Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within this story. All rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Brian Bird, Michael Landon, Jr., the actors, creators, and writers of the show "When Calls the Heart." Any real people or places noted in the chapter are just there for storyline purposes.
Chapter 11- I Am Home
Recap of the Chapter 10 ending…
They stepped outside and she continued to hold his hand as they made their way to his car. As they stood by the car, he pulled out his cell phone, "I want a selfie of us together so I can see you anytime I want."
"Will you send it to me please?" she asked.
"Done…" he stated as he pushed the send button on his phone.
Jack seemed a bit nervous as he wasn't sure what was allowed since he'd told her he'd wait.
"Jack, kissing is good, great actually. Please don't feel awkward around me."
"I don't, I just don't want to do anything to make you feel uncomfortable."
She stepped closer and their lips met. It was gentle and tender and in that moment the tension between them and the hesitancy each experienced melted away.
She stood at her front door and waved as he drove away. Sad as she was at his leaving, excitement filled her at the revelations each made to the other.
She stepped inside, grabbed a glass of wine and took a seat on the sofa with Lizzie. "We're going to miss him, aren't we, girl? He said he won't forget us. I just hope he doesn't get back to New York and realize the life he left there is really what he wants."
Jack's drive, with the usual New York traffic, was nearly 4 ½ hours. He pulled into his parking garage and made his way in the elevator up to the 17th floor. He stepped out into the hallway, and headed for his apartment.
Once inside he dropped his bags at the door and walked out onto his balcony. He took a deep breath and did his best to tune out the noises below. He walked back inside and took a seat on his bed. Thinking of Elizabeth, he grabbed his phone and pulled up their picture together. With his favorite Sirius radio station playing in the background he wiped a few tears from his eyes.
Two hundred miles away, Elizabeth sat in her bedroom with her phone in hand, her eyes unable to drift from their picture together as she listened to Jack's favorite Sirius radio station.
Little did they know each of them was listening to the same song, Ed Sheeran's "Photograph…"
Loving can hurt
Loving can hurt sometimes
But it's the only thing that I know
When it gets hard
You know it can get hard sometimes
It is the only thing that makes us feel alive
We keep this love in a photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts are never broken
Times forever frozen still
So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holdin' me closer
'Til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone
Wait for me to come home
Loving can heal
Loving can mend your soul
And it's the only thing that I know (know)
I swear it will get easier
Remember that with every piece of ya
And it's the only thing we take with us when we die
We keep this love in this photograph
We made these memories for ourselves
Where our eyes are never closing
Hearts were never broken
Times forever frozen still
So you can keep me
Inside the pocket
Of your ripped jeans
Holdin' me closer
'Til our eyes meet
You won't ever be alone
And if you hurt me
That's OK, baby, only words bleed
Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go
Wait for me to come home
Oh you can fit me
Inside the necklace you got when you were 16
Next to your heartbeat
Where I should be
Keep it deep within your soul
And if you hurt me
Well, that's OK, baby, only words bleed
Inside these pages you just hold me
And I won't ever let you go
When I'm away
I will remember how you kissed me
Under the lamppost
Back on 6th street
Hearing you whisper through the phone,
"Wait for me to come home."
Now on with our story…
"Hi Jack, did you make it home already?" she asked, so thankful to simply hear his voice.
"Yea, I got in just a little while ago; I miss you."
"I miss you too, but I have the picture we took to hold me over until I see you again."
"I was mistaken about the schedule, and I'll be back in New York on Thursday. If I get you a ticket, will you come up to see me?"
"Jack, I'd love to…"
"Great, I'll get the ticket for you."
"Wait; I said I'd love to, but I can't come up this weekend. I have a training seminar that I'm going to all day on Friday and Saturday morning."
Jack released a frustrated breath, "Well, that's disappointing. Are you able to come the following weekend?"
"I can, but did you see on the Mets' schedule that you'll be down here playing an exhibition game against the Hawks?"
