Written In Stone

course, it was always nice to be inside a warm, willing woman, and it slaked the needs of his body, but it never pulled at his heart, or his soul. This was new, exciting, and daunting. Gavin felt confused about a woman for the first time.
    Kneeling beside her bed, he touched the back of Angela's hand with his finger. Her skin was so soft. As he caressed her cheek and her silky hair, she stirred. He touched her forehead, whispering, "Dream." As she settled back into sleep, Gavin watched her for another moment, debating if he should do it. He knew he shouldn't, but he simply had to know, so he leaned over and ever so lightly pressed his lips to hers. He jerked back as if struck by lightning, his eyes wide. The jolt nearly knocked him off balance, and his fangs slid down again.
    What was that? She hadn't even been participating, and the kiss nearly landed him on his backside in the middle of the floor. Was it just him or would she have the same experience if she were awake? Gavin knew he would have to find out. He would have to kiss her. The only problem was that he would also have to get her in the proper place, the proper mood.
    An idea struck him; perhaps they could meet at another ball. He would just have his mother throw a grand party at the estate and make sure Mrs. Elliott and her companion appeared on the guest list. He would deliver the invitation himself, just to make sure she accepted. Satisfied that he was on the right track now, he couldn't resist touching her silky hair one more time; then left the room as if he'd never been there.
    ~ * ~
    "Angie, wake up!" Mrs. Waterston said cheerfully, opening the curtains to let in the bright, sunny day.
    "What time is it?" Angie asked groggily.
    "Why it's nearly eight. I let you sleep in this morning. So get up, Maybl has breakfast waiting."
    Angie stretched and yawned. She stayed up too late last night and didn't get nearly enough sleep. She reached for her housedress as Mrs. Waterston put slippers on her feet. With one arm in the garment, she suddenly stopped; something niggling in the back of her mind had her trying to pull it to the surface.
    "What are you doing? Put your housedress on," Mrs. Waterston tsked at her as she pulled the garment around and helped Angie into it. Angie got into the wheelchair while Mrs. Waterston held it for her.
    "Thank you," Angie mumbled. What was it she was trying to remember? It seemed very important, but for the life of her, she didn't know what it was.
    In the dining room, Mrs. Waterston arranged Angie's chair at the table and poured her a cup of coffee. Angie lifted the cup to her mouth and as soon as the cup touched her lips, she remembered the dream she had. Her hand jerked, nearly spilling the hot liquid all over herself.
    "Why Angela, what is the matter with you this morning?" Mrs. Waterston asked as she hurriedly grabbed a linen napkin and mopped up the coffee that had slopped onto the table. "You seem distracted, didn't you sleep well?"
    "Uh, no, it was too hot in my room, and I couldn't sleep for a long time."
    "I'll make sure your door and windows are opened before you retire this evening, so your room will be cool before you go to bed."
    "Thank you, Mrs. Waterston, that's very thoughtful."
    "It's my job, dear. Now eat your breakfast and I'll have Maybl draw your bath."
    ~ * ~
    Angie sank into the water with Mrs. Waterston and Maybl's help.
    "Call me when you're finished," Mrs. Waterston ordered as she shut the door.
    Angie leaned back in the steaming water and closed her eyes. The dream from last night came vividly back to her. She dreamed of Gavin, and if that wasn't bad enough, she dreamed he kissed her. Oh, she would be mortified if anyone ever knew. She could actually feel his lips on hers while sitting in the tub, thinking about the dream, and she could feel the same long, lovely pull through her entire body. A ball of heat formed low in her stomach, wetness formed between her thighs, and it almost felt like the kiss was happening at that precise moment. Angie's eyes flew open and she looked around. Then she chuckled at herself for being so silly. Of course, she was alone; it was just a dream, after all. She picked up the lilac scented soap and began to wash herself.
    "Angela," Mrs. Waterston knocked lightly on the door.
    "I'm not finished yet," Angie called back.
    Mrs. Waterston opened the door enough to poke her head in. "Well, you better get finished, you have a visitor."
    "What? Who is it?"
    Mrs. Waterston