~Sunday~

He stared for several seconds, trying to decide the best way to awaken the sleeping beauty in the bed. Grinning at where his thoughts were leading him, he cautiously leaned down and brushed the barest of kisses across her mouth, straightening quickly lest she catch him. He smiled when she sighed and parted her lips, but didn't wake, providing the opportunity for him to repeat the action. This time he gently nuzzled her cheek before allowing his lips to momentarily slide over hers. Running the tip of his tongue across her full bottom lip he retreated before he forgot their plans for the day and made new ones.

Sue stretched, delicious warmth stealing through her. Turning her head, she slowly opened her eyes to find herself lost in his smile.

"Good morning."

Squinting at the brightness of the bedside lamp, she glanced out the sliding doors, noting the darkness still blanketing the sky. "It's still dark, Jack. It can't be morning," she sighed, closing her eyes. "Besides, I'm the morning person, not you. Why are you up?"

He chuckled, wondering how she expected him to answer her question with her eyes shut. Rising from his kneeling position, he sat on the side of the bed, jostling her in the process.

"Just 10 more minutes," she murmured.

Tapping her gently on the chin he waited for her to drag her eyelids back up. "Are you forgetting our date? We've got to leave in 45 minutes or we're going to miss the plane."

"Plane? We're going on a plane?"

"Unless you want to sail to the big island, which sounds quite romantic, but we couldn't do that and be back by tomorrow's events."

Rubbing her hands over her eyes, she pulled herself to a sitting position, making sure she was modestly covered and willed her brain to engage. "Will you tell me now what we're going to do?"

He shook his head, jutting his chin endearingly. "Nope. You'll need to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring your swimsuit," he told her, noting the way her eyes flickered nervously. "Oh, wait! I have a better idea," he suggested, remembering the suit he'd handed over as evidence just hours earlier. "I'm going to buy you a new swimsuit. Every woman that visits Hawaii should have a genuine Hawaiian swimsuit."

"Made in Japan?" she asked wryly. Sobering, she added, "I don't need you to buy me a swimsuit, Jack."

"Hey," he whispered, taking one of her hands and squeezing it reassuringly. "If you don't feel comfortable getting in the water, you don't have to. I'd just hate for the mood to strike you and you not be prepared."

She nodded, resting her head against the headboard, her eyes slipping closed again. "Are you sure you don't want to just go without me? Then you can do what you want."

"I can't do what I want without you," he explained when she once again opened her eyes. "I want you there."

Nodding tearfully, she made to get up only to be stopped by him. "Tell me what's wrong, Sue."

She shrugged, watching as a droplet landed on the hand he was lifting to wipe away her tears. "I didn't sleep very well last night so I don't have a good handle on my emotions and you're being all sweet. I'll be okay. Just give me a few minutes to get myself together. I'll be ready before you know it."

He nodded, but didn't look convinced. "Okay. And if it helps any, the flight takes a couple of hours. You can sleep on the way. My shoulder is waiting to be your pillow, Madame," he said with a sweeping bow as he stood and pulled her up. He was taken by surprise when she slid her hand over his eyes. "What are you doing?" he asked with a laugh.

"I'm in my pajamas, Jack. When I packed I didn't know you and I would be sharing a room. I didn't exactly bring appropriate sleepover attire," she primly explained. "I let Lucy talk me into going shopping with her," she continued, while urging him toward the door. "By the time we were finished, it was hard to tell which one of us was going on a honeymoon."

"Oh?" Jack asked, halting, his imagination stirred.

"I mean," Sue blushed, glad he couldn't see her, "It was hard to tell which one of us was going on a two week vacation. It's not that I bought that kind of lingerie or anything because I didn't," she babbled, halting and biting her lip.

"Why'd you stop talking?" he asked with a flirtatious grin, trying to peek from beneath her hand, his attempt making her move closer so she could use both hands.

"Hey! No peeking!" she warned, starting once again for the door only he didn't follow. "Jack, I need you to start walking again."

"I can't see where I'm going," he said stubbornly. "How can I walk? You took away your guiding hand."

"You could close your eyes and then I'll have two hands to lead you safely to the door."

"I could, but I don't feel like it." He heard her give a frustrated sigh and worked at keeping the grin off his face.

"Okay. Put your hand on my shoulder, then you'll be able to feel which way I'm moving."

"I think I should use both hands," he countered, bringing his hands to her waist.

"That's not my shoulder, Jack."

"I know," he grinned, "It's just my starting place." In a bold move, he slid his hands up her body, taking his time to locate her shoulders. "I'm trying to 'see' the nightie through touch," he explained outrageously. Feeling her tremble, he had a moment's hesitation, the events of the previous day running through his mind, wondering if he was scaring her. He didn't have time to dwell on it as he heard her muttered "good grief". Suddenly she was behind him, her hands still over his eyes, but her body pressed excruciatingly close to his back, pushing him toward the door. He was still trying to memorize the feel of her curvy softness pressed against him when he realized he could see - just before her alluring purple nightgown floated over his head, accompanied by her laugh.

"Here ya go, Jack. Look all you want."