by Leslie
Shopping wasn't one of Jax's favorite passtimes, but somehow Blaine managed to make it interesting -- in fact -- captivating. She was anything but a typical shopper. She would walk into a store, letting her eyes graze the merchanidise, and if it didn't catch her attention during her once-over, she moved on. When something did manage to capture her eye, she bought the whole kit and kaboodle -- shoes, accessories, etc. That day she ended up buying jeans of various colors, matching shirts and sweaters, a pair of waterproof hiking boots, a couple of dresses and a couple of pair of shoes, with all the fixings to go with each outfit.
Jax was more than happy to accompany her to Victoria's Secret. Blaine was only there to pick up a few basics, and found herself unsettled and distracted amongst the colorful sea of satin and lace. Embarking on this weeklong cruise with the man she'd pined for all these years was sure to be the most romantic event of her life, to date.
"Ahem," she heard. She lifted her eyes to see Jax brandishing a deep plum satin and lace negligee, wearing a foreshadowing smile. This man so unnerved her off all sense and coherencey. But she loved it! Just the thought of their intimate moments from yesterday made her body react in a very real physical, stimulated manner.
"Why don't you take these bags to the car and let me do just a little more shopping in here?"
"And miss the fashion show?" he pouted.
"Don't you like surprises?" she questioned alluringly.
"Not particularly."
"Hmmm, something tells me I should've known that!! But, nonetheless, that's too bad -- I want to shop and I want to shop alone!!!" Her smile was irresistable, and he couldn't refuse her request.
"Have it your way," he said.
"I usually do!!" Blaine replied with a catty grin. Jax's mind didn't have to travel too far back in time to be reminded of that fact.
"I'll wait for you in the parking lot," he conceded as he took her bags.
Blaine waited until he was out of sight and selected several of the sexiest negligees and chemises they had in a cornucopia of colors. After trying them on, she purchased them with the giddiness of a teenager, and the anticipation of a woman on the brink of destiny's path.
Jax was patiently waiting in the Explorer, talking on his cell phone. When she got in, he quickly got off the phone. All she heard was, "I'll be there in 10 minutes."
"Something wrong?" she asked with concern.
"Not a thing."
"Oh, good. Then where are we going?"
"Somewhere."
"Oh, gee! That's informative!! Could you be anymore vague?"
Jax laughed at her. "I didn't have to answer you at all. What's the matter? You don't like surprises?" She gave him a look -- THE look. But, he could detect the hint of a smile on her lips. "Just sit back and relax Suzy Shopper -- we have just one more stop." She eyed Jax curiously, and determined that wherever he was taking her would suit her just fine.
Sure enough, in 10 minutes they pulled up in front of one of the nicest designer dress boutiques in Anchorage. Jax jumped out and opened the door for her, offering his arm to escort her in. They were greeted by two over-eager saleswomen who were almost salivating at the reality of having a Jacks in their shop. Or, Blaine wondered, were they salivating at the sight of him? It was hard to tell -- and if they were, she couldn't blame them.
Jax was seated on a plush blue-velvet couch, as Blaine was led back into the dressing area. Apparently Jax had already called ahead and the women had chosen several dresses appropriate for what Mr. Jacks had described. And, although Blaine questioned them about the plans, they kept their promise to Mr. Jacks -- "Mum's the word!" Blaine's imagination went wild -- huge ballrooms with crystal chandaliers. Dinner at the Captain's Table hob-nobbing with weathly, interesting people. Dancing until all hours of the morning wrapped securely in Jax's arms. She felt like the proverbial kid in the candy store. One by one, she began to try on these dresses and parade out in front of Jax, who seemed to be quite pleased with what he saw. He would have Blaine stand still, then turn slowly so he could evaluate each garment. Blaine more than once caught a glimpse of a wicked little grin on his lips, and a smoldering in his eyes that was doing more to her than she cared to admit, even to herself. She'd never met a more attentive man.
After trying on 10 dresses, Jax narrowed his favorites down to 3. Two of the three were Blaine's favorites as well, so those were the ones she chose. She pumped Jax for information, of which he was not parting with. In fact, he relegated Blaine to the Explorer, playing the same little 'secrets game' she'd played with him earlier. When he joined her in the car empty-handed, she was a little confused, but decided not to ask questions, knowing she'd hit up against a brick wall anyway.
Jax dropped her and her day's accumulation off at The Herrington House to
pack and check out. He would do the same and pick her up in an hour and a
half.
~~~~~~~~~~
When the two lovers reunited, there was an air of anticipation and excitement.
Neither knew what to expect. Neither kenw what was really in store. But,
what they both knew, is this reunion had brought unexpected joy into their
lives, and their hearts told them to pursue it. And pursue it they would.
The drive to Portage was filled with beautiful Alaskan countryside, good music and better conversation. Jax and Blaine's connection was deepening with each moment they shared. They could talk about anything -- politics, the stock market, their mutual love of the outdoors and music -- about the only thing they couldn't discuss was anything literary. Jax's knowledge in this area was sorely lacking, a situation Blaine intended to rectify.
