A/N: I'm sorry for the lateness of this chapter, but I hadn't had time to post this past weekend. There's only one more chapter and the epilogue to go after this one, and I should be able to post it on Friday morning, before leaving for the weekend.

###

Chapter 6: A Time of New Beginnings

In spite of having had dinner together the evening before, Elizabeth and Sam didn't have much time to talk to each other; a dinner with the President of the United States would do that. And all the time they had to themselves on the plane was spent talking about what had happened in Atlantis from the moment it had entered hyperspace until they finally reached M12-578 almost a day later.

Upon arriving back at the SGC, with a bag full of clothes and belongings she wanted to take with her to the City, Sam found herself surrounded by the rest of SG1, who had received the news by General Landry himself. She was happy to be able to say her goodbyes to the team, and especially to Daniel and Teal'c who were family to her. Daniel had tried to invite himself along quite a few times, and Sam and Elizabeth both had to promise him that they would send for him, should they ever need his help and expertise.

And now, they were standing in front of the Gate, ready to leave for Atlantis, and neither of them could say what the other was thinking about the situation. The Gate was opening to the Midway Space Station, and Sam was saying a last, silent goodbye to the place that had been her second home for a decade.

Once the Milky Way Gate closed behind them, both women walked towards the panel for the Pegasus one, and Sam gestured for Elizabeth to enter the coordinates to their final destination.

"After you, Doctor Weir. I'm sure they'll be happy to receive your IDC."

"Thank you, Colonel."

Soon after Elizabeth had sent her IDC, they received the go ahead from Chuck to step through the Gate. They unconsciously walked side by side, as if their bodies were already used to working together.

John and Ellis were waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs, and they walked up to them.

"Welcome home, Elizabeth," John said, a beaming smile stretching his lips.

"I told you it would be fine. Though there have been some changes. I want your team in the briefing room in fifteen minutes. Colonel Ellis, you're welcome to join us, if you want."

"I will."

"Colonel Carter, if you would follow me..."

Elizabeth could see that John didn't understand why Sam came back with her, but she didn't think the middle of the gateroom was the best place to explain what was happening.

"There are available quarters in the same area as mine and John's, and I think they'll be to your convenience. Of course, if you want to change at one point or another, just tell me, and I should be able to do something."

"I'm sure they'll be perfect."

They stepped into the transporter, and Elizabeth showed Sam how to go to their quarters' area, as well as a few other places of interest; navigating in Atlantis by herself would take some time, but Sam was confident that by the end of her first week here, she would have no problems going to the most important places.

"Here you are," Elizabeth said, opening the door for her. "If you don't mind, I'm going to change out of these clothes. I'll come get you in ten minutes, if that's alright with you?"

"Take your time. I think I'll follow your example and change into something else," Sam replied, gesturing to her uniform.

Once Elizabeth had left and the door had slid closed behind her, Sam put her bag on the bed, and took out the new BDUs she had been given just before leaving the SGC. While in any other circumstances she would be wearing the black uniform of the military personnel, she had been given the red uniform as she was the co-leader of the City. She wasn't too sad to lose the black for a while.

Ten minutes later, as she had promised, Elizabeth was waiting for Sam in the hallway, and together, they returned to the control tower. They weren't surprised that the team and Ellis were already seated, and Elizabeth gestured for Sam to grab a chair and come sit beside her, under the surprised looks of the rest of the people in the room.

"Well, if I asked you here while there's still a lot to do, it's because I have an announcement to make. Colonel Carter has been appointed as co-leader of the City," she said, but she didn't leave time for any of them to comment; now wasn't the time for that. "We haven't had time to discuss how things will work, but I'm sure that after an adaptation period, everything will be fine."

"Thank you, Doctor Weir. And I'm looking forward to getting to know you and the rest of the expedition," she added in the direction of the team.

"So are we," Teyla replied for them all, nodding at the new addition with kindness.

"Now that this is settled, I need strong men to move a second desk in my office."

"No, I wouldn't want to..."

"As co-leader of Atlantis, you need an office near the control room, and the thing is that there are no other rooms that could be used as one. And there's plenty of space in my office to add another desk. John, Ronon, can I trust you to do this?"

"Of course, Elizabeth."

"Great."

"I just have one small question. Does this mean that Colonel Carter is going to finish those evals?"

