3 comments/ 22000 views/ 3 favorites The Escapee Ch. 03-04 By: coaster2 Chapter 3: "I'm glad you're there. I wanted to remind you of our date for dinner tonight." Jack said. "You don't need to remind me. I remembered it. I intended to invite you to a home cooked meal at my place." Donna replied in a light tone. "Will that be satisfactory?" "Very. Much more ... intimate." he ventured with what he hoped was a hint of seduction. "Well ... you don't mess around, do you." she continued in the same vein. "How does seven sound?" "Fine ... unless you'd like to get together sooner." he chuckled. "I have to work for a living ... unlike some people I know." "OK, OK, I surrender. Seven o'clock. Give me your address so I can leave by five and make sure I'm not late." he continued with the play. "Very funny!" She had been caught up in the word play and was aware of the innuendo attached. She recited the address and he wrote it down. "Don't be late." she said with humor. "Won't happen. Count on it." he said in a more serious tone. "See you then. Gotta go. Bye." She hung up the phone as was aware of how aroused she was feeling. He was in complete control of her and was making sure she knew it. It was a new experience for her and it was exciting. The dinner was simple and superb in Jack's opinion. He shared that opinion with Donna and she glowed with the compliment. They were sitting at the little-used dining room table and enjoying their wine before she served dessert. "You are the first client I've ever cooked dinner for." she said with a smile. "I'm honored. And I meant what I said about the meal. It was perfect." he said sincerely. "I don't get that many chances to do this ... I mean ... cook for someone. It's usually just me and sometimes my daughter." "No friends to invite?" he asked, curious. "Well ... most of my friends are business related and we see each other on the rubber chicken circuit. I have the neighbors over at Christmas, but I usually cater that. So ... that makes you special." "No dates get this treatment?" he asked with a cocked eyebrow. "Nope ... not in a long, long time." "So what makes me special?" he asked with that sly grin pasted on his face. She looked at him with a startled expression. "Uh ... maybe I'd better get the dessert." she said uncertainly. The bastard had done it again, she realized. He seemed to take personal delight in tipping her upside down. They ate their desserts in silence with the exception of Jack's compliments and then retired to the living room. "Would you like some more wine ... or perhaps a brandy?" she asked tentatively. "Oh ... I'm fine with the wine. You made a very good choice." he smiled. He was sitting on the sofa at one end and was hoping that Donna would choose the same place as well. She disappointed him when she chose the large wing chair just opposite him. "That's quite a throne." he smiled. "A throne?" she asked in a surprised voice. "Well, the queen usually chooses to sit on the throne doesn't she?" he smirked. She looked at him and then broke into a nervous smile. He was trying to goad her and she was trying to resist. She gave him a look of disapproval but a moment later got up and moved to the sofa beside him. "Is this better?" she asked, looking directly into his eyes. "Much." His smile seemed more genuine. "I'm always happier when I have a sexy woman close by." "You have quite a line of blarney, don't you?" "Hmmm ... just a way to loosen up the ... conversation." he said with that lopsided grin. "Oh ... loosen it up for what." she challenged. She had decided to join the game rather than resist it. "How am I going to get to know you otherwise?" "Why not just ask me what you want to know about me?" she offered. "OK ... are you currently dating?" he said with a serious look. "No ... no one." she answered quietly. "Do you date?" he asked with the emphasis on 'Do'. "Yes ... of course." she said with a hint of irritation. "Often?" "That's none of your business." she said with a dismissive tone. "You said I should ask what I want to know. Have you changed your mind?" "No ... but ... you're getting very personal." "That's not an accident." he said simply. "Is it making you uncomfortable?" "Yes ... no ... You're very ... direct. You aren't trying to be subtle ... are you?" "Nope ... hate to waste your time and mine. If I'm interested, I'll let you know." he said simply. "And I am interested." "It wouldn't be very professional of me." she offered lamely. Jack looked at her and smiled. Her last statement told him everything he needed to know. He slipped sideways down the sofa to sit directly beside her. He had turned sideways to face her and placed his arm on the back of the sofa behind her. He still had not touched her. Donna was looking at him with a searching gaze. What was he doing? What was he planning? She was both nervous and uncertain. Had she misjudged him? Was he dangerous? Was she careless in inviting him into her home? She looked at him closely and could see no malice or intent other that the sexual message he was sending. Was it worth the risk? Jack watched the questions and concerns pass