You’re Beautiful (A Short Story of Love)

He dropped to one knee to slip off her sandals and smiled.

She surprised him with new beige sandals by Michael Kors. The French manicured toe nails informed him she had a fresh pedicure as well.

All just for him. He made a mental note to drop two hundred on her dresser.

Unhooking the straps of her sandals, he gave her delicate feet a loving squeeze as he slipped them off.

He set the shower to her favorite temperature. As the warm water soaked their bodies, he reached for her shampoo. His strong fingers washed her silky hair. Her work day stress flowed down the drain with the white suds.

Minutes later, she slipped into a comfy white gown and pouted, “I have to cook.”

He took her hand, kissed it, and led her to their bed. “Beautiful, take a nap. I will cook tonight.”

His finger on her lips prevented her from protesting.

She gave him a little peck before he journeyed to the kitchen.

He reached into his pocket for her cell phone which he snatched while she wasn’t looking. He pressed the screen to activate it. Unfamiliar with her new iphone; he shut it off.

No one would disturb her rest.

He returned to the room, wanting so badly to stroke her soft cheek. He needed to kiss her full lips. Sigh.

Sleep was her sanctuary and he was born to protect her serenity.

He leaned against the wall to enjoy his favorite pastime – observing her as she napped in a cloud of fresh white sheets.

Slipping head phones into his ears. He searched for one of his favorite songs. The same song he always played while she slept.

The instrumentals began.

As she slept, he found bliss in her peace.

The music and lyrics flowed directly to his heart.

“My life is brilliant. My love is pure.
I saw an angel. Of that I am sure.”

Yes, he saw an angel.

She gave so openly. Never expecting anything in return. She fulfilled his needs. Including sharing her family with him.

After so many years alone, she helped him feel “family,” again.

His one regret? One lifetime isn’t enough time to shower her with the love, affection, and gratitude she deserved.

But damn, he will try.

Still leaning against the wall, he sank until his jeans touched the floor. Alone in his familiar corner, he glanced at his watch. She will sleep for an hour or two.

It didn’t matter.

He will wait.

She was worth it.

“You’re beautiful. You’re beautiful.
You’re beautiful, it’s true.”

o-WOMAN-SLEEPING-facebook

 

302 thoughts on “You’re Beautiful (A Short Story of Love)

    1. How strange my mind automatically corrected it when reading and then I read it again and realised that the chimp had probably removed it by the time I came to reading his lovely short story.

      Liked by 4 people

        1. Did you try the breathing technique? I saw something on facebook this morning that involved a chimp making himself comfortable to sleep and just kept laughing to myself as it made me think of you 😀

          Liked by 1 person

          1. I was doing some of the breathing techniques you and I discussed. It is helpful. (Even thought the spouse thinks I am a total kook). LOL Where did you see this? OMG I would love to see this. This chimp needs a napping partner. My wife hates naps. I treasure them.

            Liked by 1 person

                    1. Lool, I was fine with your feet thing which I find perfectly normal say even adorable. The bestiality thing would take it a notch above anything I could comprehend 😀

                      Liked by 1 person

                    2. It’s all about laughter really. Laughter shakes the dust off your soul and it gets to shine again.
                      Yes a notch, my tolerance level is very high. The only thing I find totally unbearable is cruelty in any form.

                      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. I played that song over & over as I wrote this piece. Needed to get into that mood. Imagine our heroine waking up everyday to find him there, porotecting her from her nightmares. Love is bveautiful. Thanks for stopping by to read.

      Liked by 2 people

          1. Thank you and I’m so sorry that’s happening. 😕 My son’s laptop isn’t booting up correctly, my Chromebook is giving me fits and this iPad is suspect.
            I’ve mentioned it a little bit on here, I just don’t want to be a bore or crybaby about it, but I’ve been hacked by someone I know and I’m still trying to sort it out.
            Sometimes I wish there were no internet.
            Having my privacy stolen is such a rape of trust and being stalked like this is the worse kind of betrayal.
            It’s beyond irritating, frustrating, distracting, time-consuming and disconcerting.
            The only silver lining is that I’m learning about the technology I use everyday and hopefully will be able to protect my children better in the future.
            I’m most upset about them being affected by this insanity.

