Title: Hand and Foot

Author: Astridz55@earthlink.net

Disclaimers: These characters aren’t mine, except Robbie and I sure as hell don’t want him!

Category: Romance,

Rating: NC-17

Notes: I got this idea when I sprained my knee and my DH offered to wait on me hand and foot. Thanks to CR for the title idea. Also there are a few little surprises here for various people. Hope you all find the ones for you!

Note: This was originally written as an X-Files story but I thought that I would try to convert it over to JAG. It was supposed to be a birthday present for someone’s birthday on September 9^th. As you can see, I’m a little late. Or really early if you want to think of it that way!

This is pitiful. Even for me. Nearly midnight on a Friday night and where am I but at JAG. I had a date but the guy was a bit odd to say the least, he reminded me of Barney Fife. I should have listened to my instincts when I thought that Robbie was an odd name for a man in his mid thirties. Robbie is a great name for a kid because when he grows up he can go by Rob, Robert or even Bob. But Robbie? I just couldn't help but think about a man who still lives with his mother.

I finally managed to get away but when I was about half way home I realized that he was still behind me. There was no way in hell I wanted him to know where I lived so I decided to go to a safe place. I ended up at the JAG building, which was the safest place I could think of. Besides I had some work I could do.

After about three steady hours of work, the pile on my desk was almost completely gone and there was a rather large dent in the mountain on Harm's desk. Deciding to call it a night, I gathered up the files that needed to be redistributed and my things. I dropped the files off on the proper desks as I walked through the bullpen to the Admiral’s office. I knew that he locked his door on the weekend so I simply left the files on Tiner’s desk. I was out of the bullpen and almost to the elevator when I was startled by a very recognizable deep voice.

“Colonel MacKenzie?”

I spun around and immediately realized that was my first mistake. Well, actually wearing the three-inch heels on the date was the first mistake. I could feel my ankle twisting even as I knew there was nothing that I could do to stop it. I felt myself falling but the man who startled me saved me. I looked up surprised both by his presence and the fact that he caught me.

“Mac? Are you okay?” he asked while helping me to right myself.

“I'm fine, Sir. What are you doing here so late?”

“I could ask you the same thing, Mac,” he said with one of his rare smiles.

I actually paused a split second to enjoy the smile that is so seldom seen.

“I just thought that I would try to finish up some files.”

“Me too,” he said as he helped to right me on my feet. Unfortunately, my ankle was hurt more than I thought because it didn’t want to support my weight. I grabbed at the arm that he still held out. “Mac?”

“I must have twisted my ankle more than I thought.” I said as I tried to stand on my own but he had to have been able to see the wince of pain I was unable to hide. Before I knew what was happening, the Admiral swept me up into his arms. “Sir!”

“I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“No, you don’t have to. I just twisted it.” I tried to convince him to put me down.

“It could be a sprain even a break,” he insisted.

I wasn’t able to say anything else as he carried me through the deserted halls of the JAG. I knew that I shouldn’t be putting too much weight on it but his carrying me around the halls was a bit embarrassing. He took me straight to his car and after situating me safely in the seat; he drove to the emergency room.

Part 2

Once we got to the hospital, the Admiral again picked me up and carried me into the emergency room. After he set me down in a chair in the waiting room he, went to the registration desk to find a doctor. He got a clipboard with the registration papers and then as he was walking back when he happened to catch a doctor rushing by. They talked for a few moments then he came back.

“There seems to have been an accident and they are going to be a bit busy with that any time now. I got the registration papers for you to fill out. It might be a while.”

“We don’t have to stay. I’ll just go home and wrap it up.”

“This happened on government property, you should get this taken care of properly,” he insisted and I knew that I wouldn’t win. I just shook my head at him and reached for the paperwork. Before I could get anything written a nurse rushed by with an ice pack, which she handed to me. She didn’t have time to say anything as the trauma came in and her services were required. I felt rather helpless just sitting there filling out paperwork while the doctors worked to save lives but there was nothing that I could do to help.

“So, Mac, why were you at JAG so late?” the Admiral asked.

“I had a rotten blind date.” I know that he was trying to take my mind off the fact that I was feeling somewhat helpless.

“That bad that you had to come back to work?” he asked with a slight smile.

“Well, I might be wrong but I think that he was following me from the restaurant and I really don’t want him to know where I live. I also figured that he wouldn’t want to wait around outside a military parking lot.” I knew once I said that that I would have to explain the whole blasted date to him.

