The Price of a Dream

[cgraven]

A story for silken_dreammaid & C G Raven





Tony Bristle had worked forThe Literary and Poetry Review for ten years, He had in his twenties been an up and coming writer, but by the time he was thirty five he started suffering from writers block, two half completed novels still reside somewhere on his hard drive collecting dust. It had been years since he had even looked at them. Then at forty he had been asked by the review to a new short story for The Literary and Poetry Review. though his own creative juices may have long since dried up he still could recognize talent. Now he was the man whose interest you wanted to catch, a good review from him and your star was on the rise in the literary world and publishers all of a sudden where courting you.

Tony rubbed the stem from the bathroom mirror, fresh form the shower studying the face that looked back at him chiseled feature, rugged a bit worn by time, ginger hair with a touch of sliver at the temples, dark mood hazel eyes that would change colors with his emotions, and a muscular chest. Not bad for a guy pushing fifty he thought.

It was rare that Tony had the opportunity to just kick back and relax at home, always on the road living out of a suite case, but he had four weeks vacation time and he was taking it. The Broken Mug damn he had not thought about it in years. That little dark coffee house that was his home when he first started writing damn those long conversations about writing with other young writers how he missed those days.

Hell what harm could come of a little stroll down memory lane

Throwing on a pair of jeans a black sweater and a worn leather flight jacket he headed out. Not much had changed at The Broken Mug the aroma of fresh brewed coffee hit you as you walked in, the lighting was still poor but it did give a comfortable, secluded, and intimate feeling. Young college kids from the university where there, along with the twenty something crowd.. Marco the owner smiled and shook his head.

Man what are you doing here Tony?...................... I haven’t seen you in years……………I go a couple of kids that will be reading to night you might find it interesting one gal really is pretty good man..

“Hay Marco I just a customer tonight taking a little time to myself.”

Sure man I know that’s cool hay I got business Tina will bring you your coffee espresso in a blow right?”

“Ya Macro that’s it…….. I am going to grab the back corner table/”

I settled in the back corner fading into the wood work. The first guy was good but his work was the standard stuff no imagination and the second a little brunette was way out there some place and I don’t think even she had the slightest idea what her work was supposed to say.

I was on my third bowl of espresso when the room suddenly grew quite and a figure brushed by me in the dark headed for the little stage.

 

[silken_dreammaid]

At twenty-something, Laura Renner still retained a look of innocence. Not that she was, but inside she still kept hold to her dreams and they coloured her outlook on life.
Every Friday, she came to The Broken Mug to appease the little voices in her heart that wanted their moment in the spotlight.
She caught a glimpse of herself in the window as she turned from the pavement and entered the dimly-lit room.
The evening wind had tousled her strawberry blonde hair and strands had blown loose from her ponytail to catch on her lashes. Slim fingers brushed her hair from her face. Just barely over 5 foot, slimly built, she wore faded jeans and t-shirt under her warmer winter jacket.
She stood still for a moment, waiting as her eyes adjusted, seeing the small crowd scattered around the tables.
She had first discovered this place a few months back. She had a secretarial position in the English department of the local University, working part time as she struggled to study for an English major. From other students she had heard of this place and come down one night to check it out.
The nightly readings had fascinated her as she had always loved poetry and had written her own for as long as she could remember, as the boxes of old notepads piled in the attic could testify. It had taken her a week to gather up her courage to stand up one night and read, she had been shaking so badly. Afterwards she had felt a warm glow and her old dreams of seeing her name on a book spine had been rekindled.
So now, she went weekly to read and to feel that comforting warmth that was becoming necessary to her.
She walked to a small table near the back of the room and sat down. From her bag she took out a small notebook and leafed through the pages, wondering what to read this evening.
She half-listened as the first readings were on and as the second writer slipped away, she stood up and made her way through the tables to the small stage.
Laura felt a bit embarrassed at the hush, but she was coming to expect it now and it heightened the pressure she sometimes felt to make sure her poetry was readable.
Slipping onto the small chair, she bent her head to look at the notebook, the strawberry highlights glinting. With a deep breath she raised her head and began to read.

" The rose held out
just beyond my reach.
It has an elegant stance."

She kept her voice clear and low. Time had taught her how to project her words softly yet with hidden force. Slowly as each word went out, her head lifted higher and the warm glow spread through her. Her eyes focused on the crowd as her confidence grew.


"A shadow that reaves
thin line across the bed.
The choice is mine."

Occasionally she would read the words looking directly into someone's eyes, she had discovered that it enhanced the power of the glow inside her.

"The thorn that draws
red wine from flesh.
Offering accepting."

A sense of being intently watched drew her eyes to a shadowed figure in the back corner. Laura couldn't make out who he was but she could feel the intensity of his gaze even from here.

"Scented path that guides
two linked hands.
Velvet flesh falls."

Slowly speaking, she felt as if she was speaking to him alone, and the words kept on coming until it was with a start that she heard the applause and blinked to clear away the fog that seemed to have surrounded her.
Her smile felt slightly distracted, even to her and she laughingly gave them the second reading she had chosen. Laura was very careful to avoid looking to the back of the room even though she was very aware of his gaze.
Almost with a sigh of relief she slipped from the stage and walked to where Marco was waving a mug of coffee at her.
"Good, good as always," he said and handed her the coffee he always had ready for her.
Smilingly, Laura took the cup and wrapped her hands around it's warmth.
"When I am famous, Marco I will dedicate my first book to your coffee." She laughed as he swiped the bar down with his towel, chuckling to himself.
Laura walked back towards her table, taking a sip of the hot coffee. As she neared it a man stood up and blocked her path. As she sidestepped to move past him, he spoke.
"You read well."
Laura looked up past a dark jacket into dark hazel eyes.
"Uhh thank you", she smiled then felt her hands shake slightly as she recognised the intensity in his eyes as the same feeling she had felt earlier.

 

[cgraven]

I was on my third bowl of espresso when the room suddenly grew quite and a figure brushed by me in the dark headed for the little stage. She entered the little circle of light, sparks of red gold fire, in a field of sun yellow wheat, her hair shimmering in that pale circle. There was something special about this diminutive figure, her head down as she idly brushed back a stray strand of hair from her face. The crowd was quite respectful, almost holding their breath in anticipation.

