Redemption

Chapter Sixty-One

Shortly after the dishes were cleared and the conversation had shifted to other topics, the excitement of the day finally caught up with the two couples. Danni had curled up against Bobby, her head lolling to the side before resting upon his shoulder in the end. That was the cue for them to call it a night. Bobby was able to wake her up enough to get her to move and change for bed. He made sure Jack had enough pillows and a comfortable blanket before leaving him and Sue to continue talking. "Don't stay up too late, you crazy kids," he quipped before yawning loudly—real or fake, Jack couldn't really tell the difference—and calling it a night as well.

Jack and Sue remained on the couch for only a little longer before Sue's eyes began to droop and Jack figured they could talk more in the morning. He coaxed her to her feet and led her to her door before sharing a soft "goodnight" and a sweet kiss. Jack managed a soft sigh and realized he would miss that too much if they were given the ultimatum to either work together or be together. He wished it would be all or nothing, but of course things didn't work out that way.

"Jack?" she asked, when he turned away to go back to the couch. She smiled when his brown eyes met hers and held out her hand to him. "Stay with me?" She seemed overconfident in her question, which she was surprised about. But, Jack had always brought out the best in her and there was no way she wanted to be alone, tonight.

He stared at her for a moment, wondering what she exactly had in mind, but the worry in her eyes was still visible, which made him understand how frightened she'd been when the call came in about the bomb. He'd almost died today and she would never have known his true feelings if he hadn't returned. He nodded at her request and let her lead him into the darkened room, Levi trying his hardest to not be under their feet before he collapsed at the foot of the bed.

When everyone was up and moving around, the two animals had been awakened and shuffled about with the humans. Luna had curled up in her bed and Levi had gone to his mistress' side where he thought he would be needed most. He took in a large breath before exhaling loudly and rolling onto his side where he would fall asleep soon enough.

Sue turned on the bedside lamp, which illuminated the room enough for her to read Jack's lips and climbed into one side of the bed, the cold covers making a shiver run down her spine. Of course, it also could have been the fact that Jack was climbing in on the other side and moving as close to her as her eyes would let him. He wanted to make sure she could still read him, yet his body wanted to move closer and closer until they were tangled in a very compromising position.

He knew there would be nothing sexual between them tonight, but he remained tentative until she gave him a reassuring smile that told him he needed to relax. He complied to his best ability.

"Jack, I trust you," was all she needed to say before he let himself relax and allow her to guide his arm to her waist where he let it sit as they lay together. He was happy that she could trust him, but he wasn't sure if he could trust himself. Images of them becoming tangled in the sheets as they made love could become a reality with only one movement. Of course, with his bruised ribs, that could certainly be difficult. He sighed as she cuddled up closer to him, letting his hand gain a stronger hold on her. "I was so worried," she mumbled, a soft sob escaping her through no tears leaked from her eyes.

"I know," he said simply before placing a kiss upon her forehead. He tried to console her as best he could, but he was sure it would do little to help. She had every right to be scared, he understood; he felt the same way and the pressure he added to her waist was proof that he never wanted to let her go.

"It's just that we haven't talked about everything and things are becoming more and more complicated. When the call came in, I was afraid, but it wasn't because I'd thought I'd lost you." Her thumb was gently stroking his chin as she fought with her emotions to get the words out. The thought of losing him was part of it, but there was so much more inside her heart that told her there was more—so much more.

"Oh?" was all he could ask. He was taken aback at her explanation. He figured it would be her worst fear if he died while out on the field—he knew it would be his.

"It's because I wouldn't have been able to tell you how I felt." She suddenly became quiet as if that hadn't been what she wanted to say. She took her lower lip between her teeth and began to worry it. She'd said too much, she could tell by the shocked look on his face. Immediately, she wished she could take it back, yet when Jack's hand touched her chin again; it was obvious that he wouldn't laugh at her as she'd feared.

"How do you feel about me?" He wore that cocky smirk he usually wore when he thought a compliment was coming his way before she would shoot him down, but she wouldn't do that this time, he knew.

She stared into those chocolate brown eyes of his and, not for the first time, she saw his true feelings. Even if he couldn't voice them, she knew what he felt in his heart when she looked into his eyes. That very fact empowered her and set her on a path she knew was right. She smiled, dazzled by the sparkle into those dark depths. "I love you and I don't just mean I love you as a friend, though that was how it started. Jack, I am in love with you and I have been for a long time." It was difficult to get the words out at first, but when she saw the recognition in his eyes, she knew she couldn't hold back any longer. He needed to know and waiting was not an option.

He was taken aback again at first by her boldness and he could tell she was as well, but he couldn't help but smile. "Sue," he began when he was sure her gaze was locked on his lips, yet paused when he reached up for her hand and set it upon his chest. That way she would be able to feel the beat of his heart as he looked at her the way he was at that very moment. Just by a simple glance at her beautiful features, his heart rate increased because of what he felt inside and not by what could happen if he let his hands roam her soft curves and his lips made contact with the supple skin that rested just below the collar of her extra-long t-shirt. He felt his throat become dry at his thoughts and pushed them from his mind when he felt his heart begin to race. Now was not the time to be thinking those things. "I love you too," he whispered softly before inching his lips closer to hers.

She allowed her lips to be captured, reassurance and passion running through her veins as his grip upon her waist tightened again to let him have enough leverage to delve as deep as he pleased against her tongue. She didn't fight him; only welcomed the assault and the heat that was surging through her just by a simple kiss or a light touch.

She loved him—she'd said it—and he loved her in return. She could feel her heart swell at the mere thought of what their future could hold. The no-dating policy was the least of her worries, because as long as she could lie in Jack's arms forever, nothing else mattered.

She kissed him back; he elicited a low moan of pleasure, his chest rumbling against her body, making her shiver at the mere feeling. Her arms snaked around his neck, capturing his hair between her fingers as she pulled him closer to her. She allowed his teeth to lightly nip at her lips as she gasped for air and squirmed underneath him.

He pulled away slowly, allowing them both to gather their addled thoughts. He'd learned so much in the short time they'd been together; her sensitive and hot points being put under much surveillance. He wanted to make sure her fears and anxiety were being flushed from her mind from his ministrations and though there was much to face the next day, she was willing to push everything away just to be held in Jack's arms tonight.

She whimpered softly when he ended the attack on her lips, but understood why. They'd both gotten lost in the passion and if they'd let it, it was possible that they would be very sorry by the time morning came. She wanted to wait for marriage and he was willing—although, reluctantly—to wait for her before taking their love to the next level.

Releasing a deep breath, he settled himself beside her, letting her rest her head upon his shoulder and her hand over his t-shirt-clad chest. His arm wrapped securely about her waist before he placed a gentle kiss upon her forehead as she gazed up at him. "I love you," he signed, "with all my heart."

She smiled, her eyes becoming watery at his declaration. She couldn't question him, there was no reason. Jack wasn't always the greatest when it came to announcing his feelings, but when he did she knew he was telling the truth. "I love you too, Jack," she whispered before cuddling closer into his embrace.