A/N: So this chapter ended up total fluff, but I hope you'll enjoy it anyway. It's also a bit of a tease, but next chapter Jason and Sam finally get down to business, so to speak. ;)
10.
Sam opened her eyes feeling completely rested. She'd slept like a baby. The waves really were her lullaby. The soft glow of ambient lighting revealed she was in her stateroom, but she hadn't the foggiest recollection of how she'd gotten there.
She smiled as she stretched her body in a cat-like motion and realized Jason must have taken her to bed. Her body warmed at the thought.
She remembered falling asleep cuddled with Krissy in her lap before the movie barely started. She'd tried her hardest to stay up, but she'd been awake over 36 hours at that point and she was just too tired.
Sam laid there a moment longer, enjoying the comfort of her nice warm bed and warm memories too. Yesterday had been a perfect beginning. Micheal and Krissy were so excited to learn all the things Sam could teach them and she couldn't remember ever seeing Jason as relaxed as he'd been with her and the kids. The entire evening had been fun and carefree. Well, with the exception of when she'd called her mother and heard how weak she sounded over the phone. Alexis insisted she was fine, but Sam knew it was just a brave front so she wouldn't worry so much.
Sam sat up, pushing the covers away as her bare feet felt around for her slippers. She used her bathroom then washed her hands and face before brushing and flossing. She ran a brush through her hair, but didn't bother to put it up. She made her way down the hall and noted both doors left and right were still quiet. She peeked in on the kids. Micheal was sprawled out in the twin nearest the door, covers kicked from his pajama-clad body. Kristina had drifted dangerously close to the edge of her bed. She was all curled up in a ball with her little legs drawn up under her nightgown.
Sam covered Micheal who rolled over without a peep and then repositioned Krissy in the center and covered her as well. Krissy let out a little triple sigh and Sam smiled as she brushed her chestnut locks out of her face while she slept. She wasn't a mother, but something about those two children brought out every maternal instinct she'd never known existed. She wanted to love and protect them always and it felt so good to have them there with her, safe in their beds. She allowed one last long look at the two of them safely tucked in, before using both hands to close the door behind her as softly as she could.
It was early, she could tell. It was still dark out. She started a pot of coffee before heading up to the wheelhouse. They still had a few hours before arriving at their first destination and Sam didn't want to waste a moment of their time together. She checked her heading and other instrumentation then pulled anchor and set off on their south-southwestern course once again.
The thud of the anchor rising and rumble of the engines starting had registered somewhere in Jason's sleepy head, but it wasn't enough to wake him right away. He'd rolled over and slept for nearly three more hours. He couldn't remember ever sleeping so well and he wondered if it was the gentle rocking of the waves or being so close to Sam that had given him such peace. He smiled, definitely Sam.
All was quiet now, but for the hum of the engines and splash of the waves as they broke against the ship. He smiled again remembering where he was and who he was with. It was barely light out. He could see the sun peeking just above the horizon from the port view across from his bed. He decided to shower and dress before checking in with Sam and the kids.
xxxxx
It caught him off guard, but when Jason stepped into the wheelhouse he had to suppress a chuckle at finding two pink-eared whiskery bunny rabbits propped against what he would best describe as the dashboard of the boat. Their cottontails rested just behind her bare heels and his eyes couldn't stop following the trail of sun-kissed skin at her delicate ankles, up her plaid flannel bottoms rolled at the waist, revealing a tantalizing hint of a flat and tanned tummy where her black baby doll tee fell short.
He breathed deep without realizing and Sam turned in her chair to find him staring.
"What would your old pirate Captain think if he saw you piloting your boat in those?" He motioned his head toward her feet.
"There is no pirate dress code Jason. We're rebels. We do and wear whatever we please." She answered with a self-satisfied smirk.
He smirk-smiled back. "I see. Well then, good morning, dread pirate cottontail."
"Morning." She narrowed her eyes and tried not to smile, but failed miserably. She loved her bunny slippers.
"They were a gift from Danny. He loved playing magician when we were little and I was always his assistant. It was one of his favorite games. He loved trying to figure out the tricks behind the magic. We always wanted a real rabbit to pull from the hat, so when we found each other again I bought Danny a white bunny he named Houdini and he bought me these slippers since I couldn't have a real rabbit on my boat." She smiled softly and wiggled her toes which wiggled the bunny's whiskers.
