A ‘missing’ scene from ‘The Storm’.  WARNING!!   Please note this story has graphic sexual content.

R Rated – 7300 words  This is an old story I’ve been asked to upload. I’ve checked it through and done a little tweeking, and any mistakes you find are mine and mine alone.

 

                                                                        LIVING A DREAM

Prologue

 

It had been Laura White’s only wish during months of ill health to leave the comfort of New Orleans society. All she wanted was to travel with her retired sea-faring father and meet again the man, who as a little boy she’d never forgotten from those halcyon days of her childhood.

His touching farewell gift of a single flower had been lovingly pressed and kept safe within Laura’s diary for the past eighteen years. Then from the moment she’d seen the youngest Cartwright walk down the stairs upon her arrival on the Ponderosa, adoration shone from her eyes and she knew she still loved him with all her heart. From then on Joe was on Laura’s mind constantly.

As the days passed and the young couple renewed their friendship, once again they became inseparable. Joe also found himself quickly falling for the quiet natured but beautiful young woman whose pale face and hauntingly sad eyes made his heart repeatedly skip a beat.

While enjoying one of their regular rides together around the ranch an unexpected storm suddenly blew up without warning. Its sheer ferocity scared off their horse and buggy, stranding them far from the ranch house and soaking them both to the skin.

Just by chance they were able to take immediate refuge within a small dilapidated homestead that had long been abandoned. Moth eaten and torn curtains were pulled across dirty and cracked windows, a draught blew through the warped front door, and a layer of dust had settled on the several well worn and unwanted pieces of furniture that had been left by the previous occupant and were scattered around the cabin.

It was a far cry from the luxurious and comfortable Ponderosa but they were grateful for the shelter provided, and with the help of dried kindling Joe soon managed to successfully light a fire using logs that had been left in a stack by the side of the hearth.

Laura’s dress was so wet she took if off and hung it over the back of a broken chair to dry, wrapping an old woolen blanket around herself for modesty sake before sitting in front of the fire with Joe; the couple making themselves as comfortable as possible in their austere surroundings as they waited for the heavy rains to pass over.

With their bodies pressed together, drawing heat from each other, Joe tentatively slid his hand around Laura’s shoulders and drew her close in a loving embrace. He could sense a trembling as he tightened his grip and wondered if she considered him too forward; was fearful he would take advantage of her while alone in their isolated position.

But to Joe’s delight Laura didn’t shrug him away or resist. She just snuggled closer, and when his fingers caressed her neck and he lowered his face she was unresisting as her lips softened and he gently kissed for the first time.

It was a moment both would never forget . . . the kiss long, lingering and understated, though its effect was overwhelming. Breath intermingled, tongues tentatively probed, and as the kiss deepened both could sense the depth of passion they both shared. It made them tremble with the realization of the intensity of feeling and commitment that passed between them.

When they pulled apart Laura’s wide eyes held Joe’s in an undeniably loving stare, but there was also something else in her expression as she searched his face.

Joe was momentarily confused and puzzled but as Laura continued to gaze at him with sheer worship flooding from her eyes, all was forgotten as a surge of want flooded through Joe’s body, the force of it churning his insides as his heart pounded loudly in his chest.

He never thought it possible to desire a woman so much as his manhood held captive within its material prison suddenly reacted and hardened, urgently yearning and longing for freedom. The scent of Laura’s lavender water, feeling the smoothness of her neck and gently burying his face into her soft and sweet smelling hair, Joe wondered if Laura realized what her closeness was doing to him; taunting every sexual fibre in his body as temptation relentlessly whispered in his ear, demanded of him . . . you love her so take her now while you have the chance!

Joe tried to convince himself it would be so easy to get Laura to willingly comply with his sexual demands. He was sure she’d be like putty in his hands. But as he gazed down at her innocent, naïve face it scared him to see the intensity of trust in her eyes as she stared back at him. He knew immediately in his heart it would be wrong . . . he couldn’t hurt, humiliate, or degrade her; she was far too special to him now.

So common sense prevailed. Joe swallowed the lump in his throat and reluctantly stumbled back from the brink, desire still evident in his eyes, still aching with want. Instead content instead to settle down in front of the fire, Joe’s arms held her protectively and Laura’s head rested contentedly on his shoulder as he gently stroked her damp hair that tumbled in loose waves down her back.

