A/N: Finally have this chapter up, its definitely been a labour of love and taken some serious editing though it's still a tad long but hey never mind! Hope you all enjoy.

Jess had never been one of those girls who drooled over the handyman or wolf-whistled at construction workers. She hated it when men objectified women like that and as an ardent equal opportunist felt it was unfair for women to the same.

Also historically she had dated artistic and indoorsy type guys, whose idea of handiwork tended to be more sculptures and finger puppets than hammers and nails. She'd never really dated what you would call a 'man's man'…until now. And she was very much enjoying watching her man work.

She was currently enjoying the way Nick's arm and back muscles flexed and tensed as he moved, the little grunts whenever he lifted something heavy, the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. It was all manly and so very hot.

The fact that all his hard work was for her as well only made it better. Jess wanted to give her new classroom a mini makeover and Nick had insisted on helping her.

Though in reality Nick had done practically all the work, moving desks, putting up shelves and fixing the old worn classroom furniture. Jess had been more of a (very appreciative) observer.

And boy did she enjoy watching Nick work, he was so focused and in control and she definitely liked that side of him. Jess even liked the way Nick would bark orders for her to pass him tools or hold something in place. She nearly jumped him right there and then when he asked her to grab his big drill. Yet Nick didn't even smirk, he took his DIY very seriously.

Jess willed herself to listen to the small voice of reason in the back of her mind, warning against having sex at her new job; she really didn't want to get fired before school even started.

Therefore Jess had decided it was best to keep herself as far away from the temptation of Nick Miller as possible and situated herself on the opposite side of the classroom, employing her large wooden desk as a buffer between them.

Jess was trying to concentrate on the lesson plans she was writing wen the intense and loud sound of drilling suddenly ceased. Jess looked up immediately as Nick let out a low grown, stretching his arms upwards. Slowly he lifted his red t-shirt, using the material to wipe against his sweaty brow, flashing the skin of his stomach as he did so. Jess bit down on her lip as she tried not to drool, didn't he realise how hot that was?

As Nick dropped his shirt, his eyes met hers, a dark smirk flashing across his face. He knew exactly what he was doing and Jess was falling for it, she knew she was probably staring at him like a lust crazed teenager.

"Everything ok over there Miss. Day?" he called across the room. "You look a little warm."

"Myself and my temperature are perfectly fine Mr. Miller." Jess replied as nonchalantly as she could manage. "No please get back to work; I'd hate to think I was distracting you."

"I don't think I'm the one who's distracted." Nick said with a devilish smirk.

Jess stuck her tongue out in response; Nick chuckled before turning back to the shelves he was putting up. But Jess didn't return to her notes, she kept her eyes fixed on Nick, again appreciating the rippling muscles of his shoulders.

She smiled to herself, enjoying the fun and silly banter that had resumed between them after the awkwardness of the past few days.

It had been three days since their almost-anniversary dinner. Jess knew that was what Nick had planned for them, but she hadn't brought it up, clearly something had caused him to change his mind.

Though Jess had rationalised it away, telling herself Nick had just been called to the bar and didn't want to disappoint her, she couldn't shake the feeling there was more to it.

Her fears weren't soother when Nick acted so strangely with her the following day, he seemed cooler, distant. Though he'd promised he was just exhausted from work, it felt like he was avoiding her. Things had been going so well, Jess had felt happier than she had in a long time and she didn't want that to change.

Nick wasn't the only one acting strange, Winston and Schmidt seemed on edge around Jess as well. Having only got babbling incoherent responses from both of them Jess felt more confused than ever.

She knew it was probably best to leave it alone, to let Nick come to her in his own time but she couldn't. Jess Day was a stubborn interfering know-it-all who couldn't help but worry about the people she cared about, especially her boyfriend.

Jess remembered how she had tried to bring it up with Nick two nights before…

Determined to confront Nick Jess had waited up whilst he was at the bar. He wasn't meant to be working the late shift but as the hours ticked by, 11 o'clock, 12 o'clock, 1 o'clock Jess got the distinct impression Nick was putting off coming home. Eventually at quarter to two as Jess struggled to keep her eyes open, she heard the light creak of the loft door open.

Jess sat and listened to the pad of Nick's feet as he headed towards their bedrooms and waited for her bedroom door to open, he always crawled into bed with her when he came back late.

Only it never happened, as Nick's feet shuffled towards the bathroom, away from her room. Jess scrunched her face up in confusion, swung her feet off the bed and ripped her door open, quickly heading towards the sound of running water.

Nick's entire body ached; all he wanted was a hot shower and a comfy bed. He let out a soothing groan as the hot water hit his tired body, but his peaceful movement was short lived as the shower curtain was unceremoniously torn open. Nick spun around on the spot, his hands instinctively covering his modesty.

"Jess?" he cried.

"What the hell is going on Nick?" Jess asked.

"I'm riding a unicycle Jess, what does it look like!" Nick spat making an angry turtle face.

Jess looked at him, tired and naked under the spray of the shower, glaring furiously at her. Maybe she hadn't thought this through. What the hell, she thought, I'm here now.

"I need to talk to you."

"Now?" he asked incredulously.

Jess nodded, with an annoyed grumble Nick stepped out of the shower but leaving the water running. He wrapped a towel around his waist and stared at Jess blankly, waiting for an explanation for her sudden interruption.

"What happened the other night?" she asked.

Nick opened his mouth to ask what she was talking about but the look on her face warned him she was in no mood to play games. They both knew what Jess was referring to. Nick let out a tired sigh, rubbing a hand against the back of his neck.

