This story is intended for amusement purposes only. This story is not meant to infringe on the names of Remington Steele, Laura Holt or anything that would cause MTM productions or anybody else to sue me. This story is the property of Lisa Watson ã 2002.

Laura gets a few lessons in love and puts them to good use.

Steele Playing By The Rules - Part IX

   Remington looked at the television screen with unseeing eyes.  After a few more attempts at paying attention he gave up and hit the power button on the remote.  He tossed it aside with disgust.  What the hell was wrong with him anyway?  He'd been able to think of nothing but Laura since he'd abruptly left their room at Tulane's.  This just wasn't like him!  Nothing seemed able to distract him from wanting Laura.  It was more than a conquest and he knew it.  Her anger, snide remarks and flat out dislike of him only fueled the fire of his need.  To make matters worse, he knew she had feelings of self-loathing because she too felt the chemistry between them and was powerless to resist it.   Remington cursed loudly and went to retrieve the telephone.  He dialed a string of numbers and waited patiently as the line connected and rang.

    "Jenkins old boy, is that you?"

    "Master Harry, how good to hear your voice.  Now who else would be answering this old codger's telly?"  The man chuckled.

    Remington shared in the mirth.  "Is he in?"

    "Just finishing his breakfast."

    Remington heard the tell-tale clank as the phone was put on the desk.  He listened patiently and smiled warmly when he heard his name mentioned loudly and footsteps.

    "Harry?  Is Jenkins pulling a fast one again?"

    "Not this time Daniel.  How are you?"

    "Quite well now that I've heard your voice.   It's been too long Harry."  Daniel admonished.  "So, how's Los Angeles?  I take it things are going along swimmingly or you wouldn't still be there."

    "Things are - fine Daniel."  Remington hesitated.

    Daniel heard it and zeroed in on the pause.   "What's the matter dear boy and don't bother denying what I can plainly hear for myself."

    Remington smiled at hearing the warning in Daniel's voice.   He was the closest friend and father figure he had.  The denial that was about to come out stopped and with a heartfelt sigh, Remington unloaded his pent up feelings.

    "I'll say, you've got yourself in quite a fix dear boy."  Daniel said sometime later.

    "Tell me about it." Remington grouched.   "I'm at the end of my tether Daniel.  What am I supposed to do?   She's infuriating, stubborn, disgustingly professional and a control freak."

    "You forgot alluring, desirable, charming and gets under your skin unlike any woman you've ever known."  Daniel concluded.   "At least that's what you said the last time you called.  Have those changed too?"

    "Yes...no."  Remington ground out.   "Those still apply."

    "It sounds like you both have a bit to work out.   Granted, I've never met this woman but from what you've told me, I'd say these feelings, even the bad ones, aren't one-sided.  Patience dear boy, you've got to see things through to their natural conclusion.  If it's meant to be, it will happen."  Daniel said sagely.

    "Well something better happen soon.  At the rate we're going we'll kill each other before we get to act on our mutual attraction."

    "Sounds like my tumultuous relationship with Lady Garforth.  Did I ever tell you about the time I was in Monte Carlo and..."

    Laura collapsed on her couch and threw her hands up in surrender.  "I can't go through with this."

    "Nonsense Laura, you're ready.  Part of what we pretend is imagination but a great deal of it is past experience.  You've had relationships before, past experiences you can draw from."

    "But that was different!"  Laura protested.   "This is...different."

    "Different how?  You want him don't you?"

    "Yes but, there's more to it than that.  It's complicated.  He and I - well we're - we come from totally different lifestyles and..."

    "Nonsense.  It's only as difficult as you choose to make it.  You need to get back to the rudimentary reasons that the two of you are drawn to each other.  Only when you're honest with yourself will you be able to draw from that inner strength.  It's there Laura, you just have to decide how best to use it.  Whether it will be for attracting or repelling him?"

    Laura was thoughtful for a moment.  Having him in her life as Remington Steele was, if she was honest, exciting, unpredictable and made her life a thousand times more interesting.  Sure they argued and rubbed each other the wrong way, but there were times when they'd look at each other across the room and time would stop.  How could she ignore that?  Was it so common in everyday life that she could throw it away and expect it to happen again?  Laura knew emphatically that the answer was no.

