Here's chapter two #Hearties. Hope you like it. Thanks for all the reviews. I was a little nervous to post this, since it was my first crack and a modern day story with our favorite WCTH couple. All the positive reinforcements. They are always welcome and keep me motivated. :)

The alarm clock on Elizabeth's side table woke her up at 6:00 the next morning, much too early, she decided, since she'd had less than four hours' sleep. After she fell asleep, she was quickly awoken by images of Charles, which caused her to sit up in her bed. It wasn't until after she remembered Jack showing up in the nick of time, when she had finally fallen asleep. But not soon enough. "I need a five-gallon bucket of coffee." She muttered, "though I don't think even that much will help me today." She slowly rolled out of bed, realizing she was stiff after her ordeal the previous night. She noticed a bruise forming on her wrist, where Charles had grabbed her, just as Dr. Lindsay had said. How could I not know Charles was like that? She wondered to herself. I'm usually a decent judge of character. She reached on her side table for her phone. She called Hope Valley Elementary. She loved her job and each one of her students but decided it would be a good day for a sick day. She knew Principal Hudgins would understand after such a trial. After making the call, she crawled back under her blanket and went back to sleep.

Three hours later, Elizabeth woke up feeling a little better, she climbed out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take a shower, hoping the steaming water would help relax her stiff muscles. After her shower, she dressed in her favorite pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt. She headed to the kitchen. She sat at the table and began drumming her fingers on the wooden surface. She noticed the vase with the rose which Charles had presented her the previous night sitting in the middle of the table. She aggressively removed the flower from the vase and rushed to toss it in the trash can. She wanted nothing to remind her of Charles Kensington. She then fixed herself a bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee. She took her breakfast to the sofa and flipped on the TV to a Full House rerun.

Rosie came out of her bedroom a minute later. "Elizabeth, what are you doing here?" She asked. "Aren't you supposed to be at school?"

"I took a sick day." Elizabeth explained, as she faced Rosie. "Principal Hudgins was very understanding when I told her my dilemma." She returned her gaze to the TV. "That's funny," She chuckled. "I never noticed that before."

"What? What?" Rosie wondered.

Elizabeth pointed to the TV. "Aunt Becky from Full House, she looks just like Abigail." She tilted her head. "The resemblance is uncanny."

"Wow!" Rosie exclaimed. "You're right they do bear a striking resemblance. She sat on the sofa next to Elizabeth and began watching with her.

"Amazing isn't it?" Elizabeth continued to stare at the TV.

"Yes." Rosie agreed. "I wonder if Frank or Cody have noticed."

"We'll have to mention to them some time." Elizabeth chuckled.

By the time the show had ended, Elizabeth had finished her breakfast. She made her way to the kitchen to return her dirty coffee cup and rinse it out in the sink. She then headed back to her bedroom, remembering she had an armload of math tests that she had yet to grade. She returned to the kitchen table and took a seat.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Rosie flipped her the TV off and jumped off the sofa to answer it. "Can I help you?" She asked.

"I'm sorry." The man said. "I thought this was Elizabeth's apartment. I must be on the wrong floor. Sorry to bother you." He turned to leave.

"Wait." Rosie said.

The man turned back to face her.

"Are you Jack?" Rosie asked.

"Yes," Jack said, "Detective Jack Thornton. How did you know?"

"You've got the right apartment." Rosie clarified. "I'm Rosemary, Elizabeth's roomie, but everyone calls me Rosie."

"Well it's nice to meet you Rosie." Jack said with a smile. "I know she had a rough night last night I just wanted to check on her and see if she was alright."

"She says she fine." Rosie confirmed. "But she didn't go to school today."

"Uh Elizabeth is in school?" Jack questioned.

"Well of sorts." Rosie replied. "She's a second-grade teacher. She's here. Would you like to see for yourself?"

"If she's up for it." Jack replied, suddenly feeling like he shouldn't have come. "I wouldn't want to impose."

"It wouldn't be an imposition." Rosie opened the door for him. "Come in." She directed him toward the couch. "Have a seat; I'll go get her." She casually exited the living room. Once she was out of Jack's sight, she made a run for it toward the kitchen. "OMG, Elizabeth!" she exclaimed.

"What?" Elizabeth whirled around to face Rosie.

