Hello! This is my very first post, and my very first story on this site! I'm looking forward to your feedback, and thanks for reading!

GinaSue


OPERATION VALENTINE'S DAY

He’d left nothing to chance. At least he hoped he hadn’t. And he was good at planning, so this was sure to go off without a hitch. Ever since Tara had cajoled them all into taking part in her current festival of the week, St. Valentine’s Day.

“Come on, it will be fun,” she had encouraged her dubious team.

“Look, we’re used to you playing around with Christmas, and I don’t even mind the bunnies and chicks at Easter, though the live ducklings were a bit much last year. But Valentine’s Day, Tara? Is nothing sacred to you?” he had been the first to protest, but as usual to no avail.

Tara had compromised. “Okay, we won’t do everything I planned, but we will do…this one. Yes, this looks like fun!” She had grinned up at them all from her perch at the computer with such enthusiasm that no one had the heart to discourage her. “This is an ancient Valentine’s Day custom. And it’s easy to do. You have to claim the first person of the opposite sex that you see on Valentine’s Day for your Valentine.”

“And that would entail?”

“Oh, I don’t know, taking him, or her, out to lunch, doing absolutely everything together all day and then something special in the evening. Come on, this should be lots of fun.”

“I’ve never wished you were in a committed relationship more than I do right now.” He forgot who said that, but it was the general consensus of the day.

Of course they had all grumbled and flatly refused to participate…which is why he was perched out here in the freezing cold before the sun had even risen waiting to for the first glimpse of…Sue.

“What am I doing out here?” Jack Hudson sat, deep in thought, on the bench outside Sue Thomas’ Georgetown apartment, hands deep in his pockets, freezing. “I know what I’m doing. I was afraid I’d have to spend the day with somebody I don’t like to spend time with, and Sue I could spend time with any time – if that makes sense – it’s too early to think. She’s easy to be with. That’s what it is. Now what the other guys will do is beyond me – but I’ve got dibs on Sue.”

He was giving himself a pep talk. Ever since the day he thought Sue was gone forever, when she almost left to go to the New York office, he had made excuses to spend time with her. He didn’t really dwell on the emotions he felt the day he told her he wished she weren’t going. It was supposed to be her last day at work. Truth be told, once he found out she wasn’t leaving, he was a little afraid to face those. He didn’t want to think about it. He’d felt like he had a reprieve.

They had continued on, getting the occasional pizza together, walking Levi in the park, carrying on at work just like they had before. The only difference he could see was that occasionally he caught a glimpse of sadness, maybe a little hurt, lurking in Sue’s eyes. When that happened, he couldn’t meet them. He didn’t want to think he had anything to do with that, but deep down he knew he probably did.

Looking longingly at the coffee shop across the street from Sue and Lucy’s apartment, he knew that he dare not leave his post, even for caffeine. For this thought, he was rewarded. He looked at his watch – 6:45am. As if on cue, out the front door came Sue, bundled up to her eyes, with Levi on his leash. Now he had to think of something to say to her. After all his negative comments at the office yesterday, he was going to lose face, big time.

Smiling, he started toward her. Levi saw him first, and started wagging his tail furiously.

“What’s with you today, Levi?” Sue asked, a little disgruntled at having to be out so early to walk the dog. Usually a morning person, Valentine’s Day loomed before her. “I guess I’ll spend the day doing special things with you, buddy. You’re the first ‘person’ of the opposite sex that I see every day!”

She looked up just in time to see Jack walking toward her. She squinted as he came closer. Surely this was a dream. He was smiling, that goofy, half-embarrassed smile that always succeeded in melting her, although he’d never know it. She stood up a little straighter, told Levi to sit, as Jack stood in front of her, holding out a flower.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said, quietly, looking into her eyes. “Will you be my Valentine today?” He reddened as he said it. He thought, ‘How corny can you get? That line went out in about second grade!’

She gave him an appraising look. There was a smile on her face, but it was a tentative smile, as if she were trying to figure out where this was coming from.

“I don’t know. I’ve already had one offer from a member of the opposite sex, but I didn’t tell him for sure.” She took the flower, a single red rose, smelled it, and looked back at Jack with an eyebrow arched attractively.

“Who beat me?” Jack’s mouth dropped open. He was clearly frustrated. How could ANYbody have gotten there before him? Bobby? Myles? He just stared into Sue’s eyes, looking for a hint of a joke, of anger, of something. As he stared, he started to see a thaw as her eyes crinkled at the sides in a smile.

“You have some stiff competition. Levi is there for me every day of my life. I never wonder if something is going to come between us, or if somebody else is going to turn his head. He’s well trained, you know. He kisses me awake every morning, by the way.” Sue’s tongue was firmly planted in her cheek, now, a laugh bubbling up in her that finally escaped.

With Sue’s laugh, Jack looked away, reddened a little, and pointed at her, signing “never a dull moment with you!”

She shrugged and nodded agreement with a smile still on her face. “I thought you weren’t going to participate in Tara’s little Valentine’s Day activity?”

“Well, I wasn’t going to, but then I thought about the other guys in the office. They SAID they weren’t going to, either, but I know them. I figured one of them would be waiting out here when you and Lucy came out to go to work, and I thought I would beat them to the punch. I have the advantage of knowing how much Levi loves his early morning romp.” Jack gave Levi a hearty ‘good morning’ rub and gestured to Sue that he would walk Levi with her this morning.

“Do you think it’s fair to use information gathered on a case to beat your fellow agents at their own game? You wouldn’t necessarily have known if we hadn’t been married before – undercover, that is.” Sue was walking, watching Jack closely to get what he was saying. Levi was straining at his leash. This walk wasn’t going as quickly as he would like it to. Doesn’t Sue know that if you walk faster, you can also walk farther?!

“Oh, I think it’s fair enough. To tell you the truth, I was afraid Bobby might get here before me. Fortunately, he’s less of a morning person than I am.” He looked sideways at Sue to get a reaction from her. He was rewarded with a look of surprise at the idea of Bobby wanting to ‘be her valentine.”

“Bobby? Why would Bobby want to spend the day with me? I figure he’s lying in wait for Tara somewhere, to surprise her.” Sue shrugged her shoulders happily, thinking about Bobby and Tara together for the day. She had seen the looks that passed between them after they attended the concert together several months ago.

