Ann and me stayed up late last night, talking about everything that came to mind. We didn't have as much time to spend together nowadays, so of course, we wanted to make the most of it.

In the morning, we got up before the rest of my family, and Kai. To our delight, Cliff was already sitting at the kitchen table.

I made us a quick breakfast, and we hurried out of the house so we wouldn't have to deal with everyone so early.

Ann finally convinced me to ask Jack, so us three walked over to his Ranch. When we got there, we could see his faint figure in the distance, working hard. "Hello!" Ann shouted.

Jack looked up, startled at first, but then he smiled. More at Ann I think, than the rest of us. I remember what Ann told me, and felt like sighing.

As he got closer, I became well aware he wasn't wearing a shirt. I blushed, I think, and when he finally made it all the way over, I felt my eyes being drawn to his hard looking abs. He was sweating a lot, and was very physically attractive.

Mentally slapping myself (What the heck was I thinking?!), I peeled my eyes away, blushing slightly. I think Jack saw, because he briefly made eye contact with me, before blushing, and looking away, then down at himself.

"Come on in," he invited us, and we stepped up onto his porch, and into his house.

He walked into what I presumed was the kitchen, and brought some wine and lemonade out. Sitting it down on the table, he walked into what I think was his bedroom.

I was relieved when he came back out with a shirt on. Unfortunately, it was tight, and I could see through part of it.

What was I, falling for this guy I barely knew? Shaking my head, I picked up a glass of wine, and began to sip it slowly.

Being the loudmouth my friend is, she already was in the middle of telling Jack about our project. I felt like rolling my eyes. This was a bad idea; it seemed like Ann was almost begging for his help.

What disgusted me was that he'd probably say yes, just to get a better impression on Ann. But, after hearing us out, and agreeing to help, it was me he flashed his grin at, his smile reaching all the way to his warm, chocolate brown eyes.

My stomach felt funny. Damn it! I swore to myself. It seemed like I was developing a crush on Jack. Couldn't stop it if I tried, so I just shoved thoughts of that out of my head for now.

"Great…that's really nice of you!" I told him.

Jack kept grinning at me. It made me feel slightly uncomfortable, but at the same time, it made me feel tingly.

"No problem!" he chuckled, and finally looked away from me. Gah, now that he wasn't looking at me, I hoped his eyes to drift back towards me. This was weird. Shaking my head, I thought about other things.

Ann smiled at him warmly, then hugged Cliff. Cliff reddened, and I was glad to see I wasn't the only embarrassed one.

Ann looked sly, suddenly, and could tell she was planning something. That little gleam in her eyes clearly shouted out revenge. I groaned. What was I in for?

"I have to get back to work," Ann said suddenly. "And Cliff promised he'd help…sorry, Karen, but it looks like you'll have to make up Jack's schedule yourself…"

With that, Ann jumped up. Grabbing Cliff's arm, she lugged him out after bidding us goodbye.

I glared after her suspiciously. I guess Jack saw my face, because he burst out laughing. "I get the feeling…" he began quietly. "We're being set up,"

I nodded, silently. I try to smile as he says, "Hate to disappoint them…"

I couldn't bring myself to say anymore on the subject, so I finally said, "What makes you like Ann so much when's she obviously smitten with Cliff?"

Jack gaped at me. "How…how did you know?"

I rolled my eyes. "Captain obvious," I muttered under my breath. I felt like smirking a little. I was getting too much out of his disappointment for Ann, it seemed. "You couldn't male things more clear, if you came right out an told her…but Cliff has saved you that liberty…" I stop when I realize my mistake.

"He what?!" Jack furiously bellowed.

I hung my head. "It was an accident, Jack," I said, softly, trying to get him to calm down. No such luck.

"I'm gonna kill that little bastard!" he shouted. He started towards the door. I had no choice. Sighing, and taking a deep breath, I ran after him, and launched myself at him.

I apparently had good aim, because as I had hoped I tackled him down to the ground, preventing him from going to maul Cliff.

The bad part of this situation was that I now laid sprawled across Jack's back. I quickly rolled off, and he turned to face me, with wide eyes, and rigid breath. "What was that for?" he wheezed, still feeling the effects of having me on top of him.

I scowled angrily at him. "You buffoon!" I cried, my eyes flashing dangerously. "It was an accident! You think I'm going to just stand here while you go tear my cousin limb to limb?"

He looked sheepish. "I…I'm sorry," he stuttered.

Shooting him a venomous look, I spat, "You better be!"

He stood up, and brushed himself off. Then, he offered his hand to me. I stared at it a moment, seemingly not realizing what he wanted.

Finally, I grab it, and hoist myself up with a little help from him. "I'm really sorry," he said, looking at me funny. When I didn't say anything, he went on, "I guess I took things a little too far…"

I looked away, still not saying anything. When he spoke next, his voice almost sounded pleading. "I just…I just…loved her, please forgive me!"

I whirled around, with an amused look on my face. Then, my expression turned curious. "Loved…not love?" I asked, curiously.

He nodded. "She's not worth it, I guess. I was acting childish, it'll ruin my friendship with her and Cliff if I keep acting like this. Please forgive me, and my childish actions," he begged, one last time.

I gave him a wary look. "I forgave you…the first time you asked," I told him quietly. "Your actions weren't that childish," I added. "You were just…in love…"

Jack flashed me another bright grin. He even hugged me for a second. When he let go, I was very red, but I don't think the now bubbly Jack noticed, or if he did, he chose not to mention it, which was a wise decision on his part.

"Just to show there's no hard feelings," he began, anxiously. "I'd be honored if you, Ann, and Cliff joined me for dinner tonight…"

My eyes widened with surprise. "O…Ok," I agreed. "You'll have to ask the two of them, though,"

Jack nodded. "Yah, I know," he told me.

I looked at my watch, and said, "Well, Jack, guess I better get going,"

He nodded, and held the door open for me. "Yah…I'll see you tonight at 7:30, then?"

I nodded, before smiling at him slightly, and turning to walk away.