"Nothing, I got called to the bar, it's not a big deal Jess." he mumbled with a light shrug.

Jess gave Nick a disbelieving look, she couldn't believe even now, standing in front of her he was still trying to avoid this, avoid her. She was so frustrated, she couldn't figure out what had happened there was only one option left in her mind; it was her.

"Nick…have I done something?" she asked softly. "Are you mad at me?"

"What?" Nick practically yelled, completely dumbstruck. "Why the hell would you think that?"

Jess fidgeted on the spot, Nick may have been standing there naked but Jess was the one who felt exposed. She suddenly felt so awkward uncomfortable around Nick, it was so strange.

"What am I supposed to think Nick? You won't talk to me!" She began but didn't know what to say. "I tried to speak to Schmidt and Winston…"

Nick's shock expression quickly morphed into an anxious one.

"Wait what? What did they say?"

"Nothing Nick, no one has said anything, that's the problem…but I know something's up." Jess said trying to keep her voice even. "I feel like you're avoiding me, like you don't wanna be around me."

Though she was trying to hide it Nick heard the pain and worry in her voice, he felt a knot twist in his stomach. Nick had tried to act as though everything was fine but the revelation of the bet had messed with his head. He couldn't shake the fear that he was on borrowed time with Jess…and everybody knew it.

He knew he'd been distant with Jess but he just needed some time to get his head straight. But as he saw was how down and unsure of herself she looked he felt terrible, he'd never meant to make her feel this way.

Nick knew what he should do, knew he should tell her the truth about the bet but he just couldn't do it. He'd not told her already because he knew how upset she would be but Nick knew the real reason. The truth was he was scared, scared that if Jess knew about the pool then she would finally see what everybody else already knew. This wouldn't last, they couldn't last.

So instead he lied.

"Everything's fine Jess." Nick said with a genuine smile as he could muster. "I'm just tired; the bar's been so crazy with the new bartender and everything."

Jess knew he was lying, she could see it behind the forced smile and strained eyes and she also knew he wasn't going to tell her, at least not tonight. She only hoped whatever it was it Nick didn't let it come between them.

Nick could sense her hesitation; he stepped closer to her and tugged lightly at her hands.

"Seriously Jess, everything's fine." He repeated, hoping to convince himself almost as much as Jess. "I'm sure as hell not mad at you."

This wasn't a lie, Nick was mad at Schmidt and Winston and everyone else in their stupid bet. Hell everyone else in the whole word but not Jess.

"Whatever Nick." Jess said, tired and defeated. "I'm going to bed…"

Disappointed she turned to leave but was pulled back by a tug on her pyjama sleeve. Turning back she saw Nick's towel crumpled on the floor as he stepped backwards into the warm spray of the shower, this time pulling Jess back with him.

"Nick!" she yelled letting out a high pitched squeal, the water soaking her striped pyjamas. "What are you doing?"

"Showing you just how fine everything is." He murmured.

Suddenly Nick's mouth was on hers and just like that everything was fine again.

Though Jess still couldn't silence the worried self-doubting voice in the back of her mind, right now she just didn't care. Nothing else mattered when she lost herself in Nick like this; there were no fears, nor worries, just them.

And that was how they had spent the past two days, locked away in Nick's room wrapped up in one another. Jess knew Nick was trying to avoid the issue and distract her with sex but she didn't care, it was a damn good way to be distracted.

Back in the classroom Jess was so lost in her fantasy world, reminiscing over the past two days, she hadn't realised Nick was talking to her again.

"Jessica, hellllllo…" he called waving at her. "Did you hear what I said?"

Jess snapped out of her dazed state.

"What…no…I…" she mumbled, her mind still filled with images of Nick in the shower.

"Whatcha thinking about over there?" Nick asked with a grin.

Though Nick knew from instantly from her flushed cheeks and bumbling manner she was having twirly thoughts. His grin widened, he'd been having the exact same thoughts all morning, each time Jess bent over her desk or bit down on her lip when she concentrated.

Seeing Jess here in her new classroom, in her dark glasses and typical flowered patterned dress, all Nick Miller's teenage fantasies were vividly revived.

"Sorry, what did you say?" Jess asked trying to refocus her mind.

Nick chuckled and set his screwdriver down.

"I asked if you called the annoying girl back?" he asked walking towards the desk.

Jess sighed, an old high school friend, one of the genuine few Jess actually had, Lacey Hil, had called Jess a few times over the past week. Unfortunately Jess was always out and therefore Nick had the pleasure of chatting to the extremely chatty Lacey who had been eager to get to know Jess's new beau.

"Cool your jets Miller I called her this morning." Jess said.

Nick looked visibly relieved, "Thank god! I was dreading a phone call later updating me on Uncle Mo's fungal infection."

Nick gave a small shudder at thought of his last (and unnecessarily lengthy) conversation with Lacey.

Jess let out a low throaty chuckle, "Your ears should be safe."

Nick collapsed into the old and slightly wobbly chair opposite Jess, swiftly setting his feet on the edge.

"Hey!" Jess scolded whacking the top of his heavy work boots with her pencil. "Manners Nicholas."

"Sorry teach." He replied but flashed an unapologetic grin. "So what did Miss Chatty Portland 2013 want anyways?"