“A friend of mine, Donna, met this guy's aunt or something somewhere, I'm not sure. Well the next thing I know, Donna arranged this date. She hadn't even met him yet herself but his aunt said he was such a sweetheart."

"She was obviously biased," he said sarcastically. I couldn't hold back the smile that managed to escape.

"Very biased. All he did was either talk about himself or his ex-girlfriend who was stupid enough to leave him, his words, not mine. That's when he wasn't trying to tell me that women only belonged in one place, the home."

"Did he not know you are in the Marines?"

"Oh, he knew and he was threatened by it, I think. I didn't pay any mind to that but what made me a bit worried was that he kept referring to his ex-girlfriend. I began to wonder if he had been stalking her. Finally, dinner was over with and the creep actually said that since I was such a 'modern' woman, I wouldn't mind paying for dinner. It seems that he left his wallet at home." I saw the Admiral’s look of total surprise, not that I blame him. "I'm going to have a little talk to my friend about setting me up on dates."

"I don't blame you. What happened after you paid for his meal?" Just his tone of voice told me what he thought of the creep.

"Luckily, I met him there, so I got in my car and headed home but then I noticed a white Chevy convertible that appeared to be following me so I decided to go to JAG instead. I knew that there was plenty of work to do anyway. I just didn't think anyone else would be there."

"I work late a lot, nothing else to do," he said wryly.

Before I had a chance to comment on that, a nurse called my name and appeared with a wheelchair. The doctor looked at my ankle and diagnosised it as a sprain just as I had thought but he wanted me to get an x-ray just to be sure. Amazingly enough, Radiology was nearly empty so I didn't have long to wait. After the radiograph we waited a bit longer for the doctor to review the film. Luckily there was nothing wrong other than the sprain. He then wrapped my ankle and advised me to stay off of it and to fill a couple of prescriptions.

Part 3

I didn’t plan on actually filling the prescriptions but unfortunately I also didn't plan on the Admiral overhearing the doctor so later, in the car, he insisted on taking the scripts to be filled. He stopped at the pharmacy close to my apartment and dropped off the scripts. While he was in the pharmacy he picked up a bag of supplies and a cane. After he came back to the car, he said that he would take me home first before he went to pick it up. He pulled into my parking space and before I could ease out of the car with my new cane, he was at my door. Without even letting me try the cane, he picked me up and carried me into my apartment. I was too surprised to say anything for a moment.

“Put me down,” I insisted.

“It’s probably best that you not use the cane on the stairs. This is easier,” he stated simply but not looking at me. A moment later he was at my door, which he quickly opened. “Which way is your bedroom?” he asked and I thought that I could see a slight redness on his ears. I pointed to the bedroom door. He carried me in then set me on the edge of the bed. "I'll be back soon. I'll get your prescription." Before I could tell him not to bother, he was gone.

I gingerly stood up on my foot, with the help of the cane and made my way to the bathroom. After washing my face and taking care of other essential business, I hobbled back to the bedroom. I reached into my dresser and pulled out my favorite sweat suit. It was one that I got many years ago but it was so incredibly comfortable, I couldn’t bear to part with it. It was one that I got when I first joined the Marines, it was a little worse for wear. In fact, I didn’t wear it out in public due to the holes in the front and also the fact that I’ve had to sew the cuffs back on several times. I lie back down on the bed and soon fell asleep.

I woke up a while later with a blanket over me and tucked around my feet. I wonder how that happened since I hate my feet covered. I looked over and saw the prescriptions on my nightstand and I realized that the Admiral must have come back while I was asleep and put them there. I reached for them and reluctantly took one of the pain pills. It was a lot stronger than I thought since it knocked me out.

I was surprised when I saw the clock and realized that I had slept for nine hours and it was 2 in the afternoon. I couldn’t resist groaning; I knew I wouldn’t get much sleep tonight since I slept so long. The groaning continued as my stomach decided to announce it was empty. I eased myself up and sat on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before I tried to walk with the cane. I got into the living room then stopped in my tracks.

The Admiral was asleep on my couch. He had changed into some sweats himself and apparently made himself at home. I really don’t blame him; he had probably been up for twenty-four hours before we got back to my apartment. I was actually glad he didn’t try to drive home if he were that tired.

