Though Ben worked in an office he had a real passion for the great outdoors and got out whenever he was able; usually weekends and on his days off. He would often walk for miles, taking in the scenery and the local culture, flora and fauna. Much as he loved this pastime he began to feel he wanted to put something back and started to join a local conservation group to assist with their work parties.
This coming Saturday the local group was working in some woodland where they would be carrying out the task of coppicing which involves cutting back some old growth on trees to a stool allowing fresh regrowth.
Kitted out in his jeans and working boots he was set to join the group on what was to be a pretty warm day. About ten people joined the group, armed with saws and loppers, some of whom he had met on previous outings but also a couple of people new to him.
One of the newbies caught his eye; a young woman probably about thirty, attired like him in jeans and thick boots and a protective fleece. She had medium length mousy brown hair, scrappily tied back and a pleasant face. Not necessarily beautiful in a conventional sense, but friendly looking, yet easy on the eyes. She was medium build and height but looked pretty fit.
Initially Ben got down to business with the coppicing and chatted a bit to some of those he'd previously met, yet every now and again would throw a glance at the woman he hadn't previously met.
At 10am there was a tea break and to his good fortune the woman came towards him and initiated a conversation with him.
"Hi I'm Jan. Good to see a new face here. I've been away for a bit so haven't met you yet, though Simon said you've been on a couple of events recently. Hope you're enjoying it. It's such a great way to get a bit of exercise, fresh air and meet some friendly people."
Smiling, "Thanks. Good to meet you too. I'm Ben. Being stuck in an office for work this is a real tonic with the fresh air and keeping fit. Such a friendly group too and of course doing something positive for the environment!"
Jan added, "We've been doing a rotation of coppicing in the wood over the last few years and we can see the difference. When we coppice it lets in much more sunlight and so you get all the flowers coming back and then all the butterflies and other insects. Great to hear the bird song here too."
Over the next fifteen minutes Jan and Ben chatted animatedly before Jan noted the time.
"Blimey all this idle chit-chat; we better get back to the grafting!"
"Yes, boss!" laughed Ben.
After lunch it was getting pretty warm and Jan removed her fleece and rolled up her sleeves while still sporting protective gloves. Ben was already enamoured by Jan's warm smile and friendly demeanour but he also found her bare fore-arms attractive. Slender and lightly tanned from being outdoors and adorned with a pleasing light covering of fine brown hairs from the bottom of her sleeve towards her wrist.
Ben had always found arm hair on a woman an attractive trait and thought how good it would be to run his fingers through them! He remembered a previous girlfriend whose arms were covered with dark hair which he loved to pet while they were canoodling. His favourite memories involved her jerking him off where he would look at her hands as they thrust up and down and see the fuzzy arms moving up and down against his excited dick, which he also liked to rub along them.
Ben tried to distract himself from his erotic memories and get back to grafting with his loppers. Jan moved to chat with some other people while they continued their craft.
As the work session came to a close about 4pm, the group began to say their goodbyes and Jan came over to Ben again.
"That was thirsty work, wasn't it Ben? I think we deserve a drink to reward ourselves after our hard work! There's a nice little bar back on the main road if you're interested?" smiled Jan.
Ben was surprised being singled out but not believing his luck enthusiastically agreed.
"Yes, I'm definitely up for that. Thirsty work, this coppicing lark," laughed Ben.
Wearing a rather satisfied grin, Jan instructed, "Let's walk briskly down this track and we'll be there in about ten minutes and can enjoy a nice cold beer!"
"Yes, miss! We definitely deserve that. I've certainly built up a thirst after all that work," replied Ben.
Both laughed out loud and there was a definite chemistry building between them.
Jan responded, "Oh dear, yes I can come across a bit bossy at times. I'm not really that bad but I guess as I organise lots of these groups, I have to take the reins at times. I'm a sweet pussycat really!"
With a twinkle in his eyes Ben retorted, "I quite like an assertive woman. Pussycats too!"
As they neared the bar they were pleased to see quite a few empty tables outside where the garden adjoined the woodland they'd been working in.
"I'll get these!" insisted Jan as she asked Ben what he wanted to drink.
"That's good of you. I'll have a sweet cider then please, Jan."
Enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine and the buzzing of bees in the flowers Ben asked Jan, "How long have you been doing this conservation work?"
"Quite a few years now," she said." I love it. Plenty of exercise, doing good for the environment and meeting some great characters. It's a real community. I'm so pleased you're joining us too. I think you will be a real asset with those muscles of yours," she teased.
Over the next couple of hours they chatted and teased each other, talking about their work, travels and a little about their family.
"So Ben, are you currently in a relationship?" enquired Jan.
Laughing, Ben responded, "No I'm on the shelf going for a bargain price at the moment! Guess I've been single for quite a few months now after my last split. Amicable really. We just grew apart and decided it would be better to be both free to find someone more suitable. It's been good to have some space! So what about you?"
"Yeh, that's probably healthy having a bit of space," opined Jan. "I've been single for some time too. I've not really been looking as life has been so busy with work and leisure, but if somebody comes along that fits in with everything else, that would be the icing on the cake."
"I bet you must meet a few suitable guys doing the conservation work?" asked Ben.