Austin, Texas

Sitting closer together than they had the first time Sue Ellen considered the date so far, she'd been very wrong when she thought that JR Ewing wasn't a good date planner, she was having a wonderful time and didn't want the night to end.

Realising she had a curfew, but not wanting to hurry things along too quickly, she asked him what the time was.

"It's only 10.45pm. Don't worry, I'll have you home on time."

Driving for a while, the windows of the limo tinted and it being dark outside, it was difficult for her to guess where they were heading but she trusted him.

"We're almost there."

Answering her thoughts without her speaking she figured he'd likely noticed her curiosity as she attempted to figure out their location.

A short time later, the limo pulled up to a park next to the Colorado River where a horse and carriage was waiting for them. The tour took them on a romantic scenic ride along the river with a view of the Austin skyline.

Beside Sue Ellen, JR was happy that it was starting to get a little colder; it gave him the perfect excuse to pull her closer to him under the pretence of 'keeping warm'.

Later, in the limo again, they sat in comfortable silence, each of their minds replaying the enjoyment of the evening.

"So, was my answer correct?"

Breaking the silence, Sue Ellen's face was bright, her eyes on his as she asked a question that left him confused.

"What answer?"

"You know the oh-so-important question about chili you asked me earlier. The one you gave no explanation for."

He remembered and recalled the reason for asking. Sue Ellen was definitely more interesting and a whole lot more appealing than Carol Parker or any of the other boring women he'd dated.

"Oh that. Yes, your answer was perfect, and you'd already proven yourself as second date material before that point. I just had to make sure that you were also suitable for third, fourth, fifth and so on. My family throw an annual barbecue and my mama makes the best chili in Texas, I wouldn't want to bring a date who couldn't enjoy my mama's home cooking."

Listening with interest, Sue Ellen could do nothing but smile. JR's comments on the probability of subsequent dates and the thought that he was already considering introducing her to his family gave her an indication of what he thought of her. They were moving faster than she was used to but it didn't scare her, it was flattering that he thought so highly of her, she was certainly growing very fond of his company.

The limo stopped and she realised they were already back at her house, a realisation that was greatly disappointing.

The driver opened the door and JR took her hand, walking her to the front door.

"I had a marvellous time JR."

Complimenting him, she thought to herself that she'd definitely been wrong about his planning skills, he was great gift giver and date. Studying the way he was looking at her, she wondered whether she'd be able to add great kisser onto the list of things he was good at. Proper or not, she wanted to find out.

Standing face-to-face with Sue Ellen, JR was pleased to hear she'd had a good time because he had. Admiring her, so close to each other, he knew what he wanted. He wanted to kiss her, but he wasn't sure he should. A gentleman would never kiss a lady on the first date, but was he that much of a gentleman?

"Goodnight JR."

Looking into her eyes, he was certain she was saying a lot more than goodnight but still unsure about what to do about their mutual attraction he kissed her cheek.

"Goodnight Sue Ellen. I'll call you."

Happy to have him so close, Sue Ellen was a little disappointed he'd only kissed her cheek, of course it was nice, but it was more friendly than anything else.

He started to turn and realised that they were still holding hands, neither having let go or showing will to let go now.

"Sue Ellen…"

She looked up ready to say something but was instead met by his lips upon hers. It was perfect, slow and soft, but full of promise and passion.

As quickly as it had happened, it ended and he let go of her hands.

"I'll call you."

Watching her, he waited for her to walk inside and close the door before he turned around and left, the smile on his face going nowhere.

Dallas, Texas

Sitting on the Southfork patio enjoying a lazy Sunday, JR's thoughts were on Sue Ellen and the anticipation of their next meeting.

Happiness soon turned to seriousness though as he reflected on the conversations his daddy had forced him to have recently. Asking and then practically demanding he find a wife and produce a son to carry on the family name had brought home that success in his daddy's eyes wasn't solely a business accomplishment.

He'd thought it pointless and unlikely to happen after the first few dates he'd had. The 'suitable' women of Dallas lifeless and unappealing to him, however that had changed when he'd met Sue Ellen. They'd only been on one date, but already he could see himself making a life with her. He'd never felt that way about a lady, he rarely thought that far ahead in his personal life, but Sue Ellen was special.

Observing her son later that say, Miss Ellie noted the change in his attitude, one that had been developing more and more over the past few weeks.

Jock had obviously verbally scolded him and JR had begun to make an effort in finding a nice lady to settle down with, but it had been obvious that for a while, nothing had made him happy. Somewhere in the last two weeks though, something had changed, she wasn't sure what, but JR was different.

"JR?"

Approaching him, she didn't have an agenda, although that may not have been entirely clear to her eldest son.

"Mama, did you need me to do something?"

"No, I just wanted to come and see how you were doing, you've been a little withdrawn in the past few weeks."

Clearly surprised, likely not having expected her to notice, he didn't instantly warm to her attempt to engage with him.

"I'm fine mama, just fine."

"Oh, ok, well if you ever want to talk, I'm here."

Nodding, JR didn't reply verbally, and when Teresa interrupted to announce Bobby had called and was waiting to speak to her, JR's face said a lot. He didn't expect to be her priority and whatever moment they might have been sharing was now over.

Austin, Texas

Spending time with her mother and sister, then returning to campus to finish any leftover work she had due in the next week, nothing about Sue Ellen's Sunday felt normal, despite being completely normal. Her mind was on one thing and one thing only, JR.

His presence was wonderful and she adored the way they'd talked like they'd known each other forever, the way he'd held her when they danced and the way he'd wanted her close to him but was still a gentleman in his actions. She was captivated by his presence and couldn't wait to get to know him more. She didn't know him well and she gathered that he was a deep man, very layered and complicated, but she already felt close to him.