            Once again, my apologies. I do always appreciate and enjoy your comments. You are always a smile-bringer, my friend 🍃🌺

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Oh, that is okay. I don’t want you to think for a moment I am not following you. You are a treasure and one of my favorite writers. You really are. Sorry about all the privacy stuff. That is horrible. I don’t understand people. Don’t let anyone get you down. And make sure you protect your children as best you can. They are innocent. You are a positive and inspiring person. Don’t want to see anyone ruin that. So good to hear from you.

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Thank you for following me and reading me. It means a lot. 😊
                I’m trying to be positive. The unfortunate result of being hacked and stalked by numerous accounts is a degree of paranoia.
                Fine line between paranoia and due diligence … lol

                You inspire also, I am so happy to know you. Enjoy tonight, my friend 🍃🌺💕

                Liked by 1 person

      1. As long overprotective does not equal smothering you’re good to go 🙂 And from the looks of it, you seem like a direct descendant of God of How-to-treat-a-woman. So, you’re cool! 😀

        Liked by 2 people

        1. No, never. I know how it feels to have a smothering partner. I hate it. But if she is napping, NO ONE WILL DISTURB HER. That kind of protective. No one will disrespect her either. That is what I mean. Thanks for reading and commenting..

          Liked by 2 people

            1. How thoughtless of me. But if he didn’t know how to use her phone )(and this coming from a guy who hates iphones). I saw it as his only choice. Also, I would never want a lady to think I was invading her privacy. Does that make it better?

              Liked by 2 people

                  1. Right you are again. You’re getting too good to be true, lol. More seriously I commend you for making the effort to respect and trust and I am sure your flair would make you pick the woman who is worthy of your trust. Besides, as you say, if you dedicate yourself to a lady, you are basically giving her what she needs so she would need to be really twisted to still go and search for something else that she does not need elsewhere…

                    Liked by 1 person

                    1. Not too good to be true. No one is. Smiling I don’t smother you. I just give you EVERY REASON TO STAY. Didn’t work with my Devil Girl. But now, I am wise enough to understand she was a free spirit who needed to fly free.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    2. From what I read of your devil girl, if she were a real person that is, it would actually mean that she is not free. She needed to always do something more, to go further into exploring what she could not define. When you are truly free, you do not do things that hurt others, you do not wish to test boundaries because you know there are no boundaries, you are limitless and know it. When you share your energy with another – which is in essence what happens in intercourse whether including the dimension of the heart or not – you take on the impact of that person’s energy. To share your energy carelessly with people you know nothing of is a sign of disrespect for your body, your energy and your wellbeing. To disrespect yourself is a sign of enslavement as far as I am concerned. Those who are truly free realise how precious are their mortal envelopes and take care of them because it is the container for the energy bodies and our souls as well. My take on this that not everybody can and needs to share 🙂

                      Liked by 1 person

                    3. Loved reading your perspective. Bravo. I agree with every word. She was always searching for the next “rush.” And plenty of times I just wanted the feel of “just you and me.” I was younger, stupid, and to willing to experiment. .Thanks for sharing your thought. You nailed it.

                      Liked by 1 person

  1. A-ha! You started with the feet! Wise 😀 But seriously, what wonderful words, that portray a sweet story of pleasant pampering, to read after a long day traipsing on high heels. Lucky woman 😀

    Liked by 3 people

        1. Oh-oh. Trying to get me in trouble with half of the world?? Laughing. Everyone loves and shows love differently. I just happen to like to take off my socks first. lol You made me laugh. Love is providing what the other person needs.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. I wasn’t just talking about the socks. I was also talking about preparing the shower, the music, making sure she’s comfortable, leaving her be, letting her take all the time she needs, and waiting. 😀 I hope you don’t get in trouble with half of the world because of all that. Lol.

            Liked by 1 person

                1. Haha. You almost said my campaign slogan. Yes, let’s stand on a mountain and shout to the world, “LOVE IS PRETTY DARN GOOD.” A powerful message to say the least. Damn, I almost fell out of my chair. You are too funny. Why be with a woman if you’re not going to dedicate yourself to her?

