Chapter 4- Sugar and Spice
The eggs squeezed from in between the white shells, and then sizzled into the pot. Promptly she stirred the eggs together, and then glanced on the counter to see that she had forgotten the butter and salt. Taking a spoon she scooped up a healthy serving of butter, and then tossed it into the pan. The yellow substance bubbled and sizzled as it hit the pan. Next was the bacon, one by one she laid each strip on the foil, and after she had sixteen strips down, she turned on the stove and then slid the bacon inside.
"What are ya cooking?" Sawyer asked coming into the kitchen.
Chloe turned around, "Breakfast…duh,"
Sawyer was taken aback at first, but then a sly smile spread across his face. "Does your mama know that you're trying to burn the house down?"
Chloe jumped off of her stool, and then pushed it towards the cabinet. "She taught me how to cook, because she works late at night, and she comes home hungry." Chloe skipped over to the refrigerator. "And Mr. Sawyer, mommies have to eat too."
Sawyer flinched at the nickname.
"Are Jack and Kate up…my little angels?"
Sawyer sat down at the table and then gingerly reached for the newspaper, "Angels, huh?"
Chloe pulled out some pancake batter, and milk. "Can I please use you're help Mister?"
Sawyer turned the page, and then raised the newspaper so he wouldn't have to see the little girl with dirty blonde curls and big blue eyes. Little footsteps walked towards him. He couldn't help but smirk, this little girl had to be between six and eight.
The newspaper was tapped from the other side.
"Oh look, it's going to be snowin' on Halloween."
"Really?" Chloe squealed.
"Nah, gotcha kiddo." Sawyer chuckled and then placed down the newspaper. "Is there a reason why you're staring at me like that?"
Chloe pouted, "I can reach the stove with my stool, but the cabinets…" Chloe patted Sawyer's leg to get his attention, and then pointed towards upper cabinets. "They are too high."
Sawyer sighed, "And what do'ya want me to do munchkin."
"Hey, that's not nice."
Sawyer leaned forward and then patted Chloe on the head, "Munchkin."
Chloe pointed her finger at Sawyer, "Behave,"
"I'm a bad boy, what if I don't wanna."
Chloe looked down, and then looked up. "I'm gonna tell mommy, you're acting up."
Sawyer was tempted to add in. And what is Mommy gonna do? Give me a spanking. But he held his tongue by some miracle, because Chloe was so young.
Chloe quickly turned around, ran towards the stove and then grabbed her stool so she could stir the eggs. "Burnt eggs are nasty, yay, they aren't burnt."
Sawyer placed down his newspaper, and then walked over to Chloe. "You better consider yourself lucky, that you're so darn cute."
"Aww, that's nice," Chloe said handing Sawyer the stirring utensil.
Sawyer accepted it, but then looked down. "No you don't. I'm not stirring no eggs."
"Just make sure it doesn't stick, and watch the bacon too."
"What bacon?" Sawyer complained.
"In the stove, don't you smell it."
"Unbelievable, she asks me to help her, and then she got me cookin! Typical."
"I'm going to go check on Kate and Jack, I'll be back in a minute to make some pancakes,"
"Let me guess, with sugar, spice and everything nice." He drawled slowly causing his southern accent to become more distinct.
"Aren't all little girls made of that?"
"No," Sawyer said.
Chloe turned around and then walked away.
Sawyer felt bad, he wasn't good with little kids, and besides if he wasn't have any little terrors of his own, why try.
Chloe peeked around the corner, "But I am,"
Sawyer turned around, "I thought you were going to bother…I mean visit Kate and St. Lunatic,"
"Jack…Sawyer, his name is Jack," With that Chloe finally disappeared.
A burning smell started to fill the air. Sawyer looked down, sunlight from outside streamed onto the burning eggs. "Well shit, I done burnt the girl's eggs."
He scowled, "Shit."
Looking around he quickly tossed the eggs into the trash. He then brought the burning hot pan towards the sink and then washed it. Why the hell was he going to try to make the eggs over? It wasn't his fault, Chloe trusted him with the damn eggs. Seconds later, he placed the clean pot back on the stove.
"How the hell do I make eggs?"
