Personal Business

Chapter 5

Well yes…an update! After well, I'm not sure how many months?! Maybe July? My apologies for taking this long. Hope this chapter will be worth the long wait. I don't own BB or their characters. I just love them and love to write fan fiction for them. I am taking a few liberties with the scene at the dinner rehearsal and at the wedding (Season 7 Episode 9) but in essence I will expand the scene and add on to it. Just my theory of how I would have loved to see this play out.

Jamko…Jamko…Jamko…Jamko

Jamie opened the door for Eddie and smiled at her. They were a bit late to the dinner rehearsal but he didn't care. Teasing her in the room had been too tempting. She did however stop him once he landed on top of her in the bed and told him that her dress and hair were going to get wrinkled and ruined respectively. He remembered groaning inwardly and trying to feel up her leg. She had laughed at him, put her hand on top of his own, stopping his ministrations and pushed him off of her. "Wait till we get back later. I promise, it will be worth the wait." He had chuckled and let her get off the bed. He wondered to himself if he would always want her as much as he wanted her now. It felt like desperation. A need to constantly have her by his side. A need to never let her go – since it had taken him so long to finally have her.

"Come on babe…let's go. We're already late." Jamie said, as he grabbed her hand and led her towards the door.

As Jamie scanned the room his heart fell. There were more people here from the 12th that he cared for but more importantly there were superior officers that knew him and his dad. Eddie and him were not out yet and worse they were still partners on the job. He had wanted to have a good time with her at the wedding and now he felt like maybe he was going to have to pull back. Not touch her the way he had intended to. Not rub her back as they talked to others and socialized. They were still hiding their relationship. There was going to be no admitting to anyone that they were dating and that they were together. His mind flashed back to the conversation that they had had when they agreed to take separate cars that first day after they had made love. He was against it but he had grown to see the value in hiding their relationship. At least for the time being. Now? He was second guessing that decision. Because of the predicament they were in now.

"There's a lot of people here from back home." Jamie mentioned. Might as well get it over now, he thought to himself. Eddie was not going to like this. But what could he do? He didn't want them to get in trouble when they arrived back home. And more importantly, he didn't want them to be assigned to different houses. That he knew he couldn't take. And he would remind her that they had both agreed to stay silent – at her prompting.

Eddie turned to him still oblivious to Jamie's thoughts and replied: "Really? Wanna go say hello?" Eddie had no clue where Jamie's thoughts were. She was kind of happy that she would at least know some people that she could talk to.

Jamie stopped in his tracks. "No Eddie. I mean there's more people here from the 12th – maybe people we don't know too well, and there are some superior officers that know me and my dad."

"So?" Eddie prompted.

"We are not public yet. We are still partners. I really don't think we can out ourselves right now. So, in the interest of not causing problems, I am just letting you know because of the people that are here: I am not going to be able to hold you like I would like." Jamie stammered out.

"Ah." Eddie was getting it now. She scrunched her face. She understood it. They were not "out" yet but she had placed so many hopes on this trip. For this wedding. For them. Her bit of insecurity wondered if maybe Jamie might be embarrassed of her. She quickly discarded that thought but it still stung. She remembered she had been the one to say they should stay silent. But damn. This was going to be harder than she had anticipated. She was going to have to put her "partner" hat on and pretend that she wasn't in love with him. How difficult could that be? She had been pretending for years she wasn't in love with him. She would just mask her face and control her body movements that made her feel the need to constantly touch him and be near him. She would check herself. Good luck with that!

"Eddie…" Jamie started. "Come on. Look at me." Jamie could see the disappointment in her face. But he didn't know how to fix it. "It's only for today and tomorrow. We're going to be out in the open soon enough. I just don't want anyone claiming that we were taking advantage of the situation. You know…that my dad would give us a break. It's just too much of a hassle. And we both agreed we needed a bit of time. It's just unfortunate the wedding fell on a date prior to us being out in the open."

"I get it Jamie. No touching. But you still invited me to this wedding so we can have fun as friends." Eddie pointed out.

"What do you mean?" Jamie asked.

"We don't have to be all lovey-dovey. But we can still dance. And we can still have a good time." She continued on her rant. They had done it so many times before, right? What was the big deal?

Jamie smiled at her and bumped her shoulder. "And back in our room we can stop pretending." Jamie smirked. "Damn…I just want this rehearsal dinner to be over with." He finalized.

Eddie smiled back. "There you go…"

"Listen I know it's not ideal. And I wish it was different. It's just not a good time. I haven't told my family anything and it makes me be on edge. Not that they don't suspect. Trust me. They do. That's all. So now I am in the camp with you 100% in waiting. I still am so happy you're here with me though." Jamie offered as consolation.

They approached the bar and saw the groom to be. "Ricky – nice to see you man." As they exchanged a friendly hug, introductions were quickly made and they started polite conversation, making sure to include Eddie. A few minutes passed and Eddie turned back and saw the bride to be and asked if that was her. Jamie complimented her saying she was beautiful and Ricky returned the compliment advising Jamie that his "date" was also beautiful. "We're just partners." Eddie said, almost immediately which took Jamie aback for a second. But he did tell her that they should keep their relationship under wraps. She was just following what they had both agreed on. How can he be mad at Eddie just calling him her partner? But still the sting of that word – of that being their status – just did not sit well with him anymore. And it put him in a foul mood.

