Chapter 8

Jack quickly threw on some clothes and checked his appearance in the mirror. He licked his fingers and smoothed out his eyebrows. He was beaming.

The three women walked to the kitchen. Michelle opened a glass of wine and set out four glasses.

"You just have to meet Jock. You'll absolutely love him," Michelle poured the wine. She handed one to Margaret and another to Janet. Michelle took the other for Jack.

Jack took a deep breath and started to walk down the stairs. Jack had been waiting, dreaming about this moment ever since he said "Goodbye." He wanted nothing more than to run down the stairs and smother Janet with kisses. He felt so helplessly in love. Nothing was ever going to come between them again. Jack came around the corner.

"Jances, Margaret...I would like you to meet Jock," Michelle said, smiling as she looked at Jack. The shattering wine glass pierced the atmosphere of the kitchen. She stood there in shock. Her bottom lip began to quiver. She tried helplessly to find words, but nothing made sense. Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open. She just stared at Jack blankly, her mind in disbelief.

Oh my God.

Margaret and Michelle looked at Janet.

"Are you alright?" Michelle asked. Her question broke Janet's trance.

"I believe we've already met," Jack said with a smirk, "And I believe that is something I would do." Jack referred to the wine glass.

"Oh, I-I'm so sorry. Let me," She was shaking, fumbling to think. He reached out and touched her hand.

His eyes were still that mystical blue they always had been. A twinkle danced within them. Time seemed too stand still. A brazen grin spread across his face; his eyes burned with desire. Janet finally found her words and forced a gulp to clear her throat.

"Jack," she said barely above a whisper.

"I've got it Michelle, I'll meet you in the living room." Michelle nodded the two women went to the living room.

"Oh, God," Janet said quietly as she knelt to pick it up. "I-I-I'm so sorry." She tired to fight back her tears of embarrassment. She felt her face turn bright red; she became hot, tears streamed down her face.

"Shhh Janet it's ok," Jack's deep voice calmed her, his firm hand caressed her face and wiped away the tears. It had been so long since she had felt this. She closed her eyes.

"Are you alright?" He asked. Janet's heart pounded in her ears. She couldn't think, move, or breathe. She hadn't been this close to Jack in years. Her hands began to sweat and her knees trembled, fighting the impulse to kiss him. She nodded her head. He smiled. "Good," he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "There's a rag in the sink, I'll get the glass."

"I really am sorry, Jack," Janet said as she opened the trash can. Jack threw the glass into the trash, walked over to the sink, and rinsed off his hands. Janet watched him, committing everything to memory as she calmed herself. He switched on the espresso. He turned around to meet Janet, inches from her face. He pined her to the marble island in the kitchen, his arms on either side of her. Jack looked into her eyes with burning desire. The devilish grin returned. Janet didn't move. Jack's face slowly came closer. He brushed his nose to hers; teasing her mouth and giving her sensations she hadn't felt in years. The smell of his aftershave sent tingles down her spine. His skin was so warm; she wanted nothing more than to kiss him.

"Jock, va bene tutto?" Michelle asked from the living room.

"Yes, I'm just making some coffee," Jack said, grabbing two cups and filling them.

"We need to talk," He smiled and grabbed the two cups. Janet walked through the dining room to the living room. She sat in the black leather sofa next to Margaret. Jack took his cup over to Michelle and sat down next to her.

"Where should we start?" Jack asked as the four of them sat down. All four of them chatted and caught up. Jack and Janet kept stealing glances at each other. That wasn't enough for Janet, she wanted more. He looks so grown up, so…sexy. She wanted to be in his arms, feel his muscular hands, and listen to his heartbeat within his chest. She sipped her coffee, feeling a tug at her heart as she watch Jack with Michelle. Just look at him, he's got a girlfriend, he's over me.

However, she was wrong. Jack wanted nothing more than to take her in his arms and run away with her, Michelle or not.

The hours passed.

"Jock, I have to get some sleep. See you in the morning; I'll let you two catch up," She smiled, understandingly. Margaret stood.

"Yeah, I need some sleep too. Don't stay up to late you two." She giggled and ran to her room. Janet laughed and rolled her eyes.

