Chapter 29
As the end of the work day drew near AJ packed up his briefcase and then went to the garment bag he'd brought with him because he knew he wouldn't have time to go home and back again just to change out of his uniform. He changed into his charcoal gray suit with a burgundy shirt. He had a black tie with silver stripes with him in case they went somewhere after Callisto's.
Crossing the bullpen to the break room to collect the chocolate covered strawberries that he hoped to share with Samantha at the end of their date. What AJ didn't know was that Bud was still in his office finishing up some paperwork. He saw the Admiral looking like he was dressed for a date. But wanted to get his work done quickly so he could hurry home to tell this news to Harriett.
Driving to Samantha's apartment AJ wondered what she might like to do after dinner.
Sam opened the door to his knock and the first thing on his mind had been to ask her to refrigerate the strawberries for later, but as soon as he saw her that thought flew from his mind, "Samantha you are SO beautiful!"
"Thank you AJ. You look very handsome yourself." With a grin she added, "Did you notice that we look like we dressed in matching outfits?"
"I did, and that dress looks like it was made for dancing. Would you like to do that after we have dinner?"
"I would love it. I'm ready to go now if you are."
It was then he remembered the box in his hand. "Would you put this in your refrigerator? I thought if you would want to, we could share them later."
Taking the box from his hand she put it away and then asked, "Will you tell me what it is?"
"Chocolate covered strawberries," he answered.
"Oh that sound wonderful, I can't wait to try them. Now let's go get something to eat, I'm starving!"
He led her to the Escalade and helped her in, once he had gotten in himself he could no longer wait, "So I am guessing you heard the news about Bud Roberts."
"I did, how were you so sure that he would reject the offer?"
"As I told you, we are like a family at JAG that is what he didn't want to leave. He was honored by the offer, he told us all that this morning. But JAG is home to Bud."
"Then he was right to stay where he is. I know what it's like to work in a job where you don't feel you really belong."
"Are you referring to your time in the Navy?"
"Oh no! I loved being in the Navy, but I was tasked to go with an FBI group to offer what support I could. During a soft moment I thought my father would find the FBI less abhorrent to him than my being in the Navy. So when they made me an offer to join them I did. Unfortunately it didn't have any effect on him at all. He couldn't have cared less. If I wasn't in the Marines…well you understand," she sighed.
"I am so sorry Samantha. Your father doesn't know what he's missing by not having you in his life."
"Thank you AJ you are very kind to think that."
"Samantha I don't just think it. I know it. I am going by how much I value you in my life. I hope that continues a long while."
She smiled at him as they arrived at the restaurant, "I hope so too AJ."
Pulling into a parking place he said to her, "I hope that you don't mind, but I can't wait any longer." He leaned across the seat and tilted his head until their lips met.
Sam sighed as the kiss ended, "AJ consider this my permission to do that any time you like," she leaned forward and kissed him back.
A wide smile greeted her as she pulled back, "I will do that," he answered.
They had a very enjoyable dinner and shared another kiss in the Escalade before going to a place Sam knew where they could dance together. After a couple of hours Sam asked if they might head back to her apartment and share the strawberries he had brought over.
To be continued…