Chapter Nineteen

Jude entered the conference room with a sick feeling in her stomach. I knew I shouldn't have let this go so far…why couldn't I have just stuck with the plan? She thought while sitting down in a chair opposite of Jeff.

"We'll get started in just a few minutes. I'm waiting on someone else to come." Jude just nodded her head. After a few minutes Tommy walked in the door and Jude's heart skipped another beat watching him walk over and take a seat next to her, his blue eyes never leaving hers. That's why I didn't stick with the plan…she remembered as Jeff watched them with a smirk on his face.

"Ok now we're here to discuss a very important matter that has been brought to my attention," he started. Tommy sat there trying to hold a confused look on his face as if he knew nothing about what was going on. Jeff just found amusement in it and continued. "I think you both know what I'm talking about, and it needs to stop. I am running a show where you," he pointed to Tommy, "are supposed to be falling in love with one of the many girls we have selected. Not some rock star whose only here because her sister was picked. It's against the rules, and you know it," he replied sternly sitting back in his chair.

Jude's stomach was in knots. So this was an intervention about their relationship. Jude was finding it very hard to keep her cool and not start ranting and raving like a little kid how unfair this was. Instead she took a deep breath and tried her only shot at covering this up. Denial.

"I don't know what you're talking about Jeff, but whatever it is you are very mistaken," she lied, trying and nearly failing to not look at Tommy to gage a reaction. Jeff gave a short loud laugh that echoed throughout the room. Jude winced.

"No use trying to deny it my dear. I have proof," he told them smugly turning around to grab something behind him. Both Tommy and Jude were anxious and worried, wondering what type of proof he was talking about. Oh my god I can't believe this is happening, did Sadie catch us? I expected being accused but I thought we could lie our way out of it…Jude thought frantically while Jeff put the tape into the player and watched as the screen came on. There were two people sitting on the dock which Jude and Tommy both recognized as themselves about a week earlier. How the heck did he get this?! Tommy fumed while the scene played before him again.

"No, seriously it's amazing…truly amazing. You're amazing…" he gave her a weak smile. Jude smiled brightly and ran her hand along his jaw line and kissed him on the cheek. They put their foreheads together so there noses where barely touching.

They both knew sooner or later the contestants would be coming back and that this perfect moment would be over. They where both milking the moment for as long as they could. Tommy just held her as they watched the sun set over the horizon. Finally they both got up and turned back as Jude started to skip. Tommy was shaking his head and laughing.

Jude looked at the screen finding her self smiling a little bit at remembrance of that day. The happiness stopped when she saw Jeff move back to the video player. Jude groaned inwardly.

"And then this scene…" Jeff said switching tapes to the one of them in the studio.

"What do you want me to do? Admit that I like you? Then yes, I like you. Ok?!" she yelled frustrated. She put a hand to her head and sat down on the black leather couch.

Tommy sat down next to her and took one of her hands, both forgetting about Sadie.

"Then why are you pushing me away?" he asked in a calm tone. Jude turned to look him straight in the eye.

"I don't know," she said looking away from him. "All I know is that you've been screwing up my plans ever since I got here," she added in a soft tone never taking her eyes off of him. They just stared at each other for what seemed to be an eternity.

"Ever want to say screw the plan and go with impulse?"

"All the time," she replied barely audible. He then leaned in closing the space between them. Jude wanted to say she was surprised, but a part of her truthfully knew that eventually one of them would've given in. This time it just happened to be both of them.

What started out as a slow kiss soon turned into a heated passionate one.

Jeff went up to the screen and flipped the off button. He saw the worried looks on their faces and couldn't help but compliment himself on a job well done. "So, anything to say for yourselves?" Tommy and Jude looked at each other, both worried and speechless. Neither knew what to say, not wanting to heighten the situation. "Well here's what you're going to do. You are going to stop this relationship, and never speak to each other for the remainder of your stay on the show. If you don't adhere to these conditions, we'll know," he said tapping on the tapes he had just shown them, "and I can guarantee you won't like the consequences." Jeff stared at them menacingly waiting for a response.

Jude was trying to hold back tears, knowing something like this was going to happen. Tommy finally looked at Jeff and spoke up.

"Can I have a minute to talk to Jude alone first?" he asked trying to tone down his anger toward Jeff. Jeff just smirked toying with the idea of not letting them, but figured it would be the "nice" thing to do.

