Chapter 21: Sleeping Tigers
. . .
''Oh, you're sleeping on the couch?'' Amy asked as she entered the living room and watched Tyler plac a pillow and a blanket on the couch. He looked up at her and noticed that she had changed into her pajamas. She was wearing a pair of pink shorts and an oversized t-shirt with Guns n' Roses.
''Yeah, why?'' He asked.
''I thought I was going to sleep on the couch.'' Amy said hesitantly.
''Well, you can sleep in the bedroom. It's more comfortable.'' Tyler said.
''Oh. OK.'' She nodded.
''You listen to Guns n' Roses?'' He asked.
''Yeah. I bought it at their concert in Atlanta.'' She said proudly. ''It's my favorite t-shirt.''
''You went all the way to Atlanta for the concert?'' Tyler asked, truly astonished.
''Yeah.'' Amy confirmed and smiled widely. She moved closer to the couch and saw a DVD box on the coffee table. ''What are you watching?''
'' 'The Ring'.'' He told her. ''Have you seen it?'' He asked. Amy studied the DVD box for a moment, then she looked up at Tyler and shook her head. ''Really? It's one of the best horror movies. Although I think that the Japanese version is even better.''
''I usually don't watch horror movies. They scare the bejesus out of me.'' She admitted with laughter.
''We can keep the lights on, if you want.'' Tyler offered.
''Well...'' Amy hesitated. ''Oh, all right.'' She decided and sat down on the other end of the couch.
''Cool.'' Tyler told her with a smile. ''Do you want something to drink? A beer maybe?'' He asked and got up from the couch. Before he disappeared in the kitchen Amy noticed that he was wearing sweat pants and a funny t-shirt with a moose, which made her smile.
''A Coke is fine!'' She answered. She heard some laughing coming from Lily's room so she rose from the couch as well. ''I'll be right back.'' She told Tyler.
When she came back he was already sitting on the couch. He handed her a glass, a pink straw and an open can of Coke.
''Thanks.'' She said and sat down with her legs crossed.
''I also found some potato chips.'' Tyler said. He opened the bag and poured out its contents into a bowl. ''And M&M's.'' He added.
''Ohhh, which ones?'' Amy asked.
''Those with almonds.'' He said.
''I love those.'' Amy told him with a pleading smile.
''Here.'' He offered her the package which she gladly accepted. ''My mom has quite a supply of junk food in the kitchen. Mostly on top of the cupboards, to make sure that the kids won't reach it.'' He said and Amy laughed. ''OK, shall we start?''
''Yeah.''
In no time Amy had covered herself almost completely with the blanket and moved closer to Tyler. Every now and then she gasped or shuddered and turned her face from the screen, hiding it between Tyler's shoulder and the back of the couch.
''Is she gone already?'' She asked in a shaky voice, still not looking at the screen. Tyler looked down at the top of her head and grinned. Then he glanced at the screen.
''Yeah, she is now.''
Only then did Amy sit straight and look back at the screen. But it wasn't long before the scary girl, all of sudden, showed up once more.
''Christ!'' Amy squealed and turned her face away from the screen again. ''How come you're not scared of it?!'' She asked when she heard Tyler's laughter.
''I don't know.'' He shrugged his shoulders. ''But I have to admit, when I was watching it for the first time I did cringe once or twice.''
''Cringe! I'm almost having a heart attack here every time she shows up!'' Amy groaned.
''If you want we can watch something else.'' Tyler offered with laughter.
''No.'' She shook her head. ''I have to know what happens next.'' She told him and peeked at the screen, covering almost her entire face with her hands at the same time.
''Gosh, you're so cute.'' Tyler said, his eyes glued to Amy.
''What?'' She asked, lowering her hands and looking at him with her eyes wide open.
''I said you're cute.'' He repeated. ''I think you're the cutest girl I've ever met.'' He added. He wasn't sure how it was possible, but Amy's eyes grew even bigger. And then the heavy blush crept over her cheeks. Seeing it, Tyler couldn't help himself. He slowly leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers. Then he laughed slightly and pulled her closer so that she was cuddled to his side. ''Watch now, it's the best part.'' He warned. She looked up at him and smiled lightly. Then she turned her eyes back towards the TV.
''Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod!'' She blurted out and curled herself into a ball with Tyler's arm around her. ''You'll have to turn the TV to make it face the wall, because otherwise I'm not going to sleep at all tonight!'' She mumbled against his chest and he laughed again.
. . .
Mac and Jo exited the building and the cold wind hit them. Jo shivered and instinctively put her arms around herself.
''Geez, it's not so warm anymore.'' She noted. Mac looked swiftly over at her.
