The Dog Daze of Summer

“I’m afraid I’ll be sailing out at the Vineyard,” Myles said with a pompous swagger, “but you go on ahead and have a lovely time without me. You can tell me all about it on Monday.”

“Oh Myles – you can go sailing any time. It’s not every day that you get to see a member of this team win a prestigious honour like this,” Lucy protested. “I’m putting you down for one ticket…” A finely sculpted eyebrow arched inquisitively. “…unless you plan on bringing a date?”

His only response was a haughty glare before peacemaker Tara hastily jumped in. “Um, you can put me down for…” her eyes sought out Bobby before she rushed on over a little sigh. “One.”

“Stan the Man still out of town?” Bobby commiserated. “No worries – I’ll keep you out of trouble. You and Sue can count on me being there as well, Luce.”

“Great. That’s everybody but Myles and…Jack!” She pounced on him the second he walked into the bullpen. “How many tickets do you want? We thought we’d grab a table together.”

“Uh…” his eyes automatically sought Sue for clarification. “Do I want tickets?”

Laughing, she nodded. “I think you’d enjoy yourself.”

“Um…okay,” Jack paused and when no further information was forthcoming, he added, “How many tickets do I want?”

Sue shrugged. “Depends on whether you’re inviting someone to go with you.”

“Well?” Lucy stared at their team leader expectantly, pen poised over paper. “One ticket or two?”

“Is this something you’d enjoy going to?” Jack asked Sue, “I mean…just so I get the idea of what kind of date would like this…kind of event.”

“I definitely plan on going,” Sue assured him, “and I plan on enjoying myself too.”
“Good. Then I’ll take two tickets, Luce.”

Lucy frowned. “Two? You want two tickets?” Disapproval pursed her lips and soured her expression. “What do you want two tickets for?”

Jack grinned. “One for myself and one for my date.”

“Who’s your date?”

“Depends. What am I agreeing to go to?”

“Hope your date isn’t allergic to dog dander, Jack,” Tara chimed up from across the room.

“She’d likely asphyxiate in a matter of seconds,” Myles warned.

“And that would put a damper on our evening, wouldn’t it luv?” Bobby asked, blindsiding Tara with nudge and a wink.

“Definitely,” she grinned, winking back.

Jack gave Sue a lingering look. “She’s definitely not allergic to dogs,” he assured them.

“Thank God for small miracles, I suppose,” Lucy sighed as she divvied up the tickets, handing them out to every one present. She tucked Myles’ in his suit pocket when he refused to take one and then handed two tickets to Jack and was just about to give Sue hers when he beat Lucy to it.

Flourishing the ticket under Sue’s nose he asked, “Care to join me for an enjoyable evening at…” he glanced at the bold print in his hand, “…the Dog Days of Summer Gala Ball?”

“I’d be honored,” Sue said gratefully, “especially since my usual escort has another date that night.”

“I didn’t know you were seeing somebody,” Jack commented, feeling suddenly awkward.

“Seeing, eating, sleeping with him…they’re inseparable….but Levi’s standing her up for Francis,” Lucy interjected.

“But I don’t mind. It’s for a good cause. The proceeds for the event are going to several service dog foundations,” Sue added. “Levi’s the Honorary Master of Ceremonies.”

“And we’re all going to go along to show our support, aren’t we Myles?” Lucy asked pointedly.

“Why do I get the feeling my weekend is just about to go to the dogs?” he sighed in resignation.

Sue chuckled as Myles pinched the bridge of his nose. “Oh, come on, Myles. It’ll be fun.”

“I think your definition of fun is far different than mine, Thomas. Thanks, but no thanks.” He removed the ticket from his jacket pocket and handed it back to Lucy with a flourish of his hand.

Determination written across her features, Lucy pursed her lips as she glanced toward Sue who merely gave a shrug of her shoulders. She might have been out of ideas, but Lucy had one more trick up her sleeve. “You’re sure, Myles?” she asked, her voice whispering out in a lilting tone. “I mean, you’re not going to change your mind, are you?”