I limped over to the back of the couch and pulled off the throw. I looked at his relaxed face as I gently covered him. I had never seen him so relaxed, he looked so young when he slept, and so at peace. I was glad that he felt comfortable enough to sleep so well here. There was something about him that I couldn’t place. I had to wonder if it had something to do with that near kiss from so long ago.

My stomach rumbled again so with one final look at his face, I walked into the kitchen to fix something to eat. I walked into the kitchen and was surprised to find my fridge more stocked than I had ever seen it. I pulled out some lettuce to make a salad but as I reached for the dressing it sipped from my hand and, of course, landed on my foot, my sore foot.

“Damn it!” I cursed.

“Are you okay?” the Admiral asked as he appeared through the door. I didn’t look at him and didn’t trust my voice so I just nodded. He crossed the kitchen in two quick strides and before I realized what was happening he swung me up in to his arms.

“Sir, you don’t have to do this.”

“I know,” he stated simply. I looked into his unguarded eyes and I began to realize that he felt guilty for my injury.

“Admiral-“ I attempted to reassure him but stopped as he leaned down slightly.

“AJ,” he said in a surprisingly soft tone. My eyes flew to his lips as he said those two little letters. For a brief instant, I thought that he was going to kiss me as he leaned down even more. I suddenly became warm, and it felt as if all my senses were suddenly on overdrive. I could smell his cologne that lingered and feel his muscles carrying me effortlessly. One hand was close to my breast and the other felt as if it were burning my knee. I could hear his breathing, sounded a bit too fast but somehow I knew that it had nothing to do with my weight in his arms, just my presence.

He set me down on the couch where moments before he had slept then he turned away. He walked into my bedroom to get the pills. He handed them to me then again walked out to get me some water. I was glad to have a minute to myself, as I wasn't quite sure what to think about these not new feelings that were resurfacing for my boss. I knew they were wrong but a part of me didn't really care.

He walked back in carrying a glass of ice water and a salad big enough for a small family. Without speaking he again returned to the kitchen and returned with two plates, two forks and another glass of water. He handed me a plate and I helped myself to the salad before he served himself.

As quiet as he had been I was surprised that throughout lunch I was learning more and more about the Admiral, I still couldn't quite bring myself to call him AJ yet. I knew that he told me to but it seemed strange to call him that in this personal of a setting. I was enjoying his company immensely even after lunch was over when we just sat there and talked.

“Oh my, it’s four o’clock. I didn’t realize it was so late. I’ll be fine by myself,” I said even though I did not want him to leave. He must have sensed my reluctance because he looked at me strangely before he spoke.

“I don’t have any plans for the day and since this was my fault, I would be more than happy to stay and help out with what ever you need,” he said sincerely.

I couldn’t help but think that the poor man must be so lonely if he finds the prospect of staying here with me fun. He didn't know yet, but my Saturdays were usually very dull. It would be nice to have someone else around for the day though since I understood his loneliness. If he was feeling guilty, maybe I could have him wait on me hand and foot. Of course, for this Saturday I didn’t even have my usual planned. I would catch up on any reports that were pressing, drop off my dry cleaning, paint my nails, watch movies and read some trashy novels.

“So, Sarah. What can I do for you?”

I thought for a moment, not even realizing that he called me Sarah at first, and even though I don't like being waited on, I decided to humor him. “Can you bring me my laptop and cordless phone?” Before I was even finished he turned to get them for me. “The only other thing that I needed to do today was to pick up my dry cleaning.”

“Where is it?” he asked. I gave him the directions and he said that he would be back in a little while.

After he left I turned my laptop on and worked on my journal. A while later the phone rang, I almost dreaded picking it up, not wanting to talk to Robbie. I sighed and picked up the phone, and was somewhat glad to hear Donna’s voice. She, of course, asked me how my date went and I advised her that she was no longer allowed to even think of setting me up on a blind date.

“That bad?”

“Worse, Donna. He was a creep.”

“Sarah, I hate to tell you then but he asked for your address and without even thinking, I gave it to him.”

“Oh, you didn’t!” I exclaimed.

“Sarah, I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was that terrible,” she said.

I sighed.

“I know, Donna. It’s just that I don’t really want to deal with him today. After I left the fiasco last night, I went to work and to make a long story short, I sprained my ankle.”

“Sarah! Just wait a few minutes and I’ll be right over,” she suggested.

“You don’t have to. I’m fine, the doctor said it was just a light sprain. I just have a brace on it and I was told to keep it iced if I could. There’s nothing for you to do. Honest.”

