~~~~REBIRTH~~~~



Author: harriscrl3


Chapter 1


At 3 PM the Crane Jet took off for Los Angeles with Fox, Chad and Whitney aboard. Whitney Russell was looking out the window as the Jet took flight. Within minutes Harmony disappeared as the jet climbed to it’s flying altitude. A part of Whitney wished that it would disappear as quickly from her heart at least the bad memories anyway. It’s been two weeks since that awful fire and while she was alive physically she felt as if something died in her that night something she can never get back. It was the strangest feeling nothing changed she still loved her parents, Simone and Chad with all her heart. She was physically fine. But the nagging suspicion remained that something had changed inside of her. About three days after the fire the nightmares started. She only remembered bits and pieces of it but it all seemed so very real. Every time she awoke she had a feeling of déjà vu except it couldn’t be because it never happened. She remembered standing outside of the building she wasn’t sure it was the blue note but it looked and felt like it. She is looking through the window as the building is going up in flames Chad, and Theresa were standing beside her. But Fox was in the building and the flames were rising higher. She remembered screaming for him to get out but he wasn’t moving. She tried running to get to him but it was as if her feet stuck in a quagmire and as soon as she managed to free one foot the other foot got bogged down. She called out to Chad and Theresa but they just stood there without responding. However, they never took their eyes off the burning building. The flames kept coming higher and higher until Fox disappeared and she woke up in her bed drenched in cold sweat except she felt like she was burning up. The dream always ended and began in the same place. At least the parts of it she remembered. It was almost as if it was a bad horror flick and what was missing was the reason they were at the building in the first place and why she couldn’t save Fox. Even though she didn’t know why she knew that it was her fault that Fox was inside the building.

“Whitney?”

Whitney quickly awoke from her reverie and looked at her fiancé’s face. She smiled but the smile never made it to her eyes. Chad was not surprise that Whitney was miles away. Ever since the fire Whitney on occasion seemed to sink so far into her own world that he had to shout a couple of times to reach her. When he asked her where she was she smiled and said she was thinking about their future. Chad knew that something was wrong. He had let Whitney know that if she wanted to remain in Harmony with her parents and sister he understood. He would support her decision. That is why he put off them going to LA for a couple of weeks. It was to give her time to recuperate and be with her family after going through such a traumatic ordeal. He even let Whitney know that if she wanted to remain in Harmony for the six months it was all right. But she had insisted that she wanted to be with him. In fact she seemed more certain of her future with him than he was. She was even ready to get married as soon as they got to LA. Fox of course had talked Chad out of that idea saying that Whitney needed time to heal and it wouldn’t be fair to her and to him having to deal with a brand new job, planning a wedding and finding a place to live. Fox had taken care of the place to live part. He suggested that Whitney and Chad stayed with him in his condo at the Crane apartment complex. Chad had jumped at the chance. As much as he hated being in Fox’s debt he realized that with him working long hours at the studio Whitney would be spending most of her time alone. If they were in Fox’s apartment at least Fox will be around.
“Is something wrong?”
“No I’m, just a little tired”
“I was asking you if you wanted something to drink”
“No, thanks baby, I’m fine”
“Why don’t you try and get some rest, I’m gonna go check out the bar.”
Whitney smiled and nodded her head.
A few minutes later Whitney leaned back on the chair and closed her eyes. She started thinking about the fire and a single tear slid down her cheek. She lifted her hand to wipe the tear away only to fine someone beat her to it. She opened her eyes to find Fox kneeling beside her his thumb wiping away the lonely tear
“Can I help?”
“No, no one can help me”
Fox didn’t like her the almost defeatist tone in her voice
“Try me”
Whitney looked at Fox’s compassionate eyes
“ I don’t know how to explain it, something happened to me in the fire”
Fox remembered the incident reluctantly. He wanted to forget what he thought was going to be the worse day of his life. He still didn’t know how he managed to hold it all together without anyone suspecting how he felt about Whitney. The worse part of it all was the feeling that he had failed her that he hadn’t kept her safe. But he made a promise to himself as the firefighters were working on her. He promised himself that if she made it he would never fail her again. He would always put her first.
“Whitney it’s normal for people who have near death experience feel as if their life has changed”
“That’s just it, I didn’t have a near death experience”
Fox noticed that Whitney seemed very agitated. He sat down in the seat beside her
“Tell me what you mean?”
“It’s so crazy I don’t even know how to describe it.”
Fox looked her in the eyes
“What’s considered crazy is normal for this town”
A reluctant smile touched the corners of Whitney’s lips. Fox constantly amazed her. She didn’t realize how much she had gotten use to having him around. When he announced that he was moving to LA with them it was like a weight was suddenly lifted off her shoulders. The prospect of moving to a new town no longer seems as daunting and overwhelming. She couldn’t believe that his father would demand that he leave town and never return. This was the one side of Julian she could never understand. He claimed he wanted to be a father to little Ethan yet he continues to treat Fox as if he were a nuisance. Fox was skilled at hiding his pain but Whitney suspect that deep down his father’s treatment bothers Fox.
“I didn’t have a near death experience Fox, I think I died in that fire.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know how to explain it but for a moment there when I was unconscious I came out of my body. I could actually see the firefighters working on my body.
Fox cleared his throat
“Your heart stopped beating for a few seconds, they were about to pronounce you dead. And I-- kept shouting that you can’t be dead.”
“Wait a minute I saw you over my body you looked so scared I wanted to cry. Why were you so afraid?”
“Fox blamed himself because going to the Blue Note was his idea”
Both Whitney and Fox turned to see Chad standing a few feet away.
Whitney glanced back at Fox
“It wasn’t your fault, you didn’t start the fire”
“Do you know that in a way Fox was the one that saved you?”
“What do you mean?”
“When you heart stopped the Firefighter was about to give up but Fox insisted that they keep trying CPR”
“Thank you” Whitney murmured
Whitney and Fox looked at each other for a few seconds before Fox broke the connection
“It’s going to be while before we get to LA, why don’t you try and get some rest”
“Yes that’s a good idea, do you have a blanket I’m a little cold?”
“I’ll go get one”
Fox left and returned a minute later with a blanket. He spread it over Whitney.
“Chad and I’ll be in the cockpit checking out the view if that’s OK with you Chad”
“That’s fine.”
Chad and Fox left, Whitney snuggled deeper in the blanket and was asleep within minutes.


___________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 2


Whitney was lulled into a peaceful slumber by the sounds of the airplane and Fox and Chad’s voices in the back. She awoke three hours later feeling refreshed and energized its been a while since she had 3 hours of sleep uninterrupted by nightmares. Maybe coming to LA was the right decision after all. A change of scenery was exactly what she needed to gain new perspective. For the first time in weeks she felt completely alive physically and she was glad to be alive. Fox immediately noticed the difference in Whitney’s demeanor when he returned to the front of the airplane.
“You’re looking better.” He commented
“I feel better. I haven’t slept this good in weeks”
“I’m glad, I was worried that our voices may have disturbed you.”