It was a good memory. She hadn't shared that story with anyone before and for the first time in a long time it hadn't hurt when she thought of her brother.
"I like it when you talk about Danny. It's good hearing you had at least one person growing up that loved you as good as you loved them." He smiled too and offered her the fresh cup of coffee he'd made.
Sam shook her head and held her hand up. "No thanks. I've had plenty. You go ahead."
If she had another drop of caffeine she'd bounce her bunny feet right off of that boat.
He nodded and took his first sip. "You were up early."
"As they say; early to bed, early to rise." She shrugged. "Did you sleep well?"
"Great thanks." He nodded. "You?"
Sam nodded too. "I did thanks. Sorry for passing out on you though."
"You were tired." He half shrugged.
"Exhausted." Sam nodded. "But I'm all rested up now and I can't wait to start the day I have planned for us!"
"Are you going to tell me where we're headed yet?" He wondered.
"Nope." She grinned. "I told you. It's a surprise."
Jason frowned. He'd already had that argument with her yesterday and could see she was prepared to be just as stubborn today. "Well, will you at least tell me how much longer until we get there?"
Sam laughed. "You're as bad as the kids. We'll be there when we get there."
She wasn't entirely sure because she'd never actually seen it on him before but she could swear Jason's mouth had formed a pout. It was boyish and cute so she decided to throw him a bone. "Not much longer now, hour and a half maybe."
His features smoothed into an almost smile and he nodded as he took another sip from his mug.
"I see Micheal was awake before me." Jason observed. That never happened.
Sam smiled softly. "Yea, he couldn't wait to get started."
Jason looked behind them on the main deck to see Micheal scrubbing away in his crew uniform and life jacket. "I wonder if he'd clean his room that thoroughly if Carly got him a uniform?"
Sam chuckled as she turned and watched Micheal working hard, completely oblivious to his audience. "It might be worth trying."
"I checked on Kristina before I came up. She was still sleeping." Jason informed her as she nodded and turned back around to look at the open water ahead.
Sam wasn't worried. The only access to the exterior of the ship was the staircase passing right by her and there wasn't really anything else Krissy could get into down below. She'd made sure.
"I figure once she wakes we can have breakfast and by that time we should be nearly ready to dock." Sam suggested and Jason agreed with that plan.
Several minutes went by in comfortable silence as they watched the sun rise higher in the sky and Jason finished his first cup.
"So did you like the movie last night?" Sam said breaking the silence.
"It wasn't all bad." Jason shrugged.
"I knew it." Sam smiled. "You liked it, admit it. I heard you laughing."
Jason's face registered absurdity. "You were asleep. You were dreaming."
Sam shook her head. "Nope, uh-uh. I thought I was at first, but then I felt your chest shake against my cheek and I heard you. You were definitely laughing, but I was too sleepy to open my eyes. So tell me, what was your favorite part?"
Jason rolled his eyes. "The part where it was over."
"Jason, Come on!" Sam plead. "I heard you laughing several times. One of those had to be your favorite. Which one was it?"
He shook his head in disbelief. "We're two grown adults. We're not seriously carrying on a discussion about a children's movie right now are we?"
The thing neither one were willing to acknowledge was how that conversation was a hell of a lot more truce-friendly than the real discussion they both wanted to have.
"Alright, Jason. I hate to do this, but you've left me no choice." Sam narrowed her eyes at him and squared her shoulders. "As your Captain, I order you to tell me your favorite part of Finding Nemo!"
Jason just looked at her silently and blinked.
Micheal passed through on his way to start his next task. "Better not disobey an order from Captain, uncle Jase. I'd hate to have to throw you in the brig."
Jason looked over at his mop-wielding nephew.
"Go swab the deck." He grumbled.
Micheal laughed and went back to his chores.
Jason looked back to find Sam looking at him expectantly.
"You'll laugh." He told her.
"I won't laugh." She promised.
He studied her face. "I don't believe you."
Sam laughed and shook her head. "I won't laugh! Just tell me."
"You're already laughing!" Jason accused.
Sam's stubborn jaw set and she crossed her arms with a raised brow. "I'm waiting..."
Jason huffed. He just wanted the conversation over. "Fine, the part where Dori speaks whale."
Sam couldn't help it. She busted out laughing.
