Try not to

Two bare feet stepped onto the wooden, slatted bathroom mat. The individual covered themselves with the fluffy, grey towel which had been hanging on the heated towel rail. The warmth enveloped them.

Standing before the bathroom mirror, they cleaned their teeth, smoothed their hair, fixed their face and applied scent before adding the necessary accessories. The clothes which they had selected earlier were fixed into place, over their cleaned body.

Once dressed and ready for the date, the individual reached for the unopened bottle, adorned with a label which announced to the world that it contained Merlot. The red liquid was decanted into the crystal carafe allowing the aroma drift forward.

A lighter was collected from its correct place and flicked into action, lighting the two crisp white candles sitting on the table. Also on the table were neatly pressed napkins, sparklingly clean cutlery and the finest crystal glasses that the individual owned. The table made from glass had been cleaned and polished. The room itself has been fussed over during the afternoon, the individual had gone to great lengths to ensure anything of any personal nature was stored away.

The quietness echoed and the anticipation of the absent date made for an electric atmosphere. The food cooking in the oven scented the space. A warm breeze wafted in through the opened bi-folding doors allowing unrestricted visual access to the recently landscaped garden of the property. A gentle summer wind knocked the flowers from the upright position, as they danced there noiseless summer tune.

Footsteps tapping on the pathway at the front of the property pulled their attention. There followed a knock at the door and the individual welcomed the guest.

Pleasantries were exchanged, flirtatious touching and the briefest of embraces, as the two individuals moved through the property and into the kitchen space.

A glass of Merlot was poured and then another.

The Bluetooth speaker was selected and music, agreed upon by both parties, filled the space.

Food was added to plates and plates were added to the table.

The two chairs sat facing each other became occupied and conversation flowed. The food was consumed – the starter, the main and then dessert. The individual who lived at the property had taken their time to establish the likes and dislikes of their guest, thus ensuring that they served the most perfect of meal.

The glasses were filled and then emptied and then filled once more. Another bottle of Merlot was decanted. The conversation oozed from both, light, jovial, sensual.

There was touching – little at first.

There was long, lingering looks - brief at first.

There was the locking of eyes – quickly at first.

The indication that sex was on the cards becoming more obvious.

More wine.

More longing.

More touching. Soft fingers lingered over the wedding ring before twisting it slightly. The other party did the same to the other wedding ring. Soft fingers moved on to other parts of the body.

Then there was less clothes.

Less clothing.

No clothing.

The bodies intermingled, limbs for one party wrapped around the limbs of the other, as the sort to please themselves and the other. Both had taken their time to establish the likes and dislikes of the other before they met.

Afterwards, the individual living at the property had momentarily closed their eyes, the Merlot floating through their system acting as a relaxant. They drifted into a peaceful sleep.

The soothing snoring indicated to the date that it was time to leave. Gathering all the discarded clothing and dressing silently they moved through the property, finally stopping in the kitchen.

One final swig was taken from the glass of Merlot before they exited through the door and out into the street.