Forever, Jared

Nightmare

Katie opened her eyes and coughed. Although it was night and the room dark, there was an orange flickering glow coming from outside. 

Katie jumped out of bed and rushed to the window. Flames leapt from the front porch, climbing the exterior wall to the second floor. She ran to the bedroom door and flung it open. Fire was already consuming the stairwell, blocking her escape. Thick black smoke billowed in. The flames raced across the walls and floor toward her. She dropped to the floor and slammed the door. 

She crawled back to the window and pushed open the sash. Through the inferno, she could see a strange man standing on the grass, watching her. He held a torch in his right hand. She screamed and begged for help. He only stood and watched. The room began to spin as her lungs fought for air. She collapsed to the floor. The flames breached the door and licked across the ceiling. With her dying breath, she screamed... JARED!!! 

# 

Katie awoke with a start, Jared's naked body resting against her own. She scanned the bedroom, no fire. Sunlight streamed in through the curtains. 

Jared opened his blue eyes and cradled her face in his hand. 

"What's wrong, Beloved?" 

"Bad dream," Katie exhaled. "Really bad dream." 

Jared pulled her closer. The feel of his skin was cooler than last night but felt comforting. He showered her face with kisses. 

"My poor baby," he crooned between kisses. "What was it?" 

"I don't want to think about it. I don't..." Her voice trailed away. 

She wrapped her leg around him and kissed his lips. They made love again, deeply and passionately. Katie's nightmare faded away as her body became one with his again. She lost herself in him, letting him drive away her fears with his tender touch. They lay in each other's arms, blissful.

 Katie's phone vibrated. She picked it up from the nightstand. Marilyn had texted BREAKFAST. She showed the phone to Jared. 

"Shit, look at the time. Let's get going or Marla will have my ass." 

"She can't have your ass, it's mine," said Katie. 

Jared laughed. "Yes, it is. And I meant it, you're moving into the hotel with me. We're going to the venue for soundcheck, then meet-and-greet before the concert. I'm putting you to work helping Marla. And I think I found a way out of your new-found fame." 

Jared helped Katie pack her belongings in her backpack. They showered together, washing each other, enjoying the intimacy. They came out of the bathroom in towels. Katie looked at the bed and realized how destructive their night of passion had been. Linens in complete chaos, pillows strewn about, mattress askew, a wide crack in the fingerprint-covered headboard. 

"How'd we do that?" Katie marveled.

"Sex bomb?" joked Jared. 

"Hurricane Jared," replied Katie. 

"Let's finish the job," laughed Jared, sweeping Katie into his arms and dragging her towards the bed. Katie giggled. 

There was a knock on the door. 

"Katie, breakfast! Can I come in a minute?" sang Marilyn.

 Katie and Jared froze. 

"Oh shit!" Jared whispered. 

"Hide in the bathroom!" Katie grabbed up Jared's clothes, ushered him into the bathroom and tossed his clothes in after him. 

"Wait, I should say hello!" Jared laughed. Katie shushed him and closed the door.