Chapter 3

Janet and her best friend Terri Dallas sat outside under her front porch talking about their day. Terri was a teacher at the local elementary school in town her husband was the principal at the high school. She and Larry had moved in next door about five years ago after they transfer to California from Utah.

"So have you decided where you want Larry to take you for your anniversary this year?" Janet asked as she look through the cruise book Terri brought over.

"No, I know I want to go to the beach like always but I think I want something other then Mexico. Not that there isn't anything nice to visit but we've been going there since our honeymoon. I just think a change will be nice." Terri said observing Janet as she flipped through the pages.

"Hawaii looks nice." She said as she spotted a nice scenery of its beaches. "For our honeymoon I really wanted to go there but we ended up going to San Diego." Janet said disappointed.

"I thought about it. It's between Hawaii and Las Bahamas." She said.

The two friends scooted closer together to look over the different packages the travel agency had to offer. Occasionally when Janet didn't think Terri was looking she would glance up at Jack who was stacking up hay. His shirtless skin seems to stand out as the sun rays reflected on his chest. They would steal glances every now and then when he would turn to smile at the ladies.

It had been a little over a month since Philip's visit and neither of them ever spoke of their sweet yet passionate kiss. Janet had to admit she felt more and more attracted to him as the days went by. Often trying to push those thoughts from her mind she would try to avoid him. But it was useless he was always around and she always enjoy the time they would spend together.

"You know what Larry suggested." Terri asked.

"What?"

"That maybe you should go on one of these trips. And I agree." Terri smiled.

"What!" Janet laughed. "I don't have time for a trip besides I just went to visit my boys at UCLA."

"Come on Janet. How long as it been since you've actually gone on a real vacation. And going to a college to see your children doesn't count."

Janet thought for a while, it had been years since the family had actually gone on a trip. "See what I mean, you can't even remember."

"Yea but I would feel weird. These cruises are for marry couples and what in the world would I do by myself all alone in a big ship like that?"

"Not all of them." Terri pointed to the Singles Cruise title on the page. "There are singles cruises. Many people go on those. I think it's a wonderful idea, Janet."

She shook her head, "I am not getting on ship all alone."

"It's not that bad." Terri laughed at her friend's frighten face." She paused for a moment, "Janet, do you ever wonder what your life will be in 20 or even 10 years from now? Aren't you afraid to age all alone?"

"I won't be alone." Janet snapped back.

Terri gave her a usual Janet look, "If you are talking about Josh and Joseph remember they are all grown up now soon they will be out of school and on their own. Sooner then that they will be bringing someone home for you to meet and then they will go on their way making a family of their own."

Janet had never thought of that, "But they will come visit."

"Yes they will but still Janet you need to think about making a new life of your own. Find a new man, just because Philip was a jerk doesn't mean all men are. Take Larry for example we love each other and we have a blessed marriage. I couldn't ask for anyone better."

Janet went back to looking at the book; Terri's words seem to echo in her head, she was right, growing old and alone was something she had never planed. But Janet also wasn't ready to jump into a new relationship.

"Promise me you'll look it over." Terri said as both ladies walked over to Terri's Tahoe.

"I will." Janet smiled as she looked down at the book's front page.

"And don't worry about giving it back. We have several at home."

"Okay. Be sure to tell Larry I say hello and I appreciate him thinking of me."

"Sure will." Terri said as she hugged Janet before getting into her SUV.

"Bye honey." Janet said as she waved.

Janet flipped over the pages once again with a silly smile on her face. She would enjoy the cruise but she could never make herself go on her own. Janet made her way towards the horse stable. The weather was perfect for her and Sunshine to go for a ride.

"Hello beautiful." She heard Jack's voice.

She looked up at his handsome face but her eyes somehow seem to wonder back to his strong muscled chest. She managed to paint a smile and greet him back, "Sorry Jack." She said as her cheeks seem to take a different color of blush. "I was so caught up in this book I didn't noticed you." She tried to look him in the eye.

