Chapter 54

"I hate to take the whole day off after just starting," frowned Krystal trying to get the egg off her uniform.

"Then take half a day off. AJ said to take whatever you needed. He's worried about Krista, and I'm sure he's in love with her," Tom informed her hoping she could accept this without turning against AJ.

"I think you've read him wrong, Tom. Still I'd love to talk with Kris. I'm going to take half a day off. Do you mind dropping me off at her shop? I'll get a taxi back to work and you can pick me up to go to your house."

"We're packing up all your things when we get back from work, then we'll go to my house. It's not safe for you to be here alone, Krystal," Tom explained, worried after the scene the thugs had made last night. What could have happened to her if she'd been alone?

"I would feel safer with you. I know I'd get more sleep, so I won't argue with you, sweetheart. Let me call work. Would you get out a sundress from my closet for me to change into? I don't want to upset Krista by showing up in my uniform."

"Wonderful. Make your call and I'll pick out something that will look beautiful on you," he winked.

Shaking her head at the man she loved, Krystal called JAG. Harriett Sims answered the phone, " Lieutenant Sims, may I help you?"

"Lieutenant Sims, this is Commander Kennex, I'm taking half a day off today."

"Half a day, Commander Kennex?"

"Yes, it's a personal day if the Admiral asks."

"Should he ask, Commander?"

"He might, I'll be seeing my sister," Krystal advised wondering at the Lieutenant's questioning.

After Krystal hung up Tom handed her a sky blue sundress. "Here, darling, wear this for me," Tom said taking her in his arms and kissing her passionately.

"You know it's only for half a day, then I have to go to work," she replied running her hands over his chest.

"What do you intend to wear moving? Surely not your uniform or it'll have to be cleaned," he grinned just sure he'd won.

"I was planning on wearing jeans and a top. Why would I want to ruin a nice sundress?" she grinned going into the bathroom to change. Tom loved her in a sundress; she'd have to be sure she had plenty hanging around. Coming out of the bathroom she looked gorgeous, just as Tom knew she would.

"Are you ready, darling? I've called to say I'll be in a little late, so we need to leave now," Tom said holding out his hand.

"All ready to go," she replied twirling around in the dress and her long hair loose.

'Lord, how was he going to make it the rest of the week with her living under the same roof?' he wondered. When they arrived at Krista's shop and Tom leaned over to kiss her goodbye. "Stay safe, sweetheart. I'll see you after work, I love you, Krystal."

Caressing his mustache, she told him, "I love you, Tom. Don't ever shave this off. See you soon, my love."

Krystal walked up to the window and looked inside. Not seeing Krista, she opened the door and walked into the strange, yet beautiful, little shop. Seeing Krista over to the right, busy with a customer she decided to look around. From what Krystal could tell the little tin boxes were all different flavors of tea. The little brown bottles seemed to be different oils. The beautiful exotic bottles were perfumes. Picking up one she sniffed. Never had she smelled anything so wonderful! Trying two or three others she ended up back at the first one. It was just to powerful and seemed to pull her back as though it was meant for her. Almost like it had a touch of magic added, they all had that special touch. These definitely had something special in them that no other perfume had. Finally picking up the one she had chosen Krystal took it up to the counter waiting for Kris.

To be continued…