hehehhe Lucy

you have a point there hehhe, wouldn't tell them that eiher..

He's a male of not too many words...heheheh

Me thinks you need some work there too. Whatcha gonna do about that, Jack?

that is more like it

I can't imagine anyone better either *dreamy sigh*

Isn't he a romantic

Jo is ALREADY

Just finished reading all this and I think it's going to be a wonderful day! Can't wait!

I hope I didn't wake any neighbors with my: WOOHOO!!! when I saw you had started a valentine story, Flip.

Eagerly waiting for the world famous Flip Fuzzies to continue!!!

Katinka

They pulled into the parking garage shortly before 8 AM, Sue’s stomach tightening nervously. She didn’t know if she was ready to face the attention that was bound to come her way when Lucy found out about what Jack had done. She was stopped as she reached for the door by his hand lightly gripping her arm.

“WAIT,” he signed, his face making it a question. With her nod, he left the car and quickly made his way around, opening her door for her. He squeezed the hand she placed in his gently as he helped her from the car, hoping to ease some of her obvious apprehension. “Relax,” he encouraged, “this is supposed to be a fun day.”

She made a valiant effort, seeing the smile but reading the hurt in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, she offered him a smile and what she hoped was an adequate explanation. “Jack, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I guess it’s because I’ve never really done this, had an all day date,” she hurriedly explained before he could interrupt, “much less on Valentine’s Day. Romantic holidays are pretty much a mystery to me. So I don’t know what I’m supposed to do, what I’m not supposed to do, what I’m supposed to say, who I’m supposed to say it to, who I’m not supposed to say it to...”

He abruptly ended her diatribe by placing a newly budding rose against her lips. Her eyes snapped to his, waiting for an explanation. “You were beginning to sound like Tara,” he explained with a wink, “only much more coherent. Would it help you any if I told you I’d never been on an all day date before either?”

“Yes. Maybe. No,” she finally sighed, around the lushness of the petals resting at her lips. “You still have more experience and some idea of what you expect from the day. I’ve neither.”

He moved the rose, running it down the perfection of her cheek before holding it out for her to take. “Here,” he said, nodding toward the rose, “take this. It might come in handy for later. And as far as my expectations go, I expect to enjoy the day with you.”

Her smile was back, albeit a shy one. “O-K, I’ll try to RELAX and ENJOY.”

“That’s my girl,” he grinned, turning her and placing his hand at the small of her back as they approached the elevator. His smile faded as he heard Sue’s name being called. Shifting his hand to gently grip her arm, he slid his hand down to hers and paused, waiting on her attention.

Sue turned and glanced down when Jack’s hand moved to her arm, giving her a slight squeeze before continuing its journey to her hand. She was mesmerized by the gentleness of his touch which belied the strength she knew he possessed. She felt each tremor of awareness his touch stirred, amazed at the sensations created through layers of clothing. Somewhat taken aback by her train of thought, she raised her eyes to his, giving an involuntary sigh when he released her hand. Jack’s expression and Levi’s nudge alerted her to someone else’s presence.

“I believe Agent Do the Polka wants your attention,” he whispered, for her eyes only. “I’ll go on upstairs. Do me a favor?” When she gave a slight nod he continued, “Let him know that you are taken. He’s too late.”

Sue smiled. “Okay, I’ll tell him I’m your worm.”

Jack groaned good-naturedly. “No, tell him you are my VALENTINE.” He winked and turned, stepping onto the elevator, holding her bemused gaze until the doors severed their connection. Not liking the fact that he was leaving her with another interested man, he comforted himself with the memory of her telling sigh earlier. Seems she wasn’t unaffected by his touch, which put them on an even playing field.

Amazing descriptions! Left my tummy feeling all nice and fluttery.
As if there is any chance of her being unaffected!

PPfftt. Why'd you leave her????

Oh yeah......it's Flip's story......not ummmm....Well, I won't mention names...But where people( of the little kind) get left with someone else and disappear ......and make the readers live with no sunlight because they are too afraid to come out from behind sofas and under chairs. Nope I won't mention that at all, cuz this is Flip's story, and Jack is in the elevator and Sue will be up shortly. No problem.


Ok, Sue. Let the man down easy!

Jill

LOL.......she gonna tell Polka Dot Boy she's Jack's worm!!!!!!!!! LOL

Or maybe Polka Dot guy won't take no for an answer, and kidnap her, and ... "

I feel sure that Sue will let Agent Do the Polka down easily and worm her way out of his clutches.

Agent Do the Polka...

