Alaskan Exposure

by A. S. Fenichel

  “Very good, Sir.” He didn’t want to see her again. He kept telling himself that even though his heart beat faster at the thought. Dammit, how did she get under my skin?

  Chapter Five

  It was early, so very few people were in the corridors, elevators and common areas that Charley navigated through to get to the stateroom she shared with Jules.

  Every room was marked with a bronze number plate that also served as a mail holder. The crew would put the daily schedule and any other pertinent information in the slot for each room. When she arrived at 8088, she took the envelope from the door as she quietly entered.

  Jules no doubt, had a late night with her new friends. Maybe Charley could sneak in, shower and sneak out without being interrogated.

  No such luck. The minute the door shut, her friend sat up. With her hair in a nest and her eyes barely focusing. “Where the hell have you been all night. I want details.”

  “Do we have to do this?” Charley sat heavily on the end of her bed.

  Jules pushed her covers back and sat beside her. “What happened? Did that first officer hurt you?”

  She sighed. “No. I think I hurt him.”

  “What? How?” Jules’ eyes narrowed.

  Charley told her everything, leaving out the details of the sex itself. When she finished the story, Jules sat wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

  “I would never have believed that story if you had not told it to me yourself. You are always so concerned about everyone else’s feelings. I’m always trying to get you to worry about yourself and not let people walk all over you. But that was pretty insensitive, Charley. Why’d you do it?”

  For Jules to find her actions offensive meant that she had really gone too far. “I don’t know. It never occurred to me that he would get so angry.”

  “Because you thought he was just some dumb sailor out for an easy lay?”

  When she put it that way, it sounded terrible. The guilt that had begun to gnaw at her in Kyle’s cabin settled in the pit of her stomach. She was a bitch. “No. Maybe. I didn’t really think at all. I was embarrassed and I wanted to get away.”

  Jules got up, opened the sliding door to their veranda and pulled on a robe. “But from what you told me, he was a perfect gentleman and actually having sex was your idea. Did I get that wrong?”

  “No, he was so sexy and charming and I wanted him.”

  “I don’t understand your reaction this morning. What was there to be embarrassed about? How was the sex?”

  “Jules,” Charley whined.

  “What? If the sex sucked then you might not want to see him again anyway. I think it’s kind of a shit way to getting rid of a lover, but it probably worked.” She sat on the couch, crossed her legs and waited for an answer.

  “He is a very generous lover. He was kind and thoughtful. We even talked about Pete. The entire night was amazing and intimate.” Just the thought of their lovemaking had her nipples and clit tightening all over again.

  “This doesn’t make any sense, Charley. You must have had a reason to be so cold to him this morning.”

  She gave it a lot of thought. It was all she had thought of ever since Kyle slammed out of his stateroom. She put her head in her hands. “I think I got scared. I should never have shared so many intimate details of my life with a stranger. There’s no future with this guy, Jules. He’s a merchant marine. He’s at sea all the time. He probably has a different girl at every port and a new one on the ship every week. I’m still trying to figure out why I find him so damn irresistible.”

  “Look, I’m no expert on making relationships work. My last one turned into a disaster, as you well know. I’m also completely on your side. If you don’t want to have anything to do with Kyle, then you just move on. But, this guy was kind and you had a good time together. It seems to me, you owe him an apology at the very least.”

  Jules stood up and came over to the bed. She gave her a squeeze. “Plus, I know you. You’ll beat yourself up about it for the rest of your life if you don’t make amends.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Her gut twisted. “Next time I see him, I’ll tell him I’m sorry. He’ll likely avoid me as if I have the plague.”

  “I had no idea you were such a coward,” Jules said shaking her head.

  Charley sighed. “Me neither.” The idea of facing Kyle after their argument made her so uncomfortable that taking the coward’s way out didn’t seem so bad.

  The cold air from Alaska’s summer felt good. Jules shivered and jumped back into her bed. “Drew and the others are going fishing today. I’m having a spa day. I’ve got a massage, facial, manicure and pedicure all booked. I figured you would have pictures to take, so I didn’t book you anything.”

  “I do have to work. You like that cop, huh?”

  Jules kept her eyes closed and smiled. “He’s a nice guy. His friends are a lot of fun. I haven’t had as good a time as you yet, but yeah, I like him. After the fiasco with Robert, I deserve a good wholesome fling. Don’t you think?”

  “Definitely. Did you tell Drew about that asshole running off with his secretary two weeks before your wedding and leaving nothing but a note and a stack of bills?”

  Jules’ pretty face turned down in a frown and her eyes opened. “I didn’t give him quite so much detail. When he asked about relationships, I told him I got dumped recently. He doesn’t need to know more than that.”

  Charley shrugged. “I guess not. Go back to sleep. I have to shower and get ready to go ashore.” She opened the envelope containing a note from the captain. She was meeting her guide on the pier at ten. She looked at the small clock in the stateroom. She had time for a workout.

