Jack stood in front of the target, holding his gun at eye level and firing bullet after bullet into the face of the silhouette. His outward expression was calm and relaxed, but inwardly every nerve and muscle was alive, melded with the weapon, feeling every shot as if the gun was an extension of his hand.

Harley entered the room, about to race over and surprise him, but found herself standing in the doorway, just staring at the fluid shots, at the natural way he used a weapon. There was something primal and sexy about it, watching a man shoot, watching him release powerful shots from his gun over and over again…Harley felt her heart speed up and her body go all tingly, and she knew she had to end this now before another fantasy could start…

"You're…really good," she stammered.

Jack turned, beaming. "Harley!" he cried, racing over to hug her. "What a pleasant surprise! When did you get back, kiddo?"

"I just drove over this morning – I have some appointments before the big party tonight," said Harley, smiling at him. "But I couldn't wait to see you."

He smiled. "You are a sight for sore eyes, kiddo," he said, hugging her again. "Just seeing you…God, it feels like my world suddenly makes sense again! I've missed you so much!"

Harley beamed at him. "Yeah? Cause I've really missed you too, Jack."

"C'mon, sit down for a second and tell me all about college," he said, gesturing to a table. "You liking it?"

"Yeah, I guess," said Harley. "The work is interesting. And I've met some nice people."

"And did you finally get that kiss from a boy?" he asked, smiling at her.

"Yeah, I did, actually," she said, hoping she sounded casual. "He'll be at the party tonight. Bruce Wayne."

"Bruce Wayne?" repeated Jack. "Wayne Enterprises Bruce Wayne?"

"Yeah," said Harley, nodding.

"Oh," he said, slightly disappointed. "I think you can do better than that, kid."

"He's a billionaire," replied Harley.

"Yeah, spoiled little rich brat," said Jack, nodding. "I remember him, even if maybe you were too young to. Like father, like son."

"I don't understand – have I met Bruce before?" asked Harley, puzzled.

"No, not exactly…never mind," said Jack, hastily. "He's probably grown out of it, huh? Nice guy now, I bet."

"Yeah," agreed Harley. "Anyway, he kissed me, and now he's coming to my party," she said, pointedly.

Jack didn't seem to respond in the way she wanted him to – to her annoyance, he didn't appear jealous. "Well, I'll meet him there and see for myself how he's changed," he said, nodding. "And your studying's going good?"

"Uh huh," she said. "It was super sweet of Bruce – it was dark out, so he walked me home from a party, and that's where he kissed me."

"That doesn't sound super sweet to me – that sounds like what any decent guy would do so a gal don't have to walk alone in the dark," retorted Jack. "And he'd do it without expecting a kiss for it."

Was that jealousy? Harley couldn't tell – she would have to see if she could provoke a bigger reaction at the party.

"Is your girlfriend coming to the party tonight?" she asked, casually.

"Girlfriend?" he repeated. "I don't have a girlfriend."

"Oh," said Harley, shocked. "I thought…you and Sally were…"

"Oh, Sally!" exclaimed Jack. "Oh…yeah…Sally…well, what I meant is that I don't have a girlfriend, as in just one girlfriend. I'm seeing lots of women, y'know."

"Yeah?" asked Harley, hopefully. That meant he wasn't serious about any of them. "Are any of them coming to the party tonight?"

"What, and have them try to outshine you at your special occasion?" chuckled Jack. "No, siree, kiddo. Tonight is all about you. Don't want another dame trying to compete for my attention tonight – I'm all yours."

Harley gazed at him, dying to confess her love right there. But then she remembered she was supposed to be making him jealous, and she said, "Yeah, well, I have a lotta guests coming, so my attention's kinda gonna be all over. Anyway, it was good seeing you, and I'll see you tonight, huh?" she said, standing up.

"7 PM, the Diamond Lounge," said Jack, nodding. "I'll be there."

He stood up, taking her in his arms and kissing her cheek. "And happy birthday, kiddo," he murmured. "I can't believe you're twenty. Makes me feel really old," he said, smiling at her.

"You're not old, Jack," she whispered. "You're…"

She trailed off, her heart hammering as the words she was dying to say rose to her lips "gorgeous," "wonderful," "perfect"…

"You're…great," she finished lamely. "Just…great. I'll see you tonight," she said, heading for the door.

"I'm glad you're back, Harley," he said, smiling at her and then returning his attention to the target.

"So am I," she whispered, strengthening her resolve. She was gonna knock his socks off tonight.