The room had been tidied, Jack noticed as he closed the bathroom door behind himself. The smell of vanilla air freshener hung in the air and it made him smile. Audrey had been so clumsy, expecting others to clear up her own mess all the time; it was nice to see somebody take account of their own actions and space. The realisation of the contrast made him smile to himself as he tightened the fluffy towel around his waste a little tighter.

"Hey," Gina greeted as she came into the room, "what are you smirking to yourself about?"

Jack laughed as she wrapped her arms around him from behind. He was still wet from the shower and her thin shirt clung to him, making her giggle as she pulled it away. Jack took the opportunity to turn around to face her before allowing her to hold him again as they both leaned in for a light brush of their lips.

Jack felt the coldness of the room and finally pulled away from Gina, eager to get dressed and warm up some, knowing they wouldn't be putting the heating on until he got paid next week.

"Were you up last night?"

Jack continued to towel himself off as he considered her question. He decided to give her the simple answer. "I woke up thirsty and went to get a glass of water." It wasn't untrue, he thought, he did go get a drink. She didn't need to know he had a nightmare, it would only lead to more questions. "Don't you remember?" He added, knowing she probably couldn't.

"Did I wake up? I guess I was tired I can't remember a thing," she laughed. Her laugh made Jack smile, it was one of those deep belly laughs which were infectious.

"You need to start taking it easier at work," he began, before stopping to pull his black sweater over his head.

"Yes father," Gina taunted sarcastically as she rolled her eyes, pleased with her reward, a shy smile from Jack. "Don't you need to get going to work anyway?"

Laughing at her once more Jack, now dressed, pulled her to him, the shy smile still there, with a hint of mischief. He tried to steal a kiss from her but Gina moved away at the last minute, chuckling in a child like manner.

"I think," he said carefully, "work can wait," before trying to kiss her again. This time she allowed it and the kiss was deep before she pulled away, deciding she wanted to play some more. "Besides," Jack added as a afterthought, "its not like the damn trucks are gonna drive themselves away… Not until I've fixed them anyway!"

Gina squealed in mock amusement as she clapped her hands. Jack picked her up and carried her over to the bed playfully teasing her, pretending to worry that he wasn't able to carry her and asking her to hold on just in case he had to let go. Grinning from ear to ear the two sank onto the lumpy bed sheets, finally silent as they lay together, both silently contemplating there own thoughts.

Jack smiled softly as he looked up at the ceiling. Gina moved so her head was resting against his chest, he liked the warmth she provided. He could smell the scent of her hair, it was soft and sweet. Closing his eyes Jack realised that this was real. He wasn't seeking relief or comfort in her. This was bliss.

As though reading his thoughts Gina began to speak, quietly rolling a long lock of her wavy hair around her finger.

"Ric?"

"Yeah," he whispered, his voice gruff.

"I'm glad we met."

"Me too," he said softly glancing down at her.

"I love you."