  She changed her clothes and quietly left the room. Climbing the steps three decks up and all the way forward brought her to the spa and fitness center. Blue glass separated the reception area from the spa treatment rooms and soothing music filled the hall. Charley walked past the spa and entered the fitness center. It stretched the entire expanse of the front of the ship. Rows of aerobic equipment faced forward allowing one to run on the treadmill and gaze out at the ocean or the port. Part of Ketchikan spread out in front of her. Behind the treadmills and elliptical machines, a large wooden floor was already filling with participants for the upcoming yoga class.

  Grabbing a towel from a stack, she got on one of the treadmills and set it for a brisk walk to warm up. After five minutes she increased the speed and ran until she could no longer see Kyle’s hurt expression or hear him telling her she was cruel.

  Gulping for air she slowed the treadmill after a mile and walked again.

  “Wow, you had that thing really going. I thought you were going to hurt yourself,” Bob said. He smiled up at her from the floor just in front of the equipment.

  “I’m okay. I thought you guys were going fishing today.”

  Bob looked at his watch. “We are, but it’s early yet. I thought I’d get a quick workout in. What about you? What are your plans for the day?”

  “I have to take some photos of the area. I’m meeting a guide a bit later.” Her breathing was more regular.

  Bob smiled. “I’ll bet you’ll get some great shots. I know the view from my cabin this morning was awesome. The guide should be able to show you some terrific stuff.”

  “I hope so.”

  “Will we see you tonight?”

  She stopped the treadmill and wiped the sweat from her neck and face. “Sure. I’ll be at dinner.”

  “We’re going to the nightclub after if you’d like to dance.”

  She shrugged and tried to block the image of slow dancing with Kyle from her mind. What would it be like to move slowly around a dance floor with his arms wrapped around her? “I’m not sure what my plans are, but thanks for the invitation.”

  He frowned for a moment but then smiled. “Have a great day, Charley. Catch you later.”

  Bob made his way to another machine and never looked back at her.

  You sure have a way with men today,
Charley.

  * * * * *

  Ketchikan was situated in an inlet. It was surrounded by mountains the likes of which Charley had never before seen. She’d read in the brochure that fishing and tourism were how the small village survived. Being from Florida, she was used to flat land and warm weather. Alaska was the opposite. She tugged her coat tighter around her and looked up through her camera lens at the snowcapped peaks.

  Storefronts lined the streets and people swarmed in every direction. Looking down the length of the ship, she could see two other cruise ships from different lines docked in a row. That accounted for the amount of people she saw. Each ship had more than two thousand guests.

  Charley slowly descended the gangplank, while stopping to shoot different angles of the town and the mountains. When she reached the wooden dock, she looked around. Her stomach sank and her heart beat wildly.

  Kyle strode over, his frown deepening with each step. He was not in uniform. He wore jeans, boots and a fleece jacket with the cruise line’s insignia. She could see the hint of a navy-blue golf shirt beneath. “I have been ordered to act as your tour guide. I’m sure you would prefer someone else but I can’t gainsay my captain, so you’re stuck with me for the day.”

  “Fine,” she managed to choke out. She wanted to say more. She knew she should be asking him to forgive her, but she couldn’t get the words past the lump that had formed the moment she’d seen him walking toward her.

  He nodded. “I have arranged for a seaplane to take us out to the Misty Fiords National monument in one hour, which should give us enough time to see Ketchikan, if you like.”

  “I would.”

  He turned and never stopped walking. They passed jewelry stores, galleries, eateries and tourist shops. She was able to take a few pictures. After a few blocks, she turned back and looked at the ship, stark white against the still cloudy sky. Patches of blue sky had started to replace the gray. She took a few shots. The streaks of gray across the blue with the ship below and the snowcapped, island mountains in the background took her breath away.

  She hadn’t seen him turn back but she felt his breath on her ear when he spoke. “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  Her breath caught in her throat. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  She wanted to apologize for insulting him. She knew she’d been out of line. Instead, she lifted her camera and clicked off a few shots of the ship with the stunning background.

  After a moment, she turned, but he was already moving up the street. She had to chase after him and caught up several hundred feet away as he crossed Steadman Street. He walked up Creek Street and pointed to a bubbling river. “This is Ketchikan Creek. The town was named for it. Sometimes you’ll see bears fishing for salmon. We can take a look a bit further up for them.”

  Along the river, stores and restaurants bustled with the business the ships brought. Kyle explained that the original residents of the river houses were prostitutes. Some of the buildings actually hung over the rushing creek. They went to the end of the wooden sidewalk, passed a native Alaskan gallery and she watched in amazement as large salmon jumped up the rocky stream.

  Shooting picture after picture, she was constantly aware that Kyle was only inches away watching her. She lowered her camera and sighed. It had started to warm up and she shrugged out of her coat. Kyle immediately took the outerwear from her so her hands were free to take more shots.

  “Thank you.” She turned and looked at him.

  His frown was firmly in place but he nodded once, acknowledging her thanks.

  Ten minutes later, she turned to find him still standing inches away. “I think I have what I need from here.”

  Without a word, he turned and moved away from her down the walkway. He crossed a small bridge. A few trees blocked the view and she lost sight of him. A moment of fear tightened her chest. Had he left her? Then she saw his broad back and ran to catch up.

  She touched his arm, and he flinched as if burned.

