Here is Chapter 7 #Hearties ... Enjoy... Thank you LisaNY for proofing and editing xo!
"Candles," Pimental suggested, "lots and lots of candles. All women love candles."
"I don't want to scare her off," Jack countered. "If there are too many candles, she'll think I'm a pyromaniac. That's not a good impression to make for a first date."
Pimental laughed, "Thornton, you don't have to do anything fancy to please her. Just be yourself, you're a great guy. I know she'll love you."
"I hope so," Jack confessed. "I really like her. I don't want to screw this up before we even get started."
"You won't and like I said just be yourself. You know, it's about time you finally admitted you like her without being coerced," Pimental playfully punched Jack's arm.
"Thanks to you," Jack chuckled. He felt his phone vibrate in his back pocket. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen, noticing a text from Elizabeth that said...
'I hope everything is alright, I haven't heard from you. I still have your jacket. I'm going shopping with Abigail today, so I'll drop your jacket by the station on my way to meet her.'
He stared at his phone in confusion.
Pimental noticed Jack's expression, "Thornton, what's wrong with you?"
"This text from Elizabeth said she's coming by the station to bring me my jacket, but she's already been here. I just now received the text."
Pimental shrugged her shoulders, "Well that's technology for you, you never know what to expect."
Jack rubbed his face with his hands. "I feel so horrible. She was probably wondering why I didn't respond to her when she said she was coming."
"Well text her and explain," Pimental advised. "I'm sure she'll understand. She did agree to go on a date with you after all."
Jack grinned, "She did, but I still want to explain." He began to text…
'I just received your txt. Apparently you're coming 2 the station 2 bring my jacket back to me. I'm sorry u must think I'm terrible for not responding, but the text literally just came through.'
He waited a few moments for a response. When one never came, he tossed his phone on his desk and began rummaging through a pile of papers. Five minutes passed when he heard his phone vibrate.
'It's alright.' The text said, followed by a wink emoji.
Jack: I don't know what's going on. This phone is brand new.
Elizabeth: Don't worry about it. Everything worked out… and your phone seems 2 be working now.
Jack: Thank goodness for that. I'm really looking forward 2 our date on Friday.
Elizabeth: Me 2.
Jack couldn't stop the smile from forming on his face as he began typing up the next message.
Jack: Well I better get back to work. Have fun with Abigail.
Elizabeth: I will. Have fun with the rest of your shift. LOL
Jack: I'll do my best. LOL Call u later.
Elizabeth: Can't wait.
Elizabeth, who was at lunch with Abigail, tossed her phone back in her purse. She took a bite of her grilled chicken salad.
"What are you all smiles about?" Abigail asked.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Elizabeth countered, though the smile that refused to escape her lips said otherwise.
"Mmhmm…" Abigail glared at her friend. "You can deny it all you want Elizabeth Thatcher, but I know something is going on with you. Come on, out with it."
"Alright," Elizabeth conceded, "you're my best friend so I'll tell you. I have a date Friday night."
"Really?" Abigail asked excitedly, "With whom? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Yes, with Jack and because he only asked me out an hour ago."
"Jack, the detective you brought to the café a few days ago?" Abigail inquired.
"The one and the same," Elizabeth confirmed.
"Wow!" Abigail exclaimed. "He's cute! But aren't you moving a bit fast? Your relationship with Charles just ended."
"It's just one date," Elizabeth countered. "He's a nice guy and I really lik…" She stopped mid-sentence and cleared her throat.
"Elizabeth, you have a lot of explaining to do," Abigail demanded. "Were you about to say you like him?"
Elizabeth blushed and stared at her plate.
"You do like him," Abigail observed. "I didn't even know you spent any more time with him. I thought you were just having lunch with him that day to thank him for saving your life."
"Well lunch was his idea," Elizabeth said, "but I am grateful to him for saving my life. I had a nice time though, and he did have to stay an hour at my apartment waiting on the auto club to come fix his flat tire, he didn't have a spare. The next day, he came by the school to let me know I needed a statement to keep Charles from being released. Then I saw him at the station when I went to give my statement."
"So, you keep bumping into him," Abigail acknowledged.
"Pretty much," Elizabeth proclaimed. "Oh Abigail, I was so nervous about giving my statement and he knew that. He stayed right there with me every step of the way. He took me on a walk afterwards and lent me his jacket when I got cold. I forgot to give it back to him."
