When Warren Met Gwen, part five

Conversation during the meal was light-hearted and convivial.

They took turns talking about their respective lines of work: she discussed her position as a youth coordinator for the town and her penchant for freelance decorating and design; he expounded upon his role as shift supervisor at the paper plant and his keen interest in sports statistics and classic rock music. They posed one another specific questions related to their jobs and hobbies, hoping to keep the conversation flowing, knowing that deep down, people really don’t mind talking about themselves in very general terms.

It was easy. It was natural. It was normal. It was interesting. It was very nice, comfortable, and by times, touching.

It just wasn’t very sexy. More specifically, it wasn’t sexy based on Gwen’s standards or expectations of what constitutes “sexy”.

And that, she discovered in a moment of epiphany, was ok: It was simply quite endearing.

As their dirty dishes were gathered by the wait staff and the bills were paid (they each paid for their own), he helped her with her jacket and they exited the establishment. He encouraged her to walk ahead of him and he guided her by placing his hand on the small of her back. Even without words, she could feel a welcome comfort in his gesture.

They bid one another farewell outside the restaurant before carrying on their merry separate ways. As they prepared to go, Gwen held Warren’s hand and sheepishly admitted, “I guess I can take it slow… if that’s what you want. But I need for you to know that I am very open to something more. I’ll just have to adjust to your pace.”

He smiled and squeezed her hand warmly. “I really appreciate that,” he confessed as he leaned in to kiss her gently on the mouth. The mutual caress of their conjoined lips was light and tender at first, but soon deepened, building to an ardent and almost lustful smooch of borderline passionate proportions. It may have lasted 20 seconds… or 5 minutes. Gwen was left feeling woozy and breathless, but fully engaged.

Slowly, Warren broke contact, pulling away from her and gazing into her eyes.

“Whoa,” she stammered, blinking. “That was some kiss,” she sighed, licking her lips and meeting his glance. “That… was sexy,” she practically purred. “I’d like to do that again soon… but I won’t rush you. Dammit.”

He chuckled.

“Want to get together tomorrow night? I can make you supper, if you like?” he offered, tilting his head with confidence and revealing a flirty smirk.

“Sounds good,” she said smiling. “You just tell me what time and what you’d like for me to bring. I’ll be there.”

“Six o’clock and please, just bring yourself,” he nodded in satisfaction, pleased that she was accepting his invitation and reassured that things appeared to be progressing nicely. He was proud that he refrained from any suggestion pertaining to dessert, lest it be misconstrued or cheapen the moment. “I’ll see you then”. As he put his arms around her waist and encouraged her towards him in a hug, she wrapped one arm around his shoulder and reached downward with the other arm to pat his bum.

“Hey,” he playfully admonished with a hint of mischief.

“Ya can’t blame a gal for tryin’,” she giggled.

With one more quick peck on the lips, they parted company.

She walked almost jauntily back to her car with the taste of his kiss on her lips and a smug grin on her face. As she unlocked her car door and pulled on the handle, she resolved to break out her fancy panties for tomorrow night’s big date.