Nearly three months, Martin thought.

It had been nearly three months since some miracle had thrown him in Jocelyn Carter's path on Valentine's Day at that bar and now she was here sitting in his apartment with her feet propped up in his lap.

He wondered if it had been fate that had brought them together. It had to have been. Nobody else had commanded his attention, his mind or his interest as she had. She was beautiful in so many ways. Physically he was attracted to her every curve, her smile, and her eyes; mentally she was intelligent and intellectually stimulating. She was well rounded and he was fascinated by almost everything about her.

She had flat out told him that she wasn't interested in a relationship, serious or casual, but he'd asked her out anyway. He told her he could be patient. And he had been. He surprised himself by how patient he truly was. He attributed that to her. He'd never waited this long for a woman, he'd never had to. But for her, Jocelyn Carter, he wanted to.

When he first asked her out, she turned him down and he assumed that she was seeing someone. When he saw the sad look on her face at the bar on Valentine's Day, his suspicions were confirmed. He wondered at the man who had broken her heart. He wondered what kind of man he was that had made her hesitant to get involved again. Whoever he was, he was the cause of the stunted growth in their fledgling relationship.

It was struggling, he admitted to himself. She was here sitting with her feet in his lap, sharing tales about her son, but they were not moving forward. He wanted to know her, really know her and he wondered what it would take for her to trust him and take the next step.

"Taylor sounds like a great kid. I'd like to meet him one day." He said, massaging her feet.

She averted her eyes then, taking a sip from the wine glass in her hands. He smiled, knowing this was a topic she most likely wanted to avoid. He decided they were going to have it anyway.

"Why haven't I met him yet, Joss? Have you told him about me? I mean I've only ever seen your place when he isn't there. Am I your dirty little secret?"

"Of course not, Martin. It's just that…..I think it's a little too soon."

"Too soon for him or too soon for you?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, I've never rushed you, you know that. But I kinda get the feeling like you're waiting for the other shoe to drop. It's almost like you don't expect us to last. You don't want him to meet me in case things fall apart and you don't want him to get hurt."

She pulled her feet out of his grasp, out of his lap and drew them underneath her on the couch. She looked at him and he could see that his words had struck home.

"Who was he?"

He watched as she put the wine glass on the coffee table and walked over to the window. The view outside kept her gaze for a long time and she didn't speak. He had been patient, but this conversation was well overdue.

"Whoever he was, he hurt you. I know it. I can feel it. It's why you're keeping me at arm's length. You're afraid to be hurt again, you're afraid your son will be hurt again. I understand." He walked over to her and stood in the back of her, but she didn't turn around. He slowly slid his hands around her waist. "I won't hurt you, Jocelyn. I care about you, a lot. Actually, I'm…..I'm falling in love with you."

She turned around in his arms and she put her hand on his cheek. "Martin…"

"I know you're not there yet Jocelyn. But I'm asking you to give me a chance. Open yourself up to me. I won't hurt you."

Carter could feel him in the back of her as she stood at the window. Indecision was running all through her right now. It had been almost three months of dinners, movies, plays and spending an endless amount of time together. They should be moving forward shouldn't they?

She listened as he told her he was falling in love with her. She listened as he told her that he wouldn't hurt her and she believed him.

She thought of Reese and the way he'd held her right before he left her apartment. Yes he still desired her, but he was still dealing with issues from his past, he had problems committing to her. He hadn't mentioned anything about working things out in months. Why shouldn't she give Martin a chance?

Why shouldn't she be open like he asked?

She put a hand on his cheek. She looked into his eyes and she was scared, but she couldn't let her fear control her.

She pressed a kiss to his lips, softly ever so softly and felt his hands about her waist. She put her arms around his neck and her mouth opened under his. His tongue became hungry, seeking, and greedy on hers and he walked them backward to the couch where he pulled her down on top of him.

