Chapter 18
Elizabeth was lying in her bed under her blankets. She was wearing her normal sleeping outfit. Her hair was in a bun on the top of her head. She texted Jack earlier to let him know she was home safely. Part of her thought he was sweet wanting her to text him to let her know she was home. The other part of her didn't like it. She always thought of herself as a strong individual. However, that wasn't what was on her mind. The whole evening was perfect in her mind. The dinner at Abagail's, even the football game was fun. The time around the firepit was great. She loved to listen to Jack play the guitar. She did enjoy listening to him sing, but she did love singing with him. That was special, but all those things weren't as moving as the last five minutes together.
The kiss on his driveway was pure perfection. He didn't force himself on her, but he was passionate. She could sense the want he had for her. She was doing her best to show Jack her passion too. She has never felt anything like that before. She always thought kissing with tongues would be a little gross. It just didn't appeal to her. Now, with Jack, she couldn't imagine not kissing him like that. It was just perfect. Just thinking about his body against hers made her shiver.
Elizabeth rolled over and stared at her bedroom wall that was in front of her.
They finally pulled apart just enough to catch their breath. They were still holding each other close. They were sharing the same breath. Her mind traveled back to Jack's driveway.
"Jack…"
"Elizabeth…I…love…you…" Jack stated slowly and softly. His voice was so soft she barely heard him. However, she most certainly heard every word. "With everything I am…I love you. I know I shouldn't say it now because it's too early, but I can't stop it. I'm completely lost in you, and I am very thankful that I am. I love you Elizabeth Marie Thatcher." Jack squeezed her three times as he said it. He kissed her one more time and began to pull away. She could hear his nervousness in his voice and see it on his face.
Elizabeth tightened her hold on his belt when he tried to release her. She knew his nervousness was driving him just like it did on his back deck when he was mowing the lawn. She remembered their conversation and his nervousness then.
"Jack…I…love…you…" She stared at him in the eyes. She saw the moment his nerves left him. He looked relieved.
"You do?" He slowly asked.
"Silly man." She giggled. "Jack Thornton, I love you. I know it in my heart and in my soul. There isn't a question…"
Jack kissed her with the passion she so desired. She matched his passion. Neither one knew how long they stood their kissing, but they weren't complaining. They finally separated. He placed his cheek beside hers. He wasn't willing to lose the closeness yet. He had to be in her presence. After staying in her presence for a few moments, he opened her car door for her. He closed the door, and she rolled down the window when she cranked the car. He leaned in her car and gave her a quick kiss. He reached for her hand and squeezed it with each word.
"I love you."
She squeezed his hand. "I love you."
Elizabeth's smile grew when her eyes went from the wall to her bedside table. Her book was sitting on the top of it. She remembered the note Jack wrote on the inside cover. She let out a long, contented sigh. She was happy with her life. Plus, she was going to see Jack tomorrow.
…
Like Elizabeth, Jack was lying in bed thinking about the evening. He wasn't planning to say that special three work phrase to her, but he just couldn't stop his heart from shouting it from the roof tops. He was so lost in the kiss. His heart knew it to be true and it wouldn't be denied. He was nervous. He was afraid it was too soon, but he just shouted it out. He had to or he was going to explode. He was so grateful she told him. He was afraid he was pushing her until she returned the kiss. He could easily feel the passion in her actions. He loved it when she ran her fingers through his hair as they kissed.
When he closed his eyes to go to sleep, all he could see was his Elizabeth leaning forward, closing her eyes, and opening her lips ever so slightly. He was consumed by Elizabeth Thatcher and was perfectly ok with it. He didn't know kissing could feel like that. Plus, when she was pressed against him, he couldn't think. If breathing wasn't instinctive, he would have been in trouble. He didn't even know how he was able to stand. He most certainly couldn't think.
Jack was so grateful Elizabeth was in his life. He never wanted to date, and he was ok with that decision. He had a good high school life. With just Elizabeth for a couple of weeks, he didn't know how he survived without her. She complimented him in every way. He only hoped he would do the same for her.
…
James and Billy Hamilton sat at a little diner eating breakfast going over the plan. The last few days of following William Thatcher showed them clearly that he was off limits. Whoever the new guy who oversaw his protection detail, was on top of things. There were always two people in the car with William now. It was going to be too difficult to kidnap the old man.
"What now?" James asked.
Billy leaned back in his chair. "We need to look at someone else close to him."
"Who?"
"I don't know yet. We haven't looked beyond the old man."
"Billy, you know how much we need this."
"I know James…I know. Now, let's work this through. Who is close to him?"
…
"William and Grace sat at the kitchen island enjoying a small breakfast. This was their normal Saturday thing. It was their way of catching up on each other's week.
"Elizabeth asked last night if Jack could come by later this afternoon. I think they want to hang out and go swimming."
