Boogie Nights - Tagged

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Chloe smiled and blushed again, “If they are…I mean…I haven’t really noticed or paid them any mind. Guess it just took a special guy that was smart enough to hurt himself to catch my attention.” Truthfully Chloe had been trying to avoid men and focus all of her attention on starting over in a new city and getting herself straight. She smiled when she thought that maybe her grandma had been right after all, sometimes the best things in life find you when you aren’t looking for them. “Yeah…I think this certain guy is pretty great, and smart…so I’ll probably consider listening to his advice…this time anyway.” She said with a smile. She nodded when Jackson went on to say that only she could decide what was right or wrong for her. “Yeah.” She knew he was right, but it was taking her longer than she would have liked to sort through everything in her head again, and figure out exactly who she was without Brian trying to dictate everything to her.

“You can be my hero any day,” she giggled before adding that he wouldn’t have to worry about her being anywhere near any trees or out in open spaces when there was a thunderstorm because it was highly unlikely that he’d get her to voluntarily go outdoors in one to start with.

She laughed when Jackson mentioned that he wasn’t into dresses and heels himself, “I’m glad…as much as I hate to say it…it might be a deal breaker for me if you looked better in a dress and heels than I do.” She paused a moment before adding, “I don’t mind dressing up if the occasion calls for it, but I would much rather be comfortable if given the choice.”

She tilted her head to the side and just looked at him when he said that hanging from a rope could be fun under the right circumstances. “Could you please explain to me what those right circumstances might be, because I’m having a really hard time imagining any circumstance where I might think it was fun…to dangle from a rope?” She laughed when she tried to picture herself doing any sort of repelling or anything that would involve her hanging by a rope, no…not something she was likely to enjoy at all. “We can add the out of state trip to our to do list, but trust me nobody could accuse you of kidnapping me because I would go willingly.”

She sighed dramatically when he said that maybe she was playing the long game, “Now that you’ve figured me out…I might as well just go ahead and get it over with, but if I did that then I’d miss all the fun we’ve got planned. Keep things fun, and I might push it back even further than date seven.” She said with a wink and some giggles. She leaned in and bumped his shoulder with hers, “Besides I kind of like you, and have a feeling I might want to keep you around for a while…”

“Nobody is worth hurting yourself over, but I appreciate the sentiment. You can call me whenever you want…injured or not.” She smiled back at him when he said it would save him some ER time, “You spend a lot of time in the ER?” She laughed, “Nurse Chloe at your service, anytime. Just don’t call 911…you never know who they’ll send you and I can’t guarantee what they’ll do, and I’d hate to have to hurt a coworker because I didn’t think they took good care of you.” After a pause, she went on to add “Unless the whole place is on fire…then go ahead and call 911 first, not much I can do with that one…”

Chloe was happy to hear him say he would stop by whether she was good company or not, saying that he could go ahead and do work while she was studying. “Don’t know how much work you’ll get done if I’m using you as a pillow while I read…but you can try.” She joked, “And…no open flames allowed.”

When he turned towards her after she kissed his cheek and said that it was nice, Chloe closed her eyes and nodded in agreement, “It was…wasn’t it.” She really didn’t want to get up, but she felt the sudden need to put some distance between them before she did more than kiss his cheek. The coffee just provided her a good excuse, and she had quickly managed to change the subject to finding a new place while she gathered her thoughts. What on earth was wrong with her, guys didn’t affect her like this?…well they hadn’t until Jackson anyway.

After the brief discussion about coffee, there was a knock on the door. Chloe opened the door to collect the dessert, and the aroma of warm chocolate washed over her. “Mmm, I’m not sure if I feel like sharing this chocolatey goodness or not.” She teased as she walked back over to sit next to Jackson handing him his spoon, “But…since you’ve been so great tonight, I suppose I’ll share…a little.” Taking a bite of the brownie she moaned, “Ok…so now that I know the brownies are amazing, how will I know if you’re here to see me or if you’re just here for the brownies?”

[Jackson Martin]

“I guess so.” He said grinning though really it had worked out that evening for the better. Jackson hadn’t exactly been looking for anyone, women well he had a bad experience and throwing himself back into the circus hadn’t exactly been something he was counting on doing. At least not that night but then Chloe had happened and it had been worth it. “Yeah well that’s great, just this time though he isn’t always right and can be a little but clumsy at times too.” He said smirking, well he was the one who had managed to burn himself so far that day so highly skilled at some things but others not too much.

