"I expected you to bring wine," Kate smiled. "Not because of dinner..."
"Relax. I know it's not a date," Jack chuckled, trying to hide his disappointment.
"I was worried about you drinking wine," Kate explained. "I didn't want to drink any of you weren't."
"You drinking won't make me drink, Kate. I mean it, I've gotten myself clean."
Kate smiled, her green eyes sparkling in relief. "I'm so happy to hear that. And Jack? I'm really proud of you." She put a hand on his shoulder; she was taken back by the electricity between the two of them. She thought it would be different if they weren't together. She thought she had hardened herself from it all. She thought she was over him.
"I should check dinner," she wiped her hands on her jeans nervously, suddenly self conscious. She had worn jeans and a grey tee shirt; the decision hadn't been easy. She didn't want to look like she wanted him to notice her although she knew she did. She craved the darkness that clouded his eyes when desire took over. She was desperate for his touch, his kiss. "I made baked ziti," she offered. They both knew it was his favorite. They also both knew that she knew as much. "Aaron is out back kicking around his soccer ball if you want to hang out with him. He's better company than me anyway."
"I'm happy to help if you need," Jack offered.
"It's just making a salad," she chuckled. "The rest is in the oven."
"Right." He lingered for a moment before heading outside.
They fell into their old routine, sitting at the table and discussing their day. Kate tried to ignore the nostalgia that swelled in her heart. This was her life, the one she planned on living for the rest of her life. It all felt so normal that she had to remind herself it wasn't real.
"Your dad will stay until story time," Kate announced.
"Will you read me Alice? Mommy doesn't do it good."
"Mommy taught me how to read it. She's the best," Jack leaned in to tell him as if it was a secret. "I'll read to you but I need you to do me a favor, too."
"What?"
"No more hitting kids or throwing stuff at school." Aaron sat back, clearly thinking it over.
"Okay, daddy."
Kate mouthed a silent thank you to Jack, who winked in response. Aaron was too busy shoveling pasta in his mouth to notice.
Kate plopped on the couch when Aaron and Jack headed to his bedroom. She sipped the hot tea that Jack had made her. She was exhausted from the day, mentally and physically. Despite the awkwardness, she loved having Jack in her life. Even when she met him at the airport at his worst, she loved seeing him.
"He's out like a light," Jack smiled as he sat down next to Kate.
"He's been waking up several times a night," she added gently, not wanting him to feel guilty. "He's bound to wake me up in a few hours." She yawned.
"I'm sorry, Kate."
"It was a breakup, Jack. It happens."
"Do you remember on the island? When I needed to sleep..."
"I'll be fine, Jack. This is what being a parent is."
"You drugged me," he reminded her.
"You needed to sleep. You were exhausted. I was afraid—"
"I did the same, Kate." He said the words quickly before she could interrupt. "I'll stay the night, keep an eye on Aaron. But you need to sleep."
"What?" She asked, her eyelids heavy. "You..." her voice trailed off as she leaned against the back of the couch.
"Shhhh, I've got you," Jack assured her. He couldn't resist rubbing her arms, knowing it would soothe her.
"Jack?" She whispered groggily. "We were good together, right?"
"We're still good together," he promised her before covering her with a blanket. He sat back and turned on the television. He let Kate sleep, knowing he could carry her to bed with ease when he went to bed.
The baseball game was about halfway through when he heard the soft noises Kate made in her sleep. "Jack," she murmured. Hearing his name, he muted the television. She studied her intently, watching her dream. Her hands clenched and released small fists as if she was grabbing something and her hips began to slowly grind; somewhere in her dreams she was grinding against someone. "Jack," she repeated.
Jack grinned to himself, intently watching her dream. He knew she'd be mortified but he couldn't stop himself. Not only was it hot to watch her have a sex dream, it was surreal to watch her dream of him. For the first time, he thought maybe he had a chance to win her back. Maybe somewhere deep down, Kate still loved him as deeply as he loved her.
Hours later, he carried her to her bedroom. He hadn't planned to share a bed with her but knew if Aaron woke, he wouldn't know to find Jack in a guest bedroom. This was the best way to ensure Kate got a restful sleep. The minute he laid in bed she reached a hand across his chest, her head nuzzling in the crook of his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her, keeping her tight against himself. "I love you, Kate," he whispered, his lips touching her brown curls. "I've always loved you."