He gazed at her skeptically for a moment, recognizing that tone of voice. She was still trying to get him to take the bait, but he knew he tricks all too well. It wouldn’t work this time. “Positive.”

“What a shame. I was hoping to introduce you to Melinda.” She turned her back toward him as a devilish smile curled at her lips as she waited for his response. She counted down the seconds she’d anticipated it would take for him to answer.

“Melinda?” he asked, a note of intrigue hitching his tone. “Er… who’s Melinda?”

Sue smiled as Lucy winked at her for encouragement. She knew she would be able to reel in this big fish. All she needed to do was be patient… and a little sneaky. Turning back toward Myles, she shrugged half-heartedly as if the name didn’t really matter. “Never mind,” she said wistfully. “I mean, you’re not going to go anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.” She placed the leftover tickets back into the manila envelope she’d removed them from and made to close it up before Myles hastily stepped forward.

“Well… maybe I could rearrange my schedule after all. I mean, it’s not like I can’t go sailing some other time. You said so yourself.” He was practically bouncing on the balls of his feet at this moment. Of course, before he committed to anything, he wanted to hear a bit more about this Melinda. “What’s she like?”

“Oh, well, Sue knows her better than I do…” Before she could say any more, Myles had taken three long strides toward Sue and was already asking her the same question.

Sending a glare toward her roommate, Sue tried to find the words to describe Melinda. “Er, well… she’s very pretty… and intelligent.” She didn’t look very confident as she said it, but Myles didn’t seem to be paying attention.

“What color is her hair? And her eyes?”

“Sounds to me like Harvard just might be a little desperate,” Bobby chuckled, sending the others into fits of giggles.

“Well, she’s… um, blonde… and she has very beautiful brown eyes… But, I don’t think-“

“That we’d be a good match? I highly doubt that Sue. From the way you’ve described her, it sounds like she’s from a family of good breeding.”

“Oh, you have no idea,” Lucy chuckled, but Myles never heard. All he heard were the chuckles from the rest of the peanut gallery, which he blatantly ignored.

“I think we’d be highly compatible. Say, you wouldn’t happen to have a picture of her, would you?”

Sue weighed the answer to that question for a second. “Yes, but I don’t think-“

“You’re right. It’s probably better to keep up the idea of anonymity. It will make the meeting all the more exciting. Lucy put me down for one ticket.” He glanced toward her to see her playfully salute him before removing a single ticket from the envelope and placing it promptly on his desk. “Excellent. Now, if you all will excuse me, I have a snitch to speak with.”

The team waited only one brief second after he left the room before they burst into fits of laughter. Jack had to lean against Bobby for support and Bobby was too busy wiping the tears from his eyes to notice.

“You’re bad," Sue signed to Lucy, not even bothering to try to conceal the humor she found in all of this.

“What can I say? It’s a gift.”

“You are going to tell him the truth about Melinda aren’t you?”

“Sue, you should know me better than that. Of course I’m going to tell him… eventually.” It was more fun this way. For her and the rest of the team.

“Well, eventually had better come before Saturday, because once he finds out who you’re setting him up with, he’s not going to be too happy.”

“So, what’s wrong with this Melinda?” Jack asked once he’d been able to compose himself. He straightened himself up to full height and adjusted his jacket and tie so they sat correctly.

Sue shook her head, “nothing. There’s nothing wrong with her. She’s sweet and kind and has a wonderful personality.”

“And we all know what that usually means,” Bobby mumbled to Jack, though Sue had caught it.

“It’s nothing like THAT… she’s just…”

“Different,” Lucy finished for her.

“And by different, you mean…?” Tara asked, arching an eyebrow in interest. She looked first to Sue and when she didn’t get an answer from her, she looked to Lucy. At first she thought she would be just as tight-lipped as Sue, but she’d only paused as she sifted through the envelope for something.

Heaving out a sigh, Lucy said, “Take a look for yourself.” Handing a picture to Bobby, he was instantly surrounded by Jack and Tara as they fought to get a good look.

“That’s Melinda?” Jack asked.

