Shirtless Jack!!!!!

Love is apenlty in this story...I love it!

- I’ll take the dessert – Sue said, after putting the dishes down in the kitchen.
- I see you have thought of everything – the man smiled.
- Yes, a dessert is indispensable on such a romantic date – the woman replied immediately, but her face instantly turned red when she realized what she had just said. – I mean, it’s good if there is dessert on a dinner – she corrected herself right away, but wasn’t sure whether she could convince the man with all this. Using the opportunity that she was about to bring ice cream and was trying to hide her fiery red face, she turned towards the fridge.
Jack smiled. She considers today’s dinner a date as well… The evening is just as important for her as it is for me. She is so beautiful when she is embarrassed…

- Here you are – Sue took out the ice cream dessert from the fridge, forcing calmness on herself after the previous scene. Jack was surprised to recognize the sweet they prepared for the visit of the Vanderwylens during their undercover marriage. – This ice cream is so delicious, I thought it would be perfect for tonight… - she added. – I know you like it a lot too, you gave a convincing proof of it when you started eating it right from the dish… - she smiled.
- Isn’t it all the same where you are eating the ice cream from? – Jack smiled. – And thus we had to wash up one dish less – he winked at the woman.
- Men… - Sue shook her head smiling, taking two small plates down the shelf, then served both of them with the dessert.

- Thank you – Jack looked at the love of his life, when the woman handed him one of the plates. – This is just as good as it was during our marriage – he said appreciatively. – You should prepare this more often, the gang would surely love it.
- Well, if you help me, I’ll be glad to prepare this more often – Sue laughed.
- OK – the man replied. – Deal. When shall we start?
- Let’s eat this one first – Sue smiled, and headed towards the living room again, then sat on the couch; Jack followed her example.

- I have always loved ice cream, but now that you are preparing it, I love it even more – he smiled at the woman, and Sue blushed again.
- Mr. Hudson, do you by chance want me to prepare ice cream dessert every day in the future? – she asked with mock anger, while finding it hard to hold laughter back.
- Not a bad idea at all, Ms. Thomas – Jack replied with his irresistible smile. – But just for you to see how understanding I am, we can agree on one ice cream dessert a week.
- Your kindness is indeed touching, Mr. Hudson – the woman smiled back. – And if you really help in preparing it, as you have just promised so generously, we can start any time.
- Great, Ms. Thomas… And I believe I’ll take advantage of the occasion and will appear in the most unexpected situations to prepare ice cream dessert – he winked at the woman, and both of them burst out in laughter.

- I’m not sure Lucy would be too glad if you appeared in the middle of the night, saying you absolutely have prepare ice cream dessert… - Sue laughed.
- I trust that my personal charm has such an effect on her that she is glad about my presence, whenever I may appear – Jack smiled.
- Don’t have so much self-confidence, Mr. Hudson! – Sue could hardly talk of laughing.
- So, Ms. Thomas, do you believe that I’m not handsome enough for a woman to be happy when she can enjoy my company? – Jack asked laughing.
- Every woman is happy when they can be close to you – Sue replied without thinking, and the man’s heart started beating faster. – I mean… - she realized what she had just said. – Why do you want to prepare ice cream dessert in the middle of the night? – she tried to change the topic, but in that moment, Jack was unable to think of anything else. She is happy when she can be in my company… - he smiled.

- Wait, a little ice cream was left on your face – Sue said, then leaned towards her love instinctively, removing the ice cream, stroking the man’s face in the process. – I mean… - she said embarrassed, when realizing what she had just done. – I just removed it… It stuck to your face – she mumbled. I removed the ice cream from his face without any thinking… Sue Thomas, how did you think that? Goodness me, what he must be thinking about me now…
- Thank you – the man smiled, just as much embarrassed. His heart skipped a beat when the woman’s hand touched his face. Her stroking is so soft… her hand… I wish I could always fall asleep and wake up to the stroking of her hands… I wish we would never have to separate from each other.

- This ice cream dessert is really good – Sue tried to break the embarrassed atmosphere, trying to sound calm.
- Yes, it is… - Jack replied, still under the influence of the woman’s touch.

They finished eating the dessert silently, but their glance remained interlocked… they looked at each other enchanted.

- Then maybe… We should take the plates out… - Jack said at last, and the woman nodded, still absorbed in the beautiful eyes of the love of her life.
- Yes… We could take them out – Sue replied, and stood up the couch to go to the kitchen. However, from the sudden movement she lost her balance, and by the time she recovered, she found herself lying on the man.

They were just looking at each other for long seconds; neither of them was able to speak.
- Sorry… - Sue found her voice at last, still looking into the man’s eyes.
- No, I should apologize… - Jack said, enchanted by the woman’s beauty.
- Maybe… we should take the plates to the kitchen… - Sue tried to utter a meaningful sentence.
- Yes… We should… - the man replied, but didn’t take his gaze off the woman. The outer world stopped existing for them… there was no one else, just the two of them.

Minutes passed, but this time seemed moments to them… they got completely absorbed in each other’s gaze, they were unable to concentrate on anything else.
- Then maybe… we should go… - Jack eventually found his voice, and, still looking into the woman’s eyes, slowly raised from the couch.
- Yes… That would be good – Sue replied, and slowly succeeded to convince herself to get off the man and join him to the kitchen.

wonderfully written, these two are so frustrating

cath

No, no, no! What are you thinking of Sue? Stay right where you are and.... ... well I'm sure you can think of some way to amuse your date!

kav

- Thank you, Jason – Lucy said, after the kiss ended. – Thank you for this wonderful surprise.
- I’m glad you like it – the man smiled at her, and took hold of her hand.
- I believe this was the most beautiful surprise of my life so far – the woman said, looking down at the bright lights of the city again.
- I would do anything for you – Jason embraced her, joining her in the admiring of the sight.

*

Sue and Jack washed up the dishes silently… their thoughts were still at the events of the previous day, when they got dangerously close to each other. They were both enchanted by the closeness of the other, and knew that if they stayed in this position for too long, they would have been unable to resist their emerging desire.