"Erm…"

Jess cast her eyes down at the table, rolling the pencil over and over between her fingers. Her mind struggling with the potentially awkward subject she'd been too nervous to raise with Nick since her old friend first called. Feeling Nick's eyes on her Jess realised she couldn't avoid it any longer, silently she set the pencil down on desk.

"What are you doing in November?" she asked quietly.

"It's June Jess." He said a puzzled expression on his face.

"I know." She replied in a slightly exasperated tone.

"Well, apart from Thanksgiving and my usual Black Friday stakeout, my calendars wide open." Nick said still not sure where she was going with this. "Why?"

Still not looking up at him Jess continued.

"Lacey's getting married November third." She said softly. "That's why she's been calling; I hadn't sent back my plus one…"

Her voice trailed off but Nick knew what she was trying to say. She wanted him to be her date at a wedding…four months from now. Nick waited for the panic to set in but it didn't come. Instead he felt an odd sort of anticipation, a feeling of nervous excitement at the idea of accompanying Jess to another wedding as her proper, official boyfriend (of what would be if they actually managed to beat their friends expectations) over six months!

"Are you asking me to be your date Jessica?"

Jess's eyes flicked up at the sound of her full name, instantly locking with Nick's. His voice and expression gave nothing away, Jess felt her heart pound inside her chest, she hoped he wasn't freaking out over this after things finally seemed to have returned to normal between them.

"Maybe."

"You sure Jess?" Nick replied making a half-turtle face. "I mean weddings and us haven't always been the best idea, with the Jack Daniel fuelled photo booth sit-ins and rabid animal rescue."

Nick had meant for his words to come out in a jokey, teasing way, wanting to keep things light between them as he sensed how nervous Jess was. However as they left his mouth he how dubious and dismissive they sounded. Nick internally scolded himself as he saw the hurt on Jess's face.

"The last one turned out ok…" Jess mumbled.

She pushed her chair back, the metal legs scraping loudly against the floor as she grabbed a pile of papers they both knew she didn't really need.

"Forget it Nick." She said with a small shake of her head moving away. "It's not a big deal…"

Nick felt like such an idiot, as usual he'd said the wrong thing. Immediately he jumped up and reached out for Jess's elbow, tugging her back to him the same way he had two nights before.

"Jessica, I'm a total and complete moron…" he began.

Jess snorted but didn't agree or disagree with his statement. She pulled her arm back, crossing them and the wad of papers protectively in front of her chest.

Nick knew she felt hurt and embarrassed; he wanted to make it right. Slowly he bent down on one knee, Jess's face instantly morphed from confusion to utter panic.

"Nick…what are you doing?"

Nick gave a quick smirk at the shocked tone of her voice, as if he was about to ask her that…c'mon Jess be serious, he thought to himself. Not yet anyways, a small voice chipped at the back of his head. Nick shook it off.

"Jessica," He began again. "I would be most honoured if you would grant me the great delight of escorting you to Stacey's…"

"Lacey." Jess corrected with an exasperated look on her face.

Seriously Nick had spoken to Lacey nearly every day for a week and he still couldn't get her name right.

"Fine, Lacey's wedding…" he said looking up at Jess with a sad puppy dog like expression of his face. "If you will still have me."

Jess felt her own face break into a beaming smile, it was such a silly and over the top gesture but she totally loved it.

"You clown." She said playfully hitting Nick on the shoulder.

Nick smiled, "Is that a yes milady?"

"Urgh fine!" she said tossing her head back with a low throaty laugh.

"Good." Nick said getting back to his feet, patting the dust off his knees. "Tell whatever her name is I'll have the chicken."

"Huh?" Jess asked.

"You know the usual wedding culinary roulette of chicken or fish." Nick said. "And trust me I have learnt from some extremely unfortunate experiences to always go with chicken."

Jess laughed again and gave Nick a teasing glint in her eyes.

"What?" Nick asked nervously.

"Lacey and her fiancé are fruitarians." Jess said unable to suppress another laugh.

Nick lent closer, tilting his ear towards her, he must have misheard. "Come again."

"They're fruitarians." She repeated.

"So…no meat?" Nick asked still trying to understand just what she was telling him.

Jess shook her head still grinning.

"And no fish?"

"Nope."

"What the hell are people supposed to eat?" Nick asked clearly alarmed.

"Oh you know fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, that sorta thing." Jess said sounding very amused by the whole thing.

Nick's face was a mixture of disgust and genuine horror at the thought.

"What is wrong with these people? Are they apart of some weird hippie cult or something…"

Jess scowled, "Nicholas! I'll have you know Lacey and Herbert are perfectly normal…"

"Herbert? Ha! Seriously?" Nick squawked loudly.

"Yes really Nick. Herbert as in Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of our great nation. Have you learnt nothing from True American?"

Nick rolled his eyes, always the teacher.

"Whatever. I don't trust people who don't eat meat, it's unnatural."

Jess shook her head and lightly whacked Nick with the papers she was holding.

"Caveman!"

Nick grinned at her words and stepped forward wrapping an arm around her waist tightly.

"Maybe I should hit you on the head and drag you back to my cave." He said lowly.

Nick stroked his hands downwards, giving her butt a quick playful squeeze, his head nestling in her hair. Jess was turned on almost immediately having spent the entire day fantasizing about Nick. However sensible teacher Jess still had some shred of control and wriggled herself free from Nick's arms.

"Easy Fred Flintstone. Why don't you clear up in here whilst I go copy these? Then we can go grab some lunch." She said brightly. "Peg told me about this place a couple blocks away that has the most awesome milkshakes and sundaes. It'll be my treat to say thanks."

