"Not bad." She mused as she looked cautiously around.

She slid the bag against the wall and stepped past it, entering what obviously served as the small structure’s kitchen. She pulled open the refrigerator, happily discovering a large bottle of Chardonnay and a full  compliment of food and snacks. A note was taped to the wine. "I hope you find what you need up here. I always do. Love, Rob." Rob had offered his cottage to Jenne and after the events of the past few days and weeks, she had eagerly accepted the opportunity to get away to be by herself.

Jenne closed the fridge, and looked around again. A quick search of the cupboards revealed dishes, glassware and coffee cups. She located a tin of ground coffee alongside the coffeemaker and grinned, recognizing the sweet scent of Amaretto coffee beans. The sink was small, but adequate and Jenne was pleasantly surprised with how warm the water from the faucet was. The cottage was a two-story, and despite Rob’s repeated invitations, Jenne had never been here before. All the better, she reasoned. She was here to be by herself and not knowing anyone would only help facilitate that objective. Jenne pushed open the hinged double door and entered the main living room of the tiny cottage.

A grin spread over her face as she stared. She muttered to herself, admiring the shining, rippling reflections and waves of the Lake through the large, picture window. The living room was cozy and boasted a soft, comfortable looking couch, coffee table and 13" television. A large, ornate lamp sat alongside a rocking chair and Jenne stopped for a moment to admire a wonderful roman urn that housed a bouquet of dried roses. On the corner wall facing the Lake, was a screen door. It aimed the way out and down a few steps, to a dirt path, that led the way to a worn, but sturdy looking dock on the water. The Lake shimmered deep blue-green and it looked especially inviting as the waves lapped at the shore. Jenne couldn’t wait to go take a swim. For the first time in a long time, she felt encouraged.

"Maybe this is just what I need to get back on track." She thought.

She moved to the opposite corner of the room and opening a door, she discovered a small bath, with a sink, toilet and tiny antique tub. Rob had left a stack of large, fluffy towels for her and Jenne smiled at her friend’s thoughtfulness.

Closing the door, she gripped the iron railing of the spiral staircase and began to climb. Jenne actually giggled to herself when she reached the upper level. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d giggled out loud and she truly began to feel a little better as she flopped onto the large, plush brass-railed bed. The curtains upstairs were drawn, but the sun shone brightly through the sheer lace of the fabric and Jenne pushed the drapes aside, pulling open the window overlooking the lake. The sun’s warmth streamed in and the drapery gently waved in the fresh, summer breeze. Jenne lay back, allowing the comforting sensations to wash some of the guilt and tension she was feeling away.

She sighed heavily. What right did she have to feel better? Her transgressions may have ruined her marriage, she reminded herself sadistically. On the other hand, he doesn’t have to leave! She argued with herself.

"Oh, Shit." She muttered disgustedly aloud, trying to push aside the complications of her situation.

Jenne looked through the window, wearily. "This is a beautiful place, and I’m here to get myself together." She thought, surveying the beauty of the view. The water shown brightly and the full, leafy trees swayed in the breeze. The Lake was certainly secluded. She thought Rob had told her that there was only one other cottage in the vicinity and that nobody ever seemed to use it. It belonged to an older couple who used to spend the summers here. But, as time and advancing age had set in, they no longer found it practical to be so far away from other people. Jenne noticed another dock jutting out into view as she peered through the brush. That must be the neighbor’s, she reasoned. Jenne squinted through the trees, her eye catching a flash of movement through the deep coverage of the tree’s embrace. Someone was home on the property next door.

3;That was when she saw him for the first time.

CHAPTER 2 – "Jenne discovers her Neighbor 3;"

Jenne sat and watched from a distance 3; or "admired" would be a better word. Not expecting to see another person, she was pleasantly surprised to find that, not only was her neighbor about her age 3; he was definitely not displeasing to the eye. Ducking out of sight in her window, she observed him as he went about his business, oblivious to her presence. He set the easel in place and arranged the array of paint and brushes so that they were within easy reach. She looked beyond him and it suddenly dawned on her why he would want to try and capture the scene before him on canvas. It was amazing! The sun shone brightly, glinting over the water just before starting it’s slow decline. The trees swayed in the breeze, lining the Lake to complete the feeling of serenity that surrounded them as she watched. This was so far removed from the hustle and bustle of her everyday life. It was everything Rob had promised and much more. She hadn’t been fishing in a long time, but for some reason she had the urge to go now. Perhaps it was this solitary place 3;?

Jenne skipped down the spiral stairs, and out into the front of the cottage facing her neighbor. She hid behind a large pine tree, crouching to assure that she wouldn’t be seen. Her attention returned to the man as he sat, paintbrush in hand, poised to start his project. She watched as he ran his fingers through his hair, memories of something else flooding over her with his actions. Her view was obscured to some extent by the trees, but she could make out enough to know that she liked what she saw. His back was turned to her and she studied his form. He was well built, sturdy, but not lanky, his tan telling her that he was used to the outdoor life. His features were rugged, but somehow what she saw didn’t fit with the way he held himself as he started to paint. To her, he looked despondent and she found herself wondering "why?" As if to confirm her suspicions, his head fell into his hands. He sat staring at the blank canvas, his broad shoulders low and somewhat defeated. She knew all too well this sign of despair, having experienced it herself for the past few months. She wondered silently if his despair was related to hers 3; if what she sat watching was "herself." She shook the thoughts from her head quickly. "Don’t be so bloody stupid!" the voice inside her head said. She had come here to forget about "men", "life" and "love." She sure as Hell wasn’t going to let anything spoil that.

Kicking off her shoes, she stood up, feeling the softness of the neatly clipped grass beneath her feet as she did so. She suddenly realized that she hadn’t felt that sensation for a long time. The city didn’t afford for stupid moments like this. She was a country girl at heart 3; always had been and always would be. The city had been her downfall. Still, she was putting that behind her now. Her attention was caught again as the dark haired stranger rose from his seat. She watched as he moved toward the water. He bent forward and began to run his hand through the water. He appeared to be in deep thought. What was he looking for? He rose, shrugged his shoulders and made his way back to the easel. Jenne noted his large hands as he again picked up the brush. This time he began to paint. She wanted to go over and see what those hands were producing but something stopped her. She also wanted solitude. That’s what she had come here for and he looked as though he felt the same. Jenne wasn’t sure why she knew that. It was just a feeling. Something in the way he’d moved, the way he’d shrugged his shoulders perhaps. Sitting back down on the grass, she continued to watch him, his paintbrush moving with passion as he moved color around the canvas.

She jumped as he suddenly threw the brush across the jetty. It skimmed the water, splashing and plopping as it did so. His anger hadn’t abated, and the canvas quickly following the brush, not quite reaching the waters edge. If she was troubled, he must be doubly so. He knocked the easel over and stormed into the house, his outburst seemingly fueled by frustration more than anger. Jenne watched as he left. His actions had caused her a start, but somehow she could sympathize with this stranger. It wasn’t so long ago that she had done almost the same thing with her laptop. The frustration had boiled over and before she had had time to think, it had smashed across the room, shattering into tiny pieces just as her life had that day. There was something about his walk that made her want to reach out and touch him now. "You really are being stupid!" She reprimanded herself as the thought passed. She headed off into the woods as the sun finally began to set.

Jenne returned to the cottage as dusk fell, her brisk walk tiring her as well as clearing her head. She raided the fridge before retrieving her bags and unpacking. That finished, her thoughts turned to the events that had brought her here. She tried to push them aside, with limited success. Still, as she settled down with the novel that she had started months before, the "solitude" that fell over her was a strange 3; but not an unpleasant feeling.

CHAPTER 3 - "Artist’s Block"

"Dammit", Ed thought as he headed into his cottage. He felt demoralized. "I’ve been drawing and painting since before I could write," he thought excitedly. "Why is it SO hard now?"

Ed skipped up the steps and entered the living room. The screen door clapped shut behind him and he anxiously ran his fingers through his dark curls, as he turned unconscious circles in the room. He stopped to face the water, the glistening waves still beautiful in the fading sunlight. His gaze caught the image of the overturned easel and canvas scattered at the water’s edge. The gentle waves had carried the brush to the bank and it timidly floated in the shallow water, small pools of oily red paint surrounding the stained bristles.

