Note: There was a slight mishap in the previous chapter where accidentally, i was not able to put some scenes that's why the chapter was garbled and unclear. I already fixed it in case you might want to check it out.
Right after dinner Jonathan took a walk around their garden to clear his head. He was not actually favourable to the idea of Jennifer spending 15 days in the jungle with complete strangers, albeit the network producing the show had an impeccable reputation and professionalism which would ensure the safety of the people in the production. He didn't like the feeling of helplessness in case something would go wrong and he'll be unable to protect Jennifer. He kept his objection to himself to avoid lengthy discussions with his wife. He could see the joy the promotion and the generous donation the network will be giving her favourite foundation had given her. She would be leaving for Australia the next day, if only he could do something.
His thoughts were disrupted by the feel of Jennifer's soft body enfolding him from behind, her face nuzzling the back of his neck, her arms tightly around his chest, crushing herself to the strong contours of his muscled back.
"Darling, I know what's bothering you… it will only be a few days. Please try not to worry. I love you," whispered Jennifer as though her gentle words were enough to sooth her husband. She embraced him tighter, wishing the warmth of her body could reassure him and alleviate his worries.
Jonathan remained quiet and passive, his fingers running back and forth on Jennifer's arms that surround him, yet he said nothing. He was still deep in thought. Jennifer knew his doubts, his feelings, even without him telling her, she thought she could pacify his doubts and worries but now she could tell she couldn't. A single tear fell from her eye, damping Jonathan's neck. He immediately knew she was torn, and how much his silence was breaking her, and he didn't want that. He turned back to face her just in time to catch another tear that almost broke down. He dried it with his index finger as his other hand caressed her face before drawing her close for a lingering kiss.
His kiss grew hungrier and deeper, as his passion of wanting to keep her became more fervent by the minute. Jennifer accepted his passion with a glorious heart and wanton hunger. She wanted him to take her now, at this moment like there was no tomorrow, hoping their passion would eradicate whatever doubts and uncertainties they were feeling about this new endeavour. As though reading her thoughts Jonathan broke the kiss long enough to look into her eyes and whisper, "I love you, Jennifer," before lifting her in his arms and carrying her to the top-down Bentley parked by the little lake in their compound, just a short distance from the house, beneath the billion shining little stars they drowned themselves in the rapture of each other's passionate love.
Jennifer sat back and enjoyed the spectacular view of the countryside as the limo which picked her up from theSydneyairport made its way to the greaterQueenslandarea where the reality show will be shot in one of its massive wild jungles. It was not even 24 hours since she leftLos Angeles, and already she missed Jonathan. The limo soon entered a circular drive-way where a magnificent fountain of the statue of Venus de Milo pouring water sat in the center.
I thought we were staying at the outback? Jennifer smiled in amusement as she was welcomed in a white marble mansion with several balconies that offer a magnificent view of the outskirts. She carried her luggage up the white cemented flight of stairs that lead to the front hall and reception area as she looked about admiring the resort-like ambiance.
At the top of the flight of steps she pulled up her luggage handle to easily haul in her suitcase as she entered the main hall. The network crew greeted her warmly and led her to an al-fresco receiving area to her left where she was served some refreshment while she waited for the rest of the celebrity participants.
To her surprise, the first person she saw standing by the intricate balcony rail over-looking the swimming pool, drinking a glass of whiskey, was a familiar acquaintance of her and Jonathan's. He was a slim middle-aged man with grey hair wearing an expensive dark suit. He was one Jennifer didn't expect to participate in such rough, discomfited outdoor situations.
"Good morning, Governor Williams!" said Jennifer as she greeted him with a handshake and a hug.
Although one could see his is not a typical warm, smiling face, the sight of Jennifer brought him a little smile.
"Ex-Governor," stated the man.
He was a governor for a term with an impeccable performance except for his less than remarkable pr skills and dispassionate disposition which his PR man told him was the reason he lost the last senatorial race by a few points. The people wanted a warm, humane candidate and not a talking and working android.
"Hello Jennifer. It's good to see a familiar face. How's Jonathan?" greeted the senator.
"He's home inLos Angeles. Probably working his little grey cells in understanding the new business we acquired. First time he's learning the ropes of maritime trade but he's getting the hang of it," said Jennifer.
"Good old Jonathan Hart… I guess I'm not the only one expanding my horizons and going out of my comfort zone," said the senator with a hint of displeasure.
