Once Was Blind...But Now I See

[MtnAngelWV]

Over the past ten years my eyesight had quickly deteriorated. My malady occurred at the age of fifteen. By age eighteen my lenses were so thick that my friend had coined them "birth control glasses." She said it with love and it did not hurt my feelings, but of course she was right. I had few dates. I am not a virgin, mind you, but I am not a master in the dance of male/female experiences.

Now at the age of twenty-five I no longer need the glasses for I am completely blind. I have no real sense of my physical appearance. The image that is imprinted there is of an awkward teenager. I have a certain air of sophistication and confidence, but sometimes it is just that. An air.

I attended a prestigious school for the blind and went on to college. Today I am completely independent and make a lucrative career in software development for the physically impaired. For the most part I have a full life. At times I am lonely but don't let that impede my life.

I do not have the advantage that my friends do in that I cannot observe a man's appreciative glances. I have been told that I am quite attractive but I never know for sure if it is the truth. I sometimes stand in the middle of my room and run my hands over my body "looking" for all of my qualities.

My body is tall and slender with smooth skin wrapped about it. There is a small swell of tissue just above my pubic area and breasts that cannot be completely contained in my hands. My face is rather round with full lips, a slightly upturned nose and long eyelashes that surround my inadequate eyes. My hair flows over my shoulders and it tickles my bare back when I turn my head from side to side.

My name is JoAnn Stevens, Jo for short. This is my story and it is not all that different from most others. It is my story of a journey into erotica and love. A mission, if you will, to find true happiness.


OOC: This is a thread for me and Inkubus. We hope that you enjoy our imperfect characters who are in reality perfect.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven Pryce

Steven stumbled out of bed. He was late again, Father would kill him. Steven settled on the fact that he was first born and heir to the fortune so father wouldnt 'kill' him per say. Steven slid into his clothing and enjoyed the tailor fit of his jacket. His blond hair was above the shoulders but just long enough to drive father crazy. The Versace suit brought out the blue from his hazel eyes. He checked his watch and realized he was already an hour late. His nerves were killing him and he was in no shape to see father. he reached for his pill case and found a wonderous assortment to choose from. he chose 4 beauties and 2 sunies. "That should take the edge off "he smiled as he headed downstairs. He waved to the doorman and found his car waiting for him ready to go. "Thanks Gustav" He slipped Gustav a 20 and raced off to meet with dad. For some reason dad wanted to meet uptown near the corporate dist. Steve drove up to the address and checked it twice. It was a software firm. Steven shuddered He reached for his pill case and popped two more sunnies. Slowly the Sonneine kicked in and gave him that innvulnerable confidence again. The Butaquailides regulated his heart beat and gave him an air of calm. Father had said Computers were the way of the future and thus Steven had been forced to take tons of failed classes at prestigious colleges. Mr Pryce Sr.'s generous donations made sure Steven graduated with a Bussiness degree and Computer degree that was impressive.. Stevens true love was art but Mr Pryce sr. wouldnt have some doodling hippie for a son. So Steven buckled and did what made his father happy. He hadnt looked back since.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

I ran my hands through my curly blonde hair. A former lover had told me that it shone like a golden spring morning. I had to take his word for it. I stood at the closet deciding on the proper attire. My mother had developed a system long ago to keep track of my clothing. It would be horrific for me to wear lime green and purple together. For today I chose cream pants with a beige sleeveless sweater. I felt the need to be conservative for today's meeting.

The knock at the door signalled the client's arrival. I walked gracefully to the door in that I knew the path from memory. I opened the door to a bright beautiful morning. I did not see the sun shining down but rather felt its warmth against my skin.

"Mr. Pryce, I presume," I greet the man. He looks at me for a moment dazed, pondering unanswered questions. He was already aware of the fact that I was totally blind. "No need to hide your shock, sir. Many have stood before me wondering the same thought." I had assumed it would be my appointment and from the smell of cloves mixed with an odor of smoke, I had already deduced that the person at the door was indeed male. He must have been smoking the pipe in the car on the way to meet me.

