Authors note: Hi Guys, again thanks for the awesome reviews.

Just like to make it clear, something did happen between them. Hasn't everyone had one of those nights were you don't remember stuff till you wake up or only remember things when something prompts the memory (or is just me? Because it happens quite often to me. Including this past weekend. I love Sambuka :-D)

Chapter 17 – More than a crush

The awkwardness between Juliet and himself hadn't really got any better, they just learned to live with it.

He found himself thinking about her a lot and wanting to touch her, he put this down to a crush. Who could blame him? She was attractive, intelligent, funny and they got on really well. He supposed he was lonely too.

He was still trying to spark his own interest in any of the available ladies around the place, but he couldn't seem to get them to measure up. There was always something lacking that Juliet had.

When he got caught watching her, even if it wasn't in a sexual way, he would leer and make a rude remark.

One night he was doing a patrol, they had seen some of the hostiles near the fence on the camera, he was in a Jeep with Miles and two other damn annoying hippies. It was dark and he was thinking about what she will have made him for dinner and what he would like to do to her for dessert.

He refused to let any of the others drive, it was dark and the track was winding, he was going as fast as he could without risking clipping a tree, the faster they could report that they couldn't find the hostiles the faster they could get home.

Miles noticed the torch light up ahead first and got his and James' rifles ready for when they stopped. Dave, the less annoying hippy radioed in that hostiles had been sighted and were being approached.

He stopped the car and got out, the others following suit, they raised their weapons and called out, all following Dharma protocol.

His stomach dropped when he saw it wasn't Richard, this might be worse than he thought, and motioned for the others to stay behind the open car doors.

It happened so fast and they were suddenly under fire, they returned the fire but it was so hard to see where they were in the dark. He heard Dave radio in for backup.

Eventually the gun fire died down, he heard the hostiles shouting and retreating through the undergrowth, but knew better than to check if everyone was OK just yet, they could still be out there.

He leant against the Jeep and exhaled, holding his rifle across his chest.

* * *

It was a while before he dare move. He whispered out and only got replies off Miles and Dave. He waited a while longer then stood to assess the damage.

The Jeep was a goner, it had been shot to bits. Miles called out that Sam was dead too.

He barked at Dave to radio where they were, to get the stuttering reply that the radio was damaged too.

They set off carefully on the long walk home after hiding Sam and collecting what ammo they could from the vehicle. He tipped his head back and wished he was home already. It struck him when he realised home was not home, it was her.

This was more than a crush . . .

*~*~*~*~*

They had both seemed to come to some sort of agreement, they didn't mention what happened between them, and made any move to change things.

She did think she might have a crush on him though, who could blame her? Not only was he physically attractive, he was witty, clever and caring. What women didn't want a man like that? She told herself it was down to the crush that she thought about him so much.

She had tried flirting with some other guys, they were nice, intelligent and attractive too. But they always had something lacking, and always lacked the spark.

She would watch him when he wasn't looking, and if she caught his eye he would make a crude remark, meaning she had to turn away to hide her blush. Sometimes having to bite back a rude answer herself.

One night she decided to drop by the security station to see what he fancied for dinner, she was trying to make an effort to make it less awkward. Food seemed to work on James, a good meal usually distracted them both and it was almost back to how it was before.

When she got there she was greeted by Jin, who looked anxious, scanning the monitors with one hand on his radio.

He explained what had happened, and that he couldn't see any hostile activity on the monitors, and they just had to check the perimeter, so James should be home soon.

She could tell Jin wanted her to leave, so he didn't get in trouble or miss anything, so she left for home.

She took her time preparing a lasange, tiding the house, having a shower. Still no James.

It was impossible to wait at home, she felt anxious, like something had gone wrong. He should be home by now.

She plated up some food for Jin, it would be a good excuse to go down and check up on things.

Just as she sat down with Jin, who made them both a coffee, the first radio call came in, they had found the hostiles, her stomach dropped and she gripped her mug.

They stared at the radio waiting to hear that the hostiles had left, Jin's food untouched. She hardly dare breathe as she was listening so intently.

When the second call came in she dropped her coffee.

At some point Horace had come in, other security men started arriving and orders where being given out.

When the men started filtering out he gently place a hand above her elbow to get her to stand and escorted her home.

He left her at the front door, assuring her he would return with any news as soon as he could.

* * *

She couldn't say how long she sat on the sofa waiting, with just one lamp in she sat in semi darkness, but did not feel tired.

Her heart leapt when she finally heard foot steps on the porch. She smiled inwardly at him trying to close the door quietly so he wouldn't wake her.

She registered his surprise when he turned to see her sat on the sofa, staring at him. She took in his appearance, he looked exhausted and filthy.

Before he could say anything she stood, moved quickly over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. It was only intended to be a quick hug, but when his strong arms wrapped around her and he breathed her in she didn't want to let go.

After a moment she whispered, asking him to never scare her like that again.

He kissed her forehead and replied softly that he would try his hardest.

She felt butterflies when he looked into her eyes, his arms still circling her. She realised him and offered to warm up dinner while he had a shower.

She felt a different feeling when he growled in agreement, roughly kissing her cheek and slapping her ass on the way past.

Maybe this was turning into more than a crush . . .