"You still have his jacket?"
"I took it by the station this morning," Elizabeth answered. "Then he said he wanted to take me on a date."
"Just like that?" Abigail questioned.
"N-not really," Elizabeth stuttered. "He texted me the night I took his jacket. We made the plan for him to come by and pick it up, but Connor showed up instead. Jack saw him and got the wrong impression, he thought we were involved.
"But Connor is your cousin." Abigail replied.
"Jack didn't know that!"
"You didn't tell him?" Abigail asked.
"I texted him," Elizabeth answered. "But he forgot his phone when he went out with his cousin too so he never saw the message."
"What a coincidence," Abigail remarked.
"You don't know the half of it." Elizabeth responded. "I actually saw Jack with his cousin and jumped to the same conclusion."
"You what?" Abigail exclaimed.
"You heard me," Elizabeth chuckled. "We discussed the entire situation just an hour ago."
"And then he asked you on a date and you accepted." Abigail was still trying to wrap her head around the circumstances.
"Yes," Elizabeth smiled.
Abigail shook her head and chuckled.
"What?"
"It's just you just met him," Abigail asserted. "I've known you three years and I've never seen you move so quickly before." She placed her hand on top of Elizabeth's which was resting on top of the table.
"Jack's different," Elizabeth defended, "I can't explain it, but he is." She sighed, "Jack said we must be soul mates."
"Well he was really nice when I met him," Abigail assured. "I just want to see you happy. I don't want you to get your heart broken again."
"Thank you," Elizabeth smiled. "That's why we're best friends. You always take care of me."
"Always," Abigail said as she gave Elizabeth a genuine smile.
"I told Jack I could only promise one date," Elizabeth admitted. "He says he understands that I don't want to rush things."
"Well it sounds like the ideal guy," Abigail said as she wiped her face with a napkin. "Just be careful."
"I will," Elizabeth concurred, "thank you."
"Are you ready to get out of here?" Abigail stood and snatched the bill from the table. "My treat this time, you paid last time, remember?"
"Yes," Elizabeth rose from her seat and headed for the door of the restaurant.
"Where are you going on your date?" Abigail and Elizabeth were just arriving at the mall.
"I have no idea," Elizabeth confessed. "He said to leave everything to him."
"Well you definitely need a new outfit for the occasion." Abigail recommended.
"I need to know what he's planning before I decide on what to wear. He's supposed to call me."
"Well then," Abigail began rummaging through the racks of clothing, "you should get a few outfits so you'll have something suitable to wear for any occasion." She removed dresses, tee shirts, blouses, and jeans from the racks and hoisted them toward Elizabeth. "Go try these on." She said as she shoved Elizabeth into a vacant fitting room.
"But-but, Abigail," Elizabeth tried to protest.
"You want to look nice for your date, don't you?" Abigail urged.
"Oh alright," Elizabeth conceded.
"I'll hold your purse," Abigail offered.
Abigail sat outside the fitting room while waiting for Elizabeth to emerge. Suddenly, Elizabeth's phone which was in her purse rang. "Elizabeth, do you want me to answer your phone?"
"Sure, see who it is." Elizabeth shouted.
Abigail glanced at her phone and saw Jack's name flashing across the screen. "Hello?"
"Hey you." Jack said into the line.
"I'm sorry, Jack," Abigail interrupted. "This is Abigail, Elizabeth's friend. We met at my café."
"I know who you are," Jack chuckled. "Elizabeth told me she was going shopping with you today."
"Right," Abigail replied. "Elizabeth left me with her phone. She's in the fitting rooms trying on new outfits for Friday night."
"So, she told you…" Jack stated.
"Well she is my best friend and she's been through a lot. I don't want to see her get hurt again."
"I understand your concern and I know you don't know me, but I've had my heart broken too. I have no intention of breaking hers," Jack stated.
"Thank you for understanding," Abigail stated. "If I sound over protective, it's because I'm the closest thing she has to family here. She moved miles away from her parents and two sisters when she came to teach here three years ago."
"I'm glad she has someone to take care of her," Jack admitted. "I understand completely and I promise I would never want to hurt her."
Abigail smiled though she knew Jack couldn't see her through the phone. "Did you want to speak to Elizabeth? Or do you have some kind of psychic ability that made you aware that I was going to be the one to answer Elizabeth's phone?"