"I'm sorry." Ricky stated. "Didn't want to overstep."

"It happens all the time." Eddie said, wondering why Jamie had remained so quiet. And why the sudden shift in him.

They all turned around to see another guy approach. "This is Derek." Ricky stated. "He's my partner out here."

Derek immediately zeroed in on Eddie. "I am so glad to hear that you are not taken." He extended his hand to her and she shook it. "Eddie." She said, as she slipped her hand away from his. She felt Jamie tense up even further but this was the deal, right? They didn't want to rock the boat. And they weren't going to. So, Jamie had to put up with a little flirting. It seemed harmless enough. Even though she wasn't getting a good vibe from this guy. What could he do? If she wouldn't engage him.

"There's something so hot about a girl having a guy's name." Eddie smiled. What a moron. She was not going to have to deal with him for long, thank God.

Jamie on the other hand didn't know how to unclench his jaw. This guy was making a pass at Eddie and he couldn't take it. It took everything inside of him to not deck this guy. He also saw other cops behind him. Derek making a lame ass joke about the NYPD didn't go over well either but he knew that deep inside his insult back to him was not only based on his NYPD crack but that he had his eye on Eddie. His Eddie. And even if he couldn't quite voice it – she was taken. By him. And he didn't want anyone ogling her or trying to get her attention. It literally drove him to the edge each and every time that he imagined another guy touching her or flirting with her. If Derek continued to fuck with him by flirting with her he was going to lose it. And he would not care who the fuck saw him.

Ricky managed to separate the crowd and disseminate the tension. All of them disbursed leaving Jamie and Eddie alone. "Hey forget about him let's go dance." She said, as she pulled him towards her but she felt him stiffen up. He was enraged. She could see it.

"Nah. I'm a terrible dancer." Jamie replied. He knew he was being a dick to her but he couldn't help it. He was steaming. He was fuming with anger. He knew if he moved from this place, shit would hit the fan. He just needed to calm down and forget about Derek. And having Eddie close to him was not going to help.

"You don't have to be good. I just want you to have fun. For us to have fun." Eddie prodded. And while Jamie would more times than not cave with Eddie, this time he could not do it. He was determined to not touch her right now. He was determined to not show any emotion. He simply needed a few minutes to compose himself – alone. That same thought kept playing in his head. Over and over like a broken record.

"Fine. Have it your way." She said as she walked away from him. She truly didn't understand what got into him. He had never once had an issue with someone cracking a joke about the NYPD. She made her way to the women's restroom and sighed out loud. He was jealous. But why now? He finally had her. They were together. She wasn't going to run out on him. She certainly wasn't going to flirt back with Derek The Moron. Why was he so distant? It hurt her. They had a good time each and every time they went out. And now that they were together? They had an even better time.

As she was washing her hands she saw one of the bridesmaids and smiled. "Hey." The bridesmaid said. "I saw you out there with Ricky and the bunch. Just so you know Derek is harmless. He likes to talk a lot and sometimes he's inappropriate. Especially when he's had a lot to drink."

'No worries." Eddie said. "I know how to handle guys like Derek."

"So how do you know Ricky?"

"My partner is the one that actually knows him." Eddie spoke out smiling at her. It was nice of her to try and talk to her. She knew no one in the group so she appreciated it.

"Ah. I could've sworn there was something between you guys. Your partner and you that is."

Eddie smiled. "We get that a lot."

"It might be worth exploring." She said as she made her way to the door. "Hope you guys have a nice time here. See 'ya."

"Yeah…" Eddie muttered to herself. "If only the wedding had been a month from now or maybe two." Eddie shrugged her shoulders, took a deep breath and made her way to the door. As she walked back into the bar area she saw that Jamie had not moved from his place at the bar and he was nursing a beer. She wondered if it was the same one or another one. She could read him so well she knew he was still pissed off. She just didn't know exactly at what. Derek? Her? What did she do? Was he being a little green jealous demon? And if he was, why didn't he just say so? He could fucking tell her now. I mean they knew they were sleeping together. All bets were off where they were concerned.

As she approached him he turned to look at her and she saw signs of regret on his face. "I'm sorry I am acting like an ass." Jamie said, out loud. Sighing loudly, he got closer to Eddie and leaned his elbow on the bar effectively closing more distance between them. So much better having her a bit closer to him.

She smiled at him and nodded her head. "Why did you let that guy get to you? He's nobody."

"I just saw red when it was obvious that he was coming on to you and I couldn't say or do anything." Jamie confessed.

"Jamie…" Eddie started, but Jamie didn't let her continue.

"It's making me crazy. The fact that other men are ogling you and I can't show them that you're with me."

"Why didn't you just tell me that?" Eddie asked.