“What about Stanley?” Jack felt like he was totally behind the times. Had he been so wrapped up in his own thoughts that he hadn’t noticed what was going on around him, and what was going on with his best friend?

“Tara broke up with Stanley about 2 months after she went out with Bobby.” She looked pointedly at Jack, eyebrows raised, hand on hip, waiting for the realization to dawn on him. “For a Special Agent with the FBI, you sure do seem to miss a lot!” And not just about Tara and Bobby, she thought, rolling her eyes at him.

“Well, while you ladies must spend all your spare time speculating on where the next date will come from, we guys spend our spare time talking about important stuff.” Jack was starting to swagger, the way he did when he was making a joke about male-female differences. Looking at Sue and winking, she just gave him a smile and a withering glance – which is what she usually did when he made those kinds of jokes. They were both pretty relaxed now.

“Oh, you mean when you talk about sports and cars? BO-RING. For your information, Jackson Samuel Hudson, we do NOT spend our spare time mooning over the male of the species. We talk about important things like world peace and harmony, political views, and . . . and the best place to get your nails done!” She sputtered to a halt as she had a hard time thinking about what girls DO talk about!

A laugh rippled out of her and Jack joined her, placing his gloved hand on her back as they walked. His touch not lost on Sue, even through her coat and sweater, she looked over at him and smiled as they reached her building.

“To protect you from predatory females in our midst, I will consent to being your Valentine for today.” She fingered the petals on the rose, still fresh in the crisp morning air, and looked up at him, unprepared for what she saw when she looked into his eyes.

He wasn’t prepared for what he felt when she looked into his eyes. He looked at her for a minute, head tilted a little to one side, a smile playing on his lips as he took her hand. Bowing, he looked up and said “Thank you, m’lady! I will see that you are not sorry that you chose me! Shall I pick you up and take you to the office this morning? We could get some breakfast on the way?”

She nodded, smiled, turned, and led Levi back into the building to finish getting ready for work. As she reached the door, she looked back to where Jack had been standing. He was still standing there. “See you in an hour?”

He nodded, standing there watching her until she was out of sight in the building.

I love it! Welcome to the board and welcome to the world of fanfic posting, GinaSue!

Welcome!



Looks like Operation Valentine's Day has gotten off to a fantastic start!

Welcome to the challenge, GinaSue. This is a great start. I loved that Jack was embarrassed and Sue teased him about Levi being the first male she saw. Eagerly anticipating how Jack plays out the day!

Lynn

Wow! You are off to a great start! You go, girl!

Jill

Thanks for the comments!



Lucy was curled up on the couch with a huge cup of coffee when Sue came in the door. “Good morning! Took a longer walk than usual, didn’t you?” Lucy asked.

“Good morning to you,” Sue replied with a sparkle in her eyes that hadn’t been there before.

“If a morning walk can make you look like that, I may have to start joining you! You positively sparkle!” Lucy was a little taken aback at the spring in Sue’s step. She was also taken aback to see Sue carrying a single red rose! “Where did THAT come from?” she shrieked, sliding from her comfortable spot to the edge of her seat.

“I’ve been asked to be someone’s Valentine today,” Sue said quietly, reddening a little at putting it into words.

“OK, girlfriend – spill! WHO asked you to be his Valentine?” Smiling broadly, Lucy was sitting bolt upright as she watched Sue go into the kitchen to find a vase for her flower. She had a feeling . . . but this would be too good to be true! Had he finally come to his SENSES?

“It was Jack,” Sue said, glancing up just long enough to catch a triumphant gleam in Lucy’s eyes. “He said he wanted to beat the other guys in the office to the punch.” Saying all this to Lucy made Sue feel suddenly shy. She didn’t know why. She and Lucy told one another pretty much everything.

“Oh ho! So Sir Jack the Slow has finally made a move?” Lucy was dancing around the room in joy. Sue just looked at her strangely.

“No, it’s nothing like that. I’m sure he just didn’t want to get stuck with somebody he didn’t know from the steno pool or something. There have been a couple of the younger ones making definite goo-goo eyes at him, just daring him to smile and wink at them!” For some reason, Sue was turning red as she spoke. She knew what a problem those smiles and winks could be to the unsuspecting female population. It had been three years and she still hadn’t built up an immunity.

“Hmmm. Methinks the lady doth protest TOO MUCH. We’ll see. What do you two kids have planned?” Lucy was all about the plan of the day. When she found out that they had breakfast planned, she went into action. “What are you going to wear today?”

“I don’t know. I really hadn’t thought about it. “It’s really cold today, so I thought probably my black suit and white turtleneck?” Sue shrugged as if she hadn’t given wardrobe any consideration whatsoever.

“If you’re being picked up in 45 minutes, you need to scram into the shower – fast! How about you let me pick your clothes out for you today? Don’t worry, I won’t pull out a sequined gown or anything!” Lucy already had in mind what Sue should wear, and she knew that left to her own devices, she would spend Valentine’s Day wearing the FBI equivalent of a nun’s habit.

Sue looked at her watch, and did have a moment of panic. “I do have to hurry! Would you feed Levi for me?” she called out as she ran to get the hot water started in the shower.

“No problem. Take your time in the bathroom. I haven’t seen any Valentines out there lurking for me!” Lucy laughed as she went into Sue’s room and opened her closet.

“She’s got to wear a skirt today. She never wears dresses around Jack.” Lucy pulled out an above-the-knee black pencil skirt and jacket, and the red V-neck sweater. She had noticed that Sue always got more looks her direction when she wore that sweater – especially from Jack.

Shoes – there they were – black high-heeled pumps. So she usually just wore them to church or to dressy occasions. Today would be a dressy occasion. There wasn’t much going on at the office, and if Tara had anything to do with it, today would be one long Valentine’s Day party! Maybe she should hide all of Sue’s sensible shoes?

Welcome to the challenge. Love Jack's pep talk and Lucy taking things in hand. And the day hasn't officially started yet.

kav

Welcome to the board, GinaSue!! You are off to a great start!! Can't wait to see where you take us!! It's very exciting to see Jack moving forward for once!!!

Joy

Welcome to the board and welcome to the challenge! I'm always excited to see another Jack/Sue enthusiast!!!!!!

I already love the story and like the direction it is headed. Looking forward to more!

Welcome, Gina !!!


