Replay by Tyra

"Keep your eyes closed! Are they closed? You better not be peeking."

"Hurry up Jax! You know this type of thing drives me insane! Are you ready yet? Can I look? Please HURRY!!!!!' Brenda's face, is all but obstructed by her hands. Nothing is visible but her anticipatory ear to ear smile. Her legs are bouncing up and down in her excitement.

"Just be patient Brenda. Just remember that anything good is worth waiting for!" Jax's grin is equally wide as he positions a tiny velvet covered box on the table, then moves it so it replaces her teacup on the saucer, then moves it again so it replaces the sweet on the doily covered plate.

"Jaxxxxx! Pleasssssse Hurry!!!!!"

Jerry and Julia paused in mid sentence as they saw the scene before them. Jerry feels Julia's nails digging into his arm as she points towards the lobby. "Jerry look at that! Why didn't you tell me that Jax was going to propose tonight! How exciting! To think that it was our doing that they're back together."

"I knew nothing about this Jules. How could he possibly propose? They aren't even really back together yet! Jerry was not pleased with this situation. He was all for them dating, but marriage? It was way too soon! Besides he didn't want Julia getting those kind of notions in her head. He was going to have to pull Jax aside as soon a possible to prevent the possibility of a domino effect.

Jerry made for their direction but Julia tightened her hold, digging her nails deeper. "Julia! That hurts! Pull in your claws for God's sake! I'm just going to congratulate my little brother."

"Jerry, this moment between them should be private. Let's stay back here and see what she says first."

"Jules, we can't hear a thing from distance! How will we know what is said between them?"

"I'll know Jer, I'll be able to tell from a thousand paces what is said between them!"

"All right. Far be it from me to disbelieve in your sisterly mojo. I'll just sit down over here, you let me know when I can move again, all right?" Julia who was intent on scrutinizing Brenda and Jax's every move, didn't even hear Jerry's sarcastic remark. Brenda had finally uncovered her eyes and spotted the jewelry box on the desert plate!

Brenda is dumfounded by the sight of the tiny box. She looks apprehensively at Jax and unconsciously leans away from the table. She carefully picks up the plate making sure not to touch the box as she hands it back towards Jax, "You know I can't accept this now. We have so many things we still need to discuss. How could you put me in this position Jax? I told you how I felt, doesn't my feelings or wishes hold any importance with you?"

Julia can tell from Brenda's actions that things are not going well, but she couldn't figure out why Jax didn't appear upset. Far from it in fact, he seemed more pleased than before?!?!? Jerry stood and moved behind Julia as Jax's response to Brenda's pantomime was intriguing him as well. Jerry stumbled when Julia pushed him away. She didn't want to miss a thing and his breath was tickling her neck. He fell and was caught by Ned who was departing the hotel with Lois. He gestured towards the lobby and told them to be quite. Lois ran up alongside Julia to get a ringside seat as Jerry and Ned exchanged a knowing glance between men.

Jax can't help but laugh at the uneasy look on her face. He always thought that he would be the one to run away from the idea of marriage. "Just open it Brenda! It's not what you think! It's just the first part of a game we're going to play tonight. That's not the real present just a playing piece that will lead you to your real treasure! It's just something fun to celebrate New Years. In fact I didn't even go out of my way to buy it. It was part of your birthday gift, but .. .. .. well you know what happened. Anyway Addie found it for me and you don't think I would send Addie out for something as important as an engagement ring do you?"

She looked at him skeptically but set the plate down and picked up the box.. Brenda figured it was safe to open since it was plain by the look on Jax's face that he was having fun. She took the box in both hands and slowly opened it, unconsciously narrowing her eyes so she was barely peeking when the lid snapped open. There nestled in the plush red velvet was .. .. ..

Julia and Lois were practically tipping over from leaning as close as possible to get a good view. Ned and Jerry exchanged glances as the same thought came to mind. As they both quirked equally amused brows they both extended one index finger and placed them on their respective women's backs, and gave a slight push!

Jax and Brenda turned when they heard the commotion of women's shrieks. They turned and saw Lois and Julia sprawled on the floor with Jerry and Ned assisting them to their feet. Jerry and Ned were laughing as their dates slapped them on the arms and dragged them into the lobby.

