No Escape From Christmas

 by Pauline

 

Follows the events of “Rough Diamond.”

 

 

After easing over the highway’s centerline and getting honked at in the process, Lee Crane let out the breath that he hadn’t realised he’d been holding.  He was tired and driving the hired four wheel drive Cadillac in the dark and snow was taking all his concentration.  The eight-hour flight from LAX to Providence, with a two-hour layover in Chicago, meant that he hadn’t arrived until 22.00.  Now even the weather was conspiring against him.

 

It had seemed like a good idea at the time. Everyone had been walking on eggshells, treating him with kid gloves, like he was going to break.   He hadn’t wanted to give Nelson or Morton the chance to ask him what he was doing for the holiday.  If they knew that he was spending it alone, they would have issued their own invitations and he was not ready for that.  So he had packed and taken the first available flight out, and let them think that he was spending the holiday with his mother.  After Seaview’s last cruise and his break up with Sophie, he needed to escape from the institute and his friends while he came to terms with what had happened.  He loved what he did and if he was honest, Nelson was almost a father to him.  NIMR had given him a feeling of security and belonging.  He’d finally felt a part of something. Then the events of the last mission rocked the foundations of his world, costing him the woman he loved. 

 

The lingering effects of Dr. Braddock’s atmosphere had left him susceptible to Miss Ward-Thomas’s advances.  She’d seduced him and used him in her part of a highjack plot that had cost two people their lives as well as leaving Lee guilty, ashamed and disgusted for letting himself be used.  When he’d confessed the whole sordid details to Sophie, she had naturally been upset and had told him they were finished.   

 

Struggling with the jumble of conflicting emotions that continued to trouble him, he concentrated on the drive.

 

******

 

Except for the lights from a Christmas tree, visible through a window, the house looked dark and lifeless as Lee approached.  What on earth was he doing HERE?  His mother was spending the holiday with her sister and her husband.  Lee hadn’t told her of his plans; it wouldn’t be the first Christmas he’d spent alone. He should have stayed in Santa Barbara.  In fact, he’d welcome it, he wanted isolation; he wasn’t in the Christmas spirit.  His lighthouse was remote enough that no one would have been any the wiser.  Except that there were too many memories of his all too brief time with Sophie. 

 

Turning up his coat collar, Lee opened the door and climbed out from behind the wheel.  A cold wind assaulted him as he stepped up to the front porch and unlocked the door.  He hadn’t brought much luggage as he kept clothing here for when he visited. He quickly unloaded his bag and the groceries that he’d picked up on the way from the airport.

 

Stepping into the elegant hall with its pale gold walls and white paintwork, Lee was surprised at how warm the house felt.  A classic white Christmas tree lit with clear lights and decorated with glittering gold and champagne-colored ornaments graced the hallway.  The house had been in his family for two generations.  After he had gone to Annapolis, his mother had re-decorated throughout, all except his room.   It was still as it had been when he left, always waiting for him when he came home; which wasn’t often. 

Perhaps it was also time to make changes to his life.  He’d given it a lot of thought during the flight.  Thanks to the lingering effects of Braddock’s atmosphere, he’d probably lost Sophie for good.  If only he hadn’t made that second dive.  There was no use blaming Nelson or anyone else, it had been his decision.  But Sophie had been right about one thing, sometimes his assignments for ONI called for him to use seduction to get what he needed.  No woman could put up with that for long, at least not one that he intended to spend the rest of his life with.  Maybe now would be a good time for a change, to let go of the past and move on.  To concentrate on being Seaview’s captain and stop playing spy.

 

******

 

Nelson stared into the amber liquid of his half-filled glass, wishing that he’d talked to Lee before he went on leave.  He’d known that Lee was upset.  Granted, Nelson himself had been angry when Lee had first told him what had happened between him and Miss Ward, but he hated to see Lee miserable.  He was a very private and sometimes shy person who did not give his heart easily.  Nelson had no doubt that Lee loved Sophie and he wished that there were something he could do to get them back together, but he also knew that Lee would not thank him for interfering. 

 

Nelson glanced over to where the presents sat under the tree.  They hadn’t even exchanged gifts before Lee left, his emotional barriers already in place, the ones he used when he was hurting.  Crane had left the boat before he or even Chip had time to speak to him.  The XO and Lee’s best friend, Chip, had admitted that Lee had been avoiding him.  They had discussed Lee’s destination for the holidays; Chip assumed that Lee was spending Christmas with his mother, but had not spoken to him to confirm.  He had taken off too fast. 

