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."
Chapter 15- What Happens in New York City…
It was now November, and Jack and Elizabeth had been dating for five months. Thanksgiving was approaching, she had a long weekend and he traded with some of the other officers to give him some days off as well. Jack had alluded to a surprise, but kept the particulars a secret.
It was November 23th, the final day of school and Jack arrived with a platter of cupcakes for her students. He left them at the main office along with a note…
The cupcakes and note were taken down the hall to Elizabeth's class…
*Knock, knock…
Elizabeth motioned for Mr. Bradley to come inside.
"Miss Thatcher, looks like there's some students who are very well liked," Mr. Bradley stated as he sat the cupcakes down. He walked back toward the door but stopped suddenly. He turned around and stuck his arm out to hand Elizabeth the note. "Looks like there's a teacher that's well liked too."
Elizabeth passed out the cupcakes to the class along with the other goodies provided by the room mothers. She then walked back to her desk, sat down and read the note…
"Elizabeth, meet me at Norfolk International Airport in front of the escalator no later than 4:15 pm. You need not bring anything except yourself and your driver's license. Don't ask where we're going; I won't tell."
Elizabeth closed the note and held it to her chest. The smile on her face showed the others in the room that it was good news.
She couldn't help but send him a text, so while her students were finishing up a reading assignment, she pulled out her phone…
"Thx 4 the cupcakes. So thoughtful of u…"
"U r welcome. Did u get the note…?
"Yes, where r we going. I have no clothes…"
"Clothing is optional…"
"Pardon me…? Jack I have no clothes but what I have on…"
"Good, booked us at nudist camp…"
"WHAT…I know u r joking. U r joking, right…?"
"4 a teacher u don't follow instructions well. Can't tell u…"
"Can't or won't…?
"Either, I can't and I won't…"
"I have a surprise 4 u…"
"What is it…?"
"I h8 surprises…"
"Sorry, mental note made for future reference…"
"Love u. C u at 4:15. Oh, what about clothes…?"
"Got u covered…"
"Ha Ha Jack, funny…"
"What's funny…?"
"Got u covered, like in my clothes covering me…?"
"Huh…?"
"Forget it. If I have 2 explain it 2 u it's no longer a joke…"
"C u at 4:15, Love u…"
Both of them signed off by using a smiley face emoticon blowing a kiss.
2:15 pm rolled around and Elizabeth scooted her children toward the bus ramp. After her final student climbed the stairs to their bus, she rushed back to her room, grabbed her purse, locked the door and headed for her Jeep. Before she reached the parking lot she heard her phone chime…
"Hope I got everything you'll need…"
"Rosie, what r u talking about…?"
"Jack gave me instructions. Can't talk…"
Elizabeth stepped outside to find Rosie standing beside her Jeep with her suitcase, and overnight bag. "What is going on?"
"I don't know. He gave me a list of things to pack but that's all he said. Do you think he's going to propose?" Rosie asked.
Elizabeth squealed like a young school girl, "I don't know. We haven't really talked about getting married. It's really too early for that. I don't know; do you think so?"
"Looks like quite a buildup. I wouldn't be surprised," Rosie hugged her before helping to load the bags in her Jeep.
Elizabeth rolled down her window, "Has Lee said anything about it?"
"No, I don't think he and Jack have seen much of each other. Since you and Jack started dating, he spends most of his free time with you," she advised.
"I'll see you…oh wait, how long will we be gone?" Elizabeth asked.
Rosie replied, "You're coming back on Saturday, I think."
She waved goodbye and headed for the airport. She couldn't help but be excited for the possibilities that awaited her. Elizabeth's mind was spinning; her heart was pounding, only to be stifled by the traffic on Military Highway. She was a bit frazzled by the time she pulled into the airport and parked. She grabbed her bags and met Jack at the escalator at 4:12 pm, with a full three minutes to spare.
They stood in line to check their baggage and to receive their seat assignments. Still no one mentioned the destination of their trip and Jack planned to keep her in the dark as long as possible.
Jack and Elizabeth walked passed Gate A12, and they took a seat across the aisle at Gate A11 to Raleigh, North Carolina.
