Chapter 10
Janet moaned, pulling the pillows over her head. "Turn off the sun," she muttered. At that moment, the alarm started blaring. An explicative or two escaped her lips as she swatted it haphazardly and it fell to the floor. "It's all Jack's fault." And it was. Janet usually loved working, but today it was the last thing on her mind. Today, all she wanted to do was lie in a certain person's arms. Feel a certain person's lips touching her skin...
"Morning, babe." As if through the sheer power of her will, Jack entered her room, and in one motion took her in his arms and kissed her. "Mmmm...very good," he whispered as he pulled away.
"You're horrible, you know that?"
"Well, sweetheart, it's early...you have morning breath too, you know."
"That's not what I'm talking about and you know it."
"I know, hon. It stinks that you have to work."
"I just want to be with you so badly," she whined, a tear falling down her cheek. "God, Jack, you should be proud of yourself. Not even 7:00 and you already made me cry."
"It's only a couple of hours," he assured her softly, caressing her cheek. "Then it's the weekend and we have 48 uninterrupted hours to be together. Although there's only one place I want you to be right now..."
"Where?"
"Right here," Jack whispered as his lips met hers. He backed her up against the wall as her hands entangled in his hair. Janet moaned softly, his lips regretfully leaving hers and trailing kisses down the nape of her neck. "I just want to do this to you...all day, all the time."
Janet sighed heavily and pushed him off her, though her body was still screaming for his touch. Every neuron in her body was aching for him, for him to be near her, kissing her, loving her. She had never felt this intensity for anyone, and to be quite honest...it scared her. "You're not making this easier, baby."
"Not trying to..."
She tried to suppress a smile. He was so adorable when he was frustrated. "No way, Jack. Don't give me that look. Go somewhere and make yourself useful. I've got to get ready."
"I can't watch?"
She simply pointed toward the door.
"No fun...No fun at all, " he muttered at he left.
Jack took one hand off the steering wheel and let it rest on Janet's upper thigh as he drove her to work. Janet smiled softly as he began to idly trace circles in her skin. Her muscles tensed when Jack began to drift his hand higher and higher. "You like that, don't you, sweetheart?"
Janet didn't trust herself to answer him, just simply nodded. Pleasurable moans once again escaped her lips as her boyfriend continued touching her skin, having no idea what effect he was having on her. Janet was grateful that they then pulled up in front of Arcade Flower Shop, because they both knew that he wasn't very far from making her scream out loud in ecstasy. She made her way out of the car and leaned over to give him a quick kiss, her heart still pounding and the adrenaline still racing from the ride over. Their relationship was getting more and more physical everyday, and it filled her with a mixture of fear and excitement. She loved him with all of her heart and soul. She knew she did. That part was easy. And every day and every night that passed, it was getting harder and harder to end things with a simple kiss. She had a feeling Jack was thinking about sex, and she had to admit he was the first guy she would ever consider giving herself to. "Great. Now how am I supposed to make it through the day?" she wailed as she walked in the door.
Janet sighed, half from sheer exhaustion and half with relief that the day was over. She had been thinking about Jack all day, which hadn't helped her any. She grabbed her car keys and ran out the door. The hell with the world. Janet Wood, if nothing else, had always been a very confident person. She knew what she wanted, and she was getting him soon.
The ride to the bistro usually took about twenty minutes, maybe fifteen on a good day. How she got there in five was irrelevant. All that mattered was that when she walked through the door, Jack was waiting for her with open arms. "Missed you."
Her lips met his eagerly as he held her tightly. "I love you, Jack."
"Love you."
Jack pushed her away gently, taking her hand and leading her upstairs to the tiny apartment. "Come on. Home's so crowded, and Furley's apt to walk in on us at anytime. And trust me", he whispered, his tone sending tingles down her spine. "Tonight is something I definitely don't want anyone to see."
"Okay." Her voice was breathless, and she was sure at that point that she would have said yes to anything. "As long as we're together, I don't care."
"My thoughts exactly." Jack's hands now covered her eyes as he led her into the room.
"What are you doing?!" she cried, starting to laugh.
He was standing so close to her, she was having trouble breathing. His breath was on her skin, and she shivered involuntarily. She loved him so much. "Okay, open up."
"Jack..." Her eyes started to water as she took in the scene before her. Dim and lit only with candles, the room epitomized romance. Red apple-cinnamon and white vanilla candles surrounded the bed, and next to her there was a gorgeous table set for two with three white candles in the middle. Red rose petals crunched beneath her feet. Jack had sprinkled them all over the floor, the table, the chairs, and the bed. He had changed the sheets from a seductive white to a sweet and romantic baby pink.