********

Darkness fell and the downpour still showed no sign of abating.

Aware of Laura’s delicate state of health it soon became apparent to Joe that it would be unfair and dangerous to expect her to make the journey home to the ranch on foot in such abysmal weather conditions. So he decided, albeit without much soul searching, they would have to stay all night at the cabin and make their way back the next day.

Contented to hold each other close and just stare into the flames, the hours passed happily until both found their eyes growing heavy and they began to yawn in unison with weariness.

Worried that Laura’s reputation would be tarnished at being alone and un-chaperoned with him for such a long period of time, it was at this point Joe offered to sleep outside in the run down stable that adjoined the cabin.

However Laura shook her head and smiled, insisting such drastic measures would not be necessary. She was more than happy to make herself comfortable in an old rocking chair, and Joe could settle down in a small alcove to the side of the sitting room where a rusty iron framed bed was secreted, covered by a well worn and faded quilt.

Gratefully accepting her decision as the thought of spending the night outside in such unpleasant and uncomfortable surroundings did not appeal to him, Joe pulled the chair in front of the fire and settled her down, draping a blanket tight around her shoulders. He banked up the fire and tenderly pressed his lips on Laura’s forehead. Then after wishing her good night, Joe retired, pulling the quilt around his body and falling asleep almost immediately after he settled on the lumpy well worn mattress and his head hit the dingy looking feather pillow.

Time passed. Flames flickered throughout the darkened cabin, sending silent shadows dancing in a frenzied tempo on the ceiling and walls. While outside the rain still lashed down noisily onto the window in a constant stream.

Inside however there was hardly a sound; just a quiet creaking of a floorboard as Laura gently rocked in the chair by the hearth.

Still sitting only in her underskirt and laced bodice she suddenly shivered as a cold draught blew through a gap in the door. She pulled the drab old blanket tighter around her shoulders in a comforting and warming gesture. She stared at the fire that had begun to burn down somewhat and bent over, adding another log before sitting back and dreamily and almost trancelike gazed once more into the flames as the wood began to blaze and crackle in the grate.

The room soon warmed again and as minutes past and although she tried to doze, sleep eluded Laura. So she resigned herself to staying awake all night and turned her head instead to study her meager and sparse surroundings that were so alien to her.

It was a truly miserable looking place with spider’s webs clearly visible in every nook and cranny, but something about the cabin and its location touched Laura’s heart and fired her imagination. She could see it in her minds eye, restored to its original homely glory and felt as though she belonged within its four walls; could almost visualize herself living there with Joe by her side. The thought made her body tremble and she looked over where in the dim glow from the fire the man of her dreams could be seen, sleeping soundly on the straw filled mattress with the faded threadbare quilt covering his body.

Laura began to shake again, but this time it was not from the cold. It was the realization she was miles from the nearest neighbor, alone with the man she loved and having him lying so near which sent chills racing up and down her spine. As her heart fluttered wildly in her chest an impetuous urge to look at Joe while he slept suddenly overwhelmed her.

So as her mouth curved into a rare mischievous smile, Laura silently rose from the chair, the blanket dropping from her shoulders in a heap onto the floor as she tiptoed across the room in her bare feet and gazed towards Joe from the foot of the bed. What would he think of her, watching him so intently at such an unearthly hour? But Laura brushed the thought from her mind, contented as she stared lovingly yet desirously on his sleeping form.

Joe had discarded his damp shirt and wet boots and was lying on his bared front, the quilt covering his lower body and his face buried into the mattress. How handsome he was, even in the depths of sleep Laura acknowledged as she stared down at his dark brown hair that curled around the nape of his neck, broad shoulders, tanned and without a blemish, his strong back tapered towards his trim hips.

She moved cautiously nearer, hovering and hardly daring to breathe and thus disturb him before kneeling down on the floor by his side. As if on cue, the bedsprings creaked and Joe turned over. With his head now inches away from Laura’s face, the quilt was pulled underneath him and his whole body was exposed as he stretched and took in a deep breath before expelling slowly, still sleeping, his arms flung above him in a carefree gesture.

A sudden rush of warmth flooded through Laura’s veins that had nothing to do with the heat of the room. What she wouldn’t give to feel again the caress on her body from his strong yet gentle hands that had held her so close, as she marveled at Joe’s naked muscled chest, yearning to reach out and stroke the smooth bronzed skin.

