A/N: Thanks for your reviews!
Chapter 45- Best of My Love
Johanna sighed as she looked through a rack of clothes at Macy's that Saturday afternoon. She needed an outfit for her date that night, and everything in her closet had been vetoed for one reason or another. When Jim had broached the topic of their first date, she reminded him of the concert tickets he had given her for her birthday. She blew out an exasperated breath; the Eagles concert was that night, and she was looking forward to it as well as dinner, but she wanted everything to be just right. She didn't want him to have any regrets. "Nothing seems right," she told Sharon as her friend added a pair of jeans to the pile of items she was carrying around.
"That's because you're putting too much pressure on yourself," her friend replied. "Just relax. I thought you loved that top you're carrying around?"
"I do," Johanna said; glancing down at the silky red short sleeved top she had plucked from a rack. "I just need something to go with it."
"How about these?" Sharon asked; holding up a pair of black jeans. "That shirt would look good with these."
Johanna took the jeans and added them to her pile. "I like them but it might be too casual. I can't go too fancy for the concert and I don't want to be too casual for dinner. I don't know where we're going."
"He didn't tell you where you're going to eat?"
"No; all he said was it's a new place and that I could wear whatever I wanted."
"Then I guess it must be a place that isn't too fussy."
"True; but I'd still rather not be too casual."
Sharon laughed. "You'd think this was the first date you'd ever been on."
"Oh shut up," Johanna chastened. "You acted the same way about your first date with Phil."
"Yeah, but I hadn't known Phil for three years; nor had I been on vacation with him or business trips. I also hadn't slept with him."
Johanna glanced at her. "Do you think I should've waited until we had a date?"
"Do you really think he could've made it another week?" the secretary asked. "Especially after you two had patched things up and you had given him the green light."
"Probably not…after all, he did drive me home from work Wednesday; and after he stayed for dinner, he forgot to go home until early Thursday morning."
"Well now I know why you were dragging Thursday morning; but don't you just love how they sneak in under the radar and spend the night?"
"He is slick like that," she laughed.
"They all are."
Johanna was quiet for a minute. "But should I have waited?"
Sharon shook her head. "No; sleeping with him on the first date would've looked slutty. Doing it before hand makes the date look like you want to do things right with a commitment in light of the current state of affairs. It's like proving it wasn't a one night stand; which makes it better than doing it on the first date."
"That seems like twisted logic…but it oddly makes sense."
"I wouldn't steer you wrong," Sharon remarked. "After all this time, I figure the two of you earned the right to go ahead with the deed."
"Sharon!"
"What? It's the truth, you earned it; not only that, you earned it the hard way."
"That's true," she agreed. "I did have to work for it."
"Damn right you did. Who would've guessed that Jim wasn't the come along peacefully type?"
"I'm just glad it's over and he's finally decided to come along."
"We all are," Sharon quipped. "And week one of your new relationship has been a success…right?"
"Yes," she giggled. "He's been very attentive and loving."
"And I'm sure he's pleased with his new benefits," her friend teased.
Johanna's cheeks reddened. "I haven't heard any complaints so I'm assuming he's pleased."
"You don't have to assume," Sharon remarked as they moved to the next rack. "He's been walking around looking like he just won the lottery."
She flicked a teasing glance at her friend. "He did, he won me."
Sharon laughed. "I can't argue with that."
"How about this?" Johanna asked as she held up a black mini skirt that had red stitching.
"I like it," Sharon replied. "I think it would look great with that shirt. It's not too dressy and it's not too casual."
Johanna smiled. "I think it's just what I was looking for. Now for shoes."
"You're going for shoes too? You have red heels that will look fine with that outfit."
"That doesn't mean I can't look for another pair, does it?"
"Of course not," Sharon said. "What was I thinking?"
"I have no idea," she replied as they headed for the shoe department; "But I was about to feel your forehead to check for fever."
The secretary chuckled. "I had a defective brain cell there for a moment; but don't worry, I'm back to normal functioning now."
After spending what they deemed an appropriate amount of time in the shoe department; Johanna added a pair of red, open toed slingback heels that she had fallen in love with to her pile. Sharon had a grabbed a pair of black sandals for her collection and they were strolling through the store looking for anything they might've missed.
"Here's a department we need to visit," Sharon said with a teasing smile as she dragged Johanna to the lingerie department.
"What for?" Johanna asked.
"I thought you might want to pick up something special for those after date activities," she grinned.
"Really?" Johanna said as she rolled her eyes but a smile remained on her lips. "I have a whole drawer full of lingerie at home."
"You also have a closet full of shoes but you're buying another pair; besides, you might want something special."
She arched a brow at her. "And what is it that you're looking for?"
Sharon sighed. "I don't know; I haven't found it yet."
"While you're deciding, what is it that you assume I need?"
The other woman shrugged. "Buy new underwear. You can't have too much and besides, you know it's standard procedure to buy new underwear when you have a date."
Johanna nodded. "You know, that's true…I wonder who started that."
"I have no idea; probably someone who thought we didn't have enough torment in our lives."
"That's probably true," she laughed as she began to browse the area.
Several minutes passed between them in silence as Johanna picked up several selections of bras and panties. Sharon eyed her with a raised brow. "I take it you've decided to stock up for dates two through six?"
"They're on sale," Johanna replied. "Fifty percent off, it's like two for the price of one."
"When you put it that way, how can we not stock up?"
She laughed. "Still haven't found what you're looking for?"
"Not really. I'd like a different color or something…something that would catch Phil off guard."
"Here, try these," Johanna said with a laugh as she tossed her a neon yellow bra and panty set. "That'll be different."
Sharon laughed as she looked over the items. "You'd be able to see that in a blackout."
"Well then you know he won't have any trouble finding you in the dark."
"Yeah, but I don't want to blind him."
"Then what do you want to do?"
"Shock him."
"Then wear nothing," Johanna replied. "He won't be expecting that."
"True…but I could get chilly."
"Then I don't know what to tell you, Sharon."
"Maybe I'll get a nightgown instead," her friend stated as they drifted to a display of slinky silk nightgowns. "What color do you think I should get?"
"Whatever you want as long as it isn't this green one," Johanna replied as she plucked the emerald colored nightgown from the rack.
"See, I knew you wanted something special for your after date activities."
"Oh please," she laughed. "Like he's really going to give me time to change clothes…just so I can take them off again."