“Well, if you are sure, Sarah. If you need anything call me okay?”

“Okay. I promise,” I said before I hung up. We both knew that I wouldn’t call her for anything but at least she didn’t complain.

As I was hanging up the phone, the Admiral walked back into my apartment. He was carrying my dry cleaning and a couple of bags.

“Hey. Where do you want me to put the dry cleaning?”

“If you could just hang it in my closet, that would be great,” I commented.

“No problem. I took the liberty of renting some movies if you don’t mind.” He handed me the bag of videos as he passed by to hang my dry cleaning up. I watched him as he walked away and thought to myself that I could really get used to this treatment. He walked back in and picked up a movie. “How about a movie?”

“Sure,” I said, not having a clue what movie it is, as he popped it in the VCR. He started the movie then sat down on the couch next to me.

I was rather surprised to find out that the movie was Operation Petticoat. I guess that he must have picked it out for my enjoyment other than his. We watched the movie in silence. Once it was over and rewinding, the Admiral went to the kitchen to get me a refill of water. I had a few moments to think about the surprisingly nice and relaxing day I’ve spent with my boss. I never would have thought that the Admiral would sit through, much less enjoy, a romantic comedy, granted it was about the Navy but still. Harm would never believe this, not that I will ever tell him. It was as if he knew that I was thinking about him since just then the phone rang. I knew who it was, Harm.

“Hey, Mac. What you up to?”

“Nothing,” I said resigned. I could tell that he wanted to come over or involve me in something crazy. “Harm, I told you that this is my weekend.”

“I know Mac but I’m bored.”

“Harm, I told you that this is my Harm-free weekend. I have a lot of things I need to do and I can’t do them if you show up. No, you can’t join me. Why not? I’m planning on taking a nice long bubble bath and there is no way you will join me for that. Good bye, I’ll see you on Monday,” I said just before I hung up. I knew that he was going to pout but I had really looked forward to this weekend without him besides I was having a lot of fun with the Admiral. I knew that he would leave if Harm showed up. I hung up the phone then turn around to see the Admiral looking a bit surprised.

“He doesn't seem to understand the fact that I enjoy my time to myself.” As soon as I said that, I knew he was going to try to leave.

“I'm sorry, Mac. I didn't mean to overstay my welcome.”

“You haven't. Honest. Please don't leave.” I hope I didn't sound as desperate for company as it sounded but for whatever reason he decided not to leave. He didn't say anything, but I could see his face relax as he walked over to the TV and swapped the videos. He sat back down on the couch and relaxed as the movie started. It was a nice experience to sit quietly and watch a movie next to a man. I certainly can't do this with Harm; he is physically unable to sit still for more than two minutes without fidgeting.

The second movie astonished me even more than the first one. I figured that he sat though the first movie because it was Navy related but this one was totally different. ‘L.A. Story’ was something that I never expected AJ to like. I had seen the movie before when it originally came out so I paid more attention to him than the movie. I thought about the differences that I’ve seen in him today. Somehow I suspected that I was being gifted with the true AJ Chegwidden and not the Admiral that everyone else usually sees.

After about half the movie passed I could feel my pain medicine wearing off. I looked over to the chair where I had a spare toss pillow. It almost seemed as if he could read my mind as he followed my line of sight then reached over to grab the pillow. He eased the pillow under my foot but it wasn't quite high enough. AJ surprised me when he scooted over then put the pillow on his lap and with extreme care he lifted my foot and gently placed it on the pillow. He didn't look at me, he just sat there and continued to watch the movie. I don't think that he realized that he didn't move his hand, which was still resting lightly on my ankle. I no longer thought about the pain in my ankle.

Unfortunately, I could no longer focus on the movie either. My mind kept flashing back to that almost kiss in his bedroom. I couldn’t help but wonder how he would have kissed had duty not stopped him. I’m sure that it would have been even more amazing than I ever imagined. Of course, I didn’t plan on nearly kissing him then but it certainly gave me plenty to think about for a while after that. I hadn’t really thought of the Admiral in that sort of way before. It wasn’t that I hadn’t noticed, I wasn’t blind after all.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door. I looked up at the Admiral and he carefully eased my foot off his lap and stood up to answer the door. I thought at first that it was Harm until I heard a voice call through the door.

“Sarah. Are you there? It’s me, Robbie.”

