Back into the swing of things...

[ManOSafety]

OOC: This title is for both the premise of this thread and to describe my foray back into SRP. My hope is to find a willing partner who realizes that this will be a slow-moving (due to my scattered, relatively infrequent visits to the board) fantasy. As we continue, it could expand to more people, but we'll have to see how that goes.

The premise is that I am a 33 year old man who is starting to date again after losing his wife to cancer three years previously. You will be the woman I am anxiously about to go out with, the rest of your character pretty much depends on you (I'm open to a 23-45 year old, with no preference about appearances or what your character does). I''m also not sure yet how I know your character, I thought I'd let you chose, I'm giving you openings to be from work, the gym or church below, but if you want to be from the neighborhood, an old friend or a friend of friend, knock yourself out.

IC: With a long exhalation of breath, I turn off the shower. Grabbing the towel and pulling it across my face, I close my eyes and sigh. I can't believe how nervous I am about this. It's a date for goodness sake. No, I haven't been with a woman in just over three years and not on a date for 7 years before that when Sue and I were married, but it's just a date, right?

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts I quickly dry off, feeling a slight stirring in my groin as the towel brushes against me. Running a quick razor across my face to clean up the day's growth, I look at myself in the mirror. My dark hair is still thick and even though laugh lines are beginning to show at the corners of my brown eyes, I don't think they make me look older, just "distinguished". Isn't that what they say about men?

Turning a little to the side, I don't think my body looks like a 33 year old's either. Of course, spending so much time at the gym the past three years hasn't hurt. The time on the weight machines and in the pool have kept the 180 pounds pretty toned on my 6 foot frame.

A final brush through my hair and a spray of Polo Sport and I'm out of the bathroom and into my room to get dressed. After pulling on a pair of khakis I try to decide what to wear with it. What do guys wear on dates now? Finally, I pull out a blue mock turtleneck and slide it on, grabbing a sports jacket from the closet. It's supposed to get a little chilly tonight, I think.

Standing in front of the dresser, I grab my wallet and keys, then look at the beeper sitting there. Do they really need to be able to get in touch with me from the office? Nah, not tonight, nothing can't wait until Monday. It's the weekend and I'm not going to let work interfere with this date tonight or church on Sunday. Looking at my Movado watch as I slide it on, I see that it's almost 6:00, just about time to leave.

 

[Merelan]

OOC: Hope I will do. If not can delete. I love to play it long and slow.

Tana:

My hands shook as I applied my eyeshadow. Throwing the brush down I cursed, then felt even worse. I buried my hands in my face and almost wept. What did I think I was doing? A 35 year old divorcee who hadn't even dated since I was 17. How had I let Tina talk me into this party. I knew she would have someone there trying to set me up again. Her logic was that no one could be happy alone. Hell, I was a damn sight happier alone then with Milton, the bastard. I sat up straight, looking into the mirror again. Not bad. With no children it has been easier to keep my shape then my friends, but the circles under my eyes showed my restlessness. Behind me I could see the piles of reports and my computer, blinking, calling to me. That's what I should be doing tonight. Going over those reports again. but no, I had promised I would at least show up. Fine, I would. Grab a quick bite and drink and then back here, where it was safe.
Quickly finishing my makeup I frowned at my reflection. One of these days I would have to do something about my hair. It hung past my shoulders in auburn waves, joined with a few streaks of grey. Usually worn up and away from my face I left it down. My curtain to hide behind.
I loved Tina, she meant well, but I was not interested in the men she found me. Smiling at the "Chin" as I called him. He had only been the last in a string of them since Milton left. Well, I wasn't wearing the dress she wanted me too either. Reaching past it for the more comfortable, and covering, blue one. It wasn't there. Searching and then checking the other closet.
Tina. She hated that dress. When she offered to take my laundry for me, I should have known. Conveniantly I am sure she had taken my old stand by. Damn it. Now I had to wear the floral one. I slipped it on and tied the thin belt around my waist. It was okay, but a bit low cut for me. And the side slits on the skirt were a touch too high. Oh well. Who cares. I wasn't staying. Grabbing my purse I scooted out the door, a bit late, not that she would notice.

 

[ManOSafety]

Kevin

OOC: Of course it's OK Merelan, I've always enjoyed your writing and the times we've had the opportunity to RP together .

IC: Slipping into the car, I pause before turning the key to start the ignition. What am I getting myself into, I've told Tina that I'm fine, that she doesn't need to set me up with her friends, but she won't be put off anymore. She's having this dinner tonight, it's just supposed to be a couple of people, but still...I guess we'll see how it goes.
With a deep breath, I start the car, ease it into gear and off I go.

After the 20 minute drive, I pull up to Tina's house, a little early, but hey, I've always been punctual. Standing at the door, I shrug my shoulders, suddenly feeling a little tense, but glad that I remembered to bring the bottle of Merlot I found at the gourmet shop down the street. When Tina's husband answers, I grin, shake his hand and then hand him the bottle. He's always seemed like a pretty good guy. "I hope I'm not too early..."

