It's a lazy summer night and people are strolling through the Old Town section of a city I'm visiting. I'm wearing a light, round neck, short-sleeved, white jersey, and a flowered above-the-knee, pleated skirt. The air is early evening balmy and I'm feeling relaxed.
I wander into a large old style, independent bookstore. It isn't one of those meticulously designed and engineered chains. It has several floors in a former warehouse with a maze of narrow aisles, dim lights and lots of hidden nooks and crannies. I love bookstores. Any bookstore, any time. This one already feels special. It's warm, inviting and the type of paradise where they want you to relax and spend hours. It's mid-week and the customers are light.
I get lost in the browsing and settle on a cushion in a shadowy and deserted corner. Soon, I'm immersed in a well written, bodice-ripper, romance novel. When a lusty scene heats up, my hand drops to my lap up and discretely applies a little pleasant pressure. I barely notice when a redhead takes a nearby chair. I stop my light massage and focus again on the book.
After a few minutes, the woman leans over and says, "She's one of my favorite authors." I'm usually shy and don't talk easily to strangers. But, I'm comfortable, in a safe space and share her enjoyment of the book. "I can see why. She's a good writer."
The woman is a little older than me and is wearing a business casual pastel yellow blouse and a black skirt. "Hi, I'm Lizbeth" she says and extends her hand. I take it and reply, "My name is Tina." Her hand is warm and her grip lingers a bit. Her subtle floral perfume fills my nostrils and adds a summery fragrance to the moment.
She tilts the book to see the title. "Oh, that's one of her better ones," she coos with the hint of an enticing accent. Lizbeth whispers, "Have you gotten to the garden scene yet? It turns me on just think about it."
I'm feeling unexpectedly excited from her smile, the cozy setting, the sexy book. It feels intimate even though we're strangers. I surprise myself by saying, "No, but, some of these steamy descriptions are having the same effect on me." I give a sultry expression and fan myself with my hand. We both giggle.
"Do you mind if I read along. I need a little fantasy fix after a hard day."
The scene is unusual. Yet, I feel as if I'm transported back to a sleepover with one of my best friends in high school. "No, I don't mind. It would be fun," I say warmly.
She drops from the chair onto a pillow and moves next to me. "Can I read it aloud?" She whispers into my ear.
I'm confused by her forwardness. Simultaneously off-balance and excited. I surprise myself by saying, "That would be nice."
Lizbeth snuggles closer and our shoulders are touch. She begins to read the erotic scene I was in the middle of. Her voice is low, but filled with sexual tension that adds to the spirit of the story. The words flow over me and I can't help but get aroused by the detailed description of the seduction and the stimulating contact of the skin of our arms. I close my eyes and drift along with the risquΓ© plot. At one point, Lizbeth's hand drops to my thigh.
I get a little jolt. Concerned about being seen in such a public place, my eyes scan for anyone else nearby. Still, the rhythm of her melodious voice relaxes me. It drops my inhibitions. I lean my head against her shoulder and am lost in the moment. My body both relaxes and excites.