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Chapter 1

     Hi, I'm Kareena Ross.  My friends sometimes call me 'Kar', as in 'car', and tease with 'vroom, vroom' sounds.  This is because I tend to drive fast, when I drive.  Funny, as I don't actually own a car!
     I have a dream job at a large software firm, which I adore.  I really do!
     But my home life is rubbish.  I can't find my 'Mr. Right', my knight in shining armour, my miracle man, my dream man.  I have really tried, and then tried some more.  Of course, I'm told that I haven't tried hard enough.  Yeah, right.  Like that's it!
     I feel 'oh, so awful' and lonely amongst most people, especially my colleagues and friends.  And, some days I feel myself teetering on the edge of madness, like I'm going to break down and lose it all in public.  The other week I pictured myself on my knees, in the middle of the street, my arms flung high in the air beseeching, and screaming my lungs out.  Me?  Screaming like a crazed, wild woman!  Right then I knew I had to do something about my situation; to change my life.
     Don't ask me how.  I don't know how.  I can't even say I will succeed.  All I know, is I must really try.  Differently to before.  Otherwise I'll go mad.
     So now I'm totally scared to bits.  I have tried so many things before, been on so many dates and, all without any luck.  I'm going to have to throw caution to the wind this time, find my inner strength, and risk everything to find my Mr. Right.
     I take a slow, deep breath.  My insides shudder with terror facing this unknown.  Don't judge me wrong.  I'm no shy, pathetic snowflake.  But hell, there have been many times that I've cried into my pillow, "I give up!".  "I'm a strong, modern woman and I don't need a man!" and "All men are bastards!".  Or, my best one, "I'm too damn ugly and smart for a man!"  I do know how to beat myself up, when I want to.  All garbage of course.  Just denial lines to cover my deep pain.
     I always use my work as my perfect answer.  The harder I plough myself into the lines of computer code, the more numb I become.  Tens of thousands of lines of code cover a deal of hurt!
     But, I still long for my gorgeous, perfect hunk of a man.  Someone to curl up with in bed, and to love with all my wanting heart.  Someone strong and sensual to touch my aching body; his hot breath on my neck and his two day old stubble against my shoulder.  Woo!  I've hit my delirious state now.
     "Bugger!  Damn you, Kareena!" I whisper at myself and quickly set my wobbling coffee mug down.  The spilt coffee drips from the corner of my keyboard, then into a neat puddle on my desk.
     I'm losing control of my thoughts, and I shiver with the realisation that my daydreams are getting worse.  They're becoming more sexually explicit, even erotic.  Yet, I devour each one as if it is reality.  I'm beginning to unsettle myself, 'cos I have become vulnerable.
     I scrunch up several tissues, mop up my coffee mess and ditch the sodden clumps to the bottom of my bin with a thud.
     A work colleague glances up curiously from her desk - all open plan here, no doors, walls or boundaries.  And, no privacy!  I dismiss her curiosity with my tight lips and a sharp look.  She ducks out of sight below her desk barrier, and I smirk inside and straighten up my self-control.
     Yeah, I'm twenty four and alone.  Not something I ever envisaged.  I always remember the little things that niggle, like I might talk too much.  I know guys don't like that.  And, I think too much.  Smart girls don't get laid!  Then there is the list of: I'm too tall, too pretty, or not pretty enough, followed by my boobs are too flat, too small, and don't jiggle enough.  Oh yes, my arse is too small, too large, too tight, too flabby, or just not right.  Wait, there's more.  My hair isn't blonde enough, even though I'm natural.  My toes look too ugly.  My nose is crooked.  I'm too tight down there, or, too loose.  I'm fat.  I'm thin.  I'm too round.
     After a while one accepts the inevitable of "no man finds me attractive".  "Not now, or not ever!  I'm a terrible woman, and no man can ever love me, or my body.  It's just not humanly possible."  Yep, I've worked myself up again, and hold back my tears with a sniffle or two.  Glancing up from my desk I don't see any curious stares or blank expressions aimed at me.  What a relief!