"No, you're right on time, guess everyone else is running a bit late."

Following him down the hallway, I glance around at the familiar house. We'd been here a few times earlier and Tina and her husband had had me over once or twice in the past couple of years. Standing in the kitchen, he sets the wine bottle on the counter and asks what I'd like to drink. Pondering for a moment, I try to decide how to start the evening and settle on asking for a scotch and soda. Maybe that will take the edge of this anxiety off a bit.

 

[Merelan]

Tana:
I let myself in as no one seemed to anser my knock. I heard their voices and wondered about the lack of cars. There were only a couple. I had thought it was a big party. Oh no, as I rounded the corner to the kitchen I realized I had fallen for it again. She had only made it sound like that. Ugggh. Tina. Turning I washeaded back to the door and out when I ran into, literally, a man coming in from the living room. Had he been in there when I came in? I hadn't seen him, but I hadn't been looking either, and it was dark in there.
"Excuse me." Pausing. "Oh god. I am sorry." In bumping him I had spilled his drink. Wiping at his shirt with my hand.
"God, I am so sorry. I guess I owe you more then an apology too. I wasted your drink."

 

[ManOSafety]

"No, really, it's OK, I should have been more careful too." Pausing to look at you for the first time, my eyes quickly and hopefully not too obviously, take you in.

With a smile, "though to be honest, this was a much better accident than a fenderbender on the street. It's not often I get the chance to bump into a beautiful woman without damaging our cars."

"Can I get you a drink too? Oh, by the way, I don't think we've met, I'm Kevin..."

 

[Merelan]

Tana:

I blushed at his words. How kind. And his smile was infectious. I must look the fool, with a grin from ear to ear.
"I'm Tana Bond. I know." Cocking one eyebrow. "Tana, Tana Bond." Giggling. Jesus, I was making an ass of myself.

 

[ManOSafety]

Kevin

"Tana Bond eh? Then I guess I need to get you a martini, shaken, not shtirred..." That last little bit, for some reason I attempt to do in an impression of Sean Connery that I think is probably terribly lacking. But she smiles and laughs, so I guess it will do.

As I turn back around to head into the living room and the bar, I look over my shoulder, "So, Ms. Bond what international intrigue brings you to Tina's house tonight?"

 

[Merelan]

Tana:
What a fool I was, stumbling and playing like a teenager.
"No martini for me please. A white wine would be nice." Watching him walk ahead. Nice ass.
God. Tana. Almost slapping myself. Imagine, with the way I had ben acting what I would be like in bed right now. Laughing out loud. His quizical look bringing me up.
"International intrigue? Well," Leaning in on the bar to whisper. "If I told you, I'd have to kill you."
That was it. Stop it. My mind embarassed at what my mouth was saying.

 

[ManOSafety]

Laughing at her joke, I smile broadly and turn to the bar to find a glass and the white wine. Pouring her a glass (about 2/3 full, not all of my intentions honorable), I turn back to her, extending the glass.

"Well, Ms. Bond, I'm not sure if I'm willing to die for that information yet, but...vee haf vays to make you talk..." I whisper conspiratorially (right word?).

Laughing softly at my own lame joke, I sit down on the couch, hoping that this beauty will join me and we can get to know each other a bit better.

 

[Merelan]

Tana:
Laughing at his joke I joined him, on the edge of the sofa. The wine glass felt good in my hands, something to keep them occupied. I had the habit of touching people normally, and I don't think he would have appreciated that.
"So, we know I am an international spy. What do you do, besides bad imitaitons?" Sipping at the wine. Mmm. It was delicious.

 

[ManOSafety]

My hand on my chest, my chin dropped, I look at her as though shocked, "Bad imitations?? What do you mean, that was the finest Sean Connery you'll ever see this side of Scotland, I'm hurt..."

"Actually, I work in Human Resources. How do you know Tina?"

I noticed that she sat on the very edge of the sofa, guess I need to keep working on getting her comfortable with me. And the way she's holding that wine glass, it's like she's trying to keep from doing something else, constantly twisting it between her fingers, swirling the wine around...

 

[Merelan]

Tana:
I settled back and relaxed.
"Human Resources? God love you. I couldn't be that nice to people. Our Director of Human Resources has told me stories of things she has to do, and people she has had to moolify. Luckily, as a secret agent you know, I just whack them off if they irritate me, all in the name of justice you know." I felt so foolish. Like a school girl. Slipping my legs up underneath me to feel better. God, it was all I could do to keep from reaching out and brushing back that one curl over his forehead.
"In my alter ego I am a glorified secretary. Actually, I do the work and he gets the glory. Life." Draining the last of the wine.

