Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.
Chapter 5- Bella Stands Her Ground
The following morning, Elizabeth dragged herself out of bed. Assuming that she'd simply slept hard, she woke with a headache, sore throat and no desire to do anything. Walking into the kitchen, she walked right passed Jack who was sitting at the table drinking a cup of coffee.
"Good morning," he called out, his voice was soft and gentle, assuming she'd seen him, so he wasn't concerned about startling her.
Bella squealed, excited to see her daddy, and she ran over for her recently missed morning belly rub, and although he happily agreed, his attention remained on Elizabeth. "Ahem," clearing his throat, Jack called out again, "Good morning."
Elizabeth grabbed something from the counter and spun around, "You better get out of here; I know how to use this…" she yelled before realizing it was Jack. "Oh, it's you."
"Well, I feel so much better knowing that you know how to use a ceramic banana. Does it fire bullets?" he teased.
Elizabeth placed the banana decoration back into the ceramic fruit bowl on the counter, "Ha Ha Ha; what time is it?"
"Almost 10 o'clock."
"Oh WOW, I overslept," she responded with a voice that sounded at least one octave lower than normal and quite raspy. "How did you get inside?"
"I have a key from the first night. Do you want it back?" he asked, his overnight bag sitting on the floor beside him.
"No, keep it; that way you can come by and visit Bella whenever you want," she coughed several times trying to clear her throat.
"Are you okay; you don't sound well."
"It's my sinuses, I think. I called for an Uber to run me to the drug store. Do you need anything while I'm out?" she asked.
"Why don't you let me go and get you something," Jack offered. "You should just crawl back into bed… and while I'm thinking about it, maybe it would be best to call off your date tonight."
"Thank you, I appreciate the offer, but I haven't had to take medication for my sinuses in a long time, and there's only one thing that works for me," Elizabeth explained. "I'll be fine in a few hours."
"What is the medicine; I can go get it for you."
"Really Jack, I appreciate it, but I can't remember what I took before, but if I see it, I'll know it," Elizabeth stated as she grabbed her purse and started for the front door.
Jack watched her walk outside and wondered how it was that a woman who felt so bad, could still look so physically beautiful. Glancing down at Bella, Jack whispered, "Something's gotta give here, girl."
Jack walked out back with his coffee and took a seat by the pool, dangling his feet over the side and into the water. Sitting beside him, Bella nudged his arm, encouraging him to continue the physical attention.
Jack took the opportunity to do as Elizabeth had done previously and he talked. Straight from his heart, Jack began, "Bella, do you think there's anything wrong with me because I'm still single?"
Jack glanced down and caught Bella's eyes as she looked upward. She just stared, before standing, stretching forward and licking his cheek.
"So, you don't think I'm a freak?" he asked.
Bella's tail wagged as her paw rested on his arm, "Okay, so does that mean you think I'm a freak, or do you believe that when the right woman comes along for us I'll know it?"
Bella's tail seemed to wag so fast that it was moving in a circle, as she bounced from side to side.
"Okay, calm down…can I ask you something seriously?"
Bella calmed immediately before returning to her seat beside him.
"I've got a problem…I know you can't do anything about, but maybe it will feel better to talk about it," Jack began the one-sided conversation. "It's Elizabeth; I know we've just met…well, I mean, we've met before, but this time we're starting to get to know each other, and… put all of the anger she threw my way coming down here aside, she's fascinating."
Jack continued talking as if Bella understood each and every word of this conversation. "I've never met a woman quite like her, and I mean that in a good way. But…and this is a big BUT, she's my boss's daughter, and it would be so inappropriate to have a relationship with her… I mean, that's even if she would want to see if there was anything between us. Oh, and then add in that she's just broken up with what's his name, so I know she's not looking for anything. What do I do?"
Bella laid her head in Jack's lap as he gently rubbed his hand down her back. "It's quite the pickle we've found ourselves in," Jack muttered. "Do you understand anything of what I've just said?"
Bella simply stared back.
"Of course, you don't understand, but it's a real problem. She's not interested, but I can't get her off my mind," Jack continued. "How am I supposed to go out with Katie tonight, when all I can think about is Elizabeth? Not to mention the fact that she's going out with Dr. McCharmer. That makes me sick just thinking about it." Jack continued rambling, "Did you see her in that bathing suit yesterday? Was she trying to get into my head? Because, if so, it worked. But I've got to do something to get her off my mind; I just can't go there."
At the drugstore…
Walking down aisle 7, Elizabeth was a bit woozy, doing her best to focus her puffy eyes on the shelves before her, those perfectly designed to entice the buying of everything. Scanning the "Colds and Sinus" area, Elizabeth found the item in the packaging she remembered, grabbed it, and turned to head for the cash register.
"Elizabeth, hello; you're looking a bit rough this morning," a woman's voice called out from behind her.
Hoping to secretly visit the drug store, and assuming that being in Fiji, seeing someone she knew would be pretty unlikely, she was now sadly face to face with Jack's surfing buddy, and her prior employer's newest Meteorologist, Katie Amhurst.
Wearing a pair of tight grey yoga shorts, and a black tank top, both showing off her perfect figure, Elizabeth felt quite inferior in her…OMG, pajamas.
"That's a cute outfit," Katie remarked.
"Oh hi…it's comfortable," Elizabeth barely managed to utter.
"Are you okay?" Katie asked.
"I will be, it's just my sinuses," Elizabeth promised. "What are you out so early for?"
"Well, it's almost 11am, so that's far from early," she advised as she checked her watch. "I'm on the morning news show, so I'm up a lot earlier than this. Besides, I love to catch the morning sunrise," Katie advised. "It's even better when you have someone to share it with."
"I suppose so, and yes, they are beautiful here," Elizabeth agreed as she started to edge toward the front of the store.
"You know, it surprised me that Jack was such an early riser…"
"Excuse me; how do you know when he wakes up?"
"Oh, don't look so shocked, we're grownups."
"What is that supposed to mean, Katie?"
"Oh Elizabeth, don't you get it; he's been staying at my place the last few nights," Katie seemed to enjoy letting this cat out of the bag. "I'll tell you this, he's a lovemaking machine, and he certainly knows how to please a woman. We're up most of the night, and then I wake up in his arms and we watch the sunrise together." Katie took a deep breath and released a sigh.
"He's been sleeping at your place…" Elizabeth nearly choked on the words, but since he wasn't staying with her, she assumed that Katie was telling the truth.
"Well, we haven't been sleeping, if you know what I mean," she laughed. Observing that Elizabeth was not laughing, she continued, "Oh, can't you take a joke? I'm teasing. We're out surfing at first light, so we watch the sun rise together; it's so romantic."
Elizabeth felt nausea being added to her list of ailments, and simply wanted to get home, curl up in bed, and pray that this experience was nothing more than a dream. She couldn't have predicted that the situation would have grown from shock to horrific embarrassment in a simple matter of moments.
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, I don't know if I can answer you, but I'll try."
