John and Jessica ate without much conversation. Jessica was still feeling tired. John mostly watched her, trying not to blatantly stare, as he thought about his earlier revelation. When they were done, they moved to the sofa and John wrapped his arm around her. She leaned against him, and they relaxed.

"Do you have anything sweet," she asked.

"Such as?"

"Chocolate? Ice cream?"

"Does an ice cream sandwich count?"

"Sure."

John went to the fridge and got them each an ice cream.

"Didn't figure you for an ice cream sandwich guy," Jessica said.

"Are you kidding? No dishes to wash."

"Ah! Important point."

"Incredibly important."

When the ice cream sandwiches were gone, John licked the remnants of the cookie part from his fingers. Jessica looked at what was left behind on her own fingers.

"Napkins would have been nice," she said.

"Who needs napkins?"

John took her hand and wrapped his lips around one of her fingers. Her eyes locked onto his mouth as he licked it clean, then slowly pulled it from between his lips. He repeated the action with the other ice cream stained fingers, then waited for Jessica's eyes to connect with his. When they did, he kissed her. His tongue probed past her lips and Jessica deepened the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, wincing at the pain in her own. John tried to pull back, but she only held him tighter, and he gave in completely. Jessica moaned against his mouth, and John turned, pulling her across his lap so that she was lying in his arms. He leaned over her as their kiss continued, and his arms wrapped even more tightly around her.

When they finally broke their kiss to catch their breath, John rested his forehead against hers. Jessica ran her fingers over his face, tracing the lines of his jaw, and the edges of his mouth.

"Make love to me," she whispered.

John pulled back just a little and stared into her eyes.

"I'm worried I'll hurt you. If you lie on you back or put any pressure on your shoulder-"

Jessica cut him off with a kiss, and she moved to straddle his legs.

"Maybe I don't have to lie down," she said with a grin.

He stared at her a moment with no reponse, and she wondered what he was thinking. The look on his face seemed to have some shock behind it, but she somehow doubted her proposition would shock him. Maybe it was the idea that she had been the one to suggest it. Before she could think on it anymore, John kissed her. She stood and removed her jeans and John followed her lead by pushing his down, along with his boxers. She grabbed them and pulled them from his legs, tossing them aside. She removed her panties while John pulled his shirt over his head, leaving him naked. Jessica hesitated before moving to take off her camisole, and John stopped her.

"Leave it on. I'll get around it," he said with a smile.

Jessica smiled back, grateful not to have to deal with the pain of moving her arm around to take off her shirt and bra. John reached out his hand and pulled her back into his lap. Her hands ran over his bare chest, before she kissed him again.

The kiss lingered as their hands explored each other's bodies. John's fingers slipped beneath her shirt and lifted it above her breasts, then pulled the cups of her bra down. His hands covered her for a moment before he leaned her back and took one nipple into his mouth. Jessica ran her hands through his hair, and caressed his face while he kissed and sucked. She rolled her hips, and John grunted. She rolled them again, causing her wetness to run along his growing arousal, and John moaned. John's mouth left her breast, and he buried his face there, just enjoying the feel of her pressed against him. Jessica's nails raked through the hair at the nape of his neck for a moment, then she put her hands to his face and lifted his head.

"John," she whispered.

He looked into her eyes, and she lost her nerve. Should she tell him in the middle of sex? Would it sound insincere? Would 'I love you' end up sounding more like 'I lust you?'

"John," she whispered again, "I..."

When she didn't continue, John studied her face. He watched her eyes, and he knew. He kissed her softly and brushed his thumb across her cheek.

"Me, too," he said.

"Really?"

He nodded. "Really."

She kissed him, and he reached down to guide himself inside of her. They moved slowly. Almost not moving at all. They were focused on their connection. Foreheads touched. Hands caressed. Eyes stayed locked in the deepest gazes, even as the passion overtook them.

When they were done, he pulled her against him and rubbed her back. She buried her face in his neck and breathed deeply.

"How's your shoulder?"

"What shoulder?"

John grinned.

"The one you were shot in?"

"Was I shot? All I'm feeling right now is happy and calm."

John wrapped his arms around her waist.

"You're such a bad liar. I know you're hurting."

Jessica kissed his neck, then lifted her head to look into his eyes.

"It's not that bad. Just kind of throbs a bit."

"You're gonna need more pain killers soon."

"What I need is a shower."

"Nope. You need a bath. I don't want you getting your bandages wet."

"Okay. A bath, then."

"Would you mind if I joined you? I'm already undressed... and it is my tub."

John smiled, and Jessica couldn't help but laugh.

"I don't mind at all."

John kissed her, then he led her to the bathroom. After their bath, John made her take more pain medicine, and they watched television until she fell asleep snuggled against him on the sofa. He carried her to bed, and she woke up just a little when he pressed in close behind her.

"How did I get so lucky," she mumbled.

"I don't know if this situation would classify you as lucky."

"I met you."

"That's not lucky."

"I think it is," she said. "Meeting you is the best thing to happen to me in a long time."

John ran his fingers through her hair and kissed her cheek.

"Same here, sweetheart."