Choosing Her Lover

Ryan is scanning the room, looking for me.

“Want to introduce us properly to your friend?” asks James. “In a situation where we’ll talk about something other than cooling systems.

Of course I do.

I wave across the floor. Ryan sees me and his face lights up, smiling at me as though there is no-one else in the room.

We cross to each other, meeting in the middle, where he coils an arm around my waist, reeling me in to kiss me on the cheek.

“Hi, sorry to be so long. It was a bit more….”

“That’s fine. You’re all done now? We have the evening?”

“Yes, we have the evening.” He slips his fingers into mine, and holding hands, I tug him back towards the trio.

“Um, this is Ryan…. and um, you met James earlier. This is Michael and Charlotte.”

“Please to meet you, Michael.” Ryan offers his hand and the two shake. “And you too, Charlotte.” He leans to kiss her lightly on the cheek, then moves to stand by me, his arm around my waist. “You’ve known each other long?”

I prevaricate. This is not yet the time to explain how I first met James and Michael. “Charlotte and I only just met when I started the new job. We don’t really know each other very well.” I explain.

“I suspect that will change,” says James. “Charlotte doesn’t have too many female friends. Another intelligent woman might be welcome company for her? Someone to talk to.” He cocks an eye at her.

“No question of finding an intelligent woman to be good company for a man, then?” she replies, her tone wry.

I suppress a laugh and look away. All three men look baffled. “Have I said something amiss?” asks James.

My eyes meet with Charlotte’s and as we grin, I know that we are both thinking the same thing.

Michael says “What are you talking about, Charlotte? We talk with you all the time…. don’t we?”

intelligent woman. Why would I not

to choose my words

The fragile male ego….

women. I’ve never encountered one

like intelligent women. It’s one of the things that I find attractive in you; that I can have a conversation with you, rather than just meaningless chit-chat

ever been asked to get my brains out for the

laughter. Michael’s eyes dance with merriment and even the

then says, “Excuse me for a moment

by my ear. “If I ever appear to insult your intelligence, then tell me.

He continues, “And

hot flush is rising up

does he

just don’t normally react this way. I meet a man, and if I like

“I’m sorry, but

His brows arch….

He’s not fooled….

turn our attention back to the threesome, who are now chatting with another couple who have

the side of his mouth. “I can’t figure out which one she’s

to both of

sceptical. “Seriously? You can’t do

the point. She’s legally married to Michael, but the

I

you live your life differently, or you have…. um…. unusual tastes, no-one cares. So long as it’s between consenting adults, you

I taking

a bit surplus to need here.” He nods to where James, Michael, and Charlotte are now deep in

by people in various stages of nudity; the cage, which right now contains a girl in a leather harness on her knees and offering her open

all a bit…. public,” says Ryan. “Are we expected