Turning back to the aisle opposite to the one Elizabeth was shopping on she asked, "Which one of these is your favorite?"
With her eyes barely focused on the shelves before her, she glanced around, certain that she was on a segment of the local reality show, "Busted." Elizabeth swallowed hard as she looked at box after box of condoms in different colors, sizes, textures, extended control, double ecstasy, Her Pleasure Sensations, ultra-sensitive, ultra-ribbed, Fire and Ice, Ultimate Pleasure, "Tingle" and the one that really caught her eye which said, "All the Feels and the Feel That Fits You."
Unable to feel her tongue, Elizabeth stuck her finger in her mouth to make certain she hadn't swallowed it. She stammered, "Uh, I…I…uh, what?" Elizabeth asked as she felt her entire body turning red, starting at her toes. "Um, I thought it was the man who usually took care of that."
Unaware that Elizabeth knew about her date with Jack, she responded, "Well, I have a date with a very handsome guy tonight, and I want to be prepared, because you know what they say, 'whatever happens in Fiji, stays in Fiji.'"
"Well, I think that's Las Vegas, but I guess it can go for here too," Elizabeth stated, feeling more and more uncomfortable as seconds passed. Suddenly, Katie asked a question that had Elizabeth's heart pounding and her feet no longer able to move.
"Which kind does Jack use?"
Her heart was pounding so loud in her chest that she could hear precious little outside her own tiny space.
"Are you okay?" Katie asked, unaware that this whole conversation was something totally new for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth barely managed to separate her lips, "Excuse me…?"
"Are you okay; you look like you're going to pass out."
"I will be once I get home and into bed."
"Okay, well which one does Jack use?"
"Do I look like I'd know?"
"Well, you two are friends, maybe even 'friends with benefits' so I just assumed that you had talked about sex and contraception and stuff."
"Uh, you would be wrong. Jack's choice of…those things right there is none of my business, and don't you think you are jumping the gun a little?" Elizabeth asked. "Oh, and as far as Jack and I being 'friends with benefits' you would be completely wrong. We're simply friends."
"Well, that's nice to hear. I mean, Jack had said the same thing, but since it's coming from you, I'll believe it," Katie responded. "The way I see it, if I can zero in on the handsome Captain, well, let's just say that since we live in the same city, who knows where it will go?"
"You barely know him; what makes you so sure that he'll want to you know?"
"Oh Elizabeth, can't you say it…have sex, make love, the horizontal mambo, doing the freaky deaky, get it on, do the dirty…"
"Please, I'm well aware of what you are implying; I'm not stupid. But to me, that's so far from making love, but if you don't mind letting a man use you like that, then I have nothing to say about it?"
"Are you a prude, Elizabeth, or maybe it's that you're actually jealous. Whatever the case may be, I'm the one he wants to date, so get over it, he's mine," Katie stated, almost juvenile in her tone and comments. "I can tell, Jack knows how to please a woman, and there's no way he'll turn down a great romp in the sack…no man does."
Elizabeth, still a virgin, by choice, was not aware of that firsthand, although many of her girlfriends had also told her the same. "But sleeping together so soon? Wouldn't you want to get to know him first, and know that he was in love with you?"
Katie leaned in close to Elizabeth, "Oh Elizabeth, first of all, who says we'll be sleeping? And I already know everything I need to know about him…he's hot, and I can't stop thinking about his body pressed against mine. Once he gets a piece of this," Katie ran her hand down her body, "He'll be hooked." Katie cackled, a sound which was now adding to the things Elizabeth didn't like about her. "Are you sure you don't want him?"
"What?"
"Well, you both keep saying you're just friends, but are you sure?" Katie asked.
"I'd like to think of us as good friends," Elizabeth responded.
"Who don't sleep together…?" Katie continued to dig.
"No Katie, we're not sleeping together," Elizabeth stated, her voice a little loud and scruffy, unaware that others in the store were now within earshot.
Suddenly, Elizabeth too realized that she'd had screenshots in her mind of her and Jack together. Not that she assumed Jack would be hooked if he got a 'piece of her,' as Katie implied, but she realized that working for her father would be a tremendous hurdle for him, clearing it would only be necessary if he were interested in her, which she did not believe he was.
Somehow, knowing what Katie had planned with Jack for after dinner had her mind running in warp speed. She felt as though she needed to protect him, or was she trying to hold on to him for herself; the thought of which scared her. For if he slept with Katie, would he cease to be the man she thought he was, becoming just a man out to add notches to his bedpost like most of her friends had told her about.
"I just want to be honest with you, Elizabeth."
"I appreciate that," Elizabeth replied, viewing Katie as her competition for a man that she wasn't even fighting for.
"I don't know if you are aware, but Jack called and asked me out, so the fact is, he's interested, and when he sees the dress I'm wearing, he won't be able to keep his hands off me…not that I'd want him to," she laughed. "So, I'll have these on hand," Katie mentioned as she pulled several different boxes of condoms from the shelves, "Just on the chance that things go the way I believe they will."
Feeling as though she'd been hit by a truck, all she really wanted to do is get back home and into her bed, but somehow, there was a twang in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't actually be jealous, could she?
Arriving home, Jack and Bella were outside soaking up the sunshine. "I'm back," she called out, "But I'm going to bed; stay as long as you like." Elizabeth took an Actifed and headed for her bedroom. Before she closed the door, Bella squeezed through and jumped into the bed.
Hours later, Elizabeth woke to find a bottle of cold water by her bedside, a blanket over her body and Bella absent.
Elizabeth sat on the side of her bed thankful that she felt much more like herself than she did hours before. Then the realization struck her that she was going out with a man to make Jack jealous, and he was going out with a woman, who believed that she could make all of his dreams come true.
Feeling parched, she consumed approximately half of the bottle while wondering where the drink and blanket which covered, her came from. Walking down the hall, she found Jack sitting by the pool with Bella between his legs. His arms were wrapped around her body as he held her tight.
She stood just inside the house. Hearing Jack's voice, she could tell that what he was saying to Bella was personal, and private between them. She stood quietly, not wanting to interrupt even in silence, she was unable to understand the conversation.
"How did I get myself in this situation?" Jack bent over and whispered in Bella's ear. Giving him a lick to let him know that she understood, he continued. "I don't want to go out tonight. I mean, Katie is nice, but if your heart goes in one direction, how are you supposed to throw it in another?"
Jack looked out over the yard an onto the beach which was easily visible from her house. Staring off into the distance, he continued to talk, "How am I supposed to sit quietly while Elizabeth is out with another man? I understand that she doesn't feel the electricity, but in the grand scheme of things, maybe that's not what I should be looking for. Maybe this concept of electricity isn't what I thought it was. I've been waiting for years, and Elizabeth is the only woman I've felt it with." Jack looked up into the sky, "Are you getting a good laugh?"
Bella stood up, turned around, and standing before him she placed her paws and her head on his shoulders.
