NOT to be copyrighted, sold, or published. Mr. Roarke, Tattoo, and Fantasy Island are

not of my own creation. Cassandra Jean Alderman and a few of her college friends are, but those are the only ones I created.

BACKFIRE

Part. 4

Cassie stood in front of the mirror and couldn't believe the difference

simple colors made. The dark red of last night she'd loved, but didn't think

anything of. However, now as she stood in a dark blue dress which whole

attire sparkled she found herself touching the thin silver chain Roarke had

given her at the dance. Every dress he'd replaced either had a black jacket,

or matching one. This one fit the second category.

Not only did it match the dress, but it matched the shoes. And her hair?

She'd have to buy more of the shampoo the island girl had given her. Such

soft results, and the bounce? It was amazingly delicious. Reaching out to the

mirror it was if she wanted to see if the woman staring back at her was

really the one that had stepped off the boat.

"Oh, yes, my dear, it's you. The clothes haven't changed who you are, just

how you look." Roarke's voice got her head turned.

"I didn't even hear a knock, sorry. I'd have let you in if I had."

"Don't worry," the man waved his hand and shook his head, "I understand,

every female relative I know gets caught up in preparation for guests. Why

should you be any different?"

" I still can't believe this is me. I always thought of myself as plain, and

ordinary."

"You are many things, but plain and ordinary? I think not." With that he

stood behind her and set his hands on her shoulders. "I'd like to say

something on the record, so to speak, before we go greet our guests."

"Yes?"

"Our romance may be an act for them, but.." His eyes turned very serious,

"Your presence is not a burden to me, and I really do enjoy your company.

You have great intelligence and have a very kind heart. Not to mention

your values are high." Turning her around he watched until she was looking

at him straight in the eye, "I do not fake what I think, or feel, to those I have

high regards for. Do you understand? And, in spite of what this Jimmy says,

or thinks, you are too good to allow yourself to be sitting on any shelf;

twenty-four seven as your college mates might say." Cassie's smile said it

all and he left off speaking.

Allowing him to lead her out the door she found herself unable to stop her

face from glowing. She'd had compliments from ex-boyfriends, but none as

open and honest as Roarke. He wasn't pretending in anything he said, or

did. How refreshing.

Too bad this duo is all an act. A man like this I could readily accept into

my life. Guess I'll have to settle for watching Jimmy eat crow.

"Are you alright?" Roarke glance down concerned over the sigh coming

out of her mouth.

"Yes, just thinking about Jimmy, and his friends."

"Don't worry." Patting her hand he assured her. "Everything will be all

right."

The object of their discussion walked with airs off the plane, the others

were right behind; including their girlfriends. All but one shy blonde

shared the same crooked elbow, and bloody nose, type of attitude.

"Hello, gentleman, I'm Mr. Roarke, your host, and you know, of course,

my lady, Cassie." He bit back any laughs he wanted to throw out. Every

single one of those males must have borrowed Tattoo's eyes, for he had to

clear his throat for them to put the things back in their sockets. "I'm glad to

see you took me serious and brought company along. I will show you to

your bungalows. And Cassie, can show your girlfriends to theirs."

"Follow me." Was all Cassie said, but she bit back any childish feelings

of 'HA, what do you think of me now?" Especially towards Ellen, Jimmy's

gal. She was just as bad as that male, if not worse.

The girls' bungalow was small, but comfortable, even Ellen had the

decency to say so. "I hope everything is satisfactory. If not, I'll be back later

and to gather any complaints Roarke needs to hear. Have nice day." With

that Cassie walked away wearing a mile wide grin.

"That can't be Cassandra!" Ellen blurted out as soon as the door shut.

"Sure sounded like her to me." Beth spoke quietly as if afraid

someone was going to have her head rolling for opening her mouth.

"Put a sock in it, Miss Mousy. I'm going to go find Jimmy." Ellen stormed

out the door.