I opened my eyes to darkness. Once again I was awake before dawn. The fireplace had diminished to embers and the dim light helped the mantle clock hide in the shadows. I could hear the steady tick tock, tick tock, but the time eluded me.
The lack of fire allowed the chill in the air to tickle my nose. I had neither the motivation nor desire to move from my warm bed. I closed my eyes to return to slumber but then I felt it. A strange warmth on my face. I opened my eyes again. This time a shadow danced on the wall.
A strange sight indeed since shadows rely on light. One only exists with the other. Yet the shadow danced on the wall even with the barely glowing embers.
I looked closer and a chill went down my spine. This shadow seemed to have eyes. Its curves were distinctly feminine. I was simultaneously frightened and curious. What female specter would visit me in my chamber?
I remained still and watched. Surely it must be my imagination. Specters only existed in fanciful books and tales told around fires. I realized my foolishness. It was my imagination. I had gone without the touch of a woman far too long. I was seeing my heart's desire. Sensuous curves and piercing eyes. If only she were real, oh how I would love to touch her or be touched by her.
I realized I was fully erect. My arousal was undeniable as I imagined a sinful interlude with the mysterious apparition. I slid my hand down to grip my rigid member. The moment I touched the sensitive skin the shadow faded. I watched in dismay as my imagined companion left me.
It seemed only a moment later when the roosters outside called out the sunrise. Another day was beginning and I was still erect and frustrated. I looked to the wall where I had seen my muse. Her beautiful form, burned into my memory but what of her face? I wondered what her face looked like. Again I gripped my erection. I cast all guilt aside as I allowed myself to enjoy a relaxing orgasm.
After bathing I had a quick breakfast of oat meal and bread. I made my coffee extra strong to help start my day. I arrived at the office early as usual. Sarah was already there. She was standing in her father's office with her back to the open door. I approached from behind and paused silently as I admired her figure.
Without so much as turning toward me she said, "Good morning Edgar. Did you sleep well?"
How did she know it was me? She hadn't even looked in my direction. I pondered that question in silence as she turned to face me. Her thin blouse was barely able to contain her marvelous cleavage. Her skirt was modest but her blouse, scandalous. "Edgar!"
She raised her voice. "I expect you to answer me when I speak to you."
"Oh my apologies Miss Royster. I slept... I slept fine." I lied. I didn't want to explain the sordid details of my encounter with a fantasy specter.
I noticed a slight smirk on her face as I turned away. "Edgar." Sarah continued, "You know that my father is out due to his illness."
I looked back to her eyes and said, "Yes Miss Royster. How is your father?"
She walked around and sat down at her father's desk and placed her hands on the arms of the large chair. She looked at me and said, "Thank you for asking. I think he will be out for quite some time. He has made it clear that I have full authority to run his publishing company in his absence. Do you understand?"
I said, "Yes of course Sarah, I mean Miss Royster."
Sarah smiled and said, "Good."
After an awkward silence I tried to discuss my latest work. "I've begun work on a new poem I've titled Annabel..."
"Silence!" Sarah's harsh tone simultaneously startled and aroused me.
She continued, "I have an idea for a new story I want you to write. A story of lust and sin. A story of disparate lovers. Two people with two destinies that merge to one. A strong young woman and her meek, older... employee."
I stood before her dumbfounded. I had no words but I attempted to speak, "Miss Royster I... I don't know if that's..."
"Edgar! Let me speak!" Again her tone was harsh. She had struck a chord deep in my soul. I had spoken with her dozens of times but here and now something felt different.
Sarah continued, "You will begin at once. There are to be two main characters. I will allow you to choose their names. An older male writer. Brilliant but meek, and easily manipulated. The second character is to be a woman with a unique hold on him. Almost magical. She is younger and beautiful. She knows his desires and uses that knowledge to uh... guide him."
How could I not presume the story to be about Miss Royster and me? After all, she and I fit the descriptions of the characters she had specified. My mind was reeling. She wanted me to write a sinful story about me and her?
Sarah said, "Edgar, do you hear me?"
I said, "Uh yes of course Miss Royster."
She smiled and said, "Good. I am going out for coffee. I want you to begin immediately. You are excused."
I made my way to the door. My mind was racing. What was happening? I was a published and prize winning author. I did not take artistic direction from anyone, let alone a young woman. I decided I couldn't wait. My protest must be swift. I turned to confront Sarah. To my shock she was gone.
I had never felt such genuine fear. Only a moment before, she was seated at her father's desk. She had vanished into thin air. She was gone but I could still feel her presence or, perhaps it was my memory. Her glorious cleavage was burned into my mind.
My thoughts of dissent were fleeting. I realized that, deep in my soul, I wanted to please her. She was beautiful and her powerful persona created feelings I had never experienced. My mind went back to her orders. She wanted a story of lust and sin. I seated myself at my desk and felt my arousal building. I could think of nothing but her beautiful face. I imagined what it would be like to open her delicate blouse, one button at a time.
To see her bra would be scandalous, let alone to touch it. As my thoughts drifted to different parts of her anatomy I couldn't focus on writing.
My lack of sleep caused me to be drowsy at my desk. My eyelids were heavy. I decided to rest my head on the desk just for a moment to collect my thoughts.
"Edgar!" Sarah caught me sleeping. I raised up and tried to speak.
Smack! Sarah slapped me across the face. It was not a hard slap but it startled me nonetheless. No one had struck me since my childhood. She sneered, "Did I tell you to take a nap Edgar?"
I stammered, "Uh... no. No Miss Royster. I just. I'm rather tired." I reached up and rubbed my cheek.