*In addition to not owning The Troop I also possess no ownership over Debbie Gibson or her songs

Chapter 3

Saturday

JPOV

I was happily dreaming of Hayley coming into my room while I was in nothing but a towel. But in my dream she was also dressed the same. My dream got dirty quickly as both towels were discarded and we.. . I was woken with a shake. "Get up. Big day ahead."

"Huh?" I inquired groggily.

"Jake, get up!" I felt the covers being pulled off of me. The shock of the cold air-conditioned room jarred me awake. I looked up to see Hayley staring at me, her eyes getting wider. I glanced down to see what she was looking at. That was when I remembered that I had gone to sleep in my usual sleep attire. Yup, just my boxers. And it being the morning and me being a teenage boy, well you get the picture.

I quickly snatched back the covers and told Hayley to get out. I'd be dressed soon. That was a little embarrassing.

When I finally emerged from my room, Mrs. Steele was already gone for the day. She informed us the night before that she would be visiting her friend again and would be back some time at night. She was kind enough to have ordered breakfast to the room for us.

"Ah, bacon." I smiled and reached for a strip. I chuckled when I noticed Hayley wouldn't look at me. Just like last night when she walked in on me as I got out of the shower I decided not to make things uncomfortable for either of us. Did, though, take some time to think about the fact that both times Hayley just stood and stared at me. Hmmmm, wonder what that was about.

"Alright, let's go. I wanna see Mandy." I headed toward the door. Hayley look relieved that I gave her another free pass. Neither of us said much on the way down the elevator.

When we got to the lobby I saw Tommy already at our meet up spot. He immediately walked up to Hayley and grabbed her by the elbow. Hayley looked startled at first but then softened when Tommy told her he was worried. I watched them both, not really liking the way Tommy seemed possessive over Hayley. I would have to keep my eye on them today.

Then I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to face Mandy. She gave me a happy smile and a quick hug hello.

Next James and Shane arrived. Then a man in his late 30's wearing an orange polo shirt and khaki shorts arrived. He introduced himself as our guide, Mr. Cooper. He gave us a quick rundown of the rules. Always stick with your buddy, listen to and follow directions and do not touch anything.

Our group left the lobby to our first destination. The Lincoln Memorial and the Reflection Pool. Mandy and I trailed behind the rest of the group. Partly to be alone together, partly because I really didn't care about the information Mr. Cooper gave us and partly so I could keep an eye on Hayley and Tommy.

While we were at the Reflection Pool I heard Hayley sharply call my name. I turned to see a dog running toward me with its leash caught on a baby stroller. I reached out and grabbed the dog by the collar as he passed and with the other hand stopped the stroller right before it flipped into the pool. Then calmly I untangled the leash and passed the dog to its owner and the baby to it's mother.

I must have done something right because after that Mandy grabbed my hand and proceeded to kiss me on the cheek. Hayley turned to smile a good-job at me but Tommy yanked hand to keep walking.

A strange thing happened while we were inside the Washington Monument. While getting in the elevator Mr. Cooper tripped and the doors were about to close on his leg. Just seconds before it could Hayley snatched a briefcase from a man standing near her and tossed it to me. I was able to use the briefcase to jam the door saving Mr. Cooper's leg.

After that we decided to take a break and eat our bag lunch Mr. Cooper brought. Both Mandy and Tommy had gone to use the bathrooms. So while I was munching on a turkey and cheese on wheat, Hayley sat down next to me.

"DC is great, huh?" She started the conversation.

"Actually I was thinking that there seems to be way more accidents today than usual." I mused.

"I noticed that too. I wonder if there is something going on that we should check out." Hayley was thinking in Troop mode.

"Well, we are not at home. This isn't our territory to protect. We don't have Felix here to help us out and besides we don't have any proof that it's anything besides accidents." I reasoned. Besides we are on vacation. I didn't want to worry about work. I just wanted to enjoy having a pretty girl on my arm and taking her to the dance.

"I guess you're right." Just then Tommy and Mandy returned. Tommy gave me a dirty look and squeezed himself between Hayley and I. I looked over at James and Shane; they both just shrugged and rolled their eyes. That Tommy was starting to get on my nerves.

