Part-1 First Glance
Grace Evelyn, sat down at the bar, ordered an anisette, surrounded by all that clutter, in an expensive, perhaps usually crowded bar.
She tried not to show her feelings and to remain calm.Her nerves were on edge, evident in the jittery way she clutched her handbag. The sudden buzz of her cellphone startled her, and with an anxious fumble, she extracted it. A nervous laugh escaped her lips as Maria's voice echoed on the other end.
"Is he there yet"? Maria asked.
Grace reassured Maria, "Relax, we're not meeting until three o'clock. I thought he might arrive early, that's why I called. Don't worry, I'll give you a ring the moment we're done. You know I wouldn't call anyone else – you're the go-to for this kind of chat. You get to have all the fun, after all."
Grace squirmed in her seat, trying to sound a bit sassy as she responded, "Fun? I wouldn't exactly label it as a joyride."
Maria, with her usual playfulness, shot back, "Oh, come on, Grace! You're handing over a hefty sum. It better be worth your while!"
Caught off guard, Geace felt her cheeks heat up, and in the midst of the crowded coffee shop, she let out a somewhat mumbled and incoherent reply. The blend of Maria's teasing and the impending situation made Grace more self-conscious than she had anticipated.
Maria's laughter echoed through the room ."What was that?"
"Keep it down. I'm embarrassed enough as it is. I'm still grappling with the decision to go through with this."
Grace's cousin adopted a more earnest tone. "Don't underestimate the importance of your gut feeling. If he gives off even the slightest creepy vibe, make a quick exit. I'm not kidding.
"I'm not naïve. I'm twenty-six, and I have a pretty reliable man-sensor. I can't envision him being creepy, but I'll trust my instincts." Grace responded, her cousin's words settling in with a sense of caution.
Grace seemed a bit nervous about the whole thing, even though Maria shared glowing reviews about the guy, backed by sixteen referrals. Maria added a touch of humor, mentioning even some reserved women were singing his praises. Despite this, Grace emphasized that if she decided to go through with it, it would be with the right person. Her mix of caution and the hope for a good experience was evident in her words.
Grace snapped, her anxiety rising, "I'm tired of waiting around, hoping some man will sweep me off my feet and take care of this inconvenient little detail—being a virgin. It's ridiculous." Maria reassured her, "You don't have to do this if you're not ready; there's nothing weird about you."
Grace interrupted, saying, "We've talked about this a lot. Do we really need to go over it again?"
During high school and college,Grace didn't have any romantic experiences. This was mainly because she had strong feelings for her best friend, a nice soccer player who didn't feel the same way. And, unfortunately, others she liked weren't interested in her either.
She had dated on and off, yet none of her relationships progressed to the bedroom. Over the years, despite realizing her friend wasn't the right match, her s****l inexperience weighed on her, leading to increasing self-consciousness. As she aged, the assumption of a typical social life made her discomfort more pronounced. This self-consciousness became a barrier, causing her to push potential partners away, creating a challenging cycle from which she struggled to break free.
Grace's contemplation has been an enduring struggle, preventing her from forging meaningful connections with those who have shown interest. The irony of her situation weighs heavily on her, as she, the acclaimed Goddess of Romance, finds herself incapable of experiencing the very love she eloquently depicts in her bestselling novels.
As she takes a thoughtful sip of her coffee, Grace questions the inexplicable success that has made her a revered romance novelist. The internal conflict intensifies as she acknowledges her perceived failure in the realm of personal relationships.
Maria, perhaps attempting to lighten the mood, interjects with an observation about the undeniable allure of Grace's written passion. With a hint of laughter in her voice, Maria acknowledges the paradox that Grace, despite her own romantic struggles, excels in crafting scintillating love scenes that captivate readers. Grace let out a small sigh. "Crafting compelling intimate scenes is a skill anyone can master," she remarked. "It's about anatomy, the right words, and a bit of literary inspiration – experience isn't a prerequisite."
A laughter echoed from Maria on the phone.
"Speaking of which," Grace continued, eyeing a handsome man entering the coffee shop. "I'll have to end our call; he'll be here in five minutes.
"Make sure to call me immediately," she insisted before ending the call. Having reassured her cousin about the forthcoming report, Grace nonchalantly returned her phone to her purse. As she did, she couldn't help but notice that the striking man she had anticipated meeting had unceremoniously headed straight to the counter without glancing around as if expecting someone.
