The buzzing alarm clock announces the beginning of a new day. Emma rolls out of her old brass rail bed. It is so high off the floor that her feet land with a thump as she slides off the firm mattress. Like a child from Clement C. Moore's A Visit From St. Nicholas, she had fallen asleep last night "while visions of sugarplums danced in her head."

Her recent purchase of a cd has taken her to many places, from the commonplace old western movie to the more exotic African tribal ceremony to the most surreal realms of animals and aliens. Each sexual encounter she has experienced is also measurable in degrees from the ordinary to the inconceivable. Slight bondage, passionate lovemaking and lesbian exploration keep within the boundaries of "normal," or at the very least, "normal fantasies." But a hyena clitoris, sucking octopus arms, and alien double penis? Where did those come from?

As Emma rationalizes, "It doesn't matter!" It felt so good and she doesn't regret a second of it. However, she was near the point of no return, desiring the control that shiny little disc had over her. Perhaps a safety net was built in and stopped her just in time? Whatever, the cd is now in the bag and on its way to a new owner.

Earl has been working in the same building as Emma for about nine months. Their paths cross every now and then in the course of a workweek, but it is lunch on Thursdays that Emma shares a full hour of uninterrupted time with him.

Emma dines at the same restaurants every day: Monday at Primanti Brothers, Tuesday at Pho 75, Wednesday at Pierre's Cafe, Thursday at Silvio's and Friday at Weinberg's Deli. Earl lunches at Silvio's everyday.

When they have noticed each other every Thursday at Silvio's, they decided to share the hour and have become good company for one another. The exchange refreshes Emma; it stimulates Earl.

Earl is a country boy from West Virginia. To anyone who stereotypes, he is the "typical hillbilly." He speaks with a twang and laughs with a little hiccup. He seems a little hyper because his head slightly "bobs" like he is keeping rhythm to music. He is easily amused so he overreacts to the simplest things, which makes his head "bob" even more.

Earl is a system administrator also. Therefore, again, to any narrow minded unfortunate, he is a "typical computer nerd." He displays a very quiet and introverted personality and interacts socially only when necessary. He prefers his solitude and his computers. And last, but not least, Earl's manner of dress is very unwavering and predictable. He wears either plaid shirts or one-color pullovers with one-size-too-big pants that pucker around the waist under his belt.

However, to Emma he is sheer delight. She philosophizes, "Everyone has something to teach you. Open your mind and learn." First, she is attracted to him intellectually. It is evident that Earl has a broad knowledge of many subjects, a vocabulary to match, and an interest to discover anew. Emma also finds him cute physically. Oh, he is handsome enough to anyone's eyes with his dark unruly hair, his light blue eyes and his bashful smile that melts any lucky beholder. He is tall, lean and not overly muscular, certainly not the gym worshipper. But Emma finds Earl cute in the way he walks, the way he gestures, and the way he excites in conversation. Earl has taken a liking to Emma also and they both look forward to Thursdays at Silvio's.

Today is Tuesday, and instead of Pho 75, Emma opts for Silvio's. A look of surprise forms on Earl's face when he sees Emma enter the restaurant. With a modest smile, he greets her with, "Today is not Thursday, but please join me."

Emma scoots in the booth beside him and pulls a little bag from her purse. She explains that she has a cd to give him and that she would like for him to listen to it. She has learned that Earl has a diverse interest in music and an expansive collection of cds. He also has a numerous collection of mp3s that he has downloaded from the Internet, so she has concluded that he is the best candidate to receive this shiny little disc.

Earl says, "Sure, who is it?"

Emma responds, "I don't know."

Earl asks, "Well, what kind of music is it?"

Emma smiles and answers, "I don't know."

Earl hiccups a laugh and teasingly asks, "Did you listen to it?"

Emma, flooded with images of her fantastic trips, giggles and says, "Yes." Then she quickly adds, "Earl, no more questions, just listen to it and tell me what you think."

Her vagueness piques his curiosity. With bobbing head he agrees, takes the bag, and opens it. Emma quickly closes her hand over his and requests, "Please, don't look at it until you are ready to listen to it. Just leave it in the bag until then, ok?"

Earl, wondering about Emma's cryptic behavior, nods with consent, cuts his calzone in half and shares lunch with her.

The afternoon passes uneventfully. Earl's thoughts wander to the conversation about the cd, but his curiosity doesn't get the better of him and the cd remains hidden in the little bag. Emma's thoughts waver back and forth from a slight guilt of "Should I have warned him about the possibilities?" to a naughty innocence of "Well, his world will rock now!"