"What’s wrong with me?" Ed sighed aloud. "I’ve got so much to do 3; and time’s running out."

He slumped into a recliner, his forehead falling into his palm again. He held his breath. "Artist’s block" was the name he’d heard used. He had always thought it was just a bad excuse for laziness. But this was different 3; unlike anything that he had experienced in all his life. Sure, he’d had times when he hadn’t felt like painting or drawing. But, once he’d pushed himself to start, he’d always worked through it. This was very different. It was as if he saw the image in his mind for a fleeting second and before he could capture it on the page, it was gone. Colors seemed to shift and change on him once they touched the canvas, shapes melted 3; it was as if he was going mad. He wanted to work, he just couldn’t. Today’s episode was just a continuation of the past few weeks. And Ed wondered if it wasn’t getting worse.

The reality of his situation was that he had very large show in less than six weeks. He had nearly 14 pieces done, and he needed to have at least 20 to 24 to make it truly a successful show. Not to mention the fact that his sponsor was expecting something special from him for getting him this show in the first place. In a setting like his cottage, with the solitude and beauty all around him, he could normally knock out 5 paintings or drawings without any trouble at all. The tension and pressure was building and coming here was supposed to solve that problem.

He climbed out of the chair and entering the kitchen, he grabbed a beer. He twisted off the top and took a gulp, trying to sort things out. He had bought this place from a delightful old couple who were friends with his girlfriend. Or 3; ex-girlfriend, he reminded himself. Artists in general, are basically solitary creatures. They see the world in a different way 3; black and white, patches of color, form, lines, changing and evolving. She just didn’t see "life" like he did and as time went along, they simply grew apart. It wasn’t that he didn’t care when she decided to go, it was just something that happened. Now, almost a year later, he just didn’t seem to have time for a serious relationship. And right now, all he was concerned with was this show.

Ed returned to the living room and he took another long swallow from the bottle. He pulled off his shirt, the bronzed skin firm and tight. He settled into the chair gathering his sketchpad and Conte pencil. He glanced out the window and began to sketch short loose lines on the paper.

"Fuck!" He spat, disgusted with himself. He tore the page off and tossed it to the ground. He closed his eyes and envisioned the scene before him, his left hand skipping over the page, leaving tentative marks of brown on the smooth pad. His eyes still closed, he continued to draw, adding the dock and trees off to the side. He paused and opened his eyes.

"Fuck!" He said again, this page joining the other on the floor. He tossed the pad aside and drained the rest of his beer. "OK, that’s all for today." He reasoned. "Don’t force it."

Ed instead, turned his attention to the next day, resigned to the fact that another 24 hours had slipped away. Maybe if he turned to another medium he’d have better luck. He decided to head into the woods in the morning and try to capture something with his sketchpad in hand. Maybe he’d find the perfect spot for a painting, he thought without much hope. He got up from his seat and fished another beer from the refrigerator. He switched on the TV, thankful for the satellite dish that he had had installed out here. And with that, he set out to get good and drunk.

CHAPTER 4 – "Misery loves Company 3;"

Jenne hadn’t really been hungry and the novel she was reading wasn’t doing it for her either. She squirmed in her seat on the couch. How had she gotten here? Jenne got up and popped the cork on the Chardonnay. Sadly, she knew EXACTLY how she had gotten here.

It had all started the day she had picked his friend up from the train station. Although they had never met before, they had all become good friends 3; "the Net" allowing them that. She had felt strange standing alone on the platform waiting for a man that she had never seen before. It was even more strange that she had recognized him straight away. Something about his walk and the way he had held himself, told her instinctively that it was him as he alighted from the carriage, and walked down the platform toward her.

He had planned to stay for a couple of days, but it soon became obvious that that wouldn’t be long enough for him to conclude all his business. Mark had enjoyed the company, but his friend seemed to prove harder work that he had envisioned. The guy was like a live wire. Jenne saw something within Paul that reminded her of her husband, Mark when they had first met. The "drive and ambition" contained within proved almost as attractive as Paul himself. Perhaps that had been what she had missed within Mark 3; that "zest for life" that he had lacked for so long now. Nothing Jenne had tried over the past year had seemed to help. It was like he had lost the drive and ambition that had attracted her to him in the first place. Her love for him hadn’t diminished, but it hadn’t been allowed to show through as clearly as she had liked. It was difficult to show someone your true feelings, when you were constantly fearing rejection.

They used to talk for hours, but lately even that had stopped. Now, his attention was taken up by the Internet 3; even his sleeping patterns had altered so that he could talk online. It wasn’t that she resented the intrusion of the Net, it was more that she had begun to feel second best to a Goddamn PC. True, she had her own PC and connection to the Net, and as time had passed she had developed her own set of friends and interests. Through the Internet, she discovered that she could write 3;something she hadn’t done since she’d been in school. And, it was something that she was Damn good at as well! She began to write more and more, almost becoming obsessive at times. It helped, but it was only a temporary diversion from the problems that the real world had to offer.

Paul seemed to offer everything that Jenne lacked in her life at that point. His vitality was infectious, if not tiring, and after three days of trying to keep up with him, she had finally fallen asleep on the sofa. Mark had gone to bed, although Jenne had no idea of this. She had awakened in a half hazy state to find Paul laying beside her on the sofa, his arms around her. She should have pulled away then, but something had stopped her.

She sat and wondered now 3; why she hadn’t stopped it there and then? It was a question she had asked herself many times before and the answer always alluded her. She had been half asleep 3; everything that happened then seemed like a dream. It still did every time she thought about it. So many times, she had thought it through, each time the guilt becoming more acute. The "if-only’s" began to invade her thoughts once more. "If only" she had done the right thing and climbed off that sofa. "If only" she had resisted. But, the fact was 3; she hadn’t. And that couldn’t be changed. She had felt rejected and Paul, in a strange way, had offered a temporary respite from the problems that had surrounded her marriage. It all sounded so simple as she sat and thought about it now. And the "if-only’s" surfaced again.

This was doing her no good at all. She had been over this again and again 3; regretting that short moment in time. She took another gulp of the wine, and stood up looking in the mirror. She wasn’t keen on the reflection that met her eyes at that moment. It wasn’t her physical appearance, rather something inside her that seemed wrong. The truth was, Jenne was a beautiful woman with a rapier wit and a captivating smile. Her spirit had always been invigorating and a little bit naughty, a side of her that also seemed "wrong" and "displeasing" to her in light of the events of her recent past. She studied the reflection, her golden blonde hair bundled and pinned on top of her head. She tugged out the clips holding it and she shook it out, the shoulder length strands cascading down in an erotic display. She wore short shorts which showed off the firm, long legs that had turned so many men’s heads. She turned slightly to gaze at her profile. Her tight red top outlined her upper body neatly, her soft breasts perky and sexy. She remembered a long-forgotten lover from many years before. He had been captivated by her breasts, nuzzling and sucking the tender softness, teasing her nipples relentlessly. The pleasure that he had provided her with had stayed with her for all these years 3; but, what was his name? Still, in spite of the fact that she was still a beautiful and desirable woman, Jenne took little solace in the beauty staring back from the mirror, choosing instead to view herself in a different and less favorable way.

Jenne turned and looked out the window. The scene that met her eyes here was much more appealing than the one she had turned away from. The moon had reached it’s highest point and it looked as comforting and inviting, as the water that it lit with it’s soft, twinkling glow. She stepped out the door and began to wander, somehow drawn to the neighboring cottage. Her thoughts returned to the man that she had seen that afternoon. His soul had appeared to be as troubled as hers and she wondered what he was doing. The wine and her mood had a greater effect on her than she had thought and she noticed the light that shone from the window next door. Stealing a glimpse through it, the sight caused her heart to jump and her pulse to quicken. She wanted to run, but something stopped her, the view too appealing 3;

CHAPTER 5 – "There’s Never Anything Good on TV 3;"

Ed lay on the couch flipping the channels with the remote. The satellite dish on the roof turned slightly and Ed paused as the picture came into focus.