"You get ten minutes, but only ten minutes. Tom you got an outing that you need to be ready for," he reminded him before stepping out of the room.

Finally alone, Jude kept her head down, not knowing if she could take looking him in the eyes. After seeing the tapes with the added reality of how she knew this show was going to end, it was too overwhelming. She didn't know what to do. Continuing on with him seemed to be out, but not completely impossible. Then again, she didn't want to find out what Jeff would do next, or what she would do to him after he did it. Unfortunately the only option she felt she had was the inevitable first 'plan'. Oh how she hated that plan, it was so stupid. But unless she wanted to leave this show with a million dollars she didn't need, never to see Tommy again, while he shoots daggers at her, it seemed like the way to go.

Tommy walked over to her and lifted her chin up forcing her to look into his eyes. Jude let a single tear slide down her cheek as Tommy wiped it away with his thumb.

"He may be able to stop us dating, but he can't stop us being together forever," he replied as Jude suddenly became aware of what he just said. She almost wanted to smile and agree with him, but reluctantly held back. Jude tried not to wince as she gave her own reply.

"What are you talking about? We can't be together didn't you just hear what Jeff said?" she asked him anger bubbling in her throat. She had to be angry; it was easier to work the plan when she was angry. And also it was easier if she just ignored the last statement he had made. Tommy looked at her with utter bewilderment.

"I heard it but he can't control my life, Jude," he bit back a little irritated, not knowing why she had started to yell.

"Well he's sure done a hell of a job at it so far!" she yelled getting up out of her chair and pacing the room. "You know what? I think he's right, I think we should break up, Tommy."

"What?! Why are you doing this again, why are you pushing me away? Stop it!" he yelled walked over to her and grabbing her by the shoulders. Jude pushed him away from her and turned around so she wasn't facing him. She couldn't bear to look into eyes, not now.

"I'm not pushing you away, I'm throwing you away so hard you won't know what hit you!" she hissed between clenched teeth.

"That's not going to work, Jude. Not this time," he replied.

"Oh, and why's that?" she asked with an attitude, still turned away from him.

"Because I Love You Jude!" he screamed spinning her around and grabbing her head, capturing her lips before she could refuse. Jude didn't push him, or throw him, but drew him in farther. She slid her hands around his neck as he deepened the kiss never wanting to let her go. Electricity surged through Jude's body and she remembered her plan. Instead of breaking the moment she continued knowing she might never get this chance again. The realization of this left her crying slightly as they continued. She hugged him to her wanting to feel him as close to her as possible.

Finally after what seemed like an eternity they pulled apart panting heavily. Jude rested her forehead to his while staying in his embrace. Wait…did he say he loved me? No…Jude looked up into Tommy's eyes searching for answers. All she saw was love and warmth in the ocean blue orbs that seemed to entranced her whenever she looked into them. Tommy, as if knowing what she was thinking, just nodded. Jude was so overwhelmed by the whole situation. Nothing was making sense to her anymore. But the show must go on…she thought leaning back a little. As much as it broke her heart she spoke to him.

"Tommy we can't do this anymore. You don't want to hurt me but…" she said staring off into space, "you don't know how badly I wanted you to say those words to me, but it just can't happen. I'm sorry," she stated softly with a tear falling down her face. She brought a hand to his face staring into his eyes. She saw the hurt she had caused and felt even worse. It's all for the better…she thought to herself. Jude gave him a kiss on the lips before turning towards the door.

Before leaving she turned back to face him. "Bye Tommy," she said quietly walking out of the door, and his life. Tommy just stood paralyzed, not knowing what had just happened, or what was worse. Finally realizing Jude was gone he sat down in a chair feeling as if he could fall at any minute. He just sat there in silence replaying everything that had happened. I can't believe I told her I loved her…I can't believe she's gone…he thought to him self as he brought a hand to his face to wipe away one single tear that had escaped from his eye.

A/N: Okay okay don't kill me (or Jude) like I know you want to do right now...there are reasons...lol...and I promise I will post two more chapters at least tomorrow before I leave on my vacation Thursday morning. I'll be gone through the 19th. So you'll have to stick through it and wait until then...I know it sucks, lol. But thanks for all of your comments I really appreciate it! You guys are the best. When I get back, you'll have this fic and another fic to look forward to, because I've decided that I'm going to put up Fatal Temptation, which is another AU fic. Jude's an actress with a mysterious past...i'll post a summary up tomorrow before I leave for you guys. Thanks again and remember to review!