AN: Thanks Kristen, Angel and everyone that reviewed last chapter. This is the last one before school starts back up, so I'm not sure when is the next time I will be able to update but hopefully it will be sometime next week. Since the mood has been so heavy the last couple of chapters this one is all about Jack & Kate and then making up for some lost time. Fluff alert, and this chapter is rated PG-13/R for mature themes:)

Chapter 19- Some Hearts

Kate slowly opened her eyes. She looked around in confusion, because she didn't recognize this room. Pictures of waterfalls, and beautiful mountainside landscapes were adorned on the walls, and a table sat next to a window with the shades drawn. Kate sat up in puzzlement and then placed her hand to her disheveled hair. A yawn escaped before she could clamp her hands over her mouth. How did she get here? The last thing she remembered was driving in the car with Jack. Kate's eyes widened suddenly at the thought of Jack. She looked around the room once more. Kate pulled the covers back and then stepped onto the soft maroon carpet beneath her feet, and then placed her hands on her hips as she looked around.

"Jack?" Kate called out as she took a step forward. Her foot came in contact with Jack's boxers which were folded on the floor along with a pair of jeans and a sweater. A smile crossed her face as she bent down to pick up his clothes. She must've knocked them down while she was sleeping. As Kate placed down his clothes on the satin comforter, Jack stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. A smile crossed Kate's face, because she couldn't explain it, but she felt so much better than she did yesterday.

"You're smiling," Jack replied in awe.

Kate nodded and then looked down as she tucked a loose curl behind her ear. "I feel a lot better than I did yesterday. Where are we?"

Jack walked closer to Kate. "This place is called Lake Lure, we're still in North Carolina, but I thought we should stop here for a couple of nights."

"A couple of nights?"

Jack nodded, "A blizzard is headed this way and the last thing we need is to get stuck in it." He sat down on the edge of the bed and then reached for his boxers first. "How did you sleep babe?"

Kate smiled, "Babe?"

Jack grinned, "I'm just happy to see you smile that's all." He patted the spot on the bed next to him. "I was worried I would have to do something embarrassing to see that smile again."

Kate wrapped her arms around her body. "And I knew you would, that's why I realized I needed to get my act together."

Jack bit his lip. "You have every reason to feel the way you did after…"

Kate sat down in Jack's lap and then wrapped her arm loosely around his neck which was still wet from his shower. She smiled in satisfaction as Jack closed his mouth. His hazel eyes were more vibrant than usual and his face glowed with a red undertone. Kate leaned forward and rested her forehead against his. "I just wanted to say thank you again."

"For what?" Jack asked softly.

Kate smiled at the feel of Jack's breath brushing across her lips. At that moment she realized that it seemed like years since she had last kissed him. Her other hand slid down his chest, and then Kate gave his firm abs a pat. "You know what."

"What?" Jack asked as he leaned away from Kate so he could look into her emerald saucers.

"I don't want to cry anymore, do you know how much I hate crying?" Kate said turning her body around so her legs were now pinning Jack against the bed and her body was against his.

Jack grinned, "Compromising position we're in."

"Do you mind?" Kate asked running her hand through Jack's dark brown hair which was starting to grow out, and then tracing her hand along his soft lips. Kate tilted her head to the side as she cupped Jack's chin in her hands. "I don't even remember walking into this place."

"Because you didn't," Jack said as he rested his head against Kate's shoulder.

Kate smiled as she kissed his earlobe. "Then how did I get in here? Did you carry me?"

"Yeah,"

Kate laughed.

Jack stared back at her in amazement. "Are you really okay, or are you just playing with me."

"Well, I'm feeling better lets just put it that way, and besides you worry about me so much you never get to take care of yourself." Kate pushed Jack backwards. As he fell against the bed Kate reached for his hands and then pinned them behind his head. "Maybe I just needed to get away from that atmosphere,"

"Me too," Jack whispered.

