"I don't know. When he was younger he enjoyed the single life. But since he moved to Hawaii, I couldn't tell you." "Maybe I will go watch the football game." Tarina stood up from the table. "Oh I'm sorry Tarina. I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. To tell you the truth, I'm not exactly comfortable talking about Johnny like this either. He's a very dear friend, I wouldn't want to upset him." Tarina sat back down. "Thanks Mrs. DeSoto. It's just I don't know exactly how I feel about what's going on. I mean, like Grandma said, he's old enough to be my father, besides he lives in Hawaii and I'm certainly not looking for a long distance…relationship. Not that I'm saying that's what's going on here. I think I'm rambling. I feel as though I've met someone that could be very special to me, but I can't find enough oxygen to catch my breath. I don't even know how old he is, what kind of foods he likes, what type of vehicle he drives and yet I feel as though I've known him my entire life and well…I don't want him to leave." While Joanne smiled at the young woman across the table from her, Caroline Scott sat wide eyed in astonishment. Her daughter was opening up and she didn't know what to say. She couldn't help but feel her daughter was confused by her feelings for the man sitting in the other room but she didn't know how to help her resolve her confusion. "Okay Tarina, he's 54 years old, he likes any and all food, except chocolate, he's allergic to it and as far as I know, he still drives a Land Rover." Joanne took a drink from her wine glass. Tarina smiled, realizing Joanne was just trying to lighten the mood. "Allergic to chocolate. That's a bummer." "Can't imagine that!" Cyndi said. "How could someone be allergic to chocolate?" Joanne's mother asked. "I don't know, but it's the truth. You don't know how many spice cakes I've made for that man's birthday's over the years. Much to the disappointment of my children." Joanne laughed. "No chocolate." Caroline shook her head. "There's just something wrong with that. The poor man." Tarina started to giggle at the whole turn the conversation had taken. Most women would give up an offspring before she'd give up her chocolate. She couldn't help but think if it meant spending more time with Johnny, she'd gladly give up chocolate. By the looks on the faces of those seated around the table, she was the only one who felt that way. "Football, gotta be one of the dumbest games on the face of the earth!" Grandma Jones barreled into the room. "I think if a team doesn't know how to play, they shouldn't be allowed to play. So what did I miss in here? Anything interesting?" "John Gage is allergic to chocolate." Caroline responded. "Seems to me you can't snuggle up to chocolate." Came the reply. Joanne laughed; she couldn't help but like the older woman's honesty. She smiled deeper when she thought Johnny probably felt the same way about the woman. As a matter of fact, she'd love to be a fly on the wall listening to Johnny and Grandma Jones discussing the merits of football, or any topic for that matter. The woman reminded her of an older version of Dixie McCall. Dixie had always been able to keep John Gage in line; Joanne had always suspected that Johnny secretly admired Dixie's sometimes brutal honesty. Looking across the table, Joanne looked at Tarina and saw a young woman torn. She wanted to explore what was happening between her and Johnny, but she was obviously feeling somewhat apprehensive about it as well. Not only because of the age difference, or the geographic distance between them, but Joanne also saw fear there as well. Either Tarina was afraid to commit or she was afraid of being hurt. Joanne sighed inwardly. For what she saw on Tarina's face, mirrored the face of a young John Gage. She had no idea why Johnny never married, but she did know, through Roy, that Johnny regretted not giving up his job for Laur, the only woman Johnny had ever felt committed enough to, to propose marriage to. But however, that look was no longer a part of John Gage. He had matured and seemed to be more comfortable in regards to all the relationships in his life. She couldn't help but wonder how he felt about the young woman. Did she have anything to do with his upcoming job interview she wondered. She'd been both surprised and excited when Roy told her that news the night before. ^^^^^^^^^^ Once again Johnny found himself sitting in the passenger seat of Tarina's car. When she'd once again offered to give him a drive, he gladly accepted. She remained quiet along the drive and he could tell she had something on her mind. But he had no idea what. He didn't even know if it pertained to them, or had nothing to do with them at all. When she finally broke her silence he nearly jumped out of his skin. "Would you like a cup of coffee?" "Uh, we'd need to stop at a bank, I don't have any money on me." "I meant at my apartment?" she glanced at him and smiled. "Oh, sure, okay." Ten minutes later she pulled her Mazda into a parking spot with the number 4 marked on the pavement in yellow paint. They both climbed out of the car and Tarina locked the doors by pushing a single button on her door handle. Johnny glanced around the area and was happy to see she lived in a well maintained, seemingly friendly neighborhood. He fell into step beside her and the two entered her building. She lived in an older building that looked as though it had recently been the benefactor of a face lift. Taking the stairs, they climbed one flight, entering into a small hallway. The smell of turkey floated throughout hall. It seemed the family across the hall had decided to cook their big dinner on this Sunday as well. Stopping in front of door 4, Tarina fit a key into a slot and twisted, while pushing on the door at the same time. She entered into her apartment and then stepped aside to allow Johnny to enter. The entrance way found them in the living room. It was a fair size and had a mock fire place on the left hand side. On the right were old wooden French doors that led to a balcony. A doorway was along the left hand side wall, next to the fake or former fireplace, it led to a nice size dinning room. A fair size window rang along the back wall and another set of old wooden glass enclosed French doors led to a small galley kitchen. Two doors were at the end of a small hallway leading away from the dinning room. Johnny could only assume they were the bathroom and bedroom. They entered the kitchen and Tarina opened a container on the countertop and scooped some coffee grinds into a filter she'd put into her machine. "I don't suppose that's decaf?" Johnny asked. "No, does it matter?" "Uh, no, I guess not." After pouring a pot of water into the machine, they walked out of the kitchen, through the dinning room and back into the living room. Johnny made himself comfortable by sitting on the brown well worn sofa. Seconds after he sat down, a gray cat jumped into his lap, turned around in a full circle and then promptly laid down on his lap curling into a ball. "Oh gosh, sorry, hope you're not allergic?" Tarina walked towards him intent on snatching Roxy off of his lap and putting her in her bedroom. "It's okay," Johnny threw his hand up showing her the palm of his hand. "I enjoy animals." "You're sure?" "Yep." "How do you take your coffee?" "Black." "I'll be right back." "Kay." A minute later Tarina returned with a mug of coffee in each hand. She placed Johnny's on the wooden coffee table with the glass top and sat down beside him still holding her own mug. "I hope my Grandmother didn't drive you crazy today." Tarina laughed while raising her mug to her lips. "Not at all. I enjoyed her actually. She has an opinion about everything doesn't she?" "Oh yeah." "A little eccentric perhaps but harmless." Johnny leaned over and picked up his mug. Roxy gave a small whine, lifted her head and when Johnny sat with his back up against the back of the sofa, she lay her head back down and started to purr again. Tarina absent mindedly reached over and started to scratch Roxy on the top of the head. Johnny watched her as she did and smiled to himself. The woman had no idea she was driving him wild. "So when are you going to stay with the DeSotos?" "I check out of the hotel tomorrow and I'll stay with Roy for the remainder of my visit." "I think Mrs. DeSoto is going to enjoy having you around for a while. I got the feeling today that she misses you just as much as her husband does." "Well it's mutual. Joanne is like a sister to me. A caring, sweet, sometimes demanding older sister. Well actually she's the same age as me, but she's always been far more mature." "Women mature faster then men." Tarina stated. "Does