“Oh, this is going to be good!” Bobby chuckled and soon the quiet of the bullpen was lost to fits of laughter.

Why do I get the idea that 'Melinda is a dog??

BTW it is great to see you in this challenge too, Linny!!

Sam

This is so good...Myles on a date with a dog

I can see his expression now

Lindsy's entered the challenge. Lindsy's entered the challenge!!!!

Can't read right now...but I'll catch up with the story on Saturday when I arrive home.

Lynn

Oh boy!

that's sounds very promising, can't wait for Saturday!!!

Tere

Wlecome in the challenge!!!
I'm glad you're writing another story!

For my part, I'm not sure if Melinda's a dog, though I'm SURE that Myles' gonna have the surprise of his life with Lucy on that case!!!
Great start!

Linny, it's wonderful to see you here in the challenge!! That means we are in for quite a ride!!!

Why do I get the feeling that Levi would be more interested in Melinda than Myles would???

Joy

Is that what will call -- Puppy Love?

Thank you for the warm welcome to the challenge!

And, Tina, I don't think you're going to have to worry too much about the cliffies and angst. I'm trying to make this virtually angst-free. I just hope it works. Ya'll know how hinky my muse's mind can get sometimes. She's a sneaky little devil when she wants to be.

And I'm sorry if the posting become erratic. With the weekend coming up it's bound to happen.

Anyway, here is the next post. And if you could tell already, words in BOLD are signs.

Lindsy

“So, what times should I pick you up on Saturday?” Today’s stroll through the park had been a little too quiet than Jack was used to. Of course, their lunch hadn’t been much better. Something was on Sue’s mind and he was hoping to coax it out of her before they had to go back to work.

Not willing to answer right away, Sue occupied herself with releasing Levi from his leash and taking the time to fold it to a size small enough to fit in her hand. When that task was done, she had little else to preoccupy herself with. “You don’t have to,” she shook her head when her eyes finally rose to look at him.

“Hey, it’s my duty as your escort to pick you up at a specific time,” he grinned. “So, specify the time. I’ll even bring you flowers if you’d like.” He playfully winked at her and felt a sense of relief that all of his mannerisms hadn’t gone unnoticed today. He could see her cheeks infuse lightly with color and that was all the reaction he’d been asking for.

“That would be very sweet.”

He could sense a “but” coming on, but it was as if she didn’t want to say it. As if she would somehow hurt his feelings. “But?”

Her cheeks felt incredibly hot. Of course he would have been able to sense her apprehension. “But… isn’t there someone else you’d rather go with?” She’d been thinking about this all morning she wasn’t certain if it was such a good idea anymore.

He looked taken aback by her question. There was one woman and only one he wanted to go to the gala with and he was standing right in front of him. Holding her gently by her arms, he looked into her eyes, noting the nervousness he saw reflected in them. “No,” he shook his head. “I want to go with my girlfriend. I want to go with you.” He kissed her gently on the forehead, but she didn’t react in her usual manner. He could only guess the reason why and he would probably be right.

Jack had to admit that when Sue agreed to take the position in New York, he’d been scared. The thought of losing her to a bigger city and more importantly another guy she met in that city tore his heart to pieces. And when she’d decided to stay, he knew he had to do something to stop her from ever having to make a decision like that again.

Sure, he’d fumbled it up in the hallway and Myles hadn’t helped much with it either, but he’d been determined to make it right. Of course, the timing was usually all wrong and it had been spring by the time they’d gotten a break from the nonstop criminal activity.

They’d welcomed the weekend with open arms and the team had gone out for a well-deserved celebratory dinner. It was during that dinner that he’d made a decision, so he’d offered to accompany Sue while she walked Levi.

“Did I ever tell you that I’m happy that you stayed?” he asked as they walked side-by-side, his fingers itching to curl around hers as they hovered merely inches apart.

Sue blushed and ducked her head for a moment. “You have, but it never hurts to see you say it again.” Where that comment had come from, she wasn’t sure, but it felt good to say it. She’d sensed a change in Jack once she’d decided to stay and that change seemed to pass over to her. She was more aware of him now; especially about the way he looked at her. And at the moment she felt like she was about to be set ablaze by the heat his gaze was projecting.