Jack chuckled, "Actually, I did need to talk to her. I realized that I'm taking her out Friday night and I told her to leave everything to me but I don't have the slightest clue as to what she likes to do, and I really don't want to blow it and plan something she doesn't like."
"Maybe I can help," Abigail suggested, "I know Elizabeth better than anyone."
"That would be great, that way I can still surprise her."
"Well Elizabeth is pretty simple," Abigail remarked. "You should know that you don't have to go all out to please her. Just be yourself and she'll be happy."
"Thanks, my partner said the same thing."
"You got dating advice from your partner on the police force?" Abigail questioned. "What else did he have to say?"
"Actually, he is a she, and she said all women love candles," Jack said.
Abigail nodded, "Candles are nice, and I happen to know Elizabeth loves the gazebo outside my café. She thinks it's a nice romantic setting."
"Oh yeah, Elizabeth told me about the purple lights."
"Yes," Abigail reminisced, "my late husband, Noah did that for me."
Just then, Elizabeth emerged from the fitting rooms, sporting a new dress, "How do I look?"
"I gotta go, Jack!" Abigail whispered into the line, before quickly ending the call. "You look lovely."
Jack stared at his phone after the call had been disconnected and chuckled. He was glad he only had to work a half day because he wouldn't be able to concentrate on his job. He leaned back, rubbed his face with his hands and grumbled. He couldn't, for the life of him, figure out why hadn't asked Elizabeth what she liked to do before offering to plan the perfect date himself. He was so excited she accepted his date request that he couldn't think straight for at least a half hour afterwards. Now he was left on his own if he wanted to surprise Elizabeth. Abigail was really nice, but no help since she had to hang up before their conversation was over.
The ladies arrived at Abigail's house with bags of clothing in their hands.
"Hey ladies," Frank greeted, as he and Cody entered the house from the back door. "Looks like you bought the store out with all those bags," He placed a kiss on Abigail's cheek.
"Elizabeth bought a couple of new outfits," Abigail explained. "She has a date on Friday."
"You have a date?" Frank acknowledged, "That's great!"
"But," Cody whined. "What about my baseball game on Friday? You promised you'd come."
"Oh Cody," Elizabeth replied, apologetically. She pulled out her phone, "I have a reminder on my phone, but I didn't realize it was this Friday."
"Cody," Abigail suggested, "Ms. Thatcher will come to the next game."
"But this is the last game and she promised," He cried.
"And I never break a promise." Elizabeth consoled. "I'll be there."
"You will?" Cody asked excitedly.
"But Elizabeth your date," Abigail countered.
"I'll just call Jack and reschedule." Elizabeth sighed, "He'll understand." She stepped out onto the back porch to make the call. She dialed Jack's number and waited for what seemed like an eternity. She nervously drummed her fingers on the banister.
"Hello, Elizabeth?" Jack said into the line.
"Jack, hey." Elizabeth replied. "I have something to tell you."
"Oh, no." Jack interjected, "You're canceling our date?"
"Jack."
"I should have known it would be too soon for you."
"Jack."
"I'm sorry I bothered you. It won't ever happen again." Jack removed the phone from his ear and prepared to hang up.
"Jack," Elizabeth called again, "Will you give me a chance to speak please?"
"I'm sorry," Jack returned the phone to his ear. "What did you want to say?"
"I'm not canceling," Elizabeth explained. "It's just I can't go out Friday. I forgot I promised Abigail's son Cody I'd attend his baseball game on Friday, I promised him weeks ago. I just wanted to see if we could reschedule."
"So, you're not canceling?" Jack asked.
"No," Elizabeth assured.
"Okay, I understand," Jack replied. He really did understand, but he felt his heart sink anyway. "You can't let the kid down. We can go out another time."
"Unless you'd like to go with me," Elizabeth suggested hopefully.
"I wouldn't want to impose," Jack replied.
"It wouldn't be an imposition." Elizabeth countered. "I promise Cody would love it, especially when he learns you're a cop."
"If you're sure I won't be in the way I'd love to go." Jack smiled. "What time is the game?"
"Five o'clock," Elizabeth answered.
"Great!" Jack exclaimed. "I'll pick you up at four o'clock. Is that alright?"
"Perfect, see you then!" Elizabeth ended the call and headed back into the house. "I hope Cody doesn't mind that I invited Jack to the game."