"I'd prefer a naked treat." Nick said with a smirk causing Jess's cheeks to darken again.

Jess laughed and shook her head as she walked away; Nick's eyes followed her, as always.

"Hey Jess." he called after her just as she reached the open doorway.

Jess turned back to him, leaning back against the door. "Yeah?"

"These fruitasians…"

"Fruitarians." Jess corrected with a giggle.

"That's what I said." Nick frowned. "These weirdo's still drink beer right?"

Jess knew he was just teasing but there was a genuine hint of worry in his voice at the idea of a wedding with no meet and no alcohol.

"You're just gunna have to wait and see Miller."

"No backsies?" Nick asked jokingly but both knew he didn't mean it. Jess shook her head. "Damn."

Jess laughed and disappeared into the hallway. Nick listened to the light clicking of her heels down the otherwise deserted hallway.

Nick was relieved that things felt light and fun again. He knew any tension between them, if only temporary, had been his fault, he'd let that stupid bet get in his head and almost ruined everything. But things finally felt normal again, actually better than normal, great, amazing.

He began to clear up, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Jess had invited to a wedding four months from now! He still couldn't quite believe it, it felt good, knowing Jess saw them together that far ahead. Nick knew it was only a few months away but to Nick it meant everything.

He questioned why he'd let that stupid bet bother him so much, who they hell cared what the others thought? It only mattered what he and Jess thought and clearly Jess thought they'd make it past the summer. Nick paused as he continued packing up his tools, wondering just how far ahead she foresaw. A few months, a year maybe…or did she, like Nick think (or more truthfully hope) they might just make it a little bit longer than that.

"Oh for the love of…" Jess yelled as the copy machine beeped loudly at her again, the ERROR sign flashing tauntingly at her.

"I've checked the toner, re-filled the paper tray…WHAT. MORE. DO. YOU. WANT. FROM. ME?" she screamed frantically slamming her hands against the huge uncooperative machine with every word.

The copier only beeped loudly and continuously in response, Jess was convinced it was actually laughing at her.

"You know they say talking to office machinery is the first sign of madness." An amused voice called from the doorway.

Jess didn't bother to look up, knowing it could only be one person.

"That's talking to yourself Miller." She snapped.

Nick chuckled, "Yeah well you do that already and sing to yourself so I guess that means…"

"Arghhhhhh!" Jess screamed violently hitting the old machine again. "Why won't you work? Why? Why? Why? Whyyyyyyyyyyy?"

She raised her arm again ready to strike when she felt Nick's hands grip hers.

"Step away from the copy machine…" he said slowly guiding Jess backwards. "Put your arms down, nice and easy, nobody needs to get hurt."

Jess shot him an enraged glare.

"This isn't funny Nick! That thing…" She spat pointing to the copier. "…is out to get me."

Nick held his hands up, "I'm with you Jess, these machines are out of control. You know I'm pretty sure this is how the Terminator started, rogue and evil copy machines take over…"

He said mocking her but Jess hit him in the gut, cutting off his words. Nick could tell from her expression Jess was thoroughly pissed off and in no mood for jokes. Nick set his arms on her shoulders reassuringly.

"Take a breath, calm down, try not to attack the fax and I'll take a look ok?" He said turning back to the copier. "It's probably just a jam or something."

"A jam of hate." Jess mumbled collapsing onto an old office chair in the corner.

Nick quickly set to work yet after almost twenty increasingly frustrating minutes he still hadn't gotten the machine to work. Jess watched with a certain amount of smug satisfaction as he struggled, eventually following her lead and violently attacked the old machine with his fists.

"Not so easy is it?" she asked over his shoulder.

Nick ignored her taunting question, instead barking in response for her to hand him yet another screwdriver from his tool box. Unlike before Jess wasn't so turned on by Nick's authoritative demeanour, yes it was still hot but now she was too tired and pissed off. Nick didn't care, this was no longer about trying to help Jess, this was now a one man war against the Copymax 2000.

"C'mon…you stupid…son of a…arghhhh." Nick yelled slamming his palm against the huge grey machine. "This thing is…"

"Broken?" Jess answered rolling her eyes as she stood up. "C'mon Nick let's just go."

Nick shook his head furiously.

"No my old lady came here to copy and she is going to copy!"

"Old lady?" she said with an uncertain look. That wasn't her favourite pet name.

Again Nick ignored her, mumbling to himself as he crouched on the floor surveying the mass of tools that surrounded him.

Jess tugged on his arm, "Nick it's not a big deal, I'll call Principle Foster and he'll send someone out to fix it."

Nick looked perplexed, "Why would you do that when I can fix it right now?"

Jess frowned, "Well…you haven't actually fixed it Nick."

Nick stood up, looking genuinely affronted by her words.

"C'mon Nick you've basically just been hitting it with different sized screwdrivers!" she said throwing her hands in the air.

"Yeahhhhhhh, to see which one works best." Nick snapped.

"Admit it Nick, you have no idea what you're doing. This needs a professional…"

Nick cut her off. "You know Jess that's exactly what's wrong with modern America, nobody wants to fix anything themselves anymore. They just palm it off on these so called 'professionals' who charge you $300 an hour…"

"A slight exaggeration." Jess muttered.

"…for a job you can do yourself in ten minutes!" Nick yelled.

"Well you've been here for twenty and so far all you've done is get a Phillips stuck in the paper tray." Jess said snootily.