"Hi Bren, so what did you get?" Lois asked point blank. Julia said nothing but was attempting to see inside the box which Brenda had turned away from them.

She laughingly responded, "Why don't you tell me? All of you appear to have been spying on us from the hallway."

"I was not spying, I just didn't want to intrude on what looked like a private moment" Julia spat out indignantly as she pointed towards Lois, "She was spying! I just was concerned for my baby sister!"

Brenda nodded her head knowingly, "Right.. .. .. Then I'm sure if you'll understand that this gift is a private exchange between Jax and myself, that I don't feel comfortable sharing with you right now." As their mouths dropped open, Brenda simply smiled at them.

Lois' eyes flashed with emotion as she stamped her foot on the parquet tile. "Bren, that is so mean! I mean Julia and I only want the best for the two of you, so why can't you let us take a little peek at the ri-- -- -- key?" She turns a puzzled look on Jax, "A key? You gave Brenda an old key?"

Jax just grinned at her confusion and nodded silently. Julia pushed Lois aside to take a peek at this key herself. "A key to what? A house? Car? Boat? What is it a key to?!"

"Shouldn't I be asking these questions Ms. Nosy buddies?" Brenda laughs. "Maybe I would know what this key fits if you weren't all standing around barging in on our private moment."

Lois desperately cajoles, "Come on Bren. I can tell you're going to need help. Look at the key, it's so weird looking and old. It can't fit anything conventional."

Julia adds her observations, "It looks almost antique. Like it fits a lock that was made during the turn of the century. You know my specialty is Antiquities Brenda, you're going to need my help too."

Jerry and Ned had heard enough and tugged on their ladies arms. "That's enough Julia, we were headed off for our own adventure tonight. Let's leave Jax and Brenda to theirs, shall we."

"And Lois, we were headed to the gatehouse to review our song catalog for our upcoming tour. Now what's more important honey?"

Both women pouted as their men slowly pulled them away to their separate, original destinations. Brenda waved to them as they departed, "See you tomorrow ladies! Happy New Years!"

When they were finally alone she moved, sitting in Jax's lap with her box in hand. "So what does this key fit honey?"

"That's part of the treasure hunt Brenda, you have to figure it out from the clues in the box."

"Clues? But there's nothing in here but an ancient, grimy key?!" Brenda slowly turned the box, examining all sides trying to ignore the pleasant warmth that ran through her as Jax's hands abstractly drew patterns along her back. "Jax, I can't concentrate on the puzzle if you keep doing that!"

"I didn't ask you sit here sweetie. If you can't take the heat, get out of the fire!" He teased as he increased his caresses.

Brenda purposely ignored his instructions as she tried to see the hidden clues in her present. She always hated these kinds of puzzles. She had never been bright enough to solve them before the other kids. Or was it because she never had tried? She doubled her efforts to see what was hidden in the key.

Jax was enjoying himself immensely. This might be the best New Years he had ever spent. He watched all the expressions run the gamut across her face as she studied the box as if her life depended on it! She was beginning to squirm on his lap as his hands continued their wanderings. So much so that he had to stop his teasing caresses because the motions of her on his lap was causing him an embarrassing problem. As he willed his body to calm she suddenly jumped off his lap depriving him of her needed camouflage, just as Robin, Jason, Karen and Jagger approached.

Jax crossed his legs and leaned forward to disguise his present state as Jason and Jagger shared an amused grin. Jason punched Jax in the shoulder as he taunted, "Why aren't you standing up for our ladies Jax?"

"Cramp in my leg. Hope you understand ladies. Terribly painful, terrible." Jax groaned to emphasize his point.

Jax discovered the excuse was unnecessary, since the sight of the jewelry box had an equally hypnotic effect on these two women as well. After conversations strangely similar to the one with the other quartet, they too finally departed with their dates dragging away two more disappointed women.

A bemused Jax asked, "Have you made any conclusion yet sweetie. It's Grand Central station here. Have you figured out where to go next? I don't want mum and dad to see that in your hand as well."

