Her eyes narrowed, “What kind of deal?”
He chuckled at her expression. “You’re not very trusting, are you?” When she didn’t reply, merely raised an eyebrow he continued, “Okay, here it is. You may ask me anything you like and I promise to answer to the best of my ability,” he paused for effect, “as long as it’s during an excursion and not in a formal interview environment. When we’re back on the ship, the questions stop.”
She looked at him suspiciously. “And you’re happy to do that?”
His unwavering blue-green eyes held hers. “I don’t break my promises.”
She swept an unruly strand of hair, thanks to her worthless hairdryer, out of her face, “So let me get this straight. I can accompany you on all your photo shoots and ask as many questions as I like and you’ll cooperate?”
He nodded.
Georgina couldn’t help a delighted chuckle.
“I’m sorry, but I have to ask, what brought on this change of sentiment? Yesterday you didn’t want me anywhere near you.”
“I need you.”
At her incredulous look he clarified, “I need this cover article to raise my profile in Europe. Next year we’re thinking of doing a project in Scandinavia and I need financing. It’s that simple. I have to cooperate with you as much as I don’t want to. And I’m sure you have better things to do than be stuck out here in the middle of nowhere with the likes of me.”
He did have a point there.
“I still can’t believe it, but great. It’s a deal then,” she said happily. They shook hands.
“Can I get you a cup of coffee?” offered Taj.
“Sure.” She put away her notepad. Might as well make it look official. Chatting, in her opinion, was as good as an interview anyway. Perhaps he just didn’t like formal arrangements. Well, that was fine with her. It looked like she’d found a way to work around him.
Taj returned with two steaming polystyrene cups.
“Thanks. It must be nice to have this,” she gestured around them with her hand, “as your office?”
He nodded, taking a sip. “You can’t beat it.”
“Do you ever get homesick?” She wasn’t sure why she asked that except for she remembered him saying he was hardly ever home.
“Never,” he answered without hesitation.
“Not ever? You mean you never long for a familiar view or to cook in your own kitchen, or sleep in your own bed?”
He shook his head. “No. I love waking up to a different view every morning, particularly if it’s like this,” he nodded towards the window. “I don’t often cook and I’ve never been the type to sleep late. I’m always up with the first light, it’s the best from an artistic perspective, but even when I’m not working, I’m still up before anyone else. Always been that way, even as a kid.”
“Lucky for you,” she smiled.
He grinned, “It used to annoy the hell out of my mother. She was not an early riser.”
“Your mother’s a sculptor, right?” asked Georgina trying to remember what she’d read about him.
“Yeah, you read that in your file?”
“Uh-huh.” She didn’t miss the guarded look so she tried to sound ultra casual.
“I was surprised to read about your father though. If I had to guess what your parents did I’d never say Supreme Court attorney.”
She noticed the way his eyes narrowed when she mentioned his dad.
“Why not?” asked Taj softly, studying her with his unnerving aquamarine gaze.
“Well, for one thing you’re such a free spirit. I don’t think one can say the same for a Supreme Court attorney. Am I right?”
He nodded. “More than you know.”
“Was it tough growing up with a father like that?” she knew immediately that she’d overstepped the boundary. Taj looked cagey, his gaze shifting as if he was about to bolt.
“Don’t worry, you don’t have to answer that,” she said quickly. “It’s not important. I was just trying to get a picture of what motivates someone to do what you do.”
“Are you always so direct?” he asked suddenly.
Georgina smiled, “I suppose so. Maybe that’s why I became a journalist, because I like getting to the truth.”
“I can understand that. It’s why I became a photographer. I like to strip away the layers and show things as they really are. Naked. Vulnerable. Exposed.” He looked at her intently. “Nothing is more beautiful than when it is in its natural state. That goes for people too.”
Was that supposed to mean something, she wondered? She fingered the ring that Charles had given her. It was so heavy the diamond kept swinging round to the inside and bruising her hand. She made a mental note to have it altered slightly when she got back to London.