A faint disappointment settled over her as she slouched slightly in her chair. It would have been ideal if he had been the one she had arranged to meet. Despite the unexpected bald head, he stood out as one of the most handsome men she had ever laid eyes on.
Grace checked if anyone was watching, then sneakily looked at the bald man again. Even though he looked pretty young, around thirty-five, he was completely bald – maybe he chose it that way. He moved gracefully and powerfully, wearing expensive-looking black pants and a gray shirt, making it seem like he could be a businessman. Oddly, he didn't carry a briefcase.But what caught Grace's attention was something more than just his appearance – there was something intriguing about him that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
His gaze casually wandered across the room while he patiently awaited his coffee, exuding a calm and confident demeanor. She couldn't help but notice the air of seasoned wisdom about him, as if he carried the weight of a rich, intricate life before hitting thirty-five. Contemplating the prospect of marrying such a man, she envisioned the daily presence of that profound experience at the breakfast table and in the intimacy of nightly moments.Determined, she resolved that the protagonist of her upcoming novel would bear the burden of such profound depth.
Observing her watch, she saw it was just past three, and with a hint of irritation, she wondered if the potential new client would be tardy. As she impatiently scanned the entrance, a voice broke through her thoughts.
“Grace.”
Turning abruptly, she found the captivating bald man at her table, holding a cup of coffee.
She nodded silently.
A sophisticated smile adorned the man's face, a blend of urbanity and sensuality that sparked a captivating glow in his blue-gray eyesAnder extended his hand in a friendly gesture, introducing himself with a simple, "I'm Chris."
Grace was taken aback, her mouth hanging open as she stared at him in surprise.Though usually sociable and at ease in social settings, she felt an unusual insecurity about the upcoming meeting. The unexpected revelation that the random man she had admired was the one she was scheduled to meet left her utterly speechless and disoriented.
Chris's refined eyebrows arched subtly. "Christopher Evans. Were we supposed to have a meeting?"
Thinking about his name, she guessed it must be his job title. It seemed weird for a loving dad to give his son such a name unless it pointed to the job Chris had picked.
Finally, she got herself together, stood up, and shook his hand. Surprisingly, his hand was warm, not cool like she expected. "Nice to meet you," she said, asking, "Should we talk here?"
Grace cast a furtive glance toward the vacant chair at her table, her apprehension evident. It was clear she desired a setting with ample bystanders, yet the impending conversation held a level of discretion unsuitable for a public spectacle. Sensing her unease, he diplomatically suggested an alternative. "What if we took a walk to the park?" he proposed, his tone exuding a calm courtesy. "It's still a public space, but with a touch more tranquility, offering us the chance to converse without the constant hum of numerous ears nearby." Grace considered the suggestion, appreciating the thoughtfulness in finding a compromise between privacy and the presence of others.
As they casually traversed the street, Grace couldn't help but engage in conversation, her curiosity piqued by the name Chris. She wondered aloud, "So, what kind of name is Chris?" It wasn't just a casual inquiry; there was a genuine interest that had lingered since Maria first introduced him as a suitable candidate.
Grace, deliberately eschewing any formality in her attire for this meeting, sported her favorite pair of jeans and a dark green vintage jacket made of crushed velvet, beautifully complementing her eyes. Her shoulder-length brown hair was casually pulled back into a low ponytail, and she wore minimal makeup, opting for just mascara and lip gloss. She had an innate sense that dressing up would only heighten her nervousness in this encounter.
Chris's mouth formed a subtle smile, one side tilting up with a hint of intrigue. "It's short for Christopher," he revealed, offering a glimpse into the layers of his identity.
Intrigued, she couldn't resist delving further. "So, is Chris your real name?" The question lingered in the air, acknowledging the potential sensitivity of prying into personal matters, but her curiosity had always been a formidable force.
"Chris is," he confirmed, his tone carrying a touch of mystery. However, he let out a dry laugh, injecting a surprising charm into the moment. "My last name, on the other hand, has undergone a transformation. All in the name of protecting the innocent," he explained with a wry sense of humor that she found oddly appealing. The exchange revealed a nuanced blend of openness and guardedness, leaving her intrigued by the enigma that was Chris.
