Chapter 8

As Mac finished pinning her communicator on her uniform that morning, her hand fluttered to her lips. She remembered the tender pressure of the kiss AJ had given her at his door last night. He had teased her about that, saying that it was customary for the gentleman to see the lady to her door not the other way around.

She had grinned and reminded him that it was the twenty-third century and that in these enlightened times women could do anything men could.

AJ laughed and said, "And we can't forget the fact that you're protecting me."

"There is that," she agreed. Tapping her communicator, she told his night guard to report to the VIP quarters.

When she finished, he asked, "So, since you saw me to my door, should I be the one wondering if you're going to kiss me good-night or should I take matters into my own hands?"

Almost breathlessly she responded, "You should do whatever you like AJ."

"In that case…" he said softly and lowered his lips to hers. AJ barely lifted his head a few moments later and his questioning lips asked against hers, "Will you have breakfast with me?"

In a dreamy daze, she nodded and replied, "Yes, but it'll have to be before I go on duty."

"What time?"

"0630," she answered.

"Perfect, I'll be waiting," he assured her and brushed her lips once again as his guard stepped off the turbo lift and came down the hall towards them.

Mac arrived at his door right on time the next morning and told Ensign Collins he could go off duty early since she would watch the Vice President until Lieutenant Galindez got there. Collins nodded and left as she rang AJ's bell.

He answered the door with a smile. Inviting her in after a brief good morning kiss, he asked her to sit down and went to the replicator to place their breakfast order. "Your replicator has no idea what 'strong coffee' means," he grumbled good-naturedly to her. "I ordered a cup when I first got up this morning, but you could practically see through it!"

With a chuckle, she got up and stood next to him at the replicator panel. "Coffee, Mackenzie blend," she ordered and when the cup of steaming liquid appeared she handed it to him warning, "Careful, I haven't met anyone yet that likes it as strong as I do."

AJ inhaled the aroma from the cup then took a healthy swig, ignoring her warning. Mac was concerned as he closed his eyes, but suddenly a smile burst forth and he sighed, "Ahhh, that's perfect!"

"Really?!" she gasped.

"Really!" he assured her. "You're a woman after my own heart Sarah."

Trying to hide just how pleased she was by that statement, she ordered a second cup of coffee and went back to the table to sit down.

AJ brought their meal to the table and his heart gladdened at the smile on Sarah's face. He certainly hoped that the thirteen remaining days until they reached Earth would be enough to convince her of what he already knew. He was sure she was the woman for him and the two of them were meant to be together!

The connection that was forming between them grew stronger each minute they spent together and when it came time for Sarah to go on duty, both were surprised at how difficult it was to part. As they walked to the door, AJ asked, "Will you have lunch with me?"

"I'm sorry, I can't today. I have performance reviews to get through. How about dinner?"

"That sounds good, will you allow me to cook for you?"

"As long as you don't expect me to return the favor! I can replicate with the best of them, but cooking is out of my league!" she chuckled ruefully.

"Duly noted Sarah. What time should I expect you?"

"I get off duty at 1800, but would like to change out of my uniform, how about 1830?"

"Perfect," he assured her and took her in his arms for a tender kiss. When the kiss ended, they found Lieutenant Victor Galindez glaring at them.

To be continued…..