Jack pulled the schedule from his bedside table, "Great, I see it; a week from this Thursday. We're off on Friday too. Are you able to come up to New York on Friday morning? If you can leave early in the day, I can fly back with you instead of the team; that way we'll have the whole day and evening that I can show you around."
She smiled at the thought of an entire day with him in New York. "During the summer we only work Monday- Thursday, so yes, I can leave on Friday morning."
"Okay, I'll get the tickets and a hotel room for you…"
"That sounds great. Next Thursday can't get here fast enough for me. I already miss you, Jack."
"I miss you too."
Their conversation continued with no lull until Elizabeth glanced at the clock, "3am…Jack I love talking to you, but I have a meeting at 8:30 this morning, so I'd better get some sleep."
"I have an early flight too," he replied. "Hey Elizabeth…"
"Uh huh…"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Jack."
"If you get a chance, will you call me tonight after your game? I'll be working, but because of the time change, I'm sure I'll be home."
"I'll call you as soon as I get back to the hotel. Elizabeth, please be careful walking in the parking lot."
"I will. It won't be the same without you here, but I'll be watching you on TV. Bye Jack…"
"Bye sweetheart…"
Jack pulled his wallet from his back pocket, found the business card he was looking for and texted a message. It was late and he didn't expect an immediate response, but was surprised when his phone chimed.
"Sorry 4 delay. Everything is done and will take care of it 2morrow…"
"Perfect…" Jack replied.
Monday morning Elizabeth stretched, knowing that she needed to get out of bed, but really not feeling it. She grabbed her phone from the bedside table and was surprised, but delighted when she observed a text from Jack.
"Boarding the flight. I miss you. B careful and have a gr8 day…"
The text came through at 6am, so she assumed that he was now in mid-flight. "U b careful 2. Have a gr8 game. Love u…" she texted back feeling comfortable that he'd see it once they landed.
At the end of the day, Elizabeth was walking out the door for the day with a plan to drive directly to the stadium. As the door closed and she headed down the hallway, her cell phone rang.
"Hi, Mr. Roseman."
"I just wanted to make sure you got the message that tonight is Hawk Hat Day, so I need you to bring those boxes with you to the game."
"Well, I can't carry them from the far end of the parking lot, so I'll need some help."
"No, make sure you pull up front and I'll have someone help you unload them."
Elizabeth realized that the boxes of hats were sitting in her spare bedroom, so she rushed home, loaded them up and headed for the stadium.
Once she turned into the parking lot, it was almost as if her car refused to head toward the front. She was in the back of the parking lot before she realized it, staring at the empty space that used to hold Jack's car on game days.
She pulled back out and headed toward the gate. As she reached the second row, something in the front caught her eye…
"Private Parking
Reserved for Elizabeth Thatcher"
Elizabeth pulled into the parking space. She placed her car in park and released a thankful breath. She pulled her phone from her bag and sent a text to Jack…
"I have my own parking space. Don't worry about me…!"
She stepped from the car and began unloading boxes of Hawks hats. Jeff, one of the beer vendors grabbed a cart and loaded the boxes for her, wheeling them inside and over to the office.
"Thanks, Jeff…" she called out as he started for the office door.
"You're welcome Elizabeth. Congrats on the parking space. It's about time he got you one."
"Okay, okay, stop talking about me like I'm not here," Mr. Roseman stated as he stepped out of his office.
"Is Jeff right; do I need to thank you for the parking space?" she asked.
Mr. Roseman began to laugh, "You know me better than that. If you notice, no one else has a sign denoting their parking space."
"So, if you didn't authorize it, why is it here?"
"Maybe you should thank your boyfriend. He went over my head, and you know how much I appreciate that."
"I'm sorry, but he was worried about me walking out there at night."
Elizabeth left the office and made her way to her seat. Rosa had yet to arrive, so she sat down, and pulled out her phone. There was still no response to her text, so she dialed his number.
"Hey baby; did you get to the stadium okay?"
Baby…I love that! "I sure did. That was so wonderful of you, Jack. Thank you so much. When did you do that?"
"Do what?"
"The parking sign; you got it for me, didn't you?"
"Oh good, it got there."