"Well?"
Her only response was to touch her hand to his cheek, pressing her lips to his. She let his tongue explore her mouth for a few moments and allowed Jack's hands to slip down her waist as he kissed her hungrily, making up for the lost hours. Before she got too carried away, though, she pulled out of his embrace, smiling softly. "It's wonderful, baby. How...what is...?"
"Oh, nothing much. It's just the usual, run-of-the-mill, award winning meal. It took me twelve hours to make, but no big deal. Didn't have anything better to do."
Janet laughed. "Honestly, Jack. I know it's a foreign concept, but..."
"Very funny." He made a face, and Janet couldn't help but smile. "No, it's just something new. Thought I'd make you my critic."
"Jack, you know I'd do anything I could to help, but my culinary expertise and skills don't go any farther than microwaving and just doing what you tell me too."
"Janet, it's not that hard. Just tell me if you like it."
"You don't think I'm biased?"
"You may be, but the real food critics don't know that."
"So when did you have time to plan all this?" she wondered out loud while Jack served the wine.
"I've had it in the back of my mind for a while now. Ever since Terri said she was going away, I guess, and I knew we'd be alone together at some point."
"You've loved me since then?" Her voice was quiet now, and a little overwhelmed.
"Basically. I figured I'd never get another time as good as this, and I needed to tell you how I felt about you."
"You don't say."
Jack had set down the bottle and knelt in front of her. Tears were glistening in her eyes as she looked down at him. "Yes. I figured we had been living together long enough and that I should be able to talk to you about this just the same way I have always talked to you about everything else. You deserved to know how I felt...how I feel every day since then...how completely in love with you I am. I just...I told you that afternoon, and we both you felt the same way about me. But, for heaven's sake, you acted like I wanted to kill you, not make love to you right then and there. What gives?"
Janet tore her eyes away from him for a moment, and he had a sinking suspicion he'd said the wrong thing. "I'm sorry, honey. It's okay. Never mind."
"It's okay, Jack. Honest...you deserve this. I...I just was scared, all right? Sometimes I still am. Jack, it scares me the way I feel about you, because I know I've never been in this deep before, and I never will again, as long as I live. No one has ever made me feel as loved and as special as you, and I don't know what I'd do without you in my life. Period. I need you with me always. Anyway that I get to keep you, I'll take it, no questions asked. So...I'd rather have you just be my friend than be my everything, because if I had told you and you didn't...you couldn't love me, then I'd lose everything that ever mattered."
Jack smiled at her, cupping her face in his hands. "Janet Elizabeth Wood, you are my everything, and you always will be. No matter what, you'll never lose me. Ever." Suddenly a slow song came on, one that Janet recognized. "Dance with me," Jack whispered.
"But what about dinner?"
Jack pulled her up, and twirled her backwards so she landed in his arms. "Suddenly I'm not so hungry."
"Me either." Janet took his hand. Her tiny fingers entwined perfectly with his, and a second later she was wrapped his arms as they swayed to the music. "I love you." She sighed contentedly, snuggling closer into his embrace. In his arms, she felt safe, like nothing bad from the world could ever touch her.
He kissed her softly, and then pulled her close once again. "I love you, too."
"You know what, Jack?"
"What?"
Janet gulped involuntarily, knowing what she said would change everything. She couldn't care less. Janet Wood was hopelessly in love, for the first time in what seemed like ever, and the man in question loved her as well. It was time she took risks, and she was going to right now. "I lied. I am hungry, Jack." Her hands slid up around his neck, nipping it gently. "I'm hungry for you."
"God, Janet...you have no idea how badly I want you right now." A moment later, she could feel his hands playing with the strap of her bra. "It's not right for you to be this sexy."
She gazed up at him, smiling. "Show me."
"What?"
"Show me. Show me how much you want me, show me how much you love me."
"Janet, I...are you absolutely sure?"
She nodded, never taking her eyes off him. "I do. Please, Jack...love me. Hell with tomorrow. I don't care anymore. Just love me tonight."
All he could see was the love and desire in her eyes as he slowly unbuttoned her shirt. The game went on for a few more minutes, until their desires overtook them and clothes were quickly discarded. "You're beautiful," he murmured into her ear as they fell on the bed. "So incredibly beautiful."