"Are you kidding?" Abigail replied, "He'll love it."
Jack leaned his head against the back of the couch tightly closed his eyes. He was relieved that Elizabeth had not canceled their date, but a ten-year old's baseball game wasn't exactly what he'd had in mind when he asked her out. His dog Rip, emerged from his throw rug in Jack's bedroom and plopped himself on top of Jack's feet. Jack leaned down and scratched the dog between the ears. "At least I still get to see her, buddy," he acknowledged Rip, who barked in agreement.
Sunday after the church services, Jack decided to take Stacey and Aly to Abigail's for lunch. He had enjoyed the food when he'd gone with Elizabeth, but he had an ulterior motive. He was hoping to run into Elizabeth. "Hi, Abigail," Jack greeted when she stopped to take their drink orders.
Hi Jack," Abigail said with a smile, "and who have we here?"
"This is my cousin Stacey and her daughter Aly." Jack introduced. "I was telling them how delicious your food is here."
"That's very sweet of you." Abigail gushed, "It's nice to meet you." She noticed Jack glancing at the door when the bell above it jingled. "Sorry she isn't here, Jack."
"Who isn't here?" Stacey asked.
"My friend, Elizabeth," Abigail answered, "Jack has a date with her Friday night."
"Jack," Stacey slapped Jack's arm, "why didn't you tell me you have a date?"
"I haven't seen you since I asked her," Jack admitted.
"Well, when can I meet her?" Stacy asked.
"You've already met her." Jack chuckled. "She's a second-grade teacher at Hope Valley Elementary. She told me she had a new student in her class named… Aly." He tapped his goddaughter on the nose.
"You're going on a date with my teacher?" Aly asked excitedly. "She's so nice."
"I think so too," Jack said with a grin.
"Where are you taking her?" Stacey asked.
"Jack," Abigail interjected before Jack could respond, "Can I speak with you a moment?"
"Sure," Jack excused himself from the table and followed Abigail into the kitchen.
"What's up, Abigail?" Jack inquired.
"Jack," Abigail placed a hand on Jack's shoulder, "Do you really want to go to a ten-year old's baseball game on your first date with Elizabeth."
"Not exactly what I had in mind," Jack admitted, "but she can't break a promise to the kid, and I don't want to miss my opportunity."
"Of course not," Abigail agreed. "That's why I'm going to help you."
"What did you have in mind?"
After what felt like an eternity, Friday afternoon finally arrived. Jack had been busy all week and had barely spoken to Elizabeth as much as he would have liked to. It was a small price to pay however, because it allowed him to get off early and attend the game with Elizabeth. He was more eager for the surprise he had in store for her after the game. He was so eager in fact that he arrived at Elizabeth's at 3:45, fifteen minutes before he told her he would be there. He stood outside of Elizabeth's apartment and glanced at his watch, but only two minutes had passed. He didn't know if he should knock and see if she was ready since he was already there or wait until four. He took a deep breath and prepared to knock when his phone rang. He pulled it out of his pocket and noticed Elizabeth's name flashing across the screen. "Hey Elizabeth," He answered the phone with a smile.
"Hey Jack," She said.
He noted that she sounded out of breath. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine! I just wanted to let you know I was stuck in traffic, so I'm running late. I just got home..."
Just then, the elevator dinged…
Jack turned around and saw Elizabeth emerging from the elevator, her phone still to her ear. She was juggling books and her purse to keep from dropping them. She was so focused that she didn't notice Jack.
"If you want to wait until four thirty…" Elizabeth continued.
"Too late," Jack interjected.
Elizabeth glanced up and noticed Jack walking toward her with a smile on his face. He quickly hung up his phone and placed it in his pocket. She couldn't help but smile at the handsome man before her in blue jeans, a long-sleeved t-shirt with the sleeves pushed up, and a jacket draped over his arm.
"Let me help you." Jack offered, aiming for the books in her grasp. Before he could reach her, the books slipped out of Elizabeth's hands. They began to bend down to gather the books when Elizabeth lost her footing. Jack made a move to catch her as Elizabeth let out a loud screech. They ended up on the floor with Elizabeth on top of him.
Jack gently touched her arm, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Elizabeth giggled as she looked down at him. "I should be asking you if you're alright, since you broke my fall."