The Admiral turned to look at me and I whispered, “Donna called, she gave him my address.” I moved to get up but the Admiral’s voice stopped me.

“Let me take care of this,” he said with a mischievous smile. I watched in amazement as he totally transformed from the relaxed AJ back to the former SeAL Admiral that I was more used to. Actually a pissed off former SeAL. He jerked open the door and took at menacing step toward Robbie.

“You’re not Sarah!” his voice squeaked.

“Do I look like a Sarah?” the Admiral growled.

“Um, no sir. Is she here?” Robbie asked.

“Who? This Sarah person? I don’t know who you are talking about.”

“Her friend said she lived here,” Robbie whined.

“Well, someone is obviously wrong. Don’t you think?” the Admiral growled as he stepped even closer.

“Yes, sir. Sorry to bother you.” the Admiral waited a moment before he shut the door.

“You went out with that weasel? He looked like he stuck his finger in a light socket; his hair was sticking up all over the place. I guess I scared him, he ran off down the hall,” the Admiral said.

“I told you it was a set up. And my friend knows that she isn’t allowed to do that ever again,” I said some what amazed as he transformed again into the relaxed AJ of earlier in the day.

“How about I fix you some dinner?” he offered.

“You don’t have to,” I said even though I was worried that if he didn’t he would leave.

“I know but I don’t mind.”

I sighed as I watched him walk into the kitchen. I was glad that he was going to stay. I was really enjoying his company; he seemed like a different person, much more relaxed. I stood up and managed to walk into my bedroom with a minimum of limping. I went to the bathroom then stopping at my nightstand I picked up a book then went back to the living room. I dropped the book on the coffee table then went to join AJ in the kitchen. I watched him as he expertly began to chop various vegetables.

“So would you be cooking this if it were Harm who twisted his ankle?” I asked.

“You shouldn’t be walking around, Sarah,” he said.

“I’m fine and you didn’t answer my question,” I said with a smile, which he returned.

“Something tells me that Harm wouldn’t like my stir fry. You like spicy food, right?”

“Yes. Spicy is great. Can I help?” He carried the cutting board over to the table along with a knife. He walked back to the counter and began slicing the meat for the stir-fry. “So, what would you have done if it were Harm who twisted his ankle?”

“Well, I certainly wouldn’t have gotten him any videos. The boy doesn’t even have a TV,” he said somewhat amazed.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks that’s odd.”

“I think that most of JAG agrees,” he grinned.

We worked on dinner mostly in silence but it was a comfortable silence. As we started to eat dinner I mentioned the music in the second movie.

“Do you what that music in the second movie was? It was very pretty,” I asked.

“The scene with the kids, on the plane and the final credits the music was Enya. It’s some of my favorite music, it’s very soothing. I have a couple of her cd’s in my car if you would like to borrow them. I’ll go grab them after dinner.”

“Thanks. By the way, this food is incredible. I never expected you to be such a good cook, sir.”

“I’ve always liked cooking. I just don’t like to cook for myself so I enjoy cooking for others.”

“Well, you are more than welcome to cook for me anytime,” I said, part of me hoping that he would take me up on that offer.

We chatted for a bit while we ate and all too soon dinner was over. AJ took our plates over to the sink and I stood up to help. As soon as I set down the dish he turned around and literally swept me off my feet.

“AJ,” I gasped as I instinctively wrapped my arms around his neck.

“I was wondering when you were going to stop calling me ‘Sir,’” he smiled at me. I looked into his eyes, still guarded but I could easily see some un-definable emotion. It almost looked like desire but I never imagined that he thought of me that way. The look soon disappeared though as he looked away. He sat me down on the couch again and to my surprise he sat down next to me. I moved my foot back up on the couch and he eased it back to his lap.

Once my foot was settled, he reached for the book that I had tossed on the coffee table. Spotting the bookmark, he flipped to that page.

“Shall I read to you?” I knew exactly where I was in the romance novel and I knew that he would not want to read the scene that I was expecting to happen in this next chapter. I guess that he assumed that it was okay because he began to read aloud.

“Do you want me, Sarah?” His stunned eyes shot up to mine. A part of me hoped that he couldn’t read the answer to the unintended question and part of me wished that he could. He finally broke the eye contact to turn the book over to read the title.

“’Ava’s Playhouse?’ by Charla Regan.”

The look of shock on his face was priceless! It was almost a shame that I knew that I had to explain.