" The rose held out
just beyond my reach.
It has an elegant stance."

Her voice was soft clear and carried to the listener as if she was speaking only to them. I motioned Marco over

“Who is she Marco?"

“Oh Laura Renner, works over to the university, been coming in now for a while. She a good kid and I like her work.”

I was only half listening to Marco our voices a hushed whisper.

"A shadow that reaves
thin line across the bed.
The choice is mine."[/]


“Marco is it her poetry you like so much or is it that she is the best looking gal I’ve seen in there for years.”

Tony You know better.

And that I did Marco was a not a player.

"The thorn that draws
red wine from flesh.
Offering accepting."

Her eyes where looking at me and they held me spell bound till she again lowered her head yet still I felt her pricing gaze.

"Scented path that guides
two linked hands.
Velvet flesh falls."

It was like she had been talking only to me as her eyes held mind I could not remember when I had been so moved, not only by the verse, but also by the poet. The applause was all most deafening , I lost sight of Laura as they stood and closed in around her. Yes Laura Renner that was what Marco said her name was, suddenly there she was walking back to the dark secluded corner where she had come from, I stood ;

“You read well”

Damn that was smooth, so I fumbled to regain a bit of composer, desperately hoping I did not look like a masher or complete fool.

“ Miss you very good indeed it has been quite some time sense I heard such moving work.”

But Marco my old buddy was not about to let that happen.

Hay Laura be careful that’s Tony Bristle of theThe Literary and Poetry Review You make him pay for an interview and remember that dedication ok.

I do not know who was more embarssed all I could do was motion to my table.

“Please join me for a coffee Miss Renner”

 

[silken_dreammaid]

" Miss you very good indeed it has been quite some time sense I heard such moving work."
Laura heard him add as her hands tightened around the warm cup, in an attempt to hide their shaking. Marco's voice as he walked past to wipe a table down did not help her nerves.
"Hay Laura be careful that?s Tony Bristle of theThe Literary and Poetry Review You make him pay for an interview and remember that dedication ok."
Laura's eyes opened wide, the quick, automatic comeback to Marco of "You are just wanting that dedication to be in large print" was a way to hide the sudden clamour of little voices in her head, her face flushing.
Of course she had heard of him, who hadn't? She devoured that Review every time she got her hands on one, rereading issues over and over again. At one time she had considered submitting to it and had gotten as far as writing 'Dear Sir' on a blank page before her nerves had gotten the better of her and she had crumpled the paper up and tossed it away.
"Please join me for a coffee Miss Renner"
Laura blinked to try and regain her inner balance, seeing his arm indicating his table and his soft words almost husky to her ears. The fact that he knew her name made her hands tighten around her cup again and her heart suddenly thumped in her ears. How had he known her name, she wondered even as she responded to his invitation.
She nodded, clearing her voice to reinforce her acceptance with something more tenable.
"Thank you, Mr Bristle, that's very kind of you."
As she moved towards the table, he was quicker and had drawn a chair out for her. She blushed at the olde worlde courtesy and sat quickly, ducking her head down in a show of putting her cup and notepad on the table. She felt rather than saw him move around the small table to seat himself opposite her.
Marco bustled past again and gave his trademark chuckle as he boomed "More coffee you'll be wanting, I know" and with a deft movemnt he swept their cups up in his large hands and headed to the bar.
Laura felt at a loss to know what to say, she kept stealing glances towards him. She saw the silvering strands and the firm jawline, placing him in his early forties, maybe even late thirties. His eyes she couldn't meet for long when she saw him looking back at her, her blue eyes fell and looked sideways, seeing Marco returning with fresh coffee.
When he left, Laura had the impression of being on an island in the midst of a large crowd. The silence between them wasn't heavy but it was there and she was very aware of it. Not for the first time, she wished to have better social skills in the real world, she never had this problem in her dreams.
Part of her problem was knowing who he was, the little voices inside of her were clamouring at her to speak, that here was her big chance, and part of her was terrified that here indeed was her big chance.
His voice swirled into her circling thoughts.
"I remember this place from many years ago, Marco hasn't changed a bit, maybe stouter, perhaps."
Laura looked up and saw him looking around the room and eased slightly in her chair at his light musing tone.
"Yes, it wouldn't be the same without Marco here." She smiled as her eyes drifted over to where Marco was.
"Do you read here often?"
"Most weeks."
"That's good, being able to read what you write is a very important skill. An audience needs to be able to see into your words, not only to see your meanings, but also to gain their own perspectives."
Laura turned her head to him, seeing a light in his eyes as he spoke. Wow, she thought, he feels really deeply about this, and unconsciously she leaned closer, resting her elbow on the table and sipping at her coffee.
"Take your poem of this evening," he continued and his hand reached for and picked up her notepad before she could move. She half opened her mouth in protest and her hand tensed suddenly as she held back an urge to snatch it back from him as he held it between his hands loosely. It fell open at the poem she had read earlier and he scanned the words, muttering them.
Then he looked at her, his eyes intent as he began to critique it. Laura flushed and paled as he spoke, but the sound of his voice, smoothly husky and seemingly totally involved in her work soon had her sitting on the edge of her chair, the coffee forgotten, her instincts to take back her book gone and her chin resting on the backs of her hands, listening to his every word.
Totally absorbed, even the little voices quiet for the moment.

 

[cgraven]

Laura blushed only enhanced her beauty, the crimson hue that kissed her peaches and cream cheeks, the firry highlights of her straw berry blond hair drove all thoughts of poetry from my mind, to be replaced with a longing for the woman. She was so alive vibrant yet also so shy.

The soft nod of her head as Laura held on to her mug of coffee for dear life.

"Thank you, Mr. Bristle, that's very kind of you."

Marco was in rare from to night, taking pleasure in , teasing us both, but he kept the coffee coming. Finally alone we but stole shy glances at the other and her mug of coffee and my bowl of espresso gave us something to do. Yet this silence was not uncomfortable. Laura was a petit beauty, her shy glances her hair in a simple pony tail, God she was every man’s fantasy and here she was sitting with me. the rest of the room, the hustle bustle, the murmured conversations slowly faded and their was only Laura.