Sue handed the man the last plate to dry, while holding each other’s gaze captive. Their hands touched for a moment, and both of them shivered at the sudden pleasant feeling. They drew their hands away unwillingly… They wished this moment to last forever.

- Thank you for helping – Sue said at last, when the last plate got to its place.
- Thanks for the delicious dinner – the man replied, still holding his gaze on the woman.
- It was a good idea from Lucy… - Sue looked down on the floor.
- Yes it was… - Jack smiled. – We should thank her – he added, and Sue started looking at the floor again. – But now I should go, it’s really late… - he looked at his watch. – What will Lucy say, when she comes back and finds you here… - he said with his boyish smile, and the woman blushed.

- Actually I don’t think she would have much against it… - she said at last. – I even believe she would be glad if you stayed here… - she added on a quiet voice.
- I would also love to stay for the night… err, I mean I would look funny in this hockey jersey, however much I like it – Jack said embarrassed, after he realized what he had just said.
- You look good in anything – Sue replied immediately, but her face turned fiery red as soon as she thought about her previous statement. – I mean… You, as someone who loves ice hockey, always look good in a hockey jersey – she quickly corrected herself, but wasn’t sure that the man missed her previous remark.

They were standing motionless for long seconds, not letting go of each other’s gaze… neither of them could escape the thoughts of what had just happened.
He said he would stay here for the night… He likes being with me… Is it possible it means that…?
She said I look good in anything… She likes me, regardless of what I’m wearing… Is it possible that she feels the same for me what I feel for her?

Their musing was interrupted by the opening of the door… Jack signed to Sue that he flatmate has arrived home.
- Hi! – Sue greeted her friend, recovering from daydreaming.
- Hi! – Lucy greeted the couple in love. – Have I interrupted something? – she asked grinning.
- No, nothing – Jack said quickly. – We have just finished washing up, and I was about to go home.
- You don’t have to hurry, you can stay here for the night – Lucy assured him. – I think Sue wouldn’t have anything against this either – she added, and the faces of the two people concerned turned fiery red.

- Well… The truth is… - Jack mumbled.
- No, you don’t have to explain – the woman continued. – I see you feel quite at home at us – she pointed at the hockey jersey which Sue had lent to the man.
- Well, it started when… I put the dinner on the table and… poured the chicken penne on him… - Sue explained embarrassed.

- I see you were occupied with something else than dinner… - Lucy smiled knowingly, and the couple suddenly seemed to have discovered something really interesting on the floor. – I hope you felt good – she added. – But what am I talking about, of course you have – she grinned, and the two people concerned would have loved the most to sink right away.

- Well yes, so… I’ve got to go – Jack said at last, unsuccessfully trying to hide his embarrassment.
- Yes… It’s late… Then… See you tomorrow – Sue mumbled, still under the influence of her friend’s previous remark.
- Yes… I can’t wait – the man said, looking deeply into the woman’s eyes, without thinking about what his statement might have meant.
- Me too… - Sue replied, absorbed in the beautiful eyes of the man. Lucy watched them smiling. Unbelievable that it is obvious for everyone how much they love each other, and only the two of them are not willing to realize that… But they had better admit their feelings to each other soon, otherwise they’ll drive everyone crazy around themselves.

- Sue, are you prepared for tomorrow? – she asked at last, when the couple in love managed to tear their gaze away from each other.
- Tomorrow… Have we planned anything for tomorrow? – her friend asked surprised.
- You know, the trip about which we talked with Tara at the beginning of the week … - Lucy reminded her.
- Oh, the trip – Sue recalled. – I completely forgot about it. Sure, we can go tomorrow.
- But if you want to stay with Jack, I completely understand it… - Lucy grinned.

- You planned a trip for tomorrow? – Jack asked with the same surprise.
- Yes, we have agreed with the girls that we’ll go for a day somewhere close… - Sue informed him. – I would love to go, and we have agreed on this with Tara as well … - she turned towards her friend. – And after all, this is only one day, we can organize any common activity with the team after that – she added, paying attention not to mention Jack by name… The man whom all she wanted was to spend the weekend with.

- Well then… Good night – Jack said. – See you tomorrow.
- Good night… We’ll meet tomorrow – Sue said as well, then closed the door behind the man.
- You don’t have to come with us, if you would rather spend tomorrow with Jack… - Lucy repeated her previous statement smiling.
- No, I would indeed love to go with you – Sue replied. – We’ll surely feel really well.
- Well OK, as you want… - her friend replied. – But tell me, what was the date like?
- It’s late, and tomorrow we’ll have to get up early… - Sue avoided giving an answer. – Good night, see you in the morning – she said, and not even waiting for an answer, she headed to her room.

Lucy watched her friend smiling. Tonight you got away with not giving an answer, Sue Thomas, but you can be sure that tomorrow I’ll thoroughly ask you about every little detail… And I’m convinced that you’ll have lots to tell – she smiled, while heading towards her own room.

i really think lucy should have kept quiet about the girls spending the day together

cath

Sue, you should have licked the ice cream off Jack's face.

Another great post! I love your story!

- How was yesterday’s date? – Lucy asked her flatmate next morning, when the three best friends started their trip. – I’m sure Tara is also dying from curiosity to get to know every detail – she added grinning, and her friend nodded in agreement.

- I have told you that it wasn’t a date, just a dinner between friends – Sue replied with her face red, sighing from the thought that she has to endure this for hours.
- Well, for me it seemed a bit more than that… - Lucy smiled knowingly. – Especially that he wasn’t wearing his own shirt, but the hockey jersey which he gave Sue three years ago for Christmas …

- He took his shirt off? – Tara asked in disbelief. – Well girl, you didn’t waste your time – she added, and Sue’s face turned fiery red.
- No, not that way – Sue hurried with the explanation. – I just accidentally poured the chicken penne on him, and he had to change his shirt.
- You saw his bare chest? – Tara asked with surprise mixed with wondering.
- Well… err… so… he had to change his dirty clothes somehow… so… well yes… - Sue mumbled.

