Dallas, Texas

Sue Ellen stood in the elevator and watched the numbers tick over, rapidly ascending toward the top of the building; for some reason, she felt nervous, though she had no idea why, she was only meeting JR for dinner, something they had done a million times before. It wasn't their first date or anything, but it almost felt like it was, she hadn't seen him properly in over a week; a morning kiss as he left for work and a quick explanation before bed about his day was not the same as spending quality time together as a couple. The men had returned to Dallas early on Sunday evening, just in time for cocktails and dinner, telling stories of their hunting trip to the family before heading off to bed early; it didn't matter that they owned the company, they still had to go to work on Monday, whether they were tired or not. The whole weekend had been less than ideal for Sue Ellen, she was sad and lonely and it didn't help that JR didn't seem to really notice or care that she had spent her whole weekend waiting for him to return. A normal weekend wouldn't have mattered too much, she could deal with him having his own plans that didn't involve her, but she would have appreciated a little advanced warning, it meant that she could at least pretend that her mother was begging her to visit Austin instead of sitting around Southfork like a recluse. It wasn't that she didn't know anyone in Dallas, she did, she was friendly with a lot of the DOA ladies, but they weren't close enough that she actually wanted to socialise with them out of choice, it was more social obligation and keeping up appearances than anything else. The elevator bell dinged and the doors opened as she walked out into the reception area of Ewing Oil; "can you please call through and tell my husband that I'm here", she smiled at JR's secretary and waited, not noticing the glare Julie was giving her from the other side of the room. Julie sat at her desk as she finished typing the documents for Jock, it was just after five and she was free to leave any time now, but she wanted to finish her work for the day so that she didn't have to do it in the morning. As the elevator doors opened, she instantly regretted her decision, JR's perfectly boring little wife had just arrived and she looked stunning; seeing Sue Ellen standing there brought to the forefront the feelings of jealousy and anger that she had buried months ago. She was still bitter about the fact that JR had barely given her the time of day since he married Sue Ellen; sure, there had been one or two quick afternoons, but it was nothing like the old days. Now, it always felt like he was using her when he did pay attention to her, it wasn't because he really cared anymore, she may as well have been a hooker for all he was concerned. She couldn't understand it, Sue Ellen just was not JR's type, she couldn't believe that they were really compatible, especially not in the bedroom; it had taken her years to work out how to properly please JR Ewing, and she couldn't imagine that a dull girl like Sue Ellen would be willing to do those sorts of things.

"Hi sugar", JR came out of his office and walked over to Sue Ellen, looking her up and down before he lightly kissed her. He took her hand and led her toward his office, his smile getting wider as he processed her appearance; just because he was a busy man, didn't mean that he didn't appreciate his wife's beauty, and tonight, she looked stunning, "come into my office, I just have a few small things to finish and then I'm all yours". Sue Ellen's nervousness lessened as she watched his reaction to her, it wasn't their first date, but he looked at her as if it were, she had no doubt that he loved her and that he wasn't purposely neglecting her, it was just something that happened. He had a particular way of making all of her upset just disappear with just one look and she found it difficult to even be angry with him anymore; following him into his office, she remained quiet, waiting for him to direct her actions, she didn't want to disturb him or get in the way. "Would you like a drink?" he asked more as a rhetorical question than anything else, if he was having a drink, then she would too, she always followed his lead. "Thank you", Sue Ellen quietly responded as he handed her her drink, she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do, he had said that he still had work to do, but he just seemed to be standing and looking at her. JR broke the silence, clearing his throat and speaking, "I just have to finish reading and sign these contracts and then we can go. Don't worry, I'll be done in plenty of time to make our reservation. I'm sorry I don't have any magazines or anything, there might be some in reception, I could get my secretary to bring one in for you if you'd like", Sue Ellen shook her head, she was content to just sit on the couch and wait for him, she didn't mind. He wasn't sure whether she would get bored with doing nothing, but she insisted she was fine, so he kissed her lightly and walked back to his desk, his full attention focused on the documents in front of him. Sue Ellen sat and began to watch him as he worked, realising that she had never really done that before, every other time she met him in his office, he was usually ready to leave right away; she had never just observed him in his natural habitat. She relished in the opportunity to do it now, he was a fascinating man, so focused and confident, the oil business was his element, and it gave a completely new dimension to his demeanour. She watched him, observing and analysing every little bit of his appearance and behaviour; she always thought he looked good, but the way he looked in a business environment was especially interesting and exciting. He sat back in his chair, his jacket off and his shirtsleeves rolled up, it was the relaxed look he got when he knew he didn't have any further meetings for the day and he was on his own to work. Sue Ellen took in his appearance, the only thing that would make him look sexier would be a loosened tie, maybe a few buttons undone and dishevelled hair, though she was glad he didn't look too casual right now, that look was reserved for her as his wife and she'd only just arrived. She took note of how his expression changed as he read the pages depending on whether he agreed or disagreed with the words; how he twirled the pen in his hand and how he muttered little comments to himself. She was almost disappointed that they had to go out to dinner, because the 'JR Ewing, Vice President of Ewing Oil' look was very attractive and if she were any less of a lady, she would have shown him exactly how he affected her. She was a lady though, and she tried to be a good wife, following her husband's directions and not making too many decisions on her own; she would never make the first move, even if she wanted to.

JR read the final page of the documents and was satisfied with the changes he had made, he could consult with his father tomorrow, but for now, he was finished. Looking up, he noticed Sue Ellen staring at him, subconsciously running her finger around the rim of her glass, it was something she only really did when she was nervous or distracted, though from the look on her face he sensed that it wasn't a bad thing she was thinking about. He grinned as he realised he could use the situation to his advantage; it wasn't something they had ever done before, but she was his wife, they hadn't really been together in over a week, and they were all alone in his big office, he would have to be crazy to not take the opportunity when it presented itself. "All done", his words broke her thoughts and she tried not to blush as they made eye contact, she didn't want him to know where her mind had been, though she wondered whether he had ever had the same thoughts, he was a man after all. "Good", she smiled at him as she walked toward his desk and she was surprised when he pulled her down into his lap, she had assumed that he would stand and they would leave, but she liked this option more, she always enjoyed being close to JR. "So…how was your day?" Sue Ellen didn't know what to say, she didn't really want to talk, but she didn't want to be the one to kiss him first; JR was surprised at her question, he didn't understand how she had so much self-control, especially with the way she had been looking at him earlier. "Busy, but productive. How was yours?" he brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes as he spoke and Sue Ellen sighed, "my day was fine. I went shopping and had lunch with some of the DOA ladies", she didn't want to mention that she had specifically purchased a dress for their date, he would think she was crazy, it was only supposed to be a casual dinner, but she wanted to look nice for him. "Well, keep doing whatever you're doing, because you look stunning", he had admired her appearance the moment he saw her, and he wanted her to know that he appreciated her efforts, though he didn't want to appear too involved, it wouldn't be good for his reputation if it got out that he noticed all of the small details about her. "Thank you", Sue Ellen smiled as he complimented her and was pleased when he finally bridged the gap between them, kissing her with all of the emotion her felt, it had been far too long since they had been this close and now was the time to make up for all of their missed opportunities.

To be continued…