William, Amy, Dr Ogden, Brackenreid and Crabtree are not mine

Chapter 1

Yawning noisily Jack pulled up outside Sue’s apartment, it was way too early for a flight to Toronto, he should have insisted they leave the night before but D had told them they had to submit their reports before leaving for the conference on cross border co-operation and there had been no available flights.

Now they had a horribly early flight and a drive across town to the hotel and conference centre complex, as far as he was concerned the only plus to having a week in Toronto was that he would be with Sue and Levi in a luxurious hotel.

Stepping out of the car he stifled another yawn and headed to her front door.

‘Hi’ her soft voice dragged him out of his reverie and looked at her in amazement wondering how she could look so fresh and beautiful at 4 AM.

‘Morning’ he mumbled, bending to pat Levi on the head before taking her bags and carrying them to the car.

‘Did you get any sleep?’ she asked, taking in the bags under the eyes and the slightly dishevelled appearance.

‘Not much, I was worrying about oversleeping so I did what I always do…… lay awake tossing and turning, waiting for the alarm to go off, sure it wouldn’t while trying to get some sleep so I didn’t sleep through…..’

‘I would have rung you if you were late’ she smiled, opening the rear door to allow Levi in as Jack opened the passenger door for her, slamming it shut as she fastened her seat belt.

‘You looking forward to the conference?’ Sue asked as Jack headed to the airport.

‘It has it’s good points’ he grinned, ‘three days of conference followed by a weekend of sight seeing with a beautiful woman…..’

‘Thank you kind sir’ she teased before chewing her bottom lip, ‘sorry I guess you mean someone else……..’

‘No, I meant you……. who else would I mean?’ he asked softly, determined that this week would be the time he took a step of faith and listened to his heart.

‘I doubt you’ll have any shortage of women wanting to show you the sights of Toronto’ she bumbled, aware she was blushing furiously and angry with herself for making any kind of assumption that he would want to be with her.

‘Sue, I don’t want to have other women throw themselves at me, I want to spend the week with my best friend……..’ even as the words were out of his mouth he wanted to kick himself, 5 months since she decided not to leave for New York and he was still a bumbling idiot.

Woohoo! Great start!
Looking forward to more!

Tracy

Bumbling idiot that you are, Jack, we love you anyway -- especially in a learningtosign story!

kav

Jack? Good grief! How in the world did you get the nickname, "Sir Jack", when you make dumb statements like that???
Sure, she's your best friend, but, I mean, really!
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and guess it's the early hour of the morning and your brain is still napping, but, if you don't watch yourself and pick up some speed, turtleboy, I've got a feeling Murdoch will be sweeping your Sue off her feet!

But of course, we love the bumbling-idiot-Jack. There's no other one like him!

Good start, waiting to see where you take it

jackkkkk you should really stop bumbling it's not helping right now poor jack maybe he's not thinking straight when he is so tired

Good start, Cath, and I'm glad to see you decided to join the challenge!!!

Jack will always be a bumbling idiot, which is what makes him so adorable!!!

Joy

heh heh... Somehow I'm getting the feeling that things won't be ... quite... the way Jack would like to see them.



Excellent start for the first entry... More please?

Jack....you're cute and we love you....but saying things like that only gets you into more trouble...haven't you learn that yet?

Cath...I love your challenge stories and look forward to seeing where this goes!!!!!

fantastic start Cath and cant wait for more hope jack tells sue
he loves her and theres loads of fuzzies more soon please
Lin

LOoking good hun. Lets hope Jack doesn't bumble his way through the whole week, lol

Great start! Jack and Sue on a trip, how fun!

Jack..yes bumbling-idiot...Hope that week in Toronto will kick off thing a bit!!!
Looking forward for more Cath
Josy

Incorporating Murdoch Mysteries...this should be good!

Great start. Sounds like lots of fun. Can't wait to see Hudson meet Murdoch. or for Sue to be in the presence of both of them.

Ooh! This should be fun!

Paula

Having these two characters meet should be most interesting indeed. I don't really know much about the Murcoch character, other than the generalities.

