Jessica smiled at the compliment but it was Teller’s party meant to meet people. It only made sense for the man to be mingling and not hanging at the door for her to arrive. Still, it was nice to have someone to walk in with. “Him,” Jessica pointed to Teller and smiled. “Aeden invited me.” Jessica stared at her date for the evening. He looked amazing. She wanted to walk up to him but manners dictated she remained with Duncan and Gunny until thier dates arrived. If the situation was reversed, she would hate for them to take off and leave her standing like she did not belong there. Jessica watched Teller socialize. She did not need to hear his words. She knew he was making each person that he greeted feel like the party was for them and them alone. The man knew how to work a room.

Aedan had been watching Jessica. He smiled, she was cared for by many it seemed. Though something seemed off between her and the sexy cowboy he felt. Still, he couldn’t wait any longer as he come up to three. “Sair” Aedan said with a smile and nod. “I know at least one of them, care to introduce me to everyone else Jessica?” he said as he looked at her like he was seeing no one else in the room at that moment. “You… look stunning beyond belief hon.” he said his smile growing as he said it. : : : : ~Aedan Teller : “Mr. Teller,” Sair greeted with seeming amusement, though she really didn’t expect him to acknowledge her again given her eyes were very clearly on the XO. ~Dr. Sair Songz, CMO

Jessica rose from her seat and moved to Aeden’s side. “Aeden this is Lt. Rhodes our amazingly brilliant chief science officer,” she gestured to the dark-haired scientist. “On the right is Gunny our strategic operations officer,” she smiled at Ransom. “And last but never least the beautiful Dr. Sair Songz our CMO,” Jessica looked at Sair a bit more critically. “I really love that color on you. It compliments your eyes. Nice choice,” she nodded at Sair. Her dress was striking. The dress seemed to fit her perfectly yet left much to the imagination of what was underneath. It was a perfect blend of sensual and modesty.

“Duncan was just ordering a round of drinks. You will join us for one right,” Jessica looked at Teller with a soft smile and took his hand in hers. She remembered telling Aeden that if she was going to be his date, it was her and no one else on the other arm. Jessica half expected to see this when she arrived. She was thrilled when she found he had proved her wrong. Maybe she did need to drop her guard some with him. It was unfair of her to judge his actions based on their first encounter and the start of their first date. She needed to give him a fair chance.

