Julie stared down at the plain white coffee mug sitting between her hands on the cracked wood veneer finished table, "We met in my second semester of freshman year. Keith was…well he was the nice clean cut all American the kind that always has a smile and when you bring him home your parents are smiling more than you."

Tim gritted his teeth to keep the sarcasm out of his voice, "Sounds like everything I wasn't."

"Exactly," Julie made no qualms about her choice in a man after Tim, "I didn't even realize until after Tyra and Landry had met him that he was so opposite of you. I didn't want to admit that I wasn't over you because I was so angry at you for leaving that I needed something and Keith gave it to me."

Julie smiled at him, her blonde hair falling around her face much the same as he had dreamed of since his time in the Taylor home. It was that smile that had kept him sane when he was being starved and beaten in a Colombian prison, clearing his throat at the uncomfortable thought Tim leaned back in the booth seat, "I didn't know what to do with us."

"So you ran," Julie nodded sagely, her shoulders slumping, "I guess I can understand wanting to run away from all your problems. When Keith told me about the women he had been seeing in New York, I just wanted to run and keep on running. I couldn't believe that the man who was supposed to be perfect would do this to me. But then I looked at Teddy and I knew I couldn't leave him, I had to stick things out and make sure that my son was taken care of."

"I wasn't good enough for you Julie, I never will be," Tim took a sip of his coffee, "You were the coach's daughter, I was the screw up football player more known for the things I did off the field than for what I did on-."

"Well the guy who I should be spending the rest of my life with turned out to be an asshole too. So tell me Tim who is good enough for me?" Julie whispered her cheeks reddening, "Because I seem to always be choosing the wrong one."

Tim didn't think, tomorrow he would rationalize. Tomorrow he would blame things on the beers he had, on the jet lag. He would blame the fact that he had dreamed of the day when Julie Taylor would once again be in his reach and it would be possible for him to taste her. To taint her, burn himself with her flavor, her innocence. He didn't think he simply stood, threw some bills on the table and grab her hand and was pulling her after him. Julie was stumbling to keep up with his quick pace, and her muttered and whispered curses at him were funnier to him than anything he had heard in a very long time. Stopping at his truck he positioned her between him and the cool metal, looming over her he watched as her flush spread from her cheeks down her neck and disappeared in the neckline of her shirt. Her pulse was racing in her throat and he felt a familiar thrill at being the one to make her so excited. His own pulse pounding he trailed a finger down her cheek, moving his hand he cupped her face relishing the feel of the soft skin. He lowered his head inhaling her hair as he stepped closer pushing his body next to hers. His hand found a spot on her hip, fingers stretching to touch as much of her as he could.

Tim took a deep breath as he trailed his lips down slowly, barely skimming the skin of her forehead till he reached her slightly parted lips. Her breath was hot and sweet on his as he paused; lips touching hers, waiting for her to make the next move. Julie sighed against his mouth her lips pushing into his hurriedly, as if she had been waiting for this moment her entire life. He knew he was probably bruising her but he couldn't bring himself to pull back any as he pushed her against the truck and their mouths fused. Tilting her head to allow better access Julie moaned against him as she arched into the kiss, Tim had never heard a more pleasing sound in all his life.

His hands were on fire as he began to move them across her body; he was like a starving man who had just found ambrosia from the gods. His hands went between their bodies pulling her shirt up so that he could touch the skin underneath, Julie happily pulled back so that he could have access. Her back arching as he cupped her breast through her bra. Tearing his mouth away Tim rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger watching as she gasped and her head fell back against the truck as she pushed her body fully into his hands.

The slamming of a car door and loud laughter had Tim pulling his hands away as if he were a kid caught stealing a cookie before dinner. Breathing hard he looked at her, his tongue flicking out to lick his lips tasting her lip gloss lingering on them. Reaching around her he opened the door of his truck waiting for her once again to make the next move.

"Tim," Julie whispered, Tim silenced her with a swift kiss.

Pulling back his voice was gruff, "Get in the truck Julie."

Julie blushed at the intimate way he said her name, getting in Julie climbed into her seat putting as much distance between them as she could. Tim climbed in after her starting the truck he pulled out of the dinner parking lot. They drove for a few minutes before Tim broke the silence, "Where's your house?"