- I leave the apartment once and look what things happen there… - Lucy smiled, and Sue felt her face turned fiery red again.
- Why do I always miss the most important things… - Tara mused.
- And, how does Jack’s bare chest look like? – Lucy asked curiously, and Tara’s eyes also brightened at the question.

- Well… so… Just the same as Jack himself. Fantastic… - Sue admitted with a dreamy look. – That perfect, muscular chest… - she recalled what she saw the previous evening, when she could thoroughly examine the man’s perfect chest. – I mean… so… He took his shirt off, then put the hockey jersey on, that’s all – she added hurriedly, when realizing that her previous remark implied more about yesterday’s dinner than a simple meeting between friends.

- I see Jack’s body had a great effect on you… - Lucy grinned. – Which is no wonder, one can hardly resist the effect of such a perfect man – she added knowingly, and Sue wished the ground to open under her.
- Lucy, what are you talking about… - her friend found her voice at last. – I dirtied his shirt, therefore it is obvious that I gave him another one – she explained. – But rather tell us about your own date yesterday, there is surely much to tell – she tried to change the subject.

- I see this topic is starting to become uncomfortable for you, Sue Thomas, but don’t believe you got away with this – Lucy grinned, and Sue knew that her friend will make her tell the tiniest details about yesterday’s date… or rather dinner between friends.
- Indeed, Lucy, tell us how yesterday was! – Tara asked too.

- Well OK – the woman replied. – First he took me to a beautiful restaurant… then on a hill, to look at the illuminated city… - she remembered. – Before he left for years, we often went to that place… and now it seemed as if nothing would have changed since then. He told me he loves me, and kissed me… - she said daydreaming.
- How romantic… - Tara replied with a dreamy look. – When will you meet again?
- We’ll have dinner together tomorrow… this time, at his place… - Lucy replied smiling. – And what is the best, he moved home permanently.
- It really seems your relationship is progressing nicely – Tara stated. – So there is only one thing left… - she gave a meaningful look towards their friend, who turned red again.

- Don’t you really have anything else to do than dealing with Jack and me? – Sue burst out.
- To tell you the truth… Not really – her friends replied, and they both laughed. – But now honestly, Sue, the two of you are almost a medical case… - Lucy shook her head. – This is obviously the most difficult case of my career as a matchmaker – she sighed. – But if I perform this mission successfully, the others will be a piece of cake – she smiled.

- Lucy, I don’t think you… - Sue objected.
- That I shouldn’t interfere in things? – her friend said. – If I don’t do that, you’ll be dancing around one another as pensioners as well, and the team will surely go completely crazy of all this.
- But Lucy… - Sue tried to interrupt her friend, but she continued with what she had to say.
- Everyone sees that you two are made for each other, it’s just the two of you who aren’t willing to realize this – she said the obvious truth. – But fortunately I’m here, to help change the situation – she smiled knowingly at her best friend.

Sue sighed with resignation. She knew that if her friend really wants something, she will carry that through, no matter what. But she had to admit it seemed attractive that her wish would come true, which had filled her thoughts every day for three years: her dreams that she and Jack may become a couple. She followed her friends smiling on the glade, to sit down there and have a rest after walking. Maybe I still have a reason to hope… Maybe there is still a chance for our relationship to change fundamentally.

wonder what jack is thinking right now? i bet the guys ask him about the date

cath

- Jack, would you tell us why you brought us here? – Myles asked angrily, after they had been walking for an hour, and the others still didn’t know where exactly they were going.
- Oh, Myles, don’t grumble that much, rather be happy that you can breathe fresh air, move… you know, this is healthy – Jack said, going straight on.

- Are you saying that there is no other reason for walking somewhere towards the unknown, that you are so concerned about my health? – Bobby asked in doubt.
- Yes, that’s right – his best friend replied. – But you like being in nature, you should really appreciate that we’ll spend the weekend with something healthy, instead of staring at the TV at home…

- Jack, we know that you are the saviour of the health of all of us, but it seems as if a few days ago it wouldn’t have been so basically important – Bobby mused. – Just by chance, doesn’t this little trip have another goal as well? – he looked at his friend suspiciously.

- Another goal? – Jack asked surprised. – What other reason would a weekend trip have, than spending the day at fresh air, and feel good? – he asked with an innocent face.
- Well, you should know that… - Bobby replied. – What exactly happened on yesterday’s date? – he grinned.

- What does this have to do with the trip? – Jack’s face reddened. – And anyway, it wasn’t a date, just a dinner between friends with one of the members of our team, whom I happen to like a lot – he tried to close the topic as soon as possible.
- Jack, maybe there are some who believe this, but I’m your best friend, don’t you remember? – the Australian frowned. – So, what happened yesterday evening?

- Well… so… - Jack tried to quickly think up something which he can tell his teammates, hoping that they would leave him alone.
- Jack, have you forgotten how to talk or yesterday evening enchanted you so much? – Myles looked at him questioningly, and the man reddened again, as he recalled the events of the previous evening.

- There wasn’t anything special. We had dinner, Sue poured the chicken penne on me, she prepared ice cream as well, we talked, I went home, that’s all.
- Stop… Sue poured the chicken penne on you? – Bobby asked.
- Yes, but I got a new shirt after that, how would I have looked like in my dirty shirt… - Jack explained.

- So she saw you with a naked chest? – the Australian grinned.
- Yes, but only for a few moments, then I put the jersey she gave me on, and we continued dinner –Jack said uncomprehendingly.
- Poor girl was surely shocked when seeing you half naked… - Bobby grinned. – I hope she can recover from this – he added, and his best friend gave him a „you are impossible” – look.

- So you had a definitely memorable dinner yesterday… - Myles stated.
- Most certainly, otherwise why would our Jack be so embarrassed… - Bobby grinned.
- Have you realized at all that I am here as well? – the man concerned broke out, and his teammates changed a knowing look.
- Actually we have… And we still don’t understand why you don’t confess your feelings to her – Bobby shook his head.