 

Nelson had been away, attending the funeral service for Alex Matthews.  They had recovered the bodies from the aircraft and brought them back for a proper burial. Matthews Sr. was a personal friend of Nelson’s and he’d been ‘best man’ at Matthews’ wedding.   It was sad for any parent to lose a child but seemed even more so at this time of year, so close to Christmas.  Lee had already left for the holidays when Nelson returned to Santa Barbara.

 

Nelson sighed and took another swallow of his drink, cursing himself for not making more of an effort to speak to Lee.  The lad was entitled to his privacy, but damn it, he should have told somebody where he was going.  Why did he have to be so stubborn?  Lee could be extremely irritating at times.  Surely Lee realised that they were all worried about him.  He was going to have a lengthy talk with his stubborn captain when he caught up to him.

 

******

 

Looking forward to a comfortable bed and some sleep, Lee could not believe it when he opened the door to his room.  For a moment, he just stood looking at the queen-sized bed, transformed with an overhead aquarium that formed the headboard.  Brightly coloured fish swam lazily back and forth. Walking into the room, he noticed the new, deep pile, rich brown carpet, but mostly he could not stop marvelling at the bed.  Slowly he took in other details.  The wall behind the aquarium was painted a deep blue.  The satin coverlet was in a rich shade of mahogany that complemented the carpet colour.  Built-in cabinets of a dark wood on each side of the bed supported the aquarium, reinforcing the satisfying colour scheme of the room.     

 

“I hope you like it.”

 

Lee spun around. “Mom, what are you doing here?  I thought you were spending Christmas with Aunt Rose!”

 

“Aunt Rose can wait until the New Year; besides, she only lives a few miles away. I’ve been next door waiting to surprise you.  I thought that you were never going to get here,” she smiled.

 

“How did you know?”

 

“Chip was worried about you.  He phoned to check if you were really coming home for the holidays,” she told him, walking further into the room.

“Don’t I get a hug hello?”

 

Chip... he should have known Chip would move heaven and earth to find him.  His spirits lifted for a moment.  Good ‘ol Chip.

 

“Yes, of course.” Lee moved closer and hugged her. “Thank you.”

 

“I’m happy that you like it.  I would have done it sooner, but I wasn’t sure that you wanted me to change your room about.”

 

“You must have been reading my mind.  I’ve thought about making some changes recently,” he admitted.  Very recently.

 

His mother stepped back, holding him at arm’s length, studying him. “You are naughty not telling me that you were coming,” she admonished gently.

 

“It was a last minute thing and I didn’t want to spoil your plans.”

 

She shook her head at him. “Lee, you’re my son, I don’t get to see enough of you as it is.  Don’t you think I’d want to be here with you?”

 

Lee lowered his gaze. “Sorry,” he apologised quietly.  “I wasn’t sure I’d be good company.”

 

She stared at him for a moment.  He knew the words were on the tip of her tongue, and equally knew that she would wait until he’d had a good night’s sleep to say anything.  His mother was a very astute woman.

 

******

 

Lee woke feeling rested.  The house was quiet and it was still dark outside.  Turning on the bedside light, he looked at his watch - 05.30.  For the moment he settled back down, enjoying the warm comfort, far removed from his small bunk on the submarine. The only sound was the rhythmic tick of the clock and the sound of the aquarium pump, somehow reminding him of Seaview.  He had nothing to get up for; he could stay there as long as he wanted.  He refused to think about what he would be doing if he were back in Santa Barbara.  Then he remembered that he had promised to help his mother finish decorating outside, and his mom would not let him laze around feeling sorry for himself.  The small tree out front that he had planted with his father after Christmas one year, was big now, a reminder of happier days, before his father had died. 

 

Christmas was the time when he felt his Father’s loss most keenly.  Up until he’d met Chip Morton, Lee did everything he could to escape Christmas.  Then Chip had invited him home for the holiday.  At first he’d found the thought of spending Christmas was Chip and his family a daunting prospect. However, it had turned out to be one of the best ever.  Chip’s family had treated him like one of their own.