She concentrated on Taj.
“Is that why you get involved in such extreme projects? To strip away the layers?”
“Perhaps. Nature has a strange way of showing us how quickly order can be reduced to chaos. One minute you’re sitting on your veranda enjoying a margarita and the next a tidal wave is washing your hotel away. I try to capture those moments of insanity, when nature really shows us whose boss.”
Georgina stared at him. “You really do have a way with words,” she said softly.
He shrugged, “Photo-journalism major.”
“Do you write a lot for National Geographic?” she asked.
“Only when I have to. I’d much rather take photos. I don’t like sitting behind a computer.”
“Yes, I see your point. You’d much rather be out there where the action is.”
He grinned, “You got it!”
She couldn’t help but smile back. He was jaw-droppingly attractive when his whole face lit up like that. If she wasn’t engaged she would be in real danger of developing a crush on this guy!
They finished their coffees and Taj stood up.
“I’m glad we had this little chat, George,” he said sincerely. “I’ve got to go and prepare for our first landing tomorrow morning, so I’ll see you later.”
“Oh, what are we doing? A nice little coastal walk to spot some penguins?”
He stared at her. “Penguins? No. We’re hiking up the active volcano on Deception Island.”
“What?” she nearly fell off her chair. “What do you mean active? Is there like burning lava and stuff?”
He said casually, “I hope not, because we were planning on descending into the crater. One of the seismologists wants to take a couple of readings and I was hoping to get some steamy geyser shots.”
“You’re all mad,” she whispered, horrified.
Taj laughed, “Don’t worry George, you can always stay behind.”
She stared at him in disbelief. Thanks to their little agreement, that was no longer an option. Besides, she wanted to watch him work. As Don had pointed out, it was the only way of getting to know the guy.
Taj left her sitting their gaping at him. He passed Don, armed with clipboard and overhead projector sheets, heading for the lecture room.
“It’s working perfectly,” he told him. “She’s terrified already.”
Don gave him a ‘you should be ashamed of yourself’ look and shook his head.
“Your idea,” sang Taj gleefully, as he strolled off in the opposite direction. “Your genius idea.”
Georgina was terrified. She’d never even hiked before, let alone up a volcano. And did ‘active’ mean dormant active, or spewing active? She wasn’t sure. Either way, it didn’t sound great. She was so floored by what Taj had said, that it took her a while to realise he’d called her George. That was a bit presumptuous of him, wasn’t it? Nobody ever called her George. The tall, hairy guy who supervised the archives department at work was called George. She shuddered. If he did it again she’d have to set him straight. Her name was Georgina, not George.
Feeling insecure and way out of her depth, she decided to call London.
Charles answered after four or five rings.
“Hello?
Charles is that you?”
The satellite phone was filled with static.
“Darling? I can’t hear you very well. Oh, that’s better. How is Antarctica?”
Georgina sighed, “Fine. Everything’s fine. It’s so nice to hear your voice.”
“You sound a bit low. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. It’s just not what I expected out here, that’s all.”
“You mean the ship, or the photographer?”
“Both, actually. The ship is more like a reinforced trawler and the photographer doesn’t really want me around at all, but I think we’ve come to some sort of agreement now.”
“It is safe darling, isn’t it?” Charles asked worriedly. “I wouldn’t want you to be in any danger.”
“Oh yes, quite safe,” she answered. “I’m going on an excursion tomorrow.”
“A what?”
“Excursion,” she shouted down the phone.
“Oh right. Well, I hope you enjoy it.”
“I’m climbing a volcano, Charles,” she informed him. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to enjoy that.”
“Did you say volcano? For heaven’s sake Georgina, is that wise?”
Typical Charles to put it so diplomatically.
“Probably not, but I don’t have much of a choice,” she said.
