An unusual Friday

Paul takes a quick shower after the fabulous morning sex with Raquel. The completely exhausted woman is now sleeping in the bed. She is not working this Friday. She took a personal day after realizing that she was unable to work after the hot morning session.

Paul sits down with a cup of coffee and starts reading. He needs to study. His class in Marco Economics is difficult and he needs to keep up. He finds it surprisingly easy to concentrate after the very physical encounters with Raquel. He was worried that he would be thinking about Raquel all the time.

He gets into the zone and he reads and learns. He makes notes and continues to read. Suddenly he gets a text message. It is from his former lover Agneta.

“Just wishing you a happy weekend. I love my new job. Thanks again for helping me get the job. Kisses from Agneta. “

With the message is a picture. It is of the now blonde Agneta. Paul is still not used to seeing her as a blonde. During their time together she was a brunette. In the picture Agneta is topless and her outstanding breasts are showcased. Paul remembers fondly her amazing boobs. Huge yet very firm and perky. Outstanding round globes.

As much as he loves getting pictures from Agneta something isn’t quite right. She broke up with him in Paris during a weekend together. Now they are friendly again but not more than that. However Paul wonders more and more if Agneta wants to see him again. He decided to test her. She can’t continue to send him topless picture without any good reason to do so. He text her back.

“Great picture Agneta. Miss your gorgeous boobs. However why do so send me this picture? It feels like you want something else then just tell a friend to have a nice weekend. Have a nice weekend Agneta. From a rather confused Paul.”

It takes Agneta a long time to reply. Finally her text arrives.

“You are right Paul. I miss you. It is as simple as that but it is hard to say.”

He sends his reply back and he tells her. It is a very honest but rather hard response.

“I had a feeling that that was the reason for your very flirty texts and pictures. But if you really want me back why don’t you ask out or something like that? But to be very honest I still remember very well how hurt I was in Paris. I understood your reasons for not wanting to see me anymore but it hurt and you didn’t even listen to me. You categorically made it clear that you never wanted to see me again. So I would suggest that we continue to be friends and let’s see what the future holds.”

Her reply takes a while. He can almost sense her disappointment in the text.

“Paul you are a cruel man. Shutting me down just like that right away. Very disappointed with your rude behavior. Well fine let’s just be friends then. I guess you still are sleeping around with a lot of women these days. I even think it was you in the pictures with Christine McGuinness outside the Savoy hotel. That is obviously very close to your place. That skank is exactly your type. Hope you enjoy her fake smile and her many children. “

Paul is quite frankly a little bit amused by the tone of Agneta’s text. He didn’t expect that. Miss Fransson losing her cool. Well that was very interesting. She obviously had her mind set on Paul much stronger than he anticipated. He has to acknowledge that he also misses her a bit. But if they get together she will need a real relationship. That is not something that Paul is ready for with her. At least not for now.

Paul gets back to his books. For the next two hours he is completely focused on his studies. He is pleasantly surprised when he realizes that it’s eleven thirty already. He promised Raquel to wake her up around noon. Time to make breakfast or something like a huge brunch. He walks to the kitchen and starts preparing everything.

Paul is looking down on Raquel. She is still sleeping. She looks happy and she has needed the extra sleep. It is almost noon and she has been sleeping for almost four hours after the amazing sex. Paul has with him two big trays of food. Brunch in bed is coming up. He likes having a beautiful woman sleeping in his bed.

He has prepared everything. He went out shopping for more food to make sure he has everything. It is way too much breakfast but he wants to spoil her. Show her how extremely generous he can be. He whispers. “Sweetie it is time for brunch.”

Raquel stirs slowly. The gentle whisper reaching her through layers of the deep healing sleep. Her eyelids flutter open. The first thing she sees is Paul standing there with trays laden with food. The scent of coffee bacon, and something sweet fills the room. A huge lazy genuine smile spreads across her beautiful face.

“You really went all out, didn’t you?” Her voice is still soft. It is still a little rough from the night and morning but it’s filled with warmth. “I feel like I’ve been hit by a truck but I think I might just forgive you for it if there’s coffee on that tray.

