Pauline closed the door and when she turned, the look on her face made Jess blanche. Pure hatred spewed from her and her mouth twisted contemptuously. “I knew I would find you here,” she said. “Working your little fingers to the bone, trying to impress Sam.”
Jess pressed against the desk, her legs trembling at the sheer vindictive venom in Pauline’s voice.
“I want to make sure you understand exactly where you stand,” she continued, moving closer to Jess, her brown eyes dark with loathing. “I’m top cat around here not only in my work, but also as Sam’s woman. He may amuse himself for a while with a slut like you, but it is me he comes back to. I’m warning you, get out of Sam’s life or I’ll make sure you never work in this city again. Do I make myself clear?” Pauline’s voice rose, her face red with anger. Jess' throat constricted with shock. The next moment Pauline whirled around and was gone.
Jess stared at her shaking hands. She had never been exposed to such hatred. Even Tom when he had threatened her had never exuded such vitriolic loathing. She placed her hands to her throbbing temples. Sam had lied to her, she thought. He was having an affair with Pauline. “It will be me he comes back to,” Pauline had said, as if he’d had numerous affairs, which would certainly confirm the gossip.
Creeping upstairs to her room, she locked the door and switched on the small television set, staring unseeingly at a news program. She mulled over every word Pauline had spat at her. Everything Jess had said to Sam was coming true. People were calling her cheap. She was viewed as someone who had latched on to Sam for her own ends. Only a very few knew the truth.
She wasn’t sure how long she sat there glumly staring at the television, analyzing the situation. She could kick herself for allowing Pauline to hurl insults at her. Why hadn’t she answered back? How weak and gutless! Pauline would be downstairs now hanging on to Sam. They were probably laughing about her and goodness knows what Sam’s ex-wife was saying. Jess knew she would be the main topic of everyone’s conversation. Another one of Sam’s little affairs, they would say.
Jess paced the room. She wasn’t going to put up with these people talking about her. Making fun of her. She checked her watch. It was seven-thirty and the guests would be arriving. Well, she would show them what sort of stuff Jessica Seymour was made of, she decided with a toss of her head.
Going to the wardrobe she took out one of her two evening dresses, studying it with a critical eye. It was really the only one she could wear tonight. It was a long black jersey dress with a high neck while the bodice and sleeves were covered in a delicate lace, giving a demure appearance. Even so, it could never compete with the exclusive designer dresses worn by the other women at the party. But, it had style.
She had a hot shower luxuriating in its warmth as she felt her tense muscles relax. With extra care, she brushed her hair into its stunning helmet shape. Her make-up was light but she skillfully emphasized her large blue eyes with shadow and mascara and added a soft, coral lipstick. Slipping on strappy high-heeled sandals, Jess studied herself in the full length mirror. Hmm, not bad, she thought with growing confidence. She wore no jewelry, once again knowing she couldn’t compete.
It was now eight thirty. Jess nervously made her way downstairs. She could hear the dance music and buzz of conversation from the lounge area and hesitated at the bottom of the stairs. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea after all. What if Pauline made a scene? What if Sam was angry? What if... Feeling panicky, Jess was about to turn and run back upstairs when a woman’s voice stopped her.
“Hello, Jessica. So you made it after all. How wonderful!” The woman walked from the lounge and stretched out her hands to grasp Jess' arm. Jess stared at her taking in the beautiful, smiling face and short, bouncy blonde hair. “I’m Tanya. Sam’s ex,” she laughed, conspiratorially.
“I’m pleased to meet you,” Jess said stiffly.
“Not half as pleased as we are to meet you,” Tanya said. “Are you feeling better? Sam said you had a terrible headache.”
“I’m all right, thanks,” Jess replied still hesitating, building her courage to face the other guests.
“Come on, Jess. It won’t be as bad as you think,” Tanya whispered, with a twinkle in her eyes as she linked her arm in Jess'. “Let me introduce you to Mark, my husband,” she said, drawing Jess forward.
“Your husband?” Jess looked as bewildered as she felt. “I didn’t know you had married again.”
