Hi #Hearties, Here's my early Christmas present for you all. Here's chapter nine... Hope you enjoy.

After leaving the hospital, Jack took Elizabeth to the pharmacy to get her prescription filled, before returning to her apartment. His mind was racing. He couldn't get the conversation between Elizabeth and Dr. Lindsay out of his head.

"Good thing your boyfriend here is a detective. He was right to bring you to see me."

"He's not my boyfriend." Elizabeth countered.

"My mistake," Dr. Lindsay stated.

He didn't know why Elizabeth saying he wasn't her boyfriend bothered him so much. He wasn't her boyfriend. Technically. They had only been on one date. She'd only promised him one date. And he'd promised her he wouldn't push her into something she wasn't ready for. But then he'd kissed her. The kiss was soft and gentle, because he didn't want to scare her away. He would have loved for the kiss to be longer and more passionate, but he knew she wasn't ready. The kiss was to let her know in no uncertain terms, that he did indeed want to see her again. The softness of it was to tell her that he wouldn't give her more than she was ready for.

Elizabeth sat in silence and stared out the window. She was relieved that her coughing fits had decided to take a rest, for a little while anyway. She thought back to the hospital visit, when she'd told Dr. Lindsay that Jack wasn't her boyfriend. Jack had remained silent during her profession. She wasn't sure how he'd felt about that. She wasn't sure if she even wanted to know how he felt. She stole a glance at Jack, who was keeping his eyes on the road. She quickly returned her eyes to the passenger window when Jack abruptly turned to face her. She felt her cheeks growing hot. I hope he didn't catch me staring at him. She thought to herself.

"Are you alright?" Jack asked, snapping Elizabeth out of her reverie.

"Uh, y-yes, I-I'm fine." Elizabeth stammered. "Why do you ask?"

"You seem quiet." Jack explained.

"Just thinking I guess," Elizabeth gave him a smile.

"About?" Jack questioned.

"Did I thank you for taking care of me today?" Elizabeth asked, hoping to change the subject.

"No thanks necessary," Jack remarked, "Happy to help."

"That's very kind of you." She once again began staring out her window, and sat in silence for the remainder of the ride to her apartment.

"Thank you, I can take it from here." Elizabeth said when Jack drove into the parking garage of her apartment complex. She grabbed her prescription and reached for the door handle.

"Not so fast, Ms. Thatcher." Jack interjected. He quickly opened his door and leapt to the passenger side. He had Elizabeth's door open before she even realized what was going on. He offered his hand to Elizabeth, who reluctantly placed her hand in his, and helped her out of the car and onto the elevator.

"Where's your key?" Jack asked once they arrived at Elizabeth's apartment. "I'll unlock the door for you."

"In there." Elizabeth pointed to the door. "We left so fast, that I didn't grab my purse. I don't have anything with me."

Jack tried the door, which was indeed locked. "Do you have a spare key anywhere?" Jack asked.

"Mrs. Blakely the landlady probably has one." Elizabeth replied. "She lives on the first floor of the building."

"What number?" Jack asked. "I'll go talk to her."

"Mrs. Blakely is pretty protective of her tenants." Elizabeth confessed. "She would never give a strange man the spare key to the apartment she knows two women are sharing. "I'll have to go with you."

"Elizabeth you're sick." Jack countered. "You need your rest."

"So, I guess I'm going to rest leaned up against my locked apartment door while I wait for you to talk Mrs. Blakely into giving you the spare key." Elizabeth chuckled. "Or there's always the floor."

"I see your point." Jack conceded. He offered his arm. "Shall we?"

"I'd be delighted." She took his arm. They returned the elevator and headed to Mrs. Blakely's apartment.

"Hello, Mrs. Blakely," Elizabeth greeted, when she opened the door."

"Elizabeth good to see you." Mrs. Blakely gave Elizabeth a kind smile. "And who is this handsome fellow?" She acknowledged Jack.

"Mrs. Blakely, I'd like to introduce you to Detective Jack Thornton."

"Nice to meet you ma'am." Jack gave a dimpled smile.

"A pleasure," Mrs. Blakely shook Jack's hand. She gave Elizabeth a delightful smile, "Is there something I can do for you?"

"As a matter of fact, there is." Elizabeth admitted. "I was wondering if you have a spare key to my apartment."

"Of course." Mrs. Blakely answered. "What happened to yours?"

Suddenly, another uncontrollable coughing fit began to affect Elizabeth.