"He's gorgeous!" Rosie squealed.

"Who?" Elizabeth asked.

"Jack," Rosie answered.

"Jack?" Elizabeth queried. "How do you know that?"

"He's in the living room." Rosie explained.

"He what?" Elizabeth was flabbergasted.

"He's in the living room," Rosie repeated, "and he's gorgeous. If I weren't already madly in love with Lee, I'd go after him myself."

"Why is Jack in the living room?" Elizabeth wandered.

"He came to see you." Rosie responded. "You must've left quite an impression."

"I probably just left something in his car." Elizabeth replied, humbly. "I'll go see what he wants." She stood from the sofa and headed for the living room.

"Elizabeth wait!" Rosie called, but Elizabeth was already in the living room. "Oh, dear," she cried. "She will not want Jack seeing her in her sweats."

"Hey, Jack what are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked, as she walked into the living room.

"I came to see how you're doing." Jack stood to face her. "But I shouldn't be here." He stood to leave. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

Elizabeth noticed he was wearing tight jeans and a light blue button down shirt. She couldn't stop staring at him. She then glanced down at her current attire. "I wasn't uncomfortable," She interjected, "until I looked at what I was wearing in front of you. And now I am completely humiliated."

"You look beautiful," Jack remarked.

Elizabeth blushed and stared at the floor. "You're just saying that."

"Just so you know, you'd look beautiful in burlap," Jack countered, "and besides, I didn't come to see your outfit. I came to see you and how you're doing after last night,"

"I'm really tired this morning," Elizabeth admitted, "and a little sore and stiff. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning." She wiped a stray curl from her face. "but I did get out of bed, and I might not have gotten another chance to do that, if it weren't for you. I can't thank you enough." She felt tears filling her eyes.

Jack held his arms open, allowing her to fall into them. "You're quite welcome." He gently stroked her hair. "I was just doing my job."

"You were off duty." She reminded him. "You weren't obligated to do anything."

"Actually, I was." Jack opposed. "A real police officer is never really off duty. I took the oath to serve and protect, and that means even when I'm off duty."

She released herself from his embrace and cleared her throat.

"Are you hungry?" He inquired.

"Why do you ask?" She queried.

"I want to invite you to lunch." He answered.

"We don't even know each other." She objected.

"I'm not proposing marriage." He replied, jokingly, "maybe on our second date." He smiled, showing off his dimples.

"So, this is a date." She remarked.

"It's just lunch," He stated, "no strings attached. I noticed a café on my way over here. I think it was called Annabelle's or Abigail's or something like that. I'm gonna grab a quick bite. I thought I'd be friendly and ask if you want to go."

"It's Abigail's," She confirmed.

"Do you know it?"

"Quite well, actually." She explained. "Abigail is my best friend."

"So, you'll go?" He asked again.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's only 10:15. It's too early for lunch."

"It's alright, I can wait. He crossed his arms over his chest and smiled.

"I would, but I forgot I have math papers to grade." Elizabeth replied regretfully. "I was just getting ready to do just that when you arrived."

"I understand," Jack replied, feeling defeated, "maybe some other time." He headed toward the door.

"Jack," Elizabeth called.

He whirled around.

"Alright." She sighed. "I'll go. Just let me change." She pivoted on her heels and left the room.

"Take your time." Jack returned to the sofa. He couldn't contain the smile that began to creep to his lips. As soon as Elizabeth was out of sight, he noticed Rosie enter the living room and sit down next to him on the sofa. she was staring at her phone. She seemed to be texting someone. She was grinning from ear to ear and barely noticed Jack's existence. "Judging by that look on your face, I'd say that whoever you're texting is someone who makes you very happy, the person who gave you that rock perhaps?

Rosie appeared surprised.

"I'm a detective," Jack said, with a smile, "my job requires me to be observant."

"His name is Lee, and he makes me very happy." Rosie replied. "We got engaged last night."

"Congratulations." Jack responded.

"Thank you." Rosie smiled, but her smile quickly turned to a frown. "I feel kind of guilty about it actually, knowing I had such a great Valentine's day when Elizabeth had such a lousy one."

"I'm sure Elizabeth would feel differently."

"You think so?" Rosie asked.

