by Leslie
Chapter 12
It was a shame, it really was, all those thousands of dollars worth of clothes cast off to the floor so thoughtlessly. But Jax and Blaine had their minds on other, more pressing matters. Blaine was ecstatic at Jax's luring promise to transport her over the rainbow, and had wasted no time in letting him know with her sensual kisses and roaming hands, that she was ready for her departure!
Jax kissed her with an oxymoronic gentle fierceness, driving her to her limits of physical patience. This storm had been brewing all day, nearly spiralling out of control in a deck chair, and although the winds had died down, it had never dissipated. In fact, it had gained strength -- force -- urgency. Jax and Blaine were entrapped in a full fledged whirlwind of emotions, desires, and needs. Their point of unison the vortex, the two lovers were indeed transported as their bodies raged in passion.
When at last they could speak, Blaine nibbled on Jax's ear as he lay still atop her, and whispered, "And you, Scarecrow, were my favorite!!"
Jax tumbled to his back pulling an unsuspecting Blaine on top of him. She looked glorious, glistening in the aftermath of their tempetuous storm of love. He was tempted to delve into rough waters again, but thought better of it. "Poor Tin Man . . . . I can see where your priorities lie!!!"
She layed herself back down on his chest, and was quiet for a few minutes. The she spoke so softly that Jax had to strain to hear her. "Just like in the movie . . . Tin Man had what he was searching for all along."
Jax rolled over on his side, bringing Blaine back down to her pillow. His eyes scrutinized hers and he asked, "What do you mean?"
"You didn't have to search for my heart --- you already held it in your hands!! You told me this afternoon that the only place I was going to fall was in love with you. Jax -- I'm already there. I already love you!" A tear escaped the corner of her eye, trickling down onto her soft pillow.
Jax eased his hands up and held her face, soaking in each detail of the look she wore at this most memorable moment. "Blaine, I already love you too! I have since the moment I realized you were the girl in the closet!! There was something so permanent about that kiss!!! Maybe this sounds crazy, but it's as if it bonded us together all those years ago, and now, as adults, fate has crossed our paths intentionally."
"It doesn't sound crazy. It sounds wonderful . . . magical . . . and as you said, mythical!! Jax, you're the most amazing man I've ever met, although that fact I've known since we were kids! And, this has been the most outstanding night of my life!!!"
"Well, outstanding as it's been, we need to get to sleep. We've got big plans for tomorrow, and they start earlier than you'd care to know." He kissed her tenderly, whispering, "I do love you!"
"I love you too!" she responded sleepily, contentedly. And they stayed wrapped
in each others arms the duration of the night.
~~~~~~~~~
~ Monday Morning - 6 am - The Aft Stateroom, aboard the Abentueur ~
"Blaine . . . Blaine . . . luv, it's time to get up," Jax whispered as he stroked her hair gently. "We need to be leaving."
She yawned and stretched and smiled, seeing Jax's gorgeous happy face looking down at hers. "Where are we going?"
"On a little excursion."
"We're already on an excursion!"
"Well, then we're going on a sub-excursion!! But not if you don't get up and get dressed!!! Cap'n Gerry's waiting, and somehow I suspect that patience isn't his number one personality trait!"
Blaine got dressed and washed up as quick as she could. Jax had on a pair of jeans, a cream colored sweater and boots, and had a parka along. Blaine followed suit, and dressed in similar attire. She grabbed her camera, and they were off.
Cap'n Gerry had lowered his 11' Boston Whaler into the water, and was already on board to assist Blaine in climbing down the ladder onto the boat. It was so cold, and not quite full light yet, so Blaine sat next to Jax to keep warm. Clarice had sent along a thermos of coffee and another of hot chocolate, along with some warm biscuits stuffed with ham. The combination helped warm them all.
Cap'n Gerry said it would take about an hour to reach where they were going, and they could go down below if they liked. Blaine took him up on his offer, followed by Jax. "Brrrrr! I can hardly believe I'm freezing in August!!!! My body is going to be all out of whack once I leave Alaska!!"
