He asked, “Connie, tell me about your previous lovers. How did you lose your virginity?”
I told him, "I lost it when I was sixteen. I matured early, developing breasts before many of the other girls in my grade at school. A boy two grades ahead of me asked me if I would go out with him, and I agreed. He took me to a movie. During the movie, he kept trying to touch my tits, groping at them like he was trying to pick out a ripe melon. I stopped him several times, but he kept up. Finally, he told me that if I wanted to date guys older, I'd have to put out a little.
I suppose peer pressure and the fact that I wanted so much to be popular at school led me to allow him to feel my tits. He handled me so roughly, Philly. After the movie, he took me to a place where the older kids went parking. I was very nervous as he manhandled my tits. He warned me that if I didn't put out, he'd spread the word around school that I was a prude, and I'd never be asked for another date. The thought of being labeled as a prude scared me so much that I let him fuck me.
He fucked me like a bull in a china shop. It was over in less than five minutes, and thirty minutes later, he was dropping me off at home. I felt so used, so cheap, Philly!"
"My God, that's so sad, Connie. To be used like that the first time you had sex." Philly said.
"The worst part about it," I replied, "Was that the guy spread the rumor around school that I was an easy target. I got a reputation for being an easy lay."
"Boys would ask me for a date, and when we'd go out, I'd find out all they wanted was to fuck me," I said. "By the time I got to be a senior in school, I probably had fucked most of the boys in my class. I couldn't wait to graduate and get out of there. I still don't know how I made it through high school without getting pregnant."
Philly shook his head and said, “Did you go to college?”
"Yes." I replied, "But after two years, I dropped out and started working at a local mall."
"How long…" Philly began to ask. But I cut him off, saying, "I've been working at malls for 12 years now."
"When I was twenty-two, I married a guy I thought I was in love with." "He turned out to be an abusive bastard." I continued. "He liked to slap me around; at first, I thought a husband could do whatever he wanted with his wife, but when some of my friends started asking me about the bruises, I found out that he wasn't normal. I have to admit, though, sometimes I did enjoy his rough sex. I left him eighteen months after our weeding.”
"So, you've been divorced for nine years now?" He asked.
“Nine and a half, to be exact," I answered. "I've had flings with a few men since then, but they all wanted the same thing and treated me like their personal sex toy.”
“One guy I went out with taught me how to deep-throat a cock. He was the guy who had me practice with a banana. He had a huge cock and wanted me to be able to swallow all of it. He was so rough with me. I remember he once had me lie on my back and hang my head over the edge of the bed. Then he stood over me and rammed his cock down my throat. I gagged and threw up. He then proceeded to fuck my throat like I was some inflatable sex doll. I hated it, and I never let him get me in that position again. He broke up with me a couple of weeks later.”
“Damn, Connie, you’ve had some shitty luck with men.” Philly offered.
I continued my story, "A few months before I accepted the transfer and promotion at ET, an older man entered the store. He said he was looking for something for his teenage daughter. He was good-looking, and I was very attracted to him. I didn't see a wedding band on his finger, and he was flirting with me. I figured he was divorced. Well, anyway, he bought a ton of stuff and paid with a huge roll of cash. As I was giving him the change, he asked me out. I figured what the hell, maybe an older guy would be a pleasant change from all the assholes I'd been dating and fucking regularly."
Philly stopped me and asked, “Did you ask him if he was married?”
"Yes, I did," I continued, "and he told me his divorce would be final in a month or so." So we agreed on dinner or a movie until his divorce was final.”
“And he agreed to this?” Philly asked.
I replied, "Yes, and he was very romantic during the month while his divorce papers were in the works." "He took me to dinner; we danced or watched a movie. All along, he never tried to seduce me. I have to admit, Philly, during that month, I masturbated many times, fantasizing about making love with him. After about five weeks of dating, he told me his lawyer had called and said the divorce was final. He said all he had to do was stop by the next day, sign them, and be a free man again."
“What happened next?” Philly asked.
I continued my story, “Well, I told him that since he would be a free man the next day, we should celebrate his freedom. I invited him to my place, offering to cook him his first dinner as a free man."
“And he instantly accepted the invitation?” Philly asked.
"Oh yes," I said, "I wore a very tight, strapless black leather dress with black silk stockings and heels. I had my hair pulled back and in a bun and applied makeup, so I looked so sexy. I wanted to seduce him that night, thank him for being so romantic during the five weeks we waited for his divorce to be final."
