June too was awake. She glanced over at David still sleeping next to her. They had been together nearly a year now but she couldn't bring herself to reach out and touch him. They may have been sleeping in the same bed but that's all it was. David never cuddled her or told her that he loved her. Sex was sex to him, it wasn't making love. An image of Jim (her secret true love) drifted into June's mind. She wondered what it would be like to feel his arms around her and his lips on her lips. David grunted and turned over. Time to get up June thought, before he wakes and catches me with a faraway look on my face.
The needles of hot water massaged Jim's tired shoulders. He wasn't sleeping well. All he could think about was June, it had got worse since the death of Derek Conway because he felt them growing closer. The way her hair framed her pretty face, the way she smiled not just with her mouth but with her eyes too. He closed his eyes and let the hot water pound the frustration out of his body. After grabbing a bite of breakfast, Jim drove to work. He'd fuel up on coffee when he got there. It was still only 7.30am.
June was on her second cup of tea when David staggered into the kitchen. He was never at his best first thing in the morning. June put his breakfast in front of him as she had done every day since he moved in. She tried to chat to him about his day but only received one-word answers as he buried his head in the newspaper. Glancing at the clock, June saw it was time to leave for work.
The station was already buzzing when June arrived. Over the last couple of weeks sun hill always seemed to be hectic which kept Jim extremely busy.
When June arrived, she went and made herself a cup of coffee in the canteen. When she entered the canteen, she found Brandon and Cathy chatting and drinking tea.
'Morning Sarge' Cathy said 'it's going to be busy today. Have you seen how many cases we have received in the last hour'
June shook her head. 'I suppose I'd better go and take a look before Gina comes and looks for me' she replied.
'Too late she is already looking for you' Brandon said.
'Oh great' June replied
'Morning everyone' boomed Jim as he crashed through the door to the canteen. His eyes sought out June and they exchanged a brief smile.
'Right I had better get back' June said
'Yes, me too, it is busy out there and we have a lot of crimes to solve' Jim smiled 'See you later'
June nodded. Jim touched her briefly on the shoulder and went back to the CSU. June went to her office and as she walked past reception she saw Robbie and Kerry talking. They were discussing her and Jim.
'Shouldn't you be out on patrol Kerry?' called June.'Sorry Sarge, just going' Kerry said. Both Kerry and Robbie went back to work.
In CSU Jim is busy working on the computer when the super walks in 'Ah Jim just the person, I have a conference I want you to attend'
'Me sir' Jim asked
'Well you and someone else from CSU, you can decide who, although I think Sgt Ackland maybe the best choice'
'Ok sir'
'I will leave it with you to sort out, it is for a weekend'
'Ok thanks sir'
'no problem'
Jim smiled as he thought of him and June going away for a weekend together and then suddenly he had a thought, maybe she would say no. No he couldn't let that happen, he would have to persuade June to go with him.
Jim made a decision, he had to talk to June straightaway.
'Anyone seen June?' Jim asked as he lent fleetingly over the reception desk.
Robbie looked up. 'I think she is in the office with Sgt Gilmore'.
'Right. Thanks' Jim said walking towards the office.
'Blimey. What's troubling Jim today?' Cass commented, 'He's usually so laid back.'
'I suspect it has something to do with Sgt Ackland,' Robbie whispered, 'Maybe she's giving him the run around.'
'Sgt Ackland and Jim never,' Cass replied, 'She's already in a relationship'
'So' Robbie said quickly.
'Point taken.' Cass ended the conversation and hurried off to see to a prisoner.
Jim stood outside the office door watching June through the window. No wonder the relief all loved her. She was one of the best when it came to compassion and understanding. They could all talk to June about their fears and problems. He snapped himself back to reality, took a deep breath and knocked on the door and entered the room.
'Sarge? Everything OK?'
'Jim. Yes, Craig was just leaving.' she said smiling. Craig left and closed the door.
'What can I do for you Jim?' June asked.
She stood expectantly in front of him and looked him straight in the eye. June felt her heart melt. His closeness sent her pulse racing.
Jim looked deep into June's eyes and read her thoughts. He knew he had done the right thing concerning what he was just about to ask her.
'It's nothing to worry about, June' he said reassuringly and saw her visibly relax. How he longed to reach out, stroke her cheek and caress away her resistance. He dragged his attention back to the matter in hand.
'I've just received an invitation to a conference in Manchester this weekend and, the super said someone from CSU must attend with me. June, I want you to come with me.' Jim took her hands in his, 'please.' His eyes held hers for what seemed like ages.He was so infuriating, thought June, when he does that boyish pleading act with me. He knows just how to get through all my defences.
It's a bit short notice Jim' June eventually managed to reply, 'and what do I tell David? He won't be very happy about his partner spending the weekend with another man, even if it is you.' She felt Jim's hands tighten over hers.
'Come on June, it's a working weekend for heavens sake, not a romantic getaway. We'll be in single rooms of course, so you don't need to worry on that front. You know you can trust me and anyway the invite is for either you, Cathy or Brandon and to be honest I would much rather it be you.'
June had no problem in agreeing with that last statement. It was herself that she couldn't trust.
'Let me talk to David tonight and I'll give you an answer tomorrow,' June replied haltingly.
June threw him a pleading look. She had already made up her mind but she needed time to accept the decision she had made and reason with herself. .
'OK. Let me know first thing tomorrow because I need to confirm the booking. Thanks June.'
