Gayles story
It was the second day of a four day conference, the stage at which it starts to get boring. I had met all the people I needed to meet, presented my paper, sat through enough of the others to be sure I was ahead of the game and now I was, in a word, bored.
Until John appeared. I didn't know his name, of course. He was just a figure walking into a rather crowded bar in whom I was suddenly very, very interested. I made my excuses to the people I was with, and on the pretext of picking up a fresh drink from a waiter standing in the right place, found myself standing alongside him.
A glance at his badge told me his name, but also that we were on dangerous ground. Product development managers for rival firms. Small talk was ok, but there were plenty of people around who would take any opportunity to spread muck and if it stuck we would both be in serious trouble. We talked about the conference, and concluded that there were much more interesting ways we could be spending our time.
"How about lunch tomorrow?"
"Sounds good to me"
"See you there"
And in something of a daze, I moved on. Helping myself to another glass of wine on my way. I needed it.
I didn't sleep well that night, and can't remember anything of the conference next morning. Soon after coffee I slipped out and back to room, to try to relax, to shower and to change.
I had come prepared for a professional conference, not a romantic liaison, so my wardrobe choices were limited. Nonetheless I did manage to put together a light, short skirt which I knew did my long tanned legs a favour and a top which flattered my well shaped breasts. A bra was not a necessity, and my exposed midriff could look after itself.
My taxi drew up at our agreed rendezvous, a small bistro close to the river, exactly five minutes late. Always make sure you arrive after your host. He had found a small table on the pavement and by the level of his glass had arrived early. A good sign. The waiter brought mine.
We sat and chatted for a while, sipped our drinks and nibbled the olives and peanuts and chatted some more. The first time we had spoken properly, and we found ourselves to be really relaxed together. We exchanged our life stories, ambitions, talked about anything that came to mind. The conversation moved to mild banter even the odd gentle insult. We laughed a lot. Our glasses were almost empty, and I moved to call the waiter.
"I've got a bit of a surprise for you. Finish your drink and let's make a move"
I thought 'OK, he's checked out the menu and there's somewhere better in town' but instead of heading up the main street he took me to a small jetty on the river where a launch was tied up.
"It's a lovely afternoon and I thought we might take a little cruise. Welcome aboard."
The first time we physically touched was as he reached out to help me climb in. It was magical. He guided me to the bench and sat me down.
"May I?"
And kissed me gently on the lips.
I watched as he started the motor and released the ropes. Clearly he knew what he was doing. With practised ease he manoeuvred away from the jetty and out onto the river.
"There's a rather nice little pub up here, or so I'm told, let's see if they do lunch"
Which they did. A delicious salad, sitting in the shade of a large umbrella, sipping chilled white wine, watching the ducks and swans and, yes, chatting. After a while I slipped to the ladies, freshened up, tidied up and released a couple of buttons from my blouse. I knew how I wanted the afternoon to develop, and this would help things along. I also took some condoms from the machine, which I tucked in my knickers. It was the only place I could think of, and in any case it seemed appropriate. I returned to our table.
"You're looking great" he said, struggling to look me in the eye
"So are you"
For the first time in the afternoon the conversation dropped. We finished our drinks and, without rushing, made our way back to the boat. I sat on my bench, and we kissed again. I would have made more of it but there were a lot of people watching. Instead I simply enjoyed the easy grace with which he moved, the obvious strength of his body, the skill with which he handled the boat. Before I knew it we were back out in the middle of the river, heading I knew, nor cared, not where.
"Like to try?" by his gesture he wanted me to steer. The only thing I had ever steered was a car, but I thought I should have a go. I moved to sit opposite him in the back of the boat, and put my hand on the tiller. He let go, and I was in charge.
"If you want to turn left, push the tiller to the right and vice versa"
It was a disaster. My steering was so bad I could have been signing my name on the surface of the water. His hand was now on mine, helping me. I looked at him, and he glanced at me. He was back in control. I put my other hand on his and squeezed, a gesture he returned.
We had moved off the main stream and were heading up a little backwater.
"Doing a little exploring" he said.
There was a little bay, a sandy beach, a grassy field behind. He ran the boat up the beach and, taking off his shoes and socks, jumped into the shallow water and walked ashore to tie up. I kicked off my own shoes and followed. He returned to the boat, collected a bottle and glasses and at last we were alone. Except of course for the cows, but we could ignore them.
He put down the bottle and glasses, and reached out. I took his hands in mine.
