A Bedtime Story by L.C. Moon Page B

in the eye, wonder and gratitude in hers.
    He nodded then gently commanded, “Let’s eat.”
    Supper went relatively smoothly, discussing books, authors, but
     especially movies. It turned out they both shared a passion for film, though their
     tastes varied considerably. She bowed in awe at Peter Jackson’s masterpiece, The
     Lord of the Rings and rambled endlessly on the many levels Harry
     Potter could be understood and appreciated. He preferred Korean action
     thrillers and Scorsese films. However, they both agreed, smiling at each other as if
     on a first date, The Shawshank Redemption was possibly the best standalone
     movie ever made.
    After they both finished eating, he cleared their plates, refusing
     her offer to help, and casually asked, “I’m staying in tonight. Would you like to
     watch a movie with me? I’ll even let you choose which one…” he added cajolingly.
    She hadn’t realized he’d gone out the previous nights. She was
     caught off guard, unsure how to respond. Was it a genuine questionor a subtle command? She didn’t want to find out, didn’t want to break the
     mood. A part of her enjoyed his company, she had been spending her time mostly by
     herself. She realized she craved the human interaction, even if it was with a
     monster. But was he? She wasn’t so sure anymore. What kind of monster could
     appreciate Hesse, see the beauty in Shawshank , and admit his favorite novel
     to be The Little Prince , by Saint-Exupery? Partly in fear of his reaction to
     rejection, partly out of the troubling desire to spend more time with him, intrigued
     by this unusual brand of monster, she accepted his offer.
    He pointed to the couch as he told her to sit and handed her the
     remote after selecting the movie menu. As she scanned the menu, she began to feel
     chilly, cursing once again the cute but sleeveless top she had opted for. He noticed
     her rubbing her arms and offered her a throw.
    “No, I’m okay, thank you,” she automatically answered.
    “Don’t lie to me, Laura, even out of politeness.” His eyes narrowed
     with the slightest hint of threat.
    Her body immediately tensed. “Yes please, a blanket would be great.
     Thank you.”
    He nodded, satisfied, and left to fetch it for her. She wasn’t sure
     what movie to choose. He did say she could pick whatever movie she liked, but she
     wanted to choose one they could both enjoy. Her eyes fell on The Usual
     Suspects . She had heard many good reviews about the film but never
     considered it as gangster flicks were not her thing. She asked him if he’d already
     seen it; he hadn’t.
    “Do you want to watch it? Apparently it’s really good.”
    “Your choice.” He offered her an engaging smile as he handed her
     the blanket and even a pillow, taking the seat next to her on the couch. The movie
     started. They had never been so close physically for such a long period. She cuddled
     up on the couch, trying to maintain some space between their bodies. She leaned her
     head on the pillow she had placed on the arm of the couch facing away from him,
     pulling the cover up to her chin. He sat with his legs spread apart, his arms
     wrapping the back of the couch, his kneebrushing her feet. She could
     feel his warmth and was troubled by it, getting distracted from an otherwise
     captivating movie.
    Halfway through the movie, his cellphone rang. He picked it off the
     table and read the caller ID, then resting his hand gently on her leg over the
     cover, he excused himself. “I have to take this.” He walked out of the room to take
     the call.
    She could still feel his touch where his hand had been. She felt
     her stomach knot, remembering her dream, Yes, Master … Moisture pooled between
     her legs. She squeezed them tight, mortified, and thankful for the cover.
    He returned, a pleasant smile on his face, a disappointed look in
     his eyes. “I’m sorry, Laura, I have to get going.”
    “Oh…” She had paused the movie for him and was