 

[ManOSafety]

Kevin

"Well, it's certainly a challenge, but one that I enjoy. The fact that it's constantly changing makes it interesting, I think. Besides, there aren't too many jobs any more when you don't have to play the game. Sometimes, the idea of killing someone does have its appeal however..."

When she first said that sometimes she just has to whack someone off, it was all I could do to control myself and remind myself she's joking about killing someone, at least I think so, and not about "whacking" them off sexually.

She seems to be getting more comfortable, so when she finishes her wine, I stand up and take her wine glass, "Can I fix you another glass? I'm not sure how much longer before dinner..."

 

[Merelan]

Getting up also, I slipped on the scatter rug. Grabbing at his shoulder for balance. He jumped back as I touched him.
"Sorry. I slipped." Trying to ignore it. "Yes, I would love another glass. And dinner better be soon, I am famished." As my tiummy gurgled in agreement. Blushing as I giggled. "See? I told you? I skipped lunch again. Busy with a mission."

 

[ManOSafety]

"Oh dear, those darn missions just have to be so inconvenient. Let's see how Tina's doing while we get you some wine."

Heading back to the bar, taking her glass from her. I find myself thinking about this woman, wanting to know more about her, really interested in her. As I pour the wine, I look back at her over my shoulder, "why don't you check with Tina about how long until dinner?"

 

[Merelan]

Tana:

"Okay. She might need help too. She isn't the best of cooks. Ever have her bake you a cake?" Frowning and shaking my head. "Her talents lie in other rooms, not the kitchen." Turning and leaving even as I finished, unable to believe I had said that.

 

[ManOSafety]

It takes a second for what Tana just said to sink into my mind, which quickly began spinning with thoughts of Tana and Tina together exhibiting talents that are not for the kitchen. By the time I turned around to pursue this thought, Tana was walking down the hallway towards the kitchen. With a renewed interest, I follow, checking out the sway of her hips and the way she nicely fills out her skirt as I do so. Pausing in the hallway, I wait to see what Tana might have to say to Tina.

 

[Merelan]

Tana:
I find her alone, trying to wrestle the prime rib out of the oven.
"Jesus Tina. Let me help." Tina's way of letting me help was to step back and let me do it. Fine, I was used to that. She leaned against the counter smiling.
"Late aren't you? Though I thought I saw you drive up a while ago?" Her knowing smile made me crazy.
"Tina, yes I was late. Sorry I got behind with the paperwork. You know what they make me do everytime I make a killing for the office?" Now I was smiling, remembering my game with Kevin. There was no way I was going to admit I had been sipping wine and talking with a man.
"So how's the party going? Don't seem to many people here?" Tina still had that bird eating look on her face.
"Just the right people dear." I shrugged, knowing what she meant. God, why, how had she known me so well. Okay, so we had grown up together, but we weren't alike, not really. I finished transferring the rib to the serving tray and poured the au juis into it's bowl. How to find out about him? Without her smirking and interfering?
Again she read my mind.
"He's a widower, no children. Good job, good pay. but lonely. He attends our church, whch you wo0uld know if you came to more then a couple times a year. He's sweet, handsome and sexy as hell. Mark told me to keep my hands off him though. Damn it. No, I don't think he swings, but either do you so it's perfect." She grabbed up the baked potatoes. Tossing over her sshoulder,
"Grab the roast, and if you don't want him he is fair game for me." leaving me with my mouth open.
"Oh Kevin." I heard her say. Jesus. Had he heard us?

 

[ManOSafety]

Kevin

Standing in the hallway, my jaw drops when Tina mentions that Mark had told her to keep her hands off. Tina likes me? Even more, I am stunned when Tina tells Tana that she thinks we're a good match because neither of us swing. To be honest, I never have, but my wife and I had fantasized about it while making love, heck, we'd even fantasized about Tina and Mark. The thought made my cock throb to life, maybe that would be something to pursue in the future, for now, I need to talk to Tana some more.

I'm about to head back down the hallway, when Tina walks out and spots me.

"Oh, Hi Tina. I was just going to come and see if I could help with anyone...oh, I mean anything. I'm so sorry, I don't know what I was thinking, I didn' t mean anything by that...." I ramble on, trying to cover my slip, only making it worse...

 

[Merelan]

Tana:
Blushing to my toes I spun away as he spoke. Oh god. He had heard. my hands flew to my face hiding it. Silent we stood a few seconds. Slowly I took a deep breath and turned. My office demeanor on, the only way to face him, as if nothing had happened. But one look in his eyes and I was blushing again.
"Yes. Umm. Can you help with the roast? it is ready. I can get the au juis." My hands shaking and spilling as I ladled it into the bowl. God, why didn't he leave so I could calm down. But he stood behind me, right behind me.
"The hot mitts are there." Flinging out my arm and catching him right across the stomach. Again a hand flew to my face.
"Oh God." Close to tears I apologized as he tried to make nothing of it. Why didn't the floor open and swallow me up?