Ummmm, okay, (insert heavy sigh), against my better judgement, here goes.....






“Has he announced it yet, then?” the newcomer asked eagerly as she jostled her way through the crowd.

“No, not yet,” someone whispered and was shushed by his neighbour.

“Shhh. He’s reaching into the bag…”

A collective gasp circled the room as every elf strained forward to eagerly hear what Santa was going to announce. This ceremony had become the highlight of their Yuletide season. Held on December 1st it represented the true meaning of Christmas; a chance to reconnect with one of their special clients whom they had lost to adulthood.

Each year, Santa reached into his sorting sack of grown-up names and drew out the name of someone who needed a special dose of Christmas magic this year. The magic saw to it that they all remembered the child now grown; every visit, every gift, the triumphs and the tears. It was always exciting to see the dear child in adulthood, though often disappointing.

“Has he pulled it out yet? I can’t see!” complained a young elf at her elbow.

“Here, let me give you a leg up,” the newcomer said kindly. “He’s just pulling out the name now.”

They all watched as Santa looked at the gilt edged parchment. He nodded his head, smiling in remembrance and then looked out into the crowd. “This is going to be a very special Christmas indeed,” Santa told them, holding up the card for everyone to see. The words magically sailed off the page and grew into a shimmering neon-lit billboard flashing a name they all knew and loved. Their minds were flooded with memories, both happy and sad and they waited eagerly for Santa’s next announcement.

“Dewberry, I think. Yes Dewberry, I think you’re the best match.”

“Oh my goodness, that’s me!” the newcomer squealed excitedly, toppling the young elf she was holding onto the ground. “Sorry. Excuse me. Let me through please. That’s my name Santa just called.” Dewberry made her way to the front of the hall and stood bashfully next to Santa. She was still a terribly young elf for this kind of honor.

Santa squeezed her shoulder warmly. “You’ll do just fine,” he told her, passing the parchment into her hands. “Remember, your assignment is to make our Special Client’s Christmas wishes come true.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Please,” she asked once more, gritting her teeth to keep the threatening tears from falling, “I need you to look at me so I can read your lips. Otherwise I don’t know what you are saying.” Sue squinted, feeling her headache intensify, as she watched the agent behind the counter closely.

“I’m sorry, but there is only one seat available. Your dog will have to sit under your feet, not in his own seat,” the man said succinctly.

“But he’s my hearing dog, not a pet. And I bought him a ticket to avoid just this problem,” Sue explained. Seeing she was getting nowhere, she tried another angle. “I want to request a bulkhead seat.”

“The bulkhead is an emergency exit row. Because you are unable to hear instructions, you are not allowed there.” Looking over the counter, down his nose, he indicated Levi. “And he’s not allowed there because he will obstruct the walkway.”

She didn’t know what to do. Glancing behind her, she winced at the long line of passengers waiting, most impatiently. Turning back, she looked at the man imploringly, “Is there availability on the next flight? Could I switch?”

“Lady,” the man snorted, rolling his eyes, “Have you had a look outside? We’ll be lucky if we get this plane in the air before the airport is shut down.” Brushing his hand through his imaginary hair, he leveled her one last look. “What’s it going to be? I’ve got people in line going nowhere fast.”

“I’d like a refund on my ticket, please. And,” she continued when he started to object, “If you tell me it is non-refundable, I’ll go over your head and press charges. I really don’t want to do that, it is the Christmas season after all. Your company is not supposed to discriminate due to disabilities. My dog and I should be welcome on your flight.”

“I cannot authorize a cash refund. However, I can replace your tickets with vouchers for round-trip tickets anywhere our airline flies.”

“Make it four, with no blackout dates, and you’ve got yourself a deal.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

He slapped his phone closed and sighed. He’d promised his mom he’d get home as soon as he could, but he knew it more than likely would be a couple of days before he had any chance of leaving the city, now buried in a blanket of white, growing deeper by the hour. Slinging his garment bag over his shoulder, he headed towards the exit, in no hurry, realistic enough to know the roads would be nearly impassable and cabs would be at a premium. Hearing the same announcement over the PA system of the airport he’d just received at the counter, he sent a prayer heavenward, thankful Sue had managed an earlier flight and praying for her safety as she traveled.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dewberry fluttered high above the noise and confusion of the stranded holiday passengers. Her special assignment was in view and looking miserably lonely and frustrated. It was time to work her magic.