We talked about her poetry, when I took her note pad there was a brief flash of panic in her clear blue eyes. She was good very good and her poetry was so damn moving and it was not only in the way Laura had read it but it carried its merit in the silence of the written word.


“ Laura I would like to see more of your work. I think you have a real talent, but one or two isolated poems will not catch a publisher’s attention, and your poetry certainly should be published for the joy of all.”

I was bold and I certainly did want to see her again, hell all she could do is say no.

“Laura what are you doing tomorrow evening?.......I would like to see more of your work.”

Impulsively I wrote down my phone number and address.

“We could meet at my place, or if it would be more comfortable for you we could meet at your place?”

I stat ther as I pressed the slip of paper into her hand, mine resting on hers, while my eyes held those deep blue eyes captive.

 

[silken_dreammaid]

" Laura I would like to see more of your work. I think you have a real talent, but one or two isolated poems will not catch a publisher's attention, and your poetry certainly should be published for the joy of all."
Laura sat very still at his words, barely hearing as he continued to speak. Her eyes felt like they were on stalks and the little voices in her were turning somersaults in her stomach.
She watched in disbelief as he wrote on a piece of paper and felt the paper crinkle as he placed it in her hand.
Her eyes followed every movement and then looked back up to find his staring at her. She couldn't look away, she couldn't breathe normally, she couldn't stop the way her pulse raced.
The little voices were screaming at her, 'say yes, say yes'. She so wanted to say yes, but a little twinge inside whispered caution, after all how unlikely was it that she could be 'discovered' like this, I mean what were the odds of that happening, and lets be honest here, do you really think your stuff is that good?.
But his eyes.. They were so intent, so mesmerising. Maybe her poetry wasn't that good to her self critical soul, but he thought so, and he was with the Review. He knew about these things. All those notebooks she had stashed away, all those words she had kept hidden in her shyness. She had plenty she could show him.
Laura squirmed mentally, torn between yes and no. She couldn't take her eyes from his, it was like being caught like a deer in bright lights. She chewed at the inside of her cheek in her indecision, mentally berating herself for being such a coward. Didn't she want to see her name on a spine, to have a chance, no matter how unlikely, to be published? What was the point of having dreams if when they appear so close, you fail to reach for it?
Laura gave a small quiver, aware of his waiting eyes, aware of his hand pressing on hers, the slip of paper sticking out between them.
She took a deep breath and managed one word, forcing it out before her nerve could fail her.
"Yes."
And saw with a start the way his eyes suddenly deepened in hue and intensity. So suddenly did they change that her hand tensed against his as a shiver sliced across her nerves.

 

[cgraven]

I studied the blond’s eyes and saw the conflict rage within her. Laura was perhaps the most enchanting woman I had met in years. Her poetry spoke of a smoldering passionate nature, yet her simple jeans and plain shirt where and obvious chosen to down play her figure reflecting the shyness I had seen during her reading this evening. Her hand looked so small in mine, and so soft.

I smiled as a tinge of pink colored her cheeks, Laura’s breathing had become sallow and tready, and I could see her pulse racing as it beat close to the surface at the hollow of her neck.

Yes

Laura final whispered in a husky voice that trilled my soul. And I felt the slight shiver as her tiny hand tightened under mine, then her eyes lowered demurely.

“Miss Renner, Laura would you prefer to meet at my place or yours say about seven tomorrow evening if that would be convenient?”

I held my breath as I waited for the little beauties answer. Was it just her poetry or was it the poet that had so captivated me?

 

[silken_dreammaid]

Laura kept her downcast eyes on the table between them. From the corner of her eye she could see their linked hands, his larger fingers heavy over her thinner ones. She thought she could hear his every breath through the muted noise of the room.
"Miss Renner, Laura would you prefer to meet at my place or yours say about seven tomorrow evening if that would be convenient?"
Laura took another deep breath and a hundred thoughts raced through her mind.
His place, her place....She could have sworn she felt her hand getting warmer under his as she dithered. Her place of residence was a small rented unit near the campus, students passed by all the time. One, her next door neighbour, was a rabid poet and if he should happen to see Tony Bristle at her door, he'd be over and taking over in no time flat.
Much as she wanted the security of her home ground to help her confidence, she was afraid that this time she would really have to take a big step from her comfort zone. But she did want this chance, there might never be another one, how could she not agree? The little voices would never be happy is she knocked this back now.
"7 at your place would be very convienient" Laura whispered through suddenly dry lips and wet them in a quick swipe of her tongue. Her eyes were still downcast and she could feel her face flushing. The little voices laughed at her nerves, why ws she so worried, she would show hr work, he would do a great review and her dream would be so much closer. So why were these first steps so hard to take?
Laura looked up, her blue eyes slightly clouded with her inner conflicts, but for the moment, the little voices were winning.

 

[cgraven]

"7 at your place would be very convenient"

Laura’s voice was a shy whisper and when the tip of her tongue slide across her full, sensual, lower lip I felt a stirring in me that had nothing to do with poetry but more with the enchanting beauty that sat across from me.

Hat you two this is not a hotel I have to close up now so off you go”

Marco gruff voice teased us. Damn 1 Am where had the time gone it felt like we had just sat down but that as three hours ago.

“Laura seven my place tomorrow night I look forward to reading more of your work.”

I pulled out her chair, settled up with Marco for our coffee and then helped Laura on with her coat. Boldly I held out my hand slipping hers into mine .

“Miss Renner it was a pleasure until tomorrow then.”

As we took our leave of each other I found my self really looking forward to our next meeting.

 

[silken_dreammaid]

" Hey you two this is not a hotel, I have to close up now so off you go"
Marco's voice was suddenly loud and Laura jumped. Where had the time gone, she wondered as she looked around the now empty cafe. Looking at her watch, she saw it was now 1am. Good lord, she couldn't remember the last time she had been out so late.
"Laura seven my place tomorrow night I look forward to reading more of your work." Mr Bristle's voice seemed as bemused as she felt, yet there was nothing confused in his efficiency as he settled with Marco and assisted with her coat.
His hand felt warm and firm as they shook hands, actually she felt her hand almost swallowed by his.
"Miss Renner it was a pleasure until tomorrow then."
She nodded, murmuring agreement as they left the cafe and walked their separate ways home.....