- Whom should I confess and what? – Jack asked uncomprehendingly.
- Oh Sparky, don’t act as if you didn’t understand anything – his best friend replied. – Just go over to Sue, tell her you have been in love with her since the very first day and kiss her senseless. But should I give advice to the greatest lady-killer of Washington? – he asked surprised.

- Former lady-killer, Crash… - Jack corrected him. – You know really well that there hasn’t been a single woman in my life since meeting… Sue.
- Then what are you waiting for? – Bobby asked uncomprehendingly. – If I didn’t experience this in person, I wouldn’t believe that Jack Hudson, the women’s favourite is unable to confess to the love of his life what he feels for her.

- Crash, have you suddenly become a psychologist? – Jack shook his head. – And anyway, what makes you think that Sue and I…
- Sparky, one just has to look at you, it is so obvious you are in love with each other… - Bobby shook his head. – Considering how popular you are at women, I wouldn’t have thought you can be so clueless when it comes about confessing your feelings to the love of your life…

- Jack, just this once I agree with our Australian friend – Myles said. – Although if I was him, I would surely not sit and watch for three years how you are sending longing glances towards one another and dreaming about each other all day, but you wouldn’t confess your feelings… - he shook his head.

- Harvard, have you envied Lucy’s matchmaker abilities, and decided to follow her example? – Jack asked angrily.
- To tell you the truth, I’m not too excited about this career, but you two suffer so much that someone has to do something about this case – the blonde agent replied.

- I didn’t know you are so concerned about the love life of others… - Jack said.
- Usually not, but the two of you are so clueless that you drive the whole team crazy – Myles replied.
- I’m with our highly qualified friend and just for this once, I agree with him too – Bobby said. – Go over to her at last and tell her you love her, so that we won’t have to look any more at how you are suffering around each other.

Jack knew that his friend was right. He continued walking with new determination; he decided to admit to Sue that he has been in love with her ever since the first day, and she is the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with. I hope she feels the same for me as I feel for her… That she loves me as much as I love her.

great advice from the guys, hope he follows it through

cath

Absolutely great work, and please update soon!!

I agree, advice from friends is good...especially when it's good advice!

kav

Jack, don't be so... accept your friend's advice... and you will be the happiest man in the world!!

You would think that Jack and Sue staring into each other's eyes would catch on to how they feel about each other!! But, both of them got good advice from their friends!! Now, Jack, make sure you carry through with what you say you are going to do!! I think you will be pleasantly surprised about Sue's feelings for you!!!

Joy

- What a pleasant surprise! – Jack exclaimed, when he saw the girls sitting on the glade. – Just by coincidence we were walking here, and… What a chance encounter! – he tried to look as if he wouldn’t have thought even in his dreams that his friends may also be here.

- And of course you had absolutely no idea we would be here today – Tara said, but it was obvious for the man that everyone is perfectly aware of the aim of the trip.
- See, sometimes pleasant coincidences do happen – Jack smiled.
- Which are a bit too frequent, if it is about Sue – Lucy noted, and her friend blushed when seeing the remark.

- How good that we are spending the weekend together – Jack said, sitting near the girls.
- I see you are unable to part from your love, and followed her as far as here, just to be together with her – Bobby grinned, and the faces of the two people concerned turned red.
- Crash, would you stop? – Jack burst out. – Rather be happy that all of us can be out in fresh air, nature is beautiful, birds are singing…

- Obviously a poet was lost in you… - Myles stated. – It just somehow hasn’t come to the surface yet… Of course, you can never be as good as I am, but I have to admit that you are quite talented on this field – he said in his usual aristocratic manner.
- Harvard, it is your honesty why we all love you that much… - Jack gave him a piercing look. – But now seriously, can you imagine a more perfect weekend, than enjoying the beauties of nature?

- Jack, we all are grateful that you are concerned about our health this much and take care that we breathe some fresh air beside the polluted city one – Bobby said. – And of course we appreciate that you find important that the team spend its free time together – he smiled knowingly. – Which of course means that you can be together with Sue, but we know that you are only doing this for the sake of the team – he added smiling, and the woman immediately blushed.

- See what a team leader we have? – Tara smiled. – He is a real value.
- Especially for a certain someone – Lucy gave the couple in love of the team a knowing look.
- And for a certain other someone, she is the real value… - Bobby added, as if no one knew whom he was talking about. – Now we only need them to realize that they were made for each other – he smiled knowingly.

- Would you stop at last? – Jack burst out. – Are we here to talk about our love life, or to be in nature?
- So you two do have a love life – his best friend grinned, and the faces of the two people concerned turned fiery red. – But you know that you cannot keep it a secret from us for long… - he added knowingly, and the couple would have sunk right away in that moment.
- So, how is it with your love life? – Lucy asked. – Sue, I’m your best friend, I want to know every detail! – she looked at her friend, who immediately turned red.

- Now we have to talk about something – Jack saved his love from her flatmate, holding her hand and pulling her up from the ground.
- Well-well, the couple in love already wants to be alone – Bobby grinned. – Don’t let us disturb you, feel as if we weren’t even here – he added, and Sue blushed again.
- Don’t take my friend too far – Lucy said. – And take care of her. Although I believe I don’t have to fear that, she couldn’t be at a better place than with you – she smiled, and her friend started feeling really uncomfortable.

- Sorry – Jack said, after they went a few metres away from their friends. – But they are just like that… They never stop teasing.
- Yes, the team always likes teasing someone… - Sue replied embarrassed.

- So… How do you feel on the fresh air? – Jack asked.
- Really well… This is why we agreed with the girls to come here for a day – the woman replied.
- Interesting how often we meet just by chance… - the man smiled.
- And of course this has nothing to do with Lucy mentioning yesterday we would come here – Sue looked at him smiling.
- Oh, no way, what are you thinking? – the man laughed. – Would I be able to do such a thing?
- Actually… Yes – Sue replied, laughing as well.