Wahoo! Flip is posting.....I am so excited....I just can't hide it!

A story Flip-made

They are both stranded at the airport, let's see wait it brigns

I'm about to loose control...and I think I like it...



yey, Flip!!!
I can't wait for more!

looking forward to reading some more

YES!!!! What a nice lunch-time surprise!!!! Flip, there's nothing wrong with your judgement!

So we know Sue can't fly out...does this mean she is still at the airport, just as Jack (I presume it is Jack you were talking about?)

I was going to plague you unmercifully all day today....now I can do it here in public. More

Ode to Flip

Your Christmas wishes
Are sure to be delicious
And will proably leave us with breath abaited
Especially since it's PG 17 rated.


Kav who is getting to much sleep this holiday and feeling quite refreshed and perky

kav

<gleeful shriek heard from the southern states> I just love flip-tales!

Me, too! ABSOLUTELY!!!



gracie

Jack and Sue...not hime for the holidays...

Flip where are you? I want more story and I've given you allll morning (practically) to post again!!!! I'm going to have to throw a tantrum if I have to forgo my storytime and it ain't gonna be pretty!!!!

kav

I don't know, that might be kind of fun to watch!

But since you asked so nicely...........








Jack stopped to watch the weather report between the endless screens of departures and arrivals, which now all eerily read ‘cancelled’ in bold red letters. What he saw wasn’t promising, reaffirming his decision to try and make it back to his apartment. If he was going to be stuck in DC for Christmas, he at least wanted to be in his own environment, not competing for prime floor space in the overcrowded terminal.

Working his way toward the exit, he was distracted by what he thought was the bark of a dog. His heart tilted crazily for a moment, thinking of Levi or rather Levi’s owner, before settling and reason returning. If Sue traveled with a dog it made sense that others did too. His steps faltered when he heard the sound again, and finally changed directions at the third bark. He couldn’t leave without checking it out.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dewberry puffed her fuzzy hair out of her eyes, narrowly escaping Levi’s excited yips. One check over her shoulder told her that her mission had been accomplished; Jack was on his way. Unfortunately, Levi’s enthusiasm had also captured someone else’s attention.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sue was taken by complete surprise by the arm that snaked around her waist, pulling her close to an unfamiliar body. “Hey, Darlin’. I’ve been tryin’ to get your attention but you’re being naughty and not answering. Santa’s watching, ya know.”

Stiffening and trying unsuccessfully to pull away, she looked around, hoping to see someone in uniform. “I’m sorry,” she finally managed, turning her attention back to her captor, “I’m deaf. I didn’t hear you.”

“Wow, a pretty little thing like you can’t hear? Aw, that’s alright. You don’t have to hear to give me a kiss now do you,” he asked with a suggestive leer.

She shuddered, again trying to work away from his hold on her, hoping she wouldn’t have to cause a scene. “Sir, please, let me go and I’ll be on my way. I think maybe you need to go have a cup of coffee.”

“What, you think I’m drunk? I’m not drunk, Darlin’, just bored. And when I get bored I need to find something to do. And you look like you’d be fun to do,” he smirked before finding himself unceremoniously shoved against the wall.

“I suggest you apologize to the lady and I might let you walk away with all body parts intact,” Jack seethed through clenched teeth, his hands fisted in the man’s shirt.

“She yours?” the belligerent man asked, eyeing Jack appraisingly.

“I don’t think that’s any of your concern,” he retorted, the rage that was flowing through his veins taking him by surprise, “but yeah, she’s mine. You stay away from her. Got it?”

“Yeah...yeah I got it. Just tryin’ to have some fun is all.” Jerking from Jack’s loosened grip, he turned and walked away, leaving Jack free to face a dazed Sue.