"We're going to Raleigh?" She asked.
Suddenly from Gate A12 they heard the following announcement, "Ladies and Gentlemen all those on United Flight 4126 to New York City in Group 1 please board now."
He stood up and took their bags, "That's us."
"New York City? We're going to the New York City?" She said excitedly as she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close, her lips soundly covering his.
Jack smiled at his ability to maintain the secret, "If I had known you were going to do that, I'd have told you about the trip sooner."
They boarded the plane and settled in their seats. Jack took hold of her hand as the plane took off, "Are you nervous?"
"For some reason, I've always preferred landings to take offs. I'm not sure why," she answered.
Upon arrival at LaGuardia, Jack had made prior arrangements for a car to take them to their hotel, The Jewel, located on 7th Avenue and 52nd Street. Elizabeth didn't ask, but was wondering about the sleeping arrangements. Maybe this is the weekend that I need to…
Jack took her hand and brought it up to his lips. They both smiled as he squeezed her hand. "Don't worry about the hotel arrangements. I reserved two rooms," he whispered before softly caressing her cheek, his thumb sliding across her velvet lips.
She smiled nervously but couldn't help that part of her that was a little disappointed in his over planning.
The driver pulled up to the hotel, jumped out and retrieved their bags from the trunk.
"Thank you," Jack stated as he grabbed the bags and they headed inside.
As they approached the desk, there were several other parties in front of them. Although they could not hear all of the particulars, it appeared that there was some flooding and damage on several of the floors and they were working to shuffle around many of the reservations.
Jack and Elizabeth made it to the counter…
"Good evening sir…ma'am. How may I help you?" The clerk asked.
Jack smiled, "I have 2 reservations under the name of Jack Thornton."
"Ah yes, Mr. Thornton. I see that you have two rooms," the clerk took a deep breath and awaited another guest blow up. "I apologize but we have had some problems and I only have one room available. Would you mind sharing a room?" the clerk looked directly at Jack.
"Well, um…I think we'd…"
"We'll be fine with one room," Elizabeth spoke up, surprising both men and herself in the process.
They received the keys to their room, and were directed to the two elevators around the corner. Elizabeth took the keys, and Jack took the handles of their luggage, thankful that they were both on wheels. They entered the elevator and headed for the 5th floor. Their room was just around the corner and down at the end of the hall.
Jack took the key from Elizabeth's hand and opened the door. The room was small, but extremely efficient.
"Oh, I guess I should have asked," she said as she walked in and observed the one king sized bed. "I guess I just assumed that it would be two full sized beds," she said nervously as she removed her coat and laid it on the chair.
Jack sat down the bags and closed the door behind them. He walked up and rubbed her arms from her shoulders down to her elbows, "Elizabeth, I'm sorry how this has turned out. It wasn't my intention to have to share a room. If you would feel more comfortable, I can see if we can find a reservation somewhere else."
"You mean you didn't make arrangements to flood the rooms?" She joked. "I'm fine Jack. I'm a big girl!"
"I can sleep in the recliner," he suggested.
Elizabeth opened the door to the bathroom to look inside, surprised by the size of that room just by itself. She walked back to the bed and sat down, "Jack, don't be ridiculous. It's a king sized bed. We can both sleep here, and not even touch each other."
Jack smiled but didn't for one second believe her. No way I can sleep in the same bed and not touch her.
Understanding his nervousness because hers was right on the surface, she stated, "Jack, we've never really discussed my reasons, but I've hedged on being more intimate because I've always wanted to save myself for my wedding night," she looked down suddenly embarrassed by the old fashioned thought. "I've never been involved with anyone before that made me even think of that step, until you. I've got to say that I'm not so sure that I want to wait anymore," she turned away hoping he wouldn't see her embarrassment.
"Elizabeth, look at me," he smiled as his finger under her chin lifted her eyes up to his. "I think that's beautiful. I think you're beautiful, and what I said before goes; I'll never push you into anything. I can wait for as long as it takes." Oh Lord, please help me keep my word.
Does that mean he has thought about us married? Elizabeth nervously smiled. "When will I know the time is right? I mean, how do I know that now isn't the right time?"