His mouth found her neck and she allowed him to explore it, throwing her head back as his lips touched the flesh there. His hands moved up to cup her breasts while his lips found hers once more and he slowly eased his tongue in. She felt his thumbs teasing her nipples and she could feel his warm breath as he bit down on her bottom lip. Memories of Reese crept into her mind, but she closed her eyes tightly trying to block them out.

She could forget him couldn't she?

A soft moan escaped her throat as his hands ran up and down her spine and he pulled at the straps of her dress kissing her bare shoulder.

"Jocelyn…." He moaned her name and he was about to move the other strap of her dress when his cell phone rang.

His head snapped up abruptly and he cursed under his breath. "Just leave it." She said.

"I can't. That's my work phone and it's for emergencies." She moved off of his lap and watched him pick it up. "I'm sorry I have to take this. Excuse me." He stepped into the other room and came back a few minutes later after what sounded like a heated conversation.

"Is everything okay?" She asked.

"No." He said. "I can't give you any details, but all of the partners are meeting for an emergency. It's one of our clients who have us on retainer." He gathered her into his arms and kissed her. "I'm so sorry Jocelyn. I'll take you home."

"It's okay." She said getting into her shoes. She took his hand and they walked out together.

O0o0o0o

Such a gentleman, Reese thought as he watched Thompson walk Carter to her front door again. They hadn't gone inside together, but he was kissing her goodbye. Except that this kiss was unlike the others. It was more passionate, more intimate, and more personal. He watched as Thompson's hands explored Carter's body, how she clung to him more than before. Their kiss was so deep, filled with longing; he imagined Thompson's tongue inside her mouth. The very thought made him furious.

He was furious and he was jealous. He wondered just how far they'd gone tonight.

He wondered if he was too late.

Carter got off the elevator at the 23rd floor and walked into the offices of Banks, McKinney & Thompson. She went to the back where Martin's offices were and his secretary told her she could go in. He was finishing up a meeting, but he was expecting her.

She opened the door, and he got up as soon as she got entered. He came round his desk to greet her, with a huge smile on his face.

"I hope I'm not interrupting." She said.

"Not at all, Martin and I are pretty much done here." She spun round at the sound of a familiar female voice and came face to face with Zoe Morgan. She was dressed in a fiery red designer coat and high black pumps and her hair fell is soft waves over her shoulders. She had a smile on her face like the cat that ate the canary.

"Detective Carter. So nice to see you again." Said Zoe, extending her hand and she took it, wondering just why she was here and how she knew Martin. Their short meeting outside the high rise before the bank robbery hadn't afforded her the opportunity to study the woman at length, but she took the time to look at her now that they were a mere few feet apart.

She had good looks. She was stylishly put together and she had the confidence of a woman who knew she was pleasing to the eye. She also sensed that she was a woman who had no problems using her looks and figure to her advantage if necessary. But beyond that, she was resourceful, intelligent and was good at what she did. She had to be if both John and Martin knew her.

She wondered just what business deal had kept John's 'other wife' from keeping the date with him at the charity event.

"It's nice to see you, Zoe."

"How do you two know each other?" Martin asked.

"We met briefly through a….mutual friend a few months ago. But I never forget a face or a name."

"A talent that must come in quite handy, I'm sure." Carter said.

"Actually it does, in many ways. Martin, I'll get back to you on that matter we discussed."

"Thank you, Zoe." Said Martin and walked her to the door.

"Detective." she said before leaving.

"Zoe."

She waited until the door was closed before she turned to Martin.

"Just how do you know her?"

"She's in crisis management. Our firm uses her from time to time. Please don't tell me you're jealous."

"Of her?"

"Yes of her. It's like a green monster appeared on your shoulder as soon as you saw her. What's going on?"

"Nothing. Are we still on for tonight?" She asked trying to change the subject quickly.

"I'm sorry. But we have a really big case here, and that's going to take up a lot of my time for the next few days. I have to take a rain check for later this week." She was wrapped up in his arms again and he was kissing her neck. "But I am going to miss you."