by Donna's expression and smiled to himself. He had managed to remove every shred of her confidence and she was now ready for him. He leaned toward her and for an instant, caught the slightest hint of the scent she was obviously generating. It was the unmistakable sign of arousal and he was now certain of what he would do. He lifted his hand to the side of her face and touched it gently with his fingertips. He was looking steadily into her eyes without blinking and he had the faintest of smiles on his lips. He held her that way for a few moments and then removed his hand and brought it down to her partly exposed thigh below the hem of her skirt. Again it was just the fingertips and he felt her flinch slightly when he touched her there but she made no move to remove his hand. He moved his fingers back and forth in a gentle stroking movement for a few moments until he began to move them slowly under the skirt and upward along her thigh. Donna was frozen in place. She was aware of her arousal and aware of his delicate touch and in the farthest recesses of her mind, she though this might be a mistake, but for the moment, it was hypnotic and she knew she was defenseless. As his hand slipped slowly under her skirt and up her thigh, she was barely aware that she had shifted herself slightly to allow her legs to part and permit his passage. When his fingers reached their destination, Jack became aware that Donna was very damp and very aroused. Her eyes were dull and her breathing was shallow. As he tentatively touched and then lightly rubbed the crotch of her panties, he saw her eyes begin to close, her head tipped slowly back against the sofa back. He leaned further forward to kiss her very lightly on the lips. He would do nothing to startle her and everything he could to continue his conquest. Donna was unable to speak or to move. She was in a trance and waiting for whatever came next. She was frustrated with the slow progress Jack had made and the gentleness of his attentions. If she could just move her hands, she might have grasped his hands and forced them against her now intensely aroused sex. She heard herself groan her protest in frustration. Jack was keenly aware of her developing condition and pressed his lips more firmly on hers and then withdrew and used the tip of his tongue to tantalize her even further. She responded with an open mouth and another moan of sexual want. The fingers of his hand beneath her skirt began to lift and slip beneath the gusset of her panties. He gently tugged at them to give himself more freedom and was rewarded with Donna lifting herself slightly to assist him. He pulled his head back slightly and smiled at her; his eyes fixed on hers. He could hear her breath as she anticipated his next move. His fingers began to stroke her outer lips and then his forefinger and index finger began to probe and insinuate themselves into her very warm centre. Donna groaned again and then placed her hand over his through the fabric of her skirt and pushed. She had taken all she could with this slow, delicate foreplay and she wanted some gratification and she wanted it now. Jack was just as determined to delay her reward for as long as possible. His ambition was to make it obvious that he was in charge of this seduction and not her. He allowed her hand to help his fingers penetrate her now highly charged vagina and she thrust her hips upward to encourage him to increase his penetration. He curled his fingers and began to search for her G spot in a more aggressive manner. Her groans became more audible and her head was now resting on the back of the sofa; her eyes closed. Jack reached around her and began to unbutton her blouse. It was an easy task; she had left the top two buttons undone to display her ample cleavage and the small, decorative buttons slipped easily through their eyes. Donna took her hand from Jack's and pulled her skirt up to give him more access to her. She was wishing she could just shed her clothes in a single movement and then she could devote all her energy to what Jack was going to do. She tugged at her blouse to remove it from her skirt and then undid the button on her waistband. She grasped the zipper and pulled it down. She had done everything she could without getting up or moving Jack and she was not going to stop the now rhythmic stroking of his fingers inside her. She was beginning to feel the onset of her orgasm. Jack was pleased with his progress. She was becoming more agitated and aroused and she was almost tearing her clothes off. He had been kissing her throat and licking gently at her ear lobes. He leaned down and kissed the top of her breasts and then began to pull her blouse off. Donna immediately moved to help him and when it was removed she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply. When she released, she looked at him with pure lust and then leaned forward, put her hands behind her back and released the hooks on her bra. The elegant, lacy, pale blue undergarment fell from her shoulders revealing her bountiful breasts. Donna placed her hands under her breasts and presented them to