Helping Catherine (closed for Sidney_1)

[Sidney_1]

Catherine nodded at Dr. Crawford’s advice to take a time-out for herself each day. A lot of things, including sex, was beginning to feel like a chore. So much routine. Not enough surprises to keep life interesting.

Catherine frowned in puzzlement.

“I don’t know what you mean by the idea of ‘not playing with the idea of an alternative, if you will’. I think there are too many double negatives in there for me to agree to what you’re proposing. Can you clarify what you’re proposing?”

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul nodded. "Excuse me if I misspoke. What I meant to say is that for several years I've been developing the thought of an alternative to currently accepted methods of conventional therapy. I have yet to try it in a clinical setting, but I think your situation presents the ideal "test case", if you will

"I propose to try embark on this new form of therapy with you, with your consent. I believe it will yield very positive results; it may revolutionize the field. But I wanted to inform you in advance that it will necessitate my touching you, a 'laying on of hands', as it were, and I wish to ask your permission to proceed."

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine already had her doubts about traditional therapy. It was so slow. And she had already become more aware of why she didn’t feel sexual from her first visit with Dr. Crawford. His information was enlightening and was presented in a way that did not feel threatening to her.

And secretly, she knew . . . actually she had hoped. . . that Dr. Crawford could teach her to feel things through hands-on experience or through verbal guidance. How else would she know where she was holding herself back?

“Yes, Dr. Crawford. . .I think I’m open to your new type of therapy. Our talk therapy is helpful, and I hope it will also continue. But, considering my issues, I think it might actually be helpful to be open to new techniques even if it involves you touching me. I – I just have a feeling that it will help both of us to understand how I experience sex and intimacy and how I can make it more fulfilling for both myself and my husband.”

 

[BurningMonkey]

"Talk is a very important part of what we do," Paul said, smiling. "Like your body, nobody knows your mind, what you're thinking, what you're feeling, as well as you do. So it is important for you to express what's going on, so that I can know through you."

"Thank you for your assent to trying something new and different. I appreciate it, and if it works as well as I hope, then we'll both be grateful for your generosity." Rising, he indicated the leather couch against the far wall, opposite the armchairs. "Now, if you would, please sit on the couch, and I will join you."

As he sat down next to her, he said, "Please turn slightly away; present your back. We're going to begin slowly, with a shoulder and neck massage. Not only will it relax you, but it will allow your body to become familiar with my hands, my touch, and will allow you to become accustomed to it, also. Now, I'm going to ask you to unzip your sweatshirt and drop it around your arms, so that I can access your bare upper back and shoulders. Are you wearing any sort of top under it--blouse, t-shirt, anything like that?"

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine turned sideways on the sofa so that her back was to Dr. Crawford. It was almost a relief to be faced away from each other at first. Her stomach was full of butterflies. She hadn’t been ready for this.

“Well, I apologize, I didn’t know we’d be working together physically. I just ran and took a yoga class, and I didn’t have time for a proper shower, so I’m not wearing a t-shirt. Just a sport bra.”

Before she lost her nerve, Catherine unzipped her bright red hoodie and removed her arms from it so they wouldn’t be constricted. The cool air was probably going to give her a chill, but she found herself very curious about how Dr. Crawford would help her to relax. A little, light massage actually sounded appealing.

As appealing as the warm, bubble bath had been to her body, mind, and soul.

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul snapped the cap on the little bottle he'd retrieved from his desk on the way to the couch. "Don't worry; a little sweat never hurt anyone." He proceeded to squirt a generous amount into his hand and warmed it between his palms. "This is a massage oil. I won't be doing a real massage; I'm not a masseur or a physical therapist, so I wouldn't know where to begin. But it will be more like a "rub". The oil is unscented, so you needn't worry about telltale smells following you around the rest of the day..."

He started at her shoulders, a light touch, using just his fingertips. He traced his way from her upper shoulders up the sides of her neck, then back down... "Uh, I'm going to move these, if you don't mind; they'll be sort of in the way." He hooked first one strap of the bra, then the other, out and down over the curve of her shoulder. "There, that's better."