Her eyes wandered over his handsome face and Laura ran her fingers across her lips, desperate to relive the feel of his mouth on hers yet again as she remembered the tingling sensation she’d felt hours before when they’d kissed in front of the fire. As they’d pulled apart Laura had felt Joe’s arousal as his manhood pressed onto her thigh, his desire more than apparent. She’d stared up at him, her heart hammering so loudly she’d wondered if Joe had been able to feel and hear it beating within her bosom as she wondered what was about to happen, what he was going to do, what she hoped he would do.

Her own desperate temptation to go further had sent a wave of anticipated pleasure surging through her body. The notion made her tingle with lust so sharply she’d bit her lip hard to keep herself from showing Joe just how eager she was to know him intimately, to allow him to take her there and then.

But he obviously respected her too much and had held back, without demanding or forcing himself and truly behaved like a gentleman, just as she expected he would.

If only for once he’d forgone his principles, his ethics, and gone ahead and seduced her at that moment! Laura wouldn’t have resisted or felt any shame for it was as if she’d had been waiting for this moment her entire life.

Brought up alone by a stern yet loving father after her mother’s death, he’d always instilled in her that she must hold on to her innocence until her wedding night . . . it would be expected by her husband and she would be respected all the more for it. So over the years Laura had been willing to do her father’s bidding and always acted in a morally upstanding manner; a fine example of goodness and respectability when meeting various suitors; a daughter any father could be proud of.

However, the right man had never come along – until now – and as Laura pressed her fingers onto her face, felt her cheeks burning; for once the shy and retiring young woman didn’t care about her reputation, her morals, or her father’s teachings.

There was a distant crack of thunder, shaking Laura from her silent musings and her gaze fell on Joe’s pants that were unbuttoned for comforts sake as he slept, exposing the naked flesh around his tightened stomach. The sight made Laura take a deep intake of breath as the need to touch now overwhelmed her.

Shamelessly she leaned forward, wetting her finger in her mouth then gently placing it on Joe’s right nipple and caressing the tip. The feel of it hardening at her command made her give a sigh of satisfaction. Unable to stop she continued on a downward path, skimming lightly over his chest with her fingertips in gentle, soothing circles and only coming to rest when reaching his abdomen.

Though his body squirmed slightly Joe remained in a deep slumber and common sense told Laura she should withdraw now and retreat to the safety of her seat by the fire while she had the chance and before she was found out. But a further desire now dared her to continue as the thought of exploring became irresistible.

Slowly she guided her hand and continued on her journey of discovery, pushing her fingers softly downward into Joe’s pants, gently probing and immediately locating his thick pubic hair. She gasped with delight, gently and carefully entwining her fingers around the unfamiliar curly mass then she grazed the tip of his shaft with her fingertips; the unfamiliar feel of it brushing against her hand making her heart pound loudly with a combination of excitement and fear of the unknown.

She heard a quiet whimper escape from deep within Joe’s throat as his body reacted instinctively to her touch; even in sleep his manhood now throbbing and growing harder as the hot flush of lust flooded over his groin and he involuntarily arched his back.

Laura tensed. Was he about to wake?

She tentatively withdrew her hand yet her eyes became mesmerized at the sight of Joe’s bulging member that lay hidden inches away from her. She’d been so close . . . so close to looking, touching, exploring and finally holding the treasure she yearned for, buried within the mysterious and dark depths of his trousers.

Laura had expected to be shocked at her unprecedented actions, her newly awakened sexual desires, but she wasn’t. This was Joe . . . her darling Joe . . . who she ached with want for in a way she never realized was possible, even in her wildest dreams. She took a deep swallow; her eyes wide, wanting, needing, hoping to lose herself to this man, heart and soul. But would he want her?

Laura trembled as she continued to reflect, distracted and needing to know. Then as her fingers absently stroked around his midriff, the man who inspired such intense reactions from deep within her suddenly woke up, yawning loudly then stared over at her in amazement. Joe noted where her hand lay, felt her fingers so near to his manhood as it pulsated, growing harder and straining for release as it continued to react to her touch.

“Laura? Why . . . what’s going on?” Joe asked finally in a shocked and bewildered tone, still half asleep as he searched her face, licking his dry lips as he gazed at the carnal desire reflected in her usually somber and gentle eyes.