Jax wrapped his arms around her giving her a huge bear hug, and a kiss hot enough to thaw Antarctica!! "I don't think I ever properly wished you 'Good Morning'!"
"Well, let me tell you that's one HECK of a way to start my day!! That, coupled with your telling me where it is we're going!"
"You're devious!! Complimenting my kissing abilities, then pumping me for information."
"I'll let that one pass -- it's early yet! Now, about out destination . . . ."
"We are on what is formally known as the Morning Marine Wildlife Excursion. Cap'n Gerry knows the sound like the back of his hand. He's taking us to some little-known areas that host colonies of Harbor Seals and Sea Lions. He said we should also be on the lookout for native birds."
"Jax, how amazing!!! I've never done anything like this!! I'm so glad I brought my camera!! Will we get to see any whales?"
"I asked him that, and he said it's rare. But, the way this weekend has gone, you never know!"
After what seemed to be a short ride, Cap'n Gerry called his fares on deck. "Look what I've found!"
"Oh, how cute!!!!!" Blaine's little girl enthusiasm was so endearing, Cap'n Gerry himself had to smile. She had spotted a small gathering of Harbor Seals floating on a small iceberg in the cove, mostly babies. "Where are the mamas?" she asked with such genuine concern, snapping pictures of the pups.
"Probably just diving for food. They bear their young on this floating haulouts, probably to protect them from dangerous land mammals. This early in the morning, they go in search of food for their pups."
Jax put his arm over Blaine's shoulder and pointed to one of the floating nurseries, "Look, there's one of the mothers hopping onto the iceberg."
"Oh my gosh, look, she's feeding the baby. Awww!"
Cap'n Gerry drove them to another cove where they witnessed much the same situation with Sea Lions. "Take a good long look, young lady. These Sea Lions are on the endangered species list. Used to be, they were all over the Sound, and now, there's just a small troup of em. It's a shame, a cryin' shame."
As they toured these out of the way coves, Jax reclined Blaine back against him, each of them enjoying the warmth and the closeness. Birds of which they'd never seen the likes of before were everywhere. The Sound acted as a natural bird sanctuary, providing homes to Puffins, kittiwakes, gulls and thousands of murres, just to name a few, Cap'n Gerry had told them.
The trip back to the Abentueur was peaceful, the rrr-ing of the boat motor and the splish-splashy tossing of the wake almost lulling Jax and Blaine back to sleep. Clarice had a huge brunch prepared by the time they returned, and everybody ate until they were warmed to the core again and enjoyed listening to Cap'n Gerry's tales of the Sound. Clarice finally told her husband, "Enough, can't you see these kids are exhausted? You two go rest, and you, Cap'n, get to the helm and let's get moving -- this is a cruise you know. I've got a kitchen to clean!! Let me know when you'll be needing lunch."
Jax and Blaine headed back to their stateroom where Blaine curled up around a pillow on their bed. "So, what's the itinerary for the rest of the day?"
"There is no itinerary! I knew you needed some time to work on your book, so I thought I'd leave you alone for awhile."
"You are so thoughtful, Jax. And much more unselfish than I'd be if it was you who had to work!" she admitted. "But, I could use the time! And, the Sound is more peaceful than anywhere I ever recall being -- I could possibly make some headway today!"
Jax wore a satisfied smile. "I thought that might be the case."
"But, what are you going to do while I'm tucked away writing?"
"Cap'n Gerry has an ocean kayak on board, and I thought I'd take it out on the Sound for a workout."
"You ARE multi-talented, Jax! There's so much I don't know about you!!"
"A situation I fully intend to rectify!!" He leaned over and gave her a quick kiss, and then told her, "No distractions, Adamson! You've got work to do!!" He hastily went into the bathroom, changed and then left her there with a quick "See you later!". It's a good thing he exited quickly, because he looked unspeakably attractive in a full-body, black spandex wetsuit.
"It'll be a wonder if I can concentrate on anything now!!!"