“You know the funny thing is, I think I slept better because of it.”
Fox walked over to the window and pulled up the shade.
“Here’s your first view of LA.”
Whitney smiled and quickly looked out the window.
“It’s beautiful and more importantly it feels right. I feel happy to be alive.”
Fox looked at Whitney closely
“LA is definitely the place to feel alive. The city pulses with life morning, noon and night.”
“Any idea what you are going to do when you get there?” Fox asked as he took the seat next to Whitney
“Just explore and take in as much as possible.”
Fox laughed
“That goes without saying, I for one am looking forward to exploring LA with you.”
Whitney noticed the intense look in Fox’s eyes and quickly looked away in a gesture of nervousness.
“The city look so big. It’s quite a change from Harmony where everyone knows you.”
“Sometimes anonymity can be a good thing.”
“Yes it can, it’s like starting over and no one knows who you are, except you and Chad of course.”
“Do you have a lot of friends in LA?”
“Some”
“Close friends?”
“Some”
“Males?”
“Yes.”
Whitney hesitated for a second.
“Females?”
Fox smiled
“Them too.”
“I’m sorry if I sound nosy, I was just curious, feel free to tell me it’s none of my business.”
“When you venture into that territory I’ll be sure to let you know.”
“The woman that you’re in love with is living in LA right?”
“Yes”
“Will she be living with us?’
“Remember that territory I told you about?”
Whitney nodded
“You’re getting dangerously close.”
“Fine, no more questions from me. I just hope that Chad and I don’t cramp your style”
“How so?”
“Well we will all be staying in the same apartment right? You and…”
“OK I see where you’re going with this. It’ll only be Chad you and I in the apartment, is that better?”
“Much, I don’t mean that its better that you won’t be with the woman you love. I just mean that it’s better not having deal with other people.”
“Make no mistake I will be with the woman I love, it’s just going to take a little time.”
The determination if Fox’s voice was hard to overlook so was the confident and cocky expression on his face.
“Well I hope everything works out. Chad and I will have our own place soon so you’ll have all the privacy you need”
Fox was about to make a comment when Chad entered.
“The pilot is about to land he wants to talk to you.”
“Thanks, Excuse me.”
Chad sat down on the seat where Fox sat minutes earlier.
“Did you sleep well?”
Whitney smiled
“It was the best sleep I have had since the fire.”
“LA is working its magic on you already. I can’t wait to show you this beautiful city but it’ll have to be another day. I have to be in the studio in a couple of hours.”
“That’s fine. I’ll just use today to unpack.”
“No you won’t Fox has agreed to show you around LA.”
“Oh, OK”
Twenty minutes later the Crane Jet landed at LAX. It was approximately 3:30 local time when Chad, Whitney and Fox made their way into the airport terminal.
“My car is this way?”
Just as they were about to exit the terminal there was a message on the PA system letting Fox know that he had an important phone call. Who could be calling him already he wondered. It couldn’t be the pilot since he would have called him on the cell phone.
“Would you two excuse me for a minute.”
While Fox went to take his call Whitney and Chad sat on a chair in that was a few yards away.
As the pair sat down Whitney watched the busy crowd hustling back and forth as if they were late for an appointment. Her eyes were drawn to an African American family sitting a few feet away. The family consists of a mother father and two little girls about 7 and 9 years old. Both girls had a doll in their hands and were laughing and giggling with each other.
Chad noticed the longing in Whit’s eyes as she watched the sisters
“You missed your sister don’t you” He observed
“Yes I do, we were close once just like those two girls.”
“And you will be close again, Simone will come around.”
“I don’t think so. She had such rage in her at the airport. I have never seen her like that. I guess it’s for the best that we went our separate ways.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Hey its not your fault.” Whitney said trying to smile through the tears.
“You won’t regret coming to LA with me I promise.”
“I know that, in my heart it was the right thing to do and it felt right.”
Whitney looked away from Chad just as Fox was coming around the corner in long purposeful strides. He carried himself with such confidence and arrogance that if you didn’t know him personally he can be very intimidating. Whitney was not surprised to see quite a few of the ladies eyeing him, whenever he walked in to room he was a very attractive man and the ladies took notice. Fox came to an abrupt stop in front of them Whitney immediately sensed that something was wrong.


_______________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 3


“Is everything all right?” Whitney asked unable to keep the alarm out of her voice.
“Everything is fine” Fox calmly assured her.
“But something has come up that I have to take care of right away. I’m sorry I won’t be able to show you around today.”
“That’s fine as I told Chad it will give me time to unpack.”
“There is a limo waiting to take you and Chad back to the apartment”
“Here are the keys. The silver one opens the main door to the lobby. You probably won’t need it since I have already told the building manager to expect you”
Whitney took the keys
“Which room should Chad and I take?”
“The one you feel the most comfortable in. If anything is in there already we’ll clear it out.
“All right, thanks.”
“I’m really sorry about this” Fox apologized looking into Whitney’s eyes with regret.
Whitney smiled.
“It’s fine. I probably wouldn’t have been good company anyway. I am a little tired.”
Fox nodded as he helped Chad load the luggage into the limo.
Once the luggage was all secured in the limo and Whitney had gotten inside. Fox made his way to his jaguar parked a few feet away from the limo. Whitney was surprised at the luxurious and spacious interior of the limo. The leather seat was so soft and plush one could easily make it a bed and go right to sleep. No one can ever accuse Fox of doing things halfway Whitney thought. Whitney rested her head back on the leather and closed her eyes as she waited for driver to get in. She was startled out of her thoughts a few seconds later when Fox’s car took off down the street like a bat out of hell going much too fast for Whitney’s taste.
“ Is he crazy? he’ll kill himself driving like that”
Chad looked at Whitney who was grabbing on to her seat so tightly her knuckles were turning white.
“Baby are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine why?” Whitney asked releasing her grip on the seat.
“You’re as white as a sheet.”
“I wonder what happened to make him go that fast?”
“He probably went to see his lady love”
“Going that fast I doubt it. I hope its nothing serious.”
“Well it’s obviously none of our business since he didn’t tell us where he was going”
“You’re right I’m being nosy”
Whitney tried to force a smile for Chad but only ended up with a grimaced expression on her face. She tried to relax but it was easier said than done.
“Calm down, why are you so tense all of a sudden?”
Chad started rubbing Whitney’s shoulders
“I don’t know, it felt like someone walked over my grave for a second there. It’s silly. I’m probably tired.”
“It’s to be expected, you’ve been through a lot these past few weeks things will get better”
“I wish I could be as certain as you.”
“I will be with you every step of the way if that helps.”
“Of course it helps, more than you know. It’s nice knowing I’m not alone”

Traffic in LA was a little slow so by the time they made it to the apartment Chad had to leave right away to meet his appointment at the studio.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to stay? I can call the studio and cancel”
“No don’t be silly, Chad I’m fine, I’m going to take a nap and then get to unpacking.”