    The woman staring at herself in the mirror smiled confidently at her appearance.  Her oval face, subtle green eyes and black hair gave her an exotic look that men couldn't help but notice, especially when combined with a tall, shapely body.  Oh yes, Cat was used to getting what she wanted with no questions asked.  Her goal was close to being accomplished and she could see no reason why it wouldn't be so.  She just needed to tie up a few lose ends and she'd be living in the lap of luxury.

    "Christina, what's your take on that Pierce fellow?"  Cat asked conversationally.

    "I don't know, seems like a regular guy to me; tall, gorgeous with a sexy little accent and loads of money.  Why?"  She giggled.  "Thinking of making him an offer he can't refuse?"

    "Maybe.  I saw him coming in the other day.  He was talking to Stacy and a few other girls.  Is he looking around for some new entertainment?"

    "I doubt it.  He's been visiting Andrina pretty regularly and from what I hear, she's the only one that floats his boat.  Then again, he is British."  Christina said as if that explained it.

    "Mmm.  Then why the pow wow with the others?"

    "Apparently a friend of his referred him to Tulane's.   He said he hasn't seen him in awhile and wanted to get a hold of him.  I guess to thank him."

    "Really?  Who?"

    "You've seen him Cat, the old guy that used to visit Stacy, Gray something or other."

    Cat's look never wavered but the brush she was using clattered to the table.  "He was looking for Grayson Bigelow?"

    "Yeah.  I suppose he'll find him eventually." 

    Cat stood up and smoothed her hands over her silk clad body before applying lipstick to her already crimson lips.  "I'm sure he will."  She purred softly.

    "Ok Murph, that's a dead end.  What could be her motive?  Bigelow was a regular client and gave her substantial tips for time well spent.  Why would she bite the hand that fed her so to speak?"

    "Maybe she wanted bigger meals?"  Murphy laughed.

    "Seriously Murphy, I don't think Stacy is the one we're after.  You tailed her, has she gone anywhere that looked out of the ordinary or done anything that appears suspicious?"

    "Not really."  Murphy replied.

    Laura heard the door open behind her and almost lost her train of thought.  She didn't need to turn around to know who was there.  When the bed gave under an additional body and familiar cologne invaded her senses, she did lose her train of thought.

    "Laura?  Laura did you get that?"

    "What?  Oh, yes Murphy I did.  I have to go now, I'll see you back at the office."  Laura said and hung up.

    She turned to see Remington looking at her with interest.   "None.  Stacy doesn't appear to be the one responsible for Bigelow's disappearance.  What about you?  Have you gotten anything new from the other ladies?" 

    "Nothing tangible."

    "Great.  Time's running out and we still don't have a motive or a lead."  Laura stood up and paced the room.

    "You'll find our guilty party soon Laura, you're relentless when it comes to finding out whodunit."

    Laura looked at him to see if he was being sarcastic or not.  When he smiled at her she knew he was being sincere.  She returned the smile and cleared her throat.  "Um, about what happened the other day..."

    Remington stood up and walked towards her.   "Laura, things got out of hand.  We both did and said some things that were...ill advised."

    "It's like we bring out the worst in each other."  Laura said, seriously.  "Why is that you suppose?"

    "Easier I guess."  Remington smiled.   "It's less likely we'll...cross the line when we're arguing."

    Laura saw this as the perfect opportunity to put her plan in action.  She moved closer to him and tilted her head up so that she could look into his eyes.  Remington gave her a questioning look but didn't move back.

    "Funny thing about that line, it's imaginary.  I suppose that means we could break it if we wanted."

    Remington didn't know what her angle was but he wasn't going to be the first to back down.  "I suppose so."  He replied ,softly.

    Laura did something she'd thought about often, she traced the outline of his face with her hand.  She willed her hand not to shake as she smoothed her fingers over his forehead, his jaw and his lips.

    "Laura."  Remington said with uncertainty.

