Author: AthenaIceGoddess

Title:Jumping In

Author: AthenaIceGoddess

Spoilers: Jump Push Fall

Angst/Romance/Drama

Summary: Just my take on what might happen post Jump Push Fall. Lots of WJ angst, so if you aren't a shipper... probably shouldn't read this one

Disclaimer: I own no part of Crossing Jordan. If I did, do you think I would be writing fanfiction?

Chapter 6

Woody sat on the couch in his living room, going over the events of the day in his mind. Jordan, the woman of his derams, was in his bed. And he wasn't. She had punched him, and his jaw was swollen and sore. He held an ice pack over the darkening bruise, cursing his large mouth. For someone so petite, she sure knew how to throw a winning punch.

After he had literally carried her out to his car and strapped her in, he had driven her in sullen silence to his apartment. She had jumped out of the car and stormed up into his room and slammed the door, and he hadn't heard from her since. He kicked himself for what he said now, because any chance he might have had with her was gone. The look in her eyes when she realized he was talking about her was one of absolute devastation, that was quickly replaced by intense anger.

He was such an idiot. The woman he loved with all his heart was in the other room, while he sat out here and beat himself up. Maybe if he went in there and begged her forgiveness... She'd what? Probably punch him again and shove him out the door, and he deserved it.

"Go to sleep, Woody." He muttered to himself, pulling the threadbare blanket over his head and groaning. He knew he wouldn't sleep tonight.

Woody woke up the next morning, seriously considering handcuffing Jordan to his headboard. He could legally do it for her own safety, but then any chance he had of making it up to her would be gone forever. He knocked on the door softly.

"Jordan? Can I come in?" He got no response. Time to try another tactic. "Jordan, I know I was way out of line last night, and I'm sorry, but this is as hard on me as it is on you. Please open the door." He asked, waiting. Woody heard her sigh, and footfalls crossing the room before the door opened wide.

He walked in, and closed the door behind him. He had an hour and a half before he was due at the precinct, and it was time for a little chat with his very hostile guest.

Sure, she didn't look hostile, but he knew her well. Under that carefully calm facade, Jordan was seething with repressed anger. Woody tried a smile, but she just crossed her arms and waited for him to crack. Apparently, she knew him well too.

"Look, Jordan, I'm here because- well, besides this being my apartment-" He grinned at her, but she ignored his attempts at friendliness"I want to apologize. I was a jerk last night, and I don't know why." Woody continued. That was a lie. He knew well why he was a jerk. It had to do with the fact that he still resented her timing, and still wasn't sure if she meant what she said.

The side of her mouth quirked up in a sardonic smile. "You don't know? Want me to enlighten you? You're still smarting- why, I don't know- because you think I pity you because you might not get full use of your legs." She tightened her grip on her arms and took a deep breath before continuing.

She looked him straight in the eye. "Woody, what I said, I meant. I wouldn't care if you lost full use of your body, I would still love you. I...It just took me until that moment to be able to admit it to myself." Her eyes shifted to the ground, and she turned away. "But in saying that, you've lost my trust- and any chance you might have had."

Woody's heart broke at that moment. Before that, he had thought it was just a figurative expression, but now he knew. It was real. Tears filled his eyes, and he walked over to his closet, grabbing his clothes for the day while he fought a losing battle against his emotions.

After he had his clothes, and his emotions in check, he turned to see her watching him. "Jordan, all I can say is that I'm sorry, and I hope that I can eventually earn back your trust, because I... love you too." He quickly escaped into the bathroom and closed the door.

Twenty minutes later, Woody was ready to go. He walked into the kitchen, finding Jordan drinking a cup of coffee at his kitchen island.

"I've gotta get going. You can take a shower, eat, just make yourself at home. Your clothes are over there in that suitcase." He knelt down beside her, needing to get his point across. "Jordan, you've gotta promise me one thing. You cannot leave this apartment.Your life is in danger, and if you leave, I can't protect you. Do you promise me you'll stay here?" He asked, and she nodded mutely.

"Good. I'll see you later, then." He gt up and left the apartment, sparing one last glance at the woman seated at the island. He would do whatever he needed to do to get her back.

A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers, especially Lioness Rampant your blush inducing comments! This is a tad shorter than I thought, but the this is kind of a half chapter.

Next chapter: Woody goes to Mary Richards' work to interview her co workers, while the killer stalks his prey... is Jordan safe at Woody's place?