Startled at the sound of his voice Laura removed her hand and there was a brief uncomfortable silence while she took a deep breath and stared back at him. Then, as she fought hard to hide her nervousness she suddenly felt bolder, seemed stronger than she’d ever done before and for the first time in her life she forgot who she was; no more the quiet, well refined Laura she decided as without thinking she bent her head forward and slowly touched her mouth to his.

“I want you to make love to me,” she stated softly, her expression urgent with desire as she held Joe’s gaze; her only thought on one man, hungry for his touch. “If you love me enough to, that is?”

Joe found himself unable to move, his eyes flashing with surprise as he stared back, transfixed, dumbfounded and with mouth agape, hardly able to believe what he was hearing from the gentle, modest and unassuming woman he’d fallen in love with over the past weeks. He swallowed hard then found his voice and a serious, intent look appeared on his face.

“Of course I love you Laura,” he admitted in a hoarse rough gasp, his genuine sincerity clearly evident in the tone of his voice. “But . . . I . . . we shouldn’t . . .” Joe’s words came in hesitant bursts as he sat up on the bed, pulling the quilt up over himself and not really knowing what to say next. There was an eerie silence for a moment as he took a nervous gulp. “Think of your reputation.”

Laura smiled and shook her head. “I don’t care about my reputation,” she said as she pulled herself up and edged over by his side, gently stroking her fingers across his cheek then down his neck to his chest.

Joe inwardly groaned at her touch as a desire to hold her close and feel the warmth of her body on his surged within him. What should he do? The fact that she was actually lusting after him excited him more and more but still the need for respectability held him back.

“I’m sorry,” he replied finally as his face flushed red with confusion and he removed her hand. “We can’t. What about your father? He’d never forgive me!”

“My father doesn’t need to know!” Laura cried indignantly then gave a wry smile. “You’re not frightened of him are you Joe?” she added a little bitterly, knowing the overbearing and over protective Captain White certainly had that effect on most of the men she’d ever met.

“No, of course I’m not,” Joe insisted. “But I promised to take care of his daughter and that didn’t mean I’d end up taking advantage of her!”

“But you wouldn’t be taking advantage of me,” Laura insisted. “I’m the instigator here and more than willing! And surely I’m just as pretty as the lady you visit at Lola’s Retreat on D Street? Gabriela . . . isn’t that her name? You don’t think it’s wrong to take advantage of her?”

“That’s completely different!” Joe cried, then his eyes widened with astonishment and embarrassment as he took in what she’d said. “How do you know about D Street?” he asked, amazed Laura knew of the infamous brothel and its occupants who resided in the sleazy and disreputable area of Virginia City.

“I heard you and one of the ranch hands talking in the barn. You said you always went with Gabriela as she was the prettiest girl there. So aren’t I pretty enough?” she asked again, provocatively tracing her fingers around his mouth and back down over his chest, only stopping when her fingers found the edge of the quilt tucked around his waist.

“Of course you are!” Joe answered quickly as he looked around at the stark surroundings, still unsure, confused. “But you can’t want me, not just like that, especially in this dirty old place!”

Laura followed his gaze and looked around the cabin. “This is the perfect place,” she insisted as her mouth curved into a contented smile, her voice now firm and with conviction. “And I’ve wanted you since the first day I arrived, and you can’t deny it either. You want me too, don’t you?” she stated knowingly as she pulled away the quilt and looked down at the hardened bulge now visible between his legs.

Joe was stunned into silence and was quiet for a long moment. It was no use trying to deny it. He bent his head down a little so she couldn’t see the desire flashing within the depths of his eyes; the look on his face betraying how he felt, though unable to disguise the noticeable swelling pulsating inside his trousers. Yes, he wanted her, but found himself unable to move and unable to come to terms with the fact his shy, demure Laura had changed so quickly into such a fiery temptress.

Laura could see he was torn with indecision and confusion; was unable to look her in the face. Her heart suddenly dropped into her stomach. Had she assumed wrongly? Did he not love her enough? Could she not persuade him? She gnawed on her lower lip. She needed to work quickly; convince him of her serious intent, her conviction of purpose.

“God help me if I’m wrong,” she muttered to herself and throwing caution to the wind and without taking her eyes from his, she stood up and unlaced her bodice and slightly nervously flung it behind her, standing for a moment with her bared chest heaving.