Cap'n Gerry had agreed to stay anchored a little longer to allow Jax to take the kayak out. Jax positioned himself and pushed off with his oar from the boat. It took him a few minutes before he hit his stride, but once he found his rhythm, he glided across the water as if it were ice. He needed time to unwind and think about the realization that he had fallen in love. Not in his plan, but Blaine had worked her way into his heart effortlessly. It felt so natural. He thought again, that it just felt right. There seemed to be no real explanation for the growth spurt his feelings were experiencing, other than the marvellous woman who elicited them. His determination to get it right this time seemed to fuel his strength to power the kayak.
Blaine fluffed up the pillows, got her books, her paper, her favorite pen, her glasses, and even a glass of water. She sat down with the best of intentions, but found that there was nothing in her head but Jax. She couldn't think of anything besides him -- their times together flooding her mind, drowning any and all ideas she was trying to come up with. She decided to turn on some music to provide a distraction, and hopefully some motivation. It worked!! She got into the music and found that she could actually formulate non-Jax-related thoughts. She was still in the planning stages of this book, so she just brainstormed for ideas, locations, character's names and traits. She thought that it might me fun if this book took on more of an adventure/romance scenario that her regular slice-of-life stories. She laughed at the thought that her experience this weekend would make for great reading! Distracted again, she got up and walked to the window. She could see Jax way off in the distance, and marvelled at his multi-facetedness.
She decided to go up on deck and watch him come in. The crew, who she hadn't seen much of, was cleaning the dining room and performing their daily routines the ship required. Situating herself in a deck chair, she could hear the radio playing from inside. She had brought her pad and pen, just in case she needed to jot down any errant thoughts. I'm being overly optimistic, she thought. She focused on Jax, barely a black dot in the Sound, but moving in a straight line in the direction of the boat. Noticing a pair of binoculars lying on a table inside the dining room door, Blaine quickly retrieved them. She located Jax again. As he approached, she watched his arms. His hands seemed to have a tight grip on the oar, and his arms would move in a perfect figure 8, which was the motion necessary to propel him forward. His face was stern with concentration, his mouth opened as he exhaled with each stroke.
His movements were fascinating, and the writer in her couldn't resist the urge to document them for future reference. She was making descriptive notes, trying to capture every nuance of his body's motion. As she did the wheels were beginning to turn, and she recognized the creative process at work again, thank goodness! She could envision a scenario with a professional racer as her male lead, his love interest possibly being introduced at an inopportune moment like the night before his biggest competition of the season . . . or, even earlier, say, during the prior months of rigorous training . . . conflict arising when the relationship interferes with his physical training and when the time eventually comes for him to move on . . . .
She was writing furiously to capture her wild thoughts, smiling because she felt that familiar click that she had experienced with each of her stories in the past. She knew she was on the right path. She laid her head back against the chair to see what else she could come up with. The music playing seemed to permeate her subconscious . . . .
The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful
Stop me and steal my breath
Emeralds from mountains thrust toward the sky
Never revealing their depth
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated
I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
She realized her thoughts had once again found their way back to Jax . .
. his one-of-a-kind blue green eyes, and his chivalrous nature . . . .
Rain falls angry on the tin roof
As we lie awake in my bed
You're my survival, you're my living proof
My love is alive not dead
Tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love
I'll be captivated I'll hang from your lips
Instead of the gallows of heartache, that hang from above
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life
Unbeknownst to her, Jax had tethered the kayak to the boat, climbed the ladder
and was watching her submerge herself in thought. She was leaned back, with
her eyes closed, the arm of her reading glasses in her mouth, pen and paper
still in her lap . . . . .
I've been dropped out, burned up, fought my way back from the dead
Tuned in, turned on, Remembered the things that you said
I'll be your crying shoulder
I'll be love suicide
I'll be better when I'm older
I'll be the greatest fan of your life 1
"Perfect!!" she said aloud.
"Yes, you are!" Jax voice startled her, but it was his wetsuit that completely rendered her speechless. His blond locks involuntarily curling due to the moisture in the air, he looked adorable and sexy at the same time. He was shaking his head, "If this is a hard day for a writer, I'll take it anytime! Look at you!! If you were any more relaxed you'd be asleep!!"