that hold up for a life time?" "Probably." Johnny just nodded his head in agreement and took a drink of his coffee. He silently hoped it wasn't going to keep him up all night like the coffee Pam had given him a few days before. He'd switched to drinking only decaffeinated coffee five years earlier. Found it much better for his health. He didn't shake anymore, slept better and his frequent bouts with heartburn had miraculously stopped as well. "So what exactly is a SAR Tech.?" Turning slightly to face her, Johnny replied, "SAR stands for Search and Rescue." "Oh, don't paramedics do that?" "Yes. SA's are pretty much the same thing. They all kinda intertwine, firefighters, paramedics, SARs. Some search and rescue companies, like the one I currently work for, aren't employed by the fire department however." "That's odd isn't it?" "It's a state thing. Each state implements the program the way they feel it would best serve them and the public. Here in California, the SAR's are specially trained firefighters." "So will you still qualify as a firefighter?" "Can't really say. Although if I were to get the job, I can see the County wanting to update my skills, just to make sure I know what I'm doing still." "Sounds like it could mean a lot of hard work for you?" "Never been afraid of work." Johnny smiled. Realizing she was still scratching the top of Roxy's head, Tarina removed her hand and switched her coffee mug into that hand. Hoping it would stop her from repeating the jesture. After a half hour of talking later, and finishing her coffee, Tarina rose to her feet to make herself another cup. "Would you like another?" Looking into his empty mug, Johnny shook his head. "I'd better not, I had a cup at your parents house as well. I'm gonna end up with heartburn if I don't stop." "Oh sorry. I have juice, water, pop and wine." "Maybe a water." "Be right back," Johnny watched as she retreated into the kitchen. After she dissappeared out of his line of sight, he glanced at his watch. It was approaching 10 o'clock and he knew she must have to get up and go to work the following morning. He should be leaving. Tarina returned with a glass of ice water and her mug. She sat back down beside him and Johnny took the glass out of her hand. Roxy stood up on all fours and arched her back, after stretching all the kinks out of her body she hopped to the floor. She rubbed against Johnny and Tarina's legs before making her way out of the room. A little while later, Johnny emptied his glass of water, "I'd better get going. I'm sure you have to work in the morning." "Unfortunately, its back to the grind stone. I knew I should have taken tomorrow off." She smiled. "Thanks for the coffee." Johnny replied. "You won't be saying that if you end up with heartburn." "I'll manage." He reached out and touched her hair. Something he'd been longing to do since the moment he met her. Her hair was silky soft, he didn't want to leave. Tarina reached up and held onto his arm. She loved the touch of his hand upon her head. She'd never felt such a strong connection to someone before. It scared her and excited her at the same time. When he leaned towards her, she met him halfway, their lips met and Johnny pulled her closer to him. After an initial getting to know one another kiss, Johnny pressed his lips against hers and continued to give smaller quicker pecks. "I don't want you to leave." She panted. Johnny not being sure if he should stay or leave gave her a long sensual kiss. He needed time to think without hearing the sound of Tarina's silky smooth voice. His entire being told him he wanted to stay, but he knew something lingered just under Tarina's surface. He wanted to know what it was, he sensed it was fear and he had to know where it was stemming from. It wasn't a fear of the unexplored feelings surging through them. It was something more. Was she afraid of him? Afraid of commitment? Had she been hurt in the past? Hell, was she afraid of sex? Coming up for air, he looked into her eyes. Her fear had been replaced with raw excitement. He was stumped. "Tarina, I'm not sure I should stay, don't get me wrong, I want to, but I don't think I should." Feeling as though her heart was being ripped out of her chest, Tarina held back for a moment, not trusting her voice would remain calm. "Grandma Jones was right." She finally responded. "Pardon me?" Johnny wondered. "She told me I should have wore something sexy today." Tarina smiled. Johnny chuckled at Tarina's statement. "Trust me, you could be wearing turnout gear and I'd still find you sexy." She smiled and looked him in the eye, "but you don't want to stay." "I didn't say that. I want nothing more than to stay with you right now, I'm just not sure about it. You seem a little apprehensive." "That's because I am. But I also know I've never felt so strongly towards someone, anyone, before. I'm just concerned about you're leaving to go back to Hawaii." "Well you need to think long and hard about that, if you're not sure how you feel about it then we shouldn't be doing this. There's a chance I won't get this job and then I'll have to go back to Hawaii, to stay. Can you handle our making love tonight with the possibility of no commitment attached to it?" Tarina didn't answer right away. That's exactly what she was afraid off. In a month, John Gage could be back in Hawaii and out of her life. She'd been down this road before, with Ken Bell. She didn't think she could go down it again. "No." she finally replied in a tiny voice. "That's what I thought." Johnny sighed leaning back against the couch. He half hated himself for stopping the activity that surely would have ended in the bedroom. He couldn't help but wonder how he managed to find himself in these types of situations. Was he an idiot! The woman wanted him to make love to her and he had to analyze it! I must be getting old he thought to himself. "I'm sorry." Tarina didn't respond and just flopped back against the couch as well. She couldn't help but think this should be an awkward moment, but wasn't. She couldn't remember the last time she'd been turned down, but knew with anyone else her ego would have taken a hit. With Johnny, she didn't feel that way at all. He'd retreated because he'd been perceptive to the feelings she was trying to ignore for the sake of a quick roll in the sack. Somehow, this fact made the man more endearing to her. "You're sure?" she turned and smiled towards him. "No. I'll probably hate myself in the morning." "So you could be persuaded." She teased. "Oh yeah." He smiled at her, watching the gentle raise and fall of her chest. He knew she was still just as turned on as he and he wanted nothing more than to ravish her, but knew she may end up regretting it and he didn't want that. Standing up, he reached down and pulled her to her feet. "Come on, give me a ride to my hotel." "Does it charge by the hour?" "Funny." When she dropped Johnny off at the hotel, Tarina had given him her home phone number. "Encase you change your mind." She teased. "Cute." He retorted while taking the slip of paper. ^^^^^^^^^^ After arriving at the DeSotos Monday morning, with all his paraphernalia in hand, Roy and Johnny left Joanne some time to clean up her home after her departing relatives, by taking off for the day, heading up into the mountains for a hike. Johnny felt invigorated. The cool crisp air filled his lungs like a warm baked apple pie would his tummy. There was something about mountains that made Johnny feel at home. They always helped clear his mind, and his head definitely needed clearing.  