He didn't call the first day, well if it were anything like hers she couldn't blame him. But when he didn't call the second or third she began to wonder if he had decided that he couldn't be in a relationship with her either. Maybe it was just a one night stand and that's all it meant or was supposed to mean. She really didn't know. Shaking her head she sighed. The week drug by slowly, but eventually Friday rolled around along with a phone call from Marty.

"Hey Jesse I'm having a dinner party tonight be here around seven-ish alright."

"Yeah sounds great."

When Jesse got home she changed into her jeans and a cute see through blouse with a camisole beneath. Pulling her hair into a pony tail she headed to Marty's.

Mark and Josh were thrilled to see her and of course Marty was as well. They all chatted in the kitchen while Marty finished making the last bit of bread for their meal.

She hadn't seen Gage since she arrived and found it kind of odd, but decided not to ask. Sure it sounded stupid as if they were playing games, but there was just no sense in pining. She was a good friend and if that is all he wanted from her then she would just have to deal with it.

Firming up her resolve she finally saw him, out on the patio with some woman she'd never seen before they were obviously lost in conversation, but he looked relaxed and content so she didn't go out there. There was little to be gained by it except maybe annoying him with the interruption.

Everyone mixed and chatted while Jesse spoke with just about every person there, she still hadn't spoken to him. She saw the woman he was talking to come in for a refill, she was very pretty and as she turned she smiled at Jesse. It wasn't one of those fake or cat and mouse smiles, just an honest one. Jesse smiled back and continued her conversation with Marty and Josh.

Gage eventually made his way through the kitchen. Jesse smiled and waved as he walked by. He waved back, but kept going to his bedroom. Then he passed through again without really acknowledging anyone. She looked on thoughtful, but tried not to dwell on it overly much. There was after all little point in it, especially if she was what she thought she was.

By eleven she decided to call it a night and kissed Marty's cheek. I'm dead on my feet I'll see you guys later.

"Oh, I think Gage wanted you he's out on the patio," Marty said with a nod in that direction.

He was sitting out there with that pretty lady and although she felt funny about it, she was told to find him. Clearing her throat she peeked outside the patio door and said, "Hi. Sorry to interrupt, Marty mentioned something about you needing me."

Gage could see her attempt to hide the confusion. She didn't know what was going on and he felt bad about it. He just wasn't ready to tell anyone he was sleeping with her and the only way they wouldn't know was by him staying away from her. The only problem was he hadn't told her what he wanted or spoken to her since...his face went white when he realized how long it had been since they'd spoken.

"Sorry Carrie, I need to talk to Jesse." Leaning down he kissed her cheek. "it was great catching up."

"I've had a great time tonight. Don't be a stranger," she said quietly before leaving the patio.

And then they were alone. "It's getting late Gage, I was just about to head home."

He nodded leaning in to give Jesse a deep and entirely lovely kiss.

She melted in his arms, "Mmm that's so nice."

"Jesse I'm sorry I didn't call. It's been a while and I'm an idiot."

Although Jesse nodded she still felt confused. "Was your week as hectic as mine?"

"Yeah," he said not elaborating, nuzzling her neck instead. His hands were stroking her making her feel wanton.

Her breath hitched with emotion. "Gage?"

"Hmmm?"

"W-we have to stop."

He growled his dissent.

"Gage someone's going to see and if-if we don't stop I'm not going to care how much they see."

He stopped, pulling back from her, "Really?"

Rolling her eyes she answered. "At the risk of stroking your ego even further, yes I really want you."

Playing with the snap on her jeans he eventually unfastened them then slowly lowered the zipper. "Gage, what are you..." a gasp filled the air as his hand slipped inside.

She had a death grip on his shoulders.

"Stay with me tonight. Please Jesse."

She nodded, her hips jerking back and forth with his touch.

He felt her stiffen and swallowed her scream in a blinding kiss.

She trembled for a minute before collapsing against him. He kissed the top of her head while securing her jeans.

Moving toward the patio bench he pulled her onto his lap.

Her body took a while to calm as did his, but eventually both felt they could return to the kitchen without their desires being on display.

Marty took one look at her flushed friend and knew something was different. Jesse took a seat at the table in the kitchen across from Mark, while Gage went to the fridge to grab a water. It was however what he did when he returned to the table that alerted Marty to the new situation.

Gage not only sat beside her, but his hand rested on her thigh while his fingers made small gentle motions along the inside.

Mark grinned seeing the sleepy eyes change from innocent to something a lot more worldly. A sly grin filled his face when he glanced at Gage who happened to be looking at Jesse.

The look he was giving her was more than a little heated and extremely possessive.

Marty gasped then clapped a hand over her mouth when he looked up. Blushing he looked away only to catch the smirk Mark was giving him.

Jesse's eyes were closed, enjoying the feel of his warm hand on her. Leaning down Gage whispered, "Go lay down baby, I'll be there in a bit."

Nodding she finally opened her eyes. Startled to see the smile Mark was giving her across the table.

Turning toward Marty she blushed saying, "I'm a little tired."

She nodded grinning.

The minute Jesse left the room Mark said, "Damn you work fast, I know you two weren't sleeping together last weekend."

Marty gasped.

"Don't make me hit you O'Connor." Gage's face had become extremely hard.

"Sorry," he said putting his hands up in surrender. "I adore Jesse you know that, but the look in a woman's eyes changes when she's been satisfied, and Jesse has that look my friend. Now then," coming to his feet grinning at Marty he said, "I think it's time for bed. Good night Marty," kissing her cheek he turned back toward Gage, "as for you, you'd best treat our little innocent right or I'll kick your ass." And with that he and Josh were out the door leaving just him and Marty alone in the kitchen.

Marty bit her lip. "Is what Mark said true?"

Gage wanted to wring O'Connor's neck. "Um yeah."

Suddenly his cousin jumped from her place and threw her arms around Gage. "I'm glad."

"I see that, but I've dated before and you've never given me a reaction quite like this."

"She cares about you, really cares, not just superficial stuff either." Tears were in Marty's eyes when she pulled back from her hug.

"Thanks Marty, I'm gonna head to bed now," he said feeling somewhat embarrassed and nervous.

"Good night."

Groaning about the fact that everyone now knew he and Jesse were sleeping together he quietly opened the bedroom door shrugging completely out of his clothes while climbing in next to her. She instinctively moved closer to his warmth allowing him to kiss and cuddle her awake.

"I want to be inside you baby."

"Mmmm, me too."

Gently he pushed into her welcoming warmth making love to her slowly exchanging soft kisses and touches. It wasn't hurried or rushed like last weekend, but something much sweeter.

They kissed, touched and petted one another for a half-hour before he shouted his release.

Covered in a sheen of perspiration they lay face to face panting, exchanging a few more kisses before drifting to sleep.