Great start!

Welcome to the site and to the challenge! What a great start! In Lucy's hands the wardrobe question is definitely under control. Jack's musings at the beginning were great - oh, and I loved the single red rose! This is shaping up to be a great read!

Thanks for the encouragement! This is a short section, but I'll post more later today. Thanks for reading!!


Sue and Jack were the last ones to arrive at the office that day. When Sue took off her heavy overcoat, everyone in the office just stared. Now they knew why Jack couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from her!

Lucy just sat at her desk, smiling smugly. “Who needs a fairy godmother when you have Lucy Dotson?” she thought.

Jack was having problems of his own – breathing, that is. He had seen Sue in dresses before – usually full-length gowns for galas and functions – but he wasn’t prepared for what her legs looked like in a skirt that was designed to show OFF those legs!

More to come - there are other people on their team, too, you know!!

Huh? Oh! yeah, there are aren't there.

OK, I know that one wasn't long enough, so here's the next section!


When Lucy had arrived at her desk that morning, early as usual, she had found a box of chocolates and a fresh cup of hot coffee on her desk. At first she didn’t think anyone else was there. When she looked up from the desk, there was a tall man standing in front of her. She was startled to see that it was Myles.

“I don’t usually embroil myself in these little office shenanigans, but this time I thought maybe Tara’s little tangent might have merit. I know we’ve not seen eye to eye on many things in the past, but I was wondering . . . Would you be my Valentine today?” Myles stumbled over the last part of the sentence, and then stood there, his eyes pleading with her to call a truce after three years of avoiding one another, bickering, and throwing barbs at one another.

He knew it was his own fault. He was the one that had cheated on her, not the other way around. She was justified in her opinion, but he had never found anyone else that affected him the way she did.

Lucy looked up at him, a mist of tears forming in her eyes. “This is quite a surprise, Myles,” she said, trying to be sarcastic, but not quite making it come out that way.

“I know. And, and if you don’t want to participate, that’s fine. I won’t either.” He still stood there, looking at her beautiful face, wishing he could come up with something witty or urbane. For once, words escaped him.

“Myles, thank you for thinking of me.” She looked into his eyes. She knew that he had had very few dates since the last time she had gone out with him. She knew that the lady in question from the last incident wasn’t in his life. Heck, it’s Valentine’s Day. She had to spend it somehow, didn’t she? “I would be glad to be your Valentine today. And thank you for the coffee and chocolate.”

He smiled, a tad goofily, and shifted from one foot to the other. “Great! Thank you, Lucy. You won’t be sorry. I have great things planned for you – for us today!” There was a spring to Myles’ step that wasn’t there the day before.

Lucy just looked after him wonderingly, sipping the coffee. It was just like she liked it . . .

I'm glad Lucy intervened as far as Sue's outfit choice went!! Very cute the way Myles approached Lucy. Sounded just like him! I'm glad he and Lucy are declaring a truce.

Welcome GinaSue!

Hey everyone, GinaSue is my SISTER! I can't believe it--I've been lurking around this site for months, reading like crazy, coming to the conclusion that I'm nowhere near creative enough to make much of a contribution... then I introduce my favorite show to my sis and within a month she is an obsessed fan writing fantastic stories. I'm so proud!!

Andrea

Oh my goodness, did Tara have any idea what she started? And speaking of Tara...where would Bobby be right about now?

kav

GinaSue,

I am so pleased to see that you have posted. What a great start you have made.

I love how the guys seem to be taking the Valentine custom to heart.

Again with the great comments!! Thanks! Kav, this section is for you. Believe me, I haven't forgotten about Tara and Bobby. TinaLynn, I've always thought Myles and Lucy could work things out. They're so different, I think they would be cute together!

And sis (Andrea/agrp1) - thank you so much for turning me into an obsessive-compulsive STFBE fan!!! And for introducing me to this site!!



Tara seemed to have a constant blush on her face this morning. She kept stealing glances at Bobby, who kept stealing glances back at her, making her redden even more. Bobby had certainly chosen a unique way to ask her to be his Valentine.

Leaving her house, she didn’t see a soul. She got into her car, starting the radio as soon as she got the car started. A few miles down the road, she noticed in her rearview mirror an unmarked police car with a light on it. The windows were tinted, so she couldn’t see inside. Being a law-abiding law-enforcement officer, she pulled over, thinking she may have a tail light out or something. She knew she wasn’t speeding.

Fiddling in the glove compartment for her proof of insurance, she didn’t notice the officer coming up the side of the car until he was at the window, pecking at it.

Startled, she lowered the window. As she did, she was faced with one of the largest bouquets of flowers she had ever seen.

“Good morning, luv,” Bobby grinned, moving the flowers to one side so that she could see who he was. “I was wondering if I could have the honor of asking you to be my Valentine for the day?”

“Are you crazy? You used your light and siren to pull over an innocent motorist – that has to be against some law – what am I saying – I know it is! Bobby Manning, what were you thinking?” Tara was flustered in a way that she hadn’t been many times in her life – except for maybe the days after that one date she and Bobby had shared, in which he had kissed her and changed her life forever?

“Well, today I’d like to show you how crazy I can be, if you will indeed be mine?” He was squatting outside the car on the side of the road, horns honking, gas fumes coming into the car.

“I thought you didn’t want to be a part of ‘crazy Tara’s’ little festival?” she pouted, but still a little flushed.

“Well, my thinking is this – if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Plus, I didn’t want Jack or Myles to get any ideas about waiting for you in the parking garage,” he said with an arched brow that bespoke of slightly jealous thoughts.

“Myles, maybe, but definitely not Jack. I wonder how early he had to get up to track Sue down – if he’s playing at all.” Tara wondered if the others in the office were really going to go through with this. Bobby was the one that she wouldn’t have guessed to play the game.

“Okay, I’ll be your Valentine for the day. Are you happy? Now can we get to work so we won’t be late – or run over by rush hour traffic?” She took the flowers and carefully placed them in the seat beside her as Bobby stood, laughing.

“See you at the office, then. I have grand lunch plans for you, so no starting in on the donuts immediately!” With that, he ambled back to his car, put the light and siren back on, and whizzed ahead of her on the highway.

“That man,” Tara said, shaking her head as if to see if what just happened was real. Looking over at the flowers in her front seat, she got her answer. She smiled to herself in the rearview mirror. “Yep. It’s real. This Valentine’s Day stuff may work yet!”


more to come!