Laura cursed as the phone rang at 9am, rolling over in bed, an arm stretched out to grab it.
"Laura, we need you in here today. Get your butt into gear and be here by 10. There's some orientation programs to oversee."
Laura heard the crash as the phone was hung up at the other end and sighed, rubbing at her aching eyes with one hand as she put the phone down.
She stumbled out of bed and saw in the mirror that she looked as tired as she felt.
She hurried through her shower and dressing, grabbing her knee length blue skirt and matching blouse, shrugging into them even as she drank a coffee.
She felt totally exhausted. A late night and then being unable to sleep when she had returned home left her feeling very washed out. At 3am she had still been tossing and had gotten up to leaf through some of her notebooks trying to decide which ones to take with her tonight and it had been close to 5 am before she had returned to try and sleep again.
As she rushed through the kitchen she could see them scattered on her table.
She picked up the top two and shoved them in her bag as she almost ran from her unit.
On the way to Uni, she grabbed a quick bite from a small deli and gulped it down as she ran into the building.
She sighed when she realised that it was going to be a long day. Orientation programs always took time and effort and she mentally cursed at having been called in to replace the originally rostered girl.
It was hard to concentrate. She could not stop thinking about Tony Bristle and how her work would be received. Half of her was terrified that he would throw it back in her face and the other side was equally terrified that he would find it worthy of merit.
She watched the clock with an intensity that surprised her. It seemed to go so slowly. By the middle of the afternoon, she had become so nervous that she was considering not going at all. Several times she had to excuse herself and run to the bathroom, her stomach so tense and feeling so flushed she thought she was going to be sick.
She stared at herself in the mirror. Why is having a dream such a nightmare, she thought as she saw how wide and scared her eyes seemed. Is wanting something so much, wanting it so badly you can taste it the reason why she was so nervous, so tense?
Splashing cold water over her face, she tried to take deep breaths and to calm down. Was all this tension she was feeling worth it? What if he hated her work?
"I don't think I can do this." She said out loud and heard her voice echo against the tiles.
The little voices screamed inside her in negation at her spoken words. Of course she could do it, of course it would go just the way dreams should go, of course it was going to be just fine, better, it would be perfect.
Laura sighed and straightened her hands fisting around the paper tissue and she looked back into her reflection. Her head nodded very slowly. Yes, she could do this.And keeping her back straight, mainly under the influence of those little voices, she went back outside.

6.30 came and she was a mess. Her eyes followed each sweep of the second hand on the clock. Finally the day was over and she could leave. Quickly she left and mentally cursed that she did not have time to go home to change or to pick up another notebook.
Although the address he had given her was not too far away, it didn't leave her any spare time if she wanted to be punctual, and Laura always tried to be punctual.
She would have to go as she was, with what samples she had and hope, really really hope that it would be fine. Which the little voices totally agreed with, after all hope and dreams were all they wanted.

By the time she arrived at his house, she was nervous again. Standing on the pavement, biting her lip and feeling her palms sweaty.
As she walked up to his door, every step seemed to echo in her ears, she wiped her hands at her skirt to take the wetness from them. When she stood two feet from his door, she half turned to leave, she thought she could feel eyes on her as she stood there, her hand reaching for the doorbell. She pulled her hand back and smoothed her hair, testing the pony tail and running it through her hand as it ersettled halfway down her back.
Again she reached for the doorbell. This time her hand came back and she had to check she did have the notebooks in her bag.
Third time.. and the bell rang.
Breathing hard and trying to seem casual, she waited, ears intent on any sounds from behind the door.
It seemed like hours and her feet in her low heeled shoes scuffed at the porch floor.
Then she heard footsteps coming nearer and straightened her back up, trying to appear as confidant as she could.

 

[cgraven]

I stood there in the chill of the night watching as Laura walked away. Stood there watching the gentle sway of her hips, God she was beautiful, her shyness, her talent, every thing about her had me longing for her, wanting her. Damn she was the girl of my dreams. Slowly I turn and turning my collar to the chill of the night walked home.

Sleep would not come to me, I tossed and turned for about and hour before I finally gave up on it. I found myself sitting in front of the computer, my fingers at the keyboard.

We all have dreams and for most of us they are elusive, we cling to them, they are the fantasies that get us through are hum drum days, yet in the dark shadows of our mine we never really believe that they will come true, yet still a little voice say what if. That evening as he entered the dimly lit café his dream came walking in………………………

Four hours and a pot of coffee later I had written 30 pages, made one more final save and finally slept.

The blaring of the alarm at 1:30PM shook me from my sleep and only reinforced my distain for them as it brought me back to the real world and away from the sweet bliss realm of dreams where anything was possible. Grabbing a couple of pieces of toast, and reheating coffee in the Microwave I was back at my computer again and writing like I hadn’t written in years. The door bell tore me from my train of thought, damn I hated interruptions when I was writing,

7PM Shit where had the time gone I pulled back the drapes and saw Laura standing ther Quickly I t ran downstairs opening the door.

“Laura Sorry for keeping you waiting but I was working come in please.”

Though I wore a pair of gray slacks, and an Irish knit sweater I had forgotten to shave, and had day old stubble.

“I was about to put on a pot of coffee, would you like some , though I’ll warn you in advance it is not as good as Marco’s.”

I was prattling like a school boy on his first date. I couldn’t help but notice how Laura’s outfit complemented her figure and completion. I showed Laura to the living room.

“I’ll just put on the coffee and then we will get started ok Laura?”