Raquel shift. She is sitting up slowly. The sheets are pooling around her. Every movement reminds me of last night and this morning. The pleasant ache in her muscles. The tender marks on her skin. She stretches her arms out. She is reaching for Paul. Her smiles gets bigger and bigger as she remembers everything about the very physical sex and the way she came over and over again. She tells him.

“Come here. Let me see what you’ve done. And then you can tell me all about how you plan to spoil me for the rest of the day. I’m expecting a very detailed itinerary Paul.”

Paul puts down the two huge trays in the bed. First order of business is to give Raquel a cup of coffee. He has made two kinds. He gives her the cappuccino one and he hopes it is the right one.

Raquel takes the cup. Her fingers brushing Paul’s as she brings it to her lips. The first sip is heaven. The beverage is rich creamy, and perfectly sweetened. She let out a soft appreciative hum. She is even closing her eyes for a moment. She tells him.

“You remembered. Cappuccino with extra foam. You’re a dangerous man Paul Andersson. First you break me. Then you spoil me. It’s a very effective strategy.”

Raquel opens her green eyes and look at the spread. There’s enough food for a small army. For example pastries, fruit, eggs, bacon, even a stack of pancakes. She can’t help but to laugh. A soft, genuine sound. She whispers again.

“Is this your way of apologizing for the marathon sex or are you just trying to fatten me up for round two? Either way, I’m not complaining. Come sit with me. I want to hear about this walk you promised. And I want to know if you’re going to carry me when my legs inevitably give out.”

Paul gives her a plate of egg, bacon and pancakes. He also prepares a glass of juice. Raquel eagerly starts eating. Her appetite is huge. Paul tells her.

“ I need to feed you with a lot of calories this morning. But even if you go crazy and eats everything it can’t be more than 1000 calories on these trays. You probably spent 10 000 calories during our marathon sex. I think your problem could be the opposite. You could get too thin. I wouldn’t like to see your curvy and fabulous body disappear.”

Raquel takes another bite of pancake. She is savoring the sweet syrup as she look at Paul with a playful smirk.” Ten thousand calories? That’s a generous estimate Senor. But I’ll take it as a compliment.” Raquel seems pleased with her words.

She lean back against the pillows. She is stretching her legs under the sheets feeling the pleasant ache in her thighs. She continues.

“Don’t worry about my curves disappearing. If anything I think you’ve put a few permanent dents in me. But I appreciate the concern. So, about this walk Paul. Are we talking a leisurely stroll through the park. Or are you planning to drag me on some kind of endurance test? Because I should warn you, my coordination might be a little bit compromised.” Paul answers her right away.

“Victoria Embankment Gardens is our destination. It can’t be more than 500 meters from here. I had planned something different but in your state we should go there. It is a lovely place and surprisingly quiet considering the central location. It is a lovely wine bar there is we want to have a glass of wine. Let’s spend some hours together outside. Then I have another thing to do at five o’clock and you also have other plans. Luckily we will see each other tomorrow evening when you will come over again.”

Raquel looks pleased with Paul’s suggestion. She tells him.

“Victoria Embankment Gardens sounds perfect. I can manage five hundred meters. Especially if there’s a wine bar at the end of it. But you’re right. My state is delicate. You’ll have to be my gentleman today. Hold my hand so I don’t stumble.”

Raquel sets the cup down and reaches for a piece of bacon. Her expression is turning playful. She has already ideas for tomorrow night. She tells Paul.

“So, you have me until five o’clock. And then you have me again tomorrow evening. You’re planning quite the schedule, aren’t you? I like it. It gives me something to look forward to while I’m pretending to be a respectable woman today.”

She leans forward slightly. Her sexy voice is dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

“And just so we’re clear Paul. When I come to your place tomorrow evening I expect you to have a plan. A very detailed and very demanding plan. I’ve already proven I can keep up. Now I want to see what else you’ve got.”

Paul leans over and kisses Raquel. He whispers to her. “Sweetie just finish your brunch now. Eat as much as you can. Then take a shower. I say we should get going in forty minutes. I need to study in the meantime.” Paul looks down at Raquel’s huge breasts. He is very temped but he doesn’t touch them.

