If you liked Chapter 39, then you'll enjoy this chapter, it's a fantasy.
All The Way
Chapter 40
The next morning…..
Floating on a cloud of endorphins, Julia stretched, her body sufficiently worn, pleasurably intoxicated and deeply satisfied. Pulling the sheet across her chest and wiggling her hips, she reminisced. He had been the caring lover she anticipated and much, much more. Slow, long, intense, exotic, erotic, were all words she could use to describe their lovemaking. The sheet twisted as she rolled on her side and pressed against her sleeping lover.
She watched him sleep. Lying on his side, hair disheveled, the sheet barely covering his body, he slept blissfully oblivious to the air flowing over his nude body. Slipping her hand from beneath the sheet her fingers delicately trailed down his back and across his bare hip and felt his body respond. A small smile pulled at his lips as he softly groaned, stirring, eyes barely open, he instinctively pulled her closer.
Enjoying the feeling of his bare skin against hers, she carefully pushed the wayward strands of hair back from his face and watched his eyes flutter open.
With a playful smile she asked, "Aren't you glad you stayed behind to protect me from mountain lions and rattlesnakes?"
Eyes opening further, lips pulling into a lopsided grin, he whispered. "You are a seductress."
Julia emitted a husky laugh. "So you still think I'm the most secretive, infernal, stubborn woman on earth who would drive a decent man to drink?"
"You are the queen!"
"Didn't you say that was part of my allure?" she asked sweetly, kissing the soft skin of his neck.
Looking out the screened window, he paused, thinking. "Yes," he finally answered, "I'm afraid it is part of your allure."
"I'm glad." Julia smiled and enjoyed their closeness.
The tent grew quiet as they held each other, enjoying the intimacy, her fingers caressing his bare skin. Julia continued to think out loud, "You know it wasn't easy last night….. sharing my feelings with you." Running her fingers through the silvery hairs on his chest, she continued. "Expressing my feelings, my love….." She paused. "I don't know….. love makes me feel weak and vulnerable and it scares me." She sighed and thought of Barnabas. She hated how she felt when she gave in to his wishes, always against her better judgment and all because she loved him. She found unrequited love like a slow and painful poison, the longer it lasted, the more you wish you could die quickly and be free of it. Feeling weak and vulnerable, catering to his wishes because she loved him had grown routine. The fact that she had allowed herself to become use to the feeling made her angry and frightened.
Eliot knew how she felt and heaved a weary sigh, his thoughts drifting, recalling a time long ago when he been reluctant and afraid to share his feelings with the woman he loved…..only to find he was too late. Adam had asked about love. He tried to explain to the man he didn't have the power to make a woman fall in love with any man. Sadly, he knew only too well how love could be so capricious. And similarly, he understood the cruelest cut and the greatest pain a man could endure, was the pain of being rejected by the woman he loves. He empathized with Adam's pain. Oh, yes, Julia, loving is never easy and rejection is the cruelest cut of all.
"I know," he softly replied, lovingly caressing the bare skin of her back and hip. "Loving is frightening and never easy."
For several minutes they silently held each other, communing with their feelings, when she began to stir in his arms with a renewed strength and vitality. Julia delicately kissed the bare skin of his chest, trailing up his neck and claiming his lips for a lingering kiss. Moaning softly, he reclined on his back and allowed her to take the dominate position above him. The spark and fire in her eyes as she towered above him, pleased, excited and aroused him.
Wasn't that part of her allure? The allure of strength and vulnerability… like an intoxicating beverage…..making him want for more. When he was with her, helping her, fighting the forces of evil, like St. Georges battling his dragon, he never felt more alive and felt drawn to her élan like a moth to a flame.
Hovering above him, dominating him with strength, leaving a trail of kisses along the angle of his jaw, she purred. "Let's go to the waterfall. I want to share my paradise with you…..alone, in nature, just you and I, sharing, exploring and loving each other."
Eliot smiled with anticipation.
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Packing the jeep with their provisions, they set out following the small stream to its headwater. As the sun and temperature climbed the only relief was in the periodic shade of the cottonwoods. After traveling for a while the terrain grew more challenging as the canyon narrowed forcing them to leave the jeep behind and continue on foot. Moving quietly, dressed in khaki pants and white shirts, speaking rarely, nature slowly unfolded before them. Occasionally, Eliot would whisper their names and point out birds or small reptile along their route as the canyon continued to narrow. Enjoying the scenery and the company of the other, Julia pulled the broad brimmed hat over her face to block the sun and turned occasionally to watch the professor move at her side.
She smiled. Would she always feel this content and happy? Or would she want for more? Lasting happiness always seemed fleeting, always eluding her and remaining just out of reach.