"Oh dear, are you alright?" Mrs. Blakely asked.

"She has bronchitis." Jack explained. "We just returned from the hospital. I was in such a rush to get her there that she left her key in the apartment. Her roommate Rosie is away for the weekend."

"Oh, let me help you." Mrs. Blakely rushed to get the master key and the three of them returned to Elizabeth's apartment.

"Thank you, Mrs. Blakely." Jack said when she opened the door.

"Now you take good care of her." Mrs. Blakely warned.

"I will," Jack chuckled, "Thanks again."

"Elizabeth, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask." Mrs. Blakely spun on her heels and headed back toward the elevators.

"Okay, you." Jack pointed a finger at Elizabeth. "Off to bed."

"What are you my father?" Elizabeth asked.

"No," Jack countered, "But you need your rest. I'll bring your antibiotic to you."

"You don't have to stay you know." Elizabeth replied. "You've done too much already. I don't know how I can repay you."

"Elizabeth," Jack stepped toward her. "You don't have to repay me." He whispered.

"Yes, I do," Elizabeth countered.

"I'll tell you what," Jack suggested. "You take care of yourself and get to feeling better and that will be how you can repay me."

"Jack," Elizabeth objected.

"Elizabeth," Jack rolled his eyes. "Don't you get it?"

"Get what?" Elizabeth asked.

"Uh- uh nothing," Jack stammered, "But please don't worry about repaying me. I really am happy help. Just get some rest and we'll call it even."

"Jack," Elizabeth said again.

"Elizabeth," Jack interjected, "Do I have to carry you to bed? I did before, and I won't hesitate to do it again."

"Fine, I'm going." Elizabeth conceded. She headed to her bedroom with Jack on her heels. When she climbed into bed, Jack pulled the comforter around her.

"I'll be right back." He disappeared and returned two minutes later with glass of water, and her antibiotic. "Are you hungry? It's been awhile since you ate your soup." He offered her the medicine and sat down on the edge of her bed.

"Not right now." She mumbled. I'm am kinda tired."

"Well let me know if you need anything." Jack stood from the bed and headed toward the door.

"Why didn't you kiss me?" Elizabeth asked

Jack stopped dead in his tracks. "What are you talking about?"

"When we were dancing in the gazebo, I thought you were going to kiss me, but you didn't, why didn't you?"

Jack spun on his heels and walked back toward the bed, and once again sat on the edge next to her.

"I wasn't sure if you would want me to." Jack admitted. "I thought maybe you'd think it was too soon. But I wanted to kiss you…" He hesitated, "… so much."

"You did?" Elizabeth asked.

"Of course, I did." Jack confirmed. "In case you've forgotten, I did kiss you later when I dropped you off."

"It was nice." Elizabeth smiled.

"It was," Jack concurred, "but I'm thinking it still might've been too soon."

"Why do you say that?" Elizabeth asked.

"I didn't want to miss my chance to kiss you." Jack explained. "I might not get another chance. You only promised me one date after all." He took a deep breath before continuing. "But for that same reason I shouldn't have kissed you. I wasn't entitled. I just couldn't help myself."

Elizabeth was speechless; she didn't quite know what to say. She wished she could kiss him right then, but she didn't want to make him sick.

Jack mistook Elizabeth's silence for her being upset. He slowly rose from the bed. "Well you rest." He rushed toward door before Elizabeth could say another word.

An hour later, Elizabeth woke up feeling more like herself. She walked into the living room, expecting to see Jack, but was surprised to see Abigail instead.

"Elizabeth, how are you feeling?" Abigail asked when she saw her.

"A little better," Elizabeth admitted, "What are you doing here?" She sat on the sofa next to Abigail and looked around. "Where's Jack?"

"He said he had to get home to feed his dog," Abigail explained, "And he didn't want to leave you alone."

"Oh, I see," Elizabeth replied, feeling more than a little disappointed.

"Are you alright?" Abigail asked.

"Uh," Elizabeth cleared her throat, "Yes, I'm fine."

"Elizabeth," Abigail countered. "I know you better than anyone. What's up?"

"I didn't see a dog when I was at Jack's place last night." Elizabeth replied, "And he left and didn't even say goodbye."

"You were asleep when he left." Abigail assured. "He didn't want to wake you. He did ask me to say goodbye to you for him."

"What about the dog?" Elizabeth asked, "Wouldn't have seen some sign of a dog while I was there?"