"Yeah? How much?" She teased as his lips teased hers.

"This much."

Carter called Taylor to tell him that he would have the pleasure of her company tonight since Martin had cancelled. She was surprised to hear how happy he was with the news. He said he was bringing company for dinner and would be home shortly. She didn't feel like cooking and stopped off to get two pizzas and some wings before she got home.

She was doing a balancing act with the pizzas and wings in one hand and was fumbling with her house keys in the other when the door suddenly swung open.

"Need some help with those?" Asked Reese taking the boxes out of her hand.

"What are you doing here?"

"Hey mom, I invited John over for dinner. You did say it was okay." She heard his voice from the hallway as she climbed the last step and came inside the house.

"You said you were brining a friend over for dinner Taylor." She said staring at Reese, who raised his eyebrows at her, a smirk on his face.

"Well he is a friend of the family. And we haven't had him over for a while. I thought it'd be nice to hang out, just like old times."

"I'm sure." She said and took her coat off, putting it the closet.

"Tough day at work, Joss?" She turned to him as he made the comment. It'd been about a week since she'd seen him last, when she practically fled from his apartment. She remembered the kiss just like it was yesterday, and felt her responding to him again. Just having him near her was unnerving. She knew this was going to be the longest family dinner she'd had in a while.

Over pizza, she let him and Taylor do most of the talking. And talk they did; about school, his classes, the colleges he thought about going to, even a brief conversation about this girl Taylor was interested in. She couldn't believe it. Prior to now, she hadn't even been able to pry the girl's name out of her son's mouth, but here he was spilling his whole love story to Reese. It was amazing.

When Taylor said he was going to his room, she looked at his devilish smile as he walked down the hallway.

"Don't you think it's rude to leave your invited guest and go to your room?" She asked.

"Nope. I'm not worried. He's in good hands." His room door closed behind him, but she could swear she heard laughter before he cut his TV on.

Reese was watching her as she cleaned up the boxes, taking them in the kitchen. He got up to help her and loaded everything into the trash.

"Hope you didn't mind the unexpected company too much." He said looking at her.

"Of course I didn't. I was just surprised."

"Taylor just called and invited me over. He said you didn't think you'd mind."

"You two would have been on your own actually, my plans got cancelled at the last minute."

She got a beer out of the fridge and handed him one too.

"Plans with Martin." He said quietly leaning on the counter. She nodded her head and stood next to him, leaning on the counter too. She put the bottle to her lips and took a drink.

"I miss you, Joss."

"John…no."

"I miss Taylor. I miss pizza night, and watching the game. I miss holding you, and I miss waking up next to you."

"Don't do this." She turned to leave, but he blocked her path.

"I miss you, Joss."

"John, I'm glad to see you're doing better. Really I am. But I gave you chances on two separate occasions to work things out. You shut me down. I won't get hurt again, and I have to think about Taylor."

"I won't hurt you again."

"No, you won't. Because I refuse to get on this merry go round with you another time."

"I know what I want now Joss."

"For months you didn't know what you wanted. Now one week goes by and everything's suddenly clear?"

"Seeing you again made me realize how…how stupid I was."

"What do you want? For me to just take you back? You think it's going to be that simple?"

Her heart was breaking. For months he was the one who was afraid, now it seemed it was her turn. She told herself she was simply being cautious. She was scared of being hurt again. And he seemed to do it so easily.

"No. I know it's not that simple. But whatever it takes, however long it takes, I'll do whatever it is that I have to do. Because, because I love you."

He rested his hands on her shoulder and kissed the top of her head, letting his lips linger there. She knew he wanted to hold her and a part of her wanted him to. When he finally walked out of the kitchen and went to get his coat she felt a mixture of sadness and relief that he had done so.

He put his coat on and pulled a small box out of his pocket, handing it to her.

"What's this?" She asked taking it.