The sound of moving water became audible as they neared the bend in the river. Working their way over the sandbars, they rounded the corner and stepped out before a panoramic scene of paradise. Julia smiled, and leaned against him. This time her paradise would be complete.
Julia carried the knapsack and pillows to a shady area near the canyon wall adjacent to the waterfall and began creating their nest. Taking the blanket from Eliot's arm and the pillows she carried, she formed a soft and relaxing nest. Carefully lowering the box from his shoulder, the professor stood and admired her creative skills. Finally satisfied with her work, Julia pulled off her boots and socks, removed her hat, ran her fingers through her hair and tossed back her head.
"How do you like our paradise?"
"You know I have a weakness for romance and the art of seduction," he replied, and casually reclined amidst the pillows, admiring her spirit.
Smiling mischievously, she replied, "I knew you were secretly a romantic who couldn't resist being in your own Garden of Eden."
Eliot chuckled, "So you plan to tempt me, to seduce me?"
The physician laughed provocatively and knelt by the box he had been carrying and began to unpack its contents.
"Please don't forget, I'm a woman of science, I have my ways. When I was in Santa Fe I decided to pick up a few things."
Proudly she removed and held up a bottle of sherry and two small glasses from their protective box.
"Bravo, my dear doctor!" Eliot exclaimed, "I feared this descent man would not have enough sherry to sustain me."
Julia gave a husky laugh and removed another small box revealing an array of small waxed imported cheeses and assorted fresh fruits.
"I made sure to include cheddar, your favorite!"
Again, he chuckled, lazily reclining against the rock face, watching her growing excitement as she unpacked her surprises.
Pausing, she smiled, her hands moving inside the box. "I have some other surprises for later, but I have something special I think you'll like."
Removing a slender box from the container, she moved to sit at his side and presented the elegant box with an adoring smile. He took the brown textured box trimmed in gold foil and eased the lid open. Anxiously her eyes watched and waited, hoping he would be pleased with her gift.
Carefully, Eliot removed the sleek pipe from the box and admired the rich swirls in the apple briar bowl and the jet black German ebonite stem. His eyes grew wide as his fingers turned the pipe in his fingertips admiring it from every angle. The pipe was a Vauen from Germany and very expensive.
"My dear, Julia, I am deeply touched. The pipe is beautiful and very thoughtful. Words can't describe my appreciation."
Julia beamed. "I even have the Smyrna Turkish tobacco you like." Nervously, her fingers stroked the smooth leather of the tobacco pouch. "When smoking this pipe I hope you remember how we shared your pipe and enjoyed the most beautiful sunset in the world."
Leaning forward, the professor gently cupped her face with his hand and tenderly kissed her. "I love you, and I love the pipe."
With smiling eyes and lips she ran her hand across his cheek and felt euphoria. Strangely, the words came slowly, heavy with feeling.
"And… I love… you."
Feeling her eyes growing moist, she quickly slipped her arms around his neck and hugged him before abruptly moving to her knees and standing. Turning away, she swiftly wiped her eyes, and turned to smile at him. Running her hands through her hair, she crossed the rocks near the dark pool and extended her hand for him to join her.
Eliot placed the pipe in the box and marveled her chameleon-like shift in emotions. Slipping off his boots he followed and stood next to her on the smooth rocks. The sun warmed their faces as they stared across the small pool at the veil of water cascading from the ledge above. The moving water in the series of waterfalls stirred the surrounding air and caused their hair and clothing to blow about.
Julia looked around and knew they were alone, not a living soul for miles.
"I dreamed of returning here….with you….making this our private paradise." She observed, taking his hand in hers.
Eliot looked around and breathed in the fresh air. "This is how it must have felt in the beginning."
Stepping back and releasing his hand, she began to unfasten the belt to her pants, wriggled her hips, allowing her pants and underclothes to drop to the rock. The hem of her blouse covered her hips, revealing shapely legs.
For a moment Eliot seemed surprised.
Julia provocatively tilted her head and waited for him. "After last night, you're suddenly not shy are you?"
Smoothing back his hair with both hands, he grinned broadly. "I thought you might assist me?"
Julia's lips parted seductively. "You liked that didn't you?"
Moving toward him, she pressed her body against his, her arms circling his neck, lightly kissing him. Eliot's hand moved down her back, the hem of the blouse rising, revealing her bare bottom, his fingers gently cupping the firm flesh, pressing her hips against his. Hungrily she kissed him, feeling a renewed desire in this wild and natural place. She pushed away from him, breathing quickly and watched his look of desire.
