A/N: Ok so here's the next chapter. There should be about two or three more chapters left, depending on where I go with this. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Enjoy!

Chapter 4

About ten minutes later, Jack pulled up in front of a restaurant called Joe's Sports Bar and Grille, found a parking spot and shut off the engine. Jack and Audrey walked into the building, arms around each other, and were seated at a small booth towards the back of restaurant. A waitress name Jen arrived at the table and greeted them warmly, asking for their drink orders. Both Jack and Audrey ordered a beer and began skimming over their menus.

"Everything looks so good, I don't know what to order," said Audrey, still trying to decide, "What are you getting?"

"I think I'm gonna get the Cajun burger," he replied, just as the waitress arrived with their drinks.

"Are we ready to order?" she inquired.

"Yeah," Jack started, "I'll have the Cajun burger with the French fries."

"And for you ma'am?"

"I'll have the same thanks," replied Audrey, as Jack gave her a playful glare.

"What?" she asked, noticing his face.

"You copied me," he said playfully with a smile on his face.

"So, maybe I just think my boyfriend has great taste," she said, smiling back at him and taking a sip of her beer.

At this, Jack just laughed. He had missed this so much; the flirting, the playful banter, and most of all, seeing that beautiful smile on Audrey's face. He just hoped that he wouldn't have to give it all up again. He couldn't live without her and having to leave her for a second time would be a fate worse than death.

"I've missed this," she said, as though reading his thoughts, "and I've missed you."

"Me too," he replied, sliding his hand over to hold hers.

Audrey tried to savor every moment she had with Jack, afraid he might have to leave again. She desperately didn't want to bring up that topic, but she had to know if there was even the slightest chance they could live their lives together.

"Jack," she began hesitantly, "I know this is probably the last thing you want to talk about, but I need to ask before tomorrow."

"What is it?" he asked, concerned at her tone of voice.

"Do you think there's any chance that you won't have to leave again?"

"I honestly don't know, sweetheart," he said easily, not wanting to upset her, "but I hope so, I don't think I could stand to live without you."

He leaned over across the table, placing his hand on the side of her face, trying to reassure her. She brought her hand up and placed it over his, staring into his gorgeous eyes.

"I love you, Jack," she said softly.

"I love you too, Audrey. And I always will, no matter what happens, ok? Remember that."

They noticed the waitress returning to the table with their orders and quickly composed themselves, grateful to have gotten a table near the back with more privacy. They dived into their meals, grateful to finally have a decent meal in what was more than day. The grim topic of the Chinese and Jack's debriefing forgotten, for the time being, they once again began the playful banter and light conversation they were used to.

Once they had both finished their meals, they called over the waitress, paid there check, and began walking back to their car. Jack couldn't help but notice that Audrey seemed quieter than usual.

"Are you alright?" he asked gently, "you seemed distracted."

"I'm fine. I was just thinking," she replied, not convincing him at all.

They reached the car, but as Audrey went to open her door, Jack's hand stopped her.

He looked deep into her eyes and said, "Hey, if you're upset about the debriefing tomorrow, I want you to not think about it, ok?"

"But, Jack-" she tried to say but she was cut off when he placed his finger on her lips.

"No, baby. I want you to savor the moments we have now. No matter what happens tomorrow I will always love you and I will always be with you," he continued, placing his hand over her heart, "right here."

Tears began to well up in her eyes at Jack's words, so he quickly pulled her into his embrace, never wanting to let go. They stood like that for a few minutes before he pulled back and wiped the tears off her cheeks with his thumbs. He looked into her eyes and leaned down, capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss. She kissed him back as her arms found their way around his neck. Breaking the kiss, he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers.

"Are you ready to go back to the hotel?" he asked.

"Yes," she said with a smile, giving him a quick kiss on the lips before she climbed into the passenger seat. Jack walked around the Jeep, got in, started the car, and headed for the hotel.

Back at the hotel, Audrey opened the door to their suite and walked inside, with Jack right behind her. Just as she hung up her coat, she felt Jack's arms snake around her waist from behind as he began to plant kisses on her neck and collarbone. She slowly turned in his embrace and pulled his head down for a searing kiss. Her tongue hungrily sought entrance to his mouth, which he eagerly granted. Audrey quickly undid the buttons on his shirt and pushed it off his shoulders, as they got closer and closer to the bedroom. She began trailing kisses down his nicely toned chest, as he eased her onto the bed. No matter what decision came with the debriefing tomorrow, both Jack and Audrey were determined to enjoy the time they had together, no matter how long it lasted.