After a long day of shooting Frank suggests that everyone try to get some rest. The shooting of the night scene will take place in the early morning while it's still dark out. John looks down at his watch and sees what little sleep they will get before the next shoot.
Frank assigns the sleeping arrangements with the boys in one cabin and the girls in another.
You look over at John wanting him to see the disappointment on your face. After what he had done to you during that last love scene you want nothing more but to finish what he had started.
He smiles at you making sure you know it's for the best.
Everyone grabs a quick bite to eat before heading to their cabins. You and John walk hand-in-hand to the assigned cabins knowing you will have to soon part. As you reach the cabin assigned to the girls you tell John you don't want him to go! He takes you in his arms and hugs you as if he'll never ever let go. While he has you in his embrace he whispers in your ear,
"Try to get some rest, you'll see me again sooner than you think."
John pulls away slightly and places a soft kiss upon your lips and tells you 'good night'. You quietly enter the cabin and climb into bed. You try to do as he asked and get some rest but you keep thinking about him and what he had said to you.
What did he mean I'd see him sooner than I think? With that thought still in your head you toss and turn in your bed. Soon you hear the door of the cabin open then shut. You call out very quietly
"John?" All you hear is, "Shhhhh".
Then you feel his warm muscular body wrap itself around yours.
"John", you shouldn't..."
"Shhhh, I know but I just had to be next to you."
You close your eyes knowing now you could get the rest you so needed. ~Muskrat
.............................
Aware that there are only three hours before you need to wake for the next scene you give in to your desire for sleep. John seems content for you to sleep in his arms and you feel his breathing become shallow and the soft warmth in your hair.
Faye must be a heavy sleeper because you haven't heard any stirring from her bed. You know that if she wakes to see John in bed with you she is open minded enough not to worry. On the other hand Frank may not be as forgiving. There has been something about his attitude to yours and John's relationship that doesn't sit well with you.
You smile, really not caring at this time, you feel protected by John's presence.
What seems like minutes later you suddenly wake. There's a light shining right into your eyes that makes you suddenly sit. John does too.
"What the f....!" John is annoyed at the intrusion.
"That's where you are, I could have guessed." You hear Frank's voice and then the flashlight moves and your eyes slowly focus on his not so happy face. "We talked about this man. Can't get your mind out of her pants for one night?"
Pulling the covers to hide your uncovered breasts you wonder how John will respond. You both certainly didn't expect Frank to just waltz into the cabin.
"What's happening?" Faye's groggy voice comes from the other bed. As she flicks on her bedside lamp her eyes also light up. "Frank, get outta here, will ya!" She throws a pillow that hits him squarely on the head. "Don't you know how to knock?"
"Okay, okay!" He turns to you and John. "After all this fooling around all I can say is that you'd better be up for today's shoot. I need two alert costars, we have a long day ahead of us and lots of action sequences."
You both nod as he leaves the room. Before he exits he looks back at Faye.
"You my girl are in serious shit."
"Yeah, yeah." She laughs and you wonder how she can be so flippant with the director. ~RPC
.............................
You both look at Faye's smug expression as her head falls back on the pillow, laughing heartily.
"That bastard!" She laughs some more and you wait for her to explain. When she doesn't, your curiosity gets the better of you.
"What was that about? Are you mad?" There is certainly concern for keeping her job. She rolls on her side to face you both, lifting her weight on one elbow.
"Tell her John." Faye gets out of bed and heads for the bathroom leaving your man to explain what he must already know. "I'm having the first shower, I'll give you guys some peace." She continues her laugh as she closes the door.
John?" You shift in his arms to face him. He gives you a morning kiss on the lips and that smile that melts your insides.
"She just used to be married to the bastard!" It all makes sense but you had no idea. You just look at him not know what to say. He breaks the silence with a tactile proposition.
"How long do you think she'll be?" He whispers quietly in your ear and his fingers dancing down your arm tell you all.
"Remember what Frank said." His hand moves over your butt and down your leg. He knows by now how to get you worked up with just a simple gesture.
"Frank can go fuck himself." He chuckles.
"John!"
"We have time." Feathery kisses cover your forehead as he pulls your light frame on top of his. ~RPC
....................
~~~~~~NC-17 part~~~~~
Before kissing you on the lips he gazes into your eyes and smiles.
He mouths the words, "Let's make love." How can you refuse him.
"But Faye..." Before you can say any more he is kissing you and rolling you from side to side, your legs entangled with his, your hands roaming the body that you just can't not touch.
"I want to make love to you, not Faye." That mischievous smile of his sends rays of desire scattering along your skin.
The bed is narrow and with all the rolling you almost roll off. He scoops you back just before you lose balance and once again you land on top of him. You lower your upper body to squash your breasts against his chest then plant your affectionate lips on his. Everything is warm and snug from tip to toes and you never want to leave the security that is the bed and his arms.
As you kiss you think how much you want this man to be a part of your life indefinitely. There is nothing in this relationship that anywhere near echoes your past grievous affiliations with men.
He expels your name with one long breath as you feel him swell more between you. Your hips grind wanting to feel him pressing into you and his head falls back exposing his neck. His face is all too delectable, just there for the taking. Your kisses along his jaw line turn to licks, then your tongue traces long wet strokes down his neck. It is hot and you feel the vibrations of his low hums of enjoyment through the skin. Your mouth, lips and tongue get into a rhythm that you need to continue.
You know where you want to go but you're not sure how he would feel. Is it too soon in the relationship to be this familiar? It's not something you have enjoyed much before but now feels ideal, this man feels perfect. His fingers weave through your long dark hair willing you to travel down. His skin feels alive and sweet on your tongue as you first play with his chest under the sheets. You taunt his nipples with light bites and look up to see his eyes tight shut and mouth slightly open. The pulse in his neck is wild and his chest undulates beneath you.
His hands stay gently pulling your hair as you smell his wonderful scent that you can't get enough of. Your face hovers above his erection feeling the solid mass knock against your chin. His hips shift minutely and you hear audible gasps from his throat. You breathe hot air on his balls and run the tip of your nose up his concrete hot length. You want to do this just right to give him the ultimate pleasure this man thoroughly deserves.
His hands slide to your shoulders as you first run your tongue in light circles around the head. You taste the salty droplets that cling there then place your lips just over the head. The way he growls out your name between semi-closed lips gives you undenied encouragement to go further. His legs widen giving your body more access as your moistened mouth slips slowly down the shaft. His hands knead your shoulders as you deep throat him. As your mouth moves up, your teeth just graze the engorged skin and his fingers dig into your shoulders, he gasps with until you release him.
Once again you hear your name in such a sex ridden tenor that you know you are doing to this man what is most pleasurable. One hand steadies yourself on the bed, your knees lock against his calves as once again you suck the head then take him into deep into your mouth. This act feels so natural that you forget about your own desires just to concentrate on his.
"Yes, do that." His words are almost lost on you as you put your heart and soul into following his physical cues. His hips move up and you know he is getting more excited. You make your tongue hard over the most sensitive part on the head and you feel him shudder and gasp more audibly. He pulses in your mouth and you hear small bleats from his vocal chords just before it all hits the back of your throat. You've never gone as far as this with any blowjob before but you want to do this for him. You cannot help but swallow as much as possible but a little gets away and spills you know not where. His hips lie still and his body is dormant as the last gushes hit your throat and you swallow. He slumps back into the bed and strokes the skin on your shoulders with his fingertips.
You release his spent manhood and just lay your head gently on his belly and smile. You feel his pulse against your chin and love that this man has responded this way to you. Fingers go once again to your hair and comb its silken tresses. In your mind's eye you see the wide grin on his face and your lips mirror his. You place a light kiss on his belly button before sliding up his body again. It's important now that you see the look on his face. The acceptance of your previous actions is what you crave.
The rumbles in his throat as you pass on your way up his body tell you he is very content.
There is a small knock at the door and you wonder if Frank is back to see what has happened to you. In the dimness of the single light you smile widely.
"Is it safe yet?" Faye's voice is heard from the bathroom doorway. You whip your head around to see her standing there with a smirk. You quickly slide off John but she knows that you both have been up to something. "If you two have finished devouring each other get dressed, Frank wants us in fifteen." You feel a little relief that she didn't come in one minute sooner or she would have known that her words were close to the truth.
"Ready?" You say simply to John as both bodies hold each other tightly ready for a long day of filming ahead. ~RPC
...........................
After you and John shower you go see Faye so you can get ready for the next scene. The up and coming scene requires you to wear a wetsuit. Faye can easily see you have never worn one before,
"Let me help you" she says with a slight laugh in her voice. You laugh with her as you manage to finally get the suit on. John walks in just as you're about ready to leave,
"John." You can't help but look at him with lustful eyes.
You quickly notice the contours of his body and how the suit seems to wrap itself around each muscle.
John can't help noticing the way you look either, he begins to focus on every curve your body has to offer.
Your eyes finally meet and you both have that same lustful look, you hear and voice behind you.
"All right you two, enough of that, you know there's no time for this so let's go!"
The three of you make your way down to where the scene will take place. The cameras will start rolling once you're in the water.
After Frank tells everyone to get ready, you and John finish getting prepared and enter the water. Frank calls 'Action!',
You both move slowly through the water making your way to the cruiser, there's a ladder hanging over the side that allows you to easily get on board . John and you quickly move out of sight of any eyes that may be lurking about. As you make your way around the boat you stay close together not wanting to get separated.
You soon come to the place where you were told you'd see the blueprints you were meant to find. As John looks over the prints you hear someone coming so John quickly grabs you and you have to lay low in a small room. ~Muskrat
..........................
Franks calls 'cut' after you've both waited for the appropriate time it takes for the audience to know you're worried having been caught.
"Nice work guys. Wait there." He calls to you and John then turns to the crew. " Okay ladies and gentlemen take a break, back in twenty." He then turns back to you and walks over and you wonder what he has on his mind.
"What is it Frank?" He lowers his voice. John begins to take down the top of his restricting wetsuit and you do the same. You both have on skintight thin T-shirts underneath.
"We have some action scenes coming up as you well know."
"Yes, we have to find the microchip and there's a bit of peril involved, we're well rehearsed Frank,' John assures him.
"It's not that, I want you to go to the caf� here, drink some Red Bull or something. That romp in the hay you had last night is going to mean you may not have the energy I'm wanting for these scenes." You can't believe he's talking this way.
"Frank, maybe I shouldn't have gone to my lady's bed last night but we slept, I assure you. We can do this." John also looks across to you remembering the invigorating blow job you gave him that morning and wonder if Red Bull really does work.
"Yes Frank we're all prepared, we won't let you down with this." He shows his reassurance with the nod of the head and walks away to talk to some of the other upcoming characters.
John places a hand at the small of your back and leads you towards the cafeteria. By the clock near the stairs leading up to the cabins you see that it is already 12 noon. Where has the time gone? There has only been one scene completed and you now know why it takes so many days to create just a two-hour double episode.
To your surprise he suddenly pins you against the wall of the narrow hallway, and gazes into your eyes.
"I've wanted to do this all morning." His lips are soft on yours at first and then when you accept his affection he presses into you more firmly. You feel his hands travel up your thighs making you briefly think whether there is a place you can lie with him and go further.
It is all too short because you feel a tap on the shoulder and look up to see Marion's striking features marred by a single crease between her brows.
"John, I just have to let you know something, that you're not going to get away with this."
"Get away with what?" He leaves his hand on your thigh and stays close.
"You broke a promise to me and for the life of me I'm going to see you pay."
"Engagement isn't marriage." John was forceful.
"No, but it was a promise, just you wait!" With that threat she exits leaving a gloomy air.
"Why is she so adamant to have you John when she has seen for herself you want me now? Is there something here I'm not seeing?" He just shakes his head and looks absently into your eyes and you know that to get him to explain now, may break the mood for the upcoming important scenes. "Explain all this to me tonight?" You won't take no for an answer.
"Tonight," is his simple response. ~RPC
............................
You're back on set in the small room. You are crouching down behind a table as Frank calls 'Action'. The camera sees the looks of relief on your faces before it turns to the person at the entrance. You both stand slowly.
"Jasper! You shouldn't scare us like that." Your voice is soft and tinged with relief at seeing who we all know as the undercover operative on board the cruiser.
"Hey man, do you always fucking creep up on people?" John's face looks a fraction agitated as is called for by the script.
Without needing a response to those questions Jasper quickly goes over more mission details.
"Good, I see you have the blueprints, may I?" He takes them from your hand and studies them intently as you and John exchange quizzical looks. As he does this you remember you have your wetsuit on and need to strip down. The rubber rolls off your body and John watches as your black thin, skintight outfit underneath is revealed. The rubber is flung into the corner as you adjust your clothing to cover up the skin showing.
On your cue John also strips his body of the rubber covering. He too has a black T-shirt and black track pants. You can't help but watch him rather than listen to Jasper and his words of direction. He leaves his outfit with yours and moves back over to the operative.
"There's been a slight change of plans. The microchip is not in a secret compartment in the captain's study as first thought." His finger pours over the blue paper in front of him.
"Then where is it?" Even with so little words John appears annoyed and hurried. You admire him for his acting. "Look man, we have a narrow margin of time here, remember?"
"Yes, yes until the alarms are switched back on again after the cleaning of the cruiser has been done. Come here." John and you huddle around him, your eyes follow to where he is pointing on the plans. "I have reason to believe the microchip has been moved to here, the captain's cabin."
"That will take us forever to find." You state the obvious.
"Just hold your horses and listen lady. I was coming to that." Frank has directed you to see Jasper as mucho pig and your face changes accordingly. "My sources have told me that he has a bedroom, a study and an ensuite bathroom. Go to the bedroom and you will find it in the bed head."
"Just like that, it'll be there plainly in view." John looks incredulous.
"That's all I can give you. You have to admit it narrows down your search." Without words you look at each other knowing you can do this, you are resolute.
"Okay," Jasper looks at his watch as you adjust the backpacks that Jasper has given you and roll up the blueprints and stuff them through your waistband. "You have approximately twenty minutes to find his cabin and the microchip and be making your way off ship before the alarms are reactivated."
"You never told us what was so important about this microchip." John looks back just before you leave.
He hesitates before talking to the point where you think you must leave without finding out.
"It's said to have information with undeniable proof of the existence and whereabouts of the lost city of Atlantis. Anyone with that knowledge could seek it out and make a fortune." ~RPC
......................
"Well this is a fucking waste of time." The camera follows John then you as you stealthily move through a vacant hallway, keeping to the edges and the shadows as much as possible.
"Why, John?" You whisper as he looks around a corner and then beckons you to follow.
"Atlantis, my ass!" You can't help notice his ass as he says this. All dressed in black and edible, he's bending over again and you just want to touch him but the script prevents you at this time.
He fiddles with the captain's door once you get to the lavish landing that, according to the plans, also houses a gymnasium and an indoor swimming pool. Finding it locked he produces a pouch, unzips it to extract the lock pick. Deftly unlocking the door he allows you in first. Stealthily you enter just before Frank once again calls 'Cut!'.
"Well you surpass yourselves you two. That was damn fine acting. We are going to kill 'em with this pilot." You both smile smugly but not too much because you know that the scene coming up is very active, sexy and intense. You're both glad Frank suggested the Red Bulls beforehand, you feel energy you never know you had. "Come on guys." He calls to the cameramen to hurry up with their setting up. "I think we're on track to get this shooting done with a day to spare. The accountants would be happy." He smiles and directs his words more to himself than those around him.
John rests a light hand on your back and you turn to him.
"We've rehearsed this together and we can make it work." He is readying you for the next scene. He takes both your hands and squeezes just as Frank indicates all is ready to restart.
The scene begins with you quickly scouting the bathroom and the study then you enter the bedroom area where John is already at work on the bed looking at the head. It is a seemingly antique wood carved one. The designs are ornate and depict objects of the ocean: shells, fish, mermaids, seahorses, sharks, anemones, and more all intricately carved. Even with all that beauty you can't help notice the beauty of John's ass again and this time the script does call for some hanky panky. ~RPC
............................
John's sexy body is a sitting target. The camera captures you looking at your watch and then noticing you have some time to spare you move over to him and jump on him wrestling him to the bed. At first he protests and struggles but then is subdued when you put all your weight on top of him and press your lips into his forcefully. All the camera crew now know that this is no screen kiss, and are confident that you can pull it off without retakes.
His eyelids slip closed as his mouth opens. It is warm and sweet tasting as you settle into a rhythm of caressing tongues. Your hips move on his as your legs entwine and his large hands move slowly covering your ass then slowly move up the soft cloth of your black track pants. As you groan into his mouth his hands are seen slipping under the elastic band of your pants and moving underneath. What he's doing, pulling your cheeks apart and using his fingers to delve a little more than the script says, is lifting your energy and you're not sure you can pull off the next part of the script.
Just as unexpectedly he rolls you over onto your back still madly kissing. His hands shift along your arms measuredly moving them out until they are in crucifix mode. His hips fake slow sensual thrusts between your legs. Then suddenly he stops and looks into your eyes, a frozen moment in time.
"We have no time for this." The camera sees your lustful dilated pupils but they slowly become filled with understanding at John's words. "Later, I swear." He whispers and gives you one last short promising kiss. When you give a simple nod he gets back off you and into searching mode again.
After a few moments it's evident that it's going to take longer to find your charge than first thought.
"John, we only have five minutes." His head moves as his fingers feel over the carvings looking for any abnormalities. You can imagine the people employed to add the music will have some intense strains going on as time becomes more crucial. Then it dawns on you,
"John!' He looks over to you then follows your gaze to a picture frame on the bedside table.
"What?"
"Jasper said the 'bed head' right?"
"Yes, we both heard him." His brow furrowed in uncertainty.
"What if it's a different 'head'? That's a picture of maybe his wife or mistress." You pick up the picture just showing the face of an attractive woman. You pull the back off as John watches intently. There are anxious moments as you look over the back of the frame. Then you see it, a small plastic box in one corner with a dot of black inside.
"Got it." John beats you to the realization as you pick up the small container between thumb and forefinger.
Just then there is a blistering sound, as you know that the ship's alarm has sounded. You look at each other with awe, then pick up your backpacks and hurriedly head for the cabin door. Before you reach it, it flings open and two armed guards force their way in holding you at gunpoint. ~RPC
...........................
Frank lets the scene continue as everything has gone to plan and all the right camera angles have been covered.
"Just hold it there, you two." You stand stock still, a myriad of thoughts going through your brains. You have both been trained for just this scenario and you look at each other and know exactly what to do. "Get their bags!" One guard orders. As the burly man approaches you silently signal each other and John grabs his gun and twists it out of his hands while you do a karate kick to the other guard's armed hand. The gun flies in the air.
In the confusion you and John flee the room locking the door behind you. John still has the gun and the backpacks; you still have your precious find, the microchip. You run down the stairs and then along a hallway. When you see someone approaching you duck into an open cabin until they pass. There is commotion all through the cruiser and you wonder how you will ever get away. A number of people pass and when the sound dies a little John slow edges around the doorway.
When the coast is clear he takes your hand and you follow him through a few more corridors on the way back to the small room where you were first directed and where your wetsuits are.
"Hold up there!" You keep running until you hear a gun cock and you stay still and stiff. "Drop the gun!" John complies slowly. "Now, turn around." You know you can get out of this situation if you initially just comply, that's been in your training. Before you stands a huge man dressed in uniform. He must be the captain.
He talks into his communication device.
"I have them." A number of guards come from both directions and you know you are stuffed. "Kick the gun here."
John moves a foot forward and kicks. It slides on the floor just falling short of one of the guards who picks it up knowing it belongs to the ship's armory. He shakes his head and smugly smiles as he watches you both.
"Now hand it over." John and you look at each other feigning misunderstanding. "I want the microchip. Hand it over or your lover dies." You don't have time to think why he said the word 'lover' rather than 'partner'. You also don't understand why he believes you have what he wants. However, looking over to see John he has a gun pointed right at his head. There is a moment of hesitation before the gun cocks and you know you have no choice.
Your frustrated gaze meets Captain Mirando's impious expression.
"Lieutenant, get the chip." Reluctantly you retrieve the small container out of your bra and hand it to the guard who then returns to the large man's side. "Take them away!"
All seems lost as you are dragged away to who knows where. Frank directs you to look across to John with hopelessness in your eyes. You have failed yourself and your partner. You know that you will be going back to an irate boss and the high possibility of losing your jobs.
Frank calls a very excited 'Cut!' and you slump to the floor with physical and emotional exhaustion. ~RPC
........................
You and John are ushered unceremoniously at gunpoint into a lower level storage room that's apparently being used as the ship's food and beverage locker. You're both shoved in with a solid 'whump' in each of your backs and you end up sprawled on your faces.
"Well, here's another fine mess you've gotten me into," you mumble.
"Oliver Hardy never said that," John offers. "What he did say was, 'Here's another nice mess you've gotten me into.' In fact, he used that line in many of their movies."
While John gives you this helpful information he's poking around in the boxes in the room. There's also a walk-in refrigerator in the back, which he yanks open, peering inside as a rush of cool air hits your face.
"Well, thank you, Mr. Movie Critic. I'll remember that next time I need the Final Jeopardy answer," you retort.
He seemingly ignores you and you ask, "Find any pickled beets in there we could use to get us out of here?"
"How's your pitching arm?"
"What!" you blurt out. "Did you get whacked on the head more than once when I wasn't looking?"
He tosses you a can of green beans he finds in a box. "How 'bout you start screaming and shouting at me? Throwing things would be a good touch, too. Sound angry at me. Bet you could do that, couldn't you?"
"Yeeeeaaaah," you reply cautiously wondering just what he's up to.