Nick gave her a serious look, "I'm a Jack of all trades Jessica…"

"And a master of none." She said lowly.

Nick scowled, "Listen Jess, this is a man thing, you wouldn't…"

Jess gaped at him incredulously, "Oh it's a man thing, so my tiny female brain couldn't possibly comprehend the complex…"

Nick shook his head, already sensing where this was heading. "I didn't say that, I just meant…"

"I know exactly what you meant Nicholas Miller!" she yelled angrily. "As a weak and feeble woman I must need a big strong man to help me."

"If you'd actually shut the hell up and let me get a word in…" Nick began but Jess cut him off again.

"Don't tell me to shut up Nick!" she barked.

Nick ignored her indignant response. "And believe me Jess there's nothing weak and feeble about you!"

"That's because I'm a strong independent woman…"

"And bossy overbearing know it all!" Nick yelled back.

Jess glared, narrowing her eyes at him. "Better that than being a stubborn pig-headed caveman."

She stepped in front of him, setting her hands on her hips.

"Let me tell you something Nick…"

Nick cut her off. "Hey Jess?"

"What?" She bit back.

Nick lent closer, "Shut up."

Dark fury flashed in Jess's eyes. "I told you not to say that to me."

Nick let out a dismissive snort.

"Sorry Jess was that rude?" he said being deliberately facetious. "Oh Jessica would you be so kind as to shut ya damn pile hole!"

Nick practically roared the final few words, leaning his face even closer to hers. He braced himself for her furious reply but instead felt his body moving backwards, stopping only when it connected with the hard plastic copier.

"Jess what the…"

But Jess didn't answer; instead she smothered his mouth with hers. The kiss was hard, frantic and passionate, filled with all the anger of their argument and the pent up sexual frustration of the morning. Nick had completely forgotten what he was even saying. He kissed Jess back hungrily and desperately, a low groan fell from his mouth when she pulled away.

"Shut ya pile hole Miller." Jess murmured with a dark grin before she kissed him again.

This time Nick didn't question or argue, he quickly wrapped his arms around her body, the screwdriver in his hands fell to the floor with a loud clatter. Nick reached down, lifting her body, Jess quite adept at this now typical Nick Miller move jumped up and tightly wrapped her legs around his waist.

Nick swivelled their bodies, roughly setting Jess atop the copy machine, never breaking their kiss. His hands fell to her waist drawing her delicate body closer to him as he moved his lips to her neck. Jess arched her back at his movement with a groan, a hot throbbing building between her thighs.

It wasn't soft or gentle or romantic, Jess was still so pissed at him yet more than anything she just wanted him, now. Reaching up she grabbed Nick roughly by his hair, forcing his lips back to hers, her hands hurriedly tore at the buttons on his shirt, exposing the dark smattering of chest hair beneath.

Nick growled against her lips as Jess's delicate fingers brushed against his hot exposed skin as they slid downwards until she furiously set to work undoing his belt buckle.

Almost instantaneously Nick's own hands dove under the delicate skirt of Jess's pretty floral dress, skilfully tracing her thighs, revelling in the silky soft feel of her perfect skin. Finally he hooked his fingers into the hem of her panties, sliding them down and off her legs in one expert move.

It was all happening so fast; Jess had barely untied his belt buckle and released the zipper on his jeans before she felt Nick drive into her, hard and fast. She let out a wild hiss, clasping at his shoulders tightly as he withdrew and quickly thrust back into her. Jess moaned lowly as Nick began to move inside her, hard and deep over and over. It felt so impossibly good, so perfect, so right when they were joined like this.

Nick suddenly slowed his movements, deliciously rolling and grinding his hips against hers as he moved within her. Jess whimpered, tightening the grip of her legs around him, desperately wanting to pull him even closer.

"Don't stop." She moaned breathlessly.

Nick made a noise somewhere between a laugh and a disbelieving grunt, as if he ever could.

Tightening his hold at her waist Nick tilted the angle of their bodies as he increased the pace and depth of this thrusts once more. Jess cried out moving her hands from his shoulders to his messy brown locks, all she could do was cling onto him as he claimed her body. Nick continued to slam into her, Jess felt every gratifying thrust, strong and deep, both of them knowing nothing felt better than this.

Jess felt the familiar fire that had been building so fiercely in her stomach explode. It was as if her body was no longer her own the way it writhed and shook so wildly around Nick, his name a desperate and constant plea from her lips.

Nick felt Jess let go and drove into her with one final ravenous thrust, his own release pulsing intensely through him.

Breathless and drained Nick buried his head in Jess's sweat tangled hair, her fingers gently stroking his own. Jess tugged more lightly this time at this hair and kissed him softly yet just as powerfully as before. They were both still so lost in their lust filled hazed neither noticed the stream of photocopies falling from the machine beneath them.

"Well this definitely beats your average Wednesday." Nick said his voice upbeat. "I get a naked treat and an ice cream treat."

"Shhhhh Nick!" Jess scanned the café nervously as they joined the lengthy queue, terrified someone had heard him.

"Relax Jess." he said with a laugh. "Hey at least I fixed the copier."

Jess's cheeks instantly flushed crimson as Nick gave her a wink.

"I can't believe we did that." She said with a slightly astounded look on her face. "What if someone asks me?"

Nick's face fell into a smug grin, "Welllllllllll…"

Jess held her hand up. "Don't answer that."