Joe watched with unbelieving eyes.

Without stopping to think of the consequences, Laura undid the button on her underskirt and with her thumbs around her drawers pulled them both down quickly and stepped out, kicking them away under the bed.

She stood before him naked, her fists clenched tightly at her sides, showing a bravado and audacity never before thought possible from the young woman; excited and surprisingly unembarrassed to be the sole focus of Joe’s attention, though a little apprehensive he would not be pleased with what he saw.

However the look on Joe’s face spoke volumes as all rational thought suddenly faded away. Never before had a woman looked so beautiful he conceded as his eyes gazed hungrily on her breasts, her flat stomach, and the dark curly mound between her legs.

Laura noticed him take a deep swallow and a shudder pass over his body. “Well? Do you want me as much as Gabriela?” she asked him teasingly.

This was so wrong Joe acknowledged inwardly, but whatever willpower he had was lost as all thoughts of moral standards and respectability faded away.
He couldn’t think straight anymore, he just wanted her and as the clarion call of lust blew loudly through his veins he swiftly pulled himself up from the bed.
“Oh God Laura, I’ve never wanted anything more,” he admitted in barely a whisper.

Joe stood in front of her, slowly sliding his thumbs along the bottom curve of her breasts then gently covered them with his hands and squeezed, pressing them together while his eyes remained fixed on her face.

Laura shuddered at his touch and closed her eyes as her breathing quickened and she inhaled a short gasp but didn’t move. She couldn’t move. She was rooted to the spot, a tingling sensation spreading out across her chest and to all points, north, south, east and west.

Then as his hands were removed and she opened her eyes Joe took hold of her and pulled them both back down onto the bed, skillfully turning her onto her back and looking down at her as he wrapped his arms around her body. Pressing onto her Joe savored the feel of Laura’s soft silky skin on his bared chest as he held her face in his hands, gently stroking her cheeks with his thumbs though his face still expressed the agony of indecision.

“Are you really sure you want to do this. I mean, I will stop if –?”

Laura placed her finger over his mouth, silencing him, and stared into the deep green depths; her desire more than evident on her face, Joe’s eyes as glazed with passion as hers and then gently touched his cheek with her forefinger. “I’m sure,” she answered quietly as her own eyes flashed with happiness.

This was so right, so perfect and where she wanted to be . . . where she’d dreamed of being for a long, long time. “Make love to me Joe. Do it just like you’ve done it with Gabriela,” she urged him as she wrapped her arms around the back of his head and slowly and deliberately pulled his mouth onto her own, kissing him softly and gently.

Joe couldn’t help himself now, his will was far too weak to retract and withdraw and his desire far too strong. But if Laura thought Joe would take her as he’d taken the brothel whore she’d be wrong.

With Gabriela it was purely business when Joe had sex; just the frustrated release of a hot-blooded young man and nothing more. But with Laura it was different. He made love to her. Wonderful, gentle and beautiful love and she could sense it almost immediately in the way his hands slipped down and lovingly and tenderly caressed her body while their tongues explored.

Soft groans escaped from both their throats as their kiss intensified and deepened. Joe probed inside her mouth, her taste driving him wild and making him shiver while Laura ran her hands over his shoulders, down his back and lower, resting on his waistband then slipping her fingers around the hardness below.

She was eager and it showed as her hand gently squeezed and stroke him through the material; Joe now aching for her in a way he never had before for any woman as an urgent moaning forced its way from deep within his chest.

Suddenly the tempo quickened. Joe’s need became intense, his breathing in desperate gulps as he pulled away and rolled onto his side, swiftly and skillfully removing his pants in one easy motion.

Laura opened her eyes and for the first time ever studied the naked form of a man, her man; her eyes widening with wonder as she studied Joe’s undeniable well endowed shaft that seemed to have a will of its own as it stood to attention, now unfettered and free of restraint.

Joe could see her gaze taking in his manhood as she licked her lips with anticipation and he lifted an eyebrow, amused yet equally aroused by her eagerness as he pulled himself back on top of her heated body.

“All in good time,” he assured her softly as their eyes met and he wrapped his arms around her yet again, pulling her close as they kissed, their naked bodies touching and sending wild ecstatic signals between them from every pore. Then Joe freed his mouth and moved on to the soft mounds of her breasts and he bowed his head; groaning deep within his throat as he cupped each one and suckled the pink tips alternately.