"You have no idea the stress and pressure I'm feeling right now!" she said sarcastically as her eyes travelled the length of his 6'2" spandex-clad frame. "Got any plans for this afternoon?" she asked.
"No, but it looks like you have plans for me!" he answered slyly.
"I sure do!!!
**********************
1 "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain
from the end of Chapter 12 . . . . . .
"Perfect!!" she said aloud.
"Yes, you are!" Jax voice startled her, but it was his wetsuit that completely rendered her speechless. His blond locks involuntarily curling due to the moisture in the air, he looked adorable and sexy at the same time. He was shaking his head, "If this is a hard day for a writer, I'll take it anytime! Look at you!! If you were any more relaxed you'd be asleep!!"
"You have no idea the stress and pressure I'm feeling right now!" she said sarcastically as her eyes travelled the length of his 6'2" spandex-clad frame. "Got any plans for this afternoon?" she asked.
"No, but it looks like you have plans for me!" he answered slyly.
"I sure do!!!
**********************
Jax decided to shower first, but by the time he was finished, Blaine was gone. He found a note that told him to meet her in the Foward Room as soon as he could. He threw on some khaki's, a white T-shirt and a blue demin button down. He didn't even take time to dry his hair in his enthusiasm to get to her.
"Wow, that was fast," she said, rather surprised to see him.
"Well, you said you had plans for me this afternoon. And, besides . . . it's bad manners to keep a woman waiting!!"
"Oh, yeah? I must've missed that chapter in Emily Post's Etiquette book!! Come 'ere," she beckoned. "Close your eyes," she said as he reached her. "I'm going to open you up to a whole new experience Jasper Jacks!"
He obliged, taking a deep breath of anticipation. She took his hands in hers . . . and that's when he felt it . . . . This CAN'T be what I think it is!!! he thought.
"You can open your eyes now!" she told him, holding back her laughter at the look of sheer disappointment on his face.
"A book??? This is your idea of a joke isn't it?"
"A joke? No, why? What did you think I meant by 'whole new experience'???" her innocent look almost threw him.
Throwing the book aside, he took her in his arms positioned his face precariously close to hers, "You know good and damn well what I thought you meant!!! You intentionally mislead me!! And, you've got to know I won't let that pass!!"
"Oh, I mislead you? Like you mislead me about the shopping facilities onboard the S. S. Minnow???"
"Oh, so that's it!!! Well, I didn't LIE outright!!! There is a shop on board the Abentueur!"
"You mean Cap'n Gerry's supply closet??? Oh, the choices I would've had!!! Let's see . . . do I wear green overalls or orange??"
Jax' s heary laugh was jostling Blaine right along with him, "I think you'd look fabulous in orange -- besides, maybe I was hoping that you'd choose to forego wardrobe altoghether, and we'd never leave the stateroom the entire trip!!!"
"Jaaaaax!!!" she whined playfully. "Although . . . that doesn't sound half bad now that I think about it!!" She kissed him sweetly, then stood up to retrieve the book. "I am sorry that I teased you -- but I knew you wouldn't come so quickly with the lure of a good book!"
"You're right about that! I've told you Blaine, I'm not a recreational reader. I read for business purposes, so I guess I'm a productive reader!"
"I disagree wholeheartedly!!! It's not productive not to enjoy what you're reading!! The way I see it -- you owe me one!! So, get comfy and open the book, ok?"
Jax looked like a little boy who just got scolded for not doing his homework. "What if I don't like it? What if I can't get into it?"
"What if you just give it a chance??" she returned.
"'The Firm', by John Grisham? But I've seen the movie, I know how it ends already!!"
"The book is MUCH better. Besides, the ship 'library' is virtually non-existent!! This is on loan from the Captain."
"Now, there's a motivator -- to be as well read as the ol' Cap'n!"
"Jax -- you're beginning to be difficult!!"
"Maybe I need a firm hand!" his blue-green eyes smiled as he toyed with her.
"Don't even begin that line of conversation -- you know I need to write -- and this is a good way to keep you occupied and in the same room with me without your being your usual distraction!"
"You find me distractive?"
