ALASKAN FIRE

by Alaskan Fire (NCP) (lit)

  “But this is such a ridiculous situation. Perhaps I should move into a hotel tonight.”

  Sam frowned as he considered her suggestion. “It’s certainly an alternative but I think it would be preferable for you to stay with me for the next day or so, just to be on the safe side.”

  “Surely it’s disruptive for you and I can’t expect you to protect me. Besides, you will have late night meetings or trips away or...or.” Jess stopped, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

  “Or what, Jessica?” he said softly, leaning towards her, a slight smile on his lips as he watched her grope for words.

  “Or you may want to bring the owner of this jacket or Pauline or someone else home for the night,” she finished, her eyes meeting his defiantly. Sam didn’t answer for a moment and Jess berated herself for blurting out such a stupid statement.

  “Does Pauline bother you?” Sam asked.

  Jess swallowed another mouthful of wine and the waiter standing nearby rushed to fill her glass.

  “No. Of course not. I hardly know her. But she could be angry if she found out I was living with you or, rather staying at your house.” Jess quickly corrected herself.

  Sam laughed a rich, deep sound. “Jess, my sweet innocent. Pauline may not bother you but you’re right, you sure as hell bother her,” he chuckled.

  Jess looked down at her plate. “Oh,” was all she could think of to say.

  “From what you have said, you seem to think I have a choice of gorgeous women lined up to take to my bed each night and they will be very unhappy if they see you around. In other words Jess, you are thwarting my normally busy sex life.”

  “Yes, I think that is possible. I will certainly only stay a couple of days Sam, and I will keep well out of the way,” Jess said in all seriousness, finishing another glass of wine and not liking at all the way the conversation was heading. Sam was silent as their meal was placed in front of them. Jess gripped her knife and fork. I must eat something, she thought. I shouldn’t have drunk so much wine. My head is swimming. What a day!

  They ate without speaking but halfway through her meal, Jess began to pick at her fish. She was so tired. Of course, she had got up at five that morning in Adelaide and written up her notes and then the script before they had gone back to the hospital to complete their filming. And then they had flown back to Sydney and then, she’d had another row with Sam. And then Tom had...

  “I haven’t got any night clothes,” she said and stopped abruptly as she swayed slightly. Sam studied her and then, wiping his mouth with a serviette, signaled the waiter to bring the account.

  “Come on, Princess, you’ve had a busy day. Let’s get you to bed,” he said gently, half lifting Jess to her feet, his arm encircling her waist holding her against him. Jess tried to pull away but it was all too much effort. At the house, Jess leaned against the wall as Sam unlocked the door. She closed her eyes. Oh-Oh, she thought. I shouldn’t have drunk all that wine but I feel so comfortable. I wonder what else can happen to me. Then strong arms lifted her and she nestled against a warm, hard chest as Sam carried her inside, kicking the door closed and carrying her up the sweeping staircase.

  Jess stirred and gazed drowsily through half closed lids at Sam as he laid her on a soft bed. “Don’t let anyone hurt me, Sam,” she murmured on the verge of sleep. She felt Sam remove her shoes and then cover her with a warm doona.

  “No one’s going to hurt you. Now, go to sleep,” she heard Sam say as if from a long way away.

  “Sam, this the first time you’ve been nice to me. We haven’t had a row for hours,” were the last words Jess remembered saying before drifting into a deep sleep.

  Sam watched her as she slept a puzzled frown on his face. He certainly hadn’t foreseen this scenario when he’d left work this evening, he thought ruefully. He smoothed a long finger down her soft cheek. She looked young and vulnerable lying there and struck a strange chord within him--a need to protect her from all the evils of this world. He pondered as to why he'd placed himself in this position. He could so easily arrange for Jess to stay in a hotel, in fact there was a reasonably priced one near the studios. Or perhaps she could stay with Molly for a few days.