Earl doesn't drive straight home. It is Tuesday and Tuesdays are reserved for groceries. He exits the small market with two bags, stops to gas up, and then proceeds home. At a stoplight he sees the little bag containing the cd. He remembers Emma's ambiguous behavior, so he decides to take a look. Just as his hand reaches in the bag, the car behind him honks the horn. The light has turned green. Earl sets the little bag back onto the seat, gives a little wave into the rearview mirror, and heads for home.

The groceries are hastily put away for Earl's curiosity is roused. What has Emma given him? Earl pulls the cd from the bag and sees symbols and shapes and colors, but no writing. He opens the jewel case to check the label. He understands partly why Emma was so elusive. The frosted silver colored disc is plain, not a single word. But the colors! Every imaginable color identical to the custom color chart on his computer surrounds Earl and shuts down all perception.

Every thought uploads from his mind and floats away. His distant surroundings minimize to nothing. He stares submissively at a blank screen, suspended in time, growing physically numb and mentally empty. The jewel case and cd slip from his hands and crash to the floor.

The clatter reboots Earl to reality. He bends to retrieve the cd and when his thumb falls directly over a fingerprint on the case, Earl is ejected into a purple mystique and lands on the stoop of some unknown residence.

Meanwhile, Emma has put a few Anchor Steams in a cooler of ice and loaded the cd player with an hour of listening pleasure. Stripped down to her birthday suit, Emma heads to the deck for an evening of relaxation and a soak in the hot tub. The doorbell rings.

Emma pulls on a short cover dating to the 60s and scurries to the front door. Tying the top ribbon, she peeks through the peephole and sees Earl.

She opens the door and questionably asks, "Earl?"

Earl, more surprised, questions, "Emma?" He feels a desire to stay. His eyes instantly survey her barely covered body and pause at the lavender satin gracefully flowing over the tips of her breasts. There is just a hint of pertness causing Earl to inhale a quick little breath of pleasure.

He calmly brings his eyes to hers again and waits to be invited inside. He politely says, "I hope I am not interrupting anything. To be honest, I don't know why I am here." He glances at Emma's near naked body again. She is alerted to a warm feeling that his attention has generated in her.

Emma steps back and offers, "No, you aren't interrupting. I was just about to relax on the deck with some beer and music." And with a playful sound to her voice, she adds, "And I still am, so would you like to join me?"

Earl's normal bashfulness has vanished. Emma's natural command of the impromptu visit puts him at ease. The question of whether he should graciously bow out now and leave never enters his mind. Emma's influence captures Earl and he obediently awaits her direction.

Emma closes the door and proceeds to the deck. Earl follows her wiggling ass through the living room and into the kitchen. When she stoops to pick up the cooler, Earl bends sideways trying to get a better glimpse. With a bobbing smirk, he confirms that she is not wearing panties.

It is dusk and unseasonably cool tonight. Earl sits in a chair near the hot tub. Emma offers him a beer and cracks one open herself. She loves the first sip and always makes it a long one, more like a guzzle. Earl delights in watching her lips pucker and form over the ridge of the bottle. Her mouth sucks and her throat pulsates as she swallows the little gulps. His eyes continue downward to the silhouette of her breasts and puckered nipples. Emma sees his ogle and comments, "Why Earl, I do believe you're enjoying this."

Enjoyment is an understatement. Her every word, her every movement captivate Earl. He feels compelled to stare and soak in her radiant beauty.

She unties her satin cover and allows it to slink slowly to her ankles. His heart palpitates with the full view of her beautiful nakedness. Emma stands there for a long time as a rapt Earl stares wantonly. He enters a trancelike state and surrenders himself to her as she approaches him.

She takes his loose hands and pulls him into a standing position. Her fingertips, her touch, send a charge of familiarity that travels through Earl's hands, up his arms, and settles in a shiver raising the hairs on the back of his neck. She unbuttons his plaid shirt and as she unbuckles his belt, Emma explains that she would like his company in the soothing water, but he must be naked.

He comfortably consents to the arrangement. Tonight around Emma, Earl has relinquished all shyness, all timidity. Unflinchingly, without even a blush, he undresses while she lights a few candles. It has grown dark. The flickering flames cast shadowy images. The rising full moon and twinkling stars break the deep purple-black sky. Classical selections of Beethoven, Bach and Chopin play softly in the background. All create an ambience of romance and fascination.