Giving a deep throaty laugh, she unfastened the last button on her blouse and let it slip from her shoulders, tossing it in a pile with her other clothes. For only a second she stood nude before him, before turning and slipping in the cool blue water. Eliot's fingers flew over the buttons on his shirt, unfastened his belt, struggled to move the zipper over the bulge in his pants, then slipped them off and tossed them in a pile on the rocks. By the time he entered the water Julia had moved to the center of the crystal clear pool.
He swam to her. Moving back and forth, artfully dodging him, she played a game of cat and mouse before allowing her capture near the edge. Wrapping her arms and legs around his body, she playfully kissed him.
"I'm yours," she whispered huskily.
The currents in the pool created by the waterfall moved like invisible fingers, caressing their bare skin as they moved in the water. Exploring, stroking, caressing, his hands moved over her hips and breasts. Suddenly, she felt her body pour out on the soft wet sand. Hungrily he kissed her lips, moving to her neck and shoulders. Julia sighed, and relished the thrill and excitement of the chase and the power she had to arouse him. With a quick and urgent bullish masculinity, he devoured her with a whirlwind of kisses and caresses, their legs intertwined as her body opened and yielded to him. Running her hands through his hair, she met each deep penetrating thrust with her hips passionately rising to meet his. Feeling the blood flowing from her head causing her chest to flush, she dug her fingernails deep into his back, and rocked her hips vigorously against him, their excitement growing. Powerful contraction nearly made her lose consciousness, the blood draining from her head. Julia tilted her head back, gasping with pleasure again and again. Slowly, she grew aware of Eliot's warm breath against her cheek.
Eyes closed, he murmured, "And,,, I am…. yours."
Slowed to deep thrusts, the tight rhythmic throbbing of release caused his body to shutter, and the throaty moan rising from his chest seemed almost an odd mix of pleasure and pain.
Exhausted, they lay in each other's arms, allowing the cool air and mist to wash over their hot skin. There was no need for words, their lips kissing, fingers gently stroking and touching; all spoke volumes to each other. Rested, they moved to enjoy the cascading falls before retiring to their nest of blankets and pillows.
Leaning back against the blanket covered wall, towel leisurely draped across his waist, Eliot relaxed and cheerfully opened the decanter of sherry and filled their glasses. Wearing only the white blouse, Julia enjoyed the breezes that flowed across her bare legs.
"I'm glad you brought the sherry…..but you my dear… are intoxicating enough," he whispered handing her a glass.
Julia smiled at his compliment and observed him from the rim of her glass. Was this the same formal, reserved Timothy Eliot Stokes? Or was she scratching the surface of a very complex man? With his shorter hair, and smooth shaven face he superficially appeared like the Collinsport, Maine professor, the man who always brought reason to their complex dilemmas. And when Barnabas Collins had another one of his family or romantic crisis he was always there for her, lending his expertise and moral support, and generally walking down the proverbial Quentin's stairs for her.
All those lonely nights she had dreamed Barnabas Collins would love or make love to her. Blindly, she had overlooked her Eliot, until that night. It wasn't the excessive sherry, the fireplace, or that lamb's wool rug, it was the realization of what was always there… feelings she had kept buried. The feelings of love for this man….a man who was always honest and true, a man who loved her all the way.
Fondly, she relished looking at him, his smooth skin, full lips, and warm blue gray eyes. Beneath the three piece suit was a manly form, a broad muscled chest, strong legs, and a hidden dark passion she found erotically intoxicating. Julia stretched her legs and sighed. She loved the tease, the chase, the capture, and the surrender. Her body tingled from their vigorous lovemaking. Would their lives together always be this intense? Would there always be that spark, that desire to challenge each other. Would they always have the chemistry, the desire for adventure or would they find themselves wanting more?
What about Richard Carter? Had they really shared anything? Was it a rebound affair where she satisfied her physical longings? Or was it the appeal of research and their collaboration?
Research, Anagen Laboratory, the package and the possibility of answering profound questions, all lie ahead with their trip to Maine and Boston. And Hallie, the young woman's return seemed a miracle, along with her euphoric revelation that she had spent time with her mother and father.
There was so much more to do, so much more.
Her eyes fluttered lazily until his eyes captured hers. Eliot's cool gray eyes watched her knowingly and brought the ruby liquid to his full lips.
"You're uncharacteristically quiet, Julia. Are you pondering all those secrets you're keeping from me?"
Julia smiled nervously as her fingers toyed with the edge of the towel.
"Why do you say that?"
"Answering a question with a question." Eliot chuckled and leaned closer to her. "Do you really think you have secrets from me, my darling, Julia?"
