Replay by Tyra

It took a few moments for Jax's jeep to pick up speed as the wheels at first spun, before catching traction against the sand. His attention was focused on steering his jeep as he righted its path down the beach. When he looked down towards the shore, she was gone! He spotted the hoof prints imbedded in the wet sand and followed them till they disappeared in the surf!? He looked out into the bay and spotted her. She was taking the shortest path to a secluded lagoon. A path he couldn't follow, by water. He turned his jeep back onto a surface road and headed for the distant lagoon.

As Brenda galloped down the beach she realized that she wouldn't get to the lagoon before the sun set. If that happened she wouldn't be able to wish on the rainbow. Without the sun, there would be no light, without the light, no rainbow. She knew she was being silly, but she just had to make a wish. There was only one way she would make it before the setting sun, she guided her horse, Spitfire, into the surf and took the shortest path to the waterfall. She turned back as she heard the sounds of an engine revving behind her. Her heart leapt to her throat as she saw a man in a jeep looking in her direction. Maybe it was illegal to ride on the beach? She kept her horse headed in the direction of the waterfall. He wouldn't bother to follow her to the lagoon, the locals wouldn't go to that extent for a minor offense. As she approached the opposite cove of the neighboring lagoon, her heart began to race as she saw the rainbow forming a reverse smile against the backdrop of the waterfall.

She jumped from her mount and tethered him to a piece of driftwood and sat yoga style at the base of the waterfall. It was truly a magnificent sight. The water from far above crashed down in a cacophonous rage. As the sounds crashing about her created a hypnotic rhythm, she felt her body and spirit fill with an inner peace as she became one with nature. She sighed as she felt the fall's spray faintly kiss her face as she sat at least 15 feet from the edge of pool formed by the falls. When she opened her eyes she saw the rainbow begin to dim as the last light from the sun was quickly dropping below the horizon. She closed her eyes and unconsciously held her breath, and wished. When she opened her eyes, the rainbow was gone but she gasped as she witnessed the sky exploding into a rainbow of colors. The clouds floating along the distant horizon reflected its colored lights back towards the shore. A full moon rose to replace the sleeping sun. This place really felt magical. She actually believed that her wish would come true. Her wish had been simple, happiness, for those she loved and for herself. Over the past few months she had come to realize that without happiness, everything else would be pointless. Fame, power, fortune; would be nothing if one was not happy. If she had found this place several months ago, her wish would have been quite different.

The past three months had been so amazing! She would never had thought that she and Julia would ever be more than sisters in name only. She used to live for revenge, showing her father, Julia, the world, how wrong they were to belittle her. She used to spend days thinking of how to make their lives more miserable, how she could cause more trouble. Now with her energy focused on making herself a better person, everything around her was better. She was really beginning to enjoy life for the first time in her 17 years of life. She was going to make a mark on this world, she didn't know how just yet, but she was positive it would be something spectacular. Brenda rose and headed back to her palomino, extracting an apple out her jacket pocket as a treat. As she ran her hand along his mane and patted his flank, Spitfire munched happily on the apple. Brenda suddenly heard the sound of an engine coming close to the lagoon. She looked in amazement as she recognized the jeep that was on the other beach making its way towards her. Gosh the local officials are pretty diligent here. She jumped onto Spitfire and raced into the nearby jungle growth. Julia would be so disappointed in me if she has to fly down here because I got in trouble with local officials for doing something silly. Whoever he was, he wouldn't be able to follow her here.

Jax swore as the angel disappeared into the jungle. Why did she run? Of course she ran you buffoon, you came flying on the beach with your headlights trained on her. He caught a glimpse of fear before she remounted her horse and rode into the think growth. He had been so anxious to meet her, he had inadvertently startled her and she had run. Who wouldn't have run, a woman alone on a beach, in a far away place; and some maniac comes charging down the beach towards her. How stupid could he be. He slammed his palm against the steering wheel in frustration. He didn't know why he was so upset at not meeting this mystery woman. After all, he still was married to Miranda. Granted in his mind he had been single for the last two year, but you would think that after what happened yesterday, he would have washed his hands of all woman for the immediate future. This woman meant nothing to him, why did he feel compelled to follow her? He shrugged in confusion and started his engine to head back towards the road. He paused as the waterfall unexpectedly comes to life. A ring of colored lights illuminate the base of the falls creating a rainbow effect across the falls. The rising mist along the bay created a sea of mystery leading up to the falls. Maybe that woman had been a vision, a mirage. He had heard of the legend of the Prince and Princess here at Nekuyaweni Outpost. He had always laughed at Thomas' stories. Thomas! He had forgotten all about surprising him. He quickly headed back up to the road to surprise his good old friend. Maybe Thomas could tell him that story again. He would listen more closely this time.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As Thomas was about to knock on Nancy's door, it was flung open in a rush and a whirlwind came flying out.

