John parked outside the rec center, gripping the steering wheel a moment longer than usual. His mind kept drifting back to that night with Cathy—the laughter, the teasing, and the unexpected turn their backgammon game had taken. Since then, the memory kept looping through his thoughts, slipping into idle moments and tugging him back to that warmth and connection.

He’d thrown out “strip backgammon” half as a joke—an icebreaker he’d used before, never expecting to actually play. Usually it got a laugh, maybe an eye roll. But Cathy’s reaction had caught him off guard. She was game—literally and figuratively—her enthusiasm sparking something deeper in him. With each roll of the dice and each playful raise of the stakes, the evening shifted. It wasn’t just a game anymore; it hinted at something more. And now, he couldn’t deny it: he wanted more with Cathy.

But that realization came with a double edge. As eager as he was to see her again, Friday night now carried a certain weight. He had no idea what she might have planned. He’d given her free rein—and while that thrilled him, a thread of anxiety still tugged at the edges. What if she saw him differently now? What if the way the game had spiraled made her think he was someone else entirely—just another guy chasing a thrill, when all he’d really wanted was to connect?

He ran a hand over his face, that familiar knot of nerves tightening in his stomach. It was strange to feel this way. Normally, he was easygoing—the kind of guy who went with the flow—but something about Cathy had thrown him off balance. She was the last person he wanted to push away. The next step felt delicate, and oddly, he found himself waiting for her to make the next move. He hadn’t heard from her in two days, and an irrational worry had begun to creep in: what if she decided not to call at all?

He pushed the thought away, stepped out of the car, and headed toward the pool. What he needed was a hard swim—something to clear his head and burn off the nervous energy still running through him. Just as he reached the edge and prepared to dive in, his phone buzzed from his bag. He hesitated, water droplets from a previous swimmer splashing against his feet, but something told him to check it.

It was a message—from Cathy.

John unlocked his phone, his heart thudding as he opened it. The first line sent a rush of relief through him—a wave of warmth as he read her words: she’d had a great time and had been dreaming about him, just like he’d been doing with her. A smile tugged at his lips, and the knot in his stomach began to ease. She hadn’t pulled back—she wanted to see him again.

He kept reading, a mix of anticipation and nerves creeping back as she hinted at a “round two.” She’d even added a playful note about their “unfinished business,” making it clear that their little backgammon wager was still very much in play. The way she kept things light but suggestive struck the perfect balance—just enough mystery to keep him wondering what she might have in store.

His fingers hovered over the screen, searching for the right reply. He wanted her to know he was still game—that he wasn’t backing down. After a moment’s thought, he typed:

I’m not one to leave a debt unpaid… guess I’ll have to brace myself. Looking forward to the next challenge—whatever you throw my way.

Satisfied, he hit send, grinning at the touch of bravado in his reply. He wasn’t sure what “paying his debt” would actually involve—but with Cathy in charge, he had a feeling it would be a night to remember.

As he slipped his phone back into his bag, a familiar surge of energy rushed through him—the kind that came from knowing they were still in sync. Friday couldn’t come soon enough, and he knew he’d spend the next few days replaying that message. But for now, he had a workout to tackle—and he was more than ready for it.

He walked to the edge of the pool, his body buzzing with renewed energy as he dove in. The cool water hit his skin and jolted his senses awake. With each stroke, he pushed harder, letting nerves and excitement flow through him with every surge of water. It was cathartic—a chance to burn off tension, to quiet the questions circling in his mind. And as he powered through lap after lap, his thoughts began to clear, leaving only one lingering, undeniable truth: he couldn’t wait to see Cathy again.

As John powered through each lap, his mind drifted back to his university days—when swimming wasn’t just a routine; it was his life. He knew he’d been lucky. Earning a full-ride scholarship to Florida had been a dream come true: a chance to compete at the highest collegiate level without the burden of financial stress. It was an opportunity he never took for granted, and he threw himself into training with everything he had.

In Florida, his schedule had been grueling—but he thrived on it. Nine swim practices a week, each one a test of endurance and willpower—a relentless push to shave fractions of a second off his time. On top of that, he hit the weight room three times a week, building the power and muscle he needed to gain even the slightest edge. It was the kind of routine that separated the good from the great—and he was determined to be among the best.