Lt. Commander Jessica, XO

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” Aedan said as he nodded at them each. “I am glad you could come Sair, and bring such lovely people along with you.” Aedan said, it was shaping to be fun nights, drinks music food. In the crowd people would notice many of Aedan’s security mixed in. He didn’t often get so public without someone around him. : : : : “So I was worried I might get in trouble for taking over so late tonight, but it felt like a great way to meet everyone, even if I have only been here two days. What better way to find out about everyone than a party?” Aedan declared, he said as he looked at Jessica, small smile creeping on his lips. Aedan always seemed to come off as a mix of proper Englishman with a hint of hooligan in his behavior but for now, he seemed almost gentleman like. : : : : Aedan looked at Gunny, the man he had noticed was eyeing him, even before he came over. He would have to ask Commander Graviz to look into him. : : : : ~Aedan Teller The night had waned and many people had left. Music was still playing softly, and Aedan was beginning to feel the effects of all the drinks. Jessica stood beside him, he took her hand and gave it a small tender kiss. “Dance with me,” he said, looking into her eyes with a very playful mischievous look. He wasn’t sure how well he could dance in this state, but he was often pretty good in general. He began to slowly move her out into the open, wrapping his arms around her he pulled her in very close. : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : Jessica let Teller lead her to the floor. After years of dance classes, she was not a novice on the floor. She let his hand circle her waist liking the firm grip. His left hand held her right tight. Jessica smiled as she noticed his frame was rigid. This was a classic sign the man had at least a few classes at Arthur Murray’s School of Dance in his life. As Teller matched their movements to the soft music, Jessica looked up at him studying his features. While he wore the soft grin of a man happy to be with a woman, his eyes held a different look. To Jessica, they looked bored. Whether her future held the title Mrs. Aeden Teller or this was the last date they ever had, Jessica would not be remembered as a dull, simpering, mealy mouse that swooned because some guy was hot with a ton of money. Jessica would either be remembered as the love of his life or the one he regretting letting slip away. : : : : : : : : : : Abruptly she pulled her hand from his and pushed off his chest. “This is your party right,” she smiled at him mischievously. : : : : : : : : He looked at her, but said nothing. The smile curling from his lips told a very different tell. This was a spark he saw when she came to him in the docking bay. The whole reason he felt so drawn to her. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “How about I get a better song. Wait here,” she said strolling up to the person who appeared to be controlling the music. Everything about Aeden was a controlled show. It was time to see how well he dealt with a little chaos. After requesting her song, Jessica noticed the man’s eyes drift from hers to Aeden’s. Clearly, he was seeking permission to deviate from the planned activities. : : : : : : : : Aedan had no reason to disapprove, and he liked this side of her. He nodded and let the man set things in motion, he wanted to know where this ended up. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Instead of looking back to Aeden, Jessica found Miss Adam’s watching her like a hawk as she sipped a glass of wine. Yep honey there is a new sheriff in town. Get used to it, Jessica thought but returned the look with an innocent smile. : : : : : : : : : : As the first notes of the song played, Jessica turned to face Aeden. She was not the title holder of Elite Couples Ballroom Dancing for dancing six years running. She was used to crowds watching her. Jessica did not walk back to Teller like she left him. Her movements were more seductive. The stride and the sway of her hips made her appear to almost glide across the floor as each foot crossed in front of the other as if she had choreographed this. In truth, this was not far off. She had started dances like this hundreds of time before. The difference was her partner was ready for her. : : : : : : : : : : “Oh no.... : : : : : See you walking ‘round like it’s a funeral,” the song began with its upbeat tempo : : : : : : : : : : : : : The song was unfamiliar to Aedan, but he wasn’t hating how it was beginning. A small bite of his lip showed he was enjoying what he was seeing, and more impressive in the heels he gave her. : : : : : : : : : Jessica locked eyes with him by the start of the first lyric. She was close but not close enough for him to pull her into a dancer’s stance. She planned it this way. Her pose was rigid but her eyes showed she wanted to have some fun. : : : : : : : : : : “Not so serious, girl; why those feet cold? : : : : : We just getting started; don’t you tip toe, tip toe,” the song continued. : : : : : : : : : : She held his gaze and brought up a finger curling it, beckoning for him to come forward and take a chance on her. To Jessica “Cake by the Ocean,” was perfect for this moment. All night they had been walking around politely like at a funeral. Now it was time to see if Aeden wanted to start living dangerously. : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO : : : : : : : : Aedan walked closer, he took her hand, pulling her end and watching her eyes as she darted with anticipation. She would instantly know the effect she was having and he was going to savor this moment. : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : “Talk to me, baby,” she sang the lyrics as his hand closed around hers. Jessica gave him a bright smile with accompanying eye wiggle as she assumed her dancer’s stiff frame. She kept her eyes locked on him as she stepped back into a cha cha step. Surprisingly Teller had a few moves of his own following her steps easily. “Is there anything you can’t do,” she teased as he assumed the lead. Her mind slipped briefly to more carnal thoughts of him leading her with the same sure steps away from prying eyes. Her pulse increased but not entirely due to physical exertion as she matched him step for step. : : : : : : : “I do like being tested… always a surprise awaiting if you let yourself open…” he said smiling widely, his eyes seductive as took step with her. He had danced a many nights to gain trust from someone, but for now it wasn’t about some con. He was thrilled by her, she was unlike anyone woman he knew. This made it easy for him to quickly get into a groove with her as they danced. : : : : : Teller was stiffer and more precise with his moves, yet his frame was strong and easy to follow. Jessica could play it safe and just dance; however, she rarely played things safe off duty. She added far more hip movement than would be expected in a dance this public. It was in stark contrast to his controlled perfect form. If they were being judged in a contest, Jessica and Teller would have lost points with the seductive steps she was adding to her moves. So far Teller was keeping but Jessica planned to change this. : : : : : : “Let’s lose our minds and go crazy crazy : : : Ya-ya-ya-ya-ya I keep on hoping we’ll eat cake by the ocean : : : Walk with me, baby,” Jessica sang to Teller then bit her lip as she spun out of his turn. She had given him a hint of what was coming next. The grin on her face hoped he would follow her lead. Instead of spin back into his arms and assuming the typical dancer’s frame, Jessica took an extra step so that her back was to his chest. She raised her hands as she pressed her hips into his. Pulling Teller’s hands to her waist, Jessica swiveled her hips taking a step forward. “Want another taste, I’m saying, oh yeah,” she taunted and sang as Teller followed her forward much like a R-rated congo line. : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO : : : : Aedan felt his pulse racing faster. His normal self control was waning, whether it was the alcohol or her or a mix of both was hard to say. He couldn’t help but follow the rhythm, it was sensual and seductive yet playful. She was hitting all the right buttons for him. He couldn’t help but smirk at the back of her, his eyes watching every curve of her body stretch and move to the music. In some ways it was hypnotic, she couldn’t help be captivate his thoughts as she continued to surprise him more and more. : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : You should be rolling with me, you should be rolling with me, ah : It’s a life that’s meant to be, it’s a life that’s meant to be : But you’re moving so carefully, you’re not living dangerously,” she spun back into his frame placing his leg between her spread legs. In this position, she continued to sing while rolling her hips and body in a rippling wave up and down. Jessica knew people were watching. She knew tongues would be wagging as Aeden matches her moves with his hips in a flowing motion. Still, she did not care. Right now the only two people on the Outpost were her and Teller. : : “You know my reputation will be in shambles tomorrow,” Jessica said as Teller took a step back as he spun her out and then back to his arms. She allowed followed his lead moving across the dance floor they had completely taken over at this point. : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO “Sweetheart…” he said as he pulled her in close to him. “It was tarnished when you agreed to be my date… but don’t let them hold that against you.” he said as he leaned in kissing her soft lips. Stopping he rested a moment and then looked into her eyes with his icy blues. “That said, I don’t know if I would want anyone right here by me at this time even if I tried to think of someone.” : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica stopped dancing as she looked into his eyes hearing Teller’s words. The logical part of her brain told her not to believe the words coming out of his mouth. Teller had a record but a very slick exterior. Nothing stuck to him and right now in his arms, Jessica could see why. The man was charming. His words made you feel like you were the only person in the world when they were directed at you. Jessica no longer cared about dancing as he held her tightly. Her heart raced at the thought of possibilities. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Her mother told her once that the future was defined by the choices you made; however, you were not stuck on the path you choose. At any time you could step, leap or run from a decision you made. The tough part was knowing you had to make a decision. Some people stood their entire life in one spot afraid to go forward or back. Jessica was not one of those people. She had made plenty of bad calls over the years yet for as many bad ones she had made some amazing ones. Looking into Aeden’s eyes, Jessica picked the path she would venture on. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Hmmm are you saying I need a PR firm to manage my reputation now that I have met you Mr. Teller,” she stated with a sly smile. Leaning in she put her lips to his ear dropping the volume so that only he could hear. “I have managed the past 25 years. I am sure two dates with you will not be something I can’t come back from,” she let her lips brush his skin in a whisper of a kiss. “Or maybe it just might be something I get hopelessly lost in and don’t want out of,” Jessica drew back looking into his eyes once again. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Reputation isn’t everything… mine sometimes causes the worst problems.” he said as he looked down for a moment. He wondered how best to win her completely in this moment, his plans needed her on board and with her as XO it became something even more important than ever now. Or was it? He wondered if he was trying harder than normal for another reason. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “You want to finish this conversation elsewhere? Prying eyes can sometimes be a bit much.” he said as he looked around, while the night had died down you still had a couple dozen people, not counting his security drinking and watching. Aedan was used to this, but he felt a need to have her all to himself. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Or… we could keep dancing, I just honestly feel a need to make you happy no matter what.” he said, leaning in to kiss her forehead as he looked into her eyes, wondering what she was thinking. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : His kiss was unexpected just like everything else about Aeden Teller. The man was a charmer, flirt, and gregarious in nature. He had a way to make everyone feel like they were is closest confidant and friend when he chose to. Jessica however, knew of the reputation that refuted this happy go lucky side. Rumors and innuendo painted a darker picture of his company and its dealings. She herself had arrived at the docking ring ready to bar his entrance to the Outpost based on the whispered threats from Starfleet Intelligence about his sketchy past. It was a snap judgment on Jessica’s part to bar him from the station as it was a snap judgment to meet him for dinner. Neither decision ended the way she had planned. Now she looked in his eyes feeling torn. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Her gut told her Aeden only wanted one thing and then he would crush her and toss her over his shoulder like an empty ale can. Her heart and mind, however, were starting to fall for his gentle words and tender actions. There was only one way to reconcile these doubts. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Not caring that the song had ended nor that several people had clapped in applause of their dance number, Jessica focused all her attention on Teller. “A stopwatch would make me happy,” she said with a slightly devilish grin surfacing on her face. “You know like in racing. Can you get me one? Like right now,” she let her grin spread farther on her face filling it with a genuine happy expression. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : His eyes widened, taking in her request for a moment. He couldn’t help but smile widely as he held her close. She never kept things boring he was realizing and to him, that was very sexy. “For you? Of course… now where the hell would I get such a thing?” he said looking down for a moment. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica let out a bubble of laughter and put a hand to his chest. Aeden was always eager to please her. It did not matter what she seemed to ask of him. He was there trying to make it happen. No matter what else Aeden did, this simple act of wanting her to be happy made Jessica feel good. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Replicator, I can spend some credits to use that right? Make you a custom one.... ohhhh I could have it engraved!” he said, seeming to get excited at the prospect, before laughing to himself as he shook his head. “A bit silly right?” he asked her, before taking her hand. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “A regular one would just fine,” she interlaced his fingers with hers. She tucked a lock a loose hair behind her ear and squeezed his hand reassuringly. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Alright, lets get you one… for whatever reason.” : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica walked over to the replicator and reached for her back pocket. With a sheepish grin she looked at Teller. “Umm your dress, while beautiful does not have a pocket for ID’s or credits. I am pretty much a plain Jane Doe right now. Can you spot me until the morning,” she looked up at him with a soft smile. