A First Time for Everything

[searches_forhim]

[Continued from the Tag Someone New meme]

Jane had debated for the better part of an hour whether to actually go out with Jack. Yes, their meeting had seemed ideal, and he seemed like a great guy. But appearances could be deceiving.

After talking with Darcy she decided to go through with it - with Darcy's tazer in her purse. She texted him the address of her favorite Japanese restaurant, telling him to meet her at 8. After going through every dress in her closet she decided on a simple black one, accenting it with gold shoes and jewelry. She left her hair down simply because she didn't like every way she tried it up.

She walked to the restaurant since it was only a block from her apartment. She arrived early - she liked arriving early - and stood outside waiting for him. She paced to work off some nervous energy. Astrophysics she had no trouble with. Dating made her shake in her heels.

Comments

[searchesforhim.livejournal.com]

It took Jane a moment to realize he meant her. She was about to continue teasing him but something about the look in his eye stopped her. She smiled and squeezed his hand. He seemed like a big puppy, looking for attention and approval.

"I haven't had the best luck with dating either," she said softly. She had only been in two long-term relationships, both of which had ended in disaster. The first had cheated on her, and the second had left her when her dad had died. He'd said he couldn't handle how emotional she was. In the two years since then she had only been on a handful of dates, none of which had led to a second. It had been too difficult for her to even think about opening up again.

"But I think our luck's changing. Don't you?"

[jack-flanagan.livejournal.com]

"Two negatives equal a positive. It was meant to be," he answered and finally peeled his eyes away before making a complete fool of himself. It was time to hide that emotion and guard himself. Jack felt exposed even though he felt no threat by Jane. Keeping so open would need a little more time. Hopefully she would give that to him.

When his gaze returned to the case, his hand squeezed hers affectionately as if to apologize. "I never turn my nose at desert. I'm happy to try your favorites. In time, I'll figure what mine are." His thumb gently rubbed over where it held her hand. Jack waited for her to choose while keeping his large hand snug over hers.

[searchesforhim.livejournal.com]

Jane was grateful that he broke the connection before the urge to kiss him again became irresistible. Meant to be. Like a fairy tale. Or an episode of Sex and the City.

She ordered two chocolate cannolis and walked them down to the end of the counter to the cashier. She still felt strange letting him pay for this too but she held her tongue. His thumb on the back of her hand sent small shivers up her arm and made her heartbeat quicken. She wondered if inviting him back to her place would end up being a bad idea. He was old-fashioned and so was she. Sleeping with someone on the first date was definitely not part of the old-fashioned playbook.

"Does that mean you want to come back here again?"

[jack-flanagan.livejournal.com]

"Definitely," he answered with a grin. Jack took the bag after dropping a dollar into the tip jar and returning his wallet back to his pocket. His other hand immediately reached for Jane's as they walked toward the door. He pushed the door open with his hand that held the pastries and followed her through the exit. "It's been a wonderful night. I'd gladly do it all again."

Jack wasn't exactly old fashioned. New York often didn't afford him the opportunity to be. However, he did manage to tell a number of women no. There were some that would've had sex out in public if they had their way. He had been lonely at times but never that desperate. Jane would be different. He was glad for that. Flings weren't satisfying. He wanted more in life and felt alone in that until now.

If nothing more happened that night but sharing dessert, it would not have disappointed him in the slightest. Jack did have self control and no expectation that her invitation had been to sleep together. In fact, he expected the night would end soon after they ate dessert. He could also sleep--actually sleep with Jane and behave himself but neither needed to test those boundaries on their first date.