Jack. He smiled and dipped his head forward and he lightly licked the nipple of one and then the other. They almost immediately became distended and he quickly started sucking, licking and nipping lightly with each one in turn to heighten the sensations within Donna. All the while, he was continuing his assault with his fingers and her delayed orgasm was once again building. She wasn't sure she could stand another interruption. Jack then slowly withdrew his hand from her pussy and held the two glistening fingers up in front of Donna before taking each one in turn into his mouth; sucking them as he savored her. His eyes never left hers and he could see the lust displayed on her face. He withdrew his arm from behind her and with both hands, began to tug her skirt down and off her. Donna was anxious to assist him. This had gone on far too long. Donna was wearing a rather alluring, low cut pair of pale blue panties and thigh-high black stockings. The thought crossed Jack's mind that she had expected this to happen tonight, but it wouldn't have changed his plans in any event. His next move was to hook his thumbs under the sides of the panties and pull them down. Again, Donna was eager to help him. There was no hint of resistance or reluctance. Jack took a moment to gaze at the woman. She was naked except for her stockings and Jack had decided to leave them on. She was larger than life, probably five-seven or five-eight, possibly a hundred and sixty pounds. She had a bulge at her belly, but it didn't slump into folds and it only added to her voluptuous appearance. Her mons was moderately covered with trimmed, dark hair. Her breasts were large and naturally sagged somewhat, but not in an ugly way. She had large, irregular shaped aureoles and prominent nipples and they suited the breasts perfectly. Her hips flared; giving her a well defined waistline and her legs were heavy in the thighs, but silky smooth and tapered nicely at the calves. Amazingly, her glorious ass was as smooth as silk and flawless. She was a large woman, but almost perfectly proportioned and Jack was very aroused by what he saw. He dropped down to his knees before her and slowly pushed her thighs apart as his head moved toward her sex. She knew what was coming and didn't know whether to be pleased or angry. She was fully charged and awaiting her orgasm and at least, if Jack was anywhere half decent at oral sex, she could get off that way. She would have preferred a cock instead, but right now, she just wanted to get some relief. She was almost ready to scream when Jack moved his mouth onto her labia and began to forcefully push his tongue into her. Donna reacted immediately to this new attack. She pushed her hips toward his head and she tried to intensify the sensations now running through her again. It was her third trip toward her goal and he had better not let her down again or it would be the last time. Her hands clasped the back of his head to intensify the pressure on her pussy and she was rewarded by Jack as he used the rough surface of his tongue, dragging it over her now distended clitoris. She jerked her hips in response to the new sensation and within seconds her long delayed orgasm roared through her body. Jack felt her stiffen and heard her cry as the orgasm overtook her and he was happy that the torture she had endured had been rewarded with a powerful outcome. She was now ready for the rest of the evening he had planned. He stood and held out his hands to help her up. He was still full clothed and she was naked in all but her stocking covered legs. It didn't seem to have any effect on her and she looked at his face and then turned and led him down the hallway to her bedroom. She helped him undress and when he was completely stripped, she turned and lay back on the bed with her legs hanging over the side, watching his every move. He walked to the side of the bed and leaned down with his hands supporting him on each side of her shoulders. He looked searchingly at her and then spoke. "Donna ... I want you to know something very important. I want you to know I will never hurt you, I will not humiliate you and I will not do anything to or with you that you do not want me to do. Is that understood?" He had delivered the words in a quiet, but unmistakably serious tone. She looked at him for a long moment and then nodded her head. He smiled at her. "There's just one other thing." he said. "What?" "I'm in charge of bringing you pleasure. I'm in complete charge. Agreed?" She looked up at him. "Well, don't you think you should get started, or are they just words?" He grinned at her challenge. He looked down at his erection and rose up to stand between her legs and moved to the edge of the bed. He grasped her under her thighs and lifted them and pushed them up and back towards her chest. He placed his shoulders under her knees and then began to direct his rigid cock toward her waiting pussy. She reached for him but he brushed her hand away and directed his cock toward her and began to stroke it up and down her waiting slit. She was still wet from her orgasm and it took little to