"Cause it's stupid. And I should know better. And if I say yes to dancing with you? I swear my hands will not behave. And my body will not behave and I am going to let everyone in this god forsaken wedding know that you and me are not only partners but so much more."

"Listen…I get it. Okay? I have gotten jealous and psycho quite frankly in the past because of women you dated or had a connection to or tried to help. But Jamie…it's different now. Okay? I am with you. We will figure this out eventually. Can we just try to have a nice time?"

"No." Jamie said.

"No?" Eddie repeated.

"I don't want to be here anymore. We have to go to the wedding tomorrow anyway. Let's just get out of here."

"Jamie..."

"Come on. Let's go explore just me and you. Go have a few drinks, a nice dinner, and just hang out. If we stay, I'll be miserable and I swear I am going to make you miserable too. And you know what will happen. You will get mad and we are going to argue. So, let's just skip all that and get the fuck out."

Eddie was about to argue but she saw his face and heard him continue: "Please babe…"

Eddie smiled at him. "How can I say no to that face?"

"You can't say no to not only my face…" he whispered into her ear and then straightened up and inhaled deeply. "Let's sneak out." Jamie finalized mischievously.

"Right behind you." Eddie said, as she laughed. She inwardly was thanking moron Derek for making Jamie want to hang out alone. She was going to have some fun with him after all. And she was secretly glad she wouldn't have to share him with anyone else.

Jamko…Jamko…Jamko…Jamko

As soon as they left the reception they started walking aimlessly if she was honest with herself. All they wanted it seemed was to be away from the eyes of the reception guests. As soon as they turned the corner, Jamie reached out for her hand and grasped it in his. Eddie turned towards him both stopping on the street. "I've wanted to do that for a while." Jamie said.

"Hold my hand?"

"And kiss you." Jamie said, as he bent down and took her lips in his. Eddie wrapped her arms around his neck. As they broke apart Eddie stated: "I really wanted to dance with you." She admitted. A touch of sadness appeared on her face.

"I couldn't dance with you. Not today." Jamie said, softly, as he caressed here face lovingly.

"Why?"

"Because our relationship has changed. I can't put up a wall between us anymore. I know what it's like to hold you closer. I know what it's like to kiss you. I know what it's like to make love to you. I know every crevice of your body and I want to touch it. I crave it. Your body calls to me – beckoning me to not let go. I can't hold back anymore. And if I danced with you? I would not be able to mask those feelings."

"Jamie…" Eddie said, truly touched. "I feel the same way about you. That's why I wanted to dance with you. To hold you close. I guess you're right. There was no way I was going to be able to pretend that we were only partners. We were doing a bad job of it already. Even before we made love."

"I love you Eddie." Jamie said, finally able to express it to her in words and no longer being afraid. "It may not be the most romantic place to tell you but I do. And I couldn't hold it in any longer. You are everything to me and the thought of another man even flirting with you has my jealousy meter at 1000 compared to when we were just partners."

"I love you too." Eddie said, capturing his lips in hers. "Jamie I am yours. Only yours. You have to know that. I have been in love with you for years. I just couldn't tell you. I didn't want to ruin what we had because I wasn't sure if that was all we were going to have."

"Since the first day I saw you I knew…I knew you were going to be someone special in my life." Jamie confessed.

"Yeah…"

"Yeah." Jamie said, kissing her one more time. "I probably have loved you before you even had feelings for me. But I couldn't go there with you. I needed to be near you – even if it was just as partners. And I hid my feelings even from myself. I'm sorry."

"But you knew after that first kiss that I was into you." Eddie pointed out.

"But you said it was a mistake." Jamie stated.

"What was I supposed to say? I wanted you to go home with me that night. Cause I did. And I have regretted not asking you then." Eddie answered back.

"I think I would have gone up with you in a heartbeat. But I was drunk that night and so were you. And we still didn't really know each other as well as we know each other now. That was years ago and we have had so many fights after that and so many wonderful moments after that. I don't regret any of it. I may regret it took us a bit longer than we wanted to but the experiences? Never. It was me falling in love with you day by day and finally not being able to hold it in any longer."

Eddie nodded her head and stated: "We may have screwed it up by waiting so long. But now I know for a fact that I want to be with you for the long haul. I am only hoping you feel the same way."

"How can you doubt that at this juncture?" Jamie asked, truly confused. "I just professed my love to you. I love you Eddie. I am in for the long haul. I want no one else but you. I am happy – finally happy. Let's go with it. Come what may, I got you."

Eddie stood on her tippy toes and smiled as she kissed him one more time. She separated from him too quickly for the both of them but then uttered: "I'm done walking and hanging out. Let's Uber it back to the hotel, order room service and then in between and after let's make love until we can't move."

"I knew I loved you for a reason."

"Is it because I'm a genius?"

"My genius. Let's go." He said, as he slapped her ass when she walked in front of him. "I'll order the Uber."

She turned back and wrapped her hand around his waist. "I love you."

"Love you babe." Jamie said, as he pecked her lips and quickly entered the information for the Uber.

Jamko…Jamko…Jamko…Jamko