His voice was soft and challenging. Julia quickly finished the sherry in her glass. "The word, secret, sounds deceptive, Eliot. I don't think I've been deceptive."
Eliot laughed loudly. "You are the most secretive woman I've ever met! I find your secretive nature highly amusing."
Lifting her chin proudly, she asked, "And why do you find it amusing?"
"In spite of all your efforts of secrecy it seems you always come to me for assistance, now why is that?" Pausing, he watched a smile tug at the corner of her mouth before continuing. "Because you know I have what you want….answers."
"Oh, you're exaggerating!" she exclaimed, tossing her head and nervously running her fingers through her hair.
"Despite your efforts, I've always managed to put the pieces together of your divine puzzles, and solve your complex dilemmas. Did you really think I would not know the secret connection between Lang, Barnabas, Adam, Eve, Blair, Cassandra or I should say Angelique, Trask and all the rest? Do you really think I couldn't take your sketchy information and fill in the lines through my own knowledge and observations?" Smiling, watching her with knowing eyes, he chuckled softly and swirled the ruby liquid in his glass.
"Those secrets pale in comparison." Seeing that he had peaked her curiosity, he continued. "For you see I have found a far grander mystery. You my dear doctor, you are the greatest mystery of all."
Eliot smiled boyishly, moving closer, hand moving along her jaw tilting her face up to meet his. "With your keen intellectual mind, I'm sure you've wondered about my secrets…and I do have a few. We both have our secrets don't we, Julia? Isn't that what makes all this so enticing?"
Julia felt her heart flutter with excitement, and eagerly slipped into the comfort of his arms. Gently his hands moved across her back stroking and massaging, holding her, loving her. Pulling back she gently whispered in his ear.
"I've never known anyone like you."
"And you are the center of my world, Julia Hoffman," he whispered.
Julia felt tears pooling in her eyes. She remembered the words of the first man she would ever love, a man who loved her all the way…the words of her father.
I want you to know you and your mother have always been the center of my world.
Live your dream for me!
Julia nervously slipped from his arms, panic rising as she felt her emotional guard weaken. Smiling nervously, she reached for the box containing the food,
"I have some wonderful cheeses. Why don't you refill our glasses?"
Eliot leaned back against the ledge, observing her reaction. He had struck an emotional nerve; he would not press the issue…. perhaps another time.
Dutifully he refilled their glasses as Julia used a cheese cutter to slice and arrange the pieces of cheese. Using a scalpel, she skillfully sliced the pears, figs, and dates. Quietly they enjoyed the meld of delicious flavors. As the cheese and fruit disappeared, Julia pulled from the box a candle and a small bottle. Testing the air, she placed the candle on a small ledge, struck a match and lit the wick. Stepping back, she waited until the flame rose and the aroma of vanilla trailed through the air. Eliot watched as the loose fitting blouse flowed around her shapely legs, revealing fleeting glimpses of firm round flesh and the tantalizing triangle of auburn hair he lovingly named his erotic garden.
Julia bent and picked up the small bottle and poured a few drops of oil in her palm. Methodically she moved her hands spreading and warming the oil on her palm and fingers. Eliot watched with interest as the blouse moved with the breeze, one moment covering… then exposing.
The professor adjusted the towel at his waist as she knelt before him and took his hands in hers. For the next fifteen minutes with strong skilled fingers she massaged his knuckles and flexed his fingers. He felt the stiffness and tension flowing from his fingers. Working as a skilled professional, her eyes and mind focused solely on her work until she had completed the task and looked up at him, her smile and eyes were warm and tender.
"Feel better?"
Eliot leaned forward and gently kissed her. "Thank you my, darling,"
The physician rose from her knees and picked up a towel and cleaned her hands.
"I want you to play the violin again. I want to hear my song."
Eyes filled with melancholy, he replied. "I'm not sure…."
The physician confidently interrupted. "Of course you will play. I'm a doctor, Eliot." Her smile was a little cocky as she tossed her head. "I'm a very good doctor; I will take care of you."
The professor's chuckle was a little uncertain. "Can you really be so certain?"
Julia breathed in the exotic smell of vanilla and lifted her chin proudly. "Of course I'm certain. Don't forget, we have more time, more oil and I'm just beginning."
Eliot's eyes narrowed as he contemplated the full extent of her words.
"You are insatiable!" he replied with mock surprise, satisfied the feeling was mutual. They were behaving like a pair of randy teenagers or a couple on their honeymoon who could not be sexually sated. But he had been waiting…..waiting for a long time to give his love to someone special. He wanted her to feel loved and desired….a feeling he felt was long overdue.
Julia curled in her special place, leaned back, and folded her blouse together. Within seconds her eyes grew heavy with sleep.
