Jack's Apartment,

1250 Corcoran St. NW, Washington DC, November 3rd, 9.55 PM

~oOo~

He uncorked the bottle of 12 year Laproaigh Single Malt, prominently standing between the few other bottles he kept inside the Cherry-oak cabinet that once belonged to his grandfather. He let his finger trail over the grooves and pitches of the wood, the tell-tale signs and marks of decades of gentle use and the stories of many lives lived in front of it.

He held the bottle under his nose and let the aroma of the distilled liquid wave through his nostrils, like the sea from which Islay shores it destined. He poured a bit of the clear-yellow, almost translucent whitish liquid in a glass and took a sip. The briny, seaweed and peat-flavoured, warm burning uisge-beatha ['water of life'] slowly warmed his throat, and would –hopefully- help ease the burning muscles he still felt.

Carrying the crystal facetted glass that bore his grandfather's initials, he was about to sit down when the sound of the doorbell alarmed him. Cautiously he set the valuable glass on the table and made his way to the door.

Once there, he switched on the outer light and peeked through the peep-hole. He let go of his breath, his lips already curling into a smile as he unlocked the door and opened it.

"Hey," Sue said.

"Hey yourself."

The yellowish glow of the outer light let her blonde hair seem golden, casting shadows on her face and features, while graciously touching her cheeks, the woollen trench-coat she wore. Her butter-soft black leather gloves and boots almost shining bright, her eyes dancing with a warm fiery glimmer. He felt a paw on his leg as Levi greeted him too. With a slight groan of discomfort he squatted next to the happy golden-furred canine to ruffle his fur. He looked up to his blonde owner.

"I wasn't really in the neighbourhood and decided to drop by anyway," she said smiling. He got up again and took her arms, gently pulling her closer and his lips found hers. "Come in," he said once reality set in again after breaking the spell her lips had cast seconds before.

"I brought a small tidbit," Sue said. "To make up for the discomfort of today and as a thank you for yesterday." She gave him a bottle of Heidsieck Bluetop Monopole. He smiled, "see I wasn't lying when I said I didn't mind one particular person having a bit of fun on my behalf."

Sue arched her brows, smile dancing on her lips. "Hmm, you did, didn't you?"

He took her coat, and let his eyes wander over her features, the blue Hermes v-neck cashmere woollen top accentuating her light skin, leaving her neck beautifully exposed and the fine platinum-gold necklace with crucifix she wore. The tip of the cross a gentle reminder of the cavity of her curves hidden by fabric directly underneath, her black skirt stopped just above her knees partially disguising her endless legs yet through the split giving a glimpse of what was meant for his eyes and touch only.

"You're beautiful," he said. Sue smiled, dipping her head for just a fraction of a second. The blonde waves of her hair cascading down her shoulders with the motion. "THANK YOU," she said. She walked in front of him to the living room, the heels of her boots sensually clicking on the parquet floor. Sue put the bottle of Champagne on the table next to his glass, Levi trotted to his favourite place next to the couch. "I can see you already decided on what pain-medicine you would take," she joked.

"Ha-ha," he chimed. "You haven't come this way to extend reminding me of my condition, have you?"

"No," she said. "My intentions are the exact opposite." She motioned for him to come over, and while he sat down, she collected two glasses from his cupboard. "You know the way to my cutlery and glasses a little too well, Miss Thomas," he quipped. "Been here often lately?"

She put the glasses on the table and sat next to him, hooking one of her legs under the other. "Not as often as I would like," she said as she looked him in his eyes. She leaned over to him and kissed his temple. "Lean back a little," she said, and so he did. She began to massage the muscles of his shoulders and lower neck. He closed his eyes as he felt the softness of her gentle hands warming him. He let out a satisfied moan as she eased his pain, in the same instant as she poised his soul. "Don't stop," he whispered.

"I didn't hear you," she teased.

"Then dismiss the comment." He made an attempt to get up, but Sue's hand on his chest made him lie down again. "I'll get it."

A gentle 'plop' accompanied the cork being pulled from the bottle, and he watched as the fizzy white-golden liquid bubbled in the glasses. Sue gave him his glass and held hers close by. "Thanks for joining me yesterday. It meant a lot to me."

"WELCOME," he said.

"You mean a lot to me," she continued as she let her fingers trail through his hair. "So, it's also a toast to 'us', and my love for you."

"Which is reciprocated just the same, you know." She smiled. "I know."

"I'm not in any shape to let you feel just how much I do." She saw his desire and longing reflecting in his eyes. "I'll hold you to showing me," Sue said, her voice a little husky.

He turned his head a little and kissed her longingly. "Stay with me, tonight."

She answered with the best response he could think of as her lips captivated his.