"On King Road, the little farm house at the end, past the curve," Julie looked at him; Tim's hands were tight on the steering wheel his attention focused straight ahead. Julie wondered at his control, had he always been so focused? Or was it something that he had learned in the Marines. Julie remembered the last time that they had driven to her home in silence after her dance practice. Now older and maybe a little wiser Julie realized what she should have done all those years ago. She shouldn't have let the silence build, letting both of them grow in regrets as the destination grew closer. Drawing in a shaking breath Julie crept closer to him on the seat, soon she was all but in his lap. Except for the tightening of his grip on the steering wheel Julie didn't think he noticed her intrusion on his personal space. She smiled shyly as she let her hand drift to the back of his neck, playing with the strands that just brushed his neck. Fingers tickling the sensitive skin with just barely there touches, Julie leaned forward to taste the skin of his neck. She bit him gently under his ear, smiling when he inhaled and gave a groan as she soothed the place she bruised with a kiss. Tim moved his head to the side to give her better access; it was the only thing aside from his heavy breathing that indicated he was even aware of her. Julie shifted closer her mouth skimming over his neck to his jaw line; nipping at the skin there she closed her eyes and savored the moment. Her hands tangling in his hair she trailed kisses down his neck she didn't even realize that they had stopped till his hands were on her.

His hands hard as he pulled her so that his mouth could crush hers, the sweetness of the kiss was almost lost in their need for one another. Julie thrilled in the feel of his body hard and ready next to her own.

"We should take this in your house," Tim asked tearing his mouth away from hers he held her thigh in a steely grip, his thumb just brushing the juncture of her thighs.

Julie didn't answer, not wanting to even move enough so that they parted from the full body contact that was sending her over the edge. Nodding she gave him a slight push to get him moving, he gave her a smoldering look before he pulled himself up and was opening the door to the truck. Before she was even sitting up properly he was hauling her out and carrying her to the door. Julie laughed at his rush, "I can walk you know."

"I know," Tim said putting her down on the porch but his hands remained on her hips, "but that was quicker and a lot more fun."

Julie gave him a smirk before turning around to unlock the door. Tim enveloped her from behind, pulling her bottom firmly into his front. His breath was hot on her ear making her hands shake as she tried to put the key in the lock.

"Let me help you," Tim whispered his voice low and urgent in her ear. His hand trailed down her arm, wrapping it around her shaking hand containing the key he guided it to lock.

Julie watched her own hand being swallowed by his as if it were another person's. As if the entire actions were those of another's she floated along in the feelings that being surrounded by Tim was causing. His mouth nipping and teasing the skin at the back of her neck Julie stumbled forward into the dark house. The only thing that held her on her feet was Tim's hands around her body as he followed her into the house. Regaining her balance Julie turned in his arms and brought her mouth to his. Her hands fisting in his shirt she pulled him with her through the house, falling backwards into a wall as she refused to separate herself from him long enough to get a good look at where they were walking. Crashing into the wall sent a picture frame crashing to the ground but Tim's mouth was doing such delicious things to her neck that she couldn't bring herself to care. Arching against him Julie gasped at the feel of him against her, separated only by a few layers of clothes.

Using his weight and her own firm grip with her thighs to keep her up, Tim busied his hands with removing her shirt. Pulling it over her head his lips found hers just as soon as the fabric was clear. Julie gasped into the kiss as his hands found the clasp of her bra and freed her upper half from its last barrier. One hand cradling her head to his he pulled away from the wall and began to nibble at her bottom lip.

"Bedroom," Julie whispered as her hands worked under his shirt, "First door on the left."

Tim growled pulling his head back he looked at her, "Are you sure?"

His thumb running along her swollen lips he waited for her answer. Julie knew he would stop if given just the smallest hint of hesitation on her part, despite his desire. Desire that she could feel quite evidently against her at that very moment. Leaning forward Julie gave him a sweet kiss as she loosened her legs. Tim let her drop though his hand remained on her face only dropping as Julie stepped away breaking the kiss. His breathing ragged he watched her with hooded eyes as she backed away from him. Kicking her shoes off Julie reached for the snap of her jeans, pushing them down her legs she stepped out of them just as she reached the door to her bedroom. Tim watched her like a giant cat stalking his prey, his eyes hungry as he took in every inch of skin she exposed on her way.