"That girl…sometimes," She said quietly to herself.

"Well, Buona notte Jock," Michelle kissed him on the lips and smiled. Janet turned away, dolefully.

"Buona notte. Sarò in su più in ritardo," He smiled. Michelle footsteps dissipated as she walked up the stairs.

"Well Jack, we sure have improved on your Italian, I see." She smiled and sipped some more coffee.

"You have no idea," Jack said in a low husky voice as he stared deeply into Janet's eyes, she inhaled quickly.

"It's nearly morning," Jack stood and walked to the sliding glass door. He looked out to the lake. The sun's rays slowly peeked out of the horizon. Janet poured more coffee for them both. She brought the cup to him.

"Thanks," Jack said as he took the cup from her. He looked at her, "Watch the sunrise with me." She smiled and stood next to him while the early morning sun dawned a new day.

"I don't know if I'm ready to leave next week. It's so beautiful here." Janet said as she watched the sunrise.

"Yes, it is" He turned to Janet. "And the view in here isn't bad either." He placed his cup on the nearby table. Bringing his hands to Janet's shoulders and slowly began rubbing.

"I've missed you so much," Jack continued to rub her shoulders. He leaned forward and took the cup from her hand. When she did not pull away, Jack slowly brought his lips to her neck. His hands moved from her shoulders to her hips. Janet knew it was wrong but it felt so right, so tantalizing good. She quickly came to her senses and pulled away. She looked at Jack; her face flushed.

"Me too," She grabbed her coffee cup and walked to the kitchen.

The phone rang. Jack looked at his watch. Who on earth is calling at this early hour? Jack jogged down the hall and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" Jack answered.

"Good morning, Mr. Tripper," Mr. Smith's voice came from the receiver. Janet listen to Jack's "Uh hm, No, Yes," from down the hall.

"Oh and Mr. Smith," Jack said.

"Yes,"

"I'm taking today off."

"I understand dear boy." Richard said with a smile on his face. "And tell the young woman I said 'hello'."

"Thank you Mr. Smith." Jack smiled, "I will," Jack stood there.

"Well, what are you waiting for?"

"Hun?"

"Go spend time with your woman," Richard chuckled and hung up the phone.

"Right," Jack said to himself and hung up the phone. He smiled and walked back to the kitchen. He stood there in the doorway and just watched Janet. She was looking out the windows. Jack smiled, walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her hips.

"I've been thinking about you," he spoke into her ear. His hands slowly came up her waist, rubbing her abdomen. Janet turned with thoughts of protest on her mind, but quickly changed upon seeing his face. Their lips met. Janet was a little surprised but then embraced him. She deepened the kiss; her lips parted and allowed Jack's tongue to tease hers. His hands made their way to her thighs; he couldn't keep his hands off her. A moan escaped her lips. Her knees grew weak while her body ached for his touch.

Oh Jack take me…Take me Jack. Kept running through her mind as Jack's hands continued to tease her.

"I want you," Jack's voice muffled by her lips. Jack continued kissing her, pressing her against the counter. His hands played with the hem of her shirt. She moaned again, her breathing heavier.

"Jock, are you still up?" Michelle's voice came from the top of the stairs. The two broke apart at the sound of Michelle's voice, bodies still touching.

"Yes, I'll be up in a minute." Jack still didn't open his eyes, nor did Janet. They were afraid it was another silly dreams. Jack slowly pulled away, opening his eyes. Janet did the same.

"I'll let you get some sleep," Jack said as he placed his hand on the side of her face. He smiled and walked up stairs. Janet watched him. She walked down the hall and into the guest room.

"So?" Margaret asked as Janet crawled into the other side of the bed.

Jack walked into his room. The scent of Janet filled the air, her clothes on his bed. The room drove him wild. He had controlled himself, Look at the mess you'll cause. She was leaving soon. He had to sort things out, and fast.

Janet looked over at Margaret.

"I have a feeling, that leaving here won't be the easiest thing to do," Margaret laughed at her comment and rolled over. Janet too, rolled over and smiled. Images of Jack flooded her mind. Even if just for a day, she couldn't be happier.