"You're right," Sharon remarked; "They are always eager on date nights…it's like their reward for sitting through dinner and a movie and making conversation."
They hadn't noticed the older woman they were sharing the department with until she turned toward them and glared. "Young ladies in my day had more decorum when in public."
Johanna and Sharon glanced at each other and then back to the woman. "What?" Johanna asked.
"Your conversation," the old woman remarked. "In my day, ladies wouldn't discuss such things in public."
"What things?" Sharon asked.
The woman's lips puckered up in clear offense. "Like…undergarments!"
"Well we all wear them," Johanna replied; "So why not discuss them?"
"It's not only that," the woman proclaimed. "It was your blatant discussion about certain activities."
"It's not like we were going into detail," Sharon told her. "It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"Some things are meant to be private and I don't see wedding bands on either one of your fingers!"
Sharon wiggled her ring finger at the woman. "I've got a ring; I'm engaged. I'm getting married in October."
The woman turned her gaze to Johanna. "Your finger is bare."
"Don't rush me," Johanna told her. "I just got him to date me; I can't be bringing up marriage this soon. He'd run away for sure."
"Yeah; and if you knew the trouble she went through to catch that man," Sharon added; "You'd be more understanding."
"It's despicable!" the older woman proclaimed. "Don't you care what people are thinking of you when they overhear your conversations?"
"No," Sharon told her. "I don't care what people think. She's my best friend; if you can't discuss men, sex, underwear and periods with your best friend, who can you discuss it with?"
"And besides," Johanna spoke up; "My mother taught me that it was impolite to eavesdrop on other people's conversations and clearly you've been listening in willingly to ours."
"Well I never!"
"Maybe that's the problem," Johanna told her. "Maybe you should pick out something new and give it a try."
"Yeah," Sharon agreed; "Go home and have some fun; shock your husband."
The woman sputtered in shock and outrage and hurried away; leaving the girls stifling their laughs. "We better get out of here before we get into any more trouble," Johanna remarked.
"I agree," her friend replied as she snatched a blue nightgown from the rack. "Let's get out of here before we get banned…we can't afford that."
"Damn straight. I'm getting hungry anyway, it's time for lunch."
A warm early June breeze ruffled the leaves of the trees outside the windows of the café where Sharon and Johanna were having lunch. "I thought you were hungry," Sharon commented as she glanced across the table and noticed that Johanna was playing with her food more than she was eating it.
"I am," Johanna replied as she raised her fork and took a bite.
"You're pushing it around more than you're eating it. What's on your mind?"
She shrugged. "It's silly."
"That's never stopped you from telling me before."
Johanna took another bite of her salad and bought herself some time. "I'm nervous," she admitted after she swallowed.
"About what?"
"The date."
Sharon's brow rose. "It's Jim; what's there to be nervous about? You've been out with him hundreds of times."
"I know; that's why it's silly…but the feeling is there just the same. It's different this time."
"The only thing different about this time is that he's most likely spending the night when he takes you home…and since you two have already done that before, you know what to expect and shouldn't be worried."
"I'm not worried about that; believe me, I know where the evening is headed."
Sharon's eyes twinkled in amusement. "And you're looking forward to it."
Johanna rolled her eyes but she smiled. "I…don't deny that; but still, there are nerves. It's different this time," she insisted.
"Really it isn't. The two of you have been acting like a couple for over a year and now you are one. Nothing's changed except for the label and the overnight visits."
"Weren't you nervous when you went out with Phil? And don't lie; you know you can't lie to me, I always see right through it."
"Of course I was; but that was different. Like I said earlier, I didn't have a history with him like you do with Jim. You're going to dinner and a concert, just as you would've done if nothing had changed. Once you get on your way, you'll be fine."
Johanna gave her an amused smirk. "It's funny how everyone always says 'but that was different' in relation to themselves."
"Well it is different," Sharon remarked.
"That doesn't mean I can't be nervous…it's real now," Johanna said as she pushed around the remains of her salad. "I don't want to blow it."
"You're not going to blow it," her friend said firmly. "Quit thinking that way. It's a date, not a verdict from a jury. You love him, he loves you, you're going to have a great time and you're going to wake up with him in the morning. It's all going to be perfect, you'll see."
"I hope so," she replied. "We went through a lot to get to this place."
"I know; but don't worry. I'm telling you, it's going to be the same as it always was, just better now."
Johanna smiled; that was a pleasant thought and she agreed that they were better now than they had been…but she still had butterflies in her stomach.
"Are you sure about this restaurant?" Jim asked his brother Andrew as they sat in stands of a ballgame.
"Of course I'm sure," Andrew replied. "You said you wanted somewhere new to take her, you also said she liked Italian food. This place is new and it serves Italian food."
"And it is casual, right? Because I told her she could wear what she wanted."
"Trust me," his brother implored. "This place is perfect. My boss keeps sending me there so I can work out a deal with the owner to open more of them in resort towns we've scouted and are building up. The food is excellent; the atmosphere is casual and yet it also has an upscale feel to it while remaining friendly and family oriented. She's going to love it. Don't be so uptight."
"I can be uptight if I want to," Jim remarked as he watched a player slide into third base.
"You can't really be nervous can you?" his brother Michael asked with a laugh. "You should be out of that stage by now, shouldn't you?"
"I didn't say I was nervous."
"What's Uncle Jim nervous about?" Mikey asked; taking his eyes off the baseball field and glancing at his father.
Michael smiled at his son. "He's got a date with Miss Jo."
Mikey leaned out of his chair to see Jim. "I thought you said she wasn't your girlfriend!"
"She wasn't when you asked me," Jim replied as Robert Beckett chuckled next to him. "But she is now."
"Which now means that he admits that he kisses her," Michael added with a wink at his son.
"I knew he did," Mikey remarked triumphantly.
"We all did," Robert stated with a gleam in his eyes.
"I knew it too!" Danny declared with all the authority a four year old could muster.
"Of course you did," Robert said, ruffling the boy's hair as he sat on his lap. "Nothing stays secret in this family."
The comment about secrets had Jim eyeing Mikey. "Don't tell Grandma that Miss Jo is my girlfriend."
"Why not?" the boy asked.
"Because it's a…surprise."
His father and brothers tried and failed to stifle their laughter. "Oh," Mikey replied. "I know all about surprises; you're not supposed to tell or it gets ruined."
"That's right," Jim said with a nod; "And if you promise not to tell, I'll buy you another box of Cracker Jacks."