    "Shhh.  We seem to get along much better when we don't talk."

    "I'll agree with that."  he chuckled.

    Laura decided subtle was better.  She knew the direct, take-charge approach would get him defensive.  She saw him watching her with avid interest and knew he was waiting to see how far she'd take this newfound curiosity.

    Her hands ran slowly down his suit jacket and unbuttoned it so that she could have better access to his body.  The dress shirt he wore offered little resistance and was quickly pulled from the waist of his pants.  Remington's face was still inscrutable so Laura decided to find out just what he was thinking.   She pulled him toward the bed and softly pushed him onto the soft mattress.   Laura followed him down and ran a finger over his material clad chest.

    "Do you object to what I'm doing, Mr. Steele?"

    "Actually I'm not sure what you're doing Miss Holt.  Care to enlighten me?"

    The door opening prohibited Laura from responding.  They both raised their heads and sat up.

    "Oh, excuse me Andrina, I didn't know you had...company."  Cat said, quickly.

    "I'm sure if you would've knocked instead of barging in, you might have found that out."  Laura responded icily.

    Remington looked at their intruder and back at the door.   He was certain he locked it after he'd entered.  He rose off the bed and deftly tucked his shirt inside his pants.  Grabbing his suit jacket he turned to Laura and whispered for her alone.  "We'll continue this later?" 

    She knew what he was asking and smiled with feminine satisfaction.  She nodded.  "I'll call you."

    Remington bent down and kissed her briefly before leaving.  Cat apologized again as he walked past her and out the door.

    "So, Cat, mind telling me what you want?"

    "Andrina I'm sorry, really.  I just wanted to know if I could borrow your...plum colored lipstick?"

    "My lipstick."  Laura remarked in a tone laced with skepticism.

    "Yes, Malcolm will be here shortly and he gets off when I wear this sexy purple outfit and I always wear this iridescent purple lipstick with it but I can't seem to find it..."

    "Fine!"  Laura cut in. 

    She went to her vanity and looked through her makeup case.   While her back was turned, Cat slipped over to the table and placed small object underneath it.  When Laura turned around she was back in her spot by the door. 

    "Here you go."

    "Thanks Andrina and sorry again to barge in."

    When she'd left Laura quickly gathered her things and left.

    Remington had just stepped out of the shower when his buzzer rang.  He grabbed his robe and threw a towel around his neck to catch the water from his hair.  When he pulled the door open he was pleasantly surprised.

    "Laura."

    "Hello Mr. Steele, mind if I come in?"

    Remington smiled and stepped aside to let her enter.   Laura had a large shopping bag with her and he couldn't help but arch an eyebrow.  

    "What's this?" He pointed to the bag.

    "I thought I'd bring dinner by.  Unless you have plans or you've already eaten?"

    "Actually I don't have anything scheduled for this evening.  Please, allow me."  Remington said and retrieved the bag from her. 

    Laura followed him into the kitchen and watched him deposit the contents onto the counter. 

    "Laura, you've outdone yourself.  Remington said when he surveyed the elaborate meal."

    "I just need to warm up a few things and then it'll be ready."

    "How about I go get dressed while you see to dinner.   I'm sure you remember where everything is."  Remington replied.

    Laura wasn't sure how she'd missed the fact that he was wet and dripping in a robe with bare feet.  She looked at his disheveled hair and the water beads running down his face and laughed.

    "I guess I should've called first."

    "Nonsense, won't be a moment."  

    Laura did know where everything was; she should considering she'd been the one to outfit the kitchen when "Remington Steele" had moved in.  She noted he'd made quite a few purchases since then and it was now a true gourmet kitchen.

    By the time dinner was ready to be served Remington had appeared again, this time he was dry and wearing a pair of jeans and a silk shirt.   Laura almost dropped the dinner rolls she was carrying when she saw him.

    "Something wrong?"  Remington frowned at the confused look on her face.

    "I - I've never seen you in jeans before."  

    "I don't wear them that often, must be the American influence."  He winked.

    Whatever it was Laura was thankful for it.  He looked good wearing them and the denim hugged his lower body in all the right places.

