Courtship of the Recluse

It was her turn to blush as she recalled the dream that episode had inspired. "Maybe I did, subconsciously. I think it was a turning point for me, too. I thought you were going to..." Her face grew warmer.

He smiled. "Kiss you? I thought about it, but I was afraid you'd get mad. Anyway, I was doing my best not to let things get out of control. You can't believe how many cold showers I've taken."

She bit her lower lip and looked down at her hands again. All this time she thought she was the only one with the torrid thoughts.

He chuckled and ran cool fingers across her hot cheek. "By the time Claudette showed up, I knew for sure. She must have suspected as well. That's when I decided to ask you to marry me." He shrugged. "The rest you already know."

"About the courtship of the recluse?" She leaned toward him and he met her half way. Their kiss was warm and exciting - deeply gratifying. Still, his next words were the most gratifying of all.

"Let's get married as soon as we can. The house has been unbearably lonely without you."

Russell Cade - the recluse - was lonely without her.