Dallas, Texas

Assisting John Ross into his chair at the dinner table, Sue Ellen listened to JR as he continued to tell her about his day.

"Bobby's flying to Houston in the morning."

Detailing a development in the situation he'd revealed to her over a month ago, he had her full attention now. She hadn't heard much about Pam's estranged family since he'd initially told her, she hadn't wanted to pry by asking Bobby, especially since he hadn't mentioned it at all, so she was interested in the update JR had.

"To see Pam's mother?"

"I assume so. I don't officially know anything."

Nodding, his facial expression told her that it didn't really matter what Bobby had or hadn't personally told him about his upcoming travel, he already knew more about the entire situation than Bobby had shared.

"But unofficially you do?"

"Mhm. I sign off use of the jet."

Fastening John Ross' bib, she considered the situation. Bobby was keeping a lot to himself and although he didn't seem nearly as down as he had been a few months ago, she worried that a negative outcome in Houston might push him back into low spirits.

"I hope it goes well."

"If Bobby doesn't step on her toes it might."

Not sounding overly optimistic, JR's previous comments about his meetings with Rebecca came to mind. She hadn't appreciated him looking into her life, but hopefully she understood why Bobby might want to know more about her.

"And if he does?"

"She's no stranger to freezing people out."

"Poor Bobby."

"Don't be too concerned about Bobby; he'll have a couple of shoulders to cry on if it doesn't end well."

Chuckling, JR's response to her concern didn't seem overly appropriate, nor did she really understand what he was saying.

"A couple?"

"Jenna and Katherine."

"You think Katherine would side with Bobby over her mother?"

"I know so."

Hearing his explanation, she was a little surprised. She'd heard all about Pam's sister and how curious she was, but she hadn't understood until now that she'd made her personal position so clear.

"That could complicate things."

"It certainly could." Grinning, JR's delight at the drama of the situation didn't go unnoticed. He was involved, but only just; mostly he was a spectator, one who was very much enjoying the show that was unfolding.

Several hours later, across town, Jack stood to accept the wine glass Jenna was holding out to him, thanking her with a soft kiss then gently pulling her down onto the couch with him.

Comfortable with her so close, he took a drink. He wasn't a wine drinker ordinarily but Jenna had once made a point of telling him that she didn't much enjoy the taste of beer, and since he'd switched to drinking wine around her he'd yet to strike out.

She'd fallen into his bed almost two months ago and hadn't left since, which he had very few complaints about. They were casual, he was free to do whatever he wanted to do, out-of-town or in Dallas, and she was the same. He didn't get the feeling she was taking advantage of the freedom of their relationship though, she was far too available to be juggling multiple men.

"Did Bobby tell you why he's going to Houston?"

Asking him a simple question, she reminded him again what she truly wanted. She wasn't juggling multiple men because she only really wanted one man, Bobby.

"No."

Pouting at his answer, she didn't say anything more.

He was a nice distraction for her and he knew it. He couldn't say it made him feel fantastic to be her second choice, however that was all forgotten when they were involved.

She'd flirted with him for months before she'd let herself get anywhere near him and by that time he was more than ready to take the next step, so he was very much enjoying that now that she was single she wasn't shy about taking what she wanted from him.

Unfortunately, at present she seemed more focused on what was going on in Bobby's life than what was happening in her own.

Reaching his arm out, he put his wine glass down on the coffee table, then did the same for her, taking the glass from her hand and setting it aside.

"I wonder…" starting to speak, surely about Bobby again, he cut her off with a smooth arm movement and a kiss, bringing her into his lap, and his mouth.

He liked Bobby, he was a nice person who'd been through a lot, but he wasn't that special that he deserved extra attention, especially not when there were other things going on.

Falling into the rhythm he'd set, Jenna's long nails scratched against his arms, then his left cheek, then her fingertips brushed against his chest, making their way down his shirt, unbuttoning it as she went.

Pulling away just for a second to shrug his jacket off, he groaned in frustration when she took the opportunity to return to their previous conversation.

"I'm sorry, I'm distracted. All Bobby told me was that he was going. I hate being kept in the dark about why."

Hearing what she was saying, he didn't have much time for it.

"He doesn't have to tell you everything, you're not his girlfriend."

Pouting again, she grumbled at his comment, "don't I know it."

A hand on her thigh and a hand on her waist, he was glad she was single. When she wasn't talking too much she was a real catch, and although not permanent, he was happy to have hooked her for a little while.

"I'm not complaining."

Drawing her back to him, he thought he'd ended the conversation, but she seemed determined to keep it going.

"Jack."

Shaking his head, he exasperatedly reminded her, "you invited me here tonight."

If she hadn't been in the mood for company then he'd rather she hadn't called him.

"I know, I'm sorry; I do want you here."

Sounding sincere, she brushed her hand against his cheek again, letting it fall and rest on his shoulder.

"But you're distracted... Let me distract you."

Wanting to believe her, he gave her a final chance, brushing his lips against hers before trailing kisses down her neck.

Tilting her head for better access, finally she said something he truly wanted to hear, "you can be very convincing."

He'd never convince her to give up on attaining the one thing she wanted, but he didn't need to, he wasn't looking for a serious relationship. If she could keep her focus on him when they were together he'd be happy, and he was happy now.

To be continued…