Jack stretched, and then yawned. His arms rested on Kate beside him. He smiled. They had quite a night yesterday. First the kissed, then they argued, and then kind of made up. Jack wasn't too sure how Kate felt about him now, but he hoped they could put most of last night behind them. He sat up and then rested his elbow against the pillow as he watched her sleep. Kate was so beautiful. From the cute freckles sprinkled lightly across her face, to her button nose, and those eyes of hers. Jack smiled. He loved her beautiful green eyes.
Kate's eyes slowly fluttered open.
Jack tried to look away, but Kate was too fast.
"I'm starting to get concerned about you," Kate sat up as well and then placed her hand against her cheek. Her long brown curly hair gracefully fell forward over her hand, and a lock caught her eye.
"You're concerned about me? That's an interesting role reversal." Jack smirked.
"Doctors are observant correct?"
"Correct,"
"Are you observing my behavior and trying to see if I am hiding something from you, or is it something else?"
"Something else," Jack replied. He pulled back the covers, and then blushed at the sight of his boxers.
Kate looked down, but Jack quickly pulled the sheets back up.
"Now is my turn to be observant, what are you hiding."
Jack bunched the sheets up towards him. How embarrassing.
Kate reached for the comforter that Jack had over his boxers, but he pulled back. "Why are you trying to look down there Kate?"
Kate couldn't help but laugh. Yesterday had been such an emotional day for her, and now that it was morning, a slight burden felt lifted off her shoulders. A cool Fall breeze drifted in from outside, and the sun beamed through the window. A delicate breeze swooped past her and Jack causing goose bumps to form along her back.
Kate made another attempt to grab the covers. "What do you mean Jack? Look down where, now is my turn to be suspicious,"
Jack slowly started to get up while holding the comforter towards him. "I'm a guy you know, these things happen." He smiled nervously.
"What things?"
"No need to go into that, I guess I'm going to shower."
"Me first," Kate watched as Jack turned away from her. She then took action by pulling the covers off of him, and towards her.
Jack placed his hands over his boxers quickly.
Kate had to blush herself.
"It has a mind of its own sometimes," He looked down with bright red cheeks. "I um…" He placed a hand to his forehead, and then turned to her. "You're not going to sleep with me anymore are you?"
"Huh?" Kate asked.
"Oh, I mean as in the same bed!" He quickly corrected.
Kate's eyes widened playfully.
"Shit," Jack groaned.
Kate nodded, "I got it Jack, are you embarrassed?"
"No," He lied.
Kate smiled, "Cute,"
Jack walked into the kitchen with a tee shirt, and the pajama pants Taylor had given him yesterday. A dark blue towel was wrapped around his neck. He watched in amusement as Sawyer cursed at some eggs on the stove.
"Well damn, I burnt them again."
Jack laughed as he sat down, "You can't even cook eggs? Man, that's sad."
Sawyer turned around surprised that he had a guest. He scowled and then narrowed his eyes at Jack. "Like you know how to cook eggs Jacko,"
Jack chuckled, he relaxed his arm around the chair and then nodded confidently. "Actually Sawyer it's not that complicated of a concept."
"Then why don't ya cook em'?"
"Why should I do you any favors?" Jack asked but getting up anyways.
Sawyer stepped back. "Because I'm doin' you one."
"And what's that?" Jack threw away the second batch of burnt eggs. "By the way, you better figure out how you're going to buy Taylor some more groceries, because you're wasteful."
"Sorry Daddio, what comes next a lecture about all the poor kids in America without food to eat."
Jack nodded, "It should."
"Spare me the shit. Where is the baby doll?" Sawyer smirked at his latest nickname for Kate, "Or should I say where is the girl that looks like a baby doll, but sure ain't?"
Jack shrugged, "I don't know,"
"Please, you're practically married to her."
Jack glanced at Sawyer. Before he met Kate he had been scared of commitment, almost terrified of it, but not anymore. A thin smile crept across his face. Sawyer sounded jealous and he said that statement with venom. But so what, Kate did spend most of her time with him. Jack had to catch himself before he opened his mouth to gloat. He wasn't a gloating type of guy, but when it came to his relationship with Kate…no matter how complicated it was he was proud of it.