Nick chuckled and Jess shook her head at him, knowing all the dirty little jar-worthy comments running through his mind. Her stomach growled lowly, having uncharacteristically skipped breakfast this morning and having just built up quite an appetite she was pretty hungry. Leaning forward to see what was taking so long she saw a very tired and stressed looking woman at the front of the counter with three extremely loud and demanding children arguing over what ice cream they wanted. Jess figured this could take a while.

"Eurgh, ok I'm just going to pop to the ladies and freshen up." she said quickly.

Mostly she just wanted to splash some cool water on her face, she was still feeling hot and bothered and Nick's constant teasing and smirking was not helping.

Nick nodded, "Good idea Jess. See that guy over there, he just looked over here and he totally knows!" he said in a faux panicked voice.

"What? Where?" Jess yelped spinning frantically on the spot until she spotted the startled looking elderly gentleman Nick had pointed at, he looked up at Jess giving her an awkward confused smile.

"Hi, hello…" Jess said quickly waving her hand, her cheeks burning red. She turned back to Nick and hit him on the arm. "Ass!"

Nick chuckled again to himself as he watched her stomp towards the restrooms. He stood for a moment shuffling forward in the queue as one of the annoying kids picked their three scoops.

Lengthy waits and infuriatingly whiney children usually pushed Nick Miller into a grump filled rant but not today, today he found them bearably irritating. Today he was quite content to stand and wait; it allowed him time to gleefully replay what had just happened over and over in his head. Hell he felt so chipper he might even whistle.

As Nick whistled happily lost in his daydream world of Jess and office machinery he didn't notice the poor young waitress heading his way, struggling to carry her tray piled high with dirty dishes or at least not until it was too late.

Just as the waitress was about to collide with him, Nick spotted her, quickly springing back out of her path earning and loud and annoyed "Ow!" from the lady behind him who's feet he had just crushed. Relieved the waitress glided past Nick with a nod of thanks before he turned to apologise to the poor stranger behind him.

Nick felt a pang of guilt as he looked down at the woman crouched on the floor, scrambling to gather up a mass of paperwork Nick had obviously caused her to drop. He'd been so lost in his Jess Day musings he hadn't even noticed she was there.

"I'm so sorry." Nick said bending down to help. "Here let me…"

He began to say as he scraped a wad of papers into his hands stopping as he realised the woman had gone completely still, couched opposite, just staring at him.

Nervously Nick raised his head, not sure what he expected but completely flabbergasted by the identity of the woman whose foot he had just stepped on. His mind was suddenly racing, the golden blonde hair, the cool blue-grey eyes, it was all so familiar. Nick dropped the papers in his hand.

"Caroline?"

Her name left Nick's lips in an astounded cry. He stared at the woman in front of him awestruck as though she were a hallucination or a ghost. Nick supposed she was really, the ghost of relationships past, one that had haunted him for so long.

The longer Nick stared the more incredibly awkward it felt, he knew he should say something, run through the usual 'hellos' and 'how you been' but he suddenly felt so panicked. So instead, still crouched clumsily on the floor he asked;

"What are you doing here?"

Caroline blinked, visibly taken aback by the way he barked at her.

"It's nice to see you too Nick." She mumbled scrambling to her feet, grabbing as much of her dropped papers as she could.

"Sorry, I didn't mean…" Nick murmured as he stood up, his words trailing off as he struggled to explain what he did mean.

Nick saw the confused and almost hurt look on Caroline's face and felt a pang of guilt. This person who had once been such an important part of his life now felt like a stranger.

After what felt like hours but in reality was probably no more than thirty seconds, Caroline broke the silence.

"So…how've you been?" she asked.

Nick looked up like a dear caught in the headlights, so they were actually going to do this, he thought; make awkward small talk with the ex.

"Yeah, good, good, you know…" he rambled, nodding his head excessively. "I've been…good. You?"

"Can't complain." She replied with a frail smile. "Still working at Clyde's?"

Nick opened his mouth when a tall bored looking boy who'd joined the line behind Caroline cleared his throat none too subtly. He was young, no more than twenty, wearing thick black glasses, a beanie hat and a scarf despite the fact it was 75 degrees outside. He was clearly one of those trendy indie kids; too cool to stand a wait in line for a cup of overpriced coffee. Nick already despised him. Nick gave him a quick scowl and shuffled forward slightly, guessing this was the source of his irritation.

"Yeah err…still there." He said turning his attention back to Caroline, nodding awkwardly; he felt his face grow hot. Why was this so difficult?

"That's cool." Caroline replied just as uncomfortably.

"Are you…" Nick asked but was distracted as the annoying boy coughed loudly again, shooting him and Caroline a furious look.

Nick looked past his former girlfriend, glaring at the boy challengingly. "Is there a problem pal?"

"Yeah, if you guys could take this touching and unbearably awkward reunion somewhere else…" he snapped gesturing in the opposite direction. "Listening to this is beyond painful."

Caroline looked instantly mortified at his words, Nick's jaw tightened.

"You really wanna know what painful is…" he growled stepping closer.

The boy responded with a dismissive look, in no way intimidated by Nick.

"Easy there old man." He said in a bored voice.

"Old man?" Nick barked aghast. "Listen you little…"

Nick was about to launch himself at the boy when he felt a light tug on his arm, pulling him out of the queue over to an empty table. Nick shook his head furiously, banging his fist down on the small wooden table top.

"Old man." He muttered still glaring at the boy who smugly moved up in line. "I'm only a few years older than that little shi…"

Caroline laughed, "C'mon Nick the kid's barely outta puberty. And we're definitely on the wrong side of thirty."