"It's your Christmas gift. I've had it for months." She was speechless, not knowing what she should say to that. He gave her a crooked smile and said goodnight.

She locked the door after him, and walked to her bedroom with the box still in her hand. She didn't even want to guess what it could be.

…whatever it takes, however long it takes, I'll do whatever it is that I have to do…because I love you….

What was he doing to her? She thought in frustration. She was trying to move on.

She heard her bedroom door open and tucked the box under her pillow.

"Did John leave already?"

"You trying to play matchmaker young man? Is that what you're up to?" She asked.

"I just thought it'd be a good idea for you two to…..spend some time together."

"And just what gave you that idea?" She said looking at him from head to toe.

"He misses you mom."

"Taylor….."

"You miss him too."

Her mild annoyance at him lessened at bit at his genuine expression.

"Baby I love you. You know that, but stay outta my business."

He smiled and turned to leave. "Don't deny it."

"Stay outta my business."

She lay there for a while afterwards and finally got up, reaching for the box. Sighing she opened it to see what was inside. Her hand flew to her mouth when she saw just what they were; a pair of 1ct. diamond earrings, princess cut. She didn't know what to say.

"John…."

"What time did she say she would meet you, Finch?" He'd been waiting at 'Stacy's' for about fifteen minutes for Zoe to show up, but he hadn't seen her. He didn't want to be here with Zoe, this was the place he and Carter had come to after the charity event. There were too many memories here.

"She should be there any minute, Mr. Reese, I'm sure. The meeting should be brief. Apologize to her for me, but I have an appointment tonight that I can't cancel." Finch hung up and Reese watched the entrance. A few minutes later she appeared and she saw him as soon as she came in. She walked over to him sliding into one of the high backed stools at the bar.

"Nice place Harold picked out." She said. "Buy me a drink?"

She sipped on the Bourbon when it came and looked at him slyly over the rim of her glass. He couldn't help contrasting this meeting to the others they had over the last few months. Before he'd been eager to see her, be in her company, but this time was quite different. Now he didn't want to linger, he wanted to get the information Finch needed and leave.

"Well you're looking even more grim than usual. What's got you so tense?"

Zoe looked at the tension in John's hand as he clutched his glass, the thinned line of his mouth and the distant look in his eye. He seemed to have something on his mind. Or rather, someone. She'd spent years studying people, their body language, their tone of voice, something as inconsequential as the movement of the eyes could tell her so much. She could read people well; it was an effective tool in her line of work.

Zoe smiled. Someone was occupying John's thoughts in a big way. She'd put money on it, but she guessed he had some real feelings for this woman whoever she was. She thought of their last encounter, the almost desperate way he pounded into her, his frenzied lovemaking almost as if he was running away from something. She had sensed something was off.

Though he was different, he had still made sure she was satisfied, so she had no complaints. But now it all seemed clear to her.

It made no difference she thought. They were the only two people here tonight. And he was looking especially handsome. She ran her fingers slowly across his.

"Want to give me a ride home after we're done here?"

Carter sat in a booth with Martin, trying to enjoy her drink and his company. He'd been able to take a few hours off from work and he'd taken her to 'Stacy's' the same restaurant and lounge she'd been in with Reese all those months back. They had been in a booth just like this one that night, and he'd taken her back to his place.

They were waiting for their meal, when she looked over at the bar and spotted Reese and Zoe having a drink together. Her heart stopped momentarily and she couldn't hear anything Martin was saying anymore. Her glass that had been to her lips was put back on the table and she hadn't realized it, but she was holding her breath.

I'm Zoe, John's wife.

The words rang out in her ears, as she watched Zoe touch him, put her hand over his, ran her finger along his jaw line in an extremely familiar way. He didn't shrink back from her touch. And when she put a hand on his face, he moved her hand away, but held it in his own.

He was sleeping with her.

It hit her. It hit her hard like a big Mack truck and she couldn't breathe right now.

