A/N - Wow. What a difference the category makes. I switched the story from being a crossover to a Chuck only story and the number of views skyrocketed. Thank you all for reading and the reviews. I will try to respond to all of them.
Without further adieu, here is the next chapter. The conspiracy ends in Chapter 7. But first, a little spy stuff and a fun outing featuring the future sisters-in-law.
Chapter 6
Jones was listening in on the bug and was rather enjoying what he heard. He was imagining what was actually going on in Sarah's room by what was being said and by the sounds he heard. Jones didn't think of himself as a peeping Tom, albeit an audio one, as it was for national security. At least that is what he told himself. Everything he had witnessed, found out in his research and heard so far was that Sarah Walker was who she said she was. A young woman, a champion figure skater that was accepted to Stanford medical school, and who was madly in love with Chuck Bartowski, a love that was returned to her with equal fervor. For the first time as an agent he actually felt guilty for what he was doing, listening in on the intimate activities of a young couple who were in no way a threat to national security.
As he was musing on what he was doing, he became suddenly very alert. Oh crap. They found his bug!
He immediately picked up his phone and dialed.
"Graham secure"
"Jones secure. We have a problem sir."
"What happened?"
"They discovered the bug, sir."
"How could this have happened?"
"I'm not completely sure. I think Chuck's cell phone picked up interference from the device."
"Where did you put it?"
"In her hair as instructed, sir."
"Stand by for instructions. I need to try to keep the 'you know what' from hitting the fan."
The mood in the room changed to ice. Sarah shivered at the thought that someone was listening in on them. Chuck reached behind Sarah and pulled a blanket around them and held her close. Even though they were both naked, there were absolutely no erotic feelings emanating from either of them. Sarah continued to shiver and Chuck became worried about her. He got up and wrapped the rest of the blanket around her and went to the closet. He found a pair of sweat pants and a Stanford sweat shirt and brought them over to her. He helped Sarah stretch out her legs and slid the sweat pants on her and then helped her put on the sweat shirt. He then wrapped the blanket around her and got up to put his pants on and his T shirt. He then got back in the bed with Sarah and wrapped her in his arms and wrapped the blanket around them both and held her close. They lay back down on the bed and Sarah rested her head on Chuck's chest. Chuck had never seen anyone more scared than Sarah was at that moment so he just soothingly talked to her and told her that he loved her and that everything would be okay. Finally she calmed down enough to fall asleep on his shoulder. Who could do this to Sarah and why? Who could do this to us? He decided the first call he would make would be to his father. He would know what to do. I'm just not thinking straight right now to be of help to the woman I love.
Chuck then drifted off with Sarah for a few fitful hours of sleep.
Stephen was absolutely furious after he received the call from Graham. He had been trying to keep his children out of his and Mary's spy life and had been doing a pretty good job of it for twenty plus years. He knew Chuck would call him to let him know what happened. Mary was also furious with Graham. She was hoping and praying that this wouldn't affect Chuck and Sarah's relationship. She felt that their love was strong enough to withstand just about anything, but this is something that should never have happened. She also didn't want to have to tell Ellie, but if they told Chuck and Sarah, Ellie and Devon would need to know as well.
Stephen said to Mary "We have to tell them. There is no getting around this."
"I know Stephen. Ellie needs to know, too."
"We should invite them over for breakfast. We can't do this over the phone. I bet Chuck and Sarah are frantic right now. We can't wait any longer."
Just then Stephen's phone rang. It was Chuck. He showed the display to Mary.
"Invite them over right now and send a taxi to get them," said Mary. "I'll call Ellie and Devon and order room service."
Chuck looked down at his half-asleep girlfriend. She was freaking out and so was he. Chuck waited impatiently for his father to answer his phone. He finally did.
"Hello, Chuck." Stephen was trying to sound as calm and collected as he could.
"Someone planted a bug on Sarah, dad. Why would someone do that? We're freaking out here."
"Calm down, Chuck. Everything will be OK. I've sent a taxi over to your place and it should be there in fifteen minutes. Come have breakfast with us and Ellie and Devon. We will explain everything to you and Sarah then."
"You planted the bug, dad?"
"No, no , no. But I know who did and why. I'll explain everything when you get here. And I made it abundantly clear to the person that did this that it was a gigantic mistake and that it should never, never, never have been done. I will make sure he apologizes to Sarah and you and makes amends."