“All right but if you need anything call me. I hate leaving you alone on your first day in LA”
“I’ll call if I need anything I promise.”
Chad kissed Whitney goodbye and left for the studio.


______________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 4


Fox made it to Beverly Hills in record time. Minutes later he slowed down as he entered the sprawling estate of shipping tycoon Marshall Conlin. Once you exited the freeway the main house was five miles away from the entrance just off the road. Fox slowed down as he came to the security guard watching the gates. The security guard was a heavy set brawny man hired for both his physical build and intelligence.
“Good Afternoon Mr. Crane.” “Charles, how are you?” “I can’t complain.” “I’m here to see Audrey.” “Yes, I know Ms. Conlin has been expecting you.”
Fox made no comment and the security guard return to his post the gates closed a few seconds later and Fox waved as he drove away following the winding road that led to his destination. Of all the houses he had seen in Beverly Hills, and around the world this was one of his favorite. The three-story mansion was nestled behind tall alpine trees. The amenities on the estate consisted of tennis courts, golf courses, stables, an Olympic size pool, and a picturesque lake complete with swans. Marshall Conlin was a man who valued his privacy and nowhere was that depicted more than in the architectural design of his home.
Since he was not planning on staying long Fox didn’t bother parking in the garage behind the estate. He chose instead to turn make a U’turn and park on the street. He quickly made his way up to the house and rang the old fashion brass bell. The heavy doors were opened a minute later by the Conlin’s butler.
“Mr. Crane hello”
“Hello Johnson”
“Please come in”
Fox walked into the opulent Beverly Hills mansion
“Ms. Conlin instructed that you come straight to her bedroom”
Fox hesitated
“It’s quite all right.” Johnson replied nodding towards the stairs.
Fox wasted no time as he ran up the grand spiral mahogany staircase to Audrey’s room. Audrey’s bedroom was located all the way down the hall. Fox stopped for a second at the French double doors took a deep breath before he knocked on the door.
“Come in it’s open.”
Fox entered the room and his eyes was immediately drawn to the four post Victorian bed located in the center of the spacious room. The bedding consisted of fuchsia and white satin sheets and. Audrey Elizabeth Conlin was sprawled on the bed wearing a lacy black negligee and two inch heels.
“I don’t appreciate being summoned like one of your servants.”
“Darling you left me no choice, I did ask nicely” Audrey replied pouting her blood red lips and tipping her platinum curls in a seductive manner.
“What do you want Audrey?”
“I must be losing my touch I thought I was more than obvious”
“And I told you I’m not interested in playing your games”
“But you use to love playing my games, are you by any chance playing games with someone else” She inquired her eyebrows raised in interest.
“Don’t even bother denying it Dylan told me about your mystery woman”
“Thanks for the tip, I’ll have to be careful what I tell Dylan from now on.”
“Don’t be too hard on him. I am after all irresistible.”
Audrey slithered off the bed swinging on one of the oak post as she walked over to Fox. She stood in front of him and raised a well-manicured hand to his face.
“I’ve missed you Fox” The longing in her voice unmistakable
“I find that hard to believe, you were never short of male companionship”
“You are the best lover I’ve ever had.”
Fox looked at her with a smirk on his face
“I’m sorry I can’t return the compliment”
“No matter, my needs are what counts and you’ve satisfied them so well.”
“I’m not available, find someone else”
Audrey did not miss the abrupt dismissal in Fox’s tone.
“I would think twice about refusing me.”
“Is that a threat?”
“Darling threat is such an ugly word to describe something beautiful between us.”
Audrey raised her hands to Fox’s face once again but this time Fox grabbed her wrist before she made contact with his face.
“Don’t” Fox warned.
“Don’t you want to at least hear my proposal?”
“I might as well since I’ve come all this way. But just so you know my answer is no.”
“At least hear what I have to say first.”
Fox made no comment but he folded his arms and nodded his head.
Audrey turned away from Fox and walked over to the window pulling the drapes aside so she could get a clear view of the lake.
“Its about Daddy.”
“Is something wrong with Marshall?” Fox asked his voice tinged with worry.
Audrey swung around
“So you do care about him.”
“Of course I do.”
“Well his health has been going down hill and he is thinking of retiring.”
“Really, I didn’t think Marshall would ever give up the reigns at Conlin Enterprise.”
“I’m not sure he’ll completely give it up but he might if the right person was in charge.”
Fox was getting impatient.
“What does all this have to do with me?”
“Fox you know how Daddy feels about you. He genuinely respects you and I know he would trust you with his baby.”
“I told you I’m not interested in resuming our relationship.”
Audrey laughed
“I’m not talking about that baby, although I’m certainly part of the deal. I’m talking about Conlin Enterprise.”
Now it was Fox’s turn to laugh.
“Audrey I doubt your father would have me take over his business. I’m not family remember.”
Audrey hesitated.
“You could be.”
Fox noticed the gleam in Audrey’s eyes it was then that it dawned on him what she was proposing. He was about to refuse when she quickly stopped him.
“Hear me out.”
“Fox my father is a wealthy man. He has only two loves his business and me. I’m offering you a chance to make both of these your own. Think about it Fox with your billons and my billons we could create one of the most powerful financial empire in the world.” We would be unstoppable and untouchable. You would have unlimited wealth at your disposal.
Audrey walked over to Fox her negligee slipping off her shoulders giving Fox a view of her tanned cleavage.
How can you possibly resist that kind of temptation?” She purred.
Whitney settled on the first bedroom she found. It was medium sized with a queen size bed, an antique elegant oak chest and more than enough closet space for two people. Making a couple of trips she brought the luggage into the bedroom and neatly piled them in the corner. Feeling exhausted from jet lag and carrying the luggage she collapsed on the bed. In record time she was fast asleep. Her slumber was fitful consisting of periodic nightmares along with some good dreams. Finally after a couple of hours she decided she had enough and woke up. While she was disappointed that the nightmares were not a thing of the past she was satisfied by the knowledge that at least she did have some good dreams in between. Normally her entire sleep time consist of one nightmare after the other so this was definitely progress as far as she was concerned. She was curious about the rest of the apartment so she decided to explore before she got down to the business of unpacking. The apartment had a kind of rustic charm to it and the minute Whitney saw it she fell in love with the place.
So far she counted four bedrooms in all each had their own unique charm. The final room located at the end of the hall turned out to be another bedroom. There was something about this bedroom that seemed to beckon Whitney. The particular bedroom was the largest and it had a panoramic view of the LA skyline. It was sparingly furnished with a king size bed in the middle of the room, a walk in closet a writing desk paired with a leather chair. On top of the desk was a silver framed photo of Fox and what she assumed to be some of his friends. Whitney walked over to the walk in closet and pulled the doors open. She found the switch and seconds later the closet was illuminated.
