Julie woke up when her cat, Big Kitty, gently pawed her face. "Ok, ok," she mumbled as she got out of bed. Once in the kitchen, she fed BK and made coffee. Just as she was sitting down at the table with the newspaper, the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Morning, Julie. Just wondering how you're feeling."

"Oh, morning, Sarah. I'm ok. Just getting my day started. How are you doing? You did have a little too much to drink last night. Awfully early for you to be calling isn't it?"

"Julie, you know that's not what I mean. Don't change the subject. After our talk last night, I'm still a little worried."

I told you. I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about. I was just in one of those moods, I guess. Next time, just keep me away from the Killian's, ok?" She laughed, trying to change the subject.

"Uh uh, it's not that easy this time. Get out of the house today. Do something fun. I mean it, Julie! Look, I know you're a writer and I know all about your deadline excuses. But think about it. You and David broke up at least 6 months ago. You're not going to get your life back if you don't get out of the house once in a while."

Julie laughed. "Well, geesh, Sarah! I could have sworn we were at Ryan's last night." She leaned against the wall and hugged herself tightly as the tirade went on.

"You know damn well that's not what I meant. I'm not talking about sitting in a neighborhood bar, Julie." Her sister's voice softened. "I'm sorry. I'm nagging again, aren't I?"

Julie nodded her head as she watched BK eating his food. "Yes. But I understand your concern. I do. I'm just not ready to start another relationship. I promise, when I am, you'll be the first to know."

"Guess I'll have to settle for that for now." Julie heard her sister sigh. "You know, sometimes it's hard being your sister. Other times, I wouldn't trade you for anyone. I'll talk to you later. I love you Jules."

"I love you too, Sarah."

Julie hung up the phone and leaned down to pet BK. "You know, Big Kitty, if I could find someone with your loyalty, charm and good looks, I wouldn't be standing here like this." She sighed as she stood up, the memories of mornings with David flooding her with a deep sense of longing.

Carrying her coffee into the bathroom, she turned on the water for a shower. She took off her robe and stood in front of the mirror. With a critical eye, she looked at her long curly red hair, blue eyes, stomach and ass. As her hands moved to hold her breasts from underneath, she let her thumbs gently stroke her nipples to hard tips. Looking in the mirror her heart started racing. She saw David behind her, caressing her shoulders as he smiled. She lost herself in that smile of his as the cheeks of her ass pushed back into¸nothing.

She gripped the edge of the sink and looked at her reflection. "What am I doing? It's history."

Trembling from the memory, she stepped under the water and tried to take her mind off David. As she shampooed her hair, her fingers touched the smooth skin just under her ear where David used to lick. She stopped, giving in to her grief. David loved seeing her body react as he kissed that sensorial spot. Her tears mixed with the water as she rinsed her hair¸

Julie toweled herself off, grabbed her coffee and headed into the bedroom to get dressed. Coffee in hand, she walked into her office and laughed. "Big Kitty, you know my routine better than I do sometimes." Picking him up off the top of her monitor, she turned on the computer. While it booted, she looked at her list of things to do. Her hand ran through her hair as she began the process of deciding what could and couldn't wait.

First things first, she thought as she checked her e-mail. Seeing the usual messages, she made mental notes of how to respond. Stopping at an unfamiliar name, she opened the message.

"Hi, Leslie. I just wanted to let you know I like the way you write. I read "Instructions" and it's as if you were reading my mind. I'll be looking forward to reading more of your work. Jack Reynolds."

She sat back and drank the last of her coffee. She was used to getting responses to her erotic stories, but the mind reading comment intrigued her. Setting her cup down, she messaged him back.

"Jack. Thanks for your message regarding my story. I'm not a mind reader but it's nice that you think so. Must mean I know what I'm doing. . Thanks again. I really appreciate your taking the time to mail me. Leslie Larson."

She pushed the send button, then started answering her other mail. BK yawned as he sat on the desk next to her mouse pad, watching her work.