- So… well… Do you have any plans for tomorrow? – Jack asked, after both of them stopped laughing.
- Well… So far it looks like I’ll spend the evening alone again… - the woman replied a little sad. – Lucy is having a date again with her boyfriend – she added as an explanation.
- Great – Jack replied. – Err… I mean… Would you like to… come over for dinner tomorrow? – he asked.

- Are you cooking? – the woman asked smiling.
- Is there a problem with how I cook? – Jack asked playfully.
- No, no way, I just wanted to know whether to expect pizza or you are going to prepare something –Sue smiled.
- Sue, this hurt – the man smiled as well. – But just that you know, I’ll cook for you personally – he winked at the woman.
- This is great – Sue replied. – Another chicken penne? – she smiled.
- No, this time I was thinking of something else, but I hope you’ll like it as much as I liked the chicken penne – Jack said.
- I’m sure I will – Sue smiled.

- Then tomorrow evening… - Jack said. – I can’t wait – he added, not even thinking of what he was saying.
- Yes… Me either – the woman replied.

After agreeing on tomorrow’s meeting, the couple in love headed back to the team, trusting that tomorrow evening will indeed fundamentally change their relationship; an evening when they can admit what they feel for each other, and after three years they can be a real couple at last.

Is Jack cooking? I can't wait the next part!

So Myles!!!! Loved the banter of the team and now...dinner with Jack tomorrow night! Some girls have all the luck!

kav

loved the teasing with the guys

i wish i was sue and had jack cooking for me

cath

- How do I look like? – Lucy asked, after putting on her new dress, she went to her friend’s room.
- Wonderful – Sue smiled. – But you always look wonderful.
- Thank you… I hope Jason thinks the same way – Lucy said.
- Most surely – Sue said. – And thanks again for the dress you lent me – she looked at the sexy black dress which her friend persuaded her to wear on today’s dinner.
- You are welcome – her friend smiled. – You’ll see that Jack won’t be able to utter a simple meaningful word when he sees you – she added knowingly, and Sue wished she was right.

- I think the taxi is here – Lucy said. – I hope everything goes well on your dinner tonight – she winked at her friend. – Keep your fingers crossed for me – she added, then grabbed her bag and exited the apartment.
Sue sighed. I hope you are right… And that after this evening, our relationship will develop further.

*

Lucy knocked on the door of the love of her life taking a deep breath. She didn’t have to wait for long, the door opened in a few seconds. The hearts of both of them missed a beat when they saw each other… they were struggling for long seconds to find their voices.

- Hi… You look beautiful – the man said at last.
- Hi… You don’t look bad either – Lucy replied.
- Come in – Jason said, after realizing the woman was still standing on the doorway. – Can I bring you something to drink?
- Thank you… Some mineral water would be great – Lucy replied.

- We can eat in a moment – the man came back with the mineral water in his hand. – I ordered dinner from a well-known restaurant; a place which I really like – he said.
- Jason, you really needn’t have done all this… - the woman said.
- No, this is really nothing… And I would do anything for you – Jason smiled at her.

Lucy looked round in the apartment. Table beautifully laid, candles, really romantic atmosphere… A dinner she had always wished for.
- I’ll be back in a moment – the man said, and disappeared behind a door. Soon she heard sounds of music.
- Romantic songs – Jason returned. – I know you like them – he smiled at her. Lucy smiled back; she felt incredibly lucky that she can call such a man the love of her life as Jason.

- We can eat – the voice of the man brought her back to reality. He politely pulled out the chair for Lucy; the woman sat down, while Jason lit the candles on the table, then served the dinner.
- This looks really good– the woman said smiling, while putting some food on her plate. – This is delicious – she stated a few seconds later.
- I knew you would like it – the man said. – This is why I chose this one.
- You really know my taste – Lucy smiled.
- What could I do if I would like to give you the best of everything – the man smiled back.

They ate dinner silently, but their gazes didn’t leave one another. They both were grateful to fate that they can be here now, however far life had taken them… and both felt that in each other, they have found the love of their life.

- This was really good – Lucy said, after both of them finished dinner.
- I’m glad you liked it – Jason smiled. – Maybe we should have dinner together more often.
- Great idea – the woman replied. – but next time I’ll invite you for dinner.
- Sounds good – the man replied. – What about… tomorrow? – he suggested smiling. – Even this time seems an eternity to see you…
- We’ll talk about this later – Lucy suggested. – But now let’s rather be happy that we can spend the evening together again – she said, and the man nodded, wiping a strand of hair out of her face.

- Lucy – the man said, looking deeply into her eyes. – As long as I was away, I was thinking of you every day, I was unable to get you out of my head. I kept thinking you are the love of my life, and I want to spend every remaining day of my life with you. When I left, I was very young, and thought success and money are more important than anything… I wanted to establish a secure background, so that later I can give you everything you wish. Now that I succeeded in this, I realized I don’t want to live this life any more… rushing all day, participating on meetings, doing business, all this to be successful and rich… while not having any free time, couldn’t have a rest, or meet friends… I wouldn’t like a life like this. Everything I wish is to have a wife and children, whom I love more than anything, and to whom I can always go home, knowing that they are waiting for me there, and I don’t have to return to an empty apartment. And I know I have found the woman whom I would like to be the one to join me on my journey of life.

Lucy listened to the man’s confession touched… Even if she wanted to say something, she would have been unable to express her thoughts with words.
- Lucy Dotson – Jason knelt down, taking a velvet box out of his pocket. – Would you marry me?

The woman joined the man on the floor with tears in her eyes.
- Yes… Yes, yes – she repeated smiling, and kissed the love of her life, who drew the engagement ring on her finger.

- I love you, Lucy – the man said, once the ring sparkled on his fiancée’s finger.
- I love you too, Jason – the woman smiled through her tears, her heart being full of happiness that at last she had found the love of her life, whom she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

sweet peoposal

cath

Averil, finally catching up with your story.

7/22 Post – Jack shirtless…

Jack you should have made your move when you were in Sue’s bedroom. Now the dinner is over and you haven’t done what you said you were going to do…tell Sue that you love her!

7/27 Post – Lucy has her true love back and is in his arms again.

