"Look what we have here," Jack said when they saw the grand Renault. He held her hand, leading her to the car. She was rubbing her arms, trying to warm herself from the sudden coldness of the cargo hold.
She smiled up at him, feeling wonderful by just being with him. Over the past few days, she had learned more of his inner spirit. It was adventurous, carefree, yet full of love. Love for her and for Gabbie. He treated Gabbie as his own and that meant a lot to Rose. She knew Gabbie needed a father figure and Rose knew Jack was fit for the job.
They were at the car, Jack looking at it. "Ahem." She cleared her throat in a high-society way. He laughed softly and opened the door for her to get in. "Thank you," she said, again in a first class tone.
He got into the driver's seat and honked the horn, the sound echoing through the walls. "Where to, miss?" he asked in a mock British accent.
She smiled and whispered, "To the stars..." Then she pulled him into the back with her.
He laughed at her playful forcefulness. They became serious again, their arms wrapped around each other, staring at each other. "You nervous?" he asked in a whisper.
"No," she whispered back, studying him, her eyes shining with love. She took his right hand and kissed his fingers individually. His hands were rough and callused from work yet so gentle when he touched her or when she touched him. She looked into his eyes after she stopped kissing his fingers.
He looked at her with love in his eyes, memorizing how she looked just then.
"Put your hands on me, Jack," she commanded gently, in a caring tone no one ever spoke to him in.
He did as he was told and they showed each other how much they loved each other, showed each other that they wanted to be together always, no matter what. Nothing could come between them...nothing on earth...no one on earth. Simply telling each other they'd do anything for the other no matter what the cost. They surrendered their bodies to each other for love.
*****
"They ran down there," Jack and Rose heard a voice say after they'd put their clothes on. They watched as the two crewmen looked into the Renault, thinking they'd found the two lovers. They stifled their laughter when they saw their shocked expressions. The couple ran up the stairs that led to the chilly, starlit night.
"Did you see the look on those guys' faces? Did you see--" Jack laughed, but was cut off by Rose's finger on his lips.
"When the ship docks...I'm getting off with you," she said, smiling brightly--a smile only he could form on her beautiful face.
"This is crazy..." he marveled.
"I know. It doesn't make any sense. That's why I trust it," she confided.
He smiled in shock and she covered his mouth with hers in frantic kisses. The kisses slowed down and turned into one long, passionate kiss.
"I don't want this night to end," Rose gasped out, the aftershock of his kiss taking its toll on her. This night was magical. And it was the best night of her life.
"Neither do I. But, my love, we need to make tomorrow count when it comes with the sun," Jack told her, stroking her cheek. He'd never been intimate with a woman before Rose. And he was glad he waited. Because she was the most amazing woman on earth and they gave each other their most precious gifts.
"But it is not here yet. Why can't we just hold back time and stay in this moment forever?" she wondered, whispering.
"I don't know. I wish we could, but we can't. So, let's make the most of it," he replied, bending to give her one more of his knee-melting kisses.
She no longer wanted to escape anything. Nor did he. They didn't think they'd ever have to...but...