope.

"What gave it away, Rosie…could it be that the envelope is addressed to me?" Elizabeth ripped it open…

"Elizabeth,

Sorry I fell asleep; I didn't intend to. I left early to go home to shower and change for church, and I didn't want to wake you. I'll call before I leave the house; if you'd like to go to church with me, I'll be glad to come by and pick you up… Please say yes!

Jack"

"Okay, okay…blah, blah, blah, what happened last night?"Rosemary pushed.

Elizabeth folded the note and slipped it back into the envelope, "Nothing happened."

"Well, when we came in and I saw him asleep on the sofa, I figured you didn't sleep with him, but he was still here."

"Sleep with him? Are you serious?" Elizabeth gasped. Could she possibly be in my head? "We've known each other for what…a few weeks, at the most. You know my issues with relationships, Rosie. Jack and I are friends for now." Apparently I need to tell myself that as well.

"Yes, but you do like Jack. I can tell; it's different than what you felt for Landon, and especially Charles," Rosemary reminded her.

Elizabeth slipped out the door and headed for the kitchen, "I need coffee."

"I made some. I'll sit and have a cup with you," Rosemary replied as she followed Elizabeth down the hall. "Hey, Lee is coming back to get me at 9 for church. Do you want to ride with us?"

"I'm keeping my options open, so we'll see," Elizabeth laughed softly.

"Options? What options?" Rosemary asked.

Elizabeth poured two cups of coffee. She added sugar and creamer to hers before taking a seat, "Jack is calling before he leaves his place. I may ride with him."

"How did everything go at the police station?" Rosemary asked as she took a sip from her cup.

"Rosie, he scares me," she confided.

"What do you mean? Did he do something to you?" She asked, gripping her spoon tightly.

Seeing the look of concern, Elizabeth blurted out, "Oh no…he's been nothing but a gentleman. I think I like him more than I should." Elizabeth stared into the arrangement on the table; looking back at Rosie, she stated, "He seems to really like me…not what he perceives that I can do for him, but just me. I've been a mess and he's still around. Do you think he's different than the others?"

Rosie smiled, "He cares about you, I'm certain of that. Is he different from the others? I can't answer that, but I do believe that you'll be sorry if you don't give him a chance."

Elizabeth smiled as she raised her coffee cup to her lips.

"Did having Jack with you at the police station help?" Rosie asked.

Elizabeth suddenly thought of the two families now missing members as her eyes watered, "Yes, he was a big help. His sergeant wouldn't let him in with me, but just knowing he was waiting for me gave me some peace," Elizabeth confided.

"You like him; I knew it. You two make such a cute couple," Rosie giggled as she refilled her cup of coffee. "Want a refill?" She asked.

"No, I'm fine. One cup is my limit," Elizabeth replied as she placed her hand over the top of her cup.

"So, what happened at the police station? Did you find out anything about the accident? Are you in trouble?" Rosie's questions seemed endless.

"Jack's sergeant wouldn't let him in with me, but it wasn't as frightening as I thought it would be. Jack said he'd wait for me, and he was true to his word," Elizabeth responded.

She looked up and smiled, "After I finished, he took me on a walk along the boardwalk. It was a beautiful night but odd, because there were only a few people out. Really surprised me, but it was so romantic," Elizabeth stated as a smile covered her face.

"Did he kiss you?" She asked.

Elizabeth looked up and smiled, "That's private, but I will tell you that he likes peppermints."

Rosemary laughed, "Give him a chance, Elizabeth."

"I do enjoy spending time with him; more than I thought I would," her cheeks quickly reddened. "I think he's different from most of the men I've met, but I've been burned before. It's hard to let yourself trust again," she explained.

"You don't need to rush, but don't stall either. Just remember, guys nowadays don't stay around too long without trying to 'hit it' if you know what I mean," Rosie laughed at the shocked look on Elizabeth's face.

"Is that the way Lee is with you?" She asked.

"Lee's different…"

"I'm not looking for someone who simply wants to 'hit it' as you say. So, if that's truly how Jack is, he can "hit it" someplace else. That's not what I'm after," Elizabeth stated coldly as she placed her cup in the sink and headed out of the kitchen.

"Wait…what happened? The accident, do they know what happened?"