  “Kyle, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I acted that way this morning. I feel terrible. You were a perfect gentleman and my behavior was unforgivable.”

  He turned and looked at her. It was as if he was analyzing her apology. If he’d accepted it, she would not have known.

  “We have a plane to catch.” He lightly took her elbow and didn’t say another word as they made their way back to the port.

  It was the first time he had touched her since they had hit land and even though it was a casual touch, she felt the heat of his fingers from her elbow to her toes. He continued to carry her coat as they walked back through town to a small pier next to where the ships were docked. Her imagination ran in every direction. She wondered what their meeting might have been like if she’d never married Pete. Maybe Pete wasn’t the problem. She was the one who stayed even after she’d known the marriage could never work. If she’d left after the first affair, she might not be such a mess and she and Kyle might have had a chance.

  She shook her head. He’s a sailor and you will be heading back to Florida in a week.

  A white floatplane bobbed next to the pier and a gray-haired man stood waving on one of the floats.

  “Kyle, I thought you were going to be late.”

  “Have I ever been late, Joe?”

  Joe shrugged. “First time for everything.”

  “This is Charley Ballantine. She’s a photographer for the line. Think you can get her a few good shots?”

  Joe stepped onto the dock and put his hand out.

  Charley liked the pilot’s easy smile and direct gaze. She took his hand. “Nice to meet you, Joe.”

  “Pleasure’s mine,” he said.

  The handshake lasted a bit longer than was strictly necessary.

  Kyle took Charley’s elbow again. “That will do.” He guided her toward the floatplane.

  “Yeah, that’s what I thought.” Joe gave a sharp laugh.

  Kyle gave the pilot a stern look then turned back to her. “Step on the float and then up into the door, Charley.”

  He didn’t remove his grip on her arm until she was safely seated in the plane. There was something comforting about his concern for her safety. He was likely just doing his job, protecting her, but she liked not being the only person concerned for her well-being. It had been a long time since anyone had taken care of her. Even during her marriage, she had always been the caregiver. Pete could never be bothered to watch after his wife.

  The small craft cut its way across the waves picking up speed. The rocking of the sea grew less and less until disappearing completely. They were airborne.

  The ship looked even more impressive from the air, bright white and navy blue, the vessel was a photographer’s dream. Charley started taking pictures as soon as the plane left the water.

  She looked down and watched Ketchikan get smaller in the window. They flew for about ten minutes with each mountain more beautiful than the last.

  “Seals.” Joe’s voice was casual as he pointed to the right.

  Excitement made her heart beat faster as she leaned over Kyle’s lap to see out the opposite window.

  A small iceberg played host to seven seals. One jumped into the water as they flew by. She snapped pictures. Kyle’s breath on her neck and ear distracted her, but she just kept clicking off shot after shot. Not that she could ignore the effect he had on her. Something about him kept all of her synapses firing whenever he was near.

  He didn’t say anything but he didn’t shy away either.

  She’d barely finished shooting the seals, when Joe said, “Bald eagle.” He pointed to the left.

  She pushed back away from Kyle and looked out her own window. An eagle perched in a dead tree, his white head standing out against the green pines behind him. Charley zoomed in and steadied her shot. The majestic bird’s stark white head turned to the side and she clicked capturing the fierce expression of a bird of prey. They passed three different waterfalls and with each one, Joe made the one word announcement and pointed t
o the right or the left.

  The plane descended into a cove. “I’ll swing around before we set down,” Joe said.

  “This is it,” Kyle said. He had leaned over toward her and his mouth almost touched her ear.

  Her body burned with desire as his breath tickled her skin.

  She watched out the window as Misty Fjord National Monument came into view. Below lay a calm cove surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Charley’s finger could not click fast enough. The still water, reflecting fluffy white clouds, surrounded by steep green mountains and framed by one giant snow-capped mountain in the background.

  She couldn’t breathe. Between the sights in front of her and the feeling of Kyle’s chest pressed to her back as he too looked out the window, she didn’t know if she’d ever be able to draw breath again. Why did everything about him arouse her?

  Joe circled the floatplane one more time and landed softly on the glass-like water. There was complete silence once Kyle opened the door and the engines shut down. He helped her out onto the float. She kept taking pictures and was shocked when she heard the splash of his boots hitting the shallow water.

  Charley turned sharply at the sound. Kyle stood below her with is arms raised. “Do you want to go ashore?”

  She looked at the water and then at him. “Can we?”

  “Come on, Charley. I won’t let you fall.”

  She secured her camera’s strap around her neck and stepped from the float into Kyle’s arms.

  He lifted her as if she weighed nothing at all, and she wrapped her hands around his neck. She couldn’t take her eyes away from the way his hair curled round the back of his ear. She longed to toy with those curls.

  “I really am sorry about this morning,” she said.

  His expression remained stoic as he trudged through the water to the rocky shore. “You said as much.”

  “I didn’t get the impression that you believed me.” She was surprised he didn’t comment on how loudly her heart was beating. It pounded in her ears betraying her desire to remain calm in his arms.

  Kyle climbed up onto the shore but he didn’t put her down right away. Instead, he stared down into her eyes for a moment. “I believed you, Charley.”