Sawyer handed Jack the carton of eggs. "I could have her if I wanted."
"Wash the pot," Jack replied handing Sawyer the pot that had survived two attempts at burnt eggs.
"Can I get a please?"
"Can I get a Thank you Jack, for helping me fix whoever's breakfast I screwed up."
"Damn high and mighty no good son of a bitch, wanna be hero, woman stealing…" Sawyer muttered under his breath loud enough for Jack to hear as he grabbed the pot.
"Hey Sawyer, I didn't quite hear that, can you say it a little louder?" Jack challenged.
Bitch. Sawyer thought angrily.
Jack smirked. "That's what I thought."
Sawyer quickly poured some dish detergent soap into the pot and then started to scrub with a brillo pad.
"Use some elbow grease," Jack added.
Sawyer grunted, "Want me to use some elbow grease on your face Jacko?"
"I want to see you try." Jack challenged even though he knew better than to fight with Sawyer in a house with two women and a little girl.
"What's going on in here?" Chloe asked strutting into the kitchen with her hands on her hips.
Jack backed away from Sawyer and then smiled back warmly at Chloe. "Morning Chloe, you're up early."
"I have no school, and I get to watch cartoons after I help my mommy clean and feed ya'll."
Sawyer tried to sneak the pot back towards the stove.
Chloe sighed, "Sawyer, you burnt the eggs?"
"I don't cook little girl what d'ya want from me?"
"I'm going to teach you one day." Chloe pulled her little stool back towards the stove and then hopped on. "Jack, Kate is out of the shower, you can get ready for the day."
Jack nodded.
"And give me your clothes, mommy said she's going to wash them, and then get you, Sawyer and Kate some new one's later tonight, after we go pumpkin picking."
Sawyer rolled his eyes, "How sweet, pumpkin pickin'."
Jack sighed in Sawyer's direction and then walked towards the bathroom.
"Don't burn them this time, I'm going to have to leave you again." Chloe said to Sawyer as she hopped off her stool once again and then pushed it to the side.
"Hey," Sawyer gently grabbed the little girl's arm. "Where are ya goin? I'm going to burn em' again."
"Sawyer, are you cooking?" Taylor asked coming into the kitchen.
Chloe smiled, "Mommy help him, he's hopeless."
With that she ran out of the kitchen. Taylor looked after her, and then focused her eyes back on Sawyer. "She thinks she knows everything in the world."
"I can tell, that's why I don't want kids."
Taylor took the wooden spoon from him. "I got it Sawyer, you can go ahead and go back to sleep or something."
Sawyer shook his head, "Couldn't if I tried."
"You okay,"
"Fine and Dandy."
"Dandy?"
Sawyer nodded, "Got a problem with that sweetheart?"
"No, I just…" Taylor grinned, "You're just not the dandy type."
The hot water cascaded down Kate's face. She closed her eyes, and then opened her mouth slightly. The bathroom was blanketed in steam and it felt like a sauna. Turning around Kate reached for a bottle of Herbal Essences and then poured a small amount into her palm. She then started to work the lather into her damp hair.
Jack.
No matter what she was going through every thought seemed to come back to him. Jack was incredibly handsome, and caring. If she told him about the accident a small part of her believed that he would help her through it. Sawyer was too guarded, and not too fond on sharing his emotions, so if she tried to lean on Sawyer, then she might feel worse than before. Her eyes slowly closed as she tried to imagine how the conversation with Jack would play out. What would she say? Sawyer and I ran over a guy, who was a cop, and has a family somewhere out there that needs him.
Kate sighed. Telling Jack was a bad idea. She was ashamed of how they handled the situation, and the last thing she wanted was for Jack to think she was a monster. After all he had believed it before, so his opinion could easily be swayed. Her eyes slowly opened. What if Jack was right and she was going through post-traumatic stress?
Her mood did change when she was around Jack, because he made her want to be happy. She wanted to let him know that she was interested, and besides Jack could easily pick up her burdened moods. So she tried to trick him. Smile in his face, when she didn't feel like smiling, but at the same time kind of did, because she loved him. Love was a strong word, but Kate knew in her heart that she loved Jack.