"Looks like it may have been a hit and run. I can't imagine that someone would run a car off the road and just keep going. Who could do something like that?" She asked, knowing that she had no answer.

"That's horrible. Do they have any ideas?"

"They didn't say, but I don't know if they'd tell me anyway…it's probably all confidential. I don't even know if Jack would tell me," Elizabeth pondered.

"Are you in trouble?"

"No, I should have called the police when I noticed it was gone, but since they weren't doing anything to draw attention to themselves, the sergeant doubted that it would have made any difference in the outcome," Elizabeth explained.

Elizabeth continued to her room, "I have to get dressed for church. We can talk later."

Jack had been home for a few hours. He texted her before slipping into the shower, and immediately checked his phone before drying off. He dressed and then sat nervously awaiting her response.

Twenty minutes later, "Elizabeth, Jack sent you a text…"

"How, I don't have a phone…"

"I gave him the number to my travel phone…here," Rosie handed her the phone. "Use this until you get yours replaced."

Elizabeth smiled as she read the text…
"Would like to spend the day with you…church? Lunch? Whatever you'd like to do… I'd love to put a smile on your beautiful face, because you've already put one on mine!"

Jack picked his phone up from the table, and re-read the text, "Am I coming on too strong? Surely she has to know I'm interested…Answer back… why is she not answering back?" He yelled at the phone as he dropped it down on the sofa cushion beside him, only to pick it up immediately to check for incoming texts… "Still none," he huffed.

Pretending that he may have missed her return text, or he simply hadn't checked, he dialed the number Rosie gave him…

The ring was loud and startled Elizabeth…

"Oh, Good morning, Jack." She appeared nonchalant as she carried the phone to her room while Rosie strained to listen.

"I just got your text, and I'd like to spend time with you today. Okay, I'll we waiting out front," she stated as she set the phone down on the table. "He'll be here in ten minutes; I need to hurry up…" Elizabeth dropped the phone into her purse and headed for her room.

When she emerged, she was wearing a dark blue skirt with a beautiful, crème colored, soft, short sleeved sweater. It was a little too modest for Rosie's liking…

"Wear this instead," Rosie suggested.

"Why? There isn't anything wrong with what I have on," Elizabeth argued.

"Maybe not, but this is more flattering to your figure," Rosie stated as she helped her switch tops.

"I'm not wearing this," Elizabeth remarked. The sweater was form fitting and showed much more cleavage than Elizabeth would have ever considered appropriate for church. "I don't even show this much during my yearly physical."

"Just thought you'd like to keep Jack looking at you this morning," Rosie said as she reluctantly took the garment from Elizabeth's hand, and watched her pull her original creme sweater over her head.

"Rosie, I appreciate the suggestion, but that isn't me. I can't be something I'm not, and showing that much of myself, for whatever reason, isn't me. I'm much more comfortable in this," Elizabeth looked in the mirror, smoothed her clothes, checked her hair and then headed for the door.

"Have fun, we'll see you there," Rosie announced.

"Good morning, Anthony. How are you doing?" Elizabeth asked as she passed her neighbor in the courtyard on her way to the parking lot.

His eyes casually looked her up and down, "My Elizabeth, you look absolutely beautiful today."

"Thank you very much. I needed to hear that this morning," she remarked.

They exited the courtyard and through a hallway to the parking lot. He noticed her stop on the sidewalk as he continued to his car.

"Do you need a ride somewhere?" Anthony asked just as Jack pulled up.

Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you Anthony, but my ride has arrived. I do appreciate the offer though."

Jack wasn't certain who this man was, but he jumped out of his truck, and ran around to open her door…

"You look beautiful this morning…"

"See Elizabeth," Anthony yelled out… "I told you."

Jack looked confused, but waited until she was settled in the truck and he was back inside before saying anything…

"Who was that, and what did he mean?" Jack asked as he kept the truck in park awaiting her response.

"Who Anthony…? He lives around the corner from me," Elizabeth answered.

"But what did he mean?" Jack asked again.

"Oh that…he just told me that I looked beautiful this morning," she said appreciatively.

"We certainly agree on that point," Jack smiled as he pulled out of the parking lot and headed for church.

He pulled his truck into the parking lot. As he opened the door for Elizabeth, he stuck out his hand, and she gladly accepted. "You are beautiful. Thanks for coming with me," he stated.