After the night before, with Tarina Scott, he was more determined to get the job with the County Fire Department. He belonged in L.A. Hawaii was great, but it wasn't home. He'd woken in the morning with a sense that the last fifteen and a half years in Hawaii had been an extended holiday. Now he needed to return home, to his friends, his employer and most importantly, to a thirty-three year old woman that knew all the right buttons to turn. "You and Tarina seem to be hitting it off quite nicely," Roy mentioned as he and Johnny sat on a log eating sandwiches they had packed earlier in the day. "She's sweet." Roy huffed, "Not exactly a quality I remember you looking for in a woman." "Well, it helps that the candy is wrapped in such a lovely wrapper." "Always helps." Roy chuckled taking a drink of his soda. He'd always enjoyed Johnny's interesting descriptions of people. Such as Brice, the walking text book, Bellingham, the animal. Chet the raving lunatic. Not that Johnny truly believed Chet was a lunatic. Johnny usually referred to the Phantom in this manner after being the victim of some prank. Johnny was looking into the sky, watching as an eagle soared through the bright blue sky. He knew Roy wanted to know what was going on between him and his daughter's best friend, but Roy had enough respect not to ask. "I want to be with her Roy, but I can't. She couldn't handle it." "Excuse me lover boy. But I'm sure she's not exactly an innocent girl looking for her first kiss." Roy chortled, knowing his friend wasn't referring to sex, but couldn't help getting in a dig. "Very funny. What is it with L.A? Everyone thinks they're comedians? Must be the smoggy air. What I meant was she's scared or something. Says it's my possible return to Hawaii that she can't handle." "That's fair enough isn't it." "Yeah, what I can't stand is she's still willing. She's willing to risk getting hurt." "Why should that bother you? Tells me she's pretty interested in you and is hoping you'll get that job. She does know about your job interview right?" "Yeah, that's what bothers me. What if she's clinging to the hope that I'll get this job and then I don't? I don't want to hurt her. I've already hurt one woman I've loved in my lifetime. I don't think I can do it again. It hurts too much." When Roy didn't respond, Johnny asked, "How do Tony and Caroline feel about this?" "Not sure really. Joanne says Caroline asked her a few questions about you. Ya know, the normal fare, what kind of person you were. Joanne got the feeling Caroline isn't bothered by all of this, she may even be in favor of it." "And Tony?" "Hasn't said anything, at least not to me. Maybe he hasn't noticed you two. Although I find that hard to believe. Anyone attending my daughter's wedding reception would've had to have been blind to miss the chemistry between you two." "That obvious huh?" "Yep. So what are you going to do?" Roy questioned. "Don't know. I'm at a loss. I'd love nothing more than to start seeing Tarina, but if I don't get this job…"Johnny fell silent and looked at the ground, drawing circles in the sand with the stick in his hand. "You just finished telling me you can't hurt another woman you love in your lifetime." With that, Roy stood up, packed up his backpack and started back down the trail. "What's that suppose to mean?" Johnny quickly scrambled to his feet and followed suit. "You're a smart guy Johnny, you'll figure it out." Roy hollered over his shoulder. Johnny stood still a few moments and watched his best friends retreating back. He shook his head before continuing on. That was one of the things that had always irritated him about Roy DeSoto. He was always cryptic. Why couldn't the man ever just come out and say what he meant? He always wrapped it up in the form of a riddle. It drove Johnny crazy. True, he usually figured the puzzles out, but it usually meant days of brain storming on his part. ^^^^^^^^^^ Johnny parked his rental car in the parking lot at the headquarters of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and turned the engine off. He sat looking at the building for a few seconds before getting out from within the car. He'd been to this building only a few months earlier for Roy's retirement ceremony, but he still thought maybe it would have changed since then. But it hadn't. It still looked the same, as a matter of fact; it looked exactly as it had the first time he'd been to the place. He couldn't believe it had been thirty-five years now since he'd been to the fire academy. Heck it'd been thirty years since he'd become a paramedic. How did the time go by so quickly he wondered as he pulled one of the double doors open and stepped into the building? He was promptly greeted by a woman in a navy blue skirt and matching blazer. After giving the woman his name, she informed him to have a seat and a Mr. Townsend would be right with him. Taking a seat as he'd been instructed, Johnny glanced down at the table beside him and picked up the latest issue of the Counties firefighter magazine when the woman called his name. Johnny looked up and the woman motioned for him to follow her. She led him down a narrow hallway and rapped on a door with a name plate letting people passing by know it was the office of W.P. Townsend. "Come in.," a voice demanded. Opening the door, the woman responded. "Mr Townsend, Mr Gage is here." She motioned for Johnny to step through and smiled encouragingly at him as she backed herself out of the doorway. Johnny thanked her and stepped into the office. The room was medium size and the walls were lined with books and binders. Photographs of the many different types of fire safety vehicles hung in between the bookshelves. W.P Townsend was a small man with blond hair. His green eyes looked at Johnny and a smile crossed his face. He wore a tailor fit suit and tie and sat behind a large mahogany desk. He stood upon Johnny's entry into the room and took Johnny's offered hand into his. "Mr. Gage. Pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat." He gestured towards the chair to Johnny's right. "Thank you." Johnny replied while bending to sit in the offered chair. "Please call me John." "Fine. I was just looking over your resume. Very impressive." Townsend smiled. Johnny didn't respond. "I see you're a former firefighter lineman with the County, then moved to search and rescue and then finished off your career with us as a paramedic." "Correct." "Are you still certified?" "No." "I see. So why did you leave the department?" "At the time I felt I needed a change. I knew the station I worked out of was soon going to be facing many changes and I didn't want be a part of the changes. It seemed right for me at the time. I also felt it was time to expand my knowledge and skills." "What kind of changes were coming?" "Our engineer was studying for the Captain's exam, my partner was showing signs of doing the same. I knew it was only a matter of time before our Captain became a Chief. I wished my fellow crewmates all the success in the world, but I didn't want to stay put after they'd all moved on, so I applied with the up start program in Hawaii." "The USAR teams in Hawaii aren't connected to the fire departments are they?" "No they aren't." "Therefore your fire fighting skills are lacking." "Yes. But I have every confidence it wouldn't take me long to improve in that department. I was always a conscientious fireman. I'm a quick learner as well." "You'd need to be." Although the man was gruff, Johnny understood the man's tactics. He was testing Johnny's temperament. That was fine with Johnny. Years ago the ploy may have worked on him, but these days Johnny prided himself on his self control. "Why should this department hire a man who's lacking in fire fighting skills Mr. Gage?" Johnny resisted the urge to clear his throat. He looked Townsend directly in the eye and replied, "I'd be a major asset to this department Mr. Townsend. Basic fire fighting skills haven't changed in decades, not since I was a trainee. I admit my skills could be refined, but that's easy to teach and learn. What I lack in that department I more than make up for in my Search and Rescue skills. I don't believe anyone in this department couldn't learn a thing or two from me and I'd like to think there's men and women in this department that could show me a few tricks of the trade." "Do you realize all of our USAR members are certified paramedics?" "Yes." "You aren't." "It's a technicality. Once again the basics haven't changed. I could pass the training in record time. I'd look forward to learning any new technics that have come along in the last fifteen years." If the man wanted hardball, Johnny figured he'd provide it. "You have that much confidence in yourself." "Absolutely. As I said, I'm a fast learner." Johnny never lost eye contact with the man across the desk from him. "Do you understand how our USAR department operates?" "Yes." "I'd be interested in your elaboration." "It's comprised of seven hundred members and has three levels. Most of its members are Level 2 Technicians. To attain a Level 2 standing an applicant would have to pass courses on Rescue Systems, Emergency Trench Rescue, Swift Water Rescue, River and Flood Rescues and be a certified paramedic. "You have nine truck companies and an Air Operations Division which includes three fire fighting helicopters. Your Air Operation crews are required to complete a 64 hour Airbase fire fighting and rescue course." The man wasn't going to stump Johnny; he'd taken the time to do a little research for this interview. "Like you keep telling me John, you're a quick learner." Johnny nodded his head. "I have to advise you John. There are only three positions open and I have 25 applicants. You're the only one not already a member of the County Fire Department, not to mention the only one not a