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.
Murphy was whistling a cheerful tune as he entered Suite 1157. Bernice looked up, saw his face and immediately smiled.
"I take it things went well this weekend?"
"Absolutely," Murphy said, rocking back and forth on his heels.
"Ok you aren't going to leave me hanging are you? What happened Murph? Come on I want details!" Bernice said, jumping up from her desk.
Murphy grinned and shook his head. "Uh uh. I ain't kissin and tellin."
Bernice shrieked and came after him. Murphy laughed and dodged the book she threw at him. He ran from the room with Bernice in hot pursuit.
"I mean it Murphy Michaels, you're going to tell me what happened!" Bernice yelled as she chased him throughout the office.
She cornered him behind Remington's desk and smiled truimphantly. "Ok I've got you, now give!"
"Ok, Ok, Barbara Walters!" Murphy chuckled holding his hands up in surrender.
"Goody," Bernice said, excitedly and ran and plopped down on Remington's couch.
Murphy sat in the chair next to it and swung a leg over the arm. "Ok I told you I planned this wonderful dinner and great seduction scene to profess my newfound love right?"
"Mmm Hmm." Bernice sighed dreamily.
"Well, it worked and then some." Murphy winked. "Janice loved it and then loved me--repeatedly."
Bernice clapped loudly and whistled. "Way to go Murph! I'm glad somebody in this office is gettin' some."
"Speaking of getting some, any news on the happy couple?"
"I spoke to Laura yesterday." Bernice informed him.
"And?"
"And, Laura sounds like a big ball of wreck."
Murphy immediately sat up. "Is anything wrong? Something happen on the case?" Murphy said, in alarm.
"Nope, the case is going fine. If you ask me, Laura's living arrangements are what's giving her hell. Sounds like they're too close for comfort."
"I see. So, she and Steele haven't..."
"Nope. And from that shrill pitch in Laura's voice, it sounds like she needs to and soon, before she combusts."
"You really think he'd stay around after that big moment?"
"Honestly Murphy I think he would. If you ask me, he and Laura have something ridiculous, confusing, infuriating and utterly unpredictable." Bernice smiled knowingly.
Murphy looked at her a moment and then shook his head in bewilderment. "Good Lord, it sounds like...it sounds like...love?"
"Yep, in all its glory." Bernice agreed.
"Well if anyone can throw a monkey wrench in a man's program, it's Laura."
###
"You are the most infuriating woman I've ever known!" Remington replied.
"Well you aren't exactly the epitome of concession either." Laura whispered testily.
Remington had gone out of his way the whole day to make Laura as uncomfortable as he could; he was constantly at her side, playing with her hair, kissing her neck and showing general displays of affection. It was driving her crazy and she thought she'd snap if she had to endure it much longer.
"Did you say something Mrs. DeWinter?"
"Uh me? Oh no, nothing at all," Laura said, quickly.
"Come now Mrs. DeWinter, I think you just volunteered to be our sample couple," The robust woman said, eagerly.
"No!" Laura shrieked.
Remington eyed her with interest.
"I mean, I couldn't really, I uh, I'm not very good at this sort of thing and I...we..."
"Nonsense Nisa, I've based my sensual massage class on three principles: 'Communication, "Exploration and Variation.' As long as you keep those three things foremost in your mind, you can do no wrong. Don't you agree Varian?"
"Oh absolutely Sasha. I've the utmost faith in my partner's abilities." Remington smiled serenely.
"Excellent. Now Nisa, you and Varian approach the table and don't be shy. You may be in front of the class but believe me, all my pupils will be busy concentrating on their own mates, won't you class?"
An avid cheer went up around the room and to Laura it sounded like steel grinding against steel. Sasha pulled Laura and Remington toward the plush massage table and squeezed their arms supportively.
"Come now you two. I'll say it again, as long as you trust each other and openly communicate what feels good, there is no way this won't be a pleasurable experience for both of you. Now, up on the table Varian, Nisa, come with me," Sasha instructed.
Remington shrugged off the thick terry cloth robe he was wearing and adjusted his swimming trunks slightly before laying face down on the table. Laura hesitantly followed Sasha to the table near him and watched as Sasha mixed together a concoction of essential oils and scents.
