NOVEL NEXT Chapter 29: 29. Kiss with ???
Taking a step back, Jack looked at all the division officers. "I'm grateful that all of you are here and serving with me on this mission. I know it won't be easy and that things have gotten a lot more complicated after the last two days, but I know I have the best officers in Java with me."
"Thank you all. Dismissed," said Abigail and one by one they filed out of Jack's quarters. Anna hazarded one last smile at Jack before she disappeared around the corner and shut the door, leaving the two of them alone.
"How did you work it out to have your sister onboard?" Jack asked.
"She was actually assigned to the ship before me," said Abigail. "She's rather green, having just graduated from the academy a few months ago. When I found out she was going to be on the ship, I called in a few favors to make sure I got assigned to the Destiny."
"She's lucky to have her sister here to watch over her."
"Don't let the innocent smile fool you though, Jack. She's every bit my sister," said Abigail with a giggle.
"So now I have to watch out for two of you instead of one?"
She shrugged. "Sounds like a good problem to have."
Jack chuckled. "We'll see. Is the crew ready for tomorrow? Ready to sail out?"
"I think so. I did my rounds on the ship before coming here and the crew is quiet. I think a lot of them are scared. You have to remember, this is still a really green crew, Jack. This ship was only commissioned two months ago and most of these people have never been in a battle before."
"They now have their first battle under their belt. I've heard several people calling today's action the Battle of Quiller's Cove."
"Be that as it may, they still have a ways to go. Especially where we're going," said Abigail.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" Jack asked.
She took several moments to respond while still gazing into Jack's eyes. "As ready as I can be. I think we just need to get it over with so that it gets off our minds." She took a big sigh before a smile pierced her lips. "Besides, I imagine it will be kind of like a homecoming for you, right?"
Jack frowned at her in confusion. "Huh?"
"I'm just saying with that blond hair and light skin, you do kind of look like a Fourthie, Jack," she said with a giggle. "Maybe one of your ancestors got freaky with a lost Fourthie maiden."
Jack rolled his eyes. "I heard enough of that joke in the academy." Back in Java, Jack usually stood out like a sore thumb due to his lighter features compared to the rest of the Javan population.
Abigail giggled harder and then walked toward him slowly, letting her arms slip around his shoulders. "Forgive me, Commander?"
"Maybe. How bad do you want forgiveness, Abigail?"
"Really bad. Let me show you how much," she said before leaning in to kiss him. She pressed her body in tightly to his as her tongue sought entry to his mouth. Caressing her tongue with his own, Jack's mind flashed with memories of two days ago when they shared the same bed. All too soon, she pulled away with one last kiss.
"I'd say you're forgiven," Jack said as her dark eyes fixed on him.
Abigail grinned. "That was too easy." She then slipped out of his arms and headed to the door.
"Seriously? You're going to do that and just walk away?"
She turned to face him but not before leaning up against the door frame. "That was a thank you for today, but a kiss is all that it's going to be, Jack."
"It doesn't need to be. No one would know you're in here," he said.
"They would. You know how fast word travels on a tiny ship like this. Besides, I meant what I told you last night. We won't sleep together again."
"Even if I lose my way one night and just so happen to slip into your bed?" Jack joked.
Abigail laughed. "You can try it but I sleep with my service pistol under my pillow, and I have a quick trigger finger."
"Sounds like a personal problem. It might get you in a lot of trouble if you shoot your commanding officer."
She gave him that sultry grin she was so famous for. "Well then for both of our sakes, you should just try not to get ... lost." With one more glance, she slipped out of his quarters and closed the door.
Jack found himself chuckling and then shaking his head. Abigail wasn't making it easy on him, nor did he expect her to. Now with the knowledge that her sister was on the ship as well, Jack saw his problems with women doubling.
Finally getting caught up on his work, Jack decided to call it a night. As he crawled into his bed and turned out the light, he enjoyed the last night spent in base before heading into the vector. Surprisingly, he nodded off quickly, the last thing he saw before going to sleep was Abigail's enticing stare.