I'm enjoying how seriously the guys are taking this Valentine's 'game'. This is going to be fun!

Welcome GinaSue

This is looking to be a really fun story. I'm glad you joined in.

I'm kind of scared. Everything's going great for everyone. There's no angsty twists and turns coming up, right? Methinks this lady think...eth to much....

-Paula

GinaSue, welcome and wow! What a wonderful start to your story. I am enjoying watching this one unfold immensely. Such fun!

Not much angst here - just fun little fuzzies! I always wished they would do an episode of the show with just the everyday, relationship stuff - I know, I'm such a GIRL!!



The office had been blatantly unproductive that Valentine’s Day morning. D, already having his Valentine chosen for him, vowed to himself that next year, no matter who needed to be matched with whom, no Valentine’s Day activities until AFTER office hours.

Looking around, he just shook his head. Walking into the bullpen, there was the huge bouquet of flowers on Tara’s desk, a box of candy on Lucy’s desk, and a single red rose on Sue’s desk. Everyone looked just a little more spiffy than usual, too – especially Sue.

He wished Donna was here. The matchmaker in his wife would enjoy just being a fly on the wall. He’d have to call her and have her come down here for lunch just to get a glimpse of what was going on.

“OK, people. I know cupid’s arrow is making a stronger statement than the guns you are carrying today, but we do have business to conduct,” D said, with a smile. “Jack, I want you and Sue to follow up on a lead we got on that smuggling operation. It’s going on in Howie’s neighborhood, so check in with your snitch and see what he knows, if anything.”

Jack looked over at Sue, who nodded that she was ready when he was. Jack nearly tripped over himself and everything in his path to help Sue with her coat. They both turned red in the process, Sue coming to herself first, saying sweetly, “Thank you, Jack, but I don’t really need help any more today than any other day.”

He just looked at her, still with the goofy grin on his face, shrugged, and said, “After you.” Walking behind her as they left the office, he looked her up and down, loosened his collar, and blew out the breath he had been holding.

After they left, the bullpen erupted in laughter. “Sparky’s got it bad,” Bobby commented, being the first to recover from the fit of laughter.

“Yeah, he caught Sue outside our apartment at 6:45 this morning!” Lucy laughed with them. “He was afraid one of you guys would beat him to the punch,” she said, pointing at Bobby and Myles, a low laugh escaping.

“You’re kidding! Does he honestly think we would have a chance of beating his time with the fair Miss Thomas? Where does he think we have been for the past three years? In a sound-proof booth? Bad example. Sue is perpetually in a sound-proof booth. At the South Pole? That’s better,” Myles said to no one in particular, turned, and walked back to his desk. He wasn’t in full form today – he couldn’t figure out why. It might have something to do with the fact that every time he looked toward Lucy, she was looking at him with a puzzled expression on her face.

“I’ve thought about making a play for Sue just to see if it would stir Sparky up some! If I weren’t afraid he’d shoot me, I’d still try it, except I have my sights set elsewhere,” Bobby said, wagging his eyebrows and smiling at Tara, sitting holding her favorite fuzzy pen – and blushing.



“Jack, I’m not helpless,” Sue said, as he rushed ahead of her to open a door. “I can bend. I can walk unattended. I CAN even open a door occasionally. You’re always a perfect gentleman, but today, you’re being ridiculous!” She was getting more flustered with every little attentive detail. Why can’t he just be normal?

“I’m sorry, Sue. I’m just trying to live up to the way you look today! I’ve seen you in dresses before, but I’ve never seen you look any nicer than you do in that suit!” He reddened a little as he said it, but it had to be said.

It was true. He had been bowled over the first time he saw her in a gown, but this was different – almost sexier than a backless, strapless dress. The way the skirt hugged her figure, showing off her lovely legs. And then there was the red sweater. He remembered that sweater – it was the one she wore when he kissed her undercover at Callahan and Merced. Since that night, he ALWAYS noticed when she wore that sweater.

Sue just rolled her eyes at him. “Jack, I’m the same person you took to the pool hall last week!”

“Well, we’re not going there today – I wouldn’t trust those goof-balls with you in that outfit!” Jack was blustering, pulling out all the he-man protective ammunition he had. If she were going to be his for Valentine’s Day, he would make sure she was well taken-care-of.

“Let’s just find Howie and get this done. It’s almost time for lunch.” Sue quickened her step, determined to show Jack that she wasn’t a delicate flower.

Unfortunately, she didn’t usually wear these shoes on the uneven sidewalks of this part of town, and in her hurry to prove a point, the pointed toe of her shoe caught, and she began pitching forward. Fortunately, Jack, watching her over-closely, caught her right before she could fall and humiliate herself, ruining her outfit.

Holding her in his arms, Jack smiled at her wickedly and said, “NOW can I take care of you?”

“Depends on what you mean by taking care of me?” Sue said, a hint of nervousness at his nearness, and a hint of the tease that she could be at times.

“Might be interesting finding out,” he said, still holding on to her. They were still in this position, Jack’s face inches from Sue’s, when Howie came into view. Sue was clueless that there was anyone around. Here eyes were mesmerized by the dark brown of Jack’s eyes.

“Well, whaddaya know! Jackie and Sue in a clinch! It’s about time, isn’t it, Levi? What a good-looking couple!” Howie Fines, Sue’s snitch, was not his favorite person, but Jack had to admit, he might have a point somewhere in his rambling.

Still looking at Sue, who didn’t know anyone was around, Jack said, “Hi Howie.” He and Sue slowly tore their eyes away from one another and toward Howie almost in tandem.

Sue blushed prettily, regained her balance, and walked toward Howie. “Hi Howie, how are you doing these days?”

“Not as well as you, obviously. Sorry for the interruption, but then it is Valentine’s Day, after all. These lovely little interludes are almost expected on a day such as this!” Howie was winding his way up into a full-scale treatise on the subject.

“Howie, we came to ask you if you’ve heard anything on the street about the smuggling operation Tommy the Tuna is in on?” Jack wanted to get this over with so that he could spend more time looking at the lovely young lady by his side. The quickest way to that end was to finish up with Howie SOON.

