The Blizzard

I'm fucked, she thought. Her tired eyes struggled to focus on the barely visible road through the falling snow and streaky windshield. The storm caught her by surprise as she left the party early, sending her down back roads to avoid the disaster playing out on the highway.

It should have been a fun night. But she'd let her melancholy for the state of things keep her from enjoying the time with her friends. The world was a mess. Everything around her seemed to be falling apart. She had slipped into a comfortable malaise, slowly pulling away from everyone and everything she felt let down by, compelled to spend her time instead impacting others far removed from her daily life. It was rewarding and good work, but she was human. The lack of personal connection was taking a toll. She hoped the night would help rekindle her passion for people and mend the bonds with her friends. But the topics veered uncomfortably into the very stuff she'd been fighting to keep quiet in her mind. It was supposed to be a time to reconcile, but she left feeling more isolated than ever.

The small hatchback responded well on the slick roadway. She noticed a large, rustic cabin poking through the treeline ahead. Gracefully lit for the holiday, it was the first she'd remembered for a few miles.

Her lights reflected off the large flakes. She squinted into the darkness ahead, trying to gauge the distance to the next turn. Feathering the brakes, she stayed on the gas to keep traction. Her pulse quickened as she dreaded the long miles before she felt the safety of her bed.

A quick rumble shuddered under the frame followed by a nothingness. She couldn't feel the road. The back end swung wide. Her mind raced as the horizon angled wrongly through the glass and the tires left the pavement.

She felt the car lurch. A weightlessness. A scream that seemed outside of herself.

Then a cold wind hit her face.

Darkness.

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Her eyes opened slowly as soft light flooded in. A dull ache floated through her head. Confused but warm, she realized she was lying down, covered by a blanket. She was in a large space. A vaulted ceiling with wooden beams tapered down to the stone fireplace nearby. Several large logs in the hearth were well charred, radiating a flickering heat on her face and filling the room with an earthen, smokey scent.

She glanced around, her vision fully coming into focus. The couch she rested on was opposite a pair of leather chairs, the table between them fronted by a large, plush rug beside the fireplace. Beyond, she could see the entryway with floor-to-ceiling windows flanking the double doors. A granite counter marked the transition to the kitchen.

Her head was still fuzzy, but she adjusted a bit, trying to diagnose if she was hurt. She pulled her arms out from under the warm blankets, shifting her legs. She didn't feel any acute pain beyond the muted ache in her head. How did she get here? Her mind struggled to recall the immediate past. She could feel her dress was still on but noticed her coat and shoes were missing, the coat draped over one of the nearby chairs.

As she began to stir, she noticed a figure moving about the kitchen, going in and out of view. She couldn't make out what he was tending to, though he cast a large presence. His wide shoulders and tall frame obscured what he was doing. His shirt had the sleeves rolled up around his forearms, efficiently stretching as he moved.

"Hello?" she murmured, the haze starting to clear.

As he turned into view, she was immediately drawn to the deep concern in his eyes. Bright, but worried, they were balanced by a sturdy smile. He moved briefly out of view then reappeared with a glass in his hand, heading steadily towards her.

"How are you feeling?" he asked in a soft tone.

"A dull headache, but I don't feel anything else wrong." She added, "Where am I?"

"I heard the accident. When I found you, the passenger window was broken and you were unconscious. It's very cold. The snow was coming down hard, so I brought you here to warm up."

"You...carried me?" she inquired. Noticing the jeans stretched over his legs and the way he filled out his shirt, she thought him capable of it.

"Your car's off the road about 50 yards away. I didn't know what happened to cause you to black out. Your coat was wet from the snow, so I put it up to dry." He spoke with a simple confidence, as if there was no other way things could have been. His manner put her at ease.

"Would you like some water?" He offered the glass.

"Thank you." She took the crystal from him, sipping slowly. "I don't remember any of that. How long have I been out?"

"It's been a few hours," he responded as he moved to sit in the nearby chair. "What do you remember?"

She tried to sit up. The cool water brightened her senses. "I just remember driving in the snow. The roads were slick. I don't remember anything after that."