"When did you do it?"
"Well, actually I made the call when I met you and heard about…well, what happened. But then we got to be friends and I was enjoying meeting you and driving you in because it gave me some time with you," he explained.
He took a breath before continuing, "I kind of forgot about it, because I was always there until it dawned on me yesterday that I wouldn't be now. They installed it today."
The call disconnected, but just as quickly reconnected in face time.
"Oh Jack, it's so good to see you. I miss you."
"Hey, are you crying?"
"No…maybe, but these are happy and sad tears."
"Wait, let me show you the sign," she stated as she jumped up and rushed through the gate to her new, reserved parking space. "Can you see it?"
"It's perfect."
"I love it Jack. I love you for thinking about it, for pushing to make it happen and for worrying about me."
"Honey, I'm sorry but I have to go. I'll call you later, okay? I love you…"
"Bye Jack; I love you too."
"Hey girl, what are you doing parked up here?"
"Look Rosa, I have my own space."
"Did Mr. Roseman do that?"
"Hardly…Jack did it."
"He's a keeper girl. Mookie told me that he was called back up. How are you doing?" Rosa asked as the two women walked back inside the stadium.
"I'm going to see him not this weekend but next."
"Wait, aren't they coming here for an exhibition game?"
"Yea, next Thursday night. Then I'll go back to New York with him for the weekend. The International League All-Stars game is Friday night and the team is in Richmond, Virginia over the weekend, so I have nothing I need to do, but visit Jack."
"Hey Rosa," she continued as both women took their seats. "I told Jack that I was in love with him."
"OMG, girl…what did he say?"
"Well, actually he told me that he loved me first, so needless to say, I know he needed to go, but neither of us were happy about it."
Rosa stood up and stepped closer, "Stand up girl. I need a hug!"
As Rosa released her she observed Mookie exit the locker room. "Hey Mookie…"
He glanced up and smiled; it was obvious that Rosa was the love of his life. "Yea honey…"
Rosa rushed down to the backstop, "Jack told her that he loves her and she loves him too."
They put their hands on the same rungs of the chain link fence, "We knew they'd be perfect together," he remarked.
Ordinarily Elizabeth enjoyed the baseball games, especially this season. However, with Jack nowhere in sight, it didn't hold the same excitement as before. She kept watching her watch and the scoreboard, praying for the last out in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Unfortunately for the Hawks, the last out in the bottom of the ninth inning left them two runs shy of a win. Although Elizabeth hated to see the team lose, it allowed her to finish up her responsibilities at The Park and then rush home, hopefully in time to watch the Mets vs. the Giants.
She pulled into her driveway at 10:30pm and immediately turned on the television. Searching through the sports channels, she finally came across ESPN, turned Lizzie outside, grabbed herself a bottle of water, poured some Skinny Pop popcorn into a bowl and settled in on the sofa.
She missed the National Anthem but sat motionless, staring at the screen as the Mets had their first at bat in the top of the first inning. Sadly they went down with the first three batters. However, Jack was batting cleanup and was on deck when they had to take the field. She smiled as she watched him hand his bat to the Bat Boy, and grab his glove before taking his spot in centerfield.
Once the Mets retired three of the first five batters for the Giants, Elizabeth was mesmerized as Jack took several practice swings before stepping into the batter's box. With a count of 2-2, Jack swung on a low outside pitch, knocking a line drive over the shortstop's head and deep into left field.
Jack made it safely to second base where he remained until the next batter, Neil Walker, hit a high fly which was caught by the right fielder. Jack tagged up and took off, sliding into third safely. Two batters later, Matt Reynolds hit a triple as Jack easily tagged home plate, giving the Mets a one run lead.
Elizabeth remained perched on the sofa with her eyes locked on the television thankful for any glimpse of Jack she received. She was proud as the commentators spoke so highly of Jack, his prior accomplishments and how they foresaw a long career in the majors.
As Lizzie sat at the back door, waiting albeit impatiently to be let in for bedtime, Elizabeth remained focused on the television screen, afraid to even blink for fear that she'd miss something.