"I love you baby girl…" Jack stated as he hugged her tight.
"Jack are you okay?" she asked as she slowly stepped out into the patio area.
Jack wiped his hands across his misty eyes before turning around toward Elizabeth, "I'm fine."
"Not that Bella or I are complaining, but why are you still here?" Elizabeth asked.
"I didn't want to leave until I knew you were okay," Jack replied.
"Hey, I guess I have you to thank for the water and the blanket…so, thank you."
"You're welcome. I didn't want you to get cold, and I wasn't sure if you liked something to drink when you first wake up."
"Well, I do take a bottle of water to bed with me, so thank you."
"Are you feeling better?" he asked. "If not, I'm sure that the Vet would understand if you cancelled tonight."
Elizabeth laughed, "So, since you call him 'The Vet' am I supposed to call Katie 'The Meteorologist?"
"I'm sorry, you're right. If you don't want to go out with Blake, I'm sure he would understand."
Knowing Katie's plan, Elizabeth was not about to leave Jack unattended, "No, I feel great now, but thanks for your concern." Suddenly the thought crossed her mind, 'he's a man, he very well may be interested in what Katie has to offer.'
Walking over and taking a seat by Jack and Bella, Elizabeth asked, "Are you still going out with Katie?"
"Yes, just like you wanted me to."
"Jack, I'm sorry. I don't want you to go out with Katie because of what I said. I want you to go out with her because you want to."
"Well, the problem with that is that she isn't the woman I want to see."
Still unaware as to who he was referring to, Elizabeth responded, "I'm sorry, Jack. Do you want to tell me about this other woman?"
"No, I don't think I should discuss it with you."
"Jack, we're friends, right?"
"Right…friends."
Wanting to hear about this other woman, Elizabeth continued to press the issue, "Then tell me about her…"
"Elizabeth, I just don't think that's a good idea. Besides, I need to get back to the hotel and get ready for tonight," Jack stated as he stood, kissed Bella and headed for the back gate.
"Have a nice time tonight Jack, but not too nice…"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Uh, nothing…I'm just teasing," she stated as Jack disappeared onto the beach. Needing to think, he chose to walk to his hotel instead of calling for an Uber.
Elizabeth sat by the pool with Bella, contemplating Jack's date with Katie, and pondering the identity of Jack's other woman. "Has your daddy told you anything about her?" she asked Bella.
Dancing around, Bella felt certain that she was clear, the woman her daddy wanted was Elizabeth. Unfortunately, her mom wasn't reading the signals, leaving her confused and hurt.
"I'm going to take a shower so I can get ready for my date," Elizabeth stated as she started for the back door. Once inside, Elizabeth turned around and found Bella on the chaise lounge with one of her daddy's sweaty t-shirts in her mouth.
"What's that?" Elizabeth asked as she walked back out into the backyard and took the item from Bella's mouth. Holding it up, Elizabeth quickly held it to her chest, "It's your daddy's. I'll bring it inside so I can give it back to him."
Waiting to close the door to the patio until Bella stepped inside, she and Elizabeth had a stand-off, eye to eye, Elizabeth wanting to get ready for her date, and unknown to her, Bella was hoping to keep her from going.
"Apparently you want to stay outside, so I'll come get you in a little while," Elizabeth stated as she left Bella outside to sulk.
An hour later, Elizabeth reappeared wearing her new maxi dress, a white with green leaf design that had several cutouts at the waist, partially open in the back, and was slit several inches above her knee on the left side. She was wearing a pair of white thong sandals with a strap around her ankles, and her hair was done in a French braid.
Several miles away, Jack stepped out of the shower and dried his hair before dressing in a black suit with a while dress shirt and black tie. As he stood in front of the mirror, he had to force a smile. Thinking about Katie, she was nice, and beautiful, and they did have surfing in common, but he was never one to date, just to date, and it was hard to tell his heart to 'jump ship' when the one he wanted would be with someone else.
Being the sweet man that he is, Jack stopped off at the local florist to purchase a rose to give to Katie. With a cooler that held only lavender and red roses, Jack waited until the clerk was free to ask, "I know that red roses mean love, but what do the lavender ones mean?"
"What do you want it to mean?" the young clerk responded with his own question.
"Well, I'm looking for something that means friendship, appreciation, something like that," Jack replied.
"Well, that's it," the clerk, who knew nothing about rose colors and their meanings stated.
"Oh, good…I'll take one…" Jack pulled out his wallet, having no idea that the actual meaning of a lavender rose is 'love at first sight.'
At 6:30pm, Jack's Uber pulled up at Elizabeth's house. He got out, explained that he would be back in a few minutes and disappeared inside the gate. Looking through the sliding glass door, Jack observed Elizabeth filling up Bella's water bowl and placing it on the rug by her now empty food bowl.
Before he could even knock, Bella sensed his presence and began barking excitedly and dancing about the floor.
Elizabeth waved her hand to invite him inside, "What are you doing here; I thought we were going separately to the restaurant." She stood staring at him thinking that as good as he looked in uniform, he's equally handsome in a suit, board shorts, and she was certain, naked as well.
A smile covered her face until she realized that his date had serious plans for the evening, and she wasn't really certain how he would respond when presented with the opportunity.
Jack's mouth was slightly open, but there didn't appear to be any air moving in or out. It was as if he were stunned, and he simply stared.
"Jack are you okay?" she asked.
"Elizabeth, you have taken my breath away; you are so beautiful," he stated as his eyes watered, knowing that her date was with another man.
"Thank you; you look quite handsome yourself. I'm sure that Katie will be blown away," she replied, feeling a twinge of jealousy, an emotion she was not real fond of.
"Why are you here?" Elizabeth asked again.
"I just thought we could ride over together," Jack replied.
"Although quite cost effective, I'm not so sure that either of our dates would appreciate us showing up together. Besides, my Uber is due here any minute."
Elizabeth grabbed her bag, kissed Bella and headed for the door. Jack bent down and promised Bella that he'd be back later. Elizabeth heard his declaration but wasn't so certain that it would in fact come to pass. Although she had no firsthand knowledge, her female friends had led her to believe that men would forget most any promise made when presented with a sexual opportunity.
As they walked outside, Elizabeth's ride was in the driveway blocking Jack's Uber from leaving. Jack opened her door and helped her inside, "Are you sure you don't want to ride together?"
"It's probably not a good idea." As Jack stepped away from the door, Elizabeth caught his eyes, "I hope you have a nice time tonight; I hope it's everything you want it to be."
As the door closed and the Uber driver started to back out of the driveway, Jack stood and watched her pull away, "What's that supposed to mean?"
Elizabeth's Uber dropped her off at the front door of O'Reilly's at 6:53pm, and she stepped inside.
Located at a table for two, by the window, Blake smiled, stood and quickly approached. "Elizabeth, you are absolutely breathtaking," he stated, standing before her in a blue/grey suit, white dress shirt and a grey tie.
