Slow Burn
Date: 22.02.2010Keywords: Burn, Slow,
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My master suite is well furnished. My office is high-tech both for work and audio-visual entertainment. I have an inviting guest room for out-of town family and visitors. I return the invitations by having friends and business guests over often. It feels like a home. It's just that I live there alone.
Wednesday morning came, and I met Mandy at the local Starbucks at 3PM for a mid-day break. We hugged and ordered or coffee, taking a small table in the corner by the window.
She looked much better this time, dressed in her pin-striped business suit and white blouse. She had a familiar sparkle in her eye. She eagerly told me about the job prospects from the two interviews yesterday and one more this morning. There is no doubbt that she's a go-getter.
Duirng our visit mady shared that she had earned her degree as a graphic artist while in college. She was a bright girl in high school, and I'm glad that she had at least applied herself scholastically over the past few years. Although personally, she had made some bad choices in relationships. She had allowed herself to be taken advantage of by some real losers.
However, at twenty-three years old, college degree in a solid career field, and good looking, she was off to a good start in life again. And, starting with a clean slate in the relationship area.
Mandy went on to tell about the various career prospects, and her new life so far. She was still staying at the hotel.
Continuing with conversation, out of concern I asked "So, where have you been eating?"
"Restaurant food is good, but only for a couple of days. It gets old really fast. Not to mention the guys hitting on a single woman at a table," she added with a snarled lip.
"Well then, how about dinner with an old friend tonight. Me."
"Really?" she lit up for a moment then said, "I know you have good taste, but I don't know if I can handle another restaurant."
"Well, I'm sure we can find something to put together at the house. How about if you come over at 7PM. We'll keep it casual." I offered.
Her face lit up again, signaling acceptance. We continued talking about her job prospects and finished our visit at nearly 4PM, walking together back to the hotel, as on Monday.
I stopped on the way home and picked up an appetizer tray of meat and cheese, some chicken and fresh vegetables, along with a chilled bottle of wine. It took just a little while to wrap up some business on the computer and return a call before preparing for dinner.
Before starting dinner, I stripped and hung up my suit, then stepped into a soothing shower. The water felt good as I closed my eyes and let it run over my head, washing away the day's concerns. I finshed, turned off the water, then toweled off. I was sensing the anticipation of the evening as waves of fresh air played across my body, causing a slight erection.
"Where did that come from?" I wondered aloud. Then, splashed on some cologne as I continued to dress.
I had a few minutes to relax before starting dinner. The table was set, sauce was on and the olive oil, chicken and vegetables were set out waiting to be sautéed in the skillet. Water was in the pot ready for the right time to start the fettuccini.
I had just settled into the chair when I heard the doorbell.
Mandy was standing there wearing a haltered but conservative sundress and sandals, hair loosely falling over her shoulders. She was cradling a plant with slender delicate hands. She was a vision of beauty. broad smile, white teeth and dreamy baby blue eyes. Her shoulders were tanned, smooth and looked moist and soft. I could just imagine her rubbing lotion across her shoulders and chest before dressing...My thoughts were interrupted.
"Consider it a housewarming gift. Better late than never," she said as she placed it on the small table in the entry, then turned to offer a soft embrace.
I could smell the perfume in her hair as she nuzzled her face under my chin.
I invited her into the kitchen to check on the sauce first, then offered to give her the 5 cent tour.
The condo has a kitchen and family room, with bedroom and bath on the main floor. My bedroom and office are on the second floor affording me the opportunity to go downstairs and 'get away from the office' whenever necessary. The master bedroom has a private balcony overlooking the river.
The other residents are primarily business and professional singles which sets a comfortable atmosphere for me.
I specifically selected the condo at this location, considering that if I was going to sell my house, I wanted to at least enjoy the luxury and comforts of home.
"Make yourself at home" I said to Mandy. She did so, settling onto a nearby barstool viewing my gourmet activity in the kitchen. I stood at the end of the counter and admired her shapely legs.
"Yes," I thought to myself, "It has been a long time since she has graced me with her presence."