"Now, this is important class; the aromatherapy part of sensual massage is just as important as the laying on of hands. It all works in tandem. The fun part is you can experiment with what scents you like and what works best for you, based on the mood you're trying to create. For example; for a hard day at the office you could mix up a relaxing blend of lavender, lemon and marjoram to calm a tense body. Or if energy is what you need; rosemary and peppermint are sure to get that blood pumping, leaving you vitalized and feeling refreshed! Now ladies and gentleman, for a night of passion, turn to page 42 for at a recipe that's a guaranteed aphrodisiac." Sasha winked. "The key is to let your nose guide you when mixing your lubrications; that and the detailed scents manual I've given each of you. Ok Nisa, you practice what we've covered in our class today while I get the other couples set up."
Laura nodded weakly and walked toward the table. Remington was still laying on his stomach with his head in the padded hole. He was so still Laura wondered if he'd fallen asleep.
"Are you ready Varian?" Laura said, uncertainly.
"Absolutely Nisa darling. Mi body es su body."
Laura stuck her tongue out at his back and hoped nobody had seen the impetuous gesture. Slowly Laura lowered her shaking hands onto Remington's back. When they came in contact with his back he jerked.
"Good Lord, have you been soaking those in ice cubes?"
"Sorry." Laura muttered and rubbed her hands together rapidly to warm them up.
"Relax Nisa, you'll be fine," Remington said, reassuringly.
Laura nodded and then smiled because he couldn't see it. She returned her hands to his back and this time he didn't flinch. Laura started moving her hands in slow, circular motions; kneading the muscles softly. After she had gone over his entire back, she did it again but increased the pressure and changed direction. Laura applied more of the mixture Sasha had made for her. It was warm and slipped through her fingers as she worked the tense knots out of Remington's back. Laura worked with persistent, firm pressure on the muscle from the inside out and then back again. She worked it repeatedly until she felt the knot give under her. She was so intent on her ministrations that she didn't notice that Sasha had come up behind her.
"Excellent Nisa, you're doing great. Now try this." Sasha said and demonstrated a new technique on Remington's neck and down his back.
Laura mimicked Sasha's movements and was surprised by the elation she felt at Sasha and Remington's praise.
"How's she doing Varian?" Sasha asked, quietly.
"I'm certain I haven't been this relaxed for quite some time. My wife has found another incredible talent to add to her already extensive repertoire."
The soft, sensual timber of his voice resonated in the air and caressed Laura almost as thoroughly as if he'd physically touched her. She blushed at the intimate connotation his words evoked. Remington smiled as though he'd personally seen her reaction. Laura's hands shook again but this time it wasn't from nervousness. Something electric and tangible passed between them and it almost stole the breath from her lungs. She felt the energy flowing from her hands, through his body and back again. It was something she'd never experienced before and it overwhelmed her. She almost jumped out of her skin when Sasha's soft voice announced that the class was drawing to an end. Laura wiped Remington's back and neck down with a thick towel to remove any lingering traces of oil. When she was finished he gingerly rolled over and sat up. He blinked several times to reacclimate his eyes to the light. When he was able to focus, he fixed Laura with a stare that would've lit a match had one been handy. Laura staggered backwards slightly and bumped up against Sasha.
"Ooh careful sweetie. It isn't uncommon for the masseuse to feel completely spent after a session. It takes alot of energy to do therapeutic massages, but the rewards are well worth the exertion."
"I'll second that." Remington hopped off the table..
Laura smiled in an effort to hide her discomfiture.
"Ok couples here is your assignment for this evening. I want each of you to take the three bottles of oils I've placed by your chairs back to your room with you and use them to give your masseuse a massage. Enjoy and let me know the next class how your partner liked it."
Laura looked at Remington and he winked at her as he picked up the bottles and massage manual.
###
Dinner that night was a loud, rowdy affair. There was a limbo party being given in the courtyard and it was packed. Everyone was dancing, singing and enjoying the atmosphere and unlimited Yellow Birds. Laura and Remington were no exception and by the end of the night they were as loose and jovial as all the other couples. To their elation they also won the limbo contest. They were awarded with a certificate, crowns to wear on their heads and a basket of goodies to take to their villa. By the time they got back to their room they were laughing and singing.
"I can't believe we one!" Laura screamed with delight and danced around the room.