 

[silken_dreammaid]

Laura jumped as the door opened. She had heard his footsteps but the suddeness of his appearance stunned her. His eyes were bright and slightly distracted as she heard him apologise and invite her in. Ohh god, she thought, I've interrupted his work, this can't be good and the little voices whispered a 'shut up' in her mind.
Feeling a bit like a leaf being tugged by a wind she followed him into the house, his voice running smoothly before her. She had an impression of his casual clothes and the sight of the faint shadow on his face made her feel guilty again at having interrupted him.
"Coffee would be lovely, thank you, Mr Bristle. I'm sorry if this is interrupting your work, we could do this at a more convienient time if you like."
Whether he heard her last words or not, Laura wasn't sure as she saw him walk quickly into what she assumed was the kitchen for the coffee.
She stood, feeling awkward in the middle of the room. Her bag hanging at her shoulder felt heavy and she slipped it off and placed it by one arm of a comfy looking couch.
Her fingers twisted together as she waited, her eyes looking around the room. The bookshelves were the first things she saw, she could hardly miss them. Three of them, heavy, wooden, reaching the ceiling and filled with books. She shuffled a bit closer to inspect the titles and found a widely eclectic collection. Authors she had never heard of, some in foreign languages, poetry, biographies, fiction.. just about every genre was there. Piled on each shelf in a seemingly mindless placement, Laura saw some were covered with dust, others so new she thought the spine would crack if they opened.
As Laura's eyes looked around the room, she realised that this room didn't seem to be used much. There was no stale smell, just a thin film of dust in certain places and a feeling of loneliness almost. She wrinkled her nose at that word. Maybe loneliness was the wrong word to use. It wasn't neglect she saw, just a room that wasn't used much. There can't be anyone else here, she thought. No maid or wife or friend to clean, or maybe there is and they just don't know how to clean. Or maybe he is just too busy with his work to use this room.
She shook her head, telling herself not to get carried away on fanciful flights now, this was not the time for it. This was when she had to be awake and aware and confident.
She smoothed her skirt with her palms and looked again at the books. She raised one hand and ran a finger along the leather cover of an obviously old edition, enjoying the warm softness such volumes always gave her.
Laura smiled. The feel and smell of old books were a delight to her, that sense of richness and wonder of what lay inside those covers. Slowly she kept her fingers sliding on the books, leaning closer occasionally to read a title, but mostly for the contact with something she loved and allowing that familiarity to relax her. Her breathing became easier and to be truthfully honest, she could have spent the whole evening just touching and reading the titles on those shelves.
"The coffee's ready." His voice came from the doorway and for a moment she was still caught up in the delight of the old volumes and smiled at him, totally unselfconsciously.
Then she blushed, feeling like a schoolgirl suddenly caught out, as he stood there watching her, two steaming cups in his hands.

 

[cgraven]

I went about the chore of grinding coffee, and brewing up a fresh pot of coffee. I was thankful for the time alone, God she was beautiful, so graceful in her movements, so young. Laura was my every fantasy come true. It was true that she was a most talented poet but I could have simply asked her to send me additional copies of her work, had I purposely arranged this meeting just to be in her company, was it only the poet I was interested in or was it the woman, and if it was the woman I desired what lengths would I go to have her. All these thoughts warred within me as I brought the coffee

There she was her fingers gently caressing the spine of an old weathered volume on the shelf. There was a reverence in that caress, and at that moment I longed to be that weathered volume.

"The coffee's ready."

Laura turned he fingers still lightly caressing the volume a sweet smile bowing her lips, then a sweet schoolgirl blush as her hands slowly lowered to self-consciously smooth her skirt and her eyes demurely lowered.

“Laura books are like old friends we can visit with time and again that always welcome us.”

My voice was soft, and there was a twinkle in my eyes. as I handed Laura her coffee my eyes glancing at the volume that had so held her interest. My eyebrow arched in surprise as I noted the title. Fanny Hill

“You know that . Fanny Hill was one of the first widely accepted erotic novels of its period………. Are you familiar with it?..........She did everything she could to obtain her dreams."

 

[silken_dreammaid]

"Laura books are like old friends we can visit with time and again that always welcome us."
Laura raised her eyes at his words and accepted the cup he offered her. She could feel the warmth of it against her palms as her hands curled around it.
She inhaled the rising odour and sipped at the rich bitter taste.
"You know that Fanny Hill was one of the first widely accepted erotic novels of its period???. Are you familiar with it?..........She did everything she could to obtain her dreams."
Laura could feel her cheeks heating again and looked down into her cup. After all, wasn't she here chasing a dream? Lying to cover up her embarrassment she replied.
"Ahh, no, I haven't read it. I have heard of it of course."
Laura looked around for some way to change the conversation and her eyes fell on her bag and remembered why she was there in the first place. She parted her lips to speak then paused. If she mentioned her poetry would he think of her as shallow and grasping, if she continued talking about books would he think her opinions naive and let's face it, he was a professional reviewer. Sometimes, Laura said to herself, you think too much for your own good.
"Books have always been my best friends," she blurted out, her mind latching onto his earlier remark. "I love reading, always have as far back as I can remember."
Laura heard her voice start up and recognised the signs of an incipient babble-fit and bit at her lip to stop more words pouring out.
She waved a hand at the bookcases. "You must read a lot too, Mr Bristle."
Then mentally slapped herself at the obviousness of that. Why, she thought, is this so hard to do? Why can't I be like everyone else and make idle conversation with a semblence of intelligence and not stupidity?
She inched a bit away from the shelves and looked at the couch, wondering if she would be thought rude for seating herself, but she felt the need to move, to lessen the nerves in action rather than standing there like a goose.
And the little voices had started their whisperings again. She looked at him, unaware of how much of her thoughts were visible in her eyes.

 

[cgraven]

Lara cheeks colored at my remark

"Ahh, no, I haven't read it. I have heard of it of course."

The young beauties eyes shifted about the room, her sweet full lips parted as if to say something and the color in her cheeks deepened. I found her innocents quite refreshing and wondered how a young woman that seemed so ill at ease in the company of a man could write such passionate poetry. Yet Emily Dickenson had in her lonely room in North Hampton.

"Books have always been my best friends,"………….."I love reading, always have as far back as I can remember." ……………………………... "You must read a lot too, Mr. Bristle."

Laura became animated as she spoke of book and her love of them and as soon as her nervous rush of words had started it was over and again. Her soft eyes swept the room a glancing at the couch. Taking both of Laura’s hands in mine I smiled.

“Mr. Bristle was my father Laura pleas call me Tony, and yes I do quite a bit of reading for enjoyment, I find it a relief from my work where I am continually reading and evaluating the work of others.”