“Nah. Everybody out here is keeping quiet about Tommy’s activities. He’s been in so much trouble with the IRS and the FBI that he’s keepin’ a low profile. I’m sorry – I got nothin’. If there is anything I can do to help – go undercover, anything – well except for the meat-packing plant thing. I don’t care if I never see raw meat again. I still have a hard time with beef. I’ve started eating chicken and fish again, but beef is still a problem. I just keep seein’ those sides of beef hanging from the ceiling, and then the knives.”

“We . . . get the picture, Howie. We don’t have any undercover assignments for you right now, but we’ll keep you in mind!” Sue was much better at guiding Howie than Jack. Jack tended to get impatient and zone out when Howie started talking. Sue did, too, but she at least tried to keep up with him enough not to hurt his feelings.

More on Monday!

That was great!

Kim

Jack is so funny with his reaction to Sue in a skirt! Just goes to show that clothes do matter, ladies! I feel the sudden urge to go shop for a red sweater. Oh and Bobby's way of catching Tara unawares Very Bobby indeed.

kav

Good morning!


Leaving Howie waiting on a customer on the street, Jack and Sue made their way back to the car.

“I’ve made us reservations for lunch at Le’Trufeau, if that’s OK with you?” Jack asked Sue, and was rewarded with an impressed look and a nod of assent. He smiled at her. He was planning to use this Valentine’s thing to his advantage.

Sitting in the dimly-lit restaurant, even at lunchtime, the two sat across from one another just as they did almost every day of the week, although not usually in such splendor. It was dim, but light enough for Sue to read his lips and see his facial expression.

Leaning forward, Jack reached for Sue’s hand as they waited for their order. “I’ve never eaten here, have you? Myles told me it was nice.”

“Yes, I’ve eaten here with . . . I’ve eaten here before – but it’s been a while.” She almost said she had eaten here with Tony, but thought better of that statement. Tony, an undercover Special Agent out of the San Francisco office was probably Jack’s least favorite of the possible suitors that had come calling for Sue at different times. Sipping her water, she looked across at Jack, who had a dark look on his face.

Jack got his face under control, turning Sue’s hand in his own to look down at her palm. Her hands were delicate, but he knew how strong they were. He still remembered the day of his heart attack. She had massaged his shoulder, trying to ease the pain that they thought was just a knotted-up muscle. At some point, the massage turned from a clinical method of relieving pain to a loving touch that seemed to want to give so much more. Later that day, those hands helped to hold him when he thought his heart would explode.

He looked across the table at her, wonder in his eyes. “Your hands – they’re beautiful, just like the rest of you. They talk, they help, they heal, they love.”

Sue stared at him, enjoying the feel of her hand in his, but not understanding where this was coming from. “Jack, did Tara put something in the water in the bullpen? You’ve never talked to me like this before.”

“I’m sorry. I guess it’s the whole Valentine’s Day thing getting to me. There’s the way you look today, this place, worrying about somebody else coming around and taking you out . . . “ Did he just say that out loud? He glanced up quickly, shaking his head. Jack thought to himself, ‘OK, now I’m really losing it.”

“Jack? What are you saying? I will admit, these aren’t my usual work clothes. Lucy helped me pick them out, and then I couldn’t find the comfortable shoes I wanted to wear . . . As for the place, it’s lovely. I would much rather be here with you than the person I came with before. But what’s this about worrying about somebody else coming around?”

Sue was trying to make sense of it all. In a way she knew exactly what he was saying. It was just like she didn’t want to see him waste his time in the steno pool. The nagging question ‘why not?’ was foremost in her mind, now. What business was it of hers who Jack dated? She thought she did a much better job of hiding her feelings about Jack’s dates than Jack did of hers.



Lucy was sitting across from Myles in one of the swankier tea rooms in Washington, DC. The wait staff was impeccable, the menu had no prices on it, and Myles was doing everything in his power to ensure that everything was perfect for his ‘valentine.’

“Is everything OK?” Myles asked, a slightly worried crease on his forehead.

“Perfect. I couldn’t eat another bite – although those cucumber sandwiches were to die for!” Lucy smiled at Myles across the table as she spoke, seeing the creased forehead relax a little as he smiled back. Lucy had relaxed, bit by bit, throughout the morning, trying to get used to the fact that she had agreed to go out with Myles not only for lunch, but for dinner, as well.

“I wonder where Jack and Sue ended up for lunch.” Lucy leaned toward Myles, a speculating gleam in her eyes. It was easier to concentrate on the affairs of the hearts of their coworkers and friends than on their own.

“Well, I heard Jack making reservations at Le’Trufeau!” Myles told her, a conspiratorial arch to his brow. “After seeing Jack tripping over himself to help Sue on with her coat, of all things, it would seem that the love bug has definitely bitten. I just wonder what plebian establishment poor Tara will be subjected to today? Maybe the hot dog stands outside the batting cages?” Myles never had any confidence that Bobby could emulate the finer things of life.

“Oh, I think they’ll be OK. I heard something about the café in the Sculpture Garden. That’s always nice, especially with the light snow we had last night. The views are spectacular. I think Tara and Sue are probably both having quite the romantic lunch!” Lucy was happy for her two girlfriends. She couldn’t think of two couples that she would rather see make it.

“What about you? What is your idea of a romantic lunch, or dinner?” Myles was enjoying looking deep into her eyes. He had the feeling that Lucy was merely getting through this lunch. Things were still strained between them, but he could see the beginnings of a thaw in Lucy’s demeanor.

“The main element of a romantic lunch or dinner would be the romance. It doesn’t matter where you go, if you’re with a person you care about, it will be romantic.” Lucy blushed as she looked away from Myles. He was trying too hard.

She had noticed that intermittently he had tried to bridge the gap he had created when he took Pam, “the other woman,” to Miami for the weekend while he and Lucy were supposed to be dating. His ego was such that he would only give her the satisfaction of humility for so long before he started verbally striking back as hard as she struck out.

Myles saw the different emotions cross her expressive face. He knew he had hurt her. He had never regretted anything as much as that. He wasn’t used to feeling that kind of regret in his personal life.

Looking across at her, he simply said, “I’m sorry, Lucy. I wish I could undo what I did to you. If it’s any consolation, nothing happened between Pam and me. I couldn’t go through with it, but the damage was done. You wouldn’t have believed me. Is there any way you can forgive me, so we can start over?” He looked down, and then looked up, hoping she would say something.

