Page 75 of Curvy Wives of Willow Creek 5-8

Now, we're just two people, both battered by life, lying side by side in the stillness of her bedroom. I can feel the warmth emanating from her body, and it's comforting. I'm tempted, so tempted to lean over and kiss her.

But I know I can't. I've already crossed more professional boundaries than I should have. Kissing her would be another transgression, one I can't afford.

Lauren stirs beside me, and her voice floats softly through the darkness.

"You know, ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of becoming a history teacher. It's been hard to save money for it, especially with all the bumps along the way, but I'm still trying."

Her confession hangs in the air, raw and vulnerable. I turn to face her, her eyes almost glowing in the dim light.

"That's a beautiful dream, Lauren. I hope you get there."

"What about you?" she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Do you have a dream?"

I chuckle softly.

"Well, it might sound a bit too ambitious, but I'd love to expand my practice. Have law offices in several towns across the country."

She turns toward me, her eyes full of warmth and tenderness.

"That doesn't sound too big at all. Not for you. You seem like a smart, hard-working man. I wouldn't be surprised if you achieve it."

My heart swells at her words. For a moment, I lose myself in the possibility, in the idea that maybe dreams aren't just things to be shelved and forgotten.

I clench my fists, reining in the impulse to touch her, to cross yet another boundary.

"We should try to get some sleep," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

She nods, her eyes lingering on mine for a moment longer before she turns away.

"You’re right. Goodnight, Dennis."

"Goodnight, Lauren."

As I close my eyes, I let myself drift into sleep, and I dream for the first time in years. I dream of a life where boundaries don't exist, where pain can be left behind. A life where I wake up every morning next to Lauren.

And even though I know it's just a dream, it's enough to make the impossible seem possible, if only for a little while.

The Next Day

I wake up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the curtains. For a moment, I'm disoriented, but then I remember where I am. I turn my head and see Lauren beside me, her face relaxed in peaceful slumber.

As I lie there, watching her sleep, my thoughts drift to the ethics of it all.

Falling for a client is a dangerous game, fraught with professional and personal risks. And yet, lying here beside her, I can't shake off this strange sense of belonging, as if I'm where I'm supposed to be.

Lauren stirs, her eyes fluttering open. For a brief second, our eyes lock, and it's as if the world stops spinning.

"Morning," she mumbles, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Good morning," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

Damn it, I want to stay, to explore whatever is blossoming between us. But I can't.

"I should get going," I say, forcing the words out. "I'll do my best to expedite the restraining order against Tom. I'll make it a priority, and after what he did yesterday, I might be able to skip a few steps."

She sits up, rubbing her eyes.

"Thank you, Dennis. I can't tell you how much that means to me. Did you sleep well?"

---