Hi! :-) Thanks for your nice reviews!! I'm glad you liked the last chapter. Hope you like this one!

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Chapter 17

Taylor's excitement took center stage on Saturday night. She gave Jack an impulsive hug when he handed her the bouquet and told her to "break a leg". After promptly explaining the meaning of the phrase to the frowning child and convincing her of his sincerity in wishing her good luck, the three of them sat down for a quick bite to eat.

Taylor barely touched her food. She wanted to get to the school, but she also didn't have much of an appetite, which was unusual for her. Janet looked apologetically at Jack, who waved off her concern.

Three hours later, an exhausted Taylor was thrilled to have been a part of her school's production.

"You were excellent."

Janet praised her daughter as she helped her get ready for bed.

"I had fun," Taylor replied, unable to stifle a yawn.

"That's the most important thing," Janet assured the weary little girl.

Janet had no sooner tucked Taylor into bed than her eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep with Mr. Thomas, her teddy bear, snuggled in the crook of her arm. After turning off the light, Janet left the bedroom door slightly ajar and entered the living room where she found Jack sitting comfortably on the sofa.

"She's sound asleep," Janet said.

"I'm not surprised," Jack said and smiled. "She did very well."

"I thought so, too," Janet said. "But then I figured I was being biased."

"I don't think so. I can see her being in more school plays and maybe even being the lead when she gets older."

"I'll let her tell me when she wants to try out for school productions. I won't push her into anything she doesn't want to do."

"Is she interested in dance like I recall her mother was?"

"No," Janet said, shaking her head. "But that's okay. She has to find her own interests, right?"

"Sure. Sounds reasonable to me."

"So," Janet said, after a slight lull in the conversation, "I guess we should talk about our interests? Or in this case, interest?"

"Yes," Jack said. "The first thing I have to know is that it really was okay that I kissed you. It's all I've been thinking about, but I know it took you by surprise. I surprised myself, actually, but it just felt right."

"I enjoyed our kiss," Janet assured him. "I was surprised, but let's face it, Jack. We've been dancing around each other for a while, haven't we?"

Jack thought for a moment. "I guess we have."

"I didn't know what to expect when you came to see me that first night, but I knew if you moved here, we probably would see each other, at least socially. But it's fun having you around again."

"Really?" Jack asked, happy to hear Janet say that.

"Really," Janet confirmed. "I just don't want to make any mistakes. This feels safe. When you're hanging out with Taylor and me, I enjoy myself. When I think about you and me in a more intimate way..."

Her voice trailed off. Jack picked up the thought.

"It scares you?" he offered.

"Yes, it does. Because we tried it, Jack, and it didn't work. In fact, I've had two chances at love and neither one worked."

"Maybe," he suggested, his voice low, "the third time will be the charm."

Janet looked at him and shook her head.

"I'm not so sure about that."

Jack scooted a little closer to Janet.

"I'm not either," he admitted, "but I'd like to give us another chance. We both made mistakes last time. We weren't ready for the steps we were taking. And we didn't trust each other enough. I think we've both learned a lot since then and can deal with our issues better. Our attraction to each other is still there, Janet. Can you deny that?"

"No," Janet said, gazing at him. "You're right, Jack. I am still attracted to you. I always have been. I've never gotten over you. Not completely."

"I haven't either, Janet. Not even traveling to Europe and hearing you married another man could make me forget about you. Sure, I knew I'd have to find a way to move on, but somehow, we've ended up here. And I want another chance to see if we can make this work."

"We'd have to go slow," Janet said, knowing she was ready to agree with Jack about taking a second chance.

"Of course."

"I have Taylor to think about."

"I understand."

With every sentence she spoke, he inched closer to her.

"Our schedules are going to be crazy," she warned.

"I understand that, too."

She moved a bit closer to him, allowing him to cradle her face in the palms of his hands. They shared a tender smile.

"I think we both know what's at stake here and what the risks are," Jack said.

Janet nodded.

"But I want to try my best to make this work," he continued, drawing his mouth closer to hers.

"I do, too," Janet said. "I've missed you, Jack. I want to take it slow, but I'd be lying if I said I don't feel anything for you because I do. These feelings are terrifying me, but they exist, and I can't deny them any longer."

"I don't want to deny my feelings anymore. I want another chance, Janet. I want us to be together the way I know we were meant to be."

"Yes, Jack," Janet said, bringing her lips closer to his. "That's what I want, too."

===

I can't fight this feeling any longer.
And yet I'm still afraid to let it flow.
What started out as friendship
Has grown stronger.
I only wish I had the strength to let it show.

I tell myself that I can't hold out forever.
I said there is no reason for my fear.
Cause I feel so secure when we're together.
You give my life direction,
You make everything so clear.

===

Janet and Jack made their feelings perfectly clear with passion-filled kisses that set their pulses racing and their bodies trembling with desire.

===

And even as I wander,
I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the window,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crashing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.

===

They both knew committing themselves to another relationship wouldn't be easy, but as they continued to hold each other and reacquaint themselves with gentle touches and loving words, they knew it was what they both wanted.

===

My life has been such a whirlwind since I saw you.
I've been running round in circles in my mind.
And it always seems that I'm following you,
Cause you take me to the places,
That alone I'd never find.

And even as I wander,
I'm keeping you in sight.
You're a candle in the wind,
On a cold, dark winter's night.
And I'm getting closer than I ever thought I might.

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
And if I have to crawl upon the floor,
Come crashing through your door,
Baby, I can't fight this feeling anymore.

===

What the future had in store neither one knew. But the only thing that mattered now is that they were together and were allowing themselves to find out if they could make it work. This time.

"I don't want us to place any unreasonable expectations on each other," Janet cautioned.

"I agree. I think we both expected too much from each other too soon last time. Let's just take things as they come. Sound good?"

"Sounds great," Janet agreed.

"I probably won't see you until Monday night," Jack said. "Is that okay?"

"That's fine. I was thinking the same thing."

"I'll miss you," Jack said, knowing he had to leave while he still could.

"I'll miss you, too," Janet said, following him.

They kissed at the door until Jack finally pulled himself away and with some difficulty, managed to get the door open and make a somewhat graceful, if not hasty, exit. After waving as she watched him drive off, she locked the door and then leaned her back against it and sighed contentedly. She had been given a second chance. With Jack. That was enough. For now.

===

And I can't fight this feeling anymore.
I've forgotten what I started fighting for.
It's time to bring this ship into the shore,
And throw away the oars, forever.

Cause I can't fight this feeling anymore.

(Song credit: "Can't Fight This Feeling Anymore" - REO Speedwagon)