"We've got time, Elizabeth. There's no need to rush anything," he assured her but wasn't so certain that he could be patient.
"Is that what I'm doing?" She asked.
"Elizabeth, since we're being totally honest, you're different…"
She looked confused, "Well that certainly isn't very flattering."
"No, what I mean is what I feel for you is different. I love you and I'm afraid that I'm going to mess this up. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me. I'm fine with going slow," he stated as he opened his suitcase.
Jack grabbed his toiletries bag and headed for the bathroom, "I'm going to take a shower. When I get out would you like to go get some dinner?"
"Sure," she remarked. She watched him step into the bathroom and close the door. She had a few moments to process her feelings and always found that writing them down was of great benefit. She pulled out her journal and opened to the next blank page. She glanced back at the bathroom and listened to the water as it hit the shower curtain. She felt flushed as the sound was suddenly muffled by the water completely washing over his body. Her heart was pounding and she was feeling emotions that she had only previously read about in her sister's romance novels. She looked down at her journal trying to make sense of the giant yarn ball of feelings, and wondering how those innermost emotions would be released from the inside.
"Why does society need different standards for both men and women? A man loses his virginity and his friends flock to him to slap him on the back or give him a high five for losing this unvalued thing that many people think makes him a loser. They often have the masculine sex competitions to see how many women they can bed, or simply stated how many notches they can carve in their bed posts. Flip the coin, and you have a female who makes a conscious choice to give that special part of herself to a man, and she is often labeled by society as damaged, used, no longer pure. Society places a certain stigma surrounding the topic and the shame that follows. Even men have certain ideas regarding virgins. Some don't care and are simply performing the act to satisfy their natural needs and desires, with no emotional ties. However, there are men, albeit not many, who will run for the hills when faced with sleeping with a virgin. Whether it is because they are gentlemen and don't want to harm her emotionally; they consider her to be clingy after losing her virginity, or she is stigmatized as being inexperienced or undesirable, the results are still the same. She is viewed as precious by society for keeping it, and cold and unfeeling by many for not giving it away. Once it's gone, it is gone forever; never again to experience a first time. However, once you find that special someone, the man who turns your sadness into pure joy; that person who makes your heart flutter at just the mere thought of him, and the one who will put you first in his life, you very well may have found the one who can make every time feel brand new."
Jack stepped out of the bathroom wearing his tight fitting Levi's and buttoning his spring green long sleeved shirt. "Are you ready to go?"
He's hot! Oh two can play at this game… She grabbed some items from her bag and headed for the bathroom. "I'll be ready shortly. Make reservations for 8 and I'll be out in a minute."
Oh man, I'm dead…
Fifteen minutes later, the bathroom door opened. Elizabeth stepped out and Jack was almost afraid to look. His eyes were glued to the TV watching the only thing he could find, an infomercial on the big red frying pan. He felt the bed move slightly as she sat down to slip on her shoes. He glanced over and it appeared that she was missing part of her sweater. The back dipped dangerously low to the point that he had no idea how she would keep the front covered. Oh please keep the front covered…
She stood up and her tight black jeans made her legs look as though they went on forever. His heart thumped so hard and loud that he was certain that she could see it beat through his shirt. The front of her emerald green sweater dipped lower than he needed to see as her cleavage made it difficult to focus otherwise.
"Are you ready to go?" She asked. "By the way, where are we going?"
"Uh, what?" He asked, still sitting on the bed, his mind had shut down, but his eyes were unable to look away.
"Where are we having dinner?" She said as she walked to the door with her coat in her hand.
Jack approached her to help her with her coat. Oh good, she's covered up. It's late, and there is a really good restaurant on the top floor of the hotel. It's called The Tower. Is that okay?"
"Sounds great," Elizabeth stated as she unbuttoned her coat and proceeded to slip it over her shoulders.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"We aren't going outside, Jack. I don't need a coat." She stated as she hung it on the back of the chair. "Ready…"
I need you in that coat. I need you in long sleeves, flannel pants with your face coved in a mud pack. Hmm, mud…Elizabeth rolling around in mud. Oh gosh, even in my mind she's killing me. Jack exhaled hard. His nervousness pleased her, but she still knew that he would not take advantage of her. She loved that he found her attractive and desirable, even if he chose not to act on those feelings.