“Well, I’m glad you stayed.”

That had been the beginning of a conversation to top all others. They’d talked about everything and nothing, the rift that had come between them those few months mending seamlessly until he’d gotten up the nerve to do what he’d been itching to do for years. He kissed her.

It wasn’t a minute peck or even one of great passion. It was gentle and smooth; just enough to take her breath away, but not to make her pull away. She’d even grasped at his shoulders for leverage as she matched the movements of his lips with her own.

They hadn’t turned back from that moment and yet they still hadn’t taken any steps forward either. Jack knew that bothered Sue. He knew he loved her and she knew he loved her, the problem was just stating that fact. No matter what, he just couldn’t find the words because just saying those three little words seemed inadequate, yet that was all that would come to mind when he thought about it.

Aside from that fact, there was still one other problem.

“Are you sure that’s wise, Jack? I mean is this really how we want to tell the others?” Just showing up at a party as a couple seemed like they’d been deceiving their friends this whole time. Of course, that was pretty much what they’d been doing all along and that’s probably why it didn’t sit well with her at all.

“Would you rather wait until I asked you to marry me?” It was a joking question, but there was an underlying tone of significance to it. Soon, he told himself with a grin.

“Jack.” Her voice carried a hint of pensiveness that he wished he could make disappear. She was acting like she was the proverbial lamb and he was just about to lead her to the slaughter.

Sighing heavily, he brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. “You trust me, don’t you sweetheart?” She nodded, allowing her head to hang low. That wasn’t an issue. She just knew deep down in her heart that Jack would never make her think twice about the decision she’d made to be with him. Quirking the one side of his mouth in a half smirk, he lightly nudged her chin so she would look up at him. “Then, I hope you trust me enough to know that I would never put you in a compromising position. How about we just play it by ear, then? We can tell the team when you think it’s the right time.” His eyebrows rose in question. “Okay?” he signed.

Thinking about it for a second, she nodded and the beginnings of a smile to creep back onto her lips. “D-e-a-l,” was her finger spelled reply.

Jack’s arm instantly snaked around her waist, his lips pressing a light kiss to her temple. “Good. Come on, let’s go find the wonder dog and get back. That stack of paperwork won’t do itself.”

She groaned as she leaned into his side. “Ugh! Do we have to? I feel like I’m going cross-eyed.”

Yes, after months and months of cases and a flurry of activity, they were now being graced with the aftershock, all of the paperwork that Randy Pitts had been hounding them for since the beginning of the month. The Dog Days of Summer was what Myles had called it; a time of the year when all activity seemed to halt to the point of insanity. At least they had the gala to look forward to this weekend.

Jack chuckled. “Well, it’s either that or we have Randy continue to harass us about it until either Bobby or Myles decide to bludgeon him with a blunt object.” His grin got wider when he saw the radiant smile that graced her lips. He couldn’t resist pulling her to a stop and covering them with his, accepting only the minutest of tastes with a groan.

On a bright side, they're not going backward, which is a small blessing.

Now, you know I love Jack . . . . . .really, I do . . . But the routine needs to stop . . . Do they REALLY THINK the team hasn't probably picked up on subtle clues that they're a couple? The best surveillance team in the FBI?

Gosh . . .

BTW . . . I really liked the fuzz-factor in this post!! Just enough to have us swooning, looking forward to MORE, later, and for Jack and Sue to be able to carry on a conversation!

Can't wait for the saturday!!

Tere

So they won't tell the team at the gala as they were suppose to...
Hope it will not turn to be another thing that will be 'turtlessly' slow...

Linny, I'm doing my happy veggie dance in honour of you starting a challenge story! I loved the first scene with Lucy reeling Myles in. Too funny and I guess that Melinda was a dog -- the blonde with brown eyes cinched it, not to mention 'good breeding'. Can't wait to see that play out. And now you have Jack and Sue a couple but not really a couple? That sounds angstish to me!!!!

kav

I can't wait to see Myles face when he meets Melinda

Oh...I guess we don't really get to see his face but you know what I mean...

