Blizzard of (com)passion

Brought together by a blizzard, two travelers spark sensual, healing passion

         “Now tell me, Robert… is this how you thought you’d be spending your Thanksgiving holiday?” Snuggling as close to him as she could, Kathleen rested her head on his bare chest. Outside the hotel suite, the blizzard that had shut down the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport continued to howl, and occasionally rattled the window. But as far as they were concerned, that ill wind had brought some good after all.

         “Kathleen,” he replied, running his fingers through the naked woman’s shoulder-length auburn air, “I’ve never pictured having any holiday turn out like this. And certainly not this… how should I say… sensual.”

         “Oh come now,” she said, propping herself up on one elbow. Thickening her natural Irish accent, she added, “Ye’ve truly never had a dusky Irish lass invite ye to her hotel room for a hot night of unbridled passion? Come now, don’t ye be fibbin’ to Kathleen here!” Overcome with laughter, Kathleen O’Malley once again laid her head on Robert Camden’s chest. The chest-chuckles that rumbled in her ear gave her a special comfort, one she’d not felt in years. Even more than the exquisite and exotic feelings she’d felt and shared with Robert, that comfort told her that for tonight, for this moment, everything was as it should be. It also told her she was truly free to live again.

         “Kathleen,” he replied, “I honestly can say that before today, I’ve never had a woman invite me to her hotel room, let alone a ‘dusky Irish lass’ such as yourself. Nor have I spent an evening – or any part of the daytime, for that matter – in such an intimate way. As wonderful as this has been… part of me is still not believing it’s happening. It’s like something from a fantasy.”

         “What sort of fantasy would that be, dearie?”

         “Well, not one a gentleman would admit to.” Looking down, Robert saw her face turn toward him, lit in a pale ethereal glow from the hotel’s outside lights, reflected off the snow swirling outside the open-draped 9th floor window. Seeing the question on her face, he continued, “I think you know what I mean, hon. Stories you normally find in bad magazines, or locker room bragging sessions with guys who’ve never actually been there.”

         “But you’re there now, dearie,” she said, a leering smile creeping across her face. “You’re very much there now. And if I’m not mistaken, you’re having the time of your life.” To accentuate her point, Kathleen started slowly twirling a fingernail around the outer edge of Robert’s left nipple. “Ohh,” he gasped as her lips clamped around the newly aroused nipple. “Woman, you are evil.”

         “Of course, my dear. After all, I’m a woman.” Seconds later, they were giggling as Robert pulled her upwards on the bed. “I’ll let you in on a little secret,” she said once they were face-to-face. “The ladies share those stories as well, and have many of those same fantasies. The contents of the story might be a wee bit different from the guys’, but the end result is the same – hot, naked, wild, passionate sex! It’s just that we’re more reserved and demure in how we present the stories.”

         “There’s one big difference, though. This is no fantasy, Kathleen; we’re very much two flesh-and-blood people, sharing some very unexpected yet very special and powerful passion. And if you had told me before I left Pittsburgh yesterday morning that I would be spending my thanksgiving afternoon and night having ‘hot, naked, wild, passionate sex!’ with a beautiful woman I had met at the Minneapolis airport, I would have said you were out of your gourd! Then again, this day and this weather have been totally and completely insane.”

         “Don’t knock a little insanity every now and then, dearie. After all, if we don’t go a little crazy once in a while, we’ll all go crazy. And besides… if this weren’t meant to be, then it wouldn’t have happened. It certainly wouldn’t have happened between us, nor would we have come together in the way we did.” Placing her hands behind his head, Kathleen kissed Robert deeply on his mouth. For several minutes, the only sounds in the room were soft moans as lips sealed against lips and hands re-explored the bodies of companions hungry for passion and lust. When their mouths finally parted, each needed a few seconds to catch their respective breaths before speaking. “Yes, Robert, this was meant to be. I do honestly feel God meant for us to come together, to heal each other.”

         “And Dylan?”

         “Yes,” she said, a wistful smile of relief coming to her face. “And Dylan…”



         “Hello, Dylan? Can you hear me?” Pressing the cell phone to her right ear, Kathleen covered her left with her other hand to block out the cacophony around her. “Ah, hello love, there’s a bit of a problem. I’m calling from the airport in Minneapolis. My flight to Boston is delayed by at least several hours, and it may be cancelled. What’s that? What happened? Dearie, this whole area got hit by a freak blizzard. Hell, my flight from Kansas City barely made it here.” While listening to the phone, she nodded politely to the young man sitting next to her. “Yes, love, we’ll talk about that when I get home. But when my flight left Kansas City, the airline said there was only light snow here, and at worst there would be a minimal delay. By the time the captain said things had gotten terrible, we were starting our descent into Minneapolis and couldn’t turn back.” Glancing at the young man, she saw a wincing grimace cross his face; she figured she might ask him about that later. “I know, honey. I always come prepared in case I get stuck somewhere overnight on one of these trips. Now don’t you worry…”