He kissed her hungrily for a few minutes, his hands roaming over every inch of her body. She loved him so much, now so that she couldn't imagine her life any other way. His eyes locked with hers for a few seconds, and he smiled, gently kissing her on the forehead. "Love you."
"I...." Jack's lips suddenly hit the spot that had always made her melt, ever since high school, and she couldn't help but groan involuntarily. Janet's lower lip started to tremble as she looked at him. "Now, baby...Oh God, I need you right now." "Patience never was one of your virtues, was it?"
His lips were so close, and she guided them back to her mouth. "No talking. Jack, sweetheart...don't make me wait. I love you," she whimpered, almost pleading. "Please."
"All about you, babe. All about you," he murmured, as he entered inside of her. Janet clutched him tightly as the wonderful feeling coursed through her. She never wanted that to end, and Jack seemed to read her mind. He loved her over and over again, stroking her hair softly, until Janet couldn't stand it any longer. She couldn't help it; as soon as the lovemaking had ceased, she started to cry. Jack took her in his arms and she clung to him as she sobbed.
"What? Honey, what's wrong? Tell me."
"That...was incredible," she gulped.
"You're incredible," he corrected, kissing the top of her head.
"I just...I'm acting like an idiot. Jack, I love you more than anything; you've got to know that. What we just did was amazing and I don't regret it for a minute. But my...I have a bad track record with men. The only other guy I even considered making love to was a jerk. I'm so sorry, sweetie. I know this looks like I don't have faith in you or in us, and I do. But..."
"Janet, talk to me."
"I'm just afraid, more than anything, that you won't be here when I wake up tomorrow." Fresh tears began to overflow again. "Don't leave me, Jack. Please...I couldn't take it if you left me. I love you! I love you, please don't ever leave me..."
"Oh, Janet," he whispered softly, lifting her tear stained face so he could peer directly into her eyes. "Sweetheart, I meant it when I said you were my everything. You are my whole world, honey, and I love you. I promise that I will ALWAYS be here when you wake up. You mean everything to me."
"I love you, Jack Tripper," Janet whispered, snuggling into his chest. "I love you."
Jack put his arm around her, bringing her close to him. "I love you, too."
Maybe tomorrow there would be trouble. Maybe things between them would get rocky or complicated sometime in the future. But for right now, Janet thought, there's nowhere else I'd rather be.
Janet moaned, pulling the pillows over her head. "Turn off the sun," she muttered. At that moment, the alarm started blaring. An explicative or two escaped her lips as she swatted it haphazardly and it fell to the floor. "It's all Jack's fault." And it was. Janet usually loved working, but today it was the last thing on her mind. Today, all she wanted to do was lie in a certain person's arms. Feel a certain person's lips touching her skin...
"Morning, babe." As if through the sheer power of her will, Jack entered her room, and in one motion took her in his arms and kissed her. "Mmmm...very good," he whispered as he pulled away.
"You're horrible, you know that?"
"Well, sweetheart, it's early...you have morning breath too, you know."
"That's not what I'm talking about and you know it."
"I know, hon. It stinks that you have to work."
"I just want to be with you so badly," she whined, a tear falling down her cheek. "God, Jack, you should be proud of yourself. Not even 7:00 and you already made me cry."
"It's only a couple of hours," he assured her softly, caressing her cheek. "Then it's the weekend and we have 48 uninterrupted hours to be together. Although there's only one place I want you to be right now..."
"Where?"
"Right here," Jack whispered as his lips met hers. He backed her up against the wall as her hands entangled in his hair. Janet moaned softly, his lips regretfully leaving hers and trailing kisses down the nape of her neck. "I just want to do this to you...all day, all the time."
Janet sighed heavily and pushed him off her, though her body was still screaming for his touch. Every neuron in her body was aching for him, for him to be near her, kissing her, loving her. She had never felt this intensity for anyone, and to be quite honest...it scared her. "You're not making this easier, baby."
"Not trying to..."
She tried to suppress a smile. He was so adorable when he was frustrated. "No way, Jack. Don't give me that look. Go somewhere and make yourself useful. I've got to get ready."
"I can't watch?"
She simply pointed toward the door.
"No fun...No fun at all, " he muttered at he left.
Jack took one hand off the steering wheel and let it rest on Janet's upper thigh as he drove her to work. Janet smiled softly as he began to idly trace circles in her skin. Her muscles tensed when Jack began to drift his hand higher and higher. "You like that, don't you, sweetheart?"