As he continued his light grazing touch down to the curve of her shoulders and back up, he said, "So, tell me: do you sweat during sex? At any point? Many people do; the excitement and arousal and release of endorphins raise the skin temperature. Many fair-skinned women report a 'sexual flush', a reddening of the skin that occurs in the earlobes, the ears, the sides of the neck, sometimes spreading down the neck to their collarbone and even down across the top of the breasts. It's caused by the blood collecting at the surface, which also serves to raise skin temperature."

His hands were now gliding, sliding, smoothly, no longer tickle-soft, up her shoulders, up the back and sides of her neck, down again, across the front to catch the collarbone, back along the crease of the neck to the back, tracing the shoulderblades, the spine, down as far as the bra-strap, out to the sides, then back up...never fast, never slow, but always in motion.

 

[Sidney_1]

Dr. Crawford’s touch was soothing, with just the right amount of pressure to not be ticklish, but not too firm as to be painful. Catherine closed her eyes and tried to relax her tight muscles . . . from the stress of life, from working out.’’

Oh, wow, this was getting personal and embarrassing.

“I-I don’t – or, I very rarely flush and get sweaty during sex. When we used to have a lot of foreplay, and I’d be really close to orgasming. . . I think I would sweat. Or, we would sweat. But, I can’t even recall the last time I felt that fired up. For some reason, even the idea of that sounds …scary. Although you discuss it like it is the most natural thing in the world. I don’t know what I’m so afraid of. I know this is off-topic, but maybe it is important. I don’t know what it is, but lately, I don’t even like to run fast. The feeling of my heart beating fast is scary. I feel like I could have a heart attack and die. So, I don’t ever let myself get that out of breath. I sort of run/walk. Or, I bike, but I never am breathless for long.”

 

[BurningMonkey]

His hands continued gliding, sliding...now they were moving farther forward under her arms and long her flanks, approaching but not actually touching the sides of her breasts. He ran them lightly up under her armpits and lingered gently there before moving on, up along her shoulders and neck, where he moved his fingers to stroke along her ears, gently pinching and playing with her earlobes before moving on again.

"It is the most natural, and normal, thing in the world, Catherine," he said softly into the space between her shoulder blades. "Ti's how we're made; it's coded in the very core of our existence. Sexuality and sensuality are how the species survives, how every species survives, how life itself continues on this planet, not for all creatures but for the vast majority of them. What could be more natural than that?"

"I can feel the tenseness leaving your body; you're muscles are relaxing as your body grows used to my touch. And your skin is warming, though that may be just from friction. You've said that you're easily aroused; are you feeling anything now?"

Without waiting for an answer he continued, "Did you know that a woman's body has many more erogenous zones than the obvious ones that everyone knows about? Everyone knows about the clitoris and the G-spot, and there is a body of evidence for an A-spot deeper in the vagina, and a U-spot around the urethra opening that's also supposed to cause orgasm, but those are still far from being confirmed and established. And the breasts, the nipples and areoles, are other obvious and well-known areas.

"But stimulating the neck," and he tickled softly along the sides and back of her neck up to the nape where her hair began, "is reported to be very sensuous and arousing, as are the hollows on the inside of the elbows," he dropped his fingers to stroke those areas, "and the flesh under the arms," he stroked there, also, from the top of the ribs up into the armpits. "And some women report that the collarbone, if stimulated gently, is arousing," he traced his fingers slowly along each of them from over her shoulders, from outside into the hollow of her neck.

"So tell me; do you find what I'm doing now arousing in any way?" he asked as he continue his slow, caressing movements.

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine was breathing shallowly. She felt almost guilty for enjoying another man’s touch even if he was her therapist.

“Well, I’ve never felt stimulated by the erogenous zones that sounded like alphabet soup. But, all of those places, except for the inside of my elbow. . . do arouse me.” Catherine paused.

“You are arousing me, yes. I think it’s also because you’re taking your time and you’re not pressuring me. Or, I don’t feel any pressure. You seem very attuned to . .. my body. I don’t need to do anything, I just need to be present. I must admit that I do feel a little guilty. But, the whole point is so that I can enjoy a full sex life with my husband, right?”

All she knew is Dr. Crawford’s touch felt great and she didn’t want this moment to end.

 

[BurningMonkey]

"Yes, that is the whole point," Paul said from behind her. "And just [/I]being in the moment,[/I] just being open and accepting of what's happening right now is important. Your body already knows it; we just have to convince your mind to allow it to happen, without reservation or fear."