Jason scoffed, shook his head and turned to walk away. "This is why I'm not having this conversation."
Sam stumbled over her bunny feet and her words trying to contain herself. "Jase-Jason, wait. Wait! I'm sorry!"
She maneuvered in front of him, grabbing his arm to stop him before he could walk out the door. She bit her cheek to keep a straight face. "I'm not laughing. Look, see?"
She almost laughed again, but managed to hold it in, barely. "I just, I don't know. I wouldn't have guessed that part. Why that part?"
Jason looked away and shrugged. "It just reminded me of something you would do."
"What?" Sam busted out laughing again earning a glare.
"Jason, I don't speak whale." She shook her head with another giggle. "I don't even speak other languages. Well, I mean, except Spanish and some conversational French and Polynesian, but only Hawaiian and Tahitian mostly and not fluently... a little Russian and Mandarin, but just what I picked up working overseas."
Jason shook his head. "See? That's what I mean. I mean, who even learns Polynesian?"
Sam's brows furrowed in confusion. "You mean besides millions of Polynesians?"
"No, see, my point is that almost all Hawaiians and Tahitians also speak English almost as good as you and me so why even bother learning their language?"
Sam was flustered. "I don't know Jason. It just... it shows you have respect for the people's culture, for their history, when you take the time to learn about it."
Jason nodded. "That's exactly my point. You're such a warm social person, always doing things for people that will put them at ease and make them more comfortable. It's why everyone you meet just can't help falling in love with you."
Sam rolled her eyes at that. "I don't know about that."
"I do." Jason whispered intently and suddenly the air got a little thicker and the mere inches between them seemed far too far apart. They stood there, locked in the others gaze, and Sam felt her chest rise and fall in shallow breaths. She watched Jason's eyes study her lips and felt herself willing him to kiss her.
"Sam, is it time to make breakfast now?" A little voice called from behind.
The spell was broken and Sam took a step back to turn and kneel down to her little sister's level. She smiled at her and rubbed noses with her. "It sure is little miss!"
She picked Kristina up in her arms and settled her on her hip. "Jason, I've set it to auto-pilot, but would you mind keeping an eye out to make sure we steer clear? I mean, the sensors will sound an alarm if we approach anything within an unsafe distance, but with the kids... I'd just like to be extra careful with them on board, you know?"
"No problem." He agreed.
"Thanks, Kristina will sound the bell when breakfast is served. Right, Krissy?" Sam jostled her playfully in her arms.
"Right!" Kristina nodded.
Jason looked at the nearly four year old. He was sure she remembered. The very first thing Sam taught them yesterday was safety. They toured the boat top to bottom and were fitted with life vests as she stressed the importance of respect for water and the boat.
"Kristina?" Jason said. "You remember where Sam keeps the fire extinguisher?"
Sam swatted him on the arm and he chuckled, but tried to remain serious.
"Uh-huh." Krissy nodded, a little unsure why he was asking.
"Good." Jason instructed, ignoring Sam's evil eye. "If you see fire or smell smoke grab it and then run come get me."
"Okay, Jason." Kristina agreed.
Sam blinked at him with a set jaw. "Funny, Jason. I burned the toast once. Once!"
Jason shook his head. "You didn't burn it Sam. It was blackened."
Sam was feeling the outrage as if it had happened yesterday instead of last year. "I couldn't find your toaster. I mean what kind of neat freak hides his toaster in a cabinet after every time they make toast anyway? I saw how you made the bacon in the oven and it was set to broil so I figured it would toast bread just as good."
"Maybe we should skip the toast this morning." Jason suggested.
Sam scoffed. "Unlike your kitchen, Mr. Morgan, my kitchen has everything where it's easy to find and I know exactly where my toaster is."
"Good. Kristina, how would you like to make the toast?" Jason offered.
"Oh, yes please!" Kristina bounced. "Can I Sam? Please?"
Sam threw Jason a death glare before softening her face and tone for her sister. "Sure baby. Come on."
"No toast for you Jason!" Sam hollered back as they made their way below. "But don't worry, I know just how you like your eggs. Broiled black!"
Jason started to chuckle, but then realized it was incredibly likely with Sam cooking that's exactly what he'd get. He frowned. He was hungry. He turned to see Micheal propped against the mop just shaking his head at him. "You done yet?"
Micheal nodded. "Just finished."
