Disclaimer: Sorry to disapoint you, we do not own the characters of this story, we never have, and we never will. Those rights belong to Columbia Tristar Television, and various others.
Author's Note:This is the sequel to Untouched. The third book of the four book series. This takes place FOUR years after Untouched. Everything else pretty much ends up explained. Pacey and Joey haven't communicated at all.

Joey rolled her chair to the far wall on the right and climbed onto the wobbly legs, thinking that maybe she'd have to take off her boots so she wouldn't fall and rip her stockings or worse her skirt. She spread her arms out to balance herself once she was sure the chair wouldn't roll out from under her, she grabbed the picture frame that was on her left and held it up against the wall. She stared at it for a few seconds and changed the angle. She smiled. There it was perfect. Jack would kill her when he saw it, because it was a picture of him, one of the ones she had taken at the park a few weeks ago when they had went with Pacey, but it was worth it.

"Knock, knock?" A male voice called from the other side of the door, just before it swung open.

Joey turned her head towards the door surprised. "Whoa," her hand reached for the chair to steady it as it shook beneath her. She hurriedly climbed off and straightened her skirt. "Um, who's there?"

"Your favorite male stripper," Pacey said, shutting the door behind him.

Joey smirked, "Who's been lying to you."

He shrugged, "Who else? Jackers."

"He must've gotten himself confused," Joey said sympathetically. "He likes you. I don't."

"Hmm, its an attitude like that that makes me wonder why I came here in the first place."

"Good," Joey said walking over to her desk. "Because I'm beginning to wonder what you're doing here too."

"You know what, never mind. It was a mistake." he turned around and opened the door. "See-ya around, Potter." He said as he walked out of her office.

Joey released an exasperated sigh. "You're such a drama queen." She cursed under her breath and went after him. She found him right outside her office examining one of the paintings on the wall. It was one of hers and definitely not one of her best. It was from when she lived in Capeside; Jack had given it back to her when she first opened the gallery.

"You know," Pacey spoke, his voice low as he stared at the painting. "I'd forgotten how talented you are," he turned to meet her eyes, "even back then."

Joey glanced away uneasily and looked at the picture critically. "It's really not that good. It's somewhat sloppy almost rushed. I didn't pay much attention to detail, and the perspective is kind of off."

"But the emotion is there, and anyone looking at it can see it." His eyes drifted back to the painting. "Raw talent."

She cleared her throat feeling uncomfortable. "Um, yeah, so what brings you by?"

"Lots of things," He paused. "Namely: unfinished business."

"Oh." She glanced around the room. "Want to talk in my office?"

He shrugged, "Whatever works for you."

Fine," she said walking back to her office.

He followed behind her, and sat in the chair facing her desk. He watched her with his hands folded across his chest, waiting for her to speak.

Joey sat down behind her desk and straightened out some papers that littered the top, doing her best to act unaffected, before turning her attention to Pacey. She was grateful to be sitting down; she didn't think her legs could hold her. "So where should we start?"

"How about with your disspearing act."

"I left Capeside," she bristled. "I didn't realize that was a crime."

He looked at her in disbelief, "Are you kidding me?! You packed up and left without a word to anyone."

She brushed a stray strand of brown hair behind her ear and spoke evenly. "I thought a clean break was best."

"Break from what? What did I do that was so horrible to cut me out of your life completely?" He sat forward in his chair. "Do you even have any idea how hard I looked for you? How worried I was?"

Joey began to fiddle with the papers on her desk. "Things were complicated. It wasn't intentional."

"So complicated that you forgot we were friends? That I cared about you? We just had sex, once. It's not like we went and got married or something. It wasn't a big deal.

"Okay, maybe I handled the situation wrong," Joey conceded. "But I just did what I thought was best."

"How was that best?" He asked, his brow furrowed. "Was my friendship somehow a hinderance to you? I thought I was helping. Explain this to me, Joey. Because I hate being mad at you and it's been a long three and a half years."

"No. It wasn't like that," she frowned. "I just needed to take care of myself for awhile."