Laura closed her eyes as each nipple hardened and incredible sensations of delight flooded throughout her body. She ran her fingers through his hair as her body began to buck and gyrate under him. She’d never imagined it could be as wonderful as this as she twisted her head from side to side in wild abandon.

Eventually she thought she’d exploded as she shuddered and trembled and then there was a pause for a moment, Joe lifting his head and staring at her, not touching, just watching as her body calmed and she opened her eyes and met his gaze.

“Are you still sure this is what you want?” he whispered softly as he covered her body once more, loving the feel of her breasts as they crushed against his skin.

There was a moment’s pause as if he was giving her a final opportunity to pull away, but Laura just offered her mouth to his again and their lips found each other. Without stopping to pull apart Joe suddenly pulled her over so she rested full length on him, and as they continued with their fervent kiss she ran her fingers though his hair while his hands explored and stroked every inch of her back and hips, his gentleness of touch surprising and delighting her.

Then he eased her over slightly onto her side and took hold of her hand, introducing it to his hardened shaft. Laura gave an ecstatic gasp from deep within her throat as she touched the forbidden treasure for the first time. It was hot and rigid and she could feel Joe shiver as instinctively and without prompting she made a circle with her fingers and tentatively caressed his magnificent rod.

Never in her wildest dreams had Laura imagined it so large and she wondered at the thought of it buried deep inside as her soft hand gripped around the fully erect throbbing member, exploring his burning flesh and taunting and teasing as she ran her fingers up and down the length.

Joe moaned into her hair and a shudder ran though him as he felt himself building up to the final moment of release, but he needed to hold himself back so pulled her hand away and placed his hand on her buttock and drew her close. The ‘treasure’ slipped away from her fingers.

“I love you,” he whispered, raining soft gentle kisses over her face before easing her over and once more laying on top. He propped himself onto his elbows and looked down at her. “I want you so much,” he declared as Laura’s body tingled all over with expectancy.

“I know,” she murmured softly back, never dreaming she’d ever be loved as deeply as she suddenly felt his hand explore between her legs for the first time, his fingers probing her, pushing deeper, exploring the hot cavern that quivered at his touch. She shuddered momentarily as an unprecedented fire of passion shot through her body and Joe pressed his mouth on hers and she hungrily kissed him back.

Her legs parted instinctively inviting him to enter her, and then she felt Joe wedge his knee between her legs and carefully introduce his throbbing flesh into her inviting, wet depths. Laura wasn’t experienced but she seemed to know instinctively what Joe wanted as the tip touched her and pushed into her hungry body and she fitted herself under him, wrapping her arms around his back as he began to slowly enter her.

However as he felt a tightness that momentarily confused him and Laura tensed an unprecedented pain rang through her, and he stopped. She gave a short sharp groan and neither moved for a moment, then as the pain evaporated away Laura gave a deep sigh and smiled.

Joe’s eyes darted over her face, his look one full of concern. “Laura?”

“Thank you Joe. You’ve just made me a true woman,” she admitted, once more gently running her fingers through his hair then placing her arms around his shoulders.

“You’re a virgin?” Joe queried in a whispered distraught tone, visibly upset at her admission.

“Not any more,” she murmured, tightening her grip as she stared at him with a soft smile on her face.

Joe studied her aghast, then lowered his eyes, unable to hold her gaze.
“I should have realized . . . I never thought . . . I’m so sorry.”

Laura stroked a finger across his neck onto his chin then tipped up his face, forcing him to look directly into her eyes.

“Don’t be sorry,” she told him gently. “This is what I wanted to happen, dreamed would happen . . . with you. It was always going to be you,” she admitted, arching her pelvis to invite him further in.

Joe could feel his heart pound as his gaze held her eyes for a moment. “I won’t hurt you, ever again,” he promised quietly, and as he entered her he paused for a moment to give her time to become accustomed to his engorged manhood inside her.

But this time there was no pain as Laura’s body smoothly accepted him in.

“Tell me to stop Laura,” he pleaded in a whisper as his body shuddered, giving her one last chance to call a halt.

But Laura didn’t want him to stop, just as she couldn’t stop herself. She loved him and this was the answer to her dreams. “No,” she whispered with unashamed tears brimming in her eyes and as he lowered his mouth on hers they kissed again, long, deep and sweet, Joe slowly moving deep inside her; soon feeling his body craving for the ultimate release but holding himself back. He buried his face into the nape of her neck as she trembled.

