Be careful what you ask for Laura...

Steele Playing By The Rules - Part IV

    Bernice Fox yawned for the third time and cautiously sipped her piping hot coffee.  She handed Laura her stack of messages and another set from the tray marked "Remington Steele."  Laura's eyes widened and she moaned audibly.

    "Tell me about it.  My fingers are cramped and my left ear has a permanent receiver print on it."  Bernice said dryly.

    "I never imagined the surge of clients would be this massive.  It's been crazy around here since Remington Steele has been "in the office" and more accessible,"  Laura flopped down on the reception area couch.  "Who'd have thought we could get out of the red so fast."

    "Great!  Since we're out of the red how about hiring one of those agencies that answer phones.  This is killing me!  Do you realize I haven't been to a happy hour since HE came on the scene?  Not that you care, but this new found success is ruining my sex life."

    "Bernice, I promise, a few more accounts to pay off and I will look into an answering service.  At least during our peak hours."

    "Fair enough.  So, where is our man of mystery anyway?  Fund raiser?  Ribbon cutting at a government office?  Photo session?"

    "Try a date."  Bernice yawned again.

    "Oh, another date with the police commissioner?"   Laura laughed. 

    "No, a date with Tina," 

    "Tina?"  Laura repeated.

    "Yes.  Tina Wesson.  Tall, blonde and looks like she'd have no trouble being "Miss California.""  Bernice said pointedly.

     There was a few seconds of silence from Laura that had Bernice smiling knowingly. 

    "Good for him.  So where's Murphy?"

    "Surveillance."

    "I see.  I'll be in my office if you need me."

    Laura closed the door behind her and threw the stack of messages on her desk.  She sat down and put her feet up on her desk.  When had she lost control of the situation?  Laura had thought her plan was a sound business decision and from a monetary standpoint, the agency exceeded her expectations.   Business was booming and as far as detective agencies, the Remington Steele Agency was approaching the upper echelon.  If only every aspect of this new arrangement were that simple!

    Her feelings were deeply entangled in a web of confusion and she had no clue how to extricate them.  She'd tried to keep his presence from affecting her but it was getting more difficult to WANT to keep him at arms length.   He'd been in residence for three months now and even Murphy grudgingly admitted the new arrangement was working.  Remington Steele was the epitome of charm, decorum, knowledge and professionalism.  She'd spent countless hours shaping, drilling and schooling him into a man capable of passing as a well-known detective.  Laura had seen early on why he excelled as a con artist and jewel thief.  He absorbed everything she'd taught him and like a chameleon, he'd adapted to suit the situation.   If he got something wrong, Laura was there to supply him the answer so expertly that nobody every noticed the slip.  Professionally, they worked in well-rehearsed concert.  Personally, they were as explosive as fire and dynamite.

    Laura's pulse quickened just thinking about the times they'd gone out or spent time together outside of the office.  There were times when they'd look at each other and everything around them would fade into oblivion.  It was those times that scared Laura the most.  She wanted him and knew he wanted her but something always held her back.  Her fears welled up inside and like a bucket of water, doused the fires within her.  Tears threatened to overflow when she recalled their last date.  It was two days ago and the last time she'd seen him.  He'd been avoiding her every since and truthfully she couldn't blame him because the night had ended in disaster.  They had returned to his apartment after a wonderful night of dinner and dancing...

    "Can I get you anything?  Wine?   Coffee?"

    "No thanks.  I think I've had more than my share of wine this evening."  Laura laughed.

    "If you think I was keeping track you're mistaken."  Remington smiled.

    "I'm sure you weren't but I'm fine." She replied and sat down.

    Remington removed his jacket and sat down beside her.  When his shoulder brushed hers she shivered.   

    "How about a fire?"  He asked heading to the fireplace.

    "Oh, I'm fine."

    "Nonsense you're shivering."  Remington said and lit the fire.

   Laura smiled but refrained from comment.   Remington returned to her side and stretched out beside her.  He put an arm on the couch behind her and gave her his full attention.

    "I really like what you've done with the place.   It doesn't look as sterile as it did when you first moved in."

    "I'm glad you like it."  Remington said tracing circles on her bare shoulder.

    Laura almost bolted off the couch when his finger came in contact with her skin.  She turned and smiled at him despite her nervousness.   Remington took that smile as an invitation and lowered his head.  Laura guessed his intent and leaned back.  He noted the movement and looked at her questioningly.

    "Laura?  What's the matter?"

    "Nothing, why do you ask?" 

    "Just now I leaned in to kiss you and you moved away.  That hasn't happened in over three months.  Would you care to explain?"

    Laura stood up and put some distance between them.   "I...it's not you.  Well, not exactly."

    When Laura didn't continue Remington got up and came to her side.  He ran his hand up and down her shoulder.  "Tell me what's wrong."

    "It's nothing, I'm just being silly."   Laura said and before he could retort she kissed him.