"OK, dad." We'll get ready to go and see you shortly."
Chuck sat on the bed and took Sarah's hands in his. She looked up at him with a questioning look.
"My dad knows who did this to you and us. He is sending a taxi to come and get us. He will explain everything at breakfast. We need to get ready."
"I don't feel like going anywhere, Chuck. I feel so violated. Someone was listening in on us last night Chuck! While we were making love, Chuck!"
Sarah started sobbing and Chuck held her close until she calmed down a little.
"I feel just as violated as you do and I am just as angry. Why don't we go get some answers and maybe that will help alleviate some of our fears?
Sarah just hugged Chuck tighter and finally nodded.
Chuck went to Sarah's drawer and got out a pair of socks and picked up her Uggs. "Are you OK going like that?" nodding toward the way she was currently dressed. Sarah just nodded as she didn't feel like changing. Chuck helped her on with her socks and boots and asked if she needed the bathroom. Sarah nodded and while she was using the facilities, he gathered her parka and put on his coat to go. When Sarah came out of the bathroom, he helped her on with her parka and said "I really need to stop at my room to get a change of clothes and pick up my hockey bag, just in case."
Sarah nodded and they headed over to his room. Thankfully Morgan had already left for the slopes as his event was in a few days. Chuck quickly put on his track suit and parka and packed some clean underwear. Since Sarah was going 'commando' under her track suit, he didn't think it was fair if he didn't as well.
They went outside and climbed into the taxi that was waiting for them and headed to the hotel. Chuck and Sarah just snuggled together and didn't say a word the entire way.
Stephen and Mary opened the door together after Chuck knocked on it. As they walked inside, Mary grabbed Sarah and hugged her tightly and told her how sorry she was for everything that happened. Chuck just looked questioningly at his father and he said "Come on in you two. I'm sure you have a lot of questions and we're going to give you some answers."
Chuck had Sarah sit on the couch and went and got her some coffee. He fixed it just the way she liked it and brought it to her. After pouring himself a cup, he sat down next to her and protectively put his arm around her shoulders. Devon and Ellie knocked on the door and were invited in. After everyone was settled in, Chuck asked "OK dad, what's this all about?"
Stephen and Mary sat down on the loveseat across from Chuck and Sarah and Devon and Ellie shared an easy chair. Stephen spoke "Eleanor and Charles, we have kept from you what your mother and I have been doing for years."
Ellie and Chuck looked at each other and said "What?"
"Let me explain. Before you were born, I was working in computers at Roarke Industries. Ted and I were partners. I was the brains behind the company and Ted was the marketing and finance guy. I came up with the ideas and Ted sold them. It worked great at first, but then Ted started dealing with shady characters. I came up with an idea that would help with national security and Ted tried to sell it to China. I contacted the Department of Defense and they sent a CIA agent to protect me. That CIA agent and I fell in love and she became my wife, your mother. I left Roarke and began working as an independent contractor for the government as well as running our own computer company. Your mother is still loosely affiliated with the CIA, but does not go on any missions. She raised you two after you were born and has helped with the company, mainly providing security but has become pretty good at marketing.
"Okay mom and dad. I can see why you kept a secret about what you did for the government, but what does that have to do with Sarah?" Chuck squeezed Sarah's shoulder and kissed her on the cheek. She was still in shock over what had happened.
Mary explained "Whenever your father and I travel, the CIA or NSA sends an extra agent to help with security. Prior to coming here, your dad received intel that you might be in danger. Langston Graham, the CIA Director, sent an agent, Agent Jones, to watch and observe you Chuck, to make sure you're safe."
"OK, mom, but my question remains - what does that have to do with Sarah?"
Sarah tensed in Chuck's arms. "They thought I was some kind of spy or kidnapper or something?"
Stephen looked sadly at Sarah. "Mary and I never thought you were any such thing. We could see from the moment we met you how much you love our son and how much he loves you and how genuine it is. We had nothing to do with planting a bug on you, Sarah. In fact, when I was told it was done, I demanded that the bug be removed by the end of the day and if it wasn't, I would stop working on the project I am working on until it was. I cannot tell you how much I am dismayed that you had one put on you and that you had your privacy invaded like that. I am outraged and told Graham just that."
