Author's note: Ok this one is quite a bit shorter but it was necessary. Thank you for the feedback more is welcome and if anyone has any ideas I'd be happy to consider them.

The door slid shut and we stood in silence, the lift slowly making its journey up towards the surface. Our hands were still entwined; her thumb rubbing soft circles into the back of my hand.

I turned to face her and saw the glowing smile that had initially attracted me to her. I so do not deserve her. I must be the luckiest guy in the world.

We stepped out of the lift and I saw the slight curves in the mouths of the passing airmen. Was it just me or did the general mood of the place seem that much happier. Maybe it is just me, I am after all about to go to dinner with the most beautiful woman in the universe. Well the bit they had explored anyway…..

"So where we going Carter, anywhere interesting?"

"You'll have to wait and see…….sir!"

"Ok Sam, but you know how I hate surprises."

"Indeed I do but this one will be worth it I promise."

"I'll hold it against you if it isn't!"

"Haha Mr 'I'll eat anything as long as I can get dessert'."

She got me there. Anything tastes good if you finish with cake or pie or Jell-o or…..

When we had signed out of the mountain she led me over to a chauffeured car with blacked out windows. Where exactly were we going?

"Ok Jack, it's gonna be a bit of a trip."

"Like how far?"

"Far."

"Oh."

I climbed into the car and found my gameboy on the back seat. Did she really think I would be that bored with her sitting next to me!

Once she had settled in next to me the car started and we were off.

"So Sam," I decided to voice my earlier concern, " did you really think I would be this bored when I'm sat next to you?"

"Well Jack, you've sat next to me at over a hundred briefings and doodled on your pad, played with your pen. I even saw you with your yo-yo under the table once, don't think I didn't notice!"

"That's different and you know it!"

She chuckled and settled back into the leather seat.

We had been travelling for over half an hour and she was right I was beginning to get bored. I leaned over towards her. I couldn't believe that after all these years the barriers had come down and yet the situation was still uncomfortable. We had been so used to pushing those feelings away, pretending they didn't exist and yet hoping a day like today could occur.

Now it has, I'm not sure what to do. Did she just want dinner with me? A birthday date with a friend. Yet I know that's not what I want and I'm pretty sure the same stands for her too. Just where are we going?

"Jack?"

I realised I had been staring at her without saying anything. She lifted her head towards mine and before I knew it her lips had found mine.

I was blown away. Never before in my life had I partaken in a kiss so powerful, so overwhelming. I could feel her trembles as she pulled away and I threw her a reassuring smile. I hope she wasn't regretting it.

The smile that brightened her face told me she didn't.

I reached over and placed her hand in mine.

The car settled into a gentle rhythm and I found myself drifting off…….

I woke with a jerk as the car stopped. How could I have fallen asleep? I looked over at Sam and realised she had the same sleepy eyes and embarrassed face of someone who has just woken up. Well that made me feel a little better.

"Sir, Ma'am, we're here. Everything is prepared as you asked Colonel Carter," the driver stated as he got out of his seat.

"Thank you sergeant," she replied allowing him to open the door for her.

I stepped out of the other side of the car to find myself standing in front of …..