“WOW”
The closet consists of men’s clothes ranging from the casual chic, trendy to the formal. The closet was neatly stacked there was a place for shirts, shoes ties, suits, jackets and everything was in its place. Funny she never figured Fox for being such an organized person. There was a worn shirt hanging on a hook on one of the sides of the closet. Unable to resist Whitney removed the shirt from the hook and brought it up to her nose. She inhaled the scent as if trying to burn it into her memory. The shirt had a faint smell of cologne along with a unique smell that Whitney knew was Fox. She was so engrossed in the scent of the shirt that she didn’t even realize she was not alone.
“Have you decided on this room?”
Whitney froze for a second and then quickly dropped the shirt as if it suddenly burned her fingers. She swung around to find Fox leaning nonchalantly on the door watching her closely. Feeling nervous all of a sudden she quickly picked up the shirt and return it to hook.
“I’m sorry I didn’t think you would be back this soon. I was just looking around I hope that’s OK.”
“That’s fine.”
“It’s a beautiful room.”
“It’s yours if you want it.”
“Chad and I couldn’t possibly take your room, besides it probably too big for us anyway.”
Whitney suddenly felt the need to escape.
“Well I better let you go do what you were going to do”
She walked to the door praying that he would move out of the doorway so that she could leave. Fox merely moved to the side making it impossible for her to past without brushing against him. She decided her best option was to move quickly that way if she touched him it would only be for a second. She hurriedly made her way out the door but not before the scent of perfume wafted through her nostrils. Chad was right after all Whitney concluded he did go to see his mystery woman.


_______________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 5


After Whitney left his bedroom Fox went over to his desk took a pair of small keys from his breast pocket. Using the tiny key he opened a lock hidden underneath his desk. The lock released a hollow compartment of the desk where his laptop was concealed. He powered on the laptop and waited for it to booth up. Fox tapped his fingers on the desk in preoccupation. He had to figure out a way to handle Audrey. He wanted his return to LA to be a low key as possible. Marshall was the last person he wanted to know that he was in town. But because of Audrey’s implied threats he didn’t have a choice. He had been trying desperately to make his escape from the Conlin estates before Marshall returned but he was unsuccessful. He did manage to convey to Marshall however, that he had just came directly from the airport and therefore couldn’t visit long. Marshall accepted his excuse but not before he insisted that Fox spend tomorrow with him at his estate. Of course Fox had no intention of going since he planned on spending the day with Whitney and nothing and no one was going to take him away from that.
It won’t be easy letting Marshall down he has been more of a father to Fox than even his own father had been. The Conlin estate was where he spent his holidays when his parents told him not to bother coming home. Audrey had invited him once and the minute he met Marshall he liked him on sight. Something that was rare for Fox. Marshall too developed a respect for his daughter’s friend and so began their relationship. Their relationship was based on competition, over cards, golf, occasionally tennis; and also a mutual respect and admiration for one another. Marshall like him had an extreme fondness for gambling, which was also a weakness for Marshall. A weakness that Fox had exploited to the fullest be it playing cards, golf or tennis. In a way that’s one of the things that Marshall admired about Fox. He sized you up figured out your weakness and then use it to his advantage. It was that kind of killer instinct that made businessmen like Marshall successful. Marshall had offered Fox a lucrative opportunity working at Conlin Enterprises but Fox had turned him down on the spot. The last thing Fox needed was to be cooped up and domesticated in an office. He would rather work at his own pace on his own time and with an office that he can carry with him wherever he went namely a three-pound laptop.
It took Fox a couple of minutes to boot up and reach his screen. A few minutes later he logged on to the Cayman Island National Bank Web site punched in his code and glance at the screen that gave a detailed account of his assets. He reached into the top draw of his desk took out his cell phone and made a call.
The phone was answered on the third ring
“Vivian, Hello.”
“Mr. Crane.”
“Are we all set?”
“Yes, Chad Harris along with a couple of new hirees will be going on a retreat to Sacramento beginning on Thursday and lasting a week. The theme of the retreat will be the role of nature in music. There will be no modern conveniences such as cell phones. The retreaters will hike with their backpacks 10 miles to the Mudlin Estates where they will spend a few days attending conferences with top execs in the music business. They will of course be paid for this training exercise and finally the retreaters are not allowed to bring anyone along: No family, wife, girlfriend.”
Fox smiled deviously that last stipulation was a stroke of genius he thought to himself.
“Very good. Have you told Chad this as yet?”
“I’m getting ready to, he is looking around the studio right now.”
“I still don’t know what the purpose of this is.”
“Good, lets keep it that way.”
“Very well, Mr. Crane.”
Fox glanced at the computer screen once again. One of the conveniences of modern banking is that he can make an automatic deduction from his account to be deposited into another account on a specific date and time without their being any record of such a transaction. Once the deduction is made the transaction is automatically deleted. Of course he would need to have a record for his tax statement but creative accounting allows him to run the expense through a number of his assets and finally write it off as a business expense only it doesn’t show up as a business expense for the record label rather it gets subsumed as an expense under another of his subsidiaries. The last thing he wanted was paper trail linking him or the Crane name to Chad’s record label.
Once he finished checking his e-mail Fox secured his laptop once again and went to take a shower.
BR> Whitney finished hanging the last shirt in the closet when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Whitney glanced at the door just as Fox entered the bedroom. He was wearing tan slacks and black shirt. His hair was damp indicating that he had just taken a shower. Suddenly something flickered in Whitney’s memory. Fox was smiling and his lips were moving but Whitney couldn’t seem to make out what he was saying. She stood still trying desperately the recapture the elusive memory.
“Whitney! Are you all right?"
When she made no response Fox moved in closer. When he touched her face Whitney jumped out of her trance like state.
“What happened?”
“I was calling you. Didn’t you hear me?” BR> “Yes I heard you.” Whitney lied.
“Well it didn’t look like it for a minute there. It was like you were looking straight through me.” BR> “I’m sorry, I was just thinking about something.”
“You look a little pale. “You’re overexerting yourself.”
“I need to finish unpacking.”
“You can do that later.”
Fox led Whitney over to the bed where she sat down. Whitney glanced around the room to see if the windows were open. BR> “What’s that smell?”
“Probably me I just took a shower.” A confident grin plastered over his face.
“I know what you smell like and that’s not it.”
It took a second for Whitney to realize what she just said
“I mean—it’s not a good smell.”
Fox nodded.
“Do you mind not standing over me like that? It makes me nervous.”
Fox sat down beside Whitney on the bed and while that didn’t help matters any the smell was so overpowering that she couldn’t think about being nervous. Fox noticed the confused look on Whitney’s face.
“What does it smell like?”
Whitney hesitated for a second as if embarrassed to reply.
“It smells like burnt flesh.”


_______________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 6


“Burnt Flesh?”
“Yes, I know it sounds crazy but..”
“It doesn’t sound crazy at all”
Whitney looked at Fox and smiled.
“Thanks for trying to make me feel better but.”
“Hold on, I’m trying to make you feel better but what I said is true.”
“What do you mean?”
“You almost died in a fire that was raging out of control. It’s possible that something triggered a memory.”
“You mean like I smelled something that reminded me of the fire.”
“Or you saw something that triggered a memory scent.”
