1074 Words
Author's note: I kept it kind of clean. My apologies to those of you who like things…warm. You'll just have to go there in your own imaginations…
Chapter Three, Conclusion, Recuperation
The next day, Jess worried that it would be awkward between them. It wasn't. Becker arrived, limping a bit and carrying a frothy coffee and chocolate Danish.
She ran up and hugged him, making him spill the coffee. "Thank you!"
He laughed. "Well, we need to keep up our energy, don't we?"
She nodded, taking a big bite of the pastry. "Absolutely. "
They sat at a bench, having breakfast and chatting about random things. Jess was in heaven
For him, seeing Jess Parker first thing in the morning made his day. He could see himself starting every day with her.
Finally, the General took over and they went for a run. Jess led again, Becker slowly following. They hadn't gotten very far when Jess' cell phone interrupted.
"Darn."
"The ARC?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I understand. Go."
She sighed. "I'll call you later."
He nodded and watched her jog off toward her car. She stopped and spun around. "I expect you to finish the run, you know."
He laughed. "Yes, ma'am. Although…how will you know?"
She giggled. "Please. I'll find a camera to hack into. Trust me, I'll know."
He chuckled. "Right." Then he added. "Be careful."
"Becker…I'm the one stuck inside Ops, remember? I'll be fine."
"Yeah, I just…don't like not being with you, I mean, the team."
"I know. It won't be for much longer." She smiled. "I'm sorry. I have to go."
He nodded. This time, she ran off without looking back. Becker finished the run, but it wasn't as much fun by himself. The after-work out dinner wasn't as nice either.
It was late when Jess finally called. "Hey. Sorry. It was nuts at the ARC."
"Everyone OK?"
"Oh, yes. No injuries or disasters."
"Good."
Jess sighed. "I'm really sorry I got called away."
"Not your fault."
"Maybe we can try again tomorrow."
"I'll be tied up at the doctor's all day," he said. "The day after?"
"Sorry, I can't. Connor and I are running a monthly diagnostic on the computers."
"Hmm. Well, I guess we'll try the day after that."
"Yeah. I'll call you. I promise," she said.
"It's OK. I understand. You just take care of yourself, uh, I mean your business."
"You too, Becker. Don't push yourself too hard. That's for me to do," she said with a giggle.
"I know. Good night, Jess."
"You too, Becker."
They didn't see each other for nearly a week. Even then they had to cut their run short.
"It's just so busy at work," she said after, as they walked to the cars. "You know how it is: new forms to issue for the new creatures we have to house, new EMDs to order mean more requisition orders…."
"Yeah. I remember," he said, interrupting. He sighed. "The good old days."
She giggled. "It hasn't been that long, Becker."
"It seems like forever. I miss it."
"You do?"
"Very much," he said, looking into those blue eyes. "Some parts more than others."
She blushed but smiled. "I think you're just stir-crazy."
"Oh, that is definitely true."
She laughed. "I'm so sorry. I wish I had time to catch a movie with you or even just a cup of tea."
"I know. I appreciate you giving up lunch for me, Jess."
"It's not a problem, Captain." She sighed as she climbed into the car. "Maybe tonight there will be no anomalies at all and we can have dinner together."
He smiled. "That's wishful thinking, Jess, but sure. We can try."
She nodded, pulled the car door shut and waved goodbye. Unfortunately, Becker had called it right and the anomalies kept coming.
Becker thought of that evening with the massage. He closed his eyes and imagined her fingers over his skin.
At the ARC, Jess was having similar daydreams, but it was he who massaged her. She sighed. 'Anomalies can't keep up forever,' she told herself.
But for the next few days, they did. The good news was that while she was working, Becker was getting stronger. The wound had scarred over, giving him no more excuses. He gladly resumed his normal workouts: weight training, calisthenics, and running. Though the runs weren't as fun.
Finally, one evening Jess called. "Hey, stranger."
Becker's heart fluttered at the sound of her voice. "Hey."
"So…what are you doing?"
"What did you have in mind, Jessica?"
She giggled. He smiled widely at the sound. "I was thinking…the park. Now. Get your runners on, soldier."
"Oh, yes, Ma'am," he said. He hung up and quickly rounded up his gear. He was ridiculously chipper as he drove to the park. He couldn't wait for the rematch.
Jess paced at the park entrance. "Where is he?" she wondered out loud.
Suddenly she was ambushed. She hadn't even heard him! He pounced on her, sweeping her into his arms.
"Ah! What…Becker!"
He laughed. "Did I startle you? I'm sorry," he said with a cocky smile.
She swatted him. "You scared the heck out of me!"
He laughed. "That's what I intended."
"Shame on you!"
He chuckled as he set her down. "Shall we?" he asked, with a cocky smirk as ran inside the park. "Eat my dust, Parker!"
"You're so rude!" she cried with giggles. She immediately ran after him. "I guess you're feeling better?"
He turned but kept running. "I am! Come on, Jess! Get the lead out!"
She ran, trying to catch him, but it was hopeless. He was too fast. "Becker!" she cried. Finally, she gave up. She had to stop. She was breathing hard, huffing and puffing. "I've created… (Gasp)…a monster."
Becker turned around and jogged back to her. He was smiling as he ran in place in front of her. "What happened to the General?"
She glared at him. "Apparently she's off duty."
He laughed. "Come on. No pain, no gain."
"I hate you."
He smirked. "I'm so sorry to hear that. I was going to invite you to my place for a little after work-out celebration, but if you're too tired…."
"No. You owe me."
He laughed. "I do. Meet you in the car park?"
"You cheater! We just got here and you want to leave? You're shirking your recuperation."
He smirked. "Are you sure?" He jogged closer and whispered, "I've bought some lotion…" He winked.
Suddenly Jess perked up. "What are we waiting for?" she asked as they ran toward the park entrance and their cars.
The End