I don't like him...

Y'all are just making me at your comments!!! I just love the nicknames they come up with for people in the show, and Agent Do the Polka is right on par with the best of them! Very, very well played!!!

We'll just skip over Marlo's little scenario... "

Flip can't you give this poor, freezing Alaskan one more post tonight....Please....

Let me go on record as saying that there will be no kidnapping in this beautifully orchestrated, fluffy, light-hearted, did I mention fluffy, story!!! Joy asks in a very quiet, shaking whisper: Will there, Flip????

Joy

All you angst police might as well go camp out on Tina's story in WIP or haunt Matalyn. There is absolutely none of the stuff in this VALENTINE story. Sorry - no gut twisting here.

Alaskanfan, sorry it's so cold where you are - at least you are having a winter. We cheered when the groundhog saw his shadow - so maybe we'll have a little bit of winter in the next 6 weeks. Anyway, maybe this will help a little.

*~*~*~*~*~*

Stepping into the bullpen, he met Lucy’s accusing stare. “Sue’s not with you?”

Not giving anything away, he shook his head. “I saw her in the parking garage, waiting on Jeremy Polk.”

“Jackson Hudson!” she huffed, stomping her foot. “One day she’s not gonna be around for you to dream about. Some man, who has an ounce of spine, is going to ask her out, romance her, and marry her, taking her away from here. Then what will you do?”

“Luce,” he began, a smile threatening, “I...”

“Don’t ‘Luce’ me! Look,” she said, pointing to Sue’s desk where a bouquet of red roses stood waiting. “Does that look like it’s from a man who wants his relationship with Sue to remain as it has for as long as he’s known her?”

He smothered the smile, enjoying her tirade. “No, it doesn’t. It looks like it’s from someone serious about his feelings for her.”

“Exactly!” Lucy nodded, crossing her arms. “Ugh,” she finally stomped again, “Aren’t you going to do anything?”

“What would you suggest I do, Lucy?”

“I don’t know,” she moaned, holding her hands against her forehead. “I guess at this point there is nothing you can do. Jeremy’s probably downstairs, claiming her as his Valentine, making all sorts of plans. I wonder where he’ll take her to dinner this time.”

Jack’s head popped up, the mail he was sorting through forgotten. “’This time’? What do you mean?”

“I mean, Jeremy has asked Sue to dinner twice during the last week and a half.”

“And she’s gone with him? Why?”

“Well why not? He’s a nice looking, available, interested man. Why shouldn’t she go? She is single and available you know.”

He refused to rise to her baited answer. “I knew he was interested in finding her first thing today, but I didn’t know they’d actually gone out. I wonder why Sue didn’t tell me.”

“Do you make it a point to tell her about your dates?”

“What dates? I haven’t been out on a date in a long time.”

“Really,” Lucy oozed, her smile growing. “And does Sue know that? Do you two talk about your private lives?”

“Not really, but I just assumed because I hadn’t been out that neither had she.”

Lucy snorted and rolled her eyes, turning back toward her desk. “And you all call us clueless?”

Jack ignored her reply, his perfect day having been slightly tarnished.

Jack, don't worry about Polka Dot boy!!! You are her Valentine!!!

Joy

Lucy........sometimes you talk too much!

Lucy was on a fabulous roll here. It almost looks to me like Lucy could be leading Jack to believe that Sue has dated Jeremy. When Lucy said that she wondered where Jeremy will take Sue this time, there could still the possibility that Sue refused the other times. Later in the conversation Lucy told Jack that Jeremy asked Sue to dinner. It would seem more likely that Lucy would have said they went to dinner if Sue had actually gone with Jeremy.

She also got Jack to confirm that he has not been dating. She's good.

No angst!!??!! I can really come out from underneath my chair???

Bless you!


Jill

Hey Jack......Uh......Sue's had some extra vet bills for Levi and just needed someone to pay for dinner. You know, a girl HAS to eat!! Just keep up with the romance Jack and don't let polka-dot boy cause ANY problems!!

SOOOO glad that you are writing a Valentine's story!! You ARE one of my favorite authors you know! Enjoy your Friday with the kiddos and enjoy the weekend. Hopefully you will have lots of time to post!

No angst!!! Yey...another Flip story!
Sorry I was late joining in but I'm here and waiting for more!

Jack, don't worry ... she will refuse him... and the dinner last week...? only friendly on her side!

Can't wait for more!!!


Restie

just caught up !!!!!!luce don't worry to much......jack is sue's valentine and thats that...............well lets just say agent Polk is late very late ............................