“Of course you have a choice,” he told her firmly. “If it’s dangerous don’t do it.”
“It’s not that simple,” she said wondering how she was going to put this.
“Why not?”
“Taj, that is the photographer, is going and he’s asked me to join him so I can observe his work.”
“Can’t you observe his work from a safe distance?” asked Charles. “Like behind a desk. Do you have to climb the volcano with him?” She could tell he wasn’t convinced. Perhaps she wouldn’t mention it was active.
“Not in this case,” she told him. “He’s hiking into the crater and if I want my story I have to go with him.”
There was a pause. “Well, I can’t say I envy you. Do be careful won’t you?
“Of course I will. I’m not looking forward to this.” She sighed, and then asked, “How is everything at home?”
“Everything’s fine. I’ve been working long hours this week, so haven’t been out much since you left.”
He suddenly sounded so far away. “I miss you,” she sniffed.
“I miss you too, darling. Keep your chin up, there’s a good girl. You’ll be home before you know it. Call me again in a couple of days, won’t you? I want to hear all about your volcano adventure.”
“I will.” She was about to say ‘I love you’ when he hung up. So much for that, she thought dismally. Charles wasn’t the sentimental type. She suddenly felt scared and very alone. If someone had told her she’d be hiking into a bloody live volcanic crater a week ago she wouldn’t have believed them. She headed off to the library to see just what she was in for, and then she planned to put together her hiking outfit. She wondered idly if the cashmere sweater she’d worn skiing in Switzerland last year would be warm enough, or if she needed her ski-jacket too.
CHAPTER FIVE
Taj was leaning against the railing on the deck of the Explorer, enjoying the feeling of the sun’s rays on his face while he waited for the small group of scientists who were joining him and Don on that morning’s expedition. It was nearly ten o’clock which left them the whole day to climb the snowy hills around the largest active volcano in the Antarctic. The forecast was clear, which meant no snow storms or high winds to hamper their progress or mess up visibility for the photographs he planned to take. Depending on how quickly they got to the top, Don intended on doing some exploring inside the crater too, which Taj was excited about as it enabled him to get closer to the geysers and ground deformations from the last volcanic activity in the area which occurred just over ten years ago.
Lance, the seismologist, was hopping around with excitement. This would be the highlight of his trip.
“Oh my God, who is that?” he suddenly stammered, mid hop.
Taj lazily turned his head and nearly fell backwards over the railing.
“What the hell?”
Georgina had appeared on deck in all her fashionable glory. At least he thought it was her. He could hardly see her face for the enormous pair of sunglasses she sported, obviously the height of fashion in London, but totally impractical for their purposes. He was no stranger to fashion trends, having dated his fair share of models, but he didn’t buy into it himself. Apart from the image-conscious brands who sponsored him, his tastes ran more towards casual attire and surf wear.
His eyes travelled down her face, which was covered in foundation and a glossy pink lipstick. Her beautifully thick auburn hair, apart from being shot through with an interesting pallet of reds, pinks and oranges, was held off her face by a wide white hair band which sparkled with tiny sequins.
She wore a pale blue cashmere sweater, which ended above the waist, and black leggings which did nothing to disguise her sexy little figure. In fact he was not the only man on deck staring at those coltish legs and that perfect behind. He blinked, annoyed with himself for noticing. At least she had taken his advice and worn hiking boots. A Prussian-blue ski-jacket completed the look, but this she’d draped over her shoulders.
“Hi there, Alice in Wonderland,” he called across the deck. Lance giggled.
“At least Alice is better than George,” she said sharply standing next to him. Taj’s senses were stirred by a delectable fruity fragrance which was enticingly sensual and feminine.
“I like George,” he said simply. “It suits you.”
“It does not,” she bit out adamantly, making him smile.
“I see you’re all kitted out,” he remarked staring at her ridiculous sunglasses.
She followed his gaze, “The reflection off the ice can be very damaging,” she pointed out. “I hope you have appropriate eyewear?”