He remembered how his body had adapted over time—becoming stronger, leaner, faster. Training at that level demanded a kind of discipline he hadn’t fully grasped until he was deep in it. It wasn’t just natural talent; it was grit—the willingness to push himself beyond what he thought possible, again and again.

Each lap he swam now was a reminder of that time—the hours in the water, the early mornings, the late nights, and the quiet sense of purpose that came from chasing something bigger than himself. It was almost meditative: the rhythm of his strokes calming his mind, letting everything else slip away.

Surfacing at the end of a lap, he drew a deep breath, heart pounding, muscles burning in that satisfying way that only came from real effort. Even now, years after leaving Florida, the pool was still his sanctuary—the place where he could lose himself in the pursuit of precision, strength, and clarity.

As John powered through his laps, his thoughts turned to his college years in Florida, where he’d juggled two demanding commitments: swimming and his studies. He hadn’t taken the easy path. While his coaches encouraged him to choose a lighter major so he could focus on the sport, he’d opted for a business degree instead. Swimming had opened the door—but he wanted something that would carry him beyond the pool. His schedule was intense, packed with practices, training sessions, and coursework that left little room for anything else.

Then, during the summer after his freshman year, he met Bev. What began as a few easygoing dates quickly deepened, and by the time he returned for his second year, they’d committed to a long-distance relationship. Bev understood his drive and the demands of his program, and their relationship thrived despite the miles between them. During breaks, they made time for each other, and while they couldn’t be together as often as they wanted, phone calls and shared plans kept them close. They remained faithful, with Bev always cheering him on from home.

While many of his teammates spent their free time at parties or on the beach, John was usually training, studying, or on the phone with Bev. His life was a careful balance, his focus locked on the future he was working so hard to build. Surfacing at the end of a lap, he drew a deep breath, feeling the quiet satisfaction of effort well spent as he reflected on those years. They’d shaped him in ways he hadn’t expected, teaching him what it meant to truly commit and see things through—qualities that had become part of who he was.

John graduated with distinction in business, focusing on management, and moved to Vancouver—ready to begin the next chapter of his life. Bev had landed a great job as a physiotherapist, and John quickly secured an entry-level position at a prestigious international consulting firm. They were thrilled to finally be in the same city, their relationship feeling poised to deepen with each passing day.

If angels were real, John sometimes thought, then Bev was one. She was the kindest person he’d ever met—fun, dedicated, and always determined to give her best in everything she did. Athletic, down-to-earth, and easy to be with, she had the kind of personality that made her popular with just about everyone. She was also beautiful—her warmth shining through her smile, drawing people in effortlessly.

Bev came from a deeply religious family and had grown up with a faith she held close to her heart. Though John hadn’t kept up with religion since he was young, he was more than willing to attend church with her each Sunday. The congregation was warm and welcoming, and he found he didn’t mind the ritual—if anything, he looked forward to it, knowing how much it meant to Bev. It became a quiet tradition, a way to connect in a space that mattered deeply to her.

One area where Bev’s beliefs deeply shaped their relationship was her conviction that penetrative sex should be reserved for marriage. John respected that without question and never pressured her. Instead, they explored other ways to be close—discovering just how fulfilling their intimate life could be.

They enrolled in an advanced massage class and practiced on each other, learning the art of touch. With books and videos on erotic massage, they honed their skills, discovering countless ways to bring each other pleasure. They became fluent in the language of erotic touch—using hands, lips, tongues, and even toys to explore each other’s desire.

They shared the exquisite intimacy of mutual self-pleasure, eyes locked, bodies mirroring one another as they explored every nuance of their own touch. Yet their focus remained entirely on each other—every glance a silent invitation. In that shared gaze, they felt more than arousal; it was trust, anticipation, and a depth of connection that transcended words. In those moments, they were completely bare to one another, moving in a silent rhythm that was as thrilling as it was deeply, beautifully vulnerable.

Their intimacy deepened their bond, adding another layer to the life they were building together. John loved Bev deeply. They shared so much—a love of sports, mutual respect, a passion for learning, and a strong, easy friendship. But over time, John became increasingly aware of one difference beneath it all: Bev’s devotion to her faith. While he deeply respected her beliefs, he couldn’t honestly say he shared them.

