CHAPTER FOUR

Disclaimer: I don't own or make money off these characters.

PG-13

A BUMP IN THE NIGHT

Jordan awoke early the next morning, feeling really good for a change. She dressed quickly and went down the hall to check on Garret. Opening the door just a crack, she saw the bed was empty, but then heard the shower going in the bathroom. Shutting the door, she went back to the kitchen and began getting out food and pots and pans. She was going to try at least to fix him a decent breakfast.

Putting some bread in the toaster, Jordan happened to look out the window at the sunny day. She smiled and started humming a tune to herself. 'I'm on a natural high." She thought to herself, enjoying the moment. Garret had a mirror on the wall in the kitchen decorated with artificial ivy around the perimeter. She caught her reflection in the glass and was amazed. Even with no make-up, her countenance was bright and cheerful. Distinctly absent were the small tension lines that usually plagued her forehead and eyes. 'So this is what it looks like to be relaxed,' she thought to herself.

"Hey, Jo." She turned to see Garret come into the kitchen. He was wearing a button-down shirt with the first several buttons undone, and a pair of tight Levi's. He rolled up his sleeves as he looked around the kitchen and sniffed.

"Something burning?" He asked.

"Oh, God, the toast!" Jordan rushed over and flipped the switch. Two pieces of very well-done toast popped up. "Darn it!" She fussed.

Garret just smiled. "I happen to like it that way," he said as he came over to stand close to her. "That's why it's set that way."

Jordan turned towards him, looking up into his bright brown eyes. He didn't look sick anymore, and the fever was gone. Geez, did he smell good too! Boldly, he put his hands on her shoulders and then ran them down her sides to rest on her hips.

"How about a good morning kiss?" He said in a deep voice. Then, to her surprise, he pulled her hips forward until her whole body was crushed against his. The sensation was instant and overwhelming. She felt like she belonged there, against him, melded to his body perfectly. Her heart started to pound excitedly and her breathing quickened. His lips descended to hers and she greedily clung to him, filling her mind with the taste and feel of him. He groaned ever so softly and pulled her even tighter as her arms went around his neck and she pulled him to her. And then.............

TBC...........

(Just kidding!!)

And then........the doorbell rang.

"Just ignore it," Jordan murmured against his lips. She didn't want the kiss to end, and she was pretty sure she wanted what would come next. But, whoever was ringing that darn doorbell was not going to give up. After the fourth ring, they both broke apart reluctantly and headed toward the living room. Garret opened the door to a lot of smiling faces. Lily, Nigel, Bug, and Woody stood on his front porch. Garret stepped back in surprise as Lily launched herself into his arms with a bear hug.

"You're all right!" she exclaimed into his chest where she had buried her head. He looked over at Jordan for help. Who was this person?

Jordan smiled and invited the group in and they settled in the living room, Lily on the couch by Garret, still holding his hand. Garret looking bewildered.

"Guys, you need to remember that Garret's got a little memory problem," Jordan began to explain. The announcement seemed to sober everyone up, so she quickly added, "But, the doctor said his memory will come back as soon as the swelling goes down. So you just need to give him some time."

"I'd like to remember all your names," Garret said quietly, knowing that these people were the ones he had trusted and liked. "Maybe you could just remind me......." his voice trailed off in embarrassment.

"Okay, Mate." Nigel, sensing his boss was uncomfortable, immediately broke in. "My name's Nigel, and I am your best computer expert!" This brought a smile from Garret and guffaws and complaints from the others. Garret reached out and shook Nigel's hand, looking at his face and trying hard to remember him. To his surprise, Nigel did look very familiar. Maybe his memory was returning after all!

"I'm Bug. I'm your other best computer expert, and your only etymologist." Bug shyly took Garret's hand for a firm handshake. Jordan smiled, and then spoke.

"And that young woman who practically attacked you is Lily, our resident therapist." Lily grinned from ear to ear as she hugged Garret affectionately.

"I was so worried." She told him shyly. He hugged her back.

"I'm okay, really." Garret told her quietly. He looked toward the only other new person who seemed to be having trouble sitting still. He was moving his leg and clenching and unclenching his restless hands.