                  Liked by 1 person

                  1. What do you mean, “almost”? You mean you didn’t fall out of your chair? What does a woman have to do to get some laughs around here? Lol. Since you *almost* fell out of your chair, are you sure you want to stand on a mountain? 😀 Kidding. All together now: “Love is pretty darn good” 😀

                    Liked by 1 person

  2. Oh my…. how lovely. Just beautiful. It’s amazing how the right song can take us where we need to go inside our heads. I often have a specific song on repeat when I write, varying, of course, depending on the mood of the story. And sometimes it’s the song that inspires the story in the first place.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That song inspires me. I listened to it several times to get in the mood for this. I am a kook who enjoys to watch his lady rest, so the lyrics just took me there. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Short stories have never been my thing. The response today encourages me to try again.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Andrew…..? Why were you giving her money? That line had my feminist antennae twitching. I feel bad singling that out but I thought you’d like the feedback. I’m sure you meant that you were treating her so she could buy something special, but I don’t know, *sigh* it didn’t sit right with me. Otherwise, it’s a beautiful piece! Any woman would love to be pampered and treasured like that! Having your man wash your hair – swoon! And fix dinner? – double swoon!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Smiling. Funny question. I have had relationships where the lady wants to keep our monies separately. And with other ladies all funds were shared. I got into the habit of reimbursing ladies when they purchased things that I viewed as purchased for me. Shoes, nail polish, lingerie. Didn’t want to offend anyone with this. I just feel the money would give her the opporunity to shop more. Perhaps encourage her to give me more “loving suprises.” Yes, this chimp can do a little dabbling in the kitchen. And I am fully aware when I wash the dishes that means cleaning the stove & counter. From female responses to some of my posts, I have come to realize I have done a terribler job of marketing myself when I was single. When you consider these things and that I have no family, so holidays are always “with hers” I think I have a lot to offer. LOL Hmmm I may relegated to the couch after this comment. LOL Oh, this chimp can’t stop laughing. Sorry, if I offended you. THanks for reading. Reading your short works encouraged me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’m back after a lengthy delay! You inspired me to go to the salon and get all pampered and primped! 😀 Anyway, I knew you would only have the best of intentions and I’m sorry your ladies have had trust issues. My husband and I combined our finances even before we were married so I guess that’s been my experience. I was in no way offended, just curious to have a little more insight into your thinking. As always, it’s a pleasure reading and sharing ideas with you!

        Liked by 1 person

      1. LOL I haven’t had the opportunity to be with independent women in my life. I had early relationships with women with serious trust issues. They wanted separate funds. I think that is a terrible way to have a relationship, but I dealt with it in that way. Smiling. It would offend you? A man giving you money to encourage you to shop more (and possibly buy things he may want to see you in?)

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Actually, no. I would not offend me. My husband used to do the same thing. In fact he would persist ‘This is for you to treat yourself, not for the children.” lol But, in your story, after I read… it kinda shifted my attention to a curious mode. “Is she a…?” If you know what I mean. But, as I continued to read, I fully understood the concept. Very lovey gesture.

          Liked by 2 people

          1. Someoe suggested that as well. Not at all. She is a normal working girl. lol The hero wouldn’t be so devoted to a rented girl. No, his passion was for someone who gave unselfishly to him. She gacve him family. I appreciate your questions & comments You have me smiling from ear to ear..

            Liked by 2 people

          1. That is an elating comment, thank you. I look at myself as representing balance. Even when I go to an extreme, I would even that out soon. I have somehow found the core of myself and am at peace with my contradictions. Perhaps that permeates outwards to an extent. It is funny you say that because I was in the process of writing an essay called I am free which describes these feelings of inner peace and various aspects of love and life that I have reflected upon. I realise that I have come a long way from my childhood or young adult woes and am grateful for that 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

            1. I would love to read that as well. I suffered the abuse of an acoholic father. I saw him beat my mother. It takes years to overcome these demons. I have finally found my peace. I live for love, peace, creativity, and hopefull to inspire others to do the same. And I consider you a good soul trying to spread similar messages. That is why I feel we connect so well.

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Very true, I agree about the connection reason. Writing has been my salvation since a very long time (I started writing at 12 approximately). I have different demons and have wrestled with most but there might still be one or two lurking somewhere. You never know..
                I shared once a video with one of my writings. Perhaps you will relate to it.

                Liked by 1 person

  4. What a beautiful read this morning. The joy of finding peace in watching a loved one sleep. So attentive to her needs.