Jackson knew what it was like to start over though he had his family behind him, he had moved home to begin with then moved out when he felt like his world wasn’t ending anymore. He had managed to get a job and now he was about as put together as he ever would be. “Oh you can count on it, anything at all you’ve got my number so you can call anytime.” He said knowing it was a bit of a leap and she didnt have to do that but then if she wanted to he wasn’t about to turn down her call at all. No he wasn’t that sort of guy, if someone needed his help then he’d be there no matter what.

“You never know I might look good in a dress and heels but I’m pretty sure that you’d be the best one in those and beautiful too.” He said smiling, no he didnt make that a habit of his at all though he was glad to hear that she would rather be comfortable. Dressing up occasionally was fun and alright but there was more to life than feeling uncomfortable for hours on end.

When she spoke about hanging from a rope he realised how that sounded. “Oh yeah well you know when you’re abseiling or hanging off a harness rope fixing something or...” He stopped himself there as he looked away, “I guess I really need to get out more.” He added knowing that work came into that a lot if he needed to get height on something then he was more than willing to dangle off a rope in mid air for it. “Okay so we add the out of state trip and how does rock climbing sound to you? The safer kind though inside walls and inside rocks?” He asked her, so he wasn’t about to ask her to scale a real rock if she hadn’t done that before.

“See so the long game is really working out for us both, I get to live and you get to do fun things past date seven hopefully. I mean feel free to kill me before then if I turn out to be boring but you never know what eight might be.” He teased seeing her wink as he chuckled lightly when she bumped his shoulder with hers. “Oh that’s a good thing because I like you too. Might want you not to kill me just yet.” He added grinning.

Jackson wasn’t exactly going to step in front of moving traffic to get to see her again though the option was always there for him. Then again he wasn’t sure he’d really be spending that much time with her if he did. “I dont tend to aim for that but i’ve made a few trips in my time.” He said grinning as she spoke about being a nurse. “No 911, and aww thanks for making sure they would though if I call you straight away its not like I will see any of your co-workers but maybe that works out better.” He said grinning. “You’ll be pleased to know i’m not usually one for setting things on fire.”

“No, wouldnt want to go setting your books on fire but i’m sure if you’re using me as a pillow i’m not working but being with you. I think I can let work go for that.” He said smiling though after she kissed his cheek it suddenly felt like the room was getting warmer to him. He nodded and agreed with her though when she got up to get the coffee, it was easier to breath and not let his imagination get the better of him in that moment. It had been a long time since he wanted to kiss a girl back, to really want to do it as he wasn’t sure for a moment if he even remembered how to do that.

Hearing the knock on the door after the coffee discussion Jackson smiled hearing her talking. He took the spoon handed to him as he frowned when she said she wasn’t sure if she felt like sharing it. Watching her as she took a bite he grinned taking a bite of one of the brownies. “Hmmm these are good.” He said as he pretended to weight his options for a moment. “Don’t get me wrong these are amazing but I think that you’d be better company and if it makes you feel any better I swear I wont eat any when I visit?” He offered grinning at her.

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Chloe giggled and leaned closer as he spoke about looking good in a dress and heels, “You just don’t strike me as the dress and high heels type, which I suppose is probably a good thing…because if you had…somehow I doubt that you would have ended up in my hotel room tonight. I would have had to walk across the street all by myself in the cold…with no jacket, and I would have missed out on getting to know you and that would have been a shame.”

She was listening intently to him describe the circumstances in which it was good to hang from a rope when he stopped abruptly and looked away and mentioning something about needing to get out more, she shook her head “No, maybe I’m the one that needs to get out more…experience more things. I have been kind of sheltered I guess.” When he brought up rock climbing she tilted her head towards him and looked at him inquisitively, “Ok…so part of me is scared to death…but the other part…the adventurous part says that I’m game, but starting with the inside rocks sounds like a good idea to me. So yeah…I’ll try, as long as you’re there to help and catch me if I fall.”

