by Mia Moore
“Interesting? Oh my. Better than some of the eels and carp you’ve been dragging up on the Fish site? Do tell! I want details.” Brenda’s eyes lit up more, rubbing her hands together in anticipation, before she bit into her burger.
Jessica smiled and took a bite of her salad. She’d have to censor the answer. No way, am I giving out details. She’d think I’m a total slut. I’M almost not ready for those kind of details.
“Well, he’s an author, writes articles for the Times and is really a gentleman. Pretty interesting conversation and he took me for dinner.”
“Get out! Dinner and you’d just met him! He must be special. What does he look like?”
“Alright, picture George Clooney. No wait. More like Tom Selleck with a Hugh Grant smile. Tall, deep brown eyes, handsome, in his mid thirties I guess. Pretty erudite. Passable I’d say. Got some potential.” Her grin spread and eyebrows raised. She took a few more bites of salad, ready for more of the Sam’s Diner Inquisition, not to be confused with the Spanish one.
“When are you seeing him again?”
“We’re having dinner again tonight.” She glanced at her watch. God, seven more hours! How can I stand it?
“Yeah, you’re right. I guess it’s time to get back to the grind.” Brenda totally misinterpreted her glance at her watch.
The two women paid and left the diner.
Back at the office, she removed her coat, about to sit at her desk when her cell phone buzzed. Another text from Craig?
She retrieved it and read.
Just got back from sculling
Do you like mid-eastern food?
Do you like to dance?
She smiled and replied.
Hmm..not sure what you’re getting @.
Are you asking if I’m a harem belly dancer?
Smartass. Just for that, it’s Lula Lounge
Cuban food & salsa dance. & ready for this?
Wear a skirt and leave yr panties @ home.
Tinderbox jumped up and down already whirling, skirt flying up exposing her naked bum.
Ladylike frowned and tripped Tinderbox exposing all of the naked wares. SEE! that’s what happens to naked trollops!
Jessica put her foot down. ENOUGH! I’m going and I’m NOT wearing panties. There. I took gymnastics for six years. I’m graceful. I won’t fall and expose the goods.
She carefully crafted her reply to Craig.
OK? I’m staying off subway air vents tho.
No Marilyn thing with skirt flying up for all to c.
& plz small spins on dance floor? PLZ??
She put her cell phone away and decided to do a Google search on him. What has he written? What else is there to know about him?
She watched his name and a page filled with links to articles, biography, Amazon listing his books and an interview with Rolling Stone magazine complete with photo appear. Well, he certainly was doing well as a writer. Two books on the New York Times best seller lists. Considered a bit of an expert in socio, economical and political analysis over the last 50 year period. His perspective is somewhat liberal. Hmm…don’t see too much about sexual proclivities, no mention of BDSM. Guess that’s for me to find out. Oh Buddy, where have you been all my life? She searched for his latest book and purchased an E copy.
She started to read it and left the office at around 5pm. She caught the rush hour bus and was lucky to find a seat next to a teenaged guy. He glanced at her with the world weary, bored expression of youth, before turning back to the window.
Left alone, she pictured the evening ahead. Will we end up at his place? My place? Maybe a sleep-over? What’s with me? I’m so horny. Kind of like a cat in heat. How LONG has it been since I’ve had sex? I can’t remember right now! Then the answer is TOO LONG!
The young man stood up and murmured an excuse me as he eased by her to the aisle. She couldn’t help but notice his fashion sense, watching him walk to the exit. Too much information. Why do these kids wear their pants so low that the crack of their ass shows? Thank God I missed that delightful fashion trend as a teenager. Oh NO! I missed my stop!
She scrambled to her feet to stand behind Droopy Drawers, resisting the urge to step on his pants to see if he used two way tape to hold them up. She got off at the next stop and walked four blocks back to her apartment building. At home, she poured a glass of wine and munched on cheese and crackers.