''Where's your shawl?'' He asked.
''I left it in the ballroom.'' Jo sighed.
''You want to go back for it?'' Mac asked but Jo shook her head. He quickly took off his suit jacket and draped it over her bare shoulders.
''Here.'' He murmured.
''Thank you.''
They entered the hotel and quickly made it to the second floor, taking the stairs. In front of their room Jo stopped and glanced at Mac. He sent her a questioning look in response.
''You have the key card.'' She told him.
''Oh, right... In the jacket.'' Mac said and leaned closer to her to take the card out from the pocket of the jacket she was wearing. But then he remembered that he had put it in the inside pocket in order not to lose it. He sneaked his hand under the jacket, gently feeling the right side of Jo's body. Jo's breath caught in her throat, but before she could even think about anything, he moved back.
''Sorry, wrong side...'' He murmured and then his hand sneaked under the jacket on her left side. He shifted slightly and put his right hand on the wall for support.
She was so close he could sense the heat of her body. And there was this smell again... It was making his head spin. Then, without even realizing what he was doing, he nuzzled her hair with his nose, breathing in her fragrance. He heard how Jo gasped and he thought that she wanted to pull away. His hand instinctively moved further under his jacket, to her back and hepulled her closer, pressing her body against his.
''I think someone had a little too much to drink...'' She joked in an attempt to lower the tension at least a little bit.
''I had only one glass of wine. I'm not drunk.'' Mac answered in a serious tone and lowered his head to her neck. His hot breath hit her skin and she closed her eyes. ''I've been trying all night to figure out what that smell is...'' He murmured close to her ear and pushed her hair away with his nose. Then his lips brushed against the side of her neck, so lightly that she couldn't be sure if it was on purpose.
Only then she felt him placing another kiss on her neck. This one was different. He pressed his lips to her skin more firmly, wetting it with his tongue like he wanted to taste her. It left no doubts about his intentions. He wanted her. The thought made her tremble. His body pressed into hers and she gasped again as she felt just how much he wanted her.
''Mac...'' Jo whispered.
''Oh God... I'm sorry.'' He murmured suddenly, pulling away. He breathed in deeply and leaned heavily against the wall, placing his hands flat on it on both sides of her. He closed his eyes and bent his head lightly. ''I'm really sorry, Jo. I have no idea what got into me.'' He finally uttered.
His voice was so low, laced with desire and need. It sent shivers through her whole body. This little spot where his lips had made contact with her skin was still tingling. She swallowed hard, as she realized she knew this tingling. She wanted more. He was finally so close. And he wanted her as badly as she wanted him. Yet he was fighting it, refusing to act upon it. She let out a groan.
Mac felt how she took his face in her hands and slowly lifted his head. Then, before he even opened his eyes, he sensed how her lips touched his. She kissed him so tentatively, so sensually. He groaned lightly, as the taste of her mouth made him feel completely lost. She tasted like ripened strawberries. Like warm, summer rain and his first sip of champagne. Like everything that was good, like everything he loved. He felt the overwhelming need to touch her, so he pushed his own suit jacket off her shoulders. It dropped to the floor next to Jo's feet. He ran his hands over her naked back, relishing the feeling of her skin. It was so smooth and soft. He was thinking about touching her like that the whole evening, but it wasn't enough, as now he wished he could caress her also with his lips.
Jo shifted slightly, moving her body even closer to Mac's. Her thigh pressed between his legs and he groaned into the kiss, suddenly feeling overwhelmed by the sensation.
He forced himself to pull away. When he broke their kiss she let out a quiet whimper and opened her eyes, looking directly into his. He fixed his gaze on her hazel orbs and all of sudden the reality hit him. He had kissed her. He had let his hands wander over her body. He had her pinned down between his own body and the door to their suite. Reaching for the key card and opening the door was all it took to continue. Then they would be alone and he was more than sure that he wouldn't be able to resist her. She looked beyond beautiful tonight and he wanted her so much. It was so tempting to let it happen. To find out what it felt like to make love to this gorgeous woman. To try to make her lose control and moan his name in ecstasy.
But at the same time he couldn't silence the quiet voice in his head that was telling him it wasn't really a good idea. That it was like playing with fire – somebody could get burned very easily. More than anything in the world he wanted to make love to Jo right now. She was his co-worker, his friend, his partner. All he was missing was her being his lover. But at the same time she was everything else to him and he dreaded the thought that one careless step might ruin it all and leave him with nothing.
He could feel her breath against his lips and he unconsciously licked them, already missing her taste. Upon seeing it she leaned closer and tried to close the gap between their mouths, but he placed his hands on her shoulders and stopped her.