When Emma turns around, she finds Earl already stripped and in the hot tub. She climbs in and settles opposite him. Then she straightforwardly asks, "Have you ever been with an older woman?"

Earl straightens a bit, bobs a bit, and matter-of-factly quips, "My sister." He pauses just long enough for Emma to respond with a quick jerk of her head; then he quickly chuckles and winks. An embarrassed smile begins to appear on Emma's face and then just as quickly, Earl adds, "Of course, that was after I was with the sheep."

Emma, with flashes of her recent animal episodes, quickly returns, "Well, I can top that!"

They both let out a sincere laugh, hiccups included, and Emma is amused with Earl's clever way of stating that he knows about the office gossip behind his back.

Earl knows Emma is older than him; he guesses it to be more than several years. This has never been an issue at work or at lunch. They are two people that get along well, share the same interests, and never lack for conversation. And now, in this very intimate situation, Earl finds their relationship elevated to a new level. He is enthralled with her charm and beauty and unable to resist her lure.

The warm water relieves the chilly night air and forces them to stay immersed to their shoulders. The contrast in temperature causes steam to rise from the surface. The misty fog veils their bodies and enhances the evening mystique.

Emma pulls herself out of the water to reach into the cooler. The rush of cold air sends a shiver throughout Emma and immediately causes the brown rings of her breasts to purse and pucker. The strong tightening projects each nipple outward and Earl just knows they are searching for him.

When she reaches over the hot tub, her breasts crush into the side. Earl dreamily imagines her sugartits pushing into his face, smashing harder and smothering him until her nipples disappear. Grasping two beers in her hand, she turns to offer him one and exposes her breasts once more before they disappear into the swirling water.

Earl tries to hide his arousal but Emma is very aware and wickedly teases, "Earl, are you really that big or is the water playing tricks on me?" A surge of heat flows through Earl's body and concentrates to his hard throb, causing it to grow larger under watchful eyes. Emma delights in the stir she has created and playfully climbs his legs with her feet. She grabs him with her wiggly toes to tantalize a little more.

Earl takes a big chug and tries to make small talk, "Have you ever been married?"

Emma jokingly answers, "Just briefly last night, but that is another story." Then she remembers, "By the way, have you listened to that cd yet?"

Puzzled by her marriage remark, Earl suddenly flashes to his living room and the cd. He faintly recalls holding the disc and noticing that it was plain and shiny. The next thing he recalls is ringing Emma's doorbell. So, he simply says, "No, I have only looked at it."

Emma, utterly amazed with the powers of that shiny little disc, nods at Earl and thanks her lucky stars that she has chosen him to be the recipient of such a gift. It becomes clear to Emma why Earl seems to be more relaxed than usual; why he is less timid and more bold. But what becomes clearer to Emma is how that shiny little disc had controlled her.

Emma looks at Earl and sees herself in all the submissive situations she has experienced. She remembers willingly relinquishing control to each "master." She remembers the desire each one ignited in her. She remembers the compulsion to continue into the unknown, to proceed, at all cost.

Emma looks at Earl and remembers all the dominant situations she has experienced. She remembers the arousing control and the thrilling command she held over each "subject." She remembers the gratification granted through such power.

Emma looks at Earl and realizes that the shiny little disc has brought him to her tonight. She is the master and he is the subject.

She cracks open her beer and again gulps a long first sip. Earl watches her mouth and throat repeat their little dance and drifts off into a fantasy of his sensitive tip being sucked while Emma swallows his foamy liquid.

Emma catches Earl's gaping gaze. She gets a kick out of his enthrallment and decides to spice things up a little. With her back to the side of the tub, she maneuvers so that one of the jets of water lines up with her ass. The force spreads her cheeks and slides down her crack. She rides the stream up and down and settles on the indentation it makes on her tight little hole.

She invites Earl to try it and ensures that he will enjoy it. He will do anything that Emma asks at this point and he finds the jet to be quite stimulating. He hiccups a little laughter as he explores the sensation momentarily.

Emma straddles with little gyrations and up and down pumps. Earl watches her grow excited. He listens to her throaty comments about how she can catch the propulsion of water just right. She explains how the hard stream forces her lips apart and runs up to her clit. Earl's rod rises in response. A rapturous look forms on Emma's face. She moves back and forth so that the rushing water beats her clit off and on. She pants out that she is close and, "The vibrations on my clit drive me wild!" He grabs and wraps his hand around his thick girth. She exhales a long "Ooooh," and encourages him to stroke because it turns her on to watch a man do himself. But she commands him not to cum and adds, "I want to finish you." A little clear fluid escapes his tip, but luckily the water obscures the evidence.