She wandered into her bedroom and opened her closet. Hmm…what to wear tonight… She rifled through her closet and selected a black, low cut dress, just above the knee with a flirty flare in the skirt. Shoes…not the spiky vamp heels. gotta be able to dance. Aha! there they are. She reached in to the back of her closet and picked up black shoes with a high but sturdy heel and an ankle strap.
She laid the articles on the bed and went to her bathroom to shower. I haven’t salsa danced in a long time. Not since that trip to Cuba with her girlfriends. Ramirez was a good teacher. I hope I can still do it.
She dried, style dried her hair and applied her make-up. Satisfied that she looked good, she gave herself a thumbs up. Enough make-up to show off her eyes and cheekbones. Hair, as they say in TV commercials, full, bouncy with body. Counting to the basic salsa four step beat, she danced into her bedroom swinging her hips seductively.
Rifling through her lingerie drawer she found a pair of new black panty hose and slipped them on. She didn’t totally get his request for no panties. He’s got a thing against Visible Panty Line? Looking at herself in the mirror, Well, there sure isn’t one now!
Next, the black, push up, lacy bra that she seldom had the opportunity to wear. Tonight would be perfect. She slipped her dress over her head and reached down to fasten the straps of the shoes she had stepped into. Continuing her salsa moves, she selected an emerald necklace and earrings. In the mirror, her reflection sang “Mi Cha Cha Cha.”
She glanced at her clock. Still 10 minutes to go. She salsa danced to the kitchen about to top up her wine glass when the buzzer rang announcing Craig downstairs.
She danced to the intercom, sang “Buenos noches Senor Miguel.” and buzzed him in.
In a few minutes, there was a light tap at her door.
She quickly glanced at herself in the mirror doing a final check for lipstick on teeth, and smiling, opened the door to him.
They stood for a moment ogling each other, a simultaneous Wow popping into each of their heads.
At Ladylike’s subtle nudge, Jessica regained her voice and asked him in.
He took her into his arms and whispered, lips brushing her earlobe. “Muy benita!”
Her body tingled, warming in his embrace. He kissed her lips softly as his hands roamed from her back, down along her waist to her hips.
Pulling his head back abruptly, he looked at her with a puzzled look. “Panties?”
Her eyes flew open wide. “Yeah no panties. It’s a new one for me.”
“Jessica, Jessica, Jessica…”
“So ya like it, huh?”
“Umm… almost. But you ARE wearing PANTY hose, right?”
She tilted her head, looking into his eyes. “Well, sure. I can’t go out in this dress without panty hose, you know.” What the heck was he driving at?
“Jessica, Jessica, Jessica…” He stepped back, slid his hand into the inside pocket of his jacket, removed a flat package and handed it to her.
Her jaw opened wide and stayed there. Oh God. Thigh highs. Uh oh… Her eyes flew open as she realized what she was about to do. “Wait! But… but… wait! You mean-"
"That's right. Subbie." His eyes twinkled, enjoying every second.
“Well aren’t YOU the boy scout.” She scowled, lips tight together. This was really, really different. How was she going to handle this? Oh what the hell.
He placed his hands on her shoulders, turned her around, pointing her down the hall. “These are much nicer than pantyhose. Now scoot.” He gave her bottom a playful swat.
As she walked to her bedroom with the stockings, she called over
her shoulder “Help yourself to wine in the fridge. Search till you find a glass. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble Scoutmaster.”
In her bedroom, removing her shoes and pantyhose, she shook her head. He brought stay ups? I can’t believe that! I’ve never worn stay ups. What if they don’t stay up? Ohhh Craig they’d better not fall down while I’m dancing. Being panty-less is going to be tricky enough without having to worry about sagging stockings!
She slipped the new stockings on and stepped wide, testing their stay-uped-ness.
Hmm…so far, so good. And now I’m feeling the nakedness and a slight draft. Craig, you devil! Tinderbox was making like a Rockette, throwing her legs high in the air.
