by
Mary Ann
(maryanncleveland@prodigy.net)
"Oh, Mr. Sheffield...what a wonderful day it was on St. Thomas! I'm so glad you're here to keep me company during the day. Steve is here on a convention and has meetings all day, and Val, believe it or not, found a boyfriend!" Fran says sipping her tropical drink. They are sitting at a table at the Sunset Bar overlooking the sea on the fabulous Celebrity cruise ship Galaxy. "I'm so glad we're friends now. We can just relax in each other's company. I think I've really gotten over that whole "thing" business now that I've met Steve!" She confides looking at him affectionately.
Maxwell Sheffield looks at her. Funny, a month ago he would have been thrilled that she was over him taking back telling her he loved her, now he was--well, he didn't know what he was. "Miss Fine, is Steve really the man of your dreams? He takes a sip of his scotch and says. "Didn't you notice how one nostril is larger than the other? I know I couldn't deal with it." He says shivering. Max is suddenly realizing that he is terrified that Miss Fine may have really found the man of her dreams on this cruise. He doesn't like it one bit.
"I hadn't noticed." She shrugs taking another sip of her drink. "Mr. Sheffield--now that we're just friends, I'm going to confide in you. Steve has asked me to spend the night with him in his suite. He is in one of the Royal Suites. It has a separate bedroom and living room! My cabin is just bigger than my walk in closet back home! He showed it to me--it's three times the size of my cabin! Val hooked up with the ship's head purser and is, um, 'entertaining' tonight. She asked me to find another room to stay in tonight.
She looks at Max and says thoughtfully. "I don't think I should sleep with Steve--after all I just met him a few days ago, and despite what Miss Babcock thinks, I'm not that easy. I don't really want to ask C.C. if I can stay with her...you know how she feels about me, and my parents cabin is out of the question!" She says shuddering at the thought.
Max face fell at the thought of her sleeping in Steve's cabin. "Miss Fine, I have the Penthouse Suite, it is enormous! I insist you sleep with me...I mean in my suite! There is a huge king size bed that converts into two doubles." He says overjoyed that she won't be sleeping with that bloke tonight. "Here's an extra key--please make yourself at home." He says cheerfully, handing her the key.
"Oh, Mr. Sheffield...thanks!" She says gratefully. "I can even sleep on the couch to give you more privacy--I remember how you react when someone is in your bedroom." She winks at him remembering the time she was drunk and ended up in his bed "I was a little embarrassed to ask you. I've already packed an overnight bag. I'll probably just drop it off in your suite after dinner. Steve's taking me dancing in the ship's disco tonight, I'll try not to wake you if I get in late." She says putting the key into her purse.
"Hello, darling!" Steve says coming up behind Fran and nuzzling the back of her neck. "Ready for dinner? Oh, hello, Max...uh, you're welcome to join us." Steve said shaking Max's hand.
"Well, that would be fine..." Max begins. He stops in mid sentence as Fran gives him a dirty look. "No, I couldn't possibly." He says excusing himself. As he walks away from the happy couple he thinks. Why do I feel so blasted lousy? I'm the one who wanted to be just friends. I'm the one who didn't want her to be in love with me--and now she's not, anymore. He heads to the bar where Niles is having a cocktail. Could she really have fallen out of love with me? Have I held her at arms length once to often? He thinks starting to panic at the thought that she just might falling for Steve. He spots Niles and orders a round of drinks for them from bartender.
"Oh, hello Mr. Sheffield, where's Miss Fine?" Niles smirks knowing full well where Miss Fine is. How can this bloody fool let her go off in another man's arms? I'm truly beginning to wonder about his sexuality. Niles thinks shaking his head. He is thoroughly disgusted that his boss is letting Miss Fine slip through his fingers.
"Oh, Niles...what's the matter with me? We all had such a lovely day on the island. We were like a family. How could she go off with that Steve chap? Do you think I've lost her to him?" He turns and looks at his lifelong friend and butler.
"Mr. Sheffield, you asked me and I am going to speak frankly." He turns to face him. "This has gone on long enough. If after four years, you don't know exactly what you want--then you don't deserve to have it. You love her--why can't you just admit it?! What are you so bloody afraid of?" He says looking straight into Max's surprised eyes. "Do you know how much she loves...loved you? How long did you think she could take being pushed away?--I am stunned she's stuck around this long!"
Max stares at Niles. He suddenly comes to the realization that Niles is absolutely right. He whispers "Oh, god, Niles...you're right! I-I do love her, and, now I think I've lost her! She admitted to me that she was glad that we were just friends! When I saw Steve kissing her just now I just wanted to wretch." He takes a sip of his scotch. "Niles, how am I going to get her back? That bloke is handsome, younger than me, and almost as wealthy!" He says getting a little desperate as he truly analyzes the situation for the first time.