Yay! i havent been on the board for a couple of days..i have a peek today and flip's started a valentines day story!!!

love it so far and can't wait for more!

like the sound of no angst!!!

amy

Sue entered the bullpen a few minutes later, stopping at the sight of the lovely bouquet of roses on her desk. She glanced down at the rose she clutched, its hue matching perfectly with those on her desk. Looking back up, she quickly counted the ones in the vase, a grin crossing her face. Levi’s nudge had her looking around, noticing Lucy’s approach.

“I heard about Jeremy finding you downstairs. I was hoping somebody else would find you first,” she finished through gritted teeth, shooting another irritated look at Jack. Returning her attention to Sue she sighed, “Why didn’t you call to let me know you were here? I would have come down and run interference for you.”

Sue placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Luce, it’s okay, I...”

“It is not okay. I’m beginning to think it will take a stick of dynamite to get that man to make a move,” her voice rising so a certain someone could hear. “Although,” she added, her face taking on a gloating gleam, “he didn’t take the news that you’d been out with Agent Polk very well. Seems he didn’t know, but I took care of that.”

Sue closed her eyes and rubbed her temple lightly, the flower she’d temporarily forgotten, displayed for Lucy’s eyes. “Did you get that this morning?”

“Yes,” Sue smiled, settling the rose against her face, enjoying its delicate scent.

“So you’ve been claimed?”

Sue giggled at Lucy’s crestfallen face. “Yes, I’ve been claimed. You don’t have to look so gloomy, Luce. I think it’s quite romantic. Look,” she said, pointing to the flowers on her desk. “Count them.”

“There are eleven,” she admitted without looking back. “I already counted them. I don’t know why, they just seemed off balance.”

“And I have the twelfth one...the one that completes the dozen. Now don’t tell me you don’t find that romantic.” When Lucy wrinkled up her face in confusion, Sue explained. “It means that this was thought out, planned. It wasn’t a spur of the moment thing. To me, that’s romantic. Come on, Lucy, admit it.”

“Oooo, okay, but I don’t want to. But it is romantic,” she groused, letting her voice rise again, staring at Jack until he looked up. “Did you hear that? Sue’s got herself one romantic Valentine, Jack.”

“I heard you, Lucy.” Looking around at the rest of the smiling faces in the unit, he mumbled, “I think the whole floor heard you.”

Shaking her head, she looked back at Sue. “So I guess you have lunch plans?”

“Yes. I’ve been told the whole day’s been mapped out and not to make plans with anyone else. This is an official all-day date,” she explained, a soft shade of pink tinting her cheeks. “What about you? Have you been claimed?”

Lucy nodded excitedly. “Toby, in SOG, was waiting by my desk this morning. I had no idea he was interested.”

“That’s great, Lucy,” Sue exclaimed. “It seems Tara’s little Valentine experiment is being met with a lot of enthusiasm, all over the building.”

“Yeah, except in here,” Lucy bemoaned.

“Lucy,” Sue started, only to be interrupted by the appearance of D.

“Listen up everybody,” he began after making sure he had Sue’s attention. “We have a new case.”

Lucy........you are sooooooooo off!!!

Very romantic, Jack!!!!

You're really enjoying this, aren't you, Sue!


D........spoil sport.


Oh wait. This is a FLIP story......Light bulb moment smiley.


Bring on the case!!!

Jill

Luce is so cute when she is bemoaning

I think Jack did well when he didn't tell her he is Sue's beau...

I don't want any new case I want romantic day!!!!


Restie

I've said it before and i'll say it again:.

Poor misinformed Lucy.

I love that neither Jack or Sue wanted to tell Lucy who Sue's Valentine is!! It will do her good to stew for a while!! Anyway, she should be thinking about her own Valentine!!!

Please, D, no new case today!!!

Joy

lucy you are so ............ ouch ..........new case on valentine's day............

D. coming by with a new case. Oh, oh. Do ya suppose that D. has entered into the spirit of the day and the case turns out to be a Valentine related assignment that he has concocted? I hope the criminals have taken the day off.

I was so hoping this would be here when I signed on. Too many good bits to quote -- but I'm loving it. Jack with a plan, and Sue teasing him and Lucy scheming, but not realizing she doesn't need to scheme...sigh! I'm blissful.

kav

A new case?? but...but...you said no angst...
I hope Lucy will focus on Toby for a while...it will do her good!

Thanks, Flip for thinking of me. Maybe I could blow some of our below zero weather your way...it has been this cold since we came back from Mexico....

