Ta muchly to everyone who's read, especially those who've taken the time to review. I'm not having the best of weeks so far, and it really cheered me up!
I should maybe explain the inspiration for this one. I was rewatching 1.6, the Chas Cale one, for the umpteenth time and was suddenly struck yet again by what a subtly nuanced performance Phil gives as Gene. One minute he's six feet of testosterone, striding through broken glass to rescue Alex, the next he's as awkward as a teenage boy around her, bless him.
The balance of power between those two shifts so often it's almost impossible to keep up! Which is why it's so much fun to play with them, of course …
.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Phase 2
She knew she had to make it look convincing, so she donned her dark glasses and asked Shaz for some paracetamol and a bucket-load of coffee, aware of him watching smugly from his office. After a few minutes, she ventured into the lion's den.
"Mornin' Bols. Feelin' suitably bright-eyed and bushy-tailed today, are we?"
She raised her shades, pretending to squint at the sudden bright light, and he winced.
"Does that answer your question? And do I have you to thank for the pillow and the water? I must admit, my memories are a little hazy after we left Luigi's, I hope I didn't disgrace myself."
She spotted the flash of amusement before his default pout was firmly back in place, and tried to prevent her lips twitching. Better if he thought she couldn't remember at this stage.
"Nothin' ter worry about there, luv. Sadly, those Bollingerknickers stayed firmly in place at all times."
"Hmmm. So you didn't even cop a sneaky feel while I was out for the count, then?"
He looked affronted.
"Yer know I'm a perfect gentleman, Bols. Would never do anything yer didn't want."
She had to admit he wasn't telling her any lies. God, had she wanted it. Wanted him. Just remembering those few intimate moments brought on the familiar ache between her thighs again. Concentrate, Alex.
"Glad to hear it. Did I … um … say anything I should be embarrassed about at all?"
He smirked.
"What, apart from invitin' me into yer bed and tellin' me yer wanted the Gene Genie on his back, yer mean?"
She snorted, turning on her heel to hide her grin.
"In your dreams, Guv."
He rolled his eyes. If she only knew …
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
She watched him surreptitiously from the bar as he held a conversation with Ray and Chris, a rare smile lighting up his face, making her heart turn over. What was it about him? To start with, there were the obvious attractions. He was undoubtedly all man, devastatingly attractive in a rugged, lived-in kind of way: just her type, really. Tall, broad shoulders, those endless legs and the grace of a dancer. An irresistible mane of dirty blond hair you just wanted to run your fingers through. That sexy pout that made you want to snog the face off him. And God, those bedroom eyes, they were incredible. He had undeniable charisma too, but it was more than that.
Alpha-male, extremely masculine, and yet she'd seen a glimpse of his softer side on many occasions. Chivalrous to women, kind to children. Fiercely moral, always on the side of the underdog. Passionate about his job, and inspiring unswerving loyalty among his team. Intelligent, witty, amusing when he chose to be, master of the put-down. He was an intreguing enigma, a man of many facets, and she wanted to know more, wanted to dig deeper, to get under his skin. And shag his brains out, obviously.
Time to activate Phase Two.
xxxxxxxxxxxx
So, Gene thought. When she'd invited him upstairs to watch a film, it appeared that was exactly what she'd meant. He wasn't quite sure whether to be disappointed or relieved, especially as "Brief Encounter" wasn't really his thing, not nearly enough shooting for his liking. Still, he had to admit it was pleasant to spend time with her, and she'd shuffled over now so that her body was pressed against him, her head nestled into his shoulder. He hesitated, wondering if he should attempt to put an arm around her. What happened if she pushed him away, though? He weighed up the pros and cons, and decided to stay put.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Alex was so comfortable lying next to his reassuring bulk she was almost reluctant to make the next move. She could feel the firmness of the thigh pressed against hers and smell that delicious mix of aftershave, cigarettes and whiskey that was just Gene. He'd rolled his sleeves up and removed his tie, and his bare forearms were really quite distracting, never mind the tantalising amount of neck he was now revealing. She wouldn't have minded if he'd made a move and sneaked an arm around her, but she reminded herself that would have spoiled her cunning plan. She shook herself mentally, leaning forwards to top up their wine glasses and passing his over to him. As she moved back she deliberately caught his hand with her elbow, splashing red wine all down the front of his shirt, relieved that at least he'd chosen a navy one that day. He leapt up, swearing.
"Bloody hell, Bols. I'm drenched."
"Take it off quickly, and I'll soak it in cold water. It'll be fine."
He followed her through to the kitchen, popping the buttons as she ran some water into the bowl and handing the shirt over without a word of protest. She made sure it was thoroughly immersed and then turned back to him again.
Her eyes widened at the sight in front of her. His biceps were more impressive than she'd imagined, and his chest was deliciously smooth. His erect nipples almost demanded to be nibbled, and her eyes were drawn to a cute mole close to the right one that she'd really love to tease with her tongue. Her gaze travelled further down his body. Less belly than she'd expected considering his lifestyle, in fact just enough to be cuddly. All in all, very pleasing to the feminine eye.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Gene felt exposed, almost vulnerable under her intense scrutiny as he watched her checking out his body, assessing him, judging him. He felt like crossing his arms defensively, but instead he thrust his shoulders back and planted his feet more firmly apart on the floor. He'd be damned if she was going to intimidate him.
"What's up, Bols? Never seen a bloke's naked chest before?"
She grinned.
"Not yours, Gene."
Moving across the kitchen, she circled him slowly, pausing behind him to whisper in his ear, her warm breath sending an involuntary shiver down his spine.
"Nice. Very nice. Seems a shame to cover it up really, but I suppose you'll be wanting a clean shirt?"
His chest swelled with pride at the compliment, but he kept his voice gruff and impatient.
"No rush. Just as soon as you've finished oglin' me …"
She went off to the bedroom, and he was suddenly overcome by an overwhelming sense of panic. Things were moving too quickly. Even if she really did want him he wasn't sure whether they should take that next step, it would change everything between them. What if it didn't work out? They still had to work together afterwards. He needed some time to think, and several large whiskeys.
When she returned, he slipped the clean shirt on and buttoned it up quickly, anxious to get away.
"I ought ter go, Bols. Somethin' I need ter sort out urgently, I'll see yer in the mornin'"
"That's a shame. You haven't watched the end of the film yet."
He was halfway out of the door now.
"Anyone get shot? Otherwise, I'm not much bothered."
She rolled her eyes.
"Night Guv."
The door shut behind him, and she smirked to herself. The Gene Genie was definitely rattled, had a definite case of cold feet. Nice chest, though. Upstairs inside had been well worth the wait. Now to work on Phase Three.
.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Yum. Half-naked Gene. Suddenly I feel much better. :)
Hope you enjoyed. There will be more, providing smut bunny decides to make a reappearance, the naughty little rodent!