"Well, sir...she loved you first. Perhaps she still does, deep down. You know" He confides figuring it's time his boss knew the truth. "You really hurt her with that 'Thing' business a couple months ago. She never let on to you, but she was close to leaving several times. I think the main reason she stayed was because of your kids." Niles hopes he is getting it through Max's thick skull. It's about time he learned the truth. Niles thinks angrily.
"Oh, Niles...I had no idea that I hurt her that much--that she loved me that much! I wish you would have told me earlier!" He cries looking desperately at his friend. "Wait--it's not too late! She's sleeping in my suite tonight!" Niles gives him a surprised look. "Val's 'entertaining' in their cabin and Miss Fine didn't want to sleep with C.C." Max quickly explains seeing Niles confused look.
"Well, I can't blame her there." Niles says with a wry smile on his lips.
*************************
After the hectic day she had, Fran is tired and kisses Steve goodnight at his suite's door. She walks to the back of the ship to Max's suite. It's just after midnight, and she quietly puts the key in the door of the Penthouse Suite. She pushes it open and is surprised to find Maxwell sitting in front of a beautiful fire on the huge sofa. She gasps as she looks around the suite. "Oh, Mr. Sheffield--this room is unbelievable! It's five times bigger than Steve's, and his is huge!"
For some reason, this pleases Maxwell tremendously. "Let me show you around, Miss Fine!" Max says excitedly jumping up off the couch and walking over to take her bag. He was relieved that she was in so early. He had been prepared to wait up all night, and was terrified that she might change her mind about sleeping with Steve. "First, let me make you a drink. Why don't you change into your bedclothes and get comfortable! Not that you don't look smashing in that dress!" He says taking in the tight gown she was wearing. He led her to the master bathroom just off his bedroom and sets her bag on the sink. "I'll mix you a cocktail--I also have hors' doeuvers!" He says enticingly.
"Food? Oh, I'm famished! I danced my dinner off tonight! She says excitedly as she closes the bathroom door and opens her suitcase.
He chuckles affectionately at that. Now how did I know that it would be the food that would get her excited! He mixes an apricot sour for her at the bar and a scotch rocks for him. He sets them on the coffee table with a plate of appetizers. He turns on the CD player and slips in a Dean Martin disk. The room is bathed in soft music and light from the fireplace. He turns as he hears the bathroom door open. Fran walks out wearing white silk pajamas. She looks adorable with no robe. His heart starts to beat faster and he was definitely feeling something in his lower regions. Oh, my, how am I going to control myself with her in my room tonight if she really doesn't love me! He worries draining the remainder of his drink.
"I forgot my bathrobe--oh, well, that fire will keep me warm enough." She smiles walking towards him. She picks up a cheese puff and her drink and starts exploring the suite. "Oh, Mr. Sheffield! Look at this balcony! It wraps around the back of the ship! TWO Jacuzzi's, a full bar, tropical trees and plants! You could entertain fifty people out here!" She cries excitedly.
Max looks at her lovingly. She's so wonderful! How could I have not realized this sooner! She has such a passion for life. She appreciates things that I take for granted, making me see them in a whole new light! "Let me freshen your drink Miss Fine. Come let's sit by the fire. He says leading her to the overstuffed couch. They sit facing each other and Fran is pleased how completely comfortable and relaxed she now feels with him. I guess it's because I've finally come to terms that he really just wants to be friends. She thinks a little sadly. She finishes her second apricot sour and sets the glass down.
Fran was now a little tipsy, not being used to alcohol and her inhibitions are lessened. "Mr. Sheffield, now that we're friends, I can confide in you. Gosh, you're almost like a girlfriend to me now!" She says excitedly taking his hands and looking him in the eyes. "Can I tell you a secret Mr. Sheffield?" She moves closer to him and shyly whispers "It's been four years since I've made love to anyone...isn't that pathetic. Ever since I started working for you! I guess I was just waiting for you those four years, I always felt a little guilty, like I was cheating on you when I was in that situation! Dumb, huh?" She asks looking at him innocently.
His heart skips a beat at her naiveté and he is touched and thrilled at her confession. She's been with nobody all this time--I can't believe it! After all those blokes she dated. Oh, my sweet baby... I just want to take her right now! Control yourself Maxwell--you don't want to scare her! He thinks happily.