After a couple of truly wonderful years together in Vancouver, John finally worked up the courage to propose. Bev was taken by surprise, and with tears in her eyes, she told him she loved him—but didn’t see a future together. She gently declined, explaining that although she loved him deeply, their difference in faith was something she couldn’t look past for a lifelong commitment.

The rejection hit John hard. He’d never felt so inadequate—this had been the one thing he wanted most, and it hurt deeply to realize he couldn’t be the partner she envisioned. Over time, he came to understand that it wasn’t a failure on his part, just an incompatibility that ran deep. He respected her choice and, though it hurt, genuinely wished her happiness. Not long after, they drifted apart. Eventually, John heard that Bev had married a young minister. She was happy—and knowing that gave him peace.

In Vancouver, John’s career in management consulting thrived. He excelled at his work, but emotionally, the city had become a difficult place to stay. So when a mid-level position opened up within his firm back in his hometown, he applied—and got it. He returned with a mix of gratitude and relief, knowing he’d never regret his time with Bev, but also recognizing it was time to move forward.

Back in his hometown, John thrived at the consulting firm. He genuinely enjoyed the work, and his clients appreciated his grounded approach and easygoing confidence. Building relationships came naturally—people trusted him, valued his insights, and genuinely enjoyed working with him.

Outside of work, he kept up his swimming routine—both in the pool and in the weight room—and occasionally competed in masters meets. The competition was far less intense than during his university days, but he still enjoyed it, finding comfort and familiarity in the water. Swimming remained his sanctuary—a place where he could be free from the complexities of life.

After some time, he decided to start dating again. He missed the companionship—the simple joy of sharing life with someone. He went on a number of dates, met some wonderful women, and even had a few short relationships. But no matter how much he wanted to move forward, he found himself hesitating whenever things began to deepen. As hard as he tried not to, he couldn’t help comparing them to Bev. It wasn’t fair—he knew that, and he did his best to keep an open mind—but still, Bev’s presence lingered: a quiet echo in the background of every relationship.

His relationships had a physical side he enjoyed, and his partners seemed to appreciate the thoughtfulness and skill he brought to intimacy. But for John, something was always missing. Without a deep emotional connection, it felt like something essential had been left behind—and sooner or later, he or his partner would realize it wasn’t turning into something more. The relationships would end gently, respectfully, with both sides sensing that something intangible simply wasn’t there.

In time, he began to wonder if meeting women in a different setting might help him let go of the past and open himself to something new. That thought led him to try a dating app, hoping a fresh approach might lead to a fresh connection.

Cathy was the first date he arranged through the app. From their very first conversation, something felt different. There was an energy, a spark—an excitement he hadn’t felt in a long time. For the first time since Bev, he found himself genuinely looking forward to the possibility of something more. It was early, yes, and he knew not to rush things—but the thrill of feeling this way again was undeniable. As he thought back on it now, a quiet smile touched his lips.

As John finished his swim and stood at the pool’s edge, towel draped around his shoulders, a quiet calm settled over him. His years with Bev had shaped him—grounding him in loyalty, patience, and understanding. He’d loved her deeply, but over time, he’d learned to let her go, knowing her happiness belonged to a different path. Now, standing on the edge of something new with Cathy, he felt a strange and welcome sense of freedom.

There was something about Cathy that felt different—a promise of excitement and connection that carried its own kind of thrill. For the first time in years, his heart felt open—not in comparison to the past, but in anticipation of what might come next. Cathy kept him guessing, challenging him in ways he didn’t quite understand yet—and he liked that about her.

As he walked toward the locker room, his mind was already turning to Friday night. A grin tugged at his lips as he imagined what she might have planned. Whatever lay ahead, he felt ready—ready to see where this new connection might lead.

After his swim, John headed home with an unusual sense of calm and contentment. He cooked a nutritious dinner, savoring each bite as if his usual routines suddenly carried more meaning. For the first time in weeks, he felt grounded—not tugged by the past, just quietly content in the present. Later, he slipped into bed and drifted off, his sleep deeper and more restful than he could remember in ages.