"Thank you; and thank you for asking…"

They walked inside, and took their seat. Jack glanced at the church bulletin, thankful that he was familiar with the hymns that were scheduled to be sung. He observed the title of the sermon, "Take it slow, and get to know…" He exhaled hard, "Oh man, do these messages always have to be directed toward me?"

The pastor took the podium, "Good morning. What a beautiful day God has presented to us. Please turn to your neighbors and welcome them…"

As the congregation returned to their seats, the pastor began…
"The sermon this morning is not only for those of you in dating relationships, but married couples as well. The Bible does command us to marry in the Lord, that is, to marry other Christians. There appears to be a feeling of desperation amongst the younger crowd, many assuming that since he, or she comes to church a few times a month, that they are definitely Christians. The fact is, they can come to church every time the doors are open, and not truly be a Christian. Does he or she have a strong willingness to grow in the understanding of the Lord?

Secondly, are you moving too fast? I'll be careful in this area, and probably should say instead, 'What is driving the speed?' Is it mere physical attraction? If so, the answer would be a resounding 'Yes.' Have you watched them; marveled at their character, and what God has done in them and through them? If the catalyst for the speed isn't a flurry of emotions, the fear of loneliness, or a feeling of desperation, like this may be your last shot, then the answer would be an equally resounding 'No.'"

The pastor went through several points, causing both Elizabeth and Jack moments of uneasiness…

I wonder what he's thinking…

I wonder what she's thinking…

The pastor continued…
"And lastly, what has technology contributed to the way men and women date today? If we are speaking about a man and woman who are actively dating, have defined their relationship, are committed to each other, then this form of technology opens another avenue of communication, allowing them to connect more frequently. I find this to be very positive."

He continued, "However, if a person has not discussed their desire to pursue another, the ability to tweet or text to someone's wall allows you the ability to flirt and tease without either one acknowledging what exactly the relationship means. It places the importance on technology and takes away the consequences and responsibility for dealing face to face. Therefore, technology is wonderful, when used properly.

"So, when we talk about time, and finding that Christian love, it could actually be a matter of weeks or as lengthy as years. However, once you find the one that lights the candle in your heart; the one who eagerly serves the Lord, and the one who will encourage you to grow, I say that your time has come."

Elizabeth thought back to this morning, and the dream she'd had. She pulled out the bulletin and began to fan herself, "It's warm in here, isn't it?"

Jack too found it warm as he thought back to last night, and the kiss they'd shared on the boardwalk. He closed his eyes; he remembered the softness of her lips, the way they fit perfectly with his, and how they tasted like strawberries. Before he knew it, he was also fanning himself with his bulletin. "This piece of paper serves many purposes," he thought.

With the service completed and the congregation standing to leave, Rosie leaned in and stated, "Lee and I are going to lunch. Do you guys want to come with us?"

"No thanks, we have plans," Jack answered quickly. He looked back and smiled at Elizabeth, which she reciprocated.

Jack took Elizabeth's hand to lead her through the crowd; their fingers intertwined, and he gave her a gentle squeeze. Once outside, they said their goodbyes to Rosie and Lee and headed for his truck.

While heading to lunch, they made small talk, neither one mentioning the sermon. The topics were light, and required neither of them to expose their emotions for dissecting.

Jack pulled into Towne Center, and parked his truck outside Taste Unlimited. Elizabeth started to get out…

"I'm just picking up the food. We're going someplace else to eat, if that's okay…" He stated hesitantly.

"You have me intrigued, Jack Thornton. Do you want me to wait here?" She asked.

"Yes, you wait here, and I'll be right back," he jumped out of the truck and ran inside.

"Yes sir, may I help you?" The girl behind the counter inquired.

"Yes ma'am, my name is Jack Thornton, and I placed an order for a picnic lunch," he advised.

"Yes sir, I have it right here. The wine is in the cooler against the wall. Please pick the bottle you'd like, and I can put it in this bag to keep it chilled," she suggested.

Jack walked over and perused the wine cooler, selecting a bottle of Muscato. He picked up two wine glasses, cheeses, olives, fruit and dessert along with their prepared lunches.

Elizabeth smiled as she observed the picnic basket in his hand. His eyes met hers when he opened her door, and sat it in her lap. His heart was pounding as he observed her casually looking from his eyes to his lips and back again.

