Some Like It Hot

by Karen Mason-Richardson

Wavering candlelight ebbed and flowed from beyond the curve ofrock. Just out of its range, darker shadows defied that dancingillumination, masking the presence of a human figure leaning againstthe uneven tunnel wall. Bending minutely forward, the person listenedintently, focusing all senses on that lighted area.

In flickering silhouette, a huge masculine shadow loomed over akneeling feminine form. Slowly, the two forms merged as they sanktowards the ground. Sounds of rustling cloth, and a slight metallicclick, softly punctuated the silence, followed by the distinctcrackle of plastic being torn.

"You seem like you know what you're doing," Catherine's surprisedcomment echoed softly from beyond the tunnel bend.

"I've looked forward to this for some time," rumbled the gravelymale answer. "I must admit to having... practiced I was sure itwould be difficult with my..."

"Claws?"

"Yes."

"Here, let me help."

Thank y--... Oh, Catherine! What is...? Oh. Ohhh. Mmmmmmm."

The masculine moan of pleasure was punctuated by a gasp of indrawnbreath, a sound bordering on pain. Soon liquid, sucking noisesdrifted through the air, punctuated by delicate gasps andappreciative sighs. Eventually the moans of enjoyment graduallysegued into murmurs of satiation.

"Catherine, you were right. I'm sorry for doubting you."

The listening figure in the tunnel straightened decisively andmade his way to the source of the warm light. Before him, recliningon soft cushions and partially covered with a blanket to ward off thechill that permeated the tunnels, Catherine curled within the circleof Vincent's arms. A stray tear made its way down her face as sheturned to regard their visitor with a satisfied smile.

"Was everything all right?" asked the man.

"More than all right!" she sighed as she swiped away the wetnesson her cheek. "It was wonderful, wasn't it Vincent?"

"Amazing," came the low response, as Vincent surreptitiouslybrushed a tear from his eye as well, drawing inadvertent attention tothe glisten of drying sweat on his brow. "I've never thought toexperience anything like it. But, I must concur, it was trulywonderful."

The shadowed figure stepped further into the light, revealingOriental features. Approaching the couple, he bent down to deposittwo small cellophane-wrapped packets on the blanket. "For later, ifyou so desire," said the man. "Don't hurry. I'll straighten thisplace up tomorrow morning."

An anticipatory gleam in his eye, Vincent reached greedily forwardto pick up the packets. With a smile of indulgence, the man rose todepart the intimate chamber.

"Henry - wait!" called Catherine. At his inquiring look, shecontinued. "Tell your new chef that we both send our compliments. Hemakes the best Szechwan food in Chinatown!"

"Thanks, I'll pass that on," Henry replied with a grin, as hesauntered off.

Leaning back against Vincent's warmth, Catherine pushed the dirtydishes away with her toe, inadvertently knocking his used chopsticks,scratched but intact, along with their discarded plastic wrapping,onto the rocky floor. The rumble of his voice shivered through herspine, as he held out one of unopened packages.

"Fortune cookie, Catherine?"