Morning came much too fast as Jessica rose from bed and practically crawled to the coffee pot after throwing on a pair of jeans and t-shirt.

It was four and the sun was just lightening the horizon, not making itself present in the grey hued sky the last stars winking dimly. She poured a hot cup of coffee, putting a bit of milk in it before sipping at it and going to the unfinished porch.

Sitting on the part of the porch that was finished with a nice dark wood she sighed, and sipped at her coffee.

Taking out the card Brad had given her the day before that she had went to sleep holding and put in the jeans she noticed not for the first time he had scrawled in neat letters

"Brads Home phone. Call if you need anything. Or just keep texting if your more comfortable with that."

"Am I too selfish? "she murmured, thinking about how she had always used him in high school for her math, though it hadn't been out of cruelty. He was a great person then, and he seemed like one now. But she never gave him anything other than her company, so why would he want to be with her?

A blush rose to her cheeks as she thought of some of the dreams, she had the night before, no longer denying it had been Brads presence in them that made them less than innocent.

Before they had only spoken briefly, realized some mutual interests and even more that differed, realizing things that where different and new about the other but most of all just realizing how comfortable they had been in each other's company.

Now, after that night Brad had held her at the accident, she couldn't forget the feeling of his arms or the heat of his breath on her face. It awoke something in her she was not sure if she was completely ready to face.

"Oh you lovesick fool you have fallen head over heels overnight!" She cursed and that smile, the one she had seen on their first meeting, haunted her. She wanted to see it again. She wanted to see 'him' again.

But wanting and doing were two different things she reminded herself.

She was not a jittery high school girl anymore, that was for sure. But calling him for a dinner, while he wanted to desperately to help her, felt almost wrong. She, on one hand, was appreciative of his assistance when the police department had given her the cold shoulder in the past.

But on the other hand, it seemed like so much help, so ready at her beck and call, that she also felt guiltily as if she where once again using him as she had unintentionally done in high school.

What could she offer in return?

Standing she made her way inside and readied to go do her chores, trying to ignore the lingering thoughts of the blond.

The chores went by quick enough, despite her sore muscles yelling in protest, and by the time she was letting the cows out of the barn, after milking the few that didn't have calf's drinking from them any longer, the sun was up.

She trudged back up to the house, grabbing the bucket outside the back door which she had filled with that morning's eggs, and came back in to see Alex sitting at the round dining room table with a cup of coffee. From the sounds coming from the bathroom, May had just woke up and was showering.

"Heyo," Alex greeted, his lips an unnaturally thin line and she gave him a smile," I just got off the phone with the market manager. She said that they are raising the pay rate, so instead of payin' 10% were giving them 20%."

"What," Jessica hissed setting the bucket on the counter to begin putting the eggs in cartons," That is ridiculous!"

He put his hands up in defense," I am just the messenger. Speaking of market, I already got the SUV seats down and everything is loaded, so I guess May is goin' to have to stay home if were goin' to fit everything."

"Don't worry, I'm sure she can manage," Jessica sighed rubbing her eyes.

Alex stood and grabbed a stack of egg cartons with their farms logo on them, two smiling cows winking on either side of the neatly scrawled banner reading Fun Farmin' Food.

They didn't talk as they washed and packed the eggs before putting them in a box. Jessica took some of the not so perfect looking ones and put them in the fridge. By the time they were ready to begin something else, May was out looking refreshed.

"Already workin' huh?" She shook her head, "Sounds like you Jess. I'll make you guys some good food how does that sound? Bacon and eggs?"

Alex made his usual flirtatious comments and Jessica nodded," That would be great if you don't mind.

We have to go to the farmers market before goin' to look at my truck. "

"Another market? I thought it was yesterday."

Jessica shook her head," That was the in town market, where our CSA members pick up their shares for the week and we sell extra on the side. This is a market close to here that most of the out of towners go to. Its nice and normally pretty low key compared to the one in town. I would like to bring you, but we don't have room in the suv today since we don't have my truck."

May waved her off crossing her arms across her large chest, "Its fine. I needed an R+R day after everything. Was going to go online and apply for some more of those jobs I was seein. Maybe look at some of the condos in town. While this farm life is nice, I miss the city."

"You already itchin' for a shoppin' spree?" Jessica raised an eyebrow.

"No! Latte's!! I need my lattes! There is no good cafes nearby!"

Jessica shook her head and at seeing Alex stand she nodded, "Well we need to get things ready for market. We'll come back in for a bite before we go."

"Sounds good, "May was already getting ingredients out of the fridge.

