Bawdy Ballads

Dreams

I spent the day cleaning, dusting and washing floors before taking a break to make lunch. A simple sandwich later and I opted to head upstairs to where I assumed the bedrooms were. The first room I entered was a massive library. This room appeared to be the most used. There were books and papers strewn over a large mahogany desk. I looked the papers over as curiosity got the better of me.

There were maps of the woods and bordering towns with what appeared to be trade routes. The books covered subjects from finance to diplomacy to regional customs. "Who lives here?" I wondered aloud. I decided to leave this room as it was and moved to the next. I gasped at the sight of a marble tiled bathroom with an enormous soaking tub. "By the gods," I exhaled. My body ached to bathe in that beautiful tub. Tonight, I assured myself with a pleasurable smile.

I went to the last room upstairs and stood in awe of the large bedroom suite. Along the far back wall was a bank of windows that looked over the lake. In the middle was a king size oak bed that looked hand carved covered in deep green silk fabrics and a fur throw and to my right was a small stone fireplace with logs stacked beside it.

To my left was a large closet left open. I went to it turning on a light looking over the rows of elegant clothes, all men's attire. My lips tugged down. I was alone in a strange man's home. What if he found me sleeping in his home? Would he try and force me?

I shook the thoughts from my head. Everything I saw in this home marked a well-bred cultured man. He might be upset but that's all. I turned off the light going back to the window. I looked to the left and saw in the distance the small pond with Will on its shore. My lips tugged down sadly. "I wish you were here Will . . . then maybe I wouldn't feel so alone," I sighed as I put my hand to the glass. "I must be in a bad place if I'm craving the company of a tree."

I went to work cleaning the bedroom and bathroom before heading down to make dinner. I made pasta with tomato sauce and ate at the counter before cleaning up everything. My body felt exhausted so I gave in and went upstairs for a bath before bed. I found a drawer of cotton shirts and grabbed a white one to sleep in. I took it into the bathroom and started the water. A few adjustments later and warm water began to fill the tub.

I lifted a vile from the ledge sniffing it tentatively. It smelled like pine needles. I smirked before setting it down. I grabbed the soap and shampoo, putting them within reach before undressing. I put my clothes into a hamper to be cleaned and climbed in. I sighed in bliss as the hot water soothed the aches in my body. I dunked my head shutting my eyes trying to picture the man who lived here.

Caramel brown eyes filled my mind's eye, followed by tan skin, dark hair and a strong build. I could see him kneeling over the tub smirking as he looked over my naked body. I shivered at the thought.

I felt his touch along my skin featherlight like the branches of the willow teasing over my stomach and up along my breast. I sat up breathing out hard. A chill was in the room. I glanced back seeing the small round window was pushed open on a slant.

The wind was wailing outside fiercely blowing against the house. I finished getting cleaned up before stepping out toweling off. I wrapped the towel around my waist before going to the window to shut it. I stiffened at the sight of willow leaves along the edge. Odd. "I hope you're ok Will," I breathed as I pushed it shut and secured it.

Changing into the cotton t-shirt I made my way to the bedroom. After starting a fire to warm the space I went to the window. My eyes automatically went to the pond and Will. The branches were blowing wildly in the winds as he swayed with the storm. Stay resilient and flexible.

I climbed into bed moaning at the plush feel. Never in my life had I slept in a bed so luxurious. Exhaustion pulled me under and I was soon dreaming of the man with caramel eyes. His hands caressed along my legs going slowly up my legs making my gasp. His thumbs circled my inner thighs, urging them apart before sliding between them.

"What is your name?" His deep voice rumbled like thunder startling me.

"Brisa Hale," I answered nervously. My consciousness was insisting this felt much more than a dream.

"Brisa," he cooed as his hands moved higher beneath the cotton shirt molding along my hips, up my waist before cupping my breasts warmly.

The sensation was so startling my body jerked awake. I sat up breathing slowly. My eyes flicked around the empty room searching but I was most definitely alone. With a sigh I slid down drifting back to a dreamless sleep.