"Sounds like it was an evening to remember," Philly said.
I replied, "It was when he arrived his eyes nearly popped out of his head."
“I know that feeling from yesterday,” Philly said.
"Well, anyway, we melted into each other the minute he entered my apartment.” I said. "That was the night I discovered that a man could make me cum just by stimulating my nipples."
Philly smiled and said, "That is pretty amazing. That turned me on big time last night."
I smiled and said, “You’re not the only one turned on.”
"So, what happened to him?" Philly asked.
"Well, after that night, we saw each other fairly regularly for a few months," I said. "Then, one day, when I was working at ET, this woman came in and walked right up to me and said, "Stay the fuck away from my husband, you little slut!" I was stunned, after she left; I called his cell and confronted him about her."
“What did he say?” Philly asked.
“He said, oh well, babe, it was fun while it lasted. I couldn't believe my ears. He had lied to me all along; he was married and never filed for a divorce." "I was devastated," I said. "Even the most romantic man I'd ever been with turned out to be a lying bastard who just wanted to use me for his sexual pleasure. He was just willing to work at it a little longer before he fucked me over."
I realized that I had been telling Philly all about my previous sexual exploits for the last hour or so. Thinking about what I had just admitted to him, I worried that he would see me like a slut.
"God, Philly, I sound like such a slut," I said. "I've been hurt so often by the men I let into my life; I hope you don’t…..”
Philly put his finger to my lips, cutting off the rest of my sentence. He smiled and said, "Connie, your past means nothing to me; it's your future. I'm most interested in."
He leaned close to me and kissed me on the lips. Very softly and very gently. His fingertips held my cheeks, and I sighed a sigh of relief, knowing Philly didn't think of me as some easy slut.
“I want you to promise me something,” he said.
“What’s that?” I replied.
"Never bring up your past again, but more importantly, never think that I'm going to change the way I treat you because of what you have told me this morning." He said. "Last night and today, we made incredible love; we made love as I've never known before." Philly continued, “I’ve looked into your eyes, and I saw a passionate, sensitive woman there. I want to explore what I've seen there."
His words touched my heart, giving me a warm feeling deep inside. Perhaps this man, this incredible man I've only known for a short time, was the man who finally could make me feel wanted, feel needed, feel loved. I smiled, kissed him softly, and ran my fingernails through his hair. Time would tell if I'd finally found the one man who I've been searching for such a long time.
Philly said, “Relax, love; I’ll return in a few minutes.”
He slipped from my bed and slowly walked out of my bedroom. I lay back on my soft satin pillow, looking up at the ceiling, smiling inside, and feeling very good about our future together.
A few minutes passed, and I smelled coffee brewing. I didn't want to wait until he returned, so I slipped out of bed and went to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, I was horrified. My hair was a mess; my makeup was all but gone. Philly had seen me at my morning worst and still wanted to be with me. He is an incredible man. I was about to learn even more about him. I quickly washed my face and brushed out my hair. At least I could look a little more presentable when he returned. Slipping on my long, fluffy white bathrobe, I returned to the bedroom. Philly was standing in the middle of the room.
He smiled and said, “Breakfast is ready.”
Taking my hand in his, he led me out to the kitchen. He had set the table, poured two glasses of orange juice, and sliced a croissant. A steaming cup of tea awaited me. He had made us breakfast. Something no man had ever done before, he acted like a perfect gentleman, helping me into my chair and offering me cream and sugar for my tea. I was amazed; he wanted to wait on me, and he tried to make me feel good. The closest I'd ever come to this feeling before was a quick slap on the ass, and I'll call you sometime, babe.
We made idle chit-chat over breakfast, talking about work and how we were going to handle the gossip that was sure to flow in the mall once our newfound romance got out. I suggested that perhaps we could keep our affair discreet.
Philly's reply was, "Are you kidding Connie? I'll be proud to let everyone in the mall know about us."
He used the word proud to express his feelings about being my man. That warm feeling I got earlier was quickly turning into a glow. After breakfast, Philly cleaned up, dressed, and relaxed as I showered and got ready for work. As I sat at my dressing table, applying my makeup, he stood behind me softly, massaging my neck and shoulders.
He leaned down and softly whispered, "Connie, you look so beautiful. I love the way your eyes sparkle."