“Are you okay,” he asked, stepping close, and taking hold of her arms, her ashen face concerning him.

“Wh...what are you doing here?”

“My flight got cancelled. More importantly, what are you doing here? Yours should have been one of the last planes out.” He watched her eyes dart away and saw the tell-tale sign of moisture forming in their depths, his own ire rising. “What happened?” he demanded after regaining her attention.

“They didn’t have a proper space for Levi. The flight was overbooked. I would have had to put my feet on him, and I couldn’t do that. So here we are,” she said with a shrug, still not quite meeting his eyes. She did however notice the tensing of his body and hurriedly reached out, placing her hand on his chest. “Jack, it’s not worth pursuing. You’d be proud of me,” she said, mustering a smile, “I got four round-trip vouchers out of it. No blackout dates,” she blurted, when he started to argue.

Looking down the hall, he fought to gather his bubbling rage. He was more than certain she wouldn’t appreciate him rushing off to slay her dragons. Turning his gaze back to her, he mustered a lop-sided grin. “Got any plans for Christmas?”

Feeling her heart begin to race crazily, she ducked her head to control her expression before answering him. “Seems I’m suddenly plan-less. How about you? Do you have any plans?”

“Up until five minutes ago, the answer would have been a resounding no. But now,” he continued, giving her his most charming smile, “I’m thinking it might be nice to spend the next couple of days with my best friend.”

Sue cocked her head, her impish grin escaping. “I thought Bobby went home for Christmas.”

“FUNNY, YOU,” he returned with a roll of his eyes. They shared a quick laugh before Jack sobered. “Don’t tell Bobby, but I was talking about you.”

Feeling the heat seep into her cheeks, she tried to divert his attention by making a show of zipping her lips, turning a lock, and throwing the key over her shoulder. “So I take that as a yes,” he asked. “Hanging out together for the next couple of days, waiting on the snow to clear and the airport to reopen? That way, neither of us will be alone for Christmas.”

“PERFECT,” she replied, slipping her hand into the crook of the arm he offered, suddenly thankful for the blizzard raging outside.

Ohhhhh Jack's Neanderthalism is showing!

Thank you for my morning storytime. (see, I can be a little when I get my way! ) Did I tell you that I like a good afternoon storytime too?

See you after lunch

kav

I think that blizzard can be the blizzard that never ends!!!!


Jill

Jackie? are you gonna share that fact with Sue as well??

I think the snow storm should last at least a few nights...
and the heater needs to break down...
the spare bed need to break as well...
Jack must have lot's of blankets and hot chocolate...

and we're all set!!

Yes, Jack...do share with Sue the part where you claimed her as yours!....I bet she'll claim you too!

What a wonderful surprise to wake up to!!! I am loving the possibilities here.

Don't you just love blizzard !!! :whistle: :whistle: :whistle:

Though Jack, I hope you find a better attribute than "friend" !!!

I've just started reading this story, but I had to comment on this first post...

This guy is such a jerk, but unfortunately, I would guess this is a realistic portrayal of what would happen in real life. Loved the imaginary hair line!

I felt so bad for Sue here, but I'm so glad she didn't back down from confrontation and stood up for her rights!!!! I'm happy that Jack is there in the same airport and I can't wait til they run into each other.

Be still my heart...love the way Jack charged into that scene! I'm so glad they're going to be together for Christmas. I hope that you are going to post some more for us soon!

Jack and Sue...spending Christmas together...

Isn't there a chance that Sue read Jack when he told the other man that she was his??? :whistle:

I just got in trouble from my boss for laughing so loud and disturbing others.

I am so glad that Jack came to Sue's rescue.

I see you on the thread, yet there are no new posts from you. How am I supposed to get a thing done today if you don't post!!

Aww cute

ditto!!!

For some odd reason we can't figure out, flip isn't able to post the next part. However, thanks to my persistant begging she has sent me the next part to post!! And, no, this is NOT a joke.

