OMG ... I had the strangest thought!!! Taking a bath and reading the book may be very dangerous !!! What if Sue turns into a puddle after the story (I know I would), and someone pulls out the drain, and the water slowly ... *okay, I'm snapping out of it*

Thanks for the 'Suzie-explantions'. Guess it's some kind of a positive effect to having only seen the first season...

Flip, I absolutely adore this story! Dad's written speach was wonderful, and I can image it bringing some tears to Sue's eyes. And the book.....awww........and it is like Jill said: the thought of reading Flip reading Kav...
*dashes off to find Kav's story again, while anxiously waiting for Flip to post again*

Thanks Marlo, laughter made me solid again!!
Wonderful, Flip, I loved the book and I loved the fuzzies!

Flip ... as usual you are giving me gr8 stuff keep it coming.... so i will in Fyzzworld all the time.... well its becoming fuzzy of the snow outside....

Flip, you got me to a point where I don't know what to reply anymore....I loved every single word of it...

:wipe glasses: Now that was a KISS! Definitely worth the wait

very touching note from dad

Perfect book, perfect author

very patiently for that romantic dinner...I wonder what Jack has up his sleeve.

You ROCK, Flip....

Hmmmm....the story isn't finished......several interesting ideas are floating around......

Oh! Many, many thanks to Kav, for letting me abuse....um, I mean, use her wonderful story. Thank you! Thank you! Thank You!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sue’s hand covered her mouth, her eyes intently digesting every word, the story coming to life as she read.

They sat on the couch facing each other, Sue nervously twisting her hands in her lap. She could feel the heat spreading dangerously to every part of her body; her heart was beating so fast that she sucked her breath in sharply and he hadn’t even touched her yet! She raised anxious eyes to his and was startled by the desire she saw there – a desire he didn’t even try to hide from her. His head began to descend toward her, inch by slow inch, giving her plenty of time to bolt if that’s what she needed to do. She didn’t. She was mesmerized by his slow advancement, she could see the shadow along his jaw, and his long eyelashes fluttering closed as he drew nearer still, hiding the intent of his hungry gaze. But she had seen it, read the desire there that she soon realized matched her own.

She felt his warm breath on her face, the whisper of his lips traveling against her skin and with a startled cry, she was lost, turning slightly so that their lips connected at last. He was gentle and persuasive, softly parting her lips beneath his own. He touched and tasted and consumed with unbearable tenderness. She closed her eyes and drifted with him on wave after wave of sweet sensations.

He didn’t want to let go of her warmth and the promises in the curves of her body. He pressed her tightly to him for the briefest of moments and then eased himself away. She protested sweetly and tried to pull her suddenly scattered senses around her. She was barely coherent when he asked huskily. “So, for a first kiss was that a chemical combustion or a nuclear meltdown?”

Pulling the book to her chest, she sighed heavily, her heart pounding, her cheeks flushed. When Levi nudged her, causing her to look up, she was surprised to see Lucy standing beside her bed. “Hey, Luce, I didn’t realize you were home,” Sue started guiltily, struggling to meet her friend’s eyes.

“I just got home and wondered where you were. I thought maybe you were still out with Jack.”

“Um, no, he dropped me off with a wonderful gift basket so I could do some relaxing.”

“What are you reading?” Lucy wanted to know, not having missed the way Sue was clutching the novel.

“What am I reading?” Sue stammered, not sure she wanted Lucy to know about her book.

“YES,” she nodded, pointing to the book. “Is it a comedy?” she wondered, knowing Sue’s penchant for funny material.

“Sort of,” Sue agreed. “I guess it could best be described as a romantic comedy.”

“Oooo,” Lucy squealed, plopping down on the side of Sue’s bed. “What’s it about?”

“Um, well, it’s about two people that work together and are finding their way to each other.” When Lucy continued to wait expectantly, Sue trudged on. “Their coworkers are involved in various ways, and although I haven’t finished the story, I think other couples may evolve, not just the main one.”

“Wow,” smiled Lucy, “Sounds like a good book. What’s the name of it?”

“Love Will Be the Tie That Binds by Kav,” Sue replied, hoping that would be the end of the questioning.

