-1Chapter 13
Eventually they finished breakfast. Audrey was now on to her forth cup of cappuccino. Jack gazed over at her.
"You know you'll never get to sleep tonight because all of that coffee." he teased.
Audrey looked up, with a smile playing along her lips.
"Yeah, I know. May be I don't want to sleep tonight." she winked.
Jack laughed, the old Audrey he knew was finally reappearing and he was glad. He had thought it would have taken her longer to get better.
"Do you want to go on the beach?" He asked.
"B…beach?" Audrey replied.
Jack walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Yeah the beach." he said pointing out of the window to Heller's private beach. Audrey nodded and scurried out of the door, dragging Jack with her.
Audrey made her way down the narrow path that let to her father's private beach. She stepped onto the sand, relishing the feeling of it between her toes. Everything for the moment was perfect. Audrey gazed over to the cliffs. Her eyes were drawn to something behind a rock. She had sworn she had seen someone spying on them. Audrey started to panic. She twirled around to Jack.
"What is it sweetheart?" he asked, his voice was full of concern.
Audrey began to tremble. "Chinese" was all she said and pointed towards the rock where the figure had been. Jack followed her to where she had thought she had seen someone.
When they reached the rock Jack motioned for Audrey to stay where she was, while he went to investigate. Peering over the rock, he saw a pair of footprints and what seemed to be a set of binoculars. He reached down to pick them up. The binoculars were the type that the army issued. Jack spun around, his eyes searching for anyone. He saw nothing, whoever had been there seconds had now vanished…
He slowly stood up and followed the footprints.
"Jack" Audrey cried as she watched him walk away.
Jack spun around, "it's alright Audrey, and I'll be right back. I promise."
Audrey smirked. The last time she had heard those words Jack had disappeared for two years. Audrey wasn't going to let him go again.
"No Jack I come with you."
Jack started to protest but decided it was probably better if she came with him. "Alright come on".
Audrey ran over to Jack and they continued to follow the prints until they came to the road. There sitting in a BMW was an eastern looking man, watching them closely. 'Crap' Jack thought, he was Chinese. Jack began to run up to ht e car but it sped away just in time.
"Damn it" he muttered. There was not much he could do except be on extra alert and not leave Audrey alone.
"Let's go back" he whispered reaching on to Audrey's hand.
Returning to the beach, Jack watched Audrey's face light up when she saw the sea. He smiled. Audrey moved forward and stepped into the water. She loved the feel of the cool water rushing against her feet.
"Come" she commanded.
Jack declined. Audrey knew how much Jack hated to get wet. She had a plan.
"Oh, look what I have found" she exclaimed bending down and she was delighted when she saw Jack walk over to her curiously. As soon as he was close enough, Audrey spun around, pushed him into the water. Jack, who had been caught off guard, tripped over his legs and fell backwards, bringing Audrey with him.
"Your all wet." she teased.
"Yeah I know" he replied picking Audrey up into his arms. Jack stared into Audrey's eyes. The sparkle she once had was slowly returning. He lent in for a kiss, which Audrey happily returned. Jack deepened the kiss and began to move his hands down her body.
"Later" she whispered into his ear, and then swam off, leaving Jack mesmerized.
He held his breath and swam underwater. Audrey had not seen this, so when she turned around and he was gone, she started to panic slightly. Jack swam around Audrey's back and came up for air, quietly. He wrapped his arms around her waist and whispered "Boo". Audrey of course screamed and smacked Jack playfully, then splashing him one final time before swimming back to shore.
Hours went by; Jack and Audrey were happy playing around with one another. By the time they got out, it had already started to get dark. Reaching the shore Jack got out of the water and handed Audrey her towel. He was about to go in when he saw Audrey staring out to the setting sun.
Jack came up behind her, snaking his arms around her waist, he kissed her neck before asking.
"What's wrong?"
Audrey shook her head, "Nothing."
"Why are you so quiet then?" he asked.
Audrey lent back into his embrace. "I just remembered the last time we were on a beach; we were in Hawaii, for my birthday. You remember?"
Jack smiled, "How could I forget that day? It was one of the best days of my life. I remember you were dressed in that gorgeous yellow dress of yours. You looked beautiful and you still do now."
Audrey blushed. She turned into Jack. "I love you…so, so much". She whispered as her eyes started to fill with tears.
Jack moved his hand to her face; gently he wiped the tears away.
"I love you too Audrey and I always will no matter what happens. I'll always be there for you…always."
Jack moved forwards and kissed her passionately. After a few minutes they broke apart as the need for air became too great. Jack rested his forehead against hers.
"Come on lets go inside and I'll make dinner."
Audrey smiled and followed Jack back into the house.