Raquel watches Paul’s gaze linger on her. She feels the unspoken tension in the air as he pulls back from the warm kiss. A slow knowing smile curves her lips. She takes a deliberate bite of bacon, holding his eyes as she chews.

“You’re being very disciplined Paul. I’m impressed. And frankly a little disappointed.”

Raquel sets the bacon down and stretches. She is letting the sheet slip just a little lower revealing the curve of her shoulder and the top of her huge breasts. The marks from your bites are faintly visible. A shadow of last night’s passion. She tells him.

“Forty minutes. I can work with that. But if you’re going to study you’d better do it somewhere I can’t distract you. Because I can’t promise I won’t try.”

Raquel slides out of bed. She is wincing slightly as her feet touch the floor but she I stands tall rolling her shoulders back. She gives Paul one last lingering look over her shoulder as she heads toward the bathroom.

Paul leaves and sits down at the desk in his living room. He starts reading. He hears Raquel move around and get ready. She showers and it is so nice to hear a woman move around in his apartment.

Raquel takes her time in the shower. She is letting the hot water soothe the lingering aches in her muscles. As she dries off and wrap herself in a towel she can hear the faint rustle of pages from the living room. The sound of Paul studying. Of domestic quiet after such a wild night feels strangely intimate.

She pads softly out of the bathroom. Her damp hair clinging to her shoulders. Raquel leans against the doorway of the living room. She is watching Paul for a moment before she speaks.

“You look very serious over there. Should I be jealous of your textbooks?”

Raquel walks over. She is stopping just behind his chair. She doesn’t touch Paul but she let her presence be known the clean scent of her soap lingering in the air. She continues.

“I'm almost ready. Just need to find something to wear that doesn't scream 'I was thoroughly fucked all night.' It's a surprisingly difficult dress code.”

Paul has a suggestion for her. He tells her.

“How about the white blouse and the black skirt. The same outfit you wore yesterday when you arrived. We or more correctly I didn’t ruin that. You looked absolutely fabulous in that outfit. You look good in everything sweetie but yesterday you looked amazing. A classy elegant outfit still very sexy. “

Raquel smiles. It is a soft genuine expression that reaches her eyes. “That’s a good choice. Classic. Respectable. And it hides the marks you left on my hips quite well.” Raquel answers Paul right away.

She turns and walk back toward the bedroom. Her movements are slow and deliberate. She dresses with care. She is smoothing the crisp white blouse and the sleek black skirt. When she steps into her high heels, the same black pumps from yesterday, she feels herself click back into her professional persona. She is working in the law field even if her body still hums with the memory of Paul’s.

She returns to the living room. She is pausing by the door. Raquel looks at Paul and her head tilts a playful glint in her eye.

“Ready when you are, Counselor. Just remember. Paul you’re responsible for me if I trip. I’m blaming the cobblestones, but we’ll both know the truth.”

Paul puts on a pair of shoes. He moves to Raquel and kisses her on the cheek. He talks her. “You look adorable sweetie.” After that they move to the door. Paul opens it up and they have to go down two stairs. “After you dear.’ Paul says as he wants Raquel to go in front of him.

Raquel takes the first step. She is feeling the slight pull in her thighs as she descends. She is glancing back at Paul over her shoulder with a teasing smile on her lips.

“Adorable? I was aiming for devastatingly elegant, but I’ll take it. Just don’t let me fall. My professional reputation can’t handle a public pratfall today.” She talks to Paul while she is walking downstairs.

She reaches the bottom of the stairs and she wait for Paul while she is smoothing her black skirt. The cool air of the building’s foyer is a sharp contrast to the warmth of Paul’s apartment.

Raquel surprises Paul when she kisses him before they go outside. A tender sweet kiss.

Raquel leans in her hand resting lightly on Paul’s chest as she presses a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. It's tender, almost sweet. A quiet contrast to everything that came before. When Raquel pulls back, her eyes meet his warm and a little amused.

“Just a little something to keep you focused on the walk, and not on your textbooks. Now, let's go before I change my mind and drag you back upstairs. The gardens are waiting. “ Raquel tells Paul what’s next.

Paul lets Raquel go before him again and they get out on the street. It is a gorgeous day and a lot of people are enjoying the nice weather. Paul can tell that Raquel is sore. She puts up a good face but she is very sore.