         In the seat next to her, Robert Camden had just started dialing his own cell phone when the PA system suddenly blared, “Your attention please, your attention please. Northwest Airlines regrets to announce the further delay of flight 489, non-stop service to Tucson, due to the current weather conditions. At this time, we are expecting a departure time of 7:20 p.m. Please be advised, however, that changes in the weather may cause further delays or even cancellations. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask for your understanding in this matter. Again, the departure of Northwest airlines flight 489, non-stop service to Tucson, has been delayed until 7:20 p.m.” Looking down as this watch, he stifled a loud complaint. What had been called a one-hour delay 30 minutes ago had now become a five-hour delay. And that’s if they can actually fly, he said to himself. Accepting the notion that griping wouldn’t change anything (and that he had booked himself on the earliest flights he could get), Robert continued dialing his phone.

         “Hello, dad? Yeah, I’m stuck in Minneapolis right now… the weather has FUBAR’ed everything.” For several minutes, Robert nodded his head in a sing-song fashion and drummed his fingers on his right thigh as dad lectured him about when and where to travel. He had long ago learned that when dad was wound up, just let him keep talking; any interruption would simply re-boot the lecture. “Hey, dad, I can’t talk too long or I’ll use up my cell phone battery. Listen, they’ve just announced that my flight won’t be leaving for another five hours at the earliest, and the way this storm looks I may not fly at all today. So don’t come out to the airport until you know my flight has left Minneapolis, okay? Yeah, I’m scheduled on Northwest flight 489. If there’s any changes, I’ll call and let you know. Give mom a hug for me, okay? Thanks. Bye!” Ending his call, he waited for a few seconds before sighing. “Thank goodness that’s done for now.”

         “Problem relative?”

         “Uh, yeah.” Robert was startled not only by the question, but by the soft, Irish-sounding accent of the questioner. It added to the allure of the auburn-haired, stylishly-dressed woman in the next chair. “Yeah, I was… talking with my dad. He tends to, well, lecture a bit if he thinks I’m doing something wrong.”

         “Like traveling during a blizzard? Yes, I just got the same treatment from my family. Bloody hell, it’s not like I was checking the Minneapolis weather when I woke up in my hotel room in Kansas City this morning. Okay, now,” She said, seeing a smile come to his face. “What’s that smile all about?”

         “Oh, just that I had the same thought about my flight this morning from Pittsburgh. Can I ask where you’re going?” Robert changed the subject because he didn’t want to admit that he was finding the woman more and more attractive with each word. Always wanting to make a good first impression, he didn’t think that acting like a teenager and going ga-ga over the unknown lady (who was clearly an astute business woman, from both her bearing and her attire) would be the polite thing to do. Besides, she was by far the most pleasant person he’d found in the throng of people crowding the terminal, and he didn’t want to screw up a good conversation.

         “Oh, I’m going home to Boston, wrapping up a business trip. And a successful one, until now. I hope I won’t be getting there too late. What about you?”

         “Going to Tucson. My parents retired there a few years ago, and decided that this Thanksgiving would also be a family reunion. By the way, I’m Robert Camden.”

         “Kathleen O’Malley,” she replied, gently taking his hand. Feeling the softness of her skin, it was all Robert could do not to shudder, or stammer a reply. “Relax, dearie, I don’t bite.” She delivered the line with a soft laugh, which was enough to get Robert chuckling. They laughed together for several seconds, until interrupted by the trilling of Kathleen’s cell phone. “Hello? Dylan, my love, yes… no, no change here, still waiting… yes, yes, like I said earlier, I’m prepared in case I get stuck here overnight. Now don’t worry, love, I’ll let you know when I’m on my way. Toodles!”

         “Your husband?”

         “Yes… and I bet he’s as much of a worrier and lecturer as you claim your father is.” On hearing she was married, Robert actually relaxed. Knowing he couldn’t let his hormones do his thinking, he was actually somewhat relieved; he knew now that his brain would be the one talking instead of his dick, and this short-term friendship had much less chance of being screwed up.

         “Your attention please,” a female voice boomed over the PA system. “Your attention, please. Northwest Airlines regrets to announce the delay of flight 27, non-stop service to Boston, due to the continuing inclement weather. Flight 27 is now scheduled to depart at 8:20 p.m. However, due to the weather, further delays or cancellations are possible. Northwest Airlines thanks you for your understanding, and we apologize for the inconvenience.”

         “Oh, bloody hell,” Kathleen muttered as she pulled out her cell phone and dialed. “Hello? Dylan, love! Listen, they just announced a major delay on my flight. And the weather is looking more and more ugly, so there’s a chance I won’t get home tonight at all. Look, if I do make it, it’s going to be really late, so I’ll call for an airport shuttle. What’s that? Hang on… okay, go ahead…” She spent about a minute jotting down notes before saying, “Okay, love, I’ll let you know as soon as I find something out. Toodles!” putting her phone and mini-notebook back in her purse, she turned to Robert. “So, it seems we both have some time to spare before flying out.” Taking a few seconds, she seemed to weigh a decision. “Would you possibly care for a drink?”

