Chapter 23

Thursday, April 8, 2004

0800 EST

Suite 1493

Ritz Carlton Hotel

Pensacola, Florida

Sitting at breakfast, AJ read the paper while Sarah finished her coffee. "Anything special you wanted to do today, Darlin'?" he asked, glancing over the paper at her.

"Nope, not unless we spend the day at the beach," she replied over her cup of coffee.

"How about we spend the day at the beach and watch an air show at the same time?" he asked arching his brow.

"Air show-doesn't sound particularly exciting," she said. "I've seen too many planes take off and land to get a thrill out of it."

"Yes, dear, but have you ever seen the Blue Angels at work?" he asked excited.

"Blue Angels! I've heard of them-they're a Naval Flight Team." She pushed her empty coffee cup back.

"Yep, the best in the world!" grinned AJ.

"Anything Marine listed in the paper we could do today?" smiled Sarah.

"Sorry, Darlin', Pensacola is a Naval base, and you're stuck with a Navy man. So what'll it be-Blue Angels Air Show, or maybe a game of real golf this time?" winked AJ.

"Oh, definitely the Air Show, Navy man!" laughed Sarah.

They went back to the room to change into more appropriate clothes for the day. Sarah asked, "AJ, what are you wearing? Your cute little bathing suit?"

"NO! I think I'll put on the beige cotton pants with the matching pull over shirt and brown loafers," he said, raiding the closet. "How about you, Sarah? What do you plan to wear?"

"I'll wear my tan shorts and bathing suit top..."

"The two little triangles?" he asked his heart beating faster.

"No, honey, the red one. It covers more, and I have a tan blouse with red stripes so I can wear my red sandals," replied Sarah, digging through the dresser for her clothes.

Once dressed, it didn't take them long to get to the beach where the air show was being held. Getting out and locking the Mercedes, Sarah fondly patted the car. She had fallen in love with it at first sight, and the attachment still remained. AJ just shook his head, and grinned. If it made her happy while on this mission, then riding around in the ugly thing for a week or two was a small price to pay.

"Well, Darlin', it'll be about thirty minutes before the show, would you like a hotdog or something?" he asked, pulling a blanket borrowed from the hotel out of the trunk.

Looking around at all the people, Sarah smiled, "No, but I wouldn't turn down an ice cream cone."

"Ice cream it is then, sweetheart," he smiled taking her hand.

They walked down the beach until they found an ice cream vendor and AJ bought them both a large cone. Leisurely walking on down they found the perfect spot to watch the show. AJ handed Sarah his cone while he spread out the blanket. She returned it, and they settled themselves and waited for the show to start.

On the blanket next to them were two teenagers necking hot and heavy. AJ elbowed Sarah and pointed to the teens. "Remember the good old days, sweetheart?"

"No, not really, AJ. I spent most of my time back then too drunk to remember much of anything," Sarah replied, dropping her head.

Sorry he had brought the subject up, he rubbed her shoulder. "That's all right, Darlin', we have a few minutes before the show. I'm sure I could teach you the finer points of petting and making out." He wiggled his brows at her.

Stunned, Sarah turned and looked at him. "I don't think I would enjoy it with all these people around," she replied calmly, "Although, it's a tempting offer, something to think about for later, perhaps."

AJ stared at Sarah for a moment, then turned and gazed toward the ocean. Would things ever return to normal between them? As far as he was concerned, he didn't think he could ever look at her the same again. Going back to work would be torment, if not impossible. She would never be simply Mac to him after this mission. He wondered how she felt, if their time together had meant anything to her.

To be continued….