After lunch we headed over to the Smithsonian Museum. We didn't have time to look at everything there but we could spend a few hours looking around. While I wasn't quite as enthralled by everything like the others were, I did have to admit that some of the things there were really cool. Who would have thought that I'd have fun and learn at the same time?

Suddenly, I heard Hayley calling my name again. I saw one of the priceless vases start to tip. I launched myself on the ground and caught it. Then with a quick toss to Hayley, she set it back on the shelf so smoothly that no one around us noticed anything happened. I brushed myself off and used the excuse that I thought I'd seen a quarter on the floor. Everyone seemed to accept my explanation though I did see Mr. Cooper looking at me strangely.

As we returned to our hotel I asked Mandy if she'd like to be my date for the dance. She was so excited she launched herself into my arms. I'm not even sure she said yes, but based on the kiss she planted on me I assume we have a date.

I smiled and headed over to the elevator to go back to my room with Hayley. "So, I've got a date. A real date not like the one back home with Brittany where we used each other to get into the dance."

"Good for you, Jake." Hayley smiled and gave me a playful punch in the arm. "Tommy asked me, so I've got a date too."

"About Tommy," my tone turned serious, "don't you think he is a little too…I don't know… possessive."

"Oh its just means he likes me." Hayley explained away. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself."

"Fine. I was just.." she cut me off.

"Well don't."

"Fine." I surrendered.

After resting for a little bit I got up and got ready for my big date with Mandy. After my shower, I dressed in dark, dressy jeans and a dark brown, long sleeved shirt. I cuffed the sleeves and put on a rope necklace.

I walked to the next room to see if Hayley was ready yet. She walked out of the bathroom and the sight took my breath away. Hayley wore a red strapless top, a frilly black-layered skirt, a short black coat, black knit stockings and black heels. The top was tight and fit Hayley like second skin. It showed her curves perfectly. Her hair was down in loose curls. She had applied her makeup to accent her beauty without over doing it. Hayley was just stunning.

Hayley started to chuckle and I realized I was staring. "Wow, Hayley, you look…wow." I admired.

"Thanks." She said blushing. The blush just added to her beauty.

"You about ready to go?" I asked. I should get to my date instead of staring at Hayley.

"Yup." We headed out the door to the elevator.

As we rode down I saw Hayley checking me out. "You look nice too." She said.

"Thanks." I chuckled. "Don't forget to save one dance for me."

"Sure." Hayley said.

"Promise?" I wanted to get in one dance. Between friends of course.

"I promise." She smiled at me and I almost forgot I had a date waiting for me.

Just then the elevator doors opened and we headed into the lobby. Tommy and Mandy were already waiting. Mandy was pretty as usual. She was wearing a flowing peach colored sundress and strappy heels. Tommy looked quite nice in a dark blue striped suit. I kissed Mandy on the cheek and held out my arm for her to take. She grinned at me and looped her arm for her to take. She grinned at me and looped her arm through mine. We were off to the dance.

At the dance we chose a table that seated six. James and Shane, both dateless, joined us. There were heavy appetizers for us to eat as dinner.

The dance seemed to be going smoothly. Mandy and I talked and danced. I helped James and Shane scope out the single girls at the dance. Then tried not to laugh as they were shot down one by one. It really made me miss Felix.

The only bad part of the night was the way Tommy was treating Hayley. He would step in between her and anyone she tried to talk to. I could tell it was bothering her.

Towards the end of the night Mandy and I were slow dancing and I looked over at Hayley and Tommy. He was grabbing her roughly and she was yelling something at him.

"So I was thinking that maybe we could go some place quiet." Mandy said seductively, running her fingers through my hair.

But I was only half listening. "What?"

"I said that maybe…"

I cut her off. "Hold that thought." Then walked around her toward Hayley and that jerk.

"Listen, Pal," I pushed Tommy, "keep your hands off the lady."

"Stay out of it, Jake." Tommy warned between clenched teeth.

"She's obviously not interested." I stood between them. Then I stepped threateningly forward getting in Tommy's face.

Next thing I knew Tommy sucker punched me in the eye knocking me down.

"Jake!" Hayley cried and rushed down to help me up.

She turned to Tommy. "You," she snarled, "You, stay away from me!"