"Neither can I. Hey let's see what we won," Remington said, eagerly.
They looked like two kids opening presents on Christmas morning; they put the bulging basket on the floor between them and sat cross-legged as they explored their treasure.
"Hey look at this, first of all what is this?" Laura giggled.
"Uh, I think it's one of those new massagers or something like that."
"Motion Lotion? Does this stuff actually work?" Laura asked opening the top. Pouring a small amount on her wrist whe blew on it. The lotion warmed and Laura shreiked.
"Ooh, it really does get warm."
"Ah the marvels of modern science." Remington smiled.
"Here you try it." Laura poured some out on the inside of his forearm. She blew the spot and Remington laughed. "Now that gives you quite a jolt, eh?"
"Oh my gosh, look at this, a pocket sized Kama Sutra book. I'll bet you've done all the positions in this book haven't you Mr. Steele?" Laura teased waving it in his direction.
Remington grabbed the book and scanned a few pages. "Laura I may be limber, but you'd have to be a contortionist to execute some of these moves."
Laura pulled out a feather and waved it around in the air. Remington pulled out a blindfold and hooted with laughter.
"How'd they know I've always wanted one of these?"
"Who are you kidding?" Laura snorted. You mean another one of these. "You probably used the other one until it was thread bare." She taunted.
"Laura, it seems you have this notion that I'm Lord Marchmaine in disguise."
"Why shouldn't I? You seemed quite at home writing lewd, crude and socially unacceptable erotic fiction. You know what they say about the apple not falling too far from the tree." Laura laughed so hard she started hiccupping.
"Oh really? Well let's see how lewd, crude and socially unacceptable I can be, eh?" Stepping closer, Remington grabbed the feather from Laura.
Laura jumped up. "Don't you dare come near me with that thing!" She screamed.
"Or you'll what? Burn me to a crisp with that motion lotion?"
Remington advanced on Laura as she ran around the room.
"Stay away from me, you know I'm ticklish." She started giggling.
He advanced toward her. "That's the point Mrs. DeWinter, isn't it?"
Laura tried to get past Remington to make a dash for the bathroom. She was too late. He caught her by the arm and spun her around.
"Oh no you don't Nisa darling, you've had this coming for quite some time, love."
Remington pinned Laura to him and began tickling her veraciously with the feather. She laughed until her sides hurt and begged him to stop, but he was relentless in his torture. Finally, Laura freed herself. Without looking back, she ran from the room, off the deck and down their private sandy beach.
Remington gave chase. Laura could hear him promising to double her torture when he caught her. That bold claim made her run faster. She tried dashing into the water hoping it would slow Remington down. It was a mistake.
He followed her into the water without missing a beat, eventually catching up with her.
"Stay away from me!" Laura sputtered, as she tried to dodge the incoming waves without losing her balance.
"Or you'll what?" Remington challenged walking steadily toward her.
He reminded Laura of a panther about to pounce on its prey. When she tried to give him a wide berth, he caught up and spun her around.
"You lose." He declared, pulling her roughly against him.
"Oh yeah? And what exactly to I lose, Varian?" Laura taunted.
"That embossed abstinence card you've been carrying around all this time." Remington said thickly. "It's gone."
Laura stopped dead in her tracks and sobered instantly. "You louse. That isn't funny."
"I'm not laughing, Laura. Time's up, love." His eyes took on an intense glint. "We're through playing ring around the bed pole."
"Let me go." Laura replied, nervously.
"Fine, but I'll give you fair warning. No more running, Laura. I want you to come willingly to that bed in there. Don't make me chase you down again."
"What!? No! This isn't very funny, Mr. Steele. You can't pressure me to sleep with you." She accused.
"Why the hell not? You've been pressuring me all this time not to. I'm through playing everything your way."
"I'm...I'm not ready for this, Remington." Laura whispered.
Despite the crashing waves around them, he heard the imploring note in her voice. Remington placed a finger under her chin. Tilting her face to meet his, he nodded. "Yes, you are Laura. You're way past ready. We both are."
The finality in his voice, the certainty in it had Laura fleeing before she even realized what she'd done. She heard Remington calling her name, but she didn't care, and didn't slow down.
Diving forward, Remington caught her by the leg. She screamed as they both went crashing into the water. They were close enough to the shore to land halfway in the water and on the sand.