"Keep that green bean can behind your back. Or you can have a creamed corn can if you like," he replies with a slight grin plucking another can from another box.
"What's your part in this grand scheme to get us out of here?" you ask.
"I'll be ducking out of the way of the flying food, cowering for my life and heading toward the refrigerator. What'd you think I'd be doing?"
"Now, I get it. The guard will charge in to see what's going on. I sure hope it's only one guard, and then while he's rescuing you I get to bean him with the green beans, excuse the pun. But why would the guard want to rescue you?"
"He's a man. I'm sure he'll sympathize with another man getting canned by a furious woman, excuse the pun."
"So sexism will save the day?"
"Exactly. Knew you'd understand the plan perfectly."
Angry words start flying out of your mouth at high speed. Cans start taking to the air as well. In short order, a hard knock is heard on the door to your prison.
"What the hell are you two doing?" is heard, quickly followed by the sound of the door opening.
The guard comes in, gun at the ready and his eyes bulge open taking in an 'Animal House' style food fight. John is ducking and moving back towards the refrigerator. You don't want to whack him in the head, but you have to make it look realistic. You take aim with a fairly large onion and hit John on the side of the head. He gives you a look and shouts, "Damn it all!" You give him a quick, 'I'm sorry' expression and know that you have only one chance to get the guard with your favorite brand of green beans.
You get behind the guard and give him a hard thump on the head and he goes down like a sack of potatoes. The whole incident took only seconds.
John is on the floor rubbing his head where you onioned him.
"At least it wasn't an institutional size can of spaghetti sauce," you offer lamely.
You both know you have little time and start dragging the guard into the cooler. John tosses a jacket that is hanging on a hook outside the door over the guy and shuts it. He picks up the gun the guard dropped without missing a beat and you both slip out into the hallway. ~CAC
......................
"Forget the wetsuits. Come this way." In a way you are relieved to see Jasper as you make your escape but in another thought you wonder where he was during your brief incarceration. You also wonder if he heard anything that was going on in the room. A light chuckle emanates from your throat thinking about the fun you could have food fighting with John if you weren't in peril like this. The end scenario to the culinary game is all too clear in your head. Still smiling you follow him along endless corridors you feel you've been along before but you're going to have to trust that he knows the cruiser better than you.
"Stop there." Still running you don't bother turning to see who the voice is coming from. John takes your hand and pulls you around a corner, the bullet just missing you in the process.
"John!"
"I know, come on." From behind you hear commotion getting closer and now in front two new guards appear.
"What happens now?" You say in frustration wondering whether Jasper really knows what he's doing.
"In here." He pushes the door to an unlocked cabin and you pile inside and Jasper snibs it locked.
John and you quickly look around the room for another way of escape as there is pounding and shouts from the other side of the door. The porthole is too small to climb through; you're at a dead end. John places a protective arm around you and you know that it's only a matter of time before you're caught again and then they wouldn't be so lax with the security.
There is beating on the door as though they're trying to ram it open.
"Quick, through there." Jasper points to a part of the wall with a closed flap.
"You gotta be fucking kidding me." John exclaims but it's all too late.
"What about you?" You see that Jasper may make himself a martyr out of the situation.
"Just go!" The door flings open just as you, then John jump into the laundry chute that takes you to who knows where in the cruiser. ~RPC
........................
The scene of jumping into the chute needs to be done twice so that both the entrance and the exits are both seen. Frank asks you if you want a body double to do the risky chute slide but the adrenaline rush of the situation is all too much fun.
The second attempt finds you falling into a pile of soiled laundry. It takes you a little longer to get your bearings and John pulls you out by the arm.
"We haven't much time." You follow him and hope he has a plan because donning wetsuits and leaving the same way as you came is out of the question. "Lifeboats." You know where he's headed and you follow without question. How hard would it be to find the outside deck and the lifeboats? It'd be very simple if numerous armed security guards weren't stalking you.
There is a heavy door to the outside that John opens and lets you through. For the continuity Frank has a camera outside so you can keep on with your escape. Running along the deck and searching around you at the same time, the camera keeps following you.
"There!" There's a sign for the lifeboat just next to a large covered object. You quickly try to take off the cover when you hear voices and sounds getting closer. There is no time to go further. The only hope is to take cover and hope that those who are looking for you bypass this place.
The muffle of sounds changes to shouts and orders. John huddles close to you, his warmth and protection exactly what you need to quell your nerves. He puts the gun down next to him on the ground, the gun he took from the guard who is now in the freezer.
"We'll get out of this no matter what," he says softly into your ear. As if to give you hope where there is none he moves his hand to your face and turns it to his. He rests his lips lightly on yours at first and then gives them multiple slow kisses that seem out of place in this time of peril but will make the audience sigh and add one more layer to the intrigue.
Suddenly there is light interrupting your moment of passion.
"Get out!" orders the gruff, authoritative voice. You know you must comply, so it is you who leaves the confines of your previous hiding place. John follows. "Hands above your heads." You do so, standing awkwardly in the process. There is no time for John to retrieve the gun. "Now, get over there!" The security guard, one of four, indicates to stand near the railing at the edge of the deck. One side there's water and the ocean, this side a layer of guards. You are hemmed in without the opportunity of escape.
"So the illusive agents." The voice you hear is the familiar Captain Mirando. "You are a clever pair but not clever enough it seems." You wait, your backs to the railing knowing you have been cornered. "Take them to the brig!" he orders and one guard each roughly takes an arm.
"Wait Captain!" you say and quickly continue. "I need to ask you something first." He hesitates while he ponders then nods to the guards who temporarily let you go. You shake your arms as they have been rough with you and continue talking.
"Why do you still need us when you have the microchip back?"
The captain chuckles and walks a few steps back and forth.
"You're an intelligent woman, I may have the hardware but you have to software. A bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing."
"What do you mean, you bastard?" John is not quite so calm.
"I mean, lover boy, that if knowledge of this got out to people out there." He looks out to the ocean. "Then I would be constantly watching my back for people like you."
"Lover boy? What do you mean?" You finally ask what had been at the back of your mind.
Again he chuckles.
"Some performance you put on back there in my cabin on my bed. We've all seen it on camera you know." He then adds in a contrived voice. "'We have no time for this. Later, I swear.' Do you really think I would let you remain together after that and fulfill that promise of yours Agent Doggett, as tempting as it may be to watch?" He smirks and you know there is not much time left.
All this talk as left a window for you to plan. You know your only escape and so does John. After brief knowing eye contact you call out at the top of your voice,
"Jasper!" and look past the captain. When he turns and the guards are briefly distracted you touch John's arm as a signal, leap over the railing and begin your slow motion descent to the murky depths of the dark ocean below. ~RPC
............................
Again Frank had asked you if you wanted a double for this but you were determined to do the scene yourself. If John could do it you could too.
You splash heavily into the water as you hear shouts and gunshots from above. John checks to see that you are okay. Apart from breathing frantically and summoning up all your energy to swim away from the vessel as quickly as you can, you find the adrenaline you need for escape. You both swim frantically, dodging bullets, hearing threatening yells from up above and when you are a certain distance you hear the sound of an engine.
Turning around and treading water for a moment you see a motor boat approach and immediately wonder whether your escape attempts are once again futile. As it comes alongside you a head leans over the edge. To your relief it is your boss played by Alex Wellings.
"Come on, get on board." He holds a hand out for you while John manages to climb up without assistance.
"Thank you sir." Doggett's words come from an exhausted body. Sitting on the floor of the boat you slump forward catching your breath and your realization that you have been rescued in the nick of time.
"Do you have it?" It's a simple phrase but both John and you gaze at each other not know how to give him the news.
Then one lone remote camera pans slowly back from the scene showing you and John still looking at each other. Panning back further also brings into view the deck of the cruiser and the frenzy on board. Back even further we see the cruiser, the motor boat zooming away towards land and the blue screen showing sunny blue skies in the distance. ~RPC
.........................
Part Twelve - Nowheresville, NV.
There is an obvious place for the final commercial break before starting the next scene. There is also time for the cast and crew to have a meal and a couple of hours relaxation before heading back to Fox Studios for the final scene of the whole Pilot; confronting the boss back in his office having failed the case.
Frank is being a slave driver. It's already six in the evening and he wants to get this last scene done before anyone is permitted to go home. You do understand that finishing filming ahead of schedule would be favorable for him and would also give the cast and crew a little relaxation time before editing and publicity takes over.
There is a break of a couple of hours where you and John are apart. He said he needed to do a few things and you decided not to delve too deeply. For that past week and more you had hardly been apart, every couple needs a breather at some time or other.
Faye is doing your hair when John walks in the room looking as handsome and confident as ever. He leans in to give you a kiss before greeting Faye.
"You look happy." He looks up at Faye then back at you and speaks,
"Later." He winks and goes to take the chair beside yours.
"Wait John." Faye says and he stops in mid stride. "There's a suit for you in the other room. Get changed then be back here for hair and make-up." He smiles again that wide grin that captivates you and then moves out of earshot.
"So why is he so happy?" Faye has noticed too.
"I'm not sure." Your voice is airy as you ponder. "Faye, tell me something."
"Yes deary, anything."
"Why would Marion be in such hot pursuit of him after he broke off the engagement?" She is quiet for a moment and then you know whatever she says there is something more to this whole affair. John had promised to tell you tonight. You would be patient until then.
"I'm not sure sweetie but you know there's no love lost between us two."
John walks in wearing a full dark blue suit and your heart flutters. He looks good in anything he wears. You stand for him to sit for hair and make-up trying not to touch bodies or your minds would be distracted from the intense scene coming up.
He still wears that smile but you resist the urge to inquire but go get into the pale green three piece pant suit Faye has provided for you. ~RPC
.................
As you sit in your boss' office waiting for Alex Wellings to show you look over to John who is still smiling but trying to get serious for the part.
"Nice outfit." John mentions particularly eyeing the view of ample cleavage the deep neck of the vest provides. You are about to reply when there is a little commotion and Alex breezes onto the set and sits in the boss' chair behind his desk. He takes a few deep breaths and looks across to you and John.
"Okay guys," Franks says. "You are in a serious meeting. You two are being hauled over the coals for letting your romantic relationship get in the way of work. You have failed in your mission and are highly likely going to lose your jobs. Ready?" When Frank sees that you are all in character he calls 'Action!'
"You both put me in a difficult position here. I have been trying to keep the knowledge of your sexual relationship from getting into the wrong hands and I see now that it has indeed interfered with your jobs." Both sets of eyes look at your boss just accepting the tirade. "Do you have anything to say for yourselves before I tell you my decision?"
John is the first to talk.
"We are very truly sorry we don't have the microchip. I was sure we would be successful. I'm happy to go back and try again. Please let us do that much."
"It's too late. Mirando's cruiser was last seen heading south down the coast. He hasn't called in a course and currently the coast guard has lost track. Even if you do find him and the microchip chances are he won't be fooled twice. He is a wealthy man, we are but a government run organisation that runs on a budget. You two have already cost us dearly." He is not impressed and neither is John Doggett. He is not one to give up so easily.
"What if we find him ourselves? The powers that be need not know."
"No Agent Doggett. We'll let another agency handle this now. Do you realize that someone will need to take the brunt for this failure?"
You begin shifting in your seat and John notices but doesn't respond.
"So Mirando is well out of Californian waters?" You confirm.
"Yes, as far as we know." The boss sports a puzzled brow that grows even more intrigued as you undo the single button of your suit coat and then begin to take it off.
'It's a little hot in here sir, I hope you don't mind." It's a little unlike you to start discarding clothes when in a serious meeting with the boss and John places a hand on your arm urging you to not go through with it. Your coat is draped over your knees showcasing your pale green revealing button up vest.
The boss continues, his voice a little shaky, especially as you begin to undo a button at a time.
"So as I was saying, someone needs to be called for this failure." His face flushes and John does a gulp as you reveal one cup of your no nonsense but sexy black bra.
"Agent?" The boss gulps.
When you reach underneath the soft material that's when John stands and walks over to you.
"Please cover up," he whispers and collects the coat off your knees and holds it out to you.
"No John." You smile and produce something between your thumb and fingertip.
Slowly both sets of male eyes widen and the recognition of what you have. It's a small transparent container that you pass over to your boss. He takes it eagerly knowing what it must be.
"How?" is all John can say.
"It's the microchip all right," states the boss and looks across to you wanting you to explain.
"Well I was confident we'd find the microchip on board the cruiser but I wasn't as confident we'd escape with it still in our possession so I made a fake one to take along."
'What the fuck! Why didn't you tell me? I'm your partner." John's brow furrows looking as though he'd been deceived.
"It's because it's easier for one of us to act disappointed than it is for two. John, you may not know this but you can tell a lot with your facial expressions. Not telling you was just assurance that we could fool the captain into believing he had his microchip back."
John's face slowly mellows as he sees the wisdom of what you say. Your boss is leaning back in his chair, holding up the small container and laughing.
"What can I say? Well done agents. You've saved more than your asses here, I hope you know that."
"So can we go?" You ask with anticipation.
"Yes, you're free to go." The vest buttons are done up by now and you take your suit coat from John and stand. As you make your way to the door your boss calls one last message.
"You two are one hell of a partnership. Let's keep it that way. Promise me you'll keep your lust in the bedroom and your wits about you on the job."
'We promise." You both recite as the camera pans down to the crossed fingers behind your back. The camera fades to black.
"Cut!"
There are cheers, whistles and claps from the crew but the loudest is Frank's as he walks towards you with a huge grin on his face. Your spirits soar and John clings to you giving you a bear hug and lifts and twirls you around.
"You guys are the best. If this series isn't taken up I'll swear I'll strip off and swim from here to Hawaii." The crew all laugh and Frank joins in looking around him at the characters and crew who have worked so well together for the past ten days. They all begin clapping again and he takes a bow. As the applause continues Frank points a hand at the costars and there is even bigger applause. With wide grins you also bow.
The crowd noises slowly die down still leaving a positive note of success in the air. ~RPC
......................
As John is about to talk to you Peter, one of the stagehands, says you had a call from Phoenix during the shooting and you need to call back. It's from your family and you hope that it's to find out how your filming is going. You certainly have a lot to tell them.
As you walk to find a phone Joe, one of the guys from editing stops you and calls over to John to join the huddle.
"I have to ask your permission for something, Frank thought it would be a good idea." Why would Frank want your permission? "Um, it's about some footage that was taken on the deck of your boat."
You see immediately what he's talking about and then notice John also gets the gist but you wait until he has said it all.
"Frank thought it would be a good idea for closing credits if we had some of those scenes for audio and some visual. He said it might get a bigger audience back when the series continues."
"Do you mean what I think you mean?" John's brow furrows again.
"You know how you said on the cruiser on the captain's bed that you swear you will continue it later? Frank thinks we can use that footage as the credits roll to show that you keep your promises." Joe looks a little nervous while waiting for the reply.
"So how revealing would it be?" Even though you remember back to that enjoyable feeling you flush at thought of millions of viewers seeing something so revealing, so pornographic.
"I can see us starting off with just the credits and part of the audio, then the credits go to the side and we see you two back out on the bay in a boat enjoying yourselves James Bond style." Joe notices that it's taking a while for you and John to agree. Wasn't this meant to be sexy and romantic but not pornographic? "It's okay, I'm the editor remember, we'll do the necessary fogging and splicing so it's not too revealing, just suggestive. So you agree?"
That last part of his statement clinches it for you, 'not too revealing' and you agree, both giving your permission. ~RPC
.............................
Part Thirteen - Nowheresville, NV
You again go to find a phone to return the call to your family. Reaching your mother, you hear news that you had dreaded: Your father is in the hospital and your family needs you there.
Although still in shock from that news, you listen some more as your mother hesitantly adds that someone else has been asking about you at the law firm where you worked in Phoenix. Your heart drops to your feet as you know what she's going to say. Hearing the actual name of the person who's searching for you brings a flash of bad memory that you thought had been put behind you for good. You promise your mother that you'll get a flight out as soon as you can.
The cast and crew members are still laughing and joking, celebrating the end of a successful shoot, and suddenly you don't feel like you had any part in it. With just one phone call, your world, which had seemed so promising in every respect just minutes ago, is suddenly turned upside down. You make your way over to where your personal things are stored and grab your jacket and purse and prepare to leave.
You're understandably preoccupied and don't notice that John has come up behind you. "Is there a problem?" he asks quietly putting his hands on top of your shoulders. You decide to go for half the truth and tell him about your father and that you plan to leave as soon as possible for Phoenix.
John says, "No way are you going through something like that by yourself. I'll go with you." You tell him, no, thinking about the rest of the phone conversation you didn't tell him. The look in his eyes tells you he's not going to take no for an answer. ~CAC
.....................
You put your arms around his neck, partly for comfort and partly to hide the tears that have sprung to your eyes. The emotion is pouring out of you. Fear for your father, gratitude that John wants to accompany you, anxiety over exactly who you might run into in Arizona.
John pushes you gently back and wipes the tears coming down your cheek with his thumb. He assumes that the tears are coming from your love and concern for your father, which would only be natural.
"Hey, we need to tell Frank where we'll be and what we'll be doing," John reminds you. You realize the importance of what he's saying. Retakes will be needed. Publicity will be required. "Wait here a minute," he tells you as he leaves to grab Frank.
You regret having to hold such a serious conference among the three of you coming so quickly on the heels of a marvelous celebration. However, as soon as Frank hears the reason you have to leave town, he gives his whole-hearted support. "Do what you need to do with your family," he tells you. "And you make sure she comes back to us," he tells John, giving him a quick squeeze on his arm.
You know you've dug yourself temporarily into a hole by not telling either John or your mother the whole truth. Of course, when you talked to your mother, you didn't realize John would insist on coming with you. You wonder which half-truth will be the easiest to explain. But first things first. You need to get a flight to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix as soon as possible.
On the plane on the way to Phoenix with John, you decide against telling him about Jack (and just thinking about that name conjures up such painful memories). After all, Jack was just inquiring about you at your former law firm, digging for information among your mutual friends probably.
After all, it's the same firm where Jack works, too. What a mess!
But your family is another story. Your brother is picking you up at the airport and the first thing he'll notice is the new man with you. You and John have agreed that for the moment, you'll just introduce him as your friend and co-star and that he's agreed to come with you to support you through this difficult time. All that was true as far as it went. You cross your fingers hoping Jack's name will never come up.
You exit the plane in Phoenix, heart pounding and make your way from the concourse to the area beyond the security checkpoint where you and your brother agreed to meet. You spot him immediately and start over to him. And then "the best laid plans of mice and men" immediately followed by "the best laid plans of mice and former lawyers, wanna' be actresses" pops into your head. ~CAC
......................
"Sis!" There's a big smile on his face as your brother hugs you like he hasn't seen you for years. It has only been two weeks but you all thought it would be a good deal longer before you returned to your real home, and hopefully under better circumstances.
"Julian." You look into his eyes and then have to ask. "How's everyone, how's Papa?"
Still holding hands you step back a bit prepared for not so good news.
"Mama's good and coping, Julia and Stephanie are taking turns to be by his bedside." He then lifts his eyes to the person waiting patiently behind you.
"Oh sorry," Taking John's hand you draw him closer. "I'd like you to meet John." Julian gives his sister a quizzical look that you know means 'not another one'. "John, this is my only brother, Julian."
"Hey man," they shake firmly and give those smiles people give on first meeting when they're not sure what the other person is like. Unsure of how to pursue the line of conversation he waits for you to make the first move.
"John's here as my friend and support." You try hard not to give any more away with your expression.
As if cued John gives your arm a squeeze and says,
"I'll go grab our luggage and give you two time to talk." You nod affirmation and he leaves the two of you to the obvious dressing down.
"Sis, you have to tell me about this guy. What are you thinking? You mustn't have known him for long? Why do you need him for support, you have your family." He appears agitated for good reason.
"It's all right Jules, he's a good one. You know the TV pilot I've just done, he is my leading man."
"Are you sleeping with him?"
"Jules!" You act flippant and push his arm gently. "He's just a friend who is looking out for me."
"Okay, but you know I love you and don't want to see you hurt again." He seems to be satisfied for now.
You both begin walking toward baggage retrieval.
"So what are the doctors saying? Do they still think it's viral?"
"That's what they're still saying. Well you know how Papa's been under the weather for a while? It's just been getting worse."
"Medication?"
"Doesn't seem to be working. He's now in hospital on a drip and in and out of consciousness."
This news is hitting you hard. Your father has been a healthy hard working lawyer all his life and to see him bed ridden and incapacitated is not your image of him.
"Got them." John appears before you and sees the worry in your face. With no words but with that puppy dog look of his you know he just wants to hold you and you want his comforting arms to envelope your body too. That last kiss and embrace as the airplane had landed were a pleasant memory you would need to savor until you were alone, and even then you would need to be careful.
"Let's go then, Mama will have some lunch waiting for us." You and John follow Julian through the doors and the Phoenix heat hits.
*****
The drive through the suburbs to get to your family home is a blur. Thoughts are mixed between the worry of your father's health and how you are going to keep your obvious affection for John from your parents, your brother and two sisters. At the stage of your relationship where you can't keep your hands off your lover, the urges to touch him are so strong as he sits beside you. He must think this too because his hand sneaks over to yours and with one finger he strokes yours sending burning messages that jump-start your heart.
"Here we are." Julian pulls up outside your family home and it only seems like yesterday you were here last. You look across to John with a 'this is it' expression. It hits you that John will be meeting your mother any moment, this man from whom you cannot imagine being apart even a minute.
"Oh my baby!" You hear it even before John opens the car door for you. You mother is coming down the garden path towards you, her arms wide and you feel yourself smiling at her expression of affection for you.