“Chloe sent that to me. It’s about a woman, Ava who has a bed and breakfast and does some matchmaking on the side. Chloe saw that the heroin’s name was Sarah and she a Marine so she said she had to buy it for me,” I explained. He nodded and with a slight tinge of pink across his creeks, he set the book back on the coffee table.

“Well, I really should be going,” he said as he stood up to get ready to leave. “Do you want anything, Sarah?”

I longed to say yes so that he would stay but I was sure that he had other plans. I had kept him too long as it was.

“Thanks again for dinner and all your help. I had a nice day,” I managed to say, hoping to keep the longing out of my voice. I watched as he walked to the door and opened it and my emotions were running wild. I knew I didn’t want him to leave so I didn’t even think about what I said.

“You,” I blurted out.

“Me, what?”

“You asked if I wanted anything,” I said amazed that I had admitted my desires to him. It seemed that he was a bit amazed himself. He paused for a moment before he shut the door and locked it again.

“Do you want me, Sarah?” he asked in a low husky voice.

A part of me was afraid that he would reject me but seeing the desire in his now unguarded eyes, I knew that he wouldn’t. I simply held my hand out to him and he wordlessly walked to me and took my hand. I watched as his large hand swallowed my smaller one and knew that despite his large size he would be very gentle with me.

His eyes met mine as he kneeled beside me and tenderly kissed my hand. I felt the shock of that kiss all the way up my arm. I sat there for a moment letting the tingle rush over me as he rubbed his thumb across my knuckles. I lightly squeezed his fingers before I stroked his cheek. He nuzzled his cheek into my hand then leaned down slowly and just as tenderly kissed me on the lips. It wasn’t a long kiss but it left us both a little stunned. I had though that the only other kiss we almost shared would have been rather nice but my imagination was nothing compared to this kiss.

He pulled back a fraction of an inch to look into my eyes. What I saw in his was surprising. Love. I knew that he cared for me, today was proof of that if nothing else, but this was love. Not just lust, not just desire. Love. I wonder how long he’s loved me. If I admit it to myself, I’ve had feelings for him for quite some time now. I lean back toward him and get lost in his kiss again. His lips are so soft but firm. They parted as his tongue hesitantly touched my lips.

I could feel his desire building along with my own but I could also tell that he didn’t want to rush me into anything. I thought that was very sweet of him but I had waited long enough and I didn’t want just sweet from him. I wanted some of the passion that I knew was hidden behind his rank. I parted my lips to tease his tongue with my own eliciting a low moan from one of us. I didn’t care which one of us it was but I knew that soon both of us would be definitely moaning more.

He continued to kiss me as he lifted me and carried me into the bathroom. At first I was surprised as he set me on the edge of the tub until I realized that he must have heard that part of the phone conversation with Harm. He reached down and started the water as I uncapped my favorite bubble bath. He tested the water, then after drying his hand, he caressed my cheek.

“I’m going to go get something to drink. You enjoy your bath, I’ll be right back,” he said as he dropped a quick kiss on my lips. I paused a moment happy with this surprising turn of events. I pulled of my sweats and eased into the tub. I leaned back and let the warm water relax me as I closed my eyes.

A few minutes later, the door silently opened and AJ walked in. In one hand he had a bottle of sparkling apple cider and two glasses, the other hand was full of candles. He managed to set everything down without dropping anything. Without speaking he poured two glasses of the cider, and after handing one glass to me, he set the candles around and lit them. I watched him as he sat down on the edge of the tub at my feet. He rolled up his sleeves and a part of me just wished that he would take off his gray Navy sweatshirt. I stared as his hand slipped beneath the bubbles and gently grasped my uninjured foot.

I don’t know how he realized that this ankle was a little sore also but he began to massage it. I closed my eyes as I relaxed even more into the water. I let my mind wander to the wonderful sensations that he was creating. I jumped a bit as his fingers found a previously unknown ticklish spot. I opened my eyes to see his shirt nearly soaked from the splash. I looked into his eyes and without saying a word; I let him know that I wanted him to join me in the tub.

He reached down and without jerking off his sweatshirt he removed it. I watched him for a moment, for the first time truly admiring his body. He stared down at me intently as I moved further up into the tub so that he had plenty of space behind me. I did not see as he took off his sweatpants but I could feel the heat from him as he stepped into the tub behind me. He stretched his legs out on either side of me as I eased back into his chest.