"And telling me you were leaving was too much to ask?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't think it was that big of a deal if I told you or not," she lied not wanting to tell him the truth about what happened after she left his apartment that day.

"You didn't think it was a big to deal to just leave like that? After what we did, after we fought, you didn't think it was a big deal? Were you ever going to get back in contact with me?"

"Eventually," she answered evasively. "I just didn't know what I was going to say if I did."

"How about "Hey, Pacey. I'm alive. Sorry about running away. No, I don't hate you'?!" He burst out.

She ran a hand through her hair flustered. "How could you think that I hate you?"

"What exactly was I supposed to think?" He asked calmly. "After what we did... and our argument..."

"I didn't hate you," she glanced down at her desk. "I could never hate you. I was just scared."

"Of what?" he sighed. "We had already decided it was a mistake."

"Don't you think I know what we decided, Pacey?" she declared incredulously. "It didn't matter. I was still scared."

"Of what? What was there to be scared over?"

"It doesn't matter."

"After nearly four years of waiting to hear if you were even alive still, it matters very much to me."

Joey gazed up at him wearily. "If you must know, I was afraid that I was falling in love with you all over again. I didn't need to take that chance so soon after Dawson."

Pacey sank back into his seat slowly, his eyes cloaked. The years had given him a lot of time to come up with reasons for her sudden departure and the fact she never tried to get in contact with him. Over and over he came back to the sex, and that she'd hated it or hated him for forcing her into it, or hated him for ruining her friendship with Jen or just in genral hated him. He'd never once thought that it could be the opposite. He lifted his eyes to look at her curiously, "You were afraid to love me?"

"I was afraid of what it meant."

"And what would it mean?" he asked in a whisper.

"I'd have to take a chance I wasn't ready to take. I wasn't ready for any of those feelings."

"So, you ran."

She nodded. "I ran."

He sat across from her, mulling over this new information. It was three and a half years ago, so it was unlikely she still felt that way. But at least, now he knew she didn't hate him. "Do you still," he paused, "I mean, now that I've found you...do you want to run again?"

She shook her head. "No, I'm not planning to go anywhere."

He nodded, "So...then there's still a chance for friendship? You're not gonna run out on me again?"

She smiled. "Yes, I'd really like it if we could be friends."

He returned her smile with one of his own, "Good. Than, as your friend, can I ask how come Jack doesn't know a thing about me being in Capeside with you that summer?"

Joey rubbed the back of her neck wearily. "Well, it never came up. I didn't want to volunteer any information."

"Okay, does it matter if he knows? I've been keeping my mouth shut because I know you hadn't said anything."

She frowned thoughtfully. "I think it'll be better if I tell him."

"That's fine," he shrugged, "It's your call." he checked his watch, "Speaking of Jackers, I'm supposed to meet him before work."

Joey tried to hold back a laugh. "Have fun."

He rose, "I'll see you around, right?"

She nodded shifting through the papers on her desk again. "Unfortunately."

He laughed, moving around her desk and took her hands, pulling her up from the seat. "Good to have you back, Potter."

She forced a smile. "Okay…"

He hugged her quickly, stepping away almost immediatly, "Bye, Jo."

"Bye Pacey."

He smiled gently at her as he ducked out of her office. He closed the door behind him, then leaned against it, running his hand tiredly down his face. It wasn't as bad as he thought it would be. It was worse...she had loved him. Or almost loved him. Had. Past tense. Not that it matters, he reminded himself, he didn't love her, not anymore...

Joey placed the bag of unpopped popcorn in the microwave and closed the door hitting the popcorn button. She grabbed the two rented videos from on top of the kitchen counter and walked back over to her living room. She reached for the remote on her end table and flipped the television in front of her on. Another Saturday night at home alone watching videos, she wondered if she should buy a dog.

The phone ran just as she pressed play on the first video.

Joey sighed and lazily reached her right arm over to grab the noisy contraption. She brought the phone to her lethargically. "Hello?"

"Hey, Jo." Jack's cheerful voice greeted her.