I wished we had more time because I wanted him more now than when I woke up this morning. Unfortunately, time wouldn't allow me to fulfill that need. I finished my makeup and stood turning to him. He smiled widely, acknowledging his approval of how I looked. It is so beautiful having a man appreciate me like this. And I couldn't wait to show him how good he makes me feel.
Driving toward the mall that morning, he asked, "Connie, can I see you tonight?"
My instant reply was, "I'm counting on it."
His smile widened, knowing we would be making passionate love again tonight. As he slowed his car beside the middle entrance to the mall, I placed my hand on his thigh and leaned over close to him.
"Thank you for last night, thank you for this morning, and for making me feel so special,” I said.
"My pleasure," he instantly replied.
He quickly jumped out and rounded the car to open the door and help me out of his car. Taking me in his arms, he hugged and softly kissed me.
He whispered, “You look incredible. I’ll stop by ET before I start at three today.
I kissed him on the cheek and said, “I’ll be looking forward to that.”
I turned and walked toward the entrance to the mall, I swung my hips as I walked, knowing he was watching me. I wanted him to understand that these hips are his and his alone.
As I entered ET, my manager, Marsha, was standing behind the counter. She looked up and instantly said, "So Connie, how was your date with Philly last night?"
I hadn't told her or anyone else that Philly and I had a date, but I surmised that since we left together, she assumed we were going out.
I smiled and said, “He’s an incredible man, Marsha.”
She grinned and said, "He must be Connie; you're all aglow this morning."
I spent the next few hours trying to concentrate on my work, but my mind kept returning to the incredible night and morning of passion Philly and I had shared.
I watched the clock intently as the minutes passed in anticipation of seeing him again before he started work at Andover. Two thirty came and went, and I started worrying he wouldn't stop by to see me before he started work at three. Two forty-five and no Philly. Was everything he had said to me meaningless? Was he going to become just another man who wanted to use my body for his sexual pleasure? Was he going to play with my mind, soul, and heart? The answer rounded the corner of ET about ten minutes of three.
He smiled widely at me as he strolled toward the sales counter. When he walked past Marsha, I heard her say, "She's glowing today, Philly; I'm impressed." Philly only nodded his acknowledgment of her statement as he approached me with his hands behind his back.
He approached the counter and said, "Sorry, I'm late. I had to stop for something before I got here." Having said that, he brought his hands around in front and placed a long white box on the counter. He said, "Got to run, baby. I'm due in at three." He leaned over the counter and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek before turning and walking out of the store.
Marsha walked over to the counter while my trembling hands untied the pale blue ribbon that held the lid on the box. Slipping the top off, I unfolded the tissue paper and found a single long-stemmed yellow rose nestled in tiny white blossoms of baby's breath. It was the most beautiful rose I'd ever seen.
Marsha giggled and said, "Nice touch, Philly." "You may have a keeper there, Connie." She added.
I picked up the card that was resting beside the yellow rosebud and opened it. It said.
"Connie, Thank you for the most incredible night and morning. I am so happy that you've come into my life. I want you to know that you have made me feel wanted, needed, and loved, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love Philly."
I read the card repeatedly, savoring every word, letting it settle deep inside my heart. This man, this incredible man, was thanking me for making him feel wanted, needed, and loved. I should be the one thanking him for giving me the same feelings.
I held the card close to my heart, ensuring that every word Philly had written settled into the spot reserved for only him. Slipping the card in my slacks, I smiled at Marsha.
She said, “You won’t let me read it?”
My instant reply was, “No way, Marsha. My eyes and heart only.”
Marsha smiled and said, “I knew he was a keeper since I first met him.”
The yellow rose smelled divine and looked so elegant in the bud vase Marsha placed it in before she set it on the sales counter. Every time I looked at it, my heart skipped a beat. I could hardly wait till my six o'clock break to walk to Andover and thank Philly for such an incredible gift.
About a quarter of six, Marsha suggested that I take my break a little early since I had someone I wanted to see.
I said, "Does it show that much, Marsha?"
She grinned and said, "You've been watching the clock for the last few hours. Yes, hun, it shows big time, and it looks good on you. See you at seven, Connie."
I bolted for Andover and my new romantic man. I'd have an hour and fifteen minutes to thank him for the beautiful rose and card he'd given me. As I rounded the corner of the display window, only his assistant, Ken, was in the front of the store.