"That sounds nice. I don't think we have any plans, do we?"
"No. I told her it was fine. He may stay for dinner too."
"When is he coming?"
"Sometime after noon. Elizabeth is at the library this morning and he is at the children's center until noon. Probably sometime after that."
William nodded his head. "What about our youngest?"
"She is going shopping with Selena. She'll be home later this evening."
"And her and Tom?"
"I'm not too sure. I think they like each other, but they are a lot alike. I don't think they're dating."
"What do you think about Elizabeth and Jack?" William asked as he took a bite of his orange.
"I like it. I think they are perfect for each other. They get along well."
"Yeah…they had a couple of roadblocks in the beginning, but I think they are over those things now."
"I agree. Elizabeth shared that it came down to her not knowing how to be a girlfriend. I think she has figured it out."
"And Charles?"
"Yes, he played a role in that as well. He still isn't too happy, according to Elizabeth, but he isn't causing any troubles now." Grace looked at her husband for a moment. "Dear, are you worried about Jack and Elizabeth?"
"No. I trust my daughter. I haven't seen anything that would cause me concern. You?"
"No. I do know they have kissed."
"I figured that."
"I also know they enjoy being around each other. So, are you ready to watch your daughter hold a boy's hand or kiss?"
"Jack better not kiss my daughter in front of me!" William stated with a father's tone.
"William!" Grace inhaled her breath.
William let out a small laugh. "I know…but Grace, she is my little girl."
"She is seventeen."
"Grace…that was uncalled for." William laughed. "She'll always be my little girl. Remember she used to stand on my toes and dance with me."
Grace smiled at the memories. "I remember but trust your daughter dear."
"I do. I even trust Jack, but Grace, I am a father. I always worry."
"I understand."
…
Jack was working with John and several other younger guys and gals at the center. John enjoyed his time with Jack so much and shared with his friends how much Jack helped him. That the center asked Jack to spend a couple of hours Saturday mornings working with the kids. Jack was ecstatic about the opportunity to help them.
Steph met Elizabeth at the library to help with the community reading program. Elizabeth always volunteered during this campaign and invited Steph to help her read to the kids. They were done at eleven. So, they decided to grab a quick lunch before Jack was done with the kids.
"So, if I remember correctly, you and Cory was talking a lot last night?" Asked an amused Elizabeth. She enjoyed kidding with her best friend.
"How did you notice that? I thought you were lost in Jack's eyes." Sassed Steph right back at her friend.
"Oh, I was, but I still noticed you and Cory."
"We talked…" Steph shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know what else to say."
Elizabeth playfully tossed her napkin at her friend. "Come on…"
"Fine." Steph smiled. "He's nice. We talked a lot and texted when we got home. He's sweet."
"And cute."
"Yes, sassy. He's cute." Steph laughed.
"Well…"
"Maybe…we had a lot of fun talking. He's funny and seemed honestly interested in what I thought."
"Oh…that's always great. I like it when Jack asks me something and actually listens to me."
"It's a turn on isn't it?"
"It is." Elizabeth leaned back in her chair. The waitress just brought their Chinese plates they ordered.
"So, how are you and Jack?"
"We're good."
"That's all I get? Elizabeth, I'm one of your best friends and all I get is 'we're good.'"
"Well, we are much better now after the picnic. I believe we have worked all that out. I still think Charles is up to something…" Elizabeth went into a little more detail about what happened at the picnic. She also shared with her friend about that Monday morning in the parking lot when Charles sat in her car and Wendy spoke with Jack.
"Why would she tell Jack that?"
"I think she has a thing for Jack and wanted to start trouble between us. I think Charles is playing a part of that."
"Has he gotten better?"
"A little. We don't talk as much as we used to. We still text occasionally, but it usually ends up with me being frustrated with him. He starts out as normal as always, but the conversation always ends up with him warning me about me dating Jack. I tell him to back off and he does for a while."
"Are you ok with that?"
"As long as he backs off. I wish he wouldn't bring it up, but he's been mostly good."
"What does Jack think?" Steph asked as she took a bite of her egg roll.
"He's ok with it as long as Charles stays in his lane. I don't think he likes Charles."
"I don't blame him."
"Why?"
"This is just me…I don't think Charles has accepted your relationship with Jack. I think he keeps bringing it up to cause problems. He won't be happy unless you and Jack break up and he's the one who you are dating."
"Why would you say that?"
"E…I love you and you are a smart girl, but you sure don't see the things that are right in front of you." Steph took a moment to capture her thoughts. "Charles has had a crush on you for a long time. He's not willing to let that go. Does he talk to Jack?"
"No."
"Does Charles talk to you when you are with Jack?"
Elizabeth shook her head no.
"Why do you think that is?"
"He only texts me at night when I'm home or early before school."