The first game of the series ended with the Mets winning 3-2.
She jumped in the shower and was in her pajamas in bed when her phone rang. Observing that it was a face time chat, she glanced in the mirror to make certain that she was presentable before clicking 'accept.'
"Hi Jack…"
"Elizabeth…I miss you."
"I miss you too. I watched the game; it was great."
"How did the Hawks do?"
"We lost…"
"Oh, sorry."
"It's not your fault, Jack."
"Sorry to change the subject, but you look beautiful tonight."
"Jack, I'm in my pajamas, in bed with no makeup on, there's nothing beautiful happening here."
"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and I sure wish I was holding you right now."
"Jack," she whispered. "We'll see each other soon."
"Not soon enough."
"Jack, may I ask you something?"
"Of course, anything…"
"When you finish playing baseball, what do you want to do?"
"I'd like to coach, but even if that doesn't happen, I have enough to do with the charities we run. Why? Is something on your mind?"
"No, I just wanted to know."
"Wherever I see myself, I want you to be a big part of it…but I won't push."
Seeing a bright smile cover her face, he felt more relaxed. "I guess I should let you go; you have to work in the morning, and I get to sleep in. I love you…"
"I love you too, Jack…"
Elizabeth did her best to stay busy. With work at school, and the Hawks, she managed to fit the gym in on her nights off.
It was now Friday night and Elizabeth had spent the entire day in a seminar. The Hawks were in Toledo playing the Mud Hens, and her plan was to hit the gym, and then to pick up Chinese food from her favorite restaurant to eat while watching "her man" on TV.
She walked into China Wall, placed her order and took a seat. While she waited, she took her phone from her bag and pulled up the picture of her and Jack before he left, and her finger gently touched the screen and brushed across his face.
"I miss you," she whispered.
"We've missed you too," a voice from behind caught her off guard.
"Oh, hi Sami; hi Joanne; what are you guys doing?"
"Just came in for some dinner. Are you eating here?" Sami asked.
"Well, actually I was heading home. There's something on TV I want to watch."
"You…TV, that's a combination that's new. You never watched much TV before," Sami remarked.
"Things change."
"Hey, I saw Adam. He was a little bummed that you seemed to be out on a date. He said the guy…"
"You mean Jack…"
"Yea, Jack is a baseball player."
"He is…"
"Well, I guess things do change. I haven't known you to date baseball players since that one guy saved you from that parking lot attack. So, what's the deal with this guy?"
WOW, ordinarily my food would already be here. "I've realized that I can't judge people as a whole. Jack is a great guy and I'm happy that we met."
"No game tonight?" Joanne asked.
"No, the team is in Ohio."
"So, when will we meet Jack…uh, what's his last name?" Sami asked.
"Well, he's back with the Mets now," Elizabeth mentioned as she eyed the cook who held up her bag of takeout food. "And actually, I came in here for dinner so I could go home and watch the game. So, if you will excuse me, I need to run."
"Wait, what's his last name?" Sami asked just as Elizabeth stepped outside, her food in hand and rushed to her car.
Sami pulled out her phone and immediately looked up the Mets roster. "Hmm, the only 'Jack' I see is the centerfielder, Jack Thornton."
"Well, you can see if it's him by checking the roster last week from the Hawks," Joanne suggested.
As they sat and awaited their food, the cross referencing was done and Jack Thornton was verified as Elizabeth's new beau. Sami made a mental note to keep an eye on him, implying to Joanne that she cared about Elizabeth and didn't want to see her get hurt again.
Each night, or afternoon on weekends, when she wasn't working herself at the stadium, Elizabeth sat in front of the TV from beginning to end watching her now favorite team.
It was now Sunday afternoon, the Mets were in New York, playing the Atlanta Braves, and Elizabeth was counting down the days before she would actually see him in person.
She laughed at the scoreboard which ran surprise birthday messages and those couples caught kissing across the screen. They often zeroed in on small children dancing in the aisles as music played between innings.
Jack was setting the baseball world on fire. His batting average was hovering at .375, with four RBIs (runs batted in) and two homeruns in only a week back with the team.