Brenda held the box out in the palm of her hand taunting him, "Then you shouldn't have wrapped my gift in this if you didn't want anyone to get the wrong impression. Will you give me another clue, or do I march back into the ballroom and sit next to Lady Jane, holding this!" Brenda shrieked as Jax attempted to grab the box from her hand, only succeeding in capturing her in his arms. As they were enjoying their little game of cat and mouse, John and Lady Jane appeared.

"Do you remember when we had that kind of energy mother?" John chuckled at watching Jax and Brenda's antics.

Lady Jane scolded, "What's this all about Jax? Are you using your superior strength to win? Didn't I teach you boys to never use your strength to win battles against women. You must use your charm, style, guile!"

Brenda leapt to Jax's defense, "Oh you have it all wrong Lady Jane, Jax and I were just kidding around. He wasn't hurting me at all. We were just being silly, I'm about to start a treasure hunt that Jax has concocted for me and I was trying to get him to give me more clues. I was being bad actually, I was bribing him with showing you this!" Brenda shrieked again as Jax tried to grab it from her hand before Lady Jane took it from her."

Lady Jane's hand struck out without warning as she slapped the back of his hand, "Jasper, be still!"

Jax immediately recoiled from his mother's use of his given name. She never used it unless he was in trouble. When they were growing up he and Jerry would always cringe whenever she called out "Jasper" or "Jerrold". They knew it was a sign of trouble brewing with mum when she used those names.

Lady Jane's eyes twinkled with delight as she saw the tiny velvet box. John had given her a similar delicate little box when he first came courting. She was delighted that Jax had remembered some the stories she told of her younger years. Jerry always squirmed at any stories she told of John and her beginnings. But not Jax, he had always been rapt with attention. He had turned out brighter and gentler than Jerry. Jerry had been John's, but Jax! His tenderness, sweetness, compassion, had come from her. The trace of a tear leaked from the edge of one eye as she looked into her worried son's eyes. "It's the key, isn't it Jax?"

Brenda heart began to surge with excitement! "You know about the key Lady Jane? What does it fit? He says everything I need to know is right there in the box. Jax won't give me one single clue!"

Lady Jane places the box carefully back in Brenda's hands, "He's right my dear, everything you need to know is right there in that box. Far be it from me to spoil the fun of the young. You don't need my help Brenda dear. You are brighter than I ever was, and if I could discover the message so can you. And believe me, figuring the puzzle out for yourself will bring you so much more pleasure than if you were simply told. Besides, there is no one right answer. I'm sure that the clues will lead you to something entirely different from where they led me."

Jax nodded a silent thank-you to his parents as he held Brenda against him as they bid good night to them. Lady Jane kissed Brenda good luck and wished her good hunting before departing for their suite with John in tow.

Brenda twisted around until she was facing Jax, as she whined, "It's so unfair Jax. It's a conspiracy against me. There are no clues here!"

He rested his forehead on hers as he asked, "Do you give up? Do you just want me to take you to your present?" The question was gently asked and tinged with a little disappointment. Brenda could tell he wouldn't think less of her if she answered yes, but the question was, could Brenda live with giving up so easily again. Her whole life, she always threw up her hands in frustration and gave up too easily, because daddy had made it so miserable for her when she was slower than Julia, so she had gotten into the habit of never trying.

Jax watched her as her eyes changed into to these steely glints of light. He knew before she answered that she was going to refuse his offer. He just beamed with delight as he waited for her response. But she remained silent, pulling herself from his embrace while she studied the box with all her energy. Jax loved how she got these cute little scrunchy lines over her brow as she concentrated on the puzzle. Brenda's face lit up with happiness as she asked, "Is your Jag parked outside or did you rent a limo?"

He looked down at her affectionately as he ran a finger down her nose, "I drove my Jag here from Manhattan, why?"

She grabbed his hand and tugged hard, "Then you drive, let's go!"

He teased, "Go where? I thought we were going to Julia's suite?"

"Not anymore! We have to find my present first! Come on Jax, move it! We've got treasure to hunt tonight!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Jerry, I don't like this. Are you sure it's safe to get on this thing when it's not in the water? What if it tips over?"