Chloe can’t remember the last time she’s smiled this much or enjoyed herself more. “Yeah…I think I’m liking the long game myself, but you’ve already got me talking about going rock climbing…so I don’t think you have anything to worry about when it comes to boring me. Not that I mind being bored every once in a while, a nice relaxing day at home is always nice too….especially if you have the right company. I’m a real big fan of snuggling on the sofa, or…you know snuggling in general.” When Jackson admitted that he liked her too she smiled sweetly before looking down at the floor for a second and then back up in his eyes again, “I’m glad,” she says before laughing and continuing, “and I’m afraid that the gig really is up I must regretfully admit that you’re right…I’m not a serial killer, I guess I spend so much time trying to save lives…that I’m apparently not very convincing at pretending to be someone who could even think about hurting you.”

She studied him when he mentioned that he’d made a few trips to the ER in his time, “So did any of these injuries occur when you were dangling from the rocks by a rope? Because if that’s the case…I may have to change my answer to your earlier question about rock climbing. I spend my fair share of time in the ER, but definitely not as a patient myself. If I wasn’t so busy having fun in the back of the ambulance I’d probably work in the emergency room, I think it would be interesting.”

“So you’re not a fire bug, that’s a plus…definitely. However, when I’m done with school and only if you promise not to set yourself on fire we can have a bonfire and burn every single last one of those books over there on that table…I’d even make you a s’more.” She said gesturing towards the table again, “because right now I’m so tired of looking at them that if I never saw them again it would be too soon.”

Kissing him on the cheek had caused her mouth to go dry and her heart to race, she could only imagine what actually kissing him would do to her. She desperately wanted to find out, but was too scared to make the first move. What was she thinking anyway? She had just met this guy. Was it bad that she wanted him to kiss her anyway? Because she did…more than anything. She felt like a lovesick teenager with a crush again; waiting for the cute boy to kiss her, because she was too scared to do it herself. It had been a really…really long time since she’d felt anything like this. Chloe found it much easier to breathe and think logically about things, other than kissing, when she got up and put a little distance between them by walking across the room to retrieve the coffee and eventually the brownies.

After she sat back down next to him and they had both taken a couple more bites of the dessert she laughed when he said that he wouldn’t eat any more brownies if it would make her feel better, “Thanks for the offer, I truly appreciate it but I wouldn’t want to keep you from enjoying something as good as these brownies…Chocolate is practically the best thing ever.” She took a few more small bites in silence and simply watched him enjoy his brownie with a smile on her face.

“You know…I’ve been thinking…dangerous I know” she said with a laugh, “but tonight has been really great, drinks…talking…dancing…now dessert and coffee…so what I’m thinking is… it should practically count as date number one, even if it wasn’t planned. So, I really should thank you for the best first date, planned or unplanned, that I have ever had. I wouldn’t change a thing, and I am definitely looking forward to spending more time with you and getting to know you better.”

[Jackson Martin]

“Yeah?” He said grinning happy that she had enjoyed things so far though honestly he wasn’t the .,,,dress and heels type at all. “I can totally say that im not that sort... well apart from that one time for fancy dress but that was years ago.” He said thinking back on it, he hadn’t exactly been 100% sober at the time dressing as the spice girls for a charity day wasn’t exactly someone he wanted to remember a lot of but then he was one of five but he wasn’t about to lie to her. “I guess I mean I dont make a habit of it.” He said grinning though he was pretty sure his mind had been elsewhere when he had agreed to do it.

When she spoke about being sheltered he wasn’t sure she had been sheltered from the right things though he wasn’t about to say anything. “Experience is great you’ve just got to be comfortable with what you’re doing or at least trust that someone had your back if not.” He said knowing there had been a few things in his life he wouldnt have done had it not been for the person or people with him. “I’ll make sure to be there just in case but I can’t see you falling at all. Inside rocks it is then. Trust me, nothing to be scared of, you’ve got a rope to keep you up there. You only need to worry once we get you onto the real thing with no ropes.” He said grinning though he winked hoping she knew he was teasing her about it. There wasn’t any chance he was going to go hang off a rock without a rope, that was too far even for him.

It was tough to remember the last time he had felt this comfortable around someone else as he nodded when she spoke about having a nice relaxing day at home. He hadn’t had one of those in a long time, not that he didnt go home he was there, work or at his dads place but then it was easy to avoid home when he knew it was a quick dinner and no one but a couple of plants to talk to. “Snuggling is good and you’re right about the company, it had a lot to do with things.” He said thoughtfully as he chuckled about her admitting to not being a serial killer. “I’m happy to hear that because it was tough to see you as one and it would have been a surprise. Just dont turn out that way by date three.” He joked though it was a good thing to know just in case.

