Another shorter chapter, I hope you enjoy! Thank you so much for your reviews :)


It was nearly quarter to three when Nikki returned from having lunch with Harry. Jack had taken the time to think about how he was going to ask Nikki without coming across as eager but still wanting to show her that it would be something more than friends. It was only thanks to Sam for calming him down and bringing him a cup of tea when he came back to his desk that he was able to start thinking about things properly instead of taking it out on the punch bag. He had settled on just asking her out right, like Sam said, she is Nikki after all, even if she says no then she'll just take it on the chin and probably won't mention it again.

Jack watched her as she took her coat off, placing it on the back of her chair and flashed him that typical Nikki smile that always made him go weak at the knees. He found his heart fluttering as she flattened her hair down and sat down at the desk opposite him. She reached out and pressed the on button on her computer, settling back into whatever it was she started that morning.

"How did it go?" Jack asked, interrupting her small routine.

"Good," Nikki sighed. "It's just a shame he had to go back so soon. I feel like we've missed out on so much these past few years and I know that I haven't been entirely blameless…"

"Woah, hold on a second!" Jack exclaimed, causing Nikki to snap up at him. "Did the Nikki Alexander just admit to being in the wrong?"

"Shut up," she chuckled, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, how are you? You seemed distracted before I left."

"I'm fine," he lied, resulting in Nikki raising an eyebrow at him, she could see right through him, she always could. Taking a deep breath, he couldn't think of a better time than now to ask her. He felt his heart rate increase as Nikki watched him intently, searching for an answer that he was taking forever to give. "Okay, well," he started. "I was thinking maybe you might like it if you and I went to check out that new restaurant down the road."

The grin spread across Nikki's face, "Jack Hodgson, are you asking me out on a date?"

Jack felt his stomach drop, "Forget it, it was a stupid idea. Just pretend I didn't say anything." That was it, he was going to have to hand his notice into Sam, pack his bags and ship himself off to a deserted island and live off nothing but tree bark for the rest of his life.

"Jack," Nikki spoke, pulling him from his thoughts. "I would love to," she beamed, the blush tinting her cheeks a light pink.

"Oh, right, uh," he stuttered, lost for words. He took a moment before he continued, "I'll pick you up from yours at eight?"

Nikki nodded, "It's a date."

"Would you excuse me? I've got a table to book," Jack smiled, shooting up from his chair and taking his phone out of his pocket. He then made his way through to the corridor, a spring in his step. He didn't think he would ever be able to wipe the grin off his face, not even if he tried.

Nikki, who remained at her desk, found herself in a very similar situation. Today really had been a surreal day. First, Harry turns up out of the blue after not seeing him for eight years and then Jack had finally taken the plunge to ask her out on a date after years of flirting and sexual tension. She tried her best to distract herself by doing her utmost to concentrate on the paperwork that sat in front of her. Her stomach dropped as Jack, once again, joined her and sat down in his chair.

"So, um," Nikki started, finding herself getting all hot and bothered. It really had been such a long time since someone had made her feel like this. Not even Matt had the ability to make her feel like a teenager all over again. "This place tonight. Do I have to dress up?"

Jack glanced up at her, "Of course. I'm treating you tonight, I want you to feel special."


It was half seven when Jack pulled up outside Nikki's house. He knew that he was a tad too early but he didn't know how much more of pacing up and down his apartment he could take. Taking a deep breath, he left his car and walked up her drive. Reaching out he knocked lightly on the door before smoothing down the white shirt that he had matched with a pair of dark blue jeans and tan boots.

His heart dropped as the door opened to reveal her. Her hair was curled as she usually had it in work but this time she had weaved half of it back into a small ponytail. His eyes travelled down her body, she was wearing that black dress with tiny orange and yellow flowers that he loved so much. The first time she had worn it into work, he had tried his hardest to not stare at her the whole time. After all, she wasn't his to stare at. That was, until possibly now.

"You're early," Nikki spoke, breaking the growing silence.

"You look," he paused. "Gorgeous." The smile on his face grew as he watched the blush travel up her neck before finishing on the apples of her cheeks.

"You don't scrub up too badly yourself," Nikki winked. She stepped backwards, creating a gap to let Jack pass. "Couldn't bare to wait much longer?" She teased, picking up the small stud earrings from the shelf before placing them in her ears.

"No," Jack said slowly, looking down at the floor and giving himself away immediately. Nikki laughed, turning to face him and smiling.

"Can you pass me my jacket please?" Nikki pointed to the black blazer that was hanging up on the banister behind him.

"Sure," he reached around, picking the blazer up. He gently shook it out and held it out for her so she could put it on. Raising her eyebrows she spun around and pushed her left arm through before putting her right arm in. Jack let his hands travel down her arms, gently evening them out. He placed his hands on her shoulders, turning her to face him. He then cupped her face with his hands, feeling his heart stop as he made eye contact with her, the air thick around them.

"We should get going," a smirk on Jack's face as he dropped his hands and headed out of the front door, holding the car door open ready for Nikki once she joined him.

They steadily made their way to the restaurant, the car journey was fairly quiet. Neither quite knew what to say to each other and feared that if they spoke they'd say the wrong thing and end up ruining what would hopefully be a wonderful night. Pulling up into the car park, Jack walked round to the other side of the car and held the door open for her once again.

"The perfect gentleman," she grinned, holding onto the hand he held out for her. Jack found himself blushing and he really hoped that she hadn't noticed how clammy his hands had gone.

Nikki looked up at Jack, her hand not leaving his. Noticing how panicked he looked, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze in the hope of reassuring him. Jack offered her a small smile, he appreciated it and that's all that mattered.

They made their way into the restaurant, Jack gave the waiter his name and soon they were being seated on a table by the window. Nikki's eyes widened as she took in her surroundings, from the single rose placed in the middle of the table to the fairy lights that decorated the walls. She gasped as she spotted the bottle of champagne and two glasses, Jack really had gone to a lot of trouble. She let out a small giggle as Jack tried his best to discreetly slip some money to the waiter, he'd really have to work on that.

Placing herself down on the chair opposite to Jack, she slipped her jacket off and rested it on the back of her chair. As Jack settled in his own seat, the waiter returned with two menus. They thanked him before both reading through the menu respectively.

"You really didn't have to go to all this effort Jack, I would've been happy with a pizza," she laughed watching the frown on his face growing as he read through the menu. She can't say she was surprised, this really wasn't Jacks kind of scene and if she was being really honest it wasn't hers either. She'd much rather be at home sharing a bottle of wine and a takeaway but it wouldn't hurt her to do something out of her comfort zone for a change.

"You're worth it," he responded, glancing up to her. "Anything you fancy?"

"I don't think I can pronounce half the things on here," she chuckled.

"Now I find that hard to believe, you're a doctor for one, I've heard you speak," he paused. "And two, I had you down as the type of girl who loved a fancy restaurant and expensive food."

Nikki scoffed, "Then you know nothing about me at all Mr Hodgson. I'm happy with a cuddle and a ready meal in front of the TV."

"Don't tempt me," he winked. "How about we have some starters at least so I don't feel like the worst person in the world and then we could go for a walk?"

"Sounds perfect," she smirked.

They quickly ordered their starters, both settling on a soup as it was the only thing that sounded remotely inviting and it wasn't long before Jack paid for the bill and they were leaving back through the entrance.

"Well I think this is the shortest date I've ever been on and it's so typical that it's with you," Jack quipped, knitting his hand through Nikki's.

"Who said it was over?" She lightly bumped him with her shoulder, grinning.