An hour later, she was absorbed in writing an article on the latest political controversy in town when she heard, "You have new mail." She stopped typing in mid-sentence and checked.

"Hi, Leslie. I'm not sure where you live in but I'm in Chicago. If you're anywhere close, perhaps we could meet for lunch today and discuss mind reading techniques. Jack."

She ran her hand through her hair as she re-read the message three times. This was not something she had had anticipated. She sat back and stared at BK, whose paw was resting on her lower arm. Making a decision, she replied to this latest message.

"Hi, Jack. Believe it or not, I'm on the north side. I just happen to have some free time available around 1:00 this afternoon. Let me know where you want to meet and I'll bring my mind reading manual along. Leslie."

Pushing the send button, she got up from her chair. She walked into the kitchen, not sure of what she wanted in the room. Nerves, she thought. Nervous yet eager because she had never done anything bold like this before. She had never met anyone in this way before. It's the new me, she decided. I can do this. What could be the harm?

She opened up the refrigerator, grabbed a can of diet soda and pulled the tab off with a shaking hand. As she went back up to her office, her heart was racing. BK was sitting at the top of the stairs, looking at her. "What?" she asked him, patting his soft white fur. "Dangerous? Don't worry. I'll be in a public place. Besides, it may not even happen."

She sat back down at her computer. Just as she opened a research file on political maneuvers, she heard that voice: "You have new mail."

Quickly she opened the file and read: "Hi, Leslie. Yes, I believe it. I'm downtown on business. Can you meet at Houston's around 1:30? I have the rest of the afternoon off, plenty of time to discuss that manual. Jack."

She was quick with her reply. "Jack, I'll be there. How will I know you?"

His reply came quicker. "I have long blonde hair, glasses. I'm wearing jeans and a white shirt. I'll be the man smiling at the bar. See you there. Jack."

She looked at her watch. "Geesh, BK, its noon." She went to her closet and chose a dark green sweater. Pulling it over her head, she grinned. I haven't felt this excited since David kissed me for the first time, she thought as she started making herself presentable¸

Julie pulled into a city parking lot, hands trembling on the wheel. She shut the car off and looked at herself in the rear view mirror. What am I really doing, she thought. She could hear her sister's answer: "You're going to get your life back."

She got out of the car and walked the four blocks to the restaurant with a confidence that covered her anxiousness. Pushing the door open, she took a deep breath, smiled and stepped inside.

Julie saw Jack first. He was sitting at the bar and looked exactly as he had described himself. What he hadn't told her was how good-looking he was. She walked toward him, a nervous smile on her face.

"Jack? Hi, I'm Leslie." She held out her hand to him.

He looked up at her and stood up. Taking her hand, he held it a moment too long. "Leslie? Hi! Guess I should have thought to ask what you looked like." He grinned as he released her hand, pulling out the chair next to him. "I'm waiting for them to find us a table. Do you want anything to drink while we wait?"

She saw he was drinking a beer. "Lite beer is fine, thanks." She waited until he gave the bartender her order. "So, do I look like you thought I would?" Her beer arrived. She poured the golden liquid into a glass. hoping he didn't notice her hand slightly shaking.

"Actually, no. My mind could never have imagined how deep blue your eyes are." His smile was hesitant as he quickly looked down at his glass.

Julie leaned back in her chair. Not sure how to reply, she took a sip of her beer. "Well, you're not exactly what I expected either." She sat up to put her glass on the bar. "I am curious though. What made you mail me? I get responses to my stories but no one's ever told me I'm a mind reader," she laughed.

The hostess came up to them. "Mr. Reynolds? Your table is ready." Jack and Julie stood up. "Follow me."

Once at their table, Jack looked at Julie. "So, is your real name Leslie?"

Wondering at the sense of comfort she felt with this stranger, she didn't hesitate with her answer. "No. It's Julie."