"Good." Jason replied. "As 1st mate, I'm ordering you to go and assist Sam and Kristina. I'm counting on you to make sure those eggs stay golden yellow and the toast and bacon stay golden brown!"
"Aye!" Micheal nodded and raced down below.
Jason smiled. Micheal wouldn't let him down. He was well-versed in how to carefully instruct a non-cooking woman without ruffling feathers. He'd had lots of pointers from Sonny and lots of practice with Carly.
Breakfast was enjoyed by all, but the last laugh had certainly been on Jason. As everyone sat down at the table to golden brown French toast with melted butter, maple syrup topped with fresh blueberries and scrumptious strips of perfectly crisp bacon, Jason was served with a blackened omelet and charred bacon. His face was priceless as he'd glared at Micheal and then cut into the black spongy omelet on his plate without a word. Sam couldn't take it anymore as he put the first bite to his mouth. She and the kids burst into a fit of giggles as she told him to wait, it was just a joke. She'd burned his omelet and bacon in the first batch, but gotten the second batch just right. She nodded to Micheal who ran back into the galley and returned with Jason's perfectly cooked breakfast to place in front of him.
Jason had to thank the cook, although what he really wanted to do was kiss her. He'd wanted to kiss her so bad before Kristina found them in the wheelhouse. He watched her enjoying her meal and talking with the kids and lost himself in thoughts of sucking the sweet syrup from her lips. He knew he'd agreed to a truce, but he wasn't sure if he'd be able to last the day without trying to have a serious talk with her. Maybe once the kids were in bed for the night. He hoped whatever she had planned would wear them out early.
Jason insisted Sam return to the wheelhouse after breakfast while he and Krissy cleaned the kitchen and washed the dishes. Micheal had finished his chores for the day and went up with Sam. He had lots of questions about the equipment she was happy to answer. Jason relieved Sam when he finished so she could bathe Krissy. Once Kristina was dressed, Sam left her and Micheal to play while she showered and changed. Micheal was really good at including his little sister in his video game. He described their mission with such enthusiasm that by the end Kristina wanted to save the princess too, so he asked her questions as he played about where he should look for clues or which answer to choose when solving puzzles.
Sam made sure to shower and dress in time to make it back to the helm by the time lane traffic picked up. They were nearing the marina where Sam had already made arrangements with the owner to rent a slip for the day. As they cruised in, she radioed for the dock and slip number and tied down without any trouble. The sign as they entered the marina proudly displayed their location, so Sam knew the jig was up.
"Ohio?" Jason said skeptically.
"Yea, Sam. What could there possibly be that's fun in Ohio?" Micheal wondered.
"Hey, have a little faith in your captain, will ya?" Sam defended.
Micheal didn't look so sure, but nodded anyway. "Okay."
Jason remained silent. He knew what was good for him, Sam thought.
A quick walk later and they were there. Jason groaned when Sam explained where they were, but it was quickly drowned out by the kid's cheers.
With its tropical theme, it almost felt like they'd landed on an island paradise. Castaway Bay featured hotel rooms and suites including family-oriented units, an indoor water-park loaded with water activities for all ages, a day spa, fitness center, state-of-the-art arcade, restaurants, retail shops and they'd docked at its adjacent marina.
The comfortable rise in temperature could be felt as soon as they stepped foot indoors. The website said they kept the indoor park at a steady 84 degrees year-round. They all began pulling off their jackets then headed to the ticket counter where Sam gave her name so their passes and cabana assignment could be issued. She'd rented an indoor cabana for a little extra privacy since she knew how Jason hated crowds.
She took a quick peek his way to gauge just how much he was hating her. He hadn't spoken a word since the groan when he realized where they were. He didn't look too pleased, but she noticed a small smile when he'd glanced over at Micheal and Kristina. They were jumping at the bit to get to the water. She breathed a sigh of relief. She knew Jason wouldn't love it, but she'd hoped he'd at least be a good sport about it, which he was, so far.
Sam had already dressed in her swimsuit before leaving the boat and she'd packed Kristina's with her in the large day bag she'd brought full of supplies, but Micheal and Jason would need to buy one from one of the retail shops interspersed among the restaurants lining the exterior walls of the park. They stopped in the first one they saw with mannequins modeling swimwear. Micheal found one he liked in royal blue with a silver lightening bolt on one of the legs. Jason checked the size and nodded then headed for the register. Sam moaned. She knew it had been too easy to get him in there. Jason apparently didn't think he would need any swim trunks.