I paused my hazel eyes intently watching every subtle movement Laura made. Why was I so festinated with her? I had known beautiful women before,, had made love to them, but there was something very different about Laura that I could not put my finger on , and that only served to increase my interest in this young shy beauty.

“And speaking about critical reviews Laura that is why you are hear, shall we have a seat?”

It was now my turn to blush as I realized that I still held Laura’s hand. We settled on the couch and I sat kitty corner so that I could watch Laura.

“Laura would it be to much of an imposition to asked you to read your poems as it will give me a better idea of the feel of your work.”

 

[silken_dreammaid]

"Mr. Bristle was my father Laura .Please call me Tony, and yes I do quite a bit of reading for enjoyment, I find it a relief from my work where I am continually reading and evaluating the work of others."
Laurs felt his hands wrap around hers, covering them, pressing them against the cup. His eyes seemed very focused as she looked up, for a moment she thought he could see right through her.
"And speaking about critical reviews Laura that is why you are here, shall we have a seat?"
Laura gave a start and looked over to her bag, suddenly trying to remember just what was in the notebooks she had hurriedly picked up this morning. Nodding, silent as she tried to think over her suddenly pounding heart, sweating palms and the gleeful little voices, she moved and sat on the couch, perched on the very edge of it, putting her cup carefully on the low table close by.
"Laura would it be too much of an imposition to asked you to read your poems as it will give me a better idea of the feel of your work."
"Uhh, sure Mr..I mean Tony, of course." Laura stammered and leant to open her bag, removing the books and placing them on her knees.
Laura opened the first book and leafed nervously through the pages. She didn't know what to choose. Something she hoped would impress him, but which one? What would be good enough for him, for this chance?
She bit her lip as she flicked another page over, conscious that she shouldn't take too much time to choose.
Ok she thought, whatever is on the next page I will read. Clearing her throat, she turned the page and for a brief moment the words seemed to swim in front of her eyes, so nervous she felt. As the words came back into focus, she began to read.

"No louder than a heartbeat,
softer than angel wings,
a whispering tremor of sound,
a sigh is the voice
of a soul that sings."

She kept her eyes on the page, her voice strengthening with each word, the comforting glow seeping back into her again.

"Glowing bright with inner light
clearer than mountain streams,
visionary eyes seek future paths
fixed upon the hopes
of a soul that dreams."

When she stopped, she sighed, smiling in her relief at not having made an error, smoothing her hands down the sides of her skirt and smoothing back a loose strand of hair that had slipped loose.
She turned her head, her eyes reflecting the inner glow that reading gave her now, searching his eyes for any sign of approval or disapproval.
"Umm, would you like me to read another one, Tony?"

 

[cgraven]

I found Laura completely captivating the way she nibbled at her lower lip, the shy nervous look and her Angelic face as she made her selection. Tha voice so sweet and sensual as she began to read.

No louder than a heartbeat,
softer than angel wings,
a whispering tremor of sound,
a sigh is the voice
of a soul that sings."

"Glowing bright with inner light
clearer than mountain streams,
visionary eyes seek future paths
fixed upon the hopes
of a soul that dreams."

Laura voice grew stronger, more confident as she heard, yet she kept her eyes demurely downcast as she read. Her hand brushing away a stray strand of hair, her motion natural yet seductive in its innocents. I wanted her in that moment more than I had ever wanted any woman before I had to have Laura no matter the cost.

"Umm, would you like me to read another one, Tony?"

The inner glow of hope in her eyes captivating. Laura’s Hands are in mine my lips gently brush her palms in a mot tender yet sensual kiss.

“Yes pleas Laura.”

 

[silken_dreammaid]

Laura saw the glow in his eyes when she looked up, taking it for approval of her work and her nerves eased.
When he took her hands and lifted them to his lips she was stunned to say the least. The feel of his mouth as it kissed her palms sent a tingle through her and she could feel her face blush. Her eyes widened and her breathing caught. She barely heard him reply.
"Yes please Laura."
Unsure of what to do, she looked down at the book open at her knee and started to read the poem on the next page without really looking at it. Most of her was still quivering from the feel of his hands still holding hers and for some reason she just couldn't pull them away.

"Is not the magic of the words
the lure to capture a random heart.
Is not the dancing solitary flamelight
the first strand of a binding chain.
Is not the gentleness of that first touch
the silent sign of conquest.
Is not the softest whisper of a sigh
the signal for a surrendering soul.
Is not the glory in the cry
the banner raised in triumph."

Halfway through, Laura suddenly realised what she was reading and her body tensed on the edge of the couch, her fingers shook to pull away from his. Her heart pounded but she couldn't stop reading until it was done. Her face flamed at the erotic overtones of her words, a sense of embarrassment of drowned out the little voices and her head ducked lower.
She pulled one hand free and quickly turned the page, her other hand still held in his. Looking for another poem to read, something appropriate, something less evocative, something, anything.

"The light of something true
that flows deep, invisible,
beckons to the hidden places
pushes edges beyond scope.

" The feel of gentle skin
warmed by inner peace
gifts the one who seeks
a heart's true eye."

Laura quickly strated to read another in her flusterment, feeling like a complete idiot and stopped half way throught it.
She was just making a bigger fool of herself if she tried to ignore it, and beside, it was only a poem and she had always liked that one, and it didn't neceassarily mean anything.
Laura sneeked a glance from the corner of her eye, thinking that she had really put her foot into this one.
..but his hand still gripped hers, so it couldn't be all bad, could it?
For the first time she really looked at him, seeing him as a person, not a reviewer and her head lifted slightly as her eyes flickered with the recognition that really, he was quite a nice looking guy. Distinguished grey strands to his hair and that firm shadowed jaw. He didn't look like an ogre, just because he was a reviewer, didn't mean he wasn't a nice guy..
Laura stared at him, her brow wrinkled quizzically, her eyes clouded with the haze of new impressions.

 

[cgraven]

There was a momentary pause then Laura head bend to read again, her delicate hands still resting in mine.

"Is not the magic of the words
the lure to capture a random heart.
Is not the dancing solitary flamelight
the first strand of a binding chain.
Is not the gentleness of that first touch
the silent sign of conquest.
Is not the softest whisper of a sigh
the signal for a surrendering soul.
Is not the glory in the cry
the banner raised in triumph."

