Author Note: ….had to cut chapter 8 in half….enjoy the fluff….

T7S

Chapter 09 – For So Long

T7S

Eric led Jackie out to the middle of the restaurant where a small dance floor was decorated with leftover twinkling Christmas lights. The wooden floor was scuffed and the other couples glided seamlessly over the old pine. Gently, Eric took off the Ray Charles glasses and slipped them in his pocket.

"What are you doing?" she asked quizzically.

Eric explained, "There's nothing here that will get in your eyes. Well that and I don't want to get whacked in the face with the frames."

Jackie giggled. "Stop it and dance with me before dinner gets here." Eric placed a hand around her waist and held her other hand while pulling her close. Damn, her hair smelled good! Jackie wrapped her arms around his neck and stepped in so close that Eric could feel her entire front pressed against him. This could get dangerous!

"Eric, be blind with me." She whispered. "Close your eyes while we dance and don't open them." Eric did close his eyes and listened as the music swirled above his head. Andy Gibb was singing:

For so long
You and me been finding each other for so long
And the feeling that I feel for you is more then strong, girl

Eric was amazed at how effortlessly they moved together. Even with his eyes closed, when he stepped, Jackie followed instinctively. She was warm and felt so good in his arms. This was almost more than dancing. This was like conversing without the words.

Darling mine
I would wait forever for those lips of wine
Build my world around you, darling

Jackie's fingers toyed with the short hairs at the nape of his neck sending a shiver down his spine. He shouldn't be attracted to her like this…it was wrong and Red would have his foot so far up Eric's ass….who cared! Eric was totally loving this dance.

I just want to be your everything
Open up the heaven in your heart and let me be
The things you are to me and not some puppet on a string

Jackie allowed herself to snuggle close. Eric's chest was strong and the thud of his heartbeat was reassuring. His arms around her made her feel safe and cared for and she sighed. He was wearing a warm fleece shirt – it felt soft against her cheek. Was that his blue one? No, he'd be wearing the white one because it made him look buffer. She liked the fresh smell of soap and his arms around her. She felt….normal.

Oh, if I stay here without you, darling, I will die
I want you laying in the love I have to bring
I'd do anything to be your everything

Eric pressed his cheek against Jackie's hair as the song played out the last notes. Having a girl in his arms after all this time felt so good and wonderful he didn't want the dance to end. Opening his eyes, he saw the waiter heading towards their table.

"Jackie…the food's here." He said reluctantly. She looked up; her sightless eyes reflecting back the twinkling lights. "That was a wonderful dance. Thank you." Eric had the urge to kiss her. What had Andy Gibb called it? I would wait forever for those lips of wine. Jackie's mouth was stained a cherry red from lipstick or her wine – whichever it was, Eric was sorely tempted to taste it for himself. Mentally kicking himself in the head, he turned her around and led them back to the table.

T7S

Jackie slid into the booth and Eric handed her the glasses. She smiled her thanks as the waitress set a plate of hot pasta under her nose. Jackie could smell the garlic and fresh chopped Roma tomatoes. The chicken was seasoned with something that had her mouth watering.

"Eric, can you tell me if the chicken is mixed or on top of the noodles?"

"It's sliced and lying on top." He replied. Why didn't he kiss her when he had the chance? Now she was wearing the glasses and they hid half of her lovely face. Jackie set her fork down. "You're staring at me."

Startled, Eric replied, "How did you know that?"

She smiled, "You are a mouth breather and I could feel it on my cheek. Do I look funny or is there something in my teeth?"

"No. No actually I was just thinking of how I should have kissed you."

"You wanted to kiss me? Really? " Why the hell was he talking about it and why didn't he just do it? "I would have let you." She replied. Eric almost choked on a noodle. Did she just give him permission?

"Um, well…maybe I can take advantage of that opportunity at a later time?" he asked hopefully. Yeah, like he'd get another chance with his dad at the house!

