CHAPTER 13
Audrey
I t was the final week of my summer internship. This entire experience had been an incredible mix of emotions. There were so many business skills I was learning at the office. Tamás had slowly increased my responsibilities and given me more and more challenging tasks as I learned the inner workings of the company. The hands on experience of working on projects that really mattered was priceless.
There was also the excitement of experiencing a new city, learning to live and get around in another country, and showing myself that I could do it. My self-confidence was soaring.
And of course there was the steaminess of our relationship and the suspense of possibly getting caught.
There was the one time the janitor turned the handle on the mop closet, only to find the door locked. There was the parking lot blowjob at lunch where I had to keep my head in Tamás’ lap while an old friend of his walked up to the car. Tamás conveniently kept his arm out the window keeping just enough distance between the man and the car so he wouldn’t see what was really going on.
And there were plenty of times in the house where Tina almost caught us, only for me, or Tamás, to hide in a closet for what seemed like an eternity while the other swore they didn’t know where we were. The house was big enough for it to be believable.
But tonight Tamás said he had something special planned, and did he ever.
We dined at one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city, and that was after a river cruise on a beautiful boat. In true Tamás form, everything was perfect and beyond compare.
As the time approached midnight Tamás guided me towards the Chain Bridge. It’s the same bridge from the opening scene of Katy Perry’s “Firework” video, and it’s one of my favorite things about the city, and he knew it.
“This bridge has been a special place for you this summer.”
“Yes, it has,” I say, looking fondly out towards the water from the safety of the pedestrian walkway running along the side of the bridge.
“You know it’s good luck to kiss your lover on the bridge,” he says.
“Is that so?” I say, trying to let the lover comment slide by like I didn’t notice, but of course I did. I was so conflicted at what to do when this all ended. I really wanted to be with Tamás, but I was trying to be realistic too. For now, I’d just enjoy the last days here and see where the chips fell when that time came.
He reaches down and takes my face in his hands, bringing my lips to his.
We kiss, and everything is perfect again.
“Audrey, I want to tell you something.”
“Of course,” I say, wondering why he’s so serious all of the sudden.
“There are some thoughts I’ve had in my head, but I’ve never had the right person to share them with. Something that may be off-putting, but still, I know we trust and respect each other and I want to share these thoughts with you, but I must warn you they may cause you to look at me in a different way.”
Oh no. Everything had been so perfect, and here comes the rain on my parade. I didn’t want to think negative thoughts, and I quickly remembered that there was no need to. He was a man who had always been very straightforward and could solve any problem thrown in his direction. If something was wrong we’d work it out.
“Okay. I’d like to know.”
“There are certain fantasies I’ve developed since we’ve been together. Certain things that have come out from within me…things that I didn’t necessarily know were there. As much as I enjoy everything we do and am totally happy and satisfied with how things are, I am interested in trying something else…together.”
“Okay.” I could see he was trying to take it slow to make me feel comfortable. I appreciated it, but I was also the girl who just rips the bandage straight off, not pulls it slowly. I could see he sensed it, and he knew me well enough not to sugar coat it anymore.
“I’d like to try some light bondage with you. Tonight.”
“Bondage?”
“Yes.”
I smile a little and laugh slightly.
“Is that funny?” he says, poking me in the ribs as I move to the side playfully to escape his tickles.
“No, I was actually having some thoughts about it myself.”
“So it’s perfect then.”
“Well, that just depends on what you have in mind of course, but I trust you.”
“So we’re off then. Off to try yet another something new.”
“But don’t we need to reserve one of those places in advance?”
“Not when you have one inside your own home.”