"No, John. You have to finish them. And since I know how much you love writing them, I've insisted with the IOA that you can continue doing them."

"You're kidding, right?"

"Yes, I am," she replied, with a stern look. "I actually want our people to get their promotions and raises on time. You can still take care of those that were due two days ago," she added. "How are the repairs going?" she asked, going back to more urgent matters.

Instead of answering himself, John turned towards Rodney, who immediately started to tell Elizabeth and Sam everything they needed to know, and more. Elizabeth suspected that her new co-worker understood more than she did, and for that at least, she was grateful to have her in the City. Sshe desperately needed someone who could not only understand what the scientific team was saying, but tell her what she needed to know in simpler terms.

"Well, glad to hear that repairs are underway, and nothing is beyond fixing. If you could give us a daily report, Rodney, we would appreciate it."

"Of course."

"Well, if there's nothing else, I think we're done."

"There's just one more thing, Elizabeth. Keller was none too happy when she learned that you left the City without letting her know, and she asked me to tell you that she wanted to see you as soon as you're back."

"Then, I'll make the city-wide announcement about Colonel Carter's addition to the staff, and I'll go. John, Ronon, take care of that new desk, now, please. I think you'll have plenty of time to settle while I'm in the infirmary."

"I didn't bring much with me, I should be done quickly."

Sam followed Elizabeth out of the briefing room, and towards Chuck's console, where she proceeded to make the city-wide announcement. She could see the surprise written on people's faces at the words they were hearing, and she could understand it; it was unexpected, as much for her as it was for them. She said a few words herself, at Elizabeth's invitation, but she wasn't sure she convinced them that she was on their side.

Sam left the control room a minute or two after Elizabeth. Chuck gave her a radio, and explained how it worked, before she could go to her quarters. On her way, she walked by a few expedition members who were looking at her, unsure if they should welcome her, or stick by their long-time leader. She couldn't blame them; she knew how it felt to see someone replace a beloved leader. And maybe she wasn't replacing her but just working alongside her, but that wasn't how most people would see it.

She entered her quarters, and grabbed her bags. She took out her clothes, and hung them in the closet. She didn't have much, but it was enough, as she would be wearing her BDUs most of the time. The two books she brought with her found a place on the shelf, along with a small painting Cassie had made for her a few weeks after she arrived on Earth.

As soon as she was done with that, she went through what was left in her bag to see if there was something she could put on her desk to make it felt more like home. She took Jack's picture out of the bag first, and smiled as she saw it. It had been taken by Daniel during their first year on the team, and even though she had always had it, she only started to display it after she and Jack got together. Still, it wasn't something she could put on her desk, not when so many people knew who Jack was.

What she took out next, though, would certainly be displayed on her desk, she decided immediately. It was a frame with two pictures of SG1 inside; one of them was of the four original members, and the second one of the new team, with Cameron and Vala. No one would question her for putting those on her desk, as they all probably knew how much the members of SG1 cared for each other.

She had brought two more pictures with her, one of her parents, and one of Janet and Cassie, but these two would also stay in her quarters, for her eyes only.

She didn't have anything, besides the picture of SG1, to put on her desk, but that would be enough. She just needed them to watch over her day after day, as they had been doing over the past ten years, and nothing more.

She left her quarters, the frame clutched tightly in her hands, and went back to the control room, to find that Elizabeth wasn't back, and John and Ronon had put a second desk and a chair opposite Elizabeth's desk. She put the picture down, and took a look around the room. Elizabeth didn't seem to have anything really private either on her desk, aside from a picture of her dog, and other decorations that, Sam guessed, came from various travels around the world she must have done in the past. It was different from the other work environment she was used to, but she liked it nonetheless.

###

Elizabeth spent half an hour in the infirmary, where Jennifer proceeded to make up for the last day, and checked everything twice. She was satisfied though, when she saw for herself that Elizabeth was fine. Still, she asked her to continue to take it easy, so that her wrist would heal properly.

Once she was back in the control room, she noticed that Sam wasn't back yet, and she asked Chuck to show her how the repairs were going. She was happy to see that most of the minor ones had been completed, and only the major ones were still in need of some work. Relieved, she thanked him and walked towards the balcony doors, deeply in need of some fresh, ocean air.