"READ!!!"
"Ok, ok! You win . . . I'll read it! But I won't make any promises as to how much I'll read! Deal?"
"Deal!!" Satisfied that she had accomplished what she set out to, Blaine got herself comfortable on the couch across the room from Jax, found her notes, and began developing her storyline. Every now and then she would check to make sure Jax had not fallen asleep, but he was still at his task. She smiled a satisfied smile, and continued with her own task.
An hour and a half passed silently. Blaine was at a good stopping point, so she glanced over at Jax, who seemed fixated on this well-worn paperback. His eyes rose to meet hers and he smiled. "Kind of sucks you in, doesn't it?" he admitted.
"If it's done right it does!! So, I'm assuming you like it?"
"Blaine, it's riveting! Has this been what I've been missing all this time??"
She nodded affirmatively. "So, do you think you'll finish it?"
"You better believe it!! This is fantastic!!"
Jax raved all afternoon about the characters and the plot and how it differred from the movie, and how he, too, preferred the book because of its many twists and turns. Blaine was so relieved, and very pleasantly surprised. He began asking her questions about the how's of writing, wanting to understand the creation of something he found so intriguing. They spent the rest of the afternoon in a question and answer session lounding up on deck sipping their Toasted Almonds and Whiskey Sours. They were both so relaxed and content, that they didn't realize the time. It was Clarice that found them and reminded them dinner was in an hour. She informed them that tonight dinner would be served in the Captain's Nest, atop the boat -- their private dining area -- and said that she had something special for her passengers. She whispered something to Jax, then went back to work with the dinner preparations. Blaine was curious, but had learned that Jax only kept secrets for a reason -- and usually a very good reason, so she didn't ask. Then, the two of them headed back towards their stateroom hand in hand to freshen up and change.
As they readied themselves, Blaine noticed that Cap'n Gerry stopped and dropped anchor. She looked at Jax as if to question his knowledge of this, and he just smiled at her and winked. "You're evening attire is in the same place you found it last night." he hinted.
She was standing across the room from him in her jeans and top, and slowly began to undress. As she pulled her shirt up over her head she mumbled, "And I hope they end up in the same place they did last night!"
"I heard that!" Jax whispered. He had walked closer to her and placed his
hands on each side of her waist, moving his hands up her side and back down.
Finally free of her shirt, she tossed it on the floor and looked up at Jax,
who was gazing so hungrily at her that the room around her seemed to fade
to black, and all she could see were these mesmerizing pools of greenish-blue,
luring her into a hypnotic state. Jax leaned in and kissed her neck, working
his way up to her ear . . . where he not only implanted a wet kiss, but a
promise . . . "I can assure you that tonight will excede the limits of your
imagination!"
*****************
Chapter 14
Sometimes Jax's voice alone stirred Blaine to the very core of her being. She turned her head towards his face, and their passion ignited a kiss that had each of them reconsidering their dinner plans.
"Let's just stay here," Blaine whispered breathlessly.
"Oh, don't tempt me!!" Jax managed to utter while consuming her with fiery kisses. He backed her to the bed, and as he came down on top of her, he caught himself with his arms and stood right back up.
"Don't EVEN tell me you're going to stop this!!!!" Blaine said in disbelief.
"Oh, god Blaine, you're hard to leave!!"
"Then DON'T!" she said in all seriousness.
"But, our plans . . . "
"To hell with our plans, Jax . . . " the look on her face spoke volumes, and although there was nothing more in the world he'd rather do than lay back on that bed and make love to the woman who so tenderly held his heart in her hands . . . he had something special in mind that he knew would make the wait worth it.
"Patience, luv," he whispered, and he planted a tender kiss on her cheek, lingering momentarily as if reviewing the lucidity of his decision, and then telling her goodbye.
Blaine watched him walk out the door as if she didn't really think he'd go through with it. When the door shut behind him she hurled a pillow at it and dropped her head back onto the pillows, covering her face with one and screaming into it, as if that would help ease her pent up frustration.
She had to go shower to cool off and mentally regroup. She decided if it was torment he wanted, it was torment he'd get! Let's just see how paitient he can be when the tables are turned!! she mused.