"Hi Mama." You both embrace as John and Julian get the luggage out of the car trunk. "I'm so sorry." You keep holding her tightly as she talks.
"I'm sure he'll be fine. I've been praying every night and I know I will be heard."
"When can we see him?" She breaks the embrace first and holds you, looking into your face.
"Later, Stephanie is with him now. We'll visit this afternoon." She finally looks over to see the exquisite looking man standing a little taller than her son, then back to you with a wide expression.
"It's not what you think Mama, this is John." He smiles and holds his hand out to shake hers.
"So you're this wonderful actor my daughter's been telling me about?" he shakes her hand while laughing.
"What has she been telling you?" he's still smiling.
"Oh enough to make me wonder about you two." She silently signals them inside then half turns back to the three walking behind her. "You know she goes through men like water."
"Mama!" You sound embarrassed but at least she doesn't talk about your unfortunate past with men especially one. The telltale signs of paranoia return as you picture Jack's sorrowful and remorseful face when you left him. Even though he pleaded with you to stay you have to keep reminding yourself it was all for the best.
"He has to know this if he has any designs on you young lady." She speaks as though John is not listening and heads for the kitchen. ~RPC
.......................
"John, you sit there, Julian, over there." Mama directs everyone to sit at the kitchen table that is laden with food for lunch. The aroma hits you and the thought of food is a welcome diversion from thinking about the man who is looking at you from the opposite side of the table. What is he thinking? If it the same as you then it's lustful.
You get a hint that your mother is watching so you take a bread roll from the basket and start spreading.
"Mama this looks delicious." Julian takes the potato salad while John places some of the sliced meat on his plate then passes it to you. There are only the sounds of food being served and drinks pouring for minutes until your mother breaks the silence.
"So John, you'll be staying here too."
"Only if it's no trouble." He takes another bite of his bread roll.
"You can take Stephanie's room." At those words John stops chewing and Mama notices and laughs. "What hasn't my daughter told you?" She looks across to you with a surprised expression. "Stephanie's my oldest and she's married with two children, not likely she still lives with her Mama and Papa." His jaw starts working again and his shoulders shrug in a small laugh. "And my dear daughter you can have your old room. We rescued it from becoming the sewing room until you go back to LA." She places a loving hand on your forearm. "We've missed you a lot, me and your Papa. You know you always have a home here."
"I know Mama." There is a moment's silence as you think about having had to leave your life behind because of a man. Even though your mother wants you around she sanctioned your decision to start a new life both in career and location. You just hope that Jack hasn't given your family any trouble. There will be time to talk about that later. ~RPC
.............
"So, my darling daughter, tell me about him." John is unpacking in Stephanie's former bedroom while you help with the clearing away of the dinner table and the dishes. John had offered but understood that you need some quality time with your mother.
"You mean John?" You're not sure what she means because you have talked to her on the phone about him as your leading man.
"Yes, I mean John. Don't think I haven't seen the way you look at him. Mothers don't miss much." She busies herself wiping down the kitchen table as she talks and listens.
"He's a good friend." You want to say more but you know you will get 'the lecture' about it being too soon.
"Just a friend?" She rinses the washcloth in the sink. "Two weeks ago you asked me to remind you that if you ever got mixed up with a man, to give you a good nudge in the ribs."
"I remember Mama."
"Should I be giving you one?" She stops what she's doing to look straight at you.
"No. I'm fine." You say simply, this time knowing you have the right one.
"All right, then go and unpack. After that I want to hear more about this pilot of yours."
"Okay, thanks Mama." You place the dishcloth on the sink and begin to walk to your bedroom.
She stops you in your tracks.
"And there will be no hanky panky under this roof." She half smiles and you nod. "Okay, go. We'll visit your Papa in about an hour." As you leave you hear her mutter under her breath, "If I was only twenty years younger."
As you walk to your bedroom down the hall it's hard not to think of John, you are just drawn to him. As you are about to enter the room in which he'll be sleeping he meets you at the door then quietly beckons you inside.
Closing the door he pins you against the wall, his strong body overpowering you. As if you want to struggle, you have waited for this moment for too long. His lips go to yours and you accept them willingly. As you kiss heavily his hands move slowly up yours sides making you desire him even more.
"Oh John, I want you." The words are breathless.
"Me too, we have to find somewhere." As he continues kissing he lifts you up and instinctively you wrap your legs around his hips. Taking you to the bed he lays you down and then rests on top still with mouths linked but this time with more passion. The feel of his back, the way his muscles move as he does this to you makes you want to strip him bare and do it right there on the bed. Your legs slip open and he nestles close. He hardens against your crotch and your hands go to his ass and pull him closer. All you want now is for him to push himself inside you, to feel his warm flesh near yours. He moves his hips in a rocking rhythm as he continues to make you give in and go against your mother's wishes. Your hands slip under the rim of his T-shirt and roam his hot flesh.
"I want this. We can't." Your body craves him inside you but there is that doubt, but it still can't make you stop.
"We can be quiet." His words and the way he says them makes the whole thing very tempting. If only there was a lock on the door you would feel more comfortable about giving in and making quiet love to your man right there and then. His kisses move down your neck to the open collar of your shirt as his fingers begin to undo the buttons. You feel warm wetness on your cleavage as he licks and then kisses.
Your hands pull up his T-shirt exposing his bare back and you're about to pull it over his head when there is a knock at the door and John's name being called.
Quicker than lightning you both sit up. You do up your buttons and shake your head to hopefully unruffle your hair. John pulls his T-shirt back down and you both sit on the edge of the bed just as the door opens and your mother shows her face.
"John, there's a...," she pauses when she sees you then goes on slowly. "There's a phone call for you from LA." With all the acting ability you can muster you try to look innocent but you never could put much past your mother. She must know what you've been doing.
"Do you know who it is?" John is doing a good job of not letting on even though his pants must feel a couple of sizes too small. You hope your mother hasn't seen.
"No, but it's a man's voice."
"I'll be right out." Mama nods and leaves the door ajar.
You both give each other sexually frustrated looks and he leans into you and gives one last kiss.
"We will get to do this, we'll find a way."
"I know."
As he leaves, you fall back on the bed and wrap your arms around your own body, close your eyes and think of John.
......................
You go into the bathroom to wash up a bit and do something with your hair. You want to look nice for Papa. Going back into the living room, your mother and Julian are waiting to leave for the hospital. Stephanie is already there and you've agreed to also meet Julia there.
You can hear John talking quietly in the kitchen. You wonder who could be calling you already. After all, you'd only been in town for a few hours. A problem with the filming is the first thing that pops into your mind. You hear the phone turn off in the kitchen.
John comes into the living room to join everyone. Julian announces, "Let's go." All of you head to his Durango parked in the driveway. Mama says to you, "Let John ride in the front. That'll give us a few minutes to talk. It's been a while since we've seen each other." You know what she's really trying to do: get in a few minutes more of prying to see if she can break you and get you to admit the "friendship thing" with John is a charade.
You get on the road to the highway and Julian cranks up the air conditioning and turns on the radio. He and John start doing some man-talk about sports teams.
Your mother talks quietly under the hum of the air conditioner and says, "He reminds me of Jack."
"That's not too subtle, Mama," you retort.
"No, but I don't want to see that happen to you again."
"He's my friend, Mama. My co-worker."
"Right," your mother says though not unkindly. "Ok, what will you do if Jack shows up?"
You give her a shocked look and answer, "That's over with."
"Maybe for you, but not for Jack," your mother answers. ~CAC
.......................
On this unsettling note, you pull into the hospital parking lot. You want to ask John who called him but haven't had a chance. Your mother has been too busy grilling you.
You manage to get as close as you can to John without looking suspicious as you all walk into the hospital. Your mother and Julian know what the room number is and you wind your way through the serpentine corridors until you make your way to intensive care.
Having your Papa being in the ICU scares you but you know it's not an uncommon thing and that the medical staff can monitor him the closest there. The unspoken decision is that you will go see your father first with your mother. Julian and John stay outside in the waiting area, which is set up with easy chairs and tables.
Stephanie and Julia are there and you all greet each other with a quick hug. They understand that it's your turn to spend some time with your father and they leave to join your brother and John.
Your heart breaks seeing him there with all the hookups and the IV drip, but you don't want him to see how scared you are. "Oh, Papa," you say and bend down to give him a careful hug. "How's my baby?" he asks with a smile. "I'm fine," you say. "Are you causing the nurses a lot of trouble?" you ask with a smile. "As much as I can. Figure if I do, they'll send me home quicker," he quips.
His good humor cheers you up a bit. You and your parents talk together a little while longer when one of the nurses comes in with some meds for him. You excuse yourself because you don't want to tire him out and you want to give your parents some more time alone. You go into the waiting room where the rest of the family still is.
You ask John who was on the phone. "Jim," is all he says. "Trouble?" you ask him. He shrugs but doesn't say exactly, just, "I guess I better turn my cell phone back on." Not wanting to pursue this further at the moment, you turn your attention to your sisters.
You get the feeling that they've already got the low down about John from Julian, whatever that may be. Stephanie is giving you her big-sister-knows-best look. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Julia looking John up and down and obviously enjoying what she sees. You know trouble when you see it.
You escape to the ladies room. Julia is right behind you. She corners you at the sinks and gushes, "He's gorgeous! Julian says you two are just 'friends'."
"Right. We're friends."
"So he's fair game then. Thanks for bringing him with you, sis," Julia says primping in the mirror and pulling her v-neck top down a little more.
Oh, crap, you think to yourself. ~CAC
....................
You and Julia leave the ladies room and meet up with the family. It's agreed that Julian will take you and John back to the house. Julia tries to weasel in and ride back with you, too, but you quickly ask her if she'll give your mother a ride. You expect an argument, but she agrees. In the meantime, Stephanie has already left for home and her husband and two kids.
Your mother had talked to one of your father's doctors and the doctor was optimistic about your father's condition and eventual recovery. This raises your spirits considerably. You all arrive back at your parents' home and gather in the kitchen.
Julian gets himself a beer and heads for the den. Julia asks coyly, "So, John, what's the movie business like? Did you do any hot love scenes with my sister?"
"Julia!" you chide her before John can answer.
"Well, what's the problem, sis? If millions of people get to see this TV show you're working on, it's not exactly going to be a secret is it?"
"No, it's not going to be a secret, but John's not working now. He's a friend and a guest in our home," you reply going to the refrigerator and pulling out a diet Coke for yourself and a beer for John. "Come on," you tell John, "Let's go in the living room."
You go and sit on the couch with John. For some reason, you feel like you should apologize for Julia's behavior, but on the other hand you keep denying that you and John are anything more than friends. You really can't blame Julia for her interest in such a handsome man.
You're mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted from all that's happened the last few days and lay your head on John's shoulder. He places his arm around you and you're instantly comforted by his gesture. After a few minutes he excuses himself and says, "Be right back. Don't go anywhere."
You're unaware that another pair of eyes has been watching the two of you.
...................
John comes back and sits beside you looking at his watch.
"It's late and we've had a long day. I think I'll go to bed." His eyes widen telling you exactly what he wants you to do but you shake your head. You know he wants to kiss you goodnight but someone could walk in any moment. There is an instant when it is all too tempting, both looking at each other's mouths, being drawn magnetically to each other.
It's just as well you didn't risk it because Julian walks in just at that moment and announces that he's out on a date and will be back later and that Mama knows. You wave as he exits, then his twin sister Julia waltzes in and sits on the single seat just watching you.
"What?" You ask her as she sits there just looking. There is that sparkling look in her eyes and you know she is all too attracted to her man. She directs her question to John.
"So you won't tell me about your work, I want to know about your family. Do you have a girlfriend?" Julia was the one who takes after her mother, always asking the direct questions.
John is all too amenable.
"How about we have a good night's sleep and I'll tell all over breakfast." That seems to be a fair compromise.
"Okay, you're on." She gets up and just brushes past him on her way out. The way John looks at you, he cannot know that Julia is flirting. You are still comfortable that no way will he be swayed from loving you, not if you can help it.
He takes your hand and leads you down the hall. Just out side the bathroom he talks to you,
"I'm just visiting here then let's talk before bedtime, okay?" You nod as he opens the bathroom door.
....................
Your mother pulls you into the master bedroom out of earshot of John, who is in the bathroom.
"Do you have something to tell me?"
"No Mama, what do you mean?"
"I have been watching you two and there looks to me as though there's more going on here than you're telling me." You have to think fast. "I didn't want to say anything in front of your friend but what was going on in his bedroom this afternoon?"
"We were just talking." You feel like a teenager again the way your mother is questioning.
"You had that same look when I caught you that time in your bedroom with Tom Saunders."
"That was when I was a eighteen, I'm a grown woman."
"Yes I know honey, I just like to know what's going on under my roof." She has enough to worry her without this.
"We won't do anything under your roof," you say trying to placate her.
"So it's true? Are you sleeping with this man?" Mama would always come straight to the point.
"You don't need to worry, okay? I wouldn't do anything silly. I've learnt my lesson."
She looks at you trying to extract what she knows you will not give. No way are you going to come out and say you slept with him moments after you first met and have hardly been out of his arms and his bed since then.
"I'm just looking out for my daughter." She runs a loving hand down your arm.
"I know Mama."
"That whole thing with Jack is very upsetting for all of us, I just don't want to see you hurt again." Leaning in you give her a reassuring hug.
"Please don't worry, I'll be fine."
She releases you and there is movement from behind.
"I'm off to bed. I'll let you two say your goodnights."
"Good night Mrs. R." John speaks as she walks down the hall.
"Good night Mama." She gives a backward wave and disappears into her room.
"What was that all about?" He takes you by the hand when he knows your mother will not be returning. You follow his lead into his bedroom.
"She wanted to know what we were doing in here this afternoon." He smiles widely and wraps his arms around your slim waist.
"And did you tell her we were doing this?" His mouth moves to yours, craving more sweet oral contact. Immediately your knees go weak and he supports some of your weight, as the kisses are warm and welcoming. The growls coming from his throat and the way your body is responding is not a good sign if you are to sleep alone that night. He won't let go and deep down you don't want him to either. Walking backwards to the bed never breaking your embrace he brings you down on top of him, resting your weight along his body.
"I want you," his breath is warm in your mouth and you want him too, more than anything, except you'd more or less given your mother the impression you would sleep in your own bed. He slips his legs apart and your legs link inside his as you both move on the bed passionately. His chest moving you in tempo and his observable need for mutual passion almost makes you succumb.
"John, we can't." You keep your mouth on his not really wanting to break the union.
"We can be real quiet." As if willing you to stay his hands smooth over your ass in sensuous motion, the sensation between your legs is begging him entry.
"That's not the point." As has become customary in this man's presence your mind says you should leave but your body won't let you. The desire is building in you with each luscious stroke of his hand, with every breath he takes so close to you, but there is that niggling doubt. What if your mother was to catch you? What if Julian finally got home from his date and went to check on you and you weren't in your bed?
There is a long moment when you just stare into his eyes and he knows your mind. After all it is your home you grew up in, you would have reservations about having sex so close to family.
"I have to go." His body slows leaving just one set of fingers feathering your back under your shirt.
"We have to do this or we might do some damage to ourselves." He laughs and you laugh too as you very reluctantly lift off his body. "Maybe if we get up really early we can shower together?"
You like that idea and can see how it could work. Also the door lock would come in handy.
"I'll meet you there at six, Mama doesn't usually get up until eight and Julian sleeps till all hours when he's been out. Julia often wakes when she hears Mama in the kitchen." You plant him with a final kiss.
"Be prepared to be pleasured until you scream." That smile of his could light up any darkened room.
"See you at six."
On making your way to the closed bedroom door you hear sounds outside and know that it's probably your brother just arriving home. Opening it slightly you peek out and seeing he's in the kitchen, the light is on, you quickly tip-toe down the hallway to your room, not looking back.
Moments later after slipping into bed you hear a gentle knock at the door and the turn of the handle.
"Sis, are you okay?" It's difficult to make out your brother's silhouette in the dark but you know his voice.
"Yes, I'm fine Jules, just visiting the bathroom."
"Good night then. See you in the morning."
"More like afternoon." You hear him chuckle as the door closes and he walks away. It was a wise decision to come back when you did.
*****
The room is dark and quiet as you lie there wondering what John is doing. An hour has lapsed since finally lying in your own bed. Is he asleep by now? The urge to go see him and snuggle next to him in his warm bed is still overwhelming but it would upset your mother. You are a grown woman and your mother knows you sleep with men but the fact that your father and her husband is ill in hospital should be her only worry not that her daughter has fallen in love with another man so soon after the last tragic relationship. She doesn't need the knowledge either, of her daughter sleeping with a man under the same roof. This is the first night since meeting him in Nowheresville that you have spent apart. You have had willpower in the past but this is all too much.
The urge is irresistible and your mother and brother would be well asleep by now. The decision is made. You lift the covers and quietly go over to the door and twist the handle hoping it doesn't squeak. Creeping down the hallway you get to John's door and see that it is slightly open. Even if he is asleep you know that what you have planned in your mind he will want to be awake for. It is dark and quiet but you don't want to startle him.
"John," you whisper as the door inaudibly closes. You make out movement in the bed and his voice just as quietly calling your name. Without any sound you walk over to him and lift your sleeping slip up off your body revealing your nakedness to him. There is sparkle in his eyes as you lift the covers and slip next to his firm, warm body.
"Why?" he says simply, moving a hand over the silky skin of your back.
"You tell me why I can't be without you for even one night?" you whisper as a hand threads through his short spiky hair and over his neck.
"Oh, because every time we're together we act on urges that give us unearthly pleasure?" The way he just says it with his husky sexy voice makes her see it all, all the nights and days of exquisite passion they have shared.
"I have never met anyone like you John." Your hand feels over his shoulder to the bulges on his arm imagining all the times those strong arms have held you close.
"Not out of all those boyfriends you've had?" His nose nuzzles yours and he speaks on your lips.
"My mother exaggerated, she does that to any man I've brought home." Your hand moves down over his back gradually mapping his curves.
"So it's a test." The way his hand traverses your body is lighting the embers and you know this time you will not leave so soon.
"You might say that." Your lips have been teased enough and you lean in to touch his.
"To see my reaction?" His lips move on yours as his hand feels over your leg pulling it over his hip. This time your body melts into his and you breathlessly intensify the kiss. As your lips merge your mind floats on clouds. No man has paid this much attention to your pleasures centers and you cannot imagine how there would be any better than this man at making love.
"Oh John." Your head lies back letting him nuzzle your neck also giving you a breather from the relentless kissing. "I can't stay all night."
"I know." His mouth goes back to yours and you know that there will be no need for much more foreplay. Your fingers slip inside his boxers and begin tugging them down. He lifts his hips to help you lever them off his body. When they are around his hips you can't help but wrap your hand around his already rigid erection. A whimper comes from deep within as you maneuver the solid mass in your palm.
He bleats your name and you know he needs help with the removal of his only article of clothing. Ever so quickly you get them down to his ankles and then he flips them off with his feet, landing you know not where.
"I want you now John." He rolls on top and wedges his strong thighs between yours and presses your legs wide apart. In utter anticipation your chest rises and falls, as you know what will happen very soon. He looks into your face with avarice and then closes his dreamy eyes as you feel him squeeze inside you. A breathy 'ahhh' comes from you as his thickness pushes in more and more until it fills you completely.
"Oh baby, you're the best." It's him, you or the combination of chemistry but all you know now is that it is unreal. As he slowly begins moving in and out your hips want to feel his, to let him thrust in so deep, deeper than ever before. You can't get enough of his lovemaking. Each time it is so different and just getting better. Flat hands roam his chest then over his shoulders wanting to give this man more tactile pleasure. As you experience the ecstasy of him delving deep inside you, your hands roam more of this exquisite body above you. Slowly down his arms and to his rigid fingers gripping the bed for support, your hands then make their way to his stomach, which is lightly muscled and firm. A rush of air escapes from his mouth as delving fingers move through his pubic hair on their known destination. He steadies the rhythm of his pounding to give you access.
It's very difficult for you not to let out more noise than you want. If you didn't have company in the house you would both be making much more sound by now. He makes shallower thrusts willing you to handle his balls. They are hot, your hand cool in comparison. The way this is making him feel permeates quietly through the room. If anyone were to enter they would sense the room thick with sex.
From both beings only heavy breathing can be heard as you both near your sexual ultimate. Letting go of him, you know he his so close to release, you both are. The final thrusts are powerful and filled with so much magic that you barely recognize the sparks that percolate below your skin. With your eyes closed you feel his gaze on you just before he knows that you have reached those heights, the levels of bliss that he is so good at discovering in you.
The few grunts he gives before coming are the loudest emanations so far but still quiet enough for you not to be discovered. You are mid orgasm when you feel his slow warm siphoning inside you. This is the time you feel like calling out your love for him, at the heights of pure obsession. Something inside you stops the words but you know you will say them some day. That day will be a turning point in your life.
There is nothing about this man you dislike, and the way he has just made love, wanting your enjoyment too, yet keeping it all quiet enough not to be discovered, makes you just love him more. When he knows you are ready he slips out slowly and you feel the trickle over your skin and onto the bed sheets. You are going to have to offer to do the clothes washing but that quickly exits your mind as this amazing man lies beside you, smiling widely.
"Why the smile?" you tease as he rests his arm over you.
"Because I have just made love to the most beautiful woman in the world." His hand travels down your back as though he wants to prove that you are really there.
"Oh? You just want me to say you are the most gorgeous man in the world." The backs of your fingers feel over his jaw line and before he speaks you continue. "Because you are. What did I do to deserve you?"
"I should be asking you that," he whispers humbly. Smiling contentment, you know that being in his protective arms is all you want tonight but you must go back to your room to sleep until morning. His eyes slip closed, keeping that magic smile. His steadying breath on your face is mesmeric and you find yourself drifting off into sleep.