"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Stevens," the mature voice boomed to me. The timbre of his voice gave creedence to my second idea that he was the senior Mr. Pryce. "My son should be along shortly to join us."

I lead him back into my office and motion an awaiting chair for him to be seated. "Would like a cup of coffee?" I asked and he replied that he would indeed. I poured the steaming liquid into a cup careful not to spill it. I had a dozen matching cups that I used. This was necessary as I knew exactly how much coffee could be held in it.

I sit, not behind the desk, but at a chair opposite, so as not to intimidate my client. We sat there for quite some time waiting to discuss business until his son arrived. Mr. Pryce Sr.'s former uneasiness gave way to a most entertaining personality as I made him more comfortable.

I shared with him a bit of my expertise but waited for his son to get to the actual campaign. When the knock came at the door again, I politely refused his offer to answer it for me. I assumed he was purplexed at my ease in travelling around the office.

 

[Inkubus]

Mr. Pryce Sr

This was far from what I expected. When I told my advisors to get me a company that could keep jr occupied, something with potential for mobility and that would look good an a dossier. I couldnt have planned it better myself. This Ms.Stevens is perfect I expected a girl having to be led by the hand and in need of help. Her company is high profile and the Handicapped thing is a perfect hole for tax shelters and write offs. All the while Jrs is working on improving his civic image and getting his feet wet in the technology scene. Hell, maybe this poor thing can show him a thing or two about making something of himself. No tin cups and glasses for this girl. I sip my coffe impatiently frusterated that Jr's gonna screw this up and I pulled alot of strings to get this for him.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

Steven strolled through the building with the chemichally induced air of confidence thrumming through his veins. He was friendly and outgoing as usual and had no trouble making it to the office he was looking for he knocked and paused outside the door. There sure were alot of handicapped accesabile things in this building. Steven wondered why to himself as an angel opened the door. Steven wasnt sure if he audibly gasped but she was stunningly beautiful. In the background he heard the disaproving cough of his father and settled back to earth to endure this meeting. "Good Morning Im Steven Pryce , sorry Im late but traffic was terrible"

 

[MtnAngelWV]

When he introduces himself, I admire his diction and low rumbling voice. I hold my hand out to him hoping he will take it so I won't feel awkward groping around for his.

"My name is JoAnn Stevens, but please call me Jo. Do come in here. Your father is waiting in the other room," I inform in a voice a bit too bubbly. :rofessionalism, Jo:: I think to myself. It had definitely been too long since I had enjoyed a man's attention, if a perfect stranger could affect me this way. His smell was intoxicating, a combination of sandalwood and cedar. He didn't indulge in smoking a pipe as hi father did. At least I hadn't smelled the after affects.

Thankfully, he took my hand quickly. His grip was firm yet not overpowering. This man had never known a hard's day work in his whole life. His hands were smooth to the touch. When I released his hand I led him into my office. I returned to my seat and readied myself for the conference. I began by telling them a bit about myself. I thought I heard Steven inhale sharply when I explained my lack of sight. His father had possibly not informed him of my condition. Then I followed my campaign by explaining my products and all of their features.

"Mr. Pryce has informed me of your background and education, Steven. I believe that if I am awarded this project, we should collaborate well together," I turned my head to face him. Unable to make eye contact I tried to always face the paople I spoke to.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