"I understand he only took you to his house because you were caught in the rain." Abigail advised. "Maybe you had more on your mind and weren't looking for a dog. Maybe you should ask Jack about that, not me."

"Alright." Elizabeth agreed. "I will talk to him when I'm feeling better."

"Good." Abigail yawned. "It's getting late. Do you need me to stay or will you be okay if I go home?"

"You're welcome to stay," Elizabeth replied, "But I will be fine, if you want to go. Cody and Frank need you too."

"I'm only a phone call away if you need me." Abigail headed for the door.

"Thanks Abigail." Elizabeth saw Abigail to the door and returned to her room. She climbed on the bed and flipped on the tv. She glanced at the night stand and noticed her phone. She hadn't even touched it since Jack returned it to her before he literally swept her off her feet when he learned she was sick. She lifted the device from the table and attempted to turn it on. When it wouldn't power up she located her charger and connected the phone and watched it come to life. The phone immediately chimed signaling a text. Then it chimed again. And again. She realized she'd missed at least six texts messages. Two messages were from Rosie, who had sent her pictures from the wedding she was attending. One was a picture from her cousin Connor with his new fiancée, Chloe, who was proudly wearing the engagement ring she'd helped Connor pick out. She couldn't help smiling at the happy couple. The last three messages were from Jack.

"I don't even want to look at those right now!" She exclaimed. She was more upset than she'd realized that Jack had left without saying goodbye.

By the time Monday rolled around, Elizabeth felt a lot better. She was still taking her antibiotics like clockwork and was no longer contagious, but she didn't feel strong enough to keep up with twenty-one second graders, so she decided to call and request a substitute for the day. Abigail had called and checked on her on Sunday she'd told her she was fine. Jack had even called a couple of times, but she sent it straight to voicemail.

Rosie, who arrived home from the wedding in Emerald Falls late that afternoon, was surprised to see Elizabeth in her pajamas watching TV. "What are you doing home? Shouldn't you be at school?"

"Bronchitis," Elizabeth answered simply. "I've had it all weekend. How was the wedding?"

"It was absolutely beautiful!" Rosie exclaimed. "Are you alright?"

"I'm feeling better." Elizabeth replied. "But I still feel a little weak. I decided to stay home. Maybe I'll go back to work tomorrow."

"Hmmm," Rosie recalled, "Didn't you have a date with that handsome detective while I was away." She sat on the sofa next to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth blushed.

"So how was it?" Rosie asked.

"It was nice." Elizabeth admitted. "I had a good time."

"And?" Rosie prodded.

"And I never kiss and tell." Elizabeth smiled.

"OMG!" Rosie squealed. "You kissed him!"

"Actually, he kissed me." Elizabeth admitted. "But I didn't object to the idea. It was more like a peck though. We didn't make out or anything, but it was nice."

"Are you going to see him again?" Rosie inquired.

"Has anyone ever told you, you ask a lot of questions?"

"Yes, they have. Are you going to see him again?" Rosie asked once more, without skipping a beat.

"I don't know." Elizabeth replied. "He told me that night he wanted to see me again, but I'm not sure he wants to now. I think he just wants to be friends."

"Why? Rosie asked. "Did he tell you that?"

"Not in so many words," Elizabeth admitted, "But he's the one who took care of me Saturday. He even took me to the hospital and then he left without even saying goodbye."

"Have you talked to him since?" Rosie asked.

"N-no" Elizabeth stammered. "He left me a few text messages that I haven't opened them, and he called me yesterday, but I didn't answer."

"Elizabeth Thatcher," Rosie demanded, "Do I have to knock some sense into you?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Elizabeth," Rosie explained. "He sent you several text messages, and he even called you. Does that sound like someone who doesn't want to see you again? He probably thinks you don't want to see him again. Do you want to see him again?"

Elizabeth leaned her head back against the sofa and sighed.

Rosie rolled her eyes. "Elizabeth, where's your phone?"

"In my room," Elizabeth answered.

"Go get it!" Rosie insisted.

Elizabeth reluctantly but obediently obliged.

"Now the first thing you're going to do is read those messages from Jack that you're avoiding?"

Elizabeth located Jack's name and noticed, the three unopened text messages from him... 'Just got home, I had a really nice time tonight. Hope 2 cu again soon. 😉' She acknowledged the message had been sent late Friday night. "This must be how he realized I left my phone at his place." She told Rosie with a chuckle.

"Keep going." Rosie urged. "What does the next message say?"