Great start! This should be a lot of fun.

I'm late to the party, but better late than never, I guess. Looking forward to your story Cath. I haven't read the Murdoch Mysteries yet, so know nothing about the character; other than the little I've read on Canadian Musings awhile back; but, I'm grinning from ear-to-ear as this should certainly be an interesting twist to your Jack and Sue story! Reading over the challenge guidelines doesn't help me one whit, as you could take this story down any of the category roads!

So, let the story continue....I'm ready with the

Lynn

Jack...what where you thinking...."best friend" my foot...you'd better tell her the truth...

~laura michelle~

Ivory, you probably won't need to know much about the characters, hopefully there will be enough in the posts but if not any of you can pm and i will be happy to fill you in. for now think victorian era, Jack the Ripper time

Chapter 2

‘So, where do you want to visit?’ he asked as they relaxed back in the plane, the rest of the journey to the airport had passed in silence and he knew he’d let another golden opportunity pass him by.

‘Maybe we could visit Niagara Falls?’ she suggested softly.

‘Looks like an idea, I’ve always wanted to go there, one of the many things I’ve planned on doing and never quite got round to…. not that I have much time……’

‘Well we can cross one thing off your list this week’ she smiled, gripping the seat as the plane took off.

‘OK YOU?’

‘Flying hurts my ears’ she admitted.

‘Why didn’t you say? We could have driven up…….’ His tone was sharper than he intended but she didn’t appear to have noticed the deep frown he shot in her direction.

‘Not even you could drive to Toronto in time for the conference and stay awake for the sessions…….’

‘No, but you could have taken notes while I slept’ he grinned, yelping as she swatted his arm lightly.

‘Here……’ he offered his hand and she accepted gratefully, squeezing tightly as the pain in her head intensified.

Pulling her close Jack wrapped an arm around her shoulder and ran the other hand through her hair as she drifted off to sleep. Feeling her relax in his arms he whispered the words he was never brave enough to tell her when she could read him before kissing her tenderly on the top of her head.

Gazing out of the window he prayed that this week would be the turning point in their relationship.

Dashing off the plane Jack left Sue to collect the bags while he and Levi went to pick up the rental car. Arriving at the hotel/conference centre he parked up, leaving the bags in the trunk as they gathered the essential paperwork required and grabbed a quick breakfast before heading for the auditorium.

‘OK YOU?’ he asked as they took their seats.

‘Yeah, I will be. The flight wasn’t too long so I should be good to go by lunch….’

‘Have you got anything for the pain?’ he asked softly, he hated to see her hurting.

‘No, it sends me to sleep…..’

‘Go lie down if you like, I can take notes, update you over lunch’ he suggested, his eyes shining with concern.

‘I’ll be ok Jack but I appreciate your concern.’

‘If you insist’ he sighed, she sure was one stubborn woman, but that was one of the many things he loved about her.

Reading through the notes the speaker had prepared Jack switched off a little, exhaustion washing over him as a result of the case and a sleepless night.

Collecting their room keys Jack took the bags to their rooms, leaving Sue in the dining room to finish her coffee.

Lunch had been simple but welcome and both had drunk vast amounts of coffee in an effort to stay awake for the afternoon session. Sue had struggled to follow the speaker and her headache had intensified but despite her discomfort and Jack’s frequent suggestions she had refused to rest.

‘ME WALK LEVI?’ he asked in sign, anxious to give her time to rest without taking over.

‘I could use some air’ she admitted, smiling as he placed his hand in the small of her back as they exited the dining area.

Asking directions to the nearest park they walked in companionable silence in the spring air.

‘You look better’ he smiled as they returned to their seats.

‘Food, coffee, fresh air, it all helps’ she smiled, almost losing herself in the dark brown eyes.

‘So maybe tonight after dinner you go to bed early and I’ll look after Levi, let him in to your room when I’ve walked him….’

‘It’s ok, I’ll grab a couple of hours before dinner…… you look even more beat than I feel, Hudson.’

