Jack looked out at the ice for a moment.
"Already committed. No abort option", Jack replied.
“Cheers, Jack.”
Carrie and Bella returned just in time for the start of the second period and took their seats, just in time for a big roar to come from the crowd inside the arena. Looking up at the jumbotron, Bella realized the screen had both Mike and Jack projected, with the caption “Diana IV Astronauts in the house!” She poked at Jack, drawing his attention to the screen - he and Mike both stood and gave a wave to the crowd. He pretended to be embarrassed, but Bella knew he was pleased to be recognized - NASA depended on the public to be supportive of their mission, to keep the government funding flowing. “I can’t take you anywhere, Captain," she said, teasing him.
After the game, which the Flyers won to Bella’s delight, they all went for a bite to eat before splitting up to head home. Back at Bella’s house, Jack let Primrose and Daisy outside, while Bella wanted to have a hot bath before bed, and went to run a bath, adding a generous pour of her favorite milk bath powder to the running water. Jack let the dogs back in, gave them their treats, set the alarm and moved through the house turning off lights, heading to the bar area but stopped in the living room -something is different, he thought, his ever watchful pilot eye picking up on something, but not quite sure what it was. Looking around, it hit him -the gold records are gone. What does THAT mean? Does it mean anything - maybe she just decided to redecorate. I’m reading too much into this.He went over to the bar,poured a Laphroaig for himself and mixed Bella a dirty martini — two olives - and headed to the master bedroom.
“Madam, your drink has arrived,” said Jack as he walked into Bella’s master bath suite, and paused at the sight of her inthe tub, hair pinned up, and cheeks pink from the heat of the water.
“That’s a big tub, Ms. Genovese.”
“It is, Captain Calloway.”
“Can I join you there?”
“Cleared hot, Ghost,” Bella replied with an inviting smile.
Bella, using his call sign alongside a military term for permission to engage — was unexpectedly, overwhelmingly a turn on, and he was positive he broke Mach One getting undressed to join her in the tub.
Much later, Bella and Jack lay in bed, Bella’s head resting on his chest, while his arm encircled her, his fingers tracing slow circles on her bare shoulder.
“How did you find out my call sign?” he asked.
“Mike told me. Is it okay that I used it? “
“Hell yes, that wassexy.”
“That was some game tonight. You sure love your hockey,” Jack said.
“I do, I’ve always loved hockey - the speed, the action, all of it. It’s so exciting to watch, especially in person. I’m glad you had a good time - does this mean you’ll go with me again?”
“I don’t know - you were a little scary actually, I didn’t imagine you to be so bloodthirsty!”
“Oh, ha ha,”Bella said flatly.
“Seriously, it was another side to your personality that I haven’t seen, I loved it. I love learning all about you. Just like I love all of you."
“Jack.”
“It’s true. I’m crazy in love with you, Bella. I thought you knew that.”
“I love you too, Jack. I wasn't sure we were in the same place. I didn't want to say it first and risk getting my heart stomped. I remember one of the things you said to me early on, you didn’t know what your intentions were. I guess I was the same - neither of us were expecting this. But I’m happy it’s here, and with you. You’re an amazing man, Jack Calloway.”
“Bella, I love you so much, I’m going to spend the rest of the night telling you, and showing you just how much.” And he proceeded to do exactly that.
Saturday morning, Bella woke up, leaving the room silently, so she didn’t disturb Jack.
He’s got so much going on, he probably needs to sleep in a little, she thought.
Moving into the kitchen, she turned off the alarm and let the dogs out - Jack had brought Daisy as the girls were staying at friends for the weekend - then turned on the coffee maker, got a few cups out of the cupboard while waiting for it to finish brewing. She heard scratching at the door and let the dogs in so she could get their breakfast for them. Both dogs jumping and making excited yipping noises like they hadn’t eaten in months made Bella laugh.
“Good morning. Is there coffee for me?” Bella heard from the doorway.
“Jack - I’m so sorry, was I being too loud? I was trying to be quiet so you could sleep in.”
“No, I felt it the moment you left the bed.”