"Trust me Julia, It's not going anywhere while it's in dry dock. We'll be a safe as a baby in a crib."

"What brand of crib? Because some cribs are actually dangerous. I read that they recall quite a few of them for faulty kick treadles. You know the crib wall drops open without warning, it's quite dangerous and -- --"

"Do you have to be so literal all the time Jules. Can't you just accept a statement from me as fact, just once?"

Julia looked over the side as Jerry was joining her on board, "I believe you Jerry, it's just an automatic reflex for me to question everything. I don't know why I do that, I'm sorry."

"It's all right Jules. Let's get this champagne on ice, then I'll tour you around the Isabella while we wait for it to chill."

Jerry shows Julia all the amenities of the Isabella taking great pains to show her the comforts of the Captain's cabin. But Julia was too distracted with thoughts of Brenda and Jax to settle in, and they eventually wound back up on the main deck. "No Worries" Jerry thought, after some champagne, Julia would loosen up and their evening would lead to more pleasurable activities. They laid out on a deck chair for two, facing the bay while Jerry poured out two glassed of the bubbly.

After taking a sip, Julia leaned back and sighed as she rested her hand on his thigh. "You're right Jer, the view is gorgeous from here."

Feeling Julia's caressing hand, Jerry smiled to himself thinking "That's more like it, her mind is finally back on me!" He placed his arm behind her to pull her closer to him, and feels her head rest in his favorite spot, at the base of his neck. Jerry senses become alert as Julia's tongue reaches out and tickles his neck, followed by her soft warm kisses. He loved the excitement he felt as she nibbled one of his favorite pleasure points. Her hand had moved up from his thigh and unbuttoned part of his shirt. He felt his blood bubble to boiling as her hand made its way between the loosened buttons and was running over his chest. He turned towards her and found himself pulled into a kiss that made his heart hammer against his ribs. She was incinerating him from the inside out! Even while in his heated haze, he was startled by the way his heart lurched with just one kiss. Julia had now opened his shirt and was raining kisses along his chest. Jerry felt as though the shudders than ran through him would never end. No woman had ever caused this kind of reaction from him. Though deeply disturbed by his response to her, his needs outweighed his confusion as he reclaimed her lips in a crushing kiss of his own.

Julia pulled away suddenly and Jerry felt lost without his connection to this goddess come to life in his arms. He needed her more than life itself. How had she bewitched him so? He looked at her, seeking the answers to his questions, but all he saw was the sun, moon, and stars in her eyes. He quickly closed his eyes before he was blinded of all rational thought.

Julia began a fresh onslaught on his senses as she returned to kissing the sensitive area on his neck. Jerry reached for the zipper and gently pulled till he felt the smooth, soft skin of her back tingle against his fingers. The moans he had tried to suppress, escaped past his lips as she pulled her arms out of her loosened dress and left it hanging by her waist. Julia noticed his gaze as it dropped from her eyes to her shoulders to her breasts. She felt her breath catch as his eyes boldly raked over her body. She tried to smother the dizzying current racing through her as Jerry pulled her back into his arms. Jerry deepened the kiss, tasting the champagne on her lips and tongue as he rolled over and felt his skin against hers. The prolonged anticipation was almost unbearable as her hands began to roam over his body. He was on the edge of losing his mind when he tugged on Julia's dress. She recoiled when she heard it tear.

"Jerry, Stop!" They both gasped for air as they shuddered from their heated state. "I'll have nothing to wear home if you rip my dress off. I've already doubled my clothing budget because of your impatience. You've got to start controlling yourself a little more Jerry."

"It's not my fault Julia, you drive me to distraction. I don't know what I'm doing half the time. How bad is the tear? Is it still wearable?"

"I think so. But you came close to ruining another new gown. I don't know why I bother with designer dresses, I should just wear a paper bag."

"That'll be right fine with me Jules! But first things first, why don't you remove your lovely garment before it's damaged beyond repair!"

Julia pushes against his chest as he reaches towards her with leering eyes. "Just wait a minute Jer. Why don't we relax and talk a little bit first? It seems that lately all we do is just jump into bed."