7/28 Post – Oh, Jack….another missed opportunity…what are we going to do with you? She was lying on you, eyes locked with yours….why didn’t you just kiss her senseless? You know you wanted to! Nevermind them being frustrating, Cath…I’m frustrated…

7/30 Post - I’m still frustrated at Jack, Averil. Why didn’t he tell her? Couldn’t he tell by her reactions that she loves him?

7/31 Post – Yes, Sue, I think there is a GREAT chance your relationship can change dramatically.

8/1 Post – Yes, Jack…I agree with everyone else…accept the advice from your teammates and tell her…NOW!

8/2 Post – Okay, that was sweet how Jack managed to get the guys to go where the gals were. And the teasing by the team continued to be merciless. Can’t wait for tomorrow night for Jack to have a second chance to tell her!

8/3 Post – Oh, Lucy is engaged…and before Sue and Jack! I’m so happy for her! Now, Averil, can we get Jack to tell Sue, finally?

Lynn

Now there's something we probably thought would never happen -- Lucy engaged before Jack and Sue! Maybe proposing will become contagious!

kav

Ohhh This was so sweet! I hope Lucy will be happy with Jason by her side!

And now can we a get a little Jack and Sue scene?

Sweet post!

Because he is a man... and as such, completely clueless of signs women send to them.


Jack was preparing for the dinner incredibly excitedly… this was probably the most important dinner of his life so far. This evening everything will be perfect – he smiled, while placing the candles on the table laid with white tablecloth. This evening I will tell her at last that she is the love of my life… that I’ve been in love with her since the very first moment.

He recalled the rest of the ingredients of love, which his mother sent him one by one in the past days, illustrated with coloured pictures. Friendship, attraction, attentiveness, humour… The indispensable ingredients for a lasting relationship. He was grateful to his mother for sharing this secret with him… That she made possible for him to capture the heart of the love of his life.

He looked round in the apartment with a contented smile. Everything is perfect. Food is ready, table laid… Now only the love of my life is missing. Only Sue has to arrive so that my and hopefully her most important evening in our lives can start.

Jack was brought back to reality by the sound of the bell. She is here – he realized, and his heart started beating like crazy. The love of my life has arrived… - he thought, while he went to open the door with his heart beating faster and faster.

His heartbeat skipped a beat, and his breathing stopped when he saw in the doorway the woman whom he loved more than anything. She was wearing a sexy, black dress, and was wearing her hair down, just as the man liked it… He was charmed by the woman’s beauty... he was unable to tear his gaze away from her. In that moment all outer factors ceased for him… he only saw the amazingly beautiful woman before him; his brain was unable to perceive anything else than the beauty standing before him.

Sue was staring at the sight before her with her breathing stopped. Jack was wearing her favourite blue shirt; he left the upper button unbuttoned, making part of his muscular chest visible. Sue fixed her gaze on Jack’s body charmed, and it took her much effort to be able to tear her gaze away from the exciting view, and to look into the man’s beautiful brown eyes.

They were standing there for long seconds, not being able to get free of each other’s gaze… The outer world was just floating around them unnoticed, and there was nobody else, just the two of them.

- Hi – Jack found his voice at last. – You are beautiful… - he whispered, while looking at the woman from head to toe.
- Hi – Sue replied, shivering from the man’s penetrating gaze. – You look good too… - she stated blushing.

- Come in – Jack stepped aside, realizing they had been standing in the doorway for minutes. – Make yourself comfortable – he looked at the woman, after leading her to the living room. – We can eat immediately.
- Thank you for the invitation for dinner – Sue said. – That was very kind of you…
- It’s really nothing – the man said. – And anyway, dinner was so delicious last time that I felt we have to repeat that – he smiled.

- It was a memorable evening, that’s for sure… - Sue remembered.
- The most beautiful dinner of my life – Jack looked into the woman’s eyes.
- Even despite pouring the chicken penne on you? – the woman asked surprised.
- That was one of the best in it – the man smiled, and Sue blushed, recalling the evening two days before, when she was staring at Jack’s perfect, bare chest charmed, not being able to get away from the exciting view.

- It is really good to hear that… - Sue smiled back.
- I think we can eat – Jack said, and led the woman to the beautifully laid table. – This is perfect – he stated, when he examined the food. – I’m glad it looks so good, after all I only cook at special occasions – he added, and Sue smiled, when imagining the man in an apron, with a wooden spoon in his hand.

Jack lit the candles placed on the table, then put the food on it. They both sat down opposite each other, and never leaving each other’s gaze, they ate the dinner.

- This is really delicious… You are an excellent cook – Sue remarked, when the plates of both of them were empty.
- Thank you for the acknowledgement – the man smiled. – I made this for a special occasion, thus I gave in everything – he added, and Sue blushed from the thought that Jack cooked dinner and made such a special atmosphere in the apartment just because of her.

- If you cook so well, we could repeat this evening – the woman suggested a little shyly.
- Did you like so much what I prepared? – the man asked smiling.
- Absolutely – Sue replied. – If you would ever change your career, you could surely be successful as a cook.
- Thank you – Jack signed. – But it’s not over yet… I’ll bring the dessert immediately. I hope you’ll like that at least as much as you liked this one – he winked.
- If you prepared that, I’m sure I’ll like it – Sue replied, surprised at her own courageousness.

- Here you are – Jack returned a couple of moments later, holding a dish in his hands. – This is one of the best sweets I have ever eaten – he said, while putting the dish on the table.
- Then it must be really delicious – Sue smiled. – I can’t wait to taste it.
- Just a moment – the man replied, and put some cake out for both of them.
- It looks really good – the woman stated, looking at her plate.
- And you’ll see that its taste is similar to what its look promises it to be – Jack replied. – Its name is somlói galuska – he said, while both of them started eating.

- This is very delicious – Sue said with acknowledgement, after tasting the special sweet.
- I knew you would like it – Jack stated with a smile. – I love that too… I always ask my mother for this one, whenever I go home.
- No wonder – the woman replied, taking again from the exceptionally delicious cookie. – I think I could live on this for a while – she smiled.