It was a miracle how he had taken down her walls. He still had a long way to go. But Jack had made progress, and that's what stunned her. He made her feel safe, even when she shouldn't, and when he kissed her, she felt as if she needed his kiss again, just to make her world feel perfect. Even though it was far from it.
The reason she was scared to be with Jack, was because she knew he deserved better. No matter how much she loved him, she knew she would never be able to fully give herself to him. It was all a matter of trust. Kate trusted Jack, but she didn't trust herself. She had already hurt him too many times to count, and if he followed after her then she knew she would hurt him again.
Kate placed her hand against the beige wall. Jack deserved a normal life, he deserved the white picket fence, a dog, kids, and a loving wife. Kate could never see herself having any of that. She sighed.
An image flashed into her mind, thankfully it wasn't of the accident but instead of her and Jack. When did she become such a hopeless romantic?
She saw herself leaning in to kiss Jack. There was a beach behind him, and they were both wearing leis. Kate couldn't help but smile, now here she was dreaming about them getting married in Hawaii.
Flash the dream disappeared. Blood stained her dress, the cops body was in her arms. Kate nearly screamed as she tried to shake the image. A shaking hand covered her mouth, and tears welled in her eyes. Squeezing her eyes shut, she tried to shake the image, but then she saw the water turning blood red. It's all a dream. It's all a dream!
"Why is the shower on?" Jack asked observantly.
Chloe shrugged, "I dunno,"
Jack smiled, "I think Kate is still in there, I'm just going to wait until she gets out." He turned around and then started to walk towards the room, but Chloe ran over to him, and then crossed her arms.
"I forgot I turned on the shower for you." Chloe shook her head. "I wanted to make sure it was hot, because when it's cold outside I hate having to wait for the water to warm up so…it's hot."
"Where is Kate?" Jack asked.
Chloe pointed outside, "Taking a walk, she said she needed some air."
Jack nodded, that did sound like Kate. He glanced suspiciously at Chloe once more, and then allowed her to guide him towards the bathroom. He had an instinct to call out and see if Kate was actually in the shower, but he fought the urge because he didn't want Chloe to think he didn't trust her.
Chloe closed the door behind Jack after he was in.
Jack raised an eyebrow and then placed down his towel. He was tempted to peek in, but what if Kate was actually in there? He had already embarrassed himself this morning with a certain "rising" this morning. Jack blushed at the thought again. He didn't want Kate to think about that every time she looked at him from now on.
"Kate?" He whispered.
There was no response.
Okay, he was in the bathroom alone. Jack pulled off his shirt, and didn't pay any attention as it fell down next to Kate's clothes which were almost tucked behind the laundry basket. Next he pulled down the dreaded pajama pants. Jack was relieved to finally get out of them. He shook his head at his boxers, remembering once again what happened earlier this morning. The boxers came off seconds later.
Fog steamed the mirrors, and lingered in the bathroom like a sauna. Jack drew in a mouthful of air as he approached the shower. He could hear water pounding against the tub, but he heard nothing else. What if Kate was in the shower. Jack felt his heart skip a beat as he reached out to pull back the curtain, but then he drew back.
His eyes closed. If Kate was in the shower, then he should probably leave now. Jack turned around, and reached for the door. His hand lowered from the wet golden knob when he realized that he was naked. Jack laughed. "Keep on striking out today Shepard, and Kate's going to have a whole different opinion of you."
Kate turned off the shower. She didn't want to shower anymore. She just needed to get out, and find some way to focus on something else. Grabbing her towel from off of the counter she first dried her hair, and then wrapped the fluffy pink towel around her body.
Kate closed her eyes once again. A leg coated with droplets of water slid out of the shower, and then rested on the tiled bathroom floor followed by another. Her hair was soaking wet and it hung down her back gracefully. Kate looked up, and her mouth dropped. Jack stood in front of her naked. He seemed shocked, and stunned.
Neither of them said anything. Kate tried not to look down, just because she was scared her eyes would drift elsewhere. She squinted in his direction, keeping her eyes fixed on his hazel ones.
Jack laughed embarrassed.
Kate laughed too. Why was she laughing now! How could she laugh after having such a horrid flashback.