I agree with Kav. Jack and Sue are a couple but....I feel the angst.

So I'm expecting lots of fuzzies to make up for that little angst that slipped by you.

Communication, Jackson, communication!! You are pretty sure Sue knows you love her, but does she really?? Have you voiced that?? It all goes back to communication, which isn't exactly your strong suit!!!

Joy

SPIT IT OUT JACK!!!

Tina

You know, there's a different between Jack being a turtle and Jack being a chicken!

“How does dinner sound tonight?” Jack asked after Levi was securely clipped back onto his leash. The golden had gotten away from them while they were distracted and had successfully tangled his collar around the stem of a bush while—they guessed—he’d been chasing a bunny.

It hadn’t been an easy task trying to get him unstuck, either. Jack had had to break off a few of the azalea stems to get the dog loose and even after being free, Levi had continued to go on, but Sue had had enough quick thinking to clip his leash on before getting him untangled. It took both of them to hold him back and successfully pull him from the brambles.

It had taken a good bit of effort to get him to start moving too, because his focus was set solely on what lay in the bushes. He tugged relentlessly on his leash, loud whimpers escaping him until Jack had relented to go see what was making him crazy. But whatever Levi had been chasing, he couldn’t find and merely shrugged his shoulders as they began their trek back to the Hoover Building.

Sue shrugged, “I don’t know, Jack.” He sighed heavily and rolled his eyes, still believe she was being pensive, but her nose quickly wrinkled playfully as a giggle erupted from her lips. “I wouldn’t know how dinner sounds any night.”

He shook his head with another roll of his eyes. That was a bad joke, but he supposed he’d set himself up for it. “Bad choice of words?” he asked.

“Just a bit.” She playfully nudged his side and knocked him slightly off balance, but he quickly returned to his previous pace.

“So what do you say? Dinner at my place?”

Her lips pursed at the side of her mouth as she considered the offer. “It depends, I guess.” There was a playful attitude in her tone.

He grinned, “On what?” He had an idea of what she was getting at, but he wanted to hear what she had to say. He didn’t know why, but he absolutely adored the way she teased him.

“On whether or not I should eat beforehand.” She giggled as he took her ribbing with stride.

“Okay, so my culinary skills are a little rusty. You really can’t blame me for it.” He’d learned all he’d needed to know about cooking from his mother. Unfortunately, during his bachelorhood his skills had fallen by the wayside. He just needed a refresher course, but he wasn’t heading back to Wisconsin until Christmas.

“I suppose not,” she rolled her eyes before seriously considering the offer. “Okay, I’ll come on one condition.”

“And what’s that, sweetheart?”

She blushed crimson at the endearment and silently cursed him because he knew it would cause that reaction. “That you let me cook… or at the very least allow me to re-teach you.”

He’d had worse offers. At least she didn’t threaten to shove him in the over after every mistake he’d made like Allie had done more times than he could count. He didn’t have to think twice about it. After all, he would be trapped in his tiny kitchen—a space barely large enough to fit two people—with her. He couldn’t think of a better way to spend the evening. “Okay,” he agreed. “You win.”

She eyed him skeptically, despite the fact that she loved it when she won. “That was way too easy. What exactly do you have up your sleeve, Hudson?”

He shook his head with an innocent smirk. “Nothing up my sleeve. I was just thinking how… romantic it would be to cook with you in my kitchen.” He waggled his eyebrows at the suggestive double meaning; something she didn’t miss, he noticed as her cheeks became infused with more color. His heart stirred at the sight and he couldn’t resist leaning in and brushing his lips against hers.

Her palms gently rose to his chest where they pushed to put some distance between them. “Jack,” she warned, more aware of where they stood than he was. They just crested a small hill that was visible to both half of the park and the all-seeing eyes of the Hoover Building.

