Congratulations !
You have been awarded points.
Thank you for !
- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Love stories / Romance
- Subject: Love / Romance / Dating
- Published: 01/08/2023
Blindsided
Born 1957, F, from Mesick Michigan, United StatesDampness fills the early morning hours making it difficult to leave the comfort of my toasty bed, but I have things I must accomplish today. Cool air kisses my skin as I hurry to take a hot shower. After dressing in my jeans and flannel shirt I finish my morning routine. Then, I make my way down the stairs and put on some water for a pot of coffee. While waiting for the coffee, I take a handful of logs and toss them in the old-fashion fireplace. The chilling air brings goosebumps to my flesh as I wait for the kindling to help ignite the logs.
Peeking out the kitchen window I notice that an inch or so of powdery snow had fallen during the night. The sun's reflection causes sparkles on the freshly fallen blanket of white fluff like the glistening of a diamond ring. It's a beautiful cool cloudless morning here in the Ozarks for late January. The face on the wall clock reads 6:10.
The scent of piping hot coffee fills the air. Inhaling softly the strong aroma, I pull up the old rocking chair, (which was given to me by my grandfather) and place it in front of the fireplace. Gathering my strong black coffee I sit down, gently rocking back and forth contemplating my plans for the day. The warmth from the fireplace quickly spreads throughout the cozy little cottage.
My grandfather left this cabin to me in his Will seven months ago. We haven't communicated in six years. Confusion embarks me as I wonder why he chose to leave his cabin to me and not his daughter or my brother. We are the only remaining living relatives.
It's a comfortable little cabin which sits just about in the middle of forty-two acres with dense forest, rolling hills and Miners Creek which meanders through the forest and alongside the cabin. There's a footbridge which crosses the river leading to the closest neighbors, the Greysons.
I remember playing here as a little girl. Romping through the forest and climbing the tree house that papa built for me when I was seven. Fishing in the brook catching trout was one of the things I loved to do with my grandpa. But I'm all grown up now. Twenty-six to be exact.
I really don't need this place. I'm too busy with my career as a fashion designer in New York. I don't have time for this. Tomorrow Zodiac (my dog) and I have to meet with the attorney Travis Hudson to write up the paperwork. Then hang out here till Tuesday for which time I'll meet with him again to sign all the paperwork and settle the Will. Then this cabin will legally be mine. At which time I'll put it up for sale.
With my coffee finished and my list made we prepared to go into town. "Come on boy, hop in let's go.” I motion to Zodiac. He jumps in the back with no hesitation. I crank up the radio and we make the long 20-mile drive into the little town called Shackleville. Pulling up in front of Eli's Hardware store eyeing around I notice not much has changed. The store's been here for many years. I remember the ride into town and going to Eli's with my grandfather when I was a little girl.
Stepping inside the store, a rush of recollections flow through my head as I retrieve memories buried deep in the back in my mind. Much of the store looks the same. It has that same 'old' look to it. Timeworn wooden floors that still creak when you walk across them, antique décor, rustic and dirty look but yet quite clean, gumball and candy machines strategically placed by the door to capture the attention of little kids. As they once did with me.
I'm brought back to the present as I sense someone looking at me. As I quickly gather a few things, I notice a handsome dark-haired guy fumbling through some cans of food on an old gray shelf. He glances over at me a couple of times. I catch a glimpse of a flirtatious smile. Turning away quickly I pay for my items and began walking to the door. He quickly steps in front of me, and I stop flat in my tracks, dropping my bag of groceries. He glares at me, shifting his eyes up and down my body.
Licking his lips slowly, he says "Hi". His voice is deep, strong and masculine.
I reply back with a whisper "Hi".
"What's your name?"
"Shiloh", I say.
"Where you from Shiloh? Haven't seen you 'round these parts.”
"New York City", I strain to answer.
He laughs, "City Girl".
Then, he turns and walks away.
Gathering my spilled groceries, I continue out the door. As I step off the sidewalk heading to my jeep, I spot him sitting in an old-beat up black Chevy truck. He chews on a piece of straw while watching me.
Tossing him a 'flip' of my long blonde hair along with a sarcastic look, I saunter to my jeep. Opening the back door, I place my bag on the seat. Zodiac jumps in. Once behind the wheel I start the engine and back out of the parking space. I place the gear shift in drive and begin to move forward but I'm stopped by his truck. He pulls sideways in front of me, blocking me from moving forward.
What the hell is up with this guy? I lay on the horn and throw my hands up in the air as if to say, "What the.........?
He gives me a sly smirk then spins away showering me with clouds of powdery snow and mud.
"Wow, this dude has a serious problem!"
Back at the cabin I put away my groceries, get Zodiac a bone and grab a beer. Sprawling out on the brown plush sofa, staring into the flames of the fire radiating from the fireplace, I begin thinking about the encounter with the handsome arrogant stranger.
“Alright Shiloh.” I say to myself. “You can't brood over that cocky creep.” I guzzle down my brew. Pull on my laced-up boots, throw on my jacket and announce to Zodiac, “Let's go boy. We're going for a walk.” Zodiac bounds to the door, tail wagging eagerly.