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “You were never going to have to pay for it hon. I invited you here and whatever you want I will get you” he said as he get into his coat pocket. He looked at the selections and looked back at her. “One stop watch coming up” he said, the machine creating what looked like a beautiful silver stop watch that almost seemed to March the jewelry he got for her. : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica’s eyes got wide looking at the small circular timepiece. She resisted inspecting the edge to see if it was really encrusted with diamonds. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “You know most people try to get crazy gifts when they go out with me, you are the first to want something so simple. I don’t know, that seems awfully sweet you don’t just see a rich billionaire playboy. So many people just try to get what they can out of me.” : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica’s smile fell hearing his words. Her brilliant plan for ending the night lost air as quickly as a popped balloon. She looked down at the stopwatch in her hand feeling waves of guilt radiate from her body. While she had professed Aeden’s money did not impress her, actually being in his wealth for an evening did make her head swim. Jessica bit her lip trying to find a way out of the situation she placed herself in. Her first step was giving the stopwatch back. “It’s late,” she said handing the watch back. “I should be going. Thank you for a perfect evening,” Jessica gave him a forced smile. “Good night.” : : : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO : : : : : : : : : : Before she could go anywhere he took her hand, holding it he looked down at her soft delicate hand and back to her. “I don’t want you to… I…” Aedan seemed conflicted as he stood there, she could see the wheels spinning in his mind as he pondered how to even say what he felt. : : : : : : : : “I can stay a bit longer,” Jessica said giving him a soft smile. She felt so conflicted right now. As a Starfleet officer in security and intelligence, she should be more cautious. Aeden Teller was too smooth, too charming to be sincere, yet in moments like this, she felt every word he spoke was the truth and not some line leading her to a night cap. “Look Aeden it is not you but,” she started only to be cut off. : : : : : : : : : : “I mentioned my reputation, I know every word of it. Brash, arrogant, cocky. I am a wealthy playboy with a line of women as long as Saturn’s rings… don’t look at that. Please… I have wanted someone to see me for a very long time, and I feel like you are seeing me more than anyone. You somehow are picking the right words, the right phrases… I want you. Now, but if you want to wait… if a third date, and fourth, and fifth… and however many are needed fine. Just don’t walk away like this, don’t walk away conflicted in what you want. I want to know what you want Blue…” he said softly, the last name reference her eye color, icy yet cool and soothing blue. Somehow they held such warmth in them, and he couldn’t help but feel like he could get lost in them. : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : She had been called many things by many men over the years but Blue was a new one. It felt sweet and personal. Jessica looked away briefly to gather her thoughts as she felt her cheeks warming red. Aeden had a way to say the right thing at the exact moment to make her doubt her course of action. This was just one of the plethora of times he had done so over the past two days she had known him. Looking at the stopwatch she decided not to second guess herself. Aeden probably hadn’t met someone like her before. He had been attracted to her being herself, so Jessica decided to continue. : : : : : : : : Holding up the stopwatch, Jessica got a mischevious smile. “It would be a lie to say I am not impressed with your money and confidence. From this point forward, whatever happens between us, I promise to be nothing except honest with you. ” Jessica was not sure if Teller would be offended, intrigued, or willing to fulfill her next request. : : : : : : : : “My momma told me that if a guy likes you they will move heaven and earth to show it. So this is what I want. I want my butt in the sand, my feet in the ocean, and a cold beer in my hand. I want it real. Not a hologram but a real life genuine beach with no one around for miles. I want to hammocks and maybe a peacock or two roaming the beach. If you can arrange it in the next hour, I will agree to watch the sun come up next to you on it,” Jessica said. “Now since you have more money that God, this request is not hard so I am going to give you a time limit,” she shook the stopwatch. “You have one hour,” she depressed the button setting the watch into motion. “Go and work a miracle hero,” she leaned up and whispered the last part in his ear. Jessica kissed his cheek and placed the stopwatch in his hand. Giving him a smile,” she turned back to the party wondering if he would try to make her request happen or just find someone less difficult. : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn XO : : : : : : “An hour?” he looked at her and pondered for a moment. He wasn’t sure what to say to the request. It wasn’t out of his reach, but it wasn’t really something he thought he could do in an hour. He had to track people down make offers transfer money. All of this took time, but it found the idea intriguing. Now one had ever asked something quite like this, it seemed grand and quaint all at the same time. : : : : Jessica looked back at Aeden hearing his comment. She gave him a smile and nodded. “Yes, an hour. You may not be in Starfleet Mr. Teller,” Jessica said in a more authoritative but still flirty tone, “but I am sure you are used to giving orders and having them fulfilled. See as the Executive Officer I am not used to being told someone can’t make something happen. How many people tell you no and still remain.....on.....your....payroll,” she leaned forward and punctuated the last three words with a soft kiss on his lips. Jessica knew she was coming on strong. Whether it was due to the alcohol or a real desire she could not say. She barely knew this man yet he was exciting and was playfully challenging her as fast as she could throw a challenge at him. : : : : “Let’s go to my ship then, we don’t have time to pass. I have a private shuttle in the bay on the ship we can take… if a certain XO can find a way to get the red tape of a launch out of the way. What do you say wanna beach hunt?” he asked her, wanting to spin this a little and make her part of the venture. He didn’t just want to pick any beach, he wanted to pick her beach. : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : Jessica wanted to tell him no. Her instincts, which led her to him yesterday, told her to see what Teller could finagle on his own. They also reminded her to keep her friends close and her enemies closer. Right now Teller was neither her friend or her enemy. A sudden flutter in her tummy made Jessica stand erect and create more distance between them. Unsure if it were butterflies or danger signals she tucked the lock of hair that kept escaping her French twist to cover her sudden retreat backward. : : “I am sure I can arrange that when your party is over,” Jessica declared confidently. “I mean you can’t just leave your own party.” As she looked around the room, Jessica saw the number of guests had decreased but not by much. Still, it was bad form for the host to leave an event before the guests. Back home even if you were bone tired and wanted your house clear, manners dictated you maintained a polite conversation as long as your guests were in your home. Seeing a few of the more questionable women of the Outpost going strong with verbal banter and drinking concerned Jessica some. It was obvious they had no plans to leave unless escorted out by a handsome man or Teller himself. : : “How long do your parties last? They do have an end right?” : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaugh, XO “Do you think I honestly care about this party?”