'Sorry 4 not saying goodbye. Elizabeth read. U were asleep when I left I didn't want to disturb u. I know you needed your rest. I had to go feed Rip, my dog.'

"The next message is a picture of an adorable basset hound." Elizabeth showed Rosie the photograph. "I assume this is Rip."

"And you were worried over nothing." Rosie playfully punched Elizabeth in the arm.

"Wait there's a couple of voicemails." Elizabeth continued to stare at her phone. "And I'm willing to bet they're from Jack since I have two more missed calls from him.

"Well you might as well listen to them." Rosie advised.

"Hi Elizabeth, it's Jack. Just wanted to check on you to see how you're feeling. Please let me know if you need anything."

"It's me again. I just wanted to let you know I'm sorry if I upset you. The truth is I really wanted to kiss you in the gazebo. But out of respect to you I didn't. I didn't want to overstep my bounds. I have to go but please call me back, so I can apologize in person. I really do want to see you again. I hope you give me the chance.

Elizabeth couldn't help the tears that flowed.

"See?" Rosie nudged Elizabeth. "Sounds to me like he really does want to see you again."

"Yeah." Elizabeth agreed.

"Now the question is what do you want?" Rosie asked.

"I don't know," Elizabeth admitted.

"Might I suggest you figure it out?" Rosie offered.

"I haven't known him that long." Elizabeth admitted. "I don't want to get my heart broken again."

"Elizabeth," Rosie advised. "I understand your concern. But Jack seems like the real deal; and if you don't give him the chance you'll never going to find out. He's not going to wait around forever." She placed a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "I think you should call him."

"You're right Rosie." Elizabeth agreed. "I'll will call him when I'm feeling better."

"Elizabeth, you're stalling." Rosie countered. "You need to call him now. He is the one who took care of you after all."

"Alright," Elizabeth conceded, "You win." She stood from the sofa and made her way to her room.

"You're going to call him, right?" Rosie called.

"Yes, Rosie." Elizabeth continued toward her room. "I promise, I'll call him. I just want to be alone when I do." She walked into her room and closed the door. She scrolled through her contacts until she located Jack's number. She hesitated before connecting the call. The phone rang and rang. The longer it rang, the harder and louder her heart pounded.

You've reached Jack Thornton. I'm sorry I can't come to the phone right now, but if you'll leave your name and number I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Have a nice day." 'BEEP.'

She decided she did want to talk to him. She wasn't sure what she wanted to say but she did know she didn't want to say it in a voicemail. She abruptly disconnected the call. She stared at her phone in silence before returning to the living room.

Rosie was entering the living room carrying two ceramic coffee mugs. "I took the liberty of fixing us some hot chocolate." She offered Elizabeth one of the cups. '

"Thank you." Elizabeth accepted the drink.

"How did it go?" Rosie asked. "Did you talk to him?"

"It went to voicemail." Elizabeth sighed. "I don't know what I want to say to him, but I do know I don't want to say it in a voicemail." She sat on the sofa.

"Well maybe he'll see your missed call and call you back." Rosie suggested hopefully.

"Unless he checked his caller ID and decided not to answer." She sighed.

"Elizabeth it's three o'clock in the afternoon he's probably at work or something." Rosie replied with a yawn.

"You're probably right." Elizabeth agreed.

"Are you going to be alright?" Rosie asked as she finished her last drop of cocoa. "I'm been traveling all morning. I'm going to take a little nap."

"I'll be fine." Elizabeth waved her hand toward Rosie. "Go rest."

"I'll see you in a couple of hours then." Rosie headed toward her bedroom.

Elizabeth finished her cocoa and took her cup to the kitchen. She then headed to the bathroom. A hot shower is just what I need to help me feel better. She thought to herself.

Jack sat back in his chair at the precinct. The day so far had been uneventful. He and Pimental were stuck doing boring paperwork. He almost wished someone would commit a crime just, so he could get some kind of action. It would also help to get his mind off Elizabeth, which he couldn't seem to do, no matter how hard he tried. He stood from his desk. "I'm going to go get a cup of coffee. Do you want one?" He asked Pimental.

"Sure." Pimental replied.

Jack headed toward the lounge and returned ten minutes later.

"Your phone rang while you were gone." Pimental told Jack when he handed her the coffee.

He sat back down at his desk and noticed the missed call from Elizabeth, but she hadn't left a voicemail. He couldn't help smiling at the sight of her name. Maybe she isn't upset with me after all. He thought to himself, But I wonder why she didn't leave a voicemail. "I'll be right back." He told Pimental. "I need to make a phone call."