She brightened and sat up on her couch bringing her sock clad feet up under her. "Heya Jack. What's up?"

"Whatcha doin'?"

"Watchin' a movie. You?"

"Dragging you out of your house to go be social." He replied.

"But, it's a really good movie," Joey whined. "I was social last Saturday and look what that got me."

"It got you Pacey. How is that a bad thing?"

"Exactly my point," Joey retorted. "Hmm...What scintillating plans do you have?"

"We have, you mean." He corrected.

"Just tell me, so I can tell you no."

"You're not going to tell me no. I won't let you."

Joey sighed. "Fine. Just tell me. Now I'm curious."

"Thunder Down Under."

Joey burst into laughter. "No way."

"Yes, way."

"Uh-uh. Now why would I want to go back there? I've already had one life scarring experiance."

"He's not stripping tonight, he's just waiting. Besides, I promised him we'd come."

"I don't know..."

"You've got better plans?"

She frowned and glanced around her empty apartment. "Give me ten minutes."

"Done." Jack smiled through the phone.

She smiled faintly. "You owe me."

"I owe you for dragging you to a room full of nearly naked men where you're aloud to gawk all you want? Man, I'd hate to have a friend like me."

She couldn't keep the amusement out of her voice. "I'll see you in ten minutes."

"Bye, Jo,"

"Later Jack," she hung up the phone and shut off the television. Now she had to wonder about what to wear. The timer in the kitchen went off indicating the popcorn was done. She groaned.

The club was more crouded than it had been last week. Jack judged from the croud of women sitting directly in front of the stage that there was an rather extravagant bachelorette party in the works. He took Joey's hand and led her towards a table near the back.

Joey surveyed their surroundings with mute interest as she sat down. "Well, I am so going to need a drink. A strong one."

"You're sad," Jack said, "We just got here. Enjoy the scenery."

"I'll enjoy it more with a Long Island ice tea."

"Fine, fine," Jack raised his hand. "Oh, Pacey." He called.

"Hey guys," he smiled down at them, balancing his tray on one hand. "What can I get for you?"

"The usual for me and she," he pointed at Jo, "wants-"

"A Long Island Ice Tea, hold the lemon." He finished for Jack.

Joey raised an eyebrow. "Impressive."

He shrugged, "I know you. Just like I know you don't want to be here and that Jack forced you to come." He smiled wickedly, "But that's not gonna stop you from checking out Big Willy up there," he gestured to the stage as a man entered from behind the curtain.

Joey scowled. "Don't you have a job to do?"

"Right, drinks." He clapped her on the back and smiled cockily. "Enjoy yourself, Jo. The man does amazing things with a tassel."

Joey glared and turned to Jack. "Your usual? What is this now, your second home?"

"I've come by a few times in the last couple of weeks," he shrugged, eating a few peanuts from the bowl in the middle of the table.

"So you and Pacey are best buds now, huh?" Joey questioned.

"No," he reached over and ruffled her hair, "No one could take your place as my best friend."

Joey grinned. "You've watched him strip again haven't you?"

"That's hardly... important." he tried to brush her off.

Joey's jaw dropped and she pointed her finger accusingly. "You have!"

"Once or twice. Jeez, Joey, don't make it sound so dirty. He's a stripper, that's what he does."

"Okay, this question begs to be asked." She glanced at the stage before looking back at Jack. "Ever get to stick that dollar in his G-string?" She smiled widely.

He laughed, "No, that's a little more up close and personal than is in my comfort zone."

She smiled. "Sorry just had to ask." She glanced around again. "What are we doing here anyway?"

"Keeping Pace company."

"Fun. What's taking him so long with our drinks?"

Jack scanned the club, and spotted Pacey by a table near the bar. A few guys were grinning at him, and he replied with a laugh, one of them, a dark haired man slipped a few ones into the waistband of his tight shorts.

"Okay that's it, no tip for him," Joey muttered and stood up. "I'll just get my damn drink myself."

"Give him a minute, he's got our drinks." Jack told her. "In the mean time, enjoy the show."