provide the lubrication needed for Jack to enter her. Jack pushed harder against her thighs with his shoulders and was bending her back as far as he dared as he entered her. He pushed with one long sustained effort and he was well inside her as he heard her grunt of approval. He withdrew and then began to move more deeply into her with each stroke. He was making no effort to be delicate. This was to be a power performance, 'marking' his woman. An hour later, they lay side by side in near exhaustion and bathed in perspiration. Jack had taken her in every position she would permit and she reveled in the powerful lover she had discovered. She hadn't had sex like this ever that she could remember. Better yet, it was lasting and she reveled in orgasms of every kind and description. He wasn't gentle, but she quickly learned that she didn't want gentle. He was in command and she had no doubt that it was his intention. She smiled as she thought about the enormous satisfaction he had provided her with tonight. This called for an encore. This called for several encores. Jack was watching her. He had rolled on his side and placed his hand softly on her belly. He could see the satisfaction and flush of post-coital contentment on her face and he was pleased that it had been so rewarding for both of them. "Donna ... are you OK?" "Yah ... I'm fine. You made sure of that." She had turned her head and was looking at him. "How come you want to get involved with a fat old broad like me?" she asked with a vague smile. "Stop it ... just stop it!" he said in a quietly firm, controlled voice. "I won't have you talking that way. You are a beautiful woman and I and very happy to have been with you tonight. I hope we will have many more of these times together." "Do you mean that, or is it just something to say?" she asked, unsure of her ground. "I always mean what I say. You should have understood that by now." he said with a cocked eye and a slight smile. "What do you want from me?" she asked with some trepidation. "Nothing ... everything. I want you! That's all that matters." he said cryptically. "What do I have to do?" she asked, still mystified at what was happening. "First ... find me a house to buy." he grinned. "Second ... tell me if what we shared tonight is what you want in your life right now." "Yes ... I mean ... yes ... I want you. I've never been with anyone like you. I want more." she confessed. "And the house?" "Let's work on that tomorrow." she said softly. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me in the shower." "I insist on it." he smiled and her return smile told him she was ready for more. They slowly rose from the bed with Jack helping her up and then running his hands over her ample cheeks and then up to her shoulders and neck. He peeled off her dark nylons and then leaned in and kissed her with force ... again 'marking' his woman. She ran her fingers across his cheek and lips and led him to the ensuite. She turned on the water and knowing the temperature it would be, she turned to her new lover and gently grasped his cock and squeezed it slightly. His reaction was almost immediate as it began to grow in her hand. She smiled as she moved into the large cubicle, still holding his now almost complete erection in her hand. Jack followed the luxurious body of Donna Remple into the large, tiled stall and watched as she led him by his manhood under the rain-shower head in the center of the sidewall. She released him and took a bottle of body wash and began to spread the sudsy gel over his chest and then, turning him, his back and ass; paying special attention to his butt and between his thighs. She used both hands to do his legs and then turned him while squatting in front of him and gently washed and fondled his rigid member and scrotum. She would look up at him to see him watching her with approval and his hand was on her head, stroking her soaking hair with his fingers. She stood finally and handed the bottle to Jack and turned her back to him. He followed her lead and washed and fondled her body, paying loving attention to her glorious buttocks, just as she had with his. Finally, he turned her and starting from her shoulders, worked his way down her body, lingering on her breasts and then in a moment unexpected, he dipped the tip of his tongue into her navel when she was not watching. It was alike an electric shock to Donna and she waited for the next surprise. Finally, he stood, holding her shoulders and pulled her toward him and kissed her passionately. She responded and her hand went to his cock and she made it plain she wanted him in her again. The Escapee Ch. 03-04 He turned her and pulled her away from the wall. She obligingly spread her legs in anticipation as he moved behind her. She placed her hands against the wall, looking over her shoulder in anticipation. He reached around and his fingers found her mound and then her opening and he stroked for a minute or so before entering her. He curled his fingers inside her again and when he could feel her hips move back against him, he removed his fingers and in a single stroke, entered