While Alex trudged down to harvest from the gardens, she went to a work shed with and industrial sized refrigerator that she made her cheese in. Her phone chimed.

Looking to it. It was a good morning from Brad. She smiled gently and guilty realizing she had not replied the night prior.

Typing a quick response, and an apology she returned to her work.

Working with the cheese and taking the ready cheese wrapping and marking it to bring to market was repetitive almost mindless work which allowed her mind to wonder.

Brads deep gaze, one she had lost herself in so many times before in high school and one she found herself falling for now. Just thinking about him made her heart patter and her breathing deep.

How could she not have fallen for this man when they had been younger, and follow him to Wisconsin?

She hadn't and a part of her felt remorse over the years they had lost.

Finishing her work she stood in the shed, a small cooler full of ready to sell cheese sitting forgotten on the table. She pulled out the number again, worrying at her bottom lip.

"Hey, know I am callin' you outta the blue an' all," she said in what she hoped was a sweet voice staring at the number on the card," but I owe you at least a dinner for helping me the other night. We can catch up and you know talk. Not about the issues with the truck, mind, but if that comes up its okay. I mean Thank you for offering your help maybe I'll accept it."

Finishing lamely she frowned putting the card back in her pocket and sighing, "stupid. Stupid stupid stupid girl."

She ruffled her hair and then staired into nothing particular, trying to figure out what exactly she would say.

Pausing she tried again, "HI. Brad. Jessica. You know we have been sort of kind of dating not dating but I sort of would like that dinner that was promised to me, and maybe to shatter any possible romantic notions I have to you could you also help me with the case with my truck and farm and the creepy guys bothering me?"

She rolled her eyes," Yeah that will work girl. Real smooth."

"Jessica?"

Jumping she spun around, a random fleeting hope it had been Brad even though that was a silly thought and was disappointed to see Alex.

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Hey,"he said," sooo George told me he was going to be late to market today. Something about a family lunch because his sis was in town or something."

Nodding she sighed rubbing her neck before grabbing the cooler, attempting to get the soreness out of her neck and shoulders from her accident the other night.

"I got a fair amount of corn," Alex was saying as they walked back up to the house,"This early verity isn't a high producer, but it is rather nice. Think we'll grow it again next season?"

The SUV was parked Infront with its tailgate open ready for her to put the cooler in. She patted her guard dog Spock as he made his rounds surely to meet up with Bones at the end of their perimeter check.

"Thats great. Thank you for working so hard, I know I am running a bit slow today," she mentally groaned at the ache in her shoulders and neck, but didn't let him in on it.

Her phone chimed again.

Alex shook his head," Jess, not many people-especially a single woman living alone, would let some random guy live in their shed with the promise of work. I owe you."

He didn't let her say anymore as he jogged up to the house grinning like an idiot, though that was nothing new, and she was grateful he did for she never handled emotional situations like that very well.

Checking her phone quickly seeing it was Brad.

*No need to apologize, you have been through a lot. I am here for you, even though I know what we have is very new yet. If you would like help, I am here to lend it to you anytime. I also would like to offer that dinner again, we have been trying to manage. *

She typed a quick response cheeks burning- how could he manage to word what she couldn't so well?

*I am glad for the rain. Waters the crops. But also the weeds."

Arriving to the SUV she was shocked to see all the produce picked, cleaned, and ready for market. From heads of lettuce, to baby carrots and celery and the some of the early corn he mentioned. Shaking her head, because she knew this had been a lot of work, she stuffed the cooler with cheese into the back carefully and closed the door after making sure nothing was in the way.

Walking in to smell a delicious breakfast she saw the table already set and Alex and May chatting.

"Thanks for doing all the produce," Jessica said sliding into her seat," I am surprised you were able to get all that done."

"Nah, I preplanned for you actually to still be in the hospital so while you were doing cheese Anthony came and helped out no questions asked. I even offered to pay him this time and he insisted he just volunteer. Said he would do anything to help. He road his horse over but is already back home. "

"I really need to thank him sometime, "Jessica said while thinking she had done a lot of thanking as of late. It was really nice to see how so many people supported the farm.

"So," piped May before they could delve into the topic more," When are you gonna call Brad?"

Jessica froze for a moment brining a scrambled egg with peppers and mushrooms in it to her mouth before setting down her spoon.

"Ah you know, I will be callin' him tonight," she said hoping to sound disconcerted not wanting to mention the light texting they had done that morning, "maybe invite him over for some hot chocolate who knows. I owe him and still haven't properly thanked him."