Elizabeth smiled at the compliment, "Thank you. You look nice yourself."
Blake held out his arm and Elizabeth slipped her hand through as they walked to the only table Elizabeth observed that was set for two.
Just outside the restaurant door Katie arrived shortly after Elizabeth and only a moment before Jack. Wearing a blue, extremely low-cut maxi dress with neutral floral designs, spaghetti straps, and a side slit that showed a majority of her left thigh, she stood at the entrance and waited for Jack.
As he approached, he held out the rose, "This is for you…you look beautiful tonight."
"Thank you, Jack," she stated as she made a mental note of the rose color.
Meteorology wasn't the only subject in which Katie was proficient. Knowledge of flowers was also in her wheelhouse, having obtained her Master Gardner certificate years ago, following training in order to help her family in their landscaping business. Knowing the rose colors and meanings of each was a quiz in and of itself. So, receiving a rose from Jack that symbolized 'love at first sight' and being told that she looked beautiful, led her to believe that the boxes of condoms would be cracked open before morning.
They stepped inside and stood by the entry podium. Jack observed Elizabeth and Blake sitting alone at an intimate table by the window. The table was decorated with a vase holding thirty red roses and several glass holders containing lit candles.
Glancing around, Elizabeth observed no such decorations on the other tables, "Am I to assume that this here was done for me?"
"Yes, I hope you like red roses," Blake responded.
"They are beautiful, what's not to love, but how were you so sure that I'd show up tonight?"
"I had faith, and if you didn't, I'd simply have the best decorated table in the restaurant," he smiled, doing his best to put Elizabeth at ease.
Although Jack had hoped to be actually double dating, those plans were scrapped when he and Katie were escorted to a table on the opposite side of the restaurant.
Jack, always respectful, held out Katie's seat before pushing her back toward the table, and then sitting across from her.
"I have to say, Jack, I was surprised when you called to ask me out…thrilled but surprised."
"Probably no more surprised than me," he responded without thinking.
"Excuse me…?"
"I mean, I came here as Elizabeth's pilot, and I certainly wasn't looking to go out on a date while I was here."
"Well, I consider myself lucky then."
Both Jack and Elizabeth found themselves glancing across the restaurant, seemingly more interested in what was happening at the other table than at their own.
Elizabeth was shocked and concerned when an appetizer consisting of a plate of oysters was brought to Jack and Katie's table, with Elizabeth certain that her nemesis had ordered them. Doesn't he know those have aphrodisiac powers? She thought, feeling more certain as the evening progressed that Jack would be a 'no-show' at her place after their respective dates.
Across the restaurant, Blake tried to make small talk, hoping to ease Elizabeth's obvious nervousness. "So, what do you do when you aren't on vacation?" he asked, unknown that Jack was doing his best to fall back on his military training in lip reading. He didn't actually have any training in this area, but at this moment, he certainly wished that he did.
"I was co-host of a morning talk show in Charlotte but returning there is a bit up in the air right now."
"Why is that?"
"Mainly because my ex was my co-host."
"Oh, that could be awkward."
"He's not with the station anymore, but our wedding was designed and voted on by the viewers, and obviously it didn't happen. It's just embarrassing to have to go back and explain something that I'm not sure I even understand."
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth, I didn't mean to bring up such a heavy topic," Blake stated as he reached over and squeezed her hand, "Let's talk about something fun."
Elizabeth glanced across the restaurant and caught a glimpse of Jack and Katie. Seeing them laugh as she held a rose Elizabeth assumed was given her by Jack, it appeared as though they were getting along well.
Turning her attention back to Blake she asked, did you go to Vet school in The States?"
"Yes, I went to Virginia Tech for undergrad, and Vet school," he advised. "After graduation, I went on a trip to Australia, and then finished up here, in Fiji. I fell in love with it and never left."
"You fell in love with someone or this place?" she asked.
"I guess both. Unfortunately, Mikayla and I didn't work out, but Fiji and I were a perfect match, so I stayed."
"Was she on vacation, or does she live here?"
"She was on an extended vacation, but that was a long time ago, and she has since returned to The States."
"Do you have any family here?" she asked.
"No, my family is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina."
"WOW, it's a small world; my family is in Raleigh."
"So, what do you enjoy doing in you spare time…that is assuming that you have any spare time?" Blake asked.
"I love the water, hiking, writing, and I like to take a stab here and there at cooking."
"What's the best thing you make?"
"I make a mean toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich."
"Is that really considered cooking?" he asked.
"Technically yes; there is a toaster involved in the process," she responded causing them both to laugh, drawing Jack's attention.
"Well, I am an accomplished chef, and I'd like to invite you to my place for dinner while you're here."
"That's very thoughtful of you," she stated. Initially planning to turn down the offer, Elizabeth glanced across the restaurant and observed Katie snuggling in for the kill, and Jack seemingly doing nothing to fend off her advances. Remembering her plan to have fun, she responded, "I'd love to, but nothing spicy, okay?"
"Deal," Blake replied as he held out his hand and she willingly accepted it. Leaning down, he pressed his lips to the top of her hand causing her to nervously smile.
As the waitress brought out their meal, smoked octopus with eggplant for Blake and coconut shrimp with mango passion fruit dressing salad for Elizabeth, she wasn't so certain now that having him cook for her was a good idea. Visuals of bizarre tropical island specialties made her stomach turn slightly.
Across the restaurant, Jack's waitress brought their meal, surf and turf for him and chicken with asparagus for Katie. As they ate, Jack felt neglectful of his date, as the only thing on his mind was getting back to the house to spend the night with Elizabeth and Bella.
Both couples enjoyed pleasant conversation, but unknown to their dates, Jack and Elizabeth had no plans for their evening to go any farther than where they currently were. Neither one were players, nor did they like to date just to date, and although Elizabeth knew that she was not spending the night with Blake, she couldn't say the same about Jack and Katie.
It was difficult for Jack to pay close attention to his own date, since he was spending most of the evening worried about Blake's. Jack smiled appropriately, and for the most part was engaged in the conversation with Katie; it was just that his eyes violated the solemn dating rule that all attention goes to the woman you're with.
Although Jack was oblivious to his actions, Katie, being quite observant, was well aware that she wasn't the only woman on this date, a concept that should have upset her, but only made her more aggressive in obtaining her prize.
As music began to play, couples took to the dance floor, leaving Jack and Katie and Blake and Elizabeth as the only ones left seated.
"Would you like to dance?" Blake asked.
"Sure," Elizabeth responded as he took hold of her hand and led her onto the dance floor.
Across the room, Jack and Katie talked, but his eyes drifted across the room, locking onto Elizabeth.
"What is she doing?" he whispered as he watched Elizabeth holding Blake's hand. "She's flirting with him…" Jack stated as he observed Elizabeth's coy expressions.
"I'm surprised that you could recognize it; I've been flirting with you for the past hour, and you haven't noticed," Katie remarked.
