CHAPTER 9

The next day, Sue met at Jack's house so they could go over the routine for the shorter skate.

"Ready?" Jack asked as Sue walked through the door.

"I'm guessing you are?" Sue asked as she took off her coat.

"Sorry. I don't mean to rush you, just anxious to get this one down too." Jack said.

"Can I take my coat off? Maybe eat a muffin, have a cup of coffee? Or are you on a roll, now?" Sue asked with a bit of laughter in her voice.

"Breakfast works. You brought muffins?" He asked.

Sue put the muffins on a plate while Jack made coffee. They munched on the goodies and sipped coffee while they went over the general idea of the routine on the white board.

"Want to try it?" Sue asked.

"Sure… walk through?" Jack asked. Sue shook her head yes.

Jack stood behind her, close. He put his hands on Sue's hips and pulled her close to him. She leaned into him, resting her head on his chest. Her arm snaked up around his neck, her fingers brushing through the back of his hair. He slowly lowered his head to rest on her shoulder, lightly brushing his cheek against hers. She could feel his breath as he slowly exhaled near her ear, it made goose bumps appear on her arm. His nervous breath on her neck was making it difficult to concentrate. Jack smiled that he had that effect on her, it surprised him. Jack's right arm wrapped around her waist, holding her close as he slipped his hand into hers. She took a deep breath to try to refocus. Suddenly, Jack spun Sue away from him and into the middle of the floor. She turned away from him, then right into a double axel spin. Jack reached to her as she landed facing him, and took her hand pulling to her and 'skated' off to the corner and into a waltz move. As they reached the middle again, Jack lifted Sue in the air and held her up while turning. He brought her down and held her leg up while they 'skated' side by side. He placed his hands on her hips once again lifting her to prepare for a throw when he lost his grip on her, and dropped her.

He tried to keep her from hitting the ground, but was only able to soften her landing. In the process, Jack tripped and landed on top of Sue. Jack stretched his arms out at the last second, keeping himself from crashing down on top of her. She let out a squeal of fright. When she dared to open her eyes, Jack was lying on top of her. Their bodies touching just enough that she could feel his weight on her. Their faces were mere inches away from each others. Their eyes locked. Neither moved. Neither said a word. They stayed perfectly still, afraid any movement or sound would break the spell they both seemed to be under. Sue could smell his cologne and shampoo, the combination was intoxicating. Sue swallowed hard. She longed for him to lean forward just an inch- just enough for their lips to touch once again. Jack needed to blink- he needed to breathe. The scent of her perfume drove him crazy. Under ordinary circumstances- being this close, feeling her body under his would be too enticing. This was just too much. He wanted her. He wanted to change things between them. He was nearly desperate to kiss her. Then it happened. He blinked. And just as quickly as it had started, it was over. Jack pushed himself off Sue, embarrassed by what had happened.

"I'm sorry! Are you OK?" He asked as he rolled off her.

"Yeah." Sue responded, slightly out of breath from their close proximity. "I think we need a break." She said, getting off the floor. He helped her up, but as soon as their hands touched, the sparks that had kept their eyes glued to one another's flew. There was an awkward silence between them. Jack broke the silence by offering a much needed bottle of water.

"No. No break, I need to practice this." Jack said, not wanting to let her leave. "It's the only way I'm going to get it right, and not drop you the night of the show." He urged.

"OK. How about, a little break? Levi could probably use a walk. We could go by the apartment, get him… take a walk around the park. Maybe some fresh air will help." Sue said.

"OK, OK… we'll go for a walk." Jack said holding his hands up in defeat. "Only if we come right back and work on that routine again." Jack insisted.

"Promise." Sue said.