         “Actually, ma’am,” he stammered, “I was thinking of grabbing a bite to eat.” Not expecting any sort of invitation from the beautiful woman sitting next to him, the offer of a drink nearly floored him. Regaining some of his composure, he continued, “At least while the restaurants, or what passes for them here, still have some food.”

         “Okay, let’s see if we can combine both food and drink. And I’m certainly not old enough to be your mum, so cut out the ‘ma’am’ stuff. Call me Kathleen, okay, Robert?”

         “Okay… Kathleen. Let’s see about something to eat…”



         “You know, Kathleen,” he said, running a hand over her naked breast, “If I were a suspicious person, I would say you meant to get me drunk in the airport bar!” As his other hand reached between her legs, he added, “but now I know better. I know just how special of a lady you… are… ooooooohhh… yes, don’t stop…” While fondling and probing her pussy, Robert suddenly found Kathleen massaging and teasing his cock into yet another erection. “Or perhaps… you were hungry for something... besides Chinese food?” His answer was feeling Kathleen’s mouth surround and slide over his now-erect cock. Even through the condom she had put on, Kathleen’s tongue ministrations were proving more than tantalizing. “Oh, yeah… yes… oh, My, Kathleen… don’t stop!” As he said this, Robert’s hips began to move, and had soon matched Kathleen’s rhythm as her mouth slid up-and-down his erect member. In short order, Kathleen’s mewls of tasty pleasure were being drowned out by Robert's moans of impending orgasm. Those moans became louder as Kathleen’s hand began enjoying Robert’s balls. Then, feeling a fire erupt deep inside him, Robert erupted with a ferocity he’d not thought possible. The only thing that kept Kathleen’s mouth from being filled with his cum was the condom he had insisted on.

         Sliding back up to face him, she whispered in his ear, “you’re beautiful, my dear.” As she lay halfway covering his body, Kathleen ran her left hand over the right side of Robert’s chest while gently kissing his mouth. Then she wrapped her arms and legs around him, wrapping him in a protective cocoon as the orgasmic tremors ran through him. “You’re beautiful, passionate… and a lot tastier,” she chuckled, “than the Chinese food concession at the airport.”

         “Thank you,” he said with a sigh. “I would hope I was tastier than that drek they were selling in the ‘food’ court on the airport concourse…”



         Robert listlessly picked at his Chinese food combo plate. He and Kathleen had agreed to first get something to eat, then go to the bar for a “nightcap” of sorts. The food, though, was proving less than appetizing.

         “What’s wrong, Robert?”

         “I’ve certainly had much better tasting Moo Goo Gai Pan,” he replied before taking a sip of Pepsi. “And the Mongolian Beef isn’t anything to write home about, either.”

         “Best eat up and ignore the taste, dearie. It may be the only food you get for a while, especially if this weather keeps up.” Over the previous half-hour, the storm had grown even more intense. Those people still willing to look out the windows (fewer and fewer were) could see snow readily collecting on airplane wings and drifting against landing gear and aircraft tugs. Along with that, fewer and fewer ground crews could be spied around the aircraft. With a glance at the windows, Kathleen speared a chunk of chicken stroganoff and egg noodles. “If they do close the airport, there’s going to be a run on the food concessions. In fact, I’m surprised they haven’t –”

         Kathleen was cut off by a male voice booming over the PA system. “Your attention, please. Due to the increasingly inclement weather, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Authority regrets to announce the closure of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. It has been determined, between current and forecast weather conditions, that it is no longer safe to conduct airport operations and continued flights from this airport. We will resume operations as soon as it has been deemed safe to do so. In the meantime, we request your patience and cooperation as everyone deals with this weather emergency. Once again, the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Authority regrets to announce the closure of the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport due to the extreme weather conditions. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this situation and ask for your continued patience and cooperation. Thank you.” Halfway through the announcement, Robert stood up from the table.

         “And where are you going?”

         “Beating the rush,” he said as he walked off.

         “Make it quick, please!” she called after him. When he returned with a closed take-out food platter, Kathleen was on her cell phone. “Yes, dear, it’s what I was afraid of. They just closed the airport… no, they didn’t say anything about when it might re-open, but I suspect no planes are flying out of here before tomorrow.” Motioning for Robert to take his sheet, she continued, “Now Dylan, my dear, it’s not like I can control the bloody weather! I’ll probably have to stay here at the airport, though I’m going to try for a hotel if I can. I’ll call you as soon as I know anything about my flights. Love you, dearie. Toodles!” Tucking her cell phone in her purse, she said, “Robert, can you watch my travel bag again? I’m going to use the ladies’ room, then get some more food for later. Judging the situation, it could come in handy.”