 

The pain was still there and no matter what, he would never forget his father.  Only now he had another family, his Seaview family.  One that he had let down, along with Sophie and most importantly, himself. 

 

******

 

Sophie Carter placed the newspaper on the kitchen table and walked over to the stove to pour herself a mug of coffee.  Returning the pot to the stove she took her coffee back to the table.   She had moved from Washington to California to be with Lee Crane, and now that she was three months into the six months at the police academy she hoped that they would have more time together.  Instead he had admitted to having sex with another woman during their last cruise.  The revelation had crushed her, and she had reacted in hurt and anger.

 

She looked at her watch, knowing that Lee was an early riser; she couldn’t help wondering where he was and what he was doing.  They had not discussed Christmas and the thought occurred to her that he may have other plans, but she had hoped that they’d spend at least part of it together.  Of course, that was before Lee’s confession.  For her own part, she had not been home for the holiday for several years; her father did not approve of her chosen profession with ONI.  Now instead of a happy holiday she found herself questioning the future that she had hoped she would be spending with Lee Crane. 

 

Sipping her coffee, she scanned the newspaper while she considered what she wanted for breakfast.  What did Lee like for breakfast?  She had noticed during the time they had spent together that he had a tendency to pick at his food.  Don’t go there, she told herself.   There was no point tormenting herself; it had been her choice to finish their relationship.

 

Finding nothing of interest in the paper she closed and folded it and laid it aside.  She was still settling into civilian life after being a full time ONI operative.  It gave her an insight into what it must be like for Lee.  Being captain of Seaview and a reservist, as well as a part time ONI agent, it must be difficult to switch from one to the other, but she could never see Lee settling into civilian life.  He’d be bored within a month; the navy was all he had known until he was given the captaincy of Seaview.  Had there ever really been the chance of a future for them together?  She was only beginning to get to know the real Lee Crane, the man beneath the professional facade.  She wished that he was here, she missed him.  By pinning all her hopes around him, though, had she made the biggest mistake of her life?

 

******

 

“Hello, Harry.” Edith Nelson breezed into Nelson’s penthouse loaded down with carriers from some of the most expensive stores in Santa Barbara. “Be a dear and give me a hand.”

 

“Is there anything left in the stores?” he teased as he got to his feet.

 

“Now Harry, you can’t have Christmas without all the trimmings and I don’t get to see you very often.”  Edith glanced around. “Is Lee here?”

 

“Um, no.” Nelson hesitated, not wanting to admit that he didn’t know where Lee was. His sister was more than a little fond of Seaview’s captain. Nelson had hoped that Lee and Edith would get together.  He would be proud to have Lee as a son-in-law.  Sophie, though, would probably have something to say about that.  “He’s spending Christmas with his mother.”

 

“Oh.” Edith looked disappointed.  “Too bad.  Well, just put these in my room, I’ll sort them out later,” Edith said, handing over some of the bags.

 

“Yes, ma’am.” Nelson chuckled as he relieved his sister of the bags and headed for the guest room that Edith used when she was visiting.

 

“The place looks great, Harry - very Christmassy.” 

 

“Glad that you approve.” 

 

As well as the large tree in the family room, another smaller tree decorated the entrance hall and lights and garlands were strung on the mantle.  Decorating was supposed to take his mind off the fact that Lee would not be joining them for the holiday.  They had grown close over time and Lee had become the son that Nelson had never had. Lee had been through so much and they were all guilty of taking him for granted at times.  Lee’s confidence made it easy to forget that he was still human, with emotions, even if he kept them hidden. 

 

Although it never really got cold in Santa Barbara, it was 40 degrees outside and a fire burned in the fireplace adding to the festive atmosphere.  Harry hoped that Lee was happy wherever he was. None of this was Lee’s fault; he hadn’t deserved any of it.  Damn Braddock and his callous use of Lee as a guinea pig.     

 

******

 

A day spent helping his mother decorate the house, stringing lights on at least six trees, had taken Lee’s mind off his troubles and if he was honest, he’d enjoyed himself.  However, it hadn’t lasted. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t get Sophie out of his mind. Now as Lee sat on the rug in front of the fire drinking coffee, his mind returned to that last mission.  He was feeling guilty; he hated himself for what he had done to Sophie.  He should not have let his emotions dictate his actions, he usually had better control.   It didn’t make any difference that Jamie had told him it wasn’t his fault, that he’d been under the influence of the protracted effects of Braddock’s atmosphere; he’d still betrayed the woman he loved. 