"I'm ready Thomas! Didn't oversleep today. Let's get a move on! I'm so excited to see the rest of this place!"

Thomas laughed at this little whirling dervish. She had the energy of his native land's Tasmanian Devils, but exceeding more lovely. She was quite a picture of loveliness this morning! She had on khaki walking shorts, bikini top, and had her hair tied back into two adorable pigtails. He had never seen this style worn by a woman before. Pigtails were for girls, but on her it was sexy, intriguing. She looked like a girl on the brink of womanly knowledge. Men have been tempted to war for the likes of beauty such as hers. She would be so perfect for Jax!

He had told his old friend Jax all about this woman last night. His old friend had surprised him with a visit late last night. They had spent the evening commiserating about their horrible luck with woman. He had been shocked when Jax told him of Miranda. He had never liked that child. Anyone who would make her husband choose between his family and her, was evil. There was nothing more important than family. A marriage in his culture enriched the family, as both families became a larger entity. He secretly thought the marriage would not last. He had been positive that Jax would never have been satisfied sitting on a beach writing poetry for the rest of his days. He lived for adventure and challenges and this woman would have been an anchor to his spirit. It was best that he had chosen to part with her.

They had spent the better part of the night speaking of women they had known, and the ideal women of their dreams. He was even more certain now that these two would be perfect for one another! For some reason Jax had asked him about the legend. How strange that he had to tell the tale twice in the space of two days. Maybe they were meant to be. Perhaps they had been separated by circumstances beyond their control. In this reincarnation of life; they were being given another chance at happiness. He had made arrangements to meet Jax in the afternoon to hike up into the mountains. If his plan worked, he would get these two to meet! Then he would sit back and watch the fireworks ignite!

"Nancy, I have another appointment later this afternoon. We only have this morning to spend together. I hope you do not mind?"

"I understand Thomas. After all I don't have exclusive rights to you. Can I have you back tomorrow?" Though she tried to hide it, Thomas could see her disappointment.

"I can make arrangements for another guide to take over for me this afternoon. I wish I could, but I cannot cancel on my friend. I have not seen him in two years and I promised to take him hiking into the hills."

"No, that's OK Thomas. You know I want to get some background information for my summer project. Can you tell me how to get to your tourist bureau or to you hall of records? I would like to include some numbers in my report of how the beauty of this place directly affects the tourism to this island."

Thomas was a little surprised that she did not question him of his friend. He had been positive, that her curious nature would get the best of her and she would want to know who his friend was. But he shouldn't have been so surprised, he had felt from the first moment he had met her, that she was an old soul in a youthful body. "I don't have to keep this afternoon exclusive Nancy. If you want to tag along, there is much plant life that you could include in your report. I'm sure Jax would not mind."

Brenda's eyes widen in shock. Jax! As in Jasper Jacks!! As in J&J Jacks, Julia's main competitor for this place!!! If he was here, he was probably close to closing the deal. She had to contact Julia! Thomas bumped into her as she came to a sudden stop. "Oh sorry Thomas. I just realized I forgot a lens I wanted to use today. Why don't you go on ahead and I'll meet you at the transport."

"All right Nancy. Oh make sure you bring a change of clothes! We're going to get wet today!"

"Thanks for the warning. I'll be with you in just a second." She tossed her things on the floor as she ran to the phone. She needed Julia's advice before making any plans for the day.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Nancy pick up some speed! Pull up as each wave rolls by! That's it, you've got it!" She was a quick student. Most people had a difficult time learning to pilot a wave runner on their first attempt. But she had taken to it like a pro. It was her fearlessness that enabled her to pilot the wave runner so well. It was lack of aggressiveness that caused them to tip over. Not Nancy! She cut through the waves with complete abandon. The longer he knew Nancy, the more certain he was that she would be perfect for Jax. They would meet in about an hour. After this lesson they would be meeting Jax on the dock to begin their hike up the mountain.

