Author's Notes: The Baccarat Vase in Eurydice is a genuine item if anyone is curious. Thanks to Robin, Melanie, Lady and SilverWolf47 for your reviews. Reviews are always appreciated.

Chapter 8

Samantha laid in bed with her eyes open for several hours after Jack escorted her home. After dancing and talking into the middle of the night, he drove her home and held her caressed her hand on the way back as he had on the way to his house earlier. Neither one wanted the evening to end, but Samantha had class and Jack would have to teach. He walked her to her door and took her hand in his, he turned it over and kissed her palm.

"You know we never did discuss those files," she told him. Samantha knew she shouldn't encourage him, but more than anything she wanted to be near him. In a moment of wicked inspiration she deliberately forgot them at his house.

"Perhaps we can discuss them another time-"

"Tomorrow?" she said hopefully, mentally kicking herself even as the word came out.

"It will have to be the next night, I have other plans tomorrow night," he replied with a gleam in his eyes.

"Oh, of- of course," Samantha stammered in embarrassment. It wasn't like he owed her undying loyalty or anything, but disappointment shot through her.

Smiling at her reaction, Jack informed her, "Tomorrow evening, I'm taking you out for dinner and then we're attending the opera."

Torn between outrage at his telling her rather than asking and glad that he wanted to be with her, she inquired coquettishly, "We are, are we?"

Taking her into his arms, he bent her back slightly and stated, "Yes we are." Before she could comment, Jack pressed his mouth to hers and drew her into a searing kiss that left her breathless. "Any objections Samantha?" he asked wickedly.

Unable to respond, she shook her head mutely.

"Good, see you in class," Jack winked at her and walked away.

Lying in bed she replayed the evening in her mind. Feelings of guilt about Tom tried to push their way into her mind, but she forced them away. Sam wasn't sure what was going to happen, but right now being with Jack was all that she cared about. When he kissed her and then when he'd held her as they danced, he'd made her feel amazing. The kiss he'd left her with had increased her arousal and left her aching. As she turned over and closed her eyes forcing herself to sleep, she wondered if he was thinking of her and feeling the same physical longing.

Samantha's dreams were decidedly erotic that evening, featuring Jack's mouth and hands exploring every inch of her body. Places that Tom had pleaded to touch in vain were given without hesitation to Jack and his sensual attentions. Just before her alarm was scheduled to go off, she woke up writhing against her bed, wanting and needy. Never had Samantha felt more frustrated or alive than she had since meeting Jack. As she got out of bed, Sam realized with a blush she would need a shower, between her date and her dreams her panties and upper thighs were soaked and the scent of sexual longing clung to her like a ripe promise.

After Sam showered in the dorm bathroom and returned in a white terry robe to her dorm room, she started to look over her wardrobe trying to decide what to wear today. As she searched for something acceptable for class, Samantha began to panic as it dawned on her she'd agreed to attend the opera with Jack and last night she'd worn her best dress for dinner at his house. After dressing, Sam opened her purse and rummaged through her checkbook and credit cards, the only thing she could do is go shopping and buy a dress for tonight. The money was ear marked for honeymoon clothing, but Tom and the wedding were pushed aside by thoughts of Jack.

A knock at the door disturbed Sam's thoughts and she got up from her desk to answer it.

"Miss Samantha Waters?" a strange young woman asked.

"Yes."

"A gentleman was waiting at the shop this morning and demanded we open early so he could purchase this and he paid extra for it to be delivered to you immediately," the girl informed her, handing Sam a beautifully wrapped box with a card attached.

"Thank you," Samantha mumbled and took the box into her room.

Carefully she sat the box down on her desk and opened the card, it read:

My Samantha,

The pattern is called Eurydice, I thought it appropriate

since I would willingly die and follow you into the underworld.

Yours Always,

Jack

Samantha sighed at the romantic note and laid it aside and opened the package. Inside the box read 'Baccarat' and as she opened it up, she withdrew an exquisite crystal vase. It was old fashioned and ornate, just the perfect size for Jack's roses she realized. A dreamy expression crossed her face as she realized he'd gotten up early and forced a shop to open early just she could have a vase for her roses. She was touched but slightly aghast as she remembered seeing the vase in a crystal shop when she registered, it carried a staggering price tag of more than a thousand dollars! Her engagement ring didn't cost that much!

Carefully she transferred the exquisite blossoms into the vase that was worthy of their stunning crimson beauty. Jack apparently did everything with style and romance, she thought running her fingers over the card again. She felt slightly foolish as she picked the card up and pressed it to her lips. Although she was reluctant to leave her lovely gift, Samantha was anxious to get her first class over with so she could sit in Jack's class.

"Samantha," a gentle voice called as she walked out of her dorm room.

"Jack!" Samantha exclaimed with delight as his lips brushed hers briefly.

"This is for you," he handed her a shiny stainless steel travel cup. "And I thought you might allow me to escort you to class."

"I'd like that. I got your present," she told him as they walked.

"I hope the humble offering of your Orpheus was acceptable."

Smiling at him, Sam replied, "I've never seen anything so beautiful in my life."

"Nor have I," Jack murmured looking at his Samantha and pulled her into his arms.

Samantha opened her mouth to his and when he pulled his lips away, confessed, "I dreamed about you last night."

"Did you my Samantha?" Jack asked searching her face and smiling when a blush colored her cheeks. "How did it make you feel?"

"Nice, but-" she trailed off too embarrassed to speak.

"Frustrated?" Jack supplied.

"How did you know?"

Kissing her again, he whispered, "Because I too had dreams my Samantha."

"You did?" Sam smiled shyly, pleased by the revelation.

"Indeed. Though I have ways of dealing with my frustrations that I suspect you're too innocent to know much about."

Confused, but intrigued, she inquired, "Could you show me how you deal with your frustrations?"

At that Jack laughed and kissed Samantha again...