"And the problem with that is what? Besides we've made love in an assortment of places that had no beds." Jerry smiled as he again tries to remove her dress.

"Jerry! I'm serious! Is THIS all that we're about? Because if it is, I don't want to do this anymore. Why did you pursue me for all that time if this is all you wanted? I thought you wanted more than a physical release."

Jerry was upset with the surprising turn of events. Damn Jax! He knew that this had to do with seeing Jax and Brenda tonight. He wouldn't be having this conversation now if it weren't for that stupid velvet box. He sat up looking down and Julia as he leaned back against the chair. "You know that's not true Julia. I like your spirit, your smarts, your savvy, all bundled up nicely in the body equal of Miss Universe!"

"Then why haven't we talked in the last month? Lately, all we do is rip each others clothes off and make love to each other till exhaustion brings us sleep."

"I don't know Julia, maybe work, the holidays, the mess between Jax and Brenda, a thousand other little things. I hadn't really been thinking about it. I've just been enjoying us. I've never been one to analyze what makes something work between me and a lady I'm seeing. If it's working, I'm there, if it's not, I'm gone. It's a simple as that with me." Jerry stops as he sees the hurt that springs to Julia's eyes at his explanation. "You know, you're right Jules. Let's talk a little. So how's work been?"

Julia could see the phony platitudes in Jerry's question but this was the opening she had been angling for from the beginning. "Work's been great Jer! The resort on Ngau has been so successful, and I've just hired extra executive support for the Manhattan and London offices to get ready for some large business deals I have in the works! How about you? I saw you and John talking at the party. Is there something big in J&J Jacks' future?"

This was not what Jerry wanted to be doing right at this moment, but he could see that Julia needed to have her mind attended to tonight. So like it or not, he knew he had to romance her mind to romance her body, so he attempted to answer her questions without divulging too much information. "We weren't talking business Julia, just catching up on what's been happening this past year. Jax and I don't see mum and dad too frequently. It was just personal things we discussed tonight."

Julia could see that he was lying. Jerry's eyes always rolled upwards a bit when he lied. Men were so foolish, didn't they know that not making eye contact was a sure sign of betrayal. Julia reached out and traced a slow pattern around Jerry's chest before resting along the pulse on his neck as she asked innocently, "So it had nothing to do with Ned's announcement that he's taking a leave of absence from ELQ?"

She felt his pulse leap as he quickly responded, "Ned? Did he say he was taking of leave of absence? I guess I wasn't paying attention when he made the announcement. So how long will he be gone?"

"You know that Ned and I are still very good friends. I have so much respect for his business acumen. You know he's been like a big brother to Brenda. When she first moved in with me, she was a little troubled. I think without Ned's help, I would have had problems resolving the issues that we had between us. So I would be very upset if anyone went out to hurt him, his company, or any one that he cares about."

"Then you have no worries from me. I have no interest in Ned or ELQ. As I said dad and I were just catching up on family news is all. Besides, my territory is Europe and Asia. Dad's is Africa and South America. Mum's got Antarctica and Jax has the States and Australia. We don't cross into each other's territories except for large ventures."

Julia could feel his pulse racing. She was bitterly disappointed with Jerry's lies. To think she wasted all this time with a man who would consciously go after someone that she cared about. This was turning into an eye opening night. She hoped that Jax wasn't involved in whatever those two were cooking up. Brenda didn't need anymore crushing blows in her lifetime. This was hard enough for her to handle, she couldn't bear to think what this would do to Brenda. Julia's mind struggled for a way to leave without raising any suspicions on Jerry's part. She had plans of her own that she needed to act on tonight to stem the Jacks' takeover attempt on ELQ. As an idea comes to mind, a bright smile lights up her face.

Seeing her charming expression, Jerry thinks that he is free and clear and takes a sip of champagne. He relaxed, figuring that the worst was over and that Julia would soon decide it was time to move on to more erotic pleasures. But surprisingly Julia was even more talkative! She began a stream of random aimless oratory than ranged from work, to Brenda, Ned, Lois, modeling, L&B, and on and on and on until he could take no more!