"Of course," Jack patted Rosie on the back. "I just met Elizabeth, but she doesn't seem like the one to hold a grudge. What happened to her isn't your fault; she wouldn't resent you."

"Thank you for that." Rosie replied. "Elizabeth is the kindest person I know."

"Speaking of Elizabeth," Jack asked, "could you do me a favor?"

"Sure."

Jack grabbed his wallet. He pulled a sealed envelope out with Elizabeth's name written across the front of it and handed it to Rosie. "I got Elizabeth to agree to go to lunch with me." He said. "When we leave, will you take this and put it in her room or something where she'll see it?"

"I'm happy to help, Jack." Rosie replied, clearly confused, "but why don't you just give it to her?"

"Because she wouldn't accept it from me." Jack answered. "but I really think she should have it. I'm actually glad you're here, because I was trying to figure out a way to sneak this to her without her knowledge. Please do this for me."

"Okay," Rosie replied reluctantly, "you're a police officer. I can trust you, right? Elizabeth is a dear friend, and I don't want anyone hurting her."

"You can trust me. I promise."

"Good." Rosie secured the envelope.

Several seconds later, Elizabeth came out of her room, causing Jack's jaw to drop. She was wearing a pair of dusty rose skinny jeans and a cream tunic with a matching heart on the front with and a pair of tan ankle boots.

"You look nice," He said.

"Thank you." She smiled.

"Are you ready to go?" He asked.

"Sure," She replied.

He escorted her toward the door and opened it. He allowed her to step out first. He turned back to face Rosie and gave her wink, reminding her of what he'd asked her to do.

As soon as the door closed, Rosie rushed to Elizabeth's room and placed the envelope on Elizabeth's vanity where she would be sure to see it. She turned to leave the room. Five seconds later, she returned to the vanity. She grabbed the envelope and held it up to the light, wondering what it was that Jack had for Elizabeth that he didn't want to give her himself. Suddenly, her cell phone rang, startling her. She tossed the envelope back on the vanity and reached for her phone, not bothering to look at the caller ID. "Yes, hello who is it?" She snapped into the line.

"Whoa," Lee said on the other end. "I just wanted to see if you would like to have lunch. If you don't want to, it's fine but no need to bite my head off."

"I'm sorry, Lee." Rosie replied. "I'm a little on edge. Of course, I'd love to have lunch. I can be ready in half an hour. See you then, love you." She hung up the phone, and hurried out of Elizabeth's room, and headed to her own room to get ready for her lunch with Lee, the envelope forgotten.

Jack and Elizabeth arrived at Abigail's café. Elizabeth led him to her favorite table, by a window, that overlooked the nearby gazebo with a rock walkway that led to a duck pond. "Beautiful view." Jack remarked.

"You should see it at night." Elizabeth replied. "The gazebo and walk way are lit up with purple lights."

"I'll look forward to it." Jack grinned.

Abigail saw Elizabeth sitting at her favorite table with a young man who had his back to her. She took care of her customer's refill and then headed toward Elizabeth's table. "Elizabeth, it's so good to see you." She wrapped her friend in a hug. "And you too, Charl…" She caught her first glimpse of the young man, who clearly was not Charles Kensington. "Oh, you're not Charles."

"No, he's not," Elizabeth confirmed. "Abigail Stanton, I would like you to meet Detective Jack Thornton."

"Detective huh?" Business was slow so Abigail joined them. "Elizabeth, you have a lot of explaining to do. What happened to Charles?"

"Long story," Elizabeth explained. "Jack and I are going to have some lunch and then I'll tell you all about it."

"Looking forward to it." Abigail took their order and headed to the kitchen. She returned ten minutes later with their meals cooked to perfection.

While they ate, Elizabeth acknowledged Jack. "You never told me why a handsome man such as yourself, was in a bar all alone on Valentine's day."

"I was looking for a damsel in distress to rescue," He replied, jokingly. "Lucky for me I found one." He flashed his dimples to her.

"I was not a damsel in distress." Elizabeth protested. "But seriously, "I'm really grateful that you were there."

"Glad I could help." Jack remarked.

"So why were you really there?" Elizabeth asked again.

"I'm not really a fan of Valentine's day." Jack admitted. "I was engaged once. Her name was Melissa and she dumped me three years ago, on Valentine's day, so it's not exactly my favorite holiday. I just want to forget about it. I figure a bar is the best place to do that."

