Virtual Reality (Sue Thomas FBEye / Murdoch Mysteries)

Virtual Reality - Chapter Thirteen

Sue and Julia's complicity drove Jack crazy.

"Are you sure you're sure you don't want to wait till morning?" Innocently wiggling her brows, Sue teased him again.

At this rate, she'd caused his downfall before Saturday. No, he didn't want to wait, and yes, he wished he'd glanced at the end of the story before he gave Sue the manuscript.

"You're having way too much fun, Twinkle Star. Maybe I should hold the pages."

She hugged the pages to her chest, trapping his hands over her stomach, and shook her head. "No touching, Hudson."

"No touching?" But he liked what he touched. "Not even—"

"Jaaack!"

Eyes half-closed, her head shifted back and forth as she squirmed in his arms. He didn't say anymore, knowing she wouldn't be able to read him.

The possibility to give their honeymoon a head start appealed to his mind and body, but the idea that he'd have to relinquish the warmth of her arms for the rest of the week dampened his enthusiasm. He didn't want stolen moments, he wanted her with him every minute for the rest of his life. Reluctantly, he eased his assault on her senses and she collapsed against his chest.

"You're not... playing... fair," she panted.

Breathless and dishevelled, she proved almost impossible to resist. Would she accept to move in with him tomorrow?

"Unless you'd like us to bake a little Hudson tonight, I suggest we go back to reading."

"A little..." A tinge of red he'd never seen coloured her face and mischievous sparkles twinkled in her eyes. Twisting around, she ran her hand down his chest, leaving a scorching trail in her wake. "No baking, Jack, not... not unless you can give me an admirable reason in ten words or less."

Amused, he shook his head. Sue was playing with him, just like Julia was playing with poor Murdoch.

"Fan fiction is corrupting you," he teased. "In the morning, I'm confiscating your laptop."

Her laughter filled his heart.

"Please, keep reading— and stop torturing me."

Rain welcomed their arrival in Toronto. Within minutes of standing on the platform, their clothes were drenched.

As a carriage approached, William offered his arm to Julia. "You should go home and changed."

She smoothened her dress and only succeeded in accentuating her lovely curves underneath. "But I'd like to go to the Dunlops with you."

Stubborn woman, not that he expected any less from her. "I promise to pick you up in an hour. I need to go to the telegraph office first."

"Very well, William." Tiptoeing, she placed a quick peck on his cheek before embarking the carriage.

Spring in his step, William walked to the telegraph office.

"Detective Murdoch."

The elderly operator greeting him by name reminded Murdoch of the day he interviewed him in a stolen goods investigation. The man had proven to be a valuable witness.

"What can I do for you?"

"Mr. Porter. I need your help." The man leaned on the counter as William pulled a copy of the telegraph from his pocket. "This was sent to Halifax on June 14th."