They enjoyed a wonderful dinner as they looked out on the lights of the city. Jack took her hand…
Was this it? Was this the time that he would propose? She kept thinking back to her conversation with Rosie.
"You look beautiful tonight. Every man in here is wishing he were me," he smiled and squeezed her hand.
"I have no desire to be with any man but you. I hope you know that," she smiled back, the light from the candle on the table illuminating the golden flecks in her eyes.
"I love you, Elizabeth," he said as he brought her hand up to his lips.
"I love you too. Thank you for planning this trip. It was truly a surprise," she commented as she looked out the window at the Empire State Building.
They enjoyed their meal, and their conversation, which covered topics of work, family, the holidays and the future. They always seemed so comfortable together.
"Are you ready to go?" He asked.
She smiled, "If you are." Elizabeth realized that although she did see herself with Jack forever, they had only been dating for five months, not really long enough to be thinking of a proposal. Once she stopped worrying about "was this the time," or "will it happen now," she was able to relax and enjoy her time alone with him.
Jack took care of the bill, held out his hand for hers, and they made their way to the elevator. They stepped out on the fifth floor, and Jack opened their room. Apparently the hotel offered a turn down service as the pillows were fluffed and the top sheet and bedspread were folded back, inviting them to climb in.
"Do you need the bathroom first?" Jack asked. She shook her head as she sat down on the bed and removed her shoes. He grabbed his clothes and walked into the bathroom. He walked out wearing his blue checkered flannel pajama bottoms and a thin white t- shirt. He walked over to her and kissed her gently on the lips. Feeling his blood beginning to warm, he drew back before the heat had an opportunity to consume him.
Elizabeth rifled through her bag looking for something appropriate to wear. Rosie had apparently packed what she wanted, not necessarily what would be deemed appropriate to wear in mixed company.
The bathroom door opened and Elizabeth stepped outside. She tried to act casual, but found that almost impossible. She felt uncomfortable, as if she were teasing him with no intent to follow through. The fact was she didn't know how she felt. No, that wasn't entirely accurate. She knew how she felt about him, but if they slept together, would their relationship change? Would she be prepared if it did?
Jack's eyes were closed, or at least they appeared to be as she quietly walked toward the bed. She was wearing an ice blue silk camisole and shorts set, and through the dime slot opening in his eyes, he quickly realized that sleep this evening would be highly unlikely.
Elizabeth slipped into bed and pulled the sheet and bedspread over her body. Initially cold, she couldn't help but think how nice it would have been to cuddle. However, she didn't want to be the one accused of pushing the limits, especially since she had made such a big deal about it to begin with.
During the night she slept and he watched her. Each time she moved and the sheet slipped down exposing her body he was right there to cover her back up; partly because he didn't want her to be cold, but mostly because she was making him so warm. Did she have any idea what she was doing to him? How could she not!
Jack finally fell asleep, lying on top of the covers, and on the opposite side of the bed. However, the next morning, he awoke to the sunlight streaming through the window. He tried to focus as he inhaled deeply and it was her. The scent of vanilla was strong as he found himself under the covers, his body tight to her back, his arm around her waist, as she held his hand close to her chest. Her hair, soft and full was covering his face.
She could feel him move, "Mmm, not yet. Don't get up yet."
He swept her hair off to the side. She giggled as she felt his lips move down her neck toward her shoulders, so sensual, so sexual, and so new to her.
She rolled over to face him. Without uttering a word, only a meeting of their eyes his lips covered hers, slow and deliberate. Initially playing, his arms soon enveloped her, quickly swallowing her whole. He would have gladly sold his soul to the devil himself at that particular moment, wanting nothing more than to truly make her his own. He needed to know that he would always be enough for her, for he already knew that she was more than enough for him. His actions started their blood warming and now he had the unpleasant task of shutting them down.
"Elizabeth, its Thanksgiving Day. Do you know what that means?"
"I know I'm thankful for you," she snickered.