Joey sat back down in her seat reluctantly and stared at the crowd by the stage. It was ridiculous the way some of these women acted.

Pacey finially arrived at their table, "A brewskie for Mr. McPhee, and a lot of Long Island Iced tea for the prude." He delivered the drinks with a flourish.

Joey rolled her eyes and reached for her drink, she placed it back down on the table almost half empty. "Hmm…thanks."

"Take it easy there, Jo." He watched her with concern.

She clicked her tongue behind her teeth annoyed and brought the glass back to her lips finishing it off. "I don't need a babysitter. What I need is another drink."

Pacey shot his eyes to Jack, who just raised his eye brows in return. "It's your money, I guess." He took her glass, "Anything more for you, Jackers?"

"No, I'm good. When's your break?"

He checked his watch, the only thing he wore other than the tight little black shorts, "Um, half an hour."

Joey sighed and drummed her fingers along the tabletop. "Tomorrow is Sunday."

"Okay, that was random." Pacey said, "care to share with the rest of the class the meaning behind that cryptic statement?"

Joey paused thoughtfully. "Yes, I'd like to get my drink before then."

He rolled his eyes, "As you wish." And turned back to the bar.

"Rude much?" Jack asked her.

She avoided his eyes pretending to be enraptured with the man on stage.

"So, Jo, how's the new deal coming?" He asked her, attempting to make conversation.

Joey glanced back at Jack. “I have another meeting this Wednesday.”

"You think they're ready to cave yet?"

She shrugged. "Looks like it." Joey glanced back toward the bar. "What I really want is that drink."

"Why do you want to get wasted so badly tonight?"

“Long week. I figure I’m allowed one night to pretend I don’t have a care in the world.”

"It's not like you to be this distant, Jo." He said, leaning forward in his seat. "I know we haven't been as close as we were in the past, but I'd like to think we've made some progress and now it seems like you're completely shutting down."

“Nothing’s wrong.” She stood up and straightened her dress. “I’m going to go get that drink myself,” she said disappearing in the direction of the bar.

"Well, where'd she go in such a hurry?" Pacey asked coming up behind Jack, his tray loaded with empty glasses. "To tuck a few bills in Big Willy's garter?"

"Naw, she was impatient and went to get another drink." Jack replied.

"Is it just me, or is she being particularly difficult tonight?"

"It's not just you, let me tell ya," he smiled satirically. "Dawson really changed her, didn't he?"

"Far more than he should have had the power to." Pacey replied. "Well, I've got drinks to make and tips to collect. I'll come and check on you again in a few." He told Jack before heading off to clear another table. Jack followed him with his eyes as he disappeared into the kitchen.

“Jackers! There you are!” Joey pushed her way through the crowd and flung her arms around Jack’s neck. “I was looking all over for you!”

Jack extricated himself from Joey's grip, "Good lord, woman. How much have you had to drink?"

She giggled. “Just a little bit more or a lot.” Her face turned serious and she hugged him again. “I love you. You’re my best friend.”

He chuckled, "I love you too, Jo." He gave her a peck on the cheek. "Now why don't you sit down for a minute..." He led her to a chair.

"Okay. I'll sit down." She climbed onto her chair and raised the glass she was carrying to her lips taking a big sip before setting it down.

"So, what have you been up to for the last..." he checked his watch, "hour and a half?"

“Um, these nice guys over by the bar there kept on buying me drinks.” She rubbed at her lips pulling off the strands of hair that had become matted on her lipstick.

"Were these 'nice' guys scantily clad and carrying big trays?"

She giggled. "Um maybe."

He rolled his eyes, "And did you impart on them some of your hard earned cash?"

She leaned forward conspiratially and tried to suppress her giggles, while lowering her voice to a whisper. “I stuck it inside their shorts.”

Jack laughed, "Dare I ask how much you spent?"

She shrugged nonsensically and took another sip of her drink. “Um, oh I don’t know. I had to break a fifty earlier so I have a lot of singles.”

He chuckled, "If all it takes to get you friendly is a few drinks, I'd have done this a hell of a lot earlier."