Jack drove Sue to her apartment where they picked up Levi. The three went across to the park. Jack grabbed a ball out of Levi's bucket of toys to play with him. As soon as they entered the park, they let Levi off his leash. He took off running across a field. He stopped and looked at Jack as if to say, well, are you going to throw that ball or what? He barked at him and Jack let it fly. Sue stood back as Levi ran back with the slobbered ball. Jack took it and threw it again. As the boys played, Sue took the chance to sit down and relax. Sue watched Jack as he was playing with Levi. The longer she watched them, the more she began to picture him playing with a little boy- one that looked just like him. She smiled at the thought, but shook it away. Sue knew she needed to focus on reality, or she would never be able to get through practice. Sue shook herself out of the daydream when she realized Jack was watching her.

"Hey… Are you just going to sit there or are you going to come and play with us?" Jack called to her.

"Me? I'm sitting right here. You boys go ahead and play with that gross tennis ball… I'm good, thanks!" Sue teased back.

"Come on! Let's at least walk." Jack suggested as he held out his hand toward her. Jack put his hand on her back as they walked around the park.

"What were you thinking about back there?" Jack asked.

"Uh, just how much fun you were having with Levi. I was picturing you playing fetch with a little boy and a dog…" Sue said.

"Sounds nice." Jack said.

"It was." Sue agreed.

Jack wrapped his arm around Sue and they continued their walk. After an hour or so, the couple walked back to Sue's house and let Levi get some rest. Sue grabbed a bag of clean clothes for later. They headed to Jack's place.

They practiced the routine for a bit longer, working out the kinks, smoothing the lines.

"How about… dinner and no more practice for today? I think we're both tired, and could use a change." Jack suggested.

"Sounds great. Do you want pizza or Chinese?" Sue asked.

"Neither… how about Italian? I'll cook." Jack said.

"Uh… I thought you liked me?" Sue said jokingly.

"Hey! I can cook! Just because none of the team knows of my culinary skills, does not mean that I don't have any!" Jack protested.

"I'm just teasing. OK, as long as you promise not to give me food poisoning, I'll agree." Sue said. "I'll take a shower, and be ready in an hour or so?"

"OK." Jack said.

"You don't mind if I shower here, do you?" Sue asked as she picked up her bag and walked toward his bathroom.

"Of course not." He said. He didn't, but he knew he would have to keep very busy so his mind didn't wander behind that door again.

A little over an hour later, Sue emerged from the room, changed, hair and makeup done. Jack smiled at her. She was beautiful.

"You look nice." He said as he noticed she was wearing a pair of tight jeans and a royal blue sweater that fell just off her shoulders with a swooping neck line. He noticed too, she was wearing her hair down, just like he liked it.

"Thanks." Sue said, lightly blushing at the compliment. "Something smells wonderful." She said, taking in the aroma of Italian seasonings and tomatoes stewing into a sauce. "Whatever you're cooking is making my stomach growl." She said laughing.

"Thank you. I made a sauce for veal parmesan. I hope you like it." Jack smiled.

"Sounds delicious." Sue agreed.

"I'm going to take a quick shower, OK?" Jack asked.

"I can't promise I won't eat without you, don't be long." Sue teased. Jack headed to the shower. A short time later, Jack emerged from his room wearing a nice pair of black jeans and a dark blue Henley style shirt that fit him perfectly, his hair was still wet from his shower.

"Wine?" He offered.

"I think I'll wait until I have something in my stomach before I venture with a drink, thanks. I will take a glass of water though." She said smiling. He served her some water, and went about finishing dinner. "Do you need some help?" Sue asked.

"Nope, I got it allll under control." He answered. A few more minutes passed as she sat sipping her water. It'll be a few minutes for the veal, and then dinner is served…" Jack said with a smile. A short while passed, Jack prepared other parts of the meal. Suddenly, Jack appeared. "Dinner is served." He said, holding his hand out to her. He escorted her to the table, and sat her. There was salad, fresh Italian bread and the main dish. They ate and chatted casually about their day, how practice was going, the routine in general, work, friends and family. When dinner was done, Jack cleared the table. Sue tried to help, but he would have none of it.

"Jack! Why won't you let me help? What happened to the cook never cleans?" She asked.

"That was when we were 'living together'. You're my guest tonight. Besides, I'm not actually going to wash them, just rinse and set aside until tomorrow." He laughed. She decided there was no point in arguing with him, and agreed. Jack again offered her a glass of wine. This time, she accepted.

