This story is for Katie. Thank you for your help in writing it both in words and in inspiration.
This story is (unfortunately) a work of fiction.
I see many types of people when I travel for business. I've been attracted here and there. Always to men though. Any passing thoughts I've had about women have been quickly ignored. I'm straight.
This all changed at the hotel I stayed at in San Diego. That's when I met Katie.
We met at the pool, just staring at each other. Her eyes on me did things to me no man's hands had ever accomplished. I felt her caress from across the entire patio area and it lit me on fire. I dove in the water to calm myself down.
When I surfaced to return to my deck chair, I realized this woman with her mesmerizing stare had taken the chair next to mine. As I walked towards her, her eyes travelled down my body. Her gaze following the water as it dripped and ran in tiny rivers.
I was breathless by the time I reached my chair.
With a towel to my hair I said, "Hi. I'm Emma."
She smiled slowly and said, "Hello, Emma. My name is Katie. "
I noticed her accent and found it incredibly sexy but as I stretched out next to her on my chair, I pretended her nearness and her eyes on me weren't wrecking havoc on my system. I asked her about her work and we talked about mine as well. A thrill went through me as I learned her conference had her here through the rest of the week just like mine did.
At this point, I wasn't sure what I wanted or expected. But everything about Katie intrigued me and I only knew I wanted to be around her as much as possible.
I realized quickly that Katie was a lot like me. She didn't mind having a drink now and then but she wasn't one to get totally drunk, especially at a hotel bar thousands of miles from home with strangers. We both knew this was what our fellow conference-goers had planned as far as nightlife for the remainder of our time here.
"I feel like a loser," I confessed to her.
"I can't believe that," she said sweetly. "Just because you don't want to party like that doesn't mean you're a loser."
"Maybe not but do you know what I plan to do tonight?"
She shook her head and I thought I saw her swallow somewhat nervously.
"I haven't seen that new version of 'Pride and Prejudice,' the one with Keira Knightly. I saw it was on tonight. I actually planned to have some wine and watch a movie in my room. How sad is that?"
"That's not sad," Katie told me. Then quietly, "That sounds really nice."
Here it is, I thought. My chance to take the next step. Might as well see what happens.
I took a deep breath. "You could join me if you want to," I told her.
I thought I had seen her smile before but this time, when she smiled, it bloomed across her face and made me forget why I hesitated to explore this attraction.