"Oh Good, naked people!" He groused. "As if I’m not depressed enough already."

Ed had polished off almost nine beers and he was actually doing rather well to even still "see" the television. He tipped the beer back and finished it, neatly lining it on the coffee table in front of him. He lay back, still shirtless, one leg sprawled over the back of the couch.

They were indeed "naked people." But, unlike most bad porno, these individuals were very attractive indeed. He pondered how long it had been since his last encounter with a woman. Too long, he decided as he watched the willowy redhead on the screen. She was engaged in a Lesbian encounter with a breathtaking brunette that reminded him of Jennifer Lopez. He felt his arousal stir and he shifted his weight to make room for his growing erection. The scene in front of him was making him horny indeed and the nine beers he had consumed weren’t hurting the situation either.

Ed paused, enjoying the close-up of the redhead’s neatly trimmed pussy. "Damn, I wish I had a woman here with me," he thought. "Maybe that would help get the creative juices flowing," he grinned cynically.

A man with an enormous cock joined the duo and "Jennifer" immediately began to suck him, while the redhead looked intently on. "Oh, please 3; like anyone is THAT big." Ed said aloud to the television. At the same time, his arousal was complete and he lifted his hips to slide off his shorts, releasing the full girth of his erect cock. Ed lay naked on the couch, watching the activity on the screen hungrily. He touched himself, his body flinching slightly as he fingered the sensitive red tip of his cock. He rubbed the moisture from the tip over the head of his dick, relishing the wicked sensation, the tip glistening in the dim, flickering light of the television.

Ed grasped his cock and slowly began to masturbate. He watched the naked bodies twist and coil together, images and ideas for paintings occurring and then disappearing just as quickly. He closed his eyes, his head tipped back as his body became lost in the erotic feelings. He stroked himself, the head of his member glimmering and pointing erotically into the air. He caressed his chest with his other hand, wishing he had someone else there to pleasure. His urge grew and he felt the twinge of his desire begin to boil. His neck and chest flushed red and his cock swelled, his body tensed 3; ready for release.

"Ooohhhhhhhhhhhh" he moaned, the red tip of his penis spurting the sticky white warmth as he rubbed. He sighed as he relaxed, his fist furiously pumping as his cock continued to stream jets of semen over his hand and chest. His body tingled with his orgasm and his head slumped to the side, his gaze falling on the window. He smiled as he looked, the eroticism of the moment, the beer, the porn on the television fueling his imagination. He grinned at the beautiful apparition, wishing that she was really there. He closed his eyes slightly as he held his cock, wishing the beautiful blonde in the window were there to clean him off, his cum sticky and matted in the thick mound of his pubic hair. She had seemed to be part of the dream, her face intent, her breasts heaving as she watched him, seemingly caught up in the fantasy with him. He opened his eyes slightly.

"Wait a minute 3;" Ed muttered out loud.

He opened his eyes completely, turning his face to the window. A look of fear and realization rolled over the face and suddenly, she was gone. Ed jumped to his feet, the beer affecting his balance. He looked out the window and scanned the area. Nothing. He slumped back to the couch, his body streaked with sun and white streams of his seed. He lay back wearily, convinced that she must have been his imagination. And with that, he dropped off to an alcohol induced sleep.

CHAPTER 6 – "The Voyeur 3;"

Jenne crouched below the window, hardly daring to believe what she was witnessing. The fact that she actually stood there and watched made everything seem surreal once more. She tried to stifle the giggle of delight that escaped her lips. The last thing she wanted was to get caught, but the whole situation seemed funny right then. Had he seen her? She glanced around, half expecting to see him appear from round a corner. At the same time, based on his current state of undress, she rather hoped he would chase her. She giggled again as she crawled over the damp grass, hoping that he wouldn’t see her. Her knee hit a hidden stone as she neared the neat gravel path, and she grabbed it as it screamed in pain. "Shit! how the hell did she get herself into these scraps?" She had no choice but to take the chance of being seen and she stood up. Her knee hurt as she did so, and despite the pain, she ran as fast as she could. Her knee hurt, but the fear of being caught was greater. Adrenalin rushed through her veins, driving her forward, pushing the pain aside. She reached the door and almost fell into the cottage, slamming the door behind her and bolting it, just in case.

Falling into a heap on the floor, she examined her knee. The damage was worse than she had thought, the pain shooting through her body as she looked. Staggering to the kitchen, she ran the tap and began to dab the wound with a piece of kitchen towel. It was deeper than she had first thought and looked as though it could need stitching. "Shit, it never rains unless it pours on me does it?" She thought, as she hunted the cottage trying to locate a first aid box. Finally, she found one in the bathroom cabinet. Why is everything in the last place you look? She wondered silently, as she patched the wound the best she could. She found a painkiller and swallowed a couple with a glass of water. Looking at her knee once more, the throbbing continued.

Jenne figured it would wait till the morning. She would decide then, if it required stitches. Right now, she needed to sleep. She climbed the stairs and stood in front of the window cautiously. Jenne threw a glance at the cottage next door. She undressed as she studied the darkened cottage window, pulling on a loose fitting t-shirt before settling into the bed. She wrapped the duvet tightly around herself, trying to overcome the pain her knee was causing. Finally, she began to drift off as the painkiller took effect, the memory of the dark stranger filling her mind.

Jenne imagined him laying next to her, holding her in his arms as she drifted off. She wondered what it would be like to take him inside her 3; the scene that she had witnessed that evening fuelling her own desires. His image was vivid as she struggled to sleep. His hand wrapped around his cock, laying back allowing himself to be lost in that moment. She had yearned to help him as she had watched, his cock looking wonderfully inviting as he’d reclined on that settee. Jenne had wanted to climb aboard that cock 3; to take it inside her, to feel it fill her soft void with it’s hardness. Her hands began to wander over her body as she envisioned the scene.

She saw him laying there as her fingers gravitated towards her own sex, wanting to take him, to feel his strong body next to hers, taking comfort from him. Her juices ran over her fingers at the thought, and she began play with her pussy lips. She imagined climbing aboard him, plunging his erection deep into her as her own finger dove into her wetness. She wanted to feel him 3; to taste his lips and she licked her own at the delicious thought. Her head swam with thoughts of him as she continued to play with herself 3; the need that the sight of him had created demanding attention.

Jenne imagined running her fingers through his dark, curly locks, moving slowly up and down, meeting each thrust as he filled her 3; wanting to take all he had to offer and give herself willingly to him. She felt the tension begin to rise within her as she neared the point of no return. The images came fast and furious, the pleasure wanton, her need deep and without warning it hit her. It spread from her toes and moved through her body gathering momentum as it went, until it burst into her head, hitting with a force that she rarely experienced before, intense and deep.

Jenne rolled over, an erotic but somehow pained grin on her face. She slept a fitful sleep, her knee aching. But, as the effects of her actions and the painkillers took hold, she drifted once more.

CHAPTER 7 – "Assessing the Damage 3;"

Jenne awoke the next morning with a dull throb in her knee. She slowly stirred, her knee stiff and aching. She sat up in her bed, the sunlight streaming through the window. The warm rays felt good, in spite of the lingering pain from her injury. She slid her legs over the edge of the bed and examined the damage, cautiously peeling the bandage back.

The cut was not as bad as she had remembered, but it clearly needed to be washed out. Dirt littered the scraped skin around the cut, and Jenne gingerly picked a small piece of gravel from the tender flesh. Jenne glanced out the window at the sparkling blue Lake and got an idea.

She pulled the t-shirt off, and tossed it aside, fishing in the drawer for her swimsuit. Finally, she located it and she absently scanned the ground below her for her next door neighbor. "God, I hope he didn’t see me." She thought embarrassed. She fit the tiny bikini top over her breasts, tying the thin straps behind her neck before securing the lower half behind her back. The swell of her tits spilled out from behind the tiny triangles, her breasts bouncing generously with each slight movement. It wasn’t the most modest suit that she had, but it had been her intention to get some sun this week. And she hadn’t anticipated a strong, attractive next door neighbor.