Jack covered himself, and then reached around for his towel. "I am not making good impressions with you today am I?"
Kate placed her hand to her forehead, and then looked down. She was trying to shake her smile, but she couldn't. There was nothing funny about Jack, but he always made her smile. Never in a million years would she have guessed that she would have fallen so hard for a straight laced doctor. Kate looked back up, traces of her smile still remained. Jack blushed back at her. An incredibly cute doctor.
Jack knotted the towel around his waist. Kate was smiling now, so did that mean she was okay? He was usually good at reading other people, but Kate was different. She liked to put up fronts, and he recognized most of them, but not all. His thoughts shifted as he looked back into Kate's eyes. He smiled, and she smiled back at him. Jack could tell that she was trying not to smile, but her attempts were failing.
"I'm sure you've seen enough of me today," Jack replied lightheartedly.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well I have been a little over exposed today, it's not usually my style, but I guess today is one of those off days."
Kate glanced at the doorknob. A part of her told her to dash out the door, so Jack could shower. He had a habit of turning her feelings for him into so much more when they were alone. Kate had to look away because the look he was giving her was intense. Did Jack even know that he was looking at her like that? Kate bit her lip, she was almost scared to look up, because she was tired of contradicting herself.
"I guess I'll move so you can um…" Jack scratched his head. His arm raised revealing the Chinese tattoos that Kate had always been so curious about. As Jack looked back at her, the knot on his towel loosened. "Shit," Jack groaned dropping his arm just in time to catch the towel as it drooped around his waist.
"Towel troubles?" Kate tossed in casually. Her voice sounded shakier than she planned.
Jack grabbed the towel and held it to his waist. With his free hand he gripped for the doorknob. He turned the knob but it didn't budge. Jack raised an eyebrow, but tried to keep his battle with the knob secret.
"Is it not opening?" Kate asked walking over to him.
Her shoulder grazed his chest. Her skin was soft, and he could smell her Herbal Essences shampoo from where he stood. Jack quickly shifted his thoughts back towards opening the door as Kate attempted. Seconds later she tapped on the door.
"Wait a second," Jack said.
Kate turned around, "Yeah?"
"I don't want Taylor to see us in the bathroom like this, I mean she opened her house to us, and I don't want her to think…"
"Right," Kate agreed. She glanced at Jack for answers since he usually had them, but this time he seemed unsure. "Well do you have any suggestions on how we can get out?"
"Wait until we hear Chloe walk by, after all she is the one that locked us in here," Jack said with a smirk.
"No she didn't?" Kate said with an unbelieving grin.
Jack rested his body against the sink. "She did,"
Kate thought it over, and then sat down against the edge of the tub. She crossed her legs, and then looked down at the navy blue mat draped against the tiles.
Jack opened the cabinet in the bathroom. "Too bad this is a woman's bathroom."
"Why?" Kate asked standing up with crossed arms. "Don't turn into Sawyer on me."
Jack shook his head, "I didn't mean anything by that…it's just I'm in need of a shaving and all Taylor has is…" Jack opened the cabinet wider and then squinted down at the bottle, "Peach and Mango Bonanza shaving gel, and pink razors."
"Let me guess you need Gillete?"
Jack nodded, "Right, and I also need a razor specially designed for a man. My skin gets irritated easily."
"Aww," Kate pouted.
Jack looked down, "I'm not complaining or anything…"
"Women's razors can work on men too, does she have any unused ones down there."
"The box is new," Jack said.
Kate walked over to Jack, she gently pushed him aside so she could get access to the cabinet. Her eyes scanned the shaving selection thoughtfully. "One razor," She grabbed one from the plastic coating. "Strawberry, Peach or Fun Berry?"
"Fun Berry?" Jack said with a snort.
Kate turned around to face him, "Fun Berry it is." She closed the cabinet and then stood up. Right now any distraction would do, and as long as she promised not to kiss Jack, then she wouldn't be contradicting herself. "Turn to me,"
"Why?"
Kate placed her hand on her hips. She felt a flashback coming on, but she quickly shook her head. The last thing she needed to do was go into hysterics while Jack's eyes were right on her. "Are you going to argue with me?"
"Why on earth would I argue with you after you've had such a rough night?" Jack said softly.
