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Category: Erotica/Romance
Description: The forbidden desire to be with a virtual stranger can be powerful. In this tale of strange bedfellows; one above ground, one beneath it, a homeless man has sunk about as low as he can go before seeking refuge beneath the living quarters of a single woman's suburban home. Following days then weeks in this sanctuary, he forms a strange relationship with his benefactor. Dreams of better times fills the man's nights as he listens to the woman move around her house and wonders, What if?? Their separate paths collide when a challenge greater than any threat they present to each other comes to pass. It's a situation that could prove the salvation of both as they seek to break out of their unique worlds.
eBook Publisher: Whispers Publishing, 2011
eBookwise Release Date: May 2011

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [58 KB]
Words: 11238
Reading time: 32-44 min.

The lodger stood next to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She was indeed the woman he had picked out in the picture, come to life. Somehow, it was important for him to know she was the one who had touched herself while he lay below.

"I know what to do," the man said to Emily. "It'll be all right. I can take care of this. You aren't to blame. Will you trust me?"

Emily looked up at him. His touch made her body ease and the effects of the ill-fated attack lessen. "I trusted you to stay in my house," she said softly, wiping her tears.

"If you knew I was there, why--"

"Because I was lonely. I knew you meant me no harm. As silly as it sounds, I took comfort in your being down there. I was about to be brave and acknowledge you when I had to visit my sick sister. I decided to wait till I got back and if you were still here..." Emily became quiet, no doubt thinking twice about the feelings she was revealing.

"You all right?" The man's voice conveyed concern. Emily nodded but her shoulders were shaking. He put an arm around her and pulled her toward him. "It's over now." Now his voice offered comfort.

She pressed against him. "It seems there was a reason for your being here."

The man cupped his hand beneath her chin and lifted her face as if he were handling a delicate possession. Her eyes were full of questions as she tried to catch her breath between sobs. Even though she looked pitiful now, she had a reasonably attractive face. She didn't possess classic features and some might consider her mousy, but she owned pretty eyes and a set of nice, trembling lips that could be recognized even under these circumstances.

Women have gotten by on less. Light brown curls licked her temples. He didn't allow his eyes to gaze at her bare breasts, but he could tell her skin was still supple. He could almost see the young girl, bright and gay and filled with life trapped inside the woman. He could bring out the girl in her, he felt sure. And she could revitalize him as well; make him feel wanted and necessary again. No twelve-step program to happiness. One step.

Emily stood awkwardly in the man's embrace. He held her close as her head buried itself against his shoulder, the space between them disappearing. Her momentary violent act had turned back into vulnerability, the way one does when no options remain. He wanted to believe it was his touch which sent a current that caused her thighs to quiver, creating a yearning of unrealized depth brought to the surface, ignited by a man she had never met.

She closed her eyes and he let her feel the warmth of him, to give herself over, letting the moment take her where it would as if she were taking herself back to a time in her life where she felt safe from harm, and still had daydreams.

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