The sparkle of his eyes seemed to compete with the sweat on his shirtless skin. "Aww, that hurts." Jack said joking as he pressed his hand against his heart.

Janet laughed like she always did when he was around. He was defiantly good for her soul, she thought. "Let me guess it's time for Sunshine and you to enjoy the beach?"

"You are good." She winked as she grinned.

"I'll go get her." He said as they both walked into the full-size farm house. "So are you thinking of taking a vacation?" He asked looking at the book in her hands.

"I don't know. Terri and Larry think it would be good for me to take a cruise, but I don't know I just got back from visiting Josh and Joseph and I don't know if being away from home that often is good."

"I think it's a great idea." Jack said. "You work way too hard and need some time for yourself. A vacation will be great for you."

"What is up with everyone." Janet joked, "It's like everyone is trying to get rid of me."

"I would never do that." Jack said as his tone changed into a more serious one.

"I just don't know," Janet rushed out the words, "Going on a singles cruise isn't exactly what I had in plan for a vacation."

"A singles cruise?" Jack asked not liking the idea of her meeting someone else that could take her away.

"Yeah."

"Well why not? Are you afraid of being on ship?"

"No, well yes in a way but not really….I am just not sure I want to go on a singles cruise all alone."

Jack chuckled, "You're silly, what do you want someone to go with you and hold your hand through it all. It's a singles trip you are suppose to go alone."

Embarrassed Janet replied, "I know but I am just not so sure about it. I would just feel better if someone else went with me."

"Well," he cleared his throat. "I don't know how much a trip like that could cost but I've got some savings and I wouldn't mind going along if you didn't mind." Jack offered as she brushed the horse's hair.

A smile full of compassion covered Janet's face, as she though of his sweet gesture. "Thank Jack I appreciate you volunteering but I wouldn't want to make you feel pressure."

He nodded in disappointment, 'what made him think she would want to go anywhere with him.' He wondered.

Jack helped Janet hoped on the horse's back, "Enjoy your ride." He said with a solemnly face.

As Janet watch the sun set to her right, her thoughts wonder back to the trip Terri had suggested. And a small smile crossed her face when she recalled Jack's proposal to go with her. She ponder for a while, why shouldn't she accept his offer to come along. He is a good friend and she would feel comfortable if he went with her. Plus he was single which made it even better. They could just go as friends and enjoy the trip. He could too take pleasure in the trip besides Jack also deserves some time off.

When Janet returned home Jack has already showered and changed into some jeans and a button up shirt. "Did you have a nice ride?" He asked as he watched her walking into the ranch on foot with the horse by her side.

"Yes." She said patting her stallion. "The more I ride her the more I love it." She said bringing her back into her small area. "Jack." She turned to look at him without realizing how close he was to her. She took a step back, "I was wondering," She began to ask nervously, "Well if you really meant what you said a while ago….I mean you don't have to so its ok I will understand if you rather not but if and only if," She said emphasizing the word 'If', "you would like I would love to take that vacation to Honolulu with you." She blurted out looking everywhere but at him. "But only if you want too. I will take care of everything." She added. "It will be like your year bonus." She smiled as she looked up to meet her eyes with his.

Jack grabbed her petite body and spun her around. "Are you kidding? I'll love too." He added as his lips touched her nose. The sense of his aftershave seemed to send Janet into a fantasy world for all she could do was smile as he spun her around.

Let herself go on a single's cruise
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu

It was their last night on the ship before they arrived on land. Jack and Janet were planning to attend the formal dance and dinner where the Captain would come and join the fun. So far they have had a blast. Never did Janet imagine a week at sea could be so thrilling. She leaned on the boat's rail as she waited for Jack to come out of his room. She had managed for them to get a room next to each other.

Janet giggled as memories of the past week ran through her mind. Jack ever so silly coming after her with wondering fingers and a non-stop laughter at the beach in Honolulu. They were both lying out in the sun; Janet reading a book and Jack going through a tourist magazine. She took off her sun dress and was left in a one pieces bathing suite, it had taken Jack about a minute or two to realized she was no longer wearing the dress, "Why bother looking for fun through this book when we can have our own fun right here," He laughed tossing the book aside as he attack Janet tickling her.