    Remington set the table, lit candles and produced an ice bucket filled with ice and a bottle of wine and went to help Laura bring their dinner out.   She noted the table, dimmed lights and soft, unobtrusive music playing in the background.

    "I'll give you this, you do know how to set a mood."

    "For the right woman, there is no limit to my imagination."  Remington smiled and pulled a chair out for her.

    In that instant thoughts of Tina invaded Laura's mind and had her frowning.  How in the world had she forgot about his current lady friend?  Remington sat down in the chair across from Laura and placed the napkin in his lap.   He'd said something to Laura and when she didn't respond he looked up in question.

    "Laura?"

    "Hmm?"

    "Where were you just now?"

    "I'm sorry, my mind wondered for a moment.  I was wondering about - Tina."   

    "What about her?"

    "Well it's known that you've been going out with her and I was wondering how she'd take us being here like this?" she said, uncomfortably.

    Remington sat his fork down and sighed.  "Tina and I have dated a few times that's true, but nothing is serious between us.  I haven't wined her, dined her and...moved on to the next conquest if that's what you're implying."

    Laura's silence indicated that's exactly what she'd been implying. 

    "Laura why must you always assume the worst of me?  I've never given you any indication that there was more to it than that and low and behold, you've got Tina and I betrothed and picking out china patterns.  Might I add you didn't seem to remember my supposed commitment when we were in a passionate embrace earlier this afternoon did you?  Or did I misinterpret that seduction scene and the promise of picking up where we left off?"

    A blush suffused Laura's face and she sat speechless.   After a few seconds of uncomfortable silence, she placed her napkin on the table and stood up.  "You're right, I was wrong to jump to conclusions about your relationship with Tina.  Especially after...I'm sorry, this was a mistake."

    Laura bolted for the door only to be brought up short by Remington's hand on her arm. 

    "Laura wait!  Don't go."

    He spun her around to face him.  "Look, let's not ruin another perfectly good evening, eh?"

    He guided them to the couch and sat down.  "It's obvious the air needs to be cleared between us so here goes.  Tina and I have just dated a few times, strictly casual in nature I assure you.  I'm sure you thought it was more than that, I know I'm partially to blame because I...sort of let Miss Wolf's imagination run away with her."  He smiled boyishly.  "I suppose I was hoping to illicit some kind of reaction from you."

    "You were trying to make me jealous."   Laura concluded.

    "Somewhat."  He admitted.  "And then this case arises giving me the opportunity to see just what close proximity could do to ah..."

    "Help us along?"  Laura finished.

    "Exactly.  At any rate, some things were said the other day that I realize were solely out of frustration at our current standing.  I didn't mean what I said the other night Laura, at least not everything."

    "Neither did I."  She admitted.

    "So, do you think it's possible for us to go back to what was starting to be an enjoyable evening?  You did cook for me and that is significant enough not to let go to waste."  He smiled and kissed her hand.

    "I'll take that as a compliment."  Laura laughed and stood up.

    "As you should."  Remington grinned and led her back to the table.

    When they sat down Remington raised his glass of wine and looked at Laura.  "To a truce."

    Laura smiled and clinked her glass against his.  "Truce."

    The rest of the meal went smoothly.  They chatted companionably as they ate and entertained each other with stories from their past.   When dinner was over, Remington cleared the table and Laura insisted on helping him clean up.  His protest fell on stubborn ears and they worked together to put Remington's kitchen back in its original state.

    "How about a movie?  The late shows should be starting about now."  Remington said eyeing his watch. 

    "Sounds perfect."  Laura agreed.

    Laura got comfortable on the couch while Remington dimmed the lights, lit a fire and produced a comfy blanket.  Laura giggled when he settled next to her and positioned the blanket over them.

    "This reminds me of how my sister and I used to watch movies."

    Remington flicked through the channels and looked supremely satisfied when he'd found a classic.

    "Notorious!  Ah Laura, tonight is our lucky night.  Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains...RKO 1946."

    "If you start drooling, I'm leaving."  Laura warned as he raved about the intricate details.

