Chapter 3 :
Damned truck
Author's note: Hi everyone. Here is the chapter 3. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I enjoy writing it. I keep writing. I hope I could post the chapter 4 soon. Thank you for your support and all the reviews.
Special heartfelt thanks to Rebekahwrites for proofing for me.
Read and review, please.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters within this story. All rights and respect go to Crown media, Hallmark, Brian Bird , Michael Landon Jr, the creators and writers of the show " When calls the heart".
It had been two weeks since they had seen each other. Not knowing that they were in each other's thoughts. They had both hoped to run into the other. She hadn't seen him since he had left her so quickly in front of the shop that fateful day. He hadn't seen her since his job had called him away.
It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, one week after their encounter at the shop; Elizabeth had decided to go out. When she had passed a bookshop window, she decided to go in. She dreamed of different situations in each section. One book caught her attention on one of the tables. She extended her hand to take it without noticing the person standing beside her. He, too reached for the book. His hand covered hers. She instantly looked up and surprise crossed her face. It was him! She couldn't believe her eyes. She blushed.
He had seen her enter and decided to follow her. It was a luck which led him here and he didn't want to waste the opportunity. When he had seen her there, she appeared to be daydreaming, he just had to talk to her. He hesitated and intentionally had extended his hand for the book and he covered hers.
"Sorry." She apologized.
"There is nothing to be sorry for." He answered handing her the book and giving her one of his dimpled smiles.
They looked at each other, neither of them talked. Jack who was usually so confident, was suddenly silent. He didn't know what to tell her or how to invite her to dinner. He became flustered. He was determined to talk to her but he couldn't think of anything to say.
"Have a good day." He stated and pulled his hand away, quickly leaving again. He didn't know why he couldn't stay and ask her out.
Elizabeth watched him leave without saying anything. She stayed there, dumbstruck. Once again nothing happened between them. But this time, it was not fate's fault.
One week later, he saw her in the morning, running with a big messenger bag and she checked her watch several times. He was watcing her, even in this situation, she was beautiful to him. She had tousled her hair, her cheeks were flushed from running.
'She's probably late for work.' He thought to himself, a smile stretching across his face. She didn't see him as she was in a hurry.
She saw him later that same day. He appeared to be in a hurry, therefore he didn't see her as he rushed into his car and took off. Even in a hurry he really was handsome.
'His eyes are bright due to the adrenaline.' She thought smiling to herself.
That Saturday, Jack entered a club with his friends. After all, he had the right to have fun, and who knows; perhaps he will see her tonight. His friends took him on the dance floor and several young women came to dance with him. But they didn't capture his attention. They were not her! Half an hour later, Elizabeth and her best friend entered the night club. They had decided to live life to the full. They removed their coats and handed them to the attendant in the cloakroom, securing their tickets for cloak pick up. They approached the dance floor as the rousing music began to play.
'Maybe he was here too?' Elizabeth thought.
Soon after they arrived, some men moved closer to them. They kept their distance, yet at the same time they did enjoy their company. But they were not him!
After a while, his best friend Lee went back towards Jack.
"There are two women over there that really are beautiful." Lee pointed to Elizabeth and Abigail.
"It's her!" Jack looked up and his eyes widened in shock.
"Who?" Lee asked looking at Jack then back to Elizabeth and Abigail.
"This girl that I keep running into." Jack replied nodding his head at Elizabeth.
"Well, I understand why she is obsessed with you. She is beautiful. Here is your chance, Jack. Invite her to dance." Lee told him as he pushed him towards Elizabeth.
He took a deep breath and approached her. She was sitting with her back to him on a stool, her drink in her hand.
"Hello, I'm Jack Thornton. We have to stop meeting like this." He smile broadened.
Elizabeth's breath caught as she heard his deep voice. She was thrilled to say the least and quite surprised. She turned around and here he was.
"Hello. Nice to finally meet you. I am Elizabeth Thatcher.
"Yes, finally! It's a pleasure to meet you as well. Would you like to dance with me?" Jack asked her grinning and offering her his left hand as the music changed to a slow song.