"Sure girlie," Mays voice was full of delight as she grinned to Alex. Jessica pretended not to see the not so subtle bumping of shoulders, "Well you know Alex and I were talkin, and he's goin to take me job hunting tonight. So you got the house to yourself all night long."

Jessica rolled her eyes and decided to eat instead of arguing. It was quite pointless with those two.

They scarfed down their breakfast, May and Alex chattering about random things, and Jessica was content to listen while wondering if, now that she was an adult, she actually had a shot with Brad.

Looking at the clock she spied it was just past 10 and they needed to be going. Standing she cleaned her plate of and Alex followed, all too accustomed to needing to be to market before it opened at 11.

"We'll see you this evening okay May?"Alex smiled brilliantly and May returned one of her own.

"Of course. I wouldn't bail."

Jessica rolled her eyes as she walked out the front door and slipped in the driver seat, Alex joining her a moment later.

After a minute of driving he spoke up a silly grin on his face," May's a really great person huh?"

"Yes she is. I have known her for years, and she is wonderful," Jessica replied carefully wondering where this was going.

"You think," Alex glanced at her, "maybe she would be interested in a guy like me?"

"You two have hit it off really well," Jessica stated carefully thinking about the cheery blond girl and how her smile was so contagious as of late," And I am certain she likes you. A lot. But remember - she just got out of a pretty bad relationship. Don't be pressing anything too much so quickly, let the girl get her footing."

"Hey now," he frowned, "I'm not insensitive. I'm not goin' to just go and take advantage of her like that, "his face melted into a small smile as he watched the road, and Jessica could have sworn he almost sounded wistful," She is pretty, and funny, and has so much more spunk in her than most people. Plus, she can cook. I just haven't met a woman like that before."

Jessica slowly nodded and turned away from where Alex was now in his own world to the road," Well I think you'll do fine as long as your honest with her."

His smile turned into a full-blown grin and he began tapping his fingers as they turned off the freeway to where the market was. Many trucks were already parked, and many other farmers were lifting their tents and readying their stands. Alex parked next to where they had as spot rented and turned off the engine. Their stand was already up, from the week before, and all they had to do was display their things.

Jessica busied about setting up the displays and setting out food with prices with Alex before taking chalk and writing down what cheese specials she had brought that day.

The morning started without any trouble and they sold a fair amount, though Jessica grumbled that maybe they should try and buy land just for selling if they were going to have to share 20% of profits and Alex shrugged before smiling at a group of girls who came over to buy something from the attractive man.

"Hey guys," it was George. Jessica and Alex smiled to him, but Jessica frowned at seeing the tired gaunt look he held.

"George are you all right?" She asked blinking.

He looked to her with a strange look and looked away shrugging," ah yeah," he answered a bit weakly," Just haven't slept. My sis is in town, and we went out for the night. Then we went and had an early breakfast with my uncle and lunch with her stupid rich boyfriend she wanted us to meet. I don't understand how she can do all of this after flying all the way here and not being tired. "

He fidgeted as if nervous, and Jessica couldn't figure that out so she just figured it was lack of sleep.

"You didn't have to come if you were so tired," she said lightly," but if you want you can still hang around."

"Oh I do," he insisted, still fidgeting side to side.

He sat down in the third fold up chair they had and shrugged when Alex asked if he were alright.

After awhile it was obvious Alex didn't want to keep the awkward atmosphere and cleared his throat," Well I can not wait for tonight personally."

"Why's that?" Jessica asked though she already had an idea why, she played along.

"Takin' May out to apply for those jobs at all those restaurants. Got to eat at least one of them right? So its kind of like a date," He grinned.

George finally came around looking interested. Jessica mentally applauded him for getting George out of the strange demeanor he had been in.

"Your going out with Jessica's friend tonight? "George looked between them with curiosity.

Jessica shook her head rolling her eyes, "No. May moved in with me but doesn't own a car, heck I don't know if the girl ever will. In the cities you really don't need one, so I'm sure when she moves out eventually she will not need as much help. Alex just is getting ahead of himself."

"Hey! preplanning is not getting ahead of myself. It is just preparing for the inevitable," He grinned but whatever normal behavior George had displayed a moment before was replaced by this unusually quite one.

A shadow fell over Jess and she heard a familiar baritone voice," I would like to buy some of this please."

Shocked, Jessica looked up to a familiar warm gaze and was rendered speechless.

"Good choice," Alex commented nudging her as an elderly couple came inspecting some corn cobs, "that's one of our newer cheeses and is very popular."