Jenne slid her panties to the floor, a twinge of eroticism passing over her body as she stood naked from the waist down. She grinned to herself as she recalled the images of the night before and she gingerly stepped into the tiny string bikini bottoms. She looked in the mirror, turning to be sure that everything that was supposed to be covered, was. Satisfied, she headed down the stairs, wincing in pain each time that she had to bend her knee.

Jenne went to the refrigerator and grabbed a large bottled water and an orange. She hastily peeled it and plucking the water from the counter, she paused in the bathroom long enough to brush her teeth and fix her hair. She pulled it into a loose ponytail, the waves of gold spilling over her nearly bare back. Finally, she grabbed a towel from the stack that Rob had left for her and she headed out the screen door, down the dirt path to the dock on the Lake.

The dirt of the path was cool in the morning shade and it felt mildly comforting on her bare feet. She moved slowly, her tits nearly falling out of the tiny top, her bottoms slipping between the cheeks of her tight and shapely ass. Her knee was beginning to loosen up and it felt better to move on it. She stepped onto the painted wood of the dock and looked into the water. She was pleased to see small fish swimming in the shallow water. Minnows and polywogs circled the shadow of the dock and the soft lapping of the water on the planks of the dock were soothing to her troubled soul. Jenne strolled to the end of the dock and noted a small ladder attached to the end of the dock. The water was probably about waist-high and she held the post at the end of the dock while she dipped her toe into the clear blue-green water.

"Ooooo, it’s cold!" She muttered to herself.

Oh well, all the better for her swollen knee, she reasoned and she sat down carefully. Dangling her legs over the edge, she managed to scoot her bottom all the way to the edge of the wooden planks. That way, she was able to straighten her leg, allowing the water to almost completely cover her damaged leg. She looked at the fabric of her bikini bottoms between her legs, silently aware of the way that the curls of her pubic hair imprinted the fine, soft material. The cold water felt good on the throbbing bruise and her body soon became accustomed to the temperature. She leaned back alluringly, propping herself up on her elbows, her chest out, her face turned to the sun. It felt wonderful and Jenne smiled the first sincere smile she could recall in weeks.

Ed trudged through the woods disgustedly. His head was pounding from all the beer that he’d consumed the night before, and now, after another failed attempt to draw anything worthwhile, he was ready to go drown himself in the Lake. He muttered to himself as he neared his cottage, spying the neighbor’s property as he tried to figure out what to do next.

"Maybe I can sell real estate." He grumbled sarcastically. " 3; or insurance."

Ed tucked the pad under his arm and pushed a low branch from his path, stepping into the neatly trimmed grass of his neighbor’s property. He glanced up as he headed into the yard and was surprised to see the screen door to the living room standing ajar. Ed was concerned. Am I wandering up on a robbery in progress? He thought. He looked in through the screen door. It was quiet inside. Ed looked around, his eyes scanning the yard and travelling the 70 yards to the dock on the water.

"Wowwww 3;" was all he could mutter when he saw her.

Ed stood riveted to the spot, intrigued by the beautiful stranger on the dock. She looked familiar to him and yet, he didn’t think he knew her. She looked incredible as she lay back and Ed knew he had to draw her.

"Just stay still 3;" He coaxed, throwing open his pad.

The Conte Pencil flew over the pad as he drew. The scene was simple and yet beautiful and he wanted to catch all of it 3; from the sweeping waves of her hair as it exploded over her shoulders, to the wonderful swell of her breasts beneath the tiny triangles of her top, to the carefree, yet thoughtful expression of her body, to the small ripples of the water as he feet gently kicked, to the pink and pastel of her skin against the strawberry blonde of her hair, to the erotic orange and yellow of her suit against the dull, confederate blue of the dock, against the shimmering green-blue of the water and burning white-yellow of the sky. Ed drew wildly, consumed by the sight in front of him, vowing to go back with color later to capture the full effect. He sketched the swell of her breasts, the flat, soft skin of her stomach and he gasped with delight when she sat up further, kicking her leg up as if to tease him with the beauty of it.

He flipped the page and he began to draw again, his intensity to capture the outline of this beautiful woman overwhelming him. He saw only line and form, color and shadow, and to his astonishment 3; it was good! This was the first thing that he had done in months that he hadn’t torn up in disgust. "God, am I finally getting through this?!" he thought excitedly. He concentrated on the pad, roughing out the loose lines, distinguishing the boundaries further, his thoughts lost in the paper.

"Hello. Can I see?" The voice asked.

CHAPTER 8 – "The Artist and His Muse 3;"

"Huh, what?" Ed said, startled.

"Can I see?" She asked sweetly, her smile almost bowling him over.

"Uhh, yeah. I’m 3; uh, I’m sorry. I hope you don’t mind." He stammered. "You looked beautiful out there. I didn’t mean to be presumptuous."

"Not at all. I’m flattered." She smiled again. "I’m also 3; Jenne."

"Ed." He responded stupidly, her beauty stunning him.

Jenne stepped closer and he turned the pad so that she could see. Ed was struck again with the familiarity of her. But surely he would remember this beauty if he had met her! Jenne was around his age, but with a body that Ed had always favored. Her form was trim, with all the correct curves and slopes. Her hair was full and wavy, and a few strands had escaped the clip behind, falling seductively in her face. Her eyes were piercing and steely blue with a sparkle and personality all of their own. Her skin was pristine and soft, the tiny bikini barely covering the most "interesting" areas, and Ed couldn’t help but notice the firm, perfectly formed breasts beneath. She leaned forward to examine the drawing, holding the edge of the pad as she did, the swell and teardrop shape of her breast exposed to him plainly under the top. Her tummy was flat and showed a splash of red from the sun, and her bikini was cut sadistically low, barely covering the mysterious treasure below her waist. Ed flinched a bit as she moved, his cock twitching to life, amazed and completely taken with the grandeur and beauty of this unexpected Goddess.

"It’s wonderful!" She stated, her accent adding to the mystique.

Jenne looked at the pad and saw her image staring back. It was a strange feeling, and although the likeness was her own, she had trouble seeing herself in the light that this stranger obviously did. She was truly flattered, perhaps a bit embarrassed that he saw her that way. Looking up from the pad, Jenne’s eyes met Ed’s, the emerald hues that they contained sparking some distant memory. Her cheeks began to burn red as that memory was quickly replaced by a more recent one from the previous evening and she turned away, wondering 3; had he seen her last night? She pulled herself together, taking a deep breath as he moved closer to her, brushing against her body. The words tumbled from her mouth as she tried to keep her emotions in check.

"I wish I could draw like that, it’s a real gift." a reflective tone in her voice.

"A gift that until 10 minutes ago I thought I had lost." A wicked grin spread across his face as he spoke. All at once, reaching forward he quickly pecked her on the cheek. "Thank you."

"Glad I could help. I’d hate to see that sort of talent go to waste." She responded blushing. Something about his grin disarmed her, the enthusiasm in both his voice and actions infectious.

Jenne moved shyly away from him, walking towards the edge of the dock, her knee troubling her again. He watched, following behind her as she moved and she sat back down at the waters edge and dangled her feet over the edge once more. Turning around, her eyes invited him to join her with no words needed.

Ed sat down next to her, admiring the body of this beautiful stranger. She had saved him. His mind was swimming with ideas and inspiration. All of them depending on this woman’s help. Ed noticed the bandage on her knee, recalling the way she had moved as she had walked.

"What did you do to your knee?" He asked.

Jenne tried to brush his concern aside. "Oh, it’s nothing really. I fell last night 3;" She stopped short, staring blindly at the water.

"Last night 3;?" Ed responded slowly, his thoughts searching the clouded memories of the previous evening. He smiled to himself, wondering if the vision of the girl in his window had been more than a vision. "Really?"

Jenne squirmed in embarrassment as she blushed a deep scarlet. She continued to stare straight ahead, her mind racing. "Oh, God 3; he knows!" She screamed silently.

Ed could see how uncomfortable she was and he realized that she had indeed been the face he had seen in his window. And somehow, the degree of embarrassment Jenne was exhibiting made the whole situation rather comical to him. He wasn’t embarrassed for some strange reason 3; after all, she seemed to be embarrassed enough for both of them. He smiled a sadistic grin.