certified paramedic." "Does this fact hurt my changes?" "I'd be remiss if I told you no." "Mr. Townsend, all I can do is reassure you if this department hired me in a timely fashion I'd be up to speed by the time you needed me on the date specified. All I can give you is my word which is written in stone." William Townsend liked Johnny's confidence. When he'd received his resume he'd asked some of the older members within the department if they knew him. Most did. Word was he'd been a sound fire fighter, but an excellent paramedic. One of the first in fact. Word also was he'd been a bit cocky as well. Townsend didn't like cockiness, but he found the John Gage in front of him lacking in cockiness. Perhaps it had been refined to his out word display of assurance. When John Gage vowed he'd be ready to be a USAR member, he couldn't help but believe him. "If I may add something." "Go ahead." "As with my current position as a USAR Captain I have the skills necessary for this position, as a matter of fact, one could say I'm almost over qualified in some respects. I'm extremely proficient at my job. Despite the fact that I'm not currently a member of this department, I know its geography blindfolded. I've hiked those mountains, camped in those mountains, and rescued many victims off its shores. I know how to get the job done in this County." The interview proceeded for another hour, with many questions being asked by both Johnny and Townsend. Johnny was exhausted when it was over but showed no out word sign of it to Mr. W. P. Townsend. ^^^^^^^^^^ "So how'd you do?" Roy asked when Johnny stepped through the gate into his backyard. "Good, I think. Hard to tell. Seems I don't exactly fit the mold of an ideal candidate." "What?" "I think in some areas I'm over qualified and others under qualified." Roy's mouth hung open. "How could someone be over qualified for such a position?" "Roy I'm a Captain for christ sake. I'm used to giving orders not following them." "Johnny, don't be ridiculous. For most of your career you've taken orders. It's like riding a bicycle." "I hope so." "So how are you under qualified?" "Well, first off, I'm not a paramedic anymore." "But you knew that going in." "Yeah, but it still doesn't take away from the fact. Plus, I haven't fought a fire in over fifteen years! All County USA's are still fire fighters." "That's easy enough to pick back up." "I know that, and you know that, but does W.P. Townsend know that?" "William Townsend? That's who interviewed you?" "Hmm." Johnny responded. "That explains why Stoker says he's been asking around about you." "Great!" "Don't worry, he's an okay guy. Always seemed like a fair enough person. I'm sure it'll all work out." ^^^^^^^^^ Hours later, after dinner and dessert, the phone in the DeSoto kitchen peeled. "Hello?" Joanne answered. "Hi Mrs. DeSoto." "Hello Tarina, nice to hear from you. How are you?" "Fine. Tired though." "What can I do for you?" "Actually I was wondering if Johnny was around?" "Sure hold on." Joanne poked her head into the living room where Roy and Johnny sat watching the television. "Johnny, phone, you can take it in the den." Once she heard Johnny's voice on the other phone, Joanne hung up the receiver in the kitchen. "Hi Johnny, its Tarina." "Hi." Johnny smiled. "I was just calling to see how your interview went today?" "Oh, could go either way I guess. Wish I had more reassuring news." "I'm sure it went better than you think." "Hope so." "You don't sound too happy." "I'm just not as confident as I was this morning, that's all. I was listening to your show again this afternoon." Tarina smiled. "That must have been why I seemed to be more upbeat than normal." "Are you flirting with me?" "Trying." She smiled again. "You're gonna make it difficult for me to sleep tonight." "There are ways to fix that problem." "You mean a cold shower?" Johnny teased. "I'm serious. I regret our not making love the other day." "I'd feel worse if we had and you ended up regretting that." "Would you like to come for dinner tomorrow night?" "No." Johnny replied. Shocked by his response Tarina bit her bottom lip before questioning, "Why?" "I don't trust you, or myself for that matter." Tarina laughed, "I promise, I'll behave." "Okay." Johnny smiled, "What time should I be there?" "Five." "Kay, see you tomorrow then." "Looking forward to it." ^^^^^^^^^^ On Friday afternoon while Roy was mowing his lawn and Joanne was out grocery shopping the phone rang. Johnny placed his book on the coffee table and walked into the kitchen to answer it. "Hello?" "Hello, could I speak to Mr. John Gage please," came a woman's pleasant voice. "Speaking." "Mr. Gage, this is Mona Erickson from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Could you please hold for Mr. Townsend?" "Yes." Johnny's heart rate began to accelerate. After what seemed like an hour, a man's gruff voice penetrated through the phone. "John?" "Yes." "William Townsend here. Congratulations! If you're still interested in the job, it's yours." "Yes I'm still interested!" Johnny nearly yelled at the man. What did he think? Johnny would have a change of heart! No way, he wanted to move back here. He wanted to be close to his friends, the men he still considered his brothers. But most importantly, he wanted to get to know Tarina Scott better. "We'd like you to do a bit of training in fire fighting and paramedics before your start date." "Fair enough." "Could you be at Human Resources Monday at ten o'clock?" "Yes." "Good, and once again John, congratulations, you beat out some tough competition." "Thank-you." "Bye." "Bye." Johnny unintentionally slammed the receiver back into its cradle. He couldn't believe it. He was going to be moving back to L.A. He was going to be a member of the County Fire Department once again. His career was coming full circle. He rushed out onto Roy's deck and waved his arms over his head like a mad man. Roy finally noticed Johnny's movements and stopped the lawnmower and switched it off. Johnny looked as though he were in distress. Roy's heart began to race, as did his feet. "You okay?" he asked upon reaching Johnny. "Absolutely! I got it!" "Got what?" Roy asked confused before understanding. "You mean the job! You got the job!" Roy yelled and threw his arms around his best friend. "Yeah the job. I got it." The two stood hugging one another for a few moments before retreating into the house arm in arm and popping open a couple cans of beer. "This calls for a celebration. I think we should order pizza for supper." Roy smiled knowing Johnny's weakness for pizza was just about as legendary as his weakness for a pretty face. "Sounds good to me!" "Congratulations Johnny! I knew you had nothing to worry about." "Worried? Who was worried?" Johnny scolded. Roy just rolled his eyes. ^^^^^^^^^^ Saturday afternoon Tarina had her stereo playing softly while she dusted the wooden furniture in her living room. Roxy followed close behind trying to attack the cloth in Tarina's hand by pouncing on it every once in a while. They both turned and looked at the door when a knock sounded. Walking over to the door, Tarina looked through its peep hole to see John Gage standing in the hallway patiently waiting for her to answer. He looked incredibly good she noticed. She'd seen him only four short days before hand when he'd come over for dinner on Wednesday evening, but she certainly had been missing him. Knowing she didn't look her best, she closed her eyes and willed herself to look beautiful when she answered the door. She didn't know how that would happen since she was dressed in a pair of gray track pants, and an over sized white t-shirt with her stations logo written just above her left breast. He hair, although held back with a pony tail looked unkempt. She had no make up on and she hadn't even had a shower yet and it was three o'clock in the afternoon. She slowly undid her dead bolt and pulled the door open. "Hi." "Hi yourself." Johnny's eyes sparkled. "What brings you by?" "Thought you might like to go out for dinner. Sorry I didn't call ahead of time, but I've been busy." "Oh, um.." Remembering her manners, Tarina stepped backward. "Come in." "When exactly were you planning on going out?" Tarina asked as she watched Johnny take a seat on her couch. Picking up Roxy as he did so." "When ever you're ready." "Oh." She looked Johnny up and down and noticed he was wearing a pair of casual cotton twill pants and a button up cotton shirt, in place of his normal jeans and t-shirt. "Would we be going somewhere casual?" "Yes." "I haven't had a shower yet and it is a bit early." "Take your time." "Are you going to wait here?" "I can go pick us up a couple of coffee." "Okay." Reaching for her