 

Lee put down his mug and added another log to the fire.  The remains of his dinner were still on the tray on the coffee table.  He hadn’t been very hungry, but he knew that if he’d lost weight before returning to Santa Barbara, he’d have Jamieson on his case.  He would already be in trouble with the admiral for missing the institute Christmas party.  The thought of all the sympathetic glances and hushed whispers, or even worse, someone trying to play matchmaker, made him cringe.  He didn’t need the doctor hounding him as well.  And he knew he’d hear about it from his friend and XO. 

 

“You’ve hardly touched your dinner,” his mother complained as she picked up the tray.

 

“I’m not hungry, Mom.  Jet lag and all that.”

 

“But, Lee, honey - you need to eat.”

 

“I’ll eat when I’m hungry.”

 

“Would you like me to fix you something else?”

 

“No, mom.  I’m fine, honestly. It was a tough cruise.  I'll be better tomorrow.”

 

Crane lied, to spare her feelings.  He didn't know when he was going to be better.  Or what he had to do to feel that way.   He’d been looking forward to Christmas and to seeing Sophie, she was the best thing that had happened to him since he’d taken over the captaincy of Seaview.  They hadn’t discussed Christmas; he hadn’t wanted to put her under pressure if she had already made other plans.  But he had intended to ask her to the NIMR Christmas party and then everything had gone sideways.    

 

******

 

Sophie was alone on the beach.  It was crazy, she knew.  She’d driven out to Lee’s lighthouse knowing that in all probability he would not be there, but it made her feel closer to him.  The sand was soft and warm beneath her feet as she walked by the water’s edge, listening to the sound of the waves. 

 

She didn’t want to think about tomorrow being Christmas Eve, it was her own fault that she would be spending the holiday alone.  She’d over reacted when Lee had confessed to his indiscretion with another woman.  Hurt and angry, she hadn’t wanted to listen to anything he had to say, any excuses.  She’d told him not to call, but she had hoped that he would.  Of course he hadn’t, that was typical Lee.  She kicked a pebble and watched it disappear into the foamy ebb tide, trying to redirect her thoughts, but it wasn’t working.  She couldn’t get him out of her head.  She kept picturing his face, that smile, those amazing eyes and his thick black hair that she loved running her fingers through.  There was no denying that she still loved Lee Crane.  She had never felt so lonely, but deep down she knew that Lee was not the sort of man to settle down.   Oh, Lee.  Why did she have to go and fall in love with Lee Crane?  They were too much alike, stubborn and independent workaholics.  But she had made the decision to change, giving up her ONI job in the hope of having a normal life, with a husband and children.  But it didn’t seem that was going to happen now, at least not with Lee Crane.  Now she wasn’t even sure that she would be staying to complete her training at the Police Academy. Johnson had offered her a desk job with ONI in Washington.  Maybe she should accept it and move on. 

 

The sun was starting to sink low and with a heavy heart, she started back toward her car. She wasn’t looking forward to going back to the empty apartment she was renting while she looked for a place of her own.  You did this to yourself, Sophie Carter.  Suck it up.

 

******

 

Lee stared into the fireplace flames, still thinking about Sophie.  He looked up as his mother returned and handed him a glass. “What’s this?”

 

“Drink it, you look like you need it.  Then you can tell me what’s wrong.”

 

Lee smiled and accepted the glass.  “Thanks.” He couldn’t hide anything from his mother. 

 

His mother sat on the arm of his chair and put a hand on his shoulder. “Lee, what is it?  Has something happened between you and the admiral?  Or Chip?”

 

Lee shook his head.   “No!” he said, louder than he intended.  How did he tell his mother what he had done?  It had been difficult enough telling Nelson. 

 

“Well, then, you’re not sick, are you?”

 

“No, Mom, not in the way you mean.  I screwed up, did something stupid and...” he scrubbed a hand across his face. Why the hell was he suddenly so emotional?

 

His mother gently squeezed his shoulder. “Whatever it is, it can’t be that bad.  You’re a good man, Lee.”

 

His gut twisted at the thought that he may have lost Sophie for good.  He wished that she was here, instead of on the other side of the country.  He stared into the glass in his hand.  He had so wanted things to work out between them, he didn’t want any else.