Tanya laughed in genuine delight. “Mark is the reason Sam let me have a divorce,” she said as they entered the room, arms still linked. Jess felt everyone’s eyes upon her and her chin unconsciously came up as she straightened her slender shoulders. After a lull in conversation, the talk continued even more frenziedly. Jess took a quick look around. There was about a hundred guests filling the large dining and lounge areas. Some people were dancing on the tiny dance floor to a smart three-piece band; others were helping themselves from the buffet while the rest seemed to be generally enjoying each other’s company over their drinks. Jess at last spied Sam’s dark figure at the end of the room in earnest conversation with John Powell, Pauline at his side. Jess felt the vibes of hatred as Pauline saw her.
Tanya introduced Jess to her husband Mark, who was a surprisingly ordinary looking man, with receding hair and rotund waistline. He had a kind, serious face that lit up with adoration whenever he looked at his lovely wife. During their astonishingly open discussion, Tanya explained that Mark was one of Sam's closest friends and that Sam and her divorce had been very amicable.
"People gossiped a lot at the time, but we three considered it was our business, no one else," Tanya explained. "Mark and I are very much in love and now all we want is to see Sam happy," she added, staring wistfully at Jess.
Continuing to chat to this surprisingly open couple, Jess began to feel more relaxed but wished Sam would notice her. They were supposed to be having an affair, for heaven’s sake and he was letting Pauline drape herself all over him.
Jess looked over Tanya’s shoulder as Sam turned in her direction. Her eyes held his and she gave him a deliberate coquettish glance from beneath her lashes, a faint smile on her lips. She watched as his eyes narrowed and excusing himself from the other two, he made his way across the room. Jess swallowed anxiously as he came closer. He looked handsome in a traditional black evening suit and a trendy multi-colored bow tie.
“I see you have met Jess,” he said to Tanya and Mark as he reached them, his eyes still on her. He held out his hand and Jess found herself, quite naturally, stepping into the circle of his arms and resting her head on his chest. Her body trembled and his arms tighten around her slender form.
“Are you feeling better, sweetheart?” he asked solicitously, lifting her chin with his finger, his eyes seemingly full of loving concern.
Jess bit back a contemptuous reply. He was really going overboard in front of all these people. It was ridiculous and somehow lacked dignity in the circumstances. From the corner of her eye Jess saw Pauline watching them, the same malevolent gleam in her eyes. Well, watch this, Ms. Marshall, Jess thought.
“I’m all right now I’m with you, darling,” she sighed, her voice husky with emotions no one would understand. Reaching up, she wound her arms around his neck and pressed her lips against his. She had the pleasure of feeling his mouth soften under her caress and greatly daring, she deepened the kiss, while moving her body provocatively against him.
Sam was the first to break away pulling her arms from around his neck. He sounded breathless when he spoke to Tanya and Mark. “Please excuse us for a moment. I’ll introduce Jess to the other guests,” he said smoothly.
Sam gently pulled her away. “What are you up to?” he whispered, his hands caressing her upper arms.
“I’m playing your game,” Jess replied, looking up at him with a loving smile.
“You are playing with fire, that’s what you’re doing.”
“Maybe, but I don’t intend to be the one who gets burnt,” Jess s
aid.
Sam stared at her, taking in the soft color in her cheeks, the full, inviting mouth and the flirtatious expression. His smile was slow and sensual and Jess' stomach performed a neat somersault.
“Well, it seems two can play at this game,” he murmured, his arm around her waist holding her to him as he introduced her to a group of people nearby.
The evening passed in a surrealistic dream for Jess. The setting, the glamour, the handsome lover, nothing seemed real as she played her part but couldn’t share the joke of her new found acting ability with any of the characters in this odd charade. Sam introduced her to most of his guests but later she couldn’t remember their names. He was a charming host but made sure Jess rarely left his side. He kept touching her until she felt her skin was on fire and she was in danger of being burnt.