There was that audible gasp again. I really have to learn to control my outer emotions. When she talked about her sight I was totally taken by surprise. I noticed her brightness, her almost bubbly nature. I noticed the way the light cascaded off her hair and the way her eyes caught the light and sparkled like raindrops at sunrise. I had taken the position of her eyes as we spoke as an air of confidence but to discover she was blind..that was the only thing I hadnt noticed. As she discussed the myriads of beneifits of her program and how the endowment would work if we collaborated on this project. I immediately became lost once again in her words, she was intelligent without being souless. She really belived in her program. Secretly I prayed I wouldnt get in her way or slow her down with my incompetence. As she spoke I realized my fathers angle. He was eyeing Tax write offs and my position in future politics. I sighed as I noticed the look my father was giving me. She concluded her spech. I earned a look of disaproval from my father as I stood up to say how moved I was by her presentation, and how much I wanted to not only be a part of her project but to also learn from her. My father gave me a sharp look of reproach. I could already hear him lecturing me about never showing your cards, about never getting emotions involved with money and im sure he didnt expect me to actually be interested .Im sure he just figured Id be kept busy for awhile.
"Jo I think I speak for The Pryce foundation when I say weve heard enough. Your program is not only brilliant, it is a breath of fresh air. I only hope I can bring something to our colaboration besides money."

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Steven and his father were pleasant to me but there was something else about them. I couldn't quite put my finger on it yet. The senior was a bit arrogant I decided, but very savvy. I got the feeling that he was a bit disappointed in his son. I'm not sure, however, what exactly led me to this conclusion.

I felt Steven's presence next to me before I heard his words. I reflexively tilt my head up to him. The air in the room suddenly became heavy, causing my breathing to become labored. An electrical current coursed through my system as I smelled his aroma again. These unfamiliar feelings may make it difficult to work so closely with him.

"I appreciate your confidence in my program, Mr. Pryce. I look forward to working with you and your father in the near future," I inform Steven. "This week is a little hectic for me but if you could come by on Monday, at say 9:00 am, I can get you acquainted with our software line." I stand up, accidently brushing my breast against his arm. I can feel my body flush at my faux pas. I try to hide my embarrassment by offering my hand to his once again.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

No amount of preperation could have prepared me for the jolt of lightning that struck me when i looked at her. Or the sheer cataclysm that shook my world when she accidentally brushed against me. I was so shaken I glanced at my father to see if he caught it. But he was alreday on the palm pilot preparing for next meeting. He tossed off some grumbled comment about leaving me to fix things and he would 'deal with it later'. All said in a friendly off the cuff way but I knew my father and watched him as he walked out the door. As we were leaving she offered me her hand and I did something out of charachter for me. I bent at the waist, raised her hand to my lips and let them linger there for a second that stretched on for eons but was over in a second. I gently released her hand and tried to reclaim an air of professionalism. As I tried to focus, I looked deep into her eyes.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

When I offered my hand I expected to feel his firm handshake once again. I had offered it more out of awkwardness than from a point of agreement on the deal. I was looking for an escape from the stirrings in my body at the touch of his muscular chest upon my soft bosom. His next move caught me completely by surprise.

His lips were soft and gentle against my cool skin. I felt the hair raise and the telltale goose bumps emerge under my flesh. I had hoped that this was going to go unnoticed. His lips seemed to pause for eternity as my world stood still. A moment, or an hour, or a year, had gone by without a word. I nervously cleared my throat.

"It was nice meeting you, Mr. Pryce," I say, using the formality of his given name to break the affectionate bond. I needed to stay professional and his closeness did not aid me in this resolution. "Is Monday morning a good time for us to meet again?"

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

Steven smiled as she stayed so calmly in her professional deameanor. He was used to having his looks get him through most things. His money carried him the rest of the way. So rarely did he have to engage his mind. This woman was alluring on so many levels. "Please, my Father Is Mr Pryce Im Steven. Monday sounds excellent for the start of our collaboration. As I said before Im humbled by your talent I hope I can prove beneficial, at worst I'll try to stay out of your way." Steven winked as he said it but realized his charms would probably fall flat since she couldnt see them. This was the first time that a woman had made him feel insecure. Until recently only his father could do that. His father did it though money and bullying. Jo was ...so confident,so competent and the fact that she was blind made him realize that everything would be taken by more than face value. Jo didnt try to make him insecure, it was the exact opposite she was so in control , so talented that his own insecurities were laid bare. A firm resolve struck in Stevens mind As He walked out he promised himself he would not be a burden to this project, for some reason what Jo felt meant alot to him.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

After Steven left I sat in my chair for quite some time pondering the situation. My condition has made me suspiscious of all that I come into contact. I had been taken advantage of several times in the past. The company I know own was not my first venture. My first investment was a joint venture with a previous lover, a man I thought would stay with me forever. It was not to be as he found another and left me, taking the business with him. I was devasted for the company was like a child to me in that I nurtured it, cared for it, and longed for it to be successful. Paranoid? Frightened? Foolish? One could say that I was all of those at one time or another in my life. One thing I would never be again was foolish.

