Hi, why are you not in bed?
The question appeared on the screen before her. The bar above it showed a name unfamiliar to her. Hesitant about talking to a stranger, she was cautious in her response.
I'm always up this late... a bad habit
called insomnia. The sandman never comes to
my house.
She entered the words on her keyboard, watching them appear, still unsure about this conversation. It was not her habit to respond to instant messages from an unknown, but Lori needed to focus away from the story she was attempting to create. She ignored the deadline approaching like a freight train without brakes.
He didn't arrive last night? I gave him
specific directions to sprinkle rose petals
all over your bed and to caress those luscious
hazel green eyes close. I'm calling his boss!
Lori smiled. Not a stranger at all, though he was an unknown. He appeared to her often during these late hours mad rushes, when her brain was so chaotic she couldn't sleep. His presence, sometimes she swore she could hear his voice, seemed to come when she needed it most, when she exhausted beyond reason.
The times when she couldn't remember if she had gotten more than an hour or two of sleep the night before. He, this mysterious man, was always there with a silken touch. He touched her in a way that only those who had experience the reality of the cyber world could understand. Sometimes she thought she was obsessed with him, other times she knew she was.
He always traveled in a stealth mode, which meant the system would not give member information, similar to an unlisted number.
Lori bit her lip, before answering him, a sly smile on her face. Fingers went flying across the keys.
Gorgeous****** why the strange name
tonight? Trying to confuse me or something?
What brings you out into the night? Couldn't
sleep?
Breathlessly, she waited for his reply.
You brought me into the darkness...
your mind reached out to mine. You didn't
feel it? Can't you feel me at your shoulder?
Just close your eyes with a single wish you
can have me there.
Excitement raced through her blood. Lori swore she could feel his breath on her bare shoulder, warming her body. She licked suddenly dry lips.
That is all I have to do?
Her fingers flew across the keys typing her question, her body taut waiting for his response.
Yes
He felt different tonight, more intense. Lori took another deep breath. She was responding strongly to the words and the underlying tone to the conversation.
Has it always been that easy?
They had flirted for months. They never exchanged pictures, but she knew what he looked like. How she didn't know, but she did.
Yes
Again, only briefest of responses.
Why didn't you tell me before?
Her curiosity was tweaked.
You weren't ready.
A slight alarm went through her, but she pushed it aside.
I'm ready now?
She waited for his reply.
Yes. If you want all that I can give
you... just close your eyes.
With long indrawn breath, Lori smiled and closed her eyes. A warm hand landed on her shoulder.