Chuck spoke up. "So, you were OK with Sarah walking around with a bug in her hair for an entire day without her knowledge? Why didn't you call her immediately to tell her so she could remove it?"
Stephen and Mary just looked down in shame. "In hindsight, that is exactly what we should have done. We are so sorry, Sarah. We thought that it might be easier if Jones could have removed the bug without your knowledge and you would never have known and our secret could have remained. We have learned that keeping secrets is not what we should have done."
"Was Agent Jones monitoring the bug until we discovered it? Was it being taped?" asked Sarah.
"I'm afraid so, Sarah."
Sarah just put her head into Chuck's shoulder and started sobbing uncontrollably. Chuck put his arms around her and held her tight and kissed the top of her head.
Stephen and Mary were afraid to ask the next question as they thought they knew the answer. Ellie got up and came over to Sarah and put her hand on her shoulder and asked softly. "What is it, Sarah? Why are you so upset?"
Chuck looked over at his parents and stared daggers at them. He couldn't believe what the government had done to his Sarah and to him for that matter. Sarah kept sobbing.
Ellie looked at Chuck and asked "Do you know why?"
"I do. I was there when we discovered the bug. We were right in the middle of making love."
Ellie looked shocked, not at the thought of Chuck and Sarah making love, but that a recording of what they were doing was out there and a CIA agent was listening in.
Then it hit Ellie. "Devon and I haven't been monitored, have we? There aren't any unauthorized sex tapes of me and Devon floating around CIA headquarters, are there?"
"Calm down, Ellie," Mary said. "No, you and Devon have never been monitored. Devon was vetted as soon as you two started dating and they left you alone after that."
"But why was Sarah monitored?" asked Devon.
Sarah had started to calm down and was listening intently. She clung to Chuck as if her life depended on it.
"Sarah had come into Chuck's life suddenly and they quickly fell in love. Graham was suspicious that Sarah was a plant to kidnap Chuck so that he could compromise me. He couldn't believe that someone as beautiful and talented as Sarah could fall for Chuck. He thought Sarah was quote 'out of his league.' So he had her followed and planted a tracker and the listening device."
Chuck said "Well, I can certainly understand his thinking process. Sarah is clearly out of my league. I'm just glad she loves me anyway." Chuck kissed Sarah on the top of her head.
Sarah lifted her head from Chuck's shoulder. "What are you talking about, Chuck? I'm not out of your league. You are so out of my league. You're incredibly smart, handsome and a good athlete and come from a loving family. You're also the nicest man I have ever met. I don't deserve you." Sarah clung tighter to Chuck and both had tears streaming down their cheeks. After a minute, Chuck looked down at Sarah and lifted up her chin. Through the tears she could see love pouring out of his eyes for her and Chuck could see love pouring out of her eyes for him. He leaned down and captured her lips in his and tasted the salt from her tears. Chuck broke the kiss and looked at his beautiful girlfriend. She smiled slightly at her and she reached up behind his neck and pulled him down for a deep kiss. They were lost momentarily in their own little world until the need for air won out. Stephen and Mary and Ellie and Devon had looked away so that Chuck and Sarah could have their moment in peace.
Chuck then looked up and said, "What about the recording from the bug. Will it be destroyed?"
"Better that that, Chuck and Sarah. Agent Jones is on his way here. He will personally hand you the recording and he requested that he be able to apologize to you."
Just then there was a knock on the door. Stephen went to open the door. Agent Jones walked in carrying a few items. He went up to where Chuck and Sarah were sitting. They stood up.
"Ms. Walker, Mr. Bartowski, thank you for seeing me. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for planting the bug and tracker on you, Ms. Walker and even more for listening in and recording what you were saying and doing."
Sarah looked at him and recognized him and said "You bumped into me at the bakery, didn't you?"
"Yes, Ms. Walker. That is when I planted the bug and tracker."
"I know you were just doing your job, Agent Jones. But you were listening in on some very intimate and private moments."
"I know Ms. Walker and Mr. Bartowski. We did some research on you Ms. Walker and checked on your background. I also observed you and Mr. Bartowski when you first got together. I knew from the beginning that you and Mr. Bartowski were really in love and that there was nothing to the Director's concerns. I told him that but he still wanted the bug planted. I know it sounds hollow now, but I was just following orders."
"Do you have the recording? Chuck asked.
