Note: Thank you to hanna, a.k.a.-ashley, Trish, lostlova, barbie, smilez4eva, and Bryony Cel for their great reviews! They meant a lot to me.

By the way, I'll try to update every three or four days (obviously I can't if something comes up, but I'll try!!).

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters.

Kate

The sun shined brightly down and caused Kate's eyes to blink open. Where am I? she wondered drowsily. She was surprised. She felt warm and safe and loved, all things she hadn't felt for years.

Jack. As she slowly remembered her surroundings, she realized that she was still lying on the beach in his arms. Heat rushed to her face as she remembered what she had done the night before. Not that it would be anything new or shocking to someone like Shannon, but it was very out of character for someone like Kate. On principle, she never chased after a man and, more importantly, she never let herself like a man enough to even consider chasing after him. But this man was different. Somehow, Jack had managed to make a huge impact on her heart, and she doubted that she would be able to forget him anytime soon.

Kate knew more than anyone how dangerous this type of feeling was, but she couldn't bring herself to push Jack away. For now, she was content to just let herself be in the moment. Closing her eyes, she snuggled closer to him and sighed happily. Half-awake himself, Jack smiled and stroked her hair.

Both of them had secrets and troubles, both of them knew that they shouldn't be doing this, but for now they were willing to just be. The only sounds were their combined breathing and the soft waves breaking on the beach.

Suddenly, Sawyer cleared his throat behind them. They pulled apart and stood up, both averting their eyes. Jack took a deep breath and said, "Can I help you, Sawyer?"

"No."

"Then, um, what are you doing here?"

"I was looking for you, Kate."

Kate was getting creeped out by Sawyer's unwavering stare. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Sawyer cocked his head and tried to look innocent. "You never came back to your tent last night. I was worried about you, so I came looking." He glanced at Jack and added nastily, "It seems I was right to worry."

Before Jack had the chance to react to that, Walt came running throughout the trees behind Sawyer. "Dr. Jack! Dr. Jack! That pregnant lady fainted again!"

He glanced at Kate momentarily, then hurried back to the camp with Walt. Sawyer watched them go, the turned back to Kate.

"So. We meet again."

Kate froze, terrified. Did he just say that? How could he know? He's not... "What did you just say?" she forced herself to stammer.

Sawyer stopped, puzzled. "We meet again. You know, I saw you yesterday, I see you again today?"

"Oh."

"What's your problem, Kate?"

"Nothing. I just thought... Never mind."

"No, really. What is your problem? I can offer you tons more than that doctor, and yet... I don't understand it, Kate. You need someone dangerous, someone tough. I'm that, Freckles."

His tone had taken on a low, seductive quality that would have made many melt, but strangely sent chills down Kate's spine.

"Come here, Kate."

Eyes wide, she began to back away from the slowly advancing Sawyer.

Sawyer frowned, his voice growing dangerous. "Kate! I said come to come here!"

She ran. Brambles and leaves got stuck in her hair and clothes as she rushed through the forest, but she was oblivious to them. She just needed to get away from Sawyer. Panting, she tore through the opening of Jack's tent and faced him, shivering.

He immediately set down the papers he was reviewing and stepped towards her. She pressed her head to his chest and he encircled her with his arms. "What is wrong, Kate?"

"Sawyer...."

Jack's face grew angry. "What did that bastard do to you?"

"Nothing, he said... I don't know. He is just so like Randy, I thought he was going to..." Kate looked up and, upon seeing the concern on Jack's face, stopped herself. She was near hysterical, she knew that she wasn't making sense. Sawyer had scared her, but he hadn't actually done anything, it was all in her mind. And now Jack was ready to kill this man for her.

Taking a deep breath, she tried to compose herself. "He just reminded me of something. But that's over now, I'm okay. I'm sorry for scaring you." She moved to step away, but Jack's grip only tightened.

"Don't be sorry. I'm just glad that you are alright. I promise you that I'll keep you safe."

Kate looked up into his sincere brown eyes and smiled. He leaned down and kissed her softly. "Thank you for everything, Jack," she said against his mouth. "I love you."

The instant that came out of her mouth, Kate regretted it. Abruptly, Jack pulled back and looked at her, stunned. Kate was just as shocked. She had gone too far. And now he was rejecting her. There was a reason she had vowed not to fall in love again: the hurt was just too much, too overwhelming. She hurridly turned to leave.

"Kate, I..."

She turned to look at him. Maybe if he said something...

"I..." He looked down, unable to think of what to say. She couldn't take that. Kate walked out of the tent and sat down on her mat, staring at a small fire nearby. Of course he wasn't serious about this – it was just an island fling. How could I have been so stupid?

She could feel him watching her. She could even feel his confusion as he tried to think of what to say. But she refused to turn around and he did not leave his tent the entire evening. Whatever either of them were feeling would have to wait until morning.

Next chapter: Jack needs to make a decision about Kate, but his head is clouded by memories.

Please review and let me know what you think!