“No not from dangling from ropes which is kinda surprising.” He said as he thought about the times he had been in the ER. “From the patient point of view it’s a good place but I try to avoid it to be honest but if you were working there then i’d definitely come it to see you there.” He said smiling, “Though ambulances can be pretty fun from what i’ve heard or at least you get to see some strange cases at least.” He said knowing that people talked and if you hung around certain bars long enough there were always stories spoken about at some point in the night.

“Okay so the smores have sold me on that one, bonfire it is but then we’d need some open space for that because Im pretty sure the fire department wouldnt be too impressed if we started anything in here.” He said though the fire department well it depended on their sense of humour on the day he guessed. “We really need to get you out more and away from those books, so I can see us getting into double digits for these dates just to make sure you dont have to see those books again.” He said as he motioned to the table though he knew she would need to study but he also knew that too much wasn’t good either.

It was strange to be right back where he had been when he was dating at high school, the same nervous feeling, the same fears of what did he do and what if he did it wrong. Did she even like him or what did he do if he had gotten the wrong impression, her kiss had thoroughly distracted him but his mind was still there with the feeling of her lips against his cheek as he couldnt wipe the smile from his face. Jackson grinned when she spoke about the brownies, “Oh they are good, I should have found his place sooner because they are to die for.” He said grinning as he ate the brownie he had in his hand.

He chuckled when she said she’d been thinking. “Well this is the best date number one i’ve been on if it does.” He said grinning at her as he finished the brownie in his hand. “You dont have to thank me for anything and I look forward to spending more time with you and getting to know you better.” He said as he grinned toward her deciding to be a little more brave than normal. “I wouldnt change a thing about it either, well maybe one thing but Im sure I can change that.” He said as he leaned toward her and kissed her cheek deciding that there was no point in being shy about it because she had already kissed him.

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Chloe cocked her eyebrow and tilted her head and tried not to giggle when Jackson admitted to wearing a dress once, years ago. “Hmmm so I really must hear all about this night that you spent in the fancy dress, I’m sure there’s a very funny story to go along with it, and surely there’s photographic evidence of this night somewhere.” She couldn’t contain her laughter any longer, “Please tell me there was a good reason that you paraded yourself around in a dress and heels?” She asked between giggles.

“Well since I’m really not comfortable hanging from ropes especially in high places, I’ll just have to make sure to take someone with me that I trust to catch me when I fall. So that means that you’re stuck going with me, and if you think you’re going to talk me into going anywhere near real rocks…without a rope, you’re crazier than I am.” She smiled at him knowing that he really wasn’t crazy; but deciding that she just might be for even considering hanging from a rock when she didn’t enjoy heights that much. “At least you haven’t suggested parachuting or bungee jumping, While I’m all for facing my fears…I think that would probably be a little much for right now.”

Chloe can’t seem to stop smiling and laughing tonight, and she can’t remember ever having a night like this with anyone else…ever. “Snuggling is great, it’s like one of the best things in life… especially with the right person.” She laughed some more when Jackson asked her to not turn into a serial killer by date three, “Trust me…if I was ever going to consider killing anyone you’d be pretty far down the list, I promise.”

Chloe smiled when he spoke of having to visit the ER but not due to injuries sustained while dangling from a rope, “Well that’s definitely a good thing…I was beginning to rethink the whole rock climbing thing, although I hate to think that you had to visit the ER for any reason at all…I’ve had a few visits myself…and even when I needed it, it was definitely not my favorite place to be. I hope to be working there someday.” She sighed before continuing, “Yeah ambulances are great, I really love it…and I guess we really do come across some pretty interesting cases, although most of them aren’t even really what I would consider an emergency. Feels kind of like a taxi service some days, but the days where we actually make a difference make the rest of it worth it.”

“I’m pretty sure we can find some open space somewhere, but you just let me worry about the fire department, I’m not scared of them…besides, as long as we shared the s’mores I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t complain too much. They’re all pretty easy to get along with as long as you keep them fed.”

Chloe was quiet for a few minutes as she thought about what Jackson said, she definitely had been spending way too much time with her school books lately. She knew that she needed to study, but there had to be something else to life than work and school and quite frankly she couldn’t think of any better way to spend her free time than spending time with Jackson no matter what they decided to do. “Yeah, I could probably be convinced to give the books a break…matter of fact it wouldn’t take much convincing at all because you are much better company than they are.”