"Just flex and relax your fingers over and over again." Julia instructed, stifling a yawn, relaxing. "I don't know why I feel so sleepy."
The physician closed her eyes as Eliot dutifully flexed and relaxed his fingers. In less than a minute, her breathing was relaxed, her face soft and angelic, hands loosely placed at her sides. The air had gently dried the waves of auburn hair and the light fabric of the blouse bellowed and moved about. He watched with fascination as the gusts of air, like tiny fingers, gently moved and arranged the blouse. Julia's head turned slightly, lips parted as one side of the blouse slipped from her shoulder. Out of habit, he had packed his drawing pad and pencils in his knapsack. Standing before his subject, he gauged the light and the angle before sitting down and beginning his work.
The sunlight and shadows danced about as the cottonwoods moved in the misty breeze. The flame of the vanilla candle fluttered as the warm aroma drifted in every direction. Julia's sleeping form had moved from shadows to dappled sunlight to a golden glow. Eliot's fingers moved quickly over the pad at first planning, then forming the image, then placing the details. A portrait was evolving in black and white. His eyes darted back and forth as the fabric gently moved with the air and the model moved with sleep. The professor worked swiftly wanting his work to be completed by the time his model awoke. Julia stretched her arm, then brought her hand to her face before brushing across the bare skin of her chest. Her hands explored the open blouse, eyes fluttered as body and mind made contact. Instinctively, she pulled the blouse together and wiped the sleep from her face. For a moment she stared straight ahead, eyes narrowed, trying to focus on what she was seeing. Eliot Stokes sat cross-legged, a towel draped across his lap balancing a drawing pad.
"What are you drawing?" she asked sleepily.
"The scenery," he answered nonchalantly.
"That's nice. Your fingers are feeling better, less stiff?"
Elliot looked up and smiled. "Oh, yes, my fingers are much better thank-you."
Julia frowned and stretched her legs. "You're much too cheerful to be sketching scenery."
Eliot grew a little alarmed as she stood and stretched.
"I'm not quite finished, just a few more details, if you could wait just a few minutes more, please."
Julia could not wait. In three quick steps she stood behind him. Her hand instinctively rose to her lips, eyes wide in alarm.
The professor was pleased by her shocked response. "I told you earlier, I felt you should have a portrait like the Collins'. When we return to Maine, I will render it in oil, or perhaps watercolors. Then I'll hang it above the mantle for all to see."
Julia was down on her knees in a heartbeat with panic in her eyes.
"You will not hang this above the mantle!"
Eliot turned and looked at her with a face so serious it silenced her.
"Why not?" he asked firmly.
Julia turned to the drawing and looked closely.
At first glance, the drawing was sensually beautiful. The eyes were large, expressive and exotic. The skin was smooth, cheekbones high, nose beautifully sculpted and lips parted seductively. The soft pencil swirls created a halo of soft swirling locks about her face. The black lines moved softly to create the folds of the blouse. The blouse loosely fell from her shoulders and across her chest revealing the soft cleavage of her breasts while her fingers loosely held the edges of the blouse at the waist. Julia had to admit the drawing was beautifully rendered.
"Is this how you see me?" she asked incredulously.
Eliot stylishly wrote Julia at the bottom before turning to look at her.
"You are an intelligent and talented doctor as well as a beautiful and erotic woman. You are both, Julia."
The physician stood, fingers nervously toying with the buttons on her blouse. "It's not easy being both, Eliot, you don't understand." Eliot looked at his work, brows furrowed in thought.
"I understand only too well the sacrifices you've made in your life to be the professional woman that you are." Eliot paused and thought. Should he continue on? No. They both had their regrets in life. Eliot stood, wrapped the towel around his waist, and placed the drawing near the box and stepped back for another inspection.
Julia sat down again in her special spot and looked around at the beauty that surrounded them. Why couldn't they stay here forever? Why couldn't they forget about all those yesterdays and only live for today, for this very moment?
The professor stood silently, deep in thought, watching the veil of water slipping over the distant ledges. In a few hours they would return to camp and from there they would return to the reality of their lives.
Glancing at the drawing and flexing his fingers, he agreed, Julia was an excellent doctor. Skillfully her fingers had flexed and massaged his fingers…. reinvigorating his hands. Perhaps he would restring his violin after all.
"I need you to lie down." She quietly instructed while pouring the oil in the palm of her hands and vigorously rubbing them together. Dreamily, she looked up at him and smiled. "I told you we had more oil and that my work had just begun."
Eliot's lips parted in a half smile as she lean forward and felt her warm oiled hand slipped beneath the towel causing it to drop to his feet.
~~~tbc~~~