"Out for a walk in the dark, eh?" He asked smiling at her.

Jenne tried to duck her chin, trying to avert his gaze. She could tell he wasn’t angry, but she just wanted to curl up and die of embarrassment right there on the spot. She grunted a positive response, wishing he would leave it alone, but aware that she probably deserved whatever he dished out.

"You really should be more careful at night. It can be dangerous." He continued to smile, peeking at her, trying to look her in the eye. Jenne looked away playfully, and he continued to tease her. "You know, I wish I had known you were here last night." He needled her. "I was rather bored. I would have enjoyed the company."

Jenne was smiling too now. "I don’t know. You didn’t seem to need help to me."

"OOOOOhhhhhhh, you WERE spying!!!" He wailed, his voice breaking into laughter. "I can’t believe it! I feel so ‘used’!" He laughed sarcastically.

Jenne joined his laughter, still embarrassed, but aware that it was OK. She looked up at him and reveled in the affection and admiration that his grin directed at her. It was the first time in "forever" that she could remember feeling this free. This handsome stranger had caught her doing something that many would condemn her for 3; and yet, he simply accepted it as something that had happened and he didn’t try to judge her. Jenne stared at him, thankful for this wonderful stranger 3; realizing that at least for that moment 3; he was exactly what she needed. Without warning, her emotions overcoming her, she leaned into him and kissed him quickly on the lips. Neither one said anything verbally, but there was volumes spoken.

They sat together and Jenne seemed to sink into his grin, her shoulder in close proximity to his body. And without touching, but close enough to feel the other breathe, they sat together neither speaking, neither wanting to break the silence, the moment perfect 3; both lost in their own thoughts.

"This is a magical place isn’t it?" Her words pensive.

"It is." Ed replied. He looked across at her and marveled at her true beauty. He opened his pad again and began to draw once more.

Jenne watched as the picture appeared before her eyes. She watched mesmerized by the hand that wielded the pencil so skillfully and precisely. He captured the mood so beautifully on the paper. As she watched the pencil move over the paper and studied the man creating it, she became lost in thought. Lustful and decadent thoughts began to invade her mind, and as quickly as she pushed them to one side, they would resurface. She shook herself back to reality as he spoke once more.

"So what brings you up here?" He asked.

"Ummm, I guess I needed some time to myself, to sort myself out." The words left her lips before she had chance to check them.

"Sounds ominous. Sorry I didn’t mean to intrude, I’ll leave if you would rather." His eyes betraying the fact that he would rather stay.

"No it’s OK, I was enjoying your company, to be honest." A huge grin broke across her face despite herself. She was enjoying his company, more than she cared to admit even to herself. He returned the grin, "I could ask you the same question?" she continued.

He moved closer to her once more and began to tell her about himself, his work and the problems that had made him retreat to this place. It was as though they had known each other for years, not just for the short while that they had. She gave away more than she should have, maybe it was that he seemed so open, maybe it was the setting or maybe she just needed someone to talk to after all 3;

"I have a proposition for you 3; since you’ve seen me in a ‘compromising’ position." He smiled hopefully.

Jenne blushed again, waiting for his question. "I want to paint you 3; tonight, in the moonlight. Will you? 3; I mean, would you pose for me?"

Jenne paused and was drawn in by his smile. She DID owe him one, and how hard could it be to hold still for a few hours?

"OK, I guess I owe you that. Sure." She smiled agreeably.

"Excellent!" Ed responded, his face beaming. "It gets dark out her around 7:30 and I can do some sketches, by 8:30 or so, the moon is almost full and I can start painting. I can already see how beautiful you’ll look, the moonlight on your skin, it’ll be incredible!"

Jenne smiled at Ed, his enthusiasm infectious again. She had never posed for a painting before and she had no idea what it all entailed, but, she was game for anything at this point.

"This will be great!" He continued. "I have a show coming and I need some nudes. I think I may take some pictures too as reference, moonlight shifts almost as quickly as sunshine. You don’t know what this means to me! But, I’m babbling now, so I’ll shut up about it for now 3; before you reconsider."

Jenne swallowed hard. Did he say "nudes"? Oh, Shit! Did he expect her to pose naked?! He was so excited, and with all he’d shared, and all he had been through, he was encouraged and ready to paint. She couldn’t crush that spirit now 3; could she? But, damn 3; posing nude? Not to mention the fact that Jenne was totally attracted to this man. And hadn’t she come here to get away from men?

"How do I get myself into these types of situations?" She wondered to herself.

She opened her mouth to tell him that she’d reconsidered, but the look of excitement and encouragement on Ed’s face stopped her. She swallowed again. Shit, 3;how embarrassing could it be? Besides, it’s not like there was anyone else around. And truth be told, the idea of undressing and letting this man paint her was rather titillating as well. She was just hoping that she could control her "urges." A subtle warmth began to grow between her legs, her body reacting to her thoughts.

"You hungry?" Ed asked.

"You know, I’m getting that way." Jenne glanced at the watch on his wrist and was surprised to see it was nearly 3 pm. The time had just flown past as they had sat and talked, and she realized that she was indeed hungry. "I didn’t realize it was that time already. My place or yours?" Her eyes met his as she spoke, suddenly realizing how stupid the last part of her last sentence had sounded, they both broke into fits of laughter.

They spent the rest of the afternoon together. First lunch, then a swim in the chilly water of the Lake. They spent time lounging lazily in the fading sun of the day. And yet, both of them could think of little else, but what lay ahead of them that night. They went their separate ways, agreeing to grab a snack before beginning the painting, deciding to meet at Ed’s at 7:30. Then, when they were finished with the painting for the evening, they could share a late dinner.

Ed smiled at the blonde beauty as she crossed the grass toward her cottage. He had not felt so inspired and excited in months. He had high hopes for his craft for the first time in a long time. Not to mention the fact that he would have this gorgeous blonde all to himself, naked, vulnerable. He admired the way her bottom shook in the tiny bikini and he sighed.

"I can’t wait until 7:30 3;" He grinned.

CHAPTER 9 – "Creativity 3;"

Jenne grabbed a quick shower. Time for a quick rehearsal, she giggled to herself as she stood in front of the mirror. She stood in different poses feeling pretty stupid as she did so. She tried her hair up and down, this way and that. She turned, pulling her stomach in, standing straight, trying to recall all the tips on confidence that she had read over the years. Eventually, she collapsed onto the bed in a fit of hysterics, if anyone had seen they would have thought she needed a straight jacket. Another thought rushed through her head as she lay there. What the hell should she wear?

She stood and fumbled through the tiny wardrobe. "Too formal," she thought as she discarded the little black dress. "Too casual," she smiled, tossing another skirt aside. "Ahhhh, that’s perfect, I think", perusing her choice. Unsure what Ed was expecting, Jenne suddenly felt out of her depth again. "Oh well, this will have to do." She thought as she began to button the front of the jade green dress that she had thrown over her shoulders. It hugged her figure "in the right places," she decided, as a wicked smile crossed her lips.

Jenne studied herself in the mirror again. She decided that her hair looked better "up" 3; it seemed to frame her face that way. She stripped a few short wisps out of the pony tail and teased them into place. She slipped on tiny white panties, letting them slide over her legs, then over her freshly washed skin 3; enjoying the erotic sensation. She checked her reflection once more before she slipped on a pair of strappy sandals, hoping that the extra height they gave her added to the image she was trying to portray.

Checking the time and realizing it was almost 7:30, she grabbed the remainder of the bottle of Chardonnay from the fridge and made her way as to Ed’s cottage. Her heart was pounding, half with excitement, half with apprehension as she knocked at the door, twisting her hair nervously as she waited.

Ed opened the door, and a large grin spread across his face. It was apparent that the time she had taken to dress hadn’t been wasted. They stood studying each other for a few seconds.

"I’m sorry. I forgot my manners, come on in." Ed held his hand out and Jenne instinctively took it. "You look 3; stunning."

She allowed him to lead her into the living room that she had seen so memorably, the night before. The settee aroused memories and desires in her as she looked first at it, then at him. A strange tingling sensation filled her body as the thoughts and images filled her head.