         “I’ll see you in a few minutes.” As she walked off, Robert dialed a number into his cell phone. “Hello, Dad… yeah, they just closed the airport, for who knows how long. Unless I can get an early flight out tomorrow, I may just have to return to Pittsburgh. I don’t have a way of extending my vacation time… Yeah, the weather screwed everything this time around, I’m afraid. Don’t worry; I’ll get out there to see you when I can. Make sure everyone else has a fun visit, and give ‘em all my love. If something changes I’ll let you know, but I don’t see anyone flying out of Minneapolis before tomorrow afternoon at the earliest, and maybe later than that.” Taking advantage of a long question from his father, Robert took another bite of his so-so Mongolian beef. “Well, dad, I’m sitting in a food court at the main terminal. Looking out the window, I can barely see the nearest plane through the swirling snow. Something tells me you’ll be seeing reports of this storm on CNN or The Weather Channel over the next few days. Okay, I have to go before my battery dies. Like I said, give everyone my love and my regrets, and I’ll get out there as soon as I can. Take care, dad!” Hanging up the phone, Robert thought to himself, the way this crap is going, I won’t be going to Arizona until March. Maybe I can catch a spring training game or two then…

         “Gads,” Kathleen said as she sat down with her own carry out food box. “That ladies room was dreadful. I hope I won’t have to go again anytime soon.”

         “Was it dirty?”

         “Oh, it was plenty clean, at least for now. No, the dread came from the ladies in there. They’ve just announced the airport closure, and already some of them are getting bitchy with each other. I fear a few nasty tempers flaring before the night is over.”

         “Just as good I’m not going to the ladies’ rest room anytime soon.”

         “Oh, you bloody letch!” Kathleen laughed. Robert smiled, grateful that she was a lady who seemed to maintain her humor in bad circumstances. Over the last few hours, he was regretting her marriage; in another situation, he would like to have gotten to know her much better, possibly even dating the attractive lady. He was enough of a realist, however, to understand that she was a married woman whom he was meeting in a chance encounter, and that was that. His thoughts were interrupted by the trilling of her cell phone. “Hold that thought, Robert. Hello? Hello, Carl… yes, I’m stuck here in Minneapolis due to a blizzard.” After another bite of her chicken stroganoff, she replied, “yes, I can imagine how your phone might be ringing off the hook. Listen, if you can help me, I’d greatly appreciate it. And you’ve got all my rewards programs, right? Good. Okay, call me if you learn anything.”

         “You get some good news?”

         “Well, I know my corporate travel agent is working on a possible room for me with the hotels here. At least that’s something. So hopefully I won’t have to curl up in a waiting lounge chair or a nice, comfy piece of floor. But,” she added, seeing the look of pain come across Robert’s face, “there’s no guarantee he can pull it off. Carl’s good, but he’s not exactly a miracle worker.”

         “Well… good luck with that.”

         “Robert? Robert, please,” she said, reaching over and taking his hand. “Please don’t be upset with me.” The softness of her hand calmed the man down, making him relax a bit and overcome some of the disappointment he was feeling. “Now, look around the room, my friend. Take a glance, and see how many people are on their cell phones right now.” When Robert looked, he saw at least half the people in the food court talking on phones, and every pay phone in sight had a line of people waiting their turns. “I will wager you that at least a third of the people making phone calls are scrambling to find hotels here. And if you had the opportunity, wouldn’t you be?”

         “Yeah, I would,” he sighed. “But that’s not all of it. Frankly, Kathleen… I’ve greatly enjoyed the time I’ve been spending with you and don’t want it to end. At least, not until we catch our respective flights once they re-open the airport.”

         “Believe me, love, the feeling is mutual.” She gripped his hand tighter as she said this, sending a thrilling tingle shooting up Robert’s arm. “Now, relax a bit. We’ve got a cold, snowy night ahead of us. So just talk to me.”

         “What would you like to talk about?”

         “Well… let’s modify the current situation. Instead of being in this blahsted airport, let’s say you’re in a nice, comfy mountain cabin with an attractive lady.” Seeing his blush, she continued, “Yes, dearie, you haven’t hidden your attraction to me all that well. But you’ve been very much the gentleman about it, and I’m deeply flattered by the whole thing. Now, how about you tell me what you would do in that mountain cabin in weather like this.” Reacting to the moment, Robert began talking. He was soon describing how he would have a roaring fire going in the bedroom fireplace, a few lit candles spread about the room, and possibly something to drink ready if both he and his lady friend were agreeable. The fire would have been going a while, making the bedroom nice and toasty. As he was describing how warm the heavy comforter would be, Kathleen’s phone interrupted him.