That is why I must not mix the project with pleasure. As I promise myself this one simple thing, I remember his touch on my hand. My body having a mind of its own. I cannot resist raising my hand to my lips and lightly kissing it, as if I could feel his lips transferring themselves from my hand to my own mouth. I swear I can still detect a slight residue of his aroma.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

Steven yawned as he was escorted to yet another party. Was this the fund raiser or the awards banquet? As he looked through his palm pilot he grimaced, neither its that senators 'book' party.. Father agrees to 'buy' a hundred thousand books the money goes into the senators war chest and My father gets invited to hob nob with the social elite as they celebrate the senators best seller. I down a vodka gimlet I count just how many of these people bought thousands of copies of that piece of crap just to keep this ancient lech in office. At first as usual I get hit on by a few of the bored house wives and the drunk daughters. but then word gets out who my father is and let loose the vultures. suddenly im the life of the party. I smile and put up with it just long enough for the photo ops that keep father off my back. and then I dash off to 'another party' I wonder which one this is. As I leave Portia drapes her arms around me and whispers in my ear that shes drunk and couldnt possibly drive herself home. As she has pulled this stunt before I dont bother asking where her fathers chauffer is I lead her to my family limo and escort her inside I then close the door and inform Bates that he is to take her home and watch out for her advances as he asks where I'll be I tell him Ill find my own way."She is the daughter of syte film corporation and your father would much rather you 'befriend' her." Bates admonishes me, "Bates why dont you be friends with her , because all she cares about is Sex, alcohol and money and trust me its not in that order." I storm off down the stretch of open road and notice that it looks like rain I pull out my palmpilot and signal for a rent a car place to bring me a......economy car. I wait near the entrance to the grounds smoking a jay with the security chucling at what we see on the cameras and waiting for the car to arrive. Portia is beautiful...but souless, as were most of the women at the party... I look into the rain and see HER eyes again...Dammit Im still thinking about Joann Im not the type to get hung up on ladies but she was so...perfect, she was poised, she was smart she was Beautiful, she gave a damn about something more than money and herself. I stare into the rain recapturing everything about her until the security guard points out the Lincoln town car outside. I sigh as I recall I ordered an economy. "Thanks Eric" , I wave to the security guard and step into the rain "what happened to economy" The man in the Rent a car uniform shrugs and says"As Per Mr Stevens orders this is economy for the family" I sigh and hop into the car. I hook my palm pilot to the cd player and slip to track 8 "Ojos de angel" as I slip into the serene guitar ballad I once again drift off to her eyes.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