purse, which hung in a small closet to the left of her doorway, she pulled it down and pulled out a set of keys. "Why don't you take my keys in case I'm in the shower when you return." "Kay." Johnny stood up and walked over to her. He took the keys from her hand and then wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. "You look incredible." He told her and then placed a soft kiss on her lips, opened her door and walked out. Standing where he'd left her, Tarina raised a hand to her lips. His kiss had been the softest she'd ever experienced yet had left her breathless. Feeling Roxy rubbing against her legs, she bent down and picked her up. "Well Rox, what do you think?" Hearing her cat start to purr, Tarina locked her door and then walked through her apartment to her bedroom patting Roxy along the way. "Yeah me too." Reaching her bedroom, she placed Roxy on her bed and proceeded to her closet. Sliding clothes hanging from hangers across a steel bar she looked for something to wear. Johnny's behavior had been odd she thought. He'd gone out of his way on Wednesday evening when he come for dinner and yet, here he showed up unannounced and gave her the sweetest of kisses. Once she'd thought more about the feeling it had evoked in her, she decided it had been a kiss filled with promise. That's when her hand stopped sliding her clothes from one end of her closet to the other. Spinning around she looked at Roxy giving herself a tongue bath. "Oh my god, he got the job! Roxy, he got the job!" Tarina spun herself around on the spot and then sank to her bed laying herself flat out on her back, rubbing her stomach. Which felt as though it had suddenly become hallow. She lay staring at the ceiling and rubbing her stomach when Roxy climbed up and made her way up to Tarina's chest and started to lick her chin. Tarina did as any cat owner in this position would do. She stroked the cat absent mindedly. "Oh Roxy, do you think this is going to work out? The man is amazingly handsome and makes me feel so alive, but I hardly know him." Roxy continued to lick Tarina's chin and lay down on her chest. Looking over at the clock radio on the bedside table, Tarina pushed Roxy off and went back to her closet. She finally settled on a rayon gray skirt with a pattern of black medium sized velvet leaves and a knit long sleeve black sweater set. Crossing the room to her bureau, she pulled open her underwear drawer and pulled out a pair of nylons. Searching the rest of the drawer she finally decided on a matching black bra and panty set. She walked out of the room and into her bathroom. After running the tap water and finding a comfortable temperature, she peeled off her dusting clothes, removed the elastic band in her hair and climbed into the shower. Upon entering the apartment, Johnny was greeted by a meowing Roxy. He placed the coffee holder on the coffee table and picked the cat up. While holding the cat, Johnny sat down on the couch. Hearing the sound of water running, he looked down the hallway. "So Roxy, she's in the shower huh? She really is trying to drive me crazy isn't she?" Placing Roxy on the couch beside him, he leaned over and took the coffee with a D marked on the lid with a grease pencil and opened it up. The aroma greeted him as though he'd gone without a coffee for years. Blowing on the steam rising from the paper cup, he finally took a sip. Hearing a click, he looked down the hallway and saw Tarina come out of the bathroom dressed in a skirt, a thin sweater set buttoned only by the top button and a towel wrapped around her head. Her face was devoid of makeup and he thought she'd never looked prettier. She started down the hallway towards him, when she remembered the towel. She pulled it off and wet loose curls billowed down around her shoulders. Slipping onto the couch on the other side of Roxy, she reached for her coffee and opened it. "Hmm, tastes great. I haven't had a coffee all day." "Me either." He replied. Joanne had remembered to pick some decaffeinated coffee up at the grocery store earlier in the week, but he'd been busy for the past day and a half. After calling the Maui USAR Headquarters on Friday afternoon to announce he'd be resigning, he'd been granted permission from the County fire department to fax his letter of resignation to his employer's back home. Although he wanted nothing more than to move to L.A and work here again, he'd dialed the fax number in Maui with a heavy heart. He'd requested his crew not be notified of his departure, explaining he'd like to be the one to break it to them. His was informed his wishes would be granted. They'd also asked him if he could return to Maui sooner than planned so they could finalize his resignation and find a replacement. He'd assured them he'd be on a plane as soon as he could. He explained he'd been asked by his impending employer's to return to their headquarters on the upcoming Monday and if all went well, he'd be headed for Hawaii the next day. "So where are you taking me for dinner?" "LeRoy's." "Nice place. Special occasion?" Tarina coaxed. Johnny could tell by the look on her face that she'd guessed his news, but was still worried that perhaps she was wrong. Despite wanting to tease her to no end, he couldn't bring himself to. "I got the job Tarina." "That's wonderful Johnny! I'm happy for you." "Don't you mean us?" A small blush crept into Tarina's face. "Yes." She admitted. "When do you start?" "Officially, January 13th. Unofficially, I'm not sure. I have to get my re-certification as a paramedic and I may need to learn some new fire fighting skills before I can start. They'd like me to have these accomplished before my Jan 13th start date. I'm going back to headquarters on Monday to work out the details." "What about Hawaii?" "I called headquarters and told them to expect a fax of my letter of resignation. I did that yesterday. I need to go back and finalize things there, especially break the news to my crew." "It's happening pretty quickly." Tarina stated. "I knew it would. I prepared myself for it." "I see." "You sound reserved?" "I haven't had as long to think about all of this as you. I'm just kinda shocked. I think I'd prepared myself more for the possibility that you wouldn't get the job. That must sound terrible." "No, I think I was trying to do the same thing since the interview." Noticing her coffee was getting cold, Tarina decided she needed to get ready. "I'm gonna go do my hair and face. Shouldn't take me long." "Take your time." ^^^^^^^^^^ After finishing their meal, the couple took a walk along the boardwalk and then sneaked into an old fashioned ice cream parlor for some dessert. After spending half an hour while Tarina ate a small strawberry sundae and Johnny an ice cream supreme, they returned to the boardwalk hand in hand. A cool November breeze gently blew against their faces. Noticing Tarina shiver, Johnny suggested they head back to her place. Tarina agreed. Roxy greeted them as they came through the doorway. Johnny bent down and picked her up and scratched her underneath her chin, which promptly brought about a loud purr. He plopped down on the couch and Tarina asked him if he'd be interested in a glass of wine. "Sure." A few minutes later she returned with a wine glass in each hand. She placed them both on the coffee table and sat down next to her apartment guest. Unlike each time previously when they'd sat a cushion apart, she sat close enough to him that their thighs were touching. Johnny wrapped his arm around her pulling her into his side. She leaned against him and rested her head in the crook of his arm. Her one arm pushed into the sofa's back cushion, allowing her to place her hand on his opposite hip. She didn't think she'd ever been so comfortable. She loved the softness of his shirt and his masculine smell. Lifting her head up, she noticed him looking down at her. He reached down and took her face into his hand. He slowly lowered his head and took her lips with his. Johnny swore he could hear her purring and it brought a smile to his lips. "What?" she asked. "Nothing." He reached over and picked up his wine glass. "How many drinks have you had tonight?" "This is my fifth." "I don't think you should be driving anywhere." "Does that mean you're going to drive me back to Roy's?" "No." "I hoped not." "I'm gonna call you a cab." She laughed. "Hey, that's not nice." "Who ever said I was nice?" "Your father." "Pardon me?" "Your father told me you were a nice girl." "He did not!" "Did too. While we watched the football game the day your parents hosted Thanksgiving dinner." "You're pulling my leg." "Nope. Told me you were a nice girl and didn't want to see you get hurt." "Oh god, I'm so