His fist rose to chest height where it moved in a circle. “Sorry,” he signed. “But I can’t help that you’re so beautiful when you blush.” The color only deepened which made a groan rumble past his lips. They still had hours of torturous paperwork ahead of them and needed something to hold his desire for her at bay for just a little bit longer.

He didn’t care who was watching at this moment. His hand cupped the back of her head, pulling her toward him. His lips pressed firmly against hers. He could both hear and feel her gasp of surprise but instead of deterring him, it only seemed to egg him on even more. His tongue danced across the seam of her lips, craving entrance to the sweetness beyond. They parted on a sigh as he felt her hands cling to his shoulders, her body pressing against his front. His tongue lightly delved inside until it found hers. The muscles only lightly brushed together in a loving caress before they retreated.

“What was that for?” Sue asked a little breathlessly after taking a moment for the haze of passion to filter out of her brain.

His grin was wide as he brushed a tendril of hair from her face. “To tide me over until tonight. I don’t think I could have made it the rest of the day with just a light taste of you.” His tone was soft, the sound lost to her poor ears, but his eyes were all she needed to see to know how gentle he spoke.

Butterflies fluttered around in her stomach, one stray taking hold of her heart. She’d only had her imagination to rely on when it came to knowing what loving Jack Hudson would feel like. Never in her wildest dreams had it ever felt like this. Her heart felt light and heavy at the same time, it hurt and was numb, it pounded fiercely and stopped all at the same time. It could only be love.

“Me neither,” she whispered as she stared up into his eyes. They sparkled and gleamed in a way she’d never seen before. And the sight only made her heart flutter even more. So much so that it was beginning to make her feel uncomfortable. Clearing her throat, she started them back on their trek back to the bullpen. “By the way, you were very convincing this morning.”

He chuckled. “Me? What about you? ‘My usual escort has another date’,” he playfully repeated.

“Oh, but yours was top notch,” she giggled, relieved that he'd taken the change of subject with stride, “’I didn’t know you were seeing somebody’.” She stuck her lower lip out in a mocking manner.

“I didn’t stick my lip out like that!”

“You might as well have,” she teased. “Heck, I’m surprised Lucy didn’t take the bait… you know, for a team of specially-trained surveillance experts, are friends are terrible when it comes to the obvious.” She shook her head and rolled her eyes heavenward.

“I wouldn’t say that,” he said as he opened the door for her and allowed her and Levi to enter before he followed. “We just might be very convincing.”

A snort of a laugh escaped her as she shook her head disapprovingly. “Whatever you say Jack.”

I can just see the roll of Sue's eyes as she gave in . . . Sometimes it's better to just agree and let them THINK they're right!

This is WONDERFUL! I like that they're still a LITTLE uncertain of their status, but gaining confidence every day! This story makes me happy . . .

wonderful Linny!!
I´m curious about Levi and the something in the bushes

Tere

Cute teasing between our favorite couple!
Love that!

Very well done. Another excellent story for the challenge.

This is going to be a very difficult one to vote for. Everyone is doing so well!!!

- RSL

Yay!!!!!! I'm so excited to see your story!!! And I love where it is going So cute!!!

Em

I love all the teasing between Jack and Sue!! And, it looks like they have the team hoodwinked, at least for now!!!

I wonder what or who was in the bushes???

Joy

This has me intrigued....is it good or is it bad? I guess only Linny knows for sure!

I like this new side of Jack and Sue -- teasing and tussling and heated promises for tonight. Sigh, it can't get much better than this...until tonight.

kav

I'd try to respond with something witty, but my mind seems to be fully occupied thinking of "cooking" with Jack in an itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny kitchen

Tina

I just love Jack!

You are off to a great start! I love Melinda and perhaps Myles will too but why do I have the feeling that the team already knows what is going on? They can be very sneaky!

Wow, what a great story so far! I love the way that Jack and Sue have started to see each other and Myles' typical craziness! I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of this story.

Sorry for the delay. Had a bad day at work the other day and wasn't really in the mood to write. Doing better now, though!

Anyway, here is the first part of today's post. I hope to have the other half up tomorrow.