Jessica looked at him opening her mouth to speak before he cut her off. She hadn’t meant the comment to upset him. It was simply an observation.

:”I just wanted an excuse to have time with you. Look… no games okay? I need you to trust me on this, I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want… but if you really want to play this game then we can. Haven’t you noticed by now I keep coming back to you? I could have anyone here, I don’t want them.”

Jessica’s mouth stayed dropped open in shock at his statement. She had not expected him to think she was playing hard to get or that she expected him to beg her for her attention. Other women might play the tragic damsel in distress who needed a man to chase them; however, Jessica was always in it for the catch. Chasing annoyed her. At least Aeden and her were on the same page with not wanting the middle school antic some played when they found a connection with someone.

:”Before you say it… you’re also not some flavor of the month, you intrigue me… and if I gotta buy and island to keep this night going by all means let’s go do it.” his words were exact, he knew what he wanted and it was her. She set the stage, and he wasn’t going to back down. She had to just decide, if she could trust him. ~Aedan Teller

“Then let’s go find me my island,” Jessica said to Teller taking his arm. “Oh and for the record it was just a beach Aeden, not an island. I don’t want to be the one woman who goes down in history as the person who bankrupts OMAP in a single night.”

“Oh you are cute, you think I don’t already own a few islands.” he said with a smirk as he held her arm in his he lead her to the docking bay. : : : Jessica took his arm with a coy grin. “Well, my Grandma always said a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If you don’t know what that saying means Mr Teller,” she playfully chided him. “It means if you don’t have an island on Gamma Titltium IV you are pretty much S.O.L and are going to have to live like the rest of us in the gen pop,” she winked walking into his shuttle. “That means beach chairs and bad service at the local Holiday Inn which I will not hold against you.” “What is a holiday inn?” He asked her, perplexed. He didn’t know of what place she referred but it sounded dreadful. “Besides if I wanted to disappoint you I could think of far more creative ways. I much rather shock and surprise you in the best ways. : : The thought made Jessica almost break out in laughter. Even thought Aeden admitted to more humble beginnings, she doubted even he remembered the last time he stayed in a Holiday Inn, Super 8, or Red Roof Inn. : : Once on the shuttle, Jessica slid into the co-pilot seat and began the preflight take off procedures. Tapping the console she opened a comm line to operations. =/\= Operations, this is the XO requesting clearance for departure to Gamma Tiltium IV =/\= she spoke into the line. : : : Time had passed, the two had already begun to descend down to the planet. : : On the way down to the planet, she cast a long side glance at Teller. A smile formed on her face looking at his clothes. In her zest to present a challenge Aeden could not complete, she had created another small one. Neither she nor he was exactly dressed for a beach. The dress he had bought her was so high end, it felt comfortable and not binding. She could wear it all night and not feel as if she was a sausage link stuffed into a casing. In fact, the dress was soft and slippery against her skin following her every moment. Part of her hated to remove it eventually. Aside from the color being purple and not blue, she felt like Cinderella tonight. Nothing was how she planned it yet the night had been memorable. Whether she married the Rich playboy Prince Charming or realized she did not want her foot to fit the glass slipper, it was a night she would never forget. : : :Aedan had been making some inquiries and setting things in motion as he looked over at Jessica. “I found a place, we have it for the evening. I got drinks, music… ocean. I think you will love it.” he said, standing up, offering his hand to her. : : : “We shall see hero,” she said acting as if she didn’t care where they were headed. This was however not far from the truth. Jessica didn’t care if they were head to the Four Seasons or and Econolodge. What she really cared about at this moment was spending time with Aeden. : “Econolodge? Are these even really places?” He said to her, his smirk evident and it was unclear how much he was teasing her or not. : : “How much time do I have left?” he asked her. : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : “Twelve minutes ten seconds,” Jessica replied turning the stopwatch to show him. : “Oh my plenty of time.” He said as his decent began to close in. She would begin to see the beach. It was picturesque. Perfect in every way, beautiful trees sands that shifted colors and endless seas. He spared no expense for her if seemed. : Looking at Aeden made Jessica think about only one thing. While she was not promiscuous she was also not a prude. Aeden was very handsome and she was over the age of consent. Maybe tonight would be more memorable than she planned on. “You know if you had not stopped to schmooze with the Captain’s mother about some coffee shop you could have shaved ten minutes off your time,” Jessica pointed out brushing a few loose strands of hair behind her ear and off her neck. : “Hey I can’t say. I do my adoring public. You get my whole attention though.” He said as he looked over at her, his look a mix of almost love and lust. It was hard to see which was ever his real feeling. : Although Evie McGarrett was very personable Jessica tried to never be caught in the same room with her. While the senior McGarrett claimed she moved the outpost for a quiet retirement, Jessica and every single woman between the ages of 21-30 watched what they said to her in fear that a single misspoken word could land them on a blind date. : : “Now, unfortunately,” Jessica turned in her seat to face Aeden. She seductively crossed one leg over the other letting a hint of upper thigh peek out from under the silken purple material. “Now we can’t use the extra time,” she lifted up in the seat and leaned forward closing the small gap between them, “for some fuuuuuuuun,” she yelped out the last word as the shuttle bucked hitting an unexpected pocket of turbulence in the upper atmosphere. The bounce tossed her unceremoniously back into her seat in a heap. : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO. “Oh sweetheart there is always time for that” he said as he stabilized the decent. They slowly touched ground as he looked out the view. She would see chairs and umbrellas with a small staff of people waiting it seemed to serve them. Other than the staff it seemed like the beach was utterly deserted. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Well?” He asked her, smiling as he hope she approved. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica opened and closed her mouth several times at a total loss for words as her eyes drank in the resort and the staff waiting at the ready. Her expression was one of disbelief coupled with confusion. “Okay this is totally not my business but exactly how much money do you have,” she stressed the word do. The perplexed, analytical gaze held just long enough to show Aeden that Jessica wanted an answer but melted into an easy smile showing it was okay if he left it rhetorical. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “I might be able to buy this world if I wanted… maybe.” he said with a playful wink. He felt joy at her reaction, he felt a tug in his mind to temper his joy, she was a mark after all. He didn’t care, he liked her, she was fun and genuinely charming. Garvis may not approve if he fell for her, but that was something he would deal with another day. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Media sells, my net worth last I checked was over 10 billion galactic credits, give or take a few million.” : : : : : : : : : : : : “Good so you dont mind if I attempt my own personal goal of depleting an Ocean’s content of its lobster supply. I mean everyone has a secret dream right,” she winked at him. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Gazing back at the stunning view from the viewport, Jessica slowly stood up from the co pilots seat. “You sure know how to impress a girl, however, I would have been happy with two of those fabric beach chairs and a couple of beers.” : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “I know… but then I wouldn’t have given my best for you. You deserve only the best he sad, looking over at her his piercing blue eyes watched her move. He loved to watch every step she made, it was like she moved just for him and that delighted and thrilled him. : : : : : : : : : : : : “The only thing I deserve is honesty and respect. The rest I can earn,” Jessica replied. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “You have already had that from me, and so much more…” he said, his tone soft and sincere. He couldn’t help but feel himself want to just give himself away to her. It was stupid, he couldn’t let himself do that he knew. : : : : : : : : : : But why not? he said to himself, he had every right to be happy. Something that he honestly wasn’t truly certain he felt in a long time. So much image, pomp and circumstance as it where. Yet she offered him so much, a chance to escape from being Aedan Teller for a brief moment, and he couldn’t help but want to hold onto that feeling forever. : : : : : : : : : : : : : Swallowing hard Jessica moved to the small space between Teller and the console. Taking a seat on the display panel she let her feet dangle reminiscent of a little kid. “This is beyond perfect Aeden but you know I am not after your money or like you because you are rich right,” she said sincerely. “I came tonight,” she licked her lips almost nervously, “because I like you. All this is great but you are what is making tonight special. Not the five star resort and staff but you,” she looked at him intently. Before she took one step off the shuttle Jessica had to be sure he understood this. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Lt Commander Jessica Vaughn. XO : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Aedan took her hand, pulling her off the console and making her come to his lap, almost in a straddling position as he looked at her intently. “If I thought for one second you were after my money, I would never have agreed to this,” he said, his tone soft yet firm as he puled her closer, kissing her soft lips as he put his hand around her head as he softly caressed her hair. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica let her mind go blank as his lips touched hers. She could tell by his touch the feeling was being restrained. Aeden was holding back. His posture was more rigid as if restraining everything but his tongue and hands from exploring her. His fingers caressed her hair piled softly on her head, yet Jessica instinctively felt if she tried to pull away his hand would only allow inches in retreat. While his lips were soft and gentle on hers, his tongue fought a hard battle for dominance against hers. The sensations coursing through her body created a sense of juxtaposition. Jessica knew Aeden wanted her right here with him at this moment; however, underlying all of it was a sense that deep down he felt he needed to keep her at arm’s length. During the long moments of their kiss, Jessica grounded herself with the thought that Aeden was not used to women like her. WIth his handsome, rugged good looks and posh lifestyle, she doubted anyone had liked him for him in a long time. Aeden was the man with a million acquaintances and few true friends. She would make sure, he understood that she was on the way to be the later before the night ended. : : : : : : : : : : : : : As the kiss lingered he let their lips separate before looking up at her with a certain smile. “You ready to see your getaway?” he asked her, knowing it would take great control to let her get off of him, but wanting to not rush anything either. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : : : “If we don’t go I have a feeling we will never leave the shuttle,” she bit her lip for a half second before giving him a soft kiss on the tip of his nose. Even though she loved the feeling of sitting on his lap and feeling his body so close to hers, the curiosity of what the rest of the evening held for them caused Jessica to jump off his lap. : : : : : : : : : : He smiled, she was stealing him… he could feel it with every second here. If she stayed the night with him he might just be a different man… maybe. He doubted very much anyone could fully change him, but he was willing to share… and she seemed as perfect as anyone to share with. : : : : : : : : : : Standing up he came behind her, his body pressed firm as he reached over her to find the panel to open the door to the shuttle. As she did the fresh smell of ocean air would fill their lungs. Sounds of waves crashing and warmth covering them. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Walking to the shuttle door, she reached over and grabbed his arm for support as she leaned down. Pulling off one heel and then the other, Jessica looked up at him with a playful expression. “I love the feeling of sand between my toes,” she laughed. “I do have to be back at the Outpost before 0600 hours. While mere mortals turn into pumpkins at midnight, I am an executive officer. Rank does have its privileges. So let’s go,” she almost wiggled with excitement next to him waiting for the door to open. : : : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn XO : : : : : : : : : : “We will see about getting you back in time… I can’t make promises but if you are late I can buy the Outpost Captain some ale, or scotch… maybe he can have the beach I’ll decide later.” he said as he helped her down. As she cast off her shoes he smiled. She was so much not like anyone he had been with, he often found himself going for strong territorial women. Those kind f women often got him burned he had to burn them. : : : : : : : : : : No Jessica was a bit different, she was strong and determined in many ways, but she has this gentle vulnerability to her. It was such a unique mixture he knew he had to know more, he had to know her more. He decided to follow suit, taking off his shoes and socks he smirked at her. : : : : : : : : : : “You are like a little puppy set loose for the first time out here.” he said, as he held her arm close to him as he guided her to the location he had set aside. She would find there was beach chairs and towels with giant umbrellas to protect them from the sun, and in the distant small Caribbean music could be heard being played, a live band no less as smells of coconut drifted past them. : : : : : : : : “Hmmmm God I love this,” Jessica inhaled deeply smelling the scents of the ocean giving his arm a quick snuggle. If the night ended right now, Jessica could be happy. As much as she loved being assigned to the outpost she