Jackie smiled shyly. "Eric…are you getting sweet on me?" She could hear a hitch in his voice as he replied. "What? Oh…no…I still have Donna…..oh hell, I don't have anyone. Jackie, it's just that you're so pretty and ….stuff … and I miss that. I mean you were always that way but I never really noticed."

"God Forman, you were blinder than I am." She joked. "Let's enjoy this garlic soaked deliciousness and my sweet red wine, it is red, right?"

He looked at her lips. "Yeah. It's a nice color of red."

Those lips curled into a smile. "Okay, then we'll drink and take pleasure in each others company. Did I tell you the horrible blind person joke Bob told me?"

The pair ate together and laughed and to anyone looking at the table it seemed like a matched couple on a date. She laughed at something he said and he chuckled at her words. The stilted awkwardness of the evening gave way to a level of comfort and trust that was apparent to anyone that wanted to see it.

T7S

Kitty was standing at the patio doors with her hands on her hips. Eric half carried a staggering Jackie to the door. Kitty looked appalled. "Don't tell me you got her drunk."

Eric smiled sheepishly. "She only had one glass of wine."

"One glass is too much with the medication she's taking. Shame on you Eric, you should have known better."

Jackie waved an arm. "Mrs. Forman…." Hiccup "…I can hear you and I'm not…." Burp "…drunk. Just a little tipsy. I haven't been tipsy in a long time."

Kitty smiled. Maybe the child earned a little alcoholic buzz after all she'd been through. She looked at her son. "Did you have a good time?"

Eric grinned, "We danced."

Jackie looked at where she thought Kitty was standing, "We had garlic!" Jackie felt Kitty pull the glasses off her face. "Okay, I don't see any damage. Eric, take her upstairs and I'll be right up to give her the new drops."

Eric looped a slender arm around his neck and held her waist with the other, "Okay drunk girl, let's get you upstairs."

"Awww….Eric. You say the sweetest things!" Jackie grinned. Kitty watched the kids pass through the living room door and relaxed. When she and Red got home and they were both gone, Kitty thought the worst had happened! Red told her to relax, one of the pairs of glasses was missing and both sets of winter coats were gone. "Maybe they went driving." He suggested.

Still, the mother instinct in Kitty Forman couldn't wait until her cubs came back to the den.

T7S

"Okay, one more step and we're on the landing." Eric announced. Jackie's booted foot seemed to have difficulty finding a spot on the carpet to hold her upright. "Boy, you are a terrible drunk." He laughed.

Jackie grinned, "Not drunk. Tipsy and it's wearing off. I gotta remember that brand." She turned her head, "The dinner was wonderful. Did I thank you?"

"Did I thank you for the use of your Mustang?" he countered.

"I think we're even." Jackie declared. A couple more steps and they were at the door. "Oops, my cane. I think we left it in the car."

"I'll go get it. In the meantime, let's get you to the bed before my mom gets up here." Eric pushed open the bedroom door and guided his tipsy friend towards the bed. Before he turned to leave, Jackie reached for his hand.

Very softly she said, "Eric….my goodnight kiss….unless you're afraid." He turned back and saw the challenge on her face. "I'm not afraid you little midget."

She reached up and touched his face. "Close your eyes and kiss me." Her small fingers covered his eyes as he lowered his face just close enough to press his lips against hers. She tasted like red wine and felt like warm satin. His hands went to her dark silky hair as her tongue brushed the crease of his lips. It was like a bolt of electricity jolted his body. This was a goodnight kiss? Damn!

She stepped back. "Thank you Eric. I had a wonderful evening." Eric was still reeling from the kiss when his mom came in the room. "Oh honey, if you're going downstairs, can you lock up please?"

Eric touched his mouth and looked back to see his mom putting the steroid drops in Jackie's eye. He saw Jackie gripping the bedspread because he knew those drops stung her eyes.

They danced.

She kissed him.

He hadn't been kissed like that in a long time.

It was too nice.

Damn.

T7S