Moriah Peters left the audition feeling a whirlwind of emotions, her heart heavy with disappointment. She had given her all, pouring every bit of her soul into her performance. But the feedback left her feeling conflicted. She was praised for her talent, her look, her distinct voice, and her undeniable stage presence, but there was a catch. They wanted more. More than she knew if she could give.
"Outstanding talent, great voice, love the look," they said. Their tone was a confusing blend of encouragement and frustration. Those words just wouldn't stop echoing in her mind. And then came the kicker: "You need to go out into the world and get some life experience. You need to know what it's like to feel something real--especially when it comes to romance."
Romance? Seriously? How could she sing about love when she hadn't really experienced it? Was she supposed to belt out some over-the-top love ballad?
"Your voice is raw and powerful," they continued, "Those words just wouldn't stop echoing in her mind.. You need to live a little, experience life. Especially when it comes to love and desire." Moriah felt her cheeks heat up at that last word--desire.
The irony wasn't lost on her. She always took her religion seriously and tired to live up to her standards. She had always valued her purity. She had made a choice to stay a virgin until marriage--something that was ingrained in her upbringing. She'd always played it safe, sticking to her principles. No premarital sex, no wild flings. Not even a kiss beyond a quick peck on the cheek.
Now those very principles held her back. It wasn't her voice that was the problem. It was her life-her values-that stood in her way.
Moriah furrowed her brow. The words that the judges had spoken had planted a seed of doubt in her mind. Is this what it takes to make it? she wondered, staring at the ceiling.
Their words stuck, a frustrating reminder that maybe her passion wasn't quite enough. The honest feedback stung, but deep inside, she knew it was true. Her life so far had been all about music, dedication, and hard work. She needed more... life.
As Moriah pondered their words, her thoughts wandered through a tangled web of emotions--uncertainty, longing, and curiosity. The idea of forbidden fruit was starting to gnaw at her, tempting her to explore the experiences she had always been so strict about avoiding. "Moriah," she thought, "you really need to loosen up a bit, experience more of what life has to offer."
Her ringing cell phone shattered the quiet. It was Ben, her boyfriend, all muscle and might-the kind of guy who could crush walnuts in his biceps and melt ice with a single gaze. He was always a welcome distraction. Moriah hesitated before answering, unsure of how to share the day's events.
"Hey, baby," Moriah cooed, her voice still tinged with the aftertaste of the audition.
"Hey, beautiful," replied Ben's warm voice on the other end. "So how did the audition go?"
Moriah let out a long, heavy sigh. "It was...interesting," she managed, her voice shaking a bit as she remembered the panel's critiques. "They liked my voice and my look, but they said I need more life experience. Especially when it comes to guys and...you know, romance." A blush crept up her neck as she spoke, fully aware of what that meant.
There was a brief silence on the other end, and she could almost feel Ben's surprise. "I see. And how do you feel about that?"
Moriah sighed, playing with a loose thread on her dress. "I don't know, Ben. I have always believed in saving myself for marriage. But they made it sound like I am missing something huge."
"Well, I think you're awesome just the way you are," said Ben, reassuring her. "But if you ever want to explore, I'm here," Ben teased, his voice taking on a playful tone.
Moriah's heart fluttered; she knew what he was offering, and Moriah's heart leaped; she knew what he was implying, and while part of her felt exhilarated by it, while another part was just plain scared. His words hung there like a quiet invitation she'd never really considered before.
Ben had supported her every step of the way. He pushed her when she needed it, but he also knew when to pull back. He respected her boundaries and had never crossed the line she had drawn.
Yet, he wanted her, yearned for her, dreamed of feeling her skin against his, her breath whispering in his ear as they got lost in each other. He wanted her to see him not just as her supportive boyfriend, but as a man who could show her all those beautiful experiences she hadn't yet had.
Moriah caught that simmering desire inside Ben. She knew what he wanted, what she
had been denying both of them for so long. Now the audition feedback had made her question everything she stood for.
Ben encouraged Moriah to keep pursuing her dreams. "Listen, let me take you out tonight. Let's forget about the audition. Dinner, maybe catch a movie or something? It'll help you take your mind off things. What do you say?"