His teammates assumed that he was simply focused on the game, but if they were to ask him, it was because he was completely content. He'd found love, and a balance between those things that were important in his life. But he had to admit, Elizabeth was actually a big part of his overall satisfaction of his life.
She felt that Thursday would never arrive. She'd worked all week at school, and her evenings were spent at the ballpark. She hadn't seen Jack play for several nights as the Mets games were not always televised. However, he was true to his word and called her every night once he returned to his hotel room.
Elizabeth pulled into the parking lot and drove directly to her space. The crowds were starting to form outside the gates for the once a season exhibition game between the Hawks and the Mets. She couldn't care less about the game, her sites were set on seeing Jack, and spending the entire weekend with him in New York.
Her heart pounded as she stepped from her car. The bus that transported the Mets to the stadium was parked six spaces away from her, but as she nonchalantly inspected it on her way by, she found it to be empty. She made her way through the crowd and passed the gate, knowing that he was near, just not close enough.
"Elizabeth," Mr. Roseman called out, grabbing her attention. "Would you come to my office, please?"
Please, when does he ever say please? "Can it wait until I get my usherettes situated?"
"It could, but I'd rather it not. I need to see you now."
"Okay, I'll be right there," she huffed silently as she placed her stuff in her seat and asked the first usherette to arrive to hand out the towels to the others until she got back.
She walked into the office, "Mr. Roseman, I'm here, where are you?"
"He called you in here for me," Jack stated as he stepped away from the window and into her line of vision.
"Jack," she squealed, as they rushed to each other.
He wrapped his arms around her waist as she held tight to his neck. "I've missed you so much," he whispered.
"I've missed you too…"
His lips met hers; it was hot, demanding and passionate as he cradled her head, urging her face closer to his. It was evident that he wanted her close but even with their bodies touching, it didn't seem close enough.
He released her slightly as they both fought to catch their breath. "I love you so much. Face time is great, but it comes nowhere close to this."
"Jack, you look so handsome in your Mets uniform. Mmm, there's something about a man in uniform."
"Honey, I'm not sure but I don't think this is the uniform that the saying is referencing."
"I don't care; you look hot Mr. Thornton."
"I don't want to leave, but I need to go. I just needed a few moments alone with you," he mentioned as his lips met hers again. "Will you meet me here after the game?" he asked. "Maybe we can go get some dinner and you can give me a ride back to the hotel. That way we can spend more time together."
"We could spend even more time together if you just stayed at my place…"
"Eliz…abeth…"
"Jack, I have two bedrooms."
"Are you sure you wouldn't feel uncomfortable?"
"Jack, we aren't sleeping together, but I just want to spend as much time with you as I can. I don't know when we'll see each other again."
"I'm not thinking about that. I'm concentrating on having you all to myself for the entire weekend," he remarked. He took her hand, leaned in and kissed her forehead. "I have to get out on the field. Meet me here after the game, Okay?"
"I'll be here," she stated.
He continued to hold her hand as he walked toward the door, only releasing her when the distance between them required it.
Mmm, he looks good… She stood by the window and watched as Jack made his way out onto the field.
"Elizabeth," Mr. Roseman barked, "Don't you think you should get to work?"
"Yes sir…oh, and thank you," she stated as she walked toward the door.
"I can be nice when I choose to…" he stated unaware that the door had already closed behind her.
Although the Mets starters began the game, by the fourth inning, replacement players took the field and yet they still managed to beat the Hawks with a score of 7-5.
It took an hour after the game before the Mets made their way into the locker room. Fans stood in long lines for autographs and to shake the hands of their idols.
Elizabeth sat in her seat, her eyes focused on Jack as his warm smile drew everyone in. He caught her eyes and mouthed, "I'm sorry."