Agent Jones held out a flash drive. "Here is the recording." He also held out a larger device and said, "And here is the actual recorder. It is possible to create a tape from the actual recorder if you have the right equipment and enough patience. Analysts at Langley have been known to make bootleg copies of certain recordings for their own enjoyment. I am also giving you the recorder so that won't happen to you. Finally, I wanted to give you this." He held out a black box about the size of a pack of cigarettes that had flashing green and red lights. "This is a bug detector and jammer. It will allow you to sweep any room for bugs and will allow you block any listening devices from hearing your conversations even if they a using a long range device. You just need to plug the device into the internet periodically and the software will automatically update."
Chuck took the items from Agent Jones and said thank you. He handed them to his dad. "Will you please destroy the recording for me?"
Stephen said "I'd be happy to, son."
"One more thing, Ms. Walker and Mr. Bartowski. I am still assigned as your protection detail. If you see me, I am just there to watch over you. I will under no circumstances be recording you or listening in on your conversations. If you ever feel threatened, I will be around to help. Just scream or yell and I will be right there."
Agent Jones said good bye and then turned and walked to the door and let himself out. Lucky bastard, that Bartowski.
After that, everyone felt a little better and got something to eat. Stephen had ordered bagels and fruit and there were assorted cereals and milk. Each took what they wanted and ate.
By this time, Chuck needed to leave for a team meeting before his game and then was going to an interview with the Canadian Press, so he wouldn't see Sarah until after the game when they had dinner. Chuck took Sarah into her arms and said "Are you sure it's OK for me to go now? I can call Casey and tell him I need to skip the team meeting."
"Don't you dare, Chuck. You need to go. I feel safe here with your family. I can also go and hang out with my parents."
"I'm so sorry this happened. I hope it hasn't ruined anything for you. I joke about a conspiracy that is keeping us from actually having sex, but I'm beginning to think it's true."
Ellie eavesdropping asked "Conspiracy? What conspiracy?"
Sarah just sighed. "I'm beginning to think it's true too, Ellie. Every time we get close to actually doing it, something happens or someone interrupts us or we discover a bug in my hair. I really love your brother and I really want to do this, Ellie. I'm starting to get really frustrated and I'm sure Chuck is too."
Chuck just nodded vigorously.
Ellie looked at the two of them and smiled. "I know how to end this conspiracy. While Chuck is at his meeting and interview, you and I are going shopping Sarah. And then, after we cheer Chuck onto victory, you and Chuck are going to have a romantic dinner and I am going to take you to a doctor friend's penthouse for you to use for the night. He told me that Devon and I could use it when we are here, and I am going to let you use it tonight. There are great views of the harbor and it has privacy glass throughout. You can stand naked at the window and no one will see you looking in. The conspiracy ends tonight!"
The four other occupants of the room busied themselves with cleaning up the breakfast items to give Chuck and Sarah a little privacy. Chuck kissed Sarah hungrily at the door and allowed his hands to slide inside her sweat bottoms and underneath her sweat shirt. He whispered into her ear "I like the no knickers and no bra look." He gave her the Bartowski eyebrow dance. Sarah smirked and reached down into his track suit bottoms and squeezed his firm ass. She whispered back "I like it when you go commando, too." After expressing their love for each other, he left really looking forward to tonight.
Sarah walked back to the table where the flash drive and recorder were located. She picked them up and asked Stephen "How do we destroy this tape permanently?"
Stephen said to Sarah, "I too am so sorry that our spy life has caused you pain. I will be happy to take care of it for you if you would like and you can watch me. First, though, it might be good for you to listen to a little bit to make sure that the drive has what he says it has on it." Sarah agreed and put the drive in the recorder and borrowed a pair of headphones. She started to listen and heard her voice on the recording from earlier in that day. She then skipped to the end so she would know a little bit of what Jones had actually heard when she and Chuck were making love. She heard a little talking and clothes rustling and a lot of heavy breathing, but not much else. It made her feel a little less violated knowing that there wasn't much on the recording.
Sarah handed the flash drive to Stephen and nodded. He took the drive and inserted it into his computer and ran an eraser program followed by a reformatting program. Satisfied that everything was erased or overwritten, he took the drive out and grabbed a hammer from his repair bag and smashed the drive with it. After it was thoroughly flattened, he cut the drive into several pieces and then dropped the pieces into a fire in the fireplace. Satisfied, he turned to Sarah and pronounced "You don't need to ever worry about that recording ever again"
Sarah nodded and said "Thanks."