Exiting the bathroom, the shoes she’d picked out for the day dangling precariously from her fingertips, Lucy padded down the hallway and into the living room. Her eyes immediately set on Levi and flitted about while he paced from the door to the couch and back in a vicious cycle. Suddenly feeling dizzy, she looked away and to Sue who was just coming out of her bedroom.

“What’s with Levi?” She couldn’t pretend that the dog’s unusual antics weren’t unsettling. She noticed the bags under Sue’s eyes and figured that she hadn’t gotten much sleep last night. It was bad enough that she’d come in late—it had been around midnight—but the dog’s behavior would have sent her over the edge. Frowning, Lucy looked down at the golden and immediately noticed his “I-wanna-go-outside” look.

Sue sighed heavily—her breath dancing across her bangs—as she glanced at her furry companion as well. His ears were flat against his head and his tail was wagging like crazy and by the inclination of his head, she guessed he’d just whimpered. “I don’t know. He’s been looking at me like that since yesterday afternoon and he kept me up half the night like he wanted to go out.”

She paused as her lips parted in a large yawn, hoping that someone would arrive at the bullpen before them and already have a pot of coffee waiting. She was going to need the extra pep today, lest she fall asleep over the paperwork that cluttered her desk. Randy “the Hun” Pitts was on the warpath for it to be completed and though she couldn’t hear the high, nasal tone of his voice, just his presence would be enough to give her a headache.

“You don’t think it’s his flea medication again, do you? ‘Cause that’s something I don’t want to experience ever again.” Her stomach tauntingly convulsed as she remembered the nausea that came with that episode, though she’d learned to look closer at what she put in her mouth after that.

“Me neither,” Sue giggled, “but I don’t think that’s it. He just seems… anxious.”

Setting her shoes on the floor, Lucy slid her feet into them before she picked up her favorite spring jacket from where it hung on the coat rack. She wore it mostly because it went very well with her outfit, but also because though they might have just entered the hottest summer months, the mornings could still be frigid cold; especially after it rained. “Anxious?” as asked as she tied the coat’s belt around her waist. “About what?”

Sue shrugged. “I don’t know, but during our walk this morning it was like he was looking for something.” She noticed Lucy’s brows come together in confusion. At least her roommate was just as confused as she was. She tried to explain. “I mean, instead of walking with me today, he walked himself. I was just along for the ride. Literally.”

And what a ride it had been. Never before had Levi ever tugged at his leash with such force. She’d been knocked off guard when he gave her a firm tug and she’d felt herself about to head face first into a large, gooey puddle of mud. She’d closed her eyes as she’d anticipated her confrontation with the ground, but it never came.

Instead of converging with the hard cold ground and the blemishing puddle, she found herself crashing into something hard and very, very warm. It had taken her a few seconds before she’d realized that someone had caught her, trying their hardest to shield her from the inevitable splatter but failing miserably.

I hope it's who I think it is, because it sounds suspiciously like someone we all know and love . . .



Care to enlighten us?? Looking forward to the next post!!

Who came to the recue???
And what could be on Levi's mind that shake him like that???

Can we take a vote on who should be the one who was there to catch her?? Huh, huh, can we please?

Tina

I wonder who was the savior , I know who has my vote can't wait for more!

Tere

It sounds like Levi might have a touch of the matchmaking gene in him! I hope that it was Jack that Sue bumped into!

Hard and warm?? Yeah, that has to be who we all think it is!!!

What has Levi so anxious???

Joy

I know who I wish caught her. Am I right???

And Levi, what's wrong with him?

I vote for Jack!!!!

Em

Hmmm...could have been Howie though! or Otis or even Randy Pitts But if we're voting, I'd pick Jack as well! And Levi is a real mystery! I can't wait until you unravel it.

kav

We're going to have to wait for a bit to find out what's with Levi, but as for Sue's White Knight...

Here's the second part of yesterday's post.

When her protector had finally released her and she was allowed to get back onto her own two feet again, she felt how soaked through her jogging suit had become. Mud stains had graced both her arms and legs and she could feel it weighing down her hair as brown rivulets cascaded down her once clean body.