Satisfied, things were going to stay in place, she slipped her shoes back on and sauntered down the hallway. Craig was sipping wine, relaxed on her over stuffed sofa. She walked up to him, raised her arms in the air, and thrust her hip out. “Ta Da!”
With a small smirk, he touched her knee, ran his hand under her dress, along her thigh, past the top of the stockings, up to her hip. He gave her a light swat.
Her breathe caught in her throat, while her heart pounded in her chest. Tinderbox quivered with excitement. Oh my God, he’s going to touch me!
Should you let him at this stage of the game? Ladylike asked.
SHUT UP! yelled Tinderbox.
And before Jessica had a chance to decide, it was over. He withdrew his hand and patted the seat beside him.
“Happy?” She asked as she sat down next to him.
He squirmed in his seat, making himself more comfortable, tugging at the fabric hugging his thighs.
“Yes. That pleases me, Jessica.” He took her into his arms and kissed her.
Oh Yes! She responded with hunger, opening her mouth slightly, the tip of her tongue touching his lips, inviting him. His kiss became more urgent and claiming as he explored her mouth, holding her tight in his arms. Her breathing quickened as she opened her mouth wider and their tongues danced together. She ran her hand down his back and to his waist, sliding ever closer to his crotch.
“Umm” She whispered in their kiss as her hand rested on the straining fabric of his dark trousers.
He pressed himself into her hand briefly and removed her hand. His head drew back and he looked into her eyes, “Jessica you’re a naughty girl. And you know what happens to naughty girls, don’t you?”
“They get spanked?”
“Oh yeah, you’re due for a spanking. But, as I said last night, a Dom decides when and if that happens.”
“But you also said, if I want something I must ask and say please. So, pretty please with a cherry on top…”
“Maybe later. Finish your drink and…”
“If you say make like a banana and split, I’m going to hit you.” She laughed, picking up her wineglass to swallow the last mouthful.
“You like that line don’t you? It’s really what attracted you to me, admit it.”
“Are you kidding? I was attracted to you DESPITE that line.”
He rose to his feet and held her hands pulling her up.
“Ready Senorita?”
She went to fetch a scarf for her shoulders and grabbed her purse. Together they left her apartment.
Outside, she noticed a vintage black jag parked in front of her building. Craig opened the passenger door and held her hand as she eased into the low seat.
“Nice car.”
Within moments they were speeding along, on their way.
Craig talked about Lula’s, the last time he’d been there and asked her about salsa dancing. She managed to answer his questions and comment, but half of her mind was fixated on a new quandary.
Oh my God. That was so hot back at my place. Yeah, he was pretty turned on and it’s not true about guys with big noses. Craig’s nose isn’t big but other parts of him are. I'm so turned on. One kiss and I'm ready to jump him? It HAS been too damn long! I’ve got to get a grip because I don’t have any panties on. What happens if I stand up and my dress has a wet spot? Oh my God I’ll die!
That will teach you! Ladylike scolded.
Tinderbox put Ladylike in a headlock. It’s dark, no one will see and you’ll be dancing. It’ll dry.
Craig glanced sideways at her. “So after we rob the place and fly to Venezuela, what do you want to do?”
“Yeah, it’s been a long time since I salsa danced. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“Jessica. Are you okay? Are you listening to me?”
She looked over at him. Not at all- I'm naked under this skirt you boob! “Of course, you were telling me about Lula’s. How long till we’re there? I’m starving.”
“We just passed it! I’m looking for a parking spot now.”
"Oh." Oh? More like Oh shit!
They parked the car a couple of blocks away and walked hand in hand along the sidewalk.
He held the door for her as they entered the foyer of the restaurant. A woman’s voice drifted in from the large bar area, giving dance instructions to people who’d arrived early. Craig paid the cover and they were escorted to the dining area at the front of the restaurant. He held Jessica’s chair for her but instead of sitting she placed her wrap on the back of it and excused herself to visit the ladies room.