This was her first time and he wanted it to be a glorious and unforgettable experience. He wanted to love her as she deserved to be loved, so he unselfishly waited as Laura’s moans of sheer pleasure gathered within her.

Joe groaned deep within his throat and Laura felt herself tighten inside as harder and further he thrust his shaft into her body and she moved with him, clawing her fingernails into his back while her hips followed his lead. The trembling became more demanding, the movement more urgent and as their sweated bodies rose together in a synchronized rhythm, every spine tingling thrust made the intimate passion all the more intense.

Then suddenly at the moment of no return a joint cry echoed throughout the darkened cabin, and as a rippling release shattered within them both, two young lovers climaxed together in a combined expression of glorious, unconditional love.

All went quiet and they lay motionless, still coupled, neither wishing to move and break the magic link between them, both panting and breathing hard from the exertion. But eventually Joe withdrew his manhood and pushed himself to lay by Laura’s side, wrapping her safely within his muscular arms, their bodies now intertwined and both content.

He stroked her hair as her head lay on his chest, both oblivious to the cold of the cabin as the heat of passion still raced throughout their veins.

“Thank you,” Laura whispered, never dreaming she could ever be this happy, this fulfilled. “I never thought it could be so beautiful.”

Joe kissed her hair. “I should be the one thanking you,” he admitted, prizing himself from her arms and looking down at her, unable to say another word. He was in awe – the wonder of the moment, the intimacy, the experience of true love, the closeness and sharing of release between them both was something Joe had never felt before, not even with the experienced Gabriela.

His face then darkened slightly and Laura looked at him anxiously.

“You’re not still worried about it being my first time?” The look on his face was her answer and Laura gave him a loving smile. “I wanted you and you just loved me back. It was everything I’d hoped it would be, dreamed it would be and more!”

The sincerity of her tone and the look of love in her eyes was all Joe needed as he drew her close, dropping his head and kissing her softly on the lips before pulling the quilt over them both. And while he watched her intently as she closed her eyes, Laura sighed happily, content to feel him holding her tightly, feeling truly blessed as she fell asleep and dreamed in his arms.

**

The rains had long gone, leaving the land fresh and revitalized. A gentle breeze blew through the opened door and a shaft of warm early morning sunshine suddenly appeared behind a cloud and poured in, seeking and finding the face of the young woman as she slept. Bird song was loud and piercing and slowly Laura opened her eyes, squinting and easing out her stiff arms and back. She could see Joe, stood in the doorway, looking out at the clouds high in the sky.

He was fully dressed, standing still and just staring out, taking in the scene before him.

It had been a long night Joe conceded, but the storm had been a blessing in disguise as he recalled the previous evening and the closeness he’d been able to share with Laura. Suddenly he heard a rustling behind him and he turned and caught her eye.

“Hey! Morning sleepy head!” he smiled, walking over and kneeling by Laura’s side. “You looked so peaceful and happy I didn’t want to wake you.”

Laura looked at him in confusion as she stared around her, noting how she was still sitting in the rocking chair, clothed in her underskirt and bodice with the blanket draped around her shoulders. A puzzled look fell over her face.

“What’s the matter?” Joe asked, taking hold of her hand and noting her perplexed expression.

Laura rubbed her eyes then looked around her. “Have I been here all night?”

Joe stared at her. “Of course! By the looks of it you haven’t moved an inch since I tucked you in and went to bed. Why? Is something wrong?”

Laura just shook her head and gave a weak smile. “No . . . nothing’s wrong,” she answered in a disappointed tone, absently pulling her fingers through her hair.
“It must have been a dream.”

“A dream?” Joe repeated with a grin. “So that’s why you had such a big smile on your face then while you were sleeping. Was it a nice dream?”

Laura gulped nervously and gave him a coy smile. “Yes, it was. I dreamt about you,” she admitted quietly, lowering her gaze from his with embarrassment and freeing her hand. Slowly she eased up from the chair and let the blanket fall from around her shoulders before walking a little unsteadily towards the bed. Joe stared after her, concerned at her obvious delicate state as Laura took in a deep breath.

“Did you sleep well?” she asked as she looked down at the disheveled quilt.