"No, think…what happens on Thanksgiving Day?" He asked.
"We're eating with the Pilgrims?" She laughed.
"No, it's the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Do you want to go? I don't think we're far from the parade route," he said, his voice was full and energized like a child on Christmas.
She pulled the sheet back and slipped out of bed. She grabbed her jeans and a sweater out of her bag and headed for the bathroom. "That's on my bucket list. Of course I want to go."
As he watched her walking away, he took a harsh breath, attempting to clear his mind. He knew that she was eventually going to be the death of him. At the present time he was drowning in her and he had to admit that he loved the feeling.
He watched her escape into the bathroom and quickly changed his clothes before she returned. He sat back down on the bed to await her return as he pulled her pillow up to his face. Inhaling deeply, vanilla was quickly battling strawberry for his favorite flavor. Actually, anything she wore quickly became his favorite.
His heart pounded as he thought back, only moments earlier he was holding her. His lips covering her mouth, his tongue tasting the sweet and salty parts of her skin and he wondered, is she ready for the next step? Am I ready for the next step?"
He knew how emotions could quickly become muddied; what you thought you wanted not always being the case. He wanted her to be sure; he promised her; he promised himself that he would not push for more. However, he also knew that their dance, their teasing of each other, their trying to one up one another, would make their time alone difficult for him not to push for more.
Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed the attention she received from Jack; the loving glances, the smiles, the way his eyes lit up when she entered a room, and it wasn't only when she wore something she considered to be sexy. The fact was Jack found her to be sexy no matter what she wore.
She stepped out of the bathroom, grabbed her coat and purse and headed for the door. She looked back on the bed and found him laying there, her pillow over his face. She walked back and lifted the pillow. His eyes were closed and it appeared that he was asleep.
She bent down and pressed her lips to his, "Come on Sleeping Beauty, we need to go."
He smiled and without opening his eyes, he took her arms and rolled her over his body. He followed as he ended up straddling her hips. He knew that he shouldn't, but he was anticipating, and wanting, and needing. He desired her like a junkie needs a fix; she was a part of him, and he couldn't exist without her. His breath was heavy, cutting in and out like a saw cuts wood.
She smiled, her respiration increasing, "So, do you want to watch the parade on TV?" She was barely able to manage the words.
What are you doing, Jack… you're pushing; you have to stop!
Jack rolled off and held out his hand. As he pulled her up from the bed she looked confused.
As she fixed her sweater and pulled her hair up into a loose ponytail, she stated "You know Jack, men accuse women of giving mixed signals, but you are all over the place here. I don't know what you want or what you expect," she stated. She walked toward the door but stopped after only a few steps, "Do you even know what you want?"
He wanted her; he needed her, but he was afraid to take her. "I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I'm pushing and I don't mean to."
"Let's go watch the parade. We're here and we should enjoy ourselves," she remarked as she walked passed him to the door.
He reached out and took her hand, causing her to turn back toward him, "I love you. You know that, right?"
She pulled him back toward the bed and they sat down. "Jack, we're away from home in this magnificent city and both of us are placing too much emphasis on what we think everyone expects; that we will sleep together. I love you too, but if we sleep together because we think everyone expects it then it cheapens the entire experience for both of us, you just as much as me. Everything we do or say the other is wondering if there is a sexual connotation attached. I just want to enjoy this wonderful trip with you and whatever happens…happens, okay?"
Jack smiled and released a cleansing breath, "That sounds perfect. Would you like to go watch a parade now?"
"I most certainly would," she took his hand and they headed for 34th Street and 7th Avenue.
Once they cleared the air, their time in New York was one of the best trips either of them had ever had. They enjoyed each other's company, but neither one intentionally pushed for anything more than an occasional kiss. The second night in bed, Jack lined the middle with pillows after Elizabeth had fallen asleep. The next morning he realized that he had still managed to find her during the night, slipping passed the pillows and wrapping her in his arms.
They spent their days sightseeing, and their evenings at wonderful restaurants, and Broadway shows. Their final night in the City, Jack had reserved tickets to see Sean Hayes in An Act of God. Elizabeth didn't think that she had ever laughed as hard or as much before. Following the show, Jack took her hand as they walked through the crowds in Times Square, eventually hailing a cab which carried them to the Sparks Steakhouse.