- This is a special sweet, which has a symbolic message – Jack said, after they ate all the somlói. – My mother has always prepared this one, as the recipe for love – he recalled. – Every ingredient and its preparation carry a message – he said, as he put the recipe beside the sweet. Sue took it into her hands and started studying it curiously.

Absolutely wonderful post!

Averil, you had my mouth watering for that delicious dinner and then the sweet, along with my insides all turning to jello from their dreamy obsession with looks and words. But, did you have to leave it there? I'm down on hands and knees, begging (and that's not a pretty site) for Jack's profession of love! More!

Lynn

Lynn,
The last part is about 5 pages long, so I decided to post that in parts, so that it isn't too long. But I have that written, so I just have to translate them and then I can post both today. The recipe for the sweet is next.

The continuation is very good. They are so cute when they are embarrassed.

When can we read the continuation?

beautiful post

cath

Somlói galuska

Cake:
6 eggs
9 tea spoons granulated sugar
9 heaped tea spoons flour
half a bag baking powder
6 tea spoons water

Chocolate flavouring:
5 tea spoons flour
5 tea spoons cocoa
15 tea spoons granulated sugar
1 ½ litre water
1 ½ decilitre rum
20 decagrams chopped nuts
15 decagrams raisins

Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees, soak the raisins to a little water.
Prepare the sponge cake. Wash and separate the eggs. Mix the yolks, 9 tea spoons sugar and 6 tea spoons water until creamy. In the meantime, beat up the egg whites, and loosely mix it into the yolk. Continuously work the mixed flour and baking powder into the mass, but only by carefully turning it with a wooden spoon, so that the cream doesn’t break.
Pour it into a basted, floured or lined with grease-proof paper baking dish, and bake it on 180 degrees in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
While the cake is baking, prepare the flavouring. Mix the cocoa, sugar and flour with a little water, then pour the rest of the water to it and cook it until thick on a slow oven. If the flavouring is too thick, so you cannot pour it, add a little water to it. If it cools, mix the rum into it.
When the sponge cake is baked, wait until it cools, take it out the baking dish and cut it to small quadrangles. Chop the nuts. Put flavouring on the bottom of a glass dish, put the sponge cake quadrangles in it, the raisins and the nut pieces on top, then flavouring again. Repeat this until the ingredients last. Put flavouring, raisins and nuts on top, because the sponge cake would dry up. Put the sweet to the refrigerator and you can consume it in half an hour. At serving, put whipped cream on it.


- All ingredients have a meaning – the man told the history of the recipe, which he was told by his mother. The ingredients symbolize the ingredients of love… the recipe of which my family has guarded for long years – Jack took another sheet of paper, with the old family recipe on it. Sue started reading it interested, and found surprised that the recipe seemed unusually familiar.



Recipe for love & long-lasting relationship
Ingredients:
unconditional love
full acceptance
faithfulness in all circumstances
trust above all
deep sincerity
true friendship
strong attraction
great attentiveness
a bit of humour


- Granulated sugar symbolizes love – Jack started – it is as sweet as love itself. Flour is faithfulness… If it gets wet, it sticks, but if it’s dry, it doesn’t… So if a couple makes efforts for their relationship, it will last, but if they don’t do anything for it, it will fall apart.

- The eggs mean acceptance – Sue continued. – As its white and yolk live in peace beside one another, two people accept each other in a relationship the same way, with all their faults.

- Water is the symbol of honesty – Jack said. – It is pure and clean, just like water.
- Baking powder means trust – Sue said. – As the cookie gets bigger from the baking powder, trust makes the relationship complete the same way.

- Cocoa symbolizes friendship – the woman continued. – It is a warm, friendly colour; just like true friendship. And if two people in love are friends as well, it only adds to the relationship.
- As cocoa is the symbol of friendship, rum is the symbol of strong attraction – the man added. – Rum makes the relationship exciting.

- But a relationship also needs additional elements – Sue got to the end of the recipe. – Great attentiveness is also an indispensable condition. This is what nuts are standing for… provides an addition to the cookie, without which it can be consumed, but if we have this addition, it is much more delicious.

- Just like raisins – Jack finished. – This symbolizes humour… If we have this, it only makes the relationship more colourful.

Start mixing the ingredients of love… then continuously add the rest. But handle it carefully, a relationship is fragile in the beginning. It becomes strong by adding new ingredients, which are all indispensable conditions for a well-functioning relationship. Many things are necessary for this to work well… and the quantity of the ingredients may differ in each case. A perfect relationship doesn’t exist, there will always be times when a shadow gets over the life of a couple… The sun cannot always shine above a relationship, but if we learn from our mistakes, our love gets stronger. And if a difficult period comes to the life of a couple, honestly talking about the problems is what helps getting through the crisis. If we honestly share our feelings and worries with the person we love, this will make the bond between us even tighter and strengthens our love. And if we continuously make efforts for our love to be lasting, we may find real happiness.

love the recipe

cath

Thank you for sticking with me & for all your wonderful comments.

- Wow… - Sue said surprised, when they finished enumerating the symbols. – Our family has guarded the same recipe for long years… And now my mother gave it to me as well.

- My mother felt too that it is time to give the recipe to me… To prepare this sweet for a person who is special for me – he looked deeply into the woman’s eyes. – For a special woman, whose heart I hope I succeeded to gain.

- I also asked the recipe from my mother hoping that with this, I can capture the heart of the man I love – Sue admitted, returning the man’s look.

Jack’s heart missed a beat when hearing the confession. Is it possible that I am that man? Is it possible that she loves me as much as I love her?
Hope rose again in Sue’s soul when reading the man’s words. Maybe the thing about which I have been dreaming for three years is indeed true… Maybe he indeed feels the same for me what I feel for him.

- Sue – Jack stepped closer to the woman, determined to admit her at last what he feels for her. – Three long years had to pass until I became aware of my feelings. In the beginning it was hard to believe that I, who had a relationship with so many women, am able for similar feelings. I would have never thought this can happen to me… After all, women just came and went in my life, but I didn’t feel anything more than attraction for either of them… and I wasn’t happy beside either of them.

