The bar was busy and I was extremely nervous but Paul (my husband) standing a little down from me gave a gesture that I needed to head to the dance floor. Thinking back I'd never, in my entire life, been alone (well Paul was pretending not to be with me so it was practically the same) in a club or bar before. Sure I'd waited nervously for friends to arrive once or twice but this was different.
I took another slug of the wine, finishing the glass, then took tentative steps towards the dance floor. I felt very exposed partly because I didn't have a crowd to hide within and secondly the dress I wore was rather short.
Now I know I'm not glamorous in the way some women are, I'm a little gauche and I guess at times look it, nor would anyone call me a stunner. I do keep my figure trim so with the current dress I was getting a few looks especially as it was barely mid-thigh so most of my stocking covered legs were on display.
God, I'd virtually never worn anything as short as this! Sloppy jeans were more my thing and tight leggings were about as sexy as I got and then only worn with a long top! Now I approached the dance floor showing an awful lot of leg under my figure hugging powder-blue dress with matching killer heels.
At least I was fairly used to heels; being only five one meant I wore them more often than not, although not ones quite so high nor so dressy. But now here I was stepping onto the quiet dance floor attracting attention that I was certainly not used to. A glass of Pinot had followed the larger one I'd guzzled at home before we'd ventured out giving me a slight buzz and taking the edge off, thank goodness.
I began to dance, self-consciously at first then, although I was far from relaxed, I began to move with less concern and soon I was flowing to the music. No one came near me throughout the three tracks I remained on the floor before I retreated to the bar for some more courage. I spotted Paul, who had moved to stand viewing the dancing and he gave me a look and a shake of the head indicating he didn't think I should have left so soon.
I waited to be served then stood sipping my drink watching the world go by alone. I was really not comfortable with this at all and felt like leaving but I decided I'd give it another shot. We'd agreed this after months of discussion and Paul's prompting, besides the dress and shoes were, as my husband had put it, an expensive investment which he wanted to see reap rewards. I downed the wine and once again headed for the floor.
I was a little tipsy which is why after three more tracks I held my nerve and that was when I got my first hit. The guy danced closer then opened with some banal comment that I found impossible not to be cutting about. He looked embarrassed then drifted away. So much for that!
Another guy tried his luck after the next track but he was one of those annoyingly cocky guys who frankly had nothing about him except a few smart remarks and a bad line of pseudo-American slang. He lasted until I excused myself to the bar. It was as I stood waiting to be served again number three hit on me.
"Looks like you need a drink!" He stated as he waited for his own to arrive. I gave a weak smile and he said 'sorry.'
"What for?" I asked.
"I was just being light. You're with someone so I won't bother you."
"Err... No, no I'm not... I was just..." I gave him another smile, better this time. Paul was around somewhere but as he'd reaffirmed a dozen times before this evening; tonight I was alone... and single.
"Oh! Would you like one... a drink? While I'm being served?" He gave a warm smile again and I realised that if it was going to happen then this guy might be ok.
"Sure... err yes thanks! White wine please, Pinot." Christ this was it! Well it was the first step anyway. I glanced about me looking for Paul but didn't see him then turned my attention to the man ahead of me.
He was my sort of age; mid or early twenties possibly just a little younger, probably five ten, nice face great smile and now from behind had a decent profile. I couldn't see yet if he was fat or thin, not with the press of bodies around, but he certainly wasn't huge.
My drink arrived and after he passed it over he pushed himself away from the bar clutching three pints of beer. He made a move with his head indicating he was heading towards the same area Paul had been previously and I followed.
He was carrying a few pounds I realised but nothing excessive and his glance at me was warm and easy. I felt safer. His friends took their beers then turned to me and it began: Kevin, the man who'd supplied the wine was first off the blocks but it was clear his mates considered me fair game and I must admit I enjoyed how they verbally fought over me.
William (Will) was the one with the smoothest lines and quick banter but he wasn't my type at all while Kevin was fun and relaxed but a little too alternative, which left Craig. He was actually rather quiet, compared to his friends but I liked his bright eyes and sharp comments, when they came. He seemed to accept he was not a contender but I hoped he might be.
Frankly the whole situation was crazy. I was married, for two years now, with a husband who I adored but here I was standing with three men fighting over me (well fighting might be a bit excessive) as he stood only a few paces away watching. What's more he wanted me to go all the way, dance kiss and, if I kept my nerve at the end of the evening, sleep with someone.
We'd discussed this often enough over the past months. The usual fantasies in bed only he'd pushed and pushed until we were openly discussing it. I was a little hurt that he wanted me to be with someone else especially as I repeatedly told him I didn't. Time and attrition wore me down so eventually were discussing the possibilities openly and from there it went from if to when.
A month previously we'd finally agreed it would happen. I'd got used to the idea and after so many nights of pillow talk no longer felt it so strange. Then it had been like a military operation to Paul; where, when, what to wear, what say, how to act and even what to do! He discussed where it should take place (our house, he was adamant about that for some perverse reason), what I should engage in; oral was a must for him and he also didn't want me to use condoms unless the guy insisted.
We'd argued about that but eventually I'd agreed that only if I had doubts about the guy would I insist although of course he might want to himself anyway. Then we'd gone out and bought the dress and shoes which I again found a little unnerving but of course erotic as well. Paul had also insisted I wear a body stocking under it rather than underwear which was both very sex and unsettling but I agreed. The hold-ups were also his idea being shimmery and therefore even more of an advert than I'd anticipated.
Now it was happening and I was struggling to cope with my emotions. I mean what was I to make of it? Paul was driving this and now that I'd acquiesced I was closing in on stranger sex. I thought of our bedroom; prepared for the event with new linen, moody lighting and even a bottle of lubricant in the draw by the bed!
Will was the first to make his move but when I agreed to go to the dance floor I suggested we all go. There were looks and Craig offered to keep an eye on the drinks so Kevin joined us. I glanced in Paul's direction to see him grinning at me; he liked the way it was going.
It helped having Kevin with us on the dance floor as it to keep Will off me but after ten minutes it was clear he was by far the better mover and Kevin cut his losses and went back for a drink.
I didn't want to blow Will off immediately because I might give the wrong signal to Kevin but after another few minutes and before he'd got fully into his stride I cut and went back for a drink. Will drifted back with me a little put out but it meant it was easier to drag Craig to the floor although Kevin felt emboldened to join us again.
We danced face to face until finally he understood that he was actually the one I liked most (Kevin would do, I thought, if he wasn't interested) so he tried harder. The problem was Kevin and Will were still vying for my attention and not being sufficiently bold to show everyone I'd chosen Craig it meant the scene meandered on for another forty minutes.
In the end Paul collared me as I went to the toilet and asked me if I was intending to sleep with all of them! I looked horrified but his face told me he actually seemed to like the idea, which was revolting! I gave him a curt reply then ignored him completely after I came out and decided to take action.