Brenda screamed as her wave runner caught some air and she bounced hard on the incoming wave. She had never had so much fun in the water. This was fantastic! This was turning into an exciting day. Julia had instructed her, to meet Jax. Since Thomas knew her as Nancy, Jax would never know. She would have an inside track to what Jax had in mind. She felt like Mata Hari, spying was even more exciting than being Nancy Drew. She would be meeting him in about an hour. She couldn't wait for the covert operation to begin. Who knows maybe this was going to be her chosen profession. Industrial espionage, reconnaissance, counterintelligence! It would be a very thrilling life!

Her attention focused off in the distance and she heard the sound of gunfire. Thomas pulled up alongside her as the violence caught his attention also. They witnessed what looked like two men in an outboard motor boat trying to board a luxury motor yacht. They could see a man fighting mightily against two assailants. Another round of gunfire goes off and the man grabs the hand of the gunman and slams it against the railing of the yacht! She saw the gun drop into the water. The second man came up behind him and grabbed his head in a choke hold. He flipped his assailant into the water, but was struck from behind by the other man and he too splashed into the water below.

"Thomas what's going on!"

"Pirates Nancy. They pray on wealthy tourist. They use their boats to sneak up to yachts and pillage the occupants of all their valuables. They usually kill their victims to prevent being caught. This is the darker side of the islands that the tourists bureau never speaks of."

"Thomas we have to help him! I can't sit by and watch him being murdered!" She begins to rev up her wave runner but Thomas reaches over and turns off the motor.

"Nancy, you could get hurt. Those men are armed! You can't just charge in there."

"No they're not, I saw the gun fall into the water. They're all in the water. All I have to do is whisk that man away from them. It'll be like herding cattle. I'll just use the wave runner to knock them off him, grab him and take off." She started her engine and took off before he could stop her. She yelled over her shoulder as she took off, "Thomas, head for shore and get the police!"

Brenda was caught in an adrenaline rush. She approached the trio with no fear. The outrage of what these pirates did sent her into a vigilante rage. How could people live off hurting the innocent? As she approached she easily spotted the tourist. He was the blonde head amongst two swarthy men. She used her wave runner to knock one of the assailants in the back. As he screamed in pain, she grabbed her diving weight belt and hit the other man on the side of his left temple. As both men were stunned she reached down and grabbed the blonde and pulled him out of the water on to the back of her wave runner. She was struggling with his weight as she pulled him further out of the water. She would have failed if he hadn't pulled himself up the rest of the way. As she was checking to make sure he was safely on the runner, she felt something grab her ankle. As she screamed in panic she again struck the man with her weight belt accidentally hitting her own shine in the process. But the blow had hit enough of her target to get him to release her, and she turned the wave runner back towards shore.

As she made her way back in, she performed a quick once over of the tourist. His face with totally covered with blood, but he appeared to be breathing. She prayed it was only a scalp wound. She had heard that those type of wounds bled profusely but were seldom fatal. As she came upon the shore she saw the emergency vehicles driving onto the beach. Thomas was the first to reach the shore to help her get him to the beach. As she dismounted her wave runner she winced in pain. She looked down and saw that her own leg was bleeding. The shock made her sit down into the incoming waves. After the medical officials took the man from him, Thomas bent down and picked Brenda up into his arms and carried her to the awaiting ambulance.

"You are one crazy woman, Nancy! You could have been killed!"

"But Thomas, that man would have died without our help! Are you telling me you would have just sat there and watched him being murdered before your eyes. I just reacted first. I'm sure you would have done something if you had been alone."

"Yes, I would have, but with more caution. You like to live on the edge don't you Nancy? Have you no fear of death?

"I've never really thought about it really. I'm only 17, too young to think about death. I've just begun to live. I just couldn't sit by and watch someone being attacked and do nothing. I would like to think that someone would do the same for me, if I were in trouble. How is he, will he be all right?"

"I don't know, he was covered in blood. They will be able to tell when they wash him off and see the extent of the injury." He turned away as the police arrived. Thomas left her as he met the police and pointed towards the abandoned yacht. The police ran to the shore and took their two wave runners and headed towards where she had left the pirates. She prayed that she had only injured them and they had not died or drowned. No matter how bad they were, she wished death on no one.