Lucy, watching Sue continue to squirm, sensed a deeper story. “What is it you aren’t telling me?”

Sue’s guilty eyes flashed to Lucy’s. “Wha...what do you mean?”

“I mean, what about that book has you so uncomfortable?”

“I don’t know,” she answered. “Maybe it is because I don’t usually read such books. What time are you and Toby going out?”

“Oh no you don’t,” Lucy said, shaking her head. “I’m not letting you change the subject, at least not yet. Spill, Girlfriend, what else do I need to know?”

Sighing, Sue blurted out, “That Jack had it written about us?”

“What?” Lucy shrieked, causing Levi to tilt his head and whine. “Jack did what? Let me see,” she demanded, reaching for the book.

Sue held it back, away from her reach. “I’m not finished,” she informed her roommate. “And I’m not sure if Jack wanted everyone to know or not,” she said, thinking out loud.

“As if there wasn’t a chance of us finding out,” Lucy smirked. “Puhleeze! So,” she continued, scooting closer on the bed, her face alight with curiosity, “Is it any good?”

Sue grinned, nodding her head enthusiastically. “It’s amazing, Luce. It’s as if this Kav person knows us personally. Listen to this,” she whispered conspiratorially, “You’re in here.”

“Lucy – what’s happening to me?” she moaned with a chuckle. “I feel as hormonal as a thirteen year old.”

“Jack should have his hands full with you and Amanda tonight then.” Lucy quipped, pulling the blouse off a grateful Levi and shaking out the dog hairs before handing it to Sue.

“Should I really wear it?” Sue asked, holding the gauzy blouse up to the light to evaluate how transparent it really was.

“After all this? You better believe you’re wearing it.” Lucy exclaimed. “And I’m getting the camera out to capture Jack’s face when he sees you in it…for posterity.”

“Lucy!” Sue protested, but Lucy had already left the room.


”Now tell me, does the author have you pegged or what?” Sue giggled, remembering the part she read just before she and Jack shared their first fictional kiss. “Oh, and you interrupted mine and Jack’s first kiss,” she informed her friend with mock irritation.

“Me? When? I haven’t been anywhere near you and Jack for the last few hours,” she denied with a frown.

“Not really, Lucy,” Sue said rolling her eyes. “In the book,” she said, holding it up for emphasis.

“How’d I do that?”

“By turning in an application to be a full-fledged agent and being accepted.”

“Me? An agent? I guess stranger things could happen.”

“I’ll have to let you read it, after I’m finished of course.” Glancing at the clock, she sat up, surprised. “I’ve been reading longer than I realized. I’ve got to get dressed. Jack will be here in an hour and I promised I’d be ready.”

“Where are you two going?” she questioned, immediately stilling.

“I have no idea,” Sue sighed. “He wants to surprise me.”

“I have to admit, he’s doing a wonderful job with this Valentine challenge from Tara. He’s gone from one extreme to the other so quickly, I’m dizzy!” Lucy laughed.

“You aren’t the only one,” Sue whispered, her eyes turning serious. “I hope I can keep up and not disappoint him.”

“I don’t think you have any danger of disappointing him, Sue. The man was on cloud nine today. He’s acting like the weight of the world has been taken off his shoulders. It’s done him a world of good to finally make a move. Just be careful when he kisses you,” Lucy warned cheekily, crossing her arms across her chest and squeezing, trying to keep a straight face. “If he puts even a tenth of the effort into it as he has with surprising you through this day...” She trailed off, fanning her face, and wiggling her eyebrows comically.

Sue threw her hand against her forehead dramatically and feigned a swoon, sprawling across her bed. “I may expire,” she said with what she hoped was a southern accent.

Lucy giggled with her, getting her attention before speaking. “But what a way to go!”

Sue couldn’t have agreed more.

Can't wait to read about their date!

Kav's story is perfect for this!! Now that Lucy knows about the book, everyone is going to know about the book!!!

I'm ready for the date!! I have all my supplies for swooning, melting, puddling, etc.!!!

Joy

No pressure or anything guys! hehehehe I hope the date lives up to your expectations......

I think I better line my floor with pillows.......cuz I gotta feeling I'll be falling into a heap before the date is over!