"I see you have good taste in wine," his voice breaking into her thoughts.

"Must be a good friend 3;" was that jealousy she had detected in his voice?

"He is, we have know each other for years, just friends though, he married my best friend 10 years ago." She informed him.

"Oh, sorry didn’t mean to pry, anyway fancy some of this wine?" He asked, popping the cork out.

Jenne nodded. "Dutch Courage" was the phrase that sprung to her mind. Although she felt comfortable with Ed, the thought of posing for him was unsettling her somewhat. He handed her the glass and raised his offering her a toast.

"To creativity!" The sound of the glasses clinking as they met.

Jenne raised her eyes and met his gaze, his eyes captivating her. She felt lost within his look as he stared into her gray-blue eyes. They were both searching for answers. Both of them feeling that they would find them contained in the other’s gaze.

Ed reached instinctively forward and gently touched her cheek, his fingers brushing against her skin. His touch was so soft and gentle, hardly tangible, but wonderfully intense. He broke the moment as he moved forward and picked up his pad once more.

"Hold it right there. Don’t move." He directed her.

Jenne felt stupid and self-conscious as he began to draw, but it gave her another chance to study him. She watched him as he passionately moved the pencil across the paper, his broad shoulders stretching the thin material of his shirt, the material rippling with every movement of his muscles. Ed was dressed rather casually, she thought as she studied him. He wore faded, worn blue jeans. They were comfortable looking, but seemed too long, the ends of the legs frayed and tattered as they partially covered his bare feet. Jenne’s eyes continued to flow over his body, as the pencil was flowing over the paper. He held his body tense as he worked, defining his torso and thighs, the light blue of his loose fitting polo shirt highlighting the sparkle of his eyes. Jenne had a strange feeling of "deja vu" as she continued to watch him. There was something familiar about the way he moved, yet she couldn’t put her finger on it.

Finally, he looked up from the paper as if to announce he had finished this drawing. She relaxed. For some strange reason, she had held herself tensely as he had drawn her, not wanting to mess things up for him 3; aware how important his work was to him after the afternoon he had spent telling her about it.

"I thought you were going to paint me in the moonlight 3;" she offered as she moved by his side peering at the drawing over his shoulder.

"Ohhh but I am." Something in his voice sending a shiver down her spine. "In fact, I think it’s time to do just that. As long as you’re still agreeable, that is." He hesitated, as he spoke not so confident now.

Jenne half wanted to say "no," but as she looked at him, she knew she couldn’t. Instead, she smiled and gathering her courage, she stood up.

"What are we waiting for?" she offered, pulling her shoulders back, desperately trying to look like a model, feeling self conscious once more.

Luckily, the wine was having an effect on her, slowly relaxing her and Ed picked up the bottle of Chardonnay, before leading her out onto the grass of the back garden. Jenne noted that his easel was set up and ready, the paintbrushes arranged just as they had been yesterday afternoon. The garden was beautiful in it’s simplicity. The path from the house was all inlaid stone, leading into a small clearing of grass, framed by large leafy trees and wildflowers. Just off to the side of the path, was a small, raised knoll of thick green grass. Ed had spread out a small dark colored towel, presumably for her to sit on. It was cooling off, but the temperature was still very comfortable, and a slight breeze blew, the aroma of the flowers filling the clearing. It was beautiful, secluded and the setting made her feel very romantic. She stood for a moment waiting for direction, finishing her glass of wine. She giggled as he immediately refilled it for her.

"Nervous?" Ed asked smiling comfortingly.

Jenne looked shyly down at the grass and nodded a bit, as he led her to the small knoll. She looked down at his bare feet as he walked with her, the tanned skin of his feet exotic in a strange way.

"Go ahead and kind of 3;get comfortable." He said, helping her to sit on the soft, dark green towel. "I’m going to do a bunch of quick sketches. Gesture drawings, really. It’s kind of like warming up for both of us. You just do whatever you want, and don’t worry about your clothes, or how you look."

Jenne nodded, and took another sip of her wine. The sky was rapidly getting darker and the moon began to shine brighter. She tucked her legs under her sitting up straight as Ed began to draw. She watched him draw rapidly, his pencil loose and uncontrolled. He quickly finished the drawing and he tore the page from the pad, laying it next to him as he looked up at her again. She took the cue and she moved, twisting her torso and changing positions. Quickly, another drawing was complete and tearing it from the page, Ed again looked to Jenne as she changed her pose. After a third sketch, Ed smiled and quickly stood up, approaching her with a smile.

"Very nice, you’re a natural!" He approved, as he squatted in front of her.

Again Jenne caught a glimpse of his bare feet and she grinned at the compliment. Without a word, Ed took her leg, gently caressing the silky smooth skin. He tenderly removed the sandal from her foot, squeezing her instep momentarily as he admired the painted toenails of her feet. Jenne sighed at the massaging touch and allowed him to remove her other sandal, anticipating the pleasure as he rubbed her other foot.

Her feet now bare, she again curled them under her, her eyes studying him as he purposefully worked. She held her breath, mesmerized, and she watched his fingers expertly go to the buttons in the front of the jade dress she wore. With a flick, he undid a button, then another, until he had opened all five buttons, his fingers brushing the pale, sensitive skin underneath. Her sleeveless dress was now completely open, from her neck to her navel and her heart raced as she realized that her breasts were partially exposed.

Ed retreated to the pad and Jenne sat straight, gasping to herself as her posture caused the dress to slip slightly off her shoulder, one breast falling erotically into view. She closed her eyes slightly, her face flushing red with embarrassment. She held the pose, her nipple tightening sweetly in the breeze and damp night air.

"You are beautiful, Jenne." He said earnestly, tearing another page from the pad. "Why don’t you stand up? When we start to paint, you’ll be reclining, so stretch now."

Jenne stood, resisting the urge to cover herself with her dress. One shoulder of her dress had dropped to the crook of her arm and her tits swung beautifully as she moved. She was getting extremely turned on and she wobbled a bit as she stood, the wine building her courage. Ed talked reassuringly, tearing another sketch away.

"Take off your dress." He said simply and warmly.

The words seemed surreal as she realized what she was about to do. Jenne complied immediately, slipping the other shoulder back and allowing the green fabric to fall to the ground before stepping out of it. She bent over to pick it up and froze as he whispered excitedly.

"Oh,that’s beautiful 3; stay like that 3; hold that pose."

Jenne held the pose, her breasts hanging delectable, one hand grasping the dress. Ed drew wildly, drinking in the beauty of this wonderful woman. "OK, that was wonderful. Ready to take off your panties yet?"

Jenne was not. But, she wasn’t sure if she ever would be. She leaned over and gulped down half the glass of wine. She heard Ed giggle slightly, not in a mean way. Almost as if to say 3;"I understand, and I respect your courage." She put down the glass and hooking her thumbs under the soft, white cotton waistband, she pushed them to her knees.

"Oh, Man 3; that’s so sexy. Stop right like that!" He cried quietly.

Jenne held the pose, her body bent in half, her breasts dangling, the curves of her hips and legs perfect and taut, one leg raised up on her toes. Her bottom was profiled sexily and the moon shone more boldly on the white, porcelain skin of her body as the loose strands of her hair fell seductively into her face. Jenne could feel her nipples puckering and her desire grew as the cool breeze brushed her now naked and moist pussy. She held her breath, not believing what she was doing.

Ed completed the sketch and tore it from the pad. Jenne stood up, the full beauty of her nakedness on display for the first time. Ed could only smile admiringly, the light glinting off the smoothness of her nude body compellingly. The moon was now high in the sky and the beams threw shadows across her bare skin and onto the grass below. Jenne reached onto her head and removed the clip, shaking her hair down, the rippled waves of blonde falling over her shoulders and across the smoothness of her chest, her tits bouncing slightly with the action. Ed’s eyes traveled over her body, his cock growing as he admired her curves, the trimmed curls of her pubic hair shining enticingly in the light, the inside of her thighs shiny with her seeping moisture.