         “Oh, blast,” she grumbled. “Just when it was getting good! Hold that thought.” Picking up her cell phone, she said, “Hello? Dylan, love, I told you that I was stuck in Minneapolis… yes, I’m still at the airport; I have my travel agent working on a place to stay… I’m hoping to hear from him shortly. Okay, love. Toodles!” Closing her phone, she replied, “Now, where were we?”

         “In a mountain cabin on a very snowy night, talking about a warm, cozy bed. Unfortunately, now I have to put the story on hold. I’m afraid I need to brave the men’s rest room. Can you watch my stuff?”

         “Don’t worry, dearie, I’ll take care of it.” Robert picked up his empty plate and walked towards the exit. Once she saw him disappear, Kathleen dialed a number on her cell phone. “Hello, Carl? Thanks for playing along, love… yes, I am still using that security blanket… now don’t start with me, Carl. What did you find out?” Taking a bite of her food, Kathleen nodded her head at what her travel agent was saying. “You’re kidding? That’s available? Grab it, Carl… Yes, I’ll gladly pay that cost tonight. Book it for two people… that’s right, two people. I’ve made a good friend here, who I am not letting sit in this blahsted airport all night if I can help it. Call me when you’ve got the room booked, okay? Toodles!” Hanging up her phone, Kathleen took a quick glance around. Robert was still nowhere to be seen.

         Washing his hands in the men’s room, Robert looked in the mirror. Maybe not the best catch in the world, he thought to himself, but not bad. But isn’t it just your luck that you meet a lady who really trips your trigger, and she’s married! Well, at least you’ve got some pleasant company for part of your wait in this frozen wasteland. So go enjoy what you can… and keep your damn tongue in your mouth!

         “Good heavens, dearie,” Kathleen said as he sat down. “I was beginning to wonder if you had fallen in!”

         “Not quite,” he chuckled. “Just needed to go. All of those large Pepsi’s I’ve been drinking. Not to mention the odd six-dollar large mocha latte. You ever get the feeling that airport food vendors know they have a captive audience?”

         “Only on every trip I take, Robert. Now,” she said, leaning in closer, “Let’s get back to –” Once again, her cell phone interrupted her. “Damn, I may never hear the end of this story!” Answering her cell phone, she said, “Hello? Yes, Carl? You got it? Great! Okay, what’s the phone number? Thanks, you’re a love!”

         “I take it,” Robert said with some resignation, “that your travel agent got you a hotel room. Congratulations.”

         “Yes, Carl pulled it off. It sounds like he got me a very good room.”

         Standing up, Robert stepped close to Kathleen. “Honestly, I am happy for you… I guess I just wanted to enjoy more of your company.”

         “Robert, my dear, you’re a love. Give me just one second, okay?” She quickly dialed the phone number her travel agent had given her. “Hello? Yes, I’m calling to confirm a last-minute reservation. The last name is O’Malley… yes, that’s it… that’s right, non-smoking room, two people.” That comment caused Robert’s eyebrows to raise, which Kathleen returned with a mischievous smile. “Yes, we’re going to need a ride from the airport… okay, we’ll be at the curbside shuttle bus shelter in 40 minutes. Thank you!” Hanging up the phone, she looked directly in his eyes and said, “Robert, I’m not letting you ruin your back on the floor or chairs of this airport. You’re spending the night with me in a nice, comfortable room.”

         “And what about your husband?”

         “Dylan? Don’t worry, love… he’ll understand.” And most likely be grateful, she said to herself. I think he’ll be very grateful for what’s to come.



         Walking into the hotel room, Robert was stunned. Kathleen’s travel agent had managed not a room, but a multi-room executive suite on the top floor of the Airport Hilton. As Kathleen tipped the bellman for escorting them, Robert dropped his carry-on travel bag on the couch and marveled at the suite around him. Across from the king-sized bed was a whirlpool that looked like it could hold at least four people. “Robert, dear,” she said as she wrapped him in a one-arm hug, “you act like you’ve never been in a suite like this before.”

         “That’s because I haven’t. Most of the time when I get a hotel room somewhere, it’s the Super 8 or Motel 6. Certainly not the premier suite of a Hilton or Marriott. This… this is a different world for me, hon.”

         “Well, enjoy it. And yes, it’s new for me, too. I’ve spent a lot of nights in a lot of hotels on my business trips, but never have I had deluxe accommodations like this. When Carl told me he could get it, I decided it was time to splurge, and have something nice after all of this travel stress. Besides, the way this storm is going, we might be here two or three days.” Stroking a finger on his right arm, she said, “If we’re gong to spend that much time in a hotel, we should at least be comfortable.”

         Looking down into her eyes (he was a good five inches taller), Robert saw signals similar to the ones her fingers were giving. The erection he had in response made him feel ashamed. Dammit, he said in his mind, she’s married! Cut this out. You are NOT about to have sex with a married woman!

         Sensing his hesitation, Kathleen pecked him on the cheek, then moved to her carry-on bag. “Robert, I may be a little while in the bathroom, do you want to use it first?” She opened the bag, digging deep and pulling out what looked like a toiletry kit and another small bag.