She grabbed a black pair with a tiny white swoosh and the words "Just Do It" stitched on them and hurried to catch up. "Jason, how about these?"
Jason turned to see Sam holding a pair of men's swim trunks. "I think those are too big for Micheal."
Sam rolled her eyes. He knew damn well who they were for. "But just right for you."
Jason blinked. "I don't swim."
"You swim, uncle Jason. You taught me." Micheal contended.
Jason cut his eyes at his nephew who quickly averted his gaze to merchandise on a nearby shelf then looked back to Sam who'd raised a brow still holding the shorts. "It's not that I can't swim. I just don't, especially not..." He looked around. "Here."
Sam huffed. "Micheal, would you mind helping Kristina find a big soft towel she likes? Look for one for you too."
Micheal nodded. "Sure Sam." Sam watched as the two walked and stopped a few feet away from her in the corner of the store near the beach towel display.
She looked at Jason who was wearing his stubborn face again. "Look Jason, I know this isn't your idea of fun, but I promised these kids a good time and that just isn't going to happen if you insist on being a stick in the mud."
"I don't swim Sam. I don't do crowds. You three can go and enjoy the park. I'll just sit and watch your stuff. You won't even miss me." Jason argued.
Before Sam could respond, Jason felt a tug on the leg of his jeans and looked down to find Kristina holding a turquoise beach towel with pink polka dots. "I'll miss you, Jason. Micheal says there's fun slides. I want to ride the slide with you."
He was too lost in that little girl's gaze to see Micheal's mischievous grin or Sam wink at the boy she literally loved more every minute. Jason felt his clenched jaw relax, but still wasn't ready to lose the argument. "I think you'd like riding them better with Sam."
"I want to ride them with both of you." Kristina batted her lashes up at him over her big chocolate orbs and Jason wondered if there was any way a three year old could possibly know just how effective that was against his argument.
"Okay, Krissy." He sighed in defeat. "If you're sure."
Krissy threw herself around his leg with a bear hug. "I'm sure!"
Sam squealed with delight as she stood on her tip toes and gave Jason a peck on the cheek.
"Thank you Jason." Sam told him as her hand pat his chest before slowly pulling away.
He wondered if she'd felt how fast his heart thumped after that unexpected closeness. His heart always sped up whenever she was near.
"You're welcome. Now, are we done here or is there anything else we need before we swim?" Jason said.
He would later regret that question.
Thirty minutes later, to be exact, they walked out of the shop with three bags full of... stuff. Jason went with Micheal to change and then they headed over to their cabana near the giant wave pool. The cabana had a roof and was enclosed with walls on three sides. Inside they found a security safe, refrigerator, padded chaise lounges and an oval table with four dining chairs.
Sam hadn't worn any jewelry, but Jason locked his watch and their cash and credit cards in the safe while Sam and Micheal stocked the fridge with bottled water and juice boxes. They decided to hit a few rides that all four could enjoy first. Kristina was excited to go on the slide Micheal picked at first, but the higher they went the more nervous she became. Sam debated taking her back down, but then Jason picked Krissy up and assured her he'd hold her extra tight.
Kristina seemed to feel better about it once she was in Jason's arms, but wouldn't let him put her down so he'd carried her all the way up while they waited in line. It was little moments like that all day long that reinforced what an amazing father he would make. And while Sam entertained those thoughts of a family life with Jason, she simultaneously worked extra hard not to think of Elizabeth's infidelity or the fact that Jason may, or may not, already be a father.
Sam had timed it perfectly and they'd arrived at the park just as it was opening, so there were hardly any lines. They spent the entire morning riding tube slides and body slides where Sam and Jason took turns holding Kristina and family raft rides with all four of them together. They spent time in the Lookout Lagoon Family Fun-house and had taken Micheal on the Rendezvous Run water coaster several times while either Sam or Jason played with Kristina in the Toddler's Tide Pool. After the first couple of times down the slides, Jason had given up all pretense of only tolerating the day's activities. He was downright enjoying himself, laughing and pulling Sam and the kids onto as many rides as they pulled him onto.