A subtle snicker escaped her lips, revealing an inherent appreciation for wit in all its forms. His response to her query had been particularly clever, artfully shrouded in ambiguity regarding the innocence of the involved parties. Undeterred by the faintly startled expression he gave her, she pressed on, her curiosity undiminished. "So were you named for Christopher the Wise or Christopher the brave?"There was a fleeting moment where she questioned the appropriateness of her line of questioning in such formal settings. However, before self-consciousness could take root, he offered a response that dissolved any awkward tension. "The Brave," he said with a hint of amusement, dispelling any notions of a namesake rooted in the realm of inventors, no matter how brilliant. It was a glimpse into the intricate threads of personal history woven into a seemingly simple exchange.
She responded, "Oh, so your dad was a fan of warriors."
"Absolutely," Chris remarked casually, his hand resting on her back as he guided her toward an inviting bench nestled in the city park. The ambient sunlight cast a warm glow on his features, enhancing his striking handsomeness, while a gentle breeze tousled his dark clothing. Grace settled onto the bench, meeting his gaze with a wry smile. "I suppose your father must be particularly proud of your accomplishments," she noted, her words carrying a hint of playful admiration. The park's tranquility provided a serene backdrop to their conversation, as they sat in a momentary pause, enjoying the interplay of sunlight and wind.
As the words escaped her lips, she immediately recognized the overstep, the presumptuous nature of her comment in the early stages of their acquaintance. Her response was a subtle, self-inflicted reprimand, her lip caught between her teeth as guilt and embarrassment intertwined within her. However, to her surprise and relief, Chris didn't meet her with offense; instead, his gaze drifted to the distance, and with a hint of bitterness in his tone, he softly remarked, "Oh, he's proud, all right."
In that fleeting moment, Grace glimpsed a profound layer to Chris's relationship with his father. The bitterness lacing his words was a telltale sign of unresolved sentiments, a silent narrative waiting to be unfurled. Chris's expression carried the weight of a tale, a mystery woven into the fabric of his past—an intricate story that beckoned exploration and understanding.
As Grace redirected her attention to the primary objective of the meeting, she consciously pushed aside the lingering thoughts that had momentarily veered into personal territory. Chris, seated beside her on the bench, took a sip of his coffee, his demeanor shifting back to a more formal and businesslike stance. He elucidated his standard procedure of meeting with potential clients, emphasizing the importance of aligning expectations before proceeding to schedule any engagements. Grace, acknowledging his approach with a nod, allowed her gaze to fall to her hands resting in her lap. A subtle wave of self-consciousness washed over her, accompanied by a nagging internal question: What was she doing here in the first place?
Chris inquired with a directness that bordered on stern, "Did you have any questions about the prices your friend explained to you? You'll pay for an entire evening—that's the base price. I offer nothing lower than that." Maria, meeting his gaze, furrowed her brows in contemplation. Chris's unconventional approach stood out; he didn't have a website like some escorts, relying solely on personal referrals. Yet, the details Maria had gathered from the women she'd talked to were crystal clear. Despite his lack of online presence, Chris's reputation preceded him. Maria, a professional woman with a discerning mind, responded with a hint of impatience, "Yes, I was able to understand the services you offer and what you charge for them." Her tone carried a subtle undertone of irritation, emphasizing that she was no stranger to comprehending professional arrangements.
He subtly smiled, and she almost missed it. "Okay. Just so you know, you pay for the whole evening, not by the hour."
His voice was serious, but there was a hint of humor that almost made her snicker. She held it back, not wanting him to think she was making fun. "Got it."
"For the evening, we can engage in various activities. I can be your escort, assume a role if you wish, or simply offer companionship. If you're considering anything intimate, that comes with an additional cost."
In the midst of a park in downtown Seattle, Grace sat in disbelief, cheeks flushed, engaged in an unexpected conversation with Chris. Surprisingly, Chris's matter-of-fact and business-like approach managed to temper Grace's anticipated mortification.
Expressing her feelings, Grace stated, "I thought I made my interests clear when we spoke on the phone."Chris, maintaining his composed demeanor, nodded in understanding. "Certainly. The pricing structure distinguishes between services such as oral on you, oral on me, and full intercourse." Despite the unconventional nature of their discussion, Chris's pragmatic tone seemed to offer a peculiar sense of normalcy to an otherwise awkward situation.