She hadn't even seen what she was wearing yet, and when she opened the closet doors she was more than pleased to see the smoke blue gown that had been her favorite at the Boutique. She smiled wickedly as her plan of sweet, torturous revenge began to formulate in her head. She chose her undergarments very carefully. She wanted to elicit a most particular response.
Having put herself together to the best of her ability. She decided to head towards the Captain's Nest. One of the ship's hands was there to show her the way, for which she was very grateful. She had no idea where she was going, or what getting there held in store for her.
She was greeted at the door, much to her surprise, by Clarice. "Good evening, dear." Clarice said sweetly.
"Hi, Clarice." she said looking around. "I was expecting Jax. He is here, isn't he?"
"No, he isn't. But, he'll be in shortly."
"Shortly? What is he doing? He left the room quite some time ago, he should already be up here."
"He said to tell you to, how did he put that? . . . 'have patience, luv'," Clarice relayed. "He had to leave the boat for a spell, but will return within 30 minutes."
"Leave the boat?? Why on EARTH would he leave the boat???" Blaine's voice was elevating with every word. She was beyond teasingly frustrated and was moving straight on in to livid.
"That is something Mr. Jacks will have to explain to you himself. He did say that I could share my surprise with you before his return to help make the wait seem shorter."
"Oh, well isn't that gracious of him???" she sassed. She turned her eyes towards her hostess and said, "I'm sorry, Clarice. That wasn't directed at you, and I apologize for being so rude. It's just that . . . ."
"I understand dear. We can be impatient when it comes to love, but you must know that strong abiding love cannot be rushed. It takes it's time . . . . time alone will bring it to pass . . . ." Clarice's words trailed off as she poured Blaine a glass of dark liquid and offerred it to her.
Blaine eyed it skeptically, somewhat fearful of the aroma it threw off. "What's this?" she asked as polite as possible.
"Well, it's a little of this, and a little of that, and it has a reputation around the Sound as being a sure fire love potion."
Blaine smiled at this sweet old woman before her. How can I say no to her? So, Blaine accepted her special drink, and tried to think of anything besides Jax's absense. Clarice brought in a covered tray of food and left, instructing her not to open it until she returned with the main coarse.
The Captain's Nest was a haven of memorabilia. There were pictures of boats, friends, catches of the day long since gone, and pictures of Cap'n Gerry and Clarice through the decades. In every single picture there was a smile on their face of utter joy. Blaine sipped Clarice's concoction. "Maybe this stuff is a love potion. They sure look happy! Doesn't taste near as bad as it smells, in fact, it's delectable," she said out loud. It had a syruppy sweetness to offset what Blaine decided must be rum. She'd never tasted anything like it, and in the time she was waiting for Jax, she had more than she should've.
She was about to get up and walk out of the Nest in a huff when the door opened. There before her was Jax, dripping wet, wearing that spandex body suit he'd had on that morning. Blaine was sure she was hallucinating, until Jax put his hands on her arms, and told her repeatedly how sorry he was that he'd kept her waiting. She was furious, but at the same time, she was glad he'd finally arrived. She decided to forgive him.
"Would you care to explain your choice of attire for our romantic evening?" she questioned.
Jax laughed as he walked to the closet and removed a tuxedo. "I had to get dinner!" he answered.
"Oh, I didn't know we were having takeout!!!!!" she giggled as she said it, surprised at her own inability to deliver her usual quick witted sarcasm sans giggles.
"Blaine Adamson, are you drunk?" Jax was beginning to get the picture. He found Clarice's pitcher, and sniffed it. "How much of this have you had?"
"Just a gouple of classes . . . I mean, just two . . . three tops!"
Jax took the glass from her hand and sat it down. "I think you've had plenty. Let me change and we'll have dinner." Jax proceeded to unzip the body length black zipper holding Blaine's attention as he did. He stepped out of the wetsuit, wearing only a pair of black silk boxers. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to stare?" Jax admonished.