He stopped and withdrew his hands. "I'm afraid that's all the time we have for today, Catherine," he said as he rose, wiping the massage oil off his hands. "We'll continue this therapy next time. I can expect to see you next week?" he asked, eyebrow arched inquiringly. "Is this time and day convenient for you, or should we set up something different?"

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine shifted her position, facing Dr. Crawford and zipped up her hoodie. She felt a nice warmth; something was waking up inside of her! What he had said sounded right—somehow the wires between her body and brain were crossed and short-circuiting or something. Or, somehow she was blocking her own pleasure.

“Yes, Mondays at 2pm is perfect. My schedule is fairly flexible, though. I- I think we’re getting somewhere. Do you have any other suggestions for homework for me? Or, should I just make more of an effort to have some ‘me’ time?”

Catherine was already looking forward to her session next week. She had a good feeling about this doctor. The therapy might be unorthodox, but at this point, it was probably what she needed in order to learn how to feel again. And, he was actually focused on her needs, unlike the last doctor who was simply obsessed with fellatio.

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul smiled. "Concentrating on your 'relaxation' time is the most important thing at the moment," he said. "But if you can, find some materials to stimulate your skin. Something soft, like old flannel, or silk, satin, or even a very soft-bristled paint brush. During your relaxation, draw the material softly over you skin, everywhere--arms, legs, shoulders, your back if you can manage it, neck, hands, feet, face, buttocks, breasts, genitals--anywhere there is skin.

"Focus on how it feels while you're doing it, what sensations it evokes. Try different speeds, different pressures, different textures. Experiment with your body. Try to determine those areas which have the greatest effect, and those that do not, whether it be simple pleasurable feelings or feelings of arousal.

"If you do decide to add this level to your relaxation, please let me know how it turns out, what you discover about yourself. You may be surprised." He smiled.

"Good day, Catherine. Until next time."

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine decided that while she was a creature of routine, she experimented with making a small change each day . . . on a whim.

Her work hours were flexible as a freelancer, so she decided to work out of different places- coffee shops, bookstores, a community workspace.

She scheduled a massage, which felt like a guilty pleasure, although she could afford it.

And, at home, she changed their sheets, added a new blanket, and chose more “satiny” fabrics to sleep in.

She took at least two “luxury” baths and used her favorite lotion with essential oils afterwards. She did like the feel of her blush brush along her skin. But, in truth, she hadn’t had a lot of time to experiment with different touch sensations.

However, she did find herself snuggling up to Michael and Elizabeth more often.

-

Mon 2pm

Catherine decided that she had better look like she did her “homework” so she wore one of her nicer, satin black bras with matching underwear. On top of that she chose a simple, light black cotton sweater over simple gray and white checked leggings with black boots. She decided to wear a little make-up, but she stuffed her hair into a loose ponytail.

Catherine had no idea what to expect next. Talk? Touching?

She felt nervous and hoped that she wouldn’t lose her resolve to be open to going to those uncomfortable places within herself.

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul came around his desk to greet her. "Welcome, Catherine. It's nice to see you."

They sat. "I trust you've been doing your 'relaxation' segments? Good. And tell me; have you been experimenting with various textures and touches?"

 

[Sidney_1]

“Yes, somewhat. I switched out some sheets and blankets on our bed, and I’m trying to wear and notice the pleasant feelings of soft fabrics on my skin. But, beyond that, I didn’t really do anything special. I mean, I might have snuggled with my family a little more, but I’ve always been affectionate with them.”

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul smiled. "It's a start, and the journey of a thousand miles, and so on... The key to orgasm is arousal; you can think of arousal as blowing up a balloon, and orgasm as the point at which the balloon pops. Though unlike a balloon, we come through the other side of the experience completely unharmed, and ready and able to experience it again.

"And arousal is in part a function of sensuality, the process of experiencing our senses acutely--sight, sound, smell, touch, even taste play a part in our arousal mechanisms, some more than others for various people. Men, for example, are particularly susceptible to the sense of 'sight' in their arousal; they react more strongly to visual signals than do most women. That's why 'girlie pictures' are so popular with them.