Loved Lucy's tirade....she is going to be so miffed when she finds out the truth.

Can't wait until we get to the warm fuzzy kind of stuff....

Until then, I am still

Need I say more???

Thanks for summing it up Jill!

Jack's plan is so romantic!

Lucy bless her has got hold of the wrong end of the stick! But her tirade was wonderful!

I'm absolutely loving this story and I'm looking forward to more.

Sairs

Well I guess I'll read this one while I wait for your other one. DEcided on a title for that one, yet?



This is so typical of Lucy! I loved this!


MAt

Lisa, I'd love to meet you in person someday! You're a hoot!


P.S.( Sednin' the ansgt police to my neck of the woods, eh?! )

Back to catchin' up....

You write Lucy so well!!!!!! I loved Jack's reply!

I would love to see Lucy's face when she knows that it's actually Jack who is Sue's Valentine

Sue slipped out of her coat as they walked back to the car. “It’s really warming up,” she observed. “It won’t be long before the cherry blossoms are blooming and spring is budding all around us. I can’t wait. I’m so tired of being cooped up indoors, avoiding the cold.”

“I know what you mean,” Jack agreed. “Hey,” he began, glancing at his watch, “Are you ready for lunch? There is no use going back to the office just to leave again,” he reasoned. At her nod, he opened the door for her, giving her his best smile. “Madame, your carriage awaits.”

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

“This was a wonderful idea, Jack. I can’t believe you thought of it and the weather cooperated.”

Jack glanced around the park, still barren from winter’s chill, but warmed by the strengthening sun. “I’ve been watching the weather, trying to plan for this. I had a backup just in case the forecasters were wrong. Thankfully they were right on the money.”

“I’d much rather be out here, away from the crowds than waiting in line. Don’t you know all the restaurants are overflowing right about now? And look at Levi,” she pointed with a snicker. “He looks very content, asleep in the sun. I just don’t know how he can sleep on his back like that, with his legs all sprawled out. I’ve never seen him do that.”

“He does look content,” Jack agreed with a laugh.

“Thanks for the picnic, Jack. It was very nice and quite a surprise.”

“WELCOME, but we don’t have to go yet. We’ve got some time to relax.” He emphasized the point by removing his suit coat and lying back on his elbows, striking a relaxed pose on the blanket. “Why didn’t you tell me you were dating Agent Polk,” he asked, trying to remain casual.

“Because I’m not dating him. And I’m not in the habit of talking about my private life at the office.”

Jack snorted. “Yeah, I witnessed that first hand in the office this morning. You do know that Lucy is gonna be mad when she discovers exactly who claimed you for their Valentine today don’t you?”

“I tried to tell her, there at the end, but D came in,” she said with a shrug. “Besides, it was fun watching her rant about you. And why didn’t you tell her?”

“Because I was having fun watching her shove her foot down her mouth too,” he explained. Clearing his throat, he turned the conversation back the way he wanted. “You don’t think going out to dinner with the man more than once is considered dating?”

“No. I go out to dinner with you and we’re not dating. I’ve been to eat with Bobby a few times and even Myles. If that is considered dating, then I need to know. I’ll have some phone calls to make, do a little bragging,” she finished with a wink. “My mom will be scandalized.”

Jack sat up, turning to observe her intently. “You’ve had dinner with Bobby and Myles?”

“Yes. Why?”

“I just didn’t know,” he explained weakly, not liking the way his stomach was twisting. “Anybody else you want to tell me about?”

“Jack, what’s going on? You’re acting like I’m cheating on you or something which is ridiculous. I can’t cheat on you if we aren’t dating.”

“We’re dating today,” he said, reaching out without realizing it, to finger a strand of her hair.

Her breath caught in her throat at his unexpected action. “And I’m not going out with anybody else today either. I have no plans except with you. So, see? No cheating.”

“Does Agent I Wanna Polk Him In The Face know that?”

“What? That you claimed me today? Yes.”

“Good,” Jack nodded in satisfaction. “Did he have anything to say about it?”

Sue glanced around uncomfortably, not wanting to talk about the conversation she had shared with Jeremy in the parking garage.

Jack noticed her hesitation and relieved her from having to answer. “That’s what I thought. He didn’t like it. And you know why he didn’t like it, Sue? I’m sure he thinks of you two as dating.”

“Not any more he doesn’t,” she informed him succinctly.