"I think he's working an angle somehow. I know what he did at the first practice was awful. Cory stated that he lost a few friends on the team because of it…including Cory."
"They don't know Jack that well."
"It has nothing to do with Jack. Cory said the play was dirty, plain and simple. Since then, Cory has really become to like Jack."
Silence filled the air for a few moments while they ate their food.
"So…" Steph gave her friend a knowing smile. "How are Jack's kisses?"
"Steph!" Warned Elizabeth.
…
Tom came in around noon from work. He usually doesn't work on Saturdays, but he wanted to stay on top of this issue with the Hamilton brothers. Charlette gave him a big smile.
"What?" Tom asked, a little confused. He knew that look from his wife.
"I believe we need to get Jack a car."
"Why? He has always stated that he doesn't want a car."
"I know that, but his life has changed."
"How so?"
"Tom!" Charlette playfully smacked his arm. "He is dating now and Elizabeth refuses to ride on the back of his bike."
Tom laughed at the image that created in his mind. "That's true. I can't believe he never wanted a car before. I about died when I had to wait two days after my sixteenth birthday to get my first car."
"And I'm sure he doesn't like picking her up in my car for a date. I would also guess he didn't like when Elizabeth picked him up."
Tom shuttered at the thought. "I would have hated for my girlfriend to pick me up for a date."
"Thomas…! Why would you say that? You're not that type of guy!"
"It's a guy thing…you wouldn't understand."
"Thomas Jack Thornton…! You better explain yourself!"
"Did you just use your scary teacher voice and mother's voice on me?"
"Yes…" Charlette was standing with her hands on her hips waiting for her husband's answer.
Tom walked up to his wife and took both of her hands. "Dear, you know me. I'm not that guy. We have a joint checking account that contains our money. We never take a tally of who puts in what. We put money into that account. There were times you made more than me and you never lorded that over my head. There were times I made more than you and I never held that over your head. However, I always took great pride in that I am helping support my family. It's instilled into a guy's DNA to help support his family. With a wife, we both support the family. I said that because it is in Jack's DNA to be a provider. When he isn't picking Elizabeth up, he may feel like he isn't providing for her."
"But they're not married."
"No they are not, but he also doesn't want to come across as weak. He wants to be strong for his girlfriend. And I would dare say she wants him to be strong, just like you want me to be strong for you."
"He doesn't have to do everything."
"That's not what I'm suggesting, but you know you like it when I am strong. You would rather me die on my white horse than to be a weak man."
"That's true."
"And I am stronger with you by my side."
Charlette softened her stance. She knew her husband and knew that he wasn't that type of guy. Plus, she did like it when he was strong.
"Jack is finding his way with Elizabeth. He also wants to prove to her that he can be strong for her. If they get married, I'm sure they will work well together. Remember, she did come and picked him up."
"That's true."
"He just wants to show her that he can take care of her, not control her."
"Yeah…"
"So…?
"I'm sorry Tom. I think I have some growing to do with Jack dating."
"You just want our son to be respectful. I believe you have done a great job with teaching him that lesson. He knows to be strong and respectful"
"Thank you. You have done great with him."
"We have done well with him."
"Now…"
"Now what?" Charlette challenged.
"Jack is gone for a little longer. Where is Tom?" Thomas scooted a little closer to his wife.
"Tom is out with some friends from school. What is it you have in mind?" She flirted.
"You know how much I love that scary teacher pose thing you do." He wiggled his eyebrows. "What do you say woman…join me upstairs in our bedroom?"
"Well…" She flirted. "We don't have much time."
"Then stop talking." He turned her around by her shoulders and patted her on the bottom with his right hand while lovingly pushing her with his left hand.
…
Tom smiled when he looked up when Larry pushed him on his shoulder. A beautiful red head was walking in his direction. They were at the mall just walking around looking for a place to eat at the food court.
"Hey gorgeous."
Julie looked up to a smiling Tom.
"Hey handsome. What are you doing?"
"Lunch. You all?"
"The same." Julie stated with Mary and Janet nodding in agreement.
"Well, you all like to join us for lunch." Larry and Scott looked a little shocked. They were nervous having lunch with three beautiful girls.
Julie glanced at her friends. She saw their slight head nods. "Sure. Where?"
"You all pick."
"Chic-fil-A."
"Perfect."
The group sat at a large table on the outskirts of the food court. The food was always good and today wasn't any different. Tom sat beside Julie. Larry and Scott sat on one side of the table while Mary and Janet sat across them. To the four's amazement, the conversation flowed freely. There weren't any awkward silences.
"What's your plans after this?" Julie asked.
"Just wasting the day walking around. Nothing in particular. You all?"
"Well, want to waste the day together?" Janet asked the group.