What a wonderful 'book'. Looks like I'm headed over to go re-read Love will be the tie that binds us!!

Oh and Flip- no worries!! You never seem to have any trouble in the romance department

I'm sorry - but I'm loopey tired and that struck me as funny!

Reading the next few posts on the floor sounds like a good idea, Marie !!!


Will Lucy look for the book while Sue is gone out with Jack ???

Flip, your stories ALWAYS live up to my expectations!!!

Marie, you have a good idea - I'm going to add pillows all around my computer!!

Marlo, I was wondering about Lucy and the book - Sue better hide it before she goes out!!!

Joy

I love the way you've worked Kav's story into your own---how perfect! I'm so looking forward to more of this!!!! No pressure, though

NOw that I've snatched the computer for two minutes...quickly....

Lucy and Sue......too much!

Love it!!!

Jill

especially after reading your email today

but, I agree with Becka...You are an amazing romance author

Loved the quotes from the book....Can't wait for the date.

I am so ready for this much anticipated date!!

Hey maybe we can start a business writing people's love lives, Flip. Like you can get a personalized book for your child at Christmastime!!!

The kiss
I'm in a just thinking about the date....which should be any time soon, eh?

kav

I love the romance of it all...

Kav, that would be a very good idea...where can I subscribe???

I'm completely ready for the date...all supplies are checked ... plenty of all of them

and Flip...don't you worry about all our high expectations...you always forfill them ... besides...it keeps writing a story a challenge....

Sue opened the door with an unsteady hand, her heartbeat racing with anticipation over the evening to come. The wonderment of the day washed over her as she met the eager eyes of her date. “Hey,” she murmured softly, “You’re right on time.”

“And you are breathtaking,” he replied, signing “YOU TAKE BREATH AWAY.” He began a blatant perusal of her, lingering on the expanse of skin exposed by her form-fitting shawl-collar sweater. Swallowing with some difficulty, he forced himself to move on, but did nothing to mask his appreciation of her. Meeting her eyes once again, he muttered, “Wow!”

Her lashes swept low, unable to maintain eye contact with him. Clearing her throat, she glanced anxiously behind her before asking, “Did you get everything done that you wanted to this afternoon?”

Nodding, he continued to stare at her, his palms moist and clammy, a testament to his less than steady nerves. Watching her bite her lower lip, and once again glance back, he sucked in his breath and strained to keep his expression in check. “Is everything okay?”

“What? Oh!” she laughed uneasily, “yes, everything is fine. I’m half expecting Lucy to pop out with a camera.”

Jack’s brows furrowed, confusion written on his face.

Shaking her head and blowing her bangs with a quick breath, she smiled and stepped back, motioning him into the apartment. “Never mind me. It was something I read,” she replied without thinking.

His satisfied smirk had her blushing yet again. “So you’ve been doing some reading?” he asked her with his trademark wink.

Sue wondered if he was even aware of it when he winked. He had to know it threw women off-kilter, and he used it so easily. “As a matter of fact, I have,” she announced, turning to snatch her coat off the hook behind her. “So, are you ready to go?”

His lips pursed as he slowly shook his head. “We don’t have to rush,” he assured her, leaning against the door. “Why don’t you tell me about the book?”

“Jack, you aren’t really interested in a romance novel are you?” she sighed, her hands twisting nervously.

“When you and I are the subject of it? You bet I’m interested. Care to tell me the highlights?”

Sue was trying to form a reply when she was saved by Jack pressing away from the door and Levi nudging her. “Somebody’s at the door,” Jack explained when she turned her attention back to him. He stepped around her, allowing her to answer the door.

“Hi, you must be Sue. I’m Toby, Lucy’s date.”

Sue greeted him warmly, inviting him in, and introducing him to Jack, whom he already knew. Lucy appeared moments later looking beautiful and within moments they were gone, but not before Jack caught Lucy’s comment to Sue about a missing camera.

“I need to hear the camera story,” he said, grinning as Sue startled. “But I’ll let you off the hook for now. But I’m not forgetting forever,” he warned.”

Sue nodded, smiling gratefully. “I didn’t know you knew Toby,” she mused as she pivoted so he helped her with her coat. She shivered as Jack slowly pulled her hair free, not missing the way his fingers trailed through the loose curls before he slowly turned her to face him. The fire burning in the depths of his eyes increased the goose bumps racing across her skin.