"If you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to want to kiss you," he stated with a smirk, awaiting her response.

"I'm not stopping you," she whispered.

He leaned in and just before their lips touched…

*BEEP, BEEP…

Jack jumped back, startled by the loud noise, "Sorry, I'm moving." He closed Elizabeth's door, jumped in and drove off.

Elizabeth glanced in Jack's direction and smiled at his embarrassment, "He seems genuine," she thought. "I can't help it…I do like him; I want to trust him; I want to believe that he's worth the risk." She hoped she would know soon.

Jack drove down to Croatan and pulled into the driveway of a house that sat on the water.

"Where are we?" She asked.

"It belongs to the family of a friend of mine. I use their driveway when I come down here to think," he explained as he opened her door, took her hand and the picnic basket and they headed for the water.

"Do you come here to think a lot?" She asked.

Jack led her down a path and over a sand dune, "Occasionally I'll come down here when I get off work, or when I just have something on my mind. It's peaceful here; the salt air and the quiet tend to put everything in perspective."

Elizabeth had been to Virginia Beach many times, but had never ventured onto this private area. Jack spread out a blanket and sat the picnic basket on top. "Would you like to go for a walk, or sit and talk?

"I'd like to sit and talk," she smiled as he took her hand and helped her down.

Jack pulled out a plate and placed the cheese, olives and fruit on top. He poured two glasses of wine and handed her one… "To new beginnings…" he leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers.

Elizabeth smiled as she clinked her glass to his… "To new beginnings."

"Elizabeth, the pastor talked about being clear with our intentions, not hiding behind texts, and taking our time…well, that and other things. I know we haven't known each other for a long time, but I want to be clear with you…"

"Is something wrong, Jack?" She asked, a look of concern covered her face.

"Elizabeth, I think you've probably already realized, but I'm very interested in you. I want to sit with you and talk, I mean, really talk, and get to know you." Jack swallowed hard, "Or as the pastor mentioned, I'm pursuing you. Is that okay?"

Elizabeth laughed softly, "I'd be lying if I said that I didn't feel the same way, because I am interested Jack. I'd like to get to know you better too."

"I have a suggestion… I ask you five questions, and you have to answer all of them truthfully," he proffered.

"I can do that…"

"Hmm, this could be fun," he smiled brightly; his dimples appeared as his entire face showed the amusement of the moment.

"But Jack…"

"Yes…"

"I'd suggest that you temper your questions with caution. Remember, I also have five questions that I can ask you, and you must answer them truthfully as well," she reminded him.

"Oh right, duly noted…"

Jack lay back on the blanket looking at the sky as he thought carefully about the questions he wanted to ask… he raised up on his side, resting on his elbow, "Okay, Question #1… What have your past relationships taught you?"

"WOW, you aren't starting out with 'what's your favorite color?' or 'what was your first pet's name?' Something like that?" She laughed softly as she shook her head.

"No, those are important too, but I want to get to know you on a deeper level," he smiled; his dimples caused her to lose her train of thought.

"What was the question again…? I'm just joking…" she laughed.

"And wasting time…"

She thought for a moment, "Are you referring to any kind of relationship or strictly romantic ones?" She asked.

"How many romantic relationships have you had?" He asked.

"Jack, that's a separate question…"

"This isn't as easy as it looks. There are so many things I want to know about you," he scooted over closer to her on the blanket.

"Okay, I'll give you this one…" Elizabeth conceded. "I dated in high school, and college, but Charles and I were always together, and I think most people thought we were involved. I cared about Charles, I really did; it seemed natural to love him. We'd known each other almost our entire lives, but I never saw him as anything but my brother. I miss that relationship with him…well, with the Charles I used to know."

Jack smiled, letting her know that he understood.

"Okay, back to your original Question #1…I think I'd have to say that the most important thing I've learned in relationships is to never lose myself to the other person."

She's vulnerable…He cocked his head to the side, and furrowed his brow, "Do you feel that's happened before?"

"Is that question #2?" She asked.

"No, scratch that. I don't want questions with 'yes' and 'no' answers. Hmm, Question #2… If you could travel through time, would you go to the past or the future, oh and why? That's a two-parter…"

"Gosh, I think I'd have to say that I'd go to the past. I'd love to meet my great grandparents and others that I only know from pictures. Besides, I think it would be a wonderful thing to possibly correct something in the past that would have an impact on the future." she advised as a far off look told him that she was thinking of recent events, and the guilt she carried.