"Tim," Julie whispered her voice husky and lower than she could ever remember it being before.

He was on her in a moment, his shirt being thrown across the room in his haste to have her skin against his. Her moans were slight and breathy like he always imagined they would be. Her knees hit the back of the bed and caused them both to stumble slightly, a small giggle escaping her mouth. Tim leaned back away from her looking at her as a smile stretched her swollen lips. His hands stilled from where they had been caressing the skin of her back.

Eyes wide she looked up at him, "What is it?"

Innocent, that's what he wanted to say as he looked down at her. His hands moving to cup her face and hold her. She was so innocent even after all these years, still so full of joy after everything that had happened. Leaning down he brushed his mouth against hers, it was a gentle kiss that was in complete contrast to everything that had gone between them before and it took more out of him to pull away from it than any other kiss in his life. But he did and his stomach clenched as he looked at her lips still parted and eyes blinking open in awareness as he brushed his hands carefully over her face. He watched as she realized something was wrong, her brows drew together and her mouth opened to say something but he stopped her, "I-."

Julie stepped back into his space and pushed her body up against his her mouth crushing onto his. Tim was startled for a moment not remembering this side of Julie from before, all their encounters from high school had been started by him. Deftly she turned them so that he was the one with his back to the bed and Tim could feel her lips curl in a smile as he stumbled for a second. Pulling back Julie gave him a thorough look as her fingers skimmed over the scars marring his torso. Tim hid his need to flinch as her eyes fed on him, wanting to hide her from the horrors he had seen and done that had left their mark on his body. He was shocked when she leaned forward and brushed her lips against a jagged scar on his shoulder her lips were feather light and felt like a balm on his soul. He stood his knees locked in place to keep him from falling as she kissed her way along his body, her breath warm as he fought to keep control of himself. He had bedded seductresses from all over the world and none had ever left him quaking with desire and need that her barest touch was doing to him now.

Bringing his hands up he pulled her to him burying his nose in her hair he held her to him for a moment before pulling back to kiss her lightly. Carefully he melded his mouth to hers applying just enough pressure to get her to open her mouth so that he could show her how much she was effecting him. Her breasts were heavy and full in his hands as he angled her beneath him as he moved them both to the bed. Rolling a nipple between his fingers he swallowed her moan as her own hands went to the button of his pants and were struggling to get them past his hips. Releasing her lips he stood up enough to roughly divest them both of the last of their clothes.

She reached for him pulling him down and her eagerness fueled his own. And Tim could feel a smile on his face mimicking hers as he tumbled back on the bed. Julie laughed even as she arched her body against his harder one stealing his breath away. He caught her hands in his stretching them above her head as he settled himself between her thighs. Tim watched as the smile slowly died and she bit her lip as he nudged at her entrance.

Their eyes locked as he entered her, sure and smooth as everything else in his life. Hands clenched together, bodies tight he struggled to not spill himself like an untried boy as her body welcomed him.

"Tim," Julie moaned her nails digging into the backs of his hands as her hips met his. His forehead dropped to the crook of her neck as they moved together. It was her little moans in his ear combined with the taste of her skin on his tongue and the feel of her surrounding him that began to signal his end. Releasing one of her hands he trailed his fingers down to the tiny bundle of nerves just above their joined bodies. Lifting his head he watched as she went over the edge. She was still clenching around him when he lost himself and collapsed shuddering ontop of her.

It took more than a few minutes for him to gain the strength to be able to move so that he wasn't crushing her and he was loathe to leave her warmth. Pulling her with him he rolled on his back and just held her, using her body as a blanket to cover his larger form was kind of foolish but he spread her over him like one anyway.

Julie snuggled against him her fingers making odd patterns on his shoulder next to the scar that he would rather forget about ever getting. Quiet settled over them as their breathing returned to normal and Tim savored it. He knew the moment she came aware of herself though, it was a minute shifting and her head was tilting to look up at him, "Give me a minute and we'll have another go."