embarrassed." She pulled away from him. "Don't be. It was his way of letting me know he knew I was attracted to you and he didn't mind. As long as I didn't intentionally hurt you." "He said that?" "No, but that's what he intended for me to hear and I did." "My family is so embarrassing it's not funny." "I like them." "You do?" "Yeah, they're a bit odd, but that's what makes them so interesting." Tarina slowly leaned back into Johnny's side and snuggled in. She was enjoying his hand gently stroking her arm when a thought occurred to her and she bolted upright once again. "What? Did I hurt you?" Johnny asked shocked. "No. I was just wondering what Grandma Jones said to you? I'm sure she must have said something." A crooked grin appeared on Johnny's face, "That's between Grandma and me." "No way, you have to tell me." "It's personal." Tarina blew air out between her lips and picked up her drink. "I think I need the entire bottle." She moaned. Johnny laughed, totally understanding Tarina's concern was full of merit. There was no way he was going to tell Tarina that her Grandmother had followed him to the bathroom and cornered him in the hallway that day. She had went on to explain that she felt her granddaughter had been too good of late and what Tarina really needed was a mind blowing orgasm and the older woman hoped Johnny would be the one to provide her with it. He assured the woman he'd do his best if he found himself in such a position. His response had brought a twinkle to the woman's eye, a smile to her face, and a pat to his behind. Johnny went back to stroking the woman's arm loving the feel of it. When she'd gone into the kitchen to pour their glasses of wine, she'd removed her button up sweater, which had revealed the thin bottom one to be sleeveless. Her arms were soft and well toned. "Johnny?" "Hmm." "I'm scared." Johnny sat upright. He knew this conversation had to take place before he could make love to this woman. "Of me?" "No. Yes. I don't know." She sat upright too, turning slightly so she could face him. "Sounds to me like your confused more than scared." He turned as well, leaning back slightly against the corner of the sofa. "I guess it's a little of both." Taking her chin and lifting it up, so he could look at her he asked, "Who hurt you Tarina?" Tears welled in her eyes. "Ken Bell. Just after moving here from San Diego I met him through Jim. Ken was a police officer with the L.A.P.D. We quickly began seeing one another and eventually moved in together." "Everything was going splendid. I had the job I wanted. I was back living in L.A. close to my family, and I was in love with a great guy." Johnny remained silent as he watched Tarina wipe away the tears streaming down her face. He wanted to hold her, but felt it wasn't what she wanted. So he watched her struggle to find the words to continue her story. "Just when I thought Ken and I were perfect for one another and was beginning to think Ken was my soul mate, he came home from work one day and announced he'd put in for a transfer." Tears welled in her eyes again. "He wanted to live in a small town in Maine. He explained his dream of working in a tiny community where everyone knew everyone else and no one locked their doors at night or when they left to go grocery shopping." "I was stunned. I couldn't believe my ears. He was leaving. We'd been living together for over a year and not once had he spoken of this dream to me, not once. Then he told me he wanted me to come with him. I froze. At the time I loved him, but I couldn't say yes. I could feel our relationship slipping away. I told him I couldn't go. I'd just moved back to L.A, was finally working in a large radio market. I was living my dream." Tarina remained quiet for a long time and Johnny thought she had finished her story when she continued. "Within a week he was gone. Just packed up and left." "Must have been a difficult time." "It was. I felt as though my world had been slipped out from under my feet, but that wasn't the worst of it. Jim and I got into an argument about it one day. He asked me why I had been so selfish? Wanted to know why I couldn't support Ken in finding his dream when I had already accomplished one of my own?" "I told him Ken only asked me to move with him once and when I said no, he didn't bring it up again. Just packed his bags and left, no more discussions were involved. Jim was stunned. He told me he didn't believe me." "When I asked him why, he told me Ken had planned on asking me to marry him. He'd bought a ring and everything. But he never asked me. I tried to figure that out for the longest time. When I couldn't take it any longer, Jim got the phone number of Ken's station in Maine. I called him and we discussed a lot of unfinished business. Turns out I'd failed a test. Our relationship had come down to a test and I had failed." Johnny furrowed his brows. What the hell was she talking about? A test? "Ken had decided he wouldn't ask me to marry him until after I agreed to move to Maine with him. Since I hadn't agreed, he figured I didn't love him enough to ask me to marry him. I still don't quite understand his reasoning. He doesn't understand my point of view. I don't think he ever will." Johnny pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry Tarina. I can't promise you I'll never hurt you, but I can promise you I'm coming back to L.A. to stay, unless you ask to follow you somewhere." Roy's comment from days before hit Johnny like a bolt of lightening. Roy had reiterated his words because he knew Johnny wouldn't leave L.A even if he hadn't gotten the job offer. Roy knew Johnny was in love with the woman in his arms and there was no way he was going to lose her like he'd lost Laura. Why did Roy always know these things before he did? Tarina let herself be wrapped in Johnny's embrace. She felt safe in his arms. She realized she'd never had the same sensation with Ken. He'd never given her that secure feeling. She'd figured out a little over a year ago that if Ken had asked her to marry him without all of the complications relating to his transfer, she would have turned him down. She didn't know why at the time, but being held in Johnny's arms brought the cold reality home. Ken was comfortable, but he'd never excited her or rocked her world. John Gage did both and all he'd ever done was kiss her. She lifted her head up and stretched up to meet his face. Tasting his lips on hers was like pure heaven. A low moan started in her throat and finally escaped when their lips parted. "Are you gonna call me that cab anytime soon?" Johnny teased. "No." she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his lips back to hers. Johnny slowly pushed her back onto the sofa. Her couch was wide enough for him to prop himself up on and elbow and place most of his weight on his side and not on her body, despite the fact that she laid flat on her back. He began to stroke her face, "You're beautiful Tarina Scott." "As long as you think so that's all that matters." "Trust me, I'm not the only one who thinks so." He grinned. "Has anyone ever told you, you have the softest lips?" she reached up and traced them with her finger. "No." Johnny lied, not wanting to kill the moment. "Well you do." She once again pulled him closer to her. This time is was a long while before Johnny came up for air. His hand began stroking her arm again but quickly moved to her stomach. Tarina knew this time that neither one of them was going to stop the inevitable from happening and she began to breathe heavier. "You really are moving back aren't you?" He locked eyes with her and he nodded his head as he moved his hand underneath her sweater and higher up her body. Feeling her firm body beneath his hand only served to heighten his own excitement. Feeling his hand on the underside of her breast, Tarina sighed and closed her eyes. Taking her sigh as permission, Johnny cupped her silken bra encased breast and squeezed, bringing her nipple to a quick erection. Another sigh, sounding more like a moan, escaped from deep within her. Johnny's pants began to tighten in the crotch. He wanted to make love to Tarina more than any other woman he'd ever known. But he also wanted to savor this first time between them. He continued to tease her breast's core, bending down he quieted her lips with his own. Her tongue darted in between his lips and he started to knead her breast a little firmer. Her tongue left his mouth and her kiss became firmer, hungrier. "Johnny lets go to my room." "Kay." He moaned as he rose to his feet, pulling her up with him. They entered her room and she grabbed the bottom of her sweater. Johnny put his hand on hers, "Let me." She obediently dropped her hands and