She's family oriented… Jack quickly asked a light question, hoping to put a smile on her face again, "Okay, Question #3… What's your fondest childhood memory…?"

"That's a hard one. I have so many wonderful memories, but I'd have to say the Christmas when I was nine years old. That year, I got a pony from Santa," she looked up at him and blushed. "No, I still didn't believe in Santa at that age. I woke up and we all went down the hall as usual, and Daddy asked me to get something from the garage. I opened the door, and there was a pony standing amongst the dogs. I nearly passed out. Although I was really excited, 'Buster' turned out to be thirty years old, and suffering from arthritis. We ended up giving him to a family with a bunch of kids, and they just loved on him for the rest of his days."

"So, you've loved animals almost all your life?" He asked, trying to sneak an additional question in.

She looked out into the water and suddenly looked sad. He sat up and wiped a tear that slipped down her cheek. Great Jack, bring up another sad subject…smart move!

"I'm sorry Elizabeth; what's wrong?" He asked.

"It's nothing; well nothing that anyone can help with…"

"Tell me about it," he reached over and took her hand, gently rubbing her skin with his thumb.

"It's silly. I mean, most people say 'they're just animals.' Not to me they aren't; they're family. I had a dog, a black Lab that I loved with my whole heart. When she passed away, I felt lost. My sisters, well Viola mostly, teased me because I'd cry so easily; I couldn't help it, I still can't," she wiped her eyes, feeling somewhat vulnerable. She inhaled and released a cleansing breath.

"Go ahead, I still have to answer two more questions for you…" she mentioned.

"Okay, Question #4… If you could have one super power, what would it be, and what would you use it for first?" Jack asked as he reached over and took a sip from his wine glass.

As she thought, he placed a strawberry to her lips… "Brain food. It'll help you think."

Elizabeth opened her mouth as he slipped the strawberry inside. His fingers lingered on her lips as she bit down gently, separating the strawberry from its cap. "Okay, I think that I would have a powerful green thumb that could immediately grow a field of vegetables, and fruit. I could harvest the food and provide it to those who have none.

"Okay, for Question #5… How old were you when you had your first kiss?" He slipped over, his close proximity causing Elizabeth to lose her train of thought.

She looked around and smiled…

"I guess it was a good one?" He asked.

"His name was Jonathan Parker, and I was five years old…"

"Five years old?"

"Yes, he was such a sweet boy…"

"Five years old?"

"He was my first boyfriend. He lived behind us, and would come over and play all the time. Most days he would fall asleep with me in the afternoon, and his brother would come over and get him for dinner…"

"Five years old?"

"Are you having a problem with this one, Jack? How old were you?" She asked.

"Is that your Question #1?" He smiled, now a bit nervous as to the content of her questions.

"Wait, I gave you a pre-question…don't I get one too?"

"Okay, I'll give this one to you… I was twelve, and I kissed Amanda Fisher. She was fourteen, and took it upon herself to teach me how to kiss," he explained.

She taught you well…thank you Amanda Fisher."Oh, I see," she felt herself blush.

"Okay, my official Question #1…What are the three most important things you've learned about women?"

"Hmm, I'd say, to treat them with respect, be honest and listen."

"Okay, Question #2…If you had to eat dinner at one restaurant for the rest of your life, where would it be, and what would you eat?"

"Oh, that's an easy one… ham, pineapple, and green pepper pizza at Pizza Hut." His stomach growled, as she giggled.

"Are you serious? That is my absolute favorite comfort food…"

Jack leaned over her, quickly brushing his lips against hers. "Okay, so that was your five questions…"

"Wait, what? It was not, and Jack, how quickly you forget…I thought you were honest…"

"Okay, okay…you're on Question #3…"

Elizabeth seemed anxious… "Jack, how do you feel about premarital sex?"

"Excuse me…?"

Shocked at her own boldness, she immediately backed away from the question, "Never mind, I shouldn't have asked that. I'll ask something else."

"No, it's something you want to know; you asked…I have to answer," speaking softly; it was evident that both were quite uncomfortable speaking on the subject.