Moriah hesitated. She did not feel like going out, but then again, staying home and wallowing really didn't sound good either. Spending time with Ben sounded nice. She needed a distraction, and his offer felt like a lifeline. Maybe the outing would be a good way to get her mind off everything.
"Okay," she said finally. "That sounds nice. Can you swing by in about an hour?"
"You got it, beautiful. I'll make sure it's a night to remember."
Standing in front of her closet, Moriah caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. The feedback from her audition had hit her hard. She really needed to feel confident, bold, like a woman who could take risks and own them.
She reached for her sexiest lingerie--a sheer black lace set she had bought on a whim but never had the guts to wear. Just a little confidence boost, she thought to herself as she slid it on, the fabric cool against her skin. She paired it with a sleek dress that hugged her curves in all the right places.
When Ben arrived, his eyes widened a bit as he drank her in. "You look... wow," he said, his voice a little hoarse.
The restaurant buzzed with laughter, but Moriah felt detached, the weight of her audition looming over her. Ben took her hand. "You're amazing, you know that? Don't let anyone dim your light." Ben had a way of making her feel at ease, as if the world outside their bubble didn't exist.
"You look stunning tonight," he whispered, his gaze tracing her features like he was memorizing them. "I can't believe I get to spend the evening with the most beautiful woman here."
Moriah blushed. "Thank you. You always know how to make me feel special."
As the night went on, their conversation started to get personal. Ben probed Moriah's feelings and before she knew it, she was opening up in ways she hadn't expected.
The evening air was crisp and refreshing. Moriah felt a bit lighter, but the audition was still in the back of her mind. Ben slid his hand into hers, fingers entwined as they strolled toward the theater.
They settled in for a romantic comedy, light and predictable. Moriah couldn't help but smile. She was enjoying the movie when she felt Ben put his hand softly on her waist. It sent shivers down her spine. He glanced at her, his eyes dark with something she couldn't quite put her finger on.
She felt his warm breath on her neck. The mere sensation excited her. Her breath stuck in her throat, but instead of pulling away, she leaned into him, her body instinctively responding to the unspoken invitation.
Before she could think twice, she turned her face to his. Moriah smiled, her eyes wide with surprise and a flicker of desire. Her heart raced.
Ben's hands began exploring her body. Slowly, almost jerkily, his hand crept to her breast, cupping it softly. His thumb brushed the fabric of her dress. A bolt shot through her, leaving her breathless.
She didn't push him away or chastise him. Instead, she kissed him--a soft and sweet kiss that felt like it was full of unspoken wishes, desires just waiting to be unleashed. It was a kiss that promised something deeper, something she had kept tucked away for far too long.
Moriah felt herself melting into him. It was her first kiss, and though it was tentative, it was so electric. Her stomach fluttered, and she found herself leaning into the moment.
Ben's other hand started sliding up her leg, his fingers brushing against the soft fabric of her dress, sending a jolt down her spine. His touch felt electric, igniting a fire and hunger she never knew she had inside her.
Ben's hand trailed along the tender skin of her inner thigh. Moriah stiffened slightly, unsure how to react. She was getting turned on. She felt a rush. Ben's hand trailed along the tender skin of her inner thigh. Moriah stiffened slightly, unsure how to react. She was getting turned on. She felt a rush. Her cheeks became flushed, but she didn't move. She kept her eyes glued to the screen, trying hard to keep it together.
Ben's hands continued to creep up her thigh, and Moriah bit her lip, her body responding in ways she had never allowed it to before. Ben's touch sent a thrill coursing through her. Suddenly, she felt a sense of urgency. She smiled, her heart racing.
"Not here," she whispered.
Ben nodded, picking up the unspoken hint. They made their way to Ben's house, their hands tightly clasped together, fingers intertwined, the air thick with tension and anticipation. The warmth of Ben's hand interlocked with hers ignited a spark she hadn't fully acknowledged until now.
Moriah's mind was a swirl of emotions: anticipation laced with excitement, nervousness, perhaps some guilt, and a burgeoning sense of curiosity. She looked at him and smiled. He smiled back, and she leaned in to kiss him, pressing herself against him..
Ben unlocked the door, stepping aside to let her in. The house was quiet, except for the soft hum of the refrigerator. The air was heavy with things unsaid. Moriah's heart was racing. She felt both scared and exhilarated.