Ken smiled as I walked in and said, “Hiya, Connie, what can I do for you today.”
I asked him, “Is Philly here?”
Ken hesitated momentarily and said, "No, hun, he took a short walk a few minutes ago."
“Do you know which way he went?” I asked Ken.
"Check over near center court," Ken suggested.
I thanked Ken and headed toward the center of the mall. As I approached Center Court, I saw Philly. He was standing near the main exit from the mall and was talking to a woman. She was relatively mature but stunning. I stopped to watch them before I dared approach. She kept reaching out and touching Philly. They were enjoying each other's company, and at one point, he hugged her tightly, and she kissed him on the cheek. I was devastated. He had another woman in his life.
All kinds of ideas raced through my mind. Was she his secret lover? Was he cheating on her with me the night before? Was I setting myself up for a massive letdown with Philly? I had to know; I had to confront them. I slowly walked toward them. As I did, they hugged again, and Philly kissed her softly. I almost stopped and turned away when Philly saw me.
He smiled broadly and called to me, "Connie, you found us!" I sure as hell did find them, and I was jealous as hell. This older woman, this mature tart, would ruin my new romance with Philly, and I wanted to lash out at her like a cornered wild cat.
As I approached, she put her hand on his arm and smiled broadly at me. She was going to play with me. I almost turned and ran away when Philly said, "Connie, I'd like you to meet my mom."
My ears rang with the words “my mom.” Relief flushed over me. I smiled weakly at them as she extended her hand toward me.
"Connie, this is my mom, Phyllis." He said, "Mom, I'd like you to meet Connie."
Phyllis smiled again and shook my limp hand. I managed to say, "It's nice to meet you."
Phyllis said, "Phil has been telling me all about you, Connie. You're all he's talked about for the last half hour, honey."
My smile broadened as Philly put his arm around my waist. His touch warmed me, and I instantly warmed up to this woman that I was thinking of clawing her eyes just a moment earlier.
Phyllis said, "Now that I've met you, Connie, I can understand why Phil has been talking about you non-stop."
"Thank you so much, Phyllis," I replied. "Philly is such a gentleman."
"He better be; I taught him to be one and respect ladies, too," Phyllis said.
Looking at her wristwatch, Phyllis said, "Oh my, I'm going to be late for my meeting! I hate to run kids, but they can't start without me." She added, "I wish I could stay and get to know you better, Connie, but we can do that soon, Okay?"
I replied, "I'd like that, Phyllis."
Phyllis hugged Philly and me and kissed him on the cheek before saying, "Call me Phil, we'll get together for Sunday brunch. And be sure to bring Connie with you, sweetie."
Philly smiled and said, "It's a date, mom. I'll call you Saturday, okay?"
Phyllis smiled broadly at me and said, "Looking forward to talking with you again, Connie." I nodded my head and smiled at her. She was a beautiful woman, and I was warming up to her more as each minute passed.
Phyllis turned and walked through the doors to the parking lot, Philly and I watched as she disappeared around the corner.
He said, "She likes you."
I felt ashamed that I doubted Philly and wanted to claw his mother’s eyes out just a few minutes earlier. I thought about telling him how I felt when I saw him kiss her before we met, but I changed my mind, not wanting Philly to know I doubted his intentions and the words he had written on the card with my rose earlier in the afternoon.
Instead, I turned to him and slid my hands along his arms to his shoulders. Looking deep into his eyes, I said, "Thank you so much for the rose. You're the first man who has ever bought me flowers." I let my hands slip around his neck and pulled him close to me, hugging him tightly. I whispered, "That made me feel so good inside. Thank you so much."
Philly smiled and kissed me softly on the lips. One of his perfect, gentle, soft kisses that I’ve come to love so much in the last 48 hours.
He said, "Walk with me, Connie. I want everyone to see you on my arm."
Philly held my hand as we strolled the mall. I felt so good being with him; it felt so right being next to him, and his smile reinforced that he thought the same about me.
He asked me, "Want to grab a bite to eat? We can stop at Romans for a slice of pizza or a salad if you like."
I was hungry and agreed, knowing I could stare into his eyes while we ate together.
We strolled into Romans and were greeted by the owner, "Hi guys, what can I get you?"
I ordered a Caesar salad and a Diet Coke. Philly opted for a slice of pizza and an iced tea.
"Okay, have a seat, and I'll bring your order over as soon as it's ready." Mr. Roman said.