Lucy was stunned. She had never heard Myles apologize like that, and she had certainly never heard him admit that that whole fiasco had affected him, too.

“I heard someone say once that forgiveness is for the forgiver. I forgave you a long time ago, Myles. I didn’t forget what happened – you just don’t forget a hurt like that – but I did forgive you. Thank you for telling me about it. I don’t know about starting over. I guess we can start by being civil to one another?” Lucy was starting to get the spark of humor back in her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips.

Relief was evident on Myles’ face as he smiled back. “I can go along with that. I will try to restrain my rapier wit at your expense – at least for the duration of the day.” An arched brow accompanied the unmistakable gleam of appreciation for his partner for the day.

Lucy’s definition of a romantic dinner was playing a large part in his plans for the remainder of the day.

Bobby and Tara's Valentine lunch, coming up next!!

Wonderful writing, GinaSue. I could see this scene in the restaurant as Jack begins to open up his feelings to Sue. The second scene, that focused on Myles' apology to Lucy, was heart warming.

Tara and Bobby, and then AFTER lunch - what will dinner be like?!!



“Where are we going? Tell me we’re not going on a picnic . . .” Tara was bundled up as she and Bobby walked down the street at lunchtime.

Bobby smiled as he looked down at the petite blonde. He reached for her hand, leading her past the National Archives, across the street to the Sculpture Garden adjacent to the National Gallery of Art. As they drew nearer to the Pavilion Café, Bobby said, “How’s this for a picnic?”

“This is one of my favorite places! How did you know that? I usually go her with the girls, for special occasions!” Tara was looking at Bobby as if he had grown two heads or something. It wasn’t a particularly fancy or expensive place, but it held a dear spot in her heart. From any angle of the restaurant, the gardens and sculptures were your view. The recent light snowfall made it look like a fairy garden.

Bobby watched her as happiness stole over her, relaxation close in its wake. They were escorted to a table close to Tara’s favorite sculpture, a linen tablecloth and candles adorning only the table where they were seated. After they ordered, he leaned over, took her hand, and said, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Tara. I think you had a pip of an idea. I’m sorry we gave you such a hard time over it.”

Looking into his eyes, she saw a tenderness there that she had been seeing with increasing frequency lately. It made her a little giddy, but scared at the same time. She had to look away, find something witty to say to bring them back to reality. If this was just LUNCH, what would DINNER be like?



Donna and D had returned to the bullpen a little before the Valentine couples returned. Stealing a kiss before they would be interrupted by the others, D said, “I wanted to see you at lunchtime. I’ve been subjected to watching cupid’s arrows being slung all over the place, and I missed my Valentine.”

Donna laughed at him, hugging him back, and giving him a tender kiss. “I’m glad you called. I wouldn’t miss all this for the world! So it’s been pretty crazy around here today, huh?” she asked, enjoying the feeling of being in the crook of his arm even after nearly 20 years of marriage.

“Jack has been like a zombie all day. When he’s not tripping over himself to do something for Sue, he’s sitting at his desk drooling. Bobby’s been grinning like the Cheshire cat all morning, and Myles looks scared to death.” D had to stop and laugh at the poor excuses of male fortitude in the office. “The girls are holding up much better, although I think Sue is starting to get irritated at Jack, for once.”

“It sounds like little Tara may have started something that is bigger than any of them! I remember what you were like on a particular Valentine’s Day, the day you proposed to me! It’s almost like just knowing it’s THE day, you feel like you have to do something spectacular!” Donna gave D an extra kiss as the others started trickling in after lunch.

Jack looked a little more relaxed, Sue looked confused. Bobby looked pleased with himself, Tara sparkled. Myles looked apprehensive and a little relieved, Lucy looked a little frightened.

After greeting Donna, everyone got quieter and actually buckled down to get some work done. Stolen glances flew across the room, but the nervousness of the morning had given way to high anticipation of the evening ahead.

“This could get interesting,” Donna whispered in D’s ear.

hi welcome to the board.
and i can tell ya it is already a great story. i love it
can't wait to find out whats going to happen at dinner

For the record, when I wrote the part about the dress from the bachelor auction, I hadn't read AudioKim's "Awakening" yet! I figured it was a special dress, since that's the only time Jack had had Sue in his arms for more than comfort!!

Enjoy!



“Jack, that’s just silly. You’re going to be picking me up in about 2 hours. Why shouldn’t I just ride home with Lucy, save you a trip both ways? That way we BOTH have plenty of time to get beautiful for tonight!”

Sue was arguing with Jack, who told her that, according to the rules, they were supposed to do EVERYTHING together that day. To him, that meant providing all her transportation for the day, as well.

Finally relenting, Jack sighed, “OK, have it your way. Could I ask one favor of you?” Looking around to see if anyone were watching, he grabbed her hand and pulled her out into the hallway.

“What?” Sue stood in front of him, waiting. He was looking at her again, those dark brown eyes looking deep into hers, making her insides start to quiver just a little as he stroked her hand.

“Could you wear that red dress you wore to the Bachelor Auction?” He smiled at her and put her hand to his lips. “You looked fantastic that night. Red’s my favorite, you know.”

“You still haven’t told me where we’re going.” Sue tipped her head to one side, trying to read more than Jack’s lips to get the message he was sending.

“It’s a surprise. Ask Tara and Lucy. They don’t have a clue either!” He had a slightly lecherous look on his face that brought a blush to Sue’s.



Lucy and Sue’s apartment was a hive of activity. As Lucy and Sue helped one another with hair and makeup, they compared notes on their special lunch dates.

“I think I hurt Jack’s feelings when he said he’d never been to that restaurant. I went there with Tony, and he remembered that after we were there. I know dating Tony was stupid, but it’s not like Jack was making any moves toward wanting our relationship to move forward.” Sue was zipping herself into the red dress, per Jack’s request.

“You haven’t worn that dress in a while,” Lucy observed, her eyebrows going up in question. “It’s a great dress.”

“I don’t think I’ve worn it since the Bachelor Auction . . .” Sue looked at herself in the mirror, remembering that evening. After dancing through the evening with Jack in that dress, she hadn’t wanted to replace those memories with others.

“I’d noticed that. Well, it’s a perfect dress for Valentine’s Day. I hope Jack knows how lucky he his to have such a knockout for a date,” Lucy giggled.

