#pearlsinaclamshell

She sat up, and looked through her open bedroom door. She could see the back of her couch in the living room. A grin swept across her face when she saw Frank’s boot clad feet sticking out off the end of the couch. He was asleep. And he’d made it home safe. But who knows what damage was done to his body. 

She made a mental note to get first aid stuff first thing, then she drifted back to sleep. 

Her dreams were full of Frank. Sometimes she dreamed about past things, memories she can’t, won’t ever let go. The cheek kiss, that dreadful day in the elevator. When he finally found her again after seeing him in that elevator. But sometimes she dreams about things she wants, a deeper kiss or the feeling of him between her legs. She doesn’t know if that’ll happen, but she can’t stop her dreams. 

A particularly steamy dream caused her to sleep through her alarm. 

“Karen,” Frank’s voice echoed in her mind. 

Karen jumped up and flung her arms around his neck and kissed him with everything she had. Hey, it’s a dream, she can kiss him if she wants. His hand on her hip felt so warm and real. The scrape of his stubble on her chin felt reminded her of when he kissed her cheek. She sighed into the kiss. She was surprised her subconscious hadn’t torn her from this dream. 

She pulled away with a gasp when she realized his voice was real. He was real, that kiss was real. A blush bloomed on her cheek and neck. His eyes were dark, but full of surprise. She felt horrible, but as she looked, he certainly wasn’t pulling away from her. 

“I’m so sorry,” she gasped again. That kiss left her breathless. 

Frank only grins his famous crooked grin. 

“I didn’t know you’re a sleep walker,” he mused. 

“I didn’t either,” she tried to hide her blush, but it was too late. His observant eyes had seen. 

“We’re just lucky you didn’t knock this coffee out of my hands,” Frank smiled trying to diffuse the tension. He knows she’s embarrassed. He held up the coffee mug, he’d come in to wake her since she slept through her alarm. 

“Thank you.” 

He nodded. 

She felt dizzy. Were they going to talk about it?

He seemed to read her mind, he saw her uncertain eyes. 

“Karen?” he gently spoke. “It’s ok.” He leaned in and tenderly placed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Don’t be late for work.” 

Karen dressed for work in a dazed hurry. It was a good thing Frank didn’t have any major injuries, because she forgot the first aid kit.