Knight Vision by Johanna Bock Page A

from the chill in the air or what he was doing to her, he reached out to start the motor to turn on the heater.  Unable to see the dashboard, he had to make several attempts to locate the switch.  When he finally found the right place, not only did the engine kick over, but also the radio came on.   The car filled with music.  He smiled as he heard Annie softly cry his name.  It was not just any song; it was their song, ’Lady.’  He had forgotten.  It was his other surprise for her.  He had purchased the cassette, and had worked for some time to get the tape just to the beginning of the song to play it for her when they got in the car.  This was better timing, he thought.  This was the right moment for it.   The outside world stopped for them as they rediscovered each other in their cramped surroundings.  The cassette continued to play. 
    With their needs fulfilled for the moment, Annie became aware that the music had stopped.  She reached out and touched Jeff’s face.  “The knight knows how to please the lady,“ she whispered. 
    “Should I do it again?“ he asked playfully. 
    “Again?  Please let me catch my breath,“ she requested.
    “No, my lady.  I mean play the tape again,“ he said, shaking his head under her hand.
    “Oh,“ she replied, blushing.  “Yes.“
    As he reached around her for the stereo, he felt her start to laugh softly.  Peering into her face as he pressed the play button, he saw the faraway look in her eyes.  “What is it?“ he asked.
    “I was just thinking,“ she said quietly, focusing on him. 
    “We are in trouble,“ he joked.  Feeling her tense, he quickly continued, “Kidding.  What were you thinking?  Please share.“
    She leaned down and kissed his lips softly.  “That I much prefer this music to the Star Wars’ soundtrack,“ she shared.
    “What?“ he laughed. 
    Shaking her head, she laughed and started to move off his lap.  “You asked,“ she replied.
    “No, you don’t,“ he said, pulling her back down.  “You have to explain.“
    “Jeff, let me go.  My legs are beginning to cramp.  I need to stretch them out,“ she insisted. 
    “Oh,“ he replied, releasing her. 
    Seated, she adjusted her clothes and felt him reaching out for her legs and bringing them up across his lap, turning her back to the passenger side door.  “Continue.  Star Wars’ soundtrack?“
    Noticing the fogged up windows, she stated, “Looks like we need to lower a window.“  Absently reaching out for the roses on the dashboard, she continued, “We have wilted them.“
    Jeff looked around the car at the windows.  “Yes, you’re right,“ he confirmed, reaching and lowering the driver’s side window.  “Give them to me,“ he requested, holding his hand out.  She passed him the sad-looking, drooping roses.  She watched as he leaned over and stuck his upper arm out the open window.  “The cold air should bring them back.“
    “What did you do?“ she asked as she saw his hand reappear, empty.
    “I placed them on the roof.“
    “Let’s not forget them,“ she whispered. 
    “I won’t,“ he promised, beginning to rub her leg muscles.  “Now?“
    “Now, what?“ she asked sheepishly. 
    “The story.  Thought I had forgotten?“
    “No, just wished you had,“ she said softly.  Closing her eyes, she traveled back in her memories.  “Are you sure you really want to hear this story?“ she asked, not opening her eyes.  “It involved my last relationship.“
    “Yes, Annie.  I do.  It has made you into what you are right now.  I am truly interested in every part of you,“ he enlightened her as the pressure of his hands on her legs lightened into a caress.
    This man is beyond belief.  If he asked me to jump off a bridge right now, I would do it , she thought.  “Okay.  Remember you asked for it,“ she said, laughing softly.   “It was my last year of college.  You could say we had a standing ’night class’ every Tuesday.