The next day at work, he was sharp, productive, and relaxed, carrying the peace of the previous evening with him. He moved through his tasks efficiently, the hours passing easily—punctuated by moments when his mind drifted to that evening’s promised phone call with Cathy. He had no idea what she had in mind, and though it made him a little nervous, he felt a steady trust in her—confident that whatever she had planned would be something he’d enjoy. For once, the unknown felt more exciting than daunting.

As the day wound down, he had the chance to slip out of the office a little early. He headed to the gym for a solid weight workout, pushing himself through each set with an extra spark of energy—invigorated by the physical challenge. After a relaxing shower, he made his way home and treated himself to a healthy, satisfying dinner that capped off what felt like a nearly perfect day.

Just as he finished his last bite, his phone rang—and a spark of excitement lit through him. It was Cathy. As he picked up, a grin spread across his face, his heart quickening as he heard her warm, teasing voice on the other end.

“Hey, stranger,” she said, a smile clear in her voice. “I was beginning to think you might back out of our little arrangement.”

“Back out?” John chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “Not a chance. I always settle the score.”

“Hmm, glad to hear that,” she replied, her tone amused and just a little mischievous. “But if you’re feeling a bit… uneasy, I might let you off easy. Wouldn’t want to overwhelm you.”

“Oh, I think I can handle whatever you’ve got planned,” he said, matching her playfulness. “A deal’s a deal—and I intend to pay up in full.”

A soft laugh came through the line. “Good answer, John. Truth is, I never planned on making it easy on you.”

John chuckled, feeling both excitement and nerves bubbling up. “Alright then, mysterious lady—when and where do I need to be to ‘settle the score’?”

“My place. Friday. Seven sharp,” she replied smoothly. “And you should probably be well-rested… it might be a late night.”

He laughed. “Noted. Anything else I should know?”

There was a pause, then her voice took on a teasing edge. “Let’s just say… you don’t need to worry about dinner. I’ll make sure your energy stores are fully loaded for your later commitment.”

His eyebrows lifted. “Now you’ve got my attention.”

“Mmm-hmm,” she murmured, clearly enjoying his reaction. “Just bring your appetite… and leave the rest to me.”

“And what exactly should I be expecting?” he asked, hoping for a little more clarity.

“Expect?” she echoed, her voice brimming with mystery. “Expect to be the center of attention. Let’s just say… you’ll be getting plenty of it. But… who knows? If the cards fall just right, there may be a few things for you to focus on too—things I think you’ll find rather… appealing.”

His heartbeat quickened. “You’re really not going to give me even a hint, are you?”

"Only that you won’t be cold,” she teased. “I’ll have the fire going—and I’ll make sure the heat is… turned up.”

John laughed, savoring the way she kept him on his toes.

“Sounds intriguing. Is there a dress code? Anything I should bring?”

“Hmm… good question,” she mused. “Bring a pair of black dress pants—and let me worry about the rest. No need to bring anything else. Just make sure to leave your inhibitions at home.”

“I think I can manage that,” he said, playful. “As long as you keep things within the original terms of our little bet. Wouldn’t want any surprises.”

“Don’t worry,” she said warmly. “I remember every condition. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” She paused, then added with a teasing curiosity, “Are you nervous, John?”

He took a breath, the vulnerability in her tone catching him off guard. “A little,” he admitted, “but mostly excited. And I trust you.”

There was a brief silence before she replied, her voice softer now. “I’m glad to hear that. Friday will be fun—I promise. Now, go get some rest. You’ll need it.”

They shared a few more teasing remarks before hanging up, and as John set his phone down, a rush of exhilaration and anticipation settled in. Whatever Cathy had planned, he knew one thing for sure—Friday night would be unforgettable.

He sat there for a moment, letting her words play back in his mind. She had a way of making even the simplest things feel like a mystery, and he found himself both eager and slightly unsettled. It had been a long time since anyone had kept him guessing like this—and he liked it.

A slow smile spread across his face as he thought about Friday night. Whatever the evening held, he felt a thrill at the idea of surrendering to her plans, trusting that she would make it worth his while.

To be continued...

*****

Authors note - Chapter 8 picks up Friday night—with the lights low, the tension high, and Cathy still pulling the strings. Let’s just say the stakes go far beyond what’s on the table.