 

“Then it’s a woman.  Someone you care about.”

 

“Mom, how did you--

 

“I’ve never seen that look on your face before, but I think I’ve figured out the signs of a man that’s missing someone.  And since I don’t think you’re missing Chip or Admiral Nelson that badly, that leaves only one answer.”  She moved her hand towards the table across the room.  “Call her, Lee.  It’s Christmas, you need to talk to her.”

 

“Mom...”

 

Mrs. Crane stood up.  “No doubts now.  I’ll give you some privacy.”

 

“Thank you, Mother.”

 

His mother smiled re-assuringly. “That’s what mother’s are for”

 

******

 

“Lee!” Sophie’s heart skipped a beat; she was so excited to hear his voice. “I can’t believe... where are you?”

 

“I’m home, with my mother.” He hesitated. “I’m sorry, Sophie.  I know you told me not to call you, but I can’t just let you go without at least trying.”

 

She could picture him with that ‘little boy lost expression.’ “Lee, it’s so good to hear your voice.  I was afraid that I wouldn’t see you again,” she admitted.

 

“I love you, Sophie.  I can’t stop thinking about you. Please, Sophie, give us another chance?”

 

She couldn’t believe it; Lee Crane had just told her that he loved her –wow! “I love you too, Lee.”

 

“I wish you were here,” he told her.

 

“I could be,” she replied.  If he says yes....

 

“You could? But how?  Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”

 

She let out the breath she was holding.  “I’m very resourceful, don’t you know.  I’ll be there by lunchtime tomorrow.”  Please God, let there be a flight!

 

“Call me with the details, I’ll pick you up.”

 

******

 

Lee hadn’t been sure how his mother would react to having an unexpected guest sprung on her for the holiday, but he needn’t have worried.  His mother had immediately started preparing the spare room, putting clean linen on the bed.  He suspected that his mother was very happy that she had been right.  He knew that she wanted him to settle down; she had tried hard enough in the past to get him together with Rachel, who he had know since high school, but they had never dated until that disastrous Valentine charity auction.   Nelson had persuaded him to be one of the ‘items’ in the auction.  The successful bidder got him for the weekend.  Only Rachel, with more than a little help from his mother, had won the bidding.  She had tried to seduce him and the weekend had ended abruptly when, spaced out on spiked coffee, Lee had become dizzy and had fallen down a ladder.  Luckily he’d gotten away with just bruising.

 

Lee pulled his thoughts back to the present as he approached the terminal and started looking for Sophie amongst the people waiting.  He smiled as he spotted her and pulled into the curb.  He’d thought that he’d never see her again, and now, here she was and he was suddenly nervous.  “Sophie, it’s good to see you.”

 

She smiled. “Hello, Lee – I’ve missed you.”

 

“I’ve missed you to.” He couldn’t take his eyes off her face. Her long hair was loose, falling around her shoulders.  He reached out and gently brushed a stray hair from her forehead. 

 

Still smiling, she raised a hand to cover his. “Merry Christmas, Lee”

“Merry Christmas, Sophie.”  He took her hand in his and gave her a quick kiss. “Come on, let’s go.”  He opened the car door for her and then went around the back to load her cases.  He’d give her a proper welcome later, when they had some privacy.

 

 

 

“Are you sure your mom doesn’t mind me coming?”  Sophie asked, sitting beside him in the passenger seat.

 

Lee glanced at her and smiled.  “I think she’s pleased that I have finally brought someone home.”

 

“I hope she won’t be disappointed.”

 

“I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

 

Lee was not going to let anyone spoil things between them.  He’d already decided that Sophie was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.  He’d told himself that he would take things slow, he didn’t want to pressure her into anything, but now that she was here, sitting beside him...  Realising how mean that statement must have sounded, he uttered a curse.  I’m sorry, that sounded really ungrateful. I genuinely love my mom, it’s just that...”

 

Sophie put a hand on his arm. “She’s your mom, it’s only natural that she worries about you.  I’m sure that she has your best interests at heart.”

 

“Yeah, maybe now she’ll quit trying to play match maker.”

 

“I wouldn’t think you’d need any help in that department, you must have a string of women chasing after you.” Sophie teased.

 

Lee felt himself blush.  “Up until now, Seaview has been the only lady in my life.”