Chloe smiled shyly at him when he said that this was the best first date he’d been on, “Me too…not that I’ve been on many first dates, but the ones I’ve been on were awkward and uncomfortable…I haven’t felt that way at all tonight.” Her heart dropped a little and her eyes found his when he said that there was something that he would change about the night, when she felt him lean in towards her she took a breath and her eyes flickered to his lips and she closed her eyes. When she felt him place his lips on her cheek she sat down the rest of her brownie and leaned into the kiss while placing her hand on the back of his neck absentmindedly playing with the little bit of hair that she found there.

She eventually pulled away a bit so that she could place another kiss on his cheek, and even though she was scared that he would think she was being too forward, she decided to be brave tonight and placed a tentative kiss on the corner of his mouth.

[Jackson Martin]

Jackson shook his head when she mentioned photographic evidence. “Oh no, those pictures are gone and buried somewhere that they can never been seen again.” He stated though he was sure they were hanging around somewhere. “Oh it was all for a charity night for good cause, surprisingly we made a lot but it was worth it though I dont think i’ll be doing it again.” He said, so it had been a cause for military families when the worst happened to them. It was a great cause and he had no issue in helping out after a few beers before he could actually go out and try to walk or stumble about.

He sometimes wondered about the things he had done in life so far but he did have a brand new respect for wearing heels that he never thought he’d ever have. How women stood on them he had no idea but it was an art form in itself. “Who said you were crazy? And you don’t like heights?” He asked not sure if rock climbing was a good idea if she was scared. “You know I’ll catch you no problem and being stuck with you I think I can handle that. Besides you never know if you’ll have to catch me?” He offered grinning though how she was going to do with not liking heights it was going to be interesting.

“What no parachuting or bungee jumping, I’ll have to think of something else now.” He teased grinning at her for a moment, “Trust me, I wont do anything that makes you uncomfortable and if rock climbing isn’t for you just let me know.” He offered not wanting her to feel like she had to do something that like. It wasn’t that he was about to take her out on a whole adventure sports day just so she could be scared the who time. “It is and like you say especially with the right person.” He said as he nodded before gave her a slightly worried look. “Okay so I’m still on the list? But pretty far down it?” He asked before he chuckled.

“No the ER isn’t a place I usually want to go but then I guess i’ve been there enough to know that they are very good at what they do.” He said knowing after he had been in the building when that came down when he was a Marine he had done a fair stint in the ER followed by a room with a view stay until he managed to escape it all. “I’m sure you make a difference every day even if you feel like a taxi service there are some of us who appreciate you guys all the same. So what do you want to do in the ER? Doctor, nurse or the scary staff nurses?” He asked grinning though given what she had done for him already he could see she was good with people.

“It’s our smore’s they want well if feeding them is the way to go we might get away with it then.” He said with a grin not knowing how long ago he had managed to smile so much and enjoy a night as much as he was doing. Her studying was good though he didnt want to distract her from it and have fail anything because he was there. “Thanks and I’d like to think im a little better than a book but then maybe you’re just not reading the right ones.” He teased grinning, “But don’t let me distract you from studying. It’s worth it in the end.” He stated.

Jackson saw her smile shyly at him as he nodded, first dates yeah when had he managed to get time for that again? There were a few awful ones he had been set up on but he hadn’t really been looking but then Chloe had appeared and he was having the most fun he’d had in a while and if he was honest a long time. “Really? I was going for the awkward and uncomfortable vibe but I guess I need practice.” He teased lightly enjoying her kiss after that as he saw her close her eyes.

He wasn’t sure what he had expected but when she leaned into the kiss he grinned feeling her hand on the back of his neck. It had been a while since he had done this he thought as he felt a little nervous but that soon went when she placed another kiss on his cheek. Feeling her tentative kiss on the corner of his mouth he placed an arm around her lightly as he leaned into it kissing her back for a moment as he pulled away slightly. “Now that makes tonight perfect. Wouldn’t change a thing.” He said as he leaned back to her to kiss her again.