''Jo... I'd better... go and look for your shawl.'' He gave her the first excuse that came into his mind.
Jo raised her eyebrows at him in surprise, then she shook her head lightly.
''I don't care about the shawl. Just leave it.'' She said softly.
''Jo...'' Mac whispered. ''I... I can't.'' She felt how his hands slid down from her shoulders. ''I'm sorry. I just can't.'' He added. She tried to move away from him, to break the contact between their bodies, but she didn't have enough space to do that. He swallowed hard and moved back slightly. ''I'm sorry.'' He repeated. He looked at her face and saw how she was fighting to keep her emotions in check. ''I...'' He started, wanting to add something more, but she winced and raised her hand in order to silence him.
''Just... Just go.'' She said in a shaky voice. ''Leave me alone.'' She added and quickly picked up his suit jacket from the floor. She fussed slightly with it, finally pulling the key card out of the inside pocket. Then she threw his jacket at him, opened the door and disappeared inside.
As soon as the door closed behind her, Mac felt he had made a terrible mistake. He turned around and walked back, stopping at the door to their suite. He lifted his hand, wanting to knock, but he hesitated. He knew that she didn't want to see him right now. Instead of knocking on the door he raised his hand to his face and rubbed his forehead. It was like walking a tightrope – one moment of hesitation was enough to make him fail. He had no idea what he should do, so he decided to at least do what he had promised to Jo – to go and find her shawl. He sighed deeply and headed for the stairs.
. . .
Inside the room Jo leaned against the door and closed her eyes. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She had left no doubts that she wanted him and he had run away. She shook her head. She felt utterly stupid and humiliated.
She walked into the bedroom and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. She had to take this dress off as soon as possible. After a small fight with the zipper, she managed to slip it off and she tossed it carelessly on the bed. There was no question about going back to the wedding anyway. She couldn't possibly face Mac right now. But she was aware that he would come back to the room at some point, which meant that they would have to face each other eventually, like it or not.
As she was taking her jewelry off, she wondered if she could just go to bed and pretend she was asleep. Because she was aware that she wouldn't be able to fall asleep. The clasp of the necklace wasn't working properly again, which was annoying her more and more with every single second. Finally, she pulled it hard and broke it. She placed it angrily on the chest of drawers. She glanced at it and she spotted the car keys lying next to it. That was just perfect. She could take the car and leave before Mac came back to the room. If he could run away, she could do the same.
In a flash Jo put on her jeans and her sweater, she packed her bag hastily and left the room. She gave the key card to the receptionist, who was more than surprised to see that Jo decided to check out in the middle of the wedding, but she didn't feel like providing any kind of fake excuse.
She ran to the car and quickly got inside, throwing the bag on the passenger seat. For a moment she felt slightly guilty, leaving Mac on his own, stuck 700 miles away from New York. But she instantly dismissed this feeling. After all he could easily come back with someone else or take a plane. And with this thought she started the engine and left the parking lot with a screech of tires.
. . .
Once in the ballroom, Mac noticed that the lights were already dimmed and several couples, including Danny and Lindsay, were dancing. He walked towards the table, which was still occupied by Adam and Michelle. But they were too busy with each other to even acknowledge his presence, so he just took Jo's shawl from the back of the chair and left the table. He didn't feel like staying in the ballroom. He headed to the hotel bar which was almost empty.
''What can I get you, sir?'' The bartender asked, when Mac sat down at the bar.
''Double scotch on the rocks.'' Mac murmured in response. The bartender only nodded and began to prepare the drink. Mac placed Jo's shawl on the bar and absentmindedly played with it. The fabric was so smooth, it easily slipped through his fingers. But he knew that her skin was even smoother. He was sure her shawl smelled of her perfume. He didn't even have to bring it to his nose in order to smell it. All it took was to close his eyes. If he wouldn't have gotten cold feet at the last moment, he would have been holding her naked in his arms right now and making love to her. Doing it hard and fast. At least for the first time, which he knew wouldn't be enough.
''Umm... Mac? What are you doing here?'' Sid asked suddenly, sitting down next to him. Mac only sighed in response and took another sip of his drink. ''I came here, because I felt like I was a fifth wheel, as now there are only couples left on the dance floor... But shouldn't you be there?'' He continued. ''With Jo?'' He added in a quiet voice.
''She went back to the room.'' Mac told him shortly and pushed the empty glass towards the bartender, silently letting him know that he wanted another drink.
''She did?'' Sid asked with surprise. ''So early? That's very unlike her...'' He commented. Then he took a careful look at Mac and asked, ''Did something happen?''