Then Stephen said, "Do you want me to do something about the recorder?"
"Yes, but it would seem a waste to destroy it too. Can you prevent the retrieval of the recording without destroying it?"
Stephen said, "I know just the trick. I have a spare drive for the recorder that is blank and will put it in after I destroy the old one." He took out a small device and plugged it in to the recorder. A few seconds after hitting record, the recorder started smoking like something out of Mission Impossible. Stephen the pronounced that everything was gone and replaced the internal drive. "Do you want to keep the recorder, Sarah?"
"It might come in handy for medical school. So yes, I'd like to keep it."
Stephen smiled and handed it to her. "It'll be great to have another doctor in the family."
Mary said "Stephen, leave Sarah alone. Let her and Chuck figure everything out on their own without interference from meddling parents."
Stephen said, "I'm sorry Sarah. I don't mean to interfere. I must say this that I think you're really good for our Chuck and if it happens, I can't think of a better person than you as a daughter-in-law.
Sarah smiled and said "Thank you Stephen and Mary. I am touched. I really love your son and if that does happen, I will love being part of your family and proudly be a Bartowski."
Ellie walked back in the room and said "Sarah, are you ready to go shopping?"
Sarah smiled and said "Let's go. I'm ready."
Chuck arrived at the team meeting looking concerned and very serious. He was the first one to arrive. Gone was his normal happy countenance. Crash Thompson walked in and after looking at him said "Why the sad puppy-dog face Bartowski. I thought for sure you would be happy as a lark. What, you didn't get laid last night?"
Chuck just shook his head slowly. "This has nothing to do with Sarah. We're good, real good. It's more to do with my parents."
"What, they don't like Sarah?
"No, they like her just fine. It has to do with the business they're in. I can't go into details, but it caused us an unfortunate incident. It's nothing illegal, but it's something I can't talk about."
"Families can be a pain sometimes."
"True, but I'm glad to have them."
"Yeah, I lost my mom when I was ten. It shook up my dad real bad. He sent me to live with my grandparents in Canada. We're good now, but it sure hurt then. Something good came out of it. I learned to play ice hockey."
"Thanks Crash. It was good to talk about it."
Crash whacked him on the shoulder. "Just don't expect me to be your shrink."
The rest of the team started filing in and took seats around the conference table. Casey followed them in and talked strategy and the importance of crisp passing. "We did a real good job of avoiding turnovers last game, men. Keep that up. We could also use some more scoring from our top line. We can't expect Bartowski to bail us out every game."
That got a chuckle from around the table and a smile from Chuck. "Seriously, now, stay focused and stay out of the penalty box." Casey went over the strategy several more times and dismissed the meeting.
After the meeting, Casey called out "Bartowski, a word."
Chuck came over to where Casey was standing. "Your girl going to be at the game?"
"Of course, Casey. Why do you ask?"
"I'm superstitious. She seems to be your good luck charm."
"She's a lot more than that Casey."
"Spare me the details, Bartowski. You've earned more playing time, so be ready."
"Thanks, Casey. I won't let you down."
Ellie led Sarah out of the elevator into the lobby. "Where are we going, Ellie?"
"You want this night to be special, right?"
"Absolutely."
"We're going to Victoria's Secret."
"Well, since I'm not wearing any underwear right now, I sure could use some."
"Going commando, Sarah?"
"It's because of what happened last night. I was freaked out and shivering and Chuck was just trying to help."
"That's my little brother. Always trying to help."
The store was only a few blocks away and they walked inside. Ellie took Sarah to the sleepwear section and said "Here we are, Sarah. It's time to think R rated."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Do you know what Chuck likes?"
"No, Sarah, but I know what Devon likes and I think we would be safe using him as a guideline. You can ask Chuck later."
"OK, Ellie. What should I look for?"
"Lots of lace and sheer fabric and short in length. It doesn't leave too much to the imagination, but that's OK. If it does what it's supposed to do, you won't be wearing it very long."
Sarah chuckled and asked "Any advice on color?"
"Save white for your wedding night. That's what I'm doing for Devon. I'm sure Chuck would like you to wear white on your wedding night."