She stood and wandered over to the poor tourist who was still being administered to by the medical technicians. Most of the blood had been cleaned off but his eyes were still closed. As she approached the med techs asked her to keep pressure on the scalp wound as they ran back to their ambulance to get a spinal board as a precaution. As she leaned over him she studies his face. He was quite handsome! He had a mass of wavy blonde hair, cute cherubic cheeks, full sensuous kissable lips and a most adorable cleft in his chin. And his body! She could see by the way his wet shirt clung, that he was well muscled and very fit. As her mind went off into fantasies of this man, his eyes opened wide and she was pulled into the depths of the most incredible blue eyes she'd ever seen. They were Bay of Angels blue. Just like the legend! The prince's tears turns the Bay into a vivid shade of blue. But that was a fable and this man lying here was flesh and blood real. Gorgeously real. "Just lie still. You've been hurt. They med techs will be back shortly. Don't move, they want to make sure you haven't injured your spine."

Jax heard the voice of an angel, but could not see her face. She was in line with the sun. Her head was surrounded by a blinding glow that obstructed her face from his view. If it were not for her head, he would be looking directly into the sun. Or maybe she was an angel. Had he died. Her cool hand on his cheek was heavenly. If she were his angel, being dead might not be so bad. "Where am I angel? What happened?"

His voice was even sexy. This man had to be taken! There was absolutely nothing wrong with him. Tall, attractive, well built, and a sexy Australian accent to boot. Some people were just blessed by the Gods, this man was an Adonis. "Two pirates attacked you on your yacht. You were struggling with them in the water when I approached. You're lying on the beach now. They're about to take you the hospital for further care."

Jax nodded his acknowledgement. She wasn't a local, she sounded American. Her voice was kind of musical, low in tone, throaty, sexy. He wondered what she looked like. He was having incredibly bad luck with women on this trip. A wife with a strangers face, a horse woman who had managed to elude him and now this angel on the beach who's face is in darkness. "That's right, it's coming back to me now. Who got me out of there?"

"I did, with the help with my wave runner and my diving weight belt."

Jax smiled, "You did it! My eternal thanks. I can't see you but I know you have to lovely. With so pure a heart and brave a soul your inner beauty must shine out for all to see."

Brenda laughs "I can see you're feeling better." She turns as she hears Thomas approaching. "I think he's going to be OK Thomas, he's flirting with me."

"Flirting with you is he. As your guide it is my responsibility to protect you from the local scoundrels. Just what do you think you're -- JAX! My God, man are you OK?"

JAX! This was Jasper Jacks! Julia's mortal business enemy. He didn't look like a hard driven business man. She gazed at this man. Not only was he born in the image of the Gods, but he was filthy rich to boot! She couldn't believe that she thought she was going to be able to pull one over on this man. One look at those eyes, a quirk of his brow. That heavenly smile, and she would have sold her soul to be by his side. No one had a right to be that beautiful. Thomas had dropped to his side. She gestured for him to place his hand on Jax's head wound as she excused herself and stepped away to clear her mind.

Julia said that he was ruthless and to not let him find out who she was. She had to find a way to get her bearings. Ok so he was gorgeous, but there had to be something wrong with him. Julia needed her to succeed in her mission. She was in a great position to find out what was going on. After all she was his heroine. He would trust her. If she controlled her compulsion to tell him the story of her life, she just might find out something about his business plans. Blood was thicker than water, even if the water was the most enchanting shade of blue!

She turned back towards the two men and saw Jax being strapped to the board with a cervical collar now attached around his neck. He was carried and loaded into the waiting ambulance. Thomas approached her as the sirens of the departing ambulance filled the air.

"They are taking Jax to the hospital. I will take you there to have your leg bandaged. Jax wants to meet his heroine when he has been patched up and is more presentable."

Presentable! She couldn't even imagine what he would look like all cleaned up. Get a hold of yourself Brenda, he's only good looking, don't be so superficial! He's probably not a very nice person. Yet he was Thomas' friend, so he had to be a good person. "He doesn't have to thank me Thomas."

"Never the less, you have his gratitude. The police also wants to question us there. They are taking the two pirates there also. They are both waterlogged, but they will survive." Thomas laughed heartily, "You beat them to a pulp Nancy! The police want to meet the little maiden who knocked them senseless!"

"Nothing like hitting someone with a weight belt to get their attention. Lucky we were scuba diving this morning, or I wouldn't even of had them with me. I might have had to use my camera. You know a blow like that could have knocked my optics out of alignment. I need those lenses to finish my project."