Elizabeth simply smiled knowing that Jack was not one to walk away from the fans. She pulled her journal from her bag, and took this free time to express her feelings onto the blank canvas…
"Taking a chance, though scary, opens our world to a multitude of amazing adventures, experiences and emotions. I've had much time to think about chances, the whys and the what for's. The why is easy, because in order to move from our simple shell of a person, we must put ourselves out there, opening up to the possibility of hurt and disappointment. However, when it's good, it is so worth the risk. However, what and who you take the chance on can be a bit more frightening. Is the risk the same for them? Do they have as much to lose in the long run?
Taking the risk on something or someone new is truly all about overcoming our fears. For what has happened in the past will directly impact how we handle the future. We can't expect someone to sweep in and 'complete us,' for that isn't their job. We must use our past as a stepping stone, growing, learning, and changing to become the person we want to be. Then and only then can we be content with who we are, and satisfied enough to compromise without surrendering to suit others.
So, there will be times in our lives when everything within us will say to do something, something that seems to be illogical, messes up our plans, and may even appear bizarre or crazy to others. However, for whatever reason we put everything else aside, follow our instincts, feeling that this one is different, and praying at that specific moment that this will be the best decision we could have possibly made."
As the last of the fans were ushered out of the stadium, Jack met Elizabeth at the backstop. With the chain link fence between them, they were still able to hold hands as the warmth of their touch quickly spread through them.
"Let me get a shower and I'll be right out. I'm sorry you had to wait so long," he stated with a wink as their hands drifted apart and he disappeared down the tunnel and into the locker room.
She waited at her seat for a short while before heading toward the office. Elizabeth leaned up against the wall outside the office, taking in the warm summer breeze. Standing near her was a group of twenty-something year old women, either waiting on their boyfriends, or hoping to find a boyfriend for the evening. Their conversation was trashy, and led Elizabeth to understand why some of the players felt that women were nothing more than a play thing.
Several of the Hawks players stepped out of the locker room, locked arms with the women they had met that evening and headed out of the ballpark. The remaining women stood around, flirting with each player who passed by.
Elizabeth watched them, saddened by the thought that they felt the need to use their sexuality in order to get a date. She was saddened even more by the thought that their behavior seemed to work.
Jack stepped out as several women approached him, leaving Elizabeth on the outskirts of their shark like feeding frenzy.
"Excuse me," he stated several times before moving passed them and taking Elizabeth's hand in his.
"Does that happen after every game?" she asked.
"Since I've met you, I haven't noticed."
"Did you ever…"
Before she could finish her question he answered, "No, I've never gone out with a woman I met at the stadium…that is until I met you here!"
She handed him her keys as they walked to her up front parking space. They walked around to the passenger side and he opened her door. Before slipping inside she turned to face him, "I can't believe you're here. I see you; I feel you, but I'm afraid it's just a dream," she stated as he cradled her face in his hands.
"It's no dream; I love you, Elizabeth," he stated as he gently kissed her.
They sat in her car staring at the parking sign in front of them.
She reached over and took his hand in hers. Rubbing his skin she continued, "Thank you so much for doing that. Walking in was not so bad, but leaving in the dark…I was always scared."
"I needed to make sure you were safe. So, where would you like to go?"
"What time do we take off tomorrow?" she asked.
"10:15…the flight is non-stop, so we'll be in New York by noon."
"Well, do you want to stay at the hotel or at my place?"
"Is this a trick question?"
She laughed, "Okay, hotel it is…"
"Wait, no…I want to stay with you."
"I'm just teasing, Jack. I'm not hungry, but I'll take you wherever you want to go, or we can get you take out and just head home."
"How about Chinese?"
"There is a great take out restaurant near me."
They pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward Elizabeth's townhouse. Jack pulled into a parking space in front to the China Wall restaurant and they stepped inside.
"Are you sure you don't want anything?" he asked.
Smelling the Chinese food in the woks caused her stomach to grumble. "I'll take an egg roll."
Jack placed his order and they took a seat waiting on their food. Ten minutes later they were heading out the door when they ran into Adam and Sami on their way inside.
"Hey, seeing you twice in one week; that rarely happens. Are you going to introduce me?" Sami asked.
"Sami, this is Jack Thornton, my boyfriend."