"Wow, you Bartowkis are sure anxious to get me and Chuck married."
"Only to each other, Sarah."
Sarah laughed. "I love your brother with all my heart and couldn't think of a better sister-in-law than you. But remember, we really haven't known each other very long. A lot can change. He may get tired of me or meet some brunette that catches his fancy."
"Trust me, Sarah. I see the way he looks at you and the way you look at him. It may be love at almost first sight, but it is true love. I also noticed that you didn't protest at the thought of marrying my brother and didn't think of a scenario where you would change your mind."
Sarah blushed. "Is it that obvious that I have fallen head over heels in love with your brother?'
"Yes, Sarah. And the good news is that Chuck as fallen head over heels in love with you, too. Let's find the perfect nightie for you to show Chuck just how much you love him."
They went to the rack and started leafing through the lingerie. Ellie found a light blue one and held it up to Sarah. "This one makes your blue eyes pop out but I really think it's going to make Chuck's eyes pop out. And he won't be paying attention to your eyes."
Sarah smirked and held it up in front of herself as she looked in the mirror. "It sure doesn't cover up much, does it?"
Ellie chuckled "That's the idea, Sarah. Go try it on."
Sarah went in the dressing room and tried it on. Ellie stood outside and asked "Well?"
You're right Ellie. "I look great in it."
"Open the door and let me see."
Sarah opened the door and let Ellie in. Sarah had the nightie on but was still wearing her sweat bottoms.
"Wow, that looks great, but you really should take off your sweat bottoms to get the full effect."
"I can't Ellie. I'm not wearing anything under them."
Ellie chuckled. I forgot. I'll go get you the matching knickers. I'll be right back."
Came back with several pairs and let Sarah choose the size and look. She shooed Ellie out of the room and put them on and invited Ellie back in. Ellie's mouth dropped open and said "Wow, you look sensational, Sarah. I almost wish I was a Lesbian right now."
Sarah laughed and said "The only Bartowski that gets my body is Chuck."
Ellie laughed back and said "The over/under is 60 seconds and I'd take the under."
"What does that mean?"
"It's a bet, usually on total score in a game. Like in ice hockey, if the over/under is five, you bet on whether the total combined score is under or over five. In this case, I'm betting on the time it takes for Chuck to get you naked after he sees you in it. I bet it will take him less than 60 seconds."
Sarah laughed and said "I hope you're right. But if that's the case, why bother putting it on at all?"
"Trust me. It's more than worth it. Besides, if you only wear it for less than 60 seconds at a time, it will last longer."
Sarah laughed heartily at that and said. "OK, I'm sold. I'll buy it."
"Good choice," said Ellie. While I was out there and you were changing, I found a few other items for you to try on." She handed them to Sarah.
Sarah looked at the stack of items. "You want me to buy something for every day of the week?"
"No, not right now. But you could use a black one and a red one as well for special occasions."
Sarah held up the black one. It stopped at her hips had totally sheer fabric except for some strategically placed lace at the bustline. Sarah raised both eyebrows.
Ellie said "I have one just like it. It's Devon's favorite."
"If I was a man I think I can see why. The knickers are sheer too. What's Devon's over/under on this one Ellie? Thirty seconds?"
Ellie laughed and said "More like fifteen."
"I better buy it then. I'll see if Chuck can break Devon's record."
Ellie and Sarah shared a hearty laugh at that. Sarah also found a red one that fit the bill. The over/under on that one was forty-five seconds.
Sarah also bought some underwear so she wouldn't be going commando without Chuck around. She didn't mind, in fact she rather enjoyed it, when Chuck was there. But when he wasn't, she felt much better with the extra layer covering her up.
Sarah paid for everything and they stopped for lunch. Next to the café they were eating at there was a dress shop that had this gorgeous black dress in the window. As they were eating their salads, Sarah was staring at it and Ellie asked "What are you looking at?" Sarah lifted her chin in the direction of the window. Ellie turned around.
"My god, Sarah, it's gorgeous. You have to get it and wear it tonight."
Sarah nodded. "I hope they have my size."
After they finished eating, they went next door to check on the dress. It was even more beautiful close up. It was a Versace, but not strapless. The dress was backless with a scoop neckline and tight at the waist and hips. It was short and stopped mid-thigh which would show off Sarah's legs. The sales clerk came up to them and asked "Beautiful dress, isn't it?