“I feel like we’re going to the prom. The way Jack has been all day, it’s been like high school all over again.” Sue sighed as Lucy gave her a knowing look. The matchmaker in her was thrilled to death. The more she concentrated on Sue, the less she had to think about herself.

“What about your lunch with Myles? How did that go? You both seemed pretty happy when you got back to the office.” Sue was more than ready for the tables to be turned.

“Lunch with Myles. It was . . . difficult in spots. Can you believe he actually asked me to forgive him, to start over? I’m still trying to process that part.” Lucy wasn’t ready to divulge all her feelings, even to her best friend. She was anxious to see what the evening brought.

“I was just glad you agreed to ‘be his valentine.’ I think he was worried that he would be left out if you didn’t go along.” Sue looked at Lucy, and they both got the giggles.

“Men are ridiculous! Jack lying in wait for you before dawn in case Bobby or Myles beat him to you, Bobby stopping Tara on the highway before she got to work, and Myles . . . well, Myles didn’t exactly coordinate a pre-emptive strike, but he did bring me coffee exactly the way I like it – and I’m hard to please!” Lucy laughed as she thought of the hoops the three men had jumped through all day. “This Valentine’s thing has been worth it to see the lengths men will go to make sure they get their way!”

“Poor D. I think he’ll be glad to get his team back tomorrow . . .” Sue said, with a smile. But will he?



Myles and Jack arrived at the same time, both handsome in tuxes, both sporting bouquets of flowers – Jack brought red roses, Myles pink tulips.

Levi didn’t know what to think about these people. Why would anyone want to be this dressed up? It’s difficult to play catch in the park in all this get-up.

“Sorry, Levi, you’ve got to stay here tonight. I’ll bring you a special treat for later.” Sue gave Levi an affectionate hug as she prepared to leave with her ‘valentine.’

When she had come into the room to meet Jack, his mouth dropped open, again. A little embarrassed at his reaction, she said, “Jack, you’ve seen me in this dress before – and by the way, you’re going to start catching flies if you’re not careful.”

“You look . . . gorgeous. I knew I liked this dress, but I had forgotten just how . . . incredible you look in it.” The redness that had crept up from his collar was matched on Sue’s face. Why did his collar suddenly feel really tight?

“Are you ready?” he asked, trying to get away from the prying eyes of Myles and Lucy.

“Sure! Let me get my coat,” Sue said, reaching for the velvet jacket that was hanging near the door. Jack beat her to it, helping her once again. This time, he didn’t trip over anything.

Only one more post after this one!

GinaSue, this is incredible!! You have everyone so in character that I feel as if I'm watching this on the screen!!!

Jack is pure Jack!! How many times have we watched him unable to put two words together with Sue?? And, Bobby would definitely be the one to use his light and siren to catch the girl!! And, poor Myles, so wanting forgiveness and a second chance, almost blustery in his effort to make good!!

And, D and Donna watching everything from a distance!! Perfect!!!

Joy

Last post for this story! This has been amazingly fun!! Thanks so much for giving me an outlet for both my writing AND my obsession with Sue Thomas, FBEye!


As they drove closer to the Potomac, Sue kept trying to get Jack to tell her where they were going.

He laughed at her impatience. “I told you, it’s a surprise. Don’t worry – you’re not overdressed. Believe me, you’re perfect.” He looked over at her with that look that tended to make the stuffing come out of her all at once if she wasn’t already sitting down. As it was, she had to remind herself to breathe.

“I didn’t tell you, but you look very nice in your tux,” Sue said, shyly.

“I’m just glad I didn’t have to decide what to wear. You’ve kept me in a constant state of wonderment all day,” he said, with a smile. If he didn’t have to drive, he wouldn’t take his eyes off her for a moment.

“You looked nice at work today, too. Wasn’t that one of the suits you got when we went undercover at the law firm?” Sue knew it was – he had never looked as spiffy as he did during that undercover. Jack in a dark Armani suit and white dress shirt could very well be her undoing.

“Yeah. I try to save those for special occasions – like today.” Pulling into the parking lot, Sue finally noticed where they were – at the Gangplank Marina on the Potomac. “Are you ready for an incredible evening?” Jack asked as he turned to her in the car, eyebrows arched as he smiled over at her.

Seeing the cruise ship decked out with lights and decorations, couples already dancing, tears sprang to her eyes. She smiled up at Jack with shining eyes, and said softly, “It’s already been an incredible day. If it gets any better, I may very well fall apart.”

“When you do, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces,” he said softly, lifting her hand to his lips as he opened the car door, eyes never leaving her face until he left the car to come around and help her out.

As he took her hand to help her out of the car, he drew her closer to him and kissed her lightly on her surprised lips. It wasn’t the kiss in the dragon lady’s office, but in a way it was better. It wasn’t a ‘response to a situation.’ It just . . . was.

Taking her by the hand, Jack led Sue to the gangplank to the river cruise ship. Giving his name, they were led to a table for eight. It shouldn’t have been a surprise that they were seated with a very well-dressed, fun-loving, and as of today – romantic group of people. Bobby and Tara, Myles and Lucy, Demetrius and Donna – all smiling broadly and dressed in their finest, greeted them as they were seated.

An excited Donna asked Sue, “Were you able to get out of Jack what we were doing tonight? D kept things very quiet all day. I thought going out to a nice lunch was a good Valentine’s Day, but this is like going to the prom all over again!”

D spoke up. “None of the ladies knew where we were taking you. You forget – we’re the best law enforcement agency in the country. We can keep a secret, and we can leak key information, as well.” He had a sly look on his face, mirrored only by Jack’s, Bobby’s, and Myles’. The ladies looked at one another, perplexed.

Tara came to herself first. “Wait a minute. Do you mean to tell me that the idea for this whole thing came from you guys? I got that idea from the Internet! It was on an email newsletter that I get once a month!”

“Tara, luv, do you think you’re the only computer genius in the FBI? While it’s for sure you’re the only beautiful computer genius in the FBI, we do happen to know people who can, for wont of a better word, hack you,” Bobby and the others laughed at the look of outrage on Tara’s face at the very idea of her computer being compromised. It was one thing for her to fix the bachelor auction . . . but this was different!

