Revenge. Could it ever really be a motivation for sleeping with someone? Joan never really believed it. However, when she looked back on what happened on a work trip to Liverpool she knew there was just a small element of it involved for her. She had recently split with Phil and taken up the offer of staying with a mutual old university friend, Ben. It all seemed so simple and innocent. Ben still lived at home with his parents. He had a long term girlfriend and the offer of a guide in an unfamiliar city was very convenient.
The work presentation had gone very well and the sight of a friendly face at the lecture theatre was a welcome conclusion to a good afternoon. The crowd of students quickly emptied from the room and Ben walked forward to greet her with a hug and kiss on her forehead. She looked up and met the eyes of the handsome accountant in his suit and shiny shoes. Inwardly she laughed thinking to herself how Ben had loved the life of a student but now seemed to be accepting conventionality. In a moment the thought was gone as he squeezed her backside cheekily and stepped back to avoid retribution.
"Oh you haven't changed O'Leary!" Joan mocked.
"Nor have you Joany, that nice arse is just wrapped in silkier tights!"
"Stocking's, if you don't mind young man."
Joan replied quickly twirling to show him her shapely figure.
They hugged again and walked off towards the failing Liverpool light.
"Are you sure it's okay to stay at your place tonight Ben?" Joan asked.
"No problem." Ben shot back. "Mum and Dad are away for a few days and our Ronny won't be in until late."
In any other situation Joan would have thought this was the response of a bloke setting up some illicit meeting and clearing the pathway. Instead she just smiled and looked forward to the opportunity to talk about old times. It was also a chance to see a bit of Liverpool at night. Ben was certainly doing well for himself. The smell of leather seats in the car affirmed this and they sped off to explore what was to her an unknown but mystical city. Once the sightseeing was over,Ben took her to an impressive Italian restaurant, mood lighting and all. The night was enhanced by several bottles of champagne and delicious food. The conversation flew backwards and forwards from times they had shared as students to their present situations, including current partners.
Ben tactfully avoided the subject of Phil's infidelity and the reasons for their split. Joan seemed more interested in moving on.
She knew that Ben had always been one of the 'boys'. Although Phil didn't tell her everything, she also knew he had always been very popular with the girls. She recalled that one night at a friends 21st he had even stolen a kiss and squeeze as they passed on the stairs. Yes, Joan certainly had Ben booked as an opportunist because even on that night she knew he was on the way back to be with his own girlfriend just across the dance floor! Despite recognising this daring element in him, Joan always liked Ben.
It was no real surprise then when as they ate he referred back to her earlier comment about 'stockings'.
"Are you wearing suspenders?" He cheekily asked.
"Of course, they would fall down otherwise!" Joan wisecracked, without looking at him.
A minute went by before Ben asked another question. "Joan, I've slipped off my shoe. Can you let me feel them under the table?"
Joan, almost choked on her food but before she could answer felt his toes probing up towards her thigh. Skillfully he found the nub of her garter belt and briefly toyed with it before dropping his foot back down to rest against her foot on the floor.