He was sleeping with her.

He'd just been in her kitchen this very week telling her how much he missed her and loved her. And here he was in 'Stacy's' having drinks and probably planning on taking her back to his place, where she'd spend the night. Her breath caught in her throat.

She thought about them in John's bed, on his couch, in the shower. Too many images were running through her mind right now and she fought hard to control the emotions that were threatening to overtake her.

He was sleeping with her, her mind screamed.

"Jocelyn. Are you okay?"

What the hell kind of question was that? She wanted to scream. She was far from okay.

"No. No Martin, I'm not."

Finishing off her drink, Zoe put her glass down and looked around for the bartender. She wanted another. She glimpsed Martin and Carter at the back of the restaurant.

"Oh, look John. There's your friend, the Detective."

Reese looked in the direction of where she motioned and though it was just a flicker, she didn't miss the look of utter panic that momentarily crossed his face.

Things had just gotten interesting, she thought.

Carter watched as Martin waved to Zoe and he walked over to briefly say hello. She watched as Zoe introduced Reese and Martin to each other and she watched them exchange pleasantries.

She felt incredibly open right now, she felt stupid and she literally felt nauseous.

She couldn't stand it anymore and she collected her clutch and walked to the front door of the restaurant. She could feel Reese's eyes on her as she stepped out into the night and soon afterwards she heard Martin's voice behind her, his footsteps quickening behind her as she walked into the street. If he hadn't called her name she probably would have continued moving.

"Jocelyn!"

"Martin, I'm sorry but I need you to take me home."

"What is it?"

"Martin, I really don't feel well. I need to leave. Please."

"Okay. Let me just take care of the bill. I'll be right back." He went back inside and she watched as Reese and Zoe came outside. They both got into Reese's car and pulled off.

She felt like an idiot.

And she felt more alone than she had when he kicked her out of his apartment last year.

Reese got to Zoe's apartment in record time, and she noticed that as he went down the driveway and pulled up to the front door, he left the engine on. She looked at his profile as he stared off into the distance, the clenched jaw, and she knew his mind was elsewhere.

"You're not coming in are you?"

He turned to her, not answering but the look in his eyes said everything.

She laughed at his expression.

"Shame really. But you have some unfinished business to take care of." She got out of the car, getting her coat and bag. "Good night, John. And good luck. I think you're going to need it."

Carter spent the ride home in silence. The queasiness in her stomach had subsided for the most part and she felt a little better physically. Her emotions were in turmoil right now and she didn't know how she was supposed to feel.

Martin had been such a sweetheart. He even stopped to a drug store to buy her something to calm her stomach. She took it, giving him a smile that didn't reach her eyes. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She was shaking on the inside.

He walked her up to her front door and hugged her before kissing her goodnight. He promised to call in the morning to find out if she was better. She said all the appropriate things, but truthfully she wanted him to leave so she could let out all the things she was feeling right now.

She threw her house keys down on the table by the door and leaned against the wall letting out a ragged sigh. She saw movement by the window and quickly cut the light on. Reese was standing in her living room. Her stomach lurched at the sight of him.

"Joss…"

"What are you doing here?" she asked as he came toward her and put a hand up to stop him. He could see that she was angry. And yes, she realized she was angry with him.

"I want to explain."

"Explain what?"

"It's not what it looked like back there at the restaurant."

"You mean your little display with your 'other wife'?"

"It's not what you think it was."

"Then what was it?"

"It was a business meeting. She was giving me information on a case."

"Come on. She had her hands all over you and you didn't seem to mind one bit." He reached out to touch her arm, but she slapped it away.

"She…"

"Are you sleeping with her John?" She looked up at him hoping the answer was no, but deep down she knew it was yes.

"She doesn't mean anything to me." He said quietly.

"Are you sleeping with her, John?" She repeated, her eyes filling with tears now.

"I don't care about her, Joss."