Janet didn't trust herself to answer him, just simply nodded. Pleasurable moans once again escaped her lips as her boyfriend continued touching her skin, having no idea what effect he was having on her. Janet was grateful that they then pulled up in front of Arcade Flower Shop, because they both knew that he wasn't very far from making her scream out loud in ecstasy. She made her way out of the car and leaned over to give him a quick kiss, her heart still pounding and the adrenaline still racing from the ride over. Their relationship was getting more and more physical everyday, and it filled her with a mixture of fear and excitement. She loved him with all of her heart and soul. She knew she did. That part was easy. And every day and every night that passed, it was getting harder and harder to end things with a simple kiss. She had a feeling Jack was thinking about sex, and she had to admit he was the first guy she would ever consider giving herself to. "Great. Now how am I supposed to make it through the day?" she wailed as she walked in the door.
Janet sighed, half from sheer exhaustion and half with relief that the day was over. She had been thinking about Jack all day, which hadn't helped her any. She grabbed her car keys and ran out the door. The hell with the world. Janet Wood, if nothing else, had always been a very confident person. She knew what she wanted, and she was getting him soon.
The ride to the bistro usually took about twenty minutes, maybe fifteen on a good day. How she got there in five was irrelevant. All that mattered was that when she walked through the door, Jack was waiting for her with open arms. "Missed you."
Her lips met his eagerly as he held her tightly. "I love you, Jack."
"Love you."
Jack pushed her away gently, taking her hand and leading her upstairs to the tiny apartment. "Come on. Home's so crowded, and Furley's apt to walk in on us at anytime. And trust me", he whispered, his tone sending tingles down her spine. "Tonight is something I definitely don't want anyone to see."
"Okay." Her voice was breathless, and she was sure at that point that she would have said yes to anything. "As long as we're together, I don't care."
"My thoughts exactly." Jack's hands now covered her eyes as he led her into the room.
"What are you doing?!" she cried, starting to laugh.
He was standing so close to her, she was having trouble breathing. His breath was on her skin, and she shivered involuntarily. She loved him so much. "Okay, open up."
"Jack..." Her eyes started to water as she took in the scene before her. Dim and lit only with candles, the room epitomized romance. Red apple-cinnamon and white vanilla candles surrounded the bed, and next to her there was a gorgeous table set for two with three white candles in the middle. Red rose petals crunched beneath her feet. Jack had sprinkled them all over the floor, the table, the chairs, and the bed. He had changed the sheets from a seductive white to a sweet and romantic baby pink.
"Well?"
Her only response was to touch her hand to his cheek, pressing her lips to his. She let his tongue explore her mouth for a few moments and allowed Jack's hands to slip down her waist as he kissed her hungrily, making up for the lost hours. Before she got too carried away, though, she pulled out of his embrace, smiling softly. "It's wonderful, baby. How...what is...?"
"Oh, nothing much. It's just the usual, run-of-the-mill, award winning meal. It took me twelve hours to make, but no big deal. Didn't have anything better to do."
Janet laughed. "Honestly, Jack. I know it's a foreign concept, but..."
"Very funny." He made a face, and Janet couldn't help but smile. "No, it's just something new. Thought I'd make you my critic."
"Jack, you know I'd do anything I could to help, but my culinary expertise and skills don't go any farther than microwaving and just doing what you tell me too."
"Janet, it's not that hard. Just tell me if you like it."
"You don't think I'm biased?"
"You may be, but the real food critics don't know that."
"So when did you have time to plan all this?" she wondered out loud while Jack served the wine.
"I've had it in the back of my mind for a while now. Ever since Terri said she was going away, I guess, and I knew we'd be alone together at some point."
"You've loved me since then?" Her voice was quiet now, and a little overwhelmed.
"Basically. I figured I'd never get another time as good as this, and I needed to tell you how I felt about you."
"You don't say."
Jack had set down the bottle and knelt in front of her. Tears were glistening in her eyes as she looked down at him. "Yes. I figured we had been living together long enough and that I should be able to talk to you about this just the same way I have always talked to you about everything else. You deserved to know how I felt...how I feel every day since then...how completely in love with you I am. I just...I told you that afternoon, and we both you felt the same way about me. But, for heaven's sake, you acted like I wanted to kill you, not make love to you right then and there. What gives?"
Janet tore her eyes away from him for a moment, and he had a sinking suspicion he'd said the wrong thing. "I'm sorry, honey. It's okay. Never mind."