Dewberry flew frantically around the airport, her little heart drooping at the absence of taxis, wondering how she was going to manage getting Jack and Sue back to the city, where they could spend time alone, together. About to give up and plead with Santa for help, her smile burst forth at the sight before her. Sending a silent prayer heavenward, sure she must be getting help from a higher source, she sprinkled some of her elf glitter and rubbed her hands together with glee, flitting around dodging snowflakes, waiting for the plan to unfold.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jack disconnected the call with a frustrated sigh. He’d known the chances were small, but still he’d called for a cab only to be told they weren’t running in the storm. Knowing it was futile to check outside, he did so anyway, just to set his mind at ease. He wasn’t expecting the honk that had him turning back to the road.

“Jack Hudson, is that you?”

Squinting to see through the swirling snow, he could barely make out the man behind the wheel of the snowplow. “Hank?” Observing the nodding head of the man, Jack approached the truck. “What are you doing way out here? I thought your territory was downtown, around the Hoover building.”

“Yeah, it is, but they called several of us out here to help try and keep the runways clear so the planes that couldn’t make it any further could land. The job was overwhelming the normal crew. This is some storm! What about you? What are you doing here?”

“I was scheduled to fly home but my flight, like all the others, was cancelled. Just came out here hoping to find a cab, silly, huh?” he finished with a snort. It really did sound ridiculous when spoken out loud.

“Well, I’m not a cab, but I can offer you a ride back into the city. I’m technically off duty so it shouldn’t be a problem. Hop in!”

Jack’s eyes lit up, excitement filling his veins. “Sue’s with me, and Levi. I can’t leave them.”

“As long as you don’t mind crowding in here, you are welcome. Go get her. I’ll wait here,” he said, chuckling at the retreating agent as he hurried back inside.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Something the matter, Jack,” Hank asked as they eased over yet another of the endless speed bumps lining the airport’s drive.

Sue turned her gaze worriedly on Jack. “What’s wrong,” she echoed, trying to shift her weight, causing him to clamp his arms, which were around her waist and across her thighs as she sat in his lap, more tightly.

“Nothing is wrong,” he hurriedly assured them both. “I just never realized how bumpy this road was,” he murmured. When Sue tried to shift again, he emitted a low groan, causing Frank to laugh with a dawning realization. “Sue, it’s okay. Try and relax and enjoy the ride.” Jack wasn’t sure how much of the sweet torture he could take, with Sue in his lap and her upper body pressed into his. He had a marvelous view that her red holiday sweater accentuated, and each bump or turn only increased their contact, driving him slowly insane.

“Are you sure?” Eyeing him critically, she moved her hand to his forehead. “You look kind of flushed. Are you coming down with something?”

Her gentle touch and obvious concern were adding to his discomfort. Taking her hand and placing it back in her lap, he patted it before stretching his arm back across her thighs. “I’m fine, Sue. I guess with all the hurrying earlier, I worked up a sweat. Once I cool off, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay,” she relented, “but I’m going to keep my eye on you, Mister. No getting sick during the holidays.”

“Yes, Mam,” he responded, “no getting sick.” Turning his attention to Hank, he asked. “What are your plans for Christmas?”

He shrugged, his expression clouding. “I haven’t really thought about it. I’ll probably be out plowing if this storm keeps up like they say it will. Hopefully that’ll allow one of the family men the opportunity to stay home with their loved ones.”

“Where’s your family, Hank,” Sue asked gently.

“My wife passed last summer after a long fight with cancer. We never had any children and we were both only children, so there is no family.”

Sue leaned forward, squeezing the arm of her new friend. “You stop by tomorrow and eat with us. It doesn’t matter what time,” she added quickly, before he could argue. “We’ll have plenty and you can come when its convenient for you. I’m not sure it will be the traditional Christmas menu, but we’ll have more than enough.”

Jack heard the emotion in the man’s voice as he thanked Sue, promising to stop in the following day. “By the way, where am I taking you?”

“My place,” they both answered, glaring at the other.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dewberry wiped the tears from her eyes; her little heart breaking for Hank, but smiling broadly as her assignment proved why her name had been in Santa’s bag in the first place.