"I'm good, but we should probably get up off the floor," He whispered.
"Probably," Elizabeth agreed, but didn't make an effort to move. She took in the scent of his cologne and momentarily lost all sense of time.
Jack rolled over as Elizabeth slid onto the ground next to him. He stood up and helped her to her feet. He began gathering up the books while Elizabeth unlocked her apartment door.
"Thank you, Jack."
"Of course," he said with a smile.
When the two of them made it inside her apartment, Elizabeth gestured toward the kitchen. "You can go set those books on the kitchen table," she suggested. "Please make yourself at home while I change."
Jack obediently placed the books on the kitchen table and then sat on the sofa to wait.
Ten minutes later, Elizabeth emerged from her room wearing blue jeans, a colorful striped sweater and brown Ugg Boots.
Jack couldn't stop staring, "You look lovely."
"Thank you, so do you." She replied with a smile, "I mean handsome, you look handsome."
He offered his hand, "Are you ready to go, Ms. Thatcher?"
"Yes!" She placed her hand into the comfort of his, "Thank you, Detective Thornton."
Jack never let go of Elizabeth's hand all the way to the car. Elizabeth enjoyed every moment of it. She couldn't help noticing how perfectly their hands fit together, like their hands were made to be held by the other. He escorted her to the passenger side of his car and opened the door for her.
"Your chariot awaits, my lady." Jack stated in a phony British accent, complete with his dimpled smile.
"Why thank you, kind sir," Elizabeth smiled in return as she moved into the car.
"Alright, where to?" Jack asked when he in climbed in the car.
"The baseball field is half a mile from the school. I'll show you."
Twenty-five minutes later, Jack and Elizabeth were walking down the bleachers of the elementary school baseball field. They located Abigail and Frank near the bottom of the bleachers.
"Hey, Abigail, Frank," Elizabeth greeted. She introduced Jack and Frank to each other before taking her seat next to Abigail.
Before long, the game began. The Hope Valley Braves were playing the Stoneville Giants for the championship.
Jack wasn't really watching the game; he was paying more attention to Elizabeth. She was so beautiful. He couldn't help smiling when Elizabeth cheered for Cody as he made the first homerun of the game. When she shivered, he placed his jacket around her shoulders. He then took a chance and gingerly placed his arm around her and rubbed her arm. His smile grew even bigger when she leaned closer to him and softly placed her hand on his thigh.
After the game, which the Hope Valley Braves won 3-2, everyone went to back to the Café for hot chocolate. When Elizabeth excused herself to freshen up in the ladies' room, Abigail took the opportunity to go speak to Jack without Elizabeth's knowledge.
"Are you ready?" She whispered.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Jack said nervously. "Are you sure she'll like it?"
"She'll love it." Abigail saw Elizabeth emerge from the ladies room and swiftly moved away from Jack. She rushed to the kitchen before Elizabeth suspected anything.
"What were you and Abigail talking about?" Elizabeth asked when she approached Jack.
"Uh, nothing important," Jack feigned innocence.
Abigail came from the kitchen carrying a tray with five cups of hot chocolate and extra marshmallows. They all sat at their table enjoying the warm beverage.
"Thank you for coming to my game," Cody said to Jack.
"Thank you for letting me come," Jack acknowledged the kid with a smile.
"I want to be a policeman when I grow up," Cody said.
"Is that so?" Jack smiled.
Cody nodded.
Jack tousled Cody's hair, "Well I'll look forward to seeing you on the force one day."
"After everyone finished their cocoa, Abigail stood from her place at the table. "Well I'm going to take these cups to the kitchen."
"I'll help," Elizabeth offered.
"Great," Abigail smiled. Diverting Elizabeth will be easier than I anticipated, she thought to herself. "I want to talk to you about something anyway." She allowed Elizabeth to walk into the kitchen in front of her. She turned around and gave Jack a wink without Elizabeth noticing. That was Jack's cue, so he jumped up and began setting things into motion for Elizabeth's surprise.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Elizabeth dried the wet cup she held in her hands and placed it in the cupboard.
"Frank's birthday is coming up." Abigail explained. "I want to throw him a surprise party. Will you help me?"
"Of course," Elizabeth answered enthusiastically.
"Well I'll let you know what I'm thinking tomorrow," Abigail replied. "But first our guys are going to be wondering what took us so long to wash five cups."