"Let me go!" Laura sputtered, choking on salt water.
"I warned you, Laura." Remington grabbed her arm and pulled them both upright. He picked her up and none to graciously deposited her across his shoulder. She came in violent contact with the bony part of his shoulder and felt the air ripped from her lungs. She fought to regain her composure and her breath, but it was difficult when she was slung over Remington's shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
When he reached their villa, he set Laura on her feet and closed and locked the deck door. She backed away from him like he had the plague.
"Remington, this little game has gotten way out of hand."
"This isn't a game, Laura. Not any more. You knew that when you asked me to pose as your husband. You knew what this trip meant, for both of us. The moment I agreed to come with you, our fate was sealed."
"That isn't true." She denied, hoarsely.
"Then by all means go ahead Laura, I'm listening. Stand there and tell me again that you don't want me, and you didn't think this case would end with us being lovers."
"You aren't being fair!" Laura accused.
"No, I'm not being patient, there's a difference." He corrected.
"Well I don't want this, so now what. Are you going to resort to rape?" Laura glared at him.
"Rape?" he said, incredulously. "Me? That's hardly the course of action Remington Steele would take now is it? I don't think he'd have to use force to get a woman to give in, do you?"
Leaning against the dresser, he pondered the question for her. "Let's see then, what would the accomplished Mr. Steele do in a situation like this, eh Laura?"
"He'd go take a cold shower then find himself another place to stay for the night,"
"No, somehow I don't think that would be his course of action. We're here on a case Laura. We're married, remember? What would people think if I slept elsewhere?"
"They'd think we had a tiff, nothing more."
"I don't think I'm willing to chance blowing our cover. Remington Steele is a man of dedication, a man of action, and so am I."
Within two strides he closed the distance between them, grabbed Laura by here hair and pulled her firmly against him, claiming her lips in a searing kiss. The air left Laura's lungs the moment his lips touched hers. It was unlike any kiss she'd ever received before. It shook her to the very essence of her being. Laura felt like day old mush under his expert embrace, but there was too much at stake for her to back down. She couldn't lose this battle, she wouldn't. With a supreme effort, Laura pushed herself away from him.
Taking a shuddering breath, Laura shook her head. "I can't let this happen."
"Can't? Or won't?"
"Ok, damn you, I won't!" It will change everything between us. Can't you see that?"
"Of course I see that, but it will change it for the better Laura, not worse."
"You can't guarantee that! Hell, you can't guarantee where you'll be in a week, in a month, even in a year!"
"With any luck, I'll be in bed next to you."
"This isn't a joke! This is my life you're messing with."
"You think you've left my life unscathed, Laura?" He countered. "You think I'm exactly the same man I was when I first walked through the door to your office months ago? If you do you're dreaming, because I'm not," Remington said, thickly. "I never will be again." Lowering his head, Remington tried to claim her mouth again.
Laura saw it coming and tried to prepare for the rush of feelings but it was useless. How does a person prepare to release a tornado? Laura was helpless, and she knew it. All the talking, all the yelling, all the pleading she'd done over the last few months was for naught. He was right, the pretense was over the moment they left Los Angeles. Hidden in the recesses of Laura's mind was the realization that if he wanted her, if he pressed the issue she'd give in. It was as simple as the ink in a pen; when applied to paper and pressed, the ink would flow. Remington knew all the right buttons to press and true to form, Laura was flowing as effortlessly as that ink.
Slowly, calmly, Remington escalated his kiss, demanding more participation on Laura's part, and she gave it. Seconds turned into minutes as Remington wove a web of passion that neither of them could escape from. He finally showed it to her. All the skill he possessed, all the raw power he'd kept in check since he'd met her, since he'd realized he wanted her--and she him.
Laura discovered three things as she was engulfed in Remington's embrace. First, that he had an expertise that was unlike anything she'd ever encountered before. Second, and that her heart was rejoicing in the passion that would finally be unleashed. The third, and more painful fact for her to admit to was that if he'd wanted to, if he'd been so inclined, he could've had her for the taking long before now.
From the torrential feelings Remington was evoking in her now, it was painfully obvious he could've kissed her like this at any given time in their brief association, and her clothes would've promptly fell off.
To Be Continued...