[Deleted]

Chloe giggled and smiled at Jackson when he insisted that the pictures were long gone and buried by now, “I highly doubt that…nothing ever truly disappears this day and age, but I’ll take your word for it.” When he went on to say that it was for a charity event and that they had ended up making a lot of money. “Well that’s great…nothing wrong with a little good natured fun in the process of helping out a good cause, and if you ever do…do it again I expect an invitation, and this time the photographic evidence would never get lost.” She promised as she poked him.

“Oh, I’ve been called much worse than crazy.” She sighed, “In fact crazy was one of the easier ones to deal with.” She nibbled on her lip and looked at the floor for a second before laughing and continuing, “Oh yeah…heights aren’t my favorite, but I want to be brave…and at least try to face my fears for once. Keep talking like that and I might fall on purpose, but if you fall on me we might both end up in a heap on the floor.” She laughed.

“Yeah, I…well I really do want to give it a try…you may have to gently remind me that I really want to do this when it comes time to climb up that rock, but it sounds like it might be fun.” She said with a smile, “But please no parachuting…I really don’t like airplanes but there is absolutely no reason to jump out of a perfectly good one…and well bungee jumping, those people…I’m convinced that they are certifiable.” When he asked her about still being on the list and then chuckled she laughed with him before correcting herself, “Ok, so let me rephrase that…your name is no longer on the list.” She smiled sweetly before continuing, “But watch your step…I can always put it back on there.”

“Well someday after I’m done with all this studying, I eventually hope to be an emergency room doctor specializing in pediatrics. Kids are absolutely amazing, I love them… and there’s nothing I hate more than to see them hurt…I figure the least I can do is try to learn how to fix them.” She smiled. “More and more emergency rooms are starting to realize that kids are more than small adults, and they’re starting to hire physicians that specialize in pediatrics. There are also Emergency Rooms that specialize in pediatrics, which are absolutely amazing because they have all the equipment…and supplies and people and everything you could imagine that you might ever need to take care of sick babies.” She giggled again before she continued, “Sorry for that, I didn’t mean to go on about things…but It’s something I’m pretty excited about.”

She reached out and took his hand in hers when he voiced his concern about distracting her from her studies and nodded when he said that it was worth it in the end. “Trust me, you’re much better than any book I’ve ever found so far…but I promise you won’t distract me from my goal, I’m pretty focused on where I want to go with my life…it’s part of the reason I moved here, as much as I love my family they were…less than supportive of me wanting to continue my education. They thought I should be happy with nursing and go off and get married, and have them some grandchildren…which my mother told me repeatedly after I broke up with Brian. She thought that it was crazy for me to continue ‘wasting money’ when I could just get married and have babies, since I loved them so much I could have as many as I wanted.” She sniffed and wiped a tear from the corner of her eye, “So…you see I feel like I have something to prove, and me being as stubborn as I am, well I promise…I won’t let our dates get in the way of anything.”

She looked at him and smirked a bit as he said that he was going for awkward and uncomfortable, “Sorry to say, but if you were truly going for awkward you really need to work on that…because the only part of tonight that’s been awkward was me.” She laughed, “I mean what was I thinking just reaching out and grabbing your hand? Not the smoothest move I’ve ever made, but it seems to have worked out in the long run.”

When Chloe felt him put his arm around her she leaned in closer and kissed him back. She was slightly confused as he pulled away from her, and blinked open her eyes searching his as he proclaimed that their kiss had made tonight perfect. She smiled and breathed out a small sigh of relief as she felt him leaning back in to kiss her again.

After a few more kisses she pulled back a bit leaning her forehead into his, “You’re right you know?…tonight has been absolutely perfect…thank you so much Jackson, for everything…I had almost given up on people like you even existing, although for the record I’m really glad I didn’t.” Then she gently pulled him closer and kissed him again.

[Jackson Martin]

Oh she was right he doubted the evidence was buried for that but then he hoped it was. The last thing he needed was for anyone to see him in a dress, not exactly the prettiest image a person could get of him. “It’s all for a good cause and I dont think there will be a next time but in case there is I’ll make sure you get an invite but no camera. It would scar you for life any how.” He teased though the thought of lasting images, yeah at least he could be happy in the fact the photos were likely somewhere no one could find them for the time being.

Jackson looked at her for a moment wondering if she was joking but from what he could tell she wasn’t joking about that at all. “No one should ever call you crazy but then I guess there are some strange people out there.” He said knowing that not everyone saw what paramedics could do as a good thing and for some reason there were those who just didnt want help. He laughed with her when she spoke about ending up in a heap on the floor. “Yeah well I might just catch you on purpose if you did, but being brave is all anyone can ask you to do.”