Stepping out of the mud room, Zodiac and I make our way to the back acres. After about twenty minutes into our walk, I stop frozen in my footsteps. A few yards in front of me stands the huge Oak tree with its outstretched arms encasing the well-built tree house. I can't believe it's still standing. Tears begin flowing as I run to the tree house. Climbing up the wooden ladder, I reach the floor of the double room playhouse grandfather made for me and my brother. My brother never had much interest in it, so basically it was all mine. Soon it became known as the 'Shiloh' house. And I was thrilled about that. Grandpa and I spent many hours in the 'Shiloh' house talking and having picnics.
All of a sudden, I hear movement to my left. Looking out an opening I see the 'creep' from the store riding his horse across the footbridge. What right does he have to come on my property. Zodiac whines. “Shhhh.” I whisper to him as I rub his ears.
Without warning stupidity or anger hits me. I find myself descending the ladder at lightning speed. He's going to get a piece of my mind. What right does he have to treat me like that? And he needs to get off my property (soon to be mine).
As my feet hit the ground a nippy breeze skims my cheek. The sun leaves an eye burning glare on the snow, but I instantly locate the path which runs alongside the river and the guilty hoof tracks of the horse. The sun has begun to melt the snow which fell overnight causing the path inlaid with leaves and pine needles to become slippery, muddy and treacherous. I slip a couple of times but regain my composure. Up ahead I see the sleek black horse with evil perched on its back. I begin running with Zodiac by my side. I lose it.
“You egotistical idiot! What is wrong with you?” I scream as I rush to him and pull his well-built body from his horse. Wrestling him to the ground. Slapping at his face, I yell. “Who the hell are you and what are you doing on my property?”
“Whoa, get off me you crazy bitch!” He screams as he flips me over on my back.
I continue to convey my peace even as he straddles my body pinning my hands to the ground.
“I deal with your kind in the city every day. I'm not going to deal with you here! Who do you think you are?”
“If you calm down, I will answer your questions.”
Against my better judgment I relax my body and my words. Not wanting to look at his face, I stare at the flowing river as he relinquishes his hold on me. We both sit in the snow.
“My name is Travis Hudson.”
I turn and stare at him shaking my head.
“The attorney Travis Hudson?
“Yes.”
No! You can't be. This can't be happening.” I stand up brushing the snow off me. “I want a different attorney!”
“You can't. Your grandfather has everything written up in his Will. I'm the attorney designated to perform the duties set forth in your grandfather's Will. You received the letter stating we are to go over paperwork tomorrow, make changes if need be and meet again on Tuesday to finalize, then the cabin and everything that goes with it will be yours to do with as you please.”
“I hate you!”
“I know you do. And I hate you.”
“Zodiac, come let's go boy.” I trudge toward the cabin without looking back. I hear the neigh of his horse as they trot off down the path toward the footbridge. “Don't go.” I softly murmur as I turn to look at the bridge in time to see him cross it. Tears slowly cascade down my cheeks. Why am I crying? Oh man, the emotions of a screwed-up city girl.
Back at the cabin I strip out of my wet clothes, grab a tall glass and a bottle of Merlot. My head is already spinning as I drag myself up the stairs anticipating a nice soak in a hot bubbly bath with scents of Lavender. After an hour, more hot water and three quarters of a bottle of wine gone I'm as wrinkled as a prune.
Once finished with my bath I nuke a bag of popcorn, feed Zodiac and grab another bottle of Merlot from my stash. With my bowl of popcorn and wine I cozy up with a warm blanket and click on the T.V.
“Goodnight John-Boy. Goodnight Mary Ellen.” I hear as I drift off into slumber land.
His caress is gentle, warm and welcoming. Sliding his experienced hands slowly up and down my legs finding my most intimate areas. Brushing his lips along my neck I turn to receive his kisses. His moans and labored breathing are intoxicating. Slowly he descends his warm lips on my breasts. I feel his weight upon my chest. Eagerly I arch my body to meet his invitation. Leaning down he places his lips on mine pushing them open with his tongue proceeding with a sexually induced deep kiss. He moans.
My moans and squirms arouse me, and I'm jolted awake. I'm drenched in a hot sweat. For a split second his deep brown eyes burn into my soul and a cocky smile is plastered on his face. Then he slowly disappears into a faded shadow and is gone.
“What the hell?” I question out loud. "Wow, that was so surreal. Why am I dreaming of him. It's got to be the booze. Can't be anything else.” Two-thirty-eight in the morning. Ya right. Not for this girl. I pour myself another drink. Guzzle it down and go to bed.
Morning comes too soon. As I knew it would. I put on some much-needed coffee and take a much-needed shower. With a coffee induced coma and a fresh look on the day Zodiac and I head to Travis Hudson's office.
In the car I begin talking to Zodiac. “I really don't want to face that creep today. Wish I never met him, and grandpa never willed the house to me. I hate Travis. He's arrogant, mean, disrespectful, conceited, handsome, cute, sexy, hot. Oh Zodiac, what am I going to do?” Zodiac whines and licks my face.