"Julia! Can you please stop your endless prattling! What's gotten into you tonight!"

"Prattling! How dare you! And I suppose every word out of your mouth is to be valued and revered?" Jerry realizing his misstep, makes a motion towards Julia as she shrugs into her dress and zips it up. "Just stop right there mister! Just why are you with me, if you think I'm some kind of prattling ninny?" She rises and moves to the railing. He runs after her, blocking her path to the ladder.

"Julia, why are you so sensitive tonight. It's not that time of the mon-- -- -- Hey!" Jerry yells as Julia pushes him over the side, and he falls to the dock below. Luckily all the drop cloths surrounding the boat softens his short fall. "Why did you do that for?!"

"Because after all the time I've spent trying to turn to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse, I've discovered that all I've gotten from my efforts is a silky pig!"

He yells up to her as she makes her way down the ladder, "Hey no woman has ever owned Jerry Jacks! They take me as I am or not at all!"

Julia looked worried as she reached the dock and pulled him to his feet. He was soon mesmerized by her sultry, sexy, questioning, eyes. Her hands again sent messages fogging his mind as they found all the pressure points in his neck. He could feel his body respond as she leaned in close, stopping a fraction of an inch from his lips. He and Julia always liked it a little rough, but they had never gone this far in their game playing before. He licked his lips as he waited for the most exciting experience of his life to begin. Her eyes pulled him deeper and deeper towards her. Jerry felt like he could inhale her essence as his eyes closed in response her lips slowly parting as they drew closer to his. His body flamed as he felt her eyelashes brush against his cheek. He knew he was a moment away from ecstasy when her hands made there way down his neck and rested against the muscles in his chest. He unconsciously held his breath as he waited for her acquiescence, then .. .. .. SPLASH!!!!!

Jerry coughed up the water he swallowed from his unexpected push into the bay. He sputtered in anger as he looked up into twin pools of anger directed at him.

"Then I choose not at all Mr. Jerrold Jacks!" She stated as she turned on her heel at departed.

Jerry shuddered at her enraged words, Jerrold! He was in deep trouble now. She knew how much he hated his given name!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"This is it Jax! Stop the car!" Brenda squealed as she saw the house a half mile from the road.

"Right here? You want me to stop in the middle of a dark undivided road? Not very safe driving practices Brenda."

"Jax, stop being so dense. Drive up to that house up there. This is the one I told you all about when we were stranded in Belize last week! I must have talked about it for at least an hour. I told you how much I loved this place! But it's way to expensive a present, so you're going to have to rescind your bid on this place. Besides I want to buy it myself, someplace to call my own."

"And how would I know that this is the house Brenda? You didn't give me the address, how would I have found it?"

"Oh come on Jax! How many places in Port Charles are on sale that look like this place. I just love it! It's away from the city, it quiet, picturesque, and you know how much I love the water! I know you Jax, you probably described this place to some broker who found it for you!"

"But that key is obviously not a house key, so what makes you think that the key is a clue to bring you here of all places?"

"It's a treasure chest key Jax! And I told you that when I bought this place, I would TREASURE it always. The satin lining in this box is embossed with the words 'House of Jewels'! I told you that this HOUSE was a GEM on the market! Come on Jax, fess up! I know this has got to be it!"

Jax looked indulgently on her, "Brenda I swear to you that I did not purchase this house for you. And that key, actually fits a chest where I've locked away your gift."

Brenda look devastated at his response. She could tell he wasn't lying, and she couldn't believe that she had been so wrong. To add to her misery, she saw SOLD now attached to the top of the realtors sign. She sadly whispered "Then I give up Jax, why don't you just take me to my gift. I'm sure I'll love it. I'm sorry I wasn't as cleaver as your mother thought I was."

Jax reached across the interior of the car and forced her face up to look into his. "Don't doubt yourself Brenda. Mum was right, you are bright and intriguing and much too good for me. Cheer up all right. This was supposed to be fun for you. You shouldn't take this game so seriously! I know what, why don't you show me this house your love?"

"Why bother Jax, it's sold. And it's so late, I'm sure it's locked up tight. And I don't want to see it again if it belongs to someone else now."