Jim deliberately moved June's hands to his lips and kissed them briefly. She watched him intently and smiled at him. Her heart leapt. Suddenly, the day seemed to be turning out so much better than she had anticipated. Their eyes met and never breaking their gaze, Jim slowly dipped his head, searching for June's yearning lips with his own. The office phone went off. It brought them both to their senses and they leapt apart. He looked at it in frustration and glanced at June.
'I had better get it.' June said
'Ok, see you later, bye' Jim replied as he left the office. June answered the phone and it was Tony, there was a problem with one of the statements. She told him to get Brandon to sort it and then she sat down at her desk. She put her head in her hands and tried to think how to tell David of her plans without him getting suspicious.
June closed the last file on her desk for the day. Time to go home and face David. She had been worrying all afternoon about how she was going to tell him about the upcoming weekend conference in Manchester with Jim and she still had not found the answer. Slipping on her jacket, she picked up her bag and left the office. Jim had left work about an hour ago, as he had a meeting to go to that evening, but he had popped by the office to say goodnight as usual. June smiled to herself as she remembered. Jim always managed to make her feel special.
David was sat in front of the television when she got in. He thought June had more time to spend on domestic issues because she was a woman. June walked over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
'Had a good day, darling?' she asked.
'Just the same as any other,' he replied. 'I'm starving. What's for tea, love?'
David reached over and slapped June's backside. She winced. He acted like he owned her. Where had all the romance gone from the man she had got together with 8 months ago? June ignored his gesture and busied herself getting the dinner ready. David sulked. He didn't like being given the brush off by June. Eventually they sat down to eat. June thought to herself, it's now or never and broke the silence.
'I have to go to a conference this weekend, David' she said in a cool, calm voice not betraying her churning stomach.
'June, can't someone else go? It's bloody short notice as well. Telling you the Thursday before you're supposed to be there. I imagine that you will be absent on Friday night as well as Saturday?' His sarcasm hurt June deeply.
'Actually, we were offered a last minute cancellation.'
'We? Who's we?' David snapped back.
'Well, me and Jim, it's a CSU conference,' June managed to stutter.
'That puts things in a very different light, doesn't it June?' David sneered. 'You seem to be get on very well with Jim these days. I don't think I should let you go.'
June could feel the anger bubbling up inside her, but she stayed calm.
'David, don't you trust me, I'm your partner. If you can't trust me then our relationship is in a very sorry state. I have to go to the Conference because I am head of CSU and I am sure I will learn a great deal of useful information there. So that, as far as I am concerned, is the end of the discussion. I'm leaving tomorrow afternoon and I'll be back late Sunday afternoon.'
June got up from the table, placed her dirty crockery on the worktop and left the kitchen. She went straight to the bedroom and began to put a few items into her overnight bag; the remainder of her packing would have to wait until tomorrow, after David had gone to work. There were certain things that she did not want him to see her packing.
The next morning began with the routine that started every weekday in June's household. Breakfast was always a rushed affair with very little time for conversation. David couldn't bring himself to wish June a good weekend but did manage a slightly longer kiss on the lips than normal and the briefest of hugs.
'I guess I'll see you on Sunday then, love,' he muttered as he rushed out of the door.
'Yes. Sunday afternoon. Have a good couple of days' June called after him as the front door banged shut. She looked at her watch. Was it 8.45am already? She had to be at a meeting for 8am. I'll have to sneak out early and finish my packing she thought as she hurried out the door and along the wet pavement to work.
Jim was fixing himself the very necessary second cup of coffee of the day in the canteen and keeping one eye on the door for June's arrival.
'Ah, good morning Cass!' Jim said rather too loudly for Cass's comfort. Cass grimaced. 'Bit of a heavy night was it?' he followed up with. Cass nodded and stumbled over to the kettle.
'I need strong, black coffee now,' she muttered.
'Seen Sgt Ackland?' Jim asked.
'Not this morning'
'Ok thanks' Jim replied before leaving
June ran up the stairs and literally bumped into Jim coming out of the canteen. He had given up waiting for her.
'Hey, careful, this is a...............June!' Jim exclaimed.
'Sorry, Jim. Are you OK?' she looked anxiously at the coffee dripping onto the floor at Jim's feet.
'What? Oh yes, fine. June, about the weekend?' he scanned her face nervously.
'When are we leaving?' June replied, enjoying teasing him and watching his reaction.
'So you're definitely coming?'
'Yes''And David?' Jim questioned.
'My problem, not yours' June replied. 'Come on, I'm late.' With that, she hurried off to her meeting.
'Be ready at 12,' Jim called after her. She acknowledged him with a wave of her hand.
The morning rushed by in a blur. Jim was in CSU and June was in a meeting. When she managed to catch her breath, June realised it was already 11.35am. Damn, she thought. I need to go and finish getting my stuff together. Quickly, she scanned reception for Robbie and spotted her sharing a joke with Kerry in the office. June hurried over and told them that she was leaving.
'Still reckon there's nothing going on between those two then?' Robbie teased. Kerry shrugged and turned back to her paperwork.
Just after midday Jim wandered to reception looking for June.
'She went home about half an hour ago, Jim' Robbie said.
'OK, thanks. I'm off now too...to that conference' he added for clarification.
'OK. See you Monday then,' Robbie said 'enjoy the conference'.
Jim smiled and left the station, his heart singing with joy at the prospect of two whole days alone with the woman he loved. And he did love her, but he knew he was taking a huge gamble. Would he ever love again if she rejected him? How many hours had he spent wrestling with that question in his mind? Jim had come to the conclusion that there was only one way to find out and that was what this weekend was about. He wasn't a man for walking away.
