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.
Bernice shook her head at her boss. Laura was the most capable, intelligent and professional woman she knew but at times, when she let her wall of defenses down she could be as vunerable as a child.
"Laura, you won't ever know what will happen, what could develop between the two of you if you don't give your attraction a chance."
Laura scoffed. "And what if nothing happens? What if he just uses me and discards me. I don't want to face that Bernice. I...I don't think I could bear it."
"You'll can't stay on the fence forever, Laura. You aren't being fair to him or to yourself."
"Fair to him?"
"Yes." Bernice countered. You're pre-judging him. You're so sure he'll leave you high and dry and break your heart that you aren't even willing to give him the benefit of the doubt."
"That's because I've seen his track record Bernice. I've seen the damage those blue eyes, soft accent and mega charm can do. I don't want to end up like Stephanie, Daphne, Audrey..."
"Laura, you're going to end up bitter and wondering "what if" if you don't see what could develop between you two. Are you really willing to throw away a chance at true love?"
"True love?" Laura arched an eyebrow. Now you're really being dramatic Bernice. What could Mr. Incognito possibly know about love?"
"Maybe nothing, then again maybe as much as you do." Bernice replied softly before leaving Laura alone.
###
Laura pressed the buzzer and waited. She felt her palms grow moist and outwardly frowned. She hated this and she hated him for bringing her to it. The door opened suddenly and Laura was face to face with the object of her loathing.
"Ah Laura, come in, come in," Remington said, jovially as he stood aside.
"Good evening Mr. Steele. I hope my call didn't ruin your plans this evening?"
"Nonsense Laura, I had planned on making this an early evening anyway."
"I suppose having such a demanding social life can...tap one's energy," Laura said, cooly.
"Almost as draining as not having one at all." He countered sweetly.
"You aren't suggesting that I..."
"Nothing of the kind Miss Holt, here have a seat," Remington waved a hand toward the sofa. "I was about to pour myself a glass of wine, I don't suppose you'd..."
She breezed by him. "Love one thank you."
Remington tried not to look surprised--or pleased. "Very well. Make yourself at home. I'll be back in a minute."
When Laura was alone she looked around his condo. It was immaculate, as usual, and almost devoid of any personal items. Laura figured it was because he wanted the flexibility of packing up and leaving at a moments notice. She sat down on the couch. Seconds later she sniffed the air and was surprised that no lingering perfume invaded her nostrils.
"Here we are." Remington sailed back into the living room carrying two wine glasses in one hand and an ice bucket in the other.
Offering Laura the glass, he deftly opened the bottle and poured the wine. He clinked her glass then took a seat next to her. "So, you mentioned on the phone something you needed to discuss with me that concerned the agency?"
Laura drank in both the wine and the cologne he was wearing. She couldn't be sure which went to her head faster. Abruptly Laura stood up and put some distance between them.
"Yes, it concerns a new client we are about to get, Mrs. Maya Sandoval."
"Any relation to the Sandoval Resorts empire?"
"One and the same." Laura confirmed.
"How excited you must be, Laura. This is indeed a large feather in the agency's chapeau."
Laura nodded. "The largest we've had to date."
"So, what does this have to do with me? Is she requesting to "see" the infamous Remington Steele?
"Uh, well not exactly."
"Well do tell Miss Holt. I'm perched here with baited breath wondering just how I can be of service. I mean that is why you're here isn't it? If I recall the last time we...spoke, you suggested I go busy myself with my latest paramour until my presence was desired. From your unanticipated arrival on my doorstep, I can only surmise that moment is upon us."
Laura sat her glass down with more force than necessary and glared at him.
"Do you always have to be so damned smug?"
"Well that depends Miss Holt, do you always have to think the bloody worst of everybody or am I the only one privileged enough to be on your disdain list?"
"I'm not the one wining and dining every Jane, Eva and Marilyn that I come in contact with!" Laura shot back.
"Well I'd say that was good news considering all the names you just mentioned were females. By the way, you forgot bedding didn't you? I'm sure it was on your mind."
"Actually it wasn't, but I'm sure it was on yours."
Remington arched his eyebrow. "Is everyone in this lovely country as friendly as you? If so, tourism must be almost non-existent."
"I am plenty friendly." Laura ground out.
"Ah yes, the epitome of American hospitality aren't you? I've been here for six months and just how many times have you shown me around? How many times have you cared if I was settling in okay or invited me to meet some of your friends? I'm sure you socialize with Bernice and Murphy after hours, but you avoid me like the plague. Why?"
The shift in conversation took Laura totally unawares. She stared at Remington for seconds before she could form a coherent response to his accusation. She looked decidedly uncomfortable. "I don't avoid you."
"No? Well would you mind telling me just what 'don't bother showing up unless we send for you' means?"
She cringed. "I'm...I'm sorry. I didn't think you'd care...I thought you'd just see it as an opportunity to..."
"To what? Go bed some more unsuspecting females?"
Laura swallowed hard and turned away. She couldn't put a name on how bad she felt. It was obvious her parting shots didn't always roll off his back. She sighed and ran a hand through her thick mane. Why did this man always send her to extremes?
"Um...Remington, I can see now I haven't been completely fair to you since you joined the agency. I'm not a bad person and don't usually make it a habit of raking people over the coals, especially not members of my staff and...I apologize for some of the things I've said to you since we've met."
Remington walked over and turned her around to face him. There was a trace of humor in his expression. "Just some?"
"Well, some things I said you deserved." Laura smiled.
When he grinned his eyes twinkled. "Fair enough."
"I just don't know why we always seem to rub each other the wrong way," Laura said, dismally.
Remington tilted her face up to look into her eyes. "Sure you do. You'd just prefer it wasn't the truth."
"What truth is that?" She countered.
"That we're attracted to each other, Laura." His frank gaze pinned her to the spot. "That all this tension is purely sexual. Deep down you like me, you just refuse to openly acknowledge it."
Somehow Laura remembered to breathe. "God knows, you're a difficult man to work with."
Remington's eyes darkened to a deep azure. "But you do like working with me--don't you Laura?"
When he looked at her like that, Laura wished they were doing a lot more than working together. She chided herself for her errant thoughts and nodded.
"Splendid!" He said loudly, breaking the spell. Now, what's are next assignment, eh?"