She was right, Nick was well into his mid-thirties, he was officially a grown up now, despite the way he often behaved. And as a semi-mature adult he should be able to have a normal and not at all awkward conversation with his ex-girlfriend. Nick decided to uncharacteristically talk about the elephant in the room.

"Well the douchebag with the beanie was right about one thing." He said. "Why is this so weird?"

Caroline smiled, "I know. It shouldn't be this weird."

"Then we won't let it. So, what brings you here?" he asked nicer than his previously barked demand. "Are you working or…"

Beyond his initial shocked reaction Nick had been surprised to see Caroline as she lived on the other side of town.

Caroline's smile suddenly fell, "I live two blocks away, I moved here after we…after you…you know."

Nick did know, he suddenly realised or more accurately, let himself admit why it was so strained between them. Caroline had moved here after Nick agreed to live with her last year but bailed at the last minute, when he realised he couldn't leave the loft.

Jess's face suddenly burned in Nick's mind, he'd been so stunned at seeing his former girlfriend he'd forgotten his current one was here as well. Fear and panic gripped his entire body, as awkward as it was for Nick to see Caroline again the thought of throwing Jess into the mix was just too much. He shot a nervous glance at the restroom.

Nick knew it was ridiculous to feel so nervous, nothing had happened between him and Jess when he was with Caroline. Nick Miller might not have always been the best boyfriend in the world but he'd never been a cheat.

So why did Nick feel so guilty at the idea of Caroline seeing him with Jess now? Maybe it was because the reason Nick stayed wasn't that he couldn't leave the loft, but because he couldn't leave a certain roommate.

Nick looked up at Caroline and saw an almost knowing look in her eyes. The pang of guilt he felt increased tenfold. Nick realised he'd never really talked with her about what happened, he'd never made it right.

Caroline however didn't give him the chance.

"So, what's new in the world of Nick Miller?" she asked keen to avoid dragging up their painful past.

"New?" Nick croaked.

"Yeah, you seem…different." Caroline replied.

Jess. Again all Nick could think of was Jess. The answer was yes, yes there was something new and amazing and life changing in his world. Nick wasn't particularly good in these situations but he was pretty sure you weren't supposed to say that to your ex.

"Erm…no, not really." He mumbled. "Just the usual, trying to get out, you know…exercise…"

What was he saying?

"Well you look good…happy." Caroline said with a light laugh. "I wasn't even sure if it was you at first, you were standing there whistling…in four years I don't think I ever heard you whistle."

Because in four years with you I was never as happy as I've been in four weeks with Jess, he thought unable to stop himself. Again Nick felt this was not something he should say out loud.

Another voice at the back of Nick's head spoke, tell her, tell her about Jess. Nick recognised instantly the voice of his angry and bitter self, the part of Nick which had never quite forgiven or forgotten the way Caroline had played him over the years.

As much as bitter Nick would enjoy the momentary smug satisfaction deep down Nick knew he didn't want that. The truth was Caroline had been an important part of his life, he'd loved her once; he didn't want to hurt her. Nick wasn't that guy.

He gave a small nod, "Just having a good day I guess."

Caroline smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear looking up at Nick with eager eyes. "So…are you seeing anybod…"

Her voice trailed off as a bright bouncing figure appeared at Nick's side, linking her arm in his as though it were the most natural gesture, like she did it every day. Which now, she did.

"Don't laugh, but I got locked in the cubicle again!" Jess cried shaking her head in disbelief at her own antics.

Nick just stared at her with an alarmed look on his face, nodding his head indicating that they weren't alone.

"Hi, sorry I'm Jess…" she said brightly turning, hand out then froze mid-sentence. "Caroline?"

Nick stood immobile staring at the two women, his eyes continually darting from one to the other. He was holding his breath, not sure where this was going to go. Caroline stared at Jess with a look of furious disbelief whilst Jess looked surprised and a little…nervous. After a moment Jess seemed to gather herself, her face falling into a genuinely friendly smile.

"Caroline." She said again, less startled than before. "Hey, how are you?"

"Jess…hi." Caroline said with a more strained smile.

Caroline didn't answer Jess or ask how she was, instead she looked from Jess to Nick, eyes fixed furiously on her former boyfriend. Apparently the time for small talk and inoffensive pleasantries was over.

Jess hated these sort of situations, she couldn't handle tense and awkward silences.

"So…this is kinda awkward huh?" she said unable to stop herself.

Caroline shook her head, giving an almost incredulous laugh, "No, actually everything makes sense now."

Jess looked confused, clearly she was missing something.

"So you two are together?" Caroline asked looking directly at Nick.

"Yeah." He answered quietly.

Jess shot Nick a questioning look, hadn't Nick told Caroline about them from the start?

Caroline paused for a moment, clearly thinking everything over in her head.

"So this…" Caroline said pointing between them. "…this is why you didn't move in isn't it?"

"No!" Jess yelled instantly. "No Caroline, this is…new."

Jess looked to Nick, for him to agree with her, to tell Caroline Jess had nothing to do with what happened between them but saw that he was staring at Caroline with an almost apologetic look on his face.

"Caroline I never…" he began.

Caroline held out her hand to silence him, "No Nick, I can't… really, I don't wanna…"

Her words caught in her throat, she looked way from the both of them unable to deal with the pitying looks on their faces.

"I should go." She said quietly as she turned away.

Jess wanted to say something but she didn't know what, she just felt so…bad. Like somehow this was all her fault and she didn't know why. Nick said nothing.