Jackson grinned and nodded when she spoke, “I’m not going to make you do anything you don’t want to but it is fun I promise.” He stated though he wasn’t about to tell her she was going to do something especially if it scared her in anyway. “Really? Done that before, not my favourite thing but then if you need to, jumping is sometimes the only option but I swear no jumping out of planes.” There had been a lot of things he never thought he would do but then the Marines had other ideas for him. “Oh so saved for the present few moments then, I’ll make sure to keep off that list of yours.” He said with a grin on his face.

It was clear to him the way she spoke about the emergency room and becoming a doctor it was something that she wanted to do. “Pediatrics is a good thing and there’s nothing better than seeing a kid well and able to play around with their friends.” He said as he listened to her again, he had no idea that emergency rooms were getting specialists in at all. He always just assumed it was like cardiology it was just a different department in the hospital separate to the emergency room but he guessed that it wasn’t just adults that came through the doors.

“It’s great and it’s something to be excited about so it’s nice to hear about it. I’d no idea that was what was happening.” He said truly having no clue but then again he didnt have kids to take care of either so it wasn’t a daily occurrence he ran into one. Feeling her hand in his he smiled at her as he shrugged, the last thing he wanted to do was take away her studies especially now when he knew how much they meant to her and what she wanted to do. “Thanks but you’re studies are important and focus is a good thing to have. It saves a lot of time where deciding things come in.” He said grinning as he nodded to her.

Jackson couldnt imagine not having his families support to do things, sure he hadn’t exactly planned a divorce and he always thought that he would have had kids but then he guessed he just hadn’t found the right person yet. Sometimes his age was twenty five but his head was going on forty but then again neither of his parents had pushed him to have grandchildren or get married or really much of anything. They had been supportive in what he wanted to do and that was it. “That’s great to hear and Im sorry to hear that you dont have your families support in what you’re doing. I think its great and very admirable. Kids are great but then again there is a lot more to life than just to settle with a job and have kids.” He said seeing her wipe a tear from the corner of her eye.

“Look it’s not a waste of money and it’s not crazy for you to continue, from what i’ve seen you’d make a great doctor and a great parent and you have a love for what you are studying for. It matters to be that way. Don’t let anyone take that from you, even family. If you can do a job that you love you’ll never work a day, trust me on that one I know it.” He said, Jackson loved his job as an engineer. He got to play and tinker with things all day and eventually make something better out of what he had, he loved his job and his work. Frustrating it could be, bad days there were few but then again he loved it too much to consider doing anything else.

He laughed and shrugged as awkward he had to work on. “No not at all, you’ve not been awkward and besides i’m the one who went out with the burned hand. Not exactly the most inviting thing in the world. Couldnt agree more though it’s all worked out in the long run.” He said grinning as before he knew it they were kissing and she was leaning in closer. He stared into her eyes when she searched for his as he grinned hearing the small sigh as she went back to kiss him again. So he was really enjoying himself and it really was the best night.

He grinned as he listened to her and shook his head, “It has been perfect and thank you for everything. People like me exist because people like you exist and it’s the same for me. I’d almost given up too because... well I’m just happy that you’re here.” He said as he went back to kissing her for a moment getting easily lost in it.

[Deleted]

“Don’t get me wrong, my parents love me…and provided me with a great childhood with lots of happy memories…I think they just got blinded by Brian’s charm and his father’s profession…the Crawford’s are a big deal in Iowa, and an ever bigger deal in our hometown. My parents were ecstatic when we announced that we were getting married, and devastated when I broke off the engagement. I couldn’t really tell them the real reason I broke it off…they would be so ashamed…it was just easier to blame everything on my studies, so that’s why they’re not as supportive as they probably should be.” She shrugged before looking at the floor for a moment, “I was hoping to avoid telling them that I was stupid enough to put up with his crap for as long as I did…I’m pretty sure they had no clue what all was going on.”

She smiled and laid her head on his shoulder for a few minutes while she thought over what he said about being admirable and settling with a job and kids. “Well eventually I hope to settle down with my career and have a couple kids, but I want to finish school first…I don’t think Brian is fit to be a father anyway, so there’s that too.”