Well, Mr. Sheffield, Steve took me to his suite tonight and boy, can he kiss! I almost gave in, but, didn't. I think I could fall in love with him." She says conspiratorially. Fran suddenly makes a decision right then. "Mr. Sheffield, I think I'm going to make love to him tomorrow night. Four years is long enough...it's just not natural! Of course, I thought you would be the one but, well...it's probably for the best. You are way out of my class, but Steve comes from a similar background as me. He made all his money on his own. Yes, I definitely think tomorrow will be the night. I mean, I'm a normal healthy woman...I have needs, right?" She looks at him expectantly.
"NO! Um, I mean no, I don't think you should jump into anything. I mean, what do you really know of this chap! And, that's a very important step, Miss Fine." He says, his heart sinking at the thought that she is considering giving herself to another man. Oh, god...how am I going to talk her out of this? Should I tell her my feelings? His heart starts pounding madly and he is beginning to panic.
Fran looks at him with a surprised expression. Wow, did that get a reaction out of him! Is he... is he jealous? I thought he was happy that I was over' The Thing.' Maybe he does care for me! Suddenly a light bulb goes off in her head. I'm going to take advantage of this. Who am I kidding-- I still love him and always have. If he can admit he feels the same before this cruise is over, I'll leave Steve.
OK, now's the time to play hard-to-get. He seems to respond to that best. If I give in too early, he'll just respond briefly then hold me at arms length like always. She thinks, a plan forming in her mind. "Oh, Mr. Sheffield--you are so sweet to worry about me, but, I'm a big girl--don't worry, I'll be sure to use protection. Yes, I've made up my mind...tomorrow's my big night!" She says patting him on his knee. A woman who has made up her mind. "Well, I'm going to sleep. Goodnight." She says getting up and walking over to the double beds in his room. "Which bed do you want?" She looks back expectantly at him, pretending to be oblivious to the drastic effect her shared plans have just had on him.
Maxwell is sitting on the couch with a stunned expression. "Um, either one is fine." He finally answers, dejected. Oh, god...what do I do now? What if I admit my feelings and she really doesn't love me? I don't think I can handle that! But I bloody well can't let her make love to another man!
Fran climbs into the bed on the left, pulls the cover up to her chin and falls quickly to sleep. The drinks and the exhausting day have taken their toll on her. Max, in the meantime, has no desire to sleep. He sits on the couch and pours himself another drink. He stares into the fire and ponders his next move.
The next morning, Max wakes up before Fran, having fallen asleep on the sofa after several more drinks. He walks to the bathroom and stares down at her. She's like a sleeping angel. She's so innocent looking lying there. He suddenly remembers her plans for this evening and fear grips his gut. He walks to the bathroom and showers. He gets dressed and orders breakfast for two from the butler.
Miss Fine wakes up just as the Celebrity Suite butler is setting up the breakfast on the balcony. "Oh, Mr. Sheffield--food! I'll be right out after I take a quick shower!" She says happily. She freshens up in the bathroom, applies some light make up and rushes out to the balcony.
"Good morning, Miss Fine--how did you sleep? Max says cheerfully putting the napkin on his lap.
"I don't think I've ever slept better! It's like my mind is suddenly so clear!" That should worry him! She thinks.
What the bloody hell does that mean?! I don't like that one bit! Does that mean she has absolutely no doubts about what she plans to do tonight? He thinks panicking. I have to do something...fast! Um, Miss Fine, I've been thinking about your current cabin situation. I imagine Val is probably going to be with this chap until then end of the cruise. Since we have four nights left I was wondering if you would like to move your belongings in here. As you can see, I have more than enough room. I'm sure Val would be grateful." He says a little nervously looking shyly at her.
"Oh, Mr. Sheffield...I don't know..." She pretends to think about it, just to give him a little worry time. "Well, I guess you're right--it would make sense. Yea, Val's definitely going to be with this guy for the rest of the cruise. Well, it's either here or I could stay with Steve." She pretends to think that possibility over. "But, I think it's too soon to move in with him, don't you?" She looks at him innocently.
"ABSOLUTLY!" He cries, a little more forcefully than he had planned. "Uh, I mean--or course you can't move in with him--you barely know him. No, you're staying here--that's an order, Miss Fine." He says more cheerfully. He smiles at her, the lines around his eyes crinkling in that way that drives her crazy.
"You're the boss!" She says biting into her French toast. Four nights in his suite, alone with him! Wow, if something doesn't happen now, it really is not meant to be. "Oh, this is marvelous! I'm just famished!" She exclaims smiling at him. "So, what are we going to do today? Steve has meetings all day, so I expect you to show me a good time. Have you ever been to St. Kitt's?" She looked at him demurely.