“Of course,” he retorted, patting his jacket pocket, “which is more than I can say for yours.”
“Mine’s appropriate,” she huffed.
“If you’re Paris Hilton” he answered.
“What’s wrong with Paris Hilton?” she enquired innocently.
Taj rolled his eyes. Oh boy, this was going to be fun.
“Everybody here?” shouted Don from the launch area at the stern.
The small group gathered together. Everyone had flushed cheeks from the cold air and anticipation. Don gave them the mandatory landing briefing which covered safety precautions, an evacuation strategy and the importance of staying together as a group. Taj was watching Georgina’s face and could sense her unease. They clambered into the high speed inflatable zodiac landing boat which bobbed precariously as everyone shuffled around to find a place to sit. Georgina clutched onto the rope around the boat for dear life. Don positioned himself at the helm and turned the key. The boat growled to life. He eased the throttle forward and they were away, galloping through the fairly rough surf towards the black, volcanic beach called Baily Head. Taj, who was sitting next to Georgina, heard her gasp as the wind, which buffeted the boat and made their eyes stream, whipped her sunglasses right off her face.
“Stop the boat,” she yelled, trying to stand up. Taj grabbed her by her cashmere jersey and pulled her down roughly.
“What are you trying to do, kill yourself?” he shouted. “Leave them. You’ll never find them.”
“But they were Dolce and Gabbana!” she sobbed.
“I don’t care if they were given to you by the Queen herself. They’re gone.”
She pouted prettily, “Stupid wind.”
“Actually it’s a bit like sailing,” he explained, his voice heavy with sarcasm. “The bigger the sail, the more wind it catches.”
She glared at him. “Thanks for the lesson, Captain. I’ll try to remember that next time.”
He shook his head and laughed. She was too much.
As they scrambled out on
to the beach a reception committee of penguins greeted the group and escorted them down the beach. Taj lagged behind and took a couple of shots. He was amused to see George sticking close to Don while she glanced anxiously at the harmless birds. She really was such a city girl.
“Check out the elephant seal,” he told her as he rejoined the group.
“Oh my God, it’s huge!” she gasped, as the single seal lay silently on guard. They were just passing the sleeping giant when suddenly it opened its blood shot eyes and peered at them menacingly. Georgina froze and gripped Taj’s arm.
“Keep moving,” he whispered urgently and the group moved forward until they were at a safe distance. The seal raised its massive head and barked an order as if to say “Stay off my beach”.
“Phew, that was scary,” Georgina commented once they were out of harms way.
Don nodded at her, “Yup, they have been known to attack when they feel threatened. They may look ungainly, but they move really fast.”
“Marvellous,” Taj heard Georgina muttering to herself as she traipsed across the ice and rocks towards the nearby hills.
He laughed. “Be thankful you’re not a seal,” he told her. “They have to fend off attacks on a daily basis.”
“Poor things,” she looked distraught.
“It’s part of nature’s grand plan,” he said. “It’s hard to watch when you see an attack, harder still to photograph it, but we can’t interfere.”
“Moments of insanity?” asked Georgina suddenly, looking at him from under her mascaraed lashes.
His eyes widened in surprise. “Moments of insanity,” he agreed softly.
“So when last did this baby explode?” asked the documentary maker, Max Copeland in his booming Texan drawl. “A thousand years ago? Ten thousand years ago?”
“Try ten years ago,” Taj offered with a grin, thinking how much Max looked like J.R. Ewing from Dallas, complete with broad-brimmed cowboy hat. All he needed to perfect the image was a big fat cigar. Georgina stumbled and he instinctively gripped her arm to stabilise her, only to instantly let go, remembering that he wasn’t supposed to be helping her.
“Ten years?” she panted, trying to catch her breath. For the last half hour they’d been hiking steadily uphill over what looked exactly like a lunar landscape.
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