“Wait here boy. I shouldn't be long.” He obeys my command and jumps in the back of the jeep and lays down. Walking past the sign which reads Shackleville Attorney at Law Travis Hudson I shake my head in disbelief.
“Great, he's the only attorney in town anyway!” I announce a little too loudly because a couple walking by stare at me. Stepping up to the door I hesitate until an older gentleman walks out and holds the door open for me.
“Morning mam.”
Mam? What the.... Whatever. “Good morning.”
As I walk through the door a middle-aged woman speaks, “Ms. Campbell? Shiloh Campbell?”
“Yes.” I reply as I sashay up to the desk. Appearing calm on the outside but with a raging war going on inside.
“Mr. Hudson is ready for you.”
Without warning his office door opens. The image stepping through the threshold was not what I expected. I find myself eyeing him up and down. He cleans up nicely. Stunningly outfitted in a deep maroon business suit he waves me in.
“Dory, if I need anything I'll let you know.”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Hudson.”
“Please sit-down Ms. Campbell.”
We sit at the end of a beautiful cherry wood table directly across from each other. My eyes melting into his.
As he intently pushes the folder containing the paperwork toward me his hand brushes mine sending shivers throughout my body. “This shouldn't take long. The paperwork is drawn up. We need to make sure there are no changes and that everything is correct. If everything looks good, I will have my secretary type it up and it will be ready for you on Tuesday.”
“Brr ring, Brr ring”, his phone rings. A look of discuss emerges on his face as he answers the phone.
“Yes Doris?”
“OK, put me through.”
“I have to take this call Ms. Campbell. Would you please wait in the reception room?”
I nod and walk out the door.
The receptionist smiles and motions me over to her desk.
“He likes you.”
“What? Who?”
“Mr. Hudson. I've been in this business forty-two years and I know the look, body language and tone of voice. Believe me when I say he has it for you.”
“But I.....”
“He can be stubborn and hot headed. A snob, you might say. But deep down he's a good person, He comes across as a hard ass but he's a softy once you get to know him. Life hasn't been kind to him. Never knew his mom. She died in childbirth. Stepmother is no good and his dad, well I guess you could say is a loser. He's had to fend for himself his whole life. So, feeling like he has to be a tough guy or Mr. Macho, he comes across way too strong. I know that's no excuse. But Honey, just give him a chance. I believe you're a good fit for him.”
“I, umm....”
“Ms. Campbell would you come back in my office please?”
Like a wet puppy dog, I slowly make my way back to him, this time finding it very difficult to make eye contact.
Doris, please hold all my calls and take no walk-ins till I finish my meeting with Ms. Campbell.”
“Yes Sir Mr. Hudson. I will hold everything.” She says with a sly tone in her voice. She winks at me as he quietly closes the door.
Unaware of his next move I stand motionless. He grabs my wrists and pins me to the wall. Shit, deja vu. Only this time I'm vertical.
“Ms. Campbell, I find you very irresistible and challenging. I like you. I like you a lot. I may even love you. I find your vitality and spunk a plus. You're sexy and desirable.”
“I.....”
“Yes, Ms. Campbell?” With our hands still entangled he gently guides me towards the table. Kicking a couple of chairs out of his way as he lifts me up onto the table.
“Mr. Hudson? What are you doing? Please let me down.”
“You don't want down any more than I want you down. Isn't that right Ms. Campbell?”
I don't respond. I can't. I want him.
“You want me, don't you?”
He earnestly ascends his studly body on mine.
His masculinity and sexuality are overpowering. I endure his warm hands reaching under my skirt gently caressing my thighs and buttocks. And teasing the most unforbidden area. Kisses swarm my body like a dozen honeybees searching for sweet nectar. His warm breath on my skin and the scent of his maleness is invigorating. I can't take it any longer. My senses give in to his bidding. We're engaged in the most exhilarating foreplay I've ever experienced in my life. We must stop before we get to the point of no return.
“Travis.” I breathe incoherently. “Travis.”
He ignores me.
I shove him off me and roll off the table. He shakes his head.
“What are you doing Shiloh? I thought you were enjoying our rendezvous together.”
“Oh, you have no idea how much I was enjoying it.”
“Ya, I do.” he chuckles.
“Seriously Travis, we can't do this here. This isn't the right time or the right place.”
“I know. You're right. Let's pull ourselves together.”
“What about my grandfather's Will and the other paperwork we need to go over?
“We can do it Tuesday?”
“Sure, why not.”
We hastily regain our composure, fix our clothes and hair (to my surprise he doesn't carry a comb). His wavy hair looks a little disheveled. I giggle, thinking how he is going to explain that. Taking deep breaths, we succeed in calming our breathing and relaxing our bodies before he opens the door.
“Doris, set up an appointment for next Tuesday for Ms. Campbell.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hudson. I'll see you then.”
“Goodbye for now Ms. Campbell.”
I wink at Doris she smiles.
.png)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
COMMENTS (2)