"Sure!" Larry answered quickly. The others nodding their heads in agreement. Larry and Scott couldn't believe their luck. They were able to walk around with Mary and Janet. Tom was excited to be with Julie. While their relationship was a little complicated, they loved spending time with each other.
…
Lee sat at his desk in his bedroom. He looked up when his older brother knocked and then entered.
"Hey, did you take my shorts?"
"I did. There on my bed clean. I just haven't returned them yet."
"Ask next time." Cory stated as he walked to his little brother's bed.
"Hey, can I ask you something." Lee stated as he turned in his chair to face his brother.
"What's up?"
"That Rosemary girl. Do you know anything about her?"
"Not really. She moved here because of her father's job. She's really good friends with Jack. I don't know much more about her. Why?"
"I don't know. She seemed pretty cool last night when she finally talked to me. It took her a long time to finally talk."
"I don't know her story."
"Do you think she'll go out with me?"
"How am I supposed to know that?" Cory huffed until he saw his little brother's expression. He sat down on the edge of the bed. "Lee, I really don't know her. She did finally open up and began talking to you. How did it go when that happened?"
"Awkward at first, but when she began to talk to me, it was really good. She laughed at all my silly jokes. I thought it went fine."
"Well, since it took a while for her to open up to you, I would proceed very slow. Don't push things too fast here. She may have a good reason to go slow."
"Yeah."
"Just be friends with her at first and see how she reacts to that. Then, maybe ask her out."
"Thanks."
"If it'll help, I'll ask Steph if she would mind for us to hang out with you two sometime."
"Thanks."
"Lee…one time. I don't want to go out on regular dates with my little brother."
"You realize I'm actually bigger than you."
"Maybe physically, but anytime you would like to take my title from me, just jump in." Cory challenged. While Lee may be bigger, Cory was still the oldest brother and would remind Lee of that fact anytime Lee challenged him in horsing around or wrestling. Cory was still able to best him.
"I'll think about it."
"Remember, ask next time before you sneak into my room and steal my clothes."
"I didn't sneak…they were on top of the dryer."
"Ask next time…" Cory stated as he walked out of Lee's room.
…
"Hey Pa…whatcha doing?"
"Nothing son." Tom answered as he walked down the stairs. "Arguing with you mother about me being a man." He laughed. Tom didn't have to see his wife's facial expression to know exactly what it looked like. Jack couldn't hide his smile. "Here." Tom threw Jack his truck keys. "I know you're going over to Elizabeth's house. Take my truck."
"Thanks Pa. I'll text you later to let you know when I'm coming home."
"Sure."
"She talked about swimming and hanging out. She also said that Mrs. Thatcher said I could stay for dinner."
"That's fine son. Just let me and your mother know."
Jack nodded at his father and kissed his mother as he went up the stairs and she was coming down the stairs.
"You need to control yourself. That was close." Charlette warned her husband when she heard Jack close his bedroom door.
"Me!" Tom gasped. "You and that little teacher scary thing you do. You know how sexy I think that is."
"But Tom…"
"I believe the boys know how they got here."
"Not my boys!" Charlette gasped.
"I love you dear. Just keep living in that denial."
…
Elizabeth was standing on her front porch with her hands clasped in front of her. She was swaying sideways back and forth. She had a perfect smile on her face. Jack almost forgot to apply the brakes to stop the truck. He was so lost looking at his girlfriend. She seemed so excited to see him. Once Jack remembered to stop the truck, he jumped out. Elizabeth was still swaying.
"Hey handsome."
"Hey Doll Face. How are you?"
"Good."
"Did you have a good day at the library?"
"Yes. I also had lunch with Steph at the Chinese restaurant on Vancouver St."
"That sounds great."
"And how was your day at the children's center?"
"Good." Jack stated as he began to climb the steps. "They want me to run basketball practices for the kids on Saturdays for a little while.
"Oh, that sounds nice. What do you think?"
"I would like to do that. What do you think?"
"Me?"
"Sure. What do you think?" He stated as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
"You don't have to ask for my permission to do that, Jack."
"I'm not asking for your permission, Elizabeth. I'm asking what you think if I do that. It would be like today."
"I think you would enjoy that. You seem to like working with the kids. I know you will help them. Plus, it's early in the day so we can do things in the afternoons and evenings."
"Like dates?" Jack flirted.
"Only if a handsome guy asks me out." She flirted back.
Jack's silly grin caused her heart to skip a beat.
"Hey, did you bring your trunks?"
"I did. There're in the backpack. I brought my math book if we get around to it." He regretted the statement as soon as he saw her facial expression.
"Well Jack…I usually charge for tutoring. I guess I could cut you a deal."
"Good…grief…" Jack shook his head at her gloating. "I didn't say tutoring…I said study together if we get around to it."
"Sure…sure…you do need to speed up your process. You do find the right answers, but it takes you forever to get there." Her smile only grew.
