During

The endless surprises and delights of submitting. Part 2 of a 3 day, 3 part series.

After dinner, we’d moved to the sofa. I’d placed the chocolate I’d purchased on my journey on the coffee table, to enjoy together, and I’d hurried to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Now, I’m walking back across the high-ceilinged living room towards him, with only hazy ideas about what might await us. Continuing our conversation perhaps, while I watch him finish his wine, before eventually heading for the bedroom and all the joyous possibilities that holds.

I’m only a few steps away from him when he tells me to stop. I immediately halt, and momentarily think he’s said this in order to warn me that something’s spilled on the floor, or that he’s spotted a spider abseiling down from the ceiling and into my path. But as I search his face, looking for his reason, I understand, and the understanding makes my breath stop. He’s looking perfectly relaxed, and he’s smiling at me, but he’s also, suddenly, somebody else. The Other. I’ve not seen him for six weeks, and abruptly, I feel shy. But I can’t look away. There’s electricity stabbing the air between us, and I feel one hundred percent alive, my heartbeat surging through me with a strength that approaches pain.