“Ladies and gentlemen, for your viewing pleasure Thunder from Down Under presents our resident cowboy, Girth Brooks.”

Joey’s eyes widened expressively as the familiar chords of Kid Rock’s I Wanna Be a Cowboy began to play over the loud speaker. “Ooh, I like this song!” She turned to the stage riveted by the guy wearing a form fitting white wife beater and a pair of tight stone washed jeans. “Ooh, I like him too.” She jumped off her seat and rushed to the stage.

"Oh. My. God." Jack mumbled, watching her from his seat as she danced to the music all the while her eyes glued to 'Girth Brooks'.

Joey swayed sensually to the music her eyes locked on the good-looking blue-eyed man on stage. She climbed up onto one of the tables by the stage and crooked her finger at him beckoning him over to her with a folded bill. He danced over to her and extended his hand pulling her on the stage with him. She pressed herself closer to him, grinding her body against his seductively.

She smiled flirtatiously and ran the money over his chest pausing at the rim of his jeans and she casually stuffed the money inside. He smiled at her and placed his hat on top of her head before moving to another side of the stage. Joey grinned widely feeling wonderful and stepped back down to the crowd.

Pacey stood wide-eyed next to an equally shocked Jack as she made her way back to them. "Who are you and what have you done with Joey Potter?" Jack spit out.

Joey giggled and pointed to the hat on her head. “I’m a cowgirl,” she blurted before falling into another fit of giggles.

Pacey just watched her with his jaw hanging open in slight shock. Jack led her to her seat, "I think you've probably had enough drinks tonight, Jo. You're gonna regret it in the morning."

She shook her head. “Uh-uh, don’t be a killjoy. I’m having fun,” Joey pouted. She wrapped her arms around Jack’s waist. “I love you.”

"So you've shared," he said dryly. He tried to pry her arms from around him but soon gave up. He looked pleadingly to Pacey who still had a glazed look in his eyes.

Joey released one of her arms to snag a drink from one of the passing trays. She brought it to her lips thirstily. "Don't you think you've had enough?" Jack asked taking the drink from her suddenly, some of it dribbling down her chin.

She stuck out her tongue at him and looked to Pacey for help. “Pacey would you please tell him that I’m old enough to decide when I’ve had enough?” She narrowed her eyes at Jack.

"I... y-you, you've had enough I think." he mumbled, still staring at her as though she'd grown two heads.

She rolled her eyes. “You’re no fun either. I’m just going to have to find someone else to have fun with,” she said pointedly.

"I am plenty fun to hang around." He said, looking her in the eyes. "I just don't like you drunk, you're not yourself." With that he walked away back to the kitchen.

“He’s the one walking around in a speedo, and I’m the one that’s not acting normal,” Joey muttered. She spotted the bar. “Hmm…I need another drink.”

Jack sat back with a sigh, "Make that two."

Joey grinned widely. “Now that’s more like it.” She went off in search of their drinks.

Pacey was back at the bar, leaning forward towards a pair of beautiful looking blonds. His wolfish grin didn't quite reach his eyes as he flirted with them.

Joey walked over to the bar and slapped her palms against the counter. "Hello? Can I get some service here?"

He ignored her focused on the two girls. "So, what plans have you two gorgeous women cooked up for the remainder of the night?"

Joey placed her order and surveyed her surroundings. Her eyes narrowed upon spotting Pacey talking to two blondes. She walked over to them calmly. "So Witter, what did I tell you not all STD's are incurable. How did that doctor's visit go? Did he say when it will stop burning?"

The pair of girls looked at each other with discust, than back at Pacey who was staring daggers at the tall brunette. "We'll, uh, see you around Doug." The shorter of the two said, backing away from the bar.

Pacey watched them back away dissapointed. He turned to Jo, "What'd you do that for?"

Joey smiled. "I was doing you a favor."

He gave her a dumb founded look, "How? I was about to score with two," he held up his fingers, "count 'em, two, very gorgeous women. How the hell was ruining that doing me a favor?" he asked crossly.