"Dinner was delicious, and so is this wine." She said. "I didn't know you had a hidden skill under that suit." She said, lightly blushing at how that came out. Jack laughed.

"You'd be surprised what other talents I am hiding." Jack said with a wink. Sue blushed at his comment as her mind began to wonder.

"Well, you're a very good cook." She said.

Thank you." Jack said and signed. He walked to her, extending his hand. She looked at him curiously. "Would you care to dance?" he asked, signing and speaking.

"I would love to." She said. She accepted his hand, and he drew her into his arms. "Aren't you going to put on some music?" She asked.

"No. I figure if you don't need it, neither do I." He answered. They began to sway to a tune only Jack could hear in his head.

"I would have thought you'd be sick of dancing with me by now." Sue said.

"Why?" He asked.

"That's all we've been doing for the past few weeks." Sue answered.

"That's different." Jack said as he pulled her a bit closer to him. They swayed in silence enjoying their friendship. As they turned, Jack snuggled her hand to his chest, while wrapping her tighter in his grip. She nuzzled her head into the crook of his neck. Jack's hand flattened across her lower back and began to smooth along her sweater.

Sue shifted from side to side, her head settled comfortably on Jack's shoulder. His aftershave was enticing, the feel of his arms around her, his hands venturing the length of her back were all making her head swirl. Jack released the grip on her hand, and slowly followed a path from her shoulder to her arm, and then hip, finally resting on her lower back, next to his other hand. There was no space left between them. Their bodies pressed against one another's feeling the heat of each other. Sue, without thought, brought her now free hand up to his neck. They stood there, nearly still. Sue let out a nervous breath, not realizing how loud it had come out. Jack felt it on his neck. Her warm breath drifted along his neck line, and to his ear. It was nearly too much for him. Jack wanted her. He wanted to pull away from her and hoped there would be passion and want in her eyes too. He longed to kiss her, to feel her lips on his once again. She seemed nervous. Jack slowly pulled himself back from her. Their cheeks brushed as they did. He pushed a stray hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ear. Jack stared into Sue's eyes hoping for a sign, something to indicate she wanted him to kiss her too. Sue slowly licked her lips, swallowing hard. Her heart began to pound with anticipation. His arms were still wrapped around her, hers around him. Jack slowly began to close the space between them. With no warning, Levi jumped up on Sue and nearly knocked them over.

"Levi!" Sue scolded.

"Phone." Jack said.

"Sorry Levi. Mine or yours?" She asked.

"Mine." Jack answered. He checked the caller ID and answered the phone. "Hi Mom. Everything alright?" He asked. "That's good. Umm, look, Mom… can I call you tomorrow? I have company." He smiled, blushing. "Yes, Mom, it's a lady friend. I will talk to you tomorrow. I love you too Mom. Night." Jack said as he hung up the phone. "My Mom." He said as he turned toward Sue. He put his phone on vibrate, and left it on the coffee table. He slowly walked over to Sue, still hoping to see that look in her eyes that he'd seen when they were dancing. She was visibly nervous.

"Sue? Do you trust me?" Jack asked.

"With my life, you know that." She answered.

"Come here." He said, holding out his hand. She put her hand in his and he led her to a spot in front of the fire place. "Close your eyes." He instructed.

"What?" She asked.

"You know what I said. Close your eyes." Jack said smiling at her.

"Jack…" Sue began to protest.

"If you trust me…" Jack said, flashing his trademark smile at her.

"OK." She said. Jack slipped away. Sue tried to sneak a peek, but he caught her. He shook his finger in her direction. She bit her bottom lip and closed her eyes once more. Jack gathered what he needed from his kitchen and slipped back on the side of her. He placed everything on the floor. He took her hands in his, and led her to the floor and sat at her side. He opened a bag, and tapped Sue on the shoulder for her to open her eyes. Her eyes flipped open to find a marshmallow on a metal rod. She looked curiously at him.