I hand Gustav the keys and smile as he brings me an umbrella "Gutsav get out of the rain , ill be fine." Gutsav only smiles and walks me in. I try to tip him and he merely says have a good night Mr.pryce. I roll my eyes and close the elvator as Im taken to my apt. As I enter I see that once again its pristine I hear a vacuum in the study. "Lupita Im home did Dad get you to come over?" Lupita comes in rambling in spanish to fast to for me to translate. I hug the woman that single handedly raised me, taught me values and kept me from killing my father. "yah te dije que hacen los drogas, no quiero que mis angeles usan estas cosas" she admonishes me in spanish and I figure out what she saying in time to raise my hands and apoligize. "Lupita Im sorry your right the drug use is getting out of hand." looking at the two pill cases in her hand and tell her. "You missed one. I open a fake book in the study and hand her my stash. I then reach into my pocket and
pull out whats hidden in my coat. She looks at me as if suspecting im up to something. "Honestly lupita I want to be clean for awhile. I have a new job and I really want to make a good impression. "Que bueno mijito, te quidas eh, ya me voy." she says smiling. I sigh as I realize that my maid is more family to me and knows more about the real me than my family. As she puts on her coat and prepares to leave I tell her I met a girl. That gets her to stop. She looks deeply into my eyes and sits down. I can tell shes serious now because she starts speaking english. "In 5 years you havent been excited about a girl, you always grumble aout this one or that one, but your eyes are like stars tonight, what happened esteban?" I choose my words carefully. "Well shes incredible, shes smart and independant and poised and beautiful, and ....Ive barely spoken more than a few words to her and Im actually nervous around her." She smiles sagely , "love at first sight... this is good for you." she looks at the drugs in the trash bag, "If she can make you want to do this then she must be an angel." I smile like a school boy "She is Lupita she is. Im going to be working on a project with her and its a project that will actually help people. " She smiles as if about to say something but stops her self. "be happy Esteban. life is to short to live for tomorrow." I wonder what she means by that but the be happy part is cool. As she leaves I reach for the computer and start researching Joann's project I dont want to look like a complete idiot on monday.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

It was Saturday night, the night most of the single world was out on dates or at parties. Not me. I am more inclined to stay at home curled up with a good book, preferrably a classic. I made myself a cup of cocoa, grabbed my favorite fuzzy blanket and stretched out on the sofa. My day had been a long one at the center. I volunteered at the recreational facility for physically impaired teens. Today had been an exceptionally exhausting one. But I was a good tired. Most of the young adults that frequented the center were full of vitality and quite intelligent. They made me feel alive.

Tonight's book was "Wuthering Heights." I had read it more times than I could remember, each time it was better than the last. As I was reading, my thoughts drifted off to Steven and his kiss. I wondered what he looked like. What was he doing at this exact moment? I chuckled as I knew he wasn't at home keeping a book company. An unusual feeling came over me. I felt almost jealous. Envious of the women that had enjoyed his company.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

Its Saturday night and my answering machine is already loaded. I switch the calls to the answering service , I toss my pager and take the battery out of my cell phone. My pocket computer can stay but Im avoiding my email. I nervously drink a tea a freind gave me for withdrawls. I dint think I was hooked, but oddly enough I'm dieng for a sunny. I gulp the herbal concoction that Alan gave me and I go back to studying the information that Joann provided. I cant get over how brilliant she is. I can see her hand in every phase of this project, I feel like by embracing the project Im embracing her.... I finish my tea and realize Im getting really hung up here. I cant trade one crutch for another. If I ask this lady out it will be standing not floating. I sigh as I dive back into her project. A cold shiver sinks in my stomach as I conclude that her genius could not only make a multitude of programs more accesible to the handicapped but...in the wrong hands this project could be misused in terrible ways. I begin to wonder why exactly my dad was so intrested in this project. I shake my head and chastise myself. Now Im getting truly paranoid Dad said it himself its financialy stable investment that makes a great tax shelter. I bury that thought deep in my subconcious so I can clear my head and finish up on my studying.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

The man standing in front of me is breathtakingly gorgeous. His body is made up of sinewy muscles. His face is a bit blurry but I know he is handsome. I look around me and notice that I am in a bed of lillies. All different colors. Some are as white as a snow capped mountain. Others are bluer than the Medittarean Ocean. My favorites are the the light pink ones. The aroma is intoxicating.

The clouds in the deep blue sky are floating above us as he walks closer to me. The moment is full of magic. My body tingles, awaiting his touch. There are no need for words for we know what we want, what we have been waiting for and what are hearts and bodies need. As his body lowers down to mine I stretch my arms out to welcome him to my bosom.

"I want you to make love to me, Steven....."

Rrrrring! ..... Rrrrring! ..... Rrrrring!

Where is that noise coming from, I wonder. My brain is still a fog as I realize that I had been dreaming. I reach for the phone as it peels out its fourth ring.

"Hello," I mutter.