Emma's bouncing body exposes her from the waist up. She leans toward Earl. He is right; her dripping sugartits are searching for him. He lunges at them and urgently licks both sweet hard nubs before he buries his face into her wet cleavage.

Emma wails, "Oh, here it is, yes, this is it...yes...yes...I'm cumming!"

Her clit swells and hardens with each pulsating contact. The direct stimulation centralizes her orgasm to an external sensation. The little spasms continue and travel outward as she opens her eyes and sees Earl squinting. He too orgasms, but without ejaculation. He obediently ceases stroking with the first few contractions felt in the base of his penis and squeezes his pelvic floor muscle to prevent the thick white cream from shooting out.

Emma remarks, "You're grinning like a Cheshire cat." And Earl is. He's thinking, "It works. It really works. Those ancient Taoists were right."

Since a soak really shouldn't be longer than a half hour, Emma suggests that they take a break from the hot tub. The frigid air causes shivers and goose bumps and Emma begins to jump up and down to summon warmth and shake off the excess water. Earl follows suit and they crazily cavort and romp like a couple of caged monkeys. They giggle and carry on until they are out of breath. Emma pants, "You grab the cooler and I will blow out the candles."

Earl watches Emma lean into each candle and purse her lips with each gentle blow. Mesmerized by her stunning beauty and sumptuous sensuality, he follows her into the warm apartment with a hard pole chasing at her heels like a dog sniffing a fresh trail.

He sets the cooler down and wraps a red and black checkered afghan around a shuddering Emma. He rubs her shoulders gently as they gaze into each other's eyes for a long, long moment. Emma feels an arousal that she has never before experienced. Her pulse increases as Earl bends and pecks her cheek with a soft, loving kiss. Emma feels that arousal deepen. He kisses her still lips with the same soft peck. Outwardly, Emma's lips remain unresponsive to the next soft peck, but inwardly Emma is swimming in a sensation that grows increasingly stronger.

Earl plants a final, longer, sensuous kiss on Emma's awakened lips. It is soft and tender and reaches both of them on an emotional level. When their lips slowly part to a light brush, Emma dizzily asks, "What are you doing to me?"

The words tingle on his lips and brand a lasting impression of this exalted moment. They remain silent, his arms around her, and stare lovingly into each other's eyes.

After a long lingering moment Earl breaks the silence. He places his hands on his hips and spreads his legs a little. With a John Wayne voice, and a little twang, he seriously says, "Well, little lady, I think it is time I took my sharpshooter here and take you on a trip down the old jism trail."

Emma bursts out laughing, grabs his sharpshooter, and leads him into the bedroom. They fall onto the bed with enough force that it rolls a foot across the wooden floor only to be stopped by the braided throw rug.

Earl begins his soft kisses again. They are so electrifying with his tender sucks and gentle nibbles. Emma soaks in the pleasure and allows him to guide and lead. Sometimes he becomes more ardent and passionate, but he is mostly soft and loving. When he parts her lips with his tongue, she accepts his introduction and opens to invite him in. Their tongues playfully greet each other and explore with the same tenderness that their lips are enjoying.

When Earl's mouth travels to her cheek, to her chin, and then to her neck with passionate pecks, Emma dreamily relaxes and breathes out, "What are you doing to me? I am on fire...where did you learn to kiss like this?"

Earl's words come between kisses and the quick response is, "From...(kiss)...my...(kiss again, and then deep in her ear)...cousin."

Emma can only grin with appreciation for his humor given at such an intense moment, because with the word "cousin" Earl simultaneously wedges Emma's legs apart with his knee as he rams his pistol into her holster.

Emma adds her own sultry humor with, "Oooh, happiness is a warm gun, yes it is."

The music cd has come to an end some time ago, but neither notice nor care. The silence is only broken with delicate, graceful, and elegant purrs induced by a royal lovemaking in which Emma and Earl equally partake.

Emma awakens before dawn to the touch of Earl's fingers tracing her face. She smiles endearingly, thinks about last night, and realizes that for the first time she is in love.

Earl hears her thoughts and sweetly kisses her. Then he comments, "You know, you aren't really eccentric, I prefer eclectic."

Emma, puzzled as to where that off the wall comment came from, adds her own unrelated note. With an impish tone, she asks, "Earl, don't listen to that cd I gave you without me, ok?