"Can I have a hot dog instead?"
"Absolutely," he replied; turning his gaze to Danny. "Don't you tell Grandma either."
"Can I have a hot dog too if I don't tell her?" his nephew asked.
"Yes."
"I won't tell."
"I knew I could count you," Jim told him.
"Now that we got that out of the way," Andrew commented; "Let's get back to you being uptight…it's not a good attitude for a date."
He smirked at his younger brother. "How would you know, out of the two of us, I'm the one with a girlfriend."
Andrew laughed. "Yeah, you only have a girlfriend now because she had to get rough with you to make you see the light; and just so you know, there are many, many women who would love to spend an evening with me."
Michael scoffed. "Oh yeah; you're such a great catch that I'm surprised that you haven't had to hire bodyguards to keep them from jumping you on the street."
Andrew smiled. "Well I would but what kind of man would I be if I deprived those women a chance to get up close and personal when they see an opportunity?"
"Yeah; I just see them knocking everyone down to get to you," Jim commented. "I guess that line that follows you around must be in the bathroom right now."
"Hey, I can have a girlfriend anytime I want," his brother remarked. "I've got a whole address book full of names. I have women all around the world…and I'm never uptight with them; I mean how could I be with this face and natural charm?"
Michael glanced toward their father. "Dad, tell us the truth; someone dropped Andrew on his head when he was a baby, didn't they?"
Robert laughed. "If anyone dropped him on his head, it was probably one of you boys and your mother and I never knew about it."
"I had a girlfriend," Mikey declared; a mixture of smugness and pride on his seven year old face.
"You did?" Jim asked. "What was her name?"
"Her name was Jill."
"Why isn't she your girlfriend anymore?" Andrew asked.
"Because school's over now," Mikey replied; giving him a look that suggested he was dense. "I'll get a new one next year."
"That's my boy," Michael laughed. "He's shopping around, not tying himself down to just one woman at such a young age."
"The family legacy is secured," Robert announced with pride. "What about you, Danny? Do you have a girlfriend?"
"No," he said with a shake of his head. "I love mommy."
Robert hugged his grandson to him. "You're a boy of good taste."
"So where are you taking Johanna besides dinner?" Michael asked Jim.
"To the Eagles concert; that's her favorite band."
"Nice touch," he replied. "I guess this is a full rich day for you; a ballgame, dinner date and concert…and I'm sure we can assume what follows."
Jim grinned. "Kind of makes you wish you were me, doesn't it?"
"No comment."
"I translate that into a yes."
"Whatever makes you happy, little brother."
"What I want to know," Andrew said, working his way back into the conversation; "Is why you seem on edge about this date? It isn't like you've never taken her out before."
Jim blew out a breath as a batter struck out. "I don't want to blow it; especially after everything we just went through."
"I don't think you have to worry," Andrew replied. "You've probably already reached your 'blew it' quota for the year…that's what you spent all of May doing; but she's forgiven you and decided to keep you, probably against her better judgment, but hey, that's a woman's prerogative."
He smirked at his brother; taking his teasing in stride. "You're just jealous because she's partial to blue eyes instead of brown."
Andrew volleyed back good naturedly. "If that's what gets you through the day, you believe it all you want."
"Don't worry so much, Jimmy," Robert spoke up; figuring it was time to add some fatherly influence. "I'm sure you and Johanna will have a wonderful evening. I understand having a few jitters; we all have them when a relationship with an important woman is new…even if we have known her awhile; but the two of you are in a better place relationship wise. I'm sure she'll enjoy everything you have planned. Since this is the first date, you should take her some flowers to make it a little extra special. Women are sentimental about such things as I'm sure you know."
He nodded. "I've been trying to decide if I should get her roses or get her some other type of flower."
"Roses," his father stated. "Always roses; one for apologies; a dozen for everything else."
"I always take red for apologies; do you think I should get a different color for dates?" he asked; only half joking.
"The color is up to you, son," his father said with a smile. "Just get whatever feels right."
"Some women are fond of pink roses," Michael remarked.
"White's nice too," Andrew commented; "There's also yellow."
"I don't know if she'd like yellow…she doesn't like yellow dresses."
"Then go with either red, white, or pink," Michael replied. "I wouldn't give her a color that she doesn't like to wear."
Jim nodded. "That's probably a good idea. I'll avoid yellow."
"You know," Robert spoke up; "There is one thing you can't avoid forever."
"What's that, Dad?"
"Telling your mother," he replied as he met his gaze and held it.
Jim smirked. "I just pulled my ass out of one fire; do you really want to rush me into another one?"
His father laughed. "No; but you're going to have to tell her eventually."
"I will…just not today," he replied.
"Or tomorrow," Andrew laughed.
"Right."
"And probably not next week," Michael added.
"There's no rush," Jim agreed. "I'll tell her next month."
Robert shook his head at him. "She'll be even madder when she hears you've been keeping it from her."
"Who's going to tell her that I'm keeping it from her?" Jim asked. "I'm not; Andrew, are you?"
"Hell no; what about you Michael?"
"Nope; I'm not touching that."
"See," Jim remarked. "No one's going to tell."
Robert grinned. "What if I talk in my sleep and she hears me?"
"You'll tell her you were just dreaming."
"Do you think she'll believe that?"
"If you're convincing enough," Jim replied; "Because I'm not telling her yet. I already know what she's going to say and I don't want to hear it."
"Alright," his father said with a nod. "It's your decision."
That was right, Jim thought to himself as he turned his attention back to the game; it was his decision…and he had decided on having peace in his life for the time being.
Johanna hated herself later that day as she caught sight of the slightest shake of her hand as she swiped mascara across her lashes. She was being ridiculous. There was nothing to be nervous about; it was just Jim…it was just a date. Technically they'd been on dates before…it just hadn't been official. But it was official now…and that made all the difference.
"Get it together," she told her reflection in the mirror. "Stop being ridiculous. It's dinner and a concert; it's not a big deal. So what if it's the first official date; it doesn't make any difference. We're still the same people…we're just people who now admit our feelings," she stated; while silently adding 'and he's already seen me naked."
She sighed. "You'd think that would take the pressure off but it doesn't," she muttered. "I just want everything to be perfect. I don't want him to have any regrets about jumping into this." Johanna blew out a breath. "Oh, God; I'm talking to myself in a mirror," she said in horror. "I have to stop; that's nuts. What would he think?"