Sam even taught Micheal to surf in one of three indoor surfing pools while Jason used Micheal's boogie board with Kristina. Again, she'd been a bit scared of the waves, but felt easier about it after Sam put her life jacket on her and Jason promised not to let the water get her. They'd gotten some great photographs with the waterproof disposable cameras Sam purchased from the gift shop, but her absolute favorite picture had to be of Jason and Kristina on the lazy river.
The first time around Sam and Krissy shared a tube as the current carried them along with Jason and Micheal in their own tubes taking turns ambushing each other with splashes whenever the other got too close. The second time around, however, Krissy had wanted to ride with Jason. This time Micheal and Sam doubled up too and she'd taken a picture of the both of them cheesing for the camera as they passed a series of waterfalls. She'd turned their tube around to get a picture of Jason and Kristina behind them and that's when her heart melted all over again. It was her favorite picture ever.
Little Kristina had fallen completely asleep on Jason's chest as he laid across the tube. His legs hung over the edge with his feet and butt in the water. Krissy was straddled on his chest in her little yellow polka dot bikini. Her little hand perched peacefully against Jason's bare chest as her precious sleepy face rested over his heart with her mouth slightly open. She was out like a light. Jason had the hand farthest from them held protectively over Krissy's back while the other trailed in the water to steer.
Sam made an exaggerated sad face to Jason at how they'd worn her out followed by a smile. They were adorable. She pointed the camera and Jason had given Sam the crooked little smile she loved best as she pressed the button.
The four went back to the cabana afterward where Jason laid Krissy down on one of the padded chaise lounges and Sam covered her with her turquoise towel. Micheal was showing no signs of exhaustion, but both he and Sam agreed they were starving. So, Micheal wrapped his new pirate flag beach towel around him and he and Sam went in search of food while Jason waited with Krissy. They decided on the Salty Dog where they had all kinds of hot dogs with every topping imaginable on the menu as well as several kinds of drinks, fries and burgers.
Sam and Micheal made their way back to the table with a plain cheeseburger and apple slices for Krissy as Alexis had made Sam swear to provide a healthy fruit and/or veggies with every meal, a colossal bacon cheeseburger with the works and beer-battered home fries for Jason, and two foot long chili cheese dogs with a large order of chili cheese fries for Micheal and Sam to share. Jason pulled out three waters and they left Krissy's wrapped up thinking she should get more rest first, but a bunch of kids ran by laughing and screaming and shooting each other wildly with super soakers which happened to spray Krissy in the face and nap time was over.
Jason was heated at the inconsiderate kids for waking Krissy up crying and had yelled after them to watch it, but the little punks flipped him off. Sam had to stifle her own anger at that point because those kids couldn't have been any older than Micheal. Micheal just stood there in shock, eyes wide and jaw dropped, waiting for his uncle's reaction. Jason took two steps toward the kids with a murderous glare and they took off running. Sam pulled him back down to the table and sat Krissy in his lap to cool him down. It worked like a charm. He busied himself with drying her tears and helping her eat and forgot all about his anger with the little brats.
Sam suggested they check out the spa after lunch. She wouldn't mind a relaxing massage, facial, or Mani-pedi, but the boys were solidly opposed. Krissy was totally on her side though and desperately wanted pink polka dot finger and toe nails. They agreed to go separate ways for an hour and meet back up at the cabana. Sam wouldn't tell them why, but she'd made a reservation for the four of them.
Sam and Kristina spent the next hour in heaven with massages and getting their nails done. Sam helped Krissy pick out a light pink polish Alexis couldn't object too harshly to and white for the polka dots. It was too cute. Jason and Micheal had chosen to hit the highest, fastest slides again before they all met back up together.
Sam's surprise reservation was at the dedicated arts and crafts center within the park. Sam thought it would be nice if they had a handmade souvenir from their trip. They each chose a piece of pottery to finish. Micheal took his time before settling on a six inch figurine of a giraffe. Kristina considered a unicorn, but then found a statue of a mystical phoenix instead. Jason chose a pair of candle-holders to work on and Sam picked out a little whale she wanted to bring back for Molly. It was just a little keepsake she could hang on to over the years and know her big sister was always thinking of her.
Sam helped Krissy a little, but Micheal and Jason were good painting on their own. Sam was curious why Micheal chose a giraffe of all things. "Micheal, what made you decide on a giraffe?"