June was rummaging about in her bottom drawer looking for the underwear that she kept for special occasions when she caught a glimpse of a photo of her and David standing on the dressing table. She stood up slowly and walked over to it. Picking it up she sank down onto the bed. What in heaven's name was she doing? Going away for the weekend with a man who wasn't her partner, and even worse, looking forward to it so much that it hurt. What should she do? June looked at the photo again. She knew she should tell Jim that she couldn't go with him; she had made a commitment to David after all. June felt her eyes beginning to fill with tears. Life was so unfair. Jim was the man who made her feel alive, not David. A knock at the door interrupted her musings. June hurriedly brushed the tears from her eyes and went to answer the door. Of course, it was Jim.
'June, what's wrong?' Jim said tenderly as he stepped through the door. His heart had sunk like a stone when she answered the door. He knew she was on the verge of letting him down.
'Come on, your chariot awaits' he said jovially 'and I am not taking no for an answer!'
June smiled and Jim gently brushed her cheek with his fingers.
'That's better. You're beautiful when you smile, June' he whispered but he crushed his temptation to take her in his arms and kiss her there and then. He was so worried about pushing her away, back into David's arms.
June said decisively 'I'll just get my bags' and disappeared upstairs. She stuffed the silk underwear into the bottom of her bag and picked out the petit black dress that she had last worn a couple of Christmas's ago. Jim took the bags downstairs and loaded her luggage into his car, with June following him behind closely.
'Ready' he asked June with a grin.
'Yes, I'm ready' she replied looking directly into his eyes. Their eyes locked and they both knew that whatever happened, this would be a weekend that neither of them would ever forget.
By the time they arrived at the conference hotel June had completely relaxed in Jim's company. He had put his favourite music on the car stereo and insisted on singing along. His mood was very infectious and the vast majority of June's fears had disappeared in proportion to the distance they travelled away from Sunhill.
'Ah, here we are then' said Jim swinging the car into the neatly curving gravel drive. 'Let's go and check-in and find out what the programme entails.' He turned to smile at June and she returned his smile.
Their rooms were on different floors but they were pleased to discover that their schedules were fairly similar. A complimentary drinks party this evening before dinner, lectures and workshops all day Saturday followed by a formal dinner with a band in the evening. A brief summary meeting for all attendees was to be held on Sunday morning and the conference was then over.
Jim, ever the gentleman, took June's bags up to her room. 'Hmm, not bad ' he said as he opened the door and deposited her bags. 'You've got a fantastic view' he commented walking over to her window.
'It's wonderful, Jim' June said joining him at the window. She could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck and his closeness sent shivers down her spine. 'Did the receptionist say they had a swimming pool we could use? I just fancy a relaxing swim. Do you want to join me?' She turned and looked at Jim.
'That sounds perfect' he said not believing his luck. 'Give me 10 minutes to find my room and sort myself out and I'll come and get you'. With that, he disappeared out of the door.
June was relaxing on the bed when Jim knocked at the door. June jumped up, grabbed her towel and costume and flung open the door.
'Hi' she said. 'Are you ready?'
'Raring to go' Jim replied. He draped his arm casually around June's shoulders as they walked down the corridor. Surprisingly she did not pull away from him. 'I'll meet you in there' he called to June as they walked into the changing rooms. His mind was full of images of June in her swimming costume. He shook himself. Calm down, he thought, you're not a schoolboy anymore. June, meanwhile, was also wondering what lay beneath Jim's usual jeans and t-shirt.
Jim was first out and plunged straight into the pool.
As he turned for his fourth length he caught sight of June entering the pool at the other end. Jim stopped dead in the water. Wow! How had she managed to keep so slim? His jaw dropped and he felt himself wanting her even more badly than he had done about 10 minutes previously. Pulling himself together, he swam quickly over to her and playfully splashed water at her face. June grinned and splashed him back twice as hard before diving under the water and swimming up to the other end of the pool.
'Come and get me then,' June called to him. She waited until he was nearly upon her before darting out of his grasp and reappearing at the other side. June was giggling now.
'You've asked for it now, Sgt Ackland�� Jim shouted as he raced towards her, 'you can't escape me this time.' He double bluffed her and June was laughing so much that she fell for it. Jim swept her up in his arms. 'I've got you now' he murmured, 'and I'm not going to let you go.' Gently, he smoothed June's wet hair back from her face. 'June, you're beautiful' he whispered and tenderly kissed her waiting lips. June didn't fight him as he had anticipated but she reached up and pulled him towards her, kissing him back with increasing urgency. Jim allowed his hands to wander over June's body, taking in every curve. Eventually, after what seemed like ages they pulled apart.
'June, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that' Jim stuttered.
'Jim, don't be. I wanted it just as much as you,' June replied stroking his face with her fingers. 'Let's get changed and then perhaps go for a quick drink in the bar. I think there are things we need to talk about.'
Jim nodded in agreement and was secretly praying hard that he hadn't blown his chance with June that having so carefully engineered it.
In the bar, June haltingly explained to Jim of how she felt torn between her almost overpowering feelings for him, which she had had for many years and the love and commitment she and David had together.
'But who do you love June?' Jim asked her and his eyes bore deep into hers. He watched her conflicting emotions as she delved deep into her soul.
'Jim, I can't answer that question. Not at this precise moment in time' she added taking his hand in hers. 'All I know is that I want to share this weekend with you. I'm afraid I can't offer you any more than that..........today' she whispered.
Jim smiled at her. 'OK, enough heavy talk for one evening. We'd better get ourselves ready for this drinks party thing. May I walk you back to your room, Madam?' he joked. June giggled. He could always make her laugh. Why couldn't she just admit to herself that Jim was the one for her?
