The cool air from the balcony beckoned seductively and Carly could almost taste the flavor of freedom, mixed in headily with the different scents of perfume and alcohol swirling into the night sky. Turning to watch Sonny's progress, her eyes narrowed slightly at the sight of his hand on the small of Alexis' back as he directed her towards a business associate.

As if she were the wife and not Carly. Closing her eyes briefly, she glanced about the rest of the room, her gaze arrested by the open balcony doors. The Port Charles Grille was packed this New Year's Eve night; it was as if the whole town was here. And at the moment, Carly didn't want to spend one more second with any single one of them.

She began moving towards the open doors and paused before Taggert and Dara Jensen, trying to move about them. They not so politely ignored her, which was just as well by Carly as she was doing the very same thing. She looked past them and for a moment caught a twinkle in a pair of blue eyes that danced in an oh so handsome visage. Her lips quirked without her realizing it as she raised a brow in response to the champagne glass Jax rose slightly to her in greeting. His mouth widened in a broad smile and she felt her own lips returning the smile, feeling the tension ease up a little inside. And then the law enforcement duo were out of her way and with a flutter of her lashes, she bid Jax a silent goodbye as the balcony came ever closer.

Freedom beckoned.

"A bit cold out here, isn't it?" The trace of his Australian accent bespoke of his many years away from his native land. Carly let out a soft sigh and cocked her head slightly to the side, but didn't turn to look at him. Straightening up, she shivered slightly as if her body recognized the chill in the air only when he mentioned it.

"Jax." She replied in answer, a smile in her tone.

"Carly," and she could hear the grin in his.

"I came out here to be alone," she said softly, the smile still playing along her words.

"No, you didn't." He responded.

She turned to face him finally, an eyebrow arched, "I didn't? Well, funny, I was sure that is exactly why I came out here."

"No," he repeated, smiling. "You came out here to get away from the crowd and the heat and the -- never mind, I'm not going to mention the main reason you came out here because I'm enjoying the moment."

Laughing lightly, she gazed up at him. "And you took it upon yourself to join me because ..."

"Because I wanted to get away from the crowd and the heat and tell you how lovely you look, Carly."

"Thank you," she bowed her head slightly, enjoying his company more than she would have guessed two months ago. Who would have ever thought that she would consider Jasper Jacks a friend? Certainly not her ... and certainly not her husband. Her husband. She let out a soft sigh.

"Carly," she glanced up at the sharp note in his voice. "Forget about your worries for a little while," he paused, listening to the party inside. "Hear that?"

She looked towards the open doors, "what?"

"The music."

Lowering her eyes slightly, she took in the gentle refrain of a soft, jazz classic:

"Would you like to dance?" She looked up and saw that his hand was held slightly out and without hesitation she put her own smaller one in his.

Pulling her to him, he began swaying in time to the music, the rhythm between them natural and right. Twirling her softly, she smiled up at him, a slight laugh falling from her lips.

The cool air drifted about, falling upon them, brushing against their dancing bodies.

Her fingers played with the strands of golden hair tickling the back of his neck, her pinkie finger tapping against his flesh in time with the beat.

The white of her long dress twirled about the dark of his pant legs, floating between the space that separated them for moments at a time as the dance brought them closer together and then drifting momentarily apart.

Smiling up at him, she felt a peaceful contentment within her, and the tension that had filled her most of the night had completely dissipated. She felt carefree and happy.

Spinning her a few final rounds as the music came to a close, Carly let out a laugh of pure joy. Smiling down at her, Jax stood still as they looked upon each other in unison. And then from the party inside came a sudden hush, followed by a titter of noise before a loud chant began.

"Ten ... nine ... eight," and Carly glanced towards the open doors, spying Sonny standing close to Alexis as he counted down, a smile upon his face even as he looked about the room. "Seven ... six ... five." Her lids dropped for a moment and she began to move out of Jax's embrace, before hesitating.

"Carly," and there was a question in his voice, his arms loosening about her.

Stiffening her shoulders, she looked back up at him and joined the count. "Three ... two ... one." Raising her face to his, she whispered softly, "Happy New Year's, Jax." Her lips paused just before meeting his and he continued the journey, brushing his lips against hers for a brief moment. Her lips clung to his before he pulled away slightly, just slightly; Carly let out a shaky breath just as his lips lowered again, gingerly touching her top lip, placing a tame kiss there and then on her bottom lip.

Her hands rose slowly once more, languidly as if swimming in water and rested against his chest, her fingers catching hold of the lapels of tuxedo jacket and then tightening her grip as he pulled away yet again, his breath once more hovering over her. His arm curved about her waist and his fingers splayed across the small of her back. Pulling her closer to him, she welcomed the movement, sighing as her body pressed against him as his lips parted above hers once more. Her hand loosened upon his jacket and rose to encircle his neck, her fingers pulling at the blonde hair again. His lips found hers as his kiss deepened, breath escaping between them in soft surrender before gently, he eased away, his eyes opening to lock upon hers.

"Happy New Year, Carly," and if his voice was just the slightest bit shaky, neither one cared to think on it.

She stepped back, away and out of his arms, turning to lean against the railing, letting out a heady breath. And then she laughed again ruefully, "happy new year's," she mumbled under her breath and then looking over her shoulder, she met his gaze.

And he was smiling.

She found herself smiling in return.

Moving next to her, he shook his head slightly. "This should feel awkward now, right? I should want to turn around and get as far away from you and what just happened."

She nodded. "Absolutely." Their gazes met, and matching grins lit both of their faces. "Then why do I feel completely comfortable?"

"Don't know, but I say, we just go with it and accept the last ten minutes for what they were: a sweet interlude between friends."

"And partners." She added.

"And --" he paused and his grin softened to that oh so charming Jasper Jacks trademark smile, "and partners," he finished softly.

Pulling away, he bent down and kissed her on the cheek. "Have a happy new year, Caroline." And then he turned and headed through the open doors. Carly watched him leave, her lips curved just the slightest, believing that it just might be a happy new year, indeed.

The End