She nodded, smiling as she took his hand. They slowly walked to the dance floor. Jack took her in his arms. It was magic. Her body fit perfectly against his. She smelled so good and her hair was so soft. She felt so good in his strong arms, safe and protected. He smelled so good. Little did they know that they had the same thought, 'I can stay in his/her arms forever. I am where I should be as if I have always belonged here.'
The song ended too quickly for their liking and Abigail came to find her, waiting at the bar. He escorted her.
"Abigail, this is Jack. Jack, this is my best friend, Abigail." Elizabeth introduced them.
Abigail smiled instantly feeling the chemistry between them.
"Nice to meet you too." She turned to Elizabeth. "I think that I need to head home. I am tired. So I wanted to let you know." Abigail informed her, stifling a yawn.
"I think I'll head back too, I am tired as well." Elizabeth replied.
"I will wait for you by the cloak room." She turned to Jack before leaving. "Good bye, Jack."
He waved to Abigail as she left, giving them some privacy. Then Elizabeth spun around and they began talking at the same time.
"I want to see you again..." They broke off.
"I wanted to ask you out to dinner. Would you like that?" Jack recovered first.
"I would be delighted." Elizabeth beamed.
They exchanged phone numbers.
"Okay! I should go, Abigail is waiting. See you soon, Jack." Elizabeth explained.
"I'll send you a text. Good night, Elizabeth."
They smiled at each other, keeping the memory of each other's faces locked in their minds. She left and he watched her disappear. Jack joined his friends and told them that he was going to head home. The evening had given him what he wanted. He didn't need to stay much longer. That night, both of them had a wonderful dream about the other.
Two days later, she was at her desk in school. She was collecting the papers of her students before heading back home when her phone vibrated. She immediately answered it, hoping that it was Jack. Since the dance, they had only exchanged a few texts.
"Hi Elizabeth. Are you free Saturday? I know a little restaurant where I want to take you. I can come to pick you up at 8? Have a nice evening. Jack"
"Hi Jack. I would be thrilled to go to dinner with you. I am looking forward to our dinner." Elizabeth text back.
Saturday came quickly. It was 7:30; Elizabeth added a few finishing touches at her makeup. She had chosen a simple red dress with high black heels. She didn't want to be too over the top for their first date. She looked in the mirror one last time, she was satisfied. Then there was a knock on her door. She rushed to answer the door. He presented her with a dimpled smile and a beautiful red rose. He was wearing a black pair of jeans, a white shirt and a brown leather jacket. He was very handsome and she had to stop herself from jumping into his arms and kissing his heart shaped lips.
"Good evening, Elizabeth. This is for you." He greeted her as he handed her the flower.
She was stunning in her red dress which matched her rose. Her smile was ravishing.
They shared a wonderful time, talking about their job, their family and their childhood. It was as if they had always known each other. Conversation was easy. Teasing came naturally. They lost track of time as the minutes ticked by.
"I think that it's time I take you back. It's getting late." He said reluctantly as he checked his watch.
"Yes, you're right." She answered disappointedly.
He paid the check and they left.
Jack pulled up to her building and escorted her to the door. It was a sweet night after an awful rainy day. They looked at each other smiling.
"Thank you for this wonderful evening, Jack." Elizabeth expressed.
"It was my pleasure. That makes two of us." Jack replied, winking at her, bringing out a blush in her cheeks.
The moment that they were waiting for had finally come. He leaned in and just before their lips met, a truck took a sharp turn and hit a puddle, drenching them. Jack stopped dead in his tracks. After a few seconds they both burst into laughter.
He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her palm. The gesture sent shivers through her spine, but it could have been because her clothes were drenched in freezing water.
"I suppose you should go inside before you catch your death out here." Jack offered noticing her start to shiver.
"Yes, you're right." Elizabeth conceded.
"I want to see you again. Can I call you this week? Maybe we could catch a movie or something?" Jack asked.
"I would be delighted." Elizabeth replied, blushing at his gaze.
"All right. I'll call you then. Good night." He let go of her hand and went back to his car.
"Good night, Jack." Elizabeth replied, watching him descend the stairs.
Elizabeth leaned against the wall of her building a few more minutes after he drove away, angry with the truck for ruining the moment. She was disappointed to say the least that she didn't make a move and kiss him anyway. She had been looking forward to that kiss for so long.
She quietly hoped that she would have another chance to kiss his sweet lips.
To be continued …