As the door slid open, she saw John standing near the railing, and smiled; it wasn't the first time they found each other here, without even arranging it. He turned towards her as the door closed behind her, and they shared a smile. She stepped up to him, and as soon as she was close enough, they wrapped their arms around each other.

They didn't hug very often, it had only happened twice before: the first time right after John was beamed down from the Daedalus, and the second time after John had killed Kolya. These hugs had been born out of relief, and this one was no exception; they were both relieved that she was back with them.

He buried his head in her neck, and she could feel him whispering against her skin, but she couldn't make out the words he was saying. It didn't matter, though; if he wanted her to know, he would repeat them, later.

His lips kissed the side of her neck, and she shivered at the sensation that ran through her. He raised his head, and before she could say anything, his lips crushed against hers. They both knew that she should push him away from her, but when she didn't, he took it as an invitation to deepen the kiss.

Her mouth opened beneath his on its own volition, while her hands cupped the back of his neck, her fingers trailing in the short hair they found there. He moaned in her mouth, while his hands slowly moved against her back, his thumbs tracing small circles.

They didn't hear the door open, nor did they notice someone else stepping onto the balcony.

"Oh my god, I'm sorry," Sam said as she saw the couple before her.

They separated quickly when they heard her voice, but John kept his eyes locked onto Elizabeth's, before gesturing with a brief nod of his head that he was leaving the two women alone.

Sam didn't meet his or Elizabeth's eyes; she was mortified at having interrupted a moment like this, and didn't dare to move nor to speak. It was only when the other woman gestured for her to join her at the railing that she came back to her senses.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt you."

"It's ok."

"No, it's not. I shouldn't have interrupted a private moment between you and Colonel Sheppard."

"It wasn't... It's not like this. We're not together."

"You're not?" Sam blurted out, surprised by Elizabeth's words. "But, I thought..."

"Given what you just witnessed, I can understand that you've been mistaken, but it was just a spur of the moment thing. There's nothing between John and I."

"Really? I mean, I've seen the way you looked at each other just before you had to leave, and when you came back, and... Well, I guess you know better than I do. But just let me tell you one thing. I went through this, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

"Are we enemies?" Elizabeth asked, taking advantage of her using this term to have some answers.

"No. I won't ever regret blackmailing you, because for me it was only way I had to save General O'Neill. If you can't forgive me for this, I would understand, but I hope we'll still be able to work together, because we have to."

"Listen, Sam. Can I call you Sam?" she asked. "Because I already have a Colonel on the team, and the only time I call him by his rank is when I'm angry at him. It'll be easier, if you don't mind it. And please, call me Elizabeth," she added as an afterthought.

"Please. We're in the same position after all."

"Good. What I want to tell you is that I understand why you did it. It's been three years, now, I think we can put this behind us."

Sam nodded in answer; this is what she had been asking for. If they had to work together to lead this City, they needed to forget the past and focus on the present time. But there was still one thing they had to set clear.

"One last thing: I didn't ask for this job. It came as completely out of the blue for me as it did for you."

"I know. President Hayes and the Joint Chiefs did this to save my job."

"They told you this?"

"No. But it was easy to see on Ambassador Shen's face that she was none too happy about these changes. She wanted me replaced, and she would have it done if it hadn't been for your assignment as co-leader."

"Yeah... I think General O'Neill is after the video of your debriefing in the Situation Room."

"He thinks I told her a few home truths?"

"Well, you did, didn't you?"

"I thought at the time I had nothing to lose."

"That's what he thought, too," Sam replied, and they shared a smile. "And you should know that as soon as they think your job is safe, I'll be out of your way. Atlantis is your home, but it's not mine," she said, as she took out her dog tags from under her shirt.

"You and General O'Neill got married?" Elizabeth asked, surprised as she saw the rings hanging from the chain.

"Yeah. Just two weeks ago" Sam replied, not surprised that Elizabeth knew without asking that it was Jack. "After we defeated the Ori, we thought that it was about damn time. Only SG1, George Hammond and my brother and his family know. And you, now. So, my home is definitely not here. It's definitely on Earth."

"Well, you'll give my congratulations to your husband," Elizabeth said, and she was glad to see that the use of this particular word prompted a smile on Sam's face. "I'm happy for you two, after all you've been through."

"Thank you. And just follow my advice: if there's even just a tiny little spark, go for it. It's not what you do that you end up regretting, it's what you don't do."