"I'm sorry; although I'm just Elizabeth's pilot, I feel somewhat responsible to her father to watch out for her. Forgive me, would you like to dance?"
With all of the restaurant's couples on the dance floor, "I Am Yours" by Andy Grammar began to play. While Blake and Katie took in each and every word, assuming how perfect the song was for them and their dates, Jack and Elizabeth danced with one, but thought of another.
Just another love song from a simple man
I been searching for some chords underneath these hands
So I can try to tell you I love you
You know I need you
Like your oxygen
Be my atmosphere
Let me breathe you in
So I can try to tell you I love you
I been lost, I been found
But I know I am now, I am yours
I am yours
Now and always
Wouldn't dream to be anything more
You take my breath away every night
Still can't believe it when you say your mine and
I am yours, I am yours, I am yours
As the song continued to play, Jack's arms held Katie much like a teenager forced to take dance classes with his sister, while Elizabeth felt herself pressed tightly against Blake's physically fit body.
I was free falling through the open sky
'Til you smiled at me and you saved my life and I
Knew I was put here to love you
You got the universe swimming in your eyes
I'm an open book when you look in mine
You'll find that I was put here to love you
I been lost, I been found
But I know I am now, I am yours
I am yours
Now and always
Wouldn't dream to be anything more
You take my breath away every night
Still can't believe it when you say your mine and
I am yours, I am yours, I am yours
I been lost, I been found
But I know I am now, I am yours
I am yours
Now and always
Wouldn't dream to be anything more
You take my breath away every night
Still can't believe it when you say your mine and
I am yours, I am yours, I am yours
I am yours, I am yours, I am yours
I am yours, I am yours, I am yours
As the song ended, the couples returned to their respective tables, where they talked, and consumed another glass of wine before the men paid their bills. Blake and Elizabeth left just ahead of Jack and Katie.
Standing in the parking lot, Elizabeth watched as Katie slipped her arm through Jack's and they headed down the beach to her hotel, which was located only a few blocks away. Katie managed to nonchalantly grab Elizabeth's attention as she held her lavender rose, and winked knowingly, leaving Elizabeth to assume that Jack would be busy for the rest of the night.
Blake walked Elizabeth out to his car, opened the door, and held her hand as she slipped inside. "Really, I can see myself home; I don't want you to go out of your way."
"Elizabeth, I want to see that you get home safely…" he replied.
Out on the beach, Katie stepped closer to Jack, "Hey…" she stopped, causing Jack to turn back to face her.
With the moon shining down on them, and the calm waters rolling onshore, Katie stepped up on her toes, slipped her arms around his neck, and pressed her lips to his. "I really enjoyed dinner, thank you," she stated, leaning her head against Jack's shoulder.
"You're welcome. Thank you for meeting me," he responded. Glancing down the beach at the hotels, he asked, "Where are you staying?"
"I'm at the Fiji Orchid, but there's really no reason for us to end the evening, Jack. You're welcome to stay at my place, or…I could stay with you," she stated as her lips eagerly pressed against his again, doing her best to engage him.
"I appreciate the offer, but…"
"Jack, you aren't going to turn down a night of unbridled passion, are you?"
"Yes, I believe I am."
She smiled and shook her head back and forth, "Does she know how you feel about her?"
"Who…?"
"Elizabeth."
"Is it that obvious…?"
"To everyone but Elizabeth…"
"She doesn't feel anything like that for me; she's just gone through a breakup, and her father is my boss, so it's not destined to be," Jack admitted.
"Well, if that's the case, then my offer for the night still stands, and no worries, I have birth control."
"Katie, you're a really nice woman, but I'm just not into casual relationships; it's not in my genetic makeup to have sex without real, and honest feelings."
"Jack, we're here in Fiji; what happens here, stays here. Can't we just put what's proper out of our heads for the night? I'm sure you'd have a great time."
With his mind on Elizabeth and what was happening between her and Dr. McCharmer, what Katie was offering, although possibly arousing to another man, was not enticing to him. "I'm sorry, Katie. It just wouldn't work, and it's not fair to you. You deserve a man who has you on his mind and will give you his attention. I'm not in a position to do that right now."
"Jack, why did you ask me out?"
"Katie, your beautiful and intelligent and we've enjoyed surfing together."
"Well, thank you. Now I need to ask, are you running away from how you feel about Elizabeth?"
"Of course not."
"Jack, I think you are. In case you aren't aware, your heart wants who your heart wants, and anything else can be negotiated. If necessary, you find another job, and as for her broken heart, from what I've gathered, Ryan was only in it for publicity. Anger can quickly heal a broken heart," she advised.
"I'm not sure it's that easy," Jack disappointedly replied.
"Jack, I'm not going to lie and say that I'm not disappointed, because I do believe that we would be great together, but I've been where you are, and I have regretted my decision for a long time."
"What are you talking about?"
"I was deeply in love before I finished graduate school. My fiancé had just gotten a dream job as a clerk for a California Supreme Court Justice, and I was hired in my first position at a local station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the time, it didn't dawn on me that I could get a job anywhere but that his position was so important to him and us as a couple. I was selfish, and walked away from the relationship," Katie explained, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Not a day goes by that I don't think about him, wonder if he's happy, and if he ever found anyone. So, if she is who you want, everything else can be dealt with."
"Have you thought about calling him?" he asked as they walked closer to her hotel.
"It was a bad break-up; I think that ship has sailed."
"Well, all I'm saying is you are giving me advice, and maybe you need to heed it yourself."
"Jack, I'll think about it. Hey, if things don't work out with Elizabeth, call me. Maybe we can try again," she stated as they stood outside the entrance to her hotel.
Jack leaned over and kissed her cheek, "Thank you, Katie…"
"Jack, let me give you another piece of advice, be honest with her. Tell her what you're feeling. If you don't and she moves on, you'll have no one to blame but yourself."
Jack smiled as he watched her walk inside passed the doorman and disappear into the elevator.
Now worried about Elizabeth, and Dr. McCharmer, Jack called for an Uber and headed up the beach toward Elizabeth's house. As the car pulled up in front, Jack was oblivious to the happenings in the driveway, located in the back area of the house.
Walking toward the gate, he heard voices, and what sounded like Bella barking and scratching at the sliding glass door...
"Are you serious; you packed a bag assuming that you would be spending the night here…?"
Reaching out, Blake grabbed her arm, "It's not that big of a deal, Elizabeth. You're here in Fiji, you should be having fun, and you can't tell me that a woman as beautiful as you has never had casual sex before…"
"I'm not interested."
"Are you worried about birth control; because there's no need, I brought it with me," he reached into his pocket and pulled out several condoms.
Having seen more about condoms in the past 24 hours than she'd seen in all of her years before, she tried to pull away from him, "Please let go of my arm; you're hurting me…"
"Come on Elizabeth, it's just sex, relax. I'll show you a night of intense passion. Trust me, it'll be a night you won't soon forget," Blake tried his best to convince her.