As Laura read her erotic poem of submission I felt her body tense her hands half heartily pulling in mine trying yet not to escape my grasp. Her cheeks crimson as her head lowers, I let a hand slip from my grasps, she turns a page, the other I still clam in a war grasp my thumb tracing little circles on the back of it.

"The light of something true
that flows deep, invisible,
beckons to the hidden places
pushes edges beyond scope.

" The feel of gentle skin
warmed by inner peace
gifts the one who seeks
a heart's true eye."

Again deep erotic submission n the poem and then Laura quickly move to yet another, suddenly her voice stills and there is only the sound of her rasping breathing coming in short little gasps. Her eyes demurely lowered sneak a glance, Laura studies my face, her gaze shy, her brow wrinkles, my lips brush her hand, the hollow of her neck, then I lift her chin and my lips softly claim Laura’s in a slowly deepening sensual kiss, enticing her to surrender to submit, to become the heroine of her erotic poem the reflection of her need. she scarce can admit to herself.

 

[silken_dreammaid]

Laura quivered, her poem still echoing in her head. The feel of his thumb circling her hand was so distracting. It felt like little heated streaks were shooting up her arm.
Her breathing was uneven and she tried to force it slower. She couldn't take her eyes from his, she had thought they were hazel but they suddenly seemed so much darker now.
When he leant forward, Laura would have moved back but his eyes still held hers and she felt powerless at the soft touch of his lips at her neck. It was like moving through jelly she thought, everything so slowed down and yet unable to stop it from moving.
His fingers under her chin lifted her head back up to his and she saw a deeper shadow in his eyes but had no time to consider it as his lips brushed at hers.
Too stunned to move, Laura sat there, feeling his lips shift against hers, nudging, pressing lightly. She trembled somewhere deep inside and the little voices were silenced, offering no guidance. Laura's mind reeled as her lips tingled as his pressed more firmly at hers, she could feel their warmth and the wafting of his breath against her face.
His eyes were open, staring intently into hers, some message in them that Laura couldn't decipher. Her lashes fluttered at the intensity of his gaze and unknowingly at first her lips shifted against his.
Her eyelids lowered, feeling slightly heavy, connected to him by their lips, his fingers at her chin and his hand holding hers. Her lips gave under his and she began to kiss him back, unsure and hesitant. Not because she didn't know how to kiss, just that she had never even thought of kissing him.
The kiss was deepening, Laura could feel it as her heartbeat increased slightly. For once poetry was the last thing on her mind and she wasn't sure why that was. Why am I doing this, she suddenly thought. What am I doing here?
The sudden whirling of her mind made her hand clench at his, her eyes opened wide and she pulled her head back slightly to look at him, her puzzlement and confusion apparent.
She wet her suddenly dry lips, feeling them still tingling from his.
"Why..what..?" Laura stammered slightly, too flustered to get the words out coherently, her eyes drawn unwillingly, almost , to his mouth.

 

[cgraven]

Laura just sat there her eyes held captive by mine, she did not pull away from my kiss.
Her skin so soft, so sweet, her lips full moist, so seductively tempting. Then slowly her lips began to shift in response to my lips, Laura’s eye lids fluttered she lowered her gaze unable to meet the intensity of mine. Laura’s lips part, our kiss deepens, I taste the sweetness of her mouth for the first time and my need, my passion for this young beauty grows I must have her.

Laura pulls back slowly breaking our kiss, there is confusion in her soft eyes, a puzzled look, then the tip of her pin little tongue moistens her parched lips her heart beat hammering against my chest, Laura’s breathing quick, raspy, and uneven.

Why..what..?"

Laura stammered, her voice a mere whisper, her words incoherent, her eyes drawn to his mouth. I tilt my chin my eyes smile into Laura’s, my finger slides from her chin as my lips claim hers again, it slides down the sensual curve of Laura’s throat, fingers toy with the top button of her pale blue blouse. Slowly as our kiss deepens again I ease Laura back, she is half laying on the couch, her knee length blue skirt riding high up her thigh. the top button of her matching blouse opening , a kiss on her newly revealed satin skin, the next button surrenders and another teasing kiss, when the 3rd button opens I lick up the sweetly scented valley between her firm young breasts.

 

[silken_dreammaid]

Laura felt his mouth move back and cover hers again, her breath sighing out silently, seeing the smile in his eyes.
Laura felt the path of his finger like a hot trail on her skin and arched her throat as it travelled down. His hand warm against her skin as she felt herself pushed gently backwards, half reclining on the couch.
Her mind seemed to have gone to sleep and she was kissing him back, her lips soft and malleable beneath his. She was barely aware as he undid the first button.
The first kiss he placed at the base of her throat caused her breathing to quicken, the second and she became aware of the warmth of his breath.
Laura had never had someone do this before, most had been of the lip-lock-and-grope type of encounter. Her head resting back against the couch corner, she didn't know what to do with her hands so she left her hand in his and her other one resting on her stomach.Her eyes half closed and feeling rather disorientated by the turn the evening had suddenly taken, Laura was very hesitant. A little voice in her mind whispered that here was a perfect opportunity for her. She should take advantage of it. All she needed was a bit of courage, go on, take it.
When his tongue slid between her breasts, her back arched instinctively, she could feel the wet raspyness and the soft stubble of his chin.
Her lips parted on an almost silent sighing moan. Suddenly the little voice was silent, but somewhere lay the idea planted.
Laura felt herself heating as if the room temperature had suddenly risen and her hand in his felt slightly sweaty and hot. She felt sure her face had flushed.
Laura looked down and met his eyes as his head shifted higher, dragging his tongue upwards. They were gleaming dark and appeared to smile at her.
"Smiling shadows," she whispered and quivered slightly, feeling there was not only a poem but a message in those words somewhere. Something inside made her smile back.

 

[cgraven]

Laura’s lips responded to my kiss this time soft moist velvet the sweet taste of her mouth inflaming my passions. The fragrance of her body as I tasted the light sheen of preparation in the valley between her firm young breasts the soft little moa barely a whisper as she arched her supple body to me. Laura blushed the most delightful shade of pink, my eyes smiling into hers.