         “Uh, yeah, sure.” Robert took advantage of the restroom facilities for their intended function, and as a chance to calm down. The longer he stayed in this suite, the more in over his head he felt. Looking again in the mirror, he decided to do everything he could to remain above reproach. “Okay,” he said as he walked out, “your turn. And don’t use up all the hot water!” That comment got him a hearty, dusky laugh as the bathroom door closed. Turning on the television, Robert kicked off his shoes and stretched out on the bed to watch a local newscast. Kathleen’s decision to get a comfy room looked prudent, as the meteorologist laid out a forecast of worsening blizzard conditions over the next three days.

         In the bathroom, it was Kathleen’s turn to contemplate one’s self in the mirror. It’s been three years, dearie, the face in the mirror said. Dylan’s a wonderful man and terrific husband... but you have to let him go. Not only is he gone, but he wouldn’t want you pining after him this long. You know he would want you to live and be happy. It’s time you let yourself live, Kathleen Manning O’Malley. Live, and even love. As a few tears glided down her cheek, Kathleen agreed with the face in the mirror. Opening her small bag, Kathleen started to pull out the silk pajamas, only to change her mind.

         “Kathleen,” Robert said as the bathroom door opened, “it looks like you were right on the hotel. This storm is supposed to… oh… my…” It was all he could do not to drool. Kathleen walked slowly towards him, wearing a nightgown that left Robert almost breathless. The light beige satin fabric that ended halfway down her calf seemed to blend with her creamy skin. And the low-cut “V” in the front revealed the freckles between and on the insides of her breasts. The apparition of feminine beauty walking towards him immediately brought Robert fully erect. “Kathleen,” he stammered, “I… I wasn’t… I mean, I didn’t –”

         “Relax, Robert,” she softly replied. “Even when undressing me with your eyes today, you’ve been a complete gentleman. And I didn’t invite you to my room for the purpose of sex. But since we are here, and will be here for a while, let’s make the best of each other’s company.”

         “Uhm, Kathleen… what about your husband? Isn’t he going to be upset if he finds out about this? I don’t want to be a home-wrecker, or have an affair with anyone.”

         Handing Robert her cell phone, she said, “Call him, Robert. When you do, you’ll understand.” Seeing the hesitation, she added, “It’s okay, Robert. Call Dylan, please.”

         Taking the proffered phone, Robert scrolled through the stored names until “Dylan” appeared on the screen. “Hello,” he said when his call was answered, “May I speak to Dylan, please?”

         “Just a minute,” a voice answered. “May I ask who is calling?” The Irish-sounding female on the other end of the line had Robert wondering if he had called a cheating husband.

         “My name is Robert. Kathleen gave me her phone and said I should call Dylan and talk to him. May I speak with him please?”

         “Before I do that, I’ll need Kathleen’s code word.”

         “Code word?” Before a now-incredulous Robert could ask, Kathleen handed him a slip of paper with two words on it. “Kathleen just handed me a slip of paper with the words ‘Magic Mountain.’ Can I ask what’s going on here?” He was startled to hear an exultant voice yell, “YES! She’s finally taking that step!” on the other end of the phone line.

         “Robert, my name is Maureen. I’m Dylan’s older sister. The reason I’m so happy is that Kathleen seems to finally be moving away from the security blanket she’s been using.”

         “I don’t understand.”

         “Robert, my brother was killed in a car crash three years ago. At that point, he and Kathleen had been married for nine years, and were still deeply in love. Kathleen’s been working through the grieving stages ever since then. When she’s afraid, when she thinks a man might be getting too close to her, she will call me and talk to Dylan as a way of keeping the more lewd and lascivious eyes and hands away. I didn’t like it a first, but I eventually went along with it. I also gave her that code phrase to use if and when she was ready to move on. I’ve been yearning to hear that from her for the last two years. That she gave it to you is a huge sign. I take it you two will be spending the evening together. Please treat her gently, Robert. She’s a special lady, about to come out of her shell. Now, may I speak with her?” Robert simply handed over the phone.

         “Hello? Yes, Maureen, it’s me. I’ve reached and climbed the magic mountain. Now I’m going to take a leap, fly and live. Thank you, dear… thank you for everything.” Turning off her phone, she looked at the now-seated Robert. “I hope, dear, you understand what I’m going through, and what I’m doing.” Joining him on the edge of the bed, she took his hand. “The subterfuge wasn’t to hurt you, dear, but to protect me. And now, I want to climb out of that shell. I want to live, and love, and be whole again.

         “I also know that, after this weekend, we may never meet again. That’s not important. What matters is now. I’m not looking for cheap sex; I’m not trying to make a stud out of you. I’ve realized that the time has come to live. And living means passion. If you’re agreeable… I want to share that passion with you.”