"My girlfriends and I talk, and there is a consensus that a guy won't continue in a relationship very long if the woman isn't satisfying him sexually. I'd just like to know what you expect of me." She was nervous, evidenced by the fact that she was playing with her hair, and finding it difficult to look him in the eyes.

Jack wanted to be certain to answer this question carefully, "Elizabeth, please look at me…I'd hoped you'd have realized on your own, but I'm not like most guys. I don't expect anything from you. I mean, I won't lie, I enjoy kissing you, and I think it's only natural at some point to want more," he swallowed hard. He continued, "But Elizabeth, I'll never push you into anything you aren't ready for."

"Have you ever…?" She asked, unable to finish the question, but hoping he'd understand.

"Yes, but it was for all the wrong reasons," he responded.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"Peer pressure; I wasn't in love, and I don't believe she loved me either, he explained, "At least not in that way."

"Were you together long?" She inquired, still uncomfortable with the subject.

"Yes, we were together for a while, but it really just didn't feel right. We're better as friends," he assured her.

"Do you still see her…?" She hesitated, wanting to know, but afraid of the answer.

Jack took a sip of wine, "She lives in Charlottesville, but she has family here on the Southside, and she visits often.

"Oh, I see…"

"It's not like that, Elizabeth. She visits her family, she doesn't visit me," he promised.

"Moving on to Question #4…"

"Wait, I think you've asked Question #4, and Question #5…"

"Come on, Jack…that's not fair. You got some additional questions in there too," she reminded him.

"Okay, go ahead…"

"Okay, Question #4… "Did you always want to work in law enforcement, and if not, what other profession did you find yourself drawn to?"

Oh good, not another sex question… "My father was a detective, and down deep inside I guess I always wanted to be like him. But, if I were going to do something else, I would love to paint."

"Houses?" She asked.

He laughed, "No, pictures… landscapes, sunsets… you!"

"Will you show me your work sometime, Jack," she was very intrigued.

"Of course, if you'd like to see it…" Does she have any idea how gorgeous she is right now? Mental note to draw later…

They finished their lunch; he stood and held out his hand to her. She gladly accepted as they walked along the private beach, each one remaining quiet as they took in the information they'd garnered during their talk. They reached a section of the beach decorated with large rocks. She took a seat and he stood before her…

"Okay, my Question #5… If you could be doing one thing in your life right now, what would it be?" She asked, hoping that she knew the answer; a tiny flare of heat rippled through her when his fingers brushed her skin.

Is she serious? "Elizabeth," he whispered, his face was mere inches from hers as his warm breath lit her up like a candle. After their talk, did he dare cross that line with her? Would she think he was pushing her, after he said he wouldn't?

His hand reached up and wiped the strands of windblown hair from her face. He looked into her eyes, hoping for a sign. She gently bit her bottom lip as her gaze drifted between his eyes and mouth. Suddenly his lips covered hers, as his hand, cradling the back of her head pulled her closer, deepening their connection. Their kiss lingered, a precious moment to be remembered.

Neither one wanted their day together to end. They'd learned a lot about each other, and if they were each honest, they liked what they heard. As Jack pulled away from her apartment complex he found himself smiling, over nothing, but about everything.

Elizabeth slipped into the apartment and headed straight for her room. She pulled out her journal, and flipped to the next blank page. Feeling the need to express these new found feelings, she began to write…

"Take a chance… three simple words that can leave you 'feeling blessed' or 'like a fool.' To love means to take a risk, but what is even worse is that there is no love without loss. It is a fact that you can live without romantic love, therefore avoiding breakups, the uneasiness of in-laws, and coming to grips with your partners annoying habits. Without romantic love, you can avoid those nights, sharing a bed with someone who has disappointed you miserably, while you consume a carton of ice cream, and watch reruns of Hallmark movies. Taking a chance on romance opens you up to a multitude of emotions. Sadly, though he has claimed to love you while at the same time letting you down, you realize that you have done the same, and will likely do so again. For if only perfect people fell in love, the human race would have died out long ago.

We delve deeply into what we hope will be that great love, some are realistic and excited, some of us are more frightened and reluctant, while others race toward it like the half price sale at Dolce and Gabanna.

With all of the pain and uneasiness, as well as the periodic monotony and unkindness, I'll keep telling myself that the excitement, joy and feeling of completeness make this a chance worth taking."

To be continued…