"Some guys golf for pleasure. I cook," I said playfully flipping a small slice of cheese her direction in order to get my thoughts back on track and out of the gutter.
We made small talk and had a glass of wine while I prepared the rest of the dinner. It did my heart good to see her relax and be her old self again.
It was nearly 8 before we finally took a seat at the table, but time was not a concern. The sun was setting and I lit a couple of candles to set a pleasant mood. We stayed away from the earlier conversation of the day, not avoiding topics, just recognizing that sometimes things have to come out in small doses to avoid being overwhelmed.
After dinner, Mandy offered to do the dishes since I cooked. I told her I would have nothing of it, but would enjoy the help. We stood at the sink, shoulder to shoulder, just enjoying the time of closeness.
It had been so long since I enjoyed the simple times together with her like this. I reached up to put the last item in the cabinet, turned back toward the counter and was met with a hug and a squeeze.
Mandy held her arms around my waist, and I asked "Well little lady, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
Mandy laid her head against my chest, shrugged her shoulders and said "Just because!" then gave another squeeze before letting her arms fall away.
I suggested that we go outside to the downstairs patio and enjoy the last glimmers of twilight.
Mandy followed and took a set beside me, kicking off her sandals and curling one foot under her leg. We sat shoulder to shoulder. Mandy scooted farther down into the cushioned chair and rested her head on my shoulder.
We sat and talked about this and that, the sound and sights of birds in the distance over the river. Mandy reached up and slipped her hand under my elbow, surrounding my arm with her hands as conversation continued. Soon, I realized that she was asleep.
I figured it must have been the comfort of company, the warm evening and the security of being near someone you love. It was nearing 11PM and I didn't want to disturb her but knew that she had to get back to the hotel. I could feel her softness and warmth, and smell the intoxicating perfume from before.
"Mandy" I whispered, then repeated "Mandy. Wake up princess."
She sighed deeply and partially opened her eyes. "Sorry. I fell asleep. The week really caught up with me," she smiled and hugged my arm tighter with her hands for emphasis.
As she began to stand, she toppled, causing me to reach out for her instinctively. I slid my arms around her waist to keep her from falling to the pavement. My left hand was resting on her breast, and I didn't move it out of concern for her possibly falling. Mandy regained her balance as I held her and she explained that her leg fell asleep while curled under her.
As she spoke I realized that I was still holding her close to me, with my hand still on her beast, and her face only inches away from mine. In that moment I studied her face in detail, noticing the changes and admiring her beauty.
"Are you okay," I asked as she tested the weight on her foot. I held her steady until I was assured that she could stand.
Mandy seemed a little embarrassed perhaps by her fall, and perhaps by our closeness. She stood straight and smoothed out her dress.
I offered to drive her back to the hotel, and waited while she gathered her things.
As we traveled she thanked me again for the dinner and the good company. During the ride I asked her if she was making any progress with finding a roommate. She said that her friends were all glad to see her. But they have all changed or are at a point in their lives where they want independence, and a place of their own. She was still looking, but planned to stay at the hotel for a little longer.
When we arrived at the hotel, out of the blue, I offered "You know Mandy, we're not strangers and I have the extra room. You could stay for a while. "
"No, Jay. I couldn't do that. I mean, you have your life and your work at home. I would be intruding."
"I wouldn't offer if I didn't mean it. Think about it. I mean it," I said with conviction.
"Well... thanks, but I just couldn't. Something will open up for me,I hope" she said with uncertainty.
Just as before, I walked Mandy to the elevator. She stopped, turned and hugged me, then looked up at me, holding her arms loosely around my waist.
"Jay," she said, "Thank you for everything tonight. You were wonderful. You've always been there for me." She leaned forward and kissed me lightly on the lips, then hugged deeply again.
As Mandy let go, I stood there in the lobby, watched her smile and wave before heading off to the elevator. That night as I lay in bed, as I drifted off to sleep I could still smell the faint aroma of her perfume lingering on my shoulder. "Sweet Dreams," I said to myself.
This was clearly no ordinary audition tape and Helen dropped the remote control, and instead put her hand down onto her crotch, as she listened to music coming through the video.
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Keywords: Burn, Slow,