"Maybe I'll do it, who knows?"

"Maybe this question will be able to help you decide: is he a good kisser?"

"I'll have you know that I'm not one to kiss and tell."

"And..."

"I wish you had waited for me inside."

Chuckling, they smiled at each other and they turned back towards the railing to face the ocean. The sun was rapidly setting, the sky turning in different shades of red and oranges.

The past two days had been days of new beginnings, for Elizabeth, for Sam, for the expedition, and for Atlantis itself. Things had changed, and they all had to accept it.

###

Sam was used to getting up early, and since she had arrived in Atlantis, she took some time before getting ready for the day to watch the sun rising over the horizon. It was peaceful, and this sight early in the morning was a good motivation for her; it reminded her of what she was fighting for, now. She was protecting this City and its inhabitants, even though she wasn't the one wielding a weapon anymore.

Half an hour later, she arrived in the control room, a cup of coffee in each hands. She nodded at Chuck, who had just started his shift, and wasn't surprised to see that the desk opposite hers in the office was already occupied. In the last couple of weeks since she had started working here, she had come to know Elizabeth's habits.

"Coffee?" she asked, as she entered the room.

"Oh, thank you," Elizabeth replied, raising her head, and taking the cup she was offered.

"I didn't dare ask Chuck how long you've been at work, because I didn't want him to try and lie to me."

"Yeah, he's not a very good liar. I just came in an hour ago. I wanted to go through the latest batch of reports one last time, before we have to send them to Earth."

"Everything's perfect, Elizabeth. We've both checked everything twice, yesterday. Those are only the repairs progress reports, the last of them, may I add, and a couple of mission reports where nothing happened."

"Yes, I know that. I guess I'm just a bit stressed."

"A bit stressed?"

"Ok, maybe I'm underestimating it."

"Look, I know it's important to you, but they'll find nothing wrong in these reports, we both know this."

"It's important for both of us."

"Well, these are the first batch of reports we have sent since I've been co-leader of the City, but..."

"Don't tell me you didn't realise it?"

"Realise what?"

"You're being groomed, Sam. They're preparing you for leading the SGC. It didn't surprise me that you've been chosen for this job, and I wouldn't be surprised either if, when General Landry is retiring or moves into another position, you'll be promoted."

Sam was left speechless; she definitely hadn't thought about that. But now that Elizabeth had said it out loud, it made sense. It should frighten her that they had the rest of military career already written, but it didn't. It might be the fact that the SGC has been part of her life for so many years now, that it was reassuring to know that she would still be part of it for years to come.

"You ok?" Elizabeth asked, wondering if she should have told her what she had been thinking about.

"Yes. I guess it's just a lot to take in. But then, if you're right, I still have a lot to learn, and I think I'll learn as much from you as I did from Jack, General Hammond, or General Landry."

Elizabeth didn't say anything to that, just because she didn't know what to say. She wasn't sure she would be able to teach Sam anything she didn't know yet, as she was still learning the art of leadership herself, but if there was a lesson to be learned, they would learn it together.

"Good morning, ladies," John said, entering their office, his own cup of coffee in his hand.

"Morning, John," they greeted him at the same time.

He went to sit on the couch, so that he could face both women, and sipped his coffee. As though they had been sharing the same thought, they sat back in their chairs at the same moment, and looked at him, waiting to know what he was there for. John either didn't notice or just ignored them, as he stared straight ahead of him, and continued drinking his cup of coffee.

Just as Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, he got up, surprising them both, and walked towards the door.

"Well, it's been a pleasure as always, ladies." He was about to step out of the office when he stopped on the threshold and turned back towards them. "By the way, I nearly forgot. Colonel, Sam," he amended when he saw her look, "you still want your revenge at chess?"

"Uh... yes?"

"Well, let's do this after dinner, tonight. No, actually, let's make it tomorrow night. I have a date, tonight."

And with that, he left the office.

Sam was watching Elizabeth's face closely, but she saw that she had been as surprised as herself by John's words. Still, she had never pegged John as someone who would fling his affairs at other people's faces, but it wouldn't be the first time she was mistaken.

She wanted to say something, but everything that came to her mind would sound lame. She had been through this when she found out about Jack and Kerry; she hadn't been expecting it, and it had hurt, more than she dared to admit.