Both Sarah and Ellie nodded. The clerk asked "Which one of you is it for?"
Ellie spoke up and said "It's for her, Sarah. She's got a hot date with my brother."
The clerk said "You sure are a great sister if you're looking out for his girlfriend like this."
Sarah smirked "You have no idea."
"What size are you looking for?"
Ellie spoke up "She's the perfect size 6."
"You're in luck. I have that size here on the rack. Would you like to try it on?"
Sarah said, "Of course." She took the dress and headed to the dressing room.
Sarah removed what she was wearing except for her knickers and put the dress on. She stood there for a minute and could hardly believe how good it looked. Ellie called out "Come on Sarah. Let us see."
Sarah opened the dressing room door and stepped out. Both Ellie and the clerk were stunned at how good she looked. It fit her perfectly and showed off her fantastic figure.
"Wow, Sarah. I don't think Chuck is going to give you the chance at putting on the nightie you just bought. I give the over/under on this dress at ten seconds."
Sarah blushed, but she had to admit she really looked good. "You think Chuck will like it?"
The clerk said "The only way he won't like it is if he's blind. I don't say this very often and I'm not saying this just to make a sale, but that dress is perfect for you. You belong on a runway in Milan."
Sarah smiled and said "As long as I don't have to fight a supermodel over some chips for smart bullets."
Ellie and the clerk looked puzzled at Sarah. "Oh never mind. I saw it on a great TV show awhile back."
Sarah looked at the clerk and said "I'll take it. I need some shoes and a warm coat, too.
Ellie said "I hope you're not breaking the bank with all that you're buying."
"Don't worry, Ellie. With the bonus I get for winning the gold medal, I have nothing to worry about."
The clerk stopped in her tracks. "Wait, I thought you looked familiar. Are you Sarah Walker, the pairs gold medalist?"
Sarah smiled. "Guilty as charged."
"Can I get a picture with you and your autograph? I'm a big fan. I also think your partner is rather dreamy."
Sarah laughed. "Of course. I'll also tell Bryce that he has a fan who thinks he's dreamy. I hope it won't go straight to his head. I'll tell him he should come by and
say hi. What is your name?"
"Lindsay"
"Okay, Lindsay, I'll be sure to tell him. Now let's get everything taken care of."
Sarah changed out of the dress and found the perfect shoes and coat.
When they got to the cash register, she noticed that there was a TV on in the background showing Olympic coverage. Showing right then was an interview with none other than Chuck Bartowski.
Sarah exclaimed, "Look Ellie, there's Chuck."
Lindsay turned around and asked "That's your boyfriend?"
"Yes, can you please turn up the sound?"
Ellie and Sarah watched the interview while Lindsay rang up the purchases.
Chuck was asked "How did it feel to score a goal at the Olympics?"
"It felt great to score a goal. But most of all it felt great to help the team win. I'm mainly on the checking line so it's not my main focus to score goals."
"Yes, your main focus is to help shut down the opposing team's top line."
"That's right. We did a good job with that in the first game and I hope we will to the same in today's game."
"Everyone in the studio wants me to ask a more personal question. I hope you don't mind."
Chuck smiled and said, "I guess it depends on the question."
The interviewer chuckled and said, "We're all wondering about her."
They showed a picture of Sarah on the podium with her gold medal and a picture of him and Sarah kissing alongside it.
Sarah held her breath wondering what he was going to say and even Lindsay stopped what she was doing to hear.
Chuck said "Sarah was asked a question about us after she won the gold medal and called me her boyfriend on national television. Needless to say, I was very happy that she told the world that fact. Now that it's my turn, I get the great privilege to tell the whole world that Sarah Walker is my girlfriend and the love of my life. I can't wait to see her after my game today."
Sarah just beamed at Chuck's comment and looked dreamily at the screen. Lindsay and Ellie turned and looked at her. Ellie said "Earth to Sarah."
Sarah came out of her stupor and looked at her. "Maybe I should just take you to the penthouse now and you can wait for Chuck naked in bed. Otherwise you just may do it in the stands after the game or in the restaurant."
Lindsay just laughed and Sarah looked horrified for a moment. Lindsay said, "There must be some story here that I don't know about."
Ellie said "There is, but its private. Suffice to say, the conspiracy definitely ends tonight."