Realizing that she was still talking to herself, she slapped a hand against her forehead. "Stop it!"
Johanna checked her makeup one last time and decided it was as good as it was going to get. She brushed back a lock of hair, tucking it into place. She had curled it a little but had left it down, knowing that Jim preferred it that way. She slipped on her new shoes and checked her purse; making sure that she had put the concert tickets inside. Another quick check of her hair and makeup and she smoothed a hand over her new skirt, her fingers coming into contact with the tag that she had neglected to cut off.
"Great," she muttered as she rolled her eyes. "I'm pulling a Minnie Pearl fashion statement."
She huffed in annoyance and moved through her apartment; going to the kitchen and jerking open the junk drawer to retrieve a pair of scissors. She cut off the offending tag and tossed it into the garbage. With her task completed, she remained in the kitchen for a moment, leaning back against the counter and closing her eyes as she took a deep breath. "Everything is fine," she told herself. "This night is going to be wonderful and not any different from the other times we've gone out…except for maybe how the evening ends…and there's nothing wrong with that." She took a few more calming breaths and realized that she had left her purse laying on her vanity. A self loathing sigh crossed her lips as she made her way back to the bedroom to collect her purse.
A knock sounded at the door as she checked her handbag one more time. The noise startled her and the bag almost slipped from her fingers. She glanced at the clock; Jim was fifteen minutes early. She smiled; he was either anxious or feeling the same nerves she was. He was knocking a second time by the time she reached the door.
"I thought maybe you had changed your mind," Jim said as she opened the door.
Johanna smirked in amusement. "All the trouble I went through to get you and you think I'd let you off the hook that easily?"
He smiled as he stepped inside. "Good point."
"As always. I was checking my purse when you knocked the first time," she explained; holding up her handbag for him to see.
"You're forgiven."
"I'm glad. I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight if I wasn't."
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask her who said she'd be sleeping much anyway but he refrained and smiled instead. "You look beautiful," he told her; his gaze sweeping over her, taking in her silky red top and black mini skirt.
She self consciously smoothed a hand over her outfit. "Is it alright for where we're going for dinner? I know you said to wear what I wanted but…"
"It's perfect," he murmured.
"Is that a legitimate opinion or an opinion based on you liking this skirt?"
"Both," he said honestly. "I'd never deny appreciating such a nice generous view of your legs."
She blushed; her gaze dropping and noticing the bouquet that he had apparently forgotten that he was holding. "Are those for me?" she asked with a nod at his hand.
Jim's gaze dropped to his hand and he felt like an idiot. "Well they're not for me," he quipped as he held them out to her.
Johanna smiled as she accepted the bouquet and brought them to her nose to inhale the scent of the roses. "They're beautiful. I love this mix of pink and white roses."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "I couldn't decide what color to get you, so I just got you both," he said without really meaning to.
She stepped forward and kissed him. "They're perfect; thank you."
He relaxed a little, seeing that his decision hadn't been a bad one in the matter of the flowers. He drew her back to him and kissed her like he should have when he first arrived.
"That was nice too," Johanna remarked with amusement once his lips parted from hers.
"There's more where that came from," he said with a grin.
She smiled and stepped away from him. "I better put these in some water before we go."
"Take your time…I got here early."
"There's nothing wrong with that," she said from the kitchen where he heard her opening a cupboard door.
"That's because you think I'm only fifteen minutes early…I sat in the car for ten minutes before that."
"Why didn't you just come on up?"
"I didn't want you to think I was rushing you," he replied; raising his voice to be heard over the water in the kitchen.
"I wouldn't have thought that," she answered as she returned to the room. "I would've just thought you were anxious."
Jim rubbed the back of his neck once more. "I…I am anxious of course; but I guess I probably wasn't paying attention to the time."
She eyed him; she knew that he rubbed the back of his neck when he was nervous; just as he knew that she tapped her foot when she was nervous…and she knew that if she had been sitting down, she'd be tapping her foot. She moved toward him and reached for the hand that was still squeezing his neck. His eyes met hers and she gave him a small smile. "Nervous?" she asked softly.
He shrugged. "Why would I be nervous?"
"It's alright if you are," she assured. "I am too."
Jim's gaze darted back to hers. "You are?" he asked; his tone containing a mixture of relief and surprise.
Johanna nodded. "Yeah, I am."
If she was going to be open about it, then there wasn't any reason why he shouldn't be, he thought to himself. "I don't want to be nervous," he admitted; "But I am."
"It's okay; I understand…like I said, I'm nervous too."
"Why?" he asked. "We shouldn't be; it isn't like this is the first time we've done this; we've gone out before, we've…," he trailed off, afraid that if he finished the sentence that she'd somehow think he was turning their love making into a cheap affair.
"I know," she murmured; squeezing the hand that she was still holding. "It doesn't take the pressure off, does it?"
"No…and I kind of thought it would make it all easier."
"Me too," she answered with a soft laugh.
"Not that going out is difficult," he hurried to correct.
"Relax," Johanna stated. "I know what you mean…I'm not going to twist anything against you; you know me better than that."
"I know…I'm just afraid of blowing this, Jo."
"What makes you think you're going to blow it?"
"I don't know," Jim said with a shrug. "I just don't want to do or say something wrong…and have it result in us having the shortest relationship in history."
"Jim," she said, a soft laugh tingeing her voice. "Our relationship wouldn't be doomed if you said something wrong. I'm not the terrible am I?"
"No!" he exclaimed. "See, I said the wrong thing."
"No, you didn't…and I'm still here holding your hand…and we've overcome worse blunders. I really don't think you have to worry so much about what you say or do. Just be who you always are…I love that guy."
Jim smiled and tugged her closer; brushing a kiss against her lips. "I love you too."
"Then we'll be okay," she whispered; her arms slipping around him.
"Why are we being like this?" he asked. "Why be nervous about something we're used to doing? It seems ridiculous."
"I agree…but it's there. I know we've done this before…but despite telling ourselves that it's the same, really it's not. We're different now."
"A good different," Jim stated as he held her.
"Absolutely; but being different opens up that box of nerves. I'm sure we'll be fine though once the evening gets under way…and we could make a deal that might make us feel better," she suggested.
"I'm listening."
Johanna pulled herself out of his arms and retook his hand. "We could agree that no matter what; even if one or both of use should somehow fumble at some point tonight, that it won't change anything between us."
He smiled. "That sounds like a good deal to me, sweetheart."