*****
Part Fourteen - Nowheresville, Nevada
Was that your name being called? You jump to wakefulness as the warm body beside you does the same. The brightness of the room startles you taking it a while before you focus. You feel the body next to you and realize it's John finding his boxers. You look to the window and it's bright daylight, then you look towards the door to see your mother.
"Mama!" Quickly covering your bare breasts with the bed covers you sit up more.
"John, out!" is all she says with her authoritative voice. Even though he a grown man he heeds her words and gives you a concerned 'I'm sorry' look before leaving, thankfully having found and put on his sleepwear.
With all good intentions of returning to your room to sleep the rest of the night you now gather that the comfort in bed with the man of your dreams lulled you into contented repose.
"Mama, I'm sorry." You know how silly that sounds when you are an adult woman who has every right to have a sexual relationship but you know you have disappointed her in more than one way.
She comes to sit on the bed, more a look of concern than anger.
"I know you're an early riser so when I couldn't find you I decided to see if John knew where you were." You just shake your head, what else can you say? "And I find you naked in bed with a man who is also naked. I thought he was your friend and work partner."
"I didn't want to worry you, really. I didn't want to hurt you. I had all good intentions of staying in my bed last night." Your remorse is genuine.
"So did he lure you in here with his manly charms? Is that it?" She wants you to say more than you had been prepared.
"It was me, I came to him."
"So tell me it's the first time with him." The quietness of the room gives the answer away.
"Oh my baby. Not this again." Tears come to her eyes. "It's too soon. You don't know the anguish I've been through seeing the way your men treat you."
"He's different Mama."
"How do you know? Your relationships started out all loving and in love and then it all goes sour." You see the worry in your mother's eyes. How can you reassure her that John is different and you know he is your soul mate?
"He just is. I know it in my heart." A fist goes to your chest resting a little to the left.
"You should have told me. No matter what upheaval I'm going through with your father's health I want to know about you, you are all important to me." Her eyes tear up more and yours do also as she moves in to hug you. Tears stream down your face as you sob with a chin resting on her shoulder.
"Sorry Mama."
"Do you love him?" she says softly. Deep down you know she needs the truth.
"Yes, I love him." She clutches you more firmly.
"Have you told him?" She waits for the reply.
"Not yet, it's too soon." Mama breaks the hug and sits back looking into your red-rimmed eyes.
"Well you have learned something from all this. Please baby, be absolutely sure before you tell him." Sincerity is written all over her face. "Has he told you he loves you?"
"Not yet." She seems to be more content and nods.
"I think we can keep this news from the others for the time being. They have enough to contend with." You nod agreement and see that her expression has changed to more contentment. "Well, I think I hear the shower going. It's too early for Julian so...," she pauses with an impish look and you can't believe what she is thinking. "John might need a clean towel." She gets up off the bed and heads for the door. Before leaving she turns to see your still shocked expression then adds, "You know there's a lock on the door." She winks leaving a hint of a smile as the door closes behind her.
*****
Not wanting this opportunity to get away you quickly grab two towels from the closet and knock on the bathroom door.
"John, it's me."
"Come in!"
You open the door to find John standing there wearing nothing but a smile. You quickly shut and lock the door behind you.
"Mama thought you might need a clean towel." John looks at you surprised at what you just said. "So I take it that the talk you two had went well?"
"Yes it did," you say with a smile. You don't want to reveal too much of the conversation it might lead you into telling him 'you love him' and you don't want to do that just yet.
John walks up to you getting as close to you as he possibly can, pinning you up against the bathroom door.
His mouth is inches away from yours as he begins to speak, " I think it's about time you to get out of those clothes?" You smile and ask,
"So what are you waiting for?"
You feel his warm breath on your face as your lips tease each other. The hunger is too strong for you and you must have his lips touching yours. Your lips move together in perfect rhythm as though they have been doing so forever. John breaks the lock you have on him and moves down your body.
You feel his hands sliding up the outside of your legs taking your sleeping attire up with him. The further he goes the more excited you become. He places his tongue on your belly and licks a path all the way up to your mouth teasing your breast as he passes. You take the clothing the rest of the way off then toss it on the floor. John takes you in his arms and backs you toward the shower.
The water is gliding down John's lean muscular chest all the way down to his very appealing erection.
You follow the water down and slide your lips over his readiness; you feel John let out a huge breath. The water falls all around you as you slide your lips slowly up and down his erection. You begin to tease him with your tongue and you can tell that it's driving him absolutely wild.
You remember the first time you did this with him. You don't know why but this time seems different somehow.
John gently pulls you back up to his lips, you then feel him enter your body and let out a soft moan.
You want to yell out more then that but you know there are other people in the house that could hear you.
As you both come to a climax you hear a knock on the door.
"Are you about done in there?" You look at John and say,
"That was Mama we have to hurry". It must be late and everyone's going to start getting up! You both wash as quickly as possible and get out of the shower. You kiss one last time before leaving and going to your own rooms to get dressed for the day. ~Muskrat
.......................
As you look at the clothes hanging in your closet your mind wanders back. It was only two weeks back that you felt the much needed freedom as you emptied this closet to go on your life journey. You'd remembered being in the same stance wondering if you would ever find Mr. Right. Men were not the most important things in your life but you had come to a point where you wondered if you'd ever find true love. Remembering you had shrugged your shoulders deciding you'd would just live your life and wait for a man to come to you, you smile and take out a comfortable outfit of track pants and a mini T-shirt.
There is a gentle knock on the door and a voice that melts your heart.
"You're not ready yet?" He closes the door behind him and moves up to you smoothing his hands over your hips and linking fingers over your belly. "You look pensive."
There is an inner glow as you ponder those thoughts two weeks ago in this very room and the irony that now, only a short time later, you have a man who has stolen your heart and you cannot imagine spending a single day apart. You swivel in his embrace to look into his eyes.
"I never thought I'd meet anyone like you John."
"Likewise, I thought I was destined to be kept man." He laughs quietly and smiles. "You came along and saved me."
"You would really have married Marion?" Your eyebrows rise in confusion. He is a stronger man than this.
"No, but you were the reality jolt I needed. She was hurt over this but it's much better now than further down the track." He holds you for a moment just thinking and then smiles and looks to your lips. You know he wants a kiss.
"You never did tell me about your conversation with Marion. Has she backed off?"
"I think she's had a dose of the truth, let's hope it lasts because I only want you." He says the last part softly and leans into you.
As you both kiss there is comfort and security there that you cannot adequately describe. It is different from whatever you have felt before with any man. A gentle knock at the door and your mother's voice briefly distract you but you know you want to continue this later. She waits at the door and you know she has seen the last part of your embrace with John.
'John, there's breakfast in the kitchen." That is a no nonsense sign that your mother wants to talk to you privately. RPC
....................
He kisses you lightly on the cheek and lets go of your hand as he leaves for the door. Mama closes the door that John has left slightly ajar and you know she has something personal to say.
"While you were showering honey, there were two phone calls." She goes to sit on your bed and you follow suit knowing by the look on her face that all is not good.
"Yes, Mama?"
"The first one was from your director. I told him you were in the shower. I just didn't say you were not alone." You blush a little remembering what you had done with John and the way his skin feels all hot and wet under your fingertips. "Does he know about this relationship of yours?" There is motherly concern in her expression.
"Yes, he knows but wants it hush hush for obvious reasons."
"It's bound to come out sooner or later honey. I can see the way you both look at each other. Julia will see it with time too."
"Julia?" It had almost been forgotten that your sister two years your senior is also attracted to your man. You would just have to trust John to recognize and diffuse her advances.
"I think John can look after himself." She smiles not needing to say any more. "Anyway, Frank wants you back in LA by tomorrow afternoon to do some extra scenes then the following day he talked about publicity for the show."
You nod slowly thinking about how fast all this is moving along.
"Will Papa mind?"
"Sweetie," She wraps protective arms around you and rests her chin in your hair. "He's on the improve. We'll see him again today and you can tell him." She leans back looking into your eyes. "I want you to tell him everything." She watches waiting for your understanding.
"Everything?"
"You need to be the one to tell him about your new man." Her smile is the one you always wanted to see as you grew up, the smile of acceptance and you know she has given you and John her blessing.
After the appropriate think time she continues.
"The other phone call...," Mama waits until it registers who it might be from. ~RPC
................
"Jack?" Your voice goes crackly.
"I've tried to keep this much from you but he is being more insistent lately."
"Have you called the Police? The restraining order is still good, that includes phone calls."
"No Police yet, he says he's changed, cleaned up his act. He wants to meet with you honey. He says that it can be the venue of your choice and you can walk away at any time. Look before you dismiss this, it might be the last and only chance you have of breaking the ties once and for all." Your forehead rests on her shoulder as she continues in a softer voice. "Do this for the rest of us too." You know exactly what she means and know there is no choice.
"Did he leave a number?" Mama audibly lets out a breath and you know she is relieved that you have agreed to meet him for the last time.
"Yes, if you don't want John to know I will understand and distract him for that time. I could send you on some errands." She looks into your face and winks. "Do you want your brother to go along?"
"No Mama, I'll just choose a place with lots of people around. He wouldn't try anything then." Your nerves begin to bubble to the surface as your mother gets off the bed and heads for the door.
"Now get dressed and meet us in the kitchen, I've made French toast your favorite." You give a courtesy smile but the hunger is just not there at the moment. ~RPC
.................
"You didn't tell me that John used to be in 'Days of our Lives'?" Julia calls across to you as you enter the kitchen. His eyes meet yours in confusion and you try not to show your surprise.
"I did a six month stint back in 2001 until my contract ran out. They wanted to renew but I'd already been signed up elsewhere." There is silence, as you want him to say more. You feel a little cheated that your sister gets to hear this information before you. There is so much more to know about this man. What other surprises will he pull on you?
"I'm going to have to see my friend Genie to borrow her tapes. She's a die-hard fan. I can't wait to tell her that I met you." Julia is acting like a teenage fan and you laugh even though you are still a little miffed at John that he hasn't told you. "What was the new contract?"
John stands and pulls out a seat for you just like a gentleman. Resisting the urge to pull him into your arms and finish where you left off in the bedroom, you sit calmly trying not to show the emotional and physical closeness you have for the man beside you.
"I did a year with 'General Hospital' last year." Julia's mouth forms an 'O' and you are equally as surprised but keep it hidden. Mama places a plate of French toast on the table and Julia is the first to retrieve some with her fork.
"Thank Mama," she says as she grabs the orange juice carton and pours then passes it over to you. "So tell me all about it John. I'm going to have to become a soap opera fan."
"You haven't watched the show before?" John must know the answer from what he has said you would have recognized him by now. "I played Dr. John Stokes, an intern at the hospital, thus the one year stint. In that time I did the usual hopping from one girl to the next." The smile is as wide as you have ever seen it and he chuckles as he offers you the plate of toast.
"And from one bed to the next I bet." Julia is eager to find out all the dirty parts.
"I did my share of sex scenes. My character would have been one of the most promiscuous on the show, an intern just out of college, all these beautiful women around me, I couldn't keep my hands off them." He is laughing now at the reactions of the women before him and you wonder how much of what he says is for show.
"How do I get into Hollywood?" Julia says under her breath. "So what about this new show, you never did tell me about what you and my sister get to do in this pilot." Yesterday you were not ready for her to know too much, today you understand that she is going to have to find out some time.
"Last November was when I found out about this new show...," His hand rests on your knee out of sight of your sister. "I only had two months of contract to go. I had to decide between another twelve months offered to me on 'General Hospital' or to risk going with a totally new series as the leading male." As you listen you try to eat some of the breakfast Mama has made for you. She looks across to you and you know she feels your apprehension about meeting Jack that day.
"Tell me why I should watch this show of yours." Julia sounds like she's an interviewer. John takes a bit of his toast and a sip of juice so you decide to answer for him.
"It's not just another action series, this one is meant to have two highly intelligent, very active investigators who also happen to be extremely attracted to eat other at first sight."
"So you're saying, you have sex scenes together?" Julia is a little too enthralled by all this. John takes another bite of breakfast, letting you continue the explanation.
"Yes, in fact even in the Pilot we there are number of bedroom scenes. It's a new age action, adventure series with that something extra that has only been hinted at in the past."
"So what's it like doing it in front of the camera?" Mama interrupts knowing that sometimes too much information can be given away.
"Julia, leave your sister alone, we will see it when it airs here." You see that she is a little disappointed but you know she will be asking you later to tell her all about it, that's her nature.
"Okay Mama." She smiles.
"Now sweetie, I want you to run to the mall for me in about an hour, there are a few things I'd like you to get for me." You know full well why your mother is saying this. John looks up and is about to say something but your mother interjects. "John, are you any good with replacing faucet washers? Papa usually does this."
"All right," You know he wants to go with you but how can he refuse your mother's request.
"Then I need the outdoor setting cleaned. I have a barbecue planned for later; we'll need more seating space. Julia, you can help John?"
It is all set. John would stay behind to help out while you go and listen to Jack's plea and say your own piece. ~RPC
.......................
You head out of the house to do your mother's 'errands' and decide to call Jack from the Biltmore Fashion Park. You arrange to meet him at a restaurant in the mall figuring that he wouldn't risk a scene with so many people around. You try to clear your mind as if preparing for a role to keep yourself focused and as unemotional as possible. You have to keep John out of your thoughts too, because you don't want the best part of your life mingling with the one you're moving away from for good.
You head over to the restaurant at the agreed-upon time and get a table and order a latte. You see Jack walk in and look around for you. He was always a sharp dresser and today was no exception. His good looks and intelligence had also reeled you in. Of course, that was before you knew about his controlling and abusive behavior. When he sees you, he gives a tentative smile and walks over to the table. Well, here goes, you tell yourself.
"Hi, babe, you're looking great," he says sitting down in the chair right next to you. "I've been trying to find out where you'd gone but no one would tell me. We need to talk."
"The talking's done, Jack," you say. "We both need to move on. You can't keep calling my parents' house either."
"But I've changed. I know how I treated you was wrong. I'm not that man anymore. Give me a chance, will you?" As he says this, Jack reaches his hand across the table to you. You pull yours back and see his hurt expression.
After being away from him for a while, you recognize how easily he manipulated you.
The emotional and physical abuse you suffered at his hands steels your resolve to put an end to this "relationship" once and for all. You didn't realize how downtrodden and depressed you were by the whole experience with Jack until you left for California and met John. Meeting the man of your dreams and having a bright career future doing something you enjoy opened your eyes to what you were missing and what you were going through.
"Jack, for my own sanity I have to forgive you for what you did to me and I have to forgive myself for staying with you as long as I did and enduring it. But I can't forget it. I never will! I'm glad you've changed. I wish you the best, but it's over!" You realize that you've raised your voice and a few other diners are looking over at you. You say in a softer voice, "Please, Jack, if you really have changed, don't do this anymore."
"But I love you!" Jack pleads.
"If you really love me, you'll let me go. You'll let yourself find a new life, too." As you say this, your voice cracks. You thought all the bad feelings were behind you, but this intense conversation is bringing them all to the surface.
"What happened to second chances? Neither one of us is perfect. Nobody is. I'm admitting that I was wrong. What about forgiveness?" Jack pleads his case so sincerely and eloquently you find yourself reaching over to give his hand a squeeze.
"I'm sorry, Jack," is all you say.
"Sorry doesn't cut it for me," he replies.
You get up from the table to leave. "I have to get home and help out. Papa's in the hospital."
Jack gets up, too, and puts his hand around your arm gently before you flee. "Tell me one thing. Did you meet someone?"
"No!" you say quickly, maybe too quickly. Jack looks at you, but lets go of your arm.
"Alright, then. Keep in touch?" he asks.
"Maybe some day. Not yet though. Ok?" you reply.
"Sure," he says. "Walk you to your car?"
"No, I have a few things I'd like to do while I'm here. 'Bye, Jack." Jack reaches over and gives you a kiss on the cheek. "See you around," he says and leaves the restaurant.
A sigh of relief escapes your lips. You decide to walk around the mall for a while and calm your frazzled nerves. The showdown with Jack went much easier than you ever expected. Perhaps he had changed. However, that didn't matter anymore. You were fashioning a whole new life for yourself.
You pass by a lingerie store and your thoughts turn to John. You decide to pick up a few sexy little somethings. Your spirits are soaring and you feel so much lighter and freer. You wonder what took you so long to deal with Jack's place in your life. The important thing is, it's finally over.
You return home and see that your mother still has John hard at work. "Well, look who's returned from the shopping wars," he says giving you a warm smile. "What've we got here," he adds mischievously eyeing your Victoria's Secret bag and reaching into it for a peak.
"Oh no you don't," you respond playfully swatting his hand.
"You should have warned me that your mother's a slave driver," John says wiping his hands on a rag.
"I heard that." Your mother appears with two glasses of lemonade. She sees your Victoria's Secret bag and asks you if you got what she needed too. "Come back in the house with me so I can see what you got," she says pointedly. You know she wants to ask you what happened with Jack.
Once you're both back in the kitchen, you give her the lowdown. When you're finished, she merely says, "That seemed easy." You were expecting a little more and feel a bit let down.
John comes into the kitchen and asks if you'd go with him to the home supply store to pick up a few things so he can fix the rest of the things on your mother's to do list. You happily agree knowing that you can squeeze in a few tender moments among the grout cleaner and the plumbing fittings.
When the two of you get in the car, John says, "Does shopping always make you this happy?"
"When I'm shopping with you." You lean in for the kiss you'd been craving.
A few hours later, you're back with your latest purchases. You feel so good about the way the day is going and couldn't be happier. John takes the supplies you've picked up into the house while you gather up some odds and ends from the back seat. While you're doing this, a voice from behind you says, "My, my aren't you a fast worker?" ~CAC
................
You spin around and drop all the things you had gathered in your hands.
"What are you doing here, Jack!" He grabs you by the arm and is literally dragging you to his car, which is pulled up at the curb. He's much bigger than you and the adrenaline is flowing so no matter how much you try to fight him off, it's inevitable that he gets you to his car and shoves you in. To give himself time to get into the driver's side, he slaps you hard across the face.
Jack takes off with a squeal of tires just as John and your mother are running down the driveway.
"You son-of-a-bitch!" you shout rubbing your burning cheek. "What the hell do you think you're doing? Stop and let me out right now! The police will lock you up for a good long time after this."
"Well, sweetheart, I was thinking about what you said, that you hadn't met anyone. And I kept thinking, no way, that doesn't sound like my girl." You look on in horror. The wild look in his eyes tells you that he's capable of anything and that you're in great danger.
"Jack, listen to me," you say as calmly as possible. "This doesn't have to go any farther. Just let me out of the car. Please, Jack, don't do this."
As though he's just talking to himself and forgotten you were there, Jack goes on, "I told you I was sorry. That things could be different. But you wouldn't have any of it. And that got me to thinking. What would make my baby happy? Why a new guy! And guess what? I was right. Who is he? He better than me in the sack, is that it? When'd you start screwing him? Before you left town? Answer me!"
"I, I," you stammer, "I met him after I left Phoenix. John's a friend and someone I work with. Please, Jack, it was over between you and me already. Where are you taking us?"
"I thought I'd head for one of our favorite places. You know, our special place in the desert?
There should be flowers on the cactuses now." Jack says this so calmly it scares you even more than when he was shouting. You know nothing is getting through to him and are afraid that trying to talk to him just makes it worse. You hope that you'll get pulled over by the State Patrol on the interstate, but Jack is driving close enough to the speed limit.
After a few minutes that seem like hours, Jack reaches over to you and says,
"Come on, baby, I just want to love you. We can go away from here. Forget all this bad stuff."
"Ok," you manage to get out. "Ok. I may have been wrong about us. We can try again." You feel like you're giving the most important performance ever.
Jack pulls off the highway to go to the place in the desert he was talking about. He seems calmer, but you're scared to pieces to be alone with him where you're going. You wonder if John and your mother were able to get in touch with the police right away.
"Hey, wait a minute. Is that your new boyfriend following us?" Jack says checking the rearview mirror. "Well, that's just fine by me. We can settle this once and for all."
Unbeknownst to you, John had taken off after you and Jack as quickly as possible while your mother called the police. Luckily, John had a cell phone with him so the police would know where you were headed. Jack stops the car in the middle of nowhere and you take this opportunity to jump out. Jack anticipates your plan and is there in a few seconds to take hold of you again.
John flies out of his car and runs over to the two of you shouting, "Let her go you bastard!" Jack has one arm around you in a chokehold and has pulled a knife out and is holding it to your throat.
John skids in his tracks and holds his arms up in a conciliatory gesture.
"Jack, you love her. You don't want to hurt her," he says coolly.
"Well, why don't we just ask the lady, John, is it? Who do you want, honey? Him or me?"
"Jack," you get out, "please put the knife away. I can't think with that . . . that knife. Please?"
While you're saying this, John has inched closer to you both. Jack moves the knife away a bit.
"I think you and I should try again, Jack," you say subtly positioning your feet and elbows and hoping Jack doesn't notice. You see that he relaxes a bit. You signal John with your eyes to make sure he sees what you're doing with your feet and elbows as well.
Taking a deep breath, you slam your elbow into Jack's gut at the same time you stomp down on his instep with your foot. As Jack grunts and drops the knife, John immediately springs on him and gets him down on the ground with a few well-placed punches. "Miserable, fucking, bastard! You're never getting near her again. You understand!" John is nearly speechless with fury, rubbing the knuckles of one hand with the other. You go over and put your arms around John and mumble that it's really over, it's finally over.
Just like in the movies, the police pull up and you finally believe - really believe - that you're done with Jack.