She found herself and jerked back to reality, "OH sorry you surprised me. But yes that is a very delicious goat cheese. Would be great with a bottle of wine. I find that I really enjoy it with vermentino wine."

He handed her a five with a smile, and his hand lingered on hers for a moment," Well maybe I will just have to sit down with a bottle and some of this amazing cheese with you if that is alright with you," he said.

Jessica was quite sure her heart either stopped completely or had exploded. She tried to not look like a fish as she nodded.

"Yeah, yeah that would be great," She said smiling, her heart hammering once again, and she tried to not feel lightheaded, "Whenever you want to."

He was in his police uniform and she noticed that he didn't look half bad in the blue outfit as he had yesterday's black shirt," Well I am pulling a double tonight, but tomorrow night I am off-if you would like."

"Yes," she noticed that she probably sounded rushed and a bit too eager but didn't care. Was this an official date?

Brads smile grew more if that were possible," Great. I can pick you up at your place. I can give you a call?"

"Of course! I would love to! I am depending on Alex here for rides until I get me a new truck so that works for me."

"Have you been in to see your truck yet?" he asked, and it was as if whatever spell had laid itself on them disappeared, much to her disappointment.

"No," she shook her head, "I was going to try and make it down there before I went home tonight."

"They close pretty early," he said and glanced to George, who was looking at them while selling some eggs to a young lady with two screaming children before looking away, and then Alex who waved at the retreating elderly couple, "I could take you there now, if it is okay."

She opened her mouth to decline the offer, but Alex jumped in," Of course it is!" He grinned patting her on the shoulder," We got this Jess. Go check out your truck. Go get stuff done. I'll meet you at the farm, k?"

He was practically shoving her over to Brad and she gave a small laugh shaking her head before looking up to the tall blond," Well. . .if it's alright."

she trailed off as his chocolate eyes looked at her unguarded.

"Of course. We have a lot of catching up to do, and I just finished my shift patrolling this morning and I don't start until again until seven. "He gestured to the parking lot where one cop car was parked, and she followed him waving at the boys. George gave a small wave, not meeting her eyes while Alex gave her a thumbs up. She was pretty sure May and Alex were working together now.

Brad opened the passenger door, and she got more than a few odd looks from passersby when she slipped into the passenger's seat. He made his way around and sat in the driver's seat.

She had never been in a police cruiser, looking behind her there were several guns on a rack, and a cage behind them. The dash had a computer and several other buttons and switches which she didn't know the exact use for but didn't care as for Brad was now slipping in the seat next to her grinning.

"Got to say Jess, I thought I would never get you alone to myself," Her ears rung, and her cheeks reddened as her heart sped up.

"Really," her voice seemed to squeak a bit," I am not 'that' hard to meet up with. It is mr. busy cop here that has the really pressing schedule. "

He pulled out of the parking lot and hit the main road," Is that so? I wasn't sure if you were going to be so willing to talk to me after I was pushing so much at the hospital. But I had been surprised we picked up so easily after so many years, too."

"You couldn't help it," she rushed, trying to remedy what she had said the other day knowing her words must have stung," We were on two separate paths. I was still in school, its not your fault at all. And as for the other day. . . you are right. I don't like accepting help normally. But I really appreciate it when you give it to me."

He drummed his fingers a few times on the steering wheel looking over to her before turning his eyes to the road again," So did you miss me? After I left Texas, that is."

"Of course," She said after a moment, thinking back to how heartbroken she had been when he left at the end of her sophomore year, and how she had quickly dropped out her junior year when both Brad and Bret where gone. He had kept her on the right path and had helped her pick herself up when she was down. No one else was there to support her so strongly back then, so it had been quite traumatic when he had left. She didn't wish to elaborate on that though, the thoughts of somehow, she could make up for the lost time and her time wasted in dating his brother only to be tossed aside without a care.

She looked up and noticed he was looking at her with that unwavering chocolate gaze. It was a long line at a hassle of a red light, so there was nothing stopping him from turning away.

"Me too," he said.

Blinking she knew she sounded stupid when she said," huh? what you?"

"I missed you also, "he stated unblinking and completely serious," You were always very supportive of me back then. It was hard moving on without you there for support. You asked the other day if I had married, I said I hadn't found the right one. I think that was wrong. I think I had left the right one behind in Texas."

She frowned," I remember you never wrote though."