  As he watched, Jess' eyelids fluttered and she pressed her dark head closely into the soft pillow settling more comfortably. Sam felt another overpowering urge to care for her. He’d never experienced these feelings before and wasn’t sure he liked them. He had this absurd desire to break through the walls of ice Jess had surrounded herself with and find the real person. The sassy woman, the career woman, the beautiful lover…hell, he didn’t know! But what he did know was that he was intrigued with Jessica Seymour.

  He shrugged. He hadn't analyzed his feelings for such a long time and it felt odd. Perhaps he wasn’t so smart burying himself in his work and not allowing anyone to get close. After all, he'd stuffed up his marriage through his neglect of Tanya and yet he believed he'd loved her. It was only now, now that she had re-married and he'd reached a comfortable relationship with Tanya and her husband that he realized what a mess he'd made of things.

  His thoughts turned to Pauline who had made it very obvious that she wanted an affair with him and he had been tempted. Pauline was beautiful, intelligent and understood his work. They talked the same language and yet he was devoid of any feelings for her.

  Jess sighed in her sleep and he smiled, resisting the temptation to brush away a stray strand of hair from her face. "But you, my little lost soul, have started something even if you don't know it," he whispered before switching of the light and softly closing the door.

  * * * *

  Jess woke with a start. For a moment she couldn’t remember where she was and what had happened. A crack of daylight showing through the thick brocade curtains was enough for her to see around the large, attractive room. She turned to look for her watch and winced as her head gave a sickening throb. Dear heaven! She had drunk too much wine and Sam....Sam had put her to bed! Jess felt a hot wave of embarrassment as she hurriedly switched on the bedside light and then peered under the doona noting with relief she had slept in her clothes. What a mess she’d made of everything, she thought miserably. I’ve stuffed up two stories, involved Sam in a private problem between Tom and myself and then, to top it all, had too much to drink and literally fell asleep in Sam’s arms.

  She sat up gingerly and noticed Sam had placed a glass of water and two aspirin on the bedside table. She gratefully swallowed the tablets and drank the water greedily. How extraordinary that drinking wine can make you dehydrated, she pondered. Jess’ watch was also on the table and her heart leapt when she saw it was already eight o’clock. Why on earth hadn’t Sam woken her -- they were supposed to go to the flat early this morning before they went to work. Where was he? Perhaps he had already left.

  She struggled out of bed and noticed a black bathrobe draped across a lounge. Grabbing it, she slipped it on. It must belong to Sam because it was much too big for her, but that was fine with Jess. She tied the belt tightly around her small waist and opening the door, tip toed along the passage. Perhaps Sam was still asleep, she thought, although she was aware he was normally early into work.

  The aroma of percolating coffee led Jess down the stairs and into the huge kitchen. Later Jess would never know who was more surprised, Pauline or herself. As she came into the room Jess stopped, her mouth opening in dismay and embarrassment. Pauline sat at the large kitchen table drinking coffee with Sam. They had papers and tapes strewn across the table and had obviously been discussing a story. Pauline was dressed in a striking scarlet colored suit with black trim. Her hair was caught back in an elegant chignon and gold jewelry dripped from her fingers and wrists.

  Jess stared for what seemed an eternity but in reality, was a few seconds. Pauline’s expression changed from shock to an ugly, malevolent glare and Jess realized how she must appeared to Pauline dressed in Sam’s robe, her hair disheveled, no make-up, bare feet on the slate tiles. It looked for the entire world as if she
had come from Sam’s bed after a night of lovemaking.

  “Hello, sweetheart. Awake at last?” Sam was suddenly by her side turning her away from Pauline’s spiteful stare. He was casually dressed in faded jeans and a dark blue sweatshirt. “Go and have your shower and I’ll make your breakfast,” he said smoothly, pushing her out of the kitchen and along the passage.

  Jess turned to him, her face burning with humiliation. “How could you let me walk into this situation,” she whispered her voice low so Pauline couldn’t hear. “Pauline thinks I’m sleeping with you!”

  “Pauline is just going. Leave her to me,” Sam whispered back, his voice serious but a glimmer of amusement in his brilliant eyes.

  “Make sure she knows the truth,” she hissed, turning tail and literally running up the stairs.

