Knight in Shining Armor

Janet admires the breathtaking view from Ben's lawn. Now I see why they call it the natural state. Glancing toward the door, she sees Ben scurrying around. His looks and his voice could melt anyone's heart. She sighs.

Ben is singing a romantic tune as he's preparing their snacks.

He invited Janet inside when they first arrived, but she couldn't force herself to step through the door after everything she'd been through today.

Janet's initial thought was Ben seemed like a sweet man. The one that followed that stopped her in her tracks. What if it's just a persona, a way to lure women into his home? And what if he's like Jeffery Dahmer, Ted Bundy, or other serial killers who prey on helpless women? Backing away from the porch, Janet graciously declines.

Ben pulls out two lawn chairs and says, "Why be cooped up in a stuffy house when you've got this?"

They talk for hours, putting Janet at ease.

"I don't know about you, but I'm getting hungry. Ben says, watching the sun fall over the horizon. Ben wets his lips and adds, "A little thirsty too."

"I could use a little ..." Janet's stomach growls before she can finish.

Laughing, Ben springs up from his seat. "I'll be right back."

Janet glances across the yard. I'd always enjoy this view if I were him. She breathes in the fresh mountain air and leans back in her chair. The cool evening breeze brushes across her face. A sweet smell of flowers cascades through the air. Insets are chirping in the distance. I could fall asleep out here. She yawns.

I was so lucky he found me when he did. Oh, Ben, she sighs. Closing her eyes, she pictures his face in her mind, how his sandy blond hair and dark complexion bring out his baby blues. His eyes are so beautiful, so dreamy. I could get lost in them forever. His deep voice and his gentle touch make my heart sore.

She imagines his mouth pressing softly against hers as his hands caress every inch of her naked body. She feels a strong, womanly desire grow between her legs. It's been a long time since a man has pleasured me. Bill hasn't touched her since the birth of their son. She feels her body long for Ben's gentle touch as she fantasizes about their romantic encounter.

She's so lost in her dream that she doesn't hear him tromping across the grass.

"I'm sorry it took so long," Ben says. Dishes clank together as he heads to their spot on the lawn.

Jackie springs up in her seat.

"I didn't mean to startle you." He chuckles.

"I was just lost in my thoughts." She blushes.

"The fresh mountain air does that to me all the time." He smiles. Janet's heart melts more.

Janet pictures Ben's naked body in her mind and blushes again. Clearing her throat, she looks up and says, "You didn't have to go through all this trouble for me."

"It's no trouble at all. Besides, a beautiful lady like you rarely visits me."

Janet jumps up to help. "No, no, you, relax, let me serve you."

I know what I'd like you to serve me, and it's not on that tray. Janet chuckles to herself as she admires his muscular physique. I'd love to ravish every inch of his hot, sweaty body. What's wrong with me, having thoughts like that? Like I'm a horney, love-crazed teenager. I'm only twenty-eight. Besides, four years is a long time to go without being pleasured by a man. Years that seem like a lifetime when eye candy like him struts around in tight shorts and a muscle shirt. Her desire grows stronger as she watches him scoop food on her plate. I wonder if he even realizes the hell he's putting through dressing like that.

Janet sees the bulge in his pants when he turns around. Damn. Get control over yourself, girl. Janet thinks, wiping the drool away.

"Is something wrong?" He smiles.

"N ...no" Why are you torturing me so? Her desire becomes intense. Get a grip on yourself. You're not a horney schoolgirl anymore, she thinks. Janet tries to push all her nasty thought from her mind but quickly finds it's easier said than done.

His cologne wafts through the air as he walks past. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

Handing her a plate, Ben says, "I've figured out a solution to all your problems."

"You ...you have?"

"You need a job, right? It just so happens my sister needs a ..."

"I'll take it."

Ben laughs. "You don't even know what it is yet."

"I don't care. I'll take it." And you, too, she thinks

"I'll tell my sister she has a new pest control specialist."

Janet's face pales. "Pest control specialist?" The last thing I'd ever want to do is to go into a spider-infested house. She imagines them all over her and shivers. It is money in my pocket. I'm sure she pays well too.

Ben laughs. "The look on your face is priceless."

"It's not my dream job, but it'll pay the bills, right?" She shakily replies.

"Who are you trying to convince, me or you?"

"Well, I.."

"I'm just kidding. My sister needs a waitress for her cafe."

Janet straightens in her seat. "That I can do."

"Good, now on to your second problem, a place to live. I have an old cabin around back. Ben points behind the house. "it isn't fancy, but it has water, heat, and electricity. Ben chuckles and adds, "And a few pet snakes."

Janet wrinkles her nose. "Snakes?"

"They decided to make the place their home last winter. I figured they'd leave when warm temperatures hit, but they haven't vacated the premises yet. My pets are completely harmless as long as you remember to feed them three times a day. Oh, and Brutus is the lover. He likes to cuddle at night." He sees the look of horror on her face and laughs again. "I'm just kidding. The only thing in the cabin is a little dust. Who am I kidding? A lot of dust."

"You're not funny, Ben. Not one bit funny at all. First the bug job and then the snakes."

"That was a bit mean, even for me."

"You think?"

"So, do you like my plan?"

"It'll be a while before I can pay rent." I'd gladly pay you in other ways, she thinks. "Maybe I could do a little each week instead of monthly for now?"

"I never mentioned paying rent."

"You're letting me stay there for free."

"As long as you take care of my pets." Seeing the look on her face, he chuckles and says, "I'm just kidding.

"You better be."

Ben laughs again. It's empty, so why not let somebody get some use out of it?

"Thank you, Ben, thank you so much." She leans over and kisses him. Realizing what she did, Janet pulls back. "I'm sorry, Ben, I. I don't know what came over me.

Smiling, Ben pulls her against him and says, "I've been wanting to kiss you all day."