 

“Ummm, you can’t cuddle up to her on a cold night.”

 

Lee ducked his head. “Yeah...I’m afraid that you’re sleeping in the spare room.” Lee hadn’t broached the subject of Sophie sharing his bed.

 

“It’s okay, I understand.”  She reached across and touched his hand.  “We’ll have plenty of time together later.”

 

Lee pulled up out front of his mother’s house and shut off the engine. “Here we are.”  Opening the door, he climbed out and walked around to open the door for Sophie.

 

“Thank you, kind sir,” she smiled, sliding out of the car.

 

The white ski jacket did nothing to hide her trim figure inside the skinny jeans.  The cold had picked out two bright pink spots on her cheeks, almost hidden now by the shiny hair that tumbled over her shoulders.

 

He shoved the door closed and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you for coming. You’re the best Christmas present.”

 

“You don’t escape me that easily, Lee Crane,” she teased.

 

“I wasn’t trying to escape.  I’m sorry for acting like a jerk.” He held her close for a minute before releasing her. “I’ll make it up to you.”

 

“You bet you will,” she told him suggestively.

 

Smiling, he took her hand. “Come on, we’d better get inside before Mom comes looking for us.”

 

******

 

Despite Lee’s assurances, Sophie was still nervous about meeting Lee’s mom. From what Lee had said about her match making, she already had an idea of who was right for her son.  With Lee’s father dying, he was all that she had and was probably protective of him.  Sophie really hoped that they would get along.

 

In contrast to the numerous lights decorating the outside, the large entrance hall was tastefully decorated with a single white tree.  “This is beautiful.”

 

“Thank you, my dear.”

 

“Sophie, this is my mom.  Mom, meet Sophie,” Lee introduced as he took Sophie’s ski jacket.

 

“I’m delighted to meet, Sophie,” Mrs Crane smiled.  “Lee, why don’t you show Sophie her room?  I’m sure that she would like to freshen up after her flight. Then we can have dinner and a nice chat.”

 

“Yes, ma’am.”  Lee’s honey gold eyes sparkled with mischief. “This way.”  Lee picked up her bag and started up the beautiful staircase that graced the hall.

 

 

******

 

 

Lee stopped and opened a door.  “This is your room,” he stepped back to allow her to enter and then followed her in.  Placing her bag down, he walked over to another door. “Bathroom is through here, if you need anything else...”

 

“Where is your room?”

 

“Across the hall.”

 

Sophie nodded. “Good to know.”

 

Lee’s eyes narrowed. “What are you up to?”

 

“Oh, I thought I might practice some night manoeuvres,” she smiled.

 

“I thought that you’d given up the spying game.”

 

Sophie walked up to him and planted her hands, palms down, on his broad chest. “That wasn’t the sort of game I had in mind,” she told him seductively.

 

“Be careful, I might get the wrong idea,” he teased with the same mischievous grin she’d seen a few minutes ago.

 

“I think you’ve got the right idea.” She moved her hands up to wrap her arms around his neck.

 

He enveloped her in his arms and bent his head to kiss her.

 

Yep, definitely the right idea. And boy could he kiss. 

 

For several minutes they clung to each other, neither wanting to end the kisses.  Finally Sophie eased away.  “Lee, your mother...”

 

“You started it,” he teased, still holding her close, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

 

“I want you...later.” she said breathlessly.  If they didn’t stop now, she might not be able to.  His touch scrambled her brain.

 

“I want you to.”  His lips caressed her temple.

 

“Lee...stop,” she pleaded.

 

They were interrupted by his mother calling from down stairs.  “Lee, leave her alone.  You two can make out later.”

 

Lee was blushing as he released her.  “I’ll see you downstairs.”

 

Sophie nodded, watching him leave and close the door behind him before she headed for the bathroom.  She needed a cold shower.

 

******

 

 

The bathroom was decorated in the same classic design as the rest of the house. Sophie piled her hair up and stepped into the shower.  The water revived her; she hadn’t realised how tired she’d been.  She had been so excited about seeing Lee that she’d been running on adrenaline. 

 

She wished that he was sharing the shower with her.  His big, gently hands touching her, his lips kissing her...  She shuddered.  He was so sexy when he was wet, his black hair a riot of curls.  Those expressive eyes, flecked with gold.  She was obsessed with him, like a teenager with her first crush. She couldn’t stop thinking about him – fantasizing about him.