her. Again, her gasp of fulfillment was the signal that all was well and he held her hips as he began to stroke in and out. Her head came back and she began to verbalize her pleasure. It was something he enjoyed hearing as it was the message from her to him telling him just how well he was doing. Apparently, he was doing very, very well. She was pushing back at him as he stroked more forcefully into her. He reached around and captured a nipple between his thumb and forefinger, pinching it gently and then twisting and pulling on it. After a minute or so, he changed hands and played with the other breast. Donna was in ecstasy as he drove into her and the extra pleasure of his fingers on her breasts was driving her more quickly toward another orgasm. She had lost count of the number of times she had come and no longer cared. This man could have her anytime, anywhere, anyway he wanted. She was truly in lust. She was getting a royal fucking and although she never used the word and was uncomfortable being around people who did, she now understood its real meaning. She laughed out loud as a wild thought passed through her consciousness. Jack heard the laugh and while he was pleased she was enjoying this shower-sex, he wondered idly what she was laughing at. "What's so funny?" he finally asked. "I just had a weird thought. I imagined what it would be like to have a movie of tonight that I could put on my TV in the bedroom and play it when I was alone. Isn't that kinky?" she giggled. "No ... not at all. It sounds very erotic, in fact. Would you like to see yourself having sex with me ... or perhaps someone else?" he said with a mock-questioning tone. "No ... with you ... but I would never ... oh god ... oh yes!" her voice trailed off. Jack had not broken his stroke and now Donna was beginning to show signs that they were nearing her destination. He intensified his movement and within seconds, she was lost in another exquisite moment. He could feel her knees weaken and he held her with both hands wrapped around her waist and waited for the weakness to pass. Finally, he guided her out of the stall and taking the towels she left on the counter, he wrapped one around her body, one around her soaked hair and another around his waist. He began to dry her just as he had washed her and she watched him with a smile and partly hooded eyes. This was a man she could learn to love. Donna went to the closet and pulled out a plain, white terrycloth robe and handed it to Jack. She pulled out another, silky green robe and pulled it on. As she wrapped it around her, Jack was amazed at how beautiful this woman truly was. She had been so busy making a career for herself that she had lost contact with who she was. He walked toward her and embraced her; lowering his head to kiss her neck and finally pulling back to kiss her lips and then her forehead and cheek. "Would it bother you to wake up in the morning to find me here?" he asked carefully. Her head snapped back and she gazed at him with a shocked look. "Are you sure?" "Very!" "I'd love that. It's been a long time since I've awakened to a man in my bed. A real man." she grinned. Jack pulled at the tie on her robe and let it fall open. His hands slipped inside and he caressed her breasts and then they fell to the roundness of her backside. He squeezed the lovely globes and then leaned forward again to kiss her. Donna wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him tightly to her as her mouth opened and their tongues began to dance together. "I want more of you." he said simply. "Yes ... I want that too." She stepped back from him for a moment. "I'm amazed. We've been making love for hours ... how do you do it?" "You mean, how does an old guy like me keep it up when he's with a very hot babe like you? Is that what you're asking?" he laughed. "Yah ... I guess I am. I really don't care, but I am curious." "I'm inspired by the beauty of the woman I'm with. I haven't been so aroused by someone in a long, long time. I might not last the night, but I'm sure as hell going to try." He had delivered this in a devilish voice and a crooked smile and Donna was watching him with amusement. "What a crock!" she laughed. "OK then, let's see ... maybe one of those little blue pills?" he tried. "Much more likely." she continued laughing. "I hear they're really very effective at ... extending things." she said, arching her eyebrows. "We're about to find out." he grinned in admission. "I hope that doesn't ruin the illusion." "Hell no! I don't care how you do it as long as you do it." She reached for his hand and led him back to her bed. She pulled the comforter off, draping it carelessly on the rail at the foot of the queen size frame. She tugged at the sheets and shrugged off the gown, climbing naked between the sheets, beckoning him to follow. He slipped in after her and turned toward her. His hands caressed her body as Donna reached to turn out the light. They were asleep in less than a minute. Apparently, little blue pills don't last forever. Chapter 4: It took a few false starts before Donna found a house that Jack felt