"Jo, it's your mother. Wake up sleepy head. You will be late for brunch if you don't get up."

"Oh My Go..." I let the last part trail off, abiding by my mother's wishes not to use his name in vain. "What time is it Mom? My alarm clock didnt go off. Tell Dad to hurry over and let him know to come in and wait for me if I am not ready. Thanks, Mom," I said as I hung up the phone not waiting for her reply.

My sister was arriving today and I was anxious to see her. The whole entourage would be coming with her, including her husband and their four children. I knew I shouldn't have any favorites but the twins were so full of energy that I just couldn't resist spending the majority of my time with them. I jumped into the shower after I started the coffee and rushed around in an attempt to not keep Dad waiting.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

sunday morning creeps over me. I didnt really sleep last night. but I finished my studying and I think I know enough to not look like a moron. I pull on some jeans and a t shirt and I feel invisble. I enjoy the feel of looking 'normal' and revel in the fact that none of my 'friends' would recognize me in such atire. I call for a cab abd sneak down stairs. Gustav asks if I'll be taking the car and I smile "Cant fool you Gustav, No, Ill be taking a cab." I catch the cab and head down town to catch brunch and to hunt through the antique shops. As I sit back and enjoy the ride I wonder to myself what Joann is doing. Like a child before Christmas I daydream of what tomorrow will bring.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

It's Sunday evening and I am utterly exhausted. The twins were more active than usual but I was glad to have them around. I have always wanted a house full of children but it may not be a real possibility for me.

I sat at my laptop and pecked away on the keyboard. I swore out loud as I realized that a portion of the program still has a bug in it. Maybe I was just to close to the source for I was unable to perfect this part. I hope that maybe Steven will be able to help in this. I hate to rely on others but I do not see any other solution.

The thought of his name conjures up the feelings from our first meeting and the dream that followed. I was unable to see the man's face in my dream but my heart knew that it was him. I close my eyes and lean back in my chair allowing myself to recall the details of the dream. I will chide myself for it later, of that I am sure. I need to remain steadfast in my vow to stay professional and not mix business for pleasure. But right now I am going to steal one last moment to fantasize.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

I stopped in for a brief cup of tea, at Gregorios but the smell of food was getting to me. So I jogged over to Marlons for some antiqueing. I find a painting that I buy on impulse.Its only as I step back into the street that I realize I bought it because it looks like Joann. I stepped into BDaltons for a Cappucino and a book on Braile. and make one last stop to buy a special typewriter. by now Im starving. grudingly, I make my way to my fathers house for the obligatory family sunday dinner. I leave word with Gustav to page me after the main course. perhaps I can sneak out early with the excuse that its bussiness. Oh well I have some heavy reading to do so I hope it doesnt take to long.

 

[MtnAngelWV]

The weekend seemed to practically drag by as I anticipated my Monday morning meeting with Steven. I found myself unable to concentrate on the project at hand. Last night had been filled with dreams about him. Now that it was Monday morning I rummaged through my closet to find the perfect outfit. I had even taken special care with my hair, unruly as it is.

I fixed a light breakfast as I was too excited to eat much. I sat down at my desk when I finished the meal. My hands on the keyboard felt clammy and cold, yet sweaty at the same time. "Get a grip on yourself, Jo," I admonished myself. I didn't need the complications that a relationship with Steven would bring. I had too many problems in my life and I certainly had no need for any more.

Even as I told myself these things, my mind began to fantasize about him again and again. He was holding me and kissing me passionately. He was making love to my body in every way possible. My body was responding with fervent desire.

So engrossed in my own thoughts, I barely heard the knock at the door. I straightened up in my seat and listened to the rapping on the door. Taking a deep breath, I walked over to the entrance and opened it up to another glorious summer day. The heat in my body was not just from the fiery sun beaming down on my face. I recalled his smell and knew it was him instantly.

"Right on time, Steven. Please do come in."