“She’s not the only person capable of matchmaking, you know,” he said mysteriously, reaching for the door. “I had to make sure she wasn’t free to follow us around. Don’t get me wrong, I love Lucy, wouldn’t trade her for the world, but tonight I want you all to myself! No glancing over your shoulder to see who might appear.” Turning toward the door, he stopped and looked back. “Levi is welcome to come along although his services will not be needed where we’re going. It is your choice.”

Looking down at her faithful companion, she smiled. “You heard him, Buddy. The couch is yours if you want it.” They both laughed as Levi turned and disappeared, making his choice quickly.

She followed Jack into the hall, her thoughts on Jack’s words. He made sure the door was locked securely before facing her completely. “You ready?”

She nodded, turning to head down the stairs only to be stopped. Looking to him, a question in her eyes, he explained. “We aren’t going that way,” he nodded toward the stairs leading down. “We’re going up,” he explained, his smile captivating.

I just know this is going to be one romantic date!

Heavenly!



gracie

wow !!!!!!!!

QUOTE

Shaking her head and blowing her bangs with a quick breath, she smiled and stepped back, motioning him into the apartment. “Never mind me. It was something I read,” she replied without thinking.

His satisfied smirk had her blushing yet again. “So you’ve been doing some reading?” he asked her with his trademark wink.

Sue wondered if he was even aware of it when he winked. He had to know it threw women off-kilter, and he used it so easily. “As a matter of fact, I have,” she announced, turning to snatch her coat off the hook behind her. “So, are you ready to go?”

His lips pursed as he slowly shook his head. “We don’t have to rush,” he assured her, leaning against the door. “Why don’t you tell me about the book?”

“Jack, you aren’t really interested in a romance novel are you?” she sighed, her hands twisting nervously.

“When you and I are the subject of it? You bet I’m interested. Care to tell me the highlights?”

well jack i think you read that book !!!!!!!!!



i think levi was paid not to distrub !!!!!!!!!



i think jack spent most of his erand on the roof !!!!!!!!oh i can't wait to see what jack has up his sleve!!!!!!!!!


when you coming back to post some more!!!!!!!!!

OOOOOOOH ooooh ooooh!

I can't believe how anxious I am about reading that date!!

Up?

Rooftop????


Love it!


Jill

Anyone seen the commercial for the new movie "Just My Luck" ? At one point, the girl goes on a date...and took a plane to get there--but they took a helicopter to get to the plane...

Orrr....it could be a rooftop picnic...or a rooftop party....

Flip, the anticipation has me breathing so fast, I'm getting dizzy!!

Up?? What does Jack have planned???

Joy

Whatever Jack has in store, it will leave Sue breatless ... and I cannot wait to read it !!!!!!!

They're going up? I already love the ideas floating around here. I think it might be too cold for a rooftop picnic, so I can't wait to find out what's going on 'up'.

Oooh ... things are starting to warm-UP nicely in my little corner in the world.

Bring on the DATE!

Katinka

too cold??? hah...with Jack around...I think the being too cold part wouldn't be an issue

dinner for two..watching the stars....

as long as Jack doesn't walk to near to the edge of the roof...cos he's afraid of hights...

Anyone remember the song Chim Chim Cheree from the musical Mary Poppins? Perhaps we need some adapted lyrics in keepig with the situation. With all due apologies to Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman who worte the lyrics and music.

As Valentine's day
turns so soflty to night.
The love kept inside us
Will turn into light,
On the roof tops of D.C.
Coo, what a sight!

Chim chiminey
Chim chiminey
Chim chim cher-oo!
My love I will show when
I hold 'ands with you.
Or give me a kiss
And that's lovely too

Guess you can tell I am in a silly mood this afternoon

I'm pretty sure Jack will be able to produce enough body heat to keep the both of them warm.
Though, I am worried about how he'll be that high off the ground!
But, then again, he has been soaring dangerously close to cloud nine since the day began!

You gals don't have to worry about Jack - I'll make sure he's taken care of! Besides - Sue's building isn't that tall!