The two friends had gone fishing; site seeing, water skiing and shopping throughout the week. Janet can't remember ever having so much fun as she stood outside while the wind playing with her hair. "Hey good looking." She heard a strange voice from behind her, "What's cooking."

Surprised Janet turned her head to look at the silly old man standing next to her. His hair grey and dressed in the funniest clothes she's ever seen. His polyester bright yellow outfit with a matching scarf around his neck, "My name's Ralph Furley. And I was just wondering how a nice looking girl like yourself would like to spend the rest of this beautiful evening with a handsome guy like myself." He asked rubbing his hands as he scooted closer to her.

She looked down as she placed her fingers on her lips. "Nice to meet you Mr. Furley."

"I know." He laughed proudly.

"But I was just waiting on my date." She pointed to Jack's door as he slowly and not a moment to soon came out in a tux. He looked so charming in his navy blue outfit. The smile on his face seemed to take Janet's breath away.

She tried to compose her self as he approached her. "You ready?" He asked wrapping his hand around her shoulder.

"Yes…..yes." She repeated herself as she felt her body melt at his touch. "Mr. Furley would you like to join us?" She asked remembering the silly man next to her.

"I don't know…." He said disappointed. "I'll hate to ruin your evening."

"Oh not at all." Janet said elbowing Jack softly, "You are more then welcome to come along. Don't you know that when a man walks into a place with a woman by his side all the other girls are twice as interested in him?" She asked suppressing her smile. "Isn't that right Jack."

Completely lost Jack just agreed with Janet. He didn't like the idea of sharing her with anyone else tonight but he didn't own her "Very true. Mr. Furley."

Janet and the two gentlemen enter the elegant room together. They found a small table for four by the corner. As they sat waiting for their wine Janet spotted a lonely lady sitting at the bar all alone. "I think you should go talk to her RF." Jack suggested.

"I agree, she's very lovely and looks like she doesn't have a date either." Janet added.

Mr. Furley smiled as she approached his new target. He turned around to smile at the couple and signal an ok with his hands as he winked at them. "Hey good looking." He said as he took a sit next to her, "What's cooking."

Jack and Janet giggled as they watch Mr. Furley turn on his 'charm' as he called it. Jack placed his forehead against hers as they giggled. "I guess it just takes a little bit of confidence." Jack said as he watched the lady take him over to a table across the room.

The couple enjoyed their dinner and afterwards some wine. They sat watching different couples go on the dance floor and dance to the lovely and romantic melodies the three piece band played.

Janet was to shy to ask him to dance and Jack was glad the question hadn't come up. He had never been a dancer. "Hi there." They head a very sexy voice come from behind them. "I've kept a close eye on you all night and since I don't see a ring on that finger yet I was wondering if you would like to dance?" Janet looked up at the attractive lady standing in front of their table, "Of course if your date doesn't mind."

Janet shook her head, "Go ahead Jack. Go have fun." She said as she saw Jack shaking his head.

Against his will Jack followed the young lady to the dance floor. "I'm very sorry but I am not a good dancer as a matter of fact I don't even remember the last time I tried dancing." He said nervously as she silent his lips with hers. Jack pulled away as he saw Janet turn around to take a sip of her wine. He smiled reasonably at the lady in front of him as he apologized for the third time for stepping on her foot. "I'm very sorry. I think it would be best if I just to back to my table; for both of our safety." He joked as he looked down at her toe.

"Would you mind if we step outside?" He asked as he returned to the table.

Jane shook her head as she stood up. He reached for her hand and they made their way out the door. They stood outside the ship, as the full moon shinned bright against the blue clear night sky, while the mid breeze caressed their skin. "Sorry I'm not much of a dancer." He said embarrassed.

"You really don't know how to dance?" She asked smiling.