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

With a warm meal having been snagged, important questions being evaded and a convenient cell phone call to excuse my self I headed off into the night. I raced home and fell asleep early reading the book on braile. My alarm failed to wake me. but the dream I was having succeded. The entire dream was dark, it was sensations, sharp sweet intense sensations, I tasted her scent like peaches and syrup, I smelled her hair so deep and intoxicating, her lips were like wine and I was soon drunk in their ardor.her body ignited every nerve in mine. I was on fire yet trembling like a leaf. It was pleasure so intense I thought I would scream...and it was the scream that woke me up.
Early no less. I had set my alarm amzingly early but it was to no avail, I owed the sandman for the dream because it left me just enough time to shower,get dressed and pick up some coffe and pastries on the way. I was in an unusualy good mood. I was bright and chipper and I exuded the confidence of a tab of sunnies. I knocked on the door and Joann knew it was me instantly, I was flattered, "Good Morning Joann, Im ready to learn"

 

[MtnAngelWV]

Steven was so sweet to bring coffee and pastries. I told him we had a lot of work to do so we had better eat at the desk. I had pre-arranged the chairs so that both of us could be in front of the computer. I had special equipment made for my needs. Oddly enough though, I also had a monitor. It was really for the clients' convenience more than my own of course. I began explaining the glitch in the program. Together we identified the problem and corrected it. It took all day, however, to fix the bug.

When we finished, I began rolling my head around since the task had given me a sore neck. All of a sudden I felt Steven's hands on my neck. His gentle kneading of the afflicted area was very relaxing.

"Mmmm..that feels really wonderful, Steven," again I had lost my sense of professionalism. As his hands worked their way down to my shoulders I felt the surge of energy flowing from his fingertips and into my body.

"Steven..I don't think...think that this is a good idea..." my thought drifting away as he turned me slowly around. His tender lips on my own were shocking to my senses, but not at all unwelcomed.

 

[Inkubus]

Steven

We stay up all day working on the glitch and I basically just try to be more help than hindeance. We order in and afternoon gives way to evening slowly the other ofices go dark and its only Joanns Office that stands like a beacon in the sunset. After a few frustrated moments we finnlay seem to have isolated and removed the glitch. Im so tired of reading through source code. I sigh and stretch as I look at the time. I should really go. Joann is rubbing at her neck and looks in obvious pain. I reach out to massage her neck and realize my mistake instantly. I was able to reamin professional until her touch. It is like soft lightning spreading across my body, I almost tremble as I massage her sore muscles. she turns , perhaps to tell me to stop, but she holds there almost as if in indecision. her eyes seem to look through me and send my senses reeling. her lips are parted slightly in a moment that draws out eternally yet is over in a moment. She moves up slightly and and of the will of my heart my lips touch hers. I didnt even know I was doing it. for a moment I am lost in her lips...

 

[MtnAngelWV]

I think that we are both surprised as the kiss ends as abruptly as it began. The silence in the air is so thick with regret that I could actually taste it.

Steven begins to stammer like a nervous schoolboy who was just caught doing something naughty. "Jo...ah, look...I...ummm, I am really sorry about that."

"Sorry that you kissed me or sorry that you ended it?" I ask him, not really sure I want an answer.

"This project is really important to me. I want....NO, I need it to be succesful," Steven informs me.

"Well, this isn't exactly a hobby for me either, Steven," the words sounding more bitter than I had reall meant them to be. "Look, I'm sorry! I didn't mean for it to come out that way. It's just that......" I pause, not knowing how to express myself at that moment. Normally I am adept in oral expression. Our actions must have dumbfounded me and turned me into a complete idot. "Oh, never mind...." I whisper these last words.

"Hey, no harm, no foul." He says with a whimsical tone of voice. "Look, it's getting late and really should be gettin' home. We still have a lot of work to do tomorrow."

"Yes, we do," I begin to rise from my chair to walk him to the door.

"Please, don't get up. I can find my way to the door."

As I hear the door close, I curse my inadequacies. I wish that I could have seen the expression on his face. Maybe then I would have known what he was truly feeling.