Redemption

Chapter Seven

Sue was surprised when Jack asked her out to dinner, though she didn't know why. The two of them going out as friends was nothing new to her, because they'd done it often. Maybe it was because of the thoughts she'd had during Bobby and Danni's little interlude, but she could swear he was looking at her differently. There was something in those chocolate brown eyes that sparkled when he looked at her, this time. Maybe he did feel something for her. Her heart beat just a little bit faster at that thought.

Of course, he could have anyone. Why would he want her? She was plain and different. She spoke her mind more often than naught; he would want someone to follow his every whim. She mentally kicked herself for thinking he would want anything to do with her, besides be her friend.

Jack noticed her sudden change in demeanor. One moment, she was smiling and the next, it looked like Levi had just died. He reached across the table to take her hand and found that she hadn't expected him to do it. A surge of electricity flowed through them as their eyes connected for a moment before she looked away. Either she was being shy or something was bothering her.

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze to get her attention and smiled when he got it. If she was trying to avoid him, it wouldn't do her any good. "How about I walk you home?" She nodded in agreement and grabbed for her jacket as he paid the bill.

Soon, they were strolling out into the cool October air. It was a beautiful fall evening, which was evident by the trees changing their colors. It was such a colorful world in the fall. Sue thought it would be amazing to get married with all of the changing colors around them. But, it would be even better if Jack was the one she would be marrying. She blushed at that notion and nibbled on her lower lip. If only.

"You okay?" he signed to her. She nodded with a shy smirk. He accepted her nod as an answer and they walked in a comfortable silence. They never needed to keep up a conversation, because they were so at ease with one another. They certainly had some sort of connection, but they just couldn't admit it.

"Danni and Bobby seem to be getting closer," she said finally, hoping to take her mind off of her own love life. Of course, the more she thought of her cousin's, the more her heart hurt and the more she wished she could be in love and be loved in return.

Jack smiled at the mention of his best friend. The way he'd been acting because of Danni was a refreshing change from how he used to be. "Yeah. He really loves her." She wouldn't have noticed, but his voice saddened at that thought. Bobby didn't have to hide his feelings for his girl. He was lucky. His mind had been plagued by that thought. No matter what, he would never be able to express his feelings for Sue and he felt terrible about it. He could see the attraction in her eyes, but he'd never be able to show her the same. The only way would be if he disregarded the rules and acted on his feelings. And that was what he had to do. He loved Sue and he was tired of formalities getting in the way.

They were only feet away from her doorstep when he stopped her from walking ahead of him so he could look her in the eye. He wanted to look into her hazel orbs as he gathered the courage to say what he really wanted. "Sue, I've wanted to tell you something for a long time and I don't know how to say it."

Her eyes filled with sadness as she thought the worst. He'd noticed her attraction for him and knew he had to tell her to back down before her heart was broken… or worse. Was he getting back together with Allie? Whatever he had to say, she had to remain calm and be brave. She could handle it. "Say what, Jack? What do you have to tell me?" Her heart pounded in her chest as she looked into his gorgeous eyes. She wasn't so sure she wanted to know what he had to say.

"Well, for a long time, I haven't been completely honest with you." He winced as if in pain. He was never very good when it came to his feelings and he'd already started out as if he was delivering bad news. "I…" he trailed off with a heavy sigh.

She smiled as his coyness. He was so cute when he was nervous. She went back to nibbling on her lower lip as she waited for him to speak. But, he couldn't get the words out, which surprised her even more. He was a man of action and that's what he did.

Suddenly, his lips came crashing down upon hers, but she refused to pull away. It was what she'd wanted all along and now that she had it, she didn't want to lose it. She'd forgotten what he'd tasted like. It had been years since the Callahan and Merced case, but she remembered everything else about his kiss. He was tender, yet possessive when it came to her lips. That drove her crazy and only left her wanting more.

She trembled when she felt his hand rise to her cheek and as it gently glided across her soft skin, into her soft blond hair. A soft moan of protest escaped her as he pulled his mouth from hers. She stared up at him in shock, but she knew her flushing cheeks gave away her approval. She wanted him to do that again… and again.

His expression matched hers perfectly. He didn't know what it was that possessed him to do that. He'd wanted to since he met her, but he'd always had so much resolve. Apparently, that strong wall he'd once had up to shield him from her was beginning to crumble at a rapid pace.

He stuttered to try to form words, but he just couldn't come up with a good combination. He was in so much shock that he didn't know what to do. "I'm sorry," was the only thing he could get out of his mouth that would make any sense.

She wanted to tell him that there was nothing to be sorry about, but she couldn't find her voice. It was lost in her somewhere. All she could think about was how much she wanted to kiss him again. "Jack…" she began but he hastily cut her off.

His eyes remained wide as he spoke, making him look like a scared rabbit. "I have to go… Goodnight." With that, he made a quick exit, leaving her there to stare at him in bewilderment.

Sadness overtook her, but it wasn't enough to make her cry; there was nothing to cry about anyway. He had kissed her and she couldn't have been happier.