         Looking over to the alluring woman sitting next to him, Robert felt Kathleen’s hand gently touch his cheek. His reply was to reach around, pull her close and kiss her deeply on the mouth. When Robert touched her neck, Kathleen pulled that hand to her breast. As his thumb teased the already-hardening nipple through her nightgown, Kathleen reached down and caressed Robert’s growing erection.

         “Love, you need to be freed,” she said as the kiss broke. Before Robert could ask, Kathleen was on her knees on the floor, opening Robert’s jeans. As she lowered his pants to the floor, Kathleen nuzzled her right cheek against the white-cotton fabric of the BVD’s covering Robert’s hard cock. Then Robert stood up, pulling Kathleen to her full height in the process. With another passionate, deep kiss, Robert’s hands hungrily roamed the willing body next to his. Realizing she was wearing only the nightgown, he knelt down and started lifting it up her body. As he continued lifting the fabric, Robert learned that Kathleen was truly a natural redhead and not a product of Miss Clairol. As his hands continued upwards, Kathleen’s pale pink aureoles were revealed. Each one received a soft kiss as Kathleen finished removing her nightgown. Then she pulled upwards on Robert’s polo shirt, revealing his slightly flabby chest.

         “I’m afraid,” Robert sighed, “that I’m not a male model of any sort.”

         “You’re better love,” she replied while wiggling his under shorts to the floor. “You’re a real person. Someone I can actually touch, and feel, and be with.” Looking up to his face, she added, “You’re exactly the person I need and want. And something tells me that feeling is mutual. I truly feel this was meant to happen. So thank God for that blizzard, because it brought us together.”

         “Let’s warm up. We don’t have a fireplace, so let’s see what this whirlpool can do.” Robert walked over to the tub and started the water. Watching it fill, he felt Kathleen’s arms wrap around him from behind. “Just remember,” he said as he felt her hand start massaging his cock, “I get to return the favor.”

         “Dearie,” she said with her cheek nuzzling his back, “I’m counting on it!” Then the two of them stepped into the whirlpool. “You’re right, Robert, there is room in here for several more people.”

         “That may be, hon, but I’m only letting you and me in here now.” He accentuated the point by reaching between her legs and stroking her pussy. Kathleen immediately opened wider to give him better access. Feeling his hands fumble, she gently gave her new lover a few pointers. She realized Robert was a quick study, as a few minutes later she was moaning in ecstasy from the gentle ministrations of her clit by Robert’s thumb. Then he proved he was learning the art of the tease as he backed off for a few moments before starting again.

         “Oh dear… you are the right sensual devil, aren’t you, dearie?”

         “It’s possible, Kathleen. Now, let’s try something else.” Robert turned off the tub, to Kathleen’s surprise. Following his directions and recommendations, Kathleen soon found herself facing a near wall of the tub. Her befuddlement was erased soon after Robert re-started the whirlpool, and she felt one of the water jets squarely striking her sex. The effect on Kathleen was exquisite and immediate. Fondling her breasts from behind, Robert was in position and ready to support her body when the orgasm hit her. As it subsided, Robert gently moved Kathleen away, holding her close in the swirling water. When she calmed down, he helped her out of the tub, where they mutually dried each other before retiring to the king sized bed. “Oh, God,” she sighed as she lay next to him, “That was incredible. I need to make you feel like that...”



         “Oh yes, dearie,” she said several hours later, “you are much tastier than anything at the airport food court. Much tastier, and certainly much more passionate and sensual. And I think,” she said with a big smile, “I returned at least some of the orgasmic feeling and emotion you gave me in the hot tub.”

         “Is that why I feel a little woozy and my nerves are jangled?”

         Giggling as she kissed him, Kathleen said, “Ah, yes, the power of orgasm. The ability to leave one’s brain and body humming for a while. Frankly, I think it’s the ultimate high for all… all involved… oh, please… don’t stop, dearie…” While she had been talking, Robert’s hand once again found and began fondling her pussy. The reactions shooting through her body were again taking Kathleen to the orgasmic edge. "Oh… my… yes…yes… No, please, don’t stop!”

         “It’s only a short break, my dear.” Reaching over to the nightstand, Robert picked up one of the protective dental dams Kathleen had packed in her luggage. (Over the previous year, Kathleen had been packing protection supplies in her luggage. But tonight was the first time she’d ever felt the need or want to use them, and in the process step out of her shell of grief.) Rolling Kathleen on her back, Robert placed the dental dam over her pussy before starting in on his “late dinner.” Once again, Kathleen gave a few helpful suggestions. And just like before, she was rewarded with ecstatic and near-orgasmic reactions. As Robert’s tongue and lips worked on her pussy with increasing skill, his hands reached up and fondled her breasts. He did this for several more minutes, before backing off and letting her calm down.

         “Why did you stop?” She asked once she caught her breath.