Any further conversation was halted as the speaker rapped the table to gain attention.

‘Ok, you miss Thomas are going upstairs to relax while I walk Levi……. dinner is at 7.30, I’ll wait in my room for you and if you’re not up to going down we’ll order room service……’ she knew by the look on his face that he wasn’t going to argue. Instead she nodded her head, patted Levi and headed for the elevator.

Watching her depart and feeling more than a little guilty for staring at her jean-clad rear end Jack sighed and headed to the park.

Making the most of her time Sue ran the bath, dropping in some lavender drops and soaking in the warm water. The aroma of lavender and the warmth of the water allowed her to relax and by the time she stepped out of the bath and wrapped herself in the luxurious towelling robe her headache had almost gone.

Lying on the bed Sue closed her eyes, quickly drifting off into a Jack-filled dream.

Returning from the park Jack kicked off his running shoes and lay on the bed exhaustion washing over him before he fell asleep.

Woken by Levi’s nose shoved in his ear Jack groaned and rolled off the bed, landing with a thud on the floor and groaning as the dog decided this meant he wanted to play.

Shoving Levi away he struggled to his feet and opened the door, ‘hi’ he bumbled checking his watch, it was 8.30.

‘Hey, sorry did I wake you?’

‘NO PROBLEM COME IN’ he stood aside and smiled warmly.

‘Room service?’ he suggested, smiling as she nodded.

After placing the order he indicated for her to sit on the couch, ‘how’s the head?’

‘All gone, thanks for walking Levi’

‘NO PROBLEM’ he signed, ‘I had a thought while we were out…… and D’s agreed, we could drive back to DC on Monday…..’

‘It’s a long drive Jack…..’ she protested.

‘A little under 10 hours, I’ve driven 15 hours home before now…. I want to drive, I hate to see you hurting like you were today…. please?’

She tried to resist, tried so hard but it was futile and once she looked in to the puppy dog eyes she was sunk, ‘ok but you let me share the driving…..’

‘We’ll see’ he grinned before signing ‘DOOR’ and opening said door to reveal their dinner.

that was fantastic just hope jack dosnt stay
tutle boy and tells sue soon instead of bumbling more soon please Cath

Lin

Well that was a delicious post. I love Jack's concern and Sue's stubborn insistence that she could do it all until Jack put his foot down. I love the way you're unfolding this -- building up our anticipation (and frustration!) and I loved this bit. Guess Jack isn't used to being the recipient of a service dog.

kav

Meanwhile, he needs to learn how to say it when her eyes are opened.

Fantastic post, Cath!
Looking forward to more!

Tracy

Have to agree with Linny here! Now Sue, was that a subtle hint you were giving Jack about visiting Niagara Falls? I love that Jack didn't miss a beat, just barged forward revealing his feelings about that most renowned honeymoon spot. And Jack, your concern for Sue is touching....it's the little things like that we love about you! Great post Cath!

Lynn

OH! Oh! OH! I just got the title.



kav

Jack is so sweet! Please continue!

Lovely I love how Jack is really thoughtful.
Josy

Loving, thoughtful and concern JAck...I love it

I love take-care-of-Sue-because-I-love-her Jack!! I would also love an I-told-Sue-that-I-love-her Jack!!!

Joy

I'm loving this, Cath! But you know how I feel about Murdoch already, so when you combine that with Jack Hudson, I'm a goner!!

Can you imagine Sue? Being with two equally mesmerizing men? Oh, my!

Aww Jack was really sweet

Jack is such a sweetheart, looking out for Sue and all.

I loved the concern Jack showed and you nailed Sue's stubborness, too. I think my favorite line was when Levi stuck his nose in Jack's ear. Great job building their relationship.

Kav,hope you didn't get too dizzy from all that spinning

Chapter 3

Waking early the following morning Jack was rejuvenated by the decent sleep he’d enjoyed. Conferences weren’t his favourite thing in the world but it did mean some downtime away from cases and there was the added bonus of having time with Sue, not that he’d done anything about asking her out yet because once again he’d chickened out, bumbling badly and coming out with his usual, ‘see you in the morning’ line.