Elizabeth and Abigail returned to the dining room and found it empty. "Where did everyone go?" Elizabeth asked.
As if on cue, Abigail's phone chimed. "I just received a text from Frank; he took Cody home."
"Well that explains where Frank is, but where did Jack go?"
"Maybe he went with Frank?" Abigail suggested, but she knew exactly where Jack was.
Elizabeth checked her phone, but did not see a text or a missed call. "He would have told me!" She exclaimed almost to tears. "He's my ride home. Where is he?"
"Why don't you go see if his car is still outside?" Abigail suggested.
Elizabeth headed to open the door.
While Elizabeth had her back turned, Abigail rushed to the window and reached behind the curtain. She grabbed an envelope with Elizabeth's name on it and a long stemmed red rose from their hiding place on the windowsill.
"The car is still here." Elizabeth said as she headed back toward Abigail. She acknowledged the item in Abigail's hand, "What is that?"
"It has your name on it." Abigail offered her the envelope.
"What is it?" Elizabeth asked.
"Why don't you open it?" Abigail urged.
"Is it from Jack?" Elizabeth asked.
"Maaaybe."
With a smile, Elizabeth tore open the envelope and began to read.
Dear Elizabeth,
Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
Meet me outside
In the gazebo.
Elizabeth giggled at Jack's attempt at poetry. She continued to read the note.
Pretty lame I know but please meet me in the gazebo anyway and allow me to sweep you off your feet.
"I guess he's waiting for me in the gazebo," Elizabeth told Abigail.
"Well what are you waiting for?" Abigail rushed toward the back door and opened it, revealing the walkway lit with candles that led to the purple lights of the gazebo.
"Abigail, you knew about this?"
"Surprise," Abigail whispered. "Now get out there!"
Elizabeth walked slowly down the walkway to the gazebo.
"I was wondering if you were ever going to show up." Jack took Elizabeth's hand and helped her step up into the gazebo.
"Well aren't you full surprises, detective." Elizabeth stated with a smile.
"I am," Jack concurred. "I have to confess something."
"Oh?" Elizabeth questioned.
"Yes," Jack explained. "Cody is a great kid and I've had a great time with you today, but it wasn't what I had in mind for a first date. I didn't want to miss my chance so I agreed to go along."
"Your chance for what?"
"Well you said you could only promise one date," Jack replied. "I didn't want to push you or make you feel uncomfortable. I didn't want to miss my chance to go out with you."
"I don't know what to say," Elizabeth whispered.
Suddenly music began playing from nowhere. Elizabeth looked around trying to figure out where it was coming from.
"Then don't say anything," Jack offered his hand. "Dance with me."
"I'm hardly dressed appropriately for anything like this," Elizabeth protested.
Suddenly, Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars began to play.
"You're amazing just the way you are," Jack quoted the song. "Dance with me?" He asked again.
Elizabeth took Jack's hand and allowed him to pull her close.
When I see your face,
There's not a thing that I would change
'Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are.
Jack began to sing along to the chorus.
"You did all this?" Elizabeth wondered.
"I've been busy," Jack admitted. "I had the gazebo wired so music would play. Abigail and Frank helped too."
"You've outdone yourself," Elizabeth said. "This is beautiful."
Jack smiled; he so desperately wanted to kiss her. He leaned closer, but stopped himself and pulled back. He realized that she might think it was too soon for that. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into an embrace while she rested her head on his shoulder. They swayed slowly together to the music.
Suddenly they realized that it started to rain. It began to pick up as they continued to dance, but it started to drown out the music. Before they knew it, rain was seeping into the gazebo.
"Oh Jack," Elizabeth cried.
"Come on," Jack shouted over the sound of the rain. They started toward the café, but saw all the lights were off and assumed Abigail went home. The two of them made a run for it and by the time they made it to the car, they were both drenched.
Jack opened passenger door for Elizabeth, but she didn't climb in, "What's wrong?"
"Jack, I'm soaked," She explained, "I don't want to get your interior all wet."
"Elizabeth," Jack objected, "I'm just as wet as you are; you're not going to hurt anything."
Elizabeth crossed her hands over her chest and shivered.
"You're freezing," Jack acknowledged. "Please get in the car. The interior will dry, I promise."
"Alright," Elizabeth conceded.