"Oh my! I'm so sorry," Elizabeth was surprised, "well it's her loss."

"It was a long time ago," Jack took a bite of his burger, "but now you understand why I don't really care for the day of love."

"You mean to tell me there isn't a line of ladies knocking down your door to take her place?" Elizabeth asked, halfway joking.

Jack chuckled. "Far from it." Jack stared at the table. "My job doesn't allow me a lot of time for relationships." He took a sip of his soda.

For some reason, Elizabeth felt a huge weight being lifted off her shoulders to learn that Jack was unattached. She brushed it off however. "What made you want to be a police officer?"

"My father," His voice began to crack, "He was killed in the line of duty. I was twelve. This is my way of having him with me; bring criminals like the ones responsible for my father's death to justice. Jack stared at the table. He was trying hard to fight the tears that threatened to fall. Even twenty-two years later, talk of Thomas Thornton didn't make him miss his father any less.

"I'm so sorry." Elizabeth placed her hand on top of his. "I feel terrible for even asking."

"It isn't your fault." Jack assured. "You didn't know."

After their delicious meal, Abigail approached to collect their dirty dishes. "Are you ready to spill the beans yet?" She asked Elizabeth.

"Can you take a break?" Elizabeth asked

Abigail glanced around at the many empty tables except for two by the door. "I'm sure I can get Clara to cover for me for a few minutes. Just let me take these dishes to the kitchen and tell Clara and I'll meet you in the gazebo."

Elizabeth stood with Abigail and headed toward the back door that lead to the gazebo, while Jack remained in his seat. "Jack, are you coming?" She asked.

"I thought you'd want some privacy with your friend." Jack wiped his mouth on a napkin.

"Jack come on." Elizabeth demanded. "You already know the story. You were there for most of it."

Jack tossed his napkin on the table and followed the Elizabeth to the gazebo.

"And that's when Jack came to the rescue." Elizabeth said, after telling Abigail all the horrific events of the worst Valentine's day of her entire life.

"You're lucky he was there." Abigail remarked. She faced Jack. "You're a hero, detective."

Jack held up his hand. "Jack, please," He acknowledged. "And it was nothing. I would have done the same thing for anyone."

"Even when you were off duty? Elizabeth asked. She still couldn't quite fathom that anyone, even a cop who had taken an oath to serve and protect would run on instinct alone to rescue a woman he'd just met from possible danger.

"Elizabeth, you know as well as I do that an officer of the law is never really off duty." Abigail remarked. "Jack, I for one am glad that you were in the right place at the right time."

"Thank you." Jack remarked. "I've told her that at least three times."

Jack, Elizabeth, and Abigail headed back inside. "Lunch was delicious, Abigail, thank you." Jack said as he paid the bill, much to Elizabeth's chagrin. He had insisted, lunch would be his treat, and wouldn't take no for an answer.

They headed out the door and ran into Lee and Rosie who were on their way in. "Lee, Rosie," Elizabeth greeted the two of them, "it's good to see you." She acknowledged Jack. "I'd like you to meet…"

"Jack Thornton, is that you?" Lee recognized. "It's been a long time. How have you been?"

"Leland Coulter," Jack extended his hand, "long time no see."

Elizabeth and Rosie immediately exchanged glances. "Wait!" Rosie exclaimed. You two know each other?"

"We were roommates in college." Jack confirmed. "Wait." He realized. "You're the Lee that Rosie is engaged to?"

"Yep!" Lee said proudly. "My beautiful Rose." He kissed Rosie's cheek.

"Congratulations." Jack slapped Lee on the back.

"How do you know these two?" Lee questioned.

"Jack saved Elizabeth's life last night." Rosie explained.

"Really?" Lee asked.

"Uh why don't you tell Lee all about it over lunch," Jack told Rosie, "so we can get out of the doorway. "Lee it's good to see you." He offered his arm to Elizabeth. "You ready to go?"

"Sure." Elizabeth allowed Jack to escort her out the door.

Jack and Elizabeth traveled the ten minutes back to her apartment complex. He stepped out of the car and rushed around to open Elizabeth's door for her. They rode the elevator to the fourth floor in silence.