Jim seemed to know several people at the drinks party and he mingled freely. However, he always had one eye on June, making sure that she was alright and not on her own. He needn't have worried. June could start a conversation with anyone and she was quite happy chatting to a group over in the corner. She wasn't really expecting to know anyone there, Jim, however, was pleasantly surprised to bump into one of his old friends, Tommy Brooks. They exchanged news and were just beginning to discuss a new scheme when June approached them. Jim smiled lovingly at her.
'Well, aren't you going to introduce me to this lovely lady, Jim?' Tommy asked
Jim shot him a glance. 'Tommy Brooks, this is Sgt June Ackland. June is my boss at Sunhill'
'Pleasure to meet you, June' Tommy said, kissing her hand.
'Nice to meet you too Tommy. I guess you are an old acquaintance of Jim's?'
'Yes, we trained together in York many years ago now.'
'Jim, are you ready to eat now?' said June 'Most people have gone through.'
'Oh yes, of course. If you'll excuse me, Tommy. I'll catch up with you later.'
The food was delicious, as was the wine, which flowed freely; Jim enjoyed his orange juice but was a bit tired of explaining why he wasn't drinking. Jim and June chatted happily about the day's events and the possibilities for tomorrow. Under the table, Jim rested his leg against June's thigh and she did not move an inch.
'How about a quick drink in the bar to round off the evening?' Jim asked.
'That sounds like a lovely idea' June replied in a sultry voice. The wine had made her feel extremely mellow, although not completely uncontrolled. She was wary of getting too tipsy and slipping into a situation with Jim that she did not feel ready for quite yet.Jim took her arm and guided her to a quiet corner of the bar. He ambled up and ordered the drinks. Whilst he was waiting, Tommy joined him at the bar.
'Look's like you're in luck tonight' he said nodding in June's direction. ' She's obviously got a thing for you, she hasn't taken her eyes off you all night.'
Jim laughed quietly. 'I don't think so somehow. June's not that sort of woman. She's happily in a relationship.'
'Isn't that what they all say?' Tommy replied.
Jim shrugged his shoulders and picked up the drinks 'Not having anything stronger Jim?'
'No an orange juice is fine for me thanks' Jim replied as he walked over to join June
'Cheers ' he said raising his glass. Looking straight into her eyes he whispered 'here's to us.'
'To us' June murmured and took a deep drink. Jim reached for her hand and squeezed it. He could feel the heat from her body where they were touching.
When their glasses were empty, June decided that she really ought to go to bed.
'Jim, it's been a fantastic evening but I really need to get some sleep' she said.
'I'll walk you to your room' Jim volunteered.
'That would be nice'
As they left the bar and June stumbled up the stairs, Jim slipped his arm around her. She responded by doing the same. Arms entwined they managed to find June's room. As they stopped outside, Jim swung her round to face him.
'I've thoroughly enjoyed every moment of today June, and it's all because of you.' He caressed her face with his hand and slowly ran his finger over her lips. June reached up, put her hand around his neck and pulled his face towards hers, searching for his lips. They met, kissing gently at first but then demanding more from each other as their passion rose. Jim pulled her closer still, pressing his body into hers. Eventually, they drew apart.
'Oh June' Jim sighed, 'I want you so much.'
June looked up at him. 'I know Jim. I want you too, but not tonight. I, I just don't feel ready.'
Jim felt desperately disappointed but he knew that June had made up her mind and if he were to force the issue he would be right back to the beginning again. Tenderly he kissed her forehead and then her lips.
'June, I told you that you could trust me, but you'd better take yourself off to bed before I lose my self-control' he whispered.
'Me, too' she replied. With that she turned and opened the door to her room. 'Goodnight, love' she breathed softly.
Jim was buzzing too much to go to bed now. He wandered down to the bar for another drink. Tommy was still there, propping up the bar. Jim ordered an orange juice.
'No luck tonight then, mate' Tommy slurred.
'I told you, June's not that sort of woman' Jim snapped back angrily.
'Yea, but you would have been in there given half a chance' Tommy replied.
Jim knocked his drink back quickly. 'Sorry, Tommy, but I am not prepared to discuss June in this manner. I'll see you tomorrow.' With that, he marched off to his room and fell into bed alone.
June was also feeling lonely in her luxurious bed. She tossed and turned, her mind going over and over the day��s events. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so happy and yet so upset at the same time. It had taken incredible will power for her to turn Jim away from her bedroom that evening and now she regretted it. Jim and David were such very different men. Her body ached with longing for Jim. She couldn't ever remember feeling like that about David. Eventually, June reached a decision and fell into an exhausted sleep.
June woke fairly early after a restless night. She showered and dressed and glanced at her watch and decided it was time to collect Jim for breakfast.
A persistent, loud knocking at the door eventually forced Jim, cursing and swearing, out of the shower. He was feeling a little tired. Grabbing a towel to hide his modesty, he ambled to the door and opened it cautiously.
'Good morning ' grinned June, 'look at the state of you!'
'Hmmm' he mumbled, 'a late night. Come in, I won't be long. Just got to shave. Make yourself at home. You look far too bright and attractive for this time of the morning. May I?' He dipped his head and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
'Well, you didn't give me much time to make a decision' June replied chuckling. 'I'll make us both a cup of coffee and then I will stand here and watch you shave. There's just something about watching a half naked man shaving that I find incredibly sexy.'
'Oh really?' mumbled Jim through a face full of shaving soap.
