Sometimes I thought I wasn't even attracted to him whatsoever and that it was just the playful banter that had aroused a sexual curiosity. But then I catch him in my thoughts while I fuck myself at times and if thinking about someone while you come isn't attraction then I think I ought to refine my definition.
The Christmas party is always good fun and this occasion is no exception. The local bowls club had rented their event space for the night and it was the perfect size to keep the party cozy but not cramped. I thought I could feel his eyes on me, his presence in my orbit, but it drove me crazy to steal glances only to find that he was occupied and that I was wrong. I chased away the feeling with red wine and soon enough everyone had collectively decided it was time to dance in the unspoken way partygoers did. It was a playlist for all ages which made it all the more enjoyable as everyone was peeled from against the walls into the spinning array of the cheap disco lights. I was always early to the dance floor and after hours of screaming iconic songs throughout the ages I ducked out to cool down. The lights of the venue didn't reach the park bench I had sat myself down on and I enjoyed the anonymity for a moment.
'Hey you'
I smiled when I saw him approaching.
'Hey stranger. Missed you on the dance floor.'
'Yeah that is definitely not my thing,' he chuckles.
'No? Who would have thought the guy that looks like he's going to Friday night dinner with his folks didn't come to party,' I teased.
He shoves me playfully.
'Not too fucked up are you, dancing queen? I think Wes is missing you.'
I snort. Wes was such an enormous flirt that he might as well have tattooed it on his forehead.
'Wes always has his right hand if all else fails. Besides, I think I might head off anyway.'
'Heading home already? But I only just got to talk to you!'
He feigns outrage and I turn my head to roll my eyes at him. His face is half concealed in shadow but for a moment I think I see his eyes flicker down to glance at my lips. It's chilly but I know the goose pimples that surface aren't because of the breeze.
'Yeah well, maybe next time you'll make me more of a priority. I better head off before the Uber gets too pricey. I'm dreading the charge either way.'
'I was actually heading off myself, to tell you the truth. If you're dreading it that much, you can crash at mine if you want?'
I froze for a moment. Was this a ploy? He was usually fairly private and offering his place to crash seemed a bit odd but he was nice enough to make an offer like that innocently too. Either way, I don't think he reciprocates my 'sexual curiosity'.
'Sure, let's get out of here.'
***
I emerge from his bathroom fresh faced and thanking my past self for packing makeup wipes in preparation for scenarios like this. I found that I had imagined his apartment fairly accurately. It was fairly plain but its most notable details were the evidently well cared for PC in the corner and the bookshelf decorated with figurines and models and filled with carefully curated hardcopy editions of his favourite books and graphic novels.
'Hey can I borrow a shirt to sleep in?'
He pauses and looks at me. I can see a thought brewing and I don't have time to be confused before he says, 'yeah, of course' and strides across his room to rummage through his wardrobe. He throws a soft thin shirt to me, one he wears to bed himself I'd say. I turn to leave for the bathroom again but he calls to me.
'Stop. Change here.'