"You're not answering my question, John! Did you sleep with her?" He looked away for a moment and she wondered if he would lie to her. She saw him take a deep breath before he looked at her again and she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her. John had never lied to her and the look on his face said that he was about to tell her the truth, a truth that she wasn't going to like at all.

"Yes." He admitted quietly.

"Get out." She said.

"I love you." he said desperately.

"Get out." She said walking away from him, but he walked behind her, grabbing her by the waist and pulled her to his chest.

"Let me go, John." She said trying to move his hand, but he wouldn't loosen his grip.

"Joss please. She doesn't mean anything to me. I love you."

She turned around to push him away, but ended up pinned against the wall with his face buried in her neck.

Tears were coming down her face now and she tried to wipe at them. She pushed at his chest, pushed at his shoulders, but he wouldn't budge.

"I can't live without you, Joss. I love you." Her ears were filled with his pleadings, whispers from his lips as he pressed them against her temple, her cheek, until he pressed his mouth onto hers. His hands moved over her shoulder and he cupped her face in his hands. He sucked at her lips, hungrily, seeking to reassure her that he didn't care about anyone else.

She knew it was what he was trying to do. And she felt the sting of his admission yelling in her mind, insistent that she push him away.

His hands moved down her arms, and she started to tingle inside. Her body recognized his hands as the source of her pleasure, relaxed under them as they travelled across her stomach. His hands moved lower and his fingers grabbed at the hem of her dress pushing it up to caress her thighs.

She moaned, and he whispered her name as he kissed the side of her mouth. Slowly, he drew the dress up to her waist and his hands moved inside her panties to splay his fingers over her butt. Carter felt his erection, pushing against his pants, sliding against her.

He bent his head down kissing her neck, her collarbone, running his tongue over it.

Lower he went, kissing her through her dress, the area between her breasts, her stomach until he knelt before her pulling her panties down to her ankles.

"I love you, Joss." She heard him say as he looked up at her.

He spread her legs and moved one of them over his shoulder and she held onto him for balance pressing her back into the wall. She moaned loud and deep as he ran his tongue across her opening.

She could feel his breath on her, the combination of it flowing over her was smooth and warm and his wet mouth made her weak. His tongue moved slowly inside her, parting her folds, moving inside her, against her walls, creating patterns of pure sensation within her.

She felt wave after wave of pleasure overtake her as he sucked on her clit, running his tongue around it in circles, back and forth, driving her crazy. His fingers bit into her butt as he pulled her closer to his face and she slid herself back and forth over his mouth and tongue. She moved her hands over her breasts and squeezed her nipples hard, closing her eyes and throwing her head backwards.

She heard him groan and he pushed his tongue inside her again. She was trembling and her legs were weak. She fisted her hands in his short hair and felt she was about to collapse and she felt her walls begin to vibrate. She bucked against him wildly then, her whole body shaking, trembling uncontrollably as she started to come on his tongue.

She couldn't stop the cries that ripped past her throat; she couldn't stop herself from calling his name.

His cock was hard as a rock.

Her scent was in his nostrils, on his tongue, and he licked his lips as he stood to his feet. He unfastened his belt and unzipped his pants, pulling his shaft out. It was slick and wet.

He kissed her shoulder still holding onto her waist to steady her. Her breathing was fast, her chest was heaving, she was still experiencing the aftershocks of her orgasm. He cupped her face in his hands.

"I love you, Joss." He whispered to her again before he claimed her mouth, pressing himself into her, taking her hand and wrapping it around his cock. She put her arm around his neck and he picked her up, taking her into the bedroom. He pulled the dress over her head and got out of his clothes.

He sucked at the tender flesh of her neck, then let his tongue move down to her collarbone. His hands found her breasts and he squeezed her nipples letting him harden between his fingers. She moaned and arched her back toward him, then he moved to the other breast, drawing it into his mouth, sucking on it, bathing it with his tongue.

"Joss…."