Kate kissed his nose. "I feel so safe with you here, and…" Kate planted another kiss down on his cheek and then against the edge of his lips. Her eyelids closed, and then opened as she fought the urge to pull off his towel. She needed to talk to Jack first, and let him know how much she appreciated him for sticking with her through all of this. "I was worried about Sawyer more than anything before I left."
"I know," Jack said as he looked at Kate's lips.

"But you know what I realized. Taylor cares about Sawyer as much as I do, and she'll watch over him. They can be there for each other, and Chloe, she loves Sawyer so much as well."

"Chloe seems to bring out the best in him."

Kate smiled in thought. "You were so good with her,"

Jack looked down. "Was I?"

Kate's eyebrows furrowed low over her eyes as she traced her hand along Jack's jaw. "Are you kidding me? You were like a father figure to her. You're definitely something special Jack, and I know how lucky I am."

Jack swallowed down a lump in his throat as he looked around the room. "You still haven't eaten yet,"

Kate shook her head as she brought her head to rest against Jack's as she laughed. Her chocolate curls covered his face, and her long eyelashes tickled at his skin. "Even when I try to give you nothing to worry about, you worry."

"It's in my nature,"

"I know," Kate slowly said pushing herself off of him.

Jack sat up and then leaned forward pressing his arms against his legs. "I thought we should get some groceries before the blizzard comes in."

"Sounds good to me,"

Jack smiled, "Great,"

"Okay," Kate turned around to look around for some clothes. "So where did you hear about this blizzard,"

Jack slipped on his boxers and then pulled the towel from around his waist. He then stood up and pulled the curtains back to reveal a gloomy setting hidden behind majestic mountains and a river in the background. "On the way here the meteorologist was talking about four feet of snow over the next couple of days."

"Four feet!" Kate exclaimed.

Jack nodded, "Yeah, we could be here for a while." He closed the curtain back and then focused back on Kate who seemed to be deep in thought about something. Still sensing that she wasn't as happy as she claimed to be Jack placed his hand against her cheek. He didn't ask her if she was feeling okay for the sake of being redundant, but instead whispered. "It's just us now, and forgive me for sounding selfish but I've waited for this for a while," Jack's jaw grew tense as he stroked Kate's lips. "I have waited," He whispered.

Kate reached for his hand and kissed it. "Me too, I'm going to get ready before we get snowed in,"

"Okay,"

"But before I go," Kate wrapped her arms around Jack's neck, "Give me some sugar,"

Jack laughed, "Some sugar,"

"Your lips," Kate smiled in satisfaction and her eyes closed as she pressed her lips against Jack's. His kiss was soft and gentle, and filled with passion. God, she loved him so much. Kate gripped onto Jack's wet skin tighter as she pressed her lips harder against his. Her lungs filled with his air as he tilted his head to the side. Jack placed his hand on Kate's lower waist and leaned forward bringing her downwards with him.

Kate laughed and then moved her lips away from Jack's.

Jack was still very caught up in their kiss and as Kate pulled away his lips grazed her cheek. He smirked as he looked back at Kate and then at her leg which was wrapped around his waist. "I got you,"

"Now that I'm feeling better, you're feeling frisky huh?"

Jack grinned, "Frisky, when am I ever feeling frisky?"

Kate laughed, "Frisky,"

Jack playfully wrinkled his nose, "Frisky," He repeated.

Kate pushed his face away with her hands. "You're making me feel like I'm in too much of a good mood, maybe I'm bipolar want to check me out?"

"You're not bipolar," Jack said as he pulled Kate upwards. "Now I won't distract you anymore I just…" Jack ran his hands over his wet hair.

"You just what?"

"Just let me see that smile of yours one more time."

Kate smiled back at Jack flashing her innocent dimples and a mouthful of pearly whites. "There, are you scared that it's going to go away or something."

Jack reached outwards for Kate's hand and then entwined his fingers in between hers. "You're smile is too beautiful to just go away."

Kate gave Jack's hand a firm squeeze and then let go. "Okay, I'll try and hurry up."