comfortable about. It was a ranch bungalow with a walk-out basement and a bonus room over the two car garage. It would permit a workshop as well as a generous area for an office if he decided he needed one. He had been in the Valley for ten days now and it was clear that he needed something to do beyond looking for a house. He was not used to inactivity and knew it wasn't in his future. His relationship with Donna was scorching and they were together every night. He had maintained his control over their love life, but she had no complaints. He was a varied and powerful lover and she had never felt quite as satisfied with her life as she was at that moment. They were beginning to be seen together in public and as they walked the streets of the town, they would hold hands. Jack had asked Donna to help him furnish his house and she was enthusiastic in her acceptance. They appeared to have similar tastes and Donna's keen eye for a bargain kept Jack's spending to a sane level. She was curious about where the money was coming from and he had no sense of urgency about finding a job, so she assumed it wasn't a problem. When her friends and acquaintances asked about the new man in her life, she simply referred to him as Jack and made no effort to hide their relationship. They carried on as lovers throughout the spring and summer and Donna began to notice the changes that had come about in herself. While she knew Jack was genuinely happy with her body as it was, she vowed privately to make herself even more attractive to him if it was possible. She began to increase her visits to her health club from one to three per week and she increased the intensity of her exercises as well. She was not going to take anything for granted. She kept this from Jack and wondered how long it would be before he noticed. There was another, more subtle change in Donna Remple. She felt less inclined to be a leader. She was less outspoken and more in tune with the consensus in her committee work. In her quiet moments, she took great comfort in her sense of well-being. She had Jack in her life and it had changed everything. He was both a man and a gentleman; that perfect combination that her ex-husband Jim had been unable to achieve. She was admitting to herself now that she had fallen in love with him. Jack had started a computer consulting firm for small businesses. The little guy needed just as much help or more to manage his commercial affairs and he needed a system that would be cheap, simple to use and tie all the key elements together; inventory, banking, accounting and the dreaded regulatory forms for various levels of government that seemed to grow in number each month. His fees for this service were unusually modest. He didn't need the money and didn't want to put his work beyond the means of the size of client he would encounter. It turned out to be a successful strategy and as he had with his former business, he established a reputation for competence and economy. It took some effort to control the number of customers and not end up working twelve hour days. He needed help that would think and operate to his standards. He put an ad in the local paper without much optimism. Maurice "Moe" Desjardin had emigrated from Quebec three years earlier. His wife, Annette and their three children originally moved to Victoria as the result of a transfer by his bank employer. Like Jack, he rankled at the structure, waste and corporate foolishness of the institution and was constantly on the lookout for something more satisfying. His experience and familiarity with the bank computer systems, government regulation as it applied to business and the rapid increase in the number of on-line financial transactions sparked the ambition to establish himself in his own business as a consultant/programmer. It was only a fluke that Maurice saw Jack Matheson's add in the Valley paper while he and the family were on vacation near Kye Bay. He called Jack and in the space of a one hour personal conversation, realized there was an opportunity for him and his family here. Annette loved Vancouver Island and loved their three weeks they were permitted at the sandy beaches off Comox. When Maurice broached the idea of a partnership with Jack in what would be his own business, she knew she couldn't tell him no. She had a job at the Credit Union and those skills were portable. Maurice and Jack hit it off right away. They were in tune with each other on the business concept and since it was already established, the ground work was already done. They agreed on a method and price for a 50% share and Maurice moved his family in late July to their new home. The Desjardins' had realized a handsome profit on their home in Sannich and were able to buy a new home for less money in the Valley. Annette had to wait a couple of months for an opening at the Credit Union, but that gave her the opportunity to set up their new home and get the children registered for school the next month. By September, Jack and Maurice were working smoothly as a team and since Moe took on a considerably larger share of the workload, Jack