Gordon sat in the chair, staring out the window. It was late in the afternoon, but the darkness of the clouds made it seem even later. He couldn't remember ever watching a summer storm of such magnitude. A strong rumble of thunder rattled the window pane; it reminded him of the dynamite barrages of the war. And despite the warm humidity in the air, Artie shivered. He hadn't thought of his army service in a long time, and the memory unsettled him. A bright streak of lightening flashed in the sky, illuminating the room with an eerie glow.
He closed his eyes and leaned back against the wood of the chair. He was tired, and within minutes, asleep.....
They gracefully moved across the dance floor, their bodies fluidly melding into one. Her face was lit up with a contented happiness as she gazed warmly into his eyes. He loved the sensuous contour of her neck, the regal line of her profile, and the fullness of her lips. For a moment he was transfixed by the ruby sheen of them, and all he could think of doing was kissing her. Artie pulled her closer into him as they waltzed, and Lilly pressed herself further against the length of him, feeling safe in the strength of his arms. The music ended, and with her hand wrapped through his elbow, they made their way out to the balcony.
She leaned against the iron rail, staring up into the sky. Gordon stood closely behind her, his hands gently resting on her shoulders. He breathed in the smell of her hair; it was like a fresh bouquet of magnolias. He leaned in closer, allowing his head to rest against hers.
It's such a lovely night. Look at that moon, Artemus....
He turned her to face him, holding her hands gently in his larger ones, a wistful smile lighting his lips.
It all pales next to you.
Oh Artemus, you are the silver-tongued devil I knew in High School, aren't you?
It doesn't take a talented orator to speak the truth, Lil.
Artie leaned down and gently brushed his lips to hers, pulling away slightly, then lightly grazing them again. He repeated the process and a moan of pleasure escaped from Lily's throat. He broke away once more, long enough to look into her eyes; finding only love in them, Artie wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into him. He covered her mouth with his, tenderly kissing her. He felt her arms wrap around his back as her mouth opened wider to him. He deepened the kiss and Lily responded by pressing herself into him. Artie became aware of his body's natural reaction, and he started to break away.
Lily pulled his lips back toward hers with her hands on either side of his face, No, don't stop.
Their lips were so close, he could feel their warmth, Lily, I don't think--
--Artemus, don't try to reason this out. Just kiss me.
He could feel her breath brushing his wet lips, and he felt himself leaning ever closer.
His whisper was almost a moan, Oh Lil....
Her timbre was lowered with ardor, Kiss me, Artemus...
Artie closed his eyes and lightly touched her lips with his, once again lost to the feel of wet velvet.....
Artemus jerked awake in the chair, startled to find Noreen shaking his shoulder.
Are you all right, Mr. Morgan?
Still groggy from slumber, Artie mumbled,
You were moaning in your sleep. I wanted to make sure you were not ill.
Shaking the cobwebs from his head, Artie focused on her eyes, No, I'm fine. I'm sorry if I caused you concern.
Noreen took a good look at the man; a fine sheen of sweat had broken out across his forehead, and his color had paled considerably. She gently brushed back the stray lock of hair that had fallen into his face, and before she could cup his bearded chin, Artie had instinctively broken away. The delicate woman backed off slightly, embarrassed. Gordon looked down, rattled by his negative reaction.
His voice was a mere whisper, I'm so sorry, Miss Noreen, I didn't mean--
--It's quite all right, Mr. Morgan. It is I who should apologize. I was much too forward, I'm very sorry.
Before Artie could say anything else, Noreen Macrae had vacated the room, closing the door behind her. He exhaled a breath of air. He was sorry that he reacted the way he had when she touched him, but it had surprised him, and he couldn't bear for a woman other than Lil to show him tenderness. It only served to remind him of what he had lost. As the tears welled up in the dark chocolate eyes, Artie turned to face the window. The storm continued to rage on, the rain pounding the roof, the lightening charging through his room. He tried to stop the rain falling from his eyes, but he had no more control over that than he had over what fell outside.
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