"Mmmm, musta missed that page in Emily Post's book too!" she quipped, snapping her fingers in an "aw, shucks" manner. Jax began to dress in his tux, much to her dismay. "You know, Jax, you don't have to put that tux on . . . what you have on is just fine!"
A rare blush spread across his dimpled cheeks. "Yes, but would you have been able to concentrate on dinner?"
"Honestly, no, but would you have cared?"
"Touche', Blaine. Now, tell me what's in this wretched smelling brew of Clarice's?"
"She told you about it, did she?"
"Yes, she shared her old wives' tale with me -- love potion nonsense!"
"Well, Jax, she's been awfully sweet to us . . . indulge her a little, just to say you tried it. It would break her heart if you didn't." Jax poured himself a small glass, still a little leary of it. "Now," Blaine continued, "Are you going to tell me where you were? Or is that to remain a mystery?"
"If you must know, I set some traps this morning in the Sound as I went out kayaking. I caught our dinner!"
"You did not!! Did you really?" Jax found her sudden change of heart amusing. "Well, what did you catch?"
"Several lobsters, a variety of crab and more shrimp than we could possibly eat tonight. As we speak, they're being steamed." Blaine was so impressed. Jax really did never cease to amaze her. Clarice bounded through the door with his bounty and served them dinner, smiling satisfactorily at the sight of a half-empty pitcher of her "special blend". She bid them goodnight, and as she did, she turned out the light and simultaneously pushed a button that revealed the glory of the full moon directly above their table.
Blaine looked at Jax, whose smile revealed that he knew of the observation window's existence. "Dinner under the moon, Miss Adamson?"
"It would be my pleasure, Mr. Jacks." Jax poured them another glass of Clarice's mixture, himself questioning what was in it, but finding that he didn't really care.
"You look like you stepped out of a dream, Blaine."
"Maybe that's because I feel like I'm walking in one whenever you're around me."
Jax's eyes were fixated on the beauty before him. "A toast," he began, both of them raising their glasses, "to the woman I love, and the promise this night holds." ~*clink*~ Their gaze never broke as they sipped slowly from their crystal goblets. Jax rose to serve their dinner. A potpourri of smells filled the room as he lifted the silver lid of the tray that held their dinner. Clarice had really outdone herself, preparing not only Jax's catch, but a seafood and herb stuffing, along with a cream cheese potato casserole, cloverleaf yeast rolls with honey butter, and a fluffy chocolate mousse for desert. Jax and Blaine didn't know where to begin. Jax offerred to crack the crab and lobster while Blaine helped their plates with the other goodies. As Jax conquered his first crab, the succulent white meat overspilled the shell. Jax took the biggest piece and dipped it in the melted butter, offering it to Blaine. She opened her mouth to receive the treat, lapping up a drop of melted butter that was rolling down his finger. The sensation of her tongue against his skin was titillating, and even more thrilling was the way she looked at him.
She seemed to accept her morsel and go on with what she was doing. He decided to try again, and again, she raked his finger with her teeth, trailing her tongue along his finger, then putting her lips around his finger and pulling away. She was using every muscle possible in her face to combat the urge to smile. She was successful. Jax was more than a little worked up at this unexpected game he'd found to play with her. Third time's a charm, he thought as he sought out the biggest chunk of crab he could find, then slathered it with the melted butter, and lifting it, once again, to her berry red lips. Same seductive pattern, same nonchalant attitude. But he saw it in her eyes . . . she was burning . . . . she was playing with him . . . a scintilating game of self control.
Blaine finally sat down and began nibbling on her dinner, eyeing Jax across the table as he seemed to be ignoring her. Well, this isn't the reaction I expected!!!! her thoughts becoming more disappointing with each passing minute. They ate their dinner as Jax casually shared his experience of trying to wrangle the traps back onto the boat, which is why he was late, he explained. It was nearing the end of their meal when Jax reached for the honey butter and *accidently* knocked her water goblet over, sending a stream of water into her lap. Blaine jumped up dabbing her napkin onto the wet place on her beautiful dress. Jax was on his feet, napkin in hand as he began brushing her dress, applying pressure where none was needed. "Do you think taking it off would be a good idea?" He was easier to read than a first grade primer. He did that on purpose!!!! Ok, if it's off he wants . . . it's off he'll get! she determined.