     My work is complex and challenging.  I'm a good computer coder.  'Why can't I recode my life the way I want it?'  I argue in my mind.  What have I got to lose, huh?  I muse further.
     So I have started to adjust my life by recoding my thoughts in an 'olde-worlde' paper journal.  You know, the kind that you write in with a real pen on real paper.  It certainly feels weird.  But it also feels liberating, like I'm in control of my life, once again.  Which got me to thinking.  What's the point of working so hard at work, achieving so much, when I'm really sad on the inside?  Where's the sense in that?  Why not do something about it?  And, fight back.
     Don't just take it all the time.  Find a man.  Date him.  Bonk his brains out.  And, if he's right for me, if he likes me, and takes the time to be with me, then take him, all of him, mind, body and soul, as mine, as my one true man.
     This is now my very important pact to myself.  From this day forward, I will do what it takes, and try anything, to get my one, true, loving man.  Whatever it takes!
     So I'm asking myself, what exactly is the man I'm so desperate to call my own, look like?  What does he do for a job?  And, what does he find important?
     I pause and nibble on the end of my biro.  A welcome blank pause.  Now, all too quickly my brain is processing details of my ideal man.  Yeah.  He needs to be dead set hot, as in a hunk, with a sexy, spine-tingling, delicious body.  He has to be sensitive so he'll see and understand me, the real Kareena Ross.  I pause and analyse.  He must love me, hold me so my heart melts, be there always to care and listen to me.  And, I need to be able to talk to him, way beyond sport and manly and girly things.  Things that matter to the heart, and, the world around us.
     My cheeks are flush with anticipation and success for the new me!  I take a slow, deep breath, and realise, I am very serious.  Yes, and I do want adventure, excitement, and to feel the thrill of being alive again.
     Then, all of a sudden a result hits me.  My perfect man will have to accept me for who I am, unconditionally, with no 'Ifs' or 'Buts'!
     I sigh and let those thoughts fade.  I'm reassured that this girl's got to have a dream.
     How am I going to get my perfect man?  I do know one thing, that it's not going to be easy, as I've dated enough men to know that.  I will have to take bigger risks than ever before.  My heart pounds.  I'm scared half to death!  Yet, I'm excited, too!  I have found my revelation!
     I scroll through an online dating site for the second time.  "God he's so handsome!" I exclaim to myself and feel myself weaken.  "Just one night with him is all I ask!"
     "Steady on girl," I murmur to myself.  He's blonde, athletic with brilliant blue eyes.  And his name rolls off my tongue smoothly!  "Michael G. Gale." I savour the taste his name leaves in my mouth, and the tingle of pleasure on my lips.  I reach out and touch his online snapshot with my finger.  "I can't wait to meet you, handsome man!"
     I shuffle impatiently in my seat with excitement, and scroll down further to review his highlights.  He quotes that he is: "Reserved.  Shy around women.  Appreciates the arts and culture.  Passion for old architecture, specifically stone buildings.  Physically active, though not into sports.  Likes the outdoors and adventure."
     "Hmmm, different" I muse to myself, my chin in my palms, with elbows angled on my desk, as I stare dreamily.  My mind catches up and I hear myself mutter, "Sounds too good to be true.  I smell a rat.  A con, for sure."  Then I counter in my mind with my 'revelation' of "Do I really care?"  It's not like he'd be my 'perfect man', my 'Mr. Right' straight off, and, would I care for some mindless sex?  Yes, please!
     Looking through his profile further, I decide that Mr. Gale is probably a dud.  But I resolve to remain willing and to try, in the pursuit of true love!
     Mr. Michael G. Gale is twenty six, two years older than me.  Good.  I like older men.  They usually know how to please.  Smugness smears my face and I sip my cold coffee and adjust to the idea of fate.
     I use a little of my coding knowledge and manage to obtain his date of birth off the web page.  "5th of August."  I usually steer clear of Leos.  Past experience.  A few were quite good, one or two were real firecrackers in bed.  But mostly disappointing.  I'm usually too intellectual for them.
     "Stuff it Kareena, you're desperate!" I berate myself.  Another work colleague looks up at me.  I pretend not to notice him and continue as if I'm debugging my computer code.  He looks away.  I focus on my 'Send' button, and before I know it, I've sent my details to Michael.  Here I go!