"Please? Let me see this dream house of yours. You know that a sold sign doesn't necessarily mean it's over. It just means the owners have accepted an offer, it's not sold until escrow has closed, which could be at least a month away. Besides, we're all the way out here, it couldn't hurt to check it out."

Halfheartedly Brenda replied, "All right, let's check it out."

As Jax parked in front, Brenda was saddened by the sight of her beautiful house. It was a nice sized two story with a cute little tower on top of the 2nd floor. That was the room she loved the most. It was going to be her office. The room was totally round with widows circling the bottom half of the room and a huge stained glass skylight above. The 360 degree view had taken her breath away. And the upper half of the 20 foot high room was covered with built in book cases with a spiral staircase leading up to the platform that rimed the shelves. The shelves and railing were carved cherry wood and she had visions of filling its shelves with books. She had enjoyed reading as a child, but all the books had belonged to Julia. She always dreamed that someday she would fill a room full of books that were hers alone, that she wouldn't have to steal from Julia's room to read. She had intended to place a huge comfy daybed in this room by the balcony so she could read and enjoy the panoramic view, just like the princesses she used to pretend to be as a child. She had sent her heart on this castle tower shaped room.

Jax placed a soft kiss on her cheek to draw her attention. As her sad droopy eyes looked into his warm welcoming ones, he asked, "Shall we try the door?"

She merely nodded as they silently approached the door. Surprisingly the door was unlocked! As they stepped into the house Jax flipped the switch and the bright light blinded her momentarily. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she caught her breath at the transformation of the living room. It had magically been decorated since she had viewed it early last week!

It nearly broke her heart. It was decorated with comfortable overstuffed chairs facing the wall of windows that looked out on the bay. It was decorated as if by her own hand. The person who had decorated this room must have seen inside her mind when she walked through this room! It was warm, welcoming, comfortable, perfect

They walked up to the next floor and she even more greatly dishearten by the equally lovely sight. The bedroom was also fully furnished. Rice paper doors had been added to shade the room and the bed sat on the upraised platform. It was what a bedroom should be, just bed and soft lighting.

She didn't know if she wanted to see anymore as each room was more perfect that the last. Was the person who purchased this house her mental twin? It was decorated as it for her. She turned stopped Jax as he headed for the stairway leading up to her office.

"Wait Jax. What's the use of going further, it's obvious from all the furnishings that this is a done deal. I can't believe they left the house unlocked with all this inside. We should leave making sure everything is locked up tight first.

"But we're almost done and I'm interested in seeing what's in the room above."

She couldn't believe that Jax could be so heartless. Couldn't he see how hard this was for her? Sighing heavily she nodded as they headed up the stairs to her little piece of heaven. She dully looked about as they stood in the warmly decorated room. She noted sadly, perfect, just like the rest, even down to the daybed. She was afraid to glance upwards. She didn't wanted to see some interloper's books occupying her bookcases, but something compelled her to look. There hanging from the railing was a banner that said simply "Happy New Years"

She looked at Jax's face and knew that he was the buyer. She should have been mad that he had lied to her, but she was too excited to feel anything other than total joy. She looked at him in amazement smiling brightly, "You lied to me Jax? I'm not sure if I like that you could lie without me knowing."

"I didn't lie to you sweetie. I didn't buy the house, I merely submitted the down payment in your name. I found out earlier in the week that someone had bid on this house and I didn't want you to lose it. All you have to do is reimburse me. All the furniture here is on loan. You can keep what you want and return what you don't. The owner is a business associate of mine and he will give you a very fair price for whatever you choose to keep."

Brenda leaped into Jax's arms, wrapping her legs about his waist as she drowned him in kisses of pure joy! "I can't believe that you decorated it so perfectly! You really listened to everything I told you about this house and how I wanted to decorate it. And I thought I was boring you that night in Belize."

"How could I be bored with your wishes and dreams Brenda. What you want is just as important to me as my own wishes and dreams."

Brenda embraced him in a tight hug as she whispered "This present is perfect honey. I couldn't be happier!"