"I'm glad you are awake. If you have a concussion it's best for you to stay up." He leaned forward closing the distance. His voice was still soft with concern. "Can I get you anything?"

"I'd love a refill." She reached out to him with her empty glass. He rose, eyes on her, as he took the glass and headed back towards the kitchen.

As she took in her surroundings, she noted the place was well decorated. Prints of modern art hung around the space. A statue was the centerpiece of the entryway. She couldn't see any photographs. It was a well-appointed, tasteful space, but lacked a female's touch. "Do you live here alone?"

His voice echoed from across the room. "It's just me. After I retired, I wanted somewhere quiet where I could think and learn and figure out what's next."

"Retired?" she asked. He couldn't be over 40 and was clearly physically fit.

He strolled back towards her, toting her water and a glass for himself. "Once you get to my age, the body can't compete with the younger guys. I was lucky to play as long as I did."

Reaching out, he handed her the refill and sat down on the other end of the couch. "It's pretty great, actually. I got to do something a lot of people enjoy. Now I get this whole second phase to be someone new and do something fresh."

"A second phase," her voice trailed off as if grasping for something out of reach. Her life had been rolling along the same track for years. Her mind sparked at the thought of a new stage, something clean and fresh sounded exciting.

"Yeah. I have some ties back to the league and a few media connections to fill my time." His eyes left hers as they moved around the room, searching for something. "I'm fortunate to have a lot of options, but I feel like I should give back, you know? So few people get a chance to play a game for a living. I have a few irons in the fire, but I really want to find a way to help people." He paused, his eyes returning to her. "I have a lot of life left - hopefully" he winked.

Her breath shortened as she drank in his smile. The relaxed way he shared himself disarmed her.

"It's good to see you improving. How did you end up off the road next to my house?" He rose and moved to the hearth tossing a couple of fresh logs into the slowing fire. She realized her headache was gone. A new, different feeling replaced it.

As the night wore on they talked about her party and why she'd left in such bad weather. It was unusual for her to feel comfortable sharing with someone new, but she found freedom in his glances. They discussed several of his ideas for the next step in his life. Her favorite was an idea to fund a construction company focused on getting people into their first home. He spoke with a passion for community and people that warmed her heart. She shared her frustrations; his eyes holding her gaze as he actively listened. He asked the right questions, reeling in her mind.

Time melted away.

It was after 2 am when she turned in. Outside the snow continued, falling in sheets.

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She awoke to the smell of fresh coffee. Glancing to the kitchen, she saw the same figure moving about. This time she recognized the pleasant contours of his shape. An apron was tied around his waist, covering a pair of tight slacks which she allowed herself to admire.

Rising, she tossed the blanket over her shoulders and walked towards him stopping at the edge of the island.

As bacon sizzled on the stove, his hands moved expertly, cracking eggs into a bowl. The kitchen was clean and tidy. He reached for one of the pans hung in place above the range. Noticing her, he glanced over with a smile.

"Coffee or Mimosa?" he asked, grabbing a ceramic mug and a flute from the cabinet without missing a beat. She nodded to the flute, and he obliged, popping the cork from the champagne bottle with a single press from his fingers. "The snow continues," he said, handing her the drink as he turned his attention back to the griddle. "Are you ok staying here today? It's deep out there right now and still coming down."

"This smells amazing," she responded, taking a sip. "I'm yours for the duration." she smiled coyly.

His hands stopped briefly, then started again. He turned with a grin. "I typically don't see the road crews until almost everywhere else has been cleared. Might be a while."

"I'll take my chances" she quipped.

He smiled at her flirtation.

As he plated the meal, he topped off his coffee adding a generous pour of Jameson. "Care for a refill?" he asked with playful eyes.

Extending her flute, she raised her eyebrows and nodded, matching his energy.

As he slowly poured her seconds, she savored his glance as his eyes moved down her body for the first time. She watched him follow the outline of her dress beneath the blanket, and she adjusted herself revealing a bit more, her mind wandering to dark places.

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As she finished her last bite, he rose and took her plate. Her stomach fluttered as his hand brushed hers. A warmth crossed her face.