     A sexy chime rings from my computer, so I stop and open the instant message.  It's from the dating website and it's from Michael!
     "Dinner after work?"
     I grin.  I like him already - he's so direct.  "Sure, why not?  I'd like that." I reply.
     "Nothing fancy - just casual.  I know this little restaurant.  Are you game?"
     I sigh, and blink with dreamy eyes at the monitor, in full delirium.  "Sure, I would love to Michael." I reply.  It feels wonderful just typing his name.
     "Terrific, Kareena.  I look forward to seeing you." he replies and leaves the details.

♦   ♦   ♦
     Before I know what's what, five o'clock arrives.  It's Friday afternoon.  Anything could happen tonight.  I stop for a moment and ponder.  A wild, passion-filled weekend with Michael Gale.  It could happen!
     My phone rings.  Oh God, it's him.  It's Michael.  "Just checking you're good for 7 sharp tonight, Kareena?"  The sound of his deep, husky voice makes me go so weak that my lips quiver.
     Suddenly I see myself naked on his bed.  Silky, white sheets caress my back.  I want him so much that nothing else matters!
     Michael's manly hands reach down and press me against the bed, as he parts my thighs gently with loving caresses.  I wait eagerly.  It doesn't happen.  Michael teases and tantalises me playfully until I can hardly hold back.  Then he enters me, with long, soul-reaching thrusts that rock my very foundation!  I'm overwhelmed.
     "Kareena?  Are you there?"
     "Yes-yes, Michael." I murmur as my voice falters.
     There is a slight pause before Michael queries, "Are you sure you're alright, Kareena?"
     "Oh, yes.  Seven sharp!"  I quickly muster my wits.  My heavenly image flickers and vanishes completely.  "Don't worry.  I'll be there, Michael."
     I hear a faint sigh from the other end of the phone.
     "Great.  I can't wait.  See you soon, Kareena."
     My name rolls off his tongue so smoothly!  "Woo!  What a guy!"
     After work I deviate from my normal route home and check out the restaurant.  Ironically, it turns out to be just a short walk from my place, in fact, almost around the corner.  How strange is that!  And, I didn't even know it was there!  Now I query, "Does Michael somehow know where I live?"
     At home I slip off my work shoes and toss my clothes on my bed then prance, delighted, in my underwear, in front of my mirrored wardrobe.  I imagine Michael standing right by me admiring every inch of me.  He draws me close, kisses me deeply while his agile fingers unclasp my bra.
     His spell is intoxicating.  Tears well up in my eyes, and I'm unable to control my low moans of desire.  He lays me down on the bed and enters me.  He thrusts slow, deep, and wonderful.  I am soaked in pleasure.  I stretch my hands above my head and he entwines his fingers in mine.  His chest hairs course back and forth over my boobs, teasing me, while he runs his hot, moist tongue around my neck.  With a final, tremendous thrust Michael explodes deep within me.  Our souls become one.  "Oh God!" I scream in rapture.
     I open my eyes and pack my vibrator away.  I race to the shower, do my makeup and fix my hair.  It's now six o'clock.  I have less than an hour to get dressed and arrive at the restaurant looking fabulous.
     What on earth should I wear?  A dress, of course.  But which type?  Something short and sexy, to show off my legs.  Yes, but what sort of dress?  Casual upscale, I muse.  I don't want Michael to think I'm too aloof, or, too cheap and easy.  Either would be a disaster.
     Eventually, after much yes, no, yes, no-ing, I finally decide on my skimpy, barely there, lilac affair, with it's high hemline and full leg sex appeal.  I do my nails in fast drying lilac to match my dress and put on my new, never worn, silver strappy high-heels with matching silver shoulder bag.  "Oh, my.  Yes!  They look great together." I comment to myself and admire myself in the mirror.  "Is that really you, Kareena Ross?" I breathe out aloud in awe.
     I've achieved a small miracle as I'm done by 6.55 p.m.!  I throw one last, quick, glance at the stunning girl in the mirror - so sexy and stunning, while confident and vibrant.  Toni would be so proud of me!