"I am very good at making settlements," she quipped with a teasing grin, making him laugh.
"You are," he agreed; "And I accept that deal…how would you like to seal it to make it official?"
"For you; I believe I'd prefer to seal it with a kiss," Johanna answered.
"I was hoping you'd say that," he confessed before catching her lips in a soft kiss. "Are you ready to go?"
"I'm ready," she replied; feeling somewhat better now that they had talked. "Are you?"
Jim nodded as he took her hand. "Let's go."
Johanna found that she felt more relaxed as dinner got under way and she assumed from Jim's appetite that he felt the same way. "I really like this place," she commented as she picked up her glass to take a sip.
"It is nice, isn't it?" he replied; his gaze sweeping across the restaurant before returning to her face. "It's nice and clean and the food is good."
"The food is excellent," she corrected as she picked her fork up again. "I'm going to have to tell Mom; she'd love it here. Maybe she can convince Dad to bring her here one night."
"Doesn't he like to go out?"
"Not too much," she replied. "He prefers Mom to do the cooking all the time. He does take her out on special occasions though, like her birthday and their anniversary. He takes her to business dinners too. If she cajoles him enough, he'll take out without an occasion being attached to it."
"My parents are the opposite," Jim remarked. "Dad loves to go out; Mom takes some convincing at times. She doesn't always want to go but he usually wins."
She laughed. "I don't doubt that. Do you know what I really like about this place?"
"The free breadsticks?" he asked as he reached for what was probably his third.
"Yes, I do like the breadsticks," Johanna giggled. "But I was thinking about how open and airy it is in here and it's bright, you can actually see what you're eating. You know how some places are, it's dark and stuffy and this is the complete opposite. It's really nice."
Jim nodded. "I agree; it is a nice layout. Some places make me feel like I'm suffocating."
"And some of them don't feed you enough," she quipped with a wink; recalling how he had grumbled in the past about small portions at some establishments.
He grinned. "That's why I prefer to eat at a place I call Johanna's; she's very generous."
She smirked at him. "I've heard of that place; she doesn't charge either."
"And I don't need a reservation," he teased.
"No dress code either," she remarked. "You can come as you are."
Jim smiled; amusement in his eyes. "It's also a nice place to spend the night…breakfast is always included in the stay."
Johanna laughed. "I'm a firm believer in hospitality when it comes to my favorite guest."
"I'm very lucky," he quipped.
She grinned. "I know."
He laughed. "We'll have to come back here sometime."
"I'd like that; there are plenty of things on the menu I'd like to try. How did you find this place? I haven't heard of it."
"Word of mouth," he answered.
She eyed him. "Your father?"
"No."
"Your brother?"
He was about to deny it but she smiled smugly, as if daring him to do so. "How do you know everything?" he asked.
Johanna gave a shrug. "I'm a woman."
"I've noticed," he teased.
"I should hope so; I'd hate to think you weren't appreciating what I've been offering."
"You don't have to worry about that, sweetheart," he said as he clinked his glass against hers. "I'm very appreciative."
She grinned. "So am I."
"How could you not be?" he jested.
"You're awful full of yourself this week. Sharon says you look like you won the lottery."
"Well tell Sharon that if she works harder, Phil will look that way too."
"I'm not telling her that," she laughed. "I don't think she'd like that."
"Oh go on, live dangerously; what's the worst she can do? Throw a file at you? Sally does that to me all the time; you learn how to dodge it."
"I'm surprised you let her get away with that as often as you do," she said lightly.
Jim shrugged. "It livens up the day and besides, it could be worse. She could throw the stapler when she's irritated…that would hurt…and then I'd fire her. I do tend to yell at her at times, so really, letting her throw files once in awhile is compensation for putting up with me."
Johanna smiled; "What do I get to throw at you?"
"Yourself," he quipped without missing a beat. "And don't worry, I'll always catch you."
"I should've known," she replied playfully. "So was I right about your brother giving the recommendation for here?"
"Yes, but you didn't guess which brother."
"Well I'm pretty sure it's not William since he's in Germany."
"Very good reasoning; I see why you're so successful," he commented lightly.
"And I'm just getting started," she volleyed. "Since Michael is married and has four kids, I'm guessing he doesn't get around as much as Andrew would, so therefore, I'm picking Andrew."
Jim smirked at her. "Did he call you and tell you?"
"No," she laughed. "I was just guessing. There's nothing wrong with getting a recommendation from your brother; siblings have to do something to make themselves worth it at times."
"That's true," he remarked. "They do need to earn their keep; but yes, Andrew suggested this place. He loves it. You know how in his work he goes and looks for resorts and places such as that for his company to invest in and expand or re-build?"
"Yeah; you've told me about it."
"Well he also scouts out restaurants and shops and things like that that his company wants to bring to a resort town to bring in more business. His boss would like the owners of this place to open up a few more of these restaurants in some of the towns their building up, so he keeps sending Andrew here to wheel and deal."
"The owners aren't interested?" Johanna asked. "It seems like it would be a good opportunity and I can see why Andrew's company would be interested."
"They weren't at first but the way he talks they might be leaneing towards further talks."
"How was the ballgame?" she asked; recalling that he had gone to one earlier that day.
"It was great," he answered before taking another bite of his dinner.
"Did your team win?"
"Of course they did."
Johanna couldn't resist teasing him. "I'm sure they won just because all of you were in the stands, right?"
He grinned at her. "Don't underestimate the power of the Becketts in the stands; we have seen miracles occur on the field."
"In that case they should give you all a special section to sit in; maybe even put gold name tags on the seats for you."
Jim bumped her foot under the table; giving her a teasing smile. "You better watch it, Sassy; we take baseball very seriously in our family."
"Oh I know; you were all so distraught at the knowledge that I hadn't played before."
"Don't worry; we'll finish your baseball education," Jim replied. "I'm going to have to take you to a game sometime this summer."
"That would be fun," she answered; although she wasn't sure she'd be able to follow along too well. She wasn't all that sure about all the rules and whatever else they played by.
"Don't worry, I'll explain it all to you," he remarked.
"Were you reading my mind?" Johanna asked with a laugh.
"Lucky guess," he answered. "Although sometimes I wish I could read your mind."
Johanna shook her head. "No; you probably wouldn't want to do that."
He studied her for a moment. "Maybe not…I might not always like what goes on in there. You might be calling me a jackass."
"Only when I'm mad at you."