"That's enough from you." He laughed. "Now, what's the plan?"
They looked up when the front door open. William came outside. He jumped a little when he saw them on the front porch.
"Oh…you two. Jack, I didn't know you were here. How are you?"
"Fine sir. How are you doing?" Jack stated taking a small step away from Elizabeth, but he didn't release her hand.
"Good. Elizabeth, your mother was wanting you for a moment."
"Thanks father. I'll be right back Jack."
Elizabeth helped her mother for about five minutes. They walked toward the living room expecting to see William and Jack. Elizabeth looked at her mother wondering where her father and boyfriend were.
"They must be still on the front steps." Grace shrugged her shoulders.
Elizabeth opened the front door and stepped outside. They were nowhere to be found.
"Where did they get off too? Elizabeth walked to the end of the porch to look around. She didn't see them in the front yard. Jack's backpack he was carrying earlier was sitting on the porch beside the front door.
"Maybe the back deck?" Grace asked.
The two ladies walked through the house to the back deck. Again, the two guys were nowhere to be found.
"Huh…" Grace stated. She pulled out her phone and didn't notice a call or text from her husband. Elizabeth pulled out her phone and didn't notice anything from Jack.
"Mother, what did father do with my boyfriend?"
"You know, it's still a little weird hearing you say that phrase." Teased Grace. "I'm sure your father isn't burying him in the back."
"I can see the back yard, mother." Elizabeth huffed. "Father does know Jack came to see me, not him…right?"
"He knows." Grace laughed at the frustration of her middle child. She thought for a few moments. "I wonder if he took him to the old barn on the back part of the property. I thought he mentioned wanting to go back there some time." Wondered Grace out loud. She wasn't necessarily saying it to Elizabeth.
"Why in the world would he take him back there? I haven't been there in ages."
"Who knows when men get together? They can do weird things."
"I guess…may we go and look?"
"Are you nervous for your boyfriend to be alone with your father?"
"A little." Elizabeth nervously chuckled.
"Come on, Elizabeth. If I remember correctly, the barn is that way." Grace stated pointing to the right side of the back yard.
…
Tom and Julie were walking just ahead of the group as they made their way through the mall. They were enjoying their impromptu time together. Tom was trying to find a way for them to spend more time together.
"Hey, would you like to catch a movie?"
"If they want to." She nodded toward their friends. "I'm not allowed to date until I'm sixteen, but I can go if there are friends going."
Julie took a moment to ask the group. Everyone was fine with going. Actually, the guys were very excited about spending more time with the girls. Julie texted her mother seeing if it was ok.
"Elizabeth, what do you think about Julie and Tom?" Grace asked after reading the text. Her and Elizabeth were walking through the back yard toward the group of trees.
"I don't know him very well. He seems like a nice guy from what I know. Jack describes him to be a lot like Julie. He said that he loves life too much."
"She just asked if they could go to the movies with the group."
Elizabeth just shrugged her shoulders. She was more concerned about what her father did with her boyfriend. She knew her mother and father would joke about her father burying Jack in the back, but the thought was beginning to take root in her mind.
Grace reminded Julie that her curfew was ten and to have fun. She laughed at the concerned expression on Elizabeth's face. "Relax Elizabeth. I bet your father wanted to show Jack that old truck that is in the barn."
"Why that old thing? Father hasn't worked on that old thing in ages."
"He used to play with it when he could. Though your correct, he hasn't played with it for years."
Elizabeth and her mother walked through the woods for a few minutes looking for the old barn. As they approached, they could hear two muffled voices. They slowly walked around the corner of the barn to the barn door. The door was open. The voices were getting louder.
"Now son, what do you think?"
"It looks really cool. But why do you have it way out here?"
"Where else am I going to put it?"
"Well sir…you have that huge garage at your home."
"True, but the girls didn't want anything to do with it. Then I was too busy to work on it. I didn't really see any reason to work on it. If it was in the garage, it was just taking space that the girls or Grace wanted to use for something else. Plus, it was just a constant reminder of something unfinished."
Jack nodded his head. He looked up when he saw a shadow on the floor of the barn.
"Hey Princess Beth…what are you doing here?"
"Jack…father…why are you here?"
"I wanted to show Jack the old truck."
"Why?" Elizabeth turned her attention toward her boyfriend. Jack just shrugged his shoulders.
"Why not?"
"Father, he came to see me and to hang out."
"We are hanging out." William defended himself.
"With me father." Elizabeth whispered in a determined voice. Trying not to be heard by Jack.
"It's ok Princess Beth…it's a very cool truck."
"Jack…my name is Elizabeth. I thought we were past this?" She huffed, staring at her boyfriend.
"I'm surprised she lets you call her Princess Beth." William stated leaning toward Jack.