Mac looked at him and was just about to say that nothing had happened, but suddenly he felt an all-consuming need to tell someone the truth. But he wasn't sure how to put it into words.
''I messed up, Sid. I really messed up.'' He admitted with a sigh. Sid watched him for a couple of seconds, hesitating as to whether he should ask about the details or not.
''Umm... I'm sure it's not that bad, Mac. You just need to talk to her and explain everything to her.'' Sid told Mac, but he only shook his head. ''I mean... You care about her very deeply...'' He added and Mac glanced at him. ''I'm sure she knows that, but... she needs to hear it from you.''
''I doubt she wants to listen to me right now.'' Mac told him quietly.
''I'm sure she would.'' Sid assured him. ''Mac, whatever you said or did... you should try to clear it up. You know Jo. She's such a warm and understanding woman. I'm sure she'll forgive you.''
Mac looked at him and frowned. He was probably right. He shouldn't have run away from her in the first place. But since he had done it, he shouldn't keep running away now.
''I think, you're right. I'm going to talk to her right now.'' He decided and rose from his seat. He pulled out his wallet hastily and placed the $20 bill on the bar. Then he grabbed Jo's shawl and turned around. ''Thanks, Sid.'' He added before he left.
. . .
Mac knocked twice at the door, but there was no answer. He sighed and thought that she probably didn't want to see him, as he had predicted. He went through his pockets in order to find the key card, but it wasn't there. Then he sighed again. Of course. Jo had left hers in the room and then she had taken his. He knocked on the door once more, slightly louder this time, but again, she didn't open.
For a moment he considered going back to the bar, but then he recalled what Sid had said. He had to talk to Jo. He headed downstairs, to the reception desk.
''How can I help you, sir?'' The young receptionist asked as soon as he approached her.
''Umm... I don't have the key card to my room. I gave mine to my... umm... to my friend. She went back to the room, but now she's probably asleep and I can't get inside.'' He explained.
''Oh... It's not a problem. We'll have a spare one. Which room is that?''
''26C.'' Mac answered. He watched as the receptionist looked for the right key.
''Actually... I have two key cards here. The person you're staying with must have checked out.'' She told him and he frowned.
''Are you sure? Room 26C? Jo Danville?'' He asked. She looked into the book and nodded.
''Yes, she checked out 20 minutes ago.'' The receptionist confirmed. Mac sighed as he realized how bad it actually was. Now he was more than sure that Jo didn't want to see him.
''Did she say where she was going? To the airport? Or to the train station?'' He asked.
''No.'' The woman shook her head. ''She didn't say anything. She was in a hurry.''
Mac nodded lightly. He was guessing that she left for the airport. If so, he could still catch her. He quickly checked his pockets for the car keys, instantly realizing that he had left them in the room.
''I'll need this key card anyway.'' He told the receptionist.
''Of course.'' She nodded. ''But I have to see your ID first.''
He let out an irritated sigh and pulled out his NYPD ID card.
''This one will do?'' He asked.
''Yes. Yes!'' The woman said and instantly gave him the key card. ''I'm sorry, it's the hotel policy.'' She added with an apologetic smile. He didn't answer, only hurried to the room. Once inside, he frantically looked for the car keys, but he couldn't find them anywhere. He was sure he had left them on the chest of drawers in the bedroom, but the only thing that was lying there, was Jo's necklace. He picked it up and noticed that it was broken, as if she had torn it off her neck. He sighed and sat down on the bed, feeling really helpless. Now he had no chance to catch Jo and explain everything to her. Part of him couldn't believe that she had decided to drive back to New York without him. He hadn't realized how truly angry she was with him. Or even worse – she felt hurt.
He frowned deeply. It was a long ride. He knew that Jo was a good driver, but she had a tendency to drive too fast and too carelessly, especially when in a hurry or under strong emotions. Also he wasn't sure how much she had drunk. At least two glasses of champagne, maybe more. He hoped she was responsible, but at the same time he couldn't silence the anxiety that was rising in him. He wouldn't forgive himself if anything happened to her.
If she took off 25 minutes ago, she should still be close. Maybe he could call the local police and tell them to stop her? That was an idea, but he was sure that if he did it, she would be furious.
Instead of that he took his phone and dialed her number, deluding himself that he could convince her to turn back.
. . .
A/N Here comes the next chapter :) It's up so quickly thanks to UrbanMuse, who corrected this one at the speed of light. (BTW, I made one change especially for you ;P)
Thank you very much for all the comments – they really mean a lot and keep me going.
I'm not sure when the next chapter will be up, as I probably won't find time to write for a couple of days now...