“I suppose that’s possible”
Whitney seemed perplexed for a moment.
How do you know about this stuff?” BR> “I actually made it to class a couple of times in college. Psychology was one I found intriguing.”
“Well thanks for your insight, I feel much better.”
“I’m not done making you feel better.”
“Excuse me?” Whitney asked unable to hide the blush that crept into her cheeks.
Fox laughed
“Well, I’m thinking the sun is about to set. It’s a beautiful evening. There is a café a few miles from here. We can have dinner, watch the sunset and then later on maybe hit one of the clubs for a night of dancing.”
“That sounds like fun. Hmm maybe Chad would like to go.”
Whitney did not notice the cold look that came to Fox’s face. But he was not worried since Vivian assured him that Chad would be busy until the wee hours of the morning. Once he returns to the apartment he will have just enough time to pack before he has to leave once again for his weeklong retreat. BR> “You can call him and see if he is free. I have a few phone calls to make myself.”
Fox stood outside the door for a few seconds and whispered to himself:
”You won’t be able to hide behind you love for Chad for much longer Whitney, I promise you that”
Fox made his way back to his bedroom but not before he noticed one of the other bedroom doors was ajar.
“What the….?”
He walked into the bedroom and saw one Whit’s suitcase on the bed open. He went back to the room where Whitney was just as she was finishing up her call.
“I’m sorry but Chad won’t be able to get away.”
“Do you still want to go?”
“Of course, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind?”
“Are you staying in this room or the other one?”
“Oh that”
Fox could see that Whitney looked embarrassed.
Whitney couldn’t contain the light blush that came to her cheeks. She knew that sooner or later it was bound to become obvious that her and Chad no longer shared a bed. Her only consolation was that it was only going to be a temporary arrangement. Ever since the fire she had tried to recapture some of the tenderness and warmth that came from Chad’s lovemaking but it had not being easy. One particular night about a week after the fire Chad had took her out to a romantic dinner. They had eaten, talked danced and when they came back to the apartment she had desperately tried to evoke what they had but in the end she felt nothing. It was almost like their happier times of intimacy had happen to someone else. It was her memory but it felt like it was someone else’s experience. The evening had finally ended when she had told Chad that she wasn’t ready. After talking they decided it would be best to wait until after the wedding to resume sharing a bed. She just hoped and prayed by then she would be ready.
“Chad and I decided to wait until we are married to resume sharing a bed. I hope that’s OK.”
Whitney went back to unpacking signaling to Fox that was all she wanted to say on the subject.
Fox (Thinking out loud) “And if I have anything to say about it you and Chad will never get married.”
Within the hour Fox and Whitney was on their way to dinner. Traffic was a bit slow due to the rush hour and Whitney had the chance to observe the sites. Fox was also able to play tour guide to an exuberant and animated Whitney.
When they got to the restaurant the manager greeted Fox.
“Good Evening Mr. Crane.”
The two men shook hands. BR> “This is my companion for the evening Whitney Russell”
John shook Whitney’s hands and then proceeded to escort them into the restaurant.
“Can we eat outside?” Whitney asked unable to temper down the excitement from her voice.
“If that’s OK with you Fox”
Fox smiled
“That’s more than OK, John?”
“I’m sorry if I seem overly excited, this is my first time in LA”
The manager smiled.
“I know just the table, follow me”
John escorted Whitney and Fox to a table close to the end of the restaurant. The oval antique oak table and matching chairs was located in a secluded area away from the other tables. In the center of the table was the most beautiful floral arrangement Whitney had ever seen and the scent that wafted through the air letting everyone know the flowers were freshly picked. But it wasn’t so much the table or the flowers that caused Whitney’s eyes to light up rather it were the spectacular view of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. The manager seated Whitney and Fox and left with a promise to return with the menus and wine list. Whitney’s seat was directly facing the sunset while Fox’s had a clear view of the other patrons. Not that Fox noticed since his eyes never left the beautiful face of his companion.
“I still can’t get over how breathtaking this view is.”
“I know what you mean” Fox replied never taking his eyes off Whit’s face.
Whitney laughed
“How can you know it’s behind you?”
Fox quickly corrected himself.
“I meant that I have seen it before.”
“Of course, and here I am acting like a kid in the candy store for the first time. You have seen all this stuff before.” Whitney finished on a less excited note.
“Seeing them through your eyes is like seeing them for the first time.”
“You always know the right things to say.”
“I try.”
“So, do you come here often?” Whitney asked trying to end the sudden quietness between them.
“Here at this restaurant or California?”
“California”
“I haven’t been here in a while but when I was away at school in Europe I spent most of my holidays here”
“At the Crane apartment?”
“No, I was dating someone whose father had a home in Beverly Hills.” I basically followed her home for the holidays and during the summer.”
“Was it serious?”
“What do you mean?”
“Did you love her?”
“No, but I love her father.”
“Excuse me”
“Her father and I really connected, He was like the father I never had.” BR> “We admired each other because we were a lot alike”
“It must have been heartbreaking not hitting it off with his daughter?”
“Not if you knew his daughter, lets just say she is nothing like her father.”
“I’m sorry”
“Don’t be, I still keep in touch with Marshall. He has been like a father to me even more than my real father.”
Whitney noticed the sadness and regret that crept into Fox’s voice. She reached across the table to touch his hands as a way to offer comfort. But when her hands touched Fox’s she quickly pulled it back but not before she had another flashback. It felt like she was touching fire and then the memory came back to her only it wasn’t a memory it was something from her nightmares. She remembered stretching out her hands into the flames and pleading
“Hold my hand please hold my hand don’t let go”
Then a hand came out of the flames to hold her hand only she didn’t know who’s hands it was and the hand was so badly burned it break off into a crisp and she was left with a piece of the hand in her hand and her heart-wrenching screams was mingled with that of the person who got swallowed up into the flames.
Whitney came back to reality to see Fox looking at her with concern. It was then she realized that she was in fact screaming and the other patrons were looking at her. Suddenly feeling scared embarrassed and confused Whitney quickly jumped up from the table.
“Oh Gawd, what’s happening to me.”
She quickly ran towards the ocean 50 yards away. Wasting no time Fox jumped up from the table and took off after her.


_______________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 7


Whitney stood facing the ocean crying silently when Fox came upon her. BR> “You don’t have to worry, I’m not about to jump in.”
“I know that, I wanted to make sure you were OK.”
“Whitney kept looking out to the sea tears streaming down her face.
“No I’m not OK, Fox I’m scared. I have never been more afraid in my whole life not even when I thought I was going to perish in that fire. Now it’s ten times worse because I don’t even know what it is I’m afraid of.”
Fox moved closer to Whitney and put his arms around her waist. Whitney leaned back resting her head against his chest.
“We’ll figure out what’s going on I promise you.”
She turned around in Fox’s arms resting her tear stained cheeks on his chest.
“OK.”
Fox held her in his arms for a few minutes then Whitney pulled away
“We better get back, I’m starving.” She said forcing a smile in spite of the tears.