"My night was fine Jack,"
"You sure?"
"Doc, stop analyzing me." Kate replied.
Jack closed his mouth.
Kate smiled. "Gotcha,"
"I thought you were going to say I was smothering you again?"
Kate sighed exaggeratedly, "Oh god Jack, don't bring that up again." She then reached for the Fun Berry shaving cream and sprayed the foam into her hands. "It smells good,"
"It does, but can it get the job done?" Jack tested with an arched eyebrow.
"Shh," Kate reprimanded she placed one hand against Jack's face. His stubble tickled at her skin as she used the other hand to massage the lather onto his dark brown beard with the tiniest gray and blonde hairs mixed in.
"Are you going to shape me up?" He asked amused.
Kate nodded, "I'm going to prove to you that a women's razor is just as good as a man's."
Jack laughed.
Kate tilted her head to the side. "You'll see, now keep still before I accidentally cut you." She bit her lip. Cutting Jack wouldn't be good, even the smallest amount of blood could trigger a flashback.
Jack slightly raised his chin.
"Jack, work with me here, you're already taller than me,"
"Sorry," Jack rested his back against the sink and slid downwards a little so Kate could get better access to his facial hair. "Have you done this before,"
Kate gently glided the razor along Jack's cheek with an expression of uttermost concentration. "I shave my legs whenever I get the chance, I am a woman Jack."
"Not all women shave their legs,"
"This one does, contrary to my Fugitive lifestyle."
Jack smiled back at her. Kate leaned closer to him and then started to shave underneath his mouth. Her eyes traveled down to his lips.
Jack could tell that Kate was looking at his mouth. They hadn't kissed enough for his liking, but he had to put his emotions for her aside, at least for now. Jack looked down at the razor, which had stopped moving, and then back at Kate.
Damn you Jack. Damn you. I shouldn't be focusing on this right now. On you, or your lips, or the towel which is hanging so loosely around your waist.
Jack reached for Kate's hand, and then guided the razor against his chin gently. Kate snapped out of it.
"Sorry,"
"No it's okay," He assured her in a shaky breath.
Kate reached in front of him to turn on the faucet, warm water rushed downwards onto the razor she held underneath. She gave the razor a shake and then brought it back to Jack's face.
"Have you ever thought about going to Germany?"
"Anywhere out of the U.S. has entertained my thoughts…why?" Kate tilted her head to the side so she could see underneath Jack's chin. When he didn't respond she paused to focus her eyes on his. "You asked me have I ever thought about going to Germany, why?"
Jack chuckled, "It's silly actually,"
"Probably not, just tell me."
"I had a dream that you and I were in Germany using aliases and living together. I told you it was dumb."
"So you seriously want to stay with me after we get out of the U.S.?"
"I wouldn't be dreaming about Germany if I didn't."
Kate smiled back at him. After she was finished shaving his face, she placed her hands against his waist, and turned him around towards the faucet. "Bend down,"
Jack laughed, "Are you going to search me now Kate,"
Kate smiled again, and then placed her hand against the back of Jack's head. She brought his face downwards towards the sink and then splashed warm water on his jaw and cheeks. Seconds later she turned off the faucet and then pulled Jack up by the shoulders. "Very handsome,"
He ran his hands along his shaven skin. "I guess you proved me wrong."
"That's not too hard to do with a man who thinks he is always right." Kate said softly.
"I think I'm usually right, unless we're talking about issues concerning you."
"You could be right," Kate said.
"Do you like me?"
Kate's mouth dropped, "C'mon Jack that's not fair,"
"It's a simple question, I promised myself that I would "behave" myself when it came to you, but I just had to know."
"I told you the answer to that already."
"I'm like a kid, I need reassurance,"
Kate placed her hand to her cheek, "I don't want to be in a relationship now,"
Jack sighed.
"But I do like you, I like you a lot."
Jack felt a smile coming on, but he quickly turned his back to Kate before she could see it. "It looks like we might be in here for a while,"
Kate knew it made sense to knock on the door and just explain to Taylor what happened, but she wasn't in a rush to leave, and she could tell by how Jack sat down on the ledge of the tub that he didn't want to leave either. She walked over to him and then pushed the shower curtain back so she could sit down next to him.