"Yes I have! They have a beautiful beach at Turtle Bay. I have some investment property down here also. We can rent a car at the dock and I'll drive you there! Go put on your beach ware and bring some towels. I'll have the butler pack us a lunch. It's just going to be you and me today, the kids have gone on the snorkeling tour, and god only knows what happened to Niles and C.C.! I saw them gambling at the craps table last night and they seemed to be getting along swimmingly!" He is still slightly shocked as he remembers the sight of Niles and C.C. laughing and hugging each other after each roll of the dice.
I'm going to show her a smashing time--I have to win her back. I really loved waking up with her this morning, even though we weren't in the same bed. Somehow it just feels so right. He thinks, a little surprised on how comfortable he is with her now that he had admitted his feelings to himself. He gets up and rings the butler.
********************
"Oh, Mr. Sheffield--this island is so beautiful. Fran says as they drive up the mountain road that leads to Turtle Beach. Look at that gorgeous new Marriott Resort that is almost finished! The ocean views are going to be spectacular! I'd love to stay there sometime!"
"Anytime you want, I have invested in the property surrounding it. He points to the building project that was underway. There is Phase One of homes and condos! They are going to be very expensive and it's always good to invest in property--much more stable than Broadway!" He tells her. "This is a very unique location. From this point, you can view the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north all at once!
They arrive at Turtle Beach and Max nearly has a heart attack when Fran takes off her cover up to reveal the skimpiest thong bikini he has ever seen. He quickly runs into the ocean before she can see just how much he admires her suit. She runs in after him and they playfully splash each other. He grabs her and throws her high in to air. She goes under a wave and swims underwater to his legs and tackles them. He puts his arms around her underwater and they rise to the surface face to face. He tightly holds her and she has her arms around his neck. Their bodies are pressed into each other. They both feel a jolt in their lower regions and look deep into each other's eyes for a second. Fran can feel just how much he likes her, and she remembers her plan before the delicious feeling in her groin takes over and ruins everything. She can't risk him kissing her then pushing her away suddenly as he always has in the past when they've shared intimate moments.
With surprising will power, she lets go first and smiles brightly. "Mr. Sheffield, I didn't know you could be so much fun! Who says you're a stuffed shirt! Hey, I'm hungry, I'm going to see what the butler packed." She playfully smacks him on the chest and dives under the water and swims towards the beach.
Maxwell stays for a while and gets his breathing under control. The feeling of her near naked body next to his had a intense effect on him and if she hadn't broken away, he might have taken her right there. The thought of that body touching another man's makes him more determined to make sure his plan succeeds. Slowly he heads for the beach and her picnic.
****************************
By the time they returned to the Galaxy it was dusk and the ship would be leaving in a few minutes. The children informed them that they would be dining with the new friends they made in the "Teen Cruise Program." Niles and C.C. had already eaten up by the pool where Niles informed a surprised Max and Fran that they had spent the day together. Now he and C.C. walk arm and arm to the casino to wait for the doors to open.
"Well, Miss Fine...I guess it's just you and me he says as they go to Fran's cabin to pack up her belongings for the move. Are you hungry...oh, excuse me, stupid question. Where shall we eat? Um, Steve is working until ten o'clock I think you said. It's only six. Why don't you put on something smashing and I'll take you to the expensive alternative dining restaurant on the top deck!" He says as they head to his suite with all her bags.
"Oooh, OK! I'll take the shower in the bedroom bath and you take the one in the guest bathroom, that will save time! I'm starved!" She says retreating into the bathroom. A half hour later she walks into the living room her hair up on top of her head, soft ringlets framing her face. She is wearing a white backless low-cut gown. Max in his tuxedo is standing by the fireplace sipping a scotch. His eyes go wide as he sees her.
"Oh, Miss Fine...that might be the most beautiful gown you have ever worn! You look brilliant!" He exclaims. Shall we go?" He offers his arm to her and leads her out the suites double doors. As this spectacular couple walk through the public rooms of the ship heads turn appreciatively. Max notices the men, especially the look of awe in their eyes when they spot Fran. He is so proud to be escorting her; he can't believe he could ever have taken back telling her he loved her.
After a wonderful dinner, Max and Fran take the elevator down to the Promenade Deck. Ok, Max...start dazzling her. He thinks as he leads her to the ship's casino. "Miss Fine, how would you like to do something sinful and exciting?"
She looks at him and her heart skips a beat. Oh, boy...here it comes. She thinks excitedly.
"Let's go gambling...all on me! Sky's the limit!" He says smiling at her. At first she's slightly disappointed, but quickly warms to the suggestion. They walk to one of the blackjack tables and select two seats together. Max takes out his wallet and counts out twenty hundred dollars bills. He hands them to the dealer. "All black, please." He says casually putting his wallet back in his jacket pocket.