Arriving at Portage, they boarded a train to Whittier, as there were no roads running into the city. Blaine was thrilled, as she had never been on a train before. It seemed so old-fashioned, so romantic -- a lost experience in the age of aviation. Jax was pleased that he'd been able to offer her a new experience, and that he was going to share it with her.
For the duration of the 35 minute ride, Jax watched Blaine's excitement grow. Her eyes seemed to soak in every detail of the scenery slowly bypassing them. "Tell me what you're thinking," he inquired curiously.
She tore her eyes away from the lush green countryside of Alaska and turned them towards the deep blue of Jax's eyes. His interest in her thoughts intrigued her. She tilted her head, as she tried to explain to Jax what her mind was doing. "I'm trying to take it all in, and memorize every enrapturing detail. I'm thinking that I couldn't possibly do justice to the beauty I'm seeing out there. What words are there in the English language to describe such tranquil scenery?" She turned her head again towards the window.
Jax's eyes were beholding beauty as well -- hers. They began at the top of her silky brown hair, followed their natural curves as they casually tucked behind her ears. Her long black lashes moved in almost slow motion, blinking periodically as she looked out at the wonder of Alaskan nature. Her hazel eyes seems to be speckled with green as they reflected the hues of the leafy trees that had captured her attention. Her cheeks were blush pink, looking as soft as he knew them to be. Her red lips were parted and were almost too inviting for him to resist. Her head turned towards his, and this time it was her turn to question the questioner, "What are you thinking?" Those red lips curved into a beautiful smile.
Jax's eyes met hers again. "I'm thinking of you. I've known you since we were kids, and yet, I don't know you at all. The woman you are differs greatly from the girl you once were. I liked the girl I knew back then. But, the woman you've grown into fascinates me."
Blaine's heart was beating much faster than it should've been. There was so much she wanted to say to him. She was falling. Hell, who was she kidding??? She was there!!! She'd been in love with him since junior high, and it had matured as she did. He was her ideal man. This weekend had been like a fantasy to her. His wanting to take her on this cruise was more than she could believe was happening.
Jax got up and scooted around to her side of the booth. For a moment, he
said nothing, just ran his fingers through her hair and behind her ears,
grazing the back of her neck with his fingertips. The current he sent coursing
through her veins was more than electric, it was nuclear!!! He was burning
her alive from the inside out. Yet, she miraculously remained composed. He
leaned in and whispered provocatively in her ear, kissing her softly between
phrases, "I want you to put that photographic," *kiss* "detail-soaking" *kiss*
"memory of yours" *kiss* to good use this week," *kiss* "because I intend
for our excursion to be the most outstanding" *kiss* "memory of your life,"
*kiss* "one that neither you nor I will ever forget," *long wet
kiss*.
************************
Chp 10
The train wasn't the only thing that came to a screeching halt when the metal
of the wheels grinded against the metal of the rails -- Jax and Blaine's
intense kiss ended as well, much to their chagrin. "We're here!" Jax whispered
trying to pull himself away from the magnetic woman wrapped in his arms.
Blaine sighed, "Ooohh, and I was almost *there*!" The two shared a laugh as they exited the passenger car and stepped onto the platform at Whittier. As the porter helped them with their bags, Jax inquired as to whether Miss Deductive had figured out their destination yet.
"Well," Blaine thought out loud, "it's either the Gulf of Alaska ooooorrrr Prince William Sound???" her voice's inflection indicating that she hoped it was the latter.
"You know too much!" Jax complained.
"You make it too easy!!" Blaine said.
"Would you like me to make it harder??"
"Don't go there!!" Blaine warned.
"You're incorrigible!!" Jax chided.
"And, you're uncontrollable!!!!"
"Only around you." Jax's sexy, dimpled grin was just too much!! Blaine could've sworn his eyes sparkled as he said it. Oh, how she wanted him. Oh, how she wanted this to turn out to be more than a summer fling. She couldn't think about that now. Nothing was going to ruin this week for her -- not even reality.
Jax, Blaine, and their belongings were guided to a ferry that would shuttle them to the ship docked in Prince William Sound. The air was cool, but they opted to stay out on deck to marvel at nature's bounty. Jax stood behind Blaine and encircled her waist with his arms. As they rounded a jut of land, Blaine drew in her breath at the sight of the magnificence before her. The Sound was smooth, like a sheet of blue glass, and had for a backdrop the blue-white ice of glaciers. They were resplendent!!! Like the sun, you almost couldn't look at them directly because of their bright white countenance.
"Magnificent, aren't they?" Jax, again, pleased that she was enjoying herself.
"Not too many things in life render me speechless, but this . . . Oh, Jax . . . I think this is the most amazing thing I've ever seen!!!" Jax's arms around her, tucked in this arctic paradise -- what more could she want? She was content. Time could stand still at this very moment and she would be satisfied.
In about 10 more minutes a string of boats came into sight. The ferry docked and let them off, the Ferry Captain helping them with their bags. He took them to a ramp and sat them down. Blaine was a little confused and turned to Jax with questioning eyes.
"Well, this is it -- The Abentueur," he stated matter-of-factly.
Blaine turned around to look at the boat again. Jax, sensing her confusion, asked, "What's the matter?"