He grinned. "Well, it may take me a while to get used to that. Leslie is what I'm used to." He looked at her over his menu. "By the way, Jack Reynolds is my real name."

"It's a nice name. It fits you." Julie smiled as they both looked at their menus. "The Chicken Oriental Salad is my favorite here."

"I need some pasta. Baked Manicotti I think." He set the menu down. "You asked me a question before." His hands played with his napkin. "I guess I mailed you because it's true. I feel like you know me. I feel like your erotic scenes are written for me. I mailed you because I felt like you wrote that story for me. I can't describe it. It just felt like you put into words things that I've always wanted to do." He picked up the his drink, hoping she wouldn't notice his hand slightly shaking."

Julie felt his nervousness as put her menu down. "Look, Jack. I don't want you to be tense or uncomfortable. Heck, I don't want to be nervous. Let's start over, ok? Hi, I'm Julie. You must be Jack." She smiled and held out her hand

He looked relieved as he reached out and shook it. "Nice to meet you, Julie."

Julie relaxed as the conversation eased into general topics, as normal first-time conversations do. "What do you do for a living? ¸ How long have you lived in Chicago? ¸ What did you think of the Blues Fest at Grant Park?¸ Did you go to the Gospel Fest too? ¸ You're a Cubs fan, right?"¸ By the time their food arrived, their conversation was animated and their comfort level had grown.

"Would you like any dessert?" their waiter asked.

Jack looked at the waiter. "No, nothing for me. What about you, Julie?"

"I'd like some coffee, I think."

Great. Two coffees, then." The waiter left and Jack looked at Julie with intensity. "So, tell me, are you as bold as your stories?"

Julie laughed. "Well, sure, in a way." She ran her hand through her hair as if in deep thought. "I mean, my fantasies are bold but I'm not sure I am."

The waiter brought their coffees.

"I like the way you look when you play with your hair, Julie." He reached over and touched her wrist. "Tell me one of your fantasies." He watched her and saw something awaken. Not quite sure what it was, he felt his cock twitch. "Pretend you're writing a story. Tell me what you would do if this was a story you're in right now." His heart beat faster as he watched a transformation come over her.

Julie sat back. The minute he asked about her fantasies, her clit trembled. The tips of her nipples grew hard. Her hands wrapped tightly around her coffee mug. "Are you sure you want me to tell you here? In this public room?" She smiled nervously as she looked around. With amazement, she realized that even though she was nervous she also felt incredibly sexy.

"Yes, Julie. I want to know what you would do to please me here in this restaurant right now. There's hardly anyone here. Tell me what you'd do. Tell me how you'd feel while you did it. Better yet, show me."

Her breath quickened. It was if she was a different person when she stood up. "Why don't you let me sit next to you?" she asked. He started to move over when she touched his shoulder. "No, let me in first." He stood up and felt her breasts brush against his chest as she moved in front of him. The round globes of her backside looked inviting as she leaned over and picked up the napkin that had fallen on the seat. Sliding in, she smiled and he felt his heart melt.

He sat down next to her, not quite sure what she was going to do but hoping that her fantasy was the same as his. His couldn't believe how exciting she truly was without really done anything yet.

"Jack, you look uncomfortable. I think you should unzip your jeans." She smiled innocently but her eyes betrayed her emotions. " Push them down a little. I want to see you."

He kept his eyes on hers as his hands moved toward his zipper. He felt her lust as if it was his own

"Slowly, Jack. We are not going to rush this." She watched his hands as they fumbled for a moment, then gasped when she saw his cock, hard and almost perpendicular. His balls rested heavily against his closed thighs. "Now drop your napkin on the floor."

His hand shook as he picked up the napkin and dropped it under the table. Julie leaned close to him, letting her breasts brush against his upper arm. Her thigh was close to his as she turned against him. Touching his chin, she turned his face toward her. His mouth felt soft as her tongue moved gently back and forth along his closed lips, forcing them open. She heard his breath catch when the tips of their tongues met. Slowly she sucked his tongue. His cock was fully erect now and his breath was as ragged as hers.