did love dirt side assignments. She happily let Aeden lead her where he wanted them to go. : : : : : : : : : : As they got to the chairs he tilted his head, looking at her softly, “I did get you a bathing suit if you want, or you can keep the dress on. There is a changing station behind you with clothes I don’t want you to ruin that beautiful dress of yours.” he said with a small wink. It was clear what he expected, but he wasn’t going to force her. : : : : : : : : Jessica grinned and looked at him. You know I am an Aquarian right, Jessica thought seductively. Bathing suits are always optional. “I will be right back,” she said instead. A girl did need some mystery she felt walking towards the cabana. : : : : : : Jessica looked at the choices of bathing suits Aeden had provided for her to choose from. They brought a huge smile to her face. The first suit’s strings seemed to contain more material than the suit itself. She lifted it off the hanger and wondered how anyone would even put it on without a partner. Since she was alone, she tossed it to the floor, Jessica moved to the next one. This made her laugh out loud. “God bless Texas and give my Nana a heart attack,” Jessica laughed looking at the nod to the Lone Star state bathing suit. The three strategically placed stars barely covered her north and south forty. Kelly held this suit up to her chest and her laughter got louder. Looking at herself in the mirror there was no way Teller thought she was actually going to wear either of these numbers…or did he? The man oozed a sexy roguishness that few women did not find appealing. Looking at several other suits he had supplied, Jessica had no doubt most women went for the most revealing options in hopes of catching his eye. Dropping the three starred desecration of the Texas flag, Jessica’s gaze settled on pretty much the only option in the room. : : : : : : Putting the bathing suit on, Jessica looked at herself one last time and left the dressing room. : : : : : : : : Moments later once she returned, she would find that he too had changed and drinks where at their chairs where a table sat between them. She would find that Aedan as she exited the changing booth wasn’t just a pretty face, he seemed to be chiseled and rugged. Clearly being rich didn’t seem to be an excuse to become fat and lazy as he smiled at her in his green board shirts, sun glasses perched on his head. : : : : : : : : : : “Don’t you look… well… damn.” he said, as he bite his lip as he looked her over. : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : “And you apparently favor purple,” Jessica said taking a seat next to him in a classic but tasteful purple bikini that showed much but also let the imagination roam free. Turning to look at him in the seat, Jessica picked up the drink as she looked him over. “So tell me the red number in that room that sported less material than a bandaid was not the one you hoped I was going to wear,” Jessica asked playfully. : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn XO : : : : Aedan couldn’t help but chuckle as he looked up at her, his eyes unable to peel away for a moment before speaking. “In fact if you came out in it, I think this date would have been over, you picked well… I like it. Granted I like you. Besides what’s wrong with purple? It fits our theme for the evening.” he said with a wink before giving her a small cocky smile. The one where he couldn’t help but bite his lower lip before turning into seductive grin. : : “And the color of royalty,” Jessica turned once for him modeling the suit. “Anyway FYI hero, there was no way I getting into any of those other suits.” Jessica stood up from her seat and moved to one of the towels spread out in the sand. If she was going to be on real sand she was going to enjoy it. She could sit in a chair anytime. : : : : Aedan breathed in for a second, he kept finding himself trying to calm his mind. He was known for being in control. Anyone close to him knew he just set up marks and then was finished, he didn’t get attached. Yet sitting here, looking over at her he was finding himself having a hard time not feeling attached. There was an allure to her and it was taking his will to not let too much of his cards on the table. Be charming, be amazing. She likes you, that’s all you need her to do. After we have planted dirt on her you will own this station and can use it to stage smuggling from every sector in the region. he thought to himself, his ultimate goal. Smuggling and information, they were the seedy flue they kept OMAP ahead of all competition. : : : : Yet, why couldn’t Aedan shake the feeling that he just wanted to get to know her. She picked the purple, the purple was classy and sexy and not attention seeking, the bingo night, her tenacity and charm and overall fun spirit and nature. He hadn’t found someone that could put him at ease. Part of him toyed with forgetting all this, going after Jania or the CMO. They had power, they could help him, but the sad truth was he knew he didn’t want to loose her. He ignored that part though, it wasn’t something to think on. He was never afraid to loose anyone, he didn’t need anyone. : : : : But you need her. he said, and the part that scared him as he let that thought echo, he didn’t add anything to himself about the job… it was just a simple need. A desire to have someone care for him, and only him. He hadn’t had that since the governor on OED, and she died. : : : : “Roll on your belly, you are gonna need this.” he said, the statement was not a request, he expected her to do as he said. Despite the almost dominating command, she would see he was just wanting to help her as he reached for some suntan lotion. He didn’t want her to go back to work sizzling in OPs. : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : “So do people always just roll over when you command it,” she propped herself up on her elbows as she looked at him. She bit her lip and looked at him playfully. She knew it wasn’t far from the truth. Aeden was acting the alpha male but he also wasn’t. He was clearly giving her a choice but one he expected her to follow. Part of Jessica loved this about him. She wanted a man that knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to act on it. : Aedan said nothing, he just looked at her, smirking slightly as he did. She wasn’t far off, but when he commanded it was often far more of a carnal desire. He was wanting to simply protect her in this instance. : “Just make sure it is not like SPF 90,” she rolled onto her back pulling her long blonde hair to one side. “I do want a tan. No one likes pasty,” she murmured into the towel. : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO “Nothing as harsh as that.” he said as he knelled next to her. He grabbed the bottle and let it pour slowly onto her lower back as he applied it on her. Each curve of hers he began slowly caressing, doing so he leaned in kissing her cheek as he whispered in her ear. “I need to get everything.” he said, his message cryptic at first as she would feel a slight loosening of her top as her straps became undone. As he did this let him get the rest of her, with no need to mess her pretty little pink top. As he finished bit his lip smiling, he needed to tie back the top… or did he? “Roll over.” he said, his tone low and seductive. She was such an obedient puppy at times, but puppies could bite. He would have to see how much she needed to be trained. “I can’t let you have places I missed now can I?” he said, his tone seeming like that was always the most logical reasoning.