While Jack waited he quickly got dressed. Kate's kiss still lingered on his lips, and her smile was flashing in the back of his mind occupying all of his thoughts. Jack was amazed by how strong she was. Even though Kate thought that she cried too much, Jack had to applaud her for holding her head up, and keeping the will to continue on despite all of this. He even thought that she was stronger than him. The bathroom door opened and steam spilled out into the room. Jack turned around slowly and rested his eyes on Kate who was dressed already with a towel wrapped around her hair.

"Just give my hair a couple more minutes and then I'll be ready," Kate said as she pulled off the towel and then started to work on drying her hair.

"Let me help," Jack offered. He took the towel from Kate's hand and then started to run it through her damp curls. "Your hair smells good," He brought his nose forward and inhaled the floral scent. "Is that hotel shampoo?"

Kate nodded, "This place is nice, and Jack…" Kate tugged at his shirt and then pointed in the corner towards a jacuzzi that was in the corner. "How much was this place?"

"Not that much because first of all we're off season, and also this was all they had left. It was pretty reasonable I promise." Jack ran his hands through Kate's hair and then applied the towel back.

"I got it, thanks," Kate smiled as she piled her hair into a messy bun on top of her head with a clip around her wrist. "I'm ready,"

Jack reached for Kate's jacket which was hanging around the edge of the chair and then handed it to her. "How about we get some food first, and then we go grocery shopping?"

Kate nodded, "Sounds good," She linked her arm inside of Jack's and together they strolled out of the motel together. She looked around nervously fearing that the Marshal was waiting right outside for them. "What if…" Kate closed her mouth when she realized that talking about the Marshal would put a damper on their time alone.

"What if what?" Jack asked.

Kate kissed him. "Nothing, I was just thinking aloud that's it."

After getting something to eat Jack and Kate headed to go to the grocery store. Kate cautiously looked around before stepping out of the car. "What if someone recognizes me?"

Jack's eyes scanned the nearly empty parking lot, and then glanced inside of the store where the business seemed just as slow. "It seems as if most people are already inside their homes waiting for the storm."

"Better for us then," Kate said.

They entered the store and the sound of elevator music bounced off of the walls. Kate watched as Jack went to grab a cart. The first thing he picked up was a newspaper, and then he turned around to face Kate. "Did you want any magazines or anything?"

Kate shook her head as she took the cart from Jack. "You shop I'll push,"

Jack picked up a couple magazines for Kate anyways. Nothing really seemed to suit her interests so Jack just grabbed the Oprah magazine because he was under the impression that all women liked Oprah, and a bridal magazine. Jack smiled at the thought of Kate in a wedding dress. After placing the newspaper and the magazines in the cart, He walked over to the fruit section and Kate followed after him with her arms rested the handle. "Peaches?" He asked her.

"Yes, and strawberries."

"Good Idea," He grabbed a plastic bag and reached for six peaches.

Kate abandoned the cart for a couple of seconds and reached for a container of strawberries with whipped cream on the top. She placed it inside and then followed after Jack who was already making his way over to the juice section.

They spent about forty-five minutes looking around the grocery store until they were almost positive they had everything they needed.

Jack looked everything over, "Checkout?"

Kate glanced around and noticed an elderly couple with a box of condoms hidden behind boxes of cereal, and ground beef. She smirked and then turned to look at Jack who was staring at the box as well in surprise. "Maybe we forgot one thing."

Jack quickly tore his eyes away from the box and then stared back at Kate with a playful smile. "I thought we had everything we needed. What did we forget?"

"I um…" Kate tilted her head back towards the elderly couples cart as a little kid with red hair and freckles stepped behind them. His eyes were fixed on a pack of baseball cards in his hand. "You know what I'm talking about." Kate whispered at Jack.

"No I don't." Jack responded with a grin.

Kate rolled her eyes.

Jack leaned closer to her and then whispered in her ear. "I already picked those up."

Kate's mouth dropped open in astonishment. "When?"