Thank you for helping flip in her time of need, Tina... or is that *our* time of need?

Now, what's with this glaring at each other stuff? Huh??? Going to be waiting ever so (im)patiently for the next post!!!

Oh man...Jack's reaction to Sue's closeness is just priceless, and I love the fact that Sue's oblivious! You really write Sue well...the way she didn't even think before she invited Hank over for dinner was just so very like her! So...whose place will she and Jack end up at?? Can't wait to find out! And thank you for putting me out of my misery, flip

Well, Pffffft! Wouldn't you know it? Now I seem to be able to post.



There! I feel much better.

Welcome back, flip... at least you had a good reason to use that really cool emoticon!

SOOO glad that your computer will survive this time, flip! And now you can post at will!

I hope that emoticon doesn't jinx Flip -- I mean how do you think her computer is going to feel as its forced to constantly throw itself out of the window over and over and over again?!

Okay -- this has to be a first -- Jack and Sue in a snowplow...which reminds me -- anyone read that classi Katy and the Big Snoe? If not run to your nearest library and check out and copy and read it to a kid near you sometime this winter. (sorry Library promo over)

:whistle: Need to think this one through...which apartment would be better? Well, first things first, which one of them has a double bed? Next -- have to think about Levi's food...unless Jack keeps a stash in his kitchen for such circumstances and being stranded in a snowstorm with Sue. Oh heck, I don't care where they end up since they'll be together...

So now that your posting is postable maybe you should post again incase you become postless once more.

kav

I've read that book! One of my young charges loves just about anything with a motor...so I've read that one to him a few times. Let's hope that this snowplow is just as efficient as Katy. Okay, I will now stay away from flip's thread (at least until she posts again!) so that I can perhaps get some writing of my own done. Or else I might have a beta coming after me in chat!

That's very generous of you Sue...inviting a lonely man at your (or Jack's place), whenever they made up their mind, for a nice christmas meal..

Maybe he can bolt the door on his way out when he had his meal, so Jack and Sue would be stuck in the apt. for a while.. :whistle:

The generous of heart of Sue


So the christmas dinner battle will start, will it be at Jack's or Sue's???

So have we decided yet which appartment it's going to be? And thank you ladies for the team effort - sorry about your computer Flip, hope it will feel better soon!

Flip is posting..................Flip is posting.................

WOO HOO to FLIP...she's baaaaaaacccccccccckkkkkkkk

Thank you for helping Tina....Now which one of you has the next post?

Little to Sue knowledge that she has a secret weapon that she doesn't know about.....yet.

Glad to hear you're back, Flip.

Wohoo!!! (in true bobby style)!

Just signed on and found that flip has started an xmas story! and just as Kav's finished - nice timing there!!!

can;t wait for more flip its great so far! jacks reaction was priceless!



please more flip!

amy

So, who's place?!?

Jack dropped his garment bag by the door and flipped the light switch several times, snorting when nothing happened. “I told you we should have gone to my apartment,” he said, unwilling to let the subject drop. “At least there is still some daylight left,” he sighed, waving the small flashlight around aimlessly.

Sue rolled her eyes and regarded him indulgently. “Jack, you know it makes more sense to be here.” She held up a hand, going back through her list, counting off her fingers. “There is more food here, for humans and canines,” she began, trying to appeal to his stomach, “and I plan on cooking us some kind of Christmas meal. Secondly, my stove and oven are both gas, so lack of electricity doesn’t matter. I’ve got the fireplace for warmth, and I have clothes here. It’s ironic my suitcase is going home for Christmas and I’m not. And,” she added as an afterthought, “if you had needed clothes, you would have been in luck. I’ve got some in my room you can wear.”

Jack scrunched his face up, making Sue laugh. He reached over, took the hand she was counting with, and began his own count. “The food was enough to win the argument, but,” he said, gripping her hand when she tried to pull away with mock indignation, “you’re right, you do need to be able to cook. Inviting Hank like you did was very nice. You couldn’t hear the emotion in his voice, but I could. He was very touched.” He paused, surprised at the emotion sneaking up on him.