A persistent question had been lingering in her thoughts for the past few days, and she couldn't resist the urge to voice it. "Who would be willing to pay you that much money for you to perform that act?" His response was accompanied by a slight twitch of his mouth, a nuanced expression that, in the grand scheme of his typically stoic demeanor, piqued her interest. His face, a canvas of calmness, occasionallybetrayed this subtle quiver, and she found it strangely alluring. In answer to her inquiry, he offered, "Women have different desires when they make use of my services. Some find giving more thrilling than receiving." The explanation lingered in the air, leaving her with a mix of curiosity and fascination about the complexities beneath his composed exterior.
As Grace mulled over the idea, the notion of seeking practice in romantic engagements was a foreign concept to her. Lost in her thoughts, Chris intervened with a query about her objectives for this arrangement. Grace, after a moment of reflection, responded with a candor that surprised even herself. "Paying such a hefty sum for a mere date doesn't align with my intentions. I'm seeking more than just companionship; I want a physical connection—I want to have sex." Summoning her fortitude and courage, she articulated her desires, laying bare the unapologetic truth of her expectations for this unique engagement.
Certainly, I aim to understand your desires and expectations to enhance our interactions. Whether you seek a certain mood, a specific brand of excitement, tension relief, or something unique that other partners may not provide, I'm here to facilitate a successful engagement. Your preferences guide our conversation, ensuring it aligns with your objectives and brings you the experience you're looking for. Feel free to share more details, and I'll adapt accordingly.
She adjusted herself on the bench, the weight of the forthcoming arrangement settling on her thoughts. "I want to explore s*x because it's uncharted territory for me," she confessed, a blend of nerves and determination in her voice. Chris, unfazed, sought more details, asking, "Any specific fantasies in mind?" She shook her head, adding, "No fantasy. I just want to get it over with. I hope it's good, without unrealistic expectations or romantic notions." Chris nodded, his expression reflectingcontemplation. "Do you have any oral experience?" he inquired, prompting her to consider that aspect of the encounter, a new layer to the unfolding conversation about a significant first experience.
She sighed deeply, a mixture of frustration and resignation evident in her demeanor. As she spoke, it was clear that her intimate experiences, even those limited to make-out sessions, hadn't left her feeling fulfilled. She confessed to difficulty in finding pleasure even when alone. Seeking his input, she slanted a sharp look toward his face, searching for any signs of surprise, but he maintained a composed expression.
In response, he offered a suggestion without missing a beat. "Perhaps exploring oral could be a starting point. It might provide a better avenue for you to reach c****x and discover what truly satisfies you." His calm demeanor and lack of surprise suggested a genuine desire to assist, creating an open space for further discussion on the topic.
In the midst of the peculiar circumstance, Grace found herself unable to suppress a small snort. "So, is it just a random choice that the service costs more than a straightforward encounter?" she inquired, a hint of amusement lacing her words.
His lips betrayed a subtle twitch, and there was a momentary glint of amusement in his eyes. "Consider it a suggestion," he responded casually.Intrigued by the enigmatic dynamics at play, Grace couldn't help but let her curiosity take over. "But why the higher price tag?" she asked, her interest piqued.
"It's more intimate," he murmured, his gaze momentarily drifting away as if contemplating the depth of his own admission. The atmosphere held a delicate tension, hinting at complexities beneath the surface.
Grace's brow wrinkled in thoughtful consideration as she pondered Chris's suggestion. Momentarily lost in her own musings, she redirected her focus to the matter at hand when she realized he awaited her response from their previous discussion. "Well, you're probably right about starting with oral," she admitted with a hint of despondency, acknowledging the desire for a satisfying c****x that had eluded her. Despite the substantial financial success garnered from fourbestselling novels in just three years, the pursuit of pleasure remained an uncharted territory for her.
Chris, adopting a matter-of-fact tone, reassured her, "We'll do the best we can." Seeking to solidify plans, he inquired, "Friday still works for you?"
"Yeah," Grace affirmed, a subtle mix of anticipation and uncertainty lingering in her response as the prospect of this new venture unfolded before her.