Jess was asked to dance by several men during the evening but was conscious of Sam’s eyes on her constantly. She managed to avoid contact with Pauline but could sense the hatred directed towards her and was conscious of her eyes following every move and waiting for a false step.
Sam gave a clever and amusing speech as Pauline triumphantly brought out a beautifully decorated birthday cake. There were times during the night when Jess found she was enjoying herself even though their affair was a charade. She blossomed under Sam’s loving attention and seductive touches. How she wished she really belonged to him and when everyone had left, he would take her upstairs and make love to her.
It was much later in the evening when Jess was dancing with Mark that Sam cut in. She moved into his arms and Sam rested his cheek against hers.
“You seem to be enjoying the game,” he murmured as they moved slowly around the tiny, crowded dance floor. Jess clung to him reveling in the feel of his body pressing against her. She wanted the magic to go on forever.
Sam drew back, looking into her face. “I think we have fooled everyone,” he said, in his smoky voice, his eyes flirting with hers. “They must all believe we are involved in le grand passion, particularly the way you are clinging to me right now.”
“I’m not fooling myself, Sam. I know this is only play-acting.” Jess drew away slightly only to be pulled back in his arms.
“I know you are play-acting, Jess,” he said quietly. “And you seem to be using Pauline as your audience. What’s happened to warrant such seething wrath? Have the two of you had a fight?” Although his voice was quiet, Jess couldn’t miss the steeliness in his tone. She felt waves of shame wash over her. Even though Pauline had said those terrible things to her, wasn’t she just as bad? She had used the pretence of a love affair between Sam and herself to punish Pauline trying to make her jealous. Every look and touch between Sam and herself tonight must have caused Pauline agony and heartbreak.
Jess wanted Sam so much. His body moving against her in their sensual dance created feelings she could barely control. She must put a stop to it for both Pauline’s and her own sake. She looked up at Sam. “Please come to the study with me. I want to tell you something,” she whispered, moving away as she spoke.
Sam shrugged and guided her through the mass of laughing, dancing people to the relevant quiet of the study. Jess locked the door and turned to face Sam who eyed her quizzically.
“This is very mysterious,” he said, leaning against the desk. “What’s the problem?”
“I can’t go on with this ridiculous situation. Pauline is in love with you and we are hurting her by what we are doing. It isn’t right,” she finished.
Sam frowned. “That’s rubbish.” he said. “The only person Pauline loves is herself. Besides, I have said I haven’t associated with Pauline on anything but a purely professional level. She isn’t jealous of our affair. The only thing she is worried about is whether you will get her job as World Watch’s lead presenter.”
Jess' eyes widened. She knew she was a long way from the professionalism required for Pauline’s job. She took a step towards Sam. “It was more than that. She said you often amused yourselves with.... sluts like me, but then you go back to her.” Jess' voice quivered as she recalled Pauline’s vindictive attack and her eyes filled with tears. She turned to hide her pain.
Sam pulled her around to face him. He studied her downcast eyes with tears hovering on the dark lashes. “This has been pretty tough on you, hasn’t it, angel,” he said softly. He bent and kissed her mouth lightly. Jess closed her eyes as his lips touch hers. His arms drew her close and she could feel the heat of his body and smell his discreet aftershave. “I haven’t been playing games tonight,” he said, kissing her again, his mouth lingering on hers.
“Since the moment you walked into the room looking so beautiful, so absolutely flawless among those painted, glittering, gaudy women, I've wanted you like crazy.”
Jess went to speak but Sam effectively silenced her with another kiss, this time his tongue probing her mouth. She moaned as she melted into him. His hands curved around her bottom pulling her to him making her vividly aware of his need for her.
“All evening, every time I touched and held you, I wanted to make love to you right there in front of everyone,” he murmured against her mouth as he pressed her back against the desk. Jess' arms circled his waist clinging to him as she felt her insides pulsating with desire. She gasped when Sam caressed her breasts through the thin material of her dress, gently molding their fullness in his hands.
“There was no pretence, Jess. I didn’t give a damn who was looking or what they thought. All I wanted was to feel your skin next to mine and watch your face when I made love to you.”