"Well, uh, it's not for me. It's for my mom. See, I used to have this toy giraffe when I was little and mom has lots of pictures of me holding it as a baby. She says they're some of her favorite pictures and memories and so I thought if I gave her this one she'd like it." Sam thought that was one of the most endearing things she'd ever heard.
"She'll love it Micheal." Sam told him and Jason roughed his hand through Micheal's wet hair. "You're a great kid. You know that?"
Micheal just smiled with a shrug and kept painting. Jason smiled over at Kristina as he noticed her concentrating so hard her tongue was stuck out of her mouth. "What made you want the phoenix Krissy?"
Kristina looked up at Jason across the table. "Dumbledore says phoenix tears are magic. They make you feel for better. If mommy has a phoenix, she won't be sick anymore."
Sam couldn't stop the hot tears from filling her eyes. "Oh, Kristina!" She pulled her little sister to her and kissed her on her temple. "You're the best, baby. That is so very thoughtful."
Sam set her paintbrush down to wipe the tears from her eyes before they could fall. She looked over to find Micheal and Jason now with two very concerned looks on their faces. Sam could tell Jason was about to ask, but she gave him an almost indiscernible shake of her head and he knew whatever it was she didn't want to discuss it in front of the kids.
"Are you okay Sam?" Micheal wasn't sure why Sam started crying all of a sudden, but he didn't like to see her upset.
"I'm fine. Thank you Micheal. I'm just so proud of you two. You're both such good kids." Micheal wasn't sure he believed her, but he didn't want to ask any questions that might make her cry more.
He nodded, but still watched Sam with a worried expression until Sam distracted him with a question for Jason. "Why did you pick candle-holders?"
Jason pursed his lips and shrugged. "Practical."
Sam shook her head. Aside from the fact that doing a pottery project was nothing like him to do, it was just like Jason Morgan to choose something simply because it was practical. He was such a creature of simple comforts and she loved that about him because she was too.
Sam didn't know it, but Jason really decided on those candle-holders for all of the candle-lit dinners he hoped to have with her in their future. He was even painting them in the shades of the color of her eyes. The base was a rich chocolate brown that gradated to amber and then into the lightest flecks of gold around the iris. He didn't have to keep stealing glances at Sam's eyes directly across from him, but he did anyway. He couldn't help himself, even though he'd memorized every detail of her eyes, her face, her voice and her body long ago. "Why the whale?"
"Is it the mascot for your ship?" Micheal wondered.
"No, but that's a good guess." Sam laughed. "It's a little keepsake for Molly."
"Cool." Michael nodded his approval and went back to painting.
"Molly will love it Sam." Krissy assured her.
"Thanks babe." Sam winked at her and Jason was totally oblivious to the goofy smile on his face as he watched the woman he loved share a moment with her sister.
They all finished up and the assistant took their projects to be fire-glazed. They were given a ticket to pick them up later, but it would take some time before they were ready. Krissy had enough of the water and Micheal was excited to check out the arcade, so they headed there next.
After twenty rounds of air hockey, Sam was the undefeated champ and Micheal and Jason had not been happy losers. Micheal got his payback on the bumper cars though and Jason had saved his rep by besting Sam in both the basketball hoop challenge and a shoot'em up arcade game where they had to hit all the moving targets without missing to level up. Jason had actually set an all new record high score which he refused to gloat about, but his cocky smile said it all.
They scored a boat load of tickets, but there was nothing Micheal really wanted aside from the cool toy gun his uncle refused to let him get, so he'd given his half to Kristina so she could get the Princess Peach doll she liked. It turned out there were a few tickets left over so Sam secretly got Micheal some snap and pops to throw at his uncle's feet when he least expected it. She made sure Jason wasn't carrying first then yelled for Micheal to run for the hills after he'd thrown them. Jason gave chase and Sam laughed as he caught up with him and tossed his little butt in one of the pools, arms and legs flailing.
The rest of the day kind of flew by and before they knew it they'd gone in the water one more time then collected their finished pieces from the pottery place and made their way back to the boat. They'd only made one other stop, at the confectionery, on the way out of the park. Sam and the kids loaded up on cotton candy, chocolate dipped pretzel sticks laced with mini M&M's, gummy bears and an assortment of other sinful delights. Jason had purchased something too while Sam and the kids were busy loading their basket, but he wasn't telling what he got. He claimed it was a peace offering for Carly, but Sam had her suspicions there might be something more in that bag.