"Thank you for lunch." Elizabeth leaned against the door of her apartment. "I had a nice time."

"Me too." Jack said shyly. He wanted to ask her out again. He opened his mouth to speak but the words wouldn't come.

This action didn't go unnoticed by Elizabeth. "Did you want to say something?"

"Uh… uh," he stuttered. "I'll see you around." He quickly turned on his heels and headed back toward the elevator.

Elizabeth stared in confusion until the elevator doors closed around him. She headed inside her apartment.

In the elevator, Jack banged his head against the wall. "Why couldn't I get the nerve to ask her out?" He just met her yesterday, but there was something about her that stirred feelings in him that he hadn't even felt for Melissa.

Soon the elevator door opened on the ground floor. Jack stepped out of the elevator and made a beeline for door that led to the stairs, He rushed up the many steps to the fourth floor. He pounded on Elizabeth's door.

"Jack, what are you doing here?" Elizabeth asked, when she jerked the door open.

Without saying a word, Jack took her face in her hands and kissed her passionately, taking her completely by surprise.

"Excuse me." Elizabeth pulled away. "Are you coming?"

"Huh?" Jack asked. He looked around and saw he was still standing in the elevator the door was standing wide open on the ground floor he was staring in the face of a young woman with a small girl who appeared to be around two years old in her arms. He shook his head.

"I asked if you're coming out of the elevator." The woman said.

"Yeah." Jack chuckled, nervously. "I'm sorry. I guess I was in my own little world." He walked out of the elevator past the lady, completely stunned by his thoughts.

When Jack arrived at his car he noticed it had a flat tire. "Just great," He grumbled, "just what I needed." He clicked his key fob to unlock his trunk and gazed inside. He pulled out the car jack and suddenly remembered he had forgotten to replace the spare. He'd used his spare when he helped the widow Carruthers change her tire, two weeks prior. He'd been on his way home from a tiring day at work, when he noticed Mrs. Carruthers sitting in her car on the side of the road with a flat. When she told him she didn't have a spare, he'd given her his spare tire so she could make it home. "I can't believe I forgot to replace the spare." He grumbled. He whipped out his cell phone to dial the auto club and noticed his phone battery was dead. He had no choice. He headed back into the building. He climbed the elevator back to the fourth floor and lightly tapped on Elizabeth's door.

Elizabeth was engrossed in her favorite movie on the TV when she heard a soft knock on the door. She opened the door to see Jack on the other side. "Jack you're back." She was pleasantly surprised. "Come in."

"Sorry to bother you," Jack stepped in the room, "but you're the only one I know in this building."

Elizabeth noticed the frantic look in Jack's eyes. "What's wrong?"

"My car has a flat," He remarked, embarrassedly, "and I don't have a spare." He held up his cell, "and my phone is dead so I can't call the auto club."

She noticed his phone was the same kind she had. She took his phone from his hand, headed to the side table, removed her fully charged phone from the charger, and put his in its place. "You're welcome to use mine."

"Thank you." Jack accepted the phone and dialed the auto club. He stepped out in the hall.

While Jack was outside, Elizabeth sat on the sofa and watched Jack's cell power up. She picked up the phone and located the contacts list. She selected the add contact option and added her number to the list. At that moment, Jack walked in. She quickly returned his phone to the table without him noticing.

"Well today must be the day for car trouble." Jack said, as he placed her phone back in her hand. "They said it would be forty-five minutes to an hour before they get here."

"Well I guess you're sticking around for a while." Elizabeth patted the cushion next to her on the couch.

"I hope you don't mind." He sat on the sofa next to her. "I hate imposing like this."

"You aren't imposing." She countered. "I owe you my life remember? And I would feel terrible if you had to walk home, because I wouldn't do something as simple as let you use my phone."

"And I'd never let you live that down." He joked.

"Jack, you wouldn't do that, would you?" Elizabeth asked.

"I'd haunt you with it night and day." He playfully punched her arm.

"Good thing I was nice to you." Elizabeth giggled. "You want something to drink while you wait for the auto club?" she offered, "tea, coffee, soda, water?"

"Water would be great." Jack smiled.

Elizabeth stood to her feet and headed to the kitchen and returned seconds later with two bottles of water.

"Thank you," Jack accepted the water.

