I had just turned 21 and spent a week with my cousins. They had driven me the 300 miles to their house, but when it was time to go home, I decided to book a ride on the train.
I had ridden the train a few times with my family as a kid, and I was looking forward to having time to read and rest and gaze out the window with a pensive look.
I ended up doing less of those things than I anticipated.
I boarded as the sun was setting and proceeded through the cars to my seat. I passed a few reading or napping passengers, but most of the seats were empty. There was no one really interesting to look at, until I passed row 317.
He was tall, even in the seat, and his striking blue eyes looked out through wireframed glasses, the kind that writers in the 1800s would call “spectacles.” His lips were full and plump and pink, poking out from the thick coverage of his black and brown beard. I could tell the hair was hiding sharp, handsome cheekbones, which I suddenly dreamed about running my fingertips along.
The train began moving, and I was thrown off-balance. The movement must have caught his eye, because he looked up at me. We met eyes, and my stomach dropped as I realized he was in the seat directly in front of mine. I held my breath as I slid into the row, the coconut scent of his hair permeating the area. There was no one in the rows ahead or behind. No one across the aisle. The car was mostly empty. Except for the smell of him, which was suddenly taking over everything.
Trying not to draw too much attention, I settled my purse under the seat next to me and my small backpack under the seat at my feet. I heard the seat ahead of me creak, and when I sat back to straighten myself, he was there. My breath caught in my throat and my heartbeat started to throb in my pussy.
He had slid into the aisle seat, blocking me from escaping his overpowering scent. Like a summer breeze. I tried not to look up, but when I did, I became hypnotized by his eyes. Like a bird caught in a snake’s gaze. Just what I was afraid of.
“Hi. Can I sit with you? This ride has been so long and boring.” He smiled wide, and I felt the last of my control give way and my panties soak through.
“Of course.” I smiled back and tilted my head so my hair draped over my ear and cascaded down my shoulder. “I'd love some company.” My voice sounded husky in my ears.
“My name is –" he started, but I raised my hand to cut him off.
“Why don't we skip the names? Give a fake one. It’ll be our little secret.”
His eyes sparkled, and he finished, "Thor."
I burst out laughing, and he joined me.
“I’ve always wanted to meet a god with a mighty hammer.” I winked. “So pleased to make your acquaintance.”
“And you are?” He took my hand from where it lay on the arm rest and raised it to his lips. His touch was warm and soft, and I breathed deep as my nipples tightened.
“Hera.” He kissed my hand and laughed against the skin.
“Yes, of course. The queen of the gods.” His facial hair tickled my hand, and I imagined what it would feel like as he kissed down my chest to those tight nipples.
“So, how did you end up on this train, your majesty?” His eyes lit up when he spoke, and I found words tumbling from my lips, like I’d been struck by a truth spell.
I told him about how I'd been visiting cousins, although I changed the city I was in and their names. I told him about a theme park I visited, which was true, and about skinny dipping at the beach, which I may have exaggerated. But I was glad I did when I noticed his pants visibly twitch as I detailed the cold water against my naked skin. By the time I was done, he had to visibly adjust his bulge under his pants.
I licked my lips.
“Well, what about you -- O God of thunder and lightning -- how did you end up next to me, listening to this boring tale?”
He gulped and cleared his throat, deciding his next move.
“Do you smoke?” His tone was dark and thick. “Could I tell you over a cigarette?”
“Sure.” I smiled.
He rose and stepped into the aisle, standing to the side, waiting. I rose and squeezed out, then stepped in front of him into the aisle. I heard lip smacking and an "mm-mm-mm" when he lowered his eyes to my ass.
Three "mmms."? Hmm. Not bad.
I led us to the smoking car, which was two cars past the dining room. When I turned to look at him again, he was smiling wide. He had pulled two slender cigarettes from his jacket pocket and stood with them spread between his fingers.
The car tasted like an ashtray smelled. Overpowering the second you entered but faded within a few minutes. The train was moving steadily, and the motion was pleasant.
“Have you ever had a Gauloises?” I didn’t know the French-sounding word, but I assumed it was the brand name for the cigarette. I tried to look as cool as I suddenly felt and shrugged.
“I'll try anything once.”
“Atta girl.” He laughed, and I blushed.
Did I really say that?
“Well, your majesty. You asked what I'm doing here, and I owe you a story.” He walked past me, lit his cigarette dramatically, and paused. I leaned forward so he could light mine. Then, I stepped left to take the closest seat. We were the only ones in the car.
The heavy-flow air vents meant to keep the smell to a minimum pumped at full volume in the foreground. I found my chest heaving, as I stared at his chiseled face and looked his body up and down in anticipation. I licked my lips once and had to stop myself from doing it a second time.
I looked down at the cigarette, then took a full drag with my eyes closed, before finding the courage to look at his face again
He saw my greedy look.
“Well,” he began, “it's embarrassing but…” he ashed his cigarette and took a drag, looking pained. “I went home early from work, today. Saw my wife in bed with another man. Neither of them saw me. They were very, uh, focused. " He said the word like it took him a moment to remember it, like it tasted bad.
My face softened, and I took another drag, hanging on his every word.
“Since they didn't see me, I left.” He shrugged. “I live about a mile from the train station. Took me half an hour to walk there. Maybe. I –" he looked in the eyes with deadly seriousness – “I didn't go straight there. Sort of wandered. I didn't mean to run, but when I saw the train station, I thought, why not hop the next one and go?”
“Wow,” I said finally, to fill the silence that followed. We both dragged on our French cigarettes; they were harsh and had an aftertaste I couldn't identify.
Stale, maybe. Leftovers from a trip to Paris a few weeks ago or something.
“Well, I would say I'm sorry, but that's a lie.” I spoke as bravely as I could. “I think maybe someday, you'll look back and won't be sorry either.”