“Of course not,” Jessica said. Reaching behind her, she refastened her top and flipped over like he requested onto her back with a grin that was genuine and natural. Aeden was fun. Like a psychological chess match where each word and action was countered by another ever increasing the stakes. There was no denying she was attracted to the charismatic playboy billionaire. No one in their right mind would not be dazzled by the glitz and glamor. Jessica, however, found Teller far more interesting than his money. She took a great delight in surprising him at every turn. Right now was no different.

Jessica watched as Aeden approached her with a seductive look in his eyes. She knew why he wanted her like this and a secret part of her also wanted this…maybe. His pace was steady, confident, and purposeful. His self-assuredness sent a shiver of excitement down her spine but was this too fast. She was not innocent being in her mid-twenties yet the men she had been with were people she was serious with. Aeden and her were merely a bright flame.

Looking around, Jessica began to regret her choice of an isolated resort on the sea shore. With people around, they would not be in this situation. The more reality set in the more her fantasy game of chess began to slip away. She needed to stop this. While Aeden would tell her that he bought out the resort, Jessica still saw it as a public beach. “Aeden,” she said sitting up slightly. “We can’t do this here, like this,” she said looking around. Her heart raced as her words did not slow or quicken his pace.

Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO

“Can’t do what?” he said, looking deep into her eyes he grabbed the space between her chest that had a small sliver of cloth, holding together her top as he pulled her in close. “Can’t do this?” he asked her as he leaned in, taking her fully in his kiss he found him separating her lips hungrily. He wanted her, it was that simple and he was tired of pretending he didn’t. She made everything electric and fun, and in this simple moment away from the outpost he knew he had to show her just how much he cared. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica felt a tug between her emotional side of her brain and the logical one. The emotional one said to just follow his lead. This felt good. They were both consenting adults and she was on shore leave. The logical side of her brain kept repeating over and over Aeden was not the man she should let in. He would make her fall in love with him and then move on before she came off cloud nine. It was not because he was bad or evil but simply because Aeden was looking for a good time in life and not commitment or responsibility. A small moan escaped her lips as his kiss deepened. She let her mind go blank, silencing the voices in her head with the simple thought that one day when she was old and gray, this moment would put a smile on her face of days gone by. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Separating from her for a brief moment he looked at her eyes, this was the moment that would change them, he knew it. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Jessica felt the kiss break and slowly opened her eyes as if waking from a dream. She took a moment to look deep into his eyes. They were not the ones of a cocky playboy attempting to make the girl he was with feel special. They were not the ones of a man completely head over heels in love either. They looked conflicted as if he had no idea what to do next. “Hey,” she reached up touching his cheek. “We don’t have to do this. We can just be…quiet for now if you want. I won’t think it is lack of interest. I know you are not in this for the long haul and I am not typically into a casual night of sex. You are not the type to settle and I am not sure I even want that. What I can tell you is that right now I just want to be here with you. Nothing more nothing less,” she smiled then leaned up to kiss him softly. “You are a good man Aeden Teller. Never let anyone tell you different.” : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : “Blue, haven’t you noticed I keep coming back to you? I could have had anyone, for a lot less than a beach. If I wanted just sex, there is a dime a dozen women on that station. I don’t want just sex.” he said softly, letting his hand run down her stomach as he looked at her. “I want you” hen said firmly but with such a tone of love behind it that he almost felt startled. It was the real him, bleeding out from the personification of Aedan he showed to others. She wasn’t getting some glossy playboy the galaxy saw. : : : : : : : : : : : : : :He pushed her back down as he kissed down her neck, slowly as he tasted her more and more as the waves crashed in the background. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : : : Stopping he looked up at her, he felt such a genuine thrill of happiness rush through him in this moment as he leaned up to kiss her again, his hands wrapping behind her to undo her top once more, this time he tossed it aside, she wasn’t going to need it. : : : : : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : : : : : ====================== : : : : : Sometime later........... : : : : : : : : : : Jessica sat looking at the waves crashing on the alabaster sand wrapped in a soft blanket. Her head was nestled next to Aeden’s body in that perfect spot. The one every girl loved where she could lean into a man and he could casually turn his face ever so slightly and kiss the top or side of her head without moving her. The view was amazing right now as the fiery sun was being extinguished in the cool water at the horizon. The imagery reminded Jessica of her relationship with Teller. They burned so hot with alone and away from the world yet in daily life, Aeden had almost an icy exterior the could freeze one in their tracks with just one look. Truthfully, Jessica had not seen this side of Teller. She only knew it existed. It had to exist for a man to achieve what he did coming from what he had. : : : : : : : : : : As if he could read her mind, Jessica felt Teller’s hands tighten around her body in a small hug and his lips brush the side of her temple. The kiss was not like the passionate ones then shared earlier. It was more intimate. It was the type of kiss two people shared after years together and not days. The type of kiss that was given when two people were comfortable enough to sit in silence and just enjoy each others company. The act caused her to shiver with excitement, anxiety, or nervousness. Jessica felt all of these in his arms and one more. Jessica felt safe. She didn’t care what tomorrow would hold for them or even if they had another tomorrow. Right now all she could think about was enjoying his warm breath that occasionally tickled her ear as he exhaled and the crisp beach evening that required a blanket. She let Aeden hold her until the sun disappeared and the only light was from the flickering torches that were lit a few hours earlier. The dark shadows dancing on the white sand signaled the end of the evening. : : : : : : : : : : Tossing the blanket aside, Jessica felt the chill of the night air on her legs. The soft oversized flannel shirt Aeden had given her when they had dressed for dinner covered her arms and upper body, but the jean shorts caused the skin to ripple into goose bumps on her legs. She leaned forward breaking his gentle hold on her waist so that she could turn and face him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she gave him a soft lingering kiss before speaking. “Aeden I had an amazing 24 hours with you but it is time for Cinderella to return to work,” Jessica grinned before rocking back on her heels and standing up. “You are so different from what most people think you are. You should show this side more or maybe not,” she took on a teasing quizzical expression. “I would hate to have to make an appointment with you just to hang out,” Jessica winked at him using an overly dramatic voice. “I can get back to the base myself. Enjoy the night. This place was,” she stopped looking at her surrounding speechless. “Was far more than I ever expected. Thank you,” she said picking up a bag that held the clothes she arrived in. Fishing about it for a second she retrieved the ornate stopwatch he replicated for her at the party. “And although I am on a box of Twinkies and a six pack of beer budget if you ever want to challenge me,” she tossed the watch at him, “I’m game.” “Good night Aeden,” Jessica replied shouldering her bag and walking back towards the resort. : : : : : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO : : : : “ : : : : Looking at the watch he smirked. “Did you honestly think I was going to let you get away that easily?” : : : : : : Jessica turned back hearing his voice. “Am I under arrest?” she teased him with half a smile. “Besides I was only joking about spending all your money in one day hero. I gotta leae you some money in case you want to take me out again sometime in the future. I mean you did not take me to raise as my dad would say,” Jess adjusted the bag on her shoulder. ‘It was a wonderful date but,” : : : : : : :”Who said the date is even over… I’m hungry aren’t you?” Teller said. : : : : : : “Well maybe but,” Jessica said feeling her head swim. : : : : : : :It would be at this time she would smell it, a luau going in the distance. It seemed Aedan was one to think of everything, nothing was too much for her. : : : : : : “Is....are you roasting a pig,” Jessica said sniffing the air and hearing the soft sounds of island music. “Okay Aeden I only asked for a beach,” she began to stumble over her words. “I…I can’t,” she stopped trying to find the right words. This date was turning almost honeymoon perfect. “I am not even dressed for a luau, beach party, or whatever is going on over there,” she gestured down the shore. It was not that she didn’t’ want to go but more that she felt like she was off balance. This was supposed to be something she planned and yet Aeden was not off balance. He was always in control and while this was very attractive to her, it also made her head swim. : : : : : : : : Getting up he quickly got his shorts on, looking at her he smiled. “Wearing that might be a bit much for this, come on I invited some wonderful people to put this on. It’s simple fun and just for us. I won’t let you say no.” he said, his tone soft but it almost seemed a command as he did. Like he truly wouldn’t let her say no. : : : : : : : : ~Aedan Teller : : : : : : Jessica looked around trying to gather her thoughts. Her logical side was screaming for her to get her butt on the shuttle and return to the station; yet, her emotional side wanted to stay just a bit longer. “Aeden I would love to stay,” she sighed. “But I am on duty in eight hours. I should get a few hours sleep,” she laughed. “Maybe next time.” : : : : Jessica turned back towards the shuttle. She was impressed with his lifestyle but he couldn’t buy her with it. Part of her though didn’t think he was trying that. He was just used to women who stayed with him for his money. B a smile curled on her face as she thought about how he would even date someone doing the old fashioned stuff normal people did : : : : : : Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO : : “Oh, I don’t imagine you slink away like this… come on puppy. I just want time with you, if a roasted pork is a bit much… coffee at your place. You need to at least let me pretend to be a gentleman and do that, walking you back to your place, that’s what couples do right?” he asked her with a smile, soft with his eyes seeming to pierce her. He was searching in some ways, seeing how she would react. : : ~Aedan Teller “Couple,” Jessica’s eyes got wide and her voice had a shocked squeaked quality to it. She searched his face wondering if this was a joke or another test. If there was one thing she was learning about Aeden Teller, it was that the man seemed to love testing people. “Couple,” Jessica repeated the word again with a forced smile trying to buy time. The man just spent more money than she would probably see in five years on one date but this did not mean Jessica thought she was now off the market so to speak. What kinda of girl thinks a few date means I have now attained girl friend status,* she thought. “Wooooooow,” she drew the word out adjusting the strap on her shoulder. “Um Teller,” Jessica scratched her forehead. Her mind ran on fast forward trying to figure out what to say. Ultimately she had only one response. “Let’s eat,” she said rapidly heading towards the luau. The luau meant people and people meant a decrease in privacy. Until she figured out what the heck Teller meant by a couple, Jessica might have to limit the idea of inviting Aeden for one on one excursions. Lt. Commander Jessica Vaughn, XO

“You know blue eyes you could be a little more enthusiastic.” he said playfully, sticking his tongue out before kicking a bit of sand at her before offering her his hand. “There will not be many people just servants and entertainment really but I didn’t want to end just with making love… well some of that was a little more raw and wham bam than making love but you get my point. I just want you to be able to remember the first date I did for you as perfect as you are.” he said softly, she always knew how to make him smile even if she was neurotic mess at times. He could tell the phrase couple shocked her but they had been together for two weeks by this point, if they were not one then he missed a few dating memos.

~Aedan Teller