Part 2

Lousy weather ruined their plans for roller-skating at the park. Judy suggested renting a movie and Tom knew a place that had a good deal on new releases. The last couple of weeks had been fun. Judy couldn't believe how easily and quickly they fell into a groove. It was like this was meant to be.

"Jude, the good stuff's back here." He reached for her hand. As he took it, he looked into her eyes and shared a conspiratorial smile. "It's still kinda weird, huh?"

"A little," she agreed with a soft laugh. She glanced at their linked hands.

His brows drew into a brief frown. "Rather not?"

"Are you kidding me?" She squeezed his hand. "I'm okay with holding your hand, but if you'd rather not--"

"Why wouldn't I? This is a date--"

"A date?" she interrupted. "We've been together every day for the past two weeks. I'd call this a little bit more than a date."

He grinned as he led her to through the store. "So, what? Are we going steady now?"

"Don't press your luck, Hanson," she teased. "We'll see."

He pressed a closed fist to his heart. "Ah, she's breaking my heart."

She smiled. Once again, the ease of their evolving relationship amazed her. Their friendship was a major plus and being able to talk about the job was the icing on the cake. Her occupation intimidated many of her dates. Most argued she couldn't be a cop because of her looks. And the rest assumed she made it as a cop because of her bedroom skills. It was damned if she did or damned if she didn't. Having this connection with Tom was a special, rare gift.

A video caught her attention. She stopped and grabbed it. "What about horror?"

"What about it?" He took the video from her, looked at the cover and made a face. "No."

"Why not? I've heard a lot of good stuff about this one. My cousin says Nightmare on Elm Street is a classic. There's a scene with this guy in a waterbed and then--"

"I heard about it," he grumbled. "No, thanks." He set the film back on the shelf and pointed toward the next aisle. "Comedy's over there. I'd rather see Howard the Duck than some poor schmuck getting sucked up by a bed."

"I'd rather not," she said. "What about Platoon?"

He shot her an incredulous look. "You'd watch a war movie? I was thinking of something a little more romantic."

"Really?" Her heart did a triple twirl somersault. It was a known fact that Hanson mainly dug the old stuff like Charlie Chaplin. For him to suggest something other than that meant something.

"Yes, really." He slipped his arm around her waist. "Other than Nightmare on Elm Street and Platoon, the choice is yours. The rainstorm messed up our dat--evening. I wanna make it up to you."

"That's sweet," she murmured.

He blushed and shrugged. "Let's check out the new releases. Maybe we'll find something there."

She enjoyed the feel of his body as it brushed hers. Despite his small frame, he was tough, lean and sinewy. Their hugs and gentle touches left her breathless. By silent agreement, they were taking things slowly. Soon, that would change. Her flesh tingled in anticipation.

"Have you seen this one?" He pulled Top Gun from the shelf.

She perused the cover, enjoying the shot of Tom Cruise in uniform. Ads for the film showed a hot shot pilot who romanced his instructor. This film should have the right mix to please both of them. "Nope. Let's get it."

He took the video and headed toward the checkout counter. Judy only half listened as the cashier accessed Tom's account. Movement outside the large pane windows piqued her interest. A guy with dark curly hair and horn-rimmed glasses seemed strangely familiar. Alarm bells went off.

"Uh oh," she mumbled under her breath.

"What? You saw something else?"

"No." She nodded toward the window. "Isn't that Blowfish?"

Tom looked. His mouth parted. "Yeah, that's him. I told him about this place. Looks like he's about to check it out."

"What will we do?" She hated the sudden queasy feeling in her stomach.

"You ashamed of me?" He teased.

"Tom, come on. If he sees us and it gets back to Fuller…"

"I know." He took his change and rental from the cashier. Moving in front of her, he blocked her view of Blowfish. "He won't like it. So, this is what you wanna do? Keep this--us--a secret?"

"I don't want to, but I don't know what else to do."

"What do you want?" he asked. His brown eyes bored into hers. He seemed to search for answers and absolutes. His voice lowered to a husky whisper, "What do you want to do, Jude?"

She didn't have to think twice for an answer. "I don't want anyone to tell us that we can't see each other. Nor do I want to jeopardize our jobs with Jump Street."

He nodded, agreeing. "So, that settles it. We," he pointed to her and himself, "are a secret."

"Yeah, I guess we are."