"It's okay, Jack. Honest...you deserve this. I...I just was scared, all right? Sometimes I still am. Jack, it scares me the way I feel about you, because I know I've never been in this deep before, and I never will again, as long as I live. No one has ever made me feel as loved and as special as you, and I don't know what I'd do without you in my life. Period. I need you with me always. Anyway that I get to keep you, I'll take it, no questions asked. So...I'd rather have you just be my friend than be my everything, because if I had told you and you didn't...you couldn't love me, then I'd lose everything that ever mattered."
Jack smiled at her, cupping her face in his hands. "Janet Elizabeth Wood, you are my everything, and you always will be. No matter what, you'll never lose me. Ever." Suddenly a slow song came on, one that Janet recognized. "Dance with me," Jack whispered.
"But what about dinner?"
Jack pulled her up, and twirled her backwards so she landed in his arms. "Suddenly I'm not so hungry."
"Me either." Janet took his hand. Her tiny fingers entwined perfectly with his, and a second later she was wrapped his arms as they swayed to the music. "I love you." She sighed contentedly, snuggling closer into his embrace. In his arms, she felt safe, like nothing bad from the world could ever touch her.
He kissed her softly, and then pulled her close once again. "I love you, too."
"You know what, Jack?"
"What?"
Janet gulped involuntarily, knowing what she said would change everything. She couldn't care less. Janet Wood was hopelessly in love, for the first time in what seemed like ever, and the man in question loved her as well. It was time she took risks, and she was going to right now. "I lied. I am hungry, Jack." Her hands slid up around his neck, nipping it gently. "I'm hungry for you."
"God, Janet...you have no idea how badly I want you right now." A moment later, she could feel his hands playing with the strap of her bra. "It's not right for you to be this sexy."
She gazed up at him, smiling. "Show me."
"What?"
"Show me. Show me how much you want me, show me how much you love me."
"Janet, I...are you absolutely sure?"
She nodded, never taking her eyes off him. "I do. Please, Jack...love me. Hell with tomorrow. I don't care anymore. Just love me tonight."
All he could see was the love and desire in her eyes as he slowly unbuttoned her shirt. The game went on for a few more minutes, until their desires overtook them and clothes were quickly discarded. "You're beautiful," he murmured into her ear as they fell on the bed. "So incredibly beautiful."
He kissed her hungrily for a few minutes, his hands roaming over every inch of her body. She loved him so much, now so that she couldn't imagine her life any other way. His eyes locked with hers for a few seconds, and he smiled, gently kissing her on the forehead. "Love you."
"I...." Jack's lips suddenly hit the spot that had always made her melt, ever since high school, and she couldn't help but groan involuntarily. Janet's lower lip started to tremble as she looked at him. "Now, baby...Oh God, I need you right now." "Patience never was one of your virtues, was it?"
His lips were so close, and she guided them back to her mouth. "No talking. Jack, sweetheart...don't make me wait. I love you," she whimpered, almost pleading. "Please."
"All about you, babe. All about you," he murmured, as he entered inside of her. Janet clutched him tightly as the wonderful feeling coursed through her. She never wanted that to end, and Jack seemed to read her mind. He loved her over and over again, stroking her hair softly, until Janet couldn't stand it any longer. She couldn't help it; as soon as the lovemaking had ceased, she started to cry. Jack took her in his arms and she clung to him as she sobbed.
"What? Honey, what's wrong? Tell me."
"That...was incredible," she gulped.
"You're incredible," he corrected, kissing the top of her head.
"I just...I'm acting like an idiot. Jack, I love you more than anything; you've got to know that. What we just did was amazing and I don't regret it for a minute. But my...I have a bad track record with men. The only other guy I even considered making love to was a jerk. I'm so sorry, sweetie. I know this looks like I don't have faith in you or in us, and I do. But..."
"Janet, talk to me."
"I'm just afraid, more than anything, that you won't be here when I wake up tomorrow." Fresh tears began to overflow again. "Don't leave me, Jack. Please...I couldn't take it if you left me. I love you! I love you, please don't ever leave me..."
"Oh, Janet," he whispered softly, lifting her tear stained face so he could peer directly into her eyes. "Sweetheart, I meant it when I said you were my everything. You are my whole world, honey, and I love you. I promise that I will ALWAYS be here when you wake up. You mean everything to me."
"I love you, Jack Tripper," Janet whispered, snuggling into his chest. "I love you."
Jack put his arm around her, bringing her close to him. "I love you, too."
Maybe tomorrow there would be trouble. Maybe things between them would get rocky or complicated sometime in the future. But for right now, Janet thought, there's nowhere else I'd rather be.