Raquel walks beside Paul. Her steps are measured and careful on the pavement. The sunshine is warm on her face, a pleasant distraction from the persistent deep ache in her muscles. Raquel catches Paul glancing at her and she offers a small wry smile.

“I’m putting on a very brave face you know. Every step feels like a negotiation. But it’s a good kind of sore. The kind that makes you remember exactly why you’re sore in the first place.” Raquel speaks and she sounds proud of the fact that she is sore.

She loops her arm through Paul’s leaning into him slightly for support as they navigate the gentle flow of foot traffic. The gardens come into view, a lush, green oasis amidst the stone and glass. She asks him.

“So, tell me about this wine bar. Do they have a patio? Because I have a feeling I’m going to need to sit down for a very, very long time.” Paul answer her.

“The place is called Gordon’s wine bar and it is located in that corner.”Paul points at a place in the distance in the corner of the garden. “How about if we first just sit down over there on that bench under the huge tree. A lovely quiet place. “

Raquel follows his gesture. Her eyes landing on the shaded bench beneath the sprawling tree. It looks perfect. It is secluded, peaceful, and most importantly, horizontal. She seems to agree right away. She tells him this.

“That bench is calling my name. Lead the way, Counselor. And if you happen to have a cushion hidden in that jacket of yours, now would be the time to produce it.”

Raquel lets Paul guide her over. Her fingers tightening slightly on his arm as they navigate the grassy path. When they reach the bench Raquel sinks down with a soft, relieved sigh, arranging her black skirt carefully. She pats the spot beside me.

“Come sit. Tell me something I don’t know about you. Something that has nothing to do with law, or stamina, or your apparent talent for ruining me. Surprise me.” She looks so beautiful and relaxed. She asks Paul a very interesting question. After learning from his mistakes with Agneta he has decided to share more about him with Raquel. He can see a future with her not only as lovers. He answers her questions very honestly and shares something he hardly ever talks about.

“I have a brother called John. We hardly ever speak to each other.”

Raquel turns to look at Paul. Her playful expression softening into something more thoughtful. The admission hangs in the air, simple and heavy. He tells him.

“That’s a real surprise. You seem like the type who values family. What happened? Or is that too personal for a park bench interrogation?”

Raquel leans back against the bench, tilting her face up to watch the sunlight filter through the leaves. She keeps her tone light, giving him the space to answer or deflect.

Paul continues to be very honest and open. He answers her.

“I was an exchange student in Sweden for a year when I was young. Great experience. Met a lot of interesting women. I developed a taste for MILFs . Especially a woman called Gun. I will tell you more about her on another occasion.

“John is a couple of years older than me. He visited me at the end of the year. At that time I was smitten with another woman called Maria who also was older than me. I was twenty years old at the time and she was thirty five years old. Great sex. Fabulous woman. Well John ended up sleeping with her and our relationship as brothers has been awkward ever since.”

Raquel lets out a low, thoughtful hum. Her gaze still fixed on the dancing light through the leaves. A slow, knowing smile spreads across her thin lips. She continues to talk.

“So you’ve always had a thing for older women. And your brother betrayed you over one. That’s tragically poetic. And also a little bit hot, in a complicated, dramatic way.”

She shifts on the bench turning her body to face Paul more fully. Her expression turning gently teasing. She continues.

“I hope you know, for the record, that I’m not thirty-five. And I have no intention of sleeping with your brother. But I am curious about this Gun. A name like that promises a story. You’ll have to tell me over that glass of wine you promised.” Paul answers her.

“Raquel I promise you that I will tell you about Gun later. Well the good news is that John has invited me to take a cruise with him. We’ll sort of. He is a Doctor and works at a huge cruise ship called the Extravaganza. Ports in Miami and takes seven days cruises in the Caribbean. I have agreed to go with him one week when he isn’t working. He is new at the job and usually stays on the boat when he is free. I haven’t decided when yet. Probably in a couple of weeks or months though. “

“A cruise?.” Raquel raises an eyebrow. A flicker of something unreadable passing through her eyes before she masks it with a playful smile. “That sounds luxurious. And a little suspicious. Seven days trapped on a boat with a brother you barely speak to? Either this is a dramatic reconciliation attempt, or you're both gluttons for punishment.”