Sue read the man’s confession shocked. Is it possible he returns my feelings? It seems as if he would be trying to say this… Please, say what I would like you to say… Please, say that you love me as much as I love you…

- But then you entered my life, Sue – Jack held the woman’s hand. – And with that, my life changed at once. When you first stormed into the office, and our gazes met, I knew there was a special relationship between us, which is stronger than any earthly power. This feeling was unknown to me; I hadn’t experienced such tight bond between two people before.

Sue found it hard to believe what she was reading. Would I really be that important for him? It seemed that her dreams, which had filled her days for three years, were starting to become true.

- I would have never thought that I would ever be able to get past the superficial relationships… that I would ever be capable of deep feelings towards a woman – the man looked deeply into her eyes. – Before that I lived an irresponsible life; I got into easy relationships without any commitments, and I thought that was the life suitable for me. Often changing relationships, without any responsibility… I wouldn’t have thought that there exists a woman for whom I would give up all this without any thinking… I didn’t believe that one can be happy beside one person – he admitted. – But you changed me, Sue – he grasped the woman’s hand. – When I met you, everything was revised in my life. I realized that the superficial relationships lasting for just a few weeks, in which I lived earlier, were meant to make up for something which was missing from my life: a loving, lasting relationship with a woman whom I love more than anything, and who reciprocates my feelings. But the women continuously changing in my life were unable to fill the space caused by the lack of true love.

Sue read the man’s words in disbelief. Jack Hudson, the well-known lady-killer hasn’t found true love in his widely known many relationships… But he says I changed him. Does this mean that… Would it be possible that he loves me back? - hope raised in her heart.

- Until we met, I didn’t know what love means… I had never experienced what it is like to be completely in love – the man looked at their still intertwined hands. – But then you stepped… or more exactly stormed into my life… And everything changed from then on. I realized that meaningless relationships lacking anything which is important only mean a temporary solution… and I knew that I would have to end these. Since then, there hasn’t been a single woman in my life… There was no woman who was able to occupy in my heart the place of the woman whom I love more than anyone… About whom I felt in the very first moment that she is the love of my life.

Sue tried to hold back her tears threatening to emerge. Deep in her heart she felt that she is the woman about whom Jack was talking.

- I love you, Sue Thomas – Jack told the words at last, which had filled his dreams for years. – Ever since I first saw you. I would have had to confess it years earlier, but I feared you would reject me… I feared you don’t feel the same for me, and with a confession of love, I would ruin our friendship. I know I was a coward, but our friendship was too important for me to risk losing it.

- I love you too, Jack – the woman replied, letting her tears flow freely on her cheek. – From the very first moment… But I would have never thought that a man like Jack Hudson, who can get any woman he wants, could ever feel more for me than simple friendship… So I could only hope in my dreams that once you would hold my hand, and say that I am the woman whom you really love. I knew I feel more for you than what is between us, but I didn’t have the courage to confess my feelings for you… I feared that by this, I would lose your friendship, which means so much to me.

- I love you, Sue… More than anyone else in this world – the man repeated, while his lips slowly approached those of the woman. Their lips met in a soft kiss, and they both felt that for them, this relationship means everything they had ever wanted. Jack’s tongue softly caressed the woman’s lips, then asked for permission to enter, which Sue granted without delay. The man’s tongue went on to explore the woman’s mouth, then after feeling Sue’s approval, he started deepening the kiss, and their tongues started a passionate dance with one another. Sue moaned softly, as Jack’s hands moved on to her waist, and slowly moving upward, he started stroking the love of his life, until he got to her face. Sue wrapped her arms around the man’s neck, with her hands in Jack’s dark hair, while she experienced with a pleasant feeling how the love of her life was stroking her.

- I love you, Jack – the woman said again, after they parted gasping for air. The man smiled at her with his irresistible smile, his lips approaching those of the woman again, so that they could unite in another breathtaking kiss.

FIN / ENDE

Somlói galuska is a worldwide known Hungarian sweet, and my personal favourite. Its name comes from Somló, a place in Hungary (somlói = from Somló). As for "galuska", I don't know how it is said in English - my dictionary writes "dumplings" for it, but the best is if you prepare it and decide what its English name is. Apart from this one, there are lots of recipes for somlói, many of which can be found on the internet.

beautiful ending to a great story

cath

I agree with Cath, Averil. That was a beautiful ending.

And the sweet recipe sounds very good too. I loved the meanings of the ingredients. They are so true. I'm going to give this recipe to my granddaughters and hope they will use it as a guideline in the future when they become marriageable age.

Now I see you have started a sequel, so I'm off to read it.

Lynn

Beautiful ending! This is a wonderful story!

Great romantic story, Averil! I loved the meanings behind each ingredient of your recipe.

kav

Great job Averil! Thanks for sharing your story!

Averil, I love the bantering and teasing between the team!! It's one of the things I miss the most with the show!!!

Both Jason and Jack did a wonderful job in creating a very romantic atmosphere for their dinners!! Jason's proposal was beautiful, and I'm very happy for Lucy!!!

Jack outdid himself both with the dinner and his declaration of love to Sue!! I love the recipe of both the sweet and recipe for love and long-lasting relationships!! The sweet sounds very delicious and the recipe for love is perfect!!!

This story is so full of love and fun!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading every word!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us!!!

Joy

Great story Av...that was great!

The story is very cute.
That somlói... hmmm... it's really delicious. And I liked how you paired up the ingredients with the different meanings.
And at last Lucy has found the love of her life as well. Congrats for your story.

not only have I caught up, but I got to read the perfect ending to an awesome story. Averil that was amazing...well done!!!!!

Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing it with us! I loved how you paired the ingredients with the meanings!

I love this family recipe and it is so true. I loved the story, congratulations for that!

I love your story! It's really cute! Jack did his best at the dinner! Smile And the ingredients to the somlói also fit well.
And Lucy has also found love at last.
Congratulations!