**BAM** Jack came from around Blake's vehicle, took hold of his arm, drew back his fist and hit him with a right cross in the jaw. "Was that passionate enough for you?" Jack yelled. "I doubt you'll forget that anytime soon…"
As Blake fell to the ground, Elizabeth screamed, "What did you do?"
"I thought I was helping you…"
"I'll be sure to let my father know that you're doing a great job," Elizabeth yelled as she ran inside, wanting desperately to slam the sliding glass door for effect, but alas, that was not going to happen.
"Get up…" Jack yelled at Blake. When he simply sat on the ground nursing his aching chin and bruised ego, Jack pulled him up by his jacket and pushed him toward his car. "Get out of here, and if you ever touch her again, you'll have me to answer to, and I don't play games…"
"She's not worth the fight, you can have her…"
Jack stood in the driveway and watched as Blake backed out and pulled away. Taking a seat in a chair by the pool, he sat by himself, contemplating the events of the evening, "She is worth the fight."
The sky was dark; the surroundings were quiet, and all Jack could hear was Elizabeth's voice in his head, screaming over and over 'What did you do?' This certainly wasn't the way he wanted to start out a talk about his feelings for her, as his elbows rested on his bent knees, and his hands held up his head.
Thankful that Bella was inside with Elizabeth, Jack was fairly certain that tonight would not be 'the night' for a talk, or a sleepover with Bella.
"Are you ever gonna get things right with her, Thornton…? I need to talk to her, but I just don't see her listening to me tonight. I'll be lucky if she ever listens to me again."
Back in Elizabeth's bedroom, she lay across the bed crying with Bella beside her doing everything imaginable to gain her attention. As tears rolled down her cheeks, Elizabeth whispered through her broken speech, "Is that all I'm good for, a play toy for men…?"
As music played in the background, Elizabeth's mind wandered. She thought about how used she felt by men she'd previously known, several of whom dropped her when they learned that sex was off the table, and the others getting a knee in the crotch when they didn't want to take 'no' for an answer. And then there was Ryan, who seemed kind and understanding, all the while sleeping behind her back with the woman he'd introduced to her as his 'cousin.'
As she lay on her back staring at the ceiling, "I Hope" by Gabby Barrett began to play, finally putting a smile on her face. She'd never been vindictive before, and although she felt slightly guilty, she smiled when she thought about the Taylor Swift song "Perfectly Fine," and couldn't help hoping that Karma would slap Ryan's perfectly fine ass.
I, I hope she makes you smile
The way it made me smile
On the other end of a phone
In the middle of a highway driving alone
Oh baby I
I hope you hear a song
That makes you sing along and gets you thinking 'bout her
Then the last several miles turns into a blur, yeah
I hope you both feel the sparks by the end of the drive
I hope you know she's the one by the end of the night
I hope you never ever felt more free
Tell your friends that you're so happy
I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans
I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand
I hope she's wilder than your wildest dreams
She's everything you're ever gonna need
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
Yeah babe, I hope she
Shows up in a 2 AM pic from a friend
Hangin' on to a guy to just rub it in
I hope you stay up all night all alone waiting by the phone
And then she calls
And baby I
I hope you work it out
Forgive and just about forget
Then take her on a first date again
And when you lean in for a kiss
I hope you both feel the sparks by the end of the drive
I hope you know she's the one by the end of the night
I hope you never ever felt more free
Tell your friends that you're so happy
I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans
I hope you spends your last dime to put a rock on her hand
I hope she's wilder than your wildest dreams
She's everything you're ever gonna need
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
I hope it goes, comes all the way around
I hope she makes you feel the same way
About her that I feel about you right now
I hope you both feel the sparks by the end of the drive
I hope you know she's the one by the end of the night
I hope you never ever felt more free
Tell your friends that you're so happy
I hope she comes along and wrecks every one of your plans
I hope you spend your last dime to put a rock on her hand
I hope she's wilder than your wildest dreams
She's everything you're ever gonna need
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
And then I hope she cheats
Like you did on me
Like you did on me
Elizabeth sat up and wiped her eyes. Observing her journal on the bedside table, she grabbed her 'keeper of secrets,' opened it and flipped to the next blank page. Assuming that many of her misconceptions about men were false, she took a deep breath, hoping to purge many of these thoughts onto the clean, white canvas…
"Why do men seem to feel that women were put on this Earth to satisfy them. Do we have no say; you buy us dinner and our body belongs to you for the remainder of the evening? You do us a favor and sex is the way you expect to be repaid? You meet us and immediately you assume that we will jump into bed with you? I guess I should not lump everyone into the same category, but sadly my experience is that they either run when I tell them my secret, push to get their way, or act normal, all while sleeping around behind my back.
I wish I could find a man who realized that what I have to offer is special, that my gift is not only that which is between my legs, but also in my heart and my head. I am intelligent and when I love, I do so with my whole heart.
My hope is that I will find a man who understands that I don't want his money, cars and gifts. I want his time, and I want his smile, knowing that my presence alone put it there. I want his honesty and loyalty, even though there may be times when he's tempted. I want to know that on those occasions, he will walk away, because the thought of losing me is much greater than any thought of momentary pleasure. And I want to know that no matter what, I'm his priority, just like he is mine.
I know what I want; I know what I can live with, and therefore, settling is not an option. I know that just because I care, those feelings may not be returned, and that's okay…it'll have to be!"
Elizabeth closed her journal, sat it on the bedside table and headed for the door. "Come on Bella; I need to apologize to your daddy, that's if I didn't run him off."
As Jack sat staring out toward the beach, the sliding glass door quietly opened, "Jack…"
He spun around in his chair, jumping out of his seat when she walked out toward him.
"Elizabeth, I'm sorry about what happened. I thought he was hurting you, and just so you know, your father wasn't on my mind, protecting you was…"
"I'm sorry, Jack; you didn't do anything to apologize for, and I'm so sorry that I snapped at you. It's just not been a great day," she stated. Suddenly looking confused, she asked, "Why are you here?"
"I thought we had plans for me to stay and spend some time with Bella," he responded. Hearing her name, Bella ran outside and danced around his feet.
"We did, but I just assumed that you'd be staying with Katie tonight…"
"Elizabeth, I know we've talked a lot, but not about intimate things. Just so you know, I'm not into casual, meaningless sex, and as nice as Katie is, that's all it would have been. For me, it means nothing unless I'm in love with the woman. So no, Katie suggested I spend the night, but I'm here instead."
Elizabeth's legs felt weak and she took a seat, "WOW, that's a first for me. Jack, the woman you're interested in is incredibly lucky; it's just a shame that she doesn't know it."
"Elizabeth, I actually need to talk to you about that."
"Jack, may I ask you something first?"
"Sure…"
"Do you promise to be completely honest…"
"Of course, what is it?" he asked.
"You're a man, right?"
Jack wanted to laugh, but realized that now wasn't the time, and answered with a straight face, "Is that the question? I mean, yes, why?"