Thomas shook his head grinning down at her, "I can see your sympathies do not extend to all mankind. A good trait in a friend. Let's get you to the hospital Miss Nancy Drew!" As he carried her to their transport he continued to chat with her, "You know since you are so brave and fearless, I shall have to make you an amulet to protect you from harm. I have only made one of its kind of before. He too was a special person who needed this strong magic.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Brenda winced as the wound was cleansed with antiseptic. She had gashed her own leg. The doctor determined that it was not deep enough to require stitches but he flushed it out to ensure it would not become infected. He placed three butterfly bandages tightly over the wound to hold the gash together and wrapped gauze around her shin. "This should heal without any problem Miss Drew. Try not to get the dressing wet for a couple of days. Shower with this leg outside of the tub."

"Thank you doctor." Brenda smiled as he assisted her as she slid down from the table. He had been very gentle when dressing her wounds and had made a point to compliment her bravery in saving Mr. Jacks. Apparently he was some regional hero. He contributed to many of the local hospitals and was well regarded by the islanders here. The police had also expressed their thanks, but had cautioned her on not taking that kind of chance again. As she left the emergency room, she was swung into Thomas' waiting arms!

"How are you Nancy? Will you survive your injuries!"

She laughed at Thomas' antics, "You know I'm fine Thomas. Just a little cut. What's all the fuss about?"

"Jax was quite concerned when he heard you were injured during the rescue. He made me promise to wait out here for you, and to report back to him, your state of health. You have won another fan Nancy."

"I'm honored Thomas. Now put me down. I'm getting light headed from all the thin air up here!"

As he put her down, he reached into his pocket and handed her an ivory carving.

"What this Thomas?"

"It an Aboriginal charm. I carved it while I waited for you. Since you are so impulsive you will need this. It will keep you safe, watch over you, bring you peace. It has much magic Nancy, please keep it with you always.

"Thank you Thomas! This is so sweet of you. I love it." Brenda's eyes sparkled with warmth. She was so touched by his gift. The charm that he had carved with his own hands meant more to her than all the expensive gifts that her father had thrown her way. This was a gift from the heart, and it had touched hers. "I will treasure it always!"

"So are you ready to meet my friend Jax, Nancy? He needs a little cheer. He is bedridden for at least two days. A vital man like Jax will go crazy confined to a hospital bed. Perhaps you can bring a ray of sunshine into his room. You have managed to brighten my days in the short time we have know each other. Perhaps you can perform the same miracle for poor Jax."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Brenda and Thomas entered Jax's room laughing about some silly story. Thomas had told her about Jax as a young boy. She fell quiet at the sight of Jax. His eyes were covered in a thick gauze bandage. She turned towards Thomas and whispered, "What happened? He was fine on the beach, just a scalp wound!"

Jax responded, "Cornea abrasion Miss Drew. I am presently blind, not deaf."

"I'm sorry Mr. Jacks, but Thomas didn't tell me about your eye injury. Are you OK otherwise?"

"Thomas interrupted their stilted, proper, conversation, "Mr. Jacks, Miss Drew? Who are you two? You certainly are not my wild old friend Jax and you can't be that little breath of fresh air, Nancy." He looked under Jax's bed, "Where are the empty pods, this has to be and Invasion of the Body Snatchers thing going on."

Brenda and Jax both laughed at Thomas' foolishness. "I'm sorry Nancy, I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just very frustrated at begin stuck here. I have some business I need to attend to and I need my eyes to do so. I have contacted my assistant to fly out here but she is at least a 15 hour flight away. I'm on hold for at least a day. A lot can happen in a day, in my line of work. But that's not your problem Nancy, It's mine. I really asked you here so I could thank you for saving my life. Here I am angry about losing a business day of work when this might have been my last day on Earth. I guess I need to gain better perspective on my life."

He was on hold for a day! Julia would be able to make her move! Brenda sat on the edge of Jax's bed and reached for his hand to comfort him. She was shocked at the spark that shot up her arm. She felt her heart flutter. "Jax, I wish there was something I could do to help you. I wish I had reached you sooner. Maybe the injuries would not have been as severe. Are you in any pain?"