“No one should have to be alone for Christmas,” she replied, shrugging off the attention.

“I’m glad I won’t be,” he added sincerely, getting lost in her eyes, his hand tingling where he still gripped hers.

“Me too,” she whispered, watching with fascination the way his eyes flickered in the waning light. She was helpless, unable to move, more than aware of the way his thumb had begun to caress her palm. The sensation was very distracting, sending currents of awareness skittering throughout her body.

“But you went downhill with the offer of your clothes. As much as I admire your taste, I don’t quite think your things would look as good on me as they do you,” he quipped, trying to ease the tension that had sprung up between them.

It was her turn to be confused, trying to figure out what he meant. “Oh,” she exclaimed with a laugh, “I didn’t mean for you to wear my clothes, silly. I have some men’s things that would probably fit you,” she said, running her eyes up and down his body as if sizing him up. “Yep, I think they’d be a perfect fit,” she added with a wink, turning to walk into the apartment, only to be stopped by Jack refusing to release her hand.

“I’m not gonna wear Dogboy’s clothes,” he stated emphatically.

“I know you aren’t. You have your own clothes with you, remember? Besides, the clothes don’t belong to David.” Effectively gaining release from his suddenly slack fingers, she set about gathering candles from the different areas of the apartment, preparing for the coming darkness. Turning and running into Jack, who was following her too closely, she shoved a handful of candles into his hands, and pointed behind him. “You take these into the Living Room. I’m going to change and then see about getting us some supper. Why don’t you make yourself useful and light a fire. There is a pile of wood out on the landing. Charlie and Troy made sure Lucy and I were stocked up just last week.”

Jack didn’t move. “If the clothes don’t belong to David, then who do they belong to?” He wasn’t budging from the subject, the thoughts flitting through his head causing his stomach to churn. “Charlie? Troy?” he asked, then shook his head, “no, you said they’d fit. Jonathan? Tony?” The last name was uttered with a choking sound, his face losing some of its color. When she simply stared at him like he’d grown two heads, he muttered, “Obviously I don’t know you as well as I thought I did.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” She asked, settling her empty hands on her hips, bristling at his implication.

He gave her an illusive shrug, “It’s just...”

“’It’s just’ what?”

Jack looked around, avoiding her eyes for a moment before pinning his gaze back on her. “I didn’t realize you were, um, dating anyone.”

“I’m not,” she laughed. “I keep the clothes here for when he spends the night,” she informed him, totally oblivious to the connotation of her words. Twirling and heading for the kitchen, she called over her shoulder, “Supper should be ready soon,” totally missing the look of shock on Jack’s face.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dewberry slapped her hands in front of her face, groaning. No wonder Santa had given her an extra measure of elf dust. She was going to need it!

I hope the measurements were in tons!!!!

And just why does Sue have men's clothes ready incase of a sleep over?????

kav

HER BROTHER!!! Poor dewberry!!

Now...*blushes* I should go finish my story, since I actually started sooner, and it feels like I wont be done as soon as you will be!!

OH BOY !!!!!

Jack ... think ... this is NOT what you think !!!

Yeah!!!! There's a simple explanation.............. and we're all waiting to hear it!

Jill

ummmmmmmmm, Flip? You're not going to just leave it here, are you?

He had a fire roaring in the fireplace in no time and set about lighting the numerous candles she had set around the room. His nose caught a whiff of a delightful scent just before his growling stomach had him heading toward the kitchen, anticipating whatever it was that smelled so delicious.

Pausing in the doorway, waiting for Sue to acknowledge his presence, he was struck by the contentment washing over him. It didn’t matter that he wouldn’t be ‘home’ for Christmas, because he realized his definition of home was changing, evolving to include the woman in front of him. Finding himself disconcerted at not being unsettled at the thought, he pushed away from the door and entered into her peripheral vision, causing her to look his way.

“Hey, I’ve just about got this ready. I made vegetable soup yesterday to leave with Lucy, before I knew her plans had changed. So, I’ve got some heating up and am finishing up a couple of grilled cheese sandwiches to top it off. That sound okay?” She’d been flitting around the kitchen, but stopped to look his way for his answer.