"Maybe. Will you help me with my zipper?" said the spider to the fly.
"Of course," Jax smirked, feeling a false sense of victory. As he began what he imagined to be the undoing of Blaine . . . . . it was Jax that began to come undone. As her zipper descended and her dress fell open, a sheer white chemise with a sequined lace bodice was revealed. Without a word Blaine stepped out of her dress, and laid it aside. Jax was spellbound at the vision in white before him. He didn't know what he expected, but it wasn't this.
"Can I pour you another drink?" Blaine offerred as if she wasn't standing before the most amazing man in the world in next to nothting.
"No, I don't think so," Jax answered a little offput by the ease with which she spoke when he himself was a combustable entity about ready to explode.
"Can I get you something else to eat?" she continued with amazing coolness.
"What do you have in mind?" he asked hopefully.
"Desert." When her eyes finally allowed themselves to meet Jax's, it was evident to each of them that the game was over. Neither had the willpower, nor the desire to finish it.
"Good answer!" Jax walked to the door of the Nest and all Blaine could hear was the *click* of the deadbolt. On his way back to her, he flipped on the CD player, which he'd already cued up.
Never knew love before.
Never dreamed there could be something more.
Felt my heart overflow
With the danger of needing you so.
It's a mystery I can't explain,
But I shiver when I hear your name.
You are the fire,
Every desire.
Breathless we fall in love.
Love is the answer,
We are the dancers.
Breathless we fall in love,
We fall in love.
When he returned to her, she greeted him with a fingertip laced with chocolate
mousse. Having experienced her talent with finger food earlier, he decided
to give her a dose of the same. Blaine could hardly stand it. Jax dipped
his finger into their desert and traced her lips with it . . . then meticulously
followed suit with his tongue. Blaine wasn't letting him get away again,
and she pulled him in to her as she returned the fervor of his kiss.
You've crept into my soul,
And I'm ready to lose all control,
Let our hearts fill with light.
Every movement you make is so right.
It's a mystery I can't explain,
But I shiver when I hear your name.
Jax was eagerly working at shedding his tuxedo. With Blaine's help, his black tux and white dress shirt began to lace the floor as he, now in his black silk boxers danced dangerously close to the woman creating this electrifying desire within him.
No need to worry,
No need fo hurry.
Breathless we fall in love.
Love is the answer,
We are the dancers.
Breathless we fall in love.
We fall in love.
As the saxophone played it's interlude, Blaine found herself backed up against
the bar. "Jax," she tried to talk to him between kisses . . . ."Jax . . .
we seem to be . . . ."
"Up against an obstacle? . . . .Not a problem! . . ." he resolved as he lifted her up and sat her atop the bar, taking in the view the sheer chemise was allowing him. He smiled a suggestive smile . . . as he pulled back from her . . .
"Jax, you better NOT leave me again!!!!!"
"Not even for this?" he asked, holding up the bowl of chocolate mousse.
"Oh, well, for THAT I'll make an exception!!!!"
It's a mystery I can't explain,
But I shiver when I hear your name.
As he laid her back on the bar, his hands full of chocolate mousse and his
mind full of bad-boy thoughts, she asked, "Just where do you think you're
going to put that??"
"Right here . . . . . and right here . . . . and . . . ."
"THERE??????" she laughed nervously, wondering if she'd ever felt anything this strong for someone before, and knowing full well the answer to that question.
"Not there??" he teased, "Well, then let me get that off for you . . ."
"JAX!!!! . . . . . oh, Jax . . . . you're killing me!!!!!"
"But, you'll die happy! I love you Blaine -- God how I love you . . . ."
You are the fire,
Every desire.
Breathless we fall in love.
Love is the answer,
We are the dancers.
Breathless we fall in love,
We fall in love. 1
"Then show me and stop this merciless torture!!!!" she begged.
"My pleasure . . . . my extreme pleasure!!!"
*****************
1 "Breathless" by Richard Marx