"In that instance it's most likely earned…and probably said out loud," he laughed.
"That's true, so really you don't need to read my mind after all, do you?"
"I suppose not."
"How did the boys enjoy the game?" she asked; knowing that Mikey and Danny were going along this time.
"They loved it; they were spoiled with food and Dad bought them new ball caps."
"I bet Robert enjoyed having three sons and two grandsons with him for the outing."
"He did enjoy it," Jim said with a smile.
"Have you told your mother yet about us?" she asked casually as she reached for her glass.
"Not yet but I'll get around to it…I'm going to wait and catch her in a good mood."
Johanna grinned. "Is that possible?"
He nodded. "It's been known to happen."
"I imagine her mood won't be good for long once you tell her that news."
"But if she was already in a bad mood, it would just be worse," he explained.
"I see," she said with a small laugh. "I'm not pressuring you to tell her, I was just curious."
"I don't mind that you asked. How was your shopping trip with Sharon?"
"I got a new outfit," she replied with a smile as she gestured to her ensemble.
"So it was a very successful trip," Jim replied. "I like it."
"I'm glad; I was starting to think I'd never find the right thing to go with this top."
"Your choice was excellent."
She smiled. "I thought you might like the mini skirt option."
"I do; is that all you got?" he asked.
"I got some other things."
"Like what?"
"Shoes and jeans and a nightgown."
"Is that all?"
Her eyes sparkled with amusement. "I might've picked up some things to add to a certain drawer…"
His brow rose. "To which pile in that certain drawer?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out," she teased.
Jim gave her a grin. "Mark my words; I will find out."
"I'm sure you will."
He glanced at his watch. "We probably won't have time for dessert; maybe we can get something after the concert?"
Johanna nodded. "That's fine with me; I wouldn't mind ice cream, if you don't mind."
"I don't mind," he replied. "I know all about your love of ice cream. Are you ready for the concert?"
"I'm so excited," she answered, a wide smile spreading across her lips. "I can't wait."
"We should probably head out in a few minutes," he told her; noting that their plates were empty and that their glasses of wine could be easily finished off with time to spare.
Johanna picked up her glass and finished off her drink. "I'm ready when you are."
The concert was half way through when the band finally began to play 'Best of My Love'. Johanna slipped her hand into Jim's and smiled at him as the familiar cords played. He returned her smile and pulled her into his arms. She breathed deeply; it was hard to get lost in their own little world in that large, noisy crowd but they didn't really need to be lost, she thought to herself; the moment was just right as it was. There on stage was her favorite band and they were playing her and Jim's song…and she could pretend that they were singing it just for them.
She felt a gentle squeeze at her waist and she looked up just in time for Jim to dip his head and capture her lips in a kiss. Tradition had to be observed, Johanna mused as their kiss ended and she drew him back for a second. All of her worries that day felt ridiculous and were banished. Everything was fine, just as she had known they'd be, in fact things were better than fine in her way of thinking. She moved her lips closer to his ear and murmured, "Perfect."
Jim smiled and she was sure that he understood everything that word encompassed as he kissed her once more.
When the concert was over and they had bought their souvenirs and t-shirts, they spilled out of the venue and made their way to the car. "I'm ready for the ice cream," Johanna commented once Jim was settled behind the wheel. Her throat was aching for a cool treat and she was ready to be off her feet for awhile.
"On our way here, I saw a little place down the street that had a sign out front saying ice cream; do you want to give it a try?" he asked.
"I'm game," she answered. "I don't think anyone could make bad ice cream…at least I wouldn't think they'd still be in business if they did."
"I guess it would be hard to screw up ice cream," Jim said with a laugh. "But we'll go and have some and then render a verdict."
"Sounds good to me; I need something cold."
"Me too; the heat from the crowd gets to you after awhile."
Johanna gave him a smile. "I guess I picked the right dessert option then."
He grinned. "Is this where I'm supposed to say 'of course, as always?'
"No," she quipped; "It's enough to know that you're thinking it."
He dropped a hand to her knee and gave it a squeeze. "I'm glad that my thoughts can make you happy."
A smile touched her lips as her hand covered his. "You make me happy."
"I hope so," he replied; his gaze flicking to her for a second; "Because I know you make me happy."
"I'm glad," she murmured; allowing his hand to slip away and return to the wheel. All she had wanted for a long time was to make him happy and give him all the love she had…and now she could and it was still an amazing feeling a week into their new status.
"This is nice," Johanna said as they sat down at an outdoor table with their ice cream. "How have we never stumbled upon this place before?"
"I don't know," Jim replied. "It is nice; especially being out in the breeze after being in that crowd at the concert."
"That's true; it did get a bit warm in there…but I loved every moment of it."
"So did I," he smiled. "It was a good show."
Johanna swallowed a bite of her ice cream before speaking once more. "We got to hear our song…that was my favorite part."
Jim reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Mine too, sweetheart. Maybe we can see them again the next time they come through the city."
"I'd like that," she replied. "In fact I'm in favor of seeing anyone good who comes through the city."
"I'll make a note of that."
"You do that. I do love music."
"I know you do; so do I. Who all have you seen in concert?"
"Sharon and I went to Woodstock so we saw a lot of people there."
Jim nodded. "I'm still devastated that Jeff and I didn't run into you there."
"I'm disappointed too," she laughed. "Mom, Colleen and I saw Diana Ross and the Supremes during their farewell tour. We also saw Elvis once; that was such a great show; we loved it."
He smiled. "And here I thought I knew of all the singers you were a fan of."
"Hardly," she said in amusement. "Let's see, who else…oh one time when I was working in Dad's office for some extra spending money when I was a teenager, one of his clients, in hopes of getting on his good side, gave me tickets to go see the Ed Sullivan Show. Colleen and I went and we saw the Mamas and the Papas; they sang California Dreaming; I love that song. I was so happy."
"Did the client get whatever he wanted from your father for his generosity to you?"
"He got a little discount," Johanna laughed. "My gift from Frankie when I graduated from high school was tickets to see Tommy James and the Shondells."
"Because of your love of Crimson and Clover?"
She nodded. "And I loved a lot of their other songs too."
"You've seen some good ones," Jim commented as he took a bite of his ice cream.
"Yeah, I have; what about you? Who have you seen?"
"I've seen the Rolling Stones," he answered. "And the Beach Boys…the ones at Woodstock of course; Three Dog Night…I told you we seen Patsy Cline when Dad took us to Nashville; we saw a few other country singers too."