  In her bedroom Jess closed the door and leaned against it. Oh no! This was getting worse by the moment! She didn’t think that Pauline seemed the understanding type and she could only hope that she didn’t spread any gossip because she certainly hadn’t looked very pleased when she’d seen Jess. She probably thinks I’m naked under this robe, Jess grimaced.

  Pulling the curtains to let in the natural light, she investigated the room that was tastefully decorated in apricot and olive green colors. There was a door leading to another room and to her relief Jess discovered an en-suite bathroom and toilet. It was decorated in the same warm apricot colors to match the bedroom. She was startled to find an assortment of female toiletries adorning the elegant dresser. On closer inspection, she noticed none had been opened. I suppose he keeps a supply for his overnight airheads, she thought cynically, an attack of jealousy gnawing her insides.

  Quickly she showered and dressed in her underclothes. Adventuring along the passage she found an iron and ironing board in the large linen closet and pressed the wrinkles from her suit where she had crushed it overnight. Regretfully, she would need to wear the suit again but at least, she was clean and refreshed, she decided, as she put on a smear of lip-gloss and mascara. Her headache had disappeared and she was ready to face the world again. As she made her bed, she reflected again on how safe she felt with Sam. I would like to stay here forever she thought, but I have to fight my own battles.

  Making her way to the kitchen, she listened carefully in case Pauline was still there, but it was quiet. Sam was at the table reading the morning paper. Jess noticed all the papers that had been there previously had gone and a breakfast place had been set for her.

  Sam looked up, his eyes flickering over her taking in the shining helmet of hair, the slender body now appropriately clad in her smart green suit and her small feet encased in elegant high heel shoes.

  “Did you explain to Pauline what happened?” Jess blurted out sitting at the table next to him. Sam gave her a glass of orange juice.

  “Good morning, Jessica,” he said politely, ignoring her remark. “I’ll make your toast this morning,” he said, getting up to place two pieces of bread into the pop up toaster. “But this is the last time I wait on you. From now on it’s a free for all and you’ll have to get your own breakfast.”

  Jess took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound rude. It’s just that I was upset to see Pauline. Does she live near here?” Jess tried to keep her voice light but it occurred to her that Sam had never actually answered her question last night about his relationship with Pauline, or any other woman, for that matter.

  Sam flipped the hot toast on to her plate and Jess, feeling ravenous, reached for the butter. Sam shook out his paper and sipped his coffee, avoiding a direct answer. She munched her toast thinking for a moment about this extraordinary turn of events. Here I am eating breakfast in this lovely house sitting opposite Sam Armstrong, the icon of present day television current affairs...she mused. He looked even more handsome this morning as his thick, dark lashes covered those startling eyes as he pondered a news story. She noticed there were several flecks of grey in the coal black hair that lay in unruly waves over his well-shaped head. His skin was so golden it was as if someone had painted him, like a golden God, Jess marveled. His eyes met hers and Jess immediately lowered her own and hurriedly drank her coffee. It wouldn’t do for him to know what she was thinking.

  Sam leaned back in his chair. “Okay, Jess, this is how I see it,” he began, clasping his hands behind his head. “Nothing has changed as far as a potentially big problem with your ex-lover Tom Hunter. He may have been scared off but I doubt it. So, as I said last night, we will move you out of your flat and until you find a safe place, you can stay here. I don’t know whether you would like to phone Tom’s parents or a friend in the Southeast. They may be able to help to talk some sense into him.”

  Jess broke in. “Oh, I couldn’t do that! They don’t realize that Tom has this....this hidden side to him,” she said, hesitating as she thought how distraught Tom’s parents would be. He was their only son, their pride and joy. They would be devastated to hear this about him.

  “They are going to be pretty upset if he hurts you or himself, or does something equally as dangerous or stupid,” Sam said bluntly. “Anyway, we will drive over to your flat after breakfast and you can pack your clothes. The rest we can sort out with your landlord later.”

  “But what about work?” Jess asked feeling guilty, particularly in that she was the one who had slept in.