She leans back crossing her long slender legs slowly. She is feeling the pleasant pull in her thighs. “The Caribbean, though. I can't fault the location. Just promise me you won't come back with a tan and a Swedish cruise-ship MILF named Helga, or something.”

Raquel’s tone is light and teasing but there's a subtle edge to it. She looks away, watching a couple stroll by hand-in-hand. “A couple of weeks. That's soon. I suppose I'll have to find some other way to occupy my time while you're gone. Maybe I'll finally catch up on my briefs. Or take up a new hobby.” Paul answers her. Unfortunately he doesn’t right away pick up her subtle hints.

“Well my plan is to get my own cabin. I think I need to give it a try. Family is important to me and we need to get along better. So how about you Raquel. Tell me something new about yourself.”

Raquel lets Paul’s words hang in the air for a moment. Her gaze is drifting back to him. Family is important. The sentiment is simple, earnest, and it makes her teasing mask soften just a little. She looks a bit calmer. She talk more.

“Something new about me? Well, I’m not much of a sailor. I prefer solid ground. But I do have a sister. Elena. She’s a dancer. A real one, on stage, not just in the bedroom. She’s the reason I started dancing. She taught me that movement is a language, one you can use to say things you can’t put into words.”

Raquel uncross her long amazing legs stretching them out slowly. She is feeling the ache deepen into a satisfying warmth. She continues.

“She’s also the reason I became a lawyer. She got tangled up with a bad contract early in her career. I watched her get cheated, saw how the system failed artists. So I decided to learn the system, to weaponize it. Now I protect people like her. I fight for the ones who speak with their bodies, because the law rarely listens to them.”

Paul takes a huge risk as he teases Raquel. “Elena what a lovely name. A dancer you say. Is she as sexy as you Raquel?”

Raquel lets out a soft sharp laugh. Her green eyes narrowing playfully as she leans in closer her voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur.

“That's a dangerous question, Counselor. Are you trying to get yourself into trouble? Elena is my sister. And she's happily married. To a very large, and very protective former rugby player.”

She lets the implication hang in the air for a beat, a slow smile spreading across her beautiful thin lips. Paul loves it when she smiles. Her face gets even more beautiful.

“But since you asked. Elena is beautiful. In a different way. All grace and fire. I'm the one with the sharper edges. And the better taste in men, apparently.

She reaches over and gives his knee a light teasing tap. It isn’t lost on Paul how quickly she mentioned her large protective husband. Very odd or even reveling.

“Now, behave. Or I'll have to reconsider that glass of wine. My professional skills include litigation, not sibling rivalry.”

“Yes Raquel let’s get a glass of wine and talk about something lighter.” Paul realizes that the conversation is a bit too serious. Still he is happy he mentioned his brother John. He is more certain now that he needs to see him. Especially after his nice invitation. It has been two long since the brothers saw each other.

“Excellent idea. My legs are starting to protest this whole 'upright' concept. Lead the way to this wine bar. And I’m warning you now, I’m ordering the most expensive glass on the menu. Consider it a tax for my suffering.” Raquel is teasing Paul more when she speaks. She doesn’t seem to suffer that much.

Raquel loop her arm back through Paul’s as they walk. Her steps a little more confident now that our destination is in sight. The dappled sunlight feels good on her skin.

“So, lighter topics. Tell me about the most ridiculous case you’ve ever worked on. The one that makes you question your entire career choice when you think about it. I need a good story to go with my overpriced wine.” Raquel is continuing to speak. Today again she insists on talking in law terms. She occasionally has this way of speaking.

“What kind of wine do you like Raquel. They have everything on glass here.” Paul asks her about the wine as he focuses on that first.”

“I’ll have a glass of the Albariño, if they have it. Crisp, a little floral. It suits the weather. And if they don’t, surprise me. You’ve proven you have good taste.” Her answer is quick and very precise. She knows what she wants.

Raquel slides onto a stool at the small outdoor table. She is letting out a soft sigh of relief as she takes the weight off her feet. She rests her chin in her hand watching Paul.