"Is it just me; I mean, am I the type of woman that no man looks at for anything long term, you know, marriage? Do men view me as someone just to have fun with? You know, string her along, because she's not good enough to be my wife," the more she talked, the more emotional she became.
"Elizabeth, what are you talking about?"
"Jack, I'm in my thirties, early thirties, but still, and I wasted so much time with Ryan, but…"
Jack pulled his chair up directly across from hers, "But what?"
"Ryan…do you think he didn't want to get married, or did he just not want to marry me?" she asked as she lowered her head, tears streaming down her face.
Jack leaned forward. His finger under her chin lifted her eyes to meet his. He leaned even closer, cradled her face with his hands as his thumbs brushed away her tears. "E-liz-a-beth," he whispered, "I don't know Ryan, but I do know you, and I can tell you that any man would have to be crazy to walk away from a relationship with you."
Leaning back, she pulled away from his hold, "Jack, you don't have to say that."
Jack's voice was soft and honest, yet firm, "Elizabeth, one thing you will learn about me, when I say something, I mean it."
"But any man?" she asked, because in her mind, he was interested in another woman, not her.
Jack's fingers brushed several strands of hair that slipped free from her French braid behind her ear. "Elizabeth, any man would feel honored to be with you."
Seated so close that she could feel his minty breath on her skin, her hands lifted and rested along his cheeks. She leaned in, and their eyes met as her glance drifted between his eyes and his lips. As time seemed to stand still, she surprised them both when her lips pressed to his. Warm and wet, their lips fit perfectly, much like a long-lost puzzle piece, finally found, completing the most beautiful picture ever.
Eagerly welcoming her, his hand slipped behind her head, deepening their connection. Her lips were warm and soft, everything he always knew they'd be, and as one kiss led to another and still another, each one felt as though they were home. That is until Elizabeth's hands on Jack's chest pushed him away.
"No Jack, this is wrong…" Jumping up from the chair she headed toward the door, "I'm sorry; I'm sorry; I'm so deeply sorry…I shouldn't have done that."
"It's not wrong, Elizabeth, please don't leave…stop; we need to talk."
Elizabeth heard nothing; she was in flight mode, feeling as though she had drastically crossed a line. Possibly if he hadn't confessed having feelings for another woman, it wouldn't have been so bad, but now she'd gone and kissed him, and in her mind having practically thrown herself at him.
Reaching the door, she tried to get inside, but Bella, blocking the entryway, basically refused to move.
"Please Bella…get up," she yelled out becoming more frantic with each passing moment. Bella laid across the doorway refusing to move, and as Elizabeth tried to step over her, she stood and danced, effectively keeping her only feet away from Jack.
"Elizabeth, please stop; we need to talk," he called out as he stepped closer. With her back to him, he took hold of her hand.
As they touched, her head lowered, and her eyes found the floor. It was evident to Jack that her tears had continued when he asked, "You feel it, don't you…"
Through her broken speech she softly responded, "I can't, it's wrong…"
Still standing behind her, Jack stepped closer. With his lips by her ear, he softly spoke, "You asked me to be honest, and now I'm asking you for the same courtesy." His thumb brushed across the palm of her hand, "You feel it, don't you…?"
"I do, but it's okay that you don't," she turned around to face him.
"Elizabeth, you don't understand."
"Jack, I get it. You've told me about her and I'm sorry; I've made things awkward between us now…" Elizabeth started to walk away.
"Where are you going; you can't leave, not now…"
"Jack, I can't stay here. I'm going to pack my things. You stay with Bella. Don't worry about me; I'll find a hotel…I'll be fine."
"Elizabeth, wait, you don't understand."
"Jack, I know you have feelings for someone else, and I crossed the line; I'm so sorry. Let's just put some distance between us, and maybe we can talk later," she stated as she turned away from him, trying her best to leave, but finding her way still blocked by Bella. "Please move…this is embarrassing enough, I just need to leave," she cried out as Bella refused to cooperate.
Unable to get inside, she leaned her body against the door frame. Jack, took her arm and turned her around to face him, "E-liz-a-beth…"
Just the sound of his voice calling her name started the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean for this to happen."
"Well, I did," Jack's eyes watered as he released a hard breath that came across much like a soft laugh.
Crying, Elizabeth asked, "Why are you laughing, it's not funny."
"I'm not laughing at you, Elizabeth, it's the situation and you have to let me explain," he stated as he held her arms and pulled her in close to his body. He was afraid to let her go for fear that she'd leave before he could explain. Besides, the warmth of their bodies together, just felt so right.
As Bella moved out of the doorway to join them, Elizabeth, mortified beyond belief, again tried to leave, "I can't stay here Jack."
"Elizabeth, it's you…"
"What's me…?" she asked while stepping back away from him.
"You're the woman I have feelings for."
"Jack, you don't have to spare my feelings; I think I would have known if it was me."
Jack stepped forward and took hold of her hands, "Katie asked me this evening if 'she' knew how I felt about her. When I asked her who she was talking about, she said 'Elizabeth.' Apparently, it was evident to everyone, but you…"
"But I didn't think you felt anything when we touched," Elizabeth stated, her sense of mortification slipping away.
"And I didn't think you felt anything, which hurt. I'm still uncomfortable about having feelings for my boss's daughter. It's inappropriate, but as much as I told myself it's wrong, I couldn't get you off my mind. I stayed away, thinking that would help, but all I did was think about you and Bella, here in this big house alone."
"Jack," her tears continued to fall, as his hands again cradled her face while his thumbs gently brushed away the droplets, "I felt it years ago in the park; I just didn't know what it was."
Jack smiled, "I felt it too, but I assumed that you were involved."
"And I thought you were married," she admitted.
"And now, I feel it just as strong as before, but I thought you didn't," he responded.
"Oh, I feel it, but I was certain that you didn't," she replied. Slightly nervous, she gently bit her bottom lip, having no idea how much that simple movement excited him.
Jack leaned in; his lips met hers with a gentle strength that left nothing to her imagination. His kiss was honest, and true, and expressed exactly how he felt. "Oh, I felt it…I still feel it," he whispered as he led her over to the chairs by the pool, each one taking a seat across from the other, sitting so close that their knees touched.
As Jack held Elizabeth's hands, they leaned closer, their foreheads touching, as each released a thankful breath. "I'm sorry that I pushed you to go out with Katie."
"I think I agreed because I thought it would get my mind off of you, but I have to tell you, it hurt to watch you dancing so close with Dr. McCharmer…"
Elizabeth laughed softly, "What did you call him?"
"I'm sorry; I don't like him."
"But he was good with Bella…"
"Elizabeth, don't you get it; Bella played all of us. His medication did nothing for her. Think about it, once we talked, and the animosity was gone, she was a happy camper, bouncing around on all fours."