Fox put his hands around her shoulder and the pair slowly walked back to the restaurant to finish their dinner. By the time the manager brought the check Whitney was back to her laughing excited self.
“What’s that street that everyone seems to be going towards?”
“That’s Melrose Avenue a famous shopping strip”
“I have heard of it, do you mind if we take a look?”
“I thought all women rather go down Rodeo Drive.”
“Not that’s too ritzy for me, I rather see the new age shops.”
“All right Melrose Avenue it is.”
Whitney and Fox were strolling down Melrose when she spotted a small shop that advertised Tarot Readings.
“Come on lets give it a try” Whitney suggested
“Nah, I’m not really into that kind of stuff.”
“No one ever is, its just for entertainment purposes, come on”
“Con job is more like it.”
“My aren’t we cynical”
She pulled on Fox’s arms and the two of them made their way into the shop.
The shop was deserted.
“Looks like we’re the first”
“And only from the looks of things”
“I doubt it she’s in a popular area. I bet movie stars come in here all the time.” Whitney pointed out excitedly
“Well if anyone is quirky enough it will certainly be them.”
“I must admit I’m a little surprised at you though”
“Me why?”
“I wouldn’t have thought this would be your thing.”
Whitney laughed
“No, it actually isn’t but Theresa is my best friend and…
“Aww Theresa, well I can definitely see her in a place like this.”
Fox pushed the door only to find it was lock
“They’re closed let’s go.”
“No, it’s not see the sign it says ring the bell.”
“Yeah there it is how could I missed it.”
Whitney rang the bell and a few seconds later a buzz went off signaling that the door was open. Fox pushed and the two stepped into the shop. The establishment was typical of most establishments in this kind of industry. There was an old wood table surrounded by two chairs was located in the center of the room with a crystal ball on tarot cards on top. Beyond the table was a beaded curtain and a voice called out from the other room.
“Please make yourself comfortable I will be right there.”
“Thank you.”
Whitney turned to Fox.
“Isn’t this nice?”
“What’s that smell?”
“That’s aroma candles. It’s suppose to relax the seeker”
“More like victim.”
“Such a cyinic.”
“No, I just recognize a Con job when I see it.”
Whitney walked over to the bookcase to take a look at the books. She quickly scanned the book title mostly Astrology ranging form Zodiac signs to Tarot reading. One particular book stood out because of it’s title: “Secrets of the Afterlife Revealed.” Whitney pulled the book from the shelf and started reading the summary. It was a fascinating book of near death experiences and journey into what happens after we die. Most of it seemed to be conjecture but some of it was qualitative studies using participants who had almost died. Whitney was so engrossed in the book that she didn’t notice Madame Tourt had entered the room.
“It’s a fascinating read.”
“Whitney turned around still holding the book in her hand. BR> “You’ve read it?”
“Not only that, I also wrote it.”
“It sounds very interesting.”
“I have been working on it for a few years. It’s mostly theoretical. The research didn’t pan out as I expected and it’s too late to do follow-ups.”
“Why?”
“The five subjects that I have interviewed ended up being institutionalized.”
“Institutionalized?”
“For the mentally insane.”
“How terrible”
“It all fits in with my Theory.”
“How?” Whitney asked unable to keep the eager curiosity out of her voice.
“Well this is conjecture at this point but most researchers and scientist believe that when you die there is a certain plane of existence that you cannot return from. In most of the near death experiences people talk about reaching a point where they see a light. They follow the light and right when they are about to walk into it they return form their comatose state. I proposed a few years ago what if they are people who go beyond that light and really see what’s on the other side. In other words they die and return from death. Can you imagine what such person would be exposed to? What they see? What they know? The possibilities are mind boggling and probably terrifying since when they return from such a state they don’t remember what happened.
“So none of your subjects remembered what happened when they returned?” Whitney tried to clarify.
“Well its not as simple as that, You have to realize almost dying is a traumatic experience in and of itself. It’s hard to decipher what’s a dream and what really happened.”
“Furthermore another aspect of my theory is what if there are beings that are trying to prevent these individuals from revealing what they know.”
“By making them think it’s a dream when it really happened?” Whitney inquired.
“Yes, that’s one stage but it eventually culminates with destruction of the mind.” BR> “In other words going crazy.”
“More than that, basically shattering their minds and leaving them in a vegetative state.”
“These evil beings..what
“Let me stop you right there, I don’t think they are necessarily evil.”
I think they are trying to protect the world from sinking into chaos, anarchy and despair. Although I do believe they can become evil in order to protect the secrets to the afterlife. For these five individuals the period from the near death experience to psychosis/vegetative state is years. Now I don’t know for sure what happen during that period. But I think it’s like a warning period.
If you think about it it’s technically their fault that someone manages to escape from this plane. So they give you a chance to put it right when you ignore the warnings the lessons get harder and more painful.”
“So what do you think causes someone to come back from being that close to dying?”
“Technically its not “near” death. I believe they died. I also believe that there is some kind of emotional connection that is so powerful it continues into the after life and act as a guide if you will to bring them back.”
“This is so fascinating I wish I could learn more.”
Fox couldn’t help but laugh. This woman was good he thought to himself. That’s the best Con story he has ever heard and now she will tell Whitney how she can learn more only she better have a heavy purse to match.
Andia smiled
“Well if you are interested I will be teaching a course at Lander Community College which is in the area.”
“I have been researching colleges and I have heard of it.”
“The name of the course is the PS 104. The Role of the Elements in Paranormal Psychology. This semester we will be focusing on Fire which is something else my 5 subjects have in common.”
“Excuse me?”
“All 5 subjects, well actually 4 now died as a result of a fire.”


______________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 8


A cold chill made its way to Whitney’s heart. This must all be a coincidence she thought. As if to make sure she heard right Whitney asked the question again
“So all five subjects died as a result of a fire?”
“Yes originally that’s how they all died. One of the 5 subjects eventually died permanently about a month or so ago.”
. Fox observed that that Whitney had suddenly gotten pale she swayed a couple of times as if she was about to fall. He quickly moved to stand beside her putting his hands on her shoulder providing support by holding her steady and relaxation by gently rubbing her shoulders. Whitney could slowly felt the strength coming back to her feet and her body. It was amazing to Whitney that Fox’s hands had the power to relax her and stimulate her at the same time depending on what he was going for. Either way Whitney love feeling his hands on her
“How.. did she die, I mean eventually?” Whitney asked trying to refocus her thoughts from Fox and back to the situation at hand.
“It’s a he. He died in his sleep. His family said it happened rather peacefully.”
“That seems harmless enough.” Whitney commented feeling much more relaxed.
“There is nothing really unusual about his death. His daughter was with him when he died. She is happy that he is at peace.”
“You said he died recently, when?”
“I have a copy of his death certificate around here somewhere. I have been going over every detail to find some kind of pattern but so far nothing. There is nothing unique about the date. Just another ordinary day. Here it is if you want to take a look at it
“Could I?”
“Sure, I don’t see why not?”
