Jack and Sam exited the limousine at the front entrance of the Performing Arts Center as the chauffer held the door for them, then continued their way in walking arm in arm.
In all the times Sam had come to this show she'd never before felt like a princess being escorted to a ball, but with the way Jack was turning on the charm that night, like a princess was exactly how she felt.
Disturbing her daydream, Jack leaned into her and whispered, "You did remember the tickets, right?"
Of course his intention was to pull another beautiful laugh out of her, and he got his wish.
With a laugh and a smile that went straight to her eyes she replied, "Of course I did." "Not that you'd mind if I forgot though," she said with a wink.
"On the contrary. I'm actually looking forward to seeing the 'real thing'."
"Really?"
"Really."
*********
Once they reached their box Jack looked down at the view. He had to admit, they had great seats.
"So, you and Cassie do this every year, huh?"
Sam began to sigh then a smile spread across her face.
"We did, but I could get used to this kind of treatment."
Jack could just feel his heart swell when she said that.
"Be careful what you wish for," was his husky reply.
Before things could get more intense between the two of them the lights began to dim and the orchestra started tuning up.
********
The ballet was viewed in relative silence with the exception of a few hushed murmurs when Sam was explaining to Jack the story that was unfolding before them.
Sometime during the Grand Pas De Deux, though neither one could really say who initiated it, their hands wound together. They stayed comfortably clasped like that until the ballet was over. Reluctantly they let go to rise and join clapping along with the rest of the standing ovation.
Once the clapping died down and people began to filter out of the theater Sam and Jack turned and did the same. Except unlike when they entered, their hands were once again entwined as they walked out.
What neither of them expected, when they walked out into the main hall, was to see General Hammond and his two granddaughters, who were animatedly discussing the show.
On pure instinct Jack grabbed Sam around the waist and brought her back around the corner. It didn't strike him until after that move that she was now pressed firmly into him, chest to chest. In her surprise she was puffing short warm breaths against his neck. Their position seemed to register to both of them at the same time and their eyes came into contact. Desire reflected in both pairs of darkening orbs.
Hesitantly they separated, knowing that they were treading on forbidden territory.
After pulling themselves together they rounded the corner once again, this time each in their own personal space… and just in time.
General Hammond looked up just in time to see Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill walk by.
"Colonel, Major Carter," he exclaimed in surprise.
"Hello Sir," Sam replied sheepishly.
"What a pleasant surprise General. Fancy meeting you here," Jack stated, with his hands in his pockets and rolling on the balls of his feet.
"Well, I have to admit, I'm surprised to see you here Jack."
"He's kind of a stand-in for my regular date this year Sir," Sam came to his defense.
"Cassie couldn't make it? I hope everything is okay."
"Yes Sir, everything's fine. She had a date tonight, so I conned the Colonel into using up my extra ticket."
The General let out a hearty chuckle and commented on how fast kids grow up these days.
Jack just stood there bewildered.
"Well, I've got to get these two little ballerinas home to bed," he referred to his granddaughters as they giggled.
"Yes, I think I'm about ready to call it a night too. What do you say Carter?"
She nodded. "It is getting late."
So they all said their goodnights and went their separate ways.
********
On the ride back to Sam's house she and Jack had a good laugh about their 'close call' with the General. Of course they both knew that their attending the ballet together was not out of line it still could have been seen as otherwise.
Upon arriving back in front of Sam's house she invited Jack back inside for coffee.
Feeling that they had come close enough to that line already on more than one occasion that night he regretfully declined.
He did walk her to her door though.
"Thanks for tonight Jack. I had a really nice time."
"Eh, ya know."
Jack was becoming bashful and at a loss for words.
Finding his voice once again he asked "So, uh, since it's just the two of us this year would you like to do take out at my place on Christmas Eve?"
"Yeah. I'd like that."
"Great. It's a date then."
"I'll be there with bells on."
Now there's a mental image. Jack grinned.
"Well, I guess this is goodnight then."
"I guess so."
"Don't want to wait too long or that coach might turn into a pumpkin."
A dainty snort and giggle escaped Sam at that comment.
Jack chuckled too then pulled Sam in for a hug.
"Tonight really was great," he whispered into her hair. Then he left her after planting a chaste kiss on her cheek.