Can we get to the warm fuzzies already? I'm still freezing and nothing is warming me up, but I am certain Flip fuzzies would thaw me out completely.....I am still waiting for that kiss....

on all filler...get to the :wipe glasses: fluff...

Settled in for the night...no hubby tonight so I will be hitting the refresh button AAAAALLLLLL night long......You wouldn't want me to my computer...

enough ranting...see what this weather does to me....Flip, I am waiting not too patiently.

Nice picnic, but I want to know what Sue told Polka guy to make him believe they were not dating anymore !!!

And love how Lucy got everything wrong !!!!

Ditto to that, Marlene!

Love the story, Flip! Keep it coming!!!

Jill

and Territorial Jack verging on caveman tendencies does wonders to lift the spirit.

kav

Jack nodded with satisfaction and settled back once more on the blanket. “So, tell me about your dinners with Myles and Bobby.”

Sue shrugged, her face showing her confusion. “What do you mean? There’s nothing to tell. I’ve been to dinner with Bobby a few times after work and with Myles once.”

“Where was I?” he wanted to know, the beginnings of a pout forming on his face.

“I don’t know,” she replied. “I guess at home or working,” she finally answered. “Why all the questions, Jack?”

“I don’t know,” he said, not quite meeting her eyes. “I just thought...” He left the thought unsaid.

“You thought what?”

“I thought our friendship was special,” he admitted after a long pause.

She scooted closer to him, placing her hand on his arm. “Our friendship is special, Jack. I’ve never been this close to a man,” she admitted hesitantly. “In fact, I’ve never had as good of friends as I have here, unless you count Judy, and that was years ago. I was so nervous when I first moved here. Something I will never admit to my mom,” she added as a warning, letting him know he wasn’t to tell either.

“My lips are sealed,” he promised.

“But,” she continued, “God brought you all to me, or me to you,” she added, her face brightening in her animation, “and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. You all are the main reasons I ended up backing out of the New York opening.”

Jack’s face tightened at the mentioning of her almost leaving. “I’m glad you didn’t go, Sue,” he whispered hoarsely, glad she couldn’t hear the timbre of his voice.

She didn’t respond verbally, instead gracing him with a smile and a slight nod. “So, you see, I do consider you a special friend. One I can’t imagine not having in my life.”

“I feel the same,” he responded in a moment of candor. “I guess you took me by surprise when you mentioned Bobby and Myles. I didn’t realize you had the same type of friendship with them.”

“Is that what’s bothering you?” she asked incredulously. “Oh good grief!” she exclaimed with a roll of her eyes. “You sound like a Jr. High girl, Jack! I can have more than one friend you know. Just because I have dinner with Bobby or Myles, doesn’t mean we can’t still have dinner. And it doesn’t mean our friendships are the same.”

He collapsed back on the blanket, his hand over his heart. “You wound me, Sue. A ‘Jr. High girl’? A girl? My manhood has been severely challenged. You do know this don’t you?”

“Somehow I think you’ll survive just fine,” she said unsympathetically.

“I don’t know,” he responded, continuing the melodrama, “You may have scarred me for life.”

Sue rolled her eyes and looked around, spying the picnic basket. “You know, I think I spotted something in here that may help.” Lifting the lid, she pulled out the fruit tray they’d passed over before. Opening the lid, she chose a slice of orange, dragged it through the sweet dip that complimented the tanginess of the fruit, and held it out to him. “A peace offering?”

He reached out and captured her wrist pulling her hand toward his mouth. “I imagine if my woman fed me, it might help me recover somewhat.” He watched her eyes snap to his at his words, before returning to his mouth, watching as he pulled her hand the remaining distance. He was fascinated by the blush that stole across her face, but it was the flicker of desire he saw in her eyes as he took the fruit from her hand, running his tongue along her fingertips, that had him sitting up to reciprocate the action.

*sigh* I can't imagine anything better than a February picnic with Jack Hudson, but reading about it from you, Flip, is pretty darn good too!

I love the banter between them, and the fact that Sue always has a witty comeback to whatever Jack throws her way.


Very nice!! I definitely love possessive, determined Jack...and it looks like Sue does, too. Things look very promising for the next part, too!

I like the possessive Jack too.

a fruit tray.....all the possibilities....seems you cut that post short....waiting for Jack to reciprocate....I am seeing visions of strawberries in my head.....

AlaskanFan sneaks off to read a snippet of Friends and Lovers

Love possessive Jack...actually, Jack in any form works for me

Nothin' better than sharin' a picnic with Jack!


Flip, you have me laughing and sighing and melting in each and every post.....I love it!