“So, Jack, how long has this been planned?” Sue’s eyes that had been shining before were shining even more brightly now, knowing that all along Jack wanted to spend this day with her. He might not have admitted it even to himself, but he did.

“Aw, about three weeks. After the way we celebrated New Years with Tara’s little resolutions game, and before that with the live bunnies at Easter, we decided to take matters into our own hands,” Jack began.

Bobby continued. “We knew who we wanted to spend Valentine’s Day with, so we made the reservations for this dinner cruise and dance, hoping that you girls would go along with it. The other stuff was just icing on the cake,” he said, reaching for Tara’s hand under the table.

Lucy looked at Myles strangely, touched his arm, and said, “You mean, three weeks ago you decided you wanted to be with me on Valentine’s Day? We were still at each other’s throats three weeks ago!”

“Pretty good acting, wasn’t it? I pride myself on being able to continue in an undercover operation no matter how much my heart is involved,” Myles said, his voice softening, eyes never leaving Lucy’s.

*

On the dance floor, Jack was leading Sue around the floor, swaying in time to the music. Sue couldn’t hear the music, but she could feel the rhythm in Jack’s dance steps, and relaxed, trusting him completely.

Feeling his hand tighten on her back, she pulled her head back to look at him. He was looking down at her with a mixture of pride, happiness, and . . . something else. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but for some reason hope and happiness welled up in her heart, threatening to spill out right here on the dance floor.

Smiling through the sudden mist of tears that threatened, she said “What are you thinking about, Jack?”

“About how I almost lost you to New York. Did you know that I was strongly considering a transfer if you had left? I didn’t quite see coming to work every day and seeing someone else at your desk. I was also thinking about how beautiful you are, every day – not just tonight – although you are spectacular tonight. I guess I just had a glimpse of contentment,” he said, a smile on his face and a light shrug to his shoulders.

“Thank you, Jack. I can’t imagine being any where than right here, right now. This has been a wonderful day.” Sue didn’t quite know how far the conversation needed to go, tonight. As she felt him draw her closer, she gave up on conversation and let her body sway to the music that he could hear. She lay her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and relaxed.

He felt her body relax in his, and it felt good. It felt right. It was the way he wanted to feel from now on. Did she feel the same way? Doubts began to creep in. Maybe she was just tired, and he was like a comfortable pair of jeans – nice enough for every day, but nothing special.

As though she read his thoughts, she lifted her head from his shoulder, and chanced a look deep into his chocolate brown eyes. When he saw the love shining out of her eyes, he reached down and grazed her lips with a kiss. The smile she gave him made him feel ten feet tall.

“Better be careful, Jack Hudson, this day just keeps getting better. I’m starting to feel myself falling apart,” Sue said softly, with a hint of the flirt in her voice as she reached up to give Jack an even more satisfying kiss, taking him by surprise.

“Sue Thomas, I told you I’d be around to pick up the pieces – but what if we both fall apart?”

Jack chanced it, taking her by the hand, and leading her from the dance floor, onto the covered deck where he could . . . explore the ramifications of their falling apart together . . .

THE END – or just the beginning??

Quick apology!! I credited AudioKim for "Awakenings," when it was Flip who wrote the J/S story!!! I'm so sorry!! It was a great story!

Regina (GinaSue)

Great story! The question is...just where does all this eventually lead? The only way to answer, as far as I know, is with a sequal!

Kim

My goodness, you sure were productive yesterday, 6 posts and another one today. I love this story....it is very in character. I can see this played out on the show. Now, I can't wait to see what happens at dinner tonight for all our couples.

I'm glad you have included D and Donna too! After all, they set the bar for the rest of them! I loved Jack camping out at Sue's place just to make sure Bobby or Myles didn't beat him to Sue. Oh, and I loved Bobby's pulling Tara over to ask her to be his Valentine and give her the roses! Loved Lucy dressing Sue up. Loved Sue tripping in her heels, Jack catching her and Howie witnessing it. And I love Lucy's reaction to Myles...she doesn't know what to make of him. Am loving this story.

Lynn

GinaSue, what a wonderful twist at the end!! I love to think that the guys would have planned all this for the girls!! And, managed to keep the secret for three weeks!! Now, that's true devotion!!!

Wonderful story, beautiful ending!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Joy

You posted the end....so soon? That was marvelous, I'm falling apart too. I'm especially bowled over that the guys planned it all 3 weeks ago! How very romantic of them!

But what happens next with Jack and Sue? And what about Bobby and Tara and Myles and Lucy? A sequel is definitely needed here Regina! You've only teased us with fuzzies! And oh my, what a tease...

Thanks for a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Lynn

Wonderful story, GinaSue. You did a great job of including everyone in the story and I love how it was all planned out.

Hope to see you writing again, soon!

I enjoyed this so much. The way their plans pulled together was marvelous. I hope you come back with a sequel to this.

Cute story. Very Valentiney.
thanks,
Terie

Wow, Gina! I turned around and there are many new posts waiting for me.

You did a great job with all the couples.

Thank you!

I love how it was the men conspiring together -- and actually planning ahead for a date! Now that's true love.

kav

Life intruded and I didn't get to keep up with this story until now, but it was WONDERFUL!!!

Oh, and I just had to quote this line - it was just too cute to pass up!


Well done, GinaSue! Thanks for the lighthearted and fuzzy diversion for my lunch hour!!

I'd like to add my welcome - and congratulations - to everyone elses, GinaSue; as a relative newcomer myself, I hope you have as much fun as I have had here!

Lovely story... heres's hoping you post more soon!

Thank you for such a fun story! I love the way the guys had it all planned! Hope to read more from you soon!

Jill

Welcome to the board GinaSue! You write beautifully. You are right up there with my very favorite romancefanfiction writers... And I am quite critical (which is why i don't dare write...)

Continue the great work, I hope to see more of your stories very soon!

Sophie

MOMMY!

Eh..*nervous cough*

It's me, Emily!

And this lady ^^^(GinaSue) is my mommy.

Awesome story! You told me about it so I thought I'd check it out. I haven't gotten the chance to read it yet, but the parts I skimmed were great! (I mean, I AM a busy college student.)

I look forward to finally getting to read more!

WOW
Awsome story...I love the last scene and how the guys planned the whole thing!
Thank you for that sweet Valentine story
Josy

Very nice story and well written.

Donna