"The scheduled evening initiation is at seven, extending its course until midnight, unless, of course, there have been predetermined alterations. Any contemplation on a prelude to this rendezvous? Maybe a dinner arrangement?" Grace, grounded in her realism, refrained from allowing any romantic illusions to cloud her understanding of the situation. However, as nerves started to intensify, she couldn't resist injecting a touch of humor into the conversation, stating, "I suppose I'll be handling the dinner expenses as well." Chris's response was a subtle arch of the eyebrow, a nonverbal cue signaling a blend of curiosity and amusement at Grace's comment.
Her laughter echoed, a recognition of the transparency in their discussion. "Got it, no need for any upfront fuss. I've already got the details from your handy price list. Let's opt for a hotel then. I'll shoot you an email with the reservation specifics tomorrow."
"Perfect," Chris replied, gracefully standing, his suave and sensuous smile in place. "Should any questions or concerns arise, don't hesitate to drop me a line via email or give me a call. I'm here to address anything you need."
Lori gracefully stood up, adjusting her posture to meet his eyes with a slight upward tilt. "Yes, good," she responded, her voice carrying a mix of confidence and anticipation. As he extended his hand, she reached out, feeling the unexpected warmth of his touch once again. "I will see you on Friday at seven."
"Right. Good. I'm looking forward to it," she continued, watching him walk away with a lean, straight back, and couldn't help but notice the tailored elegance of his trousers accentuating his tight butt. A subtle gulp escaped her, a physical manifestation of the intriguing mix of emotions swirling within. "I think," she added softly, her thoughts lingering on the upcoming Friday encounter.
Part-2
As the clock struck six on a Friday evening, Grace checked into a refined Seattle hotel, seeking the solace and time needed to compose herself before Chris's anticipated arrival. In the preceding three days, her contemplations about this encounter had swung like a pendulum, teetering on uncertainty. Yet, Grace, known for eschewing conventional paths, held steadfast to her decision. The methodical nature of the traditional route held little appeal to her, and she was resolute in proceeding with this unconventional approach to losing her virginity. Society's expectations and norms mattered little to her; she was driven by a determination to navigate this significant moment in a way that felt authentic to her unique circumstances. In the quiet luxury of the upscale hotel room, Grace steeled herself for a journey that deviated from the ordinary, a path she chose with purpose and conviction.
After meticulously arranging the wad of cash in an envelope on the table, she surrendered herself to a luxurious half-hour bath in the jetted tub. The ritual was more than just a cleansing routine; it was a meticulous preparation, a moment of self-care before an intimate encounter. Shaving with precision, she ensured that every detail was attended to, not out of a need to impress Chris, but rather to sidestep any potential awkwardness.
As the warm water enveloped her, the tension gradually dissolved, aided by the second glass of crisp white wine poured from the bottle delivered by room service. The decision to power down her cell phone upon arrival was a strategic move, a conscious effort to shield herself from the pestering calls of Maria, recognizing that any disruption could only amplify her nerves at this crucial juncture.
Now, faced with the dilemma of what to wear, she weighed her options. Sexy lingerie felt out of place, yet her everyday street clothes seemed too casual for the occasion. Opting for a compromise, she had brought along her favorite pajama set in soft lavender cashmere. The camisole and flowing pants not only exuded comfort but also a subtle allure. It was a choice that delicately balanced relaxation and a touch of elegance, offering a semblance of confidence for the rendezvous ahead.
As the anticipation of Chris's arrival lingered in the air, she sought comfort by draping herself in a lengthy, belted sweater, a shield against the apprehension that threatened to make her feel self-conscious. In the quiet moments before his arrival, she attended to a routine of self-care, applying a touch of melon-scented lotion to her skin, meticulously combing through her hair, and ensuring her smile shone bright after a thorough teeth-brushing session. In a consciousdecision to embrace authenticity, she chose to forgo makeup, allowing her natural features to take center stage.
Armed with a half-drunk glass of wine, she assumed a poised yet slightly stiff position on a chair by the window, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm ambiance in the room. Recounting the cash in her possession became a grounding ritual, a tangible reminder of the plans about to unfold. Beneath the surface, a twinge of nervousness threatened to disrupt her composure, and she silently hoped that the unease wouldn't escalate into physical discomfort. The window offered a view to the outside world, a silent witness to the mix of emotions swirling within as she prepared for the evening ahead.