"Mr. Sheffield! The blacks are hundred dollar chips!" Fran says her heart pounding. "I've only played with five dollar chips in Atlantic City!"
"Of course, Miss Fine." He places half the chips in front of her. You said you are a skilled player...what's the problem?" He says smiling at her. "I trust you!"
Fran swallows and says nervously. "You're the boss!"
After an hour, Max is indeed impressed at her level of play. In fact, she has the whole table rocking. She was so funny and was helping new players. She would tell them when to 'hit' and when to 'stay.' the whole table was winning and having a great time. The rest of the gamblers in the casino were looking enviously at their direction.
After an hour of intense gambling, Fran gives Max his original thousand dollars in black chips back. He insists that she keep the profit. The lucky couple cashes their chips in at the casino cashier. They stuff four thousand dollars each into their purse and pocket. It was a profitable night all around. "Miss Fine...we are a good team. I don't remember having so much fun! You had the whole table loving you!" He says admiringly. She really is so much fun. I don't think I've ever had a bad time with her! He thinks happily.
As they walk arm in arm out of the casino, they pass the Celebrity Lounge where a big band was playing Gershwin music. "May I have this dance?" He says gallantly as he leads her on the dance floor. He pulls her close to him and looks deeply into her eyes. The look makes her heart skip a beat and she puts her head on his shoulder and moves in closer. He hopes she can't feel just how much he is enjoying their dance.
After a few dances, they go back to his Penthouse Suite. Max is starting to wonder if she really is planning to go through with what she had planned last night. He has a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne chilling and offers her a fluted glass. The butler had made sure there were appetizers and a fire going. He also had soft music playing, as per Max's request earlier while Fran was in the shower. They sit on the sofa and Max puts his arm around her. "I had a lovely time today, Miss Fine." He says brushing a lock of hair away from her eyes." Her seductive look reeks havoc on his groin and his heart is pounding madly. He slowly reaches in to kiss her.
Before his lips meet hers she suddenly looks at her watch. "Uh, Mr. Sheffield...it's almost ten. I have to meet Steve soon. Gosh, I'm starting to get really nervous about tonight! You know, about what I confided in you last night regarding my plans to sleep with Steve!" She looks at him shyly. "I think I need a drink to go through with it." She says reaching for the champagne. "You know, to get up my courage...it's been so long since I've been with a man." She takes a huge gulp of the wine. "I'm so glad you're here to support me!" She says looking at him affectionately." I want to thank you for a marvelous day! I had a really good time. You can be so much fun--I guess it's because we're just friends now, huh?" She says looking up at him innocently. "Well, here I go!" She says reluctantly. OK, make your move Mr. Sheffield. The ball's in your court. I don't want to leave! I will though. She thinks resolutely as she gets up to leave.
Max's heart starts to pound rapidly. She's so sweet and innocent, I can't believe I've driven her to even consider this odious plan! Do something, you idiot! She's getting ready to leave!
"Oh, no you don't!" He says as he gently grabs Fran's wrist and pulls her down on his lap. He looks at her with love...and lust in his eyes as he puts his arms around her and kisses her passionately. She gasps as his tongue parts her lips for the first time.
He lays her on her back and tenderly gets on top of her. Her heart is beating madly and she practically melts into the sofa. Max is kissing her slightly desperately. He knows he has to change her mind about leaving and uses all his skills, which cause her to moan in ectasy. The sound drives him into a slight frenzy, and he knows that she will never leave this room tonight. Fran gasps as he presses his abundant arousal against her.
"Oh, Mr. Sheffield...w-what are you doing? I thought you want to be just friends." She sighs, lost in his arms. Wow, this is going exactly as I had hoped!
Max looks down at her, his breath coming in short spurts. "Miss Fine, after what you told me last night about your plans for this evening with Steve, did you really think I was going to let you out of this room tonight?" He kisses her again with a passion he hadn't felt in years...if ever. He whispers in her ear. "You've saved yourself for four years for me! That makes you mine!" He looks her deep in the eyes. "Besides, Fran, I love you very much."
Fran looks back at him, soft tears threaten to fall. "Just so you know, darling. Did you really think I was going to make love to another man, when I've been crazy for you all this time? I was never going to let him have me. Boy, you sure make a girl work hard to get you to say those three little words!" She winks at him.
"You were pretending this whole time! Why you little..." He kisses her tenderly before he could finish the sentence. Her little confession only serves to makes him love her even more. He lifts her up and carries her to his huge bed...the king size bed that the butler had conveniently pushed back together while they were dining.
"By the way, Maxwell...I love you too."
The End