"Would it be alright if I used your shower?"

"Absolutely," he replied. "Make yourself at home. If you need a change of clothes, I have plenty in the closet. Grab whatever you need."

She moved towards him as he began to clean up. "Thank you." She placed her hand on his arm as she walked by, electricity firing inside her as she touched his solid form, a nervous arousal growing inside.

The bed was centered as she entered the room. It was made up nicely. On either side sat end tables above which hung artistic prints, both featuring soft flowing lines twisting around each other. She made her way to the closet, picking a large t-shirt. She blushed as her body warmed to her imagination.

The bathroom was marbled with dual sinks. A wall in the middle hid a spacious walk-in shower which she switched on.

As the water flowed, she slipped out of her dress and allowed her thoughts to go to him. Once the steam clouded up, she stepped into the shower and let the water run over her. The harsh bite heightened her senses, stinging her skin. As it covered her in warmth, her mind fixed on him - on his eyes, peering into hers. The way he spoke. The way he listened. She could almost feel his arms around her, his mouth on hers. His body pressed against her.

She let the water flow down her back. The river danced on her curves, enhancing her sensation. She touched her arms and neck as she imagined his strong hands. Her mind raced as her body began to ache. Unable to resist, she moved her hands down, gently satisfying the touch her body craved. Helping to release her anticipation, she imagined his hands on her, over her, inside of her. The fire inside her blazed. The thought of him grabbing her, pulling her to him. She craved more as a gasp escaped from her lips.

She cleaned herself quickly, determined to have him. Toweling herself off, she tossed the shirt over her, letting her bare legs show. She worried he might be thrown if she was too aggressive, but the fire inside her burned too hot to be contained.

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She walked barefoot down the hallway, allowing the shirt to glide over and around her, approaching him as he stood in the kitchen. His eyes found her and she watched them move about her figure, taking her in. Seeing her nakedness beneath his oversized shirt, she was pleased to see his eyebrows raise slightly. He turned towards her, setting his coffee on the counter, and giving her his full attention.

She stopped as she reached him, letting the inches between them fill with her desire as she gazed up at his eyes, now staring deeply into hers. He grabbed her, pulling her to him effortlessly; his hands enveloping her arms as she disappeared into his chest. Her head tilted as the warmth of his mouth touched her lips, tingling as his taste mixed with hers. She reached around his back holding him tightly as she accepted his tongue, nibbling his lip.

Her mind floated away as she gave herself over to the passion and instinct. His strength held her close as his hands moved down her back, the shirt preventing her skin from the touch her body craved. She raised on her toes, reaching, arching, aching, trying to crawl into him.

Then her feet were off the ground. His hands dug into her thighs as he lifted her, raising the little hairs on her back as she straddled his waist. Their mouths broke apart as he gazed into her eyes, she recognized the same fire she had inside. With her hands around his neck, she kissed him again as he carried her into the living room.

He placed her gently on the soft rug next to the flickering fire. She opened her legs, inviting him on top of her as his hands dove under the shirt she wished was gone, finding her nipples already hardened. He smiled as he kissed her again, his mouth bringing temporary relief to her desire. She moved her hands over his sides, unable to reach fully around his back, her hips and legs involuntarily grinding into his pants as her mind disappeared, lost in the moment.

She reached for his waist, clawing at the bottom of his shirt trying to get it off. She wanted the touch of his bare skin on hers. In a single movement, his shirt was off, his mouth leaving hers for only a moment as her hands traced the contours of his chest and shoulders, pressing into him, pulling him, needing him inside her.

She felt the rhythm of his motion into her hips as his eyes blazed into hers. His hand left her chest and moved out of her shirt, up to her face, cupping her right cheek. Her neck tingled as he pulled her up towards him, his mouth moving down the left side of her neck. She moaned, unable to keep it inside any longer.

As his tongue danced on her neck, nibbling gently, he held her close, taking the shirt over her head - discarding it, removing the last barrier between them. Her body burned as her nakedness was fully revealed. Her breath quickened as his lips met her breast, an involuntary arch forming in her back, seeking contact with his skin, wanting every piece of him on her.