"Women, on the other hand, are more receptive to the senses of sound and smell. Many women report being aroused at the scent of certain aftershaves, for instance. The literature is replete with research detailing these differences in response, but they all have one fundamental thing in common: They are all based in the senses. So experimenting with your senses and determining what 'gets you going' is very important. Please continue in your efforts to concentrate on them.

"Another key to arousal is imagination. It has been said by others, and it's quite true, that the largest sex organ in the human body resides here," and he leaned forward to lightly touch her forehead, "and imagination is a valuable tool in our arsenal.

"Tell me, please: Do you ever fantasize about sex, or about sexual situations that you find particularly arousing?"

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine’s eyes opened wide and she giggled nervously into her hands. This therapist wasn’t wasting time.

“Yes, I’m very sensitive to smells. Um, you’re putting me on the spot and I’m drawing a blank regarding sexual fantasies. Oh wait—I used to fantasize that my husband would watch while I’d have sex with another man. I feel really kinky for saying that. Or, a male guest catches my husband and I and then . . . well, later in the night or later during our visit, he asks if I’ll be intimate with him, too. That’s weird, right? I guess everyone wants to feel desirable. I’m sure I have a bunch more, but those are the first few that come to my mind. . .when I had them more often.

To be honest, lately. .. it’s now just the kindness and goodness of a person that attracts me to him. Like today. . . it was pouring rain—and yes, I know it’s been raining for a week. . .but, I was at the health food store and there is this cute, fully bearded fella at the cash register. And while I’m making my transaction he jokes about how he instinctively balls up receipts at the same time that he asks people if they want their receipt. We’re just making small talk. And then there is a pause while I’m signing the transaction and then he asks—sincerely—“How has your day, been?” I was so surprised, and I said, “Who, mine?” And in that moment, it was perfect and I felt really connected and attracted to that guy. . . he was so full of life and happiness. And he had a full, thick beard and maybe a mustache, too, which I don’t normally find sexy. . .but, his eyes were so alive and curious. I think I was just attracted to his energy, but he was adorable, too. He was probably about five years younger than me. I’m blabbering like an infatuated person. Oh well!”

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul smiled reassuringly. "No, no, Catherine, your fantasies are not 'weird' by any stretch of the imagination--there's that word again!" Smile. "Human sexual response is a complex and complicated thing, and can take many forms. You would probably be shocked and appalled at some of the fantasies I've heard in this office, by women who appear as upright and 'normal' as yourself. But I assure you again, they all fall within the realm of 'normal'.

"Fantasizing about being watched while having sex is actually quite common. Sometimes it's being watched by a loved one, as in your case; other times it's being watched by a total stranger, or many strangers. That particular fetish is called 'voyeurism', and many, many people have it. That's what these 'kinks', as you say, are called. They are situations or objects that fall outside the area of 'normal' sex. They're quite harmless, and healthy. Of course, some of them are much darker than you describe--rape fantasies, for instance--but even those are harmless so long as one doesn't try to act them out in the real world.

"But fantasizing about men other than your husband is quite common and normal, even if you do it while having sex with your husband." He emphasized this with a hand gesture. "If it enhances the experience for you, he will sense your increased arousal and respond in turn. Of course, it may not be a good idea to tell him of your fantasy in that context...unless, of course, he has a fetish of his [/I]own[/I] about being told such things. And that, too, is much more common than you might think."

He rose from his chair and gestured for her to follow him. "I've taken the liberty of preparing a little room for our continued experimental therapy. My little experiment with the back rub last time was very encouraging, so I thought it was time to move forward a little quicker than I had anticipated."

He led the way through a door at the back of the office. When he clicked on the light, it revealed a softly lit, smallish room with neutral but pleasing walls and a massage table placed in the center. A small table to the side held various objects: a feather duster, a few strips of silk and satin, a small bowl of ice cubes, a candle, and what looked like a mitten made of fur, some pine twigs, and other things.

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine would have loved to hear about other women’s fantasies. Who on earth would fantasize about rape? That sounded sick. She couldn’t imagine a woman not having some underlying issues of abuse in her past. But, she didn’t have time to ask or comment.

She also didn’t have time to reflect about what Dr. Crawford said about fantasizing about other men while having sex with Michael. What? Some men found that arousing??? Somehow, it . . .just didn’t feel right. No, if she was going to be with Michael. . .he was going to have her body, mind, and soul. Her fantasies would be on her own private time.