“SOUNDS WONDERFUL. ME HUNGRY,” he replied, approaching her as she turned to ladle some soup into a bowl. Her soft, enigmatic scent drew him closer as he bent and inhaled, trying to identify her unique fragrance which was awakening a different type of hunger. When she stepped away from the stove and pivoted suddenly, disaster struck.

“Ouch,” she grimaced, catching her breath, as hot soup poured down the front of her blouse. She dropped the bowl she was holding and tried to pull the thin fabric away from her body.

Jack’s swift reflexes had him reaching for a kitchen towel and shoving it up between her blouse and torso, wiping at the liquid that had soaked through. Finding his movements restricted by the confines of the top, he began removing the offending object, making quick work of the buttons. When his hands encountered hers, he finally looked up into her wide, expressive eyes. “Sue, I need to see how badly you are burned,” he explained, waiting for her to allow him to continue.

She gripped his hands which held firmly onto her blouse. “Jack, I can do this myself.”

“I know you can, but you don’t have to. I’m the one that sneaked up behind you, startling you when you turned. I’m the reason you got burned. The least I can do is help. I may need to take you to the emergency room.”

She tried to brush off his last statement but ended up frowning as she shifted her feet, causing her shirt to rub her raw skin. “I don’t need to go to the ER,” she assured him.

“Let me be the judge of that. Please,” he cajoled, capturing and holding her eyes. When he felt her grip loosen, he slid his hands higher and slowly pushed the fabric off her shoulders, his hands following the fabric over her smooth skin, pushing it lightly from her wrists, letting it drop unheeded to the floor, suddenly finding it hard to catch his breath.

Dragging his gaze away from hers, he let his eyes travel slowly down the length of her neck and further, trying desperately to concentrate on his first aid efforts but failing miserably. He stifled the groan that rose to his throat as she crossed her arms modestly at her chest. Unbeknownst to her, she had simply succeeded in displaying her assets to an even greater advantage. He continued his visual journey, his gaze feasting on the feminine lace exposed to his perusal, barely concealing her from his avid exploration. He followed the outline of the lingerie, lingering where it perilously clung to her breasts, his fingers flexing involuntarily as he tried to stifle the arousal flowing rampantly through him.

Noticing the darkening of his eyes and the way his teeth were clenched, she hesitantly asked, “Is it bad?”

His head jerked up, registering her question. “Is what bad?”

“The burn,” she reminded him. “You were, um, staring with such intensity, I just wondered,” she finished with a shrug.

Flushing guiltily, he shook his head, glancing down at the red skin streaked across her chest and the tops of her breasts. Unable to resist any longer, he brought his hand up and tenderly traced the edges of the ravaged skin, noting the way her breath caught in her throat at his movements. “I don’t think you have to worry about it scarring,” he reassured her, “but it will probably be uncomfortable for a while, probably like a moderate sunburn. Do you have any ointment we can put on it?”

She was mesmerized by the feel of his hand on her skin and the fluttery feelings evoked by his touch. She could feel the heat rising in her face as goosebumps erupted across her torso wherever he touched her. Shivering slightly, she took a small step back, desperately grappling for some semblance of normalcy. “We have an Aloe Vera plant that Lucy’s grandmother gave us. She said it was good for burns. I’ll take a leaf with me and rub some on while I go change.”

He watched her go, enjoying the view of her retreating figure. Running his hand through his hair, he released a heavy sigh and wondered when he had lost all semblance of control.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dewberry zipped along the floor where it was cooler, hoping to chill her overheated body. She’d have to be careful to keep her distance from the two, knowing she was in danger of heat exhaustion if dwelling too long in their presence. Hurrying along to Sue’s room, she added a sprinkle of elf dust to the Aloe Vera Sue was spreading. After all, if she hadn’t helped the bowl tip in Sue’s hand, then she would have never been burned in the first place.

Poor Jack. Bet he wishes that he could help her spread that aloe vera on her burn.


Keep up the great work, flip!