"Mother," he said sighing," My mother thought it would be best for all of us when we moved. To start over. And there were some other. . . complications that I had in my life. It was my missing you that made me move back to Texas after I graduated and found a job. I transferred down there five years ago only to find out you had gone. Your dad, of course, wanted nothing to do with me so he wouldn't pass along any messages. Then I went to Washington and attended Police academy and transferred down here this year when the opportunity arose."

He chuckled, "It seems that you hanging out with someone two grades your senior kept sour with him even after we both became adults."

She grinned thinking of her father and stepmother. Her stepmother had never known Brad, but her father had met him when she had only been just a freshman and had taken an instant disliking to him, claiming him to be a hooligan after his daughters 'purity'. He had disliked Bret even more, which is probably why she had ended up dating him.

"That sounds like pa all right," she laughed trying to ignore the burning in her cheeks.

They drove until hitting another red-it was traffic jam after all- and looked back to her," Well I must say. I am glad I spoke to your stepmom; it was Jennifer wasn't it? She said I was pretty persistent and told me you had moved here. Wouldn't give me your address or number, mind you, in case I was a stalker. But it gave me the ability to transfer here last month, and of course I finally found you."

"What?" she knew her mouth was hanging open now, and she was glad his eyes were back on the road," You transferred, for me?!" She hadn't found it too shocking he would want to move back to Texas, after all it was home to him most of his life, but to transfer states just to find her was a shock," You moved all the way here to find me?"

"Yes, and I would do it again and again even if you hated me for it," his knuckles were white on the steering wheel and the large muscle in his jaw was clenched. Her heart jumped to her throat and she found it hard to speak.

"Why would you do that," she all but whispered and they hit another red.

He turned even darker than normal chocolate eyes to her and his voice seemed to have dropped into a lower murmured," Jessica. I came looking for you because there was something, I never told you those two years we hung out. We were always so close, and I never told you because-well heck you were a kid and dating my idiot kid brother. And I was even more of an idiot for developing such feelings for you, feelings that even after all of these years seemed they couldn't go away."

"Oh?" she chuckled nervously but it got lost in her dry mouth as he came closer, "What is it?" her head was ringing with alarms and bells sounding off that he was almost near enough to kiss, she could smell peppermint on his hot breath as it brushed her lips.

"Jessica," he said, and his hand came out and grabbed her hand as he turned more to her," For years I wanted to tell you in person, but I-"

There was a loud honk and cursing out their windows as several people began to yell and shout. The light was green, and traffic was moving around them fast. Brad quickly shot back into his seat and hit the gas.

She looked down to her fists wondering when traffic had started up again, realizing numbly that he must have been as lost in their own little world as she had been. She licked her lips glancing nervously up at him, and saw he was now stiff as a board eyes unwavering from the road.

The rest of the ride was silent and tense, the magic having been broken.

Jessica had been very sure he was about to say something on a grand scale, and she was no longer kidding herself that it could possibly have been a love confession.

But why wait all this time? Why had he not said something back in high school, when she was practically really to throw herself at him when Bret and her fought? S

he understood back then there had been quite the age gap, but that didn't stop most. She sighed telling herself that it hadn't been meant to be back then, but if it was now damn if she was going to ruin it.

They parked outside a grey building in a lot surrounded by marked vehicles and made their way inside.

Jessica tried to not look at Brad as they made their way up to the desk.

"Can I help you? "the woman behind the desk looked between them, as a toddler giggled playing on the floor behind her.

"Yes, my truck is here. Jessica Anderson," she held her purse ready to pull out her ID, which the woman asked for.

After confirming it was her she grabbed a clipboard," Could you read and sign here, here, and here?" she pointed at three different places on three papers.

Jessica quickly scanned the papers before writing her name down and the lady checked before putting the clipboard down and clicking away on her computer.

"Okay give us just a second and Dante will be out here to take you to it," she said gesturing to a few chairs sitting up against the opposite wall.

Jessica thanked the woman and sat with Bret once again tense and silent. A moment passed and he cleared his throat.

"I am sorry I didn't write," he said and before she could wave it off, he turned to her, "There's so much I have to tell you. I would like to think we could perhaps start over. From point A. I don't want to forget about High School, but we are not who we were back then. It is different now. "

She nodded slowly, "So what, hi my name is Jessica?" she smiled a little trying to not feel so nervous.

He grinned and scratched his head chocolate eyes smiling," No, I think we have that part. I was thinking more, I take you out to lunch. Maybe eventually get you out to dinner, and go from there? You did promise to show me that wine to go with my cheese. "

"So," she shifted looking over to the lady playing with the child-the woman looked about her age," like a date? Are we finally doing that dinner?"