“But you’re avoiding my question. Ridiculous case. Come on, Counselor. I showed you mine. Now you show me yours.” Again with the law jargon she continues to ask Paul.

“I don’t think we should talk about job. For me that is not light. Let me get us the wine. Will be right back Raquel.” Paul is a little bit frustrated with her questions.

Raquel watches Paul walk to the bar with a faint knowing smile on her lips. Paul is deflecting. Interesting. She leans back in her chair, letting the afternoon sun warm her face. The garden is peaceful here, a world away from the courtroom. By the time Paul returns with two glasses her expression is soft and contemplative. She tells him.

“You're right. No shop talk. It's too nice a day. “ Raquel takes the glass Paul offers their fingers brushing. She takes a slow sip. She is closing her eyes for a moment. “Perfect Paul. Thank you dear.”

She sets the glass down tracing the stem with her finger.” So Paul A cruise. You'll be gone a whole week. I suppose I'll have to find some way to pass the time. Maybe I'll finally learn to cook something that isn't microwaveable. Or I could just miss you. Terribly. It would be a tragic waste of my energy, but I'm considering it.”

Now finally Paul is picking up her signals. She wants some sort of confirmation. He isn’t sure what to say. He decides to be amused by her actions. He tells her with a chuckle.

“Are you trying to invite yourself on the cruise Raquel. Don’t think I haven’t thought about that. You and me on a cruise ship together. Us never leaving the suite at all. Unfortunately I need to prioritize my family this time and not my pleasures.”

Raquel lets out a soft melodious laugh. The sound is blending with the gentle rustle of leaves. She takes another sip of wine. Her eyes holding Paul’s over the rim of the glass.

Paul has caught Raquel. She was testing the waters. “But you’re right family first. It’s a noble priority.” She leans forward slightly her voice dropping to a more intimate pitch. “And I would be a terrible distraction. I’d want you all to myself, and a cruise ship is a very small place to hide.” After a short break she continues to talk.

She swirls the wine in her glass watching the pale liquid catch the light.” A week is a long time, though. You’ll have to send me a postcard. Or a photo. Something to remind me what I’m missing. Just make sure it’s appropriate for my professional inbox.”

Raquel smiles a genuine, warm expression. “Seriously, Paul. I think it’s good. Mending things with your brother. It’s important. And when you get back, you can tell me all of about it. Over dinner. My treat. To celebrate your triumphant return and my survival without you.”

Paul is actually a little bit moved by how much Raquel worries about missing him. She has told him previously that she is in love with him and she wants a deeper commitment from him. Right now he can’t give her that. He tries something drastic to change the conversation totally.

“Raquel I know a subject that is very light hearted. Well at least very interesting.” Paul leans closer and whispers to Raquel. “Do you have any sexual desires that you want me to complete. New position perhaps or even roleplaying sweetie.”

Raquel feels a slow wicked smile spread across her thin lips as Paul whispers brushes her ear. The wine warms her veins, and his question sends a delicious shiver down her spine. She leans in even closer. Her own voice a low intimate murmur.

“You’re full of surprises today. I like it.” She lets her gaze drift down to Paul’s mouth for a moment before meeting his blue eyes again. “I do have a scenario in mind. One that involves those handcuffs I saw on your bookshelf. The professional looking ones. And me in my work suit. High heels, skirt, the whole uniform. And with my blouse unbuttoned just enough to be very interesting. You, playing a very strict, very demanding client who isn’t satisfied with my legal advice.”

Raquel takes a slow sip of her wine. Her beautiful green eyes never leaving Paul’s. “I want you to make me plead my case. I want you to find me in contempt. Repeatedly.”

“Raquel I love that idea. Love women who has ideas for exciting sex. Tell me more about this let’s call it the Demanding client roleplaying. In detail please. Excite me sweetie.” Paul is whispers softly in her ear.

A thrill of anticipation runs through Raquel at Paul’s eager response. She sets her wine glass down turning her body toward Paul on the stool their knees almost touching.

“Imagine it. I come to your apartment after work, still in my full lawyer regalia. In the sharp black suit, the high heels that make me stand taller. I’m carrying a briefcase. I look pristine, professional, untouchable.”

