STIMULATING READING - listen to the Podcast A libidinous librarian gets what she needs… 2.9k words by LaurelAspen Unlocking the big oak doors Emily glances up at the Spring sun filtering through the stained glass windows of the ‘Institute’. Originally endowed by a Victorian benefactor, now an adjunct of a modern university, this Gothic revival style building goes unnoticed by most people passing by on this bright 1993 morning. The research library within opens on just three days a week with Emily, its part-time librarian, fitting the job around her PHD studies. Some colleagues consider it a fusty backwater; Emily rather enjoys the church-like surroundings – lofty ceilings and marble floors - and calm, quiet ambience. Staring the day as usual at 8.45am, Emily turns on the lights, picks up the post and then sits at the front desk waiting for students to arrive. The job isn’t the most exacting; mainly helping to locate obscure books, its perk being plenty of time to write her thesis and, blush making to admit, peruse the rather splendid erotica section. Something that’s become a bit of habit of late, leaving her distracted and almost perpetually aroused. This ‘special collection’ is kept locked; its key supposedly secure in a safe; in fact on a chain around Emily’s neck. Currently ‘in between boyfriends’ (no, not like that!) in truth modern men – mostly boys inhabiting adult bodies in her opinion - don’t really do it for Emily. Call her old-fashioned but well, she wants someone old fashioned. Emily’s romantic, bookish outlook on life sometimes feels unsuited to modern times. As exemplified by today’s attire: cardigan, blouse, and a string of pearls, the epitome of respectability; a typical librarian. Knee-length skirt, sensible shoes, minimal makeup and glasses habitually perched upon her head complete the academic look. However, underneath one (who? she reflects glumly) might be surprised to find some almost sinfully brief lingerie adorning her trim figure. Perhaps not so conservative after all… Later that afternoon, Emily looks at her watch, half an hour until closing, not likely to see anyone else today she thinks. Wrongly, because striding confidently through the rotating door and purposefully approaching her desk is a new customer. In contrast to the usual scruffy students (although arguably the lecturers are worse) he’s smartly dressed. Wearing a tie in fact; Emily likes a man in suit and his fits very well. This tall man with silvery grey hair favours her with confident smile and Emily melts inside – lust at first sight. Michael, they are quickly on first name terms, is a postgrad mature student working on the final dissertation of an English literature MA. He’s taken a couple of weeks leave from an unspecified (Emily suspects high-powered and well remunerated) job to complete it. Meaning, she sends a silent prayer of thanks to whichever celestial deity might be responsible, he’ll be making frequent trips to the library. Visits she soon begins to eagerly anticipate – feeling disproportionately disappointed on days when this charming, personable and undoubtedly assertive man doesn’t appear. Get a grip girl, chides her inner voice, whatever your fantasies this is a purely professional relationship. “What did you do before studying,” she enquires one morning. “Came from money, followed the family tradition into the City and made some more,” he shrugs. “Clichéd thing for a privileged person to say but it didn’t make me happy.” “What does?” “Good writing, hence my being here in literary mode, how about you?’ “A very bright kid from a feckless, under achieving family; got a scholarship, got out of my dead end town and got a higher education. Not having money means I’ve had to take a series of dull jobs to pay my way.” She’s no need to make her point any more strongly, Michael gets the implication. “Though I detect a steely determination,” he responds without rancour. “Academically, yes,” she agrees, “in order to remain wi