"Well, nothing really, it's just that when you said 'cruise', it conjured up a much grander image in my head."
"You're disappointed! We don't have to . . . "
"No, Jax, I'm not disappointed," she embellished, "just caught a little off guard. This is fine, really!"
"Blaine, I didn't mean to mislead you at all!! If you want we can . . . ."
"Jax," she interrupted, "I said this is fine. Let's go on board and see the ship."
They boarded and were greeted at the top by a gruff old man with a salt and pepper beard, wearing a black knit cap, a bright yellow rain slicker, some old workpants and boots that looked as if they'd seen a war. "Good afternoon, I'm Cap'n Gerry."
Had Blaine's eyes widened anymore they would've fallen out of her head. Captain Stubing, he's not!!!! And this sure as heck isn't the Love Boat!!!!! She half expected him to pull a flask out of his pocket and take a swig, giving credence to her newborn fear that they were passengers on his drunken joyride, and their life would come to and end as they crashed head on into one of those gigantic glaciers.
Jax shook his hand and introduced himself and Blaine. Cap'n Gerry grabbed an armload of luggage, and invited them to follow him. He'd show them the way to their stateroom. Blaine's anxieties lessened as she toured the vessel. It was immaculately clean, and more than tastefully decorated. Also, Cap'n Gerry sounded altogether sober, and was quite the seaman, logging many years travelling the Sound. It was his love of this land and it's pristine water that kept him in his dream job even though he was in his 70's. His wife, Clarice, would be joining them after she returned from the market. Blaine breathed another sigh of relief. Ok, so there's no chandeliers, no ballrooms, no formal Captain's Table -- but there is Jax -- what more do I really need?
"This is your room, little lady. And Sir, your room is right across the hall. I'll leave you two to get settled. When Clarice gets back, we'll set sail. Bye now."
The two said goodbye to their Captain. Disappointment was evident on Blaine's usually happy face. "Blaine, if this isn't what you had in mind -- if you're not pleased with the ship . . . "
"I like the ship just fine. It actually looks much cozier than a big cruise ship would've been. It's just that I thought . . . I mean . . . well . . . you're across the hall, and I thought . . . . " How idiotic must I sound??? He must think I'm desperate!!! If he wants to stay in another room, I'll just have to deal with it!!
Jax let out his own sigh of relief and laughed. "I made these reservations before Saturday night!! I had no idea . . . . well, let's just say things have changed considerably since then!! I just didn't want to assume that you wanted me to share a room with you -- and that I was putting pressure on you in any way. Lady Jane did raise me to be a gentleman, after all."
"This from the man who said he would take any and all liberties!!!! Get in here!!!" They lugged their baggage into the room and looked around. They were lodged in what was called the aft stateroom. It had a queen size bed, and an ensuited bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. There was a loveseat and two chairs and a few tables. No TV, just a radio. Very tastefully decorated. There was a bouquet of mutlicolored Forget-Me-Nots intermingled with sprigs of long green sea grass and baby's breath. The fragrance they were emitting filled the entire room. There was a little card nestled amongst the petals that read, "For the most memorable woman I've ever met! Here's to more unforgettable moments!! Jax" She beamed and turned to give him a wordless hug -- a hug that had her holding on for dear life, hoping with all her heart that things were as good and right as they felt.
In a few moments, Cap'n Gerry rang the bell, indicating that it was time to set sail. Jax and Blaine made their way up to the deck. Blaine was again, a little muddled. "Where is everybody else?"
"Who do you mean?" Jax asked with a smile.
"The other passengers. Surely there are some. Where are they?"
"I'll answer that for you, dear," a sweet old voice spoke from behind. Blaine and Jax turned around to see a diminutive, wrinkled woman with a smile that more than made up for her size. "Your beau here has rented the entire ship for just you two. There are no other passengers. Just you two, the Cap'n and me -- I'm Clarice -- and our crew. And, we're here to make your stay a pleasant one, which I have no doubt it will be by the look in your eyes. The Sound casts spells on lovers -- you know. I've got dinner to fix. Enjoy!!" With that, she was gone.
Blaine found herself drawn into Jax's oceanic eyes. The words of Clarice still ringing in her ears -- "beau", "lovers" -- she took a deep breath. Her mind was full of wonder, but her heart was full of love. She closed her eyes, and lifted a silent prayer --- Please let this be real! I feel like I've waited for this all my life. Jax's soft lips against hers were her answer. As the kiss deepened, Blaine felt like her lifeforce was being drained from her body. Her knees gave a little and Jax caught her.
"Are you ok?" Jax asked a little worried.
"Yeah, I'm fine, just the motion of the boat made me lose my balance," and if you believe that, I've got this primo piece of swampland in Florida . . . .
"We can't have that . . . . I've got you," and he picked her up and sat her on the railing of the ship, in spite of her screams, "Jax . . . put me down!!!! Stop!!!!! I'm going to fall!!!!!"
Jax stood directly in front of her, between her legs and enveloped her in
his strong arms, "The only place you're going to fall, Blaine Adamson, is
hopelessly in love with me."
**********************