Jack shook his head as he observer Janet taking his hand and placing it on her waist "Well then it's about time you learned." She informed him as he placed her hand around his back and entwined her fingers with his. "It's very simple." She said as she looked into his clear blue eyes.

He felt a big rock stuck in his throat, as they bodies collided together to the soft melody coming from inside the ball-room. Janet showed him a simple two step slow dance. With the undeniable attraction of their bodies they moved to the music as though they had been dancing for years. Slowly Jack tighten his grip around he tiny waist as she rested her head on his strong chest. The two friends enjoy the rest of their night under the navy sky as the moon glowed above them. The sound of their beating hearts and the waves crashing against the ship was the only thing they heard as they swaged to the soft tunes.

"What do you mean you lost our hotel reservations?" Janet asked frustrated at the front desk of the Rio hotel in Las Vegas. "What do you expect us to do; everywhere we go will probably be booked up."

"I'm very sorry Mrs. Wood." The young man at the register apologized, "We do have a suite available."

"Yes but our reservations were for two different rooms." Jack interfered.

"I'm sorry I don't have anything on my computer under your name. Like I said I have a suit available if you'll don't mind sharing a room." The green-eye man offered.

Janet looked up at Jack, "I doubt we can get anything this late at night plus with the horse competition this weekend it will make it even harder. So if you don't care I don't mind us sharing the suite." She said upset that the hotel had no record of their reservation.

"That is okay with me." Jack answered.

They signed the check in papers as Janet gave the attendant her credit card. With nothing in mind but a good night sleep Jack and Janet made their way to their bedroom. "I am so glad we don't have to be at the track until after noon." Janet said as Jack slide the card to open the door.

"Me too. I am so …." Jack lost words as he turned back towards Janet. To both of their surprise the young man downstairs had forgotten to mention that only room available to share only had a one king size bed.

Janet let out a deep breath as her purse felt to her elbow. "Oh no." She said placing her hand on her forehead. "Please tell me this isn't happening."

"It's okay." Janet, he said slowly. "I can just take the couch." He suggested pointing to the narrow yet lengthy sofa next to her.

After Janet brushed her teeth and was ready for bed, she watched as Jack try to adjust his body to the beige leather couch. "I'm so sorry honey." She said trying not to laugh at his moments.

"Why should you be sorry, it's not your fault they lost the reservations." He said kicking off the sheets. "I'm sorry I'm kind of hot." He said.

"Jack if you want I'm shorter then you I may be able to sleep on that couch better then you."

"No sense. I can sleep here." He said smiling. "I'll be fine; now try to go to sleep we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." He said turning around. "Night sweetie."

"Good night Jack." Janet said softly as a guilty feeling set her mind.

At about 2:00 am Janet woke up to turn on the fan above them. "Gee Jack was right this place is hot." She said as she spotted Jack's shirtless body resting on the floor.

She awed bending down to look at him and then turn back to see the big spacey bed she was on. "Jack." She whispered. "Jack, wake up."

He woke up asking her if she as ok. "Yes, everything is okay but …" She paused, "I was thinking…there is no sense of you sleeping on the hard floor when that bed is big enough for the both of us." She said looking at him as she bit her lower lip.

An ear to ear smile crossed his handsome face, "You wouldn't mind?" He asked wanting to make sure she was positive.

"Why would I. It's not like we are going to do anything else but sleep together…well I mean….you know just sleep and nothing else in the same bed." She said as her cheeks turned a slightly pink color.

Without another question Jack slowly made his way to the right side of the bed. Nervously and with an unexplainable joy he climbed into the king size bed and with their back's towards each other Jack and Janet fell asleep.

The next morning the rays from the sun shinning through the window's blinds woke Jack up. He tried stretching but stopped in his track as he realized Janet's arm was stretched across his body. He looked down and inhaled the sweet aroma of her hair. He kissed her head and with as little movement as possible he removed Janet's hand and climbed out of bed and headed towards the shower as he watched Janet sleep ever so peacefully.

