เข้าสู่ระบบDinner was surprisingly engaging. Our newfound friends had fantastic stories and shared struggles to regale us with, and I found myself warming up to them quickly. Not a huge fan of networking myself, I was surprised when I offered them my contact info and promises to stay in touch.But Selena was my real highlight. As long as I'd known her, she was always distant in larger groups. Not anti-social, exactly, but certainly self-contained.At this dinner, though, Selena shined. She engaged with everyone, delighting us all with her wit and wry humor. She was sarcastic; she was quick; she was nothing short of radiant. I'd never seen Selena so open with strangers, and it was oddly one of the hottest moments I'd seen from her yet. I was both proud and aroused, as odd as that combination was.Best of all were the moments that highlighted our connection. As much as she'd charmed the others at the table, she made no secret of her affinity towards me. We played off one another, very much in sync
Selena paused, and I knew she was actively imagining such an ending for us. "But John, we know that's not how it would work. We have families, spouses and children, who we love more than anything else in this world. We're not going to abandon them. Besides, as incredible as our time together has been, it's only been a few days. We're both well-read enough that we know how affairs like ours end. I don't want us to become another Hester and Dimmesdale."I processed Selena's words carefully. Deep down, I knew she was right, but this also sounded like the prelude to a breakup, a total severing of connection. Such a drastic cutoff might have been the right decision... but I wasn't ready for it. Not now, if ever."What are you suggesting?" I prodded, fearing the worst. "We pretend like this conference never happened?"Selena laughed ruefully. "I don't think either one of us could do that. No... I had something else in mind. As I thought about all the stories out there between people like us
"You won't be," Selena reassured. "I'll be right next to you. As you said, sometimes words are overrated, right? We don't have to be talking to enjoy each other's company.""Okay, fair enough," I agreed. "Although just to be clear, I do enjoy talking to you.""Likewise," Selena smiled. "But I'm gonna go ahead and shower and get ready for bed. If you want to get a head start on reading, I'll join you when I'm back out. You probably won't have made it to any of the really crazy parts by then.""Sounds like a plan to me," I said, amused by the unexpected intensity of Selena's excitement.In spite of my amusement, I followed Selena's plan. I'd need to shower myself at some point, but for now, I stripped to my underwear, climbed under the covers, and returned to The Venetian Sea.The book quickly pulled me in. I realized quickly why Selena had been so curious about my progress, because shortly after restarting, a major twist in the plot revealed itself. The twist itself wasn't totally unex
Our bodies teetering on the verge of eternity, I pressed my forehead against Selena's, staring into her spectacular eyes. We shared everything in that moment: hopes and dreams; fears and failures; what we had been and what we would be. The oeuvres of our lives were laid bare, imparted to each other through our linked gaze.And then the fullness of release found us. I died, was reborn, and died again.When I came back to myself, Selena was looking at me with open wonder."John... that was...," Selena finally whispered, her words faltering. "I want to say incredible, but even that doesn't do it justice."I smiled. "Sometimes even the best words aren't enough.""You might be right," Selena admitted, tilting her head to the side thoughtfully.I joined her in silence, the two of us using our eyes and our touch to communicate what words could not. We were bonded now, this afterplay the first exploration of our new reality.Words were insufficient, that was true. But I thought Selena had mis
I didn't need to be told twice. I unbuttoned my own shirt just enough to pull it over my head, followed shortly by my undershirt. As soon as my chest was clear, I removed my socks, then my pants, leaving me in just my underwear.Selena had moved quickly too—her bra and slacks were also gone, but she wasn't done yet. With a final push, she removed her panties too. I didn't have long to admire her bare body, though, as she quickly climbed onto the bed. Selena centered her body over me, her face above mine. I saw my own desperate desire mirrored in her expression, and the next thing I knew, we were kissing passionately.Words can't describe how deep my need was for Selena in that moment. My body yearned for hers, yes, but my mind was even more desperate to reestablish the connection we'd formed last night. I needed her, all of her. Even as I tasted Selena's lips, my hands roamed her naked body, exploring every inch of her exposed skin. Selena responded accordingly, beginning to grind her
As we wrapped up with dinner, Selena addressed the lingering question:"So, John. Now that we're done eating, what are our plans for the rest of the night?""I do have this rather interesting book to finish, but I might be persuaded to delay it for the right person.""Mmmm, how romantic. Did you have someone in mind?" Selena asked, her green eyes twinkling playfully."Well, there was this one woman I connected with last night. I'd really like to spend some more time with her, but I'm not sure if she's available.""Well, I have it on good authority she is," Selena said conspiratorially."Well, in that case... Selena, would you like to join me back at the hotel? My room this time?""I'd love to," Selena agreed. "And I've got no family responsibilities or video dates, so I'm all yours tonight."Déjà vu struck me once more. I felt like I was in my twenties, connecting with the love of my life for the first time.I wasn't, of course. I was a forty-ish married man, inviting another married
"Well, a back rub does sound nice so I will amend the rule to no touching below the waist.""Agreed," Johnny said. "And your second rule.""No attempts shall be made to remove the queen's royal brassiere during her official birthday massage, nor her royal panties."Again, the tickle monsters agreed
Reacting to the alarm bells, he jumped up from the couch before declaring, "Remy it's time for bed. I am tired, you are a bit drunk, and this is getting out of hand."Instead of protesting, like he half expected, Remy got quietly up from the couch, floating past him without a word.His heart sank a
The early afternoon sun was shining into the bedroom when I woke. I was naked, laying on top of the comforter. Iryna had covered me with a blanket from the living room and tucked a pillow under my head. My phone was sitting next to the bed with a text evident.Iryna -- I am out by the pool. Come jo
Soon enough it started growing dark outside. We'd discussed where to go for our last night, but settled on getting a pizza and hanging at home. Iryna told me it was far more special than I realized. "Do you know how hard it is to get good pizza anywhere but America? You will."We ate, watched a mov