     I have a smile on my lips and a spring in my step as I burst out of my one bedroom, corner apartment onto the sidewalk.  I feel assured that tonight is the night everything will change.  "Small steps, Kareena!" I check myself.  I've learned not to hope too much these days.  But, still I can't help it.  Everything feels possible tonight.
     I pause at a crossing for a moment.  My breath is quick and my heart is throbbing.  I calm myself a little then cross the road and walk at a brisk pace.  I reflect back over my short life - how fast my 24 years have passed.  All the dates I've been on.  How eager and buoyant with joy I was only to have my hopes utterly dashed.  All the failed relationships and the pain and misery that follows.  All that pointless suffering.
     Yet, tonight, I know it will be different!  I can feel it!  It's like fate 'herself' has hold of my hand and is walking in stride alongside of me.

♦   ♦   ♦
     The pavement outside the restaurant is bustling with people in jovial conversation.  A few are standing and looking rather uncomfortable.  I guess they are waiting for a table, or for someone to arrive.
     A husky voice cuts clearly through this noisy chatter and calls out my name, "Kareena?"  I jump in fright then turn round sharply, to find a well dressed, confident, handsome man, with bright blonde hair.  He has piercing blue eyes which look directly at me.
     "Michael?"
     Michael nods, wearing a disarming smile.  In a single heartbeat my whole body turns to jelly, and a mild panic quickly takes hold.  I realise nothing like this has ever happened to me before!
     Michael graciously takes me by the hand, steadies me, then leads me inside to a quaint table by the window.  It has a neat little sign of 'Reserved'.  My mild panic grows more intense.  All words seem to lose their meaning.  Michael smiles kindly and gestures for me to take my seat.  I sit, and try my very best to appear calm.
     "Are you cold, Kareena?" he asks in a refreshingly honest tone, and gestures to his jacket.
     I wave my hand and reply, "No.  I'm fine thanks, Michael.  Thanks, though.  It's kind of you to offer."
     He smiles warmly.  "I hope you don't mind me asking," he pauses for a moment, then continues, "What is it you do, Kareena?"
     "Do?" I query nervously.  My mind is screaming in thought, and I do my best not to shake.  I try to hide my nervousness.  This is 'so' unusual for me.  I'm never like this on a date!  Never!  I don't know what's wrong with me!  Something about Michael is very different.
     He blushes lightly.  I cringe, realising his discomfort.
     "I mean your job?  What is it that you do?  Professionally?" he adds softly.
     I struggle to focus.  Michael's words wander aimlessly amongst the background noise of the bustling restaurant.
     "Oh," I come back with a start.  "I work in software."  Now, I tense all over.  I wait for the standard shock and disappointment to spread over his face like all the men before him.  This is when a man gets disappointed.  They realise I'm too hard to conquer, yet not dumb enough to trick.
     I wait in silence, but don't see a hint of disgust on his face.  To my delight, Michael looks squarely at me, with big, disarming eyes, in an irresistible 'loveable puppy' mode.  I'm tempted to say something, but hold my silence, for fear of breaking the moment.
     "It's quite alright to be nervous, Kareena," he murmurs warmly, reaching across the table to hold my hand.  A tingle shoots up my arm from his touch.  "I understand how it can feel.  I'm usually quite shy around women, Kareena, but with you I feel different, somehow.  Almost, like I'm not myself."  He sighs and looks a little perplexed.  I begin to relax.
     I remain doubtful and let it show.  "You're too nice, Michael."
     The tingling in my hand ceases abruptly as Michael retracts his hand to his side of the table.  Damn it, Kareena!  Now look what you've gone and done!  Keep your damn negative mouth shut!  I berate myself in thought and instantly feel sad.
     "Oh Michael, I didn't mean to say that, like that.  I'm sorry, I am."  I glance longingly toward his hand.  Although it is just across the table it now feels a million miles away.  "Um," I bite my lip anxiously, "your hand felt nice, just before.  Will you do it again?"  I can hardly breath as I watch him hesitate.  "Please, Michael."