They sat like this for a while. Both of them lost in thoughts. Jack occasionally glanced at Kate from the corner of his eye. She was staring ahead thoughtfully, as she liked too do. Her hair hung down on her lightly freckled shoulders, and her hands were crossed in her lap. "I see you,"
"See me what?"
Kate squinted back at Jack, "I see you looking at me."
"I wasn't, I was checking out the…"
"My towel?" Kate joked.
Jack sighed, "It looks like I'm going to have to find another corner,"
Kate shook her head. "You know what my main problem with you is?"
Jack looked around, and then debated whether he should open his mouth or not. "What's that?"
"I know I shouldn't be happy during certain situations like this one, but you make me smile even when I shouldn't be, and that makes me feel odd. I feel as if I don't have control over my actions when you're around." Kate looked down, and then looked back at Jack.
"I wish you could see how many people I made smile before I met you."
"Oh I'm sure you were a comedian."
Jack laughed, "Patients complained about my bedside manner, I was the doctor that no one wanted, not because I wasn't a good doctor or anything but because I supposedly took away hopes, by being straightforward."
"I would want you to be my doctor,"
"I doubt it."
"Now?" Kate asked.
Jack paused and then shifted his eyes to Kate, "You would want me to be your doctor now?"
"If I didn't know you, and I got hurt, then yes,"
"I would still have crappy bedside manner,"
Kate smiled, "You would still be a grinch?"
"If I didn't meet you then yes, but I would still think that you're one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid eyes on." Jack replied. He cursed himself in his head, for coming onto Kate when he had promised to let it go for a while.
Kate tilted her head to the side. She looked sad briefly, and then her eyes fixed on Jack's. One kiss always made it better. As long as Jack knew that she didn't want to be in a relationship, what could one kiss do?
Jack gripped the edge of the tub with his hand. Kate was staring back at him, and her eyes on his was only adding to the smoldering temperatures in the bathroom. He used to be good at keeping promises, but how the hell could he resist Kate. Especially when she was so off and on, each chance he got to kiss her could be his last. But he couldn't.
"Has any woman ever told you that you're too good for your own good." Kate brought herself closer to Jack. There was no reason in trying to understand her actions anymore. Jack made her feel good, he put her at ease, and as long as he didn't know what she had done, Kate knew she had his love. Why else would he ask her if she loved him, after she had already told him yesterday.
Jack leaned closer.
Kate reached out and then placed her hands against Jack's face. His skin was soft and smooth, and the smell of the shaving cream lingered to her nose. Just one kiss, one kiss wouldn't be leading him on.
Jack closed his eyes. His lips tingled at the thought of feeling Kate's soft and luscious lips against his own. He clenched his jaw. His mind was too active for his own good. Kate's hands gently stroked his face. Her hands were so soft, and his skin warmed at her touch. God, he wanted her so bad. How was it possible to have fallen so hard for Kate, when they were so different.
Jack opened his eyes. Kate was coming closer to him, she pressed her hands harder against his face. Her eyes fluttered close, and she allowed her hands to slip from Jack's face. Her hands ran along Jack's chest, stopped at his towel and then she brought her hands around his neck.
Jack couldn't take it anymore. He leaned forward, closer and closer until his lips were centimeters in front of Kate's. He could feel her breathing in shallow breaths. Jack opened his eyes, he saw her lips puckered outwards. She wanted him to kiss her, and he was going to do it.
Jack pressed his lips against hers. Kate completely gave in. Lips pushed against one another's they kissed. Jack opened his mouth wider, he was kissing Kate so hungrily. Her lips were as moist and soft as he expected. His heart pounded in his chest as he felt Kate's tongue invade his mouth. Jack loved her so much.
Kate was practically sitting in Jack's lap now. Her arms tightened around his neck. He turned his head to the side, and then his lips moved away from her own. Kate needed his safety net right now, one of her arms slid away from his neck.
Jack half-kissed Kate's mouth and her cheeks. His mouth has a mind of its own, her cheeks tasted like peaches. He breathed in the aroma of her hair, and then with shaky hands he ran his fingers through her hair. Soft, tangled curls dipped in chocolate gave way easily as he felt his path back towards her face.