She leans in her voice is dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “You’re the client. You’re dissatisfied with my services. You think I’ve been negligent. You want reparations. You start by criticizing my work, my attention to detail. You tell me I need to be more thorough. Then you produce the handcuffs. You tell me I’m being detained for further questioning.”

Her eyes gleam with playful intensity. “You cuff my wrists behind me. You push me over your desk. You make me review the “case files” while you stand behind me, your hands on my hips, your voice a low, commanding murmur in my ear. You ask me pointed, difficult questions, and if my answers aren’t satisfactory you punish me. A sharp, sudden spank. A bite on my shoulder. You make me rephrase my arguments until they please you.”

Raquel les the image hang in the air for a moment.” And the climax? The settlement? You decide I’m too valuable to simply dismiss. You decide to keep me on retainer permanently. You un cuff me only to bind me to you in a much more intimate way.”

Paul is getting very excited. What a fabulous idea. He loves it when women make up interesting scenarios or shares their most intimate thoughts. He asks her with a very low voice. Both of them are getting a little bit aroused.

“Is there a version when I keep the handcuffs on and takes you anyway a little bit against your wish?”

A slow dark smile curves her lips. The wine, the sun Paul’s question. It all mixes into a heady dangerous cocktail. She whispers back.

“There is. But in that version, Counselor, you have to be very convincing. I’m a formidable opponent, even with my wrists bound. You’d have to overpower me. Pin me down. Make me struggle until I stop fighting and start yielding. Until my protests turn into whispers. Until my resistance becomes an invitation.

Raquel leans back slightly. She is studying Paul’s face. Her sexy voice is dropping to a husky murmur.

“It’s a delicate balance. You have to make me want it even when I’m pretending I don’t. You have to read me, feel the moment the fight leaves my body and the need takes over. That’s the real challenge. Are you up for it?”

Now Paul is very very excited. He is even getting a bit hard. He whispers but now in a more certain and demanding manner.

“You know I am sweetie. So exciting. Is this something you would like to try right away. You are coming over tomorrow evening you know.”

Raquel lets out a soft breathy laugh, feeling the heat bloom in her chest and spread lower. She takes one last sip of her wine finishing it. She set the glass down with a definitive click. She whispers again.

“Tomorrow evening feels like a very, very long time from now. But yes. I want to try it. I want you to try it. I’ll bring my briefcase. You have the handcuffs ready.”

She stands up, a little unsteady, but not from the wine. She smooth her skirt and offers Paul her hand.

“But for now, I think we should finish this walk. The fresh air is good for me. And if we stay here any longer, talking like this, I’m going to be tempted to skip the walk and test your client interrogation skills right here on this park bench. And I don’t think the public is ready for that particular case study.”

Paul starts pleading with her.

“But you are so sore Raquel. My plan was to stay here. Let’s have another glass and maybe a sandwich. If we continue to sit here we will still get plenty of fresh air. Soon we have to get going anyway. Can’t we just stay?”

Raquel sinks back down onto the stool. A soft conceding sigh escaping her. “You're right. I am sore. And the thought of getting up again so soon is genuinely unappealing.”

“You drive a hard bargain. One more glass. And a sandwich. But only if you promise to keep the conversation appropriately distracting. Tell me about this cruise ship. The Extravaganza. Is it as tacky as it sounds, or is there some hidden elegance? Describe it to me. Make me see it.”

Again Paul can tell that Raquel desperately wants to be on the cruise ship with him. It’s not like her a very classy woman to use phrases like tacky. He tells her.

“Sweetie let me get us another glass of wine and those sandwiches. I can’t tell you anything more about the huge cruise ship. I know very little about it. “

Paul tries to get them to talk about something else. He leaves to get the things they agreed on. Hopefully when he returns they will talk about something else.

Raquel watches Paul walk away to the bar. A sudden sharp ache blooming in her chest that has nothing to do with the pleasant soreness in her body. The sunlight feels too bright, the garden too quiet. She presses her fingertips to her temples closing her eyes.

When Paul returns setting the fresh glass and a small plate in front of her Raquel looks up. Her usual playful mask is now gone. It is replaced by a raw **** honesty that surprises even her. She whispers to him.

