Karen was annoyed. Actually, that might have been understating it a little. She was fuming. This was the first official ball Karen had been to. She had been to other dances of course, but now that she was eighteen, this dance was her first official ball. It was nearly over and couples were drifting off and heading home. Karen had gone looking for Mike, her official partner, even though he was absent more than there during the dances. She'd had a crush on Mike for quite a while and as well as her first official ball it was also her first date with Mike. She'd been anticipating the drive home and a little bit of necking and flirting.
Where was Mike? Asleep in a chair in one of the side-rooms, having overdone it on the drinks and totally incapable of driving. She'd have to arrange for a taxi.
She wandered outside, trying to get a decent signal, temper not helped by trying to arrange for a taxi with a line that kept breaking up.
Andy was observing her frustration with some amusement. Finally spoke up and asked her what the problem was. "I thought you came with Mike. He's still here. Did you have an argument or is there a problem with his car."
Karen glared at him, and then sighed. It wasn't his fault. "No argument. You can't argue with someone who's had too much and is sleeping it off. And even if he wakes up there's no way I'd let him drive me in that state. I'm trying to get a taxi."
"No problem. I'm leaving now and I live out your direction. I'm within the legal limit and you know me."
That was the problem. Karen did know him and he had a bit of a reputation as a ladies man. Andy could see her biting her lip, clearly uncertain, and easily caught on to what the catch was.
"Don't worry," he said. "I'll be on my best behaviour, I promise. I'd never force you to do something you didn't want."
Karen sighed. She admitted that his reputation was that of a charmer. She'd never heard of him actually muscling a girl to get what he wanted. Trouble was, it appeared he never had to. And she still hadn't been able to get a taxi organised.
Andy waited, gently smiling, not trying to pressure her. Karen sighed. She was tired and wanted to go home and Andy was good company. She nodded.
In the car, Karen relaxed even further. She'd had a good night really, the night was warm with strong moonlight and Andy was good company.
They were travelling along the beach road, and Karen was startled and a little nervous when Andy turned into one of the beach parks and pulled up. She gently suggested to Andy that they should head on home.
Andy just smiled at her. "It's a lovely night, you can hear the waves breaking on the shore, the moon is full and it's time for a little romance. It's still reasonably early, you've had a nice time spoilt a little by Mike and you really deserve a little cuddle and a kiss before I drop you off."
"That's all? Just a little cuddle and a kiss?"
"Come on, Karen," said Andy gently. It's the first time you've been out with me. Would I really try it on at this stage?"
"Probably," muttered Karen, "but alright. I don't mind a few kisses as long as you understand that that's it."
"You worry too much, sweetheart," Andy laughed. "If you think I'm getting out of line just slap me down. I'm a big boy. I can take it. Why don't we just sit in the back for a while. These bucket seats make it far too hard to hold you for that cuddle."
After the move Andy gently drew Karen into his arms and just held her lightly while she snuggled up next to him, enjoying his warmth. Then he tilted her head, lowered his own and gently kissed her. Looked up again and smiled at her. Next time he lowered his head the kisses weren't quite so gentle, stirring a delicious heat within her. Andy gently rubbed her back as he continued to kiss.