He kissed her again and Jess responded, his whispered words exciting her to fever pitch. When Sam knelt before her, she could bear it no longer and sank with him on to the soft carpet. Half laying on him, her kiss burned into his mouth with all the pent-up passion and emotion she possessed as he rolled her over to lay beneath him. He matched her passion with his own and Jess knew for the first time what it was like to loose control to a storm of unimaginable feelings as she surrendered to him.
Sam frantically pushed her dress up revealing her long, silky thighs and blue lace panties. He pressed warm kisses against her pulsating stomach and then moved lower, his mouth hot against the thin lace. Jess arched towards him, moaning as she pulled his dark head closer. Wanting him. Burning for him.
The sudden rap on the door made them both start. “Sam, are the two of you in there? Your guests are leaving. You had better come and say goodbye.” Tanya’s amused voice came clearly through the door.
“Be right there,” Sam replied, his breath uneven as a rueful smile lit up his face. He helped Jess up and her face flushed with embarrassment as she straightened her dress. God, what if Tanya hadn’t knocked! She knew she would have let Sam make love to her there, on the floor of the study with those people close by. She was shameless! Pauline was right; she was nothing but a slut letting Sam do this. She held her hands to her hot cheeks. “I can’t go out there and face them, Sam. What must they think!” she said, her eyes full of shame as she watched him straighten his tie.
Sam frowned as he studied her and then he leaned forward giving her a hard kiss on the mouth. “Okay, little coward. Wait here and I’ll fetch you when the coast is clear,” he said, with a sudden mischievous grin making Jess realize he wasn’t the least bit embarrassed by the situation.
After he’d gone, she sat in one of the lounge chairs hugging her knees. Her body was feverishly on fire as she desperately tried to recover from the impact of Sam’s lovemaking. With sensual words and actions he had assaulted her senses until she was putty in his hands ready to meet his every whim. Jess rested her head on her knees as she thought how she had responded to him. Oh, he wanted her all right but it was purely a physical attraction that would disappear the moment he had fulfilled his desire. “But I would give myself to him in love,” she whispered, leaning back and resting her head on the wing of the chair. She thought about their trip away. How would she resist him if he wanted her, loving him as she did? And what abou
t later, how would she survive at World Watch. Perhaps we were mere victims of our own play-acting. Jess closed her eyes, her mind drifting as tiredness closed in on her.
She woke with a start. Sam was watching her and her eyes anxiously searched his. “Have they left?” she asked, her heart pounding at the longing in his eyes.
“Yes. It’s three o’clock. You’ve been in here for over an hour. I’m sorry it took so long,” he replied, as his arms grasped hers, pulling her to her feet.
Jess stepped away from him an unconscious look of disdain on her face. “Is there any news about Tom?” she said, fighting to stop from flinging herself into his arms.
Sam hesitated, a puzzled look taking the place of previous desire. “What’s the matter, Jess? Why are you freezing me out?”
“I want to know whether the police have found Tom,” she said emphatically.
“Yes, they have. He’s been arrested and is in custody. The police will be here first thing in the morning to interview me.”
“Are you going to press charges?”
“Of course I’m going to press charges and so will you.”
“No, I won’t,” Jess said defiantly. “And I beg you Sam, please let Tom go. He really isn’t like that. If he received some counseling, I'm sure he would get over this,” she pleaded, her eyes unknowingly softening as she thought of Tom’s parents and how their son's arrest would distress them. Surely there had to be another way?
Sam’s voice was cool. “So, suddenly its poor Tom, is it? It doesn’t matter that he threatened to kill us and that for the past few days you have been terrified out of your wits. It doesn’t matter that he has completely disrupted our lives and forced us both into an intolerable situation.” Sam spat the words out, his face strained.
Jess backed behind the chair, her hands nervously grasping the head rest. “I’m sorry you find things so intolerable, Sam. I realize how impossible things are and ... and I am … I mean, do you want me to resign?” Jess swallowed, her heart in her mouth as she watched Sam rub his hand across his jaw in the now familiar gesture.
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