He must be tremendously less enthusiastic in being here than I am, thought Jennifer.
"My campaign manager said this will be a good pr since I'm planning to run again on the next election. He said voters already knew I could work but they need to know I could socialize," he explained with a mild distaste.
"I'm sure you'll do fine. I'm not used to living out in the jungle myself, I'm pretty sure neither are the others but perhaps we could all have fun together in this new experience," encouraged Jennifer.
"Well if it isn't my favourite governor…" cooed in a slightly foreign accented voice.
Jennifer and the governor turned to see a flamboyantly dressed woman, her brilliant dark hair in a fashionable pixie cut. Her large stunning green eyes inevitably drew attention to her piquant facial features.
"I could see my suit looks absolutely divine on you, Governor," continued the woman, apparently pleased.
"Daphne Stone. It's actually not my taste. It is my wife who bought if for me," replied the governor candidly without thinking of the possibility he might offend the designer.
The woman lifted an eyebrow. "Then your wife has excellent taste."
To assuage the animosity that might arise in the air, Jennifer flashed her a big smile.
"I don't think we've met. I'm Jennifer Hart."
The woman stared inquiringly as she held out her hand, "Mrs. Jonathan Hart?"
"Yes, the only one," said Jennifer amiably.
Her illustrious name changed the woman's indifferent manner.
"I'm pleased to meet you, Mrs. Hart. I'm Daphne Stone."
Before Jennifer could reply, a loud young blond woman in a very short tight dress came barging into the conversation excitedly, "Daphne Stone? the designer? Oh my god. I can't believe it's you," cried the woman as she grabbed Daphne Stone's hand and shook it vigorously.
"I love wearing your clothes. All my friends are so jealous of me when I wear them…"
Daphne Stone looked at the woman with incredible distaste and took back her hand with a smirk.
"What exactly do you do that you can afford my exclusive collection," asked Daphne Stone as she eyed the tacky countenance and the size D that seemed to be overflowing from the tight dress that was certainly not her design.
The woman seemed unaware of the hostility and answered with exuberant pride, "My name is Pleasure and I'm the playboy playmate two years ago. I'm trying to get myself into the movies but I have no success so far but I did find some friends from being playmate who buy me your beautiful dresses. Maybe I can model them for you…"
Daphne Stone looked like she would faint and she gave Pleasure a look of outrage but before she could say anything Jennifer extended her hand to dispel the air.
"Hello Pleasure. I'm Jennifer."
Pleasure turned her attention to Jennifer as she accepted her handshake.
"Hi! Oooh I love your hair. What's your brand of haircolor? I think I should change my long straight blond hair into a short wavy auburn."
Jennifer was not offended by her misconception. She politely told her she was a natural red-head. Their conversation was interrupted when an employee from the network told them lunch was served and they were led into large dining hall on the opposite side. Upon learning the man was a governor, Pleasure was immediately beside him to escort him to the luncheon area, to the dismay of Daphne Stone who also wanted to be in the company of the senator. Not be outshone, she took the other arm of Governor Williams as he walked to the other room.
As Jennifer seated herself at the dining area she was introduced by one of the network crew to the man and woman on her right. He was Peter Folgum a famous novelist, and the woman close to her age was Kendra Smith, Jennifer recognized her as the villainous heiress in the soap opera "Santa Monica Hills" that Max watches while cooking lunch.
When they were all comfortably seated they were informed by the Unit Head who was in charged in the production that this could be their last decent full meal in a civilized dining hall so they should enjoy it. He also reminded them that luxury items are not to be brought to the campsite such as cell phones and other electronic gadgets.
"But I thought we were allowed phone calls," said Jennifer.
The head replied with a smile, "only on emergency cases Mrs. Hart."
"Define emergency?" asked Jennifer.
His grin deepened. "Let's put it this way Mrs. Hart, missing your husband is not counted as emergency."
"But…" Jennifer started to protest.
"You may call him now right before we ride the chopper going to our location. Please be reminded ladies and gentlemen to make all your necessary calls while we are still here in the manor. Once we started our 15 days in the wild, you cannot make any phone calls."
They were given 15 minutes before they were led to the Helipad, Pleasure applied a generous amount of suntan lotion on her face, arms and legs.
"I want to make the most of this trip. I'll try to get a good tan," she told Jennifer.
Jennifer didn't want to ransack her things in the last few minutes she was given. She wanted to call Jonathan and talk to him till the time they take her cellphone away.