Cold Feet

RICK

I wake up and roll over. Slowly I open my eyes and wonder where I am. As I remember, I reach out my arm and find the bed empty. I feel something against the soft bedsheets and lift my head as I grasp it with my hand. It’s a note.

Good morning Sexy.

I don’t usually leave men in my bed but you looked so peaceful and I had to go. Take your time and fix yourself some breakfast and coffee or whatever. I would be nice to find you as I left you but that might be asking too much. A girl can hope though.

And if my hopes make me horny that’s okay.

If you have to go that’s fine too.

Call me later whatever you decide to do.

C.

PS. Last night was awesome.

She’d written her number and I saved it in my phone. I read the message again. Short and sweet. Last night had been awesome and I have to admit I would like to be here when she got back but that might send the wrong message as much as we would like it. Like, I don’t have a home to go home to, or my life’s too sad to go home to so I’ll just stay here.

No. Not an option. Besides if I were to stay, it might create an unspoken idea of who is dominant here. And that’s just not going to happen.

I wonder why I’m even thinking of staying. I never stay the night so I’ve already broken my rule. Not intentionally though. I fell asleep waiting for her to be sleeping deeply.

Just an excuse, I tell myself. You broke the rule. It doesn’t matter how you dress it up. And now I’m actually contemplating being here when she gets back? Why? You know your rule. One-night stands and booty calls. That’s it. Nothing long term or anything that would suggest moving towards anything long term.

the covers. I look around and see she’s draped my clothes over the dressing table

leave when I realize

Too much. I’ll

the dressing table. It’s seems less intimate than leaving it on the bedside table. Then I send her a quick text thanking her for last night and telling her I enjoyed it

as I ride

up at last

Yep ?

can have breakfast.

something on the way

an appointment today, I would

would have made both of us late! Good luck for

Thanks. Chat later. C

Sure, I reply.

than saying I didn’t want to eat breakfast at her place. I wasn’t

eggs and toast. I read the newspaper and relax in front of the television for a while before feeling the urge to get some fresh air outside. I decide to go for a ride and don my riding gear. I check my

the opportunity to explore the neighborhood and parks at a pace slower than driving in a car. It’s almost meditational for

drift back to Christine who I imagine is working her tail off at some or other wedding reception. I think I should have spoken to her about collaborating but then we can always talk

more sought

the thought of Viola, I wonder where she is now. She sold up and left. I don’t know if she moved somewhere else in the city or if she left town altogether. I feel sorry for her and what happened. In a way I wonder if I contributed to her business going under by offering my card to her client. I tell myself it wasn’t my fault. If anyone was instrumental in her business destruction it was the reporter with

managed to get closer to Viola and reluctantly I push thoughts of her away as I do every time I think of her which is surprisingly often. I tried sending her messages but she stopped answering and I have now given up. Why

again. I remember our night of passion and I have to admit it was one of the most passionate evenings I have had with any woman. What we had promised so much more but I don’t normally go back for seconds. I find myself in quandary as I explore a new area I’ve never been in before. I feel myself begin to harden at the memories of last

sidewalk as I wait for

wrong with you? I ask myself. You’ve never struggled for dates yet here you are thinking