Life on the Other side…”He grasped me firmly but gently just above my elbow and guided me into a room…”

He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring voice close to my ear.  "Just relax."

Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands start at my ankles, gently probing, and moving upward along my calves slowly but steadily.  My breath caught in my throat.  I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care.  His touch was so experienced, so sure.

When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and partly closed my eyes. My pulse was pounding.  I felt his knowing fingers caress my abdomen, my ribcage…  And then, as he cupped my firm, full breasts in his hands, I inhaled sharply.  Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine and into my panties.

Although I knew nothing about this man,  I felt oddly trusting and expectant.  This is a man, I thought.  A man used to taking charge.  A man not used to taking "No" for an answer.  A man who would tell me what he wanted.  A man who would look into my soul and say… "Okay Mam," said a voice, "All done."

My eyes snapped open and he was standing in front of me, smiling, holding out my purse.  "You can board your flight now."