As soon as they were on the road, Jack turned the heat on full blast. During the drive, Elizabeth sat quietly, deep in thought. I thought he was going to kiss me. He acted like he was going to. Wonder why he changed his mind. Maybe he doesn't want to kiss me. She wasn't quite sure how she felt about the fact that he didn't kiss her.
"I'm sorry the rain cut our evening short." Jack said, pulling her from her reverie.
"It's not your fault. I had a great time, but now I just want to go home and get out of these wet clothes."
"I can help you out with that," Jack offered.
"What did you say?" Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Oh, I'm so sorry, Elizabeth," Jack felt his face getting hot, "That did not come out right." He looked straight ahead and kept his eyes on the road. He was thankful that it was dark out so she wouldn't be able to see the crimson color that his face was turning. "What I meant was my condo is just around the corner and closer than your apartment. If you like, we can go there and I can lend you a pair of my sweats until your clothes dry."
"You don't have to do that, I'll be fine," She shivered again.
"It's not a problem; I don't want you getting sick." He pulled into his driveway, "And besides we're already here."
"Well aren't you sneaky, detective," Elizabeth remarked.
"Well I did say I'd have to show you where I live. Shall we go inside or should I just take you home?"
"Since we're already here," Elizabeth decided. "I guess it would be okay to stay here long enough to dry off and wait until the rain lets up."
"Alright," Jack turned off the ignition, "Let's go."
"You have a nice place," Elizabeth said admiring, Jack's condo.
"Thanks," Jack led her to the living room, "Make yourself at home and I'll be right back." He headed off in the direction of the bedroom.
Elizabeth looked around when a framed picture on the mantle caught her eye. In the photograph Jack was holding a baby. He was standing between a woman she recognized as his cousin Stacey and a man whom she didn't know. "Aw Jack, is this Aly in this picture?" She called.
"Which one?" Jack asked as he returned to the living room.
"This one," Elizabeth picked up the photo from its resting place and spun to face Jack. He came out of the room wearing a pair of sweats with a towel around his shoulders and no shirt. The picture slipped right out of her hand and landed with a thud on the carpet. "I'm so sorry!" She removed it from the floor and began examining it, "It doesn't appear to be broken." She gingerly returned the photo the mantle.
"Don't worry," Jack chuckled, "That's why this room is carpeted. Are you alright?"
"Y-yes, I-I'm fine." Elizabeth stuttered. "You just took me by surprise, that's all." She didn't dare turn back to face him. She knew her face was bright red.
"I'm so sorry," He apologized. "I wasn't thinking." He wouldn't confess to her that she was the reason he tended to lose his train of thought at times. "Here's a pair of sweats and a t-shirt for you." He placed the items he was holding on the sofa, "I'll be right back."
Elizabeth turned her head and watched him exit the room; she couldn't believe how handsome he was without that shirt. She collected the clothes from the sofa, "Well that warmed me right up." She whispered as she began fanning herself with the garments in her hand.
"The bathroom is down the hall to your left." Jack once again returned to the living room, this time with a shirt on.
"Thank you," Elizabeth quickly stopped fanning herself and rushed past him hoping that he didn't notice.
"Feel better?" Jack asked when Elizabeth returned to the room. He was sitting on the sofa after having lit a fire in the fireplace.
"Much, thank you," She sat down on the sofa next to him. "I didn't know what to do with my wet clothes. I left them in the bathroom."
"It's fine." He stood up "I'll take care of them." He disappeared down the hall and returned five minutes later. "I put them in the dryer."
"Okay, thanks," She said with a smile. "Let's try this again. Is that Aly in that photo?"
"Yes," Jack chuckled. "That's when I was officially named as Aly's godfather. You've met Stacey. The man on the other side of me is Michael; Stacey's husband, Aly's father, and my best friend from high school."
"Where is he now?"
"He was a firefighter," Jack explained. "He was killed pulling a boy from a burning building when Aly was three."
Elizabeth gasped, "How awful."
"Yes, it was," Jack agreed. "Would you like a snack or something to drink?"
"I am a little hungry," Elizabeth admitted. "But I don't want you to go to any trouble."
"It's no trouble." He headed to the kitchen. He returned with the fixings for s'mores, two plates, a stack of napkins and two extra-long skewers. "Do you like s'mores?"
"I love them," She smiled, "But how are we going to fix them."