Catherine followed Dr. Crawford back to another treatment room. The room was small and cozy. Catherine glanced at the objects and her imagination did a quick swirl. He was going to help her with her homework. Paul was going to help her learn about herself.

She felt relieved and nervous. But, somehow the small size of the room made the unknown feel less scary. She also liked the sound of things being ‘accelerated’ and being ‘promising’.

Catherine sucked in her breath and exhaled.

“Ok, Dr. Crawford- Paul- I’m glad you think things are promising. I do feel a little more alive. Um, what would you like me to do? Am I the first real patient that you’ve used this therapy on? I trust you, and you’re obviously knowledgeable about sexuality, but, I’m just curious.”

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul reached behind the door to produce an average, everyday hospital gown, the sort that tied in the back. "Yes, as I told you, you are my first 'test case', and I must say the results have been very encouraging so far. When I write up my notes and observations for possible publication, I will give you a prominent place in them. Anonymously, of course."

"For this next phase, I'm going to ask you to disrobe; you may leave your panties on, however. Then please lie down on the table on your stomach. I'll give you a moment of privacy to change. Call when you are ready." And he left, closing the door behind him.

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine bit her lip, relieved that she could at least wear her underwear. She quickly disrobed, assuming he wanted her bra removed, and tied the gown in the two places behind her neck and back. She made certain to cover the gown around her back and tied the strings along her neck and hips.

She mounted herself on the table and faced downwards as instructed.

“I’m ready, Paul.”

Catherine took a deep breath, and mentally told herself to relax and to be open. He was a therapist! He knew what he was doing.

 

[BurningMonkey]

Paul opened the door and stepped in. Going to the small table he flipped a switch on a base under a shallow tray.

"I hope you don't mind; I have a little scent oil thing here, and I wasn't sure what scent you liked, so I decided to go wit vanilla. It's been shown by surveys to be considered a 'seductive' scent for a majority of women, and since we're attempting to unlock a faster, more powerful arousal, I thought it appropriate. If you would prefer something else, please tell me and we can switch next time. It's electric, so it may take a minute to warm up, but that shouldn't hinder the effect."

He stepped up next to the table, reached over, and gently tugged at the ties at Catherine's neck, slowly pulling the knots loose.

"Today we're going to continue the exploration of tactile sensations in service to arousal. Do you remember the neck and shoulder rub I gave you last week? Well, today we're going to expand our efforts to include your entire back, and legs, and buttocks as well as your shoulders, neck, and arms."

He tugged loose, slowly, the knots at the waist. "If you're wondering why I'm taking my time in undoing these knots, it's because anticipation can act as an aphrodisiacal (if there is such a word) enhancer; now that I've told you what I'm going to do, delaying the onset sets up a 'sexual tension', in your mind. You know it's coming, you expect it momentarily, and the longer it is delayed the more the tension builds. When the event actually happens, it is experienced as a relief, which makes the mind more receptive to arousal. Shall we begin, then?"

He laid the halves of the gown out to either side, poured a little of the massage oil into his palm, rubbed his hands together gently to warm it, and began stroking softly with just his fingertips, starting at the nape of her neck and slowly working his way down her spine.

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine shut her eyes and inhaled the faint vanilla scent. It was a pleasing scent to her senses, and she could tell it was not synthetic. The synthetic scents made her queasy and irritable. Fortunately, Dr. Crawford had the real thing.

She could feel herself being untied like a precious package and Paul explained his reasoning. Her ears perked up when she heard him say “buttocks” and quietly explained he’d be . . .well, basically touching her entire exposed surface.

With just his fingertips, she felt herself get goose bumps as he lightly touched her from her neck to just above her tailbone. He had a confident, patient touch.

Catherine appreciated that he was talking her through his actions.

“You’re right; I do like the smell of real vanilla. This is very soothing and I like your touch.”

She wondered why Paul didn’t drape her legs, but perhaps he was studying her body language. Thankfully, she had gotten back into shape, or the whole experience would have been too embarrassing.

Catherine sighed, giving in to the pleasant sensations that Paul was beginning to create for her. He was definitely beginning to light her fire, her arousal. Just his voice was beginning to make her feel. . . woozy.