Julie snorted rolling her eyes, "You probably need more than a minute."

"I may not be the stud of the Dillon Panthers anymore Taylor but I am not an old man," Tim retorted keeping his face stern even if there was no bite in his tone. Julie laughed settling her head back down on his chest. Tim could feel her studying the scars on his body and he itched to stop her or force her to focus on something else.

"How did you get this?" Tim closed his eyes and reached up to catch her hand in his.

"Working," Tim murmured kissing her knuckles.

"Tim," Julie raised her head looking at him, "How?"

He looked at her his expression clearing saying that he had given her all the answer she was going to get. Julie sighed, settling back down she could feel her exhaustion creeping up on her and fell asleep with his heart beating steady beneath her ear. Never knowing that he was wide awake staring at her ceiling lost in memories.

"Can I get a cheeseburger Pop?" Teddy sent big puppy dog eyes up at the wild haired man something he had learned from Gracie Eric was sure of. Eric nodded to the little boy as they pulled the truck up to the Alamo Freeze. Teddy laughed excitedly already fumbling with the buckle of his seat by the time that Eric was parking.

"Hold on their buddy," Eric laughed walking around to help his grandson out of the truck. Walking with his hand on the little boy's shoulder they stepped into the welcoming blast of air conditioning, "You want anything with that cheeseburger QB?"

"French fires," Teddy shouted his high pitched voice making a few head turn their way and Eric to flinch.

"Boy I can't wait till you hit puberty, sound like a girl," Eric muttered even though he couldn't help but smile and ruffle the little boys blonde hair.

"I not a girl Pop," Teddy said indignantly, "I a boy. You a girl."

Eric cleared his throat noisily casting a quick glance around to see who was within hearing distance of that last statement by the precocious three year old. Glaring at a table of pimply faced teenagers who were sniggering he pushed forward to the counter and placed their order all the while keeping a firm hand on his pint sized companion.

Sitting down Eric cocked his head to the side and grinned as his grandson did the same as they stared out the window. Eric's phone went off a quick glance at the caller id had him frowning while he stood up to talk. Shoving some sugar packets at Teddy he ordered the little boy stack them up while he talked to Buddy Garritty a few feet away.

Teddy shoved the little packets around giggling as he sent a few over the edge of the table. Raising his head at the sound of the door opening he grinned as he recognized the football man from last night at his grandparents house. Glancing at his Pop he slipped under the table when he saw that his grandfather was pacing a sure sign that he wasn't really paying attention to anything. Hurrying over to where the tall man was ordering Teddy waited patiently for him to turn around. Head tilted back a grin on his face as the tall man turned around his order placed and stumbled for a second at seeing the small boy standing before him.

"Hi," Teddy said rocking back on his heels, "You get a cheeseburger?"

Tim cocked his head to the side, "Hi, yep."

"Want to eat with me?" Teddy asked remembering to make his lip poke out just a bit like Gracie had taught him. It worked on everyone but his Mom and Nana, but he figured that was because they were moms. He watched as Tim glanced down at his watch and then back at him, before nodding and motioning Teddy to lead the way.

"Pop is talking," Teddy pointed out the obvious to his tall friend, "We are having a boys day because Nana and Gracie are girly."

Tim nodded, "Girls tend to be that way."

"Tim when did you get here?" Eric asked sitting down across from Tim and Teddy who had crawled under the table when his grandfather had begun to sit down.

"Only a few minutes ago," Tim said staring at the blonde next to him with a look of wonderment, "He looks just like her."

Eric studied his former player, "Looks like his dad too a bit."

Tim's eyes flashed to Eric, "Heard you didn't make it to State this year."

"We was robbed," Teddy piped up, leaning forward on the table he stood in the booth and grinned at his grandfather, "Right Pop?"

"Right QB," Eric smirked, looking up he smiled at a couple just walking in the door, "I see Will, Teddy why don't you go say hi."

The little boy glanced behind him and yelled a hello to his friend from his play group, "I be back."

Tim leaned back as Teddy clamored over him grimacing as the little boy's feet landed painfully on his left leg. Turning he watched the little boy chattering happily with his friend only turning his attention back to the coach when the other man spoke, "You gonna tell me why you walk with a limp?"