 

This was not good.  She sighed. 

 

Rinsing off, she turned off the water and stepped out.  Grabbing a towel from the rail, she dried herself, and wrapping the towel around her, went in search of something to wear.

 

 

******

 

 

Sophie woke still snuggled against Lee, his body warm against her.  She had snuck into his room around midnight and whispering his name, had slid into his bed.  He’d opened his eyes, his vision hazy as he’d focus on her and then he’d smiled.  He was the most amazing man she had ever met. He was a considerate and gentle lover; excitement coursed through her as she remembered last night.  They had lost themselves in each other.  She remembered how it felt to touch him, his powerful shoulders, and his warm skin as she’d caressed the contours of his body.

 

The snow white light of dawn was filtering in through the drapes.  Sophie carefully raised herself to look down at him.  How could anyone look so innocent and yet so sexy at the same time?  She loved him completely and utterly with every fibre of her being.  The more she was with him, the more she wanted to be with him.  Bending her head, she gave him a wake up kiss.

 

“Morning, handsome.”

 

“Ummm, good morning beautiful,” Lee replied languidly before returning the kiss.

 

“Should I sneak back to my room before your mother catches us?” Sophie kidded.

 

Lee growled.  Lifting himself, he placed his hands on either side of her. “Just try it,” he dared with a sparkle in his eyes.

 

“Is that a challenge?” she smiled up at him.  She could lose herself in his eyes.

 

“What are you going to do about it if it is?”  he taunted teasingly.

 

“Nothing, I could happily stay here all day.”

 

“Ummm.” Lee kissed her again. “Wish that we could, but it’s Christmas day and I think Mom is expecting us to make an appearance.”

 

“Rain check?”

 

“Most definitely.”

 

******

 

Nelson turned off the shower, stepped out and grabbed a towel.  He needed coffee; last night he’d been ever so slightly drunk, but it hadn’t helped.  Sitting at dinner while Edith chatted on about her latest European vacation, he’d thought more and more about how Lee had seemed, how over-professional and distant he’d been on the return voyage.   He was finally beginning to understand that things were not ‘all right’ with Lee.  

 

After drying himself off he returned to the bedroom to dress.  He’d promised to help his sister with Christmas dinner, he enjoyed cooking and Edith insisted that he was a better cook than her.  Not that he got the chance very often with all his other commitments. He was a driven workaholic and had little time for a life outside of the institute, and there the problem lies, he chastised himself.  He should have handled things better.  First he had chastised Lee for making the second dive without authorization and then, when Lee had told him about his indiscretion with that damn woman, he’d flown off the handle, without taking the time to notice that Lee was definitely not okay.  Shaking his head in self-recrimination, he sat on the bed to pull on his socks and slip his feet into slippers.  So what are you going to do about it, you old fool?   He didn’t want to spoil Edith’s Christmas. 

 

The smell of coffee greeted him as he crossed the family room towards the kitchen.

 

“Morning, Harry,” Edith greeted cheerfully.

 

“Morning, Sis.”

 

Harry moved around the kitchen, preparing his breakfast while he searched for a solution to the problem with Lee.  He was afraid that maybe this time he’d pushed Lee too far, threatening to take his command.  He hoped that the fiasco would not do permanent damage to their relationship.

 

******

 

Sophie, dear, what would you like for breakfast?” Mrs Crane asked.

 

“Everything, I’m famished,” Sophie replied enthusiastically.  The kitchen smelled wonderful and her mouth watered in anticipation. 

 

“You’re as bad as Chip,” Lee teased, pulling a chair out for her at the table.

 

“Just because you’d live on coffee and cookies,” Mrs Crane countered, turning from the stove.

 

Lee rolled his eyes. “You sound like Jamie.”

 

“That nice Doctor Jamieson...”

 

“Nice?”  Lee snorted.  “That isn’t a word I’d use to describe him.”

 

“Don’t interrupt, I thought I’d taught you better,” his mother scolded, waving the spatula at him.  “I don’t know what you’ve got against the man, he seems perfectly likeable to me.”

 

“Yes, Ma’am.” Lee looked repentant.

 

Sophie suppressed a smile; there it was again, the ‘little boy lost’ act.  She was slowly getting to know another side of him.