He kissed her all the way down to her belly, and he felt it tremble under his mouth. She writhed underneath him, grabbing onto his skin, pulling at him, to bring him closer.

This is what he missed, her passion, her desire that perfectly matched his own. He missed giving her pleasure, he missed the pleasure it gave him.

He moved between her legs, and put both his arms under her knees drawing them up over his shoulders and he plunged himself inside her. He heard her gasp as he went in deep, deep to the hilt. He stayed still inside her, not moving and watched the look on her face as he rocked side to side within her stretching her out. She looked like she was in pure ecstasy.

She wanted him to move, she wanted to feel him, but he ground into her slowly, touching her walls ever so slightly, getting comfortable in the place he called home.

"John…." She cried desperately grabbing onto his back. And he started to stroke her, deep and long, rocking her back and forth. She felt so good inside, so good and soft just like he remembered and he moved inside her a few more times before pulling out.

"John….." she protested and he plunged back again, this time moving faster, more forcefully, with more passion. He tangled his fingers in her hair, pulling her by the neck closer for his kiss. His tongue slid over hers, and he kissed her, allowing her no air to breathe, allowing nothing to come between his lips and hers. He reached for her hands and linked their fingers together as he plunged inside her hard putting his weight behind every thrust.

He was lost inside her, tremors running all through his body and he clenched his jaw at the feel of her squeezing him tightly. This was better than he remembered. So much better and he never wanted to be parted from her again.

He loved this woman, so much and he needed to connect with her again. He needed her to know how much he loved her.

Carter felt like she was being swallowed up. He was too deep, she thought, yet it was just right. She felt like she was being consumed by him. She felt as if he had been waiting to do this since the day she'd first left his apartment.

Just as she had. And now she felt herself travelling to the highest wave of pleasure. She was being carried out to sea. And she felt herself floating on a crashing surge as her body began to tremble once more. She bit into his shoulder, her orgasm overtaking her. A guttural moan passed her throat and she felt him thrust into her powerfully one more time and linger inside as he too had finally found relief.

But as high as she had climbed with pleasure she felt immediately overwhelmed with pain. Images of Zoe and John together flashed before her once more. Him touching Zoe the way he'd just touched her. Her orgasm on his mouth. Everything they might have shared was suddenly before her eyes. She started to cry and she couldn't stop.

"Joss…..Joss…"

He tried to console her, but she pushed him away.

"Joss, talk to me, please."

But she couldn't speak, she couldn't get a word out, he tried to hold her, but she couldn't let him. She felt ashamed for still wanting him after all this time. For wanting him after he admitted to being with someone else.

"Joss…please….." his hand was on her shoulder, but she felt as if she'd been burned. She got up quickly and kept her back to him.

"I need you to leave."

"Joss, let's talk about this…"

"I can't, John. I need you to leave. Please." The last word was barely a whisper, but she prayed he would hear her and listen. The tears continued to fall as she heard him get dressed reluctantly in the back of her.

For a long time he stood next to her waiting for her to speak, but she couldn't. She couldn't even look at him.

"John, go!"

Finally he left and she heard the front door close behind him.

The silence after he left was deafening.

TWO DAYS LATER

Carter's smile was wide and Martin looked at her wondering who she was talking to on the phone. They were in the airport waiting to board their flight, which was set to leave in another fifteen minutes.

"Really? That is the best news I've had in a long time. Thank you so much Mr. Andrews. I'll stop by your office as soon as I get back."

This is our final boarding call for passengers travelling to Philadelphia Pennsylvania on Flight….

"That's us, baby. Let's go." Said Martin, as he pulled Carter up from her seat. "Who was that on the phone?"

"The loan officer at the bank. I just got some great news about the house I wanted. The buyer backed out at the last minute and now the seller is offering a reduced price to get rid of it. Looks like I might get it after all." She said smiling at the ticket agent and grabbed Martin's hand as they went through the gate.

"This trip is off to a good start already."