*****
On your plate are still two uneaten sausages and a few picked at salad vegetables.
"Finished dear?" Mama has a sympathetic expression and goes to take the plate after you quietly nod up to her. John has finished his meal and is talking to Julian, beer in hand, over by the backyard shed.
"So what did John do again?" Julia is next to you and has been chatting about your partner all through the barbecue dinner. "Did he really punch that bastard?"
"Julia, I've been through all this with the police. I don't want to talk about it just now, okay?" You put a hand to your forehead in an attempt to rub away the pain. All you want to do is go to bed and sleep all the day's drama away. It would be preferable if your man is by your side but there is always the following night when you are back in LA.
"Do you think he'd say yes if I asked him out on a date? He's the most gorgeous guy you've brought home so far. I can't believe you two don't have a thing." As she speaks she looks over to John, who is smiling and looking surprisingly relaxed after the ordeal in the desert.
"We're going back to LA tomorrow. What about Justin? I thought he was your latest."
"He is." She beams cheekily.
"Julia!" Even though she is the older sister sometimes you feel you need to remind her of her priorities.
"What if I came and stayed with you in LA for a bit? Are you still at the hotel?"
"Didn't Mama tell you? I'm staying with John until I find an apartment." There is silence for a moment and you look up to see her deep in thought. "It's convenient and much cheaper than a hotel and we can rehearse our lines at any time."
"You mean to say that you're living with him and you haven't once thought about sleeping with him? My god woman, what has Jack done to you?"
"Julia!" Your mother raises her voice making you both take notice. "Go and tell your brother he has a phone call" She undoubtedly heard the conversation and broke up the line of questioning just at the right time. Mama always had a knack for knowing the right times to intercede between the siblings.
"Now sweetie, I can see you've had a hard day. I know it's early but I want you to get some sleep, okay?" Your eyes inadvertently wander over to John as Julia is now speaking with him. Ever the hopeful person she is, her hand softly touches his elbow. "You were brave today, you did a good thing in not aggravating the situation any further. John did a good thing too. If he hadn't thought and acted quickly we may have not found you so soon."
" I know Mama. It's all over. Jack won't bother us any more." You feel your body slump a little and know it's almost like an after shock of the day's ordeal.
"There's still the trial but that won't be for a while yet and the police said it's only a formality and will be over and done with in no time. Come on." She holds her hand out for you to take. As you stand you know your mother's suggestion is the right course of action. As she leads you inside the house you look over to John who also captures your gaze. You both know that this night you will need to stay apart.
As you lie on your bed, your mother brings your sleep attire, a modest silk slip that covers half your thighs. She kisses you on the forehead and simply says,
"I know you need someone to talk to. Get undressed and I'll go get him."
*****
Lying in bed your eyes slip closed and then open just as suddenly when you hear your door handle turn.
"Angel?" His voice is the only one you want to hear. With each step to your bed your mouth grows wider in a smile. His lips are soft and welcome on yours and you find yourself opening up to him. He could do anything to you now and your body would accept his without question. "You are my angel you know that." His gaze is peaceful and contented and his voice sexy and rough.
"I never said thank you."
"Shh," he places a finger on your lips then quickly heads for the door. When he places a chair against the door handle securing it from unwanted entry you know what he has in mind.
"What if someone knocks?"
"Then I'll tell them to go away because I'm going to make love to the most beautiful woman on the planet."
"You wouldn't," you tease.
"Just watch me." He smirks as he begins to take off his shoes and socks.
"John, what are you doing?" Your hand rests on his back as he sits on the bed. By the time he answers he's lifting his T-shirt over his head.
"I'm sleeping here tonight." He unsnaps the button on his jeans and then proceeds to remove them revealing his briefs underneath.
"But we'll be caught." You want him there just as much as he wants you but the risk it too great. After removing his briefs he gets into bed beside you, totally bare. You're not about to push him away. His fingers feel for the edge of your slip and he grips it bringing the slippery material up over your body. With each section of skin exposed you feel his nakedness closer to your own and you know where this will all end whether you're in your family home or not.
"What were you saying about thanking me?" The slip falls to the floor and he holds you against his warm flesh.
"Thank you for today, for being there for me." Your words are soft and genuine as he pulls back that bit of hair framing your face. Your hand feels down his side to his hip then back tracing a similar path. He tilts his head and gives you a soft kiss that makes you want to relax into his frame. Your legs intertwine with his, pulling his warm skin closer. He rolls gently on top of you and continues the sweet kisses. Feeling over his back the muscles ripple as he concentrates on giving you all the pleasure his body can give.
"You should have trusted me you know." John lifts his head and continues kissing one small kiss after another over your face.
"I didn't want to bother you." Your chin lifts to give him access to your neck. As he kisses below your ear and underneath your chin you explain, "I thought I could handle him."
"I've seen his kind before, they love their women but just don't know how to treat them." He looks intently into your coffee eyes and gently holds your chin with his fingertips. "Is he the one who gave you the scars?" Your head falls to one side avoiding his glare giving him non-verbal confirmation. "He'll have the book thrown at him for this. Why did you keep it quiet?"
Still with your head to one side you explain,
"I met him a year ago at the law firm where I used to work. He was one of the solicitors. I thought he was my whole world." John gently lifts your chin to look at him and tears come to your eyes from how wrong you had been. "I couldn't tell anyone, the scandal at the firm wasn't worth it. Mama was the one who found me at home bleeding and unconscious, Jack was nowhere to be found."
"No one knew?"
"He hurt me then kept promising me he had changed so I'd forgive him. I thought I loved him but I think I just wanted someone." John wipes your tears with the backs of his fingers then kisses the spots where they ran.
"You have someone, I'm here now. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I just want you to love me and trust me." After you nod with a few sniffles he kisses your mouth again. This time it is even sweeter than before. You feel the love traverse from his body to yours.
Interrupting your long slow kissing session there is a soft knock at the door and you hear your name, then the door handle jiggles as your sister tries to enter the room.
John has a wide grin and pretends to say something but you quickly put your hand over his mouth.
"Julia, what do you want?" You call out.
"Can I come in?" The handle jiggles once more.
"I'm trying to sleep." John starts kissing again, this time going lower and latches onto a breast. The words nearly choke in your throat.
"Come on, let me in, I just want to talk about your partner. I'll only be ten minutes." The sucking stops for a moment and you see John smiling and then go down to the other breast and give it equal attention while one hand fingers the other wet nipple. It's a few moments before you can talk and your sister repeats your name just as John travels down to your navel.
"Can we talk tomorrow?" He licks in circles causing a wave of pleasure to shoot between your legs. You gasp and sigh, suddenly hoping Julia hasn't heard.
"I just want to ask you something." Her voice softens making it harder to hear. "It's about John." This time you feel him smiling on your belly and the vibrations as he laughs. When he goes even lower you don't know if you're going to keep your voice from giving away what his mouth and tongue is doing to you.
"What is it?" You choke out the words as you feel his tongue and hot breath between your legs. His arms are holding your thighs apart.
"Do you know where he is? He's not in his room." All you wish now is that she would just go away as the tongue moves over your clit in unhurried strokes. This man has done this before; he knows all the right moves. There is no way you can get out any more words. Again you hear your mother's voice beckoning Julia to let you sleep.
As she moves away from the door it let's you relax and really enjoy the oral attention John is giving you. Fingers glide through his hair as your hips move in synchrony with his mouth.
"How do you do...?" Is all you can utter. He slows down his movements telling you he is going to move on. You both want this bit of pleasure to last.
"Turn over," he growls, his lips glistening. As soon as you are on your belly his hands go to your buttocks and then trace down the backs of your legs and then he straddles you. Leaning right near your ear, you feel your hair being moved away from your neck.
"You have a beautiful body," he growls near your ear and then proceeds to kiss over your neck and down your back. When he gets to your hips he stops to retrieve the other pillow near your head. You feel his hands urge you to lift your hips and then places the pillow underneath for elevation.
Continuing his assault between your legs in this new position you begin to feel yourself losing control. As if sensing your impending release he stops what he is doing. Even though you need to bear the agony of stopping mid stream, neither of you wants it to end just yet. His strong thighs push yours apart and there is the feel of something hard teasing your clit. He massages you with his thick shaft running long strokes up and down between your legs. You will him to plunge it inside you, to feel your cavity filled with his full hard erection. He thrusts in slowly, pushing the whole length inside in one long unhurried push. You picture his face as he does this and your heart goes out to this man who makes such sexy, sensuous love to you.
Your neck throbs as he leans down and whispers in your ear something you almost expect him to say.
"I love you." Your whole body feels like it's on a cloud, light as air. You know you love him too but this is not a phrase to be reciprocated just yet. "I love you so much." Tears of joy come to your eyes as he starts thrusting, putting those words of his into physical demonstration. All weight is on his knees as he drives, resting his hands lightly around your waist. The movement of the bed causes the bed head to thud lightly against the wall. You hope Julia isn't in the adjoining bedroom or she may be able to surmise what is happening.
You white knuckle the rungs of the headboard, keeping steady as the pounding becomes more pronounced. To stop yourself just calling out you bite your lower lip and growl out your pleasure.
With a few more pushes into your depths you feel the familiar pulsing of his seed filling you. His thumb reaches between hot flesh and goes to your over sensitive swollen clit and he deftly gets your orgasm to come more quickly, following on the heels of his. The groans from his throat tell you he is thoroughly satisfied with the outcome of your union. Your body is heavy as the turmoil of body chemicals begins to return to normal. He is the first to move, carefully letting himself slip from your body and lies down beside you running light fingers down your back, then pulling the sweaty hair from your neck.
"You're amazing." His fingers slip over your side down to your hip. "I mean it, you know." His fingers return to your hair and he leans in to give you another kiss on the neck.
You know exactly what he means but your lips are too heavy to move. Your eyes close and you hear him talking and his fingers touch your body in comforting post sex movements.
"Now that your dad is on the improve we can return to LA as soon as possible tomorrow morning."
"Hmmm," Your throat moans a reply.
"We can probably come back here in a week or so." He knows you're listening but too tired to respond audibly. His fingers trace down your thigh adding to the drowsiness overcoming you. "I think I might have to have a talk to Julia before we leave." He chuckles. "I might just have to explain that I'm already in love." You feel a final kiss on your back and the pillow beside you compress as he settles in for the night with you in his arms.
..................
Part Fifteen - Nowheresville, Nevada
"I still can't believe my mother let us sleep together last night." You look into John's bathroom mirror running a brush through your tresses.
"She was pretty clear when she said you wanted me in the bedroom." He stands there holding your jacket waiting to go to the meeting Frank has set up to talk about publicity for the series pilot.
"That could have just meant I wanted to talk." You replace the brush in the cabinet as he holds out your jacket. Your arms slip through the sleeves and he adjusts the neckline for you.
"Did I mention the wink?"
"Mama winked as she said that?" Turning in his arms you see his wide grin and he says softly yet without a doubt.
"She winked." You brush past him into the bedroom to slip on the last items to add to the smart attire, your shoes. Frank has said there would be a busy afternoon of publicity and to both look your best.
"A wink doesn't necessarily mean 'go sleep with my daughter'." He holds out his hand and you accept and he lifts you to your feet and into his arms. He gives you a final embrace before you must leave for the meeting.
"It does when she says this morning that next time we come it will be 'our' bedroom." Your arms wrap around his warm body underneath his suit coat.
"She said that? You are talking about my mother?"
He chuckles,
"I think she likes me."
"Yes, she likes you. I think the 'saving her daughter from Jack' thing helped."
"Oh? It wasn't my good looks and charm?" That lop-sided smile gets you every time and cries out to be kissed. The moment sends a warm glow over your body as your lips meet in mutual union.
A little out of breath, he gently breaks away and gazes deeply into your eyes, that look that oozes love.
"I meant what I said last night." He waits for your reply.
"I know," you say simply. It's still not the right time to reciprocate. You want it to come out at the right time, not just as a response to his announcement.
"I love you and I want you to live with me."
"What am I doing?" You know what he means.
"Really live with me. All your things are here. Forget about looking for your own apartment. We can't spend a night apart."
He waits for your long awaited reply as many notions churn around in your mind. What was holding you back before? It all boils down to the fact that it had seemed too soon after Jack. Your ex-boyfriend is now out of your life and even though it is less than three weeks since you met this man in your embrace it all seems just right. It feels as though it was meant to be.
He sees by your face the impending reply, even before it is voiced.
"Yes, I want to live with you John." He gives you a single deep, excited kiss and lifts you and swirls you around. His reaction almost seems as though you have just accepted his marriage proposal. This decision has invigorated both your psyches and you know the day will be an exciting one.
"Come on," he takes your hand. "Let's go to this meeting. I have a big surprise for you later."
"A surprise?" He smiles at you making you wonder what more bombshells he has in store. What has happened so far has been revelation enough.
"Later." You exit his apartment anticipating the day and what else is to come.
.....................
"Julia was pretty quiet all the way to the airport. What did you say to her?" Frank hasn't arrived at the meeting as yet. You all wait around the table where you had originally met for the very first script reading. All the welcomes and pleasantries have passed and everyone is in waiting mode.
"I didn't end up telling her anything. I think your mother must have said something last night." He laughs and quietly speaks, "You have to admit, if your sister was looking for me, I wasn't anywhere in the house, my bed hadn't been slept in and yet I was at breakfast in the morning, she probably put two and two together."
"And my bedroom door was wedged shut." You smile at the thoughts that must have been churning in her mind. "She probably thought Mama had sent you in to comfort me."
He brushes your shoulder inconspicuously and purrs in your ear.
"Were you suitably comforted?" Sparks of heat rise to your neck as you remember the particular comfort he is alluding to.
"John, you can calm me like that any time you want."
"How about now?" he chides just as you feel a presence in the room. Looking up you see the ice queen Marion standing at the door looking right at you. You feel for John's hand and this time even in his ex-fianc�'s presence he accepts and returns your gesture.
The look in her eyes tells you that she still hasn't forgiven you for interfering in John's life. Thankfully Frank seems to have more clout than she does as Associate Producer or you may not have been still here on this assignment.
"Okay folks," Frank enters in a whirlwind and sits in the chair assigned to him. The room silences with his presence. He peruses the room and smiles widely when he sees you and John. "Welcome everyone. As you know we are in postproduction stage, which is coming along well. In the meantime the publicity crew has organized some events. Simon, I'll hand it over to you."
Simon, the head publicist looks across to you and speaks.
"Me and my crew have booked two events for you today." He looks over to your make-up and wardrobe lady. "Faye, I have already spoken to you but you will need to accompany our stars." She nods and smiles as he turns his attention back to you. "There is a photo shoot planned in the next hour. These shots will be both video and still, to be used for publicity on television and in the printed media. I will fill you in on the details on the way over there. Then this afternoon," he pauses looking very smug. "We have an interview for you on the Jay Leno Show."
Frank must know this information because it obviously comes as no surprise. Suddenly the nerves hit you as to the enormity of what you are doing. Production was one thing, now the ball is really rolling. John looks as though he's taking it all in his stride but you know he has been in other productions and probably been through this before.
"I'll take you there after your photo shoot and explain more on the way to the studio."
The rest of the meeting is a blur as your mind is active with what will be expected of you today.
"You'll be fine." John must see your apprehension and leans over to console you. "I'll be with you every step of the way." He is so sweet. Life without him is just not an option.
*****
The agency handling the publicity pictures had already scoped out a remote location up the coast for some of the sexier shots. One of the assistants brings in a round of triple lattes for everyone knowing you all need the caffeine for the long day ahead. You leave right away because there won't be any time to spare considering that you're also doing the Leno show that day. You arrive at the chosen spot and meet up with Faye who is already getting clothes ready for the shoot.
The publicity people had arranged to have a cabin cruiser available for some of the shots. Faye has already picked out some dark casual pants with matching jacket and a red spandex, low cut top for you for the first boat scene. John will be dressed in a similarly casual manner, with a tight fitting white T-shirt that shows off his fine physique. There will be both video and stills. You reenact some of the action sequences that had been shot previously and everyone feels pleased with the results.
Simon wants some kissing scenes on the boat, too, and as you happily snuggle in for those John whispers in your ear, "You're doing great and look fantastic. I can't wait to see how you look for the beach shots." You swear you're blushing.
Faye has brought several bikinis for you to try on for the beach scenes. You particularly like the hot pink one with splashes of black on it as well as the shimmery gold one that has subtle colors woven into the material. Simon wants some "swimsuit model" type shots that take you by surprise because that's something you've never done. You suddenly feel unsure of yourself and tell Faye that you'd like to talk to John for a bit while they're setting up cameras.
Faye tells you knowingly,
"I know you look great, but make sure you ask him what he thinks."
You put on a short robe and wander over to where John has already been outfitted in shorts and another tight fitting T-shirt. You marvel that no matter what he wears, he looks fantastic. You can still hardly believe that this man has already expressed his love for you not only in action but in words.
"Hope you're not wearing that terry cloth robe for this," he says taking you into his arms and giving you a soft kiss. He immediately undoes the tie to take a look. Giving a slow whistle, he says, "I'm going to remember how great you look in hot pink."
"You like?" you ask playfully feeling better with John's as well as Faye's encouragement.
"I like." The crew is ready to shoot and it's agreed that you'll improvise some beach play. You don't want to get your hair wet yet but you and John playfully run down the beach hand in hand and then he stops and takes you in his arms and lifts you for a passionate hug and kiss. You immediately forget that you're actually working and thoroughly enjoy the moment.
After reviewing tape, the PR people decide that it's okay for the two of you to go into the water and get as wet as you'd like. You do the expected: run into the water with John chasing you. You engage in some mutual dunking and vigorous splashing. This inevitably leads to kissing and hugging and the camera people are right there in the water with you getting close-ups.
All of a sudden, John surprises you by untying the back of your bikini bra. You almost lose it in the waves before you realize what is happening. You are genuinely surprised and the camera captures all of it. Realizing that you have exposed all on top, you're momentarily embarrassed, but the camera people and John are laughing and you join in. If the pilot gets picked up, you'd feel yourself lucky to keep working with the same talented and good-natured crew.
Simon decides that there is enough footage for now and calls it a wrap. Everyone starts packing up and you prepare to return to the tent where your clothes are, to change. To your surprise, Faye is gone and John is there. "Faye said she figured you could undress yourself. I told her I'd stick around in case you needed any help."
"Really?" you ask. John quickly removes your bikini top and starts pushing down the bottom of your suit. "We have to get back for the interview, you know."
"We'll time it perfectly," he says leaning in for a kiss.
"Well, I better help you get undressed, too," you whisper.
"Faye said everything should be packed up and ready to go in about twenty. I think that's enough time to . . . change," he says nuzzling your neck and working his fingers between your legs.
You're moaning too much to check the time and feel how hard he is for you. "Twenty should be just about right," you mumble. You both quickly fall to the floor of the tent to finish what you've started. ~CAC
*****
When the publicity team announced that they had booked you both for an interview on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno you were a little awestruck. You wondered who had been able to pull strings to get you onto such a widely publicized talk show, but you are glad of the opportunity to sell the Pilot and the series.
You stand there, a little nervously, backstage until you are called onto the set. Faye came especially to do your make-up and wardrobe. John holds your hand tightly reassuring you he has done this before and it's really quite exciting.
You look over at John in his black turtle neck ribbed sweater, black dress pants and belt and you know he will immediately get the eye of the ladies, he looks good enough to eat. He follows your gaze, smiles and squeezes your hand a little.
"You look gorgeous," his eyes wander up and down your body. When Faye presented you with the full black leather outfit to wear, at first you were a little apprehensive but when she explained it was to showcase your sexy, new persona you agreed to go along. She dressed you in tight fitting hipster black pants, ankle lace up boots and a leather vest that she unzipped showing more cleavage than you were used to. She also curled your hair and let it cascade down your back.
"Thank you, and you'll need to watch those ladies wanting to pinch your ass."
He chuckles, looking a little too comfortable.
"Okay you two," one of the stagehands with intercom headgear beckons you onto the side of the set. Faye gives you a hug each and wishes you luck.
"You'll be asked the usual questions, about the show, what you have done in the past. Just be calm and outgoing and remember Jay doesn't bite." You all exchange glances when you hear Jay's introduction.
"And now ladies and gentlemen, what you've been waiting for. In the tradition of famous television series such as 'Moonlighting' and 'Remington Steele' there is a new show and a sexy duo out there promising all the action, mystery and sexual tension of these series but more. This is no ordinary new show folks. Gone are the days of UST, unresolved sexual tension, this show even in the very first scene shows that there will be no holes barred when it comes to erotic sexual content. We'll let the two new stars tell you all about it."
There are hoots and whistles from the audience as Jay Leno introduces you and you're urged onstage by the stagehand. The welcome surprises you until you see the droopy jaw and the look on Jay's face. There is applause and a few more whistles as you look around and cannot believe all the positive vibes in the studio. As you sit John holds your hand. This was all planned beforehand. You would act friendly to create a bit of gossip but when it was intimated that there might be friendship beyond the series it would all be denied. Frank wanted to play on the natural chemistry between you both to advertise the show.
You smile as you survey the audience and then look towards Jay for his next contribution.
"Forget about him, what are you doing after the show?" He leans forward and you laugh a little at this flattery. "Where did you find her?" He looks to John, who speaks,
"At a gas station."
"A gas station?" John probably sees this as an opportunity for a little advertising.
"My brother owns a gas station in Nowheresville, Nevada and I was working the pumps one Saturday when she came up in her car."
"And you said, 'Come back with me to LA, I have this part to read for a television series?'"
"It was even more of a coincidence," you decide to talk. "I was on my way to LA to audition and John happened to already have been cast as the leading man." You cross you legs and lay back comfortably in the chair. Jay notices and decides to move the interview along.