Jack kissed Kate on the cheek and then started to place their groceries on the belt. "While you were debating whether you wanted to dye your hair or not,"

Kate slowly nodded, "Sneaky I see,"

Jack shrugged, "We could be stuck in a hotel room for a couple of days, so I thought why not."

Kate winked back at him, "That's good enough logic for me," She reached across his arm to help him place the groceries on the belt. "Chocolate, roses…I didn't see you pick up any of this stuff up either," As Jack started to ring up the items on the self checkout, Kate rested her hands against his back, and then leaned against him. "I needed this,"

Jack smiled, "Me too,"

Before heading back to the motel Jack and Kate decided to check out the view Lake Lure had to offer. Jack parked the car in the scenic overlook lot and then turned around to face Kate. "You like this place?"

"It's beautiful," Kate said breathlessly. She looked up at the sky which was overcast and then down at the river rushing through the valley below. Kate opened the door, and within seconds she was peering down at the majestic mountain drop below her. Jack came behind her and then wrapped his arm loosely around her shoulders.

Kate bit her lip as she looked out at the setting. It really did feel as if she could start over. She tilted her head to the side. Now that she thought about it, time alone with Jack was probably the best thing that she could've asked for. Kate smiled to herself at the thought of having Jack all alone.

"What are you thinking about?" Jack asked grinning.

"I'm thinking about stripping you out of your clothes," Kate teased.

Jack blushed, "You are feeling frisky today."

Kate shook her head and then turned around so she could sit down on the stone ledge. "I'm just glad that we have this time together."

"Me too," Jack said as Kate brought him closer to her. He cupped her chin in his hands and then smiled back at her. "It's starting to rain we should get back,"

"We should," Kate traced her hand along Jack's wrist and then grabbed his hand, "But I don't want to go back just yet,"

Jack wiped away a couple stray rain drops that landed on his forehead. The rain started to fall lightly and then it started to pick up. The rain fell down on them in a steady pace. It had come so quickly that they didn't have time to run back to the car. "Let's go!" Jack exclaimed.

Before he could head back to the car Kate reached out for his upper arm. He turned to her in surprise. Kate took in a deep breath as she watched the rain slide down his face and lips. She then grabbed onto his drenched shirt and pulled him towards her. "I'm not scared of a little rain,"

"Freezing…."

Kate placed her hands on either side of Jack's face, and trailed her fingers along the small hairs on his face. Seconds later she leaned forward. The rain was freezing, and she could swear that it was starting to hail as well, but none of that mattered. Kate had thought Jack would push her away, but his arms slowly wrapped around her waist. Kate brought her lips onto his and then closed her eyes in satisfaction. His lips were soft and welcoming and she could taste the rain on them. Kate opened her mouth wider allowing Jack's tongue to have easier access to her, as she pressed her body against Jack's taking in the comforting feeling he always gave her.

"Ka…" Jack tried to say.

But Kate didn't want to stop kissing him.

"Ka…" Jack started again. He tried to pull away, but her lips were too succulent and soft, and he couldn't remember the last time she had kissed them like this. Jack's heart was beating so fast that he was sure that it would rip from his chest. The warmth in his cheeks increased as he felt Kate glide her hand across his lower back. Somehow he managed to pull his lips away from the wet and tender kisses Kate was spoiling him with. "Kate…"

She massaged his cheeks with her thumb and bit her lip. "I'm sorry."

"No, don't apologize. I enjoyed every second of that. But we got to get out of this." Jack grabbed Kate's hand and together they ran through the hail and rain as it started to fall harder.

Kate laughed as Jack opened her door and then quickly helped her inside. She leaned across the seat to open his door.

"Thanks," Jack said as he ducked inside. "Now are you ready to go back?"

Kate nodded, "Yeah, I need to get out of these wet clothes."

Jack started the engine and then smiled to himself. "Let's hurry up and get back in that case."