As she grappled with mounting nerves, a distinct knock reverberated through the room, signaling Chris's punctual entrance, a full five minutes earlier than expected. "Good evening," he smoothly uttered, his urbane charm underscored by a sensual smile that mirrored their previous encounters. Once again, he donned a sophisticated attire, this time choosing a slim charcoal gray sweater paired effortlessly with a sleek black jacket, exuding an air of understated elegance that heightened the anticipation in the room.
"Hi, good evening. Thanks for coming. Come in," she greeted, masking a cringe at what felt like an awkward welcome. Despite her internal discomfort, she pressed on, reminding herself that this was a business arrangement, and she held the reins. The evening was a pricey investment, and she had no reason to fret over sounding silly or Chris discerning her nerves.
As Chris entered, his eyes roamed the room, cataloging details from the king-sized bed adorned with a pristine white duvet to the sleek lines of the sofa and the imposing entertainment center against the wall. Determined to maintain an air of nonchalance, she hastened back to her glass of wine. Chris's perceptive gaze caught her taking a prolonged sip, prompting him to casually inquire, "How much of that have you had?" The question hung in the air, momentarily unsettling her facade of control.
Starting the encounter in an unexpectedly unique way, he managed to set a tone that surprisingly put Grace at ease. Her response was a dry smile accompanied by an admission, "This is just my second glass. I didn't want to be schnockered, but I thought a very mild buzz might help."
In response, Chris nodded, offering another smile, this one appearing a bit less polished than the previous. The atmosphere shifted as Grace gestured towards the chairs surrounding the small round table, asking casually, "Do you want a glass?" Taking the invitation, Chris settled into the other chair, placing the black leather case he carried onto the floor at his feet. The air between them carried a subtle tension, a blend of formality and the shared understanding that this meeting held significance beyond the surface.
Grace extended a glass of wine to Chris, her curiosity piqued as she observed him opening a case. In a moment of anticipation, he pulled out a duo of DVDs and offered an explanation, "Given your lack of preference for a particular fantasy or role play, I thought these might be helpful." With a smooth motion, he slid the DVDs across the table, revealing their covers. "They're female-oriented erotic films, tasteful and not at all tacky or vulgar," he assured her. Chris continued, "I believe setting the right mood is crucial for an enjoyable evening, and the more aroused you are, the better it will go. Does this sort of thing work for you?" Grace contemplated his proposition, weighing the potential impact on their shared experience.
Grace hesitated, expressing her uncertainty about the limited exposure she had to adult content. "I don't know. All I've ever seen is p**n with big bouncing boobs. I hope that's not what this is like," she confessed. Chris, with his characteristic charm, responded to her concern with a reassuring twitch at the corner of his mouth. "No big bouncing boobs here. Why don't we try something else, unless you have other ideas?" Grace felt an unexpected wave ofrelief, grateful that the situation wouldn't immediately escalate into explicit territory. She nodded in agreement, appreciating the chance to explore a different genre. Clutching her wine glass, Grace moved gracefully to the sofa, while Chris took charge and walked over to the DVD player, setting the stage for a more comfortable and relaxed experience.
Chris's demeanor exuded a composed detachment as he inquired, "Do you prefer business-types or manual laborers?" Her response was swift, choosing the former. She adjusted her posture, drawing her legs close for comfort, while her mind wandered into the realm of imaginative anecdotes for tomorrow's conversation with Maria. This, she mused, was a more appealing alternative to the charade of feigning a romantic date with Chris before the inevitable encounter. Yet, the present situation was undeniably unique—a rendezvous involving the unconventional blend of watching adult content with a male escort. As she pondered the peculiarity of the moment, a tinge of intrigue mixed with uncertainty lingered in the air, creating a narrative distinct from the ordinary chapters of her experiences.
Chris smoothly slid the appropriate DVD into the player, a subtle click signaling the beginning of their cinematic venture. "The film runs just under two hours, giving us plenty of time to watch it in full and still have time for whatever comes next," he assured Grace. "But if the movie isn't doing it for you, or if you decide you'd rather move on before it's over, just give me the word."
Grace, her curiosity piqued, nodded in agreement, taking a slightly too-generous sip of her wine. The notion of finding herself so consumed by desire that she'd impulsively abandon the film for other activities seemed distant, improbable.