I relaxed into his arms and let the water and his body soothe me. I rested my head against his shoulder then turning my face I reached up to kiss him. His hands eased from my shoulders down my arms to gently wrap around my waist. I ran my hands along his arms turning then slightly as I wrapped one arm around his neck to deepen the kiss. His hands began to roam over more of my body as he deepened the kiss.

AJ's hands soon found their way to my breasts softly caressing. I could feel his erection growing insistently against my side and I wondered how far he wanted to let this go in the tub. I have nothing against making love in the tub or the shower but I thought that I would prefer our first time together to be in a comfortable bed. He seemed to sense this as he had sensed so many things before about me that others never seemed to notice.

His other hand slipped beneath the bubbles and found the sensitive flesh between my legs. I leaned further back into his chest letting the sensations flow over me like the water. AJ lifted me slightly and eased his legs together, letting me rest on them. His blunt fingertips softly caressed my folds causing me to gasp in delight. I let my head drop to his shoulder giving him more access to my neck which he quickly took advantage of. AJ gently nibbled up my neck before reaching my ear. My breathing became quicker as his fingertips parted my folds before one thick finger eased inside me. He nipped my ear as his thumb circled my clit.

I took a few shallow breaths before moaning in ecstasy as the orgasm spread throughout my body. I leaned back further and let the waves of pleasure wash over me. AJ’s hands held me tight to him keeping me from flowing down the drain. I know that wasn’t possible but it sure felt like it might be.

I just lay there for a short while letting his body keep me warm as the water became chilled. AJ continued to lightly caress me and with a flexible toe, he pulled out the stopper in the tub. He gathered me tightly in his arms and with extreme care stood up. I was gently set on my feet earning a typically male smile when I was still unsteady. Keeping one arm around me, AJ reached for a towel and began to pat my skin dry.

I was amazed by the fact that even these gentle touches renew my arousal. And his. Once we were both dry, AJ once again picked me up but this time he carried me into my bedroom and gently set me down on the bed. I reached to my nightstand drawer for a box of condoms that I had. I was a little surprised with myself with my boldness as I handed him the box but I had this chance and I wasn’t going to let it pass.

“Sarah? Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I said honestly as I pulled him toward me.

AJ deftly opened the box and protected us before leaning down to kiss me. I could feel him between my thighs, one hand supporting his weight and the other guiding himself into me. He slowly pushed in inch by inch even though I moaned and grasped his hips wordlessly trying to get him to speed up. If anything, my urgency seemed to slow him down more. AJ was finally fully inside me when he stopped.

“AJ. Please.”

He finally began to move, slowly at first but soon picking up speed. I loosely wrapped my legs around his hips, and let my hands trace his muscled arms. From his biceps, deltoids, and down past the defined trapezius to his back, I just had to touch him. I have always wanted to touch him and I finally have that chance. AJ kissed me again but soon we broke the kiss as our movements began getting faster. I looked into AJ eyes and was lost in the deep rich depths.

My hands were roaming across any skin that I could reach when I finally slipped my hand across his bare scalp. I saw something flare in his eyes, I’m not sure what it was. Maybe it was amazement. I bet he hadn’t had too many women think his lack of hair was sexy. I never really thought of it before but for some reason it just looked so good on him. My breathing was becoming more ragged and he pressed more weight on me and changed his rhythm. He went from long, slow strokes to short, quick ones. AJ seemed to know just that I needed and soon I was again lost in orgasmic pleasure.

When I opened up my eyes again, several seconds later, AJ was watching me carefully. I saw his unguarded eyes and knew that he could see mine when he suddenly moaned my name. His powerful body shuddered over me as he thrust deeply one final time. With spasms still raking both our bodies he leaned down and kissed me once again. AJ, far to soon to my mind, rolled over, disposed of the condom then pulled me into his arms.

I was glad that he didn’t try to leave, at least not yet. I knew that he couldn’t stay. I knew that nothing could come of this between us but I didn’t mind right now. I was in his strong arms, and at least for right now, I could almost convince myself that he loved me. I knew that I could fall in love with him so easily.

If I wasn’t already. But I didn’t want to think about that right now. It would only lead me to heartbreak since he could never reciprocate my feelings. Why did I seem to always fall for men I can’t have? I closed my eyes and once again tried to stop that line of thought. I could feel myself dozing off, and so I wasn’t sure if what I heard next was real or just a dream.

“I love you, Sarah.”

The end