She handed the piece of paper to Whitney who took a look at it. Fox also looked at the death certificate and his eyes like Whitney’s was drawn to the date and time of death. It was July 11th 2003 at 12:01 am.
Whitney felt like she was about to faint but thanks to Fox’s quick thinking he managed to hold her up before she actually fell.
“Is something wrong?” Madame Tourt inquired, when she saw that Whitney had gotten even paler than she was a few minutes earlier.
“No, she is fine this just brought back some bad memories. Fox quickly replied
“I’m sorry it was not my intention to dredge up bad memories. I just get carried away with my work sometimes.”
Fox and Whitney looked at each other and Fox nodded in understanding
“We really need to get going, how much do I owe you?”
“I didn’t do anything other talk about my work, It’s fine don’t worry about it.”
“I still want to give you something for your time though.”
Fox opened his wallet removed two crisp twenty-dollar bills and handed them over to Madame Court
“Thank you, and good luck”
A few minutes later Whitney and Fox emerged unto the street. There was a slight wind blowing off the Pacific Ocean creating a chill in the air. Whitney rubbed her arms in a subconscious effort to ward off the chill.
“Are you cold?”
“Yes, a little I didn’t realize it cool down so fast here.”
“The temperature is usually cooler closer to the ocean. Here put this on.”
Fox took of his jacket and put it around Whitney’s shoulders.
“Thank you.”
Fox and Whitney slowly made their way across the street to where the car was parked
“It has to be a coincidence right” Whitney asked.
Fox didn’t say anything for a few seconds
“Of course it’s a coincidence. It’s not like you know the man who died right?”
“No, until just now I have never heard of a Simon Perez”
“So you see its one of those freaky coincidence you hear about.”
As much as everything indicated it was a coincidence Fox wasn’t convinced. If there was one thing he was sure of it’s that there is no such thing as a coincidence. The funny thing was that 12:01 wasn’t when Whitney almost died rather it was when she came back to life. He was certain of this, because he remembered as he was watching the emergency crew worked on her the bell at the old steeple church had just finished chiming the hour. He was sure it was midnight because they escaped the fire at 11:50 and while those 10 minutes may have seemed like an eternity as the crew struggled to save Whitney in reality it was just that 10 minutes. Furthermore one of the emergency crew jokingly said that Whitney was reborn on July 11th.
“Do you buy that stuff she was saying about her book?”
“It does seem a little farfetched but truthfully I haven’t thought much about the after life.” I have enough trouble keeping up with the here and now to think about what happens to you when you die.”
“Maybe I should sign up for her course?”
Fox looked concern
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?
“I don’t know, all I know is that I have a lot of questions that I don’t have answers to.”


_______________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 9


The club that Fox took her to was called “Temptation”. It was a new upscale club that catered mostly to the young hip and wealthy. By the time they arrive at the club it was a little after 10 pm. Whitney was a little hesitant at first to go to a club this late but Fox eventually convinced her that this is the time when most clubs are getting started. Fox pulled up a few yards from the entrance got out and went around to open Whitney’s door. A parking attendant walked up to them and Fox hand over his keys. They didn’t have a problem getting in Fox greeted the guy at the door. The two men shook hands and Fox introduced Whitney. Within a couple minutes they walked into the club. Whitney had to admit that she was surprised that the guy didn’t ask to see an ID. She was almost 20 and could easily pass for 21 but it was still a little disconcerting that she was able to go get in without any hassle. There must have been hundreds of people on the packed hardwood dance floor.

“Wow, I didn’t realize it was so huge.”

“There are actually 2 floors. The top floor has a restaurant and some shops.

Fox grab a hold of Whitney’s hands and the two made their way over the bar. The bartender looked busy and Fox and Whitney sat down on two stools. The bartender was busy flirting with two girls sitting at the end of the bar. He didn’t seem to be having any luck because one of the ladies was rolling her eyes and the other was more focused on her drink.

Fox looked at the bartender and shouted.

“I see you’re still striking out with the ladies.”

The bartender went still for a moment.

“I know that voice Fox Crane.”

The bartender turned around and made his way into the direction of the voice. But stopped when he saw Whitney

“Who is this vision of beauty?”

Whitney smiled nervously

Fox gave the bartender one of his looks that let him know that Whitney was off limits.

“Whitney this is Jay Collins.”

“Hello, What is a beautiful lady like yourself doing hanging around this one?”

“Fox is a good friend.”

“I remember Fox being a lot of things to beautiful women but I don’t recall good friend being one.”

Fox cast another one of his looks in the direction of Jay.

“All right I’ll behave, what can I get you.”

“I’ll have a ginger ale soda” Whitney replied.

Both Jay and Fox looked closely at Whitney

“A soda?”

“What’s wrong with a soda.” Whitney asked looking directly at Fox.

“Absolutely nothing but no one orders soda in a place like this. Will you trust me to order for you?”

“I don’t think its wise for me to drink alcohol”

“I have the perfect drink for you, very little alcohol and to give it that extra touch I’ll make it for you.”

“You’ll make it?

“Yes, just say the word.”

“This I got to see.”

Jay moved away and allow Fox to jump over the bar. Whitney watched excitedly as Fox put on an apron and looked around for the ingredients. The particular drink in question called for coconut juice, pineapple juice, a shot of brandy and his own secret ingredient that no one saw, blended for two minutes. Fox poured half the drink into a glass and put it in front of Whitney.

Whitney looked at the frothy concoction with a bit of apprehension and excitement.

“Go ahead try it.”

She slowly brought the drink to her lips and took a small sip. It wasn’t too bad so she took a bigger sip.

“This is very good.”

Whitney finished the drink and put her glass on the down indicating for to Fox to pour the rest.

“Looks like we have a winner here. If you ever need a job just let me know.”

Fox started to remove his apron when.

“Can I try some?” A sultry voice purred directly behind Whitney.

Whitney turned around to see a tall blond lady wearing a slinky red dress. The lady had her eyes on Fox and Whitney could see the muscles in Fox’s jaw tensed up.

“Sorry, I don’t work here.”

Whitney did not miss the look that passed between Fox and the woman.

“Do you two know each other?”

“Yes, we do, Whitney this is Audrey.”

“Hello” Whitney murmured

Audrey didn’t respond in fact she didn’t even look at Whitney.

“How about a dance for old time’s sake?”

“As you can see I’m not alone.”

Audrey finally glanced at Whitney

“You don’t mind if we dance do you?”

“No, it’s fine”

“I’m still not interested.” Fox replied in a clipped tone

“That’s a pity, I’m sure Whitley doesn’t want to be bored with….

“It’s Whitney.”

Audrey turned into Whitney’s direction

“Excuse me?”

“My name is Whitney not Whitley.”

Audrey reluctantly looked Whitney up and down.

