While Nelson attended his meetings, CJ spent her days in an adjoining office busy with J & Associates business. One good thing about being the President of a salvage company, one could conduct business almost anywhere. When Harry had a break, he would spend the time with her. They always managed to spend their evenings together. Sometimes it was well past midnight before this occurred but neither seemed to care, just being together was enough for the two of them.

Finally, Friday afternoon arrived and Harry picked CJ up at her small apartment. After putting her suitcase in the trunk, he got back in the car and started the motor. It was a nice afternoon and he had put the windows down before picking her up. Now, the breeze entered the car blowing her long tresses back from her face. He reached over taking her left hand in his. She smiled in response and moved over closer to him.

"So, sailor. You’re determined to keep our destination a complete mystery."

"Yes.... hope you don’t mind."

CJ laughed with joy as she looked at his handsome face. "Just the fact that we’re incognito for two whole days is surprise enough..........and being in the country.........well.....you know how I feel about wide open spaces!"

Harry grinned at her reaction. Her laughter was bubbly like a fresh water brook. If just getting out of the Institute caused this type of reaction, he couldn’t wait to see how she would respond when she found out where they were going.

After they were well away from the Institute, Harry stopped at a small roadside park. His first of many surprises was a late picnic lunch that Maria packed for them. When they finished eating, they strolled along a well trodden path exploring the small park taking their time just enjoying the quietness and each others company.

The sun was low on the horizon when Harry turned the car down a small side road. When CJ started seeing the farm animals and then the horses, she turned her head sharply to look at Nelson. However when the small country inn came into sight, tears filled her eyes and she leaned close to kiss his cheek.

Seeing her tears of joy, he stopped the car and pulled her into his arms for a short kiss. He was falling in love with this woman and hoped the weekend would be a beginning for the next stage in their relationship.

When he released her, CJ kissed him gently in return. Then, she turned back to look at the building silhouetted by the setting sun and replied, "I’m all for sitting here and making out, sailor, but we can do this any time. I’m eager to find out more about my surprise."

"Umm.....is that so, woman? You’re saying my kisses aren’t ENOUGH for you?" He said gruffly with a serious expression on his face while his eyes told a different story.

Her lips twitched as she tried not to smile knowing that he was having trouble as well keeping a straight face. Trying to sound demure, CJ bent her head and replied, "I’m sorry, Admiral. I didn’t mean to imply that. Of course I enjoy your kisses and if you want to sit here for awhile...well...it’s a small price to pay for my surprise."

Then, she slipped her arms around his neck and started to kiss him again but ended up giggling instead. He pushed her away gently and tried to look hurt but was soon shaking with laughter himself. When he was able to catch his breath, he restarted the car and drove the rest of the way to the inn.

He stopped the car in front of the hotel. However, he didn’t get the chance to open the door for CJ because she was out even before he turned off the lights. Sighing inwardly, Harry got out himself and unlocked the trunk. Then, he turned around as the front door of the inn opened and his old friend came out to greet them.

CJ stood beside the car as she watched Harry shake hands with and then grab the arms of the man in greeting. He was slightly taller and was about the same age as Nelson but his hair was white as snow. The two of them were so glad to see each other that they temporarily forgot she was there. She smiled in understanding as they pounded each other on the back and laughed.

Suddenly, sensing that she wasn’t alone, CJ turned sharply to see an attractive older woman standing beside her.

"Oh, my dear, I didn’t mean to startle you. My name is Hannah Scott and that white haired man with Harry is my husband, Samuel Scott."

CJ stared at the woman for a second in surprise. Then, she held out her hand in greeting and responded, "It’s nice to meet you, Hannah. I’m Chameleon ëJ’ but most people just call me CJ for short."

The older woman stiffened slightly when she heard CJ’s name. She looked sharply at her face wondering about the name and the features she saw before her. CJ noticed her puzzlement and started to explain but then, Hannah’s husband decided at that moment to introduce himself.