     He smiles and slides his hand across and back on to mine.  I welcome back the tingling.  "I can be a bit awkward on a first date, Kareena.  I don't mean to be.  Hope you don't mind?"
     His smile broadens to confidence, and I smile along with him.
     "You're doing just fine, Michael." I tease, playfully.
     "How can you be so sure?" he teases back.
     "Oh, I just know."
     "Woman's intuition, I guess?"
     "Something like that."  I shift my hand.  He holds on, squeezes, then nods slowly in approval.  Something about the way he does this makes me burst out in laughter.  He joins in.  We laugh our hearts out together.
     Oh my God!  I am falling for him, aren't I?  I make this my mental note.
     As the time passes, our conversation continues back and forth, casual and easy, like old friends catching up.  I learn Michael is a man of taste.  Subtle, yet manly and strong.  Like cologne.  I'm in love with both.  He has distinct highlights of refinement, contrasting by cloaked reservation.  I sense a man of mystery.  A man with a past.  Possibly some secrets hidden in the closet.  I want to find out everything about him.  I want to know him.  Be with him.  Feel his beating heart on my chest.
     "Keep going." Michael urges, insisting yet again, that I keep talking about myself.  He wants to know everything about me!  My favourite colour, my joys, my fears, my passions, my hobbies.  He won't have it any other way.  I'm 'so' not used to this in a man.
     I talk and talk, till I run out of things to say.
     "Alright now, Michael, I've told you so much about myself.  Now, what about you?"  He scrunches up his face playfully.  I frown playfully back.  "Come on, it's only fair you tell me something about yourself."
     His face smooths then he winks at me, cheekily.  "Okay.  What is it you want to know about me?"
     "Oh, I want to know everything."  I watch him hesitate.  This time it doesn't appear to be playful, but I insist anyway.  "Come on, Michael.  You have to.  Tell me what you do?  What your likes are?"
     "You flatter me too much, Kareena.  I'm not that interesting a person.  I certainly can't compete with someone like you, who's into computer software.  Wow, that must be a complex job and a half."
     I nod eagerly and wait for him to continue.
     "I'm afraid my job is rather stuffy and boring.  I must apologise in advance, Kareena."
     "Oh, go on, you," I grin and bore my eager gaze into his.
     "Well there's nothing much to say, actually.  I work in finance.  Investment arm, actually, for a very large international bank."
     "Uh huh.  And..."
     "I work with figures all day long.  That's it.  All rather boring, I'm afraid."
     I shrug and add, "Not really.  Depends on how large the figures go."
     He suppresses a laugh.  "Oh, they go quite high I can assure you."  Then he snaps his fingers for service and orders for us both - Chicken Grand-Mére with a side order of organic salad and the house white.  I prompt him to continue.  As he does so, I sense his underlying reluctance.  But I dare, and push harder.  I get the distinct feeling there is another side to Michael Gale.  Problem is, what is it?  And, why won't he tell?
     "Kareena," he prompts.  I look up from my glass of white.  "You didn't explain what sort of code you build in your work.  I'm curious."
     "Really!" I think to myself.  He's curious?  I cringe.  "It doesn't really matter, Michael."  I shrug awkwardly, then hurriedly take a mouthful of the delicious organic salad.
     Halfway through my mouthful, Michael pauses and looks at me sternly, almost like a chide for something I did wrong!  "Of course it matters.  I want to know more about you." Michael replies.
     "How much more?" I tease light-heartedly.
     A sly twinkle sparkles in his bright blue eyes.  "Of course I want to know you.  I like you, Kareena."  His bottom lip has a hint of a quiver.  My heart skips a beat.  Is he falling for me?  It can't be possible, can it?
     "All of you." he replies.
     Now I feel my cheeks colour.
     Michael adds promptly, "I mean, within reason."
     I exhale deeply.  "Alright, then.  But only if you promise not to walk out on me."
     He frowns confused.
     "I mean it, Michael."
     "Of course.  I promise not to walk out on you, Kareena Ross.  The most beautiful girl I've ever had the pleasure to dine with."
