It really started with the phone call.
I was on another business trip and called at the end of the evening. With the time difference you had just finished your dinner when we began our conversation. I was already in bed after a long day followed by a client dinner and a movie in the hotel room.
"It's late there," you began. "London's five hours ahead. You must be exhausted."
"That I am," I answered. "I'll sleep in a little bit, but I'm glad we can catch up, even for a while tonight. That last ... time together was incredible. Quite a different take on 'twenty questions.' I don't think I quite expected 'gentle or rough' to be one of them! That was amazing!"
"Well, I learned about you, and that's the point, isn't it? To know someone and what they like."
"It IS," I answered. The thing that makes it all interesting is figuring that out and then playing with it in unexpected ways. You sure did that!"
"We're just getting started," you answered.
"And I wonder just as many things about you." I responded. "I've ... watched you pleasure yourself, and I think I've memorized everything you showed me, but, as you say we're just beginning to explore and reveal ourselves. Maybe we're both just voyeurs and exhibitionists of the mind with endless things to discover."
That brought a big smile to your voice as you said, "Now THAT's an interesting way to put it! I have to say, I did like watching you as I was giving you pleasure was crazy hot."
"Seeing and being seen."
"Something like that."
Hmmm, I was just thinking, I get in late on Friday, and I'll sleep late the next morning. Are you free on Saturday afternoon? There's an Irish pub I'd like to take you to, but it will have to be earlier than the dinner sitting. The place fills up and gets loud. I'd rather have some quiet space with you."
"That would be ... a new experience. I don't think I know the pub, but, sure, I'd love to. What time and how do I dress? It sounds casual, right?"
"Yes, I answered. How about if you arrive at, say, 4 in the afternoon. Lululemon leggings and a slightly sheer blouse would be nice," I answered with a smile in my voice.
"You're incorrigible," you said.
"I'll text you the address."
When you arrived at the pub on Saturday afternoon, I was already waiting at our table. There were only few people scattered evenly throughout the restaurant, so it was thankfully quiet, and I had chosen a corner away from the general seating area but with a direct view to the bar in case I needed to call the waitress.
"You wore the leggings," I said as I stood up from the table to hug you and give you kiss. You still had your jacket on, but I could see a thin, white, silky blouse hiding beneath it.
"And the rest of your request can be revealed in due time," you answered. "I believe you wanted something sheer."
"Always a good choice," I commented quietly with a smirk. "The hope of things not yet seen."
"Well, not yet seen today," you quipped as I pulled the chair away from the table to seat you. I took the seat with my back to the tables behind us.
"Always the gentleman...who taught you to pull the chair, open the door, and all the rest that you seem to do without thinking."
"That would be my mother," I answered. She paid attention to those things from my youngest years. The right fork, the proper way to hold a cup, and, yes, the doors and chairs. I suppose she didn't want to have raised a barbarian. She would say, 'Always take the long look,' meaning craft your future in the present moment.
"Good advice. Well, In the short term, what's good here at this new-for-me Irish pub?
"The traditional things like shepherd's pie, corned beef and the like. The burgers are incredible, they do amazing things with a simple baked potato, and the salads are surprisingly good. There are some wonderful beers here too: some powerful stouts, and surprisingly subtle pale ales."
"You must come here often."
"It's a hideaway for me, and I do come here with friends on occasion. You and I have my favorite waitress today, Katherine. She's lovely."
As if on cue, the waitress appeared, and your eyes took her in, clearly agreeing. Katherine's red hair is striking, and she has an infectious smile.
Greeting me by name, she asked, "Shall we begin with something to drink?"
After we ordered, you commented, "Well, I finally have your name, thanks to Katherine."
I looked down smiling as I said, "Busted. Nice to meet you."
"Oh, you've met me! You've so much more than met me!" you said with a wide smile.
"Which brings us today," I said. "I have something in mind."
"I wondered what was up your sleeve with this Irish pub date. So, what's on the menu?" you asked.
"Seeing and being seen."
You raised your eyebrows. "Listen, I can do all kinds of things with you, flash you and watch you and even come for you through a window across a courtyard, but I don't have any intention of dancing naked on a table and ending up on the 5 o'clock news."
"No dancing on the table. Remember my mom raised a gentleman."
"But...what did you have in mind then?"
Suddenly Katherine interrupted our conversation, bringing our drinks and taking our food order. All the while your question hung in the air.
"Let's just enjoy the food and we'll see what comes up," I suggested with a slight smile on my face.
The next three-quarters of an hour were made up of light conversation, a second beer for each of us, and a very tasty meal.
"May I suggest that you go and freshen up? We'll be here a bit longer, and perhaps you want a moment to wash your hands."
When you returned from the restroom, I asked, "Did you wash your hands? You'll need them."
Only then did I answer your question. "Before the meal, you asked me what I had in mind."
"Yes, and I had butterflies in my stomach throughout dinner. I have no idea where this is going."
"Put your left hand on the table," I said. "Reach out toward me like a lover." You did so silently.
"You have beautiful hands," I said, "and really lovely fingers." With that, I very lightly caressed the skin of your hand, and then, with my other hand, I cupped your palm in mine. "I'm going to touch you now, and no one will think anything of it, right? Just two lovers in a restaurant being sweet to each other."
I noticed that your eyes lowered themselves to watch my fingertip moving across your own fingers, outlining each one, randomly traveling over your skin, ever so lightly.
"You're barely touching me, but it feels so good," you said.
"I think it's about attention. You hand is the only thing I'm thinking about. All forms of love begin with focused attention."
You closed your eyes, mentally following my fingertips caressing your hand without needing to look.
"Would you leave your eyes closed for me? Just listen to my voice and follow my thoughts."
"Yes, I can do that."
What if these fingers were your legs?" I asked.
"And?" you asked, still with your eyes closed.