    You should continue with this short story as I would like to see where it goes. Wonderful writing. Smiles.

    Liked by 1 person

        1. Just a gesture to encourage her to give him more surprises. You’re the 2nd lady to mention that. Oddly, I haven’t been with a mate who complained. That teaches me I need to be more sensitive. Especially, if I ever have to deal with an independent woman. Thanks my friend. Noted. Happy you enjoyed the tale. Listened to the song about 20 times to get my first draft done.

          Liked by 1 person

                    1. Laughing as well. Good, I will hold you to that. The first time I read your blog, I looked at the lady with her back turned and at that moment You’re Beautiful was playing. Your avatar reminds me of that song. Are you going to change it? What did you decide.

                      Liked by 1 person

  5. Here’s my question: Are you really this good, or do you just write about being a Master of Seduction? I have known men who would watch for hours, and I have known those who would say all the right things and then leave you feeling forgotten. I know which I think it is. I know which I hope it is. And I know which I fantasize it is. XOXO 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Am I this good?? Hmmm. I write about the things I DO and believe in. That doesn’t mean I am perfect. No one is perfect. My creative spirit takes up much time. After a woman falls for all of the attention she receives, she sees my writing as an unnecessary obstruction to this attention. Happens to me every time. I will devote myself to you, but I do need alone time and creative time. And that is where it ALWAYS goes sour for me. To be honest, I am currently experiencing that very same problem. I always do. If there is a next “mate” she has to be a writer (with pretty feet of course).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Of course about the feet. DUH!! 🙂
        I can see where you would have that problem. So many people feel that anything you want to do, other than spend time with them, is a slight. I LOVE together time. It’s an absolute MUST. However, one of the things that have worked best between my husband and I is our time apart. We have COMPLETELY different interests, yet we can support the others while we do our things separately. That time apart and alone, rejuvenates our souls so when we are together, it can mean something more. Sorry you are having this problem. Life can be funny and it can be a Bitch. I hope you spend much more time laughing. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

        1. I spend my day laughing. I expect to have vicious wrinkles in the future. lol Alone time is necessary. Some people don’t understand. I think ladies get addicted to this attention they never had before and there starts the problems. So, I realize it is totally MY FAULT. One of the best things of love is missing the other person. When you reunite it is magic. Not everyone feels this way. Thanks for your thoughtful comments. Appreciated.

          Liked by 1 person

            1. Laugh lines, you are kind. What is a nice term for crows feet? I find them so freaking sexy. Yeah, clerar communication i the ket. That is why I always start relationships with that foot talk. I should have included the writing aspect as well. Again, MY FAULT.

              Liked by 1 person

                    1. I’m sorry but we can no longer be friends. I don’t associate with green tea drinkers. I am heartbroken, but this is just how it has to be. I was under the false illusion that you were a bourbon and beer kind of guy. Thank you for the memories. You will be missed. 😉

                      Liked by 1 person

                    2. Wait! You’re friends with Johnnie Walker? Well that makes things completely different. Now we are BEST FRIENDS! What color are you wearing tomorrow, so we can match. We can go shopping and have a sleepover this weekend if it’s OK with your Mom. 🙂