"What do you want to do to occupy the time?" Elizabeth questioned.

Jack could think of several things he wanted to do… to Elizabeth particularly, but he wasn't sure she would go along with the idea especially after what she went through the night before and he would never take advantage of her. "You have anything in mind?" He asked instead.

"A board game?" Elizabeth suggested. "I have scrabble, monopoly, and checkers."

"We may not have time to play monopoly," Jack replied, "and if I consider the competitive way I used to play scrabble with my brother, it might take a long time too."

"Why how did you play with your brother?" Elizabeth was curious.

"Tom would make up words," Jack explained, "that weren't allowed, and then he would spend the next ten minutes arguing with me that it was a real word. Being the oldest and the one he always looked up to, I always caved. Finally, we kinda made it our own tradition to see who could come up with the silliest words with the letters we had." He laughed at the memory. "I'm not even sure if I can even remember how to play the traditional way."

"How about checkers, then." Elizabeth asked.

"I can play checkers." Jack remarked. "But I must warn you, Tom and I also used to play checkers. Poor kid never once beat me, unless I let him win, of course. I'm a pro at checkers." He met her eyes and smiled, "so prepare to be defeated."

"Checkers it is." Elizabeth jumped up and rushed to get the game, "but I think you should be the one to prepare to be defeated, not me."

"I see how it is." Jack stuck out his hand. "May the best man win."

"Or in this case, may the best woman win." Elizabeth shook his outstretched hand. "You're on Thornton."

"You're on Thatcher."

They played two games of checkers, Jack winning the first game, Elizabeth winning the second. They were in the middle of a third game, which Jack was winning, when his phone rang. "Hello," He answered. He was silent for a few seconds, "okay, be right down. He hung up the phone. "The auto club is here. I have to go." He removed his fully charged phone from Elizabeth's charger. "Thanks again. I'll see you around."

"Jack wait." Elizabeth touched his arm. "I had a really nice time today."

"Well maybe we could do it again sometime." Jack suggested.

"Are you asking me out on a date?" She asked.

"Maybe I am," Jack replied, suddenly nervous.

Elizabeth's smile faded. "Jack, you're a great guy," She placed her hand on his shoulder, "but as you can recall, I was literally just in a relationship that did not end well. I don't know if I'm ready to date anyone just yet." She watched his face fall. "I hope you understand."

"Of course, Elizabeth." Jack stated. "I'm sorry, that was too forward of me anyway. We just met."

"Can I think about it?" She asked

"Sure, take all the time you need." Jack responded.

"We can hang out as friends though if you want." Elizabeth suggested.

"Friends it is." Jack said with a smile. "Well I better go." He offered his hand to her.

"See you later," Elizabeth gently placed her hand into his and shook it.

Jack desperately wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her. He fought the urge to do so with all his being. "I'll see you later." He released her hand headed out the door.

"Bye, Jack," Elizabeth watched him board the elevator, before closing the door. "He's so handsome." She sighed to herself, as she leaned her head against the door and closed her eyes.

Several seconds later, Elizabeth headed to her room to slip into something more comfortable since she was still feeling a little stiff and sore. She sat at her vanity to remove her jewelry when an envelope with her name on it caught her eye. "What's this?" She wondered aloud. She assumed it was from Rosie. She ripped open the envelope to reveal a folded-up piece of paper. She opened the paper and a twenty-dollar bill fell in her lap. She unfolded the paper further.

Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you for one of the best evenings I have had in a very long time. I know that sounds a little strange since the only reason we spent the evening together was because you collapsed in my arms after your ordeal, but I want you know despite that ordeal I thoroughly enjoyed myself. With that being said, I cannot bring myself to accept the money you slipped into my hand last night. I just wouldn't feel right keeping it. So, I am returning it to you.
Once again thank you for a lovely evening
Yours,
Jack.

Elizabeth read and reread the note through her tears. She had never in her life met a man like Jack Thornton. No other man she had ever known would rush a woman he just met to the hospital during a time of crisis and then treat her to a late dinner afterwards because the doctor told her she needed to eat. She pulled out her phone to send him a text. "I'll surprise him." She giggled to herself, "he doesn't even know he has my number. "I just got your note you didn't have to do that you know."

