Tefo kissed her on the lips in front of everybody. Then he said, “You look great. Where’d you get the gear?” Patricia shrugged and kissed him back.

“I’m glad you like my clothes,” she said, “but who was that woman who was all over you?”

“Ag, she’s nobody,” he said, glaring at the young woman who had now moved to the end of the table. “Clear off,” he said loudly, and everybody laughed. The young woman stood up and walked out of the bar.

Patricia was in her element. Tefo was absolutely gorgeous. He was tall, with broad shoulders, and he had the lean, muscular body of an athlete. His skin was so smooth and his features so perfect that his face could have been carved from polished wood. Everything about him exuded power: from his large, strong hands to the air around him, which seemed to crackle with electricity.

For a few moments Patricia was totally overwhelmed that such a man should show an interest in her. He was letting all his friends know that she was his girlfriend now.

“What would you like to drink?” he whispered in her ear.

Patricia looked around and saw that everybody at the table was drinking alcohol.

“I’d like a cider.” She’d never tasted one before, but there’s a first time for everything she thought, as she sat back and began to enjoy herself.

It was clear that Tefo was the leader of the group and everybody seemed to fight for his opinion and attention. Patricia felt very sophisticated sitting beside such an important guy. She knew that now everybody would treat her with great respect. She sipped her cider slowly. Tefo smiled and wrapped his arms about her.

“You make me happy, Patty. You don’t mind if I call you that?”

“No, of course not. I prefer Patty to Patricia. It’s more…” She was lost for a word.

“Sexy and exciting,” he said to her. “I’ve never known a young woman like you, Patty. You’re driving me wild in the gear you’re wearing. I didn’t know you had such good taste in clothes.”

“There’s lots you don’t know about me,” she replied, flirting openly with him.

“Well, I also like the fact that you don’t down those drinks like some women I know. I hate it when women get drunk. You pace yourself, which I like.”

“Well, to be honest, I’m not that used to drinking alcohol,” she admitted. The few drinks she had had were loosening her tongue. She would never usually have admitted such a thing.

“Nothing wrong with that,” he assured her, kissing her ear lobe. “It would be too bad if you drank so much you forgot all the fun we’re going to have tonight. Wouldn’t it?” he asked, with a twinkle in his eye.

***

Tell us what you think: What do you think Tefo is planning? Do you think Patricia is playing with fire?