Heading for the bathroom he showered and dressed quickly before checking his watch, he would be right on time for their morning walk with Levi.

‘Hi’ she looked gorgeous in a red jumper and jeans, her hair in a loose pony tail which was begging to be released. ‘How’s the head this morning?’

‘Head ache and earache are all gone….. you look better this morning,’ and he did, the drawn lines around his eyes had disappeared and there was once again a twinkle in his eyes. The dark blue casual shirt showed off his muscular torso while the black jeans hugged his hips nicely.

‘Slept like a log, you and knucklehead ready?’ he grinned.

‘I could get used to this’ he sighed as they ambled slowly around the park while Levi played with a boxer who reminded them of Lily and their undercover marriage.

‘Maybe you should buy a dog? Have a reason to get up early’ Sue suggested, biting back the words which suggested he should date and marry her then he could walk her and Levi every morning.
She’d had high hopes for Jack after that morning outside the pen, had even expressed those hopes to Lucy who had excitedly told her that everyone now knew about their mutual attraction but if he was attracted to her now he was hiding it very well.

Frustrated by his inaction Lucy had suggested she date someone else and thereby give Jack a kick up the butt before declaring that was a bad idea, Jack was too much of a gentleman to take action if he thought she was happy with someone else. While he would ride to her rescue in any dangerous situation, he wouldn’t ride in and take her away from what he thought was a good relationship.
Sue sighed, softly, he’d stood back and watched her date David, hiding well any jealousy he may have felt behind a friendly and polite façade, ‘this man is so frustrating at times’ she thought to herself as they walked.

Jack sighed, another opportunity bungled, he didn’t want a dog of his own, he wanted to walk this dog with this woman every morning.
Not for the first time he prayed that he would find the courage to kick open the door of opportunity rather than allowing it to slam shut in his face.

‘I thought tonight, if you like we could eat out and go to the movies, the desk clerk says they have a movie theatre which has close caption films….’

‘Any idea what’s on?’

‘Not a clue but if we get there and there’s nothing you want to see we’ll come back or find something else to do…..’

‘Looks good’ Sue nodded while telling herself that even if she’d seen every film already they were going to the movies.

‘How about ‘Just Like Heaven’?’ he suggested as they headed for the car after freshening up. The day had been interesting, or as interesting as these things ever got but Sue had struggled to keep up with the conversations over lunch. Jack had done his best to keep her in the loop but with so many people talking at once it had been almost impossible and would have been even if his signing was fluent.

They’d made their excuses and walked Levi, ‘Jack thank you for trying…..’

‘I didn’t do very well did I? I realised today just how little I know and how hard it is for you when we start chatting and get carried away….. I’m sorry Sue…’

‘Don’t be sorry, you did your best, anyone would have struggled in that situation……’

‘I still feel I let you down…’ the dark brown eyes were now misting over with tears and she ached to hug him and tell him he’d done his best and she valued his efforts to be a part of her world…….. and that she loved him.

Instead she squeezed his hand gently and smiled shyly at him as she chewed her bottom lip.

The wave of sadness that washed over him was nothing new, each time he thought their two worlds could co-exist something happened and he lost his tiny amount of confidence that he could ever integrate as much as she deserved, he turned his head and smiled weakly wondering if she had any idea how much he wanted to be a part not only of her world but her life. ‘Probably not since you can’t tell her you love her’ he mumbled to himself before forcing his thoughts back to the unfamiliar streets of Toronto.

‘Indian?’ he touched her hand and indicated the restaurant across the street.

‘Works for me’ she smiled, losing herself all too briefly in the sexy brown eyes which met her gaze.

‘So, how about, ‘Just Like Heaven?’ he asked again as they waited for their food.

‘The one with the doctor who becomes a ghost and she and the new guy in her apartment fall in love then she wakes up just before they pull the plug?’

‘You make it sound very unromantic’ he chuckled, but yeah, that’s the one’

‘Yeah, I like it….. sure you don’t want to see an action movie? I know you guys can’t take all this romantic stuff’

‘I have a very romantic streak’ he protested.