"Smiling shadows,"


Laura’s voice a soft sensual whisper, her nubile form quivering as I lick up her throat. Her lips bowed in a shy little smile holding a hint of her deep passionate nature, her poetry reflected.

“Forbidden Pleasures tasted”.

I softly whisper in Laura’s ear my breath hot and moist on her neck, I nibble her earlobe, the last button of her pale blue blouse parts. My lips move down again along the subtle curve of Laura’s neck, over the her bra to tease her puckered nipples down across the flat plain of her abdomen, I move Laura’s hand draping it over her head, then my tongue circles her naval, I drape Laura’s other hand above her head. I smile up at her my fingers moving to the zipper of her skirt.

“Laura make love to me dear.”

I did not wait for my shy passionate beauty to answer; I kissed her passionately my tongue savoring the sweetness of her mouth. Slowly standing I sweep Laura in to my arms, carrying her quivering body up the stairs to my bedroom. I set her on the edge of my bed, freeing Laura’s golden red hair from her little girl pony tail to cascade around her shoulders, framing the soft features of her face. Kneeling I slip the shoes from her feet my hands caressing her legs teasing her soft silken inner thighs as I role down her stoking, first one then the other in a slow erotic, caresses. Lifting her foot to my lips, a soft kiss to her instep, then suckling each toe before easing Laura back to lay on the bed slipping her blue skirt down over her hips, kisses following the retreating garment till it falls to the carpet.

 

[silken_dreammaid]

"Forbidden pleasures tasted?"
His voice was husky against her ear and Laura shivered slightly at the feel of his warm breath. As he nibbled her ear, Laura trembled as little tingles ran down her neck.
Laura felt heavy and lethargic as his mouth moved lower, teasing a heated wet path over her skin and her breathing quickened as his hot mouth went over her bra, the thin material no barrier to the sensations he provoked. She felt like she was swimming in heavy water.
As he raised her arms up, her fingers gripped lightly at the couch behind her and her stomach muscles twitched as his tongue slid in her navel. She could feel her skin flushed and taut under his fingers as they slid lower to her skirt.
"Laura make love to me dear."
His words were soft and easy and slid straight through her mind. Laura had no time for their import to sink in before his lips were on hers and his kiss was demanding. His tongue sweeping any words away as it pressed past her lips and caressed against hers. Sharp tingles began in her lips, spreading lower to her breasts as she felt herself lifted, her arms linking behind his neck in an instinctive movement.
Up the stairs, kissing all the way, Laura was too distracted to notice much except for the strength in his arms and the feel of his mouth.
She sat on the edge of his bed as his hand undid her pony tail, letting her swing freely to her waist, her blouse undone and hanging loosely open. Kneeling before her, she watched as he took her shoes off, wondering if she should stop this. The feel of his hands as they stroked her legs and made her muscles twitch silenced any protest she might have had.
Her legs parted slightly as he began to roll her stockings down and her thighs twitched harder, pressing together against an inner ache as his mouth brought sensations she had never felt before from her toes.
Laura's breathing became harder and her eyes widened. She had never felt tingles like the ones that were twisting along her nerves. her mind seemed to have disappeared behind a fog of sensations.
The few times she had had any experience with sex it had been a rough fumbling , a quick act of no finesse. She had no experience with seduction or just how intense sensual touches could be. She had written poems of mild eroticism, she had read erotic poetry, now she felt the emotions behind the words. All her words had done was confine her passion, kept it within the bounds of ink and paper, but to let them loose without that comforting boundary scared her. She had no idea of how strong they might be, or even if it was right to let them free. For once, she had no guidance from her little voices. They had not walked this way before, they had wanted books and authorship, not sex and passion.
As he leant her back, she looked up at him, her hips automatically lifting as her skirt slid down. Lying there in her matched set of silky pale green panties and bra, her opened shirt barely covering her, she felt his kisses like little prickles of heat along her legs. As he rose up to his knees and looked at her, she could only manage to smile back, her eyes slightly dazed, her mind swirling beneath the fog.
The little voices mumbled somewhere deep inside, but she wasn't paying attention to them, she wanted to feel more and she was nervous and wary of this heat that seemed to ache and twist inside. She could hear her heart beat echoing in her ears and her breathing was uneven.
His eyes seemed to scan her from head to toe as she laid there, half terrified half excited. She saw the intensity in his eyes, so dark they seemed to be black.

 

[cgraven]

Dark passion seizes with in me, Laura ignited passions with in me that I had not entertained in years, the way her golden red hair cascaded over her shoulders a shimmering cape of the finest red honey shun gold. It hung to her trim waist, draped most seductively over the sensual curve of her breast, now as she lay on my bed it formed a shimmering halo.

Laura’s thighs had parted as I removed her stocking, her breathing quickened coming in rasping little sighs as I suckled her toes. Those deep green eyes gaze back at me, smokey with the passion I have awakened in Laura, her hips lifting when I removed her skirt My eyes drink in Laura’s supple body, she lays ther so tempting so innocent her breasts rising and falling seductively, only the thin pale green of Her bra and panties conceal her beauty now, her pale blue blouse more an alter cloth that her nubile form rests upon.
Kisses hot with passion yet as soft as a butterfly’s wing climb the sculpture perfection of Laura’s legs, tender tonguing her inner thighs, A kiss, so tender, so sensual, to the pale green barrier to Laura’s rose pink folds. Then those kisses flit on, across the flat trembling plane of her belly, to linger at first one, then the other of her taunt nipples. A slow lick up the curve of Laura’s throat. My lips claim hers, our tongues dance in warm moist sweetness.

Our kiss broken, our lips clinging to each other’s till the last possible moment, Our eyes meet, mine hold Laura’s captive, there is burning passion in her eyes , a touch of fear, and puzzlement, a weak shy smile bows Laura’s lips. her skin glows crimson as Laura blushes My lips now at her shoulder , I ease her arm from the sleeve of her blouse, laying it above her head. Laura’s other arm is bared and laid above her lustrously crowned head. the clasp of the pale green bra surrenders the lacy garment discarded.

Laura’s heart is pounding her breast heaving as she is bared to my gaze naked to the waist. Slowly I lower my mouth to her breast my tongue lazily circling her areola, before slipping here nipple between my waiting lips.