Elizabeth ordered the Shrimp Cocktail but was surprised when Jack ordered Oysters on the Half Shell. As the waiter walked away to place their order, Elizabeth smiled.
"What's that sly smile for?" He asked.
Her eyebrows arched, and her smile broadened, "Jack don't you know what they say about oysters?"
His face showed the signs that his brain was working. Suddenly his smile dropped, his eyes stopped darting about, and they were fixed on hers.
"Yes, they are said to be an aphrodisiac," she replied as she observed him begin to fidget in his seat. Elizabeth reached over and took his hand, "Jack relax. I'm not going to jump you when we get back to the hotel. At least I don't think I will," she giggled. "I think I'm ready, but if you don't or you aren't then I respect that and won't push it. I'm sorry for teasing you."
They enjoyed their steak, baked potatoes and parmesan topped mixed vegetables. Without difficulty they polished off a bottle of Zinfandel as they sat and talked until the restaurant was preparing to close.
They made it to their room, and barely in the door before Elizabeth felt the effects of the wine and the lack of inhibitions it provided.
She sat on the bed and patted the mattress beside her for him to take a seat, "Come here, Jack."
He complied as his hand swept her hair off of her shoulders and rested on her neck. His thumb gently stroked her skin sending the feeling of electricity throughout her body. She leaned forward as her lips met his, like two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly. They separated momentarily before their lips pressed together for a second, then third time. Each moment was more passionate than the one before.
Their respiration increased as their wants and desires were quickly over riding either's fears or concerns. His lips touched her neck as his tongue tasted the soft salty skin along her collarbone.
Her hands rested on either side of his face as she looked deep into his eyes. He was intoxicating; he was like her favorite frozen blue drink, and she was finding it difficult to back away. She leaned forward; her lips parted slightly as she pressed her tongue to the seam of his mouth, and he welcomed her. His tongue slipped passed her lips, as he sought those special places that excited her. "Jack, I don't want to wait anymore," she said breathlessly.
Her hands tugged at his t shirt tucked inside his jeans, making little progress as his belt held it tight. She unbuckled his jeans and pulled his shirt up as she pulled it from its hem over his head. She tossed it on the floor beside the bed.
He cupped the back of her head as he laid her on the bed. His left hand slipped behind her resting on the small of her back. He pulled her tight to his body as his mouth was hungry for hers. His fingers began working on the intricate buttons on the front of her beautiful navy blue silk blouse. As the last button released its hold, Jack slipped it over her shoulders, and added it to the pile on the floor. She was certainly glad that she had made the choice to wear her Victoria's Secret bra. It was one of her favorites, and she always felt so feminine in it. She lifted her hips up as he unzipped and slid her jeans down her long legs.
He knew what she was telling him; he knew what her body was saying, but seeing her lying on the bed, more beautiful than he'd ever imagined, exposed and vulnerable, was more than he could take. He backed away, pulling a blanket from the foot of the bed to wrap around her before saying, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed it."
Elizabeth sat up and slipped her blouse back on, "Jack you did nothing wrong. If anyone pushed the boundaries, it was me, but I don't think I want to wait any longer."
"This isn't right, Elizabeth. I didn't plan this trip so I could seduce you. It's too cliché. Once it happens, you can never get that special moment back. I don't want you to resent me, and I'm afraid you will."
"I'm just enjoying my time away with you Jack," she whispered. "I want to be with you, but you may be right. Maybe now isn't the right time. It has to be right for both of us," she accepted that it wasn't going to happen, at least not now.
Their final night in the City ended with her trying to be as unsexy as possible, as she slipped into a pair of sweatpants, and a t shirt. She lay down on the bed waiting for Jack to finish in the bathroom but by the time he stepped back out into the room, she was sound asleep.
He approached her, moved her hair slightly and kissed her gently on the forehead. "I'm sorry if this didn't turn out the way you wanted," he whispered.
She remained still; her eyes were closed, but she thought, I'm here with you, and that's really all I have ever wanted.
To be continued…