‘Yeah? You ever reveal it?’ she teased.

‘I would, if the right woman came along……. ‘

‘You haven’t met her yet?’

‘I think so, just not so sure she would want to become romantically involved with me……’

‘What’s not to like? You’re smart, very good looking, sexy smile, those eyes…… you’re charming, polite, funny….. intelligent……..’

‘And when I suggested those were my attributes you suggested the girl would be lying……..’ he commented softly.

Sue chewed her lip nervously as she remembered the day she was trying to figure out how Amanda could tell Ben she was interested, as Jack had rattled off what he would want someone to say about him she’d mentally suggested a few more before coming out with the cutting comment she still regretted.

‘Can’t have you getting swollen headed Hudson, but seriously, any woman would be very fortunate to date you, you have just about everything a woman would want…..’

‘And an awful lot of baggage too’ he whispered.

‘Baggage?’ she prompted.

‘Allie, Jessica, Kristen…….’

‘You have trust issues?’ Sue asked softly.

‘I guess…… Krissy lied to me, told me she was going to give up……. I tried so hard to help her but she was still using behind my back all that time…… Jessica …. I wonder if she was plotting even when we were together, wonder if she thought I could be her passport to knowledge and power purely because I was ‘a Yank’ as she called me….. I wonder, if we’d been together if I’d have been sucked in or stood firm……..’

‘You would never have been sucked in, one of your many attributes is your moral courage, your sense of right and wrong, your desire to protect the innocent and bring down the bad guys. I know you well enough to know that if you’d even suspected something was wrong you would have reported her…… why did you break up?’

‘The distance thing……. and she was determined to reach the dizziest height she could in MI6, she knew how to play the game while I was content to be the best agent I could…… she was right about one thing, I didn’t care about the game, I wouldn’t play politics just to get another foot up the rung….. if I retire as an agent it will be enough for me…… I love my job, the people I work with and that’s enough for me…… although it would be nice to have someone to share my life with……’

‘So maybe you take a chance and ask that woman out…. is it Allie?‘

‘Good grief, no……. Allie and I would never work out, I know that now. She’s a lot like Darcy, wanting promotion, seeking it out……. and…’

‘And?’ Sue prompted.

‘Allie never wanted children, still doesn’t as far as I know…… like I told you after the undercover marriage…… I want marriage, kids, dog, white picket fence, and swing on the back porch…….’

‘So when she looked after you after your heart attack?’

‘We talked, about the past, proms, dates….. her unsuccessful attempts to sleep with me….. our hopes and dreams….. and we came to the conclusion that while we would always be friends, there would never be an ‘us’…. it was tough at the time, when she turned up at the hospital I wondered if it was a sign that we were meant to be together, but it wasn’t…..’

‘Like I said Jack, any woman would be blessed to be with you……’ whatever else she might have wanted to say was cut off by the arrival of their food and the talk turned to easy conversation as it had so many times over the last four years.

Finding their seats Jack sat on Sue’s right, if he played it right he could stretch his left arm around the back of the seat and drape it over her shoulder while still having his right hand free for signing.

Feeling like a love-sick teenager he stretched two minutes into the film, sighing contentedly as his arm rested along her shoulder, then groaning silently as Sue lent in to him.

Needing him to make the first move with regard to moving the relationship from friendship to something more Sue had, never the less decided that she would take small baby steps towards giving him hints that she wanted more, that she wanted the endless dinners, deaf club, movies and everything else they did together to have a meaning, and preferably end with a good night kiss.
Briefly as she cuddled in to him she lost track of the film as he mind replayed the kiss, she’d always thought he would be good at kissing, not that she knew why she thought that, she simply did and she hadn’t been disappointed. The only real disappointment that night had been Janice finding them way too early and then Jack doing his cute but oh so frustrating bumbling. If ever a guy deserved to be whacked around the head with a plank of wood it was one Jackson Samuel Hudson that particular night.