"I envy you those," she replied. "I haven't seen any of the country singers yet."
"Who would you like to see?"
"That's hard to say," she answered; picking up another spoonful of ice cream. "I like a lot of them; but I guess if I had to choose it would be between Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton."
Jim laughed. "Dolly? Really?"
"Yes! I like Dolly," she remarked, swatting his hand. "So you just be nice."
"Sorry," he laughed. "I just didn't have you pegged as a Dolly fan."
"I told you I like all kinds of music."
"Well when I thought in the country vein, I assumed Loretta Lynn."
"I like her too."
"Then I wasn't wrong," he quipped; "But let me ask you this; what singer of any genre would you want to see the most now that you've seen the Eagles?"
"Next on my concert list?" she asked to be sure.
"Yeah; who's your next choice?"
"Cher," she replied without hesitation. "Definitely Cher."
"She's next on the list?"
"Yes; and don't act like you don't know that I love Cher."
He chuckled. "I do know that you have her albums…and that you enjoy singing along with her when she's on the radio."
She smirked at him; amusement in her eyes. "Then it's no surprise, is it?"
"I suppose not."
"Who do you want to see next?"
Jim shrugged. "Well, I wouldn't mind looking at Cher; you know, since you want to go anyway."
She swatted his hand. "I bet you wouldn't; and you'd use me as your excuse."
"We both win, sweetheart," he laughed.
"Who would you really want to see?"
"I don't have a list like you seem to," he replied; "But as long as I'm seeing it with you, I don't care. Cher would be fine with me; she's a good singer, I hear she puts on a good show. Maybe we'll get lucky and catch one of her shows one day."
"I'd love that," Johanna remarked. "It would be almost as good as seeing the Eagles."
"Then I'll do my best to make that dream come true," Jim replied as he scooped up another bite of ice cream. "I'm going to have to bring Angie here for ice cream the next time I take her out; I think she'd like the variety of flavors here."
"I'm sure she'll love you even more for providing her with more flavors of ice cream."
Jim laughed. "Well I can't have Andrew being her favorite uncle, now can I?"
"Oh of course not; that would be terrible."
"That's right. I'm going to have to surprise her and bring you along for one of those ice cream dates…that will seal the favorite uncle title for me."
"I would love to have ice cream with you and Angie…especially if it helps crown you as favorite uncle."
"I'll let you know when we're going. Do you need me to help you win any titles?" he asked playfully.
"No, not that I know of, but since we're talking about places to go, I don't only love just music," Johanna stated. "I also like the theater."
Jim smiled. "Not happening."
"What?"
"I don't do Broadway," he remarked. "I'll take you anywhere but there."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't like it. I think it's stupid; I mean who goes through life randomly bursting into song? It's ridiculous."
Johanna arched a brow at him. "I happen to like musicals."
"You like them to your heart's content, sweetheart; but I won't go with you."
"They don't only have musicals, you know. There are more dramatic offerings."
He laughed. "Yeah, dry, boring offerings; chalk full of actors with self inflated egos that they can't disguise."
"Have you ever been to the theater?"
"Yes," he answered. "My mother dragged us to the theater a few times for cultural purposes. That's how I know it sucks."
Johanna smirked at him. "Maybe you just haven't seen the right play."
"The only right play is no play."
"It's really not that different from watching a movie."
"It's completely different," he remarked. "Movies are way better and I'll take you to see all the movies you want; but no plays."
She smiled. "I'll talk you into it one day."
"No, you won't."
"You underestimate me," Johanna replied; amusement and challenge shining in her eyes.
"No, sweetheart; you underestimate me," he answered. "You won't win this one."
"We'll see."
"I guess we will," he laughed. "It's probably best that we change the subject."
"I agree," Johanna said good naturedly. "But I won't forget."
"The thought that you would never crossed my mind," he assured; making her laughter ring out into the warm dark night. He smiled; he'd been worried for nothing. Nothing at the core had changed between them; they were essentially the same…the only difference being that they were free to say that they loved each other…and he was free to show it; and he'd be lying if he said he hadn't been looking forward to showing her all day.
"Are you ready to head home?" Jim asked; noting that their bowls were empty.
A knowing smile touched her lips; she knew where this was headed and she didn't mind a bit. "I'm ready," she remarked. "It is getting late."
"We've been out later than this before," he laughed.
Johanna glanced at her watch. "You're right, we have been…so if you feel it's too early and want to stay out awhile longer, I don't mind."
"No, no, no," Jim said with a shake of his head. "I'm not against going home at all."
"Are you sure? Because I wouldn't want to rush you into calling it a night."
He grinned at her. "Who said anything about calling it a night?"
A seductive smile graced her lips. "Aren't we presumptuous?"
Jim shrugged. "I wouldn't say that…you don't know what I'm presuming."
"I'm sure you weren't considering the option of staying up all night and playing board games."
"We could."
"I don't think we could," Johanna replied.
"Why not?"
"I don't have any board games…I do still have that trivia game though."
"You've already beaten me at that; we'll have to think of a different game…like poker."
"I don't know how to play poker."
His jaw dropped. "You don't know how to play poker?"
"No."
"That's disappointing," he remarked. "We're going to have to fix that."
"Oh?" she said; her brow rising. "Why is that?"
"Because we love to play poker in my family; and besides; if we're alone and playing…the stakes could get pretty high."
Johanna smirked at him. "Meaning you'd want it to be strip poker?"
"Why not?" he grinned. "You can't lose that way."
She rolled her eyes but a smile remained on her lips. "That brings us back to what I originally knew you were presuming."
"I haven't made a confession, counselor."
"You don't have to; it's all over your face…so much for your poker face."
Jim laughed. "Oh, you'll pay for that, Miss McKenzie. And for the record, I didn't realize that you had me on the witness stand."
She shrugged a shoulder nonchalantly. "I'm good like that."
He gave her an exaggerated, suggestive leer. "I know all about what you're good at, sweetheart."
"Stop that," she said playfully, giving his hand a swat as her cheeks warmed.
"You're so cute when you blush."
"We're in public; anyone could overhear."
"I don't care; let them know how lucky I am," he replied.
"You're such a bragger."
"Feel free to brag about me in return," he told her. "I don't mind you spreading the word about how wonderful I am and how you can't keep your hands off of me."
"Oh my God," she exclaimed with a laugh. "And you talked about actors having self inflated egos."