"Well," Jack explained, "When I was about ten, we had a horrible snow storm. We lost electricity for about two weeks. Since we were sleeping in our sleeping bags in front of the fireplace anyway, my father took a blanket and draped it over two chairs to make a makeshift tent. He said we were going to go on an indoor camping trip, complete with fireplace s'mores. It's been a tradition of our family ever since."
"What a sweet story," Elizabeth smiled and grabbed a skewer. "What are we waiting for?"
They sat on the floor in front of the fireplace roasting marshmallows. Jack removed his marshmallow from the fire when it was just starting to get brown and slapped it on top of the chocolate bar in his hand, while Elizabeth watched it attentively. "Seriously?" She asked. "Why do you even bother roasting the marshmallow?"
"I roasted it," Jack protested as he took a bite, "Delicious."
"Here's how you're supposed to do it." Elizabeth held up her marshmallow that was on fire and blew out the flame before slapping it on her graham cracker. "Now that's what you call delicious!" She took a big bite, inadvertently getting chocolatey marshmallow goo on her nose.
Jack couldn't contain his laughter.
"What's so funny?" Elizabeth asked obliviously.
"Uh, you have a little…" Jack reached up and gently tapped the end of her nose.
"How embarrassing," she blushed. She quickly turned and reached for a napkin.
"Allow me," Jack offered as he took the napkin from her hand. He gently swept the napkin across her nose. At the same time, she reached up to brush away a stray curl from her face. Their hands brushed against each other and their eyes met. Time stood still.
"All better," He whispered.
"Thank you…for everything," She spoke softly.
After finishing their s'mores, they sat on the sofa and stared at the fire in companionable silence. Jack placed his arm around Elizabeth and allowed her to rest her head on his shoulder. He was quite content right where he was. He didn't want this night to end. "Your clothes are probably dry by now." He reluctantly suggested when he noticed Elizabeth's stifled yawn. "I should probably get you home so you can rest." He headed to the laundry room to retrieve her clothes from the dryer. He returned and handed the folded garments to her.
"Thanks," She took the clothes and started for the bathroom.
"It's alright," Jack touched her arm, "You can give me my sweats back whenever you can."
"Are you sure?"
"I have three pairs just like that. I won't miss them."
"Alright," Elizabeth conceded, "As long as you're sure."
"I'm absolutely positive," Jack said with a smile. "Are you ready to go?"
"Sure." He held the door open for her and they went outside into the chilly evening air. She immediately crossed her arms over her chest.
"Hold on I'll be right back." Jack went back into the house and returned a few seconds later. "Here," He said as he held his jacket out to her.
She placed her arms in the sleeves and allowed him to pull the jacket around her shoulders. He took ahold of her hand and escorted her to the passenger side of his car.
"I had a really nice time." Jack said when they arrived back at Elizabeth's apartment.
"Me too," She leaned back against the door.
He reached up and touched her face, caressing her cheek with his thumb. "I want to see you again," He whispered.
"Jack, I…" She hesitated.
"Elizabeth," Jack interjected, "I know you only promised me one date. I made a promise to you that I wouldn't push you, but I just want you to know that I do want to see you again... whenever you're ready."
"I'd like that," She grabbed his hand.
He smiled, "Well I better let you get inside. I'll see you later."
She prepared to remove his jacket, "I don't want you forgetting this again."
"Keep it." He suggested. "I've let you borrow it so much; it might as well be yours."
"I couldn't take your jacket," She protested.
"I insist."
"Thank you." She wrapped it tighter around her body.
"Well I better go."
"Alright," She grabbed her key, "I better get inside."
Jack stepped closer toward her and slowly leaned in.
Elizabeth's heart began pounding, she was sure Jack could see it beating out of her chest.
Jack gently brushed her lips with his and then stepped back. "I'll see you later," he turned around and headed toward the elevator.
Elizabeth stood in shock. He kissed her; she couldn't believe he actually kissed her. She watched him board the elevator before she composed herself long enough to unlock her door and step inside. She felt like she was floating on air. The kiss he had given her may have been light as a feather, but she felt like he had given her the world. She waltzed into the living and fell onto the sofa. She leaned her head back and sighed. She ran a finger across her lips where Jack's lips had been just seconds before and smiled. Elizabeth found herself wishing the handsome detective would kiss her again… and very soon.
To be continued…
Thanks for reading. Chapter 8 coming soon.