"So tell us about this show of yours." He looks to the audience. "This will be interesting. They don't know I've seen some clips of the Pilot. I tell you folks it had me beading with sweat."
He smiles as he relates the premise of the show.
"It's an action, adventure, romance series that goes beyond the usual sexual tension of past shows."
Jay edges in,
"Is it true that your characters consummate in the very first scene of the Pilot?" There is general muffled chatter from the audience.
"Maybe not the very first scene but we do have sexual encounters a number of times in the two hour pilot." As planned you look across to John and wink. He smiles and takes your hand into his lap.
"So you two must be quite close friends to be able to perform those scenes. Rumor has it that you are off screen lovers." Jay is definitely fetching. No one else knows off set except for family.
John speaks for you,
"There is no denying that there needs to be something special between coworkers who go beyond the usual acting and into intense sexual scenes."
"So you admit you're more than just friends?"
It is your turn to speak.
"Jay, even though we may look intimate in front of the camera we each live our separate lives after work." You try to keep a straight face.
"On that note we will take a break. After the break we get a sneak peek at one of these intimate scenes. I tell you folks, be prepared for heat. Don't go away."
Jay asks you to stay saying there will only be a couple of minutes before the resumption of shooting. He gets up to stretch his legs as the stagehand brings you a glass of water each. John lets go of your hand and you let the fingers stretch a little from the previous pressure. You give each other looks that go beyond visible expression and you now know how hard it is to keep your emotions to yourself when he is near you.
Jay returns.
"You're doing well." He looks to John. "Man, how can you possibly keep your hands off her?" You both laugh and John raises his eyebrows. Jay shakes his head when the director indicates that the show is about to start again.
"John you've been in two series so far 'Days of Our Lives' and General Hospital'." There is wild applause and whistles from the audience producing a wide smile from your lover. "I see they already know you."
"Yes, my previous gig I played John Stokes in General Hospital. I was the guy who the other guys loved to hate because I would steal their women." John sports his lop sided smile.
"But there's no stealing of women in this new show because you have only one, this one." Before you have time to reply Jay continues looking at the camera. "We were able to get our hands on some footage from the pilot. Get your Kleenex's out now because you'll need to wipe off that sweat."
The audience looks to the large monitor showing the scene with you and John on the deck of the boat. He is all oiled up looking hunky in his tight swimming trunks and you walk across to him in your black one-piece revealing swimsuit. The ensuing movements have the audience in awe and you and John a little uncomfortable seeing yourselves on screen very nearly bare, acting making love. Luckily the scene stops before it goes all the way and you are sure that's all that this network would have been given. Jay gets out a few Kleenex tissues from a box the stagehands brings out and mops his brow. The audience laughs.
"So you feel comfortable being part of something so revealing?" Jay breaks the silence.
"To be honest," you continue. "I thought there'd be a bit of nudity involved but what I think works about this show is our on screen magic. We have just clicked as acting partners."
"Your investigators in the vain of 'Moonlighting' right? What else happens?"
John responds,
"It's different to that show, it's a new show in itself. We are investigators who have a taboo romance and to prove to the boss played by Alex Wellings...;" There is applause from the audience. "That we can work as lovers as well as partners, we have to retrieve a microchip from somewhere on the cruiser of the millionaire Captain Mirando."
"The microchip being?"
"You'll find all that out when you watch the show." John grins.
"So when will we be able to see this show?"
"We've recently finished filming, it's in post production. If it's taken up by the networks it should be aired in the next couple of months."
"Let's thank our two new hot sexy costars." There is huge applause and whistles and the music plays as the show goes to a commercial break.
Jay shakes your hands and wishes you luck.
"When you are household sex symbols promise me you'll come back for another interview." You both smile and agree as you shake hands. He lingers on your hand and adds, "And John, tell the casting directors if they ever need a little rivalry on the show for this lady's affections just ask."
Frank meets you off stage and mentions that someone has given an anonymous tip to the media about this hot new Hollywood couple and there are some reporters out there to ask questions. He has instructed that you will only answer one question each as you are leaving the building. He still wants some mystery in this.
The moment is brief as a handful of reporters follow you out of the studio their cameramen in tow.
One of them speaks, "You seem very comfortable with each other. Can you tell us more?"
You look to the camera as you all keep walking steadily. "Watch the show and we'll show you." Your eyebrows rise for dramatic effect.
Another gets in a second question. "What's this new show of yours? What makes it different from all the other ones out there?" John says separately,
"The show calls for two highly sexually charged people to partner up on dangerous adventurous missions, imagine the intense romance. Is that different enough for you?"
Frank responds to his question, "I've picked a couple of winners here. Just like the X-Files before this the two costars will take off like storm. Unlike the previous show there will be no holes barred when it comes to show the romantic and sexual side of the spy business."
The group seems satisfied with these responses and buzz among themselves. As you all head to the waiting limousine there is one last question thrown at you but Frank shakes his head, not wanting you to say any more.
"John Doggett, is it true you have you have famous parents in the business?" The last part is muffled but is what you really need to hear. You look across to John as the limousine driver speeds away. He looks out the window as though he did not hear. You shake your head and look across to Frank who is smiling satisfaction. Neither man seems to care about the final question so you shrug it off as a reporter's tactic to get your attention back. ~RPC
*****
At John's apartment, you and Faye are frantically tossing around dresses, trying to figure out what will look best on the Red Carpet that night. You don't want to end up on the ET Worst Dressed List.
Frank had explained that this would be your last publicity responsibility before being given the next few days off to recuperate. You are expected to be available Friday morning for the big awaited announcement that they loved the Pilot and that hopefully the subsequent series would be taken up by one of the networks.
The publicity team had once again excelled themselves and acquired celebrity passes to the premiere of Catherine Zeta Jones' and Brad Pitt's new bank heist movie 'Playing it Safe'. Frank's only stipulation was that you and John just had to look like the new up and coming superstars that you will be.
"Faye," you scream, "I can't wear that thing with my boobs hanging out of it!"
"Well, the publicity would be great. Remember Jennifer?" Faye asks laughing her ass off.
"That isn't the impression we're striving for," you reply with mock seriousness. "Isn't there some basic black number in there?"
"This is one five star classy number. You can't go wrong with this," Faye replies. She pulls out a silky, slinky black dress: a halter top with a slit leg. "Do you have some shoes to go with this?" she asks.
"Yep, I've got some," you reply. You get your hot slinky black number on and add the borrowed diamonds and you're good to go. You and John are arriving in a limo and then it's the two of you on the red carpet.
"John! John! What's the story on this new show of yours?"
John has his arm around you. He hugs you close as he answers, "It's pretty hot. Have you seen it, Janna?"
"Not yet. FX hasn't shared it with us. But I'm sure it's hot knowing what you've done before, John," Janna purrs with her microphone in John's face. "And who's your lovely lady?"
"I'm John's co-star. There were some clips of the show on Leno," you reply.
"Yeah, we heard about the teasers on Leno. If those are any indication and FX has a hit on their hands, it's going to rewrite the network broadcast standards," Janna adds. "Any truth to the rumors going around about you two? Or do I need to ask your parents?" she gets in.
"It's you guys that come up with all the rumors," John says mischievously pulling you along the carpet. "We're just doing our jobs."
"Right. I'll let you know what I think when I see the pilot," Janna replies. "Good luck with your new show.
You wonder about the 'parents' comment again, but John is already steering you both into the theater.
*****
Without realizing you have been mulling the name 'Doggett' over and over in your mind since the reporter's last question back outside Jay Leno's studio that afternoon. The second reference to his parents made at the red carpet premiere night had made you even more curious. The name was familiar to you ever since you first heard mention of it but there were probably a few families of that name in LA. There would be a time you felt comfortable about asking. You were holding it off for fear of embarrassing yourself when he laughed and told you there was nothing in the reporters' words. It still makes you more inquisitive about his family. All you know is that he has a brother Jim, his father died last year and his mother lives somewhere here in LA.
The tiredness is just too pervasive to have this conversation now; there will be plenty of time to delve more deeply since the filming has finished. This thought prompts your next question,
"So did Frank tell you what happens now?" You are exhausted from the long day and your eyes slip closed as you lean on his shoulder in front of the television. You haven't really been watching; there have been too many other thoughts circling your mind. The remnants of the take out Chinese food lie in containers on the small table in front of you.
"As you know, it's a wrap." John fiddles with your knee as he continues to watch the show about which you have only partial idea of the storyline. "You know what he said about having some time up our sleeves to relax. It's a matter of waiting it out now. The editing is almost done, and then the show will be taken to a number of networks for their perusal."
"So we have some time to ourselves." A hand goes to your mouth to stifle the yawn and you nestle into John's shoulder as though you will stay there the night. His arm lifts to go around your shoulders letting you snuggle into his chest. It is warm and comforting and you feel yourself nodding off as John watches the rest of the show.
What must be a while later and only partially aware of what is happening, John carries you to the bedroom and gently places you on the bed. In between sweet delirious kisses he undresses you and finds a soft slip to wear. He is careful not to arouse you as he touches only the parts of you he needs in order to dress you for bed and you love him for that.
You feel the cool sheets cover your body and you snuggle contentedly into the pillow. There is the faint echo of a telephone ring in the background but it is soon forgotten as you begin to sleep away the memories of the day and feel comfortable that your live in lover will be with you soon.
.......................
Part Sixteen - Nowheresville, Nevada
You wake to the smell of a cooked breakfast and two open suitcases on the floor near the closet. One is almost filled with John's clothes and you know there has been something he has planned over night. You stretch out your cramped limbs and sigh then just lie there until you are fully awake.
'Good morning my angel." He keeps his voice quiet as he approaches.
"Hmmm," is all you say as you smile and lift your arms towards him. Leaning over your body you exchange a morning kiss then he helps you out of bed. As you stand there still stretching he hands you the matching pink silk kimono robe and helps you on with it. There are also pale pink loofah flip flops that you slip on your feet.
"Is this what you bought in Phoenix?" he purrs in your ear.
"You like?" You cannot help but reach round his body and run your hands over his butt. He has on his boxers and a matching T-shirt and smells so good.
"Very much but I like better what's underneath," he teases as his hands slide under your kimono and slip to the bare skin of your ass.
"John, I thought you wanted me out of bed. This is the way to get me back in it." It is your turn to purr.
"Just giving you a taste of what is to come for the next few days." A finger hooks back behind your ear the stray piece of hair over your eyes and he bends in for another sweet morning kiss.
"The next few days?" You break the kiss for only the time it takes to question.
"I'm going to take you somewhere." You knew he had something in mind. "Jim has asked us back to Nowheresville for the next few days."
A small laugh comes from your mouth. It is no beach resort or rainforest getaway but it was only a matter of time before the inevitable occurred and you returned to John's out of the way haven.
"Will that small residence of his fit all three of us?" The thought of sleeping with John within earshot of Jim is not so pleasant, and who will get the only bed in the single bedroom?
"Probably not." He plants a few small kisses over your forehead. "He wants us to go because he has something to show you."
"Show me?" His eyes look at you lovingly yet you cannot tell what else he is thinking apart from love.
"Is this the surprise you were talking about last night?" He needs to be reminded that you still remember.
"That's a different surprise." He smiles on your mouth as he brushes over your lips.
"Are you going to tell me?"
"After Nowheresville." His hands go further up your body knowing you will accept his offer.
"Just how many other surprises do you have for me John Doggett?"
"There are a few more yet." He smiles at the side-ways look you give him. John is not going to give away too many secrets at once. You will just have to wait.
"What if I didn't want to go?" Deliberately you look at the suitcases on the ground.
"Oh, you'll want to come." He looks smug.
"How can you be so sure?" Your fingers run through his hair and a thumb flicks over his ear.
"I know you and your curiosity." Again he says this with confidence. "Come on and have some breakfast and we can talk, but Jim wants me to keep this a secret for now."
"John, you devil." You give him a lighthearted push and he laughs as he leads you to the kitchen.
"After breakfast we wash up, pack some bags and head out to the Nevada desert in my car, okay?" He turns to finally persuade you. With his cheek resting on yours he whispers in your ear, "I promise to give you the best three days of sex and fun imaginable."
By the look on your face and your wonderful embrace he knows he has convinced you. What girl in their right mind would not accept that offer!
*****
John asks you how it feels to be back in Nowheresville. You laugh, saying, "We can reminisce about how we met for the first time. This place should bring us down to earth a bit, too."
On the drive to Nevada, you felt comfortable enough with each other and didn't feel compelled to fill all the empty miles with non-stop conversation. When you arrived at Jim's shop, it seemed like yesterday and like years ago at the same time since you'd been there.
Jim greets John warmly and despite the differences you've seen in them before, John reciprocates. Jim gives you a hug that seems a little more than brotherly, but you figure he'll play nice as long as John is there. "Get some drinks for yourselves in the house and then I can show you some of my new toys," Jim says.
You and John go into the house and help yourselves to some cold bottles of water from the fridge, depositing your suitcases on the way. You notice there's another pricey looking overnight bag in the living room area, but immediately forget about that as John takes you in his arms. "I've been dying to do this all the way here," he says huskily giving you a deep kiss that gets you tingling all over. Your arms roam over his back kneading the muscles under his T-shirt.
Jim comes to the door, "Sorry to interrupt, guys," he says and you know he's not one bit sorry.
"You'll probably want to check out some of the latest stuff I've got in the shop. The custom work is getting busier, even with the trashed economy. People with money always have money." Jim and John make their way out the door. You're not sure if you want to join in the boy stuff, but Jim keeps talking, "And by the way, bring your lady with you, John. I bet she'd appreciate checking out some top of the line equipment. My customers know how to use it, too."
Ignoring Jim's sly flirting, you take John's hand and head out to the shop. When you get in the back, you are amazed at what you find. You expected lots of dirt and grease, but what's there is immaculate and full of computers. The cars there definitely look fast. You peer inside one to find it sparkling and full of instrumentation that you have no idea how to use or what it's for.
Jim comes up to you while John is checking out other cars with a knowledgeable eye. "See, what we do," he starts popping the hood, "is plug the cable from the computer into the engine. The diagnostic software disc in the PC tells you all you need to know regarding how this baby is running."
"I'm surprised and impressed, Jim," you say. "I had no idea all this was going on behind here. You designed and sold the software and that allowed you to bankroll the detailing and customizing business I take it?"
"Pretty much," Jim is rightfully feeling proud of what he's done. You can't blame him for that. "This stuff is very expensive, but for the people who have the bucks, sky's the limit. I feel about this shop the way John feels about acting."
While you're having this discussion, Jim nudges in closer and slides his arm around your waist.
You notice but pretend not to notice: figure you'll just slide gracefully away from his arm. At that moment, you hear another voice in the shop. A voice you know all too well.
"Well, isn't this quite the reunion." All heads turn around to see Marion, her hand resting above her head on the doorframe.
John walks over to stand by you and Jim. "Forget to mention something to me, Jimbo?" Jim just shrugs his shoulders, playing like he's the little boy. "Well, we're all friends, right? I wasn't going to ask her to drive all the way back to LA," he says.
Jim claps his hands together to break the staring contest. "Why don't we all go to El Caf� Rojo del Perro and have some real Mexican food and Margaritas?"
"Yeah," John replies taking your hand and heading out the door, "The Red Dog Caf� sounds like just the place for the four of us."
You pile into Jim's elderly International, restored faithfully down to every detail. You thought he'd be driving a hot new something, but he's full of surprises. You ask him, "Did you do the work on this, Jim?"
"Yeah. Internationals give me fond memories of when John and me were kids. Heading out into the hills with our Dad on camping trips. You like it?"
"From my point of view, you did a very nice job," you reply. John gives you a raised eyebrow look wondering where your conversation with Jim is headed. Marion is, thankfully, quiet.
You pull up at the Caf� and can immediately tell it's a locals place, the small parking lot filled with dusty old pickups and guys who actually look like they use their cowboy boots instead of making fashion statements with them -- great signs that the food is great.
You slide into a booth in appropriate pairings and the guys get Dos Equis. You and Marion opt for a Margarita each, figuring you'll need them.
"Well, I'm all for a toast to a truce," Jim starts out. "To the four of us. May we each find happiness and success."
Everyone at the table takes a healthy swallow to that one. Chips and salsa arrive, orders are placed and everyone starts munching.
"Let me be the first to congratulate you two," Marion starts picking up another chip. "Jim and I've seen the first cut and it's fabulous. Hot doesn't begin to describe it. What's your opinion, Jim?"
"Well, I always figured John had it in him. It's in the genes," he adds. "Course, he's got quite the leading lady," he says giving you a stare. He has the same eyes as John, not quite as intense, but they can still do the trick. You wonder why he's giving you such a look. Isn't that why Marion's here? He must know by now that you're all John's, doesn't he?
As the four of you chow down on the best Mexican food west of the Mississippi, you wonder why Jim's coming on to you. You honestly don't feel you're encouraging him in any way. That's certainly not your intention. You believe that you're just feeling relaxed considering all the hard work you've done on the pilot and the incidents with your dad and Jack.
The Caf� table isn't really big for four people and you're wondering why Jim's doing kneesies and footsies with you. Even when you pull your leg back, there's really not any place to go because you're sitting on the inside of the table by the wall. This seems like teenage stuff, but you don't want to draw any more attention to it so just act like it's not happening. Perhaps it's your imagination and it's not deliberate at all, just the Margaritas affecting your thinking. After all, Jim's and John's long legs don't have a lot of places to go under the smallish table.
Dinner itself goes smoothly as everyone enjoys their meals and steers clear of touchy subjects. Jim has a couple more Dos Equis so John stops at his one and he's elected the designated driver.
Back at the tiny house where you're all spending the night, John takes Jim outside while Marion parks herself in the bathroom for primping and you mess around with reading material you brought, hoping you wouldn't need it.
"Look, Jim," John starts. "This woman is the real thing for me. I see what you're doing and I won't have it this time. Leave her alone! Got it? I mean, what the hell is Marion here for? She's your date this weekend, I take it so go make out with YOUR date."
"Alright, John, alright," Jim gives in raising his arms and backing away. "But if you break up with her or something . . ."
"No!" John shouts.
Hearing their raised voices you go outside. "Just catching some air out here," John says. Jim goes back inside.
"Maybe we should introduce Julia and Jim," you say with a playful grin.
"You are a wicked woman," John says affectionately.
.............................
Back at the gas station after dinner you park the car out the back and wave Jim off. He wants to work at the shop for a few hours before bed. For an uncomfortable moment you think Marion is going to stay back and spoil your time together but she must read your body language and decides to follow her new man.
After they are out of sight you're barely through the door when John grabs you and asks,
"Can you remember the first time I got you to come in this house?"
"Yes I think I can, didn't it have something to do with dirty laundry?" you say with smile. John pulls you in close and places a small kiss upon your lips.
"Yeah it was something like that." You can hear the laughter in his voice. He lets you go from his embrace then goes inside for some drinks. It is still hot out and your throats are parched even after that short car journey from your dinner spot.
"So John what do you want to do now?" John walks back into the room and grabs you from behind and wraps his arms around your waist.
"I thought maybe you and I could wash the car?" You turn so you can face him.
"Yes I would love to help you wash the car, but I want no funny business, you hear me John?"
"Funny business? Me? Don't you know that I take washing my cars very seriously." He tries to keep a straight face but you see through to his inner laughter and smirk.
"Come on, buckets and detergent are in the laundry." You follow his lead and immediately remember the first time you were there with your shirt off dressed just in your black bra. What a long way you have come in such a little time from those first awkward moments.
"I don't believe you." You decide to create a little fun.
"Believe what?"
"I bet you can't wash the car without flirting with me once." The dare seems exciting.
"Oh?" His brow furrows and his look is intense. "What do you want to bet?" You think for a moment for effect then respond,
"I'll bet a total body massage that you can't keep your hands off me the whole time we're washing the car. John looks at you with a boyish grin and says,
"I'll take that bet."
After getting changed into more appropriate car washing closes you arrive outside before John, the sun is beating down and you know the session may need to be swift. He comes out with some detergent and buckets and begins to head towards the car.
Before John even gets to the car you find the hose and begin spraying it with water. As you watch him set up the equipment you play with the idea of spraying him with water. He looks up at you as he closes the car door.
"Don't even think about it." You laugh knowing he knew exactly what you were thinking about doing.
John walks over and picks up one of the buckets and starts washing the driver side and you start on the passenger side. You can't help but watch him; you watch the way his arm muscles flex as he moves. Your eyes then move to his chest and how perfect it would look in a wet t-shirt.
As you continue washing you keep thinking about getting John wet and how fun it would be to have a water fight with him. Suddenly you feel a splash of water hit your arm, you look up to see John laughing.
"Are you going to daydream or help me wash this car?" You too begin to laugh,
"Oh, you want help do you? Well how about if I help you get wet?" You quickly grab the hose and spray water right at John's chest. His eyes widen in disbelief as to what you just did.
You watch on as he takes off the wet shirt and drops it on the ground. His chest wet from the water makes him even more irresistible.
"You know, I swear you did that on purpose just so I'd have to take my shirt off."
"And what if I did, John? What are you going to do about?" Your boyfriend begins walking toward you and you start to back up. You can see the look is his eyes and you know he's out to get you back for getting him wet.
"John, don't you even think about it." He quickly grabs you and the hose. He puts the nozzle down the front of your shirt and lets the water run down your breasts.
John shuts off the water and lets the hose off to the ground.
He has now pinned you up against the side of the car and leans in giving you a soft kiss.
" So now that your shirt is all wet shouldn't you be taking it off?"
"John" you lightly slap him on the shoulder then you both begin to laugh together once again.