 

“That look won’t wash with me, young man.  Sit down and eat,” his mother ordered.

 

Lee sat and made no protest when his mother filled his plate with a ham and cheese omelette, sausage and pancakes.

 

Hiding a smile, Sophie turned her attention to her own plate.  She almost felt sorry for Lee; he was much too respectful to argue with his mother.  But on the other hand, it was going to be fun getting to watch him away from the boat.

 

******

 

 

Returning from church, Nelson and Edith had exchanged gifts.  Harry could see the disappointment in his sister’s face at Lee not being there – his gifts left un-opened under the tree.  He fervently hoped that once Lee had time to cool down, he would return after Christmas and give him the opportunity to set things right between them.  If anyone should have understood what Lee had been going through, it was Nelson.  After his experience with the rabies like virus that had turned him into what Jamieson had called a werewolf, Lee had risked his life to return to the island and get the blood sample needed in order for Jamieson to make the antidote.  He owed Lee his life.

 

“You should call him.” Edith announced.

 

“Call who?”

 

Edith looked at him as if he was stupid.  “Lee, of course.”

 

“Oh, really? And why exactly should I call Lee?”

 

“To wish him Merry Christmas,” Edith suggested sweetly.

 

“He’s with family; he doesn’t need me calling him on Christmas day.”

 

“Maybe he doesn’t, but you do.”

 

“I do, huh?  Why?”

 

“Look Harry, I know how close the two of you are.  The fact that Lee’s gift is still under the tree tells me that there is more to this than Lee going home for the holiday.”

 

“I don’t want to discuss it,” Harry snapped.  “Lee is a grown man; he doesn’t need me or anyone else interfering in his personal affairs.”   Of course Edith had an ulterior motive, she was more than a little fond of Lee, and she’d had her eye on him as husband material for a long time.  He’d been proud to have Lee as a son-in-law, but he knew that it wouldn’t work.  Lee considered Edith ‘off limits’ and treated her more like a sister. 

 

“Harriman Nelson, don’t be such a silly old fool!  Pick up the phone!”

 

Nelson, shocked, for he couldn’t remember the last time his sister had raised her voice to him, automatically began to reach for the phone.

 

******

 

Lee sat with Sophie curled against him on the couch, watching the flickering fire. It felt so right, he only wanted to be with Sophie.  All too soon the holiday would be over and he would have to return to his duties, but for now he wanted to make the most of the time they had together.   He’d come here trying to escape Christmas, but instead found himself enjoying a traditional Christmas.  Sophie had been roped into helping his mother with the baking.  He was pleased that the two of them were getting along so well, even if they did gang up on him.  The kitchen had been filled with smells that brought back memories of childhood Christmases’ that he’d enjoyed when his father was alive.  He’d eaten so much he was fit to burst.  He’d probably have put on weight by the time he returned to the institute.  That at least would please Jamie. 

 

The phone going off in the kitchen disturbed his reverie.

 

“Lee, dear, you’re wanted on the phone.”

 

“Who is it?”

 

“Admiral Nelson.  And no, don’t even think about it.  I’ve already told him you’re here.”

 

Lee reluctantly took the phone. “Hello Admiral, what can I do for you?  Is something wrong?”

 

“Can’t a friend ring you without there being something wrong?”

 

“Yes, sir...I mean...”

 

“Relax, lad, nothing wrong,” Nelson chuckled.

 

“Admiral, I’m sorry I wasn’t there for the Christmas party.”

 

“Nonsense Lee, you were overdue some leave and you’re entitled to spend it where and how you want.”

 

Lee relaxed. “Thank you, admiral.”

 

“Are you all right, Lee?”

 

 “Yes, sir, everything’s fine, now that’s Sophie’s here” Lee told him, smiling as he glanced at Sophie.

 

“Good, we’ll talk when you get back, son.  Really talk.”

 

“Thank you, sir.  I’ll look forward to it.  Merry Christmas to you and Edith.  Tell everyone I’ll see them soon.”

 

“I will.  And give my regards to your mother.  And to Sophie too, please.”  There was a little pause while Nelson cleared his throat.  “Merry Christmas, son.”

 

“Merry Christmas, Admiral.”

 

 

 

 

The End

 

My thanks to Helen for her beta and assistance in finishing this story.