The sky is dark and foreboding. Lighting cracks and a flash pierces the darkness, chasing away the shadows only to leave a ghostly image of what was seen for an instant glowing in the mind. As the wind blows and the rain pounds upon the roof, you pull the blanket a little tighter around your body and move a little closer to the fire.

A soft glow from the flames dance upon your face. The delicate porcelain of your face radiates the warmth and amazingly brings even greater beauty to what many consider absolute perfection of grace and femininity.

Startled from your thoughts, you jump as someone pounds upon your door urgently. You look at the clock and to the fire contemplating whom on earth would be calling on you this late. Uncertain if you are going to answer the door, you tiptoe across the room and peek out at your uninvited visitor. You pause for a second not recognizing the face, but take a second look. Water is pouring down the mans face and his glasses are nearly fogged up completely. Your eyes widen as a though races thru your mind. There is a moment of possible recognition, but you are uncertain. Why? How? You think as you dash to your computer and pull up an image. Round as saucers your eyes become as you realize you do know the man at your door. Your heart pounds within your chest and you make your way back to the door.

You look again and he is still there waiting patiently. This man, unlike most, doesn't have a look of frustration at being in the cold rain, but simply appears to be waiting patiently, seemingly secure in some thought. Trembling, your hand moves to unlock the door, but pauses.

Your mind is telling you of the million and one reasons why this could be a bad idea and your hand withdraws for a moment.

It moves to your chest and feels your heart pounding.

Your eyes close as you lean against the door almost straining to hear through it. A warm calm soothing sensation washes over your body as your heart reassures you why it's safe to open the door. "Yes", you whisper. He is different he is safe. You smile as you begin to open the door. Your head is swimming, as the world seems to spin around and around you.

Your eyes meet and you gaze deeply into his bright twinkling blue eyes and he returns the longing look into your emerald eyes. "Cole, how on earth? you begin to speak but silently his finger gently touches your lips, hushing you. With a whisper, he simply states that he once told you that neither time nor space could keep you apart. Why did you doubt him? Suddenly realizing that he is still standing in the tempest, you take his hand in yours and pull him out of the storm and into the warmth of your house. Eyes darting for something to use to dry, you use the closest thing available and wrap your blanket around Cole.

He smiles, still gazing into your eyes, but you realize that despite the content look on his face, his body has begun to shiver uncontrollably. You both move to the fire and seek shelter from the chill of the evening.

Mild hypothermia has started to take it's toll and his eyes begin to flutter slightly as he fights to focus, yet the whole time, there is nothing but the most happy and satisfied smile upon Cole's face as his eyes take in every inch of your face. You throw some more wood on the fire and work the coals until it roars to life and the whole room is aglow with its light and warmth. You remove the blanket and give a knowing nod. "Don't you know how to dress for the weather up here? One doesn't wear something like this during a storm", you say as you begin to unbutton the shirt. "You are soaked to the bone. You will never get warm with this thing on".

Without time to react, Cole leans forward and steals a tender kiss. He blushes and looks away shyly. "I'm sorry, I just have thought of little else besides your lips since first seeing them." You smile but say nothing. You have one thing on your mind, and that's to keep this man from freezing to death. Your fingers move quickly as you work your way down, undoing button after button. You hands move inside the shirt and up his chest.

His skin is frightfully cold from the storm, yet the touch ignites a fire within you.

You pause for just an instant as your lower lip is lightly squeezed between your teeth, but you regain focus and move your hands up his shoulders and cause his shirt to fall down his back. The orange and red tongues of flame and light dance upon his chest. Stay Tuned for Part Two