All too soon the movie ended and Jack reluctantly removed his arm from her shoulders.

‘Thanks for tonight Jack…. I enjoyed it…..’

‘YEAH ME TOO’ he signed, ‘maybe we should do it again sometime’ he suggested.

‘I’d like that’ Sue agreed, slightly confused since they’d been for dinner and the movies often before now, maybe he was suggesting it as a date but since he made no further mention of it she sighed shivering in the evening air.

‘Here……’ he slipped off the leather jacket and placed it around her shoulders, adding another layer on top of the light jacket she was wearing.

‘No, you’ll be cold’ she protested.

‘I told you, I’m tough’ he chuckled, ‘anyway it’s not far to the car……’

Every word I read I'm thinking, "this is it -- he's gonna say something..she's going to say something" and we never quite get there, though we're creeping closer and closer. I love how Sue came to Jack's defence so quickly.I felt like standing up and and I hope, if Jack thinks back on it, he'll realize what Sue said and that it was Sue who said it and therefore it's highly likely that she would welcome his advance!

kav

jack please just tell her the truth your crazy about her shes
the love of your life or just kiss her senseless now tonight more soon
please Cath
Lin

I sure hope that Jack zeros in on what she said here.

I've always wondered what Jack's take on most of those zingers would be...

I guess now we know...

They are moving forward I can see, I would love a guy to do all that for me! Can't wait for more Cath.

I would sure like to get my hand on that "plank of wood" Sue mentioned, for just a second!! At least he at last talked a little about his past relationships and where he stands with Allie!!!

Now, if he would just listen to what Sue is saying - he missed a big chance to declare himself this evening - hopefully he won't let that happen for too much longer!!!

Joy

Nice, I really like them to be in Toronto on a trip...I wanna go too!!!

What are you waiting for!!??
Really Jack...take the plunge and you'll see if the water was too cold but believe me, with Sue...you have all the chances in the world!
Josy

Good Plan

Jack...please I'm begging you here...will you just tell her already!

yeah jack you really need to get moving, please do something.

I agree - good plan!
A great post, Cath!
Looking forward to more!

Tracy

Give the guy a break, it's taken him 4 years to get to this point, maybe by the end of the story..........

Chapter 4

‘Do you think they lived happily ever after?’ she asked suddenly.

‘The doc and her man?’ he clarified, unsure if he’d missed something important.

‘Yeah……. is it possible to have that happily ever after? Or is it simply something that only happens in fairy tales?’

‘I like to think it happens in real life, that even with problems that life throws up, two people can still have that depth of love and trust until they die. My mom and dad still have it…… when I was little it was embarrassing watching them kissing and hugging all the time but as I got older I knew I wanted that… D and Donna have it too…..’

‘Did you imagine having that with Allie?’

‘Sometimes but then she was a little too keen on us getting physical before we married…… my dad drummed in to me that I could only ever have a first ‘first time’ and however many women I had first times with I would always regret not waiting for ‘the one’…….. your mom and dad must still be happy ever after surely?’ he swiftly changed the subject, blushing furiously as he admitted his inexperience to a woman who assumed he had no end of women available.

‘I guess but then I came along and they argued about what was right for me, mom kinda lost her focus for a few years, trying to have me fixed, having me learn to sign and speak…….. fighting some of my battles, I think they’re happy but having me took it’s toll on them, and my brothers…… they missed out a lot through having me around….’

‘You think they blame you?’

‘Sometimes, when they complain about how much time I took up….. the hours mom spent with me, then when dad got home she’d make me show him what I’d done new, a new word, signs, some new talent……. I can understand why they feel the way they do…. but then I remind myself and them if I wasn’t deaf I’d be dead…… I would have won the skating competition and died in the bus crash, that shuts them up……..’ the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes and he wondered if she would ever stop blaming herself for things she couldn’t control.

‘So, were your brothers and sisters the same?’

‘I don’t have any……..’ he pulled out his wallet and found the picture he carried.