She stood in front of the mirror, twisting the skirt of her dress around to see the back of it. Don’t see any damp spots, thank goodness. But what about the rest of the evening? I’m not sure I like this no panty thing. Next time, I negotiate to a thong. Hey! I know!
She slipped into a stall and took a couple of squares of tissue. She folded them neatly and tucked them tightly into place. There. That takes care of that problem! She washed her hands and returned to the table.
Craig’s scrutinized her as she gracefully sat down across from him. “Are you feeling okay?”
“Yes much better, thanks.”
“I’ve ordered wine for you since that’s what you were drinking earlier. Cuba isn’t known for its culinary delights but I’ve eaten here before. They actually use spices and it’s quite good.”
The waitress arrived and suggested a couple of specials. Craig ordered and informed her that they were going into the next room to brush up on their dancing, while they waited for dinner.
He rose and took her hand leading to the dance area. There were about eight couples there, following the bouncy senorita’s guidance.
She stood next to him, stepping forward, to the side and backwards, in line with the music and directions.
They looked at each other and laughed, having a good time.
“Okay, just one more and we’d better get back to the table. You said you were starving.” He clasped her hand in his, holding her close at the waist with his other.
“I am and just one more or I’ll faint away.” I think I’ll be okay with this tissue.
Laughing and out of breath from their last dance, they walked arm in arm back to the table. Their timing was perfect as the waitress brought their dinners just after they’d settled themselves.
As they ate, she told him about the trip to Cuba she and her girlfriends had made, a couple of years earlier. They laughed as she recounted a couple of marriage proposals she’d received while there. He questioned her about the people and if she’d left the resort to visit any villages or towns.
“Yes, actually we did a medical charity."
"A what? You donate organs or something?"
"No, silly- I came back with all my bits and parts. Some of our doctors and clinics here donate medical supplies but the cost of shipping packages is prohibitive. There’s an organization, ‘Not just Tourists’. They pack the supplies in suitcases and a tourist visiting Cuba, brings one when they visit. It works out pretty well. The faces of the medical staff in a rural clinic, when they get these supplies, would melt your heart. They need so much and are so grateful." She took a sip of wine. "And it's such a small thing to do."
“Did each of your girlfriends take a suitcase?”
“Not all, but a few others did, yeah. Why?”
“I’m guessing that you had a lot to do with influencing them?”
“Yeah, kinda.”
He took a sip of his wine and watched her. “You took time from her holiday to deliver medical supplies. Even though I write social justice articles, you’re a woman who actually DOES something. You humble me.”
“Oh, that’s no big deal. Wait till you see me on the dance floor again!” That was nice, what he’d said.
They finished their meal and were sipping coffee with Bailey’s when they heard music from the band strike up from the dance area.
“Ready for some dirty dancing?” He rose to his feet.
“No wild twirling. Remember my apparel or lack of…”
“That makes it sexy and fun! Come on! You probably won’t be the only one out there panty-less. It’s a hot blooded Latino crowd?”
He led her to the dance floor and held her hands as they stepped back and forth, their hips and steps in harmony. He spun her out from his body, turned and then caught her hand as they switched sides. She laughed as their bodies moved in synch with each other.
They took a break to stand at the bar and have a drink while watching the other dancers strut their stuff. She had another wine, while Craig sipped soda. She noticed a familiar face farther down the bar. It was Gwen the office gossip. She turned away quickly. Great! This is going to be all over the office tomorrow. And I’m cavorting around sans panties. I hope she gets picked up and doesn’t notice me.
Craig took Jessica’s hand and led her once more to the floor. They quickly caught the fast beat of the song playing. She swirled out, barely held by the tips of his fingers. She glanced down and gasped with horror. There between her feet was the wadded tissue.
Oh NO! It fell out! Get it!
She stomped on it just as Craig was again thrusting her outward, starting to spin her. Her weight quickly shifted to the non-tissue foot, but she wasn’t ready. Her balance was thrown off. Her tissue foot slipped. A lot. Time slowed. Her leg rose up. First to the level of Craig’s calf. Then up to knee level.