  “I’m coming to that.” Sam poured himself another cup of coffee. “I have a shoot in the studio at twelve and I won’t be finished until about eight o’clock tonight. You stay in the office and work on a special research project I have for you.” Sam leaned forward and his long fingers curled around Jess' arm to emphasize what he was saying.

  “Jess, in the next few days I want you to stick to me like a shadow. We will go to work together and come home together. I don’t want you to go out on any stories unless it’s with me, do you understand?”

  Jess jerked her arm away impatiently. “But, if the staff are aware there is a problem, they can keep an eye open. I don’t want to put you to this trouble.” Jess' expression was cool and reserved.

  “Now, don’t go icy on me Jess, just when we are getting somewhere. Except for Bill and security, the staff won’t know anything about your...err...problem.”

  Jess' eyes widened. “But Pauline has probably told everyone about Tom by now,” she exclaimed.

  “I didn’t tell Pauline and I don’t intend to.”

  “What did you say? But…but, in that case she thinks that we are ...we are having an affair?”

  “Yes.”

  Jess' mouth dropped open in astonishment and then undisguised horror. “Did you ask her to keep our so called affair confidential?”

  “No, I didn’t and once again, I have no intention of doing so,” was the firm reply.

  “But, how can you let people think this about us? This is terrible.” Jess' hands unconsciously gripped her cup as if to break it. “It will give the impression that I’m a whore, a cheap tart trying to sleep my way to the top!” Her mouth trembled with indignation.

  “You’re exaggerating, Jess. People in the industry take rumors in their stride. Besides, the gossip columnists are always associating different women with me. I don’t take any notice of it.” Sam’s tone was dismissive and Jess felt a red-hot anger burst inside her.

  “Well you might not care what people think but I do.” she exploded. “How can you assume I will put myself in such a position so the whole of Australia and beyond probably, will think I’m your ...your floozy. It’s despicable!”

  Sam smiled and Jess only just stopped herself from hitting him.

  “Floozy. What an odd, old-fashioned expression, Jess. You certainly are an enigma. You have one of your past lovers chasing you across the country threatening you with God knows what and yet you become moralistic when I offer you my protection.”

  Jess hesitated as she listened to the deep, rich voice running over her like a soothing balm. Curiosity got the better of her as she said more calmly “Surely Pa
uline will hardly approve of our affair, considering her association with you?”

  “I have never had an association with Pauline. She’s an excellent presenter and my connection with her is purely professional. She came here this morning to go through the background of a story she’s doing in Canberra today. What I do in my private life is none of her business. Anyway, you and I know there is nothing between us--that our relationship is purely platonic, so why should we feel guilty?” Sam raised a mocking eyebrow and Jess felt a curious pain deep within her.

  “I don’t understand why you didn’t tell her the truth about why I’m staying here?” she asked.

  Sam reached over and took Jess' hand in both of his, caressing her with long, tapered fingers. His dark lashes veiled his eyes.

  “Listen to me, Jessica. I’m about to launch you on to the world stage with all the right publicity to go with it. However, the last thing we need to leak to the rest of the media is this present problem with Tom Hunter. We don't know how Tom will react but it could do you a lot of damage if he bleats about how you were going to marry him and then dumped him, and so on. We have to tough this out--we have no choice."

  Jess took a deep breath. “I can see that but what’s to stop them thinking I’m just chasing the boss?” she snapped.

  “As I said, any rumor will be a one day wonder and will probably add a bit of sparkle and intrigue to your public persona. I just hope the business with Hunter doesn’t get nasty.” Sam dropped her hand and getting up reached for his jacket from the back of his chair.

  “Hopefully the whole mess should have blown over by the time we get back,” he said.

  Jess looked up. “Get back?”

  Sam leaned forward and whispered, “You’re going overseas with me to do a couple of stories.”

  For a moment Jess couldn’t think of anything to say she was so surprised. Then Sam gave her a slow, secret smile. “In fact, we couldn’t get much further away if we tried. We’re going to the place where all good ice maidens belong--north to Alaska.”