Caroline turned back to them, a cold detachment in her eyes. "I really hope this works out."

Though she didn't say it, Nick knew what else she wanted to say… but I doubt it will.

Nine and a half minutes. For nine and a half minutes Nick and Jess had sat in total silence, the only sound from their table was the light scraping of spoons on glass as they slowly ate their sundaes.

After Caroline's awkward and hasty departure Jess suggested they go back to the loft but Nick had insisted they stay for ice cream. Jess knew instantly how this was going to go; Nick would just act like nothing happened.

Jess hated this; silence was like torture for her, she liked to talk, a lot. She knew Nick would stay quiet for hours if she let him, she had to be the one to make the first move. She took raised her spoon to her mouth, eating a small spoonful of her mint choc chip.

"Mmmmmm this is so good." She said, wanting to say anything to break the quiet. "Nick you have to try this."

She held the long metal spoon out across the table with what she hoped was an encouraging smile. Nick shook his head, not meeting her eyes as mumbled something incoherently then returned his attention to the table, looking sullen and miserable.

Jess sighed and pulled her arm back, dejectedly putting spoon aside. Clearly Nick was feeling as chatty as usual.

Running into exes was never a pleasant experience. Jess inwardly cringed remembering Russell's unsettling appearance at their shambolic first date but running into Caroline was more unsettling that Jess expected.

She knew Caroline had been the love of Nick's life, she remembered how hung up on her he'd been when Jess first met him. It must have been hard for him to see Caroline again but Jess couldn't deny she'd been hurt he hadn't told Caroline about their relationship straight away.

All Jess's self-doubt and fears of the past few days returned. The way Nick seemed so panicked and skittish, barely speaking, a part of her couldn't help but question if Caroline still held some sort of power over him?

Yet it was actually what Caroline said which bothered Jess the most;

This is why you didn't move in isn't it?

Initially Jess had thought the idea was crazy, she had nothing to do with Nick's decision not to move in with Caroline, that was last year, before any of this, before Nick and Jess became...Nick and Jess. Yet she couldn't forget the look on Nick's face, so apologetic and even a little…guilty?

Nick had never talked about what happened between him and Caroline and despite her deeply inquisitive (though Nick would say nosey) nature Jess had never asked. She had just been happy to have him home. But now it was all she could think about.

Though she knew Nick wanted to talk about anything but what Caroline said, she couldn't let it go, not this time. She let out a determined sigh.

"This is ridiculous Nick." She said determinedly. "We have to talk about this."

Nick didn't bother to even ask what Jess was talking about.

"No we don't Jess." He mumbled filling his mouth with another scoop of strawberry ice cream.

Jess let out a frustrated grunt, "You can't just act like nothing happened Nick. What Caroline said…"

Nick cut her off looking up at her.

"Look Jess, so we saw Caroline, it was awkward and horrible but now it's done. Let's just move on ok?" he snapped.

Jess frowned, "No Nick. We can't keep doing this."

"Doing what?" he asked though again he knew what she wanted to say.

"Only dealing with the fun easy stuff and avoiding everything else." She said firmly.

Nick narrowed his eyes "That was your idea Jess, a fun summer with no over-thinking and talking remember?"

"I know Nick but…it's been a month…the best month of my life." She said quietly. "I need…"

Nick listened carefully; he couldn't help but be taken aback by her words.

"I need to know how you feel."

Her words instantly transported Nick back to a few months ago, when Jess had asked that very same question. Ironically then just as now it had followed an unexpected run in with an ex.

He remembered the uncertain and anxious look on her face as they sat on the street that night. Though even then, so early on, Nick had known what he felt for her he had been too afraid to admit it. That fear had cost him almost two months with Jess; he knew he couldn't ignore her question again, not after how far they had come since that night.

Yet why did he still feel so afraid?

Jess was staring at him, trying to gauge something from him yet his face gave nothing away. Her emotions were all over the place, the tension of the past few days, Caroline's unexpected appearance it had all become too much.

She thought back to only an hour before, to their amazing moment in the copy room, how opened and connected she felt with Nick. She remembered the intensity in his eyes, as though he could see every part of her. As incredible as it had felt Jess worried maybe that would be the only way Nick would be able to express how he felt; physically.

"I know you don't want to talk about this…or anything." She said with a short nervous laugh. "But, what Caroline said…about why you didn't leave…"

She didn't say it but Nick knew what she wanted so desperately to ask, did he stay because of her?

The answer was yes. Nick had never talked about it, if someone had asked him at the time he would have denied it, said it just wasn't right for him and Caroline but he knew the truth. He'd stayed because of Jess, he'd stayed for Jess.

Nick saw the same anxious look of self-questioning and insecurity on Jess's face as before. He took a deep breath.

"Jess, this…you and me, it started a while ago, before…" he said softly looking up at her.

Before the wedding, before they slept together, before they kissed.

Nick looked at her seriously. "You know that right?"

And Jess did know. She saw the honesty and sincerity in his eyes, his almost desperate need for her to understand. It was hardly the most eloquent and lengthy declaration of his feelings but for Nick those few words spoke volumes and for now it was enough.

"I know." She said. "Me too."

Nick looked instantly relieved at her words, spoken so quiet and soft. He lent forward eyeing her ice cream.

"Gimme a bite."

Jess's face broke into a content smile as she fed Nick a large scoop.

"This is good right?" she asked before licking the spoon.

Nick grinned, "The best."

A/N: Reviews welcome.