Thirty minutes later they arrived back at the motel. Jack dashed inside with three grocery bags in his hand while Kate ran after him. The hail was coming down harder, and the rain was now starting to change over to a mix between sleet and snow. Jack took the keys out of his pocket and opened the door.

Kate placed down the groceries on the table situated right next to the window, and then she pulled back the yellow and green plaid curtains. Jack had already started to take off of his jacket, and then he bent downwards to take off his shoes.

Kate kicked off her shoes with ease. "You need some help Doc?"

Jack smiled up at her, "How could you tell?"

Without answering Kate walked over to Jack. She pushed him backwards, and he backed into the wall. Her lips twisted into a devious smile as she looked him up and down. "I've heard that you haven't been taking care of yourself lately."

Jack blushed.

"You worry too much about your fiancé, and she appreciates it, but…" Kate leaned forward to kiss Jack's neck. He let out a sigh as her tongue flicked across the heated skin on his neck. Kate's lips traveled upwards as she started to unbutton his shirt. Her fingers caressed the hairs on his chest, as her mouth tasted the skin along Jack's strong jaw and his chin. Once his shirt was completely unbuttoned Kate traveled her hands across his chest, and then moved them upwards to his shoulders so she could pull the button down shirt off. The shirt fell to the floor in a careless heap. Kate stood on her tippee toes as she placed her mouth against his and her leg in between his own. Jack's hand found its way onto her arm. She shivered because his hand was cold. Kate leaned away and then placed her hand against Jack's mouth. "I never get the chance to be there for you."

"You're here for me now." Jack whispered softly.

"I am…" Kate rested her forehead against Jack's. "This morning I woke up feeling like the luckiest woman in the world, and I don't have to tell you why that is do I?"

"I can tell you why I'm the luckiest man on earth but then again I don't want to be repetitive."

.Kate pulled Jack away from the wall, and then jumped into the air. She wrapped her legs tightly around Jack's waist and then circled her arms around his neck. Jack held her close to his body as he stumbled towards the bed. "Someone's excited," Kate said looking downwards.

Jack blushed, "I didn't know that you could tell,"

"Of course I could," Kate replied as she placed another soft kiss on Jack's lips. He brought her down onto the bed. Kate's legs were still wrapped tightly around his waist causing him to fall downwards onto her. "I want you so bad right now,"

"I want you too," Jack said breathing heavily. His stomach rose up and down against Kate's as he caressed the side of her face. "Are you sure…"

Kate pushed Jack over her and then straddled his waist. "You don't have to always ask me if I'm sure." She then pulled her shirt over her head, "Besides I need some Jack therapy right now." Kate grinned devilishly and then tossed her shirt across the room.

Jack licked his lips.

Kate threw her head back as she laughed. She leaned forward and then kissed his mouth, and then his nose. "You're so sexy you know that."

Jack flipped Kate back over him and then pinned her down to the bed. He silenced her with a kiss and then ran his mouth along her face until he could gently nibble on her earlobe.

Kate let out a low moan, and pressed down on his shoulders as his mouth traveled down to her neck. Jack's kisses were teasing and only increased Kate's desire to have him wrap his arms around her and send her to the height of ecstasy. She fumbled around with his belt buckle, and then pulled his pants down his legs. Jack finished the job and then kicked his pants off.

Kate massaged the back of his neck, and then maneuvered her hands through his dark brown hair. His touch tickled her skin causing goosebumps to rise in his fingers path. She was starting to feel dizzy with a sensation of euphoria as Jack pressed himself harder against her. Kate squirmed from underneath Jack's body as she felt his excitement increasing. The room was so hot right now that she could see sweat starting to form along Jack's hairline. Jack was now working on taking off Kate's pants, as he pulled them off he smiled back at her.

Kate tapped his nose in adoration and then turned her head towards the window. Through the curtains which were billowing around from the hot air spilling out from the heater Kate could make out what looked like snow. The feel of Jack's mouth on her neck distracted her causing her to turn back towards him. She kissed the top of his head.

Jack pressed his nose against Kate's skin as his lips traveled back up towards her mouth. "Hold on one second."