"I thought there was something, too," were the only words Elizabeth said on the subject.

###

During lunch break, Elizabeth seemed to have disappeared from the common areas, and even though Sam could guess where she was, she chose to leave her alone. Instead, she found her way to the mess hall, and sat at a table outside, in the fresh air.

She heard the door open behind her, and turned around to find Teyla coming her way.

"May I sit with you, Colonel Carter?"

"Please. And it's Sam."

"I hope life in Atlantis lives up to your expectations."

"It's actually even better than I thought. But I still miss my friends."

"I understand. I still feel the same, even though it's been three years now, since I chose to join the expedition, and leave my people."

"Do you see them often?" Sam asked, remembering that they now lived on another planet.

"As often as I wish. Elizabeth and John are very kind to let me go see them whenever I want. You're welcome to come with me, next time. I'm sure they'll be happy to meet you."

"Maybe I'll take you up on that offer. Can you tell me more about your people?"

"Of course."

They spent the rest of their lunch break talking about the Athosians, their culture, and their encounters with the Wraith before they met the expedition. Sam knew that their help had been precious to the expedition during that first year when they couldn't contact Earth. They hadn't met people like these in the Milky Way, and she was regretting it; there had been times when it would have been helpful to the teams.

Sam was grateful that Teyla had chosen to sit with her, because not only was she learning a lot of precious information, but she also might be able to answer a question she had had on her mind for most of the morning.

When silence fell upon them at the end of the meal, she decided that it was time to speak.

"Do you know Colonel Sheppard well?"

"As well as anyone else in this City, I think. Though I guess that since I'm on his team, there might be some things I know that others don't."

"Maybe you'll be able to answer this question, then. Is he a good man?"

"Yes. He leads his team and this City very well. He has made some difficult decisions, decisions that maybe some would not agree with, but he has already saved all of us many times."

"I'm not asking if he's a good leader, I know he is. I want to know if he is a good man."

"Yes, he is. He's one of the best men I know. Why are you asking?"

"Something happened this morning that made me wonder if I was completely wrong to assume this in the first place."

"I don't know what happened to make you doubt your judgement, but you can ask anyone in this City, and they would tell you the same. Why don't you ask Elizabeth, this afternoon?" She must have noticed Sam's look at this suggestion, and guessed correctly. "It was about Elizabeth. I see. Well, as your people say, they perfected the art of hiding their feelings from each other. I'm sure that whatever John did, he didn't mean to hurt her."

"I'm not sure he wanted to hurt her, but it didn't look like he'd care if that was the case."

"Do you want me to try and talk to him?"

"No. I'm afraid that we have to mind our own business in this case."

"Well, then, remember what I said. John is a good man. But sometimes, he doesn't stop to think before acting."

"Yeah, that's the problem with most men, isn't it?" Sam replied, lightening the mood.

They chuckled at her words, and Teyla agreed that it was indeed true, no matter which planet they were from. She then proceeded to tell Sam about Lucius, and how they were all under his spell, except for John. Sam had a good laugh, and had to admit that she didn't blame any of them for destroying all the evidence they had of those few hours, including surveillance tapes; she would have certainly done the same had she been there at the time.

Still, Sam couldn't stop thinking about what had happened with John this morning. She wanted to believe Teyla, but she had been there and she had heard the words coming from his mouth. Until she had proof of the contrary, she would still wonder if Teyla was right to call him a good man.

When she reached her office after lunch, Elizabeth was already back and working. She didn't raise her head, even less smile at her when Sam took her seat, and it showed her that Elizabeth chose to bury herself into work to stop thinking about what had happened. She had done the same thing enough times to recognize it on the first sight.

###

She had chosen to have a late dinner on a secluded balcony on the East pier. She was sure no one would find her there, and this was what she was trying to accomplish. She needed some alone time to do some thinking.

She had made many mistakes since she first stepped into Atlantis; maybe most people wouldn't qualify some of these as mistakes, but they still were for her. But her biggest mistake had probably been to listen to Sam, and let herself imagine that something could happen with John, one day. She had obviously been wrong, and even though she hadn't voiced any of her thoughts out loud, she still felt stupid for having thought them in the first place.

And now, she had to bury all these thoughts and feelings in the back of her mind, never to be touched again, if only for her own sanity.