"But you haven't opened your present yet. Everything here, has cost me nothing. It will cost you a small fortune, but me nothing. Your present is up there in the library. Don't forget to bring your key with you!"

Brenda squealed as she jumped off Jax's lap and rushed to open her bag, leaving the rest of it's contents lying about after she extracted the velvet box. She ran to the top the spiral stairs with Jax close on her heels. There at the top of the steps was a medium sized antique carved teak wood chest. Her hands shook as she inserted the key and unlock the trunk. Jax gestured her to open it as she carefully lifted the lid. Her eyes filled with tears as she ran trembling hands over her treasure. She turned and gave Jax a tremulous smile as he wiped her tears away with his finger.

"Tears? Does that mean you hate the gift?" He teased.

Brenda began to sob as she stood and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. He heard her muffled response, "Oh Jax, it's the most perfect gift you could have given me!"

He pulled away slightly and forced her to look up into his eyes, "So you like the gift then?"

She laughed as the tears still streamed down her face, "Oh course I do! I can't believe you remembered my favorite series of books! A first edition set of her books must have been impossible to find."

"Just nearly impossible. Addie did all the work finding the complete set for me. She wasn't happy with me at the time, but she's never failed me when it's important. And how could I forget your favorite author, after you had me search the galaxy for your alter ego, Nancy Drew, two years ago. Addie couldn't believe it when I told her that I had her searching for a fictional teenage mystery book character! But she said that explained all the hang ups she received from information operators."

Brenda eyes glowed like twin jewels of light, "Oh Jax! You are just the most perfect man on the face of this Earth. I wish I could just love you with all my heart like you want me to. I just need a little more time. To make sure it's right, safe. I hope you understand."

He rested his forehead on hers and whispered, "I don't need your whole heart now sweetie, just a little piece of yours, is more satisfying than a whole from anyone else. As long as I know that no one else is staking a claim to win your affections, I'm willing to wait as long as it takes to win your trust, your whole heart."

Instinctively, her body arched towards his as his mouth descended to hers and they joined in a warm kiss. But her calm was soon shattered with the hunger building in his kisses. His tongue traced the fullness of her lips until they finally opened and welcomed him inside. Giving herself freely to the passion in his kisses her hands began to burrow beneath his jacket rubbing the contours of his stomach beneath his shirt. She gasped as his hands unzipped her dress and she felt his hands explore the soft lines of her waist and hips. She moaned softly as he gently rubbed the bare skin along her back and shoulders as he slowly backed away anticipating her strapless dress falling to the floor between them. He stepped away in shock as Brenda's dress remained suspended almost as if floating on air! She opened her eyes as the she realized Jax's sensual onslaught had halted and noticed the expression on his face. She glanced down and saw the reason for his puzzlement.

She began to laugh as tears again trailed down her face. "Double stick tape Jax! I didn't want anything to fall out tonight when I did the 'I'm A Woman' number!"

Jax couldn't help but grin as he placed his hands on either side of her opened gown and tugged gently up and down and watched the dress pull her chest in an up and down motion as it followed the path of the dress. He too began to laugh as the sight struck him funny. As they attempted to control their laughter so they could move on to more pleasurable fun, Brenda's cell phone began to ring.

She kissed Jax affectionately as she zippered her up dress before heading to answer her phone. "It must be Julia, she's the only one with this number. She wouldn't be calling this late if it wasn't important. Maybe your brother stranded her somewhere!" she shouted up and she ran down the stairs.

Jax silently cursed his cavalier brother as he followed her down the stairs. He hoped the conversation ended quickly so he and Brenda could christen the shower in her bedroom. A little soap should do the trick removing the glue that would surely stick to her breasts when he finally extracted her from the tape. A quick yank should do the trick. And would be more than able to soothe any pain that removing the dress might cause upon that delicate area of her chest. She had told him before that he had a talented tongue!

He smiled broadly to himself as Brenda answered the endlessly ringing phone.

"Hello!" She practically sang into the phone.

"Brenda, I'm at the gatehouse with Lois and Ned. You've got to get here now! The Jacks' are planning a hostile takeover of ELQ and we've got to stop it now!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~ to be continued ~