Kate turned her face more towards Jack. His lips lost the taste of her cheek as she nuzzled her cute nose against his own. He let out a low groan as Kate kissed his jaw, cheek and then nose. Her hair fell forwards onto his bare shoulder.
He needed to feel her lips again, before she pulled away. Jack found Kate's lips. Temptation and longing had taken over his usually calm demeanor. Her lips grew still as he continued to occupy her mouth with his own. Jack feared rejection again, he feared Kate was going to grow cold once more and then tell him to get off of her.
But she didn't.
With every kiss, Jack felt himself starting to grow dizzy. Delirious off of her touch, her lips, the sweet scent of her. They both fell backwards into the tub. Legs hanging over the edge, towels still wrapped around their bodies, minds as far away from reality as possible, they gave into one another's desires.
Jack entwined his leg in Kate's. "What happens after this…"
Kate placed her mouth back over his. Every thought Jack was experiencing drifted from his subconscious. Kate wrapped her arms around Jack's waist and brought him closer to her. Not wanting to answer any of his questions, just needing to feel him as close as possible until reality set in once again.
Jack moved his lips away from her mouth. "We're in a tub,"
"I know," Kate whispered with a smile.
"Backwards," He said his breath tickling her ear. Jack then leaned forward to kiss her perfect earlobes.
Kate had found perfection in Jack. Only he could take her mind off of her guilt and angst, whenever she decided to let him into her world. And now that he was in, she wanted to keep him inside, let him know her worries, and confide in him, as he made her feel like she did deserve him. Perfect Jack.
"I love you," He whispered in her ear.
He knew that she loved him too, so she wasn't going to repeat it. Kate just wanted him to kiss her again, before anyone came in and saw them like this, or before she interrupted this moment with her guilt. As if Jack was telepathic, he brought his mouth back onto hers and captured her mouth in his.
He was determined. Jack was going to marry Kate. He was going to convince her that he loved her irregardless of what she had done in the past. Kate intoxicated him too much, to just let her go. Let her slip through his hands, and travel the world on her own.
Now wasn't the time to ask. Jack knew that she was going through a lot, so he would wait. As he continued to kiss Kate, he glanced down at his shirt which Kate had came back last night wearing. The ring was in the pocket. He was going to keep it until the time was right, to ask Kate to be with him forever.
Sunlight bounced off of the diamond. The precious ring was buried underneath golden leaves, and covered with mud. He looked around. They must have dropped it last night. Dropping down he plucked the ring from the mud, and then kissed the shimmering jewel incased in the gold band. The ring belonged to him now, and if they wanted it back, they would have to come and get it. But surely they weren't that stupid….
(Thanks so much everyone for reviewing last chapter...I can't help but get carried away a little with Jack and Kate, Kate's just going through a lot and I think she needs a "Jack break" from time to time. And Jack definitely needsa "Kate break"
XxLauraxX- This guy is just a case of wrong place, wrong time. He's crazy though, but I'm not going to talk about him too much until I am ready for him to act. Poor Jack, Kate and Sawyer they never get a break.
Cohen101- Sawyer didn't do anything to the hot choc. he was just playing around. Your idea was funny though, if he did something I believe it would be that.
Oct- Ya'll is right, I come from the south too, so I should know that...lol
Lindsay- I enjoy those moments too...so I try to sneak some in whenever I can...kinda like this chapter.
NYR88- That's okay, but thank you so much for the compliment. I think you're a great writer as well.
Orlando-crazy- Nope not tha Marshal, but the Marshal is still very much in this story along with Sawyer's "mafia" friends, they're just on vacation, and leaving their jobs in the hands of this "crazy North Carolina woods guy" for the time being...lol.
Delee- Pointless no way! And sry not Boone...at least not in this story. Taylor's ex that is a good idea though, but I don't think she would date "crazy men"...that walk around woods with rifles...very good guess though.
Also thank you's to Kballgetlost, Charlielover1313, Nikki-da-latina, Angel, Clarkson04
I'll update next Monday...because college is a NIGHTMARE this semester with work and all...so until then, everyone take care, and thanks again.)