Chapter 7 #2
“Exactly. Just like those perpetuating myths would prefer to fabricate and stretch the truth, lest they lose attention and tourist dollars. You wouldn’t believe the backlash I got after the episode debunking all the supposed Bigfoot videos.”
“From those faking it?”
“Actually, more so from those who wanted it to be true,” was my wry admission.
“People are fucked.”
Crude, but also apt. “I don’t get the impression you use social media much.”
“Not at all.”
“Then what do you do to pass the time?”
“Read. Watch movies.”
“Old Westerns and wartime stuff?”
“Actually, I avoid realism. I get enough with that in my day-to-day.”
“What do you watch then?” I couldn’t help my curiosity.
He sounded almost sheepish as he admitted, “Star Wars, the old trilogy being my fave. Lord of the Rings. Really enjoy the darker, grittier DC stuff.”
“Star Trek?”
His smile shone. “I own physical copies of Deep Space Nine and The Next Generation because I watch them on repeat. Battlestar Galactica, too. What about you? You mentioned liking Stephen King and supernatural stuff, but what are your favorites?”
“I’m also obsessed with ocean movies.”
“Like Free Willy?”
My turn to mumble as I admitted my darkest secret. “More like The Abyss and Leviathan. I’ve also watched a few movies about the arctic.”
“The Thing,” he sighed. “I don’t think we get a visitor who doesn’t mention it.”
“You forgot the Thaw and the miniseries, The Terror.”
“I’m impressed that after seeing those you still came here.”
“I’m capable of separating fact from fiction. But I also figure they’ve prepared me, so if anyone shows signs of infection from a parasite, I won’t hesitate to act.”
He snorted. “You aren’t like I expected.”
“And what would that be?”
“I expected you to be a diva, for one. Complaining about the lack of amenities. Ordering us around. Making up shit to make your show look good.”
“I’ve met people like that in the biz and ugh.” I fake shuddered. “My show is about presenting reality. It would be kind of weird if that wasn’t my personal motto when it came to life.”
“Another thing I wouldn’t have guessed is you’re smart.”
“Until I take off the glasses, then people assume I’m dumb.”
That made him laugh. “I think that says more about their intellect than yours. You’re a person who thinks and it shows in the questions you ask. Which I’ll admit to being impressed by.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve done your research.”
“Can’t exactly debunk something I don’t understand.”
“Fair point, but I guess I expected you to be someone who read off a script someone else wrote.”
“It’s my name and reputation on the line, so ain’t nothing coming out of this mouth that I haven’t personally vetted.” Something I felt strongly about and included as a clause in my contract.
“What’s your perspective thus far on Antarctica?”
“It’s cold.” That made him laugh. “More seriously, the station is impressive, given the lack of resources. Everyone is friendly. I’m eating so much I might not fit in my clothes soon.”
“I meant what’s your thoughts about the rumors you’re chasing?”
“Ah, those. To be honest, I don’t believe any of them are true, but I can’t allow myself to be biased, hence why I need to investigate each claim as thoroughly as I can.”
“How much longer do you think that will take?”
I shrugged. “Depends. Could be days. Weeks, if I don’t get the evidence I want.”
“Meaning I should delay on-site visits.”
I arched a brow. “Why, Captain, are you trying to keep me here longer?”
“Yes.” Bold. Unabashed. “You’re more interesting than anyone else here.”
“Ah, I should have known, you’re attracted to my brain.” I wrinkled my nose.
“Is that what you think?”
“You tell me.”
Instead, he showed me. Some men might have dipped in for a shy or tentative kiss to test the grounds. Not this man. He scooped me into his lap and pressed his mouth to mine in a firm claim that had me tingling all the way to my toes.
Oh my.
Unlike some, he didn’t immediately jump from kissing to groping. He took his time exploring my lips. Teasing them. Coaxing them to part. The touch of his tongue brought a shiver.
I was the one to boldly take things further, turning myself on his lap so I straddled, pressing my pussy against the hard bulge contained by his pants. His hands cupped my ass as my own cradled his cheeks, enthralled by the taste of him.
He was harder than the guys I usually dated—and I didn’t just mean in mannerism or attitude. The fitness of his body intrigued. A man who kept himself in shape, evidenced by the muscles I felt as I skimmed the broad expanse of his shoulders. Gripped the bulge of his biceps.
Who knows what we might have done on Greenfield’s stripped bed if my phone hadn’t rung.
“Must you answer?” he groaned as I fumbled for it in my sweater’s zipped pocket.
“The show doesn’t dish out for the best satellite coverage for me to ignore it. We can always finish this later.”
“Cruel.”
“Anticipation is good for you,” I riposted with a wink before answering, “Hey, Gus. Tell me you found something.”
“Did I ever!” gushed my hacker friend. Before he could start relaying his findings, I hit speaker so Noah could hear too. “Turns out this Dr. Greenfield was using an alias. The man at McMurdo station’s real name is Dr. Ian Malone. And get this, he’s wanted on several charges around the world.”