         “Because you need to help me with this,” he replied, holding up a fresh condom. Soon the two of them had pulled the used one off his erect member (being careful not to make a mess) and put the new one in place. Then Robert looked directly into Kathleen’s eyes. With her affirmative nod, he slowly and gently moved inside her. In moments, the two were steadily thrusting together, each matching the other’s rhythm. If two could be said to become one, Robert and Kathleen had sensually done so. If one began to speed up, the other was quickly in synch. Caresses, pinches, gropes, all served to heighten the passions and the desires. And when Kathleen leaped off the orgasmic cliff, Robert was right there with her, and even their outcries were nearly in stereo.

         “I’m going to hate it,” Kathleen sighed sometime later, “when this blizzard is over.” Once again, they were side by side on the now well-disheveled bed, each cocooning the other with arms and legs. “Once this weather lets up, we’ll have to go our separate ways.” Looking up to his face, Kathleen kissed him and said, “don’t worry Robert, I’m still keeping things in perspective. I know this is not a full-time love we have here. Nor is what we have this weekend enough to base a relationship on. But it’s still an evening of love and mutual passion, one that I am going to treasure for a long time.”

         “So will I, Kathleen,” he sighed. The evening had been immensely instructive for him. Robert now knew with much greater clarity the differences between love, lust, passion and compassion. Tonight, and possibly this whole weekend, had been an act and action of love and of life. He had helped someone heal, and helped bring sensual passion back to her. “This was a healing weekend, for both of us. For you, it was the biggest step in getting out and living and moving on. For me, it was learning that something I had thought lost was again possible.” Seeing the odd look on her face, he elaborated, “Angela was my fiancée. A few months after we met, she was in a major car accident. I ended up helping her through her recovery, and we fell in love. Having survived the accident, she thought she was invincible… that is… until…”

         Sliding up to be face to face, Kathleen whispered, “it’s okay, Robert. If you don’t want to talk, you don’t have to. If you want to let it out, I’m right here.”

         “Thank you, hon. Like I said, she thought…” Then Robert started crying, with a soft pitch and wail to equal that of a lost soul. Knowing a dam had burst, Kathleen held him close and let it all wash over her. When he calmed down several minutes later, he continued, “She thought she was invincible. She had survived a car accident she shouldn’t have walked away from, and eventually came away still able to run and dance. She lived life with zest and fire. Then she thought she was pregnant, and went to see the doctor.”

         “But it wasn’t a pregnancy?”

         “No… it wasn’t. When they did the exam, they found she wasn’t pregnant. They also found something else wrong, and started doing tests. It turned out she was in the advanced stages of ovarian cancer, and it had metastasized. Six months later, she was gone. That was five years ago.”

         “But dear… you gave no hint of any of that at all today. If you hadn’t told me any of this, just now, I would have sworn you had barely dated in your life. I was even thinking of asking how it was that some lucky lady hadn’t snatched you up. But something tells me you never made yourself available.”

         “It took me a good two years before I could start dating again. And even then, the passions and fire just weren’t there. But somehow, tonight, in hearing that you had gone through similar to what I had, I was able to overcome that last hurdle, the one that kept me from feeling passion and sensuality again. I know it seems odd to say this… but thank you, Kathleen… for everything.”

         “You’re welcome,” she breathed, realizing that she had truly found a kindred soul. “And I think this is further proof that this was supposed to happen. God meant for us to meet, and He made that blizzard out there to make certain of it. He meant for us to make love, and passion, and compassion. Like I said earlier, we may never meet again after this weekend. But we are here now, for a purpose, and that is to heal. So come here, love. Let’s snuggle together, and heal each other.” With a gentle kiss on the cheek, Kathleen pulled Robert to her. In each other’s arms, they fell asleep.



         Outside the window, invisible eyes looked in on them from the howling blizzard. “It’s about time. You needed to break through that shell and start living again. And if you didn’t do it soon, I was going to find a way to kick your arse.”

         “Angela,” came the voice of a second set of eyes that flew in next to her. “Angela, are ye doing okay? You’re not jealous, are ye?”

         “Part of me is, Dylan. After all, Robert and I had some incredibly passionate times together. But that’s in the past. And it’s time he moved on with his life. Plus, I know that Big Boss Gabriel has some sort of pending assignment for me. Besides… aren’t you a little jealous of this situation?”

         “If this had happened right after me body had died, I’d be a wee bit furious. But it’s been three years. And just like your Robert, my Kathleen needed to be gettin’ out and living. It was time for both of them. And who knows, maybe they will end up together. They could each certainly do worse!”

         “How long is this storm scheduled to last?”

         “At least three more days. It turns out that Kathleen and Robert aren’t the only ones needing time like this. And don’t worry, Angela; I’ve already fixed things with their respective jobs and the airlines. Now, let’s let these two rest. I think we’re needed elsewhere.” With that, the two angels moved off into the night, unperturbed by the blizzard. And for the first time in several years, their charges each slept the sleep of the healthy and happy.