.........................
"Come here." John looks so cute when he knows he has lost a bet. Well, that is what you led him to believe. Maybe he pinned you against the car and kissed you on purpose so he could deliberately lose. After all, the prospect of him giving you a full body massage will most likely lead to both of you being winners. You know you will play on the fact as often as possible that he lost, so he must attend to your wishes.
"John, when I said a full body massage I meant nothing sexual, just a massage." His hand captures your elbow and draws you in to check your face. All your acting ability and composure comes to the fore showing him you are resolute. "Do you know that I've never had a full massage?"
"And do you know." His husky voice and his hand feeling down your thigh sends shockwaves through your body but your exterior is calm. "I have never given one."
"Not even Marion? She looks the type to enjoy some pampering." He waits a moment thinking and your stomach churns a little but immediately calms. "John, you can tell me. You are with me now."
This is the bed that you sat on the first time in this residence so little time ago. At that time unknown to you, he was still engaged to Marion. Is he thinking what he did to her on this bed, or is this really Jim's bed? The thoughts disorientate you.
His hand still holds your elbow but his thumb makes sweeping movements over the bone.
"You know I want you." He avoids the 'Marion' topic.
"What did you two do on this bed?" It is better to come out with it than hedge around the issue with numerous searching questions.
"It's not like that."
"Oh?" You want more information. He falls above you then rolls over on the bed to rest beside you.
"I never brought her here." His wet kisses on your cheek and the fingers on a path over your breasts together with his words reassure your thoughts that this was truly a haven away from real life.
He calls you his angel. Was the reason for this that you appeared miraculously out of nowhere at the moment in his life when he needed saving? You are his saving angel?
"Oh, no, no, no, John Doggett!" You swat his hand away from your sensitive areas. "The bet!" Contrary to your body messages you get off the bed and head for the furthest point in the room and look back. Your hands rise in a stop position. "Massage." ~RPC
...............
The smirk he has on his face is so sexy and you know that before the night is out you will wipe that smirk off with your actions.
"So how do we do this? There's nothing here we can use. The only oil we have in the house is for cooking." His nose scrunches a little and he laughs. "I'd prefer to eat you uncooked."
You purse your lips trying to stay serious and head for your bag.
"What's that?" You hand him a small clear blue bottle and he reads the label. "Chamomile German Massage Oil." His eyes show understanding. "You planned this from the start? The bet was all arranged before we left LA?" He sees the winning look on your face. "Come here and I'll give you a good spanking as well as a massage."
"Promise?" He invited that comment.
"Come on then, strip off and we'll get this started."
As you go to get your wrap from the drawer you see him take off his T-shirt. He has done this so many times before but this time the way his muscles move, the look of his strong tanned arms, his flat toned abdomen make you want to skip the massage and get to the part you really want to do.
You decide to give as good as you get and wear the sheer pink ruffled wrap and mesh thong that he has not seen yet. When you come back from dressing in the bathroom he has laid out some towels on the bed to absorb any runaway oil. When he turns, his expression is priceless.
"Where did you get that?" You walk in making sure he sees everything. The wrap hangs open just covering your nipples, giving him full view of your mesh thong inviting a hint of your trimmed pubic region.
"I had to do something special with my very first pay check as an actor. Just waited for the right occasion." As you walk to the bed he reaches out to touch but you shake your head.
"Massage only, no sex. That was the deal."
"You're killing me here." He moves around to watch as you walk around the bed and then lie down on your back, letting the wrap fall off exposing your breasts.
"How do you want me?" He gives a sideways glance and you smirk at the double meaning.
"You know I'm going to have to break my promise, you look gorgeous."
"Then I might just have to leave and sleep in the living room." You tease. He flops above you on the bed; his knees either side of your thighs and moves close to your face. His breath is warm and minty and his lips are so close to yours you feel them move.
"Don't you want to kiss me now? What about running your hands down by back?"
"No and no," you lie. His tongue runs a hot line along your lower lip causing your mouth to open.
"Sure?" His tongue then steadily traverses your upper lip. "Put your hands on my butt, I know you like that." Your heart is thumping wildly just wanting to give in and kiss him madly and then fuck him like there is no tomorrow. The throbbing in your thighs is torturous. You are about to give in when he suddenly gets up. "No? Okay, let's have no sex, just the massage. Turn over."
In a way you are disappointed but in another way this is just too erotic. You turn you see him retrieve the bottle of oil. Resting on your folded arms you feel his hands on your butt.
"These have to come off." His fingers hook inside the string of your thong and he pulls it down exposing your cheeks to him. He must know how aroused you are. The thong has only been worn for ten minutes and yet it must be soaked by now. "So no sex." He emphasizes the 'no' confirming your previous thoughts. You just know he is going to do things to you that will make you cave in and that is exactly what you want.
He begins with your feet and talks as he kneads your soles and toes.
"Good quality oil."
"It is?" You know you paid a lot of money but you knew it would be money well spent. He works his way up your ankles and runs fingers along your calves.
"Not too greasy, not too much perfume." That is the exact reason you bought this particular oil. You wanted the smell to be sweet without bring overpowering. When he gets to your thighs you feel a little more oil on his hands. With outspread palms he runs up then down both thighs at once. "Quality oil for a quality body." You just know he is eyeing off what he is going to take for his later.
"No sex." It is your turn to remind him and you hear a small laugh. The next thing you feel are his hands on your shoulder.
"We can't get any oil on this." He takes the wrap from your body and you know he is watching every inch of your skin as he does. You pull your long hair away from your neck as he works on your shoulders and arms. He has moved up the bed and you feel his knees either side of your ass.
Never did you know how it would feel just to lie there and let someone else pamper you this way. His oily hands putting pressure on your body, the gentle fragrance in the air, and the presence of your favorite man in the whole world all add to the ambience.
"You have a beautiful back." He shifts down a little and you feel his hands run long strokes along your ribs.
"Oh?"
"Trust me." He shifts down further and you know where he is going. With more oil he squeezes your ass cheeks. This is when he begins to get you worked up again. He must know what he is doing. Thumbs work their way slightly inside your crack and you let out an involuntary sigh. His large hands do wonders on the soft flesh and you begin to move your hips, becoming aroused.
"Turn over." Again he has stopped, as you were about to give in, open your legs and let him do his work.
As you turn, his eyes widen a little and you see him admiring the flesh that is before him. Your eyes close for a moment willing him to feel your breasts first and then to work his way down. As if reading your thoughts he moves to your shoulders instead and you see him smiling.
"You know I'm going to have to stay away from certain areas." His hands stroke down your arms then up your sides.
"But John, the deal was a full massage." With a little more oil he caresses your ribs just under your breasts.
"So you can handle it? If I massage your breasts and then further down you won't want sex?"
"Of course not," you lie through your teeth, trying to control your breathing and the pink flush that he must have noticed starting at your neck.
"Okay then, you asked for it. Full massage it is, everywhere." Just the way he says this and the serious look he has on his face almost makes your heart thud with anticipation. A little more oil, he brings his hands to your breasts and you know he deliberately concentrates on your nipples. They become erect almost immediately and he tries hard not to smile.
Both hands then smooth over your abdomen then down your thighs.
"Open your legs." He smiles when you hesitate. "I can't get everywhere if you clam up."
"I'm not clamming up."
"If your legs were any tighter together I'd need a lever." He laughs. "Come on, I need to get inside." As soon as you relax and widen your legs you know he sees just how aroused you are but pretends not to notice.
"John," you breathe out without realizing. He lifts a knee and runs fingers down your inner thigh just missing your hot spot that is now on fire. When he works on the other leg you know that all resolve is gone. He can do anything now except walk away.
With one last bit of oil you know where he is going.
"No sex, remember." Now he is really teasing. With his fingers on your pubic hair and his thumbs on your lips he massages, opening you up to see your hot desire for him. Your legs go wider in response. He begins to go further and you don't stop him. Thumbs spread apart your labia and slide along your clit.
You moan and writhe as one thick thumb slides inside you.
"Is this 'full' enough for you?" he breathes his words through gritted teeth. It is as though you have no vocal chords. You whimper as you lift arms above your head and let him have free reign below. One thumb continues rubbing as the other pushes hard inside you. "You deserve this you tease." His forceful words are the ultimate; this side of him is turning you on no end. A gush of hot fluid pours over your flesh and before you know it you are throbbing on his thumbs, letting your whole body release just for him.
He waits until your body has calmed a little before removing the digits and resting above you waiting for your eyes to open.
When you see the look of triumph in his eyes you smile and reach up for a kiss, the one you have wanted ever since you saw him taking off his T-shirt. Both mouths open instantly and kiss so deeply. Your hands roam the body you were recently only permitted to watch. He slides his arms underneath your back and lifts you swiftly to kneel on the bed, still kissing insanely.
His erection pokes into your body reminding you he also has needs. You reluctantly break the kiss and see his mouth still open and wet. With a sly grin you reach for the bottle of blue oil.
"Take off your pants."
"You don't need to do this." He shakes his head.
"I didn't say what I was going to do, trust me, take off your pants." This time you are the forceful one. He does so exposing a massive sky-high erection screaming to be cared for. With a small dab of oil your rub your palms together and then move closer.
With both hands you work on his shaft feeling its concrete mass. His hands just rest on your shoulders as you work your way up and down listening to the growls from his throat. Just before you feel he is going to release he grabs your wrists and without words he guides you to sit in his lap. You sit slowly down letting his thick mass fill you. His arms hold you steady as he begins bouncing. At first he looks into your eyes but then his eyes glaze and his lids close enjoying the intense sensations. With arms draped over his shoulders and your breasts grazing his chest you help with the friction using your legs for leverage.
You want to kiss him too but his thoughts are elsewhere and you don't mind because he has already given you one screaming orgasm. As his throaty growls deepen and his hands begin to wander over your skin you feel the sensation returning. The way he is grinding into you is putting pressure on the right spots.
He moans out your name just before the last thrust. As he lets out his love fluid your body also responds with its own ejaculation. You wish the moment would last forever, the intense feeling of unspoken pleasure. You slump together feeling the profound emotional and physical attachments when two people share their bodies. He catches your lips with his as material thanks.
"I love you so much," he says a few times between kisses. The love for him is so profound but you still cannot bring yourself to say the words just yet.
"John, you are the most amazing man I've met." He looks briefly disappointed but then his eyes soften in acceptance.
Your mood is broken by a faint knocking, probably the front door. You go to put on your wrap but John stops you.
"You are 'not' going in that." He laughs as he puts on his boxers and sees your expression. "Only I see you in that, okay?" He leaves after returning a smile, "Be back soon; don't go away."
With him suddenly gone you feel a little empty but lie back on the bed marveling at how lucky you are to have a man who loves you, is easy on the eye and can make your body feel so good.
'Back, that was Jim." You're eyes fling open as they had started to doze. He lies next to you on the bed.
"What did he want?"
"He and Marion have decided to stay at the shop tonight." His smirk reflects your thoughts.
'Where will they sleep?"
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe in one of Jim's autos?" His smile displays his teeth and you cannot help but smile too with bizarre thoughts of Marion, the pampered one, following Jim's every whim and sleeping in a car.
"Apparently Frank was trying to get hold of us," he smiles. "I think we were a little occupied." He leans in to kiss the smile of yours.
"Any news?"
"Jim says that Frank wants us back in LA tomorrow. Apparently there will be an early announcement about the pilot. He doesn't know when exactly so he just wants us close by." He brushes his lips on yours and holds you tightly in his arms. "I promise we will make up for missed time here." His lips brush over your ear and he speaks quietly. "If the pilot and series is accepted then there will be a few days before we start filming, I'll take you anywhere you want to go."
"Anywhere? Promise?"
"Anywhere," he emphasizes.
*****
Part Seventeen - Nowheresville, Nevada
John's Surprise
"I seem to remember a couple of days ago you telling me you had a surprise for me." You look around and are happy that at last, on the trip back to LA, the arid countryside has been replaced with housing and vegetation. This is a sign that the long journey home is coming to a close and you will once again be able to get into your new LA life. Gradually you were becoming used to the traffic hold-ups and the buzz of the place. Even though it takes ages to travel anywhere by car you have learnt to be patient and just be appreciative of the sites along the way and that you are truly enjoying life once more after your past existence marred by misery. That all behind you, you look to a promising future being in a job you are enjoying and linked at the hip to a man who is your every dream.
"Surprise?" Your gorgeous man looks across to you with that sparkle that tells you he knows exactly what you mean.
"You know I love surprises. Come on, tell me," you plead. "Did you forget?"
"No, it was put on hold because we went back to Nowheresville with Jim. I just hoped you'd forget to ask," he chuckles.
"Well?" He's still holding it to himself for a while longer.
"Just waiting for a stop in the traffic." This makes you even more inquisitive.
A number of minutes later when there is a small bank up of traffic John gets out his cell phone and you cannot imagine whom he is calling. He leans back in his seat and then turns his head and watches you with tranquil eyes as he talks.
"It's John." There is silence while he seems to be waiting. What is going on? The traffic is still stagnant. There must be some sort of hold-up, maybe an accident. "Hi Mom."
It suddenly hits you what your surprise is and you are a little flattered that he wants to show you off to his mother. It is also the right time. You think back to John meeting your parents and wonder if he was as nervous as you are slowly becoming at the realization. "I know it's been a while. I have called you."
The traffic starts up again slowly and John drives with one hand while he talks. Getting into a lane with a steady but still slow stream of traffic he hurries along the conversation.
"Are you free? I have someone for you to meet." His eyes smile at you as he talks. "Yes, it's the person I've been raving about." You inwardly smile that he has already mentioned you to his mother." He watches the road as you hear the hum of his mother talking to him. "We're probably about thirty minutes away, depends on traffic. See you then Mom, bye."
There are two smashed in cars on the side of the road and a police car at the rear. Once past what must have been the traffic disruption travel speed begins to pick up.
"So I'm finally allowed to see your mother?" You wonder how he will respond.
"Only fair," is all he says and leaves you to relax back and just try to calm your nerves as you drive towards the city. "Just relax, we'll be there in no time."
John fiddles with the radio stations and finds some peaceful music that allows you to rest your eyes closed and doze. Your next awareness is you are back in LA in the familiar stop start traffic.
"This is too slow, I'm just going to head through here." John sees that you have woken and runs affectionate fingers down your arm. "Know where we are?" You get your bearings and realize you are in Beverly Hills. In your time in LA you haven't had many opportunities to see the city. Going through the back streets and looking at the wide roads, the manicured lawns and large impressive houses you sigh and wonder if you would ever afford to be able to live here. Perhaps if your acting career took off and made you famous it could happen but that is just a dream.
"John, have you ever imagined what it would be like to live in one of these homes?" You take a deep breath and relax.
"Doesn't anyone?" He turns up a side street to take you past more grand houses and you just sigh, wishing and dreaming.
"I suppose so."
"When we're famous household names I'll buy you one." He laughs and knows he is pandering to your reverie. His hand goes to your knee and squeezes. "We're ahead of time so how about I take you through these streets and you tell which house you want?"
"Okay," You grin widely just thinking about the fun game. It is certainly diverting your thoughts from the growing butterflies in your stomach about meeting his mother. Traveling slowly past many homes that you could easily live in you wonder if the Beverly Hills residents get tired of the steady stream of onlookers. Everyone has dreams, these houses are impressive. Coming up is a property set behind some dense plants fashioned into a hedge, creating a barrier from the street. It must take up at least two blocks and you wonder about the large residence that lies beyond. John must see your curiosity and stops the car at the large wrought iron gates and you peer through a little embarrassed that you may be caught.
"You like this place?" Through the gate you only see more trees and smaller plants, blocking your view of the house. The driveway seems circular disappearing both left and right, around the garden in the center. This indicates to you that the house must be further back signifying that the size of the property is much more vast than first thought.
"How much would a property like this be worth?"
"Probably millions, maybe multi-millions. Come on, let's take a closer look." He gets out of his door and comes around to you, your mouth open in wonder.
"John, we can't. It's not right and also we have to get back to the apartment and freshen up before we visit your mom."
"Come on, it won't take long. By the time I can afford to buy this for you it might actually be on the market." He smiles and takes your hand, marveling at the gall of this man. How is he possibly going to get past what are obviously gates with heavy security? You humor him however, and follow his lead. Peering through the large structures of iron there is still no sign of the residence, just the gravel driveway and the dense vegetation in the center.
"John, let's go." There is an intercom and buzzer by the side of the gate and a small security camera above encased in a strong metal box. Just then a loud Harley coming down the road distracts you and when you turn back, to your surprise, the gates are slowly opening. John does not look at all phased but heads inside beckoning you to follow, he ignores the shakes of your head and keeps walking. The Harley is so close now you almost need to block your ears. As it turns into the driveway the helmeted rider sees you and waves as he heads into the property and down the circular driveway and out of view.
As the gates close with John still inside, you have to make a quick decision. Do you stay and let John make his own way out again or do you enter and keep him company, trespassing on someone's land? Your impulsive sense of adventure tells you to quickly squeeze through the closing gates. ~RPC
.........................
"John." You call out just as he appears through the trees, his mouth forming a wide smile.
"Come on," he calls and you go to him.
"We have to find a way out. Do you think we could climb that thing?" The gates understandably have been fashioned without footholds.
"We've come this far, I say we go and ask the owner if we can see the place? Or I can say I'm in the market for a Harley and I'd like to buy that one." He laughs at what must be a strange look on your face and begins to walk up the driveway in the opposite direction to the Harley. You run after him to try to make him stop.
"Angel," he grabs both your hands and pulls you in closer. How could you possibly not be drawn in by his deep husky voice saying that name? "I promise we won't be in any trouble." His hands fall down your back to your waist and he pulls you as close as two bodies can be. "I love you so much." You soften in his embrace and accept his lips on yours. As he kisses, you become more unaware of your surroundings until you are slowly falling back with him onto a spongy piece of lawn by the side of the path. You roll around on the grass and settle in a position with him partially on top, your legs linked. Staying there the whole day is an option as the kisses become deeper and his tongue probes between your lips, opening your mouth further. His body is warm on yours and firm to the touch. His hand slips down your thigh then up and over one buttock. You feel his fingers coercing your inner thigh making you lift a leg to drape over his hip. A hand slips between your legs, pulling up your short denim skirt and teases your wetness through the fabric of your underwear, making you groan into his mouth. With one hand he slips fingers inside your bikini briefs and feels your hot core. You cannot believe he is doing this on the lawn of some unknown property owners but you are too drawn in by his spell to make it stop. There is no one around; this area cannot be seen from the street, the house or neighbours, it is as though it is your own small universe.
You find your hips grinding into his hand as your kisses become sloppy from pure arousal. He breathes into your mouth as he concentrates on his probing fingers. The messages he is giving you say that he wants to go further. At this point you don't care if you are caught, you want him. It is so arousing being outside in the open and in forbidden territory. Without words, just with actions, you tug on your underwear and manage to get it down to your ankles and over one shoe. They remain hanging around one ankle as you go for his jeans button and undo it then unzip him carefully. He is more than ready for you, his heart thumping wildly on your chest.
Managing to get his jeans and briefs down partially, frees his erection and he rolls you onto your back. Still mainly clothed he finds your hot spot between your open legs and thrusts inside. There is no need for slowness as you are both aroused beyond imagination. Your hands rest under the rim of his jeans, that rest half way down his ass, and undulate with his plunges.
You will him to go harder, messaging him with upward movements of your hips. He goes deeply inside your oven, grunting with each cavernous push inside. The pressure point is building and you give into your desires to let it go on longer. The furry feeling in your groin grows into throbs as you quake all around him, feeling pure love for the man to which you have granted private access to your body.
"Oh Angel." He calls out as he pulses out endlessly inside you. You see the flushed pink of his neck and then his wonderful face as he looks into your eyes, experiencing the final throes of this pleasure beyond words. He kisses your lips as gradually your surroundings come back into view and your vulnerability increases.
"John, we have to get out of here." He smiles, kisses you again and tries to stand, a little wobbly at first. You quickly pull up your underwear as he is pulling up his when you hear a sound behind you. ~RPC
....................
Rapidly smoothing down your skirt you look to see a man dressed in overalls and who appears to be the gardener.
"I'm so sorry," you say very embarrassed that you had been caught red handed and getting dressed. "We were just leaving." It sounds lame but something needs to be said. John finishes doing up his pants behind you but it is all too plain what you have been doing on his lawn. "Just open the gates and we'll be gone."
"I think you'd better come with me." He looks a little amused.
"No really, we'll be on our way. You won't see us again," you plead.
"Honey, I think we should go with him. We'll just explain exactly what we're here for." John is chuckling. Is it nervous laughter?
"This way." The gardener begins walking along the driveway. You see there is no way you are going to be able to leave that easily. You just hope the owners do not press charges for trespassing. John's arm lightly rests around your waist as he walks with you.
As you round a corner you see the residence, it is a true mansion and you are awestruck by the enormity and the beauty. It has old world charm and may even have been one of the original dwellings in the area thus explaining the larger grounds. It has two storeys and a third level with numerous attic windows. There is a portico over the front entrance where vehicles stop to let out the visitors. The gardener takes you around the side of the house where you see the three-car garage and the Harley sitting in front, the full helmet resting on the seat. The rear perimeter of the property cannot be seen from this angle but you expect a swimming pool and perhaps even a tennis court. You are mesmerized by the sheer enormity of land this size in the classy Beverly Hills.
The gardener opens the rear entrance to the house and ushers you inside into a vast conservatory type room with glass windows and ceiling. Surprisingly the gardener leaves you there to wonder what will happen next.
"John," You take his hand. "At this rate we'll be late to see your mom."