Joey waved him off. "They were sluts."

"And your point being...?" He questioned.

"Hey, if you're that desperate I'm sure you can find some other unfortunate victim."

"I'm not desperate, I'm horny." He corrected, "And I'm not likely to find another two women willing to get in a threesome. Thanks for that, Jo."

"I aims to please."

"You 'aims' to get on my bad side, and let me tell you, you're doing a fine job of it." He glowered.

She laughed and brushed her hand across his chest. "Geez, lighten up."

"In case you hadn't noticed, we're closing soon," he gesture around the club, the crowd greatly diminished. "They were pretty much my last chance at getting laid tonight."

Joey licked her lips enticingly and ran her eyes over Pacey's body appreciatively. "Oh, I wouldn't say that."

He quirked an eye brow at her, "You wouldn't?"

She shook her head and leaned closer to him. "No. I wouldn't."

"Oh really," he whispered with raised eyebrows as her lips inched closer to him.

"Yes," she breathed leaning in to kiss him.

"That's too bad," he stepped away from her, a clouded look in his eyes. "Because I would." He took her hand and led her back towards Jack who was watching the last show of the night while he nursed a beer.

Joey felt her cheeks color in embarrassment and she pulled her hand away going over to Jack herself. "Soooo… ready to go?"

"Yeah," Jack shifted his eyes to Pacey, "You about done, Pace?"

He nodded, avoiding looking at Joey. "But I don't know exactly what kind of company I'll make for the rest of the night." His brow furrowed, "It's been a...a long night."

Jack shrugged, "I don't really care if you fall asleep on me. If you're up for it, we can rent a movie. You can crash at my place."

Pacey sighed, "Yeah, maybe. I just need to go change." He turned and left, heading to the back room.

Joey brought a hand up to her hair and patted her head. "Hey, I lost my hat."

Jack rolled his eyes, "You weren't wearing one."

She dropped her gaze. "Oh..."

Pacey pulled the various dollar bills that he'd collected that night from the waistband of his shorts as he arrived in the back room. He went to his cubby and grabbed his wallet, filling it with his tip money. He tugged at his shorts and pulled them off and began getting dressed in his regular clothes.

"Hey Witter," Jeff commented stepping out of the private bathroom and walking over to his locker. "Good haul?"

"As good as you can get waiting." He shrugged, "You know as well as I do the dancing earns you the real cash."

Jeff chuckled slightly and changed his shirt. "And the best piece of ass."

Pacey smiled wryly, "That it does, Jeff, that it does." he pulled a shirt over his head.

He ran a hand through his short hair and took a quick glance at his reflection in the small mirror hanging in his locker. "Like there was this wild one today with serious fuck me eyes," he let out a low whistle. "Legs went on forever."

"The one on stage with you?" Pacey asked suspeciously.

Jeff smiled slyly slamming his locker shut. "Man, that's the one. Did you see her? Good Lord that's a mighty fine woman. She looked like a screamer and I was inclined to find out for myself."

"She's more of a moaner," He replied without thinking. The second the words were out of his mouth he flinched.

"So I take it she's another notch on the infamous, Witter bedpost." He smirked. "Feel like sharing?"

"No, she wasn't." He said darkly, "And no, I don't."

Jeff put his hands up. "Hey no need to get all defensive over it."

"She's not like the rest of the women who come here, Jeff. She's not up for grabs, no matter what she may say." He met Jeff's eyes, "You'd be better off keeping that in mind."

Jeff reached for his bag. "Yeah...Whatever man."

Pacey watched Jeff leave, his jaw clenched as he thought of them dancing together on stage. "Jeff, I know how you are. She's not an option."

Jeff shrugged pausing at the door. "What is she your sister or something?"

"Or something." Pacey replied.

"Maybe you should just let her decide for herself," Jeff commented stepping out the door.

Pacey balled his fist and slammed it against the locker as Jeff left. He cursed as he made impact. How had life gotten to be this complicated? He finished tying his laces and vowed to make sure Jeff would never get within touching distance of Joey again.