Its late evening on a cold friday and I cannot wait for this workday to end. I can feel my self-control ebbing away with each meeting and with each new priority item added to my list. 'Everything new will have to wait till monday after I've recharged over the weekend.', I say to myself with conviction as I muster enough focus and finish up my last task. Stepping out from the weather-conditioned office, chill pierces my face like a million miniscule pinpricks. I pull the coat tighter around me and hurry to the comfort of my car. Its a quick drive home with the prospect of a warm bath keeping me distracted.

I run into you while parking. You've recently moved into the apartment downstairs, the only other one in our corner building. We've been meeting nearly everyday - out on a walk, an occasional breakfast together at the hotel's restaurant. We make small talk usually - about weather, work, food. You're a comfortable presence - easy to talk to and generous with the laughs. Of late, our conversations have turned deeper, with an undeniably tense undercurrent. Gaze held a moment too long, meandering conversations, casual touches, lights and shadows playing across your face...

Your soft voice brings me to the present. You offer a friendly smile, your kind eyes crinkling at the corners. We exchange pleasantries and I make my way up the small flight of stairs, eager to get indoors.

Home - calling it that would be a bit of a stretch. I moved to this country less than a month ago and work has put me up in a nice hotel apartment. Stepping in, an expanse of grey, beige, steel and silence greet me. It's a sleek open-plan living space with an adjoining kitchen, offset by french doors overlooking a manicured lawn. To my right are two bedrooms, each with an attached bath. The apartment is clearly made for a family; but currently, I'm its only occupant.

The heated floors warm my, now bare, feet but do nothing for my soul. I put my things away locking the door behind me, and step into the eerie quiet towards the kitchen. Fridge is nearly empty barring the essentials. I remind myself to go grocery shopping over the weekend and grab a quick snack. Dinner can wait, I need a warm bath first.

I flinch at the scalding water and grapple at the numerous controls adjusting the temperature as the bath fills up. I put on some music, shed my layers and sink into its warm embrace. The jets pound at my body washing the day away, and quieting the chatter in my mind.

I close my eyes letting focus shift inwards. My hands start exploring, almost instinctively, in response to my ache for a release. I cup my breasts, thumbs tracing circles around the nipples arousing them. Bending my knees, I angle my hips letting pressure from the jets tease my clit.

Allowing the jets to heighten my pleasure, I continue playing - cupping and kneading the breasts, fingers teasing nipples, nails digging into the soft flesh. A moan escapes my lips as I savour the gentle pain. Before I can stop myself, my mind brings up images of you. I imagine your stong arms wrapped around me, your hands and mouth eagerly exploring every inch of my body. My hand wanders south, fingers rubbing over my pulsing core and teasing the entrance.

I imagine your deep soft voice whispering dirty and urging me on. I pick up pace now, hips grinding to match the rhythm of my fingers. My back arches instinctively as my body trembles with an undeniable ache. I feel myself build to an incredible release and let go, allowing it to wash over me in waves. My body feels like a spring recoiling - held taut for too long and now releasing all the pent up energy. Gradually feeling my heart slow down, I step out and pat myself dry.

Still in a daze, I tread out to the kitchen to get some food, my gaze drifting absent-mindedly towards the lawn. I'm jolted awake by the sight of you, on phone and pacing. I freeze in place, my mind running a million miles per minute. Before I can move, you lift your head and look directly at me. The soft lights of the lawn illuminate your face. I see you freeze, your mouth open in surprise. You tear your eyes away just as I manage to retreat.

I plop face down into the bed, groaning, embarrassed and slowly processing everything that just happened. It's going be so awkward going forward, this was not the impression I wanted to make. I steel myself to face you tomorrow and apologise. Memories from a moment ago flood me; bringing with them guilt, but also undeniably, pleasure and excitement. Sleep comes too slow, but it's blissful and deep.