"No we won't, I promise." He goes to walk into the next room that happens to be the kitchen. It is almost the size of a small house itself. There are a couple of people who must be kitchen staff at one end and do not notice the two of you going through their room.
"I don't think we should be doing this, maybe we should have stayed in the conservatory."
"Don't worry, it's all right. We'll just find someone so we can quickly explain and then get out of here." He gives you a big smile as he leads you down a darkened hallway to the front of the house. To the left is a large living room; to the right is the closed entrance to what must be another large room. "Come on." He takes you into the room on the left and all you can do is turn a slow circle marveling at the d�cor. The furniture is dark wood and the carpet red. There are at least four large windows that give a wonderful view of the outside garden. The lounge chairs look comfortable and expensive but still with that lived in feel. Over the fire mantel there is a large painting of a man you have seen before but cannot place the name.
You walk up closer to see a name plaque on the lower frame. The name on the brass plate shocks you into reality. Spinning around you see John smiling and a familiar woman come into the room.
"Ms. Svensen?" You say almost forgetting you are in her house.
"That's right dear, but please call me Barbara." You gulp wondering why a famous actress like Barbara Svensen, whose lawn you christened and whose property you trespassed would possibly want you to call her by her first name. When John goes to her for a hug, in the flash of an eye, all is made clear.
"Mom, it's good to see you again." You don't know whether to laugh or cry or just to beat John senseless from frustration and embarrassment. Instead you stay there awestruck as they exchange mother and son moments.
"You didn't tell her did you John." She walks over to you and gives you a short hug and a warm smile and then directs you to a lounge chair. "You must stop being embarrassed about our family and tell people the truth." She is a striking woman with the same clear blue eyes as her son.
John comes and sits next to you and places a hand on your knee.
"I'm not embarrassed Mom. I see it as on a need to know basis." You truly feel awkward. Thoughts go back to what you just did on his mother's lawn and your face flushes pink. Hopefully the security cameras did not pick up that misdemeanor or it would add further to the humiliation. No wonder John was laughing and seemingly comfortable in this situation, he had probably screwed Marion there on the grass too.
"Well no matter what." She turns to you. "Anyone who has turned my son's head as much as you is welcome here." Relaxing a little from her comforting comments you sit back in the chair not sure what to say next.
There is a knock at the door and a maid enters with a trolley filled with a plate of food and coffee cups and a large silver urn.
"Thank you Sara," John's mother takes the full coffee cup from her and takes a sip. As Sara goes to get more coffee she looks at you with forced composure and then bats her eyelids at John who seems not to notice.
When everyone has their coffee and been offered to choose from the tray of assorted sandwiches she continues,
"I can tell what John sees in you. You're a very beautiful woman, smart too I hear."
"Why thank you." Your lover must have told her everything. Why did he not tell you all this?
"So John, when are you going to make an honest woman of her and give me grandchildren?"
"Mother!" he laughs apparently having heard this comment before but he knows that you are not fazed by the comment. She must also see that you are head over heels for this man and would certainly bear him children if he wanted them. It is all too much to think about as you sit there in John's mother's presence feeling more and more at home.
"I saw you looking at Ralph's portrait when I came in." Barbara's gaze is to your right and you look once again to the large portrait of the late Ralph Doggett, the famous Hollywood director and John's father. His name had come to mind a number of days ago after the Leno interview when the reporter had called out to John about his famous parents. Even though it had churned in your mind about this man being the possible father of your lover it had been forgotten when John had not followed up the suggestion. Little did you know he would be keeping all this from you. Knowing John there would have to be a good reason.
"Yes, I have been following his career for years now. I've always admired the man and his accomplishments," you say truthfully. He had been part of the reason for your decision to become an actor and perhaps doing a little directing later if the situation presented itself. John is sitting there smugly watching the interaction between you and his mother.
"He was a good man and we miss him dearly." She smiles over to John, a small look of regret in her expression. "So, you must tell me more about yourself and why you think my son here will make you happy." She stands and begins to walk to the door. "How about we chat while we take a swim. I can tell you about my next movie." She smiles as you nod, knowing she must have some swimwear that will fit you.
You and John stand to follow her as a familiar face walks into the room.
"Mom," Jim also hugs his mother and you know it was he on the Harley before and that was the reason he waved to you so happily standing outside his gate. The full-face tinted bike helmet had hidden his face.
"Jim darling, join us for a swim?"
"Not just at the moment, there are a few phone calls I have to make but I'll be out there in about thirty." He looks across to you and then John and nods a salutation. By the look on his face and that he had not greeted his mother earlier would suggest he was probably playing around with one of the housemaids. Sara comes to mind; you wouldn't put it past him especially after his behavior in Nowheresville. How could two brothers be so different?
"Come, I'll find you some swim wear." Barbara speaks to you and John. "We'll see you soon Jim. Tell Sara to bring us some drinks will you?" The look on his mother's face surprises you and then you understand, she probably knows that her son is a playboy.
"Just before you do," Jim addresses John. "Frank says that there's been a decision on the show and that he's calling a meeting for tomorrow morning at ten." It finally hits you that it is not absolutely clear that this pilot will take off. Until now you and John had felt quietly confident but this was now crunch time.
"Did he say if the show's successful?" John beats you to the question.
"He didn't say," he raises his palms in the air. "Guys, I know nothing else."
"How did he sound?" It is your turn to be eager for some sign.
"The way I see it, the tides could turn in any direction." He gives a non-committal smile leaving you both with nagging doubts. Even if tomorrow you hear bad news it is not the end of the world. John takes your hand in his and gives you a wonderful smile confirming that your love for each other is far more important than any television series.
"Well," the brothers' mother breaks the silence. "I suggest you all stay here the night and leave for the meeting from here tomorrow morning. I won't take no for an answer." Even before you can accept, she continues and she walks down the hallway. She is surely used to getting her way. "Jim you can stay in your room tonight. John, maybe you two would like the 'Georgian' room?"
She winks and smiles as you follow her outside towards the pool, leaving you thinking of her acceptance of your love of her son and how it would be to make love in something called a 'Georgian' room.
*****
Part Eighteen - Nowheresville, Nevada
The last round table meeting the publicity crew, a few other staffers, Frank, you and John all attended. This time the room is overflowing with every conceivable cast member and crew worker all waiting for the announcement that Frank would share as soon as he entered the room. Having seen the long list in the closing credits of movies and series this crowd embodies the huge team effort it is to make a television program. Everyone has an important role no matter how small. You and John are but two cards in the deck.
John sits close to you on your left just brushing your shoulder with his. He knows what this does to you and you wonder if he feels the same pure streams of pleasure through his body. Last night in the Georgian room at his mother's house was a memory you will never forget. You had never slept in a bedroom so huge and plush. The tones of the furnishings were red, cream and canary yellow. An iron fireplace was against one wall with a large guilt framed mirror above it. The walls were painted cream and displayed what appeared to be original paintings. The wood of the furniture looked like cherry wood and very expensive. There were French doors opening out onto a balcony that overlooked the lush colorful garden. None of the surrounding neighbours' dwellings could be seen, truly adding to the vastness of this property and the feeling of privacy in such a large busy city like LA.
The piece de resistance in the room was the four-poster king sized bed. It had the same cherry wood frame and a striped burgundy, cream and yellow cover. Given the size you smile and inwardly glow remembering using every square inch of that bed for your sex play. John had assured you that no one would hear your lovemaking so this left you to explore each other's bodies and tolerances all night long.
Your lover looks across almost reading your thoughts. Is he thinking the same things? Your eyebrows raise and he nods and blows you a kiss. The unspoken affinity you have with John will hold you in good stead when it comes to hiding your love for each other from the world.
There is a hum of conversation around the room as all wait a little nervously. Marion hasn't spoken to you since Nowheresville of which you are happy but she does have a smug look on her face for some reason of which you are not aware. You wonder if John has noticed too.
As the door flings open all conversation ceases and all pairs of eyes watch as Frank moves to his chair not giving anything away with his actions. He places his hands on the rim and leans forward surveying the sea of faces before him.
"We have some good news and some bad news." There is a collective sigh with most people thinking the worst. He immediately continues, "The good news is that the FX Network likes the Pilot and the concept of the series and is willing to give it a go."
There are cheers and hugs around the room that seem to go on forever. In a way it is a relief for everyone that all the hard work has paid off. Even though you and John need to keep it cool outside your home this is a good reason to hug. He turns to you and envelopes your body with his sturdy arms. You bask in the pleasure of his embrace and reciprocate.
"I knew we could do it," he whispers in your ear tickling the lobe.
"Oh, I'm so happy John." You feel elation as well as relief. He gives you a kiss just as you notice the room become quiet again for the second part to the statement.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the bad news is not so bad. We have been contracted at this stage for thirteen episodes. Not a whole season as originally requested." The onlookers wait for more information. "They will wait to see audience reaction and ratings for the Pilot and the first few episodes of the series and then contract us for more on that basis."
There are nods and excited chitchat around the room showing that this can all be a positive thing.
"The writing team has come up with scripts for the first three episodes." He nods over to the group of five men and women who are together not far from him. "I have read them and am very confident that they will be mind blowing. We have one hot show here folks. We are going to blow the Americans out of the water with this series and then the world."
The atmosphere in the room is electric and Frank builds on that aura.
"Tonight we celebrate. In anticipation of this success I have booked out Bliss, West Hollywood for a cast party. You and your friends are welcome to join us. It'll start at six. See you there." He waves to the ocean of happy faces concluding the meeting and then looks over to you and John and beckons you over.
In a huddle he talks to you about appropriate behavior that night.
"I probably don't need to say this but tonight you will need to just cool it a little. Now I don't know how serious this relationship of yours is and to be honest I don't want to know but it must be kept under wraps for now."
"Gotcha Frank," John nudges his arm.
"If anything is leaked to the press about your private lives then you will need to deny it any way you see fit. John, those comments of yours to Janna at the premiere night were perfect. Lightly laughing it off as rumor is the way to go."
"Okay, we're just good friends."
Frank continues, "I can see us sometimes having to use some diversionary tactics to throw them off. Maybe you are seen with other people every so often."
You nod and agree,
"After all, we are actors, we should be able to pull it off." John also nods.
"Something I do need to tell you, there will most likely sharks there tonight. After ensuing Leno publicity it seems like you two are starting to get tongues wagging."
"All good for business Frank?" John puts a hand in a pocket and rests the other hand on the table.
"Sure is and that's why they're allowed to stay. All the more reason to temper it down." He looks at you once again and shakes your hands. "I have to say, if it wasn't for finding you," Frank holds your hand tighter. "We may never have been in this situation." He lets go and begins to move off signaling it is time to depart. You feel smugness to your very core at his words. Your life has done a complete turnaround since you first stopped at the gas station in Nowheresville, Nevada.
Thoughts run through your mind about what had been going on in your head before you stopped for gas. It wasn't that you needed gas; it wasn't that it might have been the last gas station for many miles. The reason you stopped was on a whim. The image returns of a sexy looking man in middle of the sweltering Nevada desert, working at a gas station, underneath an old Ford mustang convertible, checking out the spark plugs and wiping his hands with a cloth. That's the reason you stopped, the magic had been there right from the start. There is such a thing as fate.
You smile to yourself and decide that one day you will tell him but not now because from all the recent excitement and the lack of sleep last night you feel understandably fatigued.
"John, can we go? I need to lie down."
"We both need some rest before tonight. How about I lie down with you?" His whisper touches your ear as his hand rests on your back.
"John, you know perfectly well what will happen if we lie in bed together." With an impish grin he responds,
"I just think we need lots of practice if we are going to make those babies Mom wants."
You nudge his arm and laugh but deep down you know it would be an honor to have his children.
*****
As expected, the two of you didn't get much "rest" before the cast party. You insisted on giving John a full body massage like he had done for you. It was impossible to tire of rubbing and kneading his back, watching the muscles ripple and relax under your touch. He purred with contentment and you were glad that you could do this for him. He returned the favor again for you until it was time to get up and get a shower before the party. Soaping off the body oil was just as erotic as putting it on.
You had picked out a stylish outfit for the night's festivities with Faye's help. It consisted of black satin, tightly fitted pants topped by a black velvet bustier with round, diamond-like button closures. A sheer black ribbon cascaded from your waist to your knee held at the top by a diamond pin. Strappy Blahniks were on your feet and diamonds were on your ears and around your neck.
John whistles appreciatively at the expanse of cleavage the bustier afforded. "How do you stay in that thing?" he asked. "It's a trade secret," you reply admiring him in return. He looks especially handsome in his black silk-linen pants topped by a dark maroon shirt and matching maroon tie with gold accents. The slightly spicy smell of his aftershave is a turn on for you too.
"Well, I'd say we're good to go," John takes your arm and leads you downstairs where the limo is already waiting.
Bliss is one of the new, popular "American" food spots in town and ideally located at Melrose and La Cienega. As described in the LA City Guide, "A cement bunker exterior opens into one of the most exuberant dining settings in the city, with soaring ceilings, drooping meringue-like ceiling lights and giant semi-circular banquettes that could double as a carnival ride." It certainly sounds ideal for a cast party. The covered outdoor patio would prove popular, as the weather is ideal.
The cameras are busy as you both step out of the limo. It is a repeat of the previous night as questions are flying around, some of which John answers, some of which he ignores. Brad and Jennifer are getting a lot of attention, too, as expected, as are a few of the Lakers stars and their wives and dates who are hard to miss since their heads barely clear the doorframes. The grips and guys that John regularly rode Jim's Harley with are also well represented and high fives are exchanged with them all around when you and John enter. All in all, it is a varied crowd and the party already seems well under way.
There is a round of applause as Frank notices you and John had arrived and all eyes go to the two of you. The servers are passing around glasses of champagne as well as non-alcoholic beverages and once the two of you have your own drinks, Frank announces a toast,
"To all of you who helped make this show a reality, my thanks. You're the best bunch of people anyone could hope to work with. And special thanks to the actors and actresses who gave one hundred per cent and then some.
"I couldn't have wished for a better cast to work with. I look forward to all of us sharing in our hard won success for many years to come."
Glasses clink followed by more applause and the chatter in the room grows louder as people happily share accomplishments and triumphs with each other. ~CAC
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The cast party is going well and everyone is in good spirits. As the celebrating continues, Jim comes over to you and John and says he has a surprise for everyone then walks away. You look at John both wondering what Jim has up his sleeve.
"John, if I would have known your brother was better than you in bed I wouldn't have wasted my time on you." Marion laughs as she walks over to stand next to Jim. You know who's the better man and that's all that matters.
John gently kisses you on the lips before excusing himself. You feel a tap on the shoulder and turn to see Marion standing there.
"You think he's all yours now, wait 'til the show airs and you see all those woman out there wanting to get their hands on him." You ignore what Marion just said because you know he only has eyes for you.
Jim whistles trying to get everyone's attention.
John returns just in time to hear what Jim has to say.
"Everyone I have something I'd like to share with all of you." The room silences and you see the photographers at the ready. This makes you wonder what Jim has on his mind and that maybe he has tipped them off beforehand. Just the look on Jim's face and that Marion is close by with an equally large grin makes you suspicious. "I'd like to announce to you all that Marion Kowalski, the show's Associate Producer, and myself are engaged to be married."
There are flashes from the cameras around the room and the crowd applauses and cheers. Jim and Marion give each other a hug and kiss for the cameras and then leave the dais to be consumed by the guests.
"Well that was a surprise." You look at John and see a small snigger. He must be thinking the same as you.
The music starts up again before you have time to talk more about the surprise announcement. There will be plenty of time to share your thoughts. ~Muskrat
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"I love this song, I just needed a slow dance." You pull John up from the table not waiting for his acceptance, just knowing. The media vultures are watching from their vantage points but a dance with your costar will just show your friendship and that you are celebrating the success of the Pilot and the exciting prospects awarded by the acceptance of the new series. The three way meeting with Frank that afternoon prepared you for the fact that they would constantly be on your heels and to play it cool as much as possible.
His hands slip around your waist and your arms around his as you gently gyrate to the tender strains of the love song.
"Did you know about Jim and Marion?" There is contentment as though a heavy veil has lifted from your soul. Marion being married will keep her away from John.
"No, actually. It was a surprise to me too." John looks genuine.
"So how do you feel? Are you happy for them?
"He can have her," he snorts. Your lips cannot help but curl at his response. He dances more, moving in slow circles being careful not to show too much of the desire you have for each other.
"I have something I want to ask you." He talks quietly not wanting others to hear. "I don't mind if you have to think about it." The look in his eye tells you that it is probably what you have been expecting especially since visiting his mother and the comment about making an honest woman of you.
"Yes John?"
He gives an uncontrolled smile then asks,
"Do you want three or four?" That is certainly not what you expected but you have come to accept that this man is not predictable and you like that. He must see the confusion on your face. "Children." Still you are quiet, not having expected anything like this. "Okay, I suppose you're thinking we should get married first?" He smirks.
"That's usually what happens nowadays but not always." He bites his lower lip perhaps in an attempt to have some control over his speech.
"Will you marry me and have as many children as we decide on?" To give him back some of his own medicine the actor comes out in you.
"So you only want me to bear your children?" His jaw drops a little and you know he is also acting. "John, yes I will marry you." The smile comes back to his face.
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure," you chortle. At that moment he moves closer still, trying to look like just friends but you know that later you will both express your emotional and physical thanks for your mutual promise of marital bonding. Frank moves past you with his dance partner and gives you a 'I knew it' look. There is laughter from both of you and you are glad it was just Frank who heard.
"I have something else to tell you." He speaks quietly.
"John, haven't you surprised me enough?" This time you have no idea what he is going to say and you hope it is nothing that will put a dampener on the night.
"When my father died, Jim and myself came into a substantial amount of money. He knew he was going and wanted his sons to enjoy the money now rather than waiting until Mom was gone. Mom agreed."
"John, are you saying you are wealthy? How wealthy?" Ambivalence overcomes you for more than one reason and John must notice this.
"I had enough money accumulated from my acting career to never have to work again. Dad's inheritance means us and our family would never want for anything." He waits for a response, which does not come presently so he continues. "Jim bought himself a multi-million dollar mansion in the Hollywood Hills." You wait for another surprise. "My home is in Malibu."
"Why didn't you tell me this? Why the apartment?" Disbelief still clouds your thoughts.
"The apartment is to be close to the studios. I could afford a penthouse but I still crave the simpler life."
"Yes, like getting away to Nowheresville." The music has changed to another slow one and reminds you that the dance floor is for moving around not just conversation.
"I don't need opulence around me when I have you," he says softly and genuinely.
"You haven't answered my first question. I really do not understand what I'm feeling at the moment. So Marion was just after your money?"
"Do you think she liked my body or my money better?" He grins widely trying to dispel the awkwardness.
"John, I want you to know that to be truthful, you being wealthy like this will take a deal of getting used to."
"I know and forgive me for not telling you sooner. I hope you understand that I wanted to be sure you loved me for me and not just my money."
"Like Marion?"
"Let's not talk about her, she has her man now and the money to go with it. It'll get her out of our hair once and for all." His hands smooth down your back and he sways to the gentle strains of the dance music.
"Don't forget she'll be your sister-in-law." There are chuckles from both of you and rolling of the eyes at the thought.
"Our sister-in-law," he corrects and smiles.
"I bet he'll want a pre-nuptial agreement." It is bold of you but it is what you feel and it is your lawyer side revealing itself.
"Of course he will." John looks certain. "Let's see how long it will last," he whispers in your ear.
"I am happy to sign any pre-nup agreement John. You know I would still want to be with you no matter how much or how little money you had."
"I know, and that's why I don't want you signing anything. I want to share everything with you. I trust you and want to be with you no matter what happens. I love you so much," he whispers with so much emotion it brings some tears to your eyes. It is so hard not just to wrap your arms around him and cry happy tears into his shoulder.
The music continues but John stops his movements for a moment and looks at you telling you he has something more on his mind.
"You have been with me every day since I first set eyes on you in Nowheresville, Nevada. We are perfect for each other in life and love, you have accepted my marriage proposal."
"Yes John?" Where is he going with this? Surely there are no more bombshells.
"I have waited patiently, giving you time to get over Jack, wanting you to tell me yourself."
"Tell you what, John?"
"There are three special words you are yet to tell me." It slowly dawns on you the three words you have wanted to say again to him over and over since that night in his bed when he had not heard the first time.
The look on his face is patience and love, the feel of his arms encircling you is security and contentment, the gentle sway of his body is harmony and rhythm all making this the perfect synchrony to tell him.
At first you mouth the words not wanting the couples dancing near you to hear. He smiles but it is understandably not enough for him.
"What was that?" He playfully cups his ear.
"I love you, John." You wait for his face to express to you his joy and it does, just moments later. Without warning he wraps his strong arms around your body and lifts you into the air eliciting a yelp from your mouth. He spins you around a few times and then holds you in the air until you think you may have to beg him to let you down.
While up above the heads of the dancing couples you see a number of media people notice you. They must have heard you too because they are on their way over, photographers in tow. You see a flash of a camera and know what you have to do and speedily.
"John, quickly put me down." He looks around and sees the reporters coming in your direction.
With just a simple look at each other you know what you will say and that the next moments will be the precursor for many more times you will be hounded by the media to get a glimpse of your private lives and your possible steamy off camera romance.
Secrecy will be of the utmost until Frank deems it the right time for disclosure. For the sake of the series' success you have agreed to deny all liaison apart from good friendship. There will probably be times you will need to manufacture tactics to put them off track but you know with the help of Frank you will have fun playing a merry dance with them. There is always a way to explain away and cast doubt on any situation you may find yourselves in.
"Remember Angel, we just play it cool." You both take deep breaths as the pack is upon you.
The End
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