The following night Jack lay next to Janet watching the ten o' clock news as Janet read a book. Anyone who didn't know them better would have thought they were married as they painted the perfect picture that night. "Okay Jack I think I am ready…"

"Oh I thought you weren't ever going to be done." Jack joked as a devilish grin cross his good-looking face interrupting her, "I'm ready too." He laughed as he pulled the blanket over both of their bodies and began covering Janet's face with playful kisses.

Janet giggled non stop as Jack uncovered their bodies. "You're no fun." He joked laughing as his forehead leaned against hers. He pecked her nose softly and whispered good night and sweet dreams before Janet returned the warm wishes with a gentle kiss savoring the honey taste of his lips.

Let herself go to New York City
A week at the spa

Came back knocked out pretty

No one ever knew Jack and Janet had to shared a bed or even the same room while in Las Vegas, when they came back home with a blue first place ribbon. Their friendship continued to progress as usual. They stayed up till late hours of the night planning for their following month. They had built a good business partnership. Jack was a very smart man; he knew how to market and sale their products and animals. After all they didn't just win first place in Las Vegas for nothing.

Janet's ranch was now known for having some of the best horses in the region. People from all around California and the surrounding states came to her ranch wanting to bread their horses with hers or buy some of their ponies.

Janet's birthday was just around the corner and her twins decided a week away alone would be the best gift for her. After saving enough money the boys bought her a week stay at one of the best spas and resorts in New York City; where Janet would be able to relax and enjoy herself. The package included three massages, a pedicure and manicure, facials and gemstone and crystal healing therapy. The spa was conveniently located inside a Manhattan hotel where Janet would be staying at.

"Now you want to use dark eyeliner to bring out your almond brown eyes." Donatien informed Janet as he applied the color under her eyes. "And a little bit of blush will bring some color to your tan skin giving it a perfect natural tone." The French stylist and make up artist said as Janet tried to make mental notes of all his tips.

"You getting all this?" He asked smiling at her unable to ignore the nervous look on her face.

"I hope so." She said unsure of her words. Janet was never big into make up or getting her hair done but she decided it was time for a complete 360º change. She made an appointment at a beauty salon two blocks away from the hotel to have her hair done and with that came make up fun.

"And to finish it up," he said a he picked up a light bronze lip gloss. "A light hint of a neutral lip gloss or lips stick." He said applying the color to her lips. "And Walla!" He said spinning Janet around so she could look herself in the mirror.

Jack watch as the passengers from the flight arriving from New York City greeted family and friends while others made their way out towards the exit. He searched for Janet as he began to see less and less people come out of the plane.

"There you are." Jack turned around as he heard her familiar voice.

His smile faded as he saw her shoulder length hair had disappeared and was reduced to a very short and sassy hair cut. Her eyes withheld all of his attention as they seem to glow like never before while the light rosy blush of her cheeks accompany the glossy color of her lips.

"Janet." He finally managed to speak, "What have you done to yourself?" Jack asked admiring her attractive new look.

"Do you think it's too much?" She wondered in disappointment. She always wanted to do something wild and crazy like this but never had the courage. Now that she finally took the chance she wasn't sure it was the right thing. She was satisfied with her new appearance but by the look in Jack's face he preferred the old Janet and even though she wouldn't admit it his opinion meant a lot more to her then anyone else's.

"I love it." He finally smiled. "I …" he paused to outline her face with this finger. "I just never thought it would be possible for you too look any prettier then when I first met you." Jack said as his eyes seem to have gotten lost in her beauty. "I love it…really I do." He repeated.

A wide smile crept its way onto Janet's face as she stared into his deep baby blue eyes. The intensity of their gaze seemed to have send sparks throughout their bodies. After a few minutes Janet looked around as life seemed to pass them by, "I'm ready." She said before Jack took her luggage and they headed home. As the electric doors opened and the sun shined through the glass doors Janet reached over and entwined her right hand with Jack's. Caught unaware Jack turned to smile at Janet; who believed she was now ready to open the doors to her heart once again. She was ready to let herself go and enjoy the wonderful feeling of being in love.


When he said he didn't love her no more
She let herself go