Tim shook his head, "Took a bad curve in a jeep a couple of weeks ago."

"Came back here to recuperate," Eric smirked, "Doctors ordered you to stay active I guess."

"Why do I get the feeling that I am about to be volunteered for something?" Tim asked leaning back in his seat, "You have that same look as when you always ordered wind sprints."

Eric laughed as he stood up and went to the counter to get his and Teddy's order, "Could use a hand with some of the players is all. With you being here with nothing to do but scratch your ass thought you might want to help the current Panthers is all."

Nodding his head Tim glanced over at Teddy watching as the little boy waved to a couple walking in. Maybe if things had been different between him and Julie Teddy would have been his son. He felt a spark burn in his chest at the thought, for a second Tim didn't know what it was but then he realized that it was hope. He couldn't go back in time and change things, a desire over the years that he had learned to suppress. Now though was his time and maybe, just maybe.

"I think I will have time for that," his tone was light and for the first time in a long time he didn't have to force himself to relax to make it sound so.

Balancing the basket of laundry against her hip Julie kicked the dryer door closed before walking back into the house. Tim had woken her up with gentle kisses along her back, something that still made her want to stretch out and just let him have his way with her. But reality has a way of rearing its ugly head when least wanted and her phone had gone off. Groaning Julie plopped basket down on the couch, sitting down she began folding remembering how Tim had rolled away from her as she talked to her mother on the phone. It was awkward to say the least after she had hung up the phone and after a swift hard kiss he had left her wrapped up in a sheet on her bed.

Tossing the unmatched socks back into the basket Julie stretched her legs and arms out lazily before gathering the clothes up to put them away. She was walking out of Teddy's room when the sound of a door being slammed stirred the lump on the floors attention enough to raise its head. Glaring at the dog Julie walked to the door, her hands flew to her hair at spotting Tim walking towards the house with a bag of take out and two cokes in his hands. Opening the door she cursed herself for the blush of pleasure that spread through her as he bent to give her a quick kiss as he walked inside.

"I wasn't expecting you back so soon," Julie admitted leaning back on the door as he walked over to put the food on the coffee table.

Raising his gaze to hers he grinned, "Nice boxers."

Julie flushed she had forgotten she was wearing an old Dillon panther shirt and a pair of loony tunes boxers that her mother had bought her father and he had refused to wear. Tugging on the frayed hem of the shirt she bit her bottom lip, "Like I said I didn't expect you back so soon."

Tim shrugged, "Full of surprises. I got you a burger."

Julie sank down onto the couch reaching for the paper wrapped concoction, "Thanks."

"Least I could do considering that thing you did with your mouth last-," Tim finished with a laugh as Julie threw a fry at him Pan yelped at them before plopping down infront of the tv. Picking up the missile he grinned at the blush staining her face, "Blushing Taylor?"

"Watch it Riggins," taking a bite out of her burger she kept her gaze on the food. They sat like that in silence munching on the burgers from the Alamo Freeze. It wasn't uncomfortable which surprised Julie; she was so use to Teddy's constant jabber that the silence was a blessing. Glancing at Tim she couldn't help but stifle her grin at finding him looking at her, "What?"

"What would you say if I was to tell you that I would be staying on for a bit," wiping his hands off on a paper napkin he leaned forward watching her.

Julie sat her half finished burger on the table hands folding in her t-shirt she looked at him, "What do you want me to say? Tim as great as last night was I haven't seen you in six years. I have a son…"

"Slow then," Tim reached for her grabbing her ankle and pulling her into his lap, "We have all the time in the world and for the first time in my life I am going to do things right."

"Slow is perfect," Julie whispered fingers tangling with his she drew him down for a kiss. Slow and sweet leaving Julie shaking with need when he pulled away.

A.N.: See I haven't abandoned it! It just takes me a long time to get things perfect to the point where I can post it. I know there are probably grammatical errors galore but the plot is where I want it to be and that is why it takes so long. Another reason that I have taken so long is that I just got back to school to post so happy times for all. Love to all who are waiting and keep it up cause I will try to post during the weekends from now on.