It Was Always You

Chapter Three: Sweet Talker

Hello once again gang, I'm back with another update for you :D

Sorry it's taken so long, my usual excuses still apply!

Here's the next chapter :D

xx

Chapter Three: Sweet Talker

The red one-shouldered gown Jane chose fitted like a glove, flattering her figure in all the right places. As she slipped into it, something swam to the forefront of her mind; a passing comment from Sam many years ago about red being 'her colour'. Jane reckoned he'd approve of her choice.

Jane stood in the foyer fifteen minutes later, awaiting Sam's arrival. As she waited, a sense of nervousness threw her off-guard. Perhaps making such an effort was a mistake, what would he think?

Sam breezed through the hotel's revolving doors mere moments later, spotting Jane in an instant. Their eyes met across the floor as Sam stood back and admired her. If it had been anyone else, Jane would have wilted under the intensity of his gaze. As it was, she couldn't look away, for the look he gave her was the same one he bestowed upon her all those years beforehand. Over the years, Jane had had many a romantic daydream centring upon how different their lives might have been if they'd not taken different paths. Now, they were back, and she didn't have to suppress them. With divorce seeming to be the next viable step for herself and Jake, there was no conceivable reason for Jane not to tell Sam she still loved him. However, despite this, something still held her back. What if Sam didn't reciprocate? What if his interest was purely platonic? The thought of rejection so soon after Jake scared her, so for the time being at least, she bit her tongue.

Jane's mind only hurtled back to the present as footsteps approached. Sam pressed a firm kiss to her cheek before fixing his gaze once more upon the woman he'd once dreamt of marrying. In some ways, it was a dream that had never truly died. "You look stunning Janey," he said, "you take my breath away."

Sam's demeanour suggested to Jane that should she feel brave enough to disclose her feelings, there would be nothing to fear. However, the timing wasn't right, that perfect moment would present itself in due course.

Jane's cheek flushed in response to his compliment. Even now, it was still the most adorable thing to Sam. "You don't scrub up too bad either, darling," she replied.

Sam grinned, then offered out an arm, "shall we?"

Jane nodded, slipping her arm through his, "where are we going?" she questioned upon realising Sam hadn't disclosed their plans.

"You'll see," Sam replied before tapping the side of his nose.

The prospect of a mystery tour on New Year's Eve excited Jane, so she squashed her curiosity. Together, the former lovers moved through the revolving doors and out. A whole evening stretched ahead of them, they could get up to all sorts...

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

As Jane and Sam wandered the streets of New York City, they noticed that traffic was already at a standstill. Sam had lived in New York for long enough to know this would happen, and his relief at not enlisting the services of his drivers increased further. Jane and Sam manoeuvred through the crowds, talking about everything and nothing as they did so. However, neither mentioned the elephant in the room; Jane's marriage. Something had changed in his first love, he sensed; she seemed happier now compared to a few hours beforehand. He wanted to bring it up, but didn't want to spoil the evening, so for the time being, he kept quiet.

Within fifteen minutes, they arrived at their destination. Jane gasped as she gazed up at the majestic boat sat in front of her. "I can't believe you've still got this," she murmured in amazement.