"Well, I know he sure surprised me. He seemed so nice at dinner, considerate, thoughtful, and respectful. I just didn't expect to find out that he'd brought his overnight bag with him, assuming that I'd jump into bed with him and let him stay the night," Elizabeth felt stupid and naïve. "But Jack, I have to be honest with you, I knew Katie was expecting you to spend the night, and the thought of you with her was just…" she turned away, unable to finish her thought.
His hand rested on her cheek and turned her back to face him, "Spending the night with Katie was not something that I would have ever entertained. She's nice, and beautiful, but she deserves someone who wants to be with her," Jack explained. "By the way, how did you know about her plans?"
"Let's just say I saw her at the drugstore purchasing male birth control items, a lot of them, in every color and texture available and she kinda rubbed it in my face that she had plans with you for the night."
"If she had that many condoms, I can tell you it would have taken a lot longer than one night."
"That's not funny, Jack…"
"I'm sorry; it was a poor joke."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Oh right, what was I supposed to say, 'Jack, Katie is planning to ride you like a bull in the World Championships, so have a good time? It hurt, and then I saw the flower you brought her, and I assumed…" tears filled her eyes.
"You assumed what?" he asked as his thumbs brushed across her cheeks.
"Like most men I've known, I just assumed that you wouldn't turn down what she was offering."
Jack held her hand and brought it up to his lips, "Elizabeth, I didn't even think about it. Besides, I can't be with one woman, when my heart is with another…" he stated as he leaned in and kissed her forehead. "What's the deal with the flower I gave Katie. I mean, I only bought one, McCharmer bought out the florist for you."
"But the symbolic nature of the rose color you bought just made me think that you were more into her than you led me to believe."
"What do you mean; they simply meant friendship."
"Uh no, Jack that color means love at first sight."
"WOW, the florist lied to me."
"Anything for a sale, I guess…"
"Well, McCharmer gave you red roses, doesn't that mean love?" he asked.
"Yes, but I think a lot of men get red roses for their dates. I really didn't think about it, although I guess he was planning to love me for the night," she laughed, trying to make light of the situation.
"That's not funny, Elizabeth…"
"I'm sorry; bad joke."
Jack stood up and held out his hand, "Will you dance with me?"
"What…?"
"I need to get the visual of you in his arms out of my head. Will you dance with me?"
Elizabeth took his hand, "I'd be honored."
They walked hand in hand out into the grassy area as Jack searched for a music station on his phone. Finding the perfect song, "I Met a Girl" by William Michael Morgan, he sat his phone down, took her in his arms and they danced…
She don't laugh at everything but when she does the planet swings around her
She don't step on sidewalks seams, her teenage boyfriends all still dream about her
She don't need the glitter of the Vegas lights, she'll blow a kiss and leave it spinning' like a tilt-a-whirl
I met a girl
She made me smile, she made me wait
She crossed the street, she crossed my heart
She fixed her dress, she bit her lip, she lit me up
I met a girl with crazy shoes and baby blues
The way she moves is changing my whole world
I met a girl
The sunshine waits for her to wake up, she's a pony tail no make-up Saturday
'Cause she don't need umbrellas in the summer rain, she could catch the eye of a hurricane
In blue jeans and pearls
I met a girl
She made me smile, she made me wait
She crossed the street, she crossed my heart
She fixed her dress, she bit her lip, she lit me up
I met a girl with crazy shoes and baby blues
The way she moves is changing my whole world
She turned around and it felt like the world turned upside down
And the only thing I could say was "hey", and I'm so glad she didn't walk away
She dances like nobody sees her, I can't believe I get to be here in her world
I met a girl
She made me smile, she made me wait
She crossed the street, she crossed my heart
She fixed her dress, she bit her lip, she lit me up
I met a girl with crazy shoes and baby blues
The way she moves is changing my whole world
I met a girl
I met a girl
When the song ended, they stopped. Staring into each other's eyes, it was debatable as to whether or not either one was breathing.
Jack's hand held her chin as his thumb swept softly across her soft, enticing lips. Though beautiful, it was the touch of them that could easily send his mind into a sensual state of intoxication.
"In case I didn't tell you before, you are absolutely breathtaking this evening," he whispered.
"You did tell me, but it's always nice to hear," she responded before her lips brushed his, softly, delicately like a warm summer breeze.
"Would you like a glass of wine?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you," she replied.
As he started to walk inside, he turned around and asked, "You aren't going to run away, are you?"
"No Jack, I'm not running," she stated as she walked over and took a seat on the wood framed double chaise lounge with teal cushions and an umbrella which did well to provide cover.
Jack was only gone for a few moments, returning with two glasses of wine. He sat down beside her, "To new beginnings…"
"To new beginnings," Elizabeth repeated as they clicked their glasses together.
Neither one wanted to say good night, so, with the moon above them, Jack and Elizabeth lay on the chaise lounge, his arms around her as she quickly relaxed and fell asleep snuggled close to his body.
Resting his head on his elbow, Jack watched her sleep. Thinking about the years that had gone by since he'd first met her, touched her hand and felt the electricity that coursed through his veins, he knew now why no other woman he met since her came anywhere close to her.
As tears pooled in his eyes, he whispered, "Do you have any idea how you captivated me all those years ago?"
Jack took a deep breath and brushed several strands of hair behind her ear before scooting his body closer to her, his chest to her back. Although Elizabeth remained asleep, she must have sensed his presence, as she took hold of his hand, pulled it around her waist and as their fingers entwined, she held him close to her chest. There, together, they slept in each other's arms for the remainder of the night, with Bella, relaxed and thankful on the ground beside them.
The next morning, Elizabeth woke first. She felt his warm breath on her skin and his strong arms around her body, holding her, protecting her. As the first man she had ever 'slept' with, she was surprised that Jack's presence in her 'bed' didn't startle her. However, she heard and felt his slow rhythmic breathing, and felt completely safe in his arms.
She thought about how fortunate she was to have met him again, and to have learned the significance of what she had felt for him all those years ago, and why no other man came close to those feelings.
Jack yawned and stretched before opening his eyes. Turning over to face him, Elizabeth whispered, "Good morning." She leaned over and pressed her lips to his…"
He smiled, "Good morning, beautiful…I could easily get used to that."
Glancing around, Elizabeth called out, "Bella…" Seeing the gate open, they were both frantic. Jack, still in his suit, ran through the gate calling her name, while Elizabeth, still in her dress, ran into the house.
Each one continued calling her name, but there was no response.
"Jack…" Elizabeth called out through the back door.
Running into the backyard, he looked nervous and worried. "Did you find her?"
"She's inside…"
Jack took Elizabeth's hand and they rushed inside, finding Bella in another bedroom, a child's doll baby resting against her body.
"She looks exhausted," Elizabeth commented.
"Trying to keep us from getting in our own way is hard work…" Jack released a thankful breath.
"She certainly has had her work cut out for her on this trip…" Elizabeth agreed.
"Hey," Jack walked over and picked up the doll baby, "Do you think she's trying to tell us that she needs a sibling?"
To be continued…