Sue took the photo and gasped softly, the picture showed Jack with two older adults, she squinted closely at him, ‘but you’re………’

‘Adopted’ he smiled, ‘mom’s white, dad isn’t…he was born in Jamaica, his parents brought him over when he was a few months old…he and mom grew up side by side in church, fell in love.. mom couldn’t have children so they adopted. I’ve known since I was little….. my birth mom was 16, her parents kicked her out when she told then she was pregnant…. she opted to give me up for adoption, I was blessed to end up with mom and dad……’

‘Wow, I never knew…..’

‘Many people don’t’ he teased, ‘Bobby’s met them so he knows but no-one else does, not because I’m ashamed or anything it just never comes up. I’ve never considered them to be anything other than my real parents…I’m more than happy to be Special Agent Jackson Samuel Hudson son of James and Maria Hudson from a small town in Wisconsin ….…’

‘Have you never wanted to meet her?’

Jack shrugged casually, ‘not really, not for me anyhow, sometimes I’d like to meet her and let her know I’m ok, that I don’t blame her and that I’m grateful that she opted to gave me life and a name but for myself like Katie Harmon, no……’

‘She named you?’

‘Apparently she asked that I be called Samuel, mom and dad wanted to give me another name but gave it as my second name…. maybe it was my dad’s name…..’

‘So did they ever experience problems being mixed race?’

‘No…… most of the people they knew had known them from a young age, it was accepted where I grew up…… I think they’re a testament that two people from different cultures can have a very happy marriage…… and it never bothered me, I have friends across the cultural divide…….’

‘They must be very special people’

‘They are’ he agreed opening the car for her, ‘hot chocolate?’ he suggested before switching on the engine.

‘Yeah, looks good…… you’re a very mysterious man you know……. every time I think I have you pegged you surprise me with something new……..’

‘NEVER BORING’ he signed, a broad grin on his handsome face.

‘Never boring’ she agreed, ‘anything else you want to let me in on?’

‘Not right now…….. I like to think that having little surprises keeps our relationship fresh and exciting……. ‘

About to comment Sue slammed her mouth closed, waiting to see if he came up with anything else but to her immense frustration he didn’t, concentrating instead on the road to the hotel.

‘You go on up and I’ll walk Levi’ he slipped his jacket from her shoulders, waiting until she was inside before turning away Levi at his heels.

Ordering the hot chocolate on his return Jack raced up the stairs followed by Levi, he knew it was irrational and the hotel was full of law enforcement workers but he hated that he’d left her in his room with the door open.

‘Hi’ he wondered why he’d worried as he entered and noticed her stretched out on the couch, flicking through the TV channels.

‘Hi’ she swung her legs off and greeted Levi before glancing up at Jack, ‘you ok?’

‘Yeah I was worrying about you being alone in a strange room on your own with the door open…… silly huh?’ he grinned sheepishly and willed his heart to stop pounding.

‘Sweet’ she grinned, ‘I could look after myself you know…..’
‘Sorry, I know but I worry……. sometimes Simon comes back to haunt me…..’

‘’I know……. you’re a very sweet and wonderful man Jack. Whoever you choose to date will be very blessed. And if she ever hurts you, you let me know and I’ll take her out for you…..’

‘Will do’ he grinned, ‘any way, on another subject, I thought we could visit the Falls on Sunday, wind up our trip here and see some sights Saturday…….’

‘Looks good, are you sure about driving back? It’s a long drive to save me a few hours of pain….’

‘I want to drive, I hate watching you hurting.’

Sue sighed softly, she was sunk the second he looked at her with those beautiful eyes.

‘Ok’ she nodded.

‘GREAT’ he signed, if he hadn’t found the words over the weekend, maybe he would on the drive home.

‘I’m gonna turn in, I’ll see you in the morning.’

‘I’ll walk you to your room’

‘Jack, I’m only next door’ she grinned.

‘I’ll walk you to your room’ he insisted, tapping her nose, determined not to be beaten on the discussion.

‘Thanks Jack, I had a lovely evening’ she kissed him softly on the cheek before opening her door, leaving Jack staring at her more than a little bemused.