The dance chaperones arrived then and escorted Tommy out for fighting. Hayley grabbed my arm and pulled me toward the exit.

"Are you okay?" I asked her full of concern.

"I'm fine. I just want to leave." Without saying goodbye to anyone we walked out and headed back to the rooms.

I was stewing when we got in the room. I walked into my room and sat on the bed. I heard Hayley leave the room. Minutes later she reentered. A washcloth wrapped around ice was handed to me.

"Jake, I'm really sorry about what happened." Hayley didn't have anything to apologize for.

"Don't be. He was a big jerk." I was looking down fuming. "I could have killed him for the way he was touching you." A growl escaped my lips.

I heard Hayley walk away. Probably annoyed by my anger. I heard soft, slow music coming from the other room. Suddenly, Hayley was standing in front of me. She held a hand out to me.

"Never did get that dance." She half whispered.

I looked up and caught Hayley's eyes. She looked at me intently. I looked back down at her hand. I put one hand in hers and set down the icy washcloth with the other.

We walked into the other room hand in hand. She stopped and turned to face me. I stared into Hayley's eyes as she lifted both of her arms and put them on my shoulders. I gently rested my hands on her waist. We started to sway to the music. It was an old Debbie Gibson song.

I get weak in a glance

Isn't this what's called romance?

And now I know

Cause when I'm lost, I can't let go.

I continued getting lost in the pool of brown that were Hayley's eyes. I smiled a little when I noticed she was equally caught up in mine.

I don't mind not knowing what I'm headed for

You can take me to the skies

It's like being lost in Heaven

When I'm lost in your eyes

She smiled and leaned to rest her head on my shoulder. Her grip tightened around my neck. I automatically pulled her closer. Wrapping my arms around her. It felt so right. Her face fit into the crook of my neck. Our bodies pressed against each other swaying in perfect harmony. My heart started to beat faster. I wondered if she could feel it.

I just fell, don't know why

Something's there, we can't deny

When I first knew

Was when I first looked at you

I heard her sigh.

"Hayley." I croaked out.

"Jake." She said lifting her head enough to look into my eyes again. Doing so left just a mere inch between our faces. I could feel her warm breath on my face. She looked down to my lips then back to my eyes. All thought vanished from my mind. All that was left was need. Need for Hayley. My body took over and I leaned in. When our lips brushed her eyes fluttered shut giving me permission to continue.

Just then I heard the key in the door. Mrs. Steele was back. Startled I dropped my arms and stepped back. Hayley's eyes popped open. We both looked toward the door as Mrs. Steele entered. I hoped she didn't notice the guilty blush creeping up my neck or the way we awkwardly stood apart.

Luckily she didn't. "Hey, you're both back from the dance. How'd it go?" It was then that she saw my eye. "Jake Honey, what happened?"

I mumbled something about being fine but tired and headed to my room. I got myself ready for bed. I could hear Hayley explaining what happened and filled her mom in on the day's events.

As I lay in bed I knew sleep was not going to come easily. What happened in there? I almost kissed Hayley. I knew how I was feeling but wondered what had been going through Hayley's mind. Was she just caught up in the moment or did she feel the same? I was so conflicted. It felt so right but at the same time I knew it could never happened again.

I lay there replaying the scene in my mind until I finally fell asleep to more intense dreams of Hayley.

Observer POV

I reviewed the notes I had taken today. My observations of Jake Collins and Hayley Steele proved to be quite useful. Hayley possessed great observational skills. I watched as she looked carefully at every detail of whatever she entered. I knew she had stolen the itinerary to study it. She was a planner. She also was able to come up with a plan using whatever was on hand.

Jake possessed quick and natural reactions and incredible strength. He seemed to act on impulse and instinct. I set a few obstacles in their path during the day while touring. They handled each with skill and grace not even letting those around them aware of the goings on.

I also observed the interactions between them. They work together in synchrony. They tend to feed off of each other's cues and actions. They also came across as caring and protective of each other. Putting the other person above all else.

They are exactly the team we have been in need of. I'll be contacting the proper people first thing in the morning to recruit Jake Collins and Hayley Steele for a special project.

*A/N Yes, I will be continuing this story until they complete their adventure in DC. :)