"S'more?" He asked. He reached for the graham crackers and chocolate bars, offering it to Sue. She smiled wide.

"I haven't had one of these in forever!" she said. She poked the stick and treat into the fire until it began to smolder just enough to it medium brown and make it gooey. She smushed it onto the chocolate piece and squeezed them together between the crackers. She took a big bite, drooling melted marshmallow on her chin. They both laughed and continued to make the sugary sweet treats. Jack reached forward and wiped the marshmallow from Sue's chin. As soon as his fingers touched her skin, sparks began to fly once again. His fingers instinctively trailed up her cheek. Sue unconsciously leaned into his touch.

"Sue…" He started.

"Hmm?" She barely said back.

"Do you trust me?" Jack asked at barely a whisper.

"I just said I do." Sue said, looking at him curiously. "I trust you with my life." She said.

"Do you trust me with your heart?" He asked shyly. Sue hesitated long enough to make sure she had read his lips right.

"Y-Yes." She said, blushing a dark shade of pink.

"Good." Jack said as he closed the space between them. He pushed her hair from her face as he leaned forward. To his surprise, Sue was also closing the space between them. Their lips finally touched, Sue inhaled deep. The light touch of his lips on hers sent her to a place she'd hardly been. As they separated for a mere second, Jack raised his hands to her face, pulling her gently to him. Their lips met again, this time with more need. His tongue traced along Sue's bottom lip that still tasted of chocolate marshmallow. Sue opened her lips to allow their tongues to meet and explore each other. Jack deepened the kiss as he wrapped his arms around her. Sue maneuvered her hand behind his neck, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck, softly raking her finger tips on his head. He groaned into the kiss, which increased their passion and desire for one another. Sue's other hand rested on his chest, subconsciously she slowly explored it. Jack slowly moved his hand from her face to her shoulder, then to her side, and ended on her back. Jack's lips continued their assault on Sue's. He was pushing her resistance to its breaking point. Sue could feel her heart beating hard, she could hardly breathe. She needed to take a breath, to regain some control. Sue began to slow the kiss down, pulling away a little bit. Jack let up on her lips, but persisted on his quest by caressing her jaw, nibbling on her earlobe, and finally making his way to her neck. His hot breath on her was inspiring her passion. Jack made his way to the other side of her neck, pulling her into his arms as he lay on the floor. He looked up into her eyes, and kissed her. He again deepened the kiss, groaning into her lips. She began to lay small, light kisses on his neck, and sucking lightly on his earlobe, licking the inside just slightly. She could feel him moan as she did that, making her smile. Jack's hands moved to her waist and hips, pulling her closer to him. Sue could feel his hands moving, she could feel his need for her growing, and it made her nervous, aware of what was happening. As they continued kissing, Jack rolled them over, so he was covering her. His hand began to run down the side of her hip to her thigh. She could feel the warmth of his hand as he pressed into her more. His hand slid upward once again, resting against her backside. The onslaught of his lips finally began to subside. He slowed the kiss to soft brushes of his lips against hers. When their passion subsided, and their breathing became normal once again, their eyes locked. Jack rolled onto his side, taking his weight off her. His fingers traced her jaw line, ending on her lips. He broke into his trade mark wide smile. He leaned forward once again, kissing her lightly on her lips.

"I have wanted to do that for the longest time…" He started.

"What took you so long?" Sue said in a husky, sexy voice.

"I didn't think you felt the same way. I mean, you didn't smack me the other day, but I didn't know if you wanted me to kiss you…" Jack began, but didn't get the whole thought out before Sue leaned up, put her hand behind his head, and pulled him back down into another passionate kiss.

"Any other questions…" Sue asked teasingly as she sat up.

"Oh, so many questions… too early for most of them." Jack laughed out a nervous sigh.

"On that note, I think I need to go home…" Sue said as she pulled herself off the floor and headed to the door. She put her jacket on, and Jack walked her to her car. He softly kissed her good night and watched her drive away.

"I need a cold shower…" he mumbled as he walked back into his house.