'Uh huh' said June leaning casually against the door frame and allowing her eyes to rove over Jim's large frame.
Jim could feel himself becoming human again as the coffee kicked in. He also felt June's eyes on him and found it very sensuous. Quickly, he rinsed his face off and turned to face her.
'How's that then?' he said.
'As ugly as ever' she teased.
'Come here you' Jim replied, 'let me give you a proper good morning kiss.' He lunged at June, caught her with both hands and pulled her close.
'Oh June' he said as their lips closed together. June kissed him back passionately. He pulled her closer still and slipped his hands under her shirt slowly exploring her body. June ran her fingers down his back and pressed his hips into her body. As he pushed harder against her, Jim felt the towel slipping. Desperately he made a grab for it, but he was too late and the towel fell to his feet. June felt the sudden lunge and pulled away from him. She looked at his face and then her eyes travelled down Jim's naked body. June giggled.
'I guess I've got nothing left to hide now' he managed to say.
June said nothing but placed her hand on his chest. When she saw him throw his head back and close his eyes she leant forward to kiss him. He kissed her again with passion that he had never known and with fumbling fingers, he removed June's clothes, dropping little delicate kisses down her throat and onto her body. As he laid her down gently on the bed, Jim asked her 'Are you sure this is what you want?' June replied 'I have never been more sure of anything in my life'.
Jim made love to her in a way that June had never previously experienced. He was gentle and considerate but driven by a fierce passion. As June arched her body towards him he knew the time had come to quench the yearning thirst that drew them to each other.Afterwards as they lay in each others arms, Jim turned to June and saw that she had tears running down her cheeks.
'June what's the matter?' he asked full of concern. 'I didn't hurt you did I?'
'No Jim, you didn't hurt me. It's just that I never knew my body was capable of feeling the sensations I just have.' June turned to look at him and saw his eyes becoming moist.
Jim swallowed hard. 'June, it means so much to me to hear you say that.' He wrapped his arms around her and felt like he never wanted to let her go.
Jim glanced at his watch. 8.55am!!
'June we've got to get up. I'm supposed to be at my first lecture at 9am.'
June leapt up. 'Damm, so am I. Where are my clothes?'
Frantically they rushed around throwing on clothes and gathering up relevant literature for the day.
'Got everything ?' Jim asked as they were about to leave his room.
'Yep, think so' June replied, as Jim shut the door.
They ran down the corridor to their separate meeting venues. Jim slipped into the back of his lecture, hoping that no one would spot his late arrival. Unfortunately, Tommy did and at coffee break he could not resist mentioning this fact to Jim.
'Been working up an appetite this morning?' he questioned as Jim helped himself to a handful of biscuits. 'Didn't see you or the lovely June at breakfast.'
'It's really none of your business, Tommy' Jim replied.
'Ah, so you were at it like rabbits then. Was she good?'
' I think you should stop right there before I make you' retorted Jim and he walked off to speak to another group.
All day long, Tommy kept giving Jim sly glances and knowing smiles. Jim decided that he was jealous and that he would not have to leave June alone in Tommy's company at the dinner dance tonight.
June in the meantime was having a wonderful day. She was on a different planet. All she could think about was Jim. There were several other officers at her workshops that she vaguely knew and they spent most of the day catching up with gossip.
The day's programme eventually wound up at about 5pm and everyone descended on the bar for a relaxing drink and chat. Jim scanned the room for June and saw her talking happily in the corner with a couple of other women. She glanced up and caught his eye. He smiled at her. After a while, people started dispersing in order to change for dinner. Jim worked his way over to June.
'Hi. Good day?' he asked. 'I missed you like crazy' he whispered.
'It's been really good' June replied. 'Couldn't stop thinking about you' she said in hushed tones. 'Shall we go?'
They walked side by side to June's room, touching occasionally. June opened the door and they went in. Jim took her into his arms. His mouth searched for hers and found it. He kissed her as if he hadn't seen her for weeks not hours.
Eventually they drew apart.
'We haven't got time for this now' June breathed. 'I've got to get ready for tonight and so have you.' She playfully pushed him towards the door. 'Come and get me in about 45 minutes.'
'OK, OK. I get the message.' Jim grinned. 'See you later.' He winked at her and was gone.Right on cue, Jim was knocking on June's door. He had showered and changed into his tucks. June frantically finished applying her lipstick and then opened the door to him. Jim let out a low whistle
'June, you look fantastic.' He ran his eyes down her body taking in the bare shoulders and clinging fabric of her dress.
'Thank-you.' June blushed. She couldn't remember the last time David had paid her a compliment. 'You're looking very handsome yourself.' Jim did look good in his tucks. Some men didn't, but Jim really carried it off.
' May I?' Jim offered June his arm and she took it.
On arrival at the dining room they discovered that they were seated next to Tommy. Jim was not overly impressed and June could not understand why. All throughout the dinner they made small talk but June could detect a distinct hint of coolness between the two men. When Tommy excused himself to visit the men's room, she challenged Jim about it.
'Jim, what's going on? I thought you and Tommy were good friends. Have I completely misread the situation?'
'It's nothing to worry about, June. We just had a small difference of opinion about something. Let's just leave it, please.' Jim ran his hand along June's thigh and squeezed it gently. 'I want to be with you, not discussing Tommy's problems over a boring old dinner ' he whispered. June slid her hand over his and squeezed it. At that moment, Tommy appeared. He saw instantly what had been going on between Jim and June even though June had withdrawn her hand as soon as she spotted him. Tommy gave Jim a knowing wink. Fortunately at that very moment, the band struck up and people started to fill the dance floor. Jim leapt to his feet.