She lifted her head and smiled sadly while looking in his eyes, “Well it’s really none of their concern anymore anyway…I’m paying for everything on my own from here on out. I got several scholarships, and grants, and a couple student loans…but either way they don’t have a say in anything anymore.” She laughed and shook her head, “I’m not so sure about the great parent part though, as much as I love kids, when the time comes I’m not entirely sure I would have any clue what to do with one of my own.”

She quirked a brow when he assured her that he knew that if you loved your job you would never work a day, “So…enough about me, I’m boring…tell me, what made you want to be an engineer? Was it what you always wanted to be, or did you just happen luck up and figure out what you wanted to be and get it right the first time?”

She laughed when he tried to assure her that she hadn’t been awkward, “Awkward should be my middle name, I’m not sure most people would have even noticed your hand…and even if they had they probably wouldn’t have known what it was. It might not be inviting to some, but it apparently caught my attention.”

The kissing was amazing, Chloe could easily get lost in the feelings. She can’t remember anything ever feeling this right, she had butterflies her head was swimming and an overwhelming feeling of happiness. Chloe almost felt light headed and dizzy with all the different emotions and feelings that she had going on inside her.

She smiled at Jackson when he thanked her for everything, when he went on to say that he was just happy that she was here. She sighed again and kissed him briefly before adding, “Can’t think of any place I’d rather be.” She didn’t give him a chance to reply before she leaned back into the kiss, allowing herself the time to enjoy everything she was feeling and experiencing. It was so easy to get lost in Jackson’s kisses, everything felt so right…she felt safe and protected…sad that the evening was going to have to come to an end at some point, and at the same time she was excited to see where things would go with Jackson over the next few dates.

[Jackson Martin]

Jackson listened to her and nodded, a bid deal family well that explained a lot he thought though sometimes the good people turned out not to be that great then again he could understand how easy it was to be blindsided by it all. “You really should tell them, I’m sure they would understand why you broke it off with the guy and there’s nothing to be ashamed of at all. You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman following her dreams. You’re parents should get a chance to see that.” He offered lightly trying to make her feel a little better. Jackson knew that his parents were supportive of his choices but he didnt know what his biological family would be like at all.

Then again he had to be adopted for a reason so maybe they just didnt know what he was. Marine and now weapons engineer for a tech firm. At least he could say he was doing what he loved no matter what was going on. “Sounds like a good plan to me, kids are great and I always figured I’d have some one day I guess that life had other plans so far.” He said though he wasn’t too sure if he would ever get that far. “Then again Ashlyn wasn’t exactly the mother type, more like an eww get them away from me sort.” He said as he pulled a face to illustrate his point.

Seeing her sad smile he shook his head, “Well if you need a hand with anything then just let me know I’d be happy to help out if I can. Trust me if you do what you love to it will all be worth it in the end.” He said smiling at her as he nodded. “Yeah i’m pretty sure you’d make a great parent, I dont really think anyone knows what to do. If I got that far I’ve no idea what I would do but then I guess you learn by experience and the only way to do that is to have one of your own.” He said though honestly the thought of him being a dad to more than a house plant, yeah it was a scary one.

Jackson thought about her question as he shrugged, “I didnt really know what i wanted to do to begin with then I joined the Marines out of high school and I had always been good with my hands so it sort of just translated really. I got to work on things, fix boats, engines, parts on ships, make a few things too and then when I left I managed to get a great job doing exactly that. Designing, making things, figuring out how everything works. I guess it was a lot of luck really.” He explained, sure he had worked at it but then he had always figured he would be a builder or joiner nothing as good as what he had.

“Well i’m not complaining that my hand caught your attention at all. It’s turned out great and you’ve given me the information to look after it too.” He said with a grin, “Your awkward is very very cool.” So he was equally awkward getting involved in her phone call with her ex but in the end he couldnt have wished for a better evening with her at all. He was lucky to have met her let alone be there with her talking about everything.

Kissing her felt great, there was something about her that made it easy to kiss her despite the nerves of getting it all wrong. He could have done that all day and never have gotten tired of it at all. “Me either.” He said as she leaned back into the kiss, he was enjoying every minute of it. The feeling of enjoyment and not worrying about anything other than the one other person in the room. It was far too easy to get lost with her and he knew the evening would end at some point but he was looking forward not just to date two but date twenty if he was lucky enough for that.