"Oh Mr. Thatcher, she doesn't let me or like it when I do." Elizabeth could hear the sass in his voice.
"Are you two boys done hanging out?" Grace asked, looking directly at William.
"I get the feeling we are now." William stated wilting under his wife's glare.
"Come on, Jackie Boy. Let's go back to the house."
"Jackie Boy?" Questioned William.
"Elizabeth…really?" Asked Jack.
William sped up enough to walk with Elizabeth and Jack. He wouldn't look back at his dear wife. He had a feeling that his wife wouldn't be happy with him. However, he really liked Jack and he liked being with him. All four of them walked toward the home as Elizabeth shared most of the story behind Jack's nickname. Jack filled in the missing parts to William's and Grace's enjoyment, especially William's.
When they walked through the back yard, Grace grabbed William's hand. "Sorry kids, but we have some things to do in the house if you two would like to go swimming or hang out on the deck."
"Thanks mother."
"Jack, your bag is still by the front door. You may use the guest room to the left of the stairs to change into your trunks. Elziabeth will meet you in the kitchen when she's done changing. I'll get you some snacks together before you head out."
"Thanks mother."
"Thanks, Mrs. Thatcher."
…
Jack was standing in the kitchen helping Grace get some things together for him and Elizabeth. He was cutting up some watermelon talking with Grace and William. Jack was wearing the same yellow pair of swim trunks when he saw Elizabeth for the first time at the beach. He only had one pair since they didn't live by a beach. They did swim some, but not a lot. He had on a very loose fitting tank top. It showed much of his torso.
Elizabeth took a little extra time getting herself ready. She walked into the kitchen wearing a baby blue bikini that was very conservative for bikinis. She had on a matching coverup. Jack looked up and then back down. When his mind registered what and who he saw, he immediately looked back up. He came down with the knife and cut his finger.
"Ouch!" He huffed, dropping the knife, and reaching for his hand.
"Are you ok?" Grace and Elizabeth asked at the same time.
"Yeah." He grabbed his finger and squeezed it to stop the bleeding.
Grace opened the drawer and pulled out the first aid kit. She took a band aide and began to place it on Jack's finger after cleaning the cut. William walked up and took a quick look. He knew exactly what happened and why.
"Dear, maybe you need to change into a one piece so young Mr. Thornton here won't hurt himself again." William's tone was a little bit playful.
"Father!" Elizabeth huffed. She didn't catch his tone. Her face turned immediately red. She turned her attention back to her boyfriend. Grace was finishing up with the band aide. She was shaking her head at William's statement. She did agree with the reason why he cut his finger. She could only smile.
"Now, you two go out and have fun. This should be enough for you two. Jack, I do hope you are staying to have dinner with us tonight. It won't be anything fancy, but you are invited."
"Thank you, Mrs. T. I will have to let my parents know."
"We'll eat around six or so."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Jack, please call me Grace."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Thatcher."
"Go…go…have fun." Grace turned her attention to her husband. "William, we have some things to do in the living room."
"And what is it that we have to do?" He smirked.
"In the living room, dear."
…
"Jack followed Elizabeth out the French doors carrying the plate of food while Elizabeth carried the towels and water. He tried with all his strength not to stare at his girlfriend, but he just couldn't. The baby blue bikini color suited her perfectly. It drew out the color of her eyes. The bikini covered her well, but it also showed off her curves just as perfectly. Jack shook his head trying to gain control of his mind, but he just couldn't stop watching when she was walking.
"Jack, what father said…is it true?" She turned around when Jack didn't answer her. His red face told her the answer. He avoided eye contact with her. He was embarrassed because it was true.
They sat down at a small table and picked through the finger foods Grace prepared for them. They talked about everything and nothing at all. Jack was grateful for the time to get his mind off Elizabeth's body. Once they were finished eating, they laid on the chase lounge to chill out for a moment. Jack gasped when Elizabeth took off her coverup. While it was a little see through, now he had an unobstructed view of his girlfriend. She was simply gorgeous.
"Elizabeth…please don't take this the wrong way…but you are a stunningly gorgeous, seductively beautiful woman." He let out a long breath, closing his eyes.
"Thank you." She shyly replied. She never thought of herself as beautiful. She was grateful Jack thought so. She hated it when random guys would tell her such things. They didn't know her. They only saw her body.
When Jack took off his tank top, she began to struggle with the very thing Jack was dealing with. Jack wasn't a skinny guy. He was muscular due to playing basketball, but he wasn't huge. He was in shape. His chest and stomach were whiter than his arms. He had some hair on his chest, but she wouldn't consider it hairy. She wanted to reach out and run her hands over his chest. His swim trunks laid a little lower on his hips. It gave him a sexy look. In looking over his chest and stomach, she noticed a scar. He had his appendix removed. She had the same scare. Her eyes traveled back up to his chest. She knew his chest was her weakness.