insisted they log their hours and that the income be distributed on that basis rather than a straight 50-50. Maurice gratefully accepted the agreement and their partnership thrived. On a late October Saturday, Donna and Jack invited Moe, Annette and their children to dinner at Jack's house. Donna insisted on preparing the meal, although Annette equally insisted on providing the dessert. Their children; two girls and a boy, in that order, were aged 15, 13 and 8. The youngsters spent most of the time either watching TV or playing games on Jack's computer. As the dessert was served, the youngsters excused themselves and the four adults were left at the table to enjoy the wine and their conversation. "Well, a toast to a very fine partnership." Jack smiled, offering his wine glass toward Maurice. The four touched glasses to murmurs of agreement. "This has been quite a remarkable year for me." Jack said thoughtfully. "I sat down the other night and listed all the things that I have had happen to me or that I have done. I don't think I realized it until I wrote it all down." "Well, don't just sit there ... tell us about it." Annette challenged. Jack looked up and turned toward Annette and then Donna before saying anything. "Well ... let's see ... I sold my business late last year ... almost exactly a year ago in fact. Then I sold my ... our house and then I ran away to sea." he said with a sardonic grin. "I ended up here ... in Courtenay ... looking for a place to hide. Then I met Donna and she helped me find a place to hide ... her house." he laughed. "So just to prove I wasn't sane, I bought another house." He held out his hands, palms up, as if to say "what did you expect?" He glanced over a Donna and saw her expectant look. "Oh yah ... something else crazy happened. I fell in love when I least expected it." He heard Donna's sharp intake of breath as he turned toward her. "Sorry, love. Didn't mean to startle you." he grinned again. Donna sat completely still as she listened to Jack talk. She could barely understand that he was declaring his love for her. It seemed so detached and so remote and yet he was only a couple of feet away from him and she could hear his voice and see his lips move. It must be so. It must be so. She blinked and then let her breath out. "I'm sorry, Donna. I didn't mean to upset you. I just thought I'd tell Maurice and Annette what you already must know. I'm in love with you. It's as simple as that. Donna sat for a moment and then rose and hurried to the bathroom. "Oh! Oh! I think I just made a mistake." Jack said looking over his shoulder after her exit. "Let me look after this." Annette quickly volunteered. "You two just make yourselves scarce for a few minutes." she ordered. Jack got the impression that Annette was not to be argued with. "Shit, Moe. Why did I have to go shoot my big fat mouth off?" Jack moaned. "Relax, Jack. You didn't say anything we didn't already know. I guess you just forgot to tell her first." "Jesus ... I can be an insensitive jerk sometimes." he said, almost to himself. "I've got to make this right with her." he mumbled. "If I were you, I'd wait a bit. Give her a chance to digest all this. Give Annette a chance to calm things down. Why don't we take our wine and sit in the living room for now." Jack turned and looked down the hallway toward where Annette had gone. She had apparently been allowed into the bathroom where Donna had sought sanctuary. Jack crossed his fingers in hope that his guest could restore the situation for him. He had no idea how he could do it himself. They sat in the living room for a few moments but neither seemed to have anything to say. The phone rang and startled both Jack and Maurice. Jack rose and walked to the kitchen to answer. "Hello?" "John ... it's me ... mother." came the halting voice. "Mom ... are you OK ... you don't sound too good." he said with a worried voice. "John ... it's your father ... he's had a heart attack." she said. He could hear the sobs in her voice. "Oh no ... mom ... where is he? Is he in hospital?" "No ... John ... I'm sorry ... we lost him. He's gone." she cried. Jack was stunned into silence. There was nothing he could say as the tears came to his eyes. First Shannon and now his father. What more punishment would he have to endure? "John? Are you still there? John?" She had always called him by his formal first name. Always! He had never been Jack to his mother. "Yes ... still here. I'll pack a bag and be there tomorrow. I'll phone you when I'm on the ferry. OK?" His voice was quiet and controlled but internally, he was in turmoil. He had no idea of what was happening around him. "Hurry home, John. I need you. I'm so lost without your dad." He could hear her break down and sob. "Don't worry mom. I'll be there as soon as I can. Have you got anyone to stay with you?" he asked anxiously. "Yes ... don't worry about me. I'll be alright when you get here." She was sounding more composed. "OK mom. Whatever you think best. I'll see you tomorrow. Bye for now. Take care. I love you." "I love you too John. You and Mike and Marilyn are all I have left