"Take your time, Thornton." Pimental began tapping her pen on her desk. "This exciting paperwork isn't going anywhere."

Jack stepped outside to return Elizabeth's call. He was disappointed when once again the phone went to voicemail. "Hi Elizabeth. I saw where I missed your call. Sorry. I was on a coffee run. Just calling to make sure you didn't need anything. I'm at work until five. I'll talk to you later." He ended the call and walked back into the precinct, willing the clock to strike five. He still had an hour. "Is this day ever going to end?" He grumbled.

Elizabeth felt much better after her shower. She headed back to the living room and checked her phone and saw the new missed call and voicemail from Jack. "He probably thinks I'm terrible." She whispered to herself. She was pleasantly surprised when she listened to the voicemail. "Hi Elizabeth. I saw where I missed your call. Sorry. I was on a coffee run. Just calling to make sure you didn't need anything. I'm at work until five. I'll talk to you later. She glanced at the clock. It was 4:15. She rushed to her bedroom to change. It suddenly dawned on her what she needed to do.

After nearly half an hour of trying to decide on an outfit, Elizabeth rushed out the door. By 5:15 she pulled into the driveway of Jack's condo, happy to see his car in the drive, meaning he was likely there. She took a deep breath and climbed out of the car. She made her way down the walkway. She climbed the steps and knocked softly. She heard the faint sound of a dog barking behind the closed door. "I guess he really does have a dog." She chuckled to herself. A few seconds later, the door began to slowly open. She couldn't help smiling at Jack still in his uniform standing just across the threshold, looking handsome as ever.

"Elizabeth, what are you doing here?" He asked clearly surprised by his visitor. My goodness, she's beautiful. He thought to himself. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thank you." She stepped closer to him.

"It's good to see you." He opened the door wider. "Would you like to come in?"

"I thought you'd never ask." She walked past him through the door.

"Would you like to sit down?" He offered his hand.

She smiled as she accepted his hand and allowed him to escort her to the sofa.

"What brings you by?" Jack asked as Elizabeth took a seat.

Before she could answer, a basset hound bounded down the hall and rested at Elizabeth's feet.

"This must be Rip." Elizabeth began to scratch the dog behind the ears.

"Oh, right you haven't met yet." Jack gestured. "Yes, this is Rip."

"He's so cute." Elizabeth giggled.

"He's lazy." Jack chuckled. "Come on, Rip. Are you hungry?"

Rip lazily stood and waddled toward Jack and followed him to the kitchen.

"Sorry about that." Jack said when he returned. He sat on the sofa next to Elizabeth.

"Oh, that's alright." Elizabeth replied.

"What brings you by?" Jack asked again, "Not that I'm complaining."

"I thought of a way I can repay you for taking care of me." She placed a hand on top of his hand, which was resting on his thigh."

"Elizabeth," Jack protested. "I told you, you didn't have to…"

"Jack," Elizabeth interjected, "Just humor me."

"Alright," Jack conceded, "What did you have in mind."

She leaned closer to him and gently pressed her lips to his. She then abruptly pulled back. "I wanted to ask you out on a date." She stated nervously.

Jack was speechless. "Are you sure about this?" Jack asked when he finally found his voice, "Because I would never..."

"Absolutely sure," Elizabeth interrupted.

He smiled. "What did you have in mind?" He turned his hand over and began caressing the back of her hand with his thumb.

The gesture did not go unnoticed by Elizabeth. She was finding it rather difficult to form words. "I uh I thought… we could… plan something… together." She whispered.

"I'd like that." He flashed his dimples. "I have to work the next two weekends though."

Elizabeth stood up. "I'll call you. We can go out the first weekend your off.

She headed for the door.

"Elizabeth, wait." Jack called after her.

Elizabeth spun on her heels to face Jack.

"Does this date mean there will be more dates in the future, or did you just ask me out to repay me?"

"We'll see," She gave him a playful wink. She turned back toward the door.

"Uh one more thing." Jack grabbed her and once again turning her to face him.

"What is it, Jack."

He leaned closer to her. "I'm really looking forward to our second date." He brushed his lips softly against hers and pulled away slightly.

She placed her hand on the back of his head and pulled him closer, once again connecting her lips to his, with a more passionate kiss, "And our third date." She whispered, before walking down the steps to her car.

To Be Continued…

Thanks for reading. Hope you have a very Merry Christmas.