One Step Closer To Love Part 1 by Shirley Johns The strong wind woke up Catherine. The weather channel had predicted a blizzard to hit lower Manhattan around 9 pm. Looking at the clock, Catherine saw it was exactly 9. Putting on her robe and slippers she went out on the balcony. Feeling the night chill, she tighten her robe. "Oh I love the city surrounded in white it seems almost magical." "Yes is does" said Vincent. Running into his arms " how long have you been standing there?" she asked. "Only a few moments " and he held her close. Feeling her shiver, "Catherine you're freezing you should be inside'. "I know but I just love the snow". Snuggling closer in his embrace she said, " besides I have you to keep me warm now". Hearing Vincent sigh at her nearness, she stepped back a little not wanting him to be uncomfortable. He was grateful for her thoughtfulness, but he needed her close. Much to Catherine's delight he pulled her back into his embrace. Resting her head on his chest, she asked " what has brought you out into the blizzard?" "I wanted to make sure you were well" said Vincent. "I see", Catherine teased him "There was no other reason Vincent"? Smiling at her teasing , he said " I needed to feel you in my arms". "Now that's a reason I can agree with you on ,"said Catherine, "I need to be in your arms." " Vincent there is no better feeling than being held in the arms of the one you love and she placed a soft kiss at the hollow of this throat. Her kiss was so soft, had her lips not been slightly cold , he would thought he imagined it. Savoring the feel of her lips a moment he finally spoke �Catherine you should be inside�. �It is really cold out here�. �Vincent will you come with me, she asked�? Already knowing his answer would be no. �Vincent did not answer right away. �If it will get you out of this cold, Catherine I will come in for a little while.� Leaving the warmness of his arms, she took his hand and lead him inside. �Please take off your cloak Vincent and sit it down while I start a fire.� Laying a hand on her delicate shoulder, he said �if it is not too much trouble would you make us some tea and I�ll take care of the fire.� �That would be no trouble at all Vincent.� Happiness rising inside her. �I�ll be right back.� As he made the fire, his thoughts went to the beautiful woman in the kitchen. �How I love her so.� If only we could be like other couples in her world.� �Our time together is always so limited.� Not that he�s complaining, as the precious moments they are together would last a lifetime. Poking the fire one last time, he took a seat on the couch and let his thoughts of Catherine consume him. Returning Catherine thought Vincent had fallen asleep and took a few moments to stare at this magnificent man. �How I love him so.� �I wish I could give him all that he deserves but he won�t let me.� Hearing her thoughts, Vincent opened his eyes to look at his love. �Catherine you have given me more than I ever hoped for.� �A chance to really love someone and be loved in return.� �I need no more.� Sitting beside him she took his hand. �Vincent you have given me so much� �My life before you was meaningless.� �Filled with people who only cared about wealth and power.� �You made me see that better part of myself and the important things in life.� � You changed my life in so many ways.� �You made me a better person and I love you for it.� �But most important you fell in love with me and have given me a dream of a happy life being with you.� �Vincent I want to give you so much back by making your dreams come true as well.� Looking in her eyes, �Catherine you have given me more than I could have ever hoped for. You have sacrificed so much for us.� �You have given me a dream.� �A dream that I thought was never possible.� �Catherine you love me .� I can never tell you how deeply that has touched my heart.� Her gray eyes misted with tears, she took his face between her hands, �Vincent you cannot tell me how much I have touched your heart but can you physically show me�? Rising off the couch he went by the fireplace. �Catherine what you are asking me I cannot do.� I love you , but a physical relationship is something I cannot bring myself to do�. �I am sorry Vincent I am asking too much of you� and her tears begin to fall. Kneeling in front of her , he said �Catherine you are not asking too much, it is that I cannot give you what you most desire.� I know your feelings and I share them as you do.� �You see Vincent that is the advantage you have over me, I cannot feel yours.� I do not know what your thoughts are and you rarely talk about them.� �Catherine my thoughts scare me at times.� �The passion I have for you scares me.� �I am afraid I will lose myself within it.� Seeing the desire in his eyes, he placed her hands on his shoulders and slid into his arms. When she felt him tighten his arms around her, she laid her head on his chest. �I love you Vincent and I desire you.� �Always remember that and never shut yourself off from it.� �It is for you and you alone.� �If I must wait forever to share it with you I will.� The shrilling sound the tea kettle broke the moment. Catherine climbed out of his lap, �I�ll get our tea � and she left the room. Part 2 Shirley�s Fanfic Index |
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