turned to face him, bringing them back up she slowly caressed his biceps, finding them wonderfully muscular. She loved a man who kept himself in shape and judging by his arms, Johnny was in great shape. Once Johnny had her sweater lifted just over her breasts, she raised her arms in the air, allowing him to gently pull the garment over her head. Johnny's gazed dropped from her face to her silk hidden breasts. Reaching up, he cupped each one in his hands and slowly began to rub his thumbs across her already protruding nubs. They both tightened further and Tarina closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side. Johnny gently guided her to her bed. Feeling it against the back of her legs, Tarina lowered herself to its waiting comfort. Johnny was right behind her, enveloping her body with half of his. Her eyes opened and she reached up and started to unbutton his shirt. When all the buttons were unfastened he helped her remove it. Once again, the couple was lying on her bed. She could feel the bulge in his pants against her leg and she thought she'd go insane. It had been her experience that her first time with any former lover had been a quick and reckless act. Johnny tonight was definitely setting the pace and he was teasing the hell out of her. If it had been up to her they would already be doing the nasty out in the living room on her couch. Seeing the clasp of her bra sitting in the middle of her bust, Johnny undid it and slowly drew the garment across the tops of her breasts until they were fully exposed. He raised one hand and ran his finger tips around her right mound. Tarina started to squirm and another moan released from within. "Johnny, are you trying to kill me?" "No, just trying to pleasure." "Anyone ever tell you there's a fine line between pleasure and pain?" "You know you're starting to sound like your Grandmother." Johnny teased. Pleased with himself that Tarina was becoming impatient. He took it as a sign he was doing his job correctly. "Oh god, must you bring my Grandma Jones into this?" "You're the one doing all the whining." "You'll get yours." "Promises, promises." "Shut up and make love to me before I kick you out." Johnny started to laugh. "Are you always this impatient, or is this purely for my benefit?" "GAGE." "Please don't do that." "Why?" "You remind me of a captain I once had. Nothing worse for my libido than thinking about another man." Shitting up, Tarina reached for Johnny's pants and made fast work of unfastening his belt followed by unbuttoning his pants and pulling down the zipper, "Then shut up and concentrate on me!" "I was trying to, but you complained." "Are you always this obstinate?!" "I could get worse." Tarina got off the bed and pulled her skirt and panty hose down around her hips and let them fall to the floor. Seeing her standing there in only a pair of black panties Johnny swallowed a deep gulp. All bantering and bickering ceased. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes on. She climbed onto the bed and slowly started to crawl towards him. When she reached him, she pushed him onto his back and clasped her hand around his pants waistband gently pulling on them. Johnny immediately raised his hips slightly in the air and soon his pants were down around his ankles. Tarina removed his shoes, took off his pants, letting them fall to the floor and then removed his socks. Slowly crawling back up the length of his body, she made a brief stop at his mid section and gently lowered her teeth to his still brief covered bulge. Johnny groaned and closed his eyes. He had the sneaking suspicion that Tarina could drive him absolutely insane if she chose to. Feeling her making her way back up his body, he opened his eyes, only to close them again when she stopped at his chest and began to lick his nipple. "Are you ready to move on?" She cooed. "Definitely." He moaned. "Good." She pulled herself up until she was face to face with him. Lowering her mouth to his she began to run her hand through his hair when their lips met. Johnny's arm reached around her and started to caress her back, enjoying the sensation, she smiled within the kiss at Johnny's obvious surprise when his meandering hand found her bare bottom. He had had no idea her panties were thongs. Her smile quickly vanished when she suddenly found herself underneath Johnny's weight. "How'd you do that?" "Element of surprise." "Oh." She smiled. This was already the most fun she'd had in bed with a man and neither one of them had even come close to an orgasm yet, and it was their first time. Things always got better with more practice. And since Johnny had already told her he was in this for the long haul, she couldn't help but look forward to more sexual encounters with this man. "Are you with me?" Johnny brought her back to the moment. "More then you'll ever know." She grinned. "Good, cause I don't want all my efforts to go unnoticed or unappreciated." "That's not going…" She swallowed the rest of her words when she felt her left nipple enter Johnny's mouth and begin to be suckled. Feeling the sensation within her body make it's way to her nether region, she once again began to squirm beneath Johnny's weight while he slipped her panties out from underneath her, she believed all the teasing, bantering and fun and games had finally come to and end. She was right. The rest of the evening was filled with some serious pleasuring being performed and received by both. Later that evening, Tarina awoke to use the little girls room. Returning a moment later, she noticed John Gage lying flat on his back with an arm lying across his face. Lying on his chest lay a curled up Roxy. Hearing her enter the room, Roxy lifted her head and followed her back to the bed. Tarina climbed back into the bed and snuggled up close to Johnny. Hearing Roxy purring, she knew her cat was also pleased with her choice of a man this time. Not once had Ken allowed her cat to sleep in the bed while he was in it, let alone literally sleep on his chest. ^^^^^^^^^^ Tarina woke the next morning to the sound of the phone beside her bed ringing for the third time. Since Johnny was lying on her "side" of the bed, she had to reach across him to answer it. Johnny had woken up on the first ring. He supposed it was a natural response for someone used to being jolted out of bed by fire tones. He thought of pushing the phone further away when he felt the softness of her breasts across his chest. "Hello?" "Morning!" "Jennifer!?" "Hi." "Hi. Why are you calling me? You're not home are you?" Tarina glanced at Johnny who was watching her talk to her best friend. "No, not for another week. We just wanted to touch base with family. My parents weren't home, probably at church. You're mom and dad aren't home so Jim talked with Grandma Jones for a bit." "Poor man, what a way to spend his honeymoon. Talking to a senile old woman." "Tarina! She just speaks her mind, that's all. Talking about speaking your mind, what's happening between you and Uncle Johnny? Anything?" Once again glancing at Uncle Johnny lying stark naked in her bed she replied, "I can't really tell…" "Come on, you two were a fire needing extinguishing at my wedding, so what's up?" "Jen, I can't…" "Oh my god! He's there isn't he?" "Yes." "Oh my god. That's great. I knew you two would end up together. One day I just might be calling you Aunt Tarina." Jennifer laughed. "That's not funny!" Jennifer suddenly became serious. "Tarina, have you thought this through? I mean, he does live in Hawaii. Which is beautiful by the way, maybe you could move back here with him. You wouldn't regret it." "Jen, how 'bout you let me talk to my brother?" "Oh, yeah sure. Hold on." After speaking to Jim for a few minutes, Tarina once again stretched across Johnny's chest and replaced the telephone receiver into its cradle. Johnny stopped her on her way back by wrapping his arms around her, "Where are you going Aunt Tarina?" Tarina let her head fall onto his chest and moaned. "You could hear every word couldn't you?" "A fire needing extinguishing? Where did Jennifer get that metaphor? She must have spent too much time around the station as a kid." Johnny teased. "I can't believe you were eavesdropping," Tarina raised herself when Johnny pulled himself to a sitting position and leaned back against the head board. "Eavesdropping? You were talking right in front of me!" "On a phone!" "Which must have been a rather cheap one if I could hear every word." "Do you always wake up this grumpy?" "Only when I'm accused of being an eavesdropper." "Alright, you weren't spying. Is that better?" "Much." He reached out and brought her body against his. She snuggled in and laid a hand on his chest, slowly drawing it back and forth across its smooth skin. He kissed the top of her head. "You have any plans today." "Laundry." "That's it?" "Yep." "How about spending the day with me, right here." "All day?" "Yeah. What's wrong? Afraid you can't keep up with an old guy like me?" "Keep up! You'll be begging me to stop Mister." She slid her hand down until it found his manhood. "You're not gonna know what hit ya." "As long as it's something on your body I'm not going to complain." He grinned a crooked grin and melted her heart. Roxy walked the length of the hallway to the peace and quiet of the living room couch. She had a feeling it was going to be a long day; normally her belly would have been full by now. ^^^^^^^^^^ Johnny ended up not only spending Saturday night with Tarina, but Monday night as well. Tuesday morning he drove to the DeSoto's.  