    Remington tried to pull away but Laura's hand went to his head and pulled him in closer.  She deepened the kiss and explored his mouth with her tongue.  Surprised by her actions he was about to pull away again but she kissed a sensitive spot on his neck and he lost his train of thought.  Soon she had his undivided attention and put it to good use.  Loosening his tie she opened the buttons on his shirt to have better access to his chest.  Her hands moved restlessly across it and he moaned with pleasure.  Remington picked her up and laid her on the couch.   His hands explored her body like a man possessed.  He was everywhere at once and intent on discovering every nuance of her body.  His ministrations had Laura writhing with pleasure and struggling for breath.  In the back of her mind Laura realized things would soon progress past the point of no return. 

    The point of no return.  In her mind's eye Laura began seeing images of the two of them making love.  It was intense, incredible and filled her with a longing that left her weak.  Afterwards they were in each other's arms, blissful and happy. 

    Without warning the images changed.  Now Laura was alone in his bed and calling his name.  She got up and ran to the closet and wrenched it open.  It was empty.  Laura's dream transported her to his office and it was empty too.  The pictures of him that once bedecked his walls were gone.  It was as if all traces of him were removed, as if he'd never existed.  Her fail-safe systems kicked in and panic replaced ardor.

    "No!  Stop!"  Laura shrieked and pushed him forcefully.

    Remington immediately got off her and sat back on the couch.  "Laura, what's wrong?"

    "This isn't right.  We can't do this!"  

    "Well if you'd rather we moved to the bedroom..."

    "That isn't what I mean.  We can't do THIS."

    Remington looked at her incredulously.  "I beg your pardon?"

    "You, Me, Us.  I don't know why I thought we could have sex and it not change anything.  Sex changes EVERYTHING.  It won't be the same; we won't be able to work together.  It will get all weird and we won't be able to go back to the way things were."

    "Laura you're rambling and not making a bit of sense.  What are you talking about?  We work beautifully together and I'll wager we'll make love beautifully too."  He smiled seductively.

    Laura straightened her clothes and shook her head.  "This isn't a joke.  I'm serious Mr. Steele.  What happens if we become intimate and it doesn't work out?  What happens if you get bored and then leave?  How could I ever explain Remington Steele up and leaving his own agency?  It would be a disaster and I can't take that kind of risk."

    Remington ran an exasperated hand through his disheveled hair.  When had this taken a turn for the worst?  One minute they were in the throes of passion and now Laura was in the throes of hysteria and he in frustration.

    "Laura, I'm trying to understand what's causing this fear you have.  Have I ever given you any indication that I'm not happy here?   That I'm not enjoying being Remington Steele?"

    "That's just it!  You're playing a part.   This isn't real, any of it;  it's not your name and this isn't real life.   Hell I don't even know your real name!" Laura said with agitation.   "How can I be sure of anything where you're concerned."

    "Will you tell me where is this coming from?   Why your suddenly so consumed by doubt?"  He implored. "Look, I may be playing a part, but...my feelings where you're concerned aren't manufactured Laura.  I wasn't acting a few minutes ago; I really did want to make love to you.  I still do.  You can't honestly believe I'd bed you and then vanish without a trace?"

    "Why not?  You've done it before haven't you?  What assurances to I have that you'd stay here in L.A.?"  Laura cried.

   Remington stared at her silently, his jaw clenching rapidly. "I was another man then Laura.  This isn't Europe and I'm no longer living that life."

    "It wasn't that long ago that you were.   What makes me different from all those countesses and rich fashion plates you've had your way with?  I know I don't have their looks and I sure don't have their money.  All I've got is an agency I built from the ground up with my blood, sweat and tears.  What makes me captivating enough to hold your interest longer than they could?"

    "How the hell can you compare the two?  I'm a model citizen now remember?  I'm walking the straight and narrow so bloody tight my shoes are squeaking!  And after all my hard work, your hard work, you're ready to write me off as an opportunist that's just lurking around waiting to seduce you and leave you high and dry.  The big, bad gigolo ready to despoil the innocent virgin and ruin her life forever."  He scoffed.

    "I'm not a virgin."  Laura said indignantly.

    "No?  Well with the hang-ups you've got wrapped around you like a bloody chastity belt, it's a wonder you've ever been with a man."

   Remington instantly saw the hurt look on her face but he was too angry and hurt himself to care.

    "Don't worry yourself sick Laura.  I won't be imposing myself on you again.  It's obvious your opinion about me isn't likely to change.  Once a con man always a con man eh?"

    "That isn't what I..."

    Remington held his hand up and silenced her.   "Spare me Laura.  You have my word that I won't touch you again.  I may be a criminal but first and foremost, I'm a gentleman and I intend to fulfill my end of our bargain.  I'll continue being Remington Steele for as long as you need me to.   After all, that is what you're paying me for isn't it?"  Remington went into his bedroom and slammed the door behind him.

    The silence that ensued was deafening.  Tears welled up in Laura's eyes at his harsh words and the cold look in his blue eyes.  Their depth was as frigid as a stormy sea and she felt her heart constrict tightly.   Whatever they'd shared between them was gone.  The delicate, newfound feelings growing stronger every day were crushed by doubts, fears, hurt feelings, painful words and cruel accusations.  Wiping the trace of tears from her eyes, Laura gathered her wrap and purse and quietly left his apartment.        

To Be Continued...