     "Oh, my God, he's a charmer!" my brain screams out while my toes, fingers, and my whole body tingles!
     "Do you mean it?"  I glance down at my glass of wine.
     "I do."  These words come from him as a soft, warm purr.
     I feel myself melt inside.  I lower my eyelids then look back up at him.  "I'm a software engineer.  I design and make graphical interfaces for advanced computer software programs.  I spend all day, everyday, debugging, fixing, and writing intricate code."  I raise my eyelids just in time to see the last shred of shock dissipate from his face.  Michael looks uncomfortable, but tries to hide it, as he pushes back in his chair.  He swallows deeply and clears his throat.
     "I told you." I accuse, gently.
     "Wow.  You're really a software engineer?"
     "You're really surprised, aren't you, Michael?"  I don't want to hear his reply.  I'm in fear of what he will say, from now on.
     "No, not really."  Then he aims a smirk in my direction.  "Why would I be?  Do you want me to be surprised?"  I shake my head.  "No?  How about shocked?"  He pulls a weird look and I shake my head again.
     "So, you really don't mind?"
     "No.  I don't.  Not at all."
     I can't say anything.  My brain won't form any words.
     "Do others mind?" he enquires.
     I shrug and cast my gaze to my lap.  "Usually.  I don't know."  I'm suddenly in a world of confusion.
     "Kareena.  Kareena."
     Reluctantly, I raise my eyes.
     "Look at me."  I focus on him.  "You're a smart, beautiful, successful woman.  And, I mean that.  I, and any man for that matter, would be a complete and utter fool to let you go, or, think less of you."
     "Really?"  I decide to believe him, and leave any darker thoughts unsaid.
     "Yes."  He affirms.
     Things move quickly after this.  We talk and eat more.  His charm sweeps me off my feet.  By dinner's end I am completely caught up in his intoxicating spell, no longer analysing the situation, but simply enjoying his company and having fun!
     As we stand to leave, Michael asks, "Would you like to go out dancing, Kareena?"  His manly gaze takes a while to admire my long legs, so I pretend not to notice.  But secretly, I'm thrilled to bits.
     "I would love to go dancing, Michael."
     "Wonderful.  A friend of mine runs this little nightclub, not too far from here.  Are you up for it?"
     "Sure.  I'm game if you are."  I take a step and feel myself wobble from too much wine.  Michael wraps his arm around my waist in a dreamy, gentlemanly style, as he steadies me.
     We leave the crowded restaurant together for the quiet of the outside.  By now it is dark, and the sky is punctuated only by the haze of overhead street lamps.  Side by side, we walk together in wonderful tranquility, towards the nightclub.
     I am filled with an immense sense of hope and optimism.




Chapter 2

     Michael squeezes my waist.  "Are you alright, Kareena?  You're not too cold, are you?"
     "No, I'm not cold Michael.  Thanks."  I don't tell him how excited I am.
     We pause by a narrow alleyway.  "You're very beautiful, Kareena."  I blush heavily.  My cheeks are hot with blood.  It's hard for me to believe what Michael just said, so I wear a slight look of disbelief.  "No, honestly," he affirms, lightly running his fingertip beneath my jawline.  "You're very beautiful.  A real, sensual woman.  You're intoxicating.  I'm the luckiest man alive tonight."  His voice sounds like a purr.
     I part my lips to speak but nothing happens.  All my words are choked.  His lips hover before mine and his eyes search mine.  My heart pounds as I'm tempted to kiss him.  But then the moment passes.
     "Come on.  We don't want to miss the fun, now do we?" he chuckles and nudges me.
     I'm so struck that he likes me.  A real man likes me, not a boy, and he thinks I'm beautiful!  Beautiful!
     We approach 'Charlie's'.  The name is written in blue cursive above the entrance to the nightclub.  A short, bald, pit-ball type dressed all in black, is the front door bouncer.  Warning hairs on the back of my neck standup.  I look to Michael for security.  "Don't be frightened Kareena," he whispers softly in my ear.  "Tom looks mean, but he's really quite sweet, once you get to know him."
