I walked into the coffee shop and gave my eyes a moment to adjust to the muted lighting. Looking around, I took in the wash of color. Local art lined the walls, an assortment of tables and chairs of every variety filled the large, open center of the room, and big colorful sofas were arranged in pods, made semi-private by curtains hanging between them. It was a rich and inviting scene.
As I walked up to the counter, I checked out the other customers. There were students hard at work on their laptops, business people, hippies and hipsters. A couple of older men were bent over an ornate chess set. And tucked into the cozy corner of an overstuffed couch was a blonde-haired vision in black. The rest of the customers faded into bit players, mere extras, as I tried to get a closer look without being too obvious.
OK, she wasn't dressed all in black. Certainly not like the goth girls you still occasionally see around town. Looking more closely, I saw she had on a silky black blouse and a dark grey skirt that revealed shapely legs curled under her. Burgundy tights provided a splash of color. She wasn't movie-star beautiful, perhaps, but certainly striking. She was reading a book, her coffee still steaming on the end table beside her, and she didn't even look up as I walked by.
I went up and ordered my coffee, then headed directly over to the couch.
"Excuse me, do you mind if I join you?"
She looked up from her book, eyes scanning the room to take in all the empty seats, and smiled an enigmatic smile. "Yes, I suppose," she answered, her voice bubbling with quiet humor. "If you really want to."
I felt a huge grin spread across my face as I eased onto the couch next to her. She laid her book down and picked up her coffee, holding it in front of her with both hands and smiling across the top of her cup.
"Are you a regular here? I see you got a fancy mug, and all I got was this paper cup!" I chuckled, holding up my coffee like an exhibit. "At least they gave me a sleeve..."
It was stupid small talk, I knew, but it seemed to break the ice, and we fell into conversation easily. As it turned out, Angela (not Angie!) was indeed a regular. I told her I was just in town today for business, and had a red-eye flight that evening. We really hit it off, and our coffees disappeared almost unnoticed as the conversation flowed. We had gradually turned to face one another on the couch and were sitting knee to knee. She leaned in and put her hand on my leg when she was sharing an important point or a funny story, and each time it sent a thrill through me. Subtle (and some not so subtle!) innuendos peppered our talk, and it was obvious there was an attraction building.
I glanced at my watch, considering another cup of coffee. "Damn! My meeting is in half an hour! I really hate to go..."
She looked disappointed and said she was sad I had to go, too.
I almost couldn't believe what came out of my mouth next. My insides were quivering, but thankfully my voice sounded calm and confident.
"So, Angela. Have you ever had a fantasy about meeting a handsome stranger, and just, you know, having sex and going on your way?"
Her mouth dropped open and then she grinned incredulously. "What kind of woman do you think I am, Erik from god-knows-where!" Her words sounded angry, but there was a mischievous fire burning in her blue eyes. "Besides, what makes you think I find you handsome?!" She waited just a moment before adding, "What did you have in mind, anyway?"
I swallowed hard. Though I was trying to sound confident, I had never done anything like this and my heart was racing in my chest.
"Well, you're a regular here. Do you know if the restrooms have locks? Because what I have in mind is that you come with me," I nodded toward the hallway that lead to the restrooms, "and we fuck ourselves silly before I have to go to my meeting. Simple as that!"
She laughed again and fidgeted with her cup, but didn't say anything right away. Then, in a hushed voice, "As a matter of fact, it IS a fantasy of mine. And, yes, the restrooms have locks."