“Paul.” Her voice is quiet. It stripped of its teasing edge. “Forget the cruise ship. I don’t care what it looks like. I care that you’re going to be on it, and I’ll be here. A week it’s just too long.”

She reaches across the table. Her hand is covering Paul’s. Her grip is firm and almost ****. She continues.

“Take me with you. I’ll be good. I’ll be invisible. I’ll stay in the cabin, I’ll read briefs, I won’t interfere with you and John. You can fuck me whenever you want. Just don’t make me stay here waiting. I don’t want to miss you. I already know I will.

Paul stays silent. He understands and loves Raquel’s pleading. He is very moved by her honest and sincere words. A very **** situation. But he can’t lie to her and unfortunately he needs to repair his relationship with John. He and John can’t continue to be estranged from each other any longer. They need to try. He stays quiet and hopefully she will understand. She usually understands him very well.

The silence stretches between them heavy and full. Raquel watches Paul’s face searching for an answer he won't give. The hope in her chest deflates, leaving a cold, hollow space. She pulls her hand back slowly, curling her fingers into her palm.

“I understand.” Her voice is soft almost resigned. She picks up the new glass of wine but don't drink, just watch the liquid swirl.” Family is important. I know that. I do.”

Raquel takes a deep breath forcing a small fragile smile. It doesn't reach her eyes.

“Just promise me one thing. When you're on that ship, looking at the ocean and think of me. Once. That's all I ask. And then come back. Come back and tell me all about it. And we'll pick up right where we left off.”

Raquel finally takes a sip the wine tasting bitter now. “Now, eat your sandwich. And tell me something else. Anything else.”

Paul tries to comfort Raquel. But he also thinks she is overreacting. He reminds her of the fact he might not leave for weeks.

“Raquel I am sorry but I need to try. Thank you for understanding. But it could be many weeks before I leave. I haven’t even checked with John when he can. So until I go let’s make the most of our time together. Believe me I am definitely looking forward even thrilled to seeing you arrive tomorrow evening in your full lawyer outfit . Meeting me the difficult client and I can guarantee that it will be a long and hard night for you again sweetie.”

She les his words sink in. The playful promise washing over the lingering sting of disappointment. Raquel nod slowly. Her fragile smile turning into something more genuine more mischievous. She sounds much happier when she speaks again.

“You’re right. We have time. And I’m going to make every minute count.” She takes a bite of the sandwich. Her beautiful green eyes glinting with renewed determination. “Tomorrow evening. I’ll be there. Briefcase. Heels. The full uniform. And you’ll be the most difficult, demanding client I’ve ever had. I’ll make sure my case is airtight.”

Raquel leans forward again. Her voice is dropping back into that intimate conspiratorial tone. “And I promise you, Counselor, it will be a long and hard night. But I’m not the one who’s going to be suffering. I’m going to make you work for every single concession. And when you finally get your settlement you’ll know you earned it.

She finishes the sandwich. Now standing up with a newfound resolve. The ache in her body now feeling like a badge of honor. “Now let’s go home Paul. I need to back before I leave. Just let me again tell you that last night and this morning was outstanding. Best hours with you ever Paul. But you made one big mistake. I don’t need to see you at all tomorrow. Now with the dildo replica I can take care of myself and still enjoy you.”

Raquel starts laughing hysterically. Something tells Paul that she needs a good laugh because she was funny but not that funny. However Raquel just continues to laugh. She only stops when Paul starts kissing her. That finally makes her quiet.

It is four thirty when Raquel finally leaves Paul. Christine McGuinness is arriving at six o’clock so Paul starts cleaning the apartment right away. Especially the bed needs a lot of attention. He changes all of the bedsheets and replaces them with a totally white bedsheet. The bedroom looks nice and the whole time he has created a draft to air everything in the apartment. He uses some perfume to create a nice smell in the bedroom just to make sure that it doesn’t reek of sex.

He puts a bottle of Palmer Champagne in the refrigerator and he has prepared some food for them if needed. Both red and white wine are in the wine fridge. He changes clothes and brushes his teeth with a minty toothpaste. He is ready for Christine now.