Once the pleasantries were over the trio spent the next two hours trading stories of their childhood. She had discovered more about them in two hours time than she ever knew of her own father. With each passing minute she found herself more attracted to Jax. It felt like an illness. Her stomach was a little queasy, her palms a little clammy, her heart was racing. She couldn't explain her feelings. She felt as if she knew him for years instead of hours. As he told some of his stories, she knew how they turned out, as if she had heard them before. But that was impossible! In return, she had told them about much of her lonely childhood changing the names of her father and sister, so as not to be discovered. Soon the conversation was mostly between Jax and Brenda as they both became engrossed in each other's stories. Thomas soon felt the outsider. He watched them and felt the need to back out of the room. He felt like he was watching an intimate moment between two people he cared for, and hoped would same day care for one another.

"Ahemm, Jax, Nancy?" They both turned toward him smiling brightly. "I have to go back to the hotel. Work to do. Do you need a ride back Nancy?"

"No Thanks, I think I'll stay here a little longer, if that's OK with you Jax."

"I'd like that Nancy!"

"Very well, call the Resort when you wish a transport back Nancy. I will see you tomorrow Jax. Be a gentleman now my friend, you have a real lady in your company."

With his departure they turned their attentions back to each other. Jax cursed the fact that he was blind. He craved a glimpse of her. This woman was brave, strong, compassionate, her voice was like a song and her touch was like the kisses of an angel. He struggled to control his heart as her mere touch made his heart lurch about. Maybe it was just his blindness causing these sensations. They say the other senses become more acute when one is lost. That's probably all it was. As Jax reached blindly toward Brenda, she flinched.

"Did you need something Jax? What are you reaching for?"

"I just wanted to feel your face. I can't see you, so I thought I could touch the face of my heroine. You probably think I'm crazy, don't you?"

"No, I understand. You're just trying in some way to get control back in your life." She reached down and took Jax's hand and placed it on her face. His fingers fanned across her cheek, while his thumb caressed her lower lip. It was the most innocent of contacts, but it sent shock waves though her. He brought up his other hand and cradled her face, and her breath shuddered in her throat.

Brenda gently touched Jax's lips and lets her hand trail down his chin and lower, until they rested on his hard muscled chest. She was crazed with this aching hunger that she couldn't understand.

Jax inhaled sharply as he felt her hands caressing his chest. He was on fire, by the touch of a woman he didn't know. This was crazy! How could a single touch from a total stranger touch him to his very soul? He had grown comfortable living on the edge, maybe this was just an extension of his risk taking. Romancing a woman he could not see. But maybe in being blind, he was seeing for the first time in his life. He was feeling with his other senses, not blinded by beauty. The eyes could deceive, he had found that true with Miranda. Maybe this was the right way to find your match.

He slid his hand behind her neck, applying gentle pressure to pull her head toward his.

She felt herself being pulled under. She closed her eyes just before his mouth closed over hers. She had dreamt that kisses would be like this. She was no novice, she had kissed plenty of boys. But Jax was a man, and he kissed her with a consuming passion. His tongue invade hers, arousing her in a way she had never known was possible. He tasted hot, and wild and dangerous. His arm went around her, enticing her into laying on top of him, leaving nothing to the imagination about the desire that spiraled through them both.

Brenda moaned softly, her arms reached under his hospital gown seeking the sinew of his chest. Pulling him closer, closer still.

Jax groaned, her mouth was like whiskey, wild, dark and intoxicating. He wanted to drown himself in her.

With her last ounce of self control, she forced herself from Jax's embrace. She rolled to the side and looked down at him, "You must think I'm shameless."

"What's happening between us has nothing to do with shame." His mouth searched for hers, she could feel his warm breath on her cheek.

"But I can't be what you want in a woman Jax."

"I didn't know what I wanted a woman to be until I met you."

She was so touched by his response she leaned over to plant a soft kiss on his lips. But she was soon pulled in by his soft, seeking kiss. It was like riding the crest of a wave. Growing more and more intense with each passing second. She was beyond caring where they were, how it would look, what he would think. All she could think of was getting as close to him as possible. When his mouth covered hers once more, she opened up to him completely. Her tongue meeting his. She felt the jolt that went through his body as he plunged back in, tasting, taking, giving.

Her skin burned where they touched, ached where they did not. "Jax", she sighed as she reached up to run her fingers into the thickness of his hair, he winced in pain and recoiled as she accidentally brushed against his scalp wound.

Brenda was vaulted back to reality by his moans of pain. She jumped off his bed as he blindly reached for her again. "Jax, what were we doing? It's not right. We barely know each other. You're in a hospital bed for God's sake!"

Jax smiled towards the sound of her voice, "But you were administering the best medicine possible. I was feeling much better. But now, I'm suffering quite a bit and only you can help me with my discomfort."