"Hi, I'm Woody." He jumped up and pounced across the room, grabbing Garret's hand in an almost painful gesture. As their hands touched, Garret felt something odd. For some reason he didn't like this guy, and he wondered why. Woody crossed the room and sat in a chair next to Jordan. As his arm slowly snaked around her shoulders, Jordan shifted out of his reach.

"Woody is a policeman that we often work with." She said, looking a little uncomfortable. He looked at her with a strange look on his face. Garret felt that rush of dislike again as he watched them.

"So, Jordan," Woody said, "I hear you spent the night here last night." He grinned at her, but she ignored him.

"I had to help Garret out." was her short reply. Everyone in the room sensed some sort of friction between them, but Nigel started talking about work and the little tiff was forgotten. They talked for several hours, taking time to have Bug go out for an early lunch. The more they talked, the more Garret began to remember about the job and the people. He kept asking questions and they were glad to help with the answers.

Finally, Jordan noticed that he was getting a little pale, and when his hand went up to rub his forehead, she figured he'd done enough. Standing up, she addressed the group.

"You guys have been so great," she said, "but I think Garret's getting a headache, and he needs to lie down." She waved off his protests as the group rose to go. Garret followed Lily, Bug, and Nigel to the door, thanking them again for helping him to remember. To his surprise, they all gave him a hug as they left, letting him see how much he was loved. He couldn't wait to fully remember everything so he could return to work.

Woody had lingered back in the living room, wanting to talk to Jordan alone. He followed her into the kitchen where she was putting dirty glasses in the dishwasher. She didn't see him come up behind her until she stood up and realized he was close behind her. She felt his arms go around her and couldn't help but flinch. She shut the dishwasher door and stepped away from him, turning to see his hurt face. He decided to take a different tact with her.

"Hey, Jo. You've been cooped up here for two days now. How about we ask one of the others to watch Garret, and we go out?" He could see by her face that she was about to say 'no' so he added. "Come on, it'll be fun. You can't be happy staying here with old grouchy Garret."

He was surprised when Jordan's demeanor changed quickly. She walked a little further away from him and then turned.

"He's not like that at all, Woody." She shook her head. "In fact, I've been very happy the last two days, and, well there's something you should know. I........." Jordan stopped suddenly, not knowing how to go on.

"You what, Jordan?" Woody asked, anger creeping into his tone. She looked at him for a long time, or it seemed like a long time to Woody. Jordan was thinking. 'He is good-looking, my age, and very handsome. But, she also knew that, just under the surface, was someone that could never fully understand her, fully satisfy all her needs. How would they work as a couple if she was always compromising her own needs for his? Would they raise their children together, or would he bend her will to his when problems came up. She knew he loved her, and she knew he was trying, but is that what she really wanted?' She thought about Garret. He was on the same wavelength as she was. They talked often for hours about problems, hopes, and dreams. When she was in a feisty mood, Garret stood up to her, and when she was depressed, he never ran from her. He had stayed by her side whenever she needed, and had known when to let her go. She remembered the tears in his eyes the last time she had run away and come back. He had asked her to never to do that again, and she had seen how much she had hurt him. Wasn't this really a decision between a deep love and a sexual attraction? She had never even considered Garret because he was her friend, had his own love life, and was older. But, now that his inhibitions had been erased, she was forced to realize that he was someone who could be her best friend and lover. Woody ever be that to her?

"I need some space, Woody." She replied. "Right now, there are some things going on that you don't know about, and.....I just need some space."

Woody looked angry. His throat was turning red and the blush was creeping up his neck. "Things going on?" he said, his voice louder than she wanted. Garret might hear. Woody strode out of the kitchen, brushing by Garret, who was coming back from the front door.

"See ya, Woody." He called to the retreating man, but got no answer. Woody slammed the door on the way out. Garret was suddenly hit with the thought, 'he's sweet on Jordan! Oh, man, did I just really make a fool of myself. Poor Jordan, trying to help me and me coming on to her when she already has a boyfriend!'

Jordan turned to Garret as he walked in the kitchen.

"Jordan," he said softly. "You should have told me you had a boyfriend." And, with that, he turned and walked down the hall to his bedroom. He shut the door behind him. Back in the kitchen, tears started to form in Jordan's eyes. 'Great,' she thought. 'Now he's mad at me, after I finally decided to give us a chance.' She stared down the hall, wondering what to do next.

TBC.............