When the door opened behind her, she tensed; she certainly hadn't expected anyone to know of this place and to come here tonight. She had wanted to be alone, and not be found, and it looked like her little plan had failed on both accounts.

She didn't turn and acknowledge the intruder, hoping that it would be enough to understand that they should leave. When she heard the door slide closed, she thought that they understood her desire for privacy, but footsteps moving in her direction proved her wrong.

When they sat beside her, she turned and was surprised to find that her intruder was none other than John, his own dinner in his hands.

"Your date cancelled on you?" she asked, careful not to let her conflicted feelings about him show.

"No."

"Oh, well, if you don't mind taking her elsewhere. I was here first," she added, not caring for one second if she sounded childish.

"No," he replied again, and she sighed in frustration.

"Then, I'm sure she wouldn't want to find me here when she arrives," she said, getting up from the bench, but John's hand grabbing hers stopped her.

"She's right here."

Elizabeth looked around the small balcony, even though she already knew no one else was out here. She then looked down at their intertwined hands, before finding his eyes.

"Oh..."

"Yeah...," he just said, tugging on her hand until she was sitting once more on the bench.

"Would it have killed you to ask me properly?"

"Would you have accepted if I had?"

"No."

He knew her better than she knew herself; even though she had been thinking about it, she would have never said yes, because she was still worrying about what other people could say about this. So he didn't give her any choice in the matter to simplify it.

Still, that didn't mean she had to like how it happened, and she let him know that by punching him in the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"This morning."

"Were you jealous?"

"No. You hurt me. One day, you kiss me like there's no tomorrow, and a couple of weeks later, you say that you have a date."

"I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention," he said, taking her injured hand in his, and he kissed the barely visible fingertips, making her shiver at the contact. "Now, this was my intention."

"What do you want, John?"

"I want to have this first date with you. I don't want anything you're not ready to give me. Let's just have dinner, together," he whispered against her fingers, kissing them again. "Though, I'll have you know that I'll take note of everything for a later use."

"I'm sure you will. But I'd need my hands if you want us to eat," she replied, nodding towards their unopened sandwiches.

He reluctantly released her hands, and they started eating. They made small talk, talking about anything and everything, like they always did when they shared a meal. It made things easy, for both of them, because they didn't need to tread carefully around some subjects; they already knew everything they needed to know about each other.

Once they were finished with their dinner, they stayed on the balcony, and continued talking, until they noticed that it was close to midnight.

"I'll walk you back to your quarters. It's the least I can do."

Given the late hour, they didn't walk by anyone in the hallways, and both were glad of that; they didn't want this moment to be interrupted by anything or anyone.

"Well, here you are," he said, as they stopped in front of the door to her quarters. "Goodnight, Elizabeth."

He leaned down and kissed her. This kiss was nothing like the one they shared on the balcony a couple of weeks before. While the first one had been passionate, this one was chaste, but it still conveyed more feelings.

When they separated, his face stayed inches from her, and she took a deep breath.

"Do you want to come in?" she asked, biting her lower lip.

"I'm not sure this is a good idea. It was just a first date, after all."

"And you're not just some guy I've picked up at a bar."

She rose on her tiptoes, and brushed her lips against his once, twice, before taking a step back and passing her hand over the door sensor.

Her eyes didn't leave his as she backed into her room. After a second of hesitation, he followed her inside, and let the door close behind him.

Their eyes stayed locked until they were mere inches apart, her hands resting gently against his chest, while he put his on her hips, his thumbs reaching under her shirt to stroke the skin they found there. He tried to kiss her, but she escaped him every time.

"You tease," he breathed.

"I aim to please," she answered, before finally allowing his lips to capture hers.

Their kiss was slow, sensual, their tongues duelling, but neither of them really wanting to overpower the other. Her uninjured hand found its way in his hair, and she raked her nails gently on his scalp. He moaned at the sensation, and deepened the kiss even more, bringing their bodies impossibly closer.

Her hands reached for the hem of his shirt, and she broke the kiss to slide it over his head, but he stopped her.

"Are you sure, Elizabeth?" he asked, not wanting to pressure her into anything.

"I want you," she whispered, taking his shirt off before he could say or do anything else.

Her words and actions were his undoing. He claimed her lips possessively; there was no stopping now.

###

To be continued