Oh! And my apologies to Jill - this scene was not meant to be so like one of hers...or what one of hers might have been....I guess great minds think alike - and a lot of you ladies think just like me!


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

Sue trustingly followed Jack up the stairs, unable to ask any questions as the view in front of her rendered her speechless. He was dressed much the same as her, his tight black v-neck sweater molding his sculpted body, his black jeans showing off his assets. She gave up trying to tamper the color of her cheeks she knew was a permanent part of her night. He did look good in jeans! Her wayward thoughts fell into focus as she bumped into him when he stopped. “Sorry,” she muttered, mortified. “I, um, guess I wasn’t paying attention. I, um, was, um, just watching...I mean wondering what you were up to.”

He laughed delightedly, unabashedly enjoying her discomfort. “Miss Thomas,” he asked, stepping down to her level, crowding her space and demanding her attention, “Were you checking me out?”

She closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them, she’d find this moment was a dream and that Jack was yet to pick her up. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her lashes to stare deeply into a pair of dark, smoky eyes. “Shoot!” she muttered, not even trying to deny his claim.

He leaned his head back and chuckled gleefully, pulling her to him and hugging her fiercely. When he noticed she stood stiffly within the circle of his arms, he stepped back and admitted, “What do you think I was doing every time I let you precede me up the stairs at work? They’re wide enough for us to go up side-by-side, but I always use the excuse that somebody may be coming down.” If possible, she turned an even deeper shade of red, but he noticed the tell-tale smile that turned up the corners of her mouth.

“That’s what you were doing, really?”

“Oh, yeah,” he affirmed, stepping closer once again and wrapping his arms around her waist. “Why do you think, when you ask, I always choose the stairs?” He allowed his hands to splay daringly close to the part of her anatomy currently being discussed, pulling her closer.

“I just figured you were being health conscious,” she answered honestly.

“I was being conscious, alright, but not of my health,” he winked, while his attention dropped to her lips. “Like now,” he continued, his voice husky to his own ears, “I’m extremely conscious of your perfect lips, slightly parted, and” he smiled, watching her tongue dart out to moisten them, “perfectly moist. Just ideal for kissing,” he complimented, lowering his head toward hers.

Sue’s hands, which had been caught between her and Jack, twisted and flattened on his chest, grabbing for material as soon as his lips settled on hers. She felt his satisfied sigh against her mouth, her own echoing his, but turning to a gasp when he began to lightly nibble on her lower lip. She shivered violently in reaction, and watched as Jack raised his head, his pupils wide and dark.

“Did I hurt you,” he asked, concern gaining a foothold over his desire.

She shook her head, her eyes wide, staring at him intently. “No, that didn’t hurt at all,” she tried reassuring him, one of her hands coming up to trace her lips. “It felt, um,” she glanced away, not sure how much she was supposed to admit, but choosing the path of open honesty, “Amazing. You just, um, surprised me is all.”

He smiled adoringly at her, bringing his hands up to cup her precious face. “Surprised in a good way or surprised in a back-off-Jack way?”

“It was good,” she whispered, a twinkle appearing in her eyes when she noticed his purely male grin. “I think,” she added, watching uncertainty flood his eyes. “You might have to do it again so I can properly answer your question.”

He rolled his eyes, fussing good naturedly, before claiming her lips once again, “If you insist.”

So glad there were pillows to catch my fall!

Well, Sue is enjoying the scenery, and what a scenery it is!!!

And, yes, surprised in a VERY good way!!!

Joy

BUSTED

and that is all i can say right now

Glad I was already in bed....no chance to fall hard

such a sacrifice!

Sacrifice indeed !!!

That post was just delicious .. and they haven't even had dinner yet!

Flip...you just constantly amaze me with your imagination. And man...you write the BEST warm fuzzies!! Can't wait to see what Jack has planned on the roof!

BUSTED is right! Too funny! Man, they're not even all the way up the stairs yet and I'm ....methinks I just might melt after reading about the the actual date! (no pressure, Flip....honestly!)

Well said, Tosca!

Nice assets Glad Sue notices too!

Ready for the fruit dip fuzzies

Im so glad Jack and Sue are being honest with one another for a change. I cant wait for more. Great job Flip!

Beat Beat Beat