After getting his tire fixed, Jack headed to the nearby tire shop to have the rest of his tires checked and to make sure he had a spare for the next time. He rode home in silence. His mind drifted to Elizabeth. No matter what he was doing, he couldn't seem to get his mind off her. He knew he shouldn't have these feelings for someone he just met, but he just couldn't help himself. The more time he spent with her, the more he liked her, and the more time he wanted to spend with her. Even though he understood her apprehension, he was a more than a little disappointed that she'd turned him down for a real date. "Snap out of it Thornton," he chided himself, "she isn't ready and besides you just met her." He had to keep reminding himself that he just met her, because the first time he saw her sitting on a bar stool all alone and Love's Bar and Grille, he felt as if he'd known her forever. He pulled in the driveway of his home when his phone chimed, signaling a text. He put the car in park before seeing who the text was from, assuming it was one of his work buddies. Once he saw who the text was from instead, he was glad he had put the car in park beforehand, because he probably would have wrecked otherwise. The text was from Elizabeth. He had to do a double take to make sure he saw the name correctly. "Elizabeth is that u?" He texted back. He remembered giving her his number, but didn't recall receiving her number in return. "I must be really losing it." He grumbled as his phone chimed once again.

"Yes, it's me." Elizabeth responded. "SURPRISE I plugged my number in your phone while you were using mine to call the auto club. Hope you don't mind."

"Of course not." Jack felt a smile creep to his lips. "Thank you."

"No thank you. You shouldn't have given the money back.

"I couldn't accept that money. I hope you understand."

"I wish you'd let me repay you."

"Not necessary."

"It is to me. Next time lunch will be on me."

"So there will be a next time?" Jack couldn't contain his excitement. He happily pounded his fist on the steering wheel of his car. He caused the horn to sound and startled himself.

"Text me tomorrow and we'll plan something."

"Awesome can't wait."

"Tomorrow afternoon will be better. Going back to work tomorrow."

"Works out great I go back to work tomorrow too."

"Talk to you later."

"Later." Jack pocketed his phone and climbed out of his car. He happily whistled as he climbed the steps of his condo.

Elizabeth took the letter Jack had written and gently folded it. She placed it in the hidden pocket of her wallet. She just couldn't bring herself to throw it away, knowing it had come from Jack. She returned to her sweats and headed to the kitchen to continue grading her math tests.

An hour later, Rosie and Lee walked into the apartment. "I can't believe, my old college roommate saved the life of your current roommate." Lee was saying as they headed to the kitchen.

"I know," Rosie agreed, "quite a coincidence." Rosie stopped short when she entered the kitchen.

"Rosie, what's going on?" Lee asked.

"Look." She pointed toward the kitchen table.

Lee looked where Rosie was pointing and observed Elizabeth seated at the table. Her head was resting on her arms and she was fast asleep, with a stack of ungraded math papers surrounding her.

"Poor thing." Rosie remarked, "she had a rough night."

"I'm so sorry, that happened to her." Lee replied. "The thought of a man taking advantage of a beautiful woman like that… I just can't believe anything like that happening to her… or to you."

Rosie squeezed Lee's hand. "I better help her get into bed, where she'll be more comfortable."

"I'll leave you two alone." Lee gently kissed Rosie's cheek. "Love you. See you tomorrow." He turned to leave.

"Love you too." Rosie replied. She went to Elizabeth and shook her gently. "Elizabeth wake up."

Elizabeth didn't budge.

"Elizabeth," Rosie said louder, and shook her a little harder, "wake up."

"Hmm?" Elizabeth woke up a little disoriented.

"Let's get you to bed." Rosie gently pulled her from her chair. "You'll be more comfortable."

"What time is it?" Elizabeth asked.

"Almost 8:00." Rosie answered as she pulled the covers back on Elizabeth's bed and guided her underneath them.

"I have math tests to grade." Elizabeth mumbled, in her semi-conscious state

"It can wait one more day." Rosie countered. "You need to rest." She headed toward the door, "good night." She pulled the door closed behind her.

"Good night, Jack." Elizabeth murmured.

"What did you say?" Rosie stuck her head back in the door. She was answered by silence. "I think she just called me Jack." Rosie chuckled to herself as she once again closed Elizabeth's bedroom door.

To be continued…

Thanks for reading. Chapter three coming soon.