“I’m trying to have a private conversation here, do you mind” She rudely replied

Whitney Russell rarely took a dislike to people after just meeting them but she was willing to make an exception just this once. It’s a lucky thing Fox refused to dance with her because she was really starting to regret giving her the go ahead.

“As I was saying I’m sure Whitney doesn’t want to be subjected to boring conversations about how we know each other.”

Fox did not miss the underlying threat in Audrey’s voice.

“Fine let’s dance, Whitney would you excuse us?”

Whitney didn’t get a chance to respond as Fox none too gently escorted Audrey to the dance floor. To say Whitney was shock would have been an understatement.

“Those two have a very complicated history.”

Whitney glanced at Jay who had slowly made his way over to her stool once again.

“Have you known them long?”

“Long enough, so that I can warn you. You seem like a levelheaded young woman. If I were you I would steer clear of those two.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let’s just say that when those two are in each other’s company they set off an explosion. Anyone around them is likely to get burned pretty bad.”

Jay observed the faraway look in Whitney’s eyes.

“Are you all right?”

“Yes, I’m fine, It’s just that when you said burn it brought back a lot of memories. I almost died in a fire a few weeks ago.”

“Oh God, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it, so what happened between Fox and that woman?”

Whitney waited for Jay to continue but he suddenly went quiet.

“Fox, you’re back, I was keeping your lovely friend company.”

Whitney turned around to see Fox standing over her. She didn’t even realize that he had quietly crept up on them but there was no mistaking the look that passed between the two men or the look on Fox’s face when he saw Audrey walk away with another man towards the dance floor. It was anger and the tension between Fox and Jay was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“Whitney would you like to dance?” Fox asked.

Not waiting for her assent Fox held out his hand. She took it and the two made their way to the crowded dance floor. Fox managed to find a spot for them to dance but the floor was so crowded that Whitney was forced to dance closer to Fox than she would have liked. The DJ was playing the Reggae version of “I Can’t Help Falling In Love You” by UB40. Whitney was familiar with the Elvis version but she found she found this version has a nice beat that she was able to move to.

Whitney started out trying to keep as much distance between her and Fox but the beat of the song and Fox being so close enticed her to move even closer. And as if that wasn’t enough Fox aggressively pulled her even closer. There was no mistaking the imprint of his powerful legs as it insinuated itself between hers. The rhythmic gyrations of his hip enticed Whitney to move her hips in synchronicity with his. When she felt the bulge in Fox’s pants rubbing against her lower torso Whitney nervously looked into Fox’s eyes. There was no mistaking the desire and heat in his eyes as he boldly returned her look. She was the first to break eye contact as she turned away and rested her head against his chest. After a few minutes of hiding in his chest Whitney tried once again look in Fox’s eyes as she tried to come to terms with what was happening. There was no denying the heat that was radiating through her body especially the lower half. She knew that this was wrong that she should pull back. She kept reminded herself that she was engaged to Chad but none of it was enough to make her pull away from the warmth of being this close to Fox. She turned to look once again to Fox but rather than looking at his eyes this time her eyes was irresistibly drawn to his mouth. She didn’t even realize that she was drawing closer to Fox until she felt their lips touched. If the heat radiating through her lower body was akin to a small fire the heat that came from Fox’s kisses was a raging inferno on the verge of going out of control.

Naked excitement flared through her filling her with surprise and confusion. She felt his hands slide from her spine to the fuller curve of her behind to splay there and pull her closer. She shivered in contact with the lean tight hardness of his muscular thighs every inch of her own flesh so sensitive she was bewildered embarrassed and shocked.

This feels good Fox thought reveling in the way she couldn’t hide her response to him. He could feel every little quiver assailing her as she nervously and innocently tried moved closer to him.

This cant be happening Whitney thought. I’m engaged to Chad. We are getting married and I love him

The drive back to the apartment was unusually quiet. It was not that Whitney had suddenly gotten shy or anything although that was certainly part of it. It was that she kept replaying the experience in her head. She couldn’t believe how much she lost control on the dance floor. She certainly couldn’t blame it on the alcohol since she didn’t feel tipsy in the least. She was not stupid enough to believe this kiss had anything to do with her. She didn’t know what Jay meant when he said that the explosion between Fox and Audrey was dangerous enough to burn whoever was in the way. She knew that kiss had nothing to do with her and everything to do with Audrey. Fox had been nothing but a gentleman around her and the behavior on the dance floor was not that of a gentleman. She didn’t appreciate being used that way and she intends to tell him that as soon as the storm that was going through her body came to a halt.

Fox glanced over at Whitney he knew that he had to find a way to make her comfortable again but first he needed to calm down his raging harmones. He had kissed many women in many different places but never had he felt anything like what just happened. It was as if everyone in the club just melted away and he and Whitney were alone. He lost complete control and now he was afraid that Whitney would pull away from him even further. He knew she was with him the entire way but Whitney was so proper that sometimes its hard to believe that she and Chad were lovers. Now he was worried that she would once again build up this wall around herself.

Fox took his eyes off the road for a moment to glance the woman he loves.

“I’m sorry about what happened back there. I don’t mean I’m sorry it happened, I’m just sorry if it made you feel uncomfortable in anyway.”

“It was very scary.” Whitney admitted.

“I’m sorry” Fox apologized once again.

“You should be, For the record I don’t appreciate being used as a substitute for another woman.”

“What do you mean?”

“I saw that look that past between you and Audrey. I saw that look you had on your face when she walked off with another man.”

“What?” Fox asked unable to keep the incredulity out of his voice.

“Don’t deny it, I saw that look between the two of you. You were jealous of that guy she was with”

Fox run his hand through his hair in frustration.

“Whitney, my relationship with Audrey is complicated.”

“I know Jay told me”

“What specifically did Jay told you?”

“Not much only that anyone who is around the two of you get burn, Now I know what he meant”

Fox made no comment as he pulled the car into the underground garage. The car came to a complete stop and Whitney was about to open the car door when Fox stopped her.

“Wait a minute.”

Whitney stopped what she was doing but continued to look out the window.

“Look at me.” Fox pleaded

She turned to look at Fox feeling nervous all of a sudden. Fox gently held her chin up so that she was looking directly into his eyes.

“I want you to know that what happened between us in there had nothing whatsoever to do with Audrey.”

Whitney didn’t respond.

“I kissed you because I wanted to kiss you no one else. I need you to believe that.”


“I believe you” She replied

But Fox could see in her eyes that she didn’t really believe him. He also realized that she was in too fragile a state for him to push. He smiled reassuringly as he released her chin but not before the back of his hand caressed her right cheek. Fox’s heart was a little heavy as he followed Whitney into the building. He wanted to explain his past with Audrey to Whitney but in his heart he knew that she was not ready to hear the truth. Coupled that with the fact that she has a lot on her plate to deal with Fox concluded that now was not the time or place. He saw the distrust in her eyes. She didn’t for a second believe his feeble attempt at an explanation.


__________________________________________________________________________