now. Take care, son.' Jack slowly hung up the phone and sank into the kitchen chair. He was stunned. His father! There was no warning. He hadn't been sick nor had there been a hint of weakness. He was barely aware of Maurice's hand on his shoulder. "Jack ... what's happened?" he asked, concerned. "My dad ... he's dead. I can't believe it. He's dead ... a heart attack. I have to go home. Mother needs me." he said quietly. "Jack ... I'm very sorry. That's a terrible thing to have happen. What can I do to help?" "Uh ... I'm not sure how long I'll be gone Moe. I guess I have to dump it on you ... the business I mean. I'll make it up to you ... I promise." he said absently. "Don't worry about it Jack. I'll handle it. You just look after your mother. She's really going to need you now." his partner said confidently. "Thanks Moe. I'm so glad you're here. I'll have my cell with me so call me if you need anything. I'll stay in touch too." he said, beginning to gain more control over his emotions. "Make sure you stay in touch with Donna too ... as if I had to remind you." he smiled. "Yah ... assuming she's still talking to me." Jack said with a rueful grin. "Don't worry about that. She'll be with you ... I'm positive of that." he said confidently. "Let me go see how Annette is making out. I'm sure they are going to want to know what is happening." Maurice wandered down the hall and tapped lightly on the door of the bathroom. After a moment it opened and Jack could hear his partner talking in low tones to someone inside. He heard the gasp and the commotion of voices as Donna burst past Moe and almost ran to the seated man in the kitchen. "Oh Jack! Jack! I'm so sorry. Oh ... Jack!" was all she could manage as she sank to her knees and embraced her lover. They clung to each other wordlessly and each was lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Jack raised his head from her shoulder and kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry my love. I feel so stupid. I never wanted to embarrass you. I love you. I just wanted everyone to know that." he said quietly. "I know, love ... I know. Next time ... tell me first ... OK?" she smiled through her tears. "Jack ... I know you have to go ... but call me each day. I need to hear your voice ... please?" she pleaded. "Yes ... of course ... count on it." he smiled sadly. Annette had gathered the children together, handed them their coats as said their goodbyes and condolences. As Jack watched their car pull away from his drive, he shut the door and turned to Donna. She walked to him and embraced him, holding him tightly. "Do you want me to stay?" she asked quietly. "More than anything." When he awoke on Sunday morning, he glanced at the clock and saw that it was just past seven. He was lying spooned against Donna and his hand was gently cupping her breast. He kissed her shoulder and began to get up to head for the shower. He realized he was naked as was Donna and he grabbed his dressing gown and a pair of jockeys to take into the ensuite. He shaved, showered and brushed his teeth before returning to the bedside. Donna had stirred and was lying on her back, her eyes partly open, watching him. He leaned over her and kissed her lips gently. He smiled at her and she returned the smile. They had made love last night, but it was gentle and slow and lasting. It wasn't the way they been accustomed to expressing themselves. They had changed, somehow. Their relationship had evolved in the space of a few moments at the dinner table last night. Donna felt immensely satisfied that morning. He had stumbled but he had said the words she wanted to hear. She wasn't so much angry with his impromptu declaration as she was unprepared. Her running to the bathroom was to buy time to compose herself as she felt a wave of nausea and light-headedness pass through her body. She sat on the toilet, trying to control her breathing when she heard a light tapping on the door and Annette's voice. Her single "come" was enough for Annette to enter and their new friend sat on the edge of the tub with a very big smile on her face. The Escapee Ch. 03-04 "You weren't expecting that, were you?" Donna shook her head and looked completely bewildered by the events of the moment. "Are you upset? Do you feel the same about him?" she asked softly. Donna looked up at Annette. "Yes ... I've known for a while I'm in love with him. I wanted him to say that ... to tell me that he loved me. I guess I wasn't ready for it when it happened." she said carefully. "Men ... they never get the details right ... do they!" Annette snorted. "Well ... better to hear the good news that way than the bad news." Donna said with a small smile. They sat for a while in silence. Donna was slowly regaining her composure. At that moment, there was another soft tapping at the door. Annette stood and opened it to see Maurice standing there with a serious expression. "Donna. That phone call ... it was his mother calling. Jack's father has died." he said in a somber tone. "Oh my god!" Donna jumped up from the toilet and pushed past Annette and Maurice out the door to find Jack.