Jack turned around and slightly bent over to lay his shirt on a chair that was close by. That gave her a view of his backside. She never knew she liked a guy's backside until now. She fought with every ounce of strength she had not to reach out and pinch his bottom. She was losing that battle. So, she quickly laid down on the chase lounge. She had to change her focus.
…
"William! I can't believe you said that." Grace chastised him as they walked into the living room.
"What? Was I wrong?"
"No." Grace laughed. "You're not wrong."
William stuck out his chest a little. "I bet you didn't like saying that." He sassed.
"It tasted like vinegar." She stuck out her tongue at her husband. "I thought Elizabeth was going to drop the towels when she saw him standing in the kitchen.
"Wait…she did?" Grace nodded her head.
"She struggled just like he did. The only difference is that she wasn't holding a knife."
"Do you really think she is physically attracted to him?"
Grace laughed until she saw that he wasn't kidding. He was really serious. "You're kidding right?"
William shook his head no. "Do you really think she is attracted to him physically?"
"Oh William…he is a very handsome young man. I know she is physically attracted to him. I can see it in her eyes."
"Not my little girl…she wouldn't…" His voice trailed off. He was thinking back to the time when he was seventeen. "Maybe we need to go outside and sit in between them."
"William, trust your daughter. I know she is attracted to him, and I also know she loves him. I can see it written all over her. I also believe he loves her."
"But Grace…"
"William, your little girl isn't little anymore."
"I'm not going to sit here and listen to this." He shook his head vigorously.
"William, we have raised a smart, beautiful young woman. We must trust her."
William was a typical father. He didn't want to admit that his little girl was growing up. He thought back to his time with Jack. Their talk walking back to the old barn and their discussion in the barn. When Jack spoke of his daughter, his eyes would light up. His whole countenance changed.
"He's going to be around for a while, isn't he?" William asked.
"Honestly…" William nodded his head. "I believe he will be having a life changing conversation with you at some point."
"You mean…?"
"Be ready dear…that train is coming down the tracks at some point. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but I do believe it has already left the station."
William sat back for a few long moments. He really liked Jack, even respected him. He just didn't imagine he had to think about this for a while. After all, Elizabeth hasn't even dated anyone. He had no reason to think about this.
…
Jack and Elizabeth laid in the chase lounge for about ten minutes. Unbeknownst to each other, they were taking that time to calm down their minds. Each was struggling to keep their minds off the other's body. For each of them, they loved each other, and it wasn't because of their bodies. They loved each other's personality, their humor, because they were smart. They loved sassing each other. They just felt they belonged together. And yes, they loved the way the other person looked physically. But they knew their relationship wasn't based on physical attributes.
"Hey Jack…" Elizabeth stated as she reached over to touch his side. She wanted his attention. They have been quiet for some time now. She wasn't sure if he fell asleep or not.
Jack jumped at her touch and began to laugh.
"I didn't mean to scare you."
He finally stopped laughing. "You didn't scare me."
Elizabeth sat up and looked down at her boyfriend. "I didn't? You jumped and began to laugh."
"No."
"Then what happened?"
"I'm ticklish."
"You're what?"
"I'm extremely ticklish, especially on the bottom of my feet and my sides."
"Really?" Elizabeth stared at him for a moment. He didn't like the expression that was beginning to overtake her face.
"Elizabeth…!" He warned her. Her smile only grew. He could see what she was thinking in her eyes and smile.
"Princess Beth…!" He warned her again. He sat up and glared at her. "You better not!" He warned her again. He saw her beginning to raise her leg and turned on the lounge to stand. He quickly jumped to his feet and began to back away from her with his hands up. "Elizabeth!" He lowered his voice trying to sound serious.
Elizabeth stood and methodically began to walk toward Jack. She had her hands up like she was about to attack him.
"Elizabeth…Marie…Thatcher…you better rethink this." He warned her again. He stood tall and lowered his hands trying to prove to her that he wasn't scared, but she just wasn't heeding his warning. The mischievousness was written all over her face.
Elizabeth jumped over the corner of Jack's lounge chair and began to chase after him. He turned and ran around the shallow end of the pool. She wasn't slowing down, but she wasn't catching him either. She wasn't a sports person, and he was. He continued around the pool for one lap. He stopped at the shallow end again and turned to face her.
"Elizabeth…" He was gasping for air. While he may have been faster than her and in much better shape, the running, the laughing, and the anticipation of her tickling him was taking his breath. He continued backing up with his hands outstretched toward her. She continued to approach him laughing. Neither of them could remember ever laughing so much. This was as much fun as they could ever remember having.
