Disclaimer: Yeah, this little AU still doesn't give me any sort of permanent control over the characters herein or any ability to earn money from them. Nor do I really want such a responsibility. There are too many ppl who are way better at it than me.


Chapter 7: The Build-up

Sam

Sam awoke slowly to noise and movement downstairs, still tired from lack of sleep. It had been after 1 am when she'd snuck back into the house, more than two hours after they'd returned from the movie. In those two hours things with Jack had gone amazingly. It had taken her over an hour to calm down and fall asleep after returning to her bed. She wasn't having much better luck controlling her body's response to her memories this morning.

Get a grip Samantha! It's not like that was the first time you've seen Jack without his shirt on. True, but it was definitely the first time I've been topless with him, with his hands on my body!

oOo

They hadn't started out in Jack's bed. It had seemed like the quickest way to warm up after they'd spent too long stargazing in the cold winter night. Sharing their body heat and burying themselves under blankets had seemed only logical. The change in intent from touching for warmth to touching out of desire had been a short slide down a slippery slope. The speed with which their hands had raced over each other's bodies had eventually slowed and gentled. Jack's eyes had widened at her boldness when Sam had stripped his shirt from him. He hadn't moved, allowing her the freedom to explore his body, until she'd begun to unbutton her own shirt. He'd captured her hands in one of his and raised them above her head.

"Are you sure Sam?"

"Yes Jack."

His lips had been soft on hers as his free hand traced down her arm and side to her hip before trailing up along the row of buttons holding her shirt together. He had opened her shirt quickly then taken his time smoothing it back from her body and up her arms. He freed her hands to completely remove the shirt, using both of his hands to lift her slightly off the bed to allow him access to the snap of her blue satin bra.

oOo

Even now Sam groaned at the memory of the feel of his body pressed to hers, his hands and eventually his mouth worshipping her. The feeling of nervous excitement she'd been carrying all evening had expanded to fill her entire body and then his hands had gone to the snap of her jeans.


Jack

Jack awoke remembering the feel of Sam underneath him. His roughened fingers had reveled in the silky smoothness of her skin as he'd explored every slop and curve offered to him. The rational part of his brain had ceased to function the moment she had begun to unbutton her own shirt. He could barely remember stopping her nimble fingers and finishing the job himself and he was still amazed at how open and responsive she'd been.

And that was even before I got in her pants….okay that sounded really crude even in my own mind. I'm such a typical guy. She deserves so much more. But how can I resist?

He had been acting on instinct, searching for further confirmation that he affected her as powerfully as she affected him. His brain had reengaged moments after he'd eased down the zipper of her pants. Something about the contrast between the plain cotton of Sam's panties warm from the heat of her body and the cool, raspy denim of her jeans had snapped Jack's trance. The mere memory of the look on her face and the moan that had escaped her lips as he'd slowly withdrawn his hand had him aching. He hadn't expected the guilt.

oOo

"Sam…Samantha…look at me baby. Sam, I need you to open your eyes."

It had seemed like an eternity to Jack as he waited, poised about her body, for Sam to open her eyes and focus on him. When he knew he had her full attention he'd traced her cheek with his thumb, kissed her hard, and rolled off her onto his back.

That was close. We're not ready for this. She's not ready for this, and apparently I don't have as much control as I thought I did. Taking this further tonight would be a bad idea, especially after mark's comments earlier.

Jack had been staring blankly at the ceiling, one of his hands still resting on Sam's hip, while these thoughts chased through his mind.

"Jack?"

She sounds nervous. Oh god…I hope I didn't scare her. I keep forgetting she's never done this before. She responds so gracefully. I should probably answer her…

"Yes baby?"

"Why?"

"Why what Sam?"

"Why did you…you know…"

Sam trailed off and Jack sensed the vague hand gestures she was making.

"Start or stop?"

"Either…both…Jack…"

This time Sam shrugged.

"I…Sam…we…"

Jack heaved a sigh and rolled on his side to look at Sam.

"You know I've had 'inappropriate' thoughts about you for years now but I'm soo much older and you've never done this before. You deserve much better. I mean we're skirting the edge of legality here. It's not exactly the best way to start a relationship. I don't want you to feel pressured. You already have me. You don't need to do this to keep my attention. …Not that 'this' is bad I just don't…"

Sam had cut off his rambling flow of words by pressing a hand to his lips.

"Jack if I didn't understand that already I wouldn't be here now. But since you're less comfortable than I am…I'm going to go home now."

Jack had watched as Sam slid out of his bed. She'd turned her back on him to fix up her pants and settle herself back into her bra. He'd been fascinated by her fingers as they'd nimbly buttoned up her shirt. His eyes had continued up her body to her face.

Doh! She doesn't look happy…more like resigned. I need to do something about this…

"Samantha…are we okay?"

Sam had turned from the doorway to look back at him, shirtless and perched nervously half out of his bed.

"It's fine Jack. I'll see you at the part tonight."

"I meant what I said about wanting to do this…just not tonight."

"I know Jack."

He'd sat wide eyed and motionless, scared of saying the wrong thing as Sam left the doorway to walk back towards the bed. She'd moved to stand in front of him.

"Good night Jack."

Sam planted a quick kiss on his forehead and walked away. This time she didn't pause in his doorway on the way out. Jack had sat unmoving until he heard the front door close. Then he'd collapsed backward onto his bed, mentally berating himself for a while before finally falling into a restless sleep.