It was almost sunset and Sam had just finished giving Krissy a nice warm bath. They were all taking showers, or baths to wash the community water off of them. At least, Sam had every intention of taking a shower until she'd heard Jason's shower start up and realized it was the perfect opportunity to sneak into his room and find out exactly what he purchased from the candy store. She was already stripped down to her bikini, but figured that didn't matter since she'd been walking around in it all day anyway.
She passed the kids room. Krissy was engrossed in a Disney DVD and Micheal was taking his bath now. She carefully opened Jason's door just a hair and didn't see any movement, so she crept in slowly. He was in the shower, but the bathroom door was open. She'd have to be quiet, and quick. She peered around the room and spotted the bag on the nightstand. She made a beeline for it and was just about to open it when she heard him. "Drop it!"
She dropped it out of sheer start. He hadn't turned the water off or made a sound as he entered the room.
"Geez, Jason." Sam stalled. "You startled me. Um, I think I misplaced one of my bags from the candy shop. I was just looking to see if maybe you had it." Sam doubted he'd buy it, but it was worth a shot.
"Funny." He replied as he crossed his arms.
Sam was committed to the lie at that point. "I'm serious. I'm not laughing."
"Neither am I, Sam." Jason stared her down.
"Maybe that's because you're humor impaired." Sam knew she had no real defense so she flipped it to throw him off topic.
"There's nothing wrong with my sense of humor. Maybe you're just not very funny." He quipped.
Sam narrowed her eyes at him as she eased backward toward the door. "I'll have you know Micheal considers me a comic genius!"
"Extremely modest too, I'm sure." Jason further teased.
Sam smirked and shrugged. "If you've got it, why not flaunt it?"
Jason couldn't stop his predatory glare from feasting on her body top to bottom at those words as he stalked toward her. He'd restrained himself all day long as she modeled around in that delectable black string bikini. He couldn't take it anymore. He snapped.
The laughter died on her lips as she watched him move closer. She'd never seen him look at her that way before, like she was dinner and he wanted to devour her whole. She backed up against the door, a bit unnerved as he stood directly in front of her with barely an inch between them just staring into her eyes. He placed his hands on the door behind her on either side of her shoulders and she was lost in a depth of dark blue, her chest rising and falling faster and harder as the excitement of having him so near increased.
Jason bent his arms, lowering himself closer to her and she held her breath in anticipation. Was he about to kiss her? Would she kiss him back? His lips lingered just in front of hers for what felt like forever before he moved to whisper hotly in her ear. "You've definitely got it Sam, but I'd be real careful how you flaunt it. A man like me just might lose all control."
He pulled back with challenge evident in his clear blue gaze and dared her with his eyes to move a muscle. He wanted to take her right up against that door. He was hard from just the thought of it. Sam couldn't breathe, couldn't move. The look he was giving her had her wet and ready to be taken and right as she was about to tell him to do just that his cell phone rang and rang and rang. Jason made no moves to answer, but the ringing brought Sam back to reality. Krissy was awake and right on the other side of the door she could tell he wanted to take her against. "You should get that Jason. It could be important."
Jason sighed deep and stepped away to grab his phone. He groaned in frustration as he read the caller ID. He'd meant to call her earlier to tell her he wouldn't be able to make it. "I'm sorry. I guess I should take this."
Sam took a calming breath and nodded. She turned to leave his room only to hear the very first part of his conversation. "Hey. No, yeah. Listen, I'm sorry, but something came up. I won't be able to go ring shopping this weekend..."
Sam shut her eyes tight to that healthy dose of reality and made her way to her shower to cool off.
"No, it couldn't be avoided. Sonny asked me to do it personally. I apologize. I meant to call you sooner. I just got distracted. Yeah, I agree. We do need to talk. I'll call you when I get back. You too." With that, he hung up cursing himself for almost losing all control with Sam.
He wanted her, of that there was no question, and from the look in her eyes he was pretty sure they'd almost made love just now. At least, it would have been love for him. He wasn't sure how Sam would have felt. Would it have been just hot sex she would later regret when she was back with Cooper? He didn't know, but he knew he couldn't wait to talk to her about it all tonight after the kids were in bed.
Page 19 of 19 Created: 2011-03-03 Updated: 2014-11-08 Words: 7344 Characters: 39790