Her mouth pulled away from his. "Such a wonderfully slow kiss, Jack. Did you like it? Can you imagine what else I'm going to slowly do to you?" Her hand moved to his cock as her lips kissed his chin, then moved toward his ear. "I'm going to slowly lick your cock," she whispered. "My mouth is going to slowly suck your balls. I'm going to make you come, Jack.

I'm going to play with my clit, too. I want you to think about how hard my little bud is going to get as I'm making you hard too. I want you to imagine me touching myself as I suck your cock." She stopped a moment to nibble gently on his earlobe. "Do you know why I want to suck you Jack?"

He couldn't answer if he had tried. She was playing her tongue against the soft spot under his ear while her hand lightly stroked him harder. Jack closed his eyes, tried to concentrate on finding his voice.

"Because I'm hot for you. If we were anywhere else, I'd make you wait for hours to come. You know that, don't you?" She squeezed him firmly as he nodded his head.

Her tongue circled his ear. "Jack, I hope you can control yourself. I'd hate for us to be thrown out because you can't keep quiet," she murmured.

He opened his eyes and saw her smile as she slid under the table. He pulled the tablecloth down so that what she was about to do couldn't be seen. When he felt her hair against his thigh, he almost pulled the tablecloth off¸

Julie had no idea of what had come over her. Never in her life would she have dreamed she'd do this. It was only a fantasy she had written about. But now, she was overpowered by this desire to suck his cock till he begged for mercy. Would she let him come, she wondered? Not knowing the answer, her lips moved toward his balls.

She knelt between his legs and used her hands to make him open his upper thighs a little more. Leaning down, she slowly brushed her tongue across the span of his balls, pushed between them, felt them move across her lips. Her right hand stroked his cock, making it harder with each caress. His thighs tensed and his ass moved on the seat when she placed a left index finger against that smooth bit of skin just beneath his balls. As she massaged it, her mouth moved to the base of his erection. She sucked along his length deliberately and firmly.

His thighs pushed against her face as she continued to tease and excite him. Knowing that his orgasm was close to the edge, her left hand unzipped her jeans. Her middle finger touched her clit just as her mouth reached the tip of his cock. Her lips held him in place as her tongue circled around the rim and pushed into the tiny slit. She tasted his thick pre-cum as her finger moved rapidly against her clit. Moving her hand lower, she inserted a finger into her pussy. Her thumb remained on her hard little shaft, moving in tiny circles. Now her tense thighs matched his as her mouth moved down his cock. She held him deep and swallowed, allowing her throat to squeeze him lightly in a steady firm rhythm.

His hands went under the table to hold her head close when his explosion started. She went with him, groaning as his spending cock muffled her sounds. Her body became taut as her climax culminated with his. It was as if his silent cries of passion and pleasure were hers.

His hands fell away from her head, his body totally drained, but she kept him in her mouth until she felt him relax. Then her lips slid up until she could brush the tip with her tongue, savoring the taste of the sweet liquid he had just given her. Sitting back, she re-zipped her jeans. Then she gently closed up his, hands lingering on his stomach, thighs and cock.

When she had moved back up to her seat, Jack turned toward her. "Julie, no one has ever done that for me before. No one."

She looked at him and smiled nervously. "Jack, I've never done that before to anyone. Not in a public place. I don't know what came over me." She looked away, embarrassed.

Jack pushed her hair behind her ear and leaned close. "Julie ¸ Julie," he whispered. "I know. I saw the change come over you. I think I know how you really are."

She turned to face him. "Jack, I can't explain¸" he stopped her with a kiss. His lips covered her words and she sank into a comfortable feeling she hadn't felt in a long time.

"Julie, don't worry. I understand. I do. Now, I'm here wondering when and how I can return the fantasy. I'm wondering if I can read minds as well as you."

Copyright January 1999 by Megan Murphy.