Kate took Jack's lips inside her mouth greedily once again.

"You have to stop kissing me like that," Jack said with a smirk.

"Why?" Kate teased.

"Because I have to put on a condom before we end up with a little Jack running around the place."

Kate smiled, "Or a little Kate,"

Jack nodded, "That would be cute. But not yet." He pulled himself off of Kate with much hesitation and then placed his hands over his boxer briefs which were sporting a very noticeable tent.

Kate crawled up to the top of the bed and then looked down at her bra. She smirked as she watched Jack pull down his boxer briefs. Jack turned around and then smiled in embarrassment.

"Believe me you have nothing to be embarrassed about Shepard. Nice view by the way."

Jack raised his chin as he walked back towards the bed. He dropped down onto the bed and then crawled up to the top next to Kate. She stared back at him deviously, and then pulled back the comforters so he could get underneath. Kate glanced towards the heater once again, because it was so hot.

Jack pulled her close to him and with shaking hands he unclasped her bra with ease.

"You're getting better at that." Kate teased completely forgetting about the stagnant heat in the room.

Jack pulled Kate onto him. The air was thick around them and the feel of Kate's stomach against his own increased his arousal farther. Sweat dripped down his chest as Kate adjusted her body on top of his. Jack swallowed down his hesitations and went for Kate's panties pulling them down her legs. The feel of her body on top of his, and the way her legs were tangled inside of his was driving him crazy. .

Kate got off of Jack and laid down beside him.

Jack sat up in uncertainty. "Are you okay? Did I do something?"

"No," Kate whispered. She looked down at the sheets and then at the apparent concern that was registered in Jack's caring hazel eyes. "I just don't want to be on top."

Jack smiled. "Okay," He took a deep breath before he brought his body onto hers. She was small underneath him, and he was worried that all of his weight was pinning her against the bed making her uncomfortable. "You sure you want me on top?"

Kate dug her nails into Jack's back and then massaged his muscles. "Yes, Jack, yes,"

Jack brought his lips down onto Kate's mouth as he entered inside of her. A subtle pain coursed through his body as Kate's nails dug into deeper into his flesh. Her skin was hot and sticky stuck underneath him. Jack's heart rate increased as he moved inside of her in slow and steady rhythms. He kissed Kate silencing her moans. She bit his lip as Jack started to pick up pace. Kate wrapped her legs around Jack tightly and as she felt the heat in the room start to increase. She let go of Jack's back because her hands were starting to slip on his sweat and then she gripped the sheets.

Jack grunted and then rested his head against Kate's chest as his body stiffened ready for release. Kate tilted her head towards the ceiling as her breath was knocked out of her body. All she could hear was the noisy buzzing of the heater and the sound of Jack's grunts as they both reached their peaks.

Kate let go of the purple sheets, and placed her hands against Jack's chest. She touched his hair, his skin, and the sweat on his body.

"Kiss me," He said as he starting to slow down.

Without hesitation Kate leaned upwards to kiss Jack. He turned his head to the side, and rested his arms against Kate's arms as he leaned in deep for the taste of her mouth.

Seconds later Jack collapsed against Kate. He took in deep and shallow breaths as he looked down at her. Jack smiled and then kissed her cheek. With his hands he pulled her tangled and damp chocolate curls away from her face. Kate opened her eyes, and then wrapped her arms around him. Jack rolled over onto his back and then clasped his hands over his stomach as he looked up at the ceiling. "I needed that,"

Kate sat up and then rested her head against her hand. "Me too," She pulled the covers upwards, and then moved closer to Jack wrapping her arm around him and then resting her head on his chest. "Can we just stay like this for a little while longer?"

Jack nodded as he gently caressed her arm. "There's no where else I would rather be right now." He leaned forward to kiss Kate's forehead and then closed his eyes. "I love you,"

Kate closed her eyes as well. And allowed the steady rhythm of Jack's chest rising up and down to lure her to sleep, "I love you too Jack,"