                      Liked by 1 person

  6. Sweet story, and well executed.
    I didn’t notice the repeated word until another commenter pointed it out.
    It’s hard to edit our own stuff–we see what we think we’ll see. A long time ago, I read an article that said to read your work aloud to better catch mistakes. It works for me (to some degree) but a fellow blogger told me about something that works even better. It’s an app called “Voice Dream”. Via Dropbox, I can transfer a Word file to Voice Dream, and it will read it aloud, like an audio book. When I first used it, I caught errors I had overlooked time and again, including stuff Grammarly had missed. (You can also load regular books to the app.) Voice Dream uses computer-generated voices, but they are pretty damn good. I don’t use it for short pieces–too much trouble–but do on longer ones. You may wish to purchase it. I have an iPhone and iPad, and got it from the App Store. I consider it the best money l have invested in my writing.
    Once again, you did a good job on this story, Andrew. Keep it up. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you. I was writing and editing in the middle of the night. My way of combatting pain and insomnia. Never should have posted something that wasn’t edited with my eyes fully awake. I always read aloud, but it was the m,iddle of the night, I wanted to respect my wife’s sleep. This is only for iphones? I am an android boy.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I think you can get the app for every operating system, but not positive. It sure saves wear and tear on the vocal cords.
        As for your editing, I don’t know how many times I have posted, and days later, found a mistake. Mortifying, to say the least. Thank goodness one can update. And I’m sure there are posts of mine that have mistakes I have never caught. (I try not to think about that. lol)
        One thing that’s really irritating on WordPress is the inability of one to correct comments one has made commenting on other blogs. (If there is a way, I haven’t found it.) But one can correct typos and such commentators make on one’s blog. If I spot a mistake in a comment, I fix it. I wish others would do that for me. Countless times, I’ve commented, seen my mess-up later, and wanted crawl under a table in shame. 😦
        Don’t sweat the small stuff, Andrew. I think we as a community are understanding and forgiving.
        And btw, if at all possible, when I spot a mistake in a post, I email the author directly instead of posting a comment on it. But if the blogger doesn’t list an email address, I can’t. I have an email address specifically created for my blog.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Agree with all 100%. I write to the email, if not I write a comment and suggest they don’t post it. I can edit comments by my followers? I will start doing just that. I didn’t know. Wish I could correct my own comments. God I read my comments and mortified is the perfect word. We are so much alike. Hmmm. What size shoes are you?? LOL Sorry, only kidding. Please, I mean no offense. Laughing so freaking hard.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. To correct follower’s comments, go to your WordPress administration page, select the comments tab, and there they are, yours and other’s comments on you posts . . . can edit from there.
            Oh, I wear a size eight (about average, I think) and adore sandals and blingy flip-flops. I fall off of heels (unless I’m in bed) if they are too high. 😀

            Liked by 1 person

    1. He was checking her phone merely to silence it but, he is unfamiliar with her iphone (which I am), so he shut it off. As for the money, I’ve done that to encourage more gestures and surprises. I have been with women who want to keep our money separate.
      I don’t think a relationship should work that way. If we have to keep separate accounts, then we really aren’t together. So, that is where that gesture comes from. Thanks for reading.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL My wife sleeps wih her iphone. She has problems disconnecting from her Facebook. Sort of that, God forbid I miss a post thing. When she sleeps I shut it off. I don’t know how to silence it and I don’t want her sleep to be diturbed. If there is an emergency I can be reached on my phone. Thanks for reading. Am I wrong??

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The emergency is that if someone gets inside the house, I can call 911 right away. I sleep next to a baseball bat too. I can hear and smell even while asleep. These tend to creep in while sleeping and somehow my brain wakes me up when something is wrong.

        Liked by 1 person

          1. Spoon the bat! Haha! My phone is on silent too. My husband’s such a heavy sleeper and so am I. But somebody’s gotta wake up, right? You slept through a hurricane? I remember when we used to live in Indiana, just the sight of really dark clouds can keep us awake!

            Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you for reading. Happy you enjoyed. Laughing. Dream man?? Hmm A few ladies were offended by the gesture of giving her money. I have done that to encourage more “loving surprises” A few independent ladies didn’t like it. What is your opinion?

      Liked by 1 person

  7. He made a mental note to drop two hundred on her dresser? Is this about a prostitute? I really thought that was where you were heading….like some weird twist at the end about some kinky prostitute who agreed to do obscene things with her feet and which this poor twisted dude mistook for love.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL No, I have had relationships with women who have trust issues & want to keep money/accounts separate. Wow, our writing teaches us things about ourselves. No weird twists. I am a weird enough twist myself.

      Like

    1. Frank Sinatra sang a song, “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, if you’re young at heart.” I want you to know you’re the 1st person I serenade on my blog. Feel honored. This chimp doesn’t sing to just anyone. LOL I am really silly today.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. I defy anyone to read this without a gentle smile appearing on their face over and over again as the words reach their mark deep inside our souls. This was just remarkable. You should be very proud of this piece.

    Liked by 1 person

          1. I’m sorry ! My bad !
            Only in my head is there a connection between “You’re Beautiful” and the Seabiscuit Movie . This just came to my attention while discussing movies with one of my daughters . It appears I was listening intensely to this song when I had to do some work on the movie , and in this crazy mind they became connected . Sorry to have introduced wrong facts into your comment box 😦
            Turtle Hugs 🙂

            Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.