"Nice to meet you, Jack. Do you know Adam? He and Elizabeth used to date." Sami interjected.
"Nice to meet you Sami, and yes, Adam and I have had the pleasure before." Jack turned to Adam and stuck out his arm to shake his hand, "Hi Adam."
"Hi Jack. I heard that you were sent back up, congratulations."
"Thank you, but if you will excuse us, we'd like to get started on our weekend together," Jack quickly responded before taking Elizabeth's hand and heading for the car.
Once home, Elizabeth turned Lizzie outside, grabbed Jack a plate and a beer and joined him at the table. He smiled as her eyes twinkled when hearing the places he wanted to take her in New York. She squealed with excitement when he advised that they had tickets to see Hamilton at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Friday night.
Jack cleaned up his mess on the table, took her hand and they walked over to the sofa where they sat side by side.
His fingers brushed a few strands of hair behind her ear as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. His arms around her shoulders pulled her into his body where she seemed to fit perfectly.
"Can I ask you something?" he whispered as his lips made contact with her forehead.
"Of course, what is it?"
"Do you see Adam very much?"
"No, actually this is the first time I've seen him since I first introduced you to him. I see Sami more frequently because she lives in this complex, so we shop in the same stores and go to the same dog park. Why?"
"Just wondering. Just a weird feeling I get from him."
"I don't want to talk about anyone else but us, okay?" she commented before snuggling into his chest.
His finger under her chin lifted her lips to his. He knew her boundaries and wanted to make certain that he didn't push her for more.
Her lips opened slightly as his tongue ran gently across the sensitive skin on the inside of her mouth. She turned as her hands slowly crept up his arms, over his shoulders where her fingers swept through the hair on the nape of his neck.
He felt his body warming as the touch of her fingers on his skin electrified him. He was like a kid in a candy store, wanting to try everything within his reach, but knowing that he shouldn't, that somehow it was forbidden.
"It doesn't appear that we are doing much talking," he laughed softly.
"Are you complaining?"
"No, certainly not, but I just think we need to be careful here." He cradled her face in his hands, "Elizabeth, you mean so much to me and it would be so easy to get carried away."
"I'm sorry, Jack. You had a long day; are you tired?" she asked.
"A little, but I don't want to let go of you."
"Well, I'm obviously not going anywhere, so let's go to bed and tomorrow will come and we can get our weekend together started. Let me show you to your room."
Jack grabbed his bag and they walked upstairs stopping at the first bedroom. "The remote is on the dresser for the TV. If you need anything, let me know."
Elizabeth walked into her bedroom, changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt before climbing into bed. The room was dark with only a sliver of light slipping through her drawn blinds from the streetlight on the corner.
Her eyes remained closed, assuming that if she didn't open them that she would eventually fall asleep. She couldn't settle and found herself rolling from side to side as the bedding tangled around her limbs. Thirty minutes later she was on her back, the bedding wrapped around her holding her tight like a cocoon. Her eyes were still closed, but she was far from sound asleep.
She managed to extricate herself from the bed and started down the hall, stopping momentarily to listen at the door of the guest bedroom.
Hearing nothing she softly knocked on the door…
"Elizabeth, are you okay?" he called out.
"I can't sleep."
"Come on in."
Elizabeth quickly slipped into his bedroom as if she was attempting to sneak passed the house monitor in college.
He sat up, shirtless, and pulled the bedding around his waist. "What wrong?"
"You're in here and I'm over there and I just miss you," she stated as her eyes watered.
He pulled back the bedding, "Come on…"
"Are you sure it's okay?"
"You get comfortable and I'll sleep on top of the bedding," he stated as she slipped in and he slipped out from the other side of the bed. He lay down on top of the bedding and pulled a blanket from the foot of the bed to cover him.
"Is something bothering you?"
"No…Jack, I just want to be with you."
Elizabeth scooted over as her back pressed against his chest. She took his hand and pulled it around her waist, holding it tight against her chest. "I'm sorry; you'd probably be sleeping better if you were home."
"Elizabeth, with you, I am home."
To be continued...