“Mmm, nice. I’m almost getting goose bumps," Catherine murmured.

 

[BurningMonkey]

As he had the previous week, Paul began stroking and caressing her skin, from neck to shoulders to shoulder blades to hollow of the back, but this time he did not stop. He continued to the tailbone, the hips, lightly moved across the buttocks, and down each leg slowly, pausing for a few moments to pay a little more attention to the hollow behind the knee, then down the calf, the ankle, the feet, the soles, and finally the toes. When he'd finished with one, he began the journey back up the other, starting at the toes, progressing up the leg, bypassing the buttock with a token rub, and up the other flank to the armpit.

As he worked, he talked. "You seemed surprised that other women had the same fantasy as yours, of being made love to by another man. You shouldn't be. Most people, men and women, have a very rich and varied fantasy sex life. For instance, it is not uncommon for a woman to confess that she gets turned on at the thought of being sexually teased, have oral sex, or even intercourse, with a total stranger. Sometimes these encounters are arranged--she answers a personal ad, for example, or places one--and at other times it's the result of a random meeting: She sees him in a bar, or is approached by him for one reason or another at a business function, or is packed in with him in a crowded bus or subway.

"Usually the fantasy contains little in the way of talk, and often few details about the man; somehow he just knows that she wants sex, and takes her. Sometimes the actual sex takes place in a secluded area--his or her hotel room, or below deck on a boat in the harbor, or in a janitor's closet--but sometimes the sex happens right where they met. That is particularly common in the case of the crowded bus or subway.

He picked up a piece of silk, wrapped it around one hand, and went back to rubbing, stroking, and caressing. "I've changed the texture of one of my hands; concentrate on how it feels, and the difference between that hand and the other."

"Continuing our discussion of a woman's secondary erogenous zones..." he worked his way back down to her lower back, "the small of the back," he caressed it, "the curve of the hip bones", he slid his hands sensually along both sides of her hips, "the buttocks", and this time he didn't bypass them, but ran his hands slowly and smoothly across both, taking a little more time, "and especially the upper inner thigh", and he slipped both hands between them to gently stroke there, "are all reported by women to arouse powerful sexual feeling when stimulated".

He stopped to put the fur mitten on the hand not wrapped in silk, and resumed his tactile explorations. "I've changed the texture of my other hand, now," he said. "Again, concentrate on the sensations they evoke in your skin, and the difference between them..."

 

[Sidney_1]

Catherine found herself relaxing almost subconsciously as Paul continued to talk to her about sexual fantasy as he caressed her. Even though she didn’t have some of those exact fantasies, she found herself being aroused at the idea of “somehow he just knows that she wants to have sex”. As Paul described different fantasies, her imagination lingered at the idea of herself on a crowded train, and perhaps a man was pressed up against her, and he just “knew”. She quickly forced herself to remain present and knew she’d be elaborating on this fantasy during her private time.

Paul was smooth with everything- his cadence and style of his speech, the way he touched her so gradually that she dissolved her defenses, and his ability to time what she needed. He knew what she needed. Catherine was finally finding herself relaxed enough to feel aroused.

The silk had definitely felt the best everywhere, but she found the fur mitten was arousing and ticklish on her buttocks and along her inner thighs. She couldn’t help but shift position and curl her bottom to accommodate the pleasurable sensations.

“I love the feel of the silk. . . everywhere. I like how you used the silk to caress me first. . . to almost wake up my system. But, the fur . . .especially along or after the silk, feels . . . arousing. Especially in the areas where you are caressing right now. I love the sensuality of what you’re doing. I know you’re my therapist, and I’m married, but it’s okay to feel aroused by you, right? This is just practice, right?”

Paul was waking up something in her, a yearning she didn’t even know she had. And she was already scared to feel it, to cross a boundary, to have transference. . . and the other part of her was already beginning to fantasize about him. What if that was his hand stroking her inner thigh on the train? Even better. . . he was her therapist, she was his patient, and she had permission to grow. Perhaps that had been her secret fantasy and one to add to her queue.

Catherine shut her eyes again, embarrassed at needing reassurance about her moral character. Of course, this was a novel therapy. But, it was effective so far. . . so, why did she have to say anything and ruin the sensual moment?