Brenda laughed and gently slapped his hand away, "Jax, be serious, we can't be doing what we were about to do here. It would be scandalous. Besides you need to rest, recuperate. You don't want to stay here longer than you have to, do you?"

"No, but--"

"But nothing Jax. You don't even know what I look like. I could be uglier than an old mud hen. I could be nothing but a gold digger."

"I doubt that Nancy. I'm sure you're genuine. You saved my life! You're gold by my standards.

"But how do you know I'm not grabbing for the Golden Goose? You can't see my face, my expressions."

"I can hear it in your voice, feel it in your touch. Don't you feel this strange pull we have toward each other? That can't be a lie Nancy."

"Jax, let's wait until you're out of here and you have your sight back. I'd feel more comfortable if we waited a little longer, if we were both on equal ground."

"Jax sighed, "All right Nancy, but you're delaying the inevitable. Cant' you feel the wonderful chemistry between us?"

"If you're so sure of us Jax, it will still be there in a couple of days."

"I give up, you win. I'm too tired to argue anymore. We should wait till I'm at full strength anyway."

"You get a good night's sleep Jax. Thomas will be by in the morning."

"What about you? Will you be here with Thomas?"

"I don't think so, I have a few errands I have to run. Maybe in the afternoon."

"Maybe?! He grabs her hand, I wont let you go unless you promise that you'll be back to see me. In fact, I need you to stay with me now. I can't sleep. Will you stay with me until I fall asleep? It's a little disconcerting to be in total darkness. It would be easier if I could feel you beside me."

"All right Jax, but if you try anything, I'm out of here. You'll be counting sheep to go to sleep."

Jax laughed, "I promise, gentleman's honor."

Brenda got back on the bed beside Jax and snuggled next to him. His arm wrapped about her, pulling her close to him. She tensed for a moment then relaxed as her heart fell in time with his. The hand that was caressing her arm stopped and she could feel his body relax as sleep over took his body. She turned and faced Jax as he slept. She knew she should leave but she felt compelled to stay. What a perfect man, but he was Julia's rival. It would have been so easy to spite Julia just a short time ago, but now her allegiance must stay with her sister. She couldn't stray back done the wrong course. She had to call Julia to let her know to make her move now! As Brenda moved to leave the bed she turned on last time and gently touched his lips with her fingers.

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Life was cruel. Here she was in the bed of a man who could have been made by her design. But because of family honor and duty, he would hate her soon. But there was a chance! He didn't know who she really was. He was going to think that she deserted him in his time of need. Or she could tell him who she really was, but then he would hate her even more, plus she would lose Julia's trust. She had no choice but to leave. As she leaned in to bestowed a soft tremulous kiss, a tear from her eyes fell upon his cheek. She reached down to dry the tear with her sleeve. He rolled in his sleep taking her again in his arms.

It felt like heaven lying in his arms. She wondered how he could make her feel this way. In her short life, she had never felt this way about any man. Could he be right? Were they meant to be, or were they just two people crossing as a particular point in time. Not perfect matches, just both needing comfort, love, sharing. But maybe that was love? She again pulled from his embrace and looked down at his angelic sleeping face.

She wanted to remember every feature about Jax. She studied him closely, making a memory to last her for all time. She wished she could see those amazing eyes one more time. She finally gets down from the bed and heads for the door. She turns one last time, looking at Jax sleeping peacefully in total innocence of what she was about to do. She needed to contact Julia to let her know she had a days head start to close the deal. She could have had more if she hadn't been so distracted.

"I love you Jax!" she whispered as she stepped out of the room.

"I love you too Nancy!" Jax answered into the empty room. He knew they were meant to be and he would show her once he was out of here. He was not entirely free, but free enough to start finding out more about this dream of a woman. He would ask Thomas what she looked like tomorrow! Not that it mattered because he was already in love with her insides already. If her outsides were just as lovely, it would just be an added plus! He couldn't wait to get these blasted bandages off his eyes.

As Jax fell peacefully asleep he was unaware of a figure that silently entered his room. The woman with short dark hair sat in the corner rocking back and forth, humming to herself. Jax was her true love and if she couldn't have him no one would. She reached into her purse and extracted a thin piece of twine, not noticing that a few letters bound in ribbon fell from her purse. Wrapping the ends of the twine around each hand, she headed for his bed .. ..

~ to be continued ~