Joe gave a laugh and followed her. “Sure did even though there were springs digging into my back. But then Hoss reckons I could even sleep hanging upside down from a washing line!”

Laura gave a quiet chuckle and turned towards him, falling immediately into his opened arms that enfolded around her, her own twined around his waist and her face pressed onto his shirt. “So, what was I doing in this dream of yours?” he whispered into her hair as he gently stroked stray strands from her eyes. “Was I a good boy?”

Laura could feel her heart beating quickly, far too quickly, and took a deep breath, waiting for it to slow down. She raised her eyes and looked towards him.
“Oh you were a very good boy,” she admitted, burying her face again into his chest as she tried to hide a deep smile that curved her mouth.

Joe’s eyes flashed with amusement in their depths. “So I behaved myself eh?” he said, misinterpreting her meaning. “My Pa would be impressed for once!”

“Oh, I’m sure he would,” Laura admitted in barely a whisper, fighting hard to stop herself from telling him all about her dream that she remembered so clearly; savoring every little detail, forgetting nothing. She shivered at the wonderful memory.

Joe mistook it for a chill and pulled away, hastily picking up her dress that still hung over the back of the chair. He ran his fingers over it and nodded with approval. “You’d better put this back on. It’s dry at last,” he told her as he suddenly realized just how hungry he was as the distinct rumbling of his stomach could be heard. “We’d better get going if we’re going to make it in time for breakfast. Its bad enough we’ve been out all night! I don’t want your Pa hounding me for starving you as well!”

Laura gave him a mischievous mocking stare. “You’re not scared of my father, are you Joe?” she asked as she took her dress from him and held it close to her body.

“Scared?” Joe gave a nervous laugh then nodded. “You bet your bottom dollar I’m scared of him! I only promised we’d be out for a couple of hours. Not the whole darn night!”

Laura gave a childlike giggle and then as Joe turned his back on her to stare into the hearth and study the ashes from the cold fire, she smiled. His obvious chivalry at averting his eyes while she dressed made Laura inwardly chuckle as she remembered their combined shameless nakedness as they’d writhed on the bed during her dream.

Was this how it would be one day? Laura could feel her face flush red as the thoughts continued to flash through her mind. Could it be Joe was as wonderfully endowed as she’d imagined he was? Would he be as gentle, giving, and unselfish if they ever made love? Would she lose her virginity to him in such a glorious and pleasurable way?’

How she wished, prayed, longed for it to be so.

With her dress now on and buttoned, Laura pulled her shoes from the side of the hearth. Carrying them in her hands she walked towards the door and turned back to look into the cabin, her eyes once more staring down at the bed.

“This could be such a lovely home,” she conceded finally, lifting her eyes and choosing to ignore the cracked glass of the windows and the glint of daylight that shone through small holes in the walls.

Joe followed her gaze, screwing his nose up and shaking his head as he looked around. “You reckon?” he asked in disbelief. “Seems to me the best thing to do would pull it down and start again!”

“Oh no!” Laura cried. “All it needs is some tender loving care; a new lick of paint. It would be truly wonderful then.”

Joe stared around again, as if seeing it for the first time and slowly nodded. “Maybe you’re right,” he acknowledged, the faintest of ideas suddenly spinning around in his head. It hadn’t occurred to him before. If he restored it, worked hard on the repairs, it would indeed make a perfect home if – no when – he asked Laura to marry him. And ask her he intended to do soon.

Suddenly feeling his heart pound loud, Joe’s eyes stared over at the vision of loveliness before him. How he wanted and yearned for her. One day, he mused silently as he took hold of Laura’s hand and pulled her towards him.

“I love you Laura,” he whispered, as he fleetingly touched her lips with his own and Laura’s eyes flashed with happiness. “I’ll always love you.”

“I know Joe,” she murmured softly, giving him a mysteriously knowing smile before pulling away and making her way towards a small pond surrounded by delicate white flowers that lay a few feet away from the cabin veranda.

She dipped her toes into the cool water and laughed with delight while Joe watched her with a tender expression on his face, then turned and took hold of the door handle and looked once again into the empty room.

“I’ll be back,” he murmured in barely a whisper, his eyes taking in the rocking chair and the bed. “One day – we’ll both be back.”

Then blissfully unaware of the poignancy of his statement, Joe gave a contented sigh and closed the door firmly behind him.

The End