Jack didn't know what was worse. The anticipation of being tickled, Elizabeth unrelentingly chasing him, the expression on her face, or the fact that she wasn't saying anything. For the countless time, he warned her. "Elizabeth!" He raised his voice trying to convince her. She just wasn't paying attention to him nor was she backing off. She just kept walking toward him slowly.
Jack kept backing up hoping to reason with his girlfriend. "Elizabeth…if you love…" Jack stumbled over a small chair, but he didn't fall. When he lost his balance and looked downward to see what he tripped over, Elizabeth took her chance. She quickly closed the distance between them and grabbed him and began to tickle his sides. He squirmed so much that she was having trouble holding onto him. His laughter echoed through the back yard. She loved the sound of it and the pure joy of it. Her laughter was just as loud as his.
Jack was stronger than her by all means, but she was in complete control. He was having trouble breathing and was unable to fight against her hold. She was relentless in tickling him. The more he laughed, the more she tickled him. She was enjoying this way too much.
Jack turned to his left hoping to break her grasp on him, but she was determined to hang on. He noticed the pool right beside him. His only hope was to jump into the pool. He just hoped he was on the deep end side. In her relentless pursuit of tickling him, she didn't notice that he wrapped his right hand around her. With all his strength that he had left, he jumped after pulling her close to him.
The jumping into the water did the trick. She stopped tickling him. Her hands were between them. She moved them from his sides when they came up and broke the surface of the water. He rested his hands on her hips.
"Why did you do that?" She asked stunned.
"Why did I do that?" He repeated her question. "Because you wouldn't stop tickling me." He gasped for air. He was trying to catch his breath from the tickling. "I had no choice." He defended himself.
Elizabeth moved closer to Jack. They were standing on the pool bottom. The water was about mid chest on them. When she moved closer, Jack moved his hands from her waist to the small of her back. Their smiles grew because of the closeness. She placed the palms of her hands on Jack's chest. She loved the feeling of his chest. It was the first time she felt his chest without his shirt on. She quickly realized that may have been a mistake. She was having trouble breathing. Her mind wasn't engaging. She was completely lost in his eyes.
Jack tightened his hold as his hands moved to her lower back. He loved the feel of her lower back. It narrowed from her upper body and flared out beginning to her hips and backside. He wanted to say something…anything…but his mind wasn't engaging. Her eyes were just so blue. Her lips were perfect and kissably close. He could smell her faint perfume. She felt incredible in his arms. He was putty in her embrace due to so much skin touching.
His right hand developed a mind of its own. Slowly it began to move to the top of her bikini bottom. He never broke eye contact. He was seeking permission, and she was giving it. Jack dropped his hand an inch and began to rub the top portion of her bikini bottom. She leaned up and gently kissed his lips as she began to gently move her hands across his chest. She was completely lost in his lips and chest. The more she touched his chest, the more she desired to touch it. The kiss was gentle and loving.
Jack slowly moved his hand even lower on her bottom. He was beginning to feel where her bottom flare out. He stopped at the realization of where his hand was. It wasn't fully on her bottom, but he could feel it. It was better than he could ever dream. He stopped his hand when she pulled back from the kiss. He regretted moving his hand. He thought he may have been too aggressive and she was unhappy with him.
Elizabeth stopped the kiss and moved back just enough to look into his eyes. She was astonished that she loved his touch. She wished he would just grab her bottom. He was so close to just being able to take hold of it. She wasn't even upset at the thought. She was wishing he would just take hold of it.
Jack was about to apologize until he looked into her eyes. She moved her right hand and slid it down his chest and on his stomach. She slowly, but purposefully, moved her hand to the small of his back. He shivered at her actions. She grabbed the waistline of his trunks and pulled them back enough to snap it against his back. She giggled at him when he jumped. She lowered her hand until it rested fully on his bottom. If she was thinking, she would have been embarrassed at her forwardness, but she didn't care. His bottom felt incredible. She gave it a gentle squeeze.
Jack jumped when she grabbed his bottom and gave it a small squeeze. She had a 'I dare you' look on her face when he patted the top part of her bottom. He lost all control and went in for a passionate kiss. If he was thinking, he would have moved his hand to take full hold of her backside. However, he couldn't think. The kiss was mind blowing. He was trying to keep up with Elizbeth's passion. He was becoming dizzy with her actions. Her hand squeezing his bottom, one hand on his chest, and the kiss was just too much for Jack to comprehend all at once. Everything was overloaded for him.
The kiss immediately and abruptly stopped when they were hit in the head with a towel.
"What are you doing?!" They heard a loud voice screaming at the top of their lungs. "Let her go!" Another towel hit them on the head. "Hey…! I'm talking to you! Get your hands off her! Who are you?!" The voice continued to scream with a demanding and angry tone.
"Viola…?" Elizabeth whispered as she turned her head to the right to see her older sister standing pool side with a chair in her hand.