'Dance with me, June?' he begged.
'My pleasure, Jim,' she replied.
Jim held her tight as they danced. 'You are the most beautiful woman in this room tonight' he whispered in her ear. June tightened her hold on him. Drawing him impossibly closer, she could feel his excitement. They danced like that for a while until the band upped the tempo.
June then had to visit the Ladies so she left Jim sitting at the table with Tommy.
'Was she good then, Jim?' was Tommy's first question. 'Don't deny that you haven't had her now. She was asking for it out there,' and he nodded in the direction of the dance floor.
Jim felt his blood beginning to boil. 'Just take those accusations back right now or I'll make you regret every word' muttered Jim though clenched teeth.
'OK. I will, but on one condition,' said Tommy
'And what's that?' Jim asked
'You let me dance with the beautiful June,' Tommy replied
'Well, that's June's decision, not mine. Why don't you ask her yourself?' Jim said as June returned to the table.
'June, would you do me the honour of a dance?' Tommy asked.
June glanced at Jim. He raised his eyebrows.
'OK. I will,' said June.
Tommy swept June onto the dance floor. Jim watched from the table, anger bubbling up inside of him. Why had Tommy decided to make June a pawn in his game? He took a deep drink of his orange juice, it was times like this he could do with a drink. He couldn't really believe all that had happened in the last 24 hours. June had wanted him to make love to her after all this time and it had been fantastic, just perfect. Jim admitted to himself that he was head over heels in love with her but there were still nagging doubts in his mind. June had a partner, at home, waiting for her to return tomorrow. He should not be getting involved with her to this depth. He was taking a huge risk and, what was worse, he knew he could not walk away now.
Jim's attention was drawn back to the couples on the dance floor. The evening was nearly over and the pace had slowed. Tommy was trying his luck with June, slipping his hands over her neat backside. Angrily, June pulled them back up to her waist. Jim could see that she was putting Tommy firmly in his place. That's my June he thought to himself. Then horror of horrors, Jim saw Tommy trying to kiss June. He exploded out of his chair and rushed on to the dance floor. Angrily, he wrenched Tommy away from June by grabbing him round the scruff of the neck.
As he shook Tommy hard, Jim said through clenched teeth, 'I warned you but you just won't listen so I'm going to have to make you.'
'Jim, let go of him' Jim heard June's voice through the red mist that he was seeing. He let go of Tommy.
'Enjoy him June as I'm sure you have done' sneered Tommy as he stalked off.
Jim looked round at everybody watching the incident. 'Show's over' he said and walked off. Sitting back down at the table he downed the remains of his orange juice. June slipped into the seat next to him and picked up his hand.
'You shouldn't have done that Jim. I can look after myself you know.'
'I'm really sorry June. I don't know what came over me. I just couldn't bear to see him pawing at you like that. You don't deserve to be treated like that.'
June looked at him sympathetically. 'I think it's time for bed don't you?' she said in a soft voice. Jim looked at her gratefully and saw the love he felt for her reflected in her eyes. Pushing the chair aside, he got to his feet, slid his arm around June and walked out of the room and upstairs. June guided him to her room, opened the door and drew him in. Once inside they clung to each other, kissing passionately as if to make up for lost time. Both had never believed that their bodies could bring them so much pleasure. Sated, eventually, they fell asleep in each others arms.
June and Jim rose late for breakfast. As they entered the dining room Jim looked for Tommy but he didn't see him. June watched him visibly relax and squeezed his hand. After breakfast everyone attended the closing meeting in the main lecture theatre and were told what a success the whole weekend had been. People then began to disperse back to all corners of the country from where they came.
Jim turned to June, 'our time alone is nearly up. How would you like to spend the next few hours? What about lunch in a nice little pub on the way back to Sunhill?'
'That sounds lovely, Jim' she replied.
The rest of the day went far too quickly for both of them. Soon they were approaching the outskirts of Sunhill. Suddenly, the atmosphere in the car changed. June became really quiet and Jim could sense her unease. He pulled off the main road and drove a little way out into the countryside. June turned and looked at him with a puzzled expression.
'June, I can't bear to see you like this. Things will be OK at home. Surely you have come to a decision about who you want to share your life with now?' His heart was racing as he spoke. His palms grew moist.
'Jim, you know it isn't that easy for me.' She turned to him and looked him straight in the eye. 'I love you but I still have some feelings for David.' The tears rolled down her cheeks.
Jim wiped them away gently with his fingers and then tilted her chin up so that he could kiss her. As their lips met, June pulled him to her, crushing his lips with hers. Their passion swept them away. Their faces damp with tears they clung to each other in desperation.
'June, oh June, what are we going to do?' Jim sighed.
'If I knew the answer, I would tell you' she replied.
Jim pulled up alongside the kerb outside her house and turned the engine off. He picked up her hand, gave it a brief squeeze and they exchanged a loving glance. A movement at the door caught June's eye she snatched her hand away. David came out to the car.
'Hello, love. Had a good time?' he asked as he opened the car door. June got out and David kissed her. Jim watched through the window and saw her flinch ever so slightly. Then he leapt out of the car, got June's bags out of the boot and handed them to Jim.
'OK? See you tomorrow' he called as he shut the door and drove off, his heart aching.
David ushered June into the house. She looked round in amazement. There was not a speck of dirt to be seen and everything had been tidied away neatly. June sank down onto the sofa in shock. She could even smell the dinner cooking.
'David, what's going on? This is a real surprise,' she managed to say.