     Tom opens the door for us and winks at me approvingly.  Inside, it is dim, but we can see the steep, narrow steps leading down to a cavern.  At the bottom we encounter a heavy door.  Michael pushes it open and we are instantly assaulted by a nuclear explosion of strobing lights, thumping bass vibes and heaving, gyrating bodies.  What a shock to the senses!
     Michael and I make our way around the crowded dance floor.  Lots of pretty girls, all with beaming smiles, whip their flesh around, in their latest skimpy outfits.  Their smiles soon turn to disdain as I walk by.  I think to myself "So I'm overdressed?"  But I dismiss their reaction in my mind by portraying: "Yeah, and who's got the handsome hunk then?"  I walk on in a confident strut.
     Overhead, powerful strobes flash bolts of lightening as the music intensifies.  All sense of an outside world vanishes.
     "This way!" Michael trumpets and points his arm towards the central bar.  The strobes double time with the bass beat, and a feeling of anarchy pervades.
     All this is left behind as Michael spirits me to his private nook.  It is a small cluster of bright, candy yellow, semi-circular, padded high-backed lounges with a matching table.  I sit down beside him and instantly wonder how many 'beautiful' girls have sat here before me.  Probably all of them eager and willing before this delicious man.
     "Is it vibrant enough for you, Kareena?" he smirks.
     I indicate 'yes'.  Then I discover Michael's intense blue eyes staring quizzically right through me.  Electricity zaps between us, just as the music abruptly triples its beat.  I wonder what Michael is thinking.  And what he wants from me.  And, whether I will give it to him.
     Few men have managed to excite me this much and especially by doing so little!  But never, have I ever thought, that I might be in love!  I question to myself, "Is this real?"
     So wrapped in my mind, I don't notice my eyelids droop shut, or, my hands are clasped upon my chest!
     "Kareena!  Kareena, are you alright?"  Michael shouts in concern.
     Startled, I fling open my eyes.  "It's nothing.  Really.  I'm absolutely fine."
     He frowns in disbelief.
     "I was just thinking," I explain and note the relief on his face.  I am almost amused.  My next thought is to get sozzled and dance our legs off.
     Our first drink is a Gin and tonic, and we don't waste time downing it.  We hit the dance floor.  The beat is frantic, energising, and thoroughly fulfilling!  I feel so wonderful, so light on my toes that I could do anything.
     As we dance our bodies repeatedly fling into complete strangers, yet we hardly make contact.
     Several tracks later we retire to Michael's table, hot, sweaty, and breathless.  Michael orders Vodka shots and challenges me to a dual.  In quick succession we down three or four shots each, flirting and laughing more heartily after each one.
     We find ourselves on the dance floor again.  This time our bodies entwine and pulsate with the intimacy of the music.  Michael's mix of hot body sweat with his cologne, drives me crazy with desire.
     Michael steers me back to our lounge.  But I sense a different atmosphere this time.  He smooches up to me, and his hot breath spills over my right shoulder.  Then our eyes meet.  I blink my eyelids and quickly look away, to try to gain my control.  I feel myself shudder deep inside.
     His moist, tender lips gently caress my neck.  Oh, it feels so fabulous.  Then his hot, moist hand firmly caresses my thigh.  My heart is about to explode.
     I am torn.  I don't want to be discarded in the morning, yet, I want to let go, and lose myself entirely with him.  I want to satisfy my passionate ache.  To make wild, wonderful love to the man of my dreams, all night long.  I want to live life.  Live it to the fullest.  To hold nothing back.  To let go of my nagging doubts, and to cheapen myself through meaningless sex.
     What am I to do?  How far is Michael willing to go?  Is it just possible he actually might have genuine feelings for me?  God knows I've done 'that mistake' many times before.  I want a man that loves me, the real me.  Not for what I look like.  Not for how good I am in bed.
     A squeeze on my thigh brings me back from pondering.  He sends a rush of adrenaline through my body.  I suck my breath in sharply, and look at Michael to see any answers.
     "Trust me, Kareena," he says in a dry, husky voice.  "No one cares what we get up to in here."  His frankness puts me at ease, yet I still tense in anticipation.  "Really?"