Ed moved toward Jenne and she gasped as he took her hand to help her sit down. He lay her back, tipping her head back so that her hair cascaded back in a wild golden explosion. He leaned her onto one elbow, accidentally brushing her breast, her body wincing wickedly with the touch. Jenne closed her eyes again as he held her knee, straightening the leg closest to his easel. Then, he bent her other leg, gazing wondrously at the partially hidden pink folds of her pussy as he helped her turn her hips slightly toward the easel. He helped her adjust her free hand, moving it so that she was loosely cupping her breast and Jenne automatically brushed her thumb over her nipple, ensuring it was hard and pointed.

"Are you comfortable?" Ed asked concerned.

Jenne indicated that she was, and before leaving her, he planted a tender kiss on her forehead overwhelmed again with the splendor of this lady. Jenne beamed at the gesture and Ed looked intensely at her.

"You are without a doubt, the most beautiful vision, I have ever seen." He said seriously.

Jenne giggled at the compliment. "I bet you say that to all the naked women you see."

She glanced at him and something in his face caught her attention. "I’m serious." He said with a loving smile. "You’re 3; extraordinary!"

Jenne blushed, hoping the shadows would hide her embarrassment. Her eyes dropped to the grass as Ed moved back to his easel. He picked up a pencil and he began to sketch on the canvas before him. Jenne’s head lolled back and she closed her eyes, wallowing in his admiration and affection.

It had been a very long time since someone had looked at her that way. Jenne could feel the tension and guilt of the past start to melt away. When she thought of what she had done, thought about the events that had led her here, she still felt remorse. But, at the same time, something in the way that Ed looked at her seemed to dissolve the guilt and self-loathing. Jenne felt sexy, desirable 3; and increasingly horny. Perhaps that was what fate had had in store for her all along. Either way, she tried to suppress the desire building in between her legs, her skin tingling with the anticipation of Ed’s touch. As Ed picked up a brush and began to tap it to the canvas, Jenne slipped into a relaxed and vindicated doze.

CHAPTER 10 – "Dinner is Served 3;"

"Jenne?" Ed’s voice cooed. "Wake up, gorgeous. We’re done for tonight. I can finish it from here."

Jenne stretched, her arm slightly tingling from the weight of her body. She reclined sexily, aware that Ed was watching her, and enjoying the display she was gracing him with. Her breasts stood attentively, her nakedness brazen and beautiful Ed wanted to draw her again, fighting the urge to grab his pad once more. But he had another urge that was more urgent. His mind was racing, his body yearning to hold her 3; to enter her 3; to taste her. And next to the hunger for food, he planned to satiate that urge.

"I’ve got dinner all ready. It was warming on the stove waiting for us to finish." He grinned as he watched her move, not able to take his eyes away.

"Can I look?" She asked, motioning to the painting.

Ed smiled his consent and she stretched, her long naked limbs shining in the moonlight. She circled the easel and was amazed with the likeness that met her. It was Jenne on the canvas, but not the woman that had arrived her a few short days before. This woman was different. She was beautiful, confident, radiant 3; she was the woman that Jenne had used to be. A woman that Jenne wanted to be again.

Jenne smiled broadly and gazed at Ed as he sat admiring her. "This was how he sees me?" She wondered. Her stare turned to the large basket. Ed had prepared their food and she was delighted that they could eat right where they were

"More to drink?" Ed asked, pouring more wine for Jenne without waiting for an answer.

She sat down and sipped the wine now, resisting the urge to cover herself, as he began to take the food from the basket.

"I hope you like pasta." He stated, the words simple, his tone of voice comforting.

"My favorite, do you read minds as well as paint?" she giggled.

"Ummm, no, not that I know of but maybe I could take it up if this show doesn’t pay the way it should." He turned and looked at the drawings that laid on the floor and continued " But, with the inspiration you’ve given me, I doubt that will happen." A wicked grin crossing his face as his gaze returned to her naked form once more.

Jenne watched his eyes travel over her body. She no longer felt self-conscious. In fact, she knew the effect her nudity was having on Ed and it was oddly empowering. She ran her fingers through her blonde waves, pressing her breasts forward seductively. She wanted him 3; and she knew he wanted her. But as much as she wanted him, she was embracing the freedom from the guilt that his affection and admiration had afforded her. Rob had been correct. Everything she had needed to get her life back on track was here in this magical and surreal place.

Turning, Ed passed her the plate of pasta that he had just removed from the basket. Next came the fork and bread, before he settled down next to her. They sat and began to eat in silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts as they watched the moonlight’s reflection ripple over the water.

Ed was sat so close to her, Jenne could feel the heat from his body. She could hear his breath, the air so quiet. It had been a long time since she had felt this good about herself and she realized that the confidence and assurance was due to the man who now sat so closely to her. It was then, that he dropped his fork on the grass.

"Shit." he exclaimed. Jenne giggled as he tried to clean the grass from it.

"Here, let’s share mine." Her eyes sparkling as she offered him a mouthful of the delicious pasta.

Jenne watched as he began to eat the strands from the fork, his lips skillfully sucking the pasta past them. She reached for another forkful and repeated the actions, transfixed as she watched the next strand disappear. Suddenly, she wanted him to devour her, not the soft warm strands of food, the urge undeniable, her need insatiable. She grabbed at the tail end of the strand as it all but disappeared into his mouth, her lips brushing against his as she did so. She sucked it through her lips until they met his. She broke from him and offered him another strand, the cheese sauce on the strand splattering over his shirt from the urgency of their actions. She reached forward and tugged at his shirt as she giggled, feigning remorse.

" Oops, sorry." She said stoically.

He just grinned as she revealed the smooth skin of his chest, the small curly brown hairs brushing her fingertips as she pulled the shirt over his head. His grin was cheeky as his face was revealed once more. She pushed him back onto the grass and picked up the fork once again, placing a long string of pasta between her lips, leaning over him, her tits dangling above him as she offered it to him. He took it readily, sucking from her, sauce splattering over both their bodies, again and again. They continued like this until the sauce was speckled all over their torsos.

Jenne bent forward and began to lick the splatters from his chest, her tongue delicately brushing over his bare skin, tenderly removing the tasty morsels of sauce that remained. Ed reacted to each tender caress of her soft lips, his chest rising to meet each touch as she continued to clean him up. She followed a trail, reached his navel and began to swirl her tongue around the small button before coming up to meet his lips once more. Their tongues entwined their the passion rising.

Jenne broke from his soft kiss and placed herself between his legs, spreading his knees to make room, before returning the attention of her tongue to his navel. Ed watched her, unable to conceal his admiration for the soft, golden brown curls between her legs. Once again he caught a glimpse of her delicate pink flower as she opened and closed her legs to move. Her inner thighs shimmered in the moonlight, her pussy seeping her sex freely. Slowly, she unbuttoned his faded denims and slipped the zipper back, allowing her tongue to proceed downwards as she did so. Jenne followed the natural trail of soft downy hair, teasing it between her teeth, enjoying the sensations and moans that Ed emitted as she did so. Again she stopped and moved down his body, until she was sat at his feet. She picked his left foot up and placed his toe between her lips, sucking at it, her eyes never leaving Ed’s as she did so. She took each digit into her mouth and sucked, repeating the actions with his right one, massaging the toes with her mouth, loving the moans and the look of pleasure on his face.

It was at that point, she tugged at his jeans and as he raised his hips, they slipped from his legs. His cock was standing proud and tall as it was released from it’s prison. Sitting between his legs, naked in the moonlight, her tits hung down seductively as she took his most intimate possession between her lips. She swirled her tongue around it’s head, the taste of the pasta soon replaced by the delightful taste of his pre cum as she did so. Swallowing him now, sucking him in, just as she had the spaghetti moments before, gently corkscrewing her tongue as she swallowed the meal that he presented to her now, her eyes never left his.

His hands reached forward and held her head for a second, mesmerized by the proficiency that she displayed in pleasuring him. He twitched and moaned as she teased him, the feelings excruciating and incredible. Finally, he ran his fingers through the soft waves of blonde, before pulling her towards him. She looked up at him, his cock still between her lips and he thought he could discern a slight grin. She knew she was driving him wild and it was delighting her almost as much as it was him.