While his wife talked to CJ, Nelson’s old friend had been observing her. He noticed immediately when she sensed Hannah’s approach and how she reacted. Only a WELL trained operative had those reflexes and moves. Sam Scott’s eyes locked with Harry’s and they held demanding questions. "Why in the HELL had Harry brought one of the dreaded COMPANY to his home?" He relaxed in relief when Nelson shook his head no. "Then, who was she? Sure wasn’t hard on the eyes and definitely was the youngest of them by far!" He decided to take the bull by the horns and introduce himself and see how she reacted to him. He’d always had a talent of being able to size up a person immediately. It had saved his life many times in dangerous situations.

"Harry, we’re not being very sociable. Apparently, the ladies have already introduced themselves. To be honest, I can’t wait to meet the woman who’s brave enough to put up with you." Then he walked forward, held out his hand and said, "Ma’am, welcome to The Scott’s Inn. My name’s Samuel Scott and I’ve known Harry longer than I’m willing to admit."

Sam had planned continuing on with the good old boy routine until he made up his mind about this attractive younger woman putting the moves on his old friend. However, that was before he met her face-to-face. When he shook her hand and his gray eyes locked with her blue-green ones, he drew in breath of genuine surprise. "For the first time in his life, his talent had failed him! The woman standing in front of him was a complete mystery. No matter how hard he tried, he wasn’t able to read her!" Then, he grinned and nodded slightly in respect. It was very disconcerting to be on the other end for a change...she had just read him instead and, apparently, was satisfied because she acknowledged his nod with one of her own.

Then, she told him her name and EVERYTHING suddenly made sense. "Sam, I’m glad to meet you but don’t like being so formal. As I just told Hannah, my name’s Chameleon ëJ’ but my FRIENDS call me CJ."

Scott noticed the emphasis she put on the word friends and that her eyes twinkled with mischief when she told him her name. She even had the audacity to wink at him. Then, her expression changed completely to one of calm decorum before she turned back to Hannah. He stood with his mouth open in astonishment as he watched the woman walking with his wife toward their home.

Harry grinned at his old friend’s reaction. "Come on, Sam. Help me get the luggage from the trunk. Oh, and I suggest you shut your mouth before a bug flies in!"

He glared at Nelson in mock anger and followed his suggestion. However, once Harry opened the trunk, Sam put his hand on his arm and growled out, "You could’ve at LEAST prepared me. Who in the HELL is she anyway?"

Harry looked at his old friend and his expression became serious. "Sam, I’ve been trying to figure out who she is ever since we met. All I can tell you is the more I find out the more I want to know.....and heaven help me........cause well....I’m falling in love with her."

Sam let go of his arm and looked at the woman entering his home. He glanced back at Harry who was watching CJ as well. "So, it’s that serious?"

Nelson just nodded a silent yes and continued to watch her.

Scott shook his head in amazement and asked the dreaded twenty dollar question. "How, does she feel about you?"

Harry sighed and looked at the ground. "I know she cares about me but I’m not sure how much. That’s why this weekend is so IMPORTANT for me!"

"Well, Hannah and I will do our best to help out and we’ve already reserved the La Casa Cottage for the two of you. It’s our most romantic suite and guarantees complete privacy. The kitchen is well stocked so you can cook your own meals or join Hannah and me."

Nelson’s head shot up at Scott’s mention of their most romantic suite. "DAMNIT, Sam! I wanted privacy but didn’t want it to be THAT obvious to her. CJ’s sharp and I don’t want to end up feeling like a fool if things don’t progress in that direction if you get my meaning."

"Don’t worry, Harry. Our La Casa Cottage is almost an exact duplicate of the original located in Santa Barbara’s Glenborough Inn located on 1327 Bath Street. When the owners found out how much Hannah and I loved it, they gave us permission to use the design when we built the inn. Ours has its own entrance and all of the amenities found in a home. You’ll have your own small living room. There’s two bedrooms with queen sized beds and each has its own full bath and shower. We’ve pre-stocked the fireplace and as I said, if CJ likes to cook, there’s a complete separate kitchen and dining area for your use. So, just relax, old friend. Hannah and I’ve covered all of the bases."

Nelson sighed in relief and grabbed his suitcase while Sam got CJ’s. After Harry shut the trunk and they were walking to the inn, Sam couldn’t resist asking, "Does CJ like farm animals?"

"Well, I’m not sure. However, I know she has three bottle-nosed dolphins because I’ve met them personally. Also, recently I found out by accident that she owns a Palomino stallion who gets along with her two wild wolves."