She’d wanted to be angry; to turn around and yell at her so-called “savior” for making the problem worse than it would have been if he hadn’t interfered, but only laughter bubbled forth. She laughed t herself and more importantly she laughed at her knight in muddy armor.

He’d only sneered as he got to his feet, mumbling something that she’d barely been able to read on his lips. Catching the last of his statement: “Well, that didn’t go like I’d planned” only made her laugh harder and she couldn’t resist wiping at his muddy lips before giving Jack a very thankful kiss.

He’d meant well, after all.

She still chuckled about it now, much to the confusion of Lucy.

Sue didn’t quite understand what Jack had been doing at that particular park at that particular moment—and his only excuse had been that he’d needed a change of scenery from his usual jogging route and that he’d only hoped to run into her for a little “us” time, as he’d so sweetly put it with a waggle of his dirty eyebrows.

She’d rolled her eyes at that comment. As if last night hadn’t been enough “us” time. After all, it had been well after midnight when she and Levi had pulled up in front of their apartment, relieved to see that the lights were out, which meant Lucy had been asleep.

She just hadn’t been able to pull herself away. These stolen, secret dinners with Jack were very few and far between due to their busy schedules. Of course, they got their usual, casual lunch dates every so often, but they just weren’t the same as a romantic, candlelit dinner for two.

Although, cooking with Jack had turned out to be quite an experience.

When he’d said his kitchen was small, she’d thought it would be more along the lines of being cozy. Not cramped when two people occupied that same space. Of course, after they’d collided on more than one occasion—much to Jack’s obvious delight—they’d settled into a cooperative rhythm. She stood at one side of the counter while he stood at the other, unless he needed to reach around her to grab an ingredient or utensil required to finish his task.

She couldn’t really complain, though because during those moments, he wouldn’t hesitate to adoringly nuzzle her neck lightly with his lips or allow his hands to linger upon her waist or shoulder for a few beats longer than was necessary.

“It’s love,” Lucy concluded with a wide grin.

“Huh?” Sue was brought back to the present when she saw the four-lettered word form on her roommate’s lips. She wasn’t sure why she was so taken aback by it, though. Of course she loved Jack and she was certain that Lucy knew as well. The problem was just letting him know. Every time she thought she’d gathered up enough courage, she would freeze either because of nerves or because he’d just said something to make her clam up.

It was a vicious cycle.

She saw Lucy’s shoulders shake with a trill of a giggle. “It has to be. Otherwise, why would Levi be acting like this? Maybe some cute little poodle caught his eye and he just can’t get her out of his mind.”

“Oh,” was all Sue could think to say as she sighed with relief.

Right. They’d been talking about Levi. Not Jack.

Feeling the heat creep upon her face, she cleared her throat and brushed her now clean hair out of her face. Allowing a humored grin to curl at her lips, she chuckled. “I don’t know about that Luce,” she said as she glanced down at Levi who’d walked right up to her, ready with his leash clamped firmly in his mouth. “Something tells me that Levi’s not a poodle kind of guy.”

You know . . . Jack could waggle his eyebrows at me ANY time - dirty or not!

Can't wait for more!!

Jack, her knight in muddy armour indeed!
I like the idea of Levi in love

Tere

Absolutely delightful! I even love "dirty Jack"!

Tina

I'm totally hopeless!! I think even falling into a mud puddle with Jack would be heavenly!!!

Joy

Mmmm "dirty" Jack...

Em

Hum... I hope a prince in either shining or muddy armor came to caught me someday... Won't hurt if he looks like Jack...
If Levi's not a poodle kind of guy, then what kind is he?...

Sue, who did you think Lucy was talking about?

Levi, a poodle kind of guy?

Ah, shucks, some poodles are nice and now their crossing breeding standard poodles and retrievers umm...what do they call them Goldenoodles or something like that? Poodens? I dunno, anyway, that's not the point, the point is Lucy might have been talking dogs but the rest of us were talking about men...well a certain darkhaired, dark eyed man.

kav