    When the movie started Laura elbowed him to get him to shut up.  Halfway through the movie, they both fell asleep.  Laura had slid down the couch and Remington had followed her.  His arm had been around her during the movie and was still draped around her shoulder.  Her left arm was pinned beneath them but her right was draped across Remington's middle.  Their legs were entwined under the blanket that Remington had covered them with.  Laura was the first to stir and open her eyes.  She blinked a few times and looked around her in confusion.  

    When her eyes rested on Remington's not-so-clear face inches from hers she remembered the movie.  The television was turned off and she thought that odd since they'd clearly fallen asleep.  Or had she fallen asleep first?  If so, she wondered why Remington hadn't bothered to wake her so that he could go to bed.  She looked at him again and noted how boyish he looked when he wasn't conscious.  Without thought Laura's free hand went to his hair and smoothed it away from his face.  As soon as she released it, the errant hair found it's way back to rest comfortably on his forehead.   She chuckled quietly before leaning over and kissing him lightly on the lips.

    Somewhere in the recesses of Remington's mind he was aware of Laura kissing him.  It was a brief, hesitant kiss but a kiss none-the-less.   He was certain he'd been dreaming until he felt it again.  This time the pressure was definitely more noticeable, as was the hand he felt moving softly along his shoulder.  Oddly he wondered if it would go away if he opened his eyes.  When he felt her warm breath on his lips again he decided to take the risk. 

    Laura felt his lashes fluttering against hers and knew instantly that Remington was awake.  She leaned back to end the kiss but he leaned forward to keep them connected.  When it finally ended, Laura smiled sheepishly at Remington.

    "It appears we fell asleep."

    "Evidently."  He smiled.

    "Did I fall asleep first?  Why didn't you wake me?"

    "Yes, you did, and to be honest, you were curled up against me and looked so peaceful, I didn't want to wake you."

    "I'm sorry I kept you away from your bed half the night.  I'm sure this wasn't comfortable."

    "On the contrary, I found falling asleep with in my arms, quite comfortable." 

    Laura heard the familiar note in his voice and felt her breath quicken.  Instinctively her eyes fluttered shut as Remington's mouth lowered and sealed itself to hers.

    Warmth.  Extremely pleasant warmth is what Laura felt as their kiss deepened and their bodies moved against each other.  Before she knew it, she was under Remington not along side him.  Her arms were around his neck and entrenched in his thick hair.  This was usually the spot where Laura would panic and remove herself from whatever room they happened to be in.  It didn't happen.

   Vaguely recalling the suggestions Brigid had made, Laura studied Remington's body with the detailed observation and thoroughness she used when working on a new case or project.  She let her hands roam of their own accord and was thrilled when she heard Remington's breath quicken.   He let her explore his body without a word of protest and soon she'd divested him of the blanket they'd shared, his shirt and was working toward his jeans.  The latter caused Remington to stay her hand and pull it over her head.  She looked up at him in question and the smoldering desire she saw in his eyes almost scorched her own.

    "Laura, earlier at Tulane's we were interrupted before you answered me.  Care to explain now what it is you're doing?"

    "Isn't it obvious Mr. Steele?"  Laura asked grinding her hips against his.

    The movement caused a sunburst to explode before his eyes.  "Nothing is obvious where you're concerned Laura.  Spell it out for me, and quickly."  He said, through clenched teeth.

    "I want to continue what we started earlier-before the intrusion."  

    Her voice was husky with desire and it had Remington constricting painfully.  Remington sat up slightly and pulled her with him.

    "Sweetheart, if this is a game, it's a damned dangerous one."  He warned.

    "No games, no interruptions, no misunderstandings.   I'm tired of over analyzing what's between us.   Something is here and it's definitely not going away and it's too strong to deny anymore."  she concluded.

    "So this isn't payback for what I said earlier?   About your lack of...seduction skills?"  He said, knowingly.

    If Laura was surprised by his question she didn't let on.   She ran her hand down his body and sought what she'd always wanted. 

    "Maybe it was earlier, but it sure isn't now."       

To Be Continued...