"Well," he folded his arms behind his head and looked up," It doesn't have to be. Just a reason to get out and hang. We could get to know each other, talk, "he looked down to her, "If we happened to start dating though I don't think that would be a terrible thing now would it? I enjoyed our lunch a couple weeks ago, and I have enjoyed texting you. I think I would like to make it official, if you would."

She shook her head, face hot and quickly stood when a man in blue overalls came over.

"Mrs. Anderson?" he said scratching a scruffy graying beard and she nodded while he showed her to her truck.

They walked to the back of the building into a large garage filled with numbered wrecked vehicles and she spotted her truck off the bat.

The front left tire was gone, the roof caved in, and no windshield was left. The driver side door was smashed, and she doubted it would open.

"Ma'am I would think this is best scrapped. The costs to repair this far outweigh buying' a new one, "the guy said shaking his head.

Jessica nodded in agreement," Yes, I just wanted to look at it over, and get some of my possessions out."

He jerked his thumb over his shoulder, "I'll go ask Lacy. She has boxes with people's things in them. You can grab your stuff before you leave."

After thanking him he jogged off.

"Well lets take a look shall we," Brad grinned at her and she gave a nod though found her mouth dry as he took off his jacket, once again in only a tight white shirt that was tucked neatly into his pants. She was not complaining as the muscular shoulders rolled and he begun inspecting the truck with her, though she was slightly distracted. She looked down to her dirty t-shirt and torn jeans, suddenly feeling poorly dressed.

They took a thorough 20 minutes inspecting the truck, under the hood, the carriage, and wheels.

He slid out from underneath her truck, and she handed him some paper towels that Dante had been kind enough to bring since there was an oil leak that had dirtied up most of the vehicle.

He wiped off his face, a look of displeasure playing on his lips," The line to the breaks looked worn, as if someone had tried cutting at it and weakened it before it broke on its own. though that isn't enough to pull anything out."

"I figured," she said sighing," well thank you. You didn't have to do this for me, but I am glad you are here."

She looked at her watch seeing that it was nearing five," We probably should go. The boys should be back at the farm, and I haven't been pulling my own around the past couple days. They are gunna think I've gone soft."

"oh?" he smiled," I wasn't aware you were trying to be tough."

Blushing she responded," Well ya know, lonely girl runnin' a farm on her own and getting these boy to keep workin has to have some face. And they gatta know a Texas girl is tough as nails.

"Just like I remember you," he laughed as they walked to the front desk, signed a few more papers, and took her possessions.

Going back to his cruiser she asked suddenly more comfortable with him," So you said...you had other things that kept you from contacting me. What were those things?"

The comfort level they seemed to have reached apparently was pushed and he became slightly tense.

"Not that is any of my business," she rushed," I just never remembered you bein' one to-never mind I'm sorry I pushed"

"No," he said sighing, rubbing his eyes as they slid into the cruiser," Its a very... long story. Maybe over that bottle of wine I will tell you."

"Okay," she said lightly and remembered all too well how in high school she had always wanted to touch him, and kiss him, though she never admitted it to herself until now. Gathering her courage she laid her hand gently on his and his eyes met hers," I won't judge. It can't be so bad, its you. And heck, even if it is, I won't care. It is you after all. I trust you. "

His eyes lightened and she suddenly found Brads face close to her, his fingers running through her hair. "Jessica," his voice was gravely, and her heart stopped," Jess, I promised myself I would take this slow. But 10 years of waiting' and it is hard to stay away from you."

They stayed there, eyes locked breath mingling to wash over the others face. He slowly pulled away, though it seemed hard for him.

"I promised I was going to do this right Jess," he said breathing out with a woosh," I have a lot to tell you." and he turned his gaze to the road as she sat, breath stolen and wits gone at the near kiss.

She played the end of her braid, it was now quite loose and tousled, and she nodded," We both do. Sunday will work, over that bottle of wine."

The drive home started out tense, but slowly melded into light conversation about random small things.

Weather, the farm, Brads police career, and friends. The two spoke about anything and everything to keep from thinking about the way they felt for each other, but just simply being one another's company was enough even if it wasn't as close as either would have liked.

As they turned onto her road, the smell of smoke filled her nostrils and they both silenced, and looked to see black clouds in the sky. Her mind went to her farm, as sirens were heard in the distance and she leaned forward to grip the dash.

"Brad "she breathed eyes wide as she looked to him.

He was already throwing on his sirens and pushing the gas.