'I wanted to surprise you, love. When you weren't here it gave me time to think about things and I realised how much I take you for granted. There's something else I need to tell you too.'
June looked up at him. 'What?'
'We're going to be grandparents' he said excitedly.
'Grandparents' repeated June, She was shocked. 'It's not your daughter?' she managed to whisper.
'Yep, it is. She popped in last night with Drew to tell us, but you weren't here.
The rest of the evening passed by June in a haze. She was in a state of shock. Eventually, she decided it was time for bed and she went to the bedroom hoping for a few minutes to herself to digest the turn of events. David, however, had other things on his mind as he slipped into bed next to her about 5 minutes later.
'Well, love, have you missed me? I've missed you like crazy.'
June groaned inwardly and looked hard at the ceiling. She couldn't bear the thought of David trying to be sexy tonight.
'June, June,' David looked over at her and placed his hand on her breast. Suddenly, he had got her attention.
'What are you thinking about?' he asked.
'Nothing, nothing' she muttered, 'I guess I'm tired and still a bit surprised by your news.'
'Let me relax you then' David replied, pulling her close and kissing her.
June fought her repulsion at his touch.
'David, not tonight please. I'm really tired and I'm on the early shift tomorrow.' She pushed him gently but firmly away and turned over. Little did her partner know that it was a different man's touch she longed for as she drifted off to sleep.
Jim sought June out at coffee time at work the next day. She had been carefully avoiding him all morning.
'June, we need to talk,' Jim said when he eventually managed to get her on her own in the office.
'What's happened?' Jim asked in his most concerned voice.
'How do you know something's happened?' she replied defensively.
'Come on, I know you better than that' he said and reached out to caress her cheek. June felt her resistance melting at his touch and she took a step closer to him.
'Oh, Jim things have got so complicated overnight' she whispered.
Jim gathered her into his arms.
'Tell me' he murmured.
The words tumbled out of June. She told him all about the spotless house, the dinner ready and waiting for her, the news that had delighted David being a grandparent and finally, David's fruitless attempts to make love to her.
'Jim, I just couldn't do it, I just couldn't and I should have been able to. He is my Partner after all. I wanted him to be you, there in my bed, holding me and making love to me. Ohh, what a damn mess I'm in,' June finished in anguish.
Jim was taken aback by the strength of her despair. He tried to soothe her by kissing her, but June was so upset that she pushed him away and ran out of the office. She walked straight through reception, collected her coat and bag and left the station. Robbie watched the drama unfold from the reception desk. After a minute, Jim rushed out of the office and bumped into Robbie.
'Seen Sgt Ackland?' he asked urgently.
'I think she just left Jim. What's going on?' Robbie replied.
'Damn. Oh, nothing' he muttered, turned swiftly on his heel and went off to seek some fresh air.
June meanwhile had gone for a walk in the park. She sat on the bench going over and over the last few days. The weekend was the best days of her life. Her head was full of guilt and regret. I should have made a move on Jim all those years ago and now I wouldn't be in this mess, she thought to herself.
Meanwhile, Jim found himself back in CSU where he found Brandon alone. It had been a long and difficult day made worse by June's early exit from the station.
'Jim, you look like you could use a drink' Brandon said as Jim's head appeared around the door. 'Would you care to join me for a drink?'
Jim gratefully accepted the offer and they were soon sitting in a pub drinking orange juice.
'What's troubling you? I take it that Sgt Ackland comes into the equation somewhere.' Brandon probed.
Jim was amazed. 'Just how did you know that?' he asked.
'I use my eyes, Jim,' came the reply.
'I hadn't thought it was that obvious' Jim said.
'Come, come Jim. I've been watching you two for a long time. It was inevitable. I suppose your problem is that Sgt Ackland is a long lasting relationship, there was even talk of marriage wasn't there and now she cannot decide who is the man for her? You have difficult battle on your hands with that one.'As usual, Brandon had hit the nail on the head. Jim drank deeply, mulling over Brandon's words.
Jim arrived at work the next day feeling a little tired. June was working away at her desk making up for yesterday's early exit. The rest of the day was extremely busy and neither June nor Jim had the time to seek each other out. At the end of the day, June walked round to the locker rooms. Jim was alone so she entered. Jim looked up and smiled as she entered the room.
'June.'
'Jim, I need to talk to you,' June said hesitantly. 'This isn't easy for me to say and I have anguished for hours over how to tell you.'
Jim's expression changed, he knew he didn't want to hear what June was about to say.
'I... I have made a decision' June faltered, 'I will be faithful to David and try to make it work. Jim, you know how I feel about you, but I just can't throw away my relationship without at least trying to save it. I mean we have even talked about getting married, that's how serious it has been.' June burst into angry tears of frustration.
Jim was devastated. 'June, don't be stupid. Your relationship is dead. You don't love David, any fool can see that. There is no need for you to have this ridiculous sense of commitment to him you are not married.' He grabbed her by the arms. 'June, please, I love you and you love me. Don't do this to us.'
June sobbed, shook herself free of Jim's grasp and rushed out of the locker room, her eyes blurred by tears. She pushed roughly past Robbie in the corridor without even acknowledging her. Robbie saw the locker room door ajar and cautiously approached. She was amazed to see Jim slamming his fist into the wall. Robbie knocked gently and walked in shutting the door behind her. Jim turned to Robbie and she saw the tears in his eyes.
'What's going on Jim?' Robbie asked.
'Nothing, nothing ' he muttered.
'I'm afraid that I don't believe you' said Robbie. 'It's Sgt Ackland isn't it?' she continued, 'you're in love with her aren't you?'
