Say Yes, Senator

I shrugged and grabbed a bottle of red wine from the side, pouring out two large glasses. I took a sip from one, leaning back against the kitchen side seductively, mouth pouted, one hand on my hip, and eyes heavy, expression serious but inviting.

I gazed longingly at the back wall, wondering if Jack had possibly been spotted and decided to bail or possibly come back later. Then my heart stopped as a large figure jumped deftly over the wall, strong arms carrying him over effortlessly into a half crouch in the garden on firm feet.

The figure rose to his full height and brushed himself off. I smiled when I saw his trademark black leather trench coat, jeans, boots, and an immaculate white shirt he was trying to brush a crease out of.

Don’t worry, Jack. You won’t be wearing that for long, anyway.

As the figure approached I could make out Jack’s features. Slim but with wide shoulders, muscled and athletic. Strong jawline, short blonde buzzcut hair. Clean shaven, clear confident eyes sparkling with intelligence and wit. Confident strides brought him to the house, and he knocked gently on the kitchen door.

I set my glass down and approached the door slowly, trying to pretend I wasn’t eagerly waiting by the back door. I unlocked the door and swung it open gently to find Jack standing there, a smile on his face.

The smile faded slightly as he saw me, eyes wide as he took me all in.

“Wow. I mean, hi. You look… stunning…” His voice trailed off and he smiled at me warmly.

“Hey, Jack. Thanks. You don’t look too bad yourself. Wanna come in?” I cocked my head, smiling at the rhetorical question.

“Yeah, sure thing. Thanks.” He took a deep breath, a hint of nervousness showing as he brushed past me. I didn't make an effort to move, letting his body brush past mine as he walked into the kitchen. A rush of desire rose within me at his close, masculine presence.

I closed the back door and walked over to the two glasses of wine, hips swaying. He gratefully accepted a glass as I passed it to him. We both took a gulp, a silence stretching out between us as we drank.

I was filled with pleasure and satisfaction with merely having him here in the house. It was the complete opposite of Conall’s presence, comforting not scary, pleasurable not sickening. I felt warm with anticipation as I studied him.

“So h…” We both spoke at the same time, laughing like teenagers at the awkwardness we likely both felt.

Maybe he’s as nervous as I am. I’m guessing he knows what I really invited him here for. I get the impression it’s been awhile for him as well. Don’t worry Jack, I’ll be gentle…

I waited for him to speak, smiling warmly at him.

“So, you been ok? No sign of Conall right?” His voice was strained with concern as he looked at me, studying my features.

“Nope. No sign of him or any of his stupid goons. I think our secret meeting the other night went off without a hitch. Well done us!” I raised my glass, clinking it with his. He laughed good naturedly.

“Good work, Eden. I was impressed. Really. You did great, and you went about talking to me in the right way. Can never be too careful, y’know.” He paused to take a sip of wine. I glowed at the compliment, proud he thought I’d played it well.

“So, about the meth Conall gave me. Do you wanna take some? I mean, I won’t be in trouble getting some drugs out in front of a police officer, will I?” I raised an eyebrow, peering at him cheekily over my wine glass.

“No, that’s alright. I won’t have to handcuff you or anything… well, unless you want me to. But that’s got nothing to do with the drugs…” He trailed off, expression hardening with desire as he stared at me.

Guess he wants me to know he’s interested, too. Got you loud and clear, handsome.

I giggled at him.

“Now now, Jack. Let’s not get carried away just yet.” I strode past him, hand brushing his arm as I passed. I bent lower than was necessary to open the drawer where I’d been hiding the meth Conall had given me.

I rose and turned to pass the bag to Jack. His eyes widened as he saw what I was holding. He held out a hand gingerly to take the bag off of me.

“Shit. That’s a lot. It’s....” He studied the bag under the light in the kitchen, turning it so the crystals sparkled slightly, “it’s exactly the same color as the other stuff I’ve found on the streets. And it came straight from Conall. More than just coincidence now.”

He was speaking professionally, in short succinct sentences. Mind working as he spoke.

“So what are you gonna do with it, Mr. Detective?” I asked as I set my glass down, both hands on the kitchen counter openly.

Jack looked up to study my features and my posture. An unreadable expression crossed his face.

“Well, ah. If you’re happy for me to do so, I’ll take it in and have it sampled. Don’t worry, it isn’t gonna go on record just yet where I got it from. I’ll say I busted a dealer who was getting too confident or something. If it matches the percentage of the other samples we’ve got, well…”

He paused to look at me, concern once again crossing his handsome face.