I didn't even mean to be on that website. Honestly.
OK, so I was on a sex story site, and I did click on the picture of the attractive blonde teen, and I didn't close the pop-up. But it wasn't my fault that the first ad that came up said "Young woman, sexy as hell, seeks older man for mutually rewarding relationship."
See, I'm a sucker for words with more than two syllables; I figure it means that the person writing or speaking might actually have something in common with me. And 'sexy as hell' can't be a bad thing, right?
So I clicked on the profile. User 0612, age 22, height 5'4, within 5 miles of your location. To know any more, send a message.
Of course I'd always wondered what I'd say. 'User 1804, 1960s vintage, everything in fair working order, will do almost anything for a sexy smile.' Send.
I was surprised how quickly the response came. 'Anything? Love to meet. Tomorrow?'
'Sure. Where?'
'The hotel by the supermarket on the ring road, let's have dinner. Book a room.'
'Can't wait. 3. 8 p.m.?'
'Sure. Xx'
With trembling fingers I opened a new tab, googled the hotel website, tapped in my credit card.
Now that it was done, I started to wonder what I was getting into. But 'sexy as hell, love to meet, Xx' fed my anticipation and I let my mind speculate, fantasise. Maybe blonde, bubbly, curvy, blue eyes fixed on mine...
Or brunette, less flashy, even petite, but passionate, looking back at me over her shoulder...
I shook my head. Twenty-four hours and I'd know. I got ready for bed, turned out the light, closed my eyes. All too soon my alarm was beeping, and I went through the usual routine of showering, dressing, leaving for work. The office was the same as always, and I managed - I hope I managed - to keep the anticipation out of my face. No-one asked about my plans for the evening - a good thing, considering what a terrible liar I am.
Finally the clock ticked past six, and I left the office with the usual formulaic goodbye. One detour on the way home - to the cashpoint - and I had an hour or so to get ready. I showered, shaved, dithered over aftershave but finally dabbed some here and there. Clothes - god, what does a man in his fifties wear to meet someone thirty years his junior? Wouldn't be a problem if it was a business meeting, but dinner and the definite possibility of more...?