"I don't have a self inflated ego…I go based on the facts; and the fact is, you're crazy about me," he teased.
She giggled. "Well, I can't deny that."
"I should hope not; I consider you under oath."
"Oh, I'm on the witness stand now?"
He nodded. "I learned that subtly from you, dear."
"Dear?" she replied. "That's a new one."
"Well you don't seem to like 'baby' too much."
"I didn't know I needed a new nickname."
"You can have more than one…but sweetheart will always be number one."
"It better be," she smiled. "I've grown accustomed to being your sweetheart."
"That's good; you're not allowed to be anyone else's."
"I don't want to be anyone's but yours, honey" she said softly as her hand slipped into his.
"That's mutual, you know," he replied; his fingers entwining with hers.
"I'm glad."
A lazy smile graced his lips. "Let's go home."
"And see what games we're going to play?" she teased.
"Absolutely," Jim replied. "I have a few in mind."
"I do love a man who plans ahead," Johanna commented as she rose from her chair and picked up her purse.
His arms slipped around her; tugging her close to him as they stood by the table. "I always have plans for you," he murmured before capturing her lips in a long, sweet kiss.
"Then we should get home and get to them," she replied; a coy smile on her lips. "We're wasting time."
"And we've done enough of that," Jim said regretfully; thinking of how long they held off on their relationship.
Her fingertips brushed against his jaw line. "It wasn't wasted," she said quietly. "It was a beautiful chapter of our story…and this chapter will be beautiful too."
He kissed her once more. "You're right; nothing's wasted when it's with you."
"I feel the same way about you. Let's go home…I might have some games of my own in mind," she told him, a suggestive lilt in her voice.
Jim took her hand and led her to the car. "With that thought in mind, I may have to speed a little."
Johanna laughed. "Alright, but I'm going to lecture you about it like you do me."
"Small price to pay," he quipped. "But I'm sure it'll be worth it."
She gave him a sassy smile. "You have no idea."
Contentment; that was the word and feeling that swept across Jim's mind as he laid in Johanna's bed; his body supporting her weight as his arm laid across her waist, holding her in place; enjoying the feel of her body settled against the length of his. He had allowed her to pull the sheet over them so that her sweaty skin wouldn't get chilled as they cooled down; their breathing already settled back into more normal rhythms. Her fingertips were tracing the line of his chin and he could feel her eyes upon his face. He breathed deeply, taking in the peacefulness of the moment and then forced his eyes open to meet hers. "What?" he asked quietly.
A smile lifted the corners of her mouth, a sassy, smug gleam in her eyes that he was glad he was able to make out in the shadows that filled the room. "We didn't have to worry," she remarked.
"Worry about what?"
"About messing things up tonight…we didn't blow it," she told him; her smile widening.
A quiet laugh crossed his lips and his fingers curled into the sheet and her hip as he continued to hold her. "I guess you're right, everything was fine."
"Of course I was right."
"Don't go being so smug, Sassy," he teased. "You were just as worried about it as I was."
"I don't deny that," Johanna replied. "I'm just basking in my rightness that everything would be fine…you see, I told you so."
"You do love to be right, don't you?" he laughed.
"Yes; especially when it comes to you."
He smiled as he looked up at her, his hand moving to brush her hair back from her face. "You're beautiful," he murmured.
Amusement and smugness left her face; softness and love taking their place as she touched her lips to his. "You keep thinking that you're going to do everything wrong," she whispered; "But you do everything just right."
He was puzzled; unsure of exactly what it was he did that was so right in that moment to bring about the statement. "I always tell you that you're beautiful."
"Some moments mean more than others," she replied.
'Why?"
Johanna shrugged a shoulder. "I don't know…they just happen."
Jim smiled. "I'm glad it happened then."
She laughed softly. "I'm glad we happened."
His hand found hers; their fingers entwining. "So am I, sweetheart."
She captured his lips in a long, tender kiss. "So let's not worry anymore," she murmured.
Jim drew her back for another kiss. "No more worries."
A touch of sassiness returned to her smile. "Then I call this night a success."
A grin crossed his lips as he caught her off guard and rolled them over. "It's not over yet."
"It's not?" she giggled. "I thought we ticked off all the date night boxes."
He shook his head. "Now we have to celebrate our success."
Amusement was in her eyes as she looked up at him. "Why do I have a feeling that most things are going to be worthy of this kind of celebration in your eyes?"
"Because that's one of the wonderful things about me," he quipped before kissing her. "And I think you know that."
Her breath caught as his mouth moved to her neck; his fingertips moving against her skin in a slow caress that had a way of quickly starting a fire. She forgot to comment as she got lost in the sensations he was evoking. "We played your game," he murmured against her skin as he brushed kisses against her collar bone. "Now we'll play mine."
"It's only fair," she remarked.
"That's one of the things I love about you," he remarked with a quiet laugh. "You're a fair minded woman."
"What are the other things?"
"Everything," Jim answered sincerely before pressing a kiss to her lips. "Listing them would take too long…especially when we have so many other things to do."
A smile curved her lips upwards as his hands resumed their exploration of her. "You're right; there are more pressing matters to attend to."
"You'll find that I'm right more often than you think," he teased.
Johanna laughed softly. "I love you so I'm going to let you think I believe that."
He dragged his fingertips against the ticklish spot he had discovered on her side, making her jerk. "You're lucky I love you, Miss McKenzie; or I'd punish you for that sassiness."
"Go ahead, I'm not afraid," she remarked, brushing her lips against his throat. "I might just punish you in return."
Jim smiled as he looked into her eyes. "You're right, this is a beautiful chapter."
"I hope it's beautiful for more than just this," she laughed.
"Of course," he replied; his tone softening with sincerity. "Everything's beautiful with you, no matter what it is."
She caressed his face. "I hope so…I give you my best."
"I know you do; and I give you mine."
"That's why our song is perfect for us," she murmured. "I give you the best of my love…and you give me yours."
"It's perfect," he replied; borrowing the word she had whispered in his ear at the concert.
Johanna smiled; her fingers slipping into his hair. "Let's make it even more perfect."
"That could take all night," he grinned.
Her eyes sparkled merrily. "That's what I was hoping."
"Me too," he quipped; hoping that the sun would take its time in rising, he wasn't in any hurry for the night to end.
A/N: I have a feeling Elizabeth Beckett will be returning in the next chapter…she has a secret to discover ;)