     "Yes, really."  He pauses and looks devine.  "You have my word, beautiful."  His puppy dog eyes twinkle with boyish mischief.  For the second time tonight, I feel my heart melt.  I hardly notice his hand slide up my thigh.  And a moment later, our lips embrace.  We kiss passionately, deeply and erotically.  When our lips finally part, I sense the loss, yet have an ache deep down inside of me.  I've never experienced anything like this before!  It frightens me a little.
     I look at Michael and see only happiness.  Gently, Michael lays me down and I feel the weight of his manly chest upon me as I sink deep into the soft, embracing grasp of the leather lounge.  The thought of another 'soul stirring kiss' thrills me and I close my eyes, hungry with desire.  Instead of a kiss, the tip of his moist tongue tenderly strokes the underside of my chin.  I open my eyes and begin to speak, but Michael presses my lips shut with a firm finger, while mouthing something like, "Ssh" through the booming music.
     I am so aching for him.  What is he doing to me?  His hand moves further up my thigh with purpose.  A real man's hand.  Mentally I gasp, wavering between heavenly anticipation and trepidation.  His hand slides higher up my thigh beneath my short dress and touches me between my legs.  Then, without hesitation, he slips his hand inside my panties and fingers me.  Oh God!  I know I am wet.  I can't think straight!
     I want him, desperately, more than anything else in the entire world.  But, I'm petrified of losing control here.  Then I realise my dress is up near my hips and my panties are near my ankles.  Woo!  And he's exciting me further.  I'm so torn.  I want him to stop, yet I am moaning for him and holding him tightly.  He is too much!  How did he do this to me?
     Michael's hot breath is on my neck.  Now on my lips.  We kiss deeply, more passionately than before.  But even as our lips remain locked and our lungs drain of breath, I feel his touch within me.  A solitary tear runs down my cheek, one that I can't hold in any longer.
     The music is now strangely low.  I hear the metallic sound of a parting zipper.  I barely have time to focus on Michael's engorged penis, as he takes down his pants and lowers himself into position between my thighs.
     "No, Michael!  No!  Stop it!"  I fling him off with all my might, jumping to my feet, both confused and upset.  "I'm sorry, Michael.  I really do like you and all.  But I'm...just not ready.  Please, I'm sorry."
     "Oh come on, beautiful," he smiles at me disarmingly, pulling me close to him.
     "I said 'No!', Michael!" I yell just as the boom in the music returns with sudden vengeance.  I wonder what he's done with all the other girls he's had in public.  Well, he doesn't seem to have any respect for me!
     He continues to seduce me further, as he did before.  I shudder, gasp for air and feel my knees weaken.  For a second or two I nearly succumb.  "Please Michael, no!  I mean it!  No!"  With the last of my strength, I push him away, and pull up my panties and straighten my dress.
     I watch the deep disappointment sweep over him.
     "I'm so sorry, Kareena.  I didn't mean to overstep the line, or force you into anything you didn't want."  He dips his gaze and zips up his pants.
     Feeling concerned, I throw him a little, playful frown, hoping he'll respond.  But, he turns away, hurt and dejected.
     "I'm sorry, Michael.  I just wasn't ready.  You do understand, don't you?"
     He faces me flushed with embarrassment and hurt.  "I understand, Kareena.  Do you want me to take you home now?"
     My heart almost breaks in two.  There is such a finality in his voice.  I have hurt him.  Now, I fear I have dashed any chance we might have had.  I don't want to lose him and think on my feet.
     "Can you give me a couple of minutes to go and freshen up?"
     "Sure, Kareena.  Take all the time you want.  I'll wait here for you."  His demeanour brightens a bit, but only a bit.
     "I'm still thirsty.  Aren't you?"  I quip.  He looks at me sheepishly but says nothing.  This is it, I think to myself.  I'm going to lose him.  Then I ask in desperation, "Well, how about another drink?"
     He shrugs half-heartedly.  "Sure, why not.  I'd like that, Kareena."
     I turn to leave and exhale deeply, not knowing if I can salvage this situation.

End of sample