Sam

Time to get moving Samantha. You know Mom's probably got tons of things for you to be helping with. Great! Another fun day full of cooking, cleaning, decorating, and other last minute part details. Better get to it…the sooner the crap gets finished the sooner the fun begins.

Sam rolled out of bed, dressed in her favorite sweats and t-shirt, and trundled downstairs to join the workforce.

oOo

Hours later the only task left for Sam was that of getting herself made-up for the party, and instead of moving Sam sat staring at her closet. She'd picked out an outfit for the party days ago but now she was questioning her decision. She'd already showered and put on the baby blue mesh underwear set she'd purchased at Spencer's before Christmas. Now she was vacillating between pairing the fluid ankle length black skirt with the sleeveless shimmery gold v-neck sweater of the mandarin collared black silk shirt with a silver floral design.

Well…the v-neck's more flirty and looks really good, but the floral's more subtle and I know he hasn't seen it before. Hmm…time to call Cassie.


Jack

Why am I nervous? I've gone to this party every year forever and I've never been nervous…well, okay not this kind of nervous. I wonder what Sam's expecting tonight. Guess there's only one way to find out.

Jack headed out of his room.

"Mom, you look amazing, as always."

"Thanks Jack. You're looking rather sharp yourself. Ready to go?"

"Yep. You?"

"As soon as your father finds his shoes."

"All right campers…time to move out. We've got a party to get to."

"We're just waiting for you Dad."

The three O'Neills crossed the street together, running into some of the other neighbors on the way, so that it was a large amicable group which rang the Carters' doorbell. In all the commotion Jack was unable to locate Sam. Instead he placed himself on a barstool situated in one corner of the large front room so that he had a good view of all comings and goings. While he waited Jack though back over the years of these parties.

They'd grown more elaborate through the years. What had started out as a small, impromptu gathering of two families had morphed into a tradition widely anticipated throughout the neighborhood. Most often it had been hosted by the Carters of the O'Neills, though a few other families had taken a turn. He and Sam had developed their own tradition, skipping the final countdown and singing in favor of stargazing, regardless of the party's location. It was always the same thing. Jack would tell the story of Ursa major and minor, the two bears stuck in the sky and then align the telescope with the big dipper and the North Star. Over the past few years it had been difficult for Jack to keep the final part of the routine to a chaste kiss on the forehead or cheek. Last year he'd avoided the issue entirely, but returning to school immediately after Christmas.

I wonder how Samantha took that. I'm not sure whether I'd rather know that she'd been disappointed or indifferent. I never did like disappointing her. Just thinking about those baby blues shadowed in pain hurts. She is…exquisite.

Sam entered the room laughing at a comment from an as yet unidentifiable person behind her. Happiness shown in her eyes and the back lighting from the stairs created a halo out of her hair. Their eyes met across the room and, impossibly, her smile widened. When she broke eye contact to look back at Cassie, Jack took the opportunity to study her. The black and silver shirt was high collared and the skirt was long, but now Jack knew what lay underneath and he couldn't stop his mind from comparing the two images of Samantha Carter. Either way the woman crossing the room to him was simply stunning.


Sam

Sam smiled as Jack sat motionless, mouth open and eyes glazed as she moved towards him. She decided to torment him a little before settling in for the evening. Positioning herself between his legs and leaning into him, Sam whispered in Jack's ear.

"Just wait 'til you see what I've got under this."

Jack groaned.

"I've seen plenty Samantha, and thinking about it right now is not going to help me through this party."

"Ah, but you haven't seen my surprise. You'll have to wait until later for that."

With that Sam kissed Jack lightly on the cheek and moved off to rejoin Cassie and Jonas. It had taken Jack several minutes to collect himself and join the small group of friends.

oOo

An hour later it was nearing time for Sam and Jack to pull their disappearing act. Sam had said goodnight to Cassie and Jonas and gone in search of Jack. She hadn't been surprised to find him discussing the upcoming Bowl games with Mark, Jacob, and some of the other neighborhood men.

" 'Scuse me guys…I need to borrow Jack for a while."

He waited until they were out of earshot.

"Samantha, I'm not sure this would be a good idea this year. Not with your parents and brother knowing that we're dating and definitely not given Mark's reaction last night."

"Just give up now Jack. You're not getting out of this."

Jack winced at her tone, not entirely sure whether Sam was actually upset or not.

"You ditched me last year because you thought it was awkward and it stunk. I know Mark would be more worried if I suddenly started acting abnormally and sticking around now would certainly qualify. Besides, I can't show you your surprise with all these people around."

Sam had known the mention of the surprise would do it. Jack hated surprises, but he was naturally curious and thus inevitably drawn to them.

"All right Samantha. Let's head somewhere a little less crowded. Would you like to be in charge of everything else this year too?"

Jack helped Sam into her coat and escorted her out the door into the cold crisp night. The nearly cloudless sky was practically perfect for what Sam had in mind.

Seems even Mother Nature is trying to help me with this. Sweet!

Sam's step was light as she followed Jack towards his house and their own private celebration.


A/N: Once again…Yes, I am completely evil. :-) Actually I'm just a little devil, but don't worry too muchthe next chapter's already halfway written. I would have had this one up sooner, but my weekend was a bit crazy. It looks like I've only got one more chap in this particular tale, but don't worry…there will be more to this little series, though after I finish 'The Holidays' I'm not promising anything more before May 15th. Hopefully this'll allow me to get ahead in the fic and cut down on the randomness of my update schedule. Thanks to everyone who's still reading this, and as always let me know what you think, because it's always good to get a second opinion.