'Is it that obvious?' sighed Jim.
Robbie nodded sympathetically. Robbie knew she wouldn't betray his trust, so he opened his heart to her and told her the whole story.
The weeks passed uneasily at the station as Jim and June strove to maintain a professional relationship whilst fighting their desire for each other. Both were desperately unhappy but Jim respected June's decision like the gentleman he was. June's home life had taken another turn for the worst. David had slipped back into his old ways again and June was in despair. She was beginning to think that she had made a dreadful and irreversible decision. Jim was unaware of this turn of events but he knew June was in turmoil. Life was unbearable for him and so he decided that the only way out was to take a new job. It wouldn't be difficult for him to get a transfer very quickly. Jim picked up the phone and started proceedings for a transfer immediately.
A week later, Jim was reading the letter confirming a place in another station was available if he wanted it when he was called away to see a prisoner asking to see him. June wandered over to his desk with some folders. As she placed them on Jim's desk, she could not fail to notice the letter on the table. Her legs gave way beneath her and she sank into Jim's chair. Jim was leaving Sunhill! June was shocked. She knew she was the reason for June's departure. Tears welled in her eyes. She had lost him now for good and it was her own stupid, stupid fault. The door to CSU suddenly crashed open and Jim walked in. In one glance he realised what June had seen and that she knew why he was leaving Sunhill.
'June, June I was going to tell you first. Please believe me. It's driving me crazy working here with you and knowing that you are going home to David when I want you to be coming home with me. We're meant for each other, can't you see that? This situation isn't doing any of us any good, so the best thing I can do is leave.' Jim stepped towards June. As she got up, he could see she was devastated. He opened his arms and she fell gratefully into them. Jim did not try to kiss her but just held her close for a while. How he had missed her.
'I've got to go Jim' June eventually managed to whisper. He let her go.
Soon Jim's last day at Sunhill arrived. Against all her beliefs, June phoned in sick. She could not face seeing Jim today and watching her one chance at happiness disappear. Instead she walked round all her favourite haunts in the city turning events over and over in her mind. Jim was extremely surprised to learn that June was not in work on his last day. He couldn't leave without seeing her one last time. After the obligatory farewell drinks in the bar, he made a hasty exit and drove round and round desperately searching for her but to no avail. Eventually he decided to return home, alone.
Just as he was falling into a fitful sleep, Jim heard a persistent knocking at the door. How odd, he thought, as he stumbled out of bed to answer it.
'Jim?' June whispered as she stepped into his embrace.
'June, oh June' he muttered as his lips searched for and joined with hers. They kissed with increasing need and desire, locked together by their love for each other.
Breaking free, Jim said' I thought I'd never see you again. Where have you been? I searched everywhere for you.'
'I walked round and round all day trying to sort myself out. Now I have and that's why I'm here.'
Jim swept her into his arms and kissed her again, feeling his desire increasing he let his hands caress June's body. Suddenly, they were frantically tearing at each other's clothes. Jim carried her into the bedroom and laid her down on his bed. As they moved together in perfect rhythm, June knew that she could never live without him. All the pain and frustration of the last few months was released as they clung to each other, tears moistening their faces. Eventually, they slept in each other's arms.
June awoke to Jim's gentle kisses and smiled sleepily at him.
'You are beautiful, June' he murmured. Then she watched as he reached down to the floor on his side of the bed. 'I want you to have this June. I know you can't come with me today, but it's only a 6-month contract. I'm coming back for you then. I'm never going to let you go, I have waited to long for you to just through it all away' With that, he placed a thin silver band on the fourth finger of her right hand.
June was overcome. 'Jim, I don't know what to say, except that I love you, I always have and I always will, no matter where you are in this world. She kissed him tenderly and, slowly this time, they made love.
'The taxi is coming at 9am,' said Jim, 'I guess we'd better get some clothes on.'
June bit her lip. This was the moment she had been dreading. Her emotion spilled over in huge, racking sobs. Jim held her tight and comforted her. He persuaded her to share his taxi so that he could see her safely home. As they approached her house, Jim drew her into his arms for the last time and they shared deep, lingering kisses.
'Come and see me June' he whispered.
'I'll try' she promised, knowing in her heart that nothing would stop her.
The taxi stopped outside the house. Neither of them saw David by the door as they separated their hands for the last time. June stood and watched as the cab drove off, and then with a heavy heart she turned around.
'David!' she said in surprise. 'I thought you were in a meeting this morning.'
'I was worried about you June so I didn't go. I can see that I needn't have bothered now though, Jim Carver made sure that you had a nice, warm bed to sleep in last night.'
'David, I am not in the mood for this' snapped June and she pushed past him and went upstairs.
David stood there, amazed at his partner's outburst. All his suspicions had been confirmed. He had won this particular battle, after all June had got out of that taxi when she could have stayed in it, but he knew deep in his heart that he had already lost the war. June's heart lay with Jim, not him and there was absolutely nothing that he could do about it.
6 months later
Jim returned to Sunhill and found that June and David had got engaged but had now split up. June couldn't continue with the pretence any longer so she left him. She had asked David to leave her house so she was now living alone again. June was so pleased to see Jim again; she had waited so long to be with him again. He had been transferred back to Sunhill and bought a small house. He asked June to move in with him, which she did. June had another surprise for him; she was pregnant, by him. He was delighted so delighted that he proposed to her in front of the whole nick so that everyone knew about them, she of course said yes and they lived happily together in their house, awaiting for the birth of their son or daughter and their forthcoming wedding.