His hand glided softly down her side and her leg as she leaned into it, desperate for his touch. But he stayed on her legs, tracing softly, massaging as he sucked gently on her hard nipple. Her body moved as he worked, pushing into his kiss; her hips seeking his touch, trying to will his fingers to pleasure her.

A fuzzy, lightness came over her mind as his lips left her breast and carried on down her belly, leaving a trail as he moved. Her hands searched for anything to grab onto and fumbled through his hair, finally holding on tight enough to regain the slightest control. As his face reached her thighs she moaned again, spreading her legs wide, trying to guide him as she begged for satisfaction.

When his mouth covered her, she brought her hips to meet him, pulling his hair a bit harder than intended. She was pure desire as he worked his tongue inside her, expertly working her towards climax, but refusing to give her relief. Her body squirmed as she tried to push into him, wanting to swallow him whole, to shudder and evaporate and explode and have time and space blink out of existence. But he held her steady, nearly there, refusing her, hanging her on the edge. Her whole body was awake, feeling the tickle of the air, the soft flick of each fiber on the rug, a subtle warmth of the fire, and he worked inside her like a lion with his tongue and lips.

His pace slowed as he moved up slightly, focusing on her clit, applying pressure with his lips and tongue, her moans growing louder. Her mind flashed and her leg tingled as his hand moved slowly up her inner thigh. She lifted her head, opened her eyes, and stared at him with blinding intensity as his fingers entered her, his eyes pouring into hers as his mouth never wavered from its task.

She held his gaze as his hand started a slow rhythm inside her. His strong, dark fingers reached deep into her as she worked back into him. Her breath quickened with his pace, eyes burning into him, wanting to toss him down, put his member inside her, and ride him into infinity, but lost to his control, putty in his hands as he pleasured her.

His fingers made steady work, slowly increasing pressure inside her as her body began to shake. Her eyes finally lost his gaze, closing, a whiteness and loss of focus coming over them. Time stopped. Everything melted and washed away as she collapsed into the expanse. Her voice cried out and her hands pulled his face into her. Her orgasm spilled onto his hand and mouth as she ground her hips into him, her chest heaving deeply while her mind slowly returned.

He slowed down as she recovered, eventually opening her eyes, grabbing for him, pulling his face to hers as she kissed him deeply. Her hands moved quickly down his hard chest to his pants, which she unbuckled and pushed down, using her legs to finish the job. Her mouth never left his as her hand found him already erect. As her hand worked on him, she felt his fullness, her desire for him insatiable.

He lowered himself onto her as she wrapped her legs around his. With him still fully in her hands, she broke from the kiss and found his eyes. As she looked deep into him, she adjusted her hips, guiding his fullness into her, his naked body pressing onto hers. Her mind relaxed as she felt him enter her. Thoughts disappeared as she gave herself to him. She moaned softly, keeping his gaze, as he pushed himself into her slowly, allowing her to adjust until he was fully inside.

She placed her arms around his neck as he built a rhythm into her, kissing her hard as the intensity grew. Her body, still near peak from before, needed little to push her over the edge again. His pace quickened then found a balance. His arms flexed on both sides of her as he moved. Her eyes greedily watched his form as her body rebounded from each thrust.

Her hands left his neck and shoulders as she moved them down his torso, pulling his skin with each thrust, grasping as he filled her. She guided her hands down his sides and back. Grabbing him from behind, she dug her fingers into his butt as she accepted each thrust. Her breathing shortened as her hips raised to allow him deeper. Her moaning intensified as her hands squeezed harder, wanting all of him, every bit. Her legs held up, knees bent, feet wide off the rug as her hips dug into him. Finding the spot finally, he thrust into her one final hard time and she shook, vibrating as a desperate moan escaped her lips. Her hands stayed firmly on his backside, encouraging his continued hard rhythm as her body spasmed into his. Her vision was gone. Her mind awash. Every cell of her body felt flush.

Her heart raced as she slowly opened her eyes, seeing him staring deeply into her, enjoying his triumph. Her hands left him and she grabbed her knees, pulling them up, giving him room to flow into her with his full force. He obliged.