Self Inflicted Torture

I am currently reading a lovely Nora Roberts novel called "Bed of Roses".  I grabbed it because I was 1. in a hurry, but 2. I like that song by Bon Jovi called Bed of Roses.  Not that I would regret reading it... Nora Roberts is an excellent author - I've never read anything of hers I didn't like!

The story revolves around four women who are part of a self owned company that specializes in perfect weddings.   One is the organizer, one is the photographer, one does the floral arrangements and the fourth does the baking.  And what a business concept it is!

However, the torture is in the 'happily ever after' theme, along with some steamy sexy scenes as well between the floral arranger and a construction worker who has always been "just a friend".  I just passed the scene where the couple had been dining.... and he tells her he was looking forward to finding out just what's under her dress.  And she gets a look and whispers "nothing...".  They beeline it for home, and start kissing on the way up the stairs.  She tears off his jacket and his shirt, tossing them aside.  Then she grabs his belt and whips it off in one quick move; she's pressed up against the door.  His hand slides down over her hip, grabs some of the dress material and slides it back up, exposing most of her thigh before finding the doorknob, opening the door and they tumble inside to continue.. in private.  Just reading it makes me...  wistful!

The story is full of vivid scenes, but touches on other wonderfully torturous aspects of life and love.  The heroine, Emma, wants happily ever after in love and marriage - but then, don't most women?  Must be the Cinderella thing - and her hero, Jack, fears the idea of love and marriage.  But he's just done something spur of the moment, they've driven into New York City for a romantic dinner and an overnight stay at the Waldorf.  When she emerges from the bathroom wearing a negligee, he whispers "You look beautiful" and she says "I feel beautiful when you look at me." What a perfect line, and I think that sums up just how every woman wants to feel.  Always. 

And yes, its what I want, too.