By seven o'clock he put his bags in his rental car. Saying good-bye to Roy and Joanne, he promptly left for the airport to catch a flight back to Hawaii. Wednesday afternoon he drove to USAR station number eight and walked into the dayroom after taking a deep intake of breath. His entire crew, plus Captain Sandy Michaels, was gathered around the television. This was going to be hard. He was sucker punching his crew, they had no idea they would never work with their ever reliable Captain again. "Hey Cap." "What are you doing here?" "Uh, I have some news." "Good or bad?" Daniel Surrey asked. "Both." Johnny replied. He could feel the change in the atmosphere before he saw the physical change form in his crew's postures. They knew they weren't going to like what he was about to say. "I hate to spring this on you. I would have given you some fair warning but I didn't want to alarm you unnecessarily." "Cap?" Johnny rose his hands to quiet down his crew member. "Besides going to L.A. to attend a wedding, I had a job interview with…" The room exploded just as Johnny suspected it would. He saw surprise, hurt, and frustration on various members of his crew's faces. He hated doing this to them, they deserved better. After minutes of unrelenting questions were thrown at him he turned to Dan Smith, his second in command. "When?" was all he said. "That's kinda complicated." "Give it a whirl." Dan encouraged. "Officially, January 13th." "That soon!" Sue Cummings gasped. "Sooner actually." Johnny answered. "What ya mean?" "What's the job, John?" Johnny was taken aback by the use of his name. None of his crew had ever used his name while they were on duty. They had always respectfully referred to him as Cap or Captain. Never John? It took only a second for Johnny to understand Dan's use of his name. It was his way of letting him go, as his captain. Dan instinctively knew that Johnny wouldn't walk back into this building in uniform again. By using his name, Dan was letting him know it was okay. "USAR Tech. With the Los Angeles County Fire Department." "So what did you mean by sooner?" Sue asked. "I need to get my certification as a paramedic and I need to upgrade my fire fighting abilities. I start next Monday." "No." "I'm sorry, but I have to. I wish I could stay and lead you through one more rescue, but I can't. I've already tendered my resignation starting as off yesterday. It was accepted." "When did you resign?" Dan asked. "Friday afternoon." Dan nodded his head in understanding. He was having a hard time dealing with this in front of the rest of the crew. He hoped it wasn't lost on the rest of them that their Captain had resigned five days earlier, which meant it had probably been kept quiet at Johnny's request. So he could tell them in person. That was as typical a thing coming from John Gage as you could get he thought to himself. "Well I guess congratulations are in order then." Dan reached for Johnny's hand. Johnny extended his and grasped Dan's hand in his. Soon Johnny was swarmed by his now former crew. Well wishes and good-byes were respectfully bestowed. ^^^^^^^^^ Two nights later, Johnny and Dan Smith sat on Dan's front porch after spending the day together with Johnny's former crew. Dan had quickly become Johnny's best friend on the island after meeting him shortly after his arrival. The two had shared many of the same interests, mostly single women. Johnny figured Dan's friendship to be a cross between the ones he shared with Roy DeSoto and Chet Kelly. He was like Roy in the sense that he could have any conversation with him and not be judged. They both enjoyed camping and hiking. He spent most of his off duty time with Dan. Dan was like Chet in the sense that he and Johnny would double date or just hang out in bars together. Play pool, darts or just watch a football game on a Sunday afternoon. Johnny had been relieved however that Dan didn't have a penchant for an endless stream of pranks. "While you were in L.A I applied for a Captaincy." Dan's voice broke into the still evening air. "You're kidding! I'm sure you'll make it. You'd make a great captain." "You once told me that every member of a team has a captain come along one day that helps define the kind of commander they will eventually become." "Yeah I remember." Johnny responded. "I don't want you to leave without my thanking you for being such a captain for me. I learned a lot about people from watching you." "You don't have to thank me." "Yes I do. I've worked with enough captains to know not all of them are as gracious and as patient as you. We all learned a little about ourselves by being under your command. I'll always remember to listen to my crew's ideas and suggestions. It wasn't until I worked under you that I realized is doesn't matter where or who an idea comes from, just as long as it works." Johnny smiled, "I'm happy I was able to pass it along to someone else. That's something I learned from one of my own captains, Hank Stanley. Great Captain. Good listener and very patient man. Some of the nonsense he put up with. I don't know how he ever did it." Johnny chuckled at some of the hi-jinks which had taken place at Station 51. "We are going to keep in touch right?" "Absolutely!" Johnny confirmed. "I'll have to come out and visit you some time." "I'd like that." "I need to meet whoever she is." Johnny just looked at his friend. "You may be able to hide it from the others, but not me. There's a woman involved in all of this somehow." "You're a perceptive man Dan. Like I said, you'll make a great captain." "Has noting to do with perception. Has everything to do with you. I noticed a change in you when you got back from your friends retirement, plus you stopped dating. That's just plain odd." Johnny laughed. "I haven't seen you this peaceful in a very long time. I'm happy for you." "Thanks, I am happy." Johnny replied. "So it's back to L.A tomorrow." "Yep, back to L.A." Johnny's grinned a Texas sized grin. ^^^^^^^^^^ Tarina Scott paced through the crowded room. Her hands were sweaty and she had butterflies in her stomach. She kept glancing at the clock on the side wall. Johnny's plane was late. There had been no announcements stating such a fact. Her imagination was running wild with all kinds of possibilities. She had to stop thinking about disasters or she'd go insane. There was also the thought, deep within the recesses of her mind, that Johnny had changed his mind once he'd gotten back to Hawaii. What if he wasn't aboard the flight at all? While walking across the same path for the umpteenth time, a crackled voice came over the P.A. system announcing Continental flight number 11 leaving for Houston was now boarding. Tarina visibly recoiled by the horrible sound. She wondered why public address announcers, as well as drive thru window employees, weren't ever given a crash course on the use of a microphone. It was then she noticed him walking out the doors of gate number 10. Her heart started to beat wildly. All fears of John Gage not coming back vanished as a smile spread across his face. The two waded through the crowd until they stood in front of each other. "You look tired." Tarina commented. "Hung over. Was out with my former crew last night." Tarina stepped into Johnny's embrace. The two stood there just holding each other. People walking towards their own destinations walked around them, some smiling at them, others complaining, one man even suggested they get a room. Tarina laughed when she heard the comment and stepped out from within Johnny's arms. "Welcome home." "Thanks, it's good to be home." Johnny smiled, "It's good to be home." The end. Author's notes: As always I'd like to thank Janet not only for housing my story, but for always willing to beta read any of my stories. Thanks Janet, you're the best! ---Sharon Please remember to give Sharon your feedback. return to main menu .