Ed smiled a knowing grin and he pulled her up, rolling her over as they playfully wrestled. Ed managed to straddle her hips, his cock brushing against the matted, moist curls between her legs. Jenne fought him, but was no match for his strength as he easily overpowered her, pinning her hands to her sides. He grinned at this blonde vixen, her tits bobbing up and down as she caught her breath. Ed shifted his hips lower, and Jenne held her breath, feeling his manhood against the swell of her pubic mound. Holding her arms down, he dipped his head, sucking one of her incredibly soft tits into his mouth. She arched her back to meet him, a charge of tingling pleasure coursing through her body.

Ed sucked and teased her breast, her soft cries of desire helping to drive him. He continued to hold her arms, although she now longer resisted his assault. His grip on her wrists loosened and her fingers unclenched as palm to palm, their hands joined, their fingers intertwined tightly. Ed looked up at her, her back still arched sweetly, her nipples hard and excited, her eyes closed, her face tipped toward the stars.

He let go of her hands and shifted his weight while simultaneously spreading her knees to expose her womanly treasure. His tongue opened the sopping folds of her pussy and she squealed with surprise at how wonderful this felt. He drove his tongue hungrily inside her, his actions more wild and animalistic than tender, the sweet, tangy taste of her juices overwhelming him. He sucked eagerly at her, her body coiling and shaking as her first clitoral orgasm came suddenly.

Jenne screamed with pleasure, her body rocking forward as she came. Ed continued to eat her, his appetite not even close to being satiated. Jenne had not even recovered from the intensity of her first orgasm when she felt the sensation building again between her legs.

"Ohhhhhhhhhh, Ohhhhhh 3;" She muttered, her fingers entwined in Ed’s curls as she tried to guide his knowing lips and mouth.

Again, all at once, almost without warning, Jenne’s pussy exploded with erotic sensation. Her second clitoral orgasm was almost as intense as the first and more than anything at this point, she wanted to feel Ed’s cock inside her. She clawed wildly at him, bucking her hips and pulling his face from between her legs. Her pussy lay yawning open as his mouth left the swollen pink-red opening. Ed came to her, his body draped over hers, his face and chin drenched with her slick, erotic juices. Jenne reached down and easily grasped his manhood, her only desire wanting to swallow this erect instrument inside her, to feel it fill her, the smooth ridges rubbing against her clit until it exploded inside her.

Ed paused momentarily, his mouth meeting hers, his tongue entering her again. She could taste her own juices and she opened her legs wider, silently yearning for him.

That moment seemed like an eternity. She waited, pushing her hips upward, urging him to take her 3; willing him, her need to feel him inside her body now so strong. Jenne looked into his eyes once more and as if some unspoken signal had been uttered, he thrust forward, plunging his manhood deep into her gaping pussy. She moaned as he drove into her, welcoming the intimate intrusion into her body. Feeling him fill her, Jenne shuddered with pleasure. Ed slowly retracted from her pussy, allowing her time to appreciate his full girth as she ran her fingers through his soft, curly locks. All her feelings of guilt were forgotten as she gave herself willingly to this stranger. He took her gently at first, allowing her to feel the hardness that invaded her intimate softness, allowing her to feel the tenderness of his caress as he reached forward and took her nipple into his mouth once more. The sensations driving her crazy, his actions became more urgent as he continued to suckle on the sweet mound of her breasts. She thrust forward 3; her hips meeting his, faster and harder the actions became 3; almost reaching fever pitch. Jenne felt her nerve endings tense once more before she relaxed, allowing the welcome sensations of her orgasm to wash over her as her muscles spasmed around the cock that rested inside her. She gripped it tightly, not wanting to let go of the feelings it was producing, but he thrust deeply inside her once more. She felt him twitch, his cock expanding inside her still more as he spilled his milk white seed into her body with an erotic groan. Still, Ed did not stop thrusting in and out of her, as he continued to fill her, his moan of pleasure and release wonderful and satisfying, his face grimacing with wicked pleasure. Jenne wanted every last drop that he had to offer her, reveling in the feelings, the spurt of his seed splashing inside her pussy, her body reveling and enjoying every lingering sensation.

He slumped forward onto her body, holding her tightly as he did so. She felt his weight, but more than that, she felt his admiration and affection. The admiration in his eyes and his actions seemed to renew and complete her somehow. She felt "whole" once more as they lay there under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of the water, and she knew that she would be alright 3; regardless of what happened with Mark. She felt alive again, the moment special and somehow magical.

Ed rolled from above her, and she instinctively and unquestioningly rolled over and into his waiting arms, her body now draped over his. His cock slipped from her dampened pussy, a tiny trail of his seed dripping from the slick swollen lips between her legs. Her head settled on his chest and his arms wrapped around her tightly. Whatever the outside world had in store for her right at this moment, she felt safe and secure.

Ed couldn’t comprehend the ways that this blonde wonder had affected him. First of all, he was temporarily exhausted, his desire to simply hold her until she would no longer allow it. She had not only aroused a physical passion inside him, she seemed to have re-stoked a creative thirst that he hadn’t felt in years. He held her, stroking her golden waves, gently kissing her forehead. The air was cool, but pleasant and they lay there together, falling asleep in each other’s arms, serenaded by the sounds of the water and crickets.

CHAPTER 11 – "Back to Reality 3;"

Jenne awoke to Ed’s caress the next morning, their bodies mingled together in the grass. They made love again, slowly, unhurriedly, with no words to complicate their feelings. They fell into a routine that lasted until the end of their time together. It consisted of a mixture of food, painting and passionate and fervent sex 3; the only desire of the two lovers to satisfy and honor the other. In the process, their emotions and passions only grew more and more deep and complex. Jenne went almost 24 hours at one stretch without dressing at all, her inhibitions and cautious planning all but forgotten in the gaze of this handsome stranger.

Finally, "reality" called Jenne home. Their "goodbye" was bittersweet 3; neither lover wanting the time to end, yet both knowing that it was inevitable. They exchanged numbers, e-mails, and promises to meet again as soon as their schedules would allow. The loss inside Ed was tremendous and he threw himself into the painting, his show closer than ever. Jenne’s return home was met with even more cruel surprises. Mark had not been completely honest with her and his plans and confessions shattered any hope for reconciliation at that point. But she could see that even Mark could tell she had changed for the better. Somehow, as much as it hurt 3; Jenne had gained something from the way that Ed had looked at her. Sporadic e-mails between the two lovers were exchanged. Ed was very busy with what could be the most important show of his career to date, and days turned into a week, a week into several, until Jenne wondered if they would see each other again.

Jenne sat at her desk, mindlessly sorting invoices when she heard the Postman drop her mail into the slot. She poured herself from her chair, crossing the room and waving at him as he headed to his next stop. Fishing the large stack of correspondence from the box it had fallen into, she tossed the stack onto her desk before settling back into her chair. She tucked her legs under her, absently separating the mail into three piles. One was for bills and invoices, another for junk and the last for personal or unknown correspondence.

"Damn, why don’t I ever get anything but junk and bills?" She said aloud, scoffing at the tiny third pile.

She paused as she reached the final piece of mail, her look quizzical as she turned over the 5"x7" plain envelope. Her curiosity baited, she slipped her nail under the flap and opened the envelope. She pulled out a 5"x7" postcard invitation and reading the text, she grinned to herself.

"BLONDE DESIRE 3; a study of the ‘Nude’ in Oils" , the card announced.

Jenne flipped the card over and holding a hand over her mouth, she giggled, stifling a laugh. Her image stared back at her as she recognized the painting from that magical evening. She turned it back over and was amazed to see that this was an invitation to Ed’s show.

She fished into the envelope and gasped, her eyes tearing up with her happiness. There was a plane ticket 3; one way 3; and a note.

Love, Ed"

Jenne grinned, folding the note and gazing at the plane ticket. "Problems and tribulations" indeed, she thought. It all seemed like so long ago. While she’d been in the thick of it all, it had felt like her life was never going to straighten out. She tucked the ticket and note back into the envelope. She WAS healed, she thought. She pondered this man that she was so eagerly looking forward to seeing. What was that saying? "Time heals all wounds," she thought and she giggled to herself.

" 3;I’ll take a "good man" over that any day!"