“Because never in a million years did I think you’d answer me. I can’t believe how casual you are about sex.”
“Massage isn’t sex. It’s just a way to satisfy a physical need and release stress.”
I moved a little closer and lowered my voice. “If you really feel that way then how about you letmemassage you?”
“Are you qualified?”
“Very!”
“No, I mean did you have training?”
“Do you need training to finger a woman?” Putting out my hands in front of me I turned them around. “I have strong hands and I guarantee that my fingers are longer and bigger than any of the ones you’ve tried in the Motherlands.”
I expected her to move away or get offended, but Devina’s voice danced with humor. “There’s a technique to it and since you have no experience with massaging women, I don’t consider you qualified.”
“Then teach me.” There was a raw eagerness to my tone.
My eyes were fixed on her as she moved her body toward me and for a moment we just stared into each other’s eyes. We had done it before but always as a sort of power struggle when we disagreed. This time it was different and we both had small smiles on our faces.
“Please, Devina.” It came out as a whisper.
“Why would you want to?”
My eyes grew a little. “Why? Look around you. Most of these men will live a whole life without ever touching a woman’s soft skin. To massage you would be a dream.”
She looked thoughtful. “We’re not talking about sex, you understand that, right?”
My throat felt so tight like I was afraid of saying the wrong thing. If there was the slightest possibility that this beautiful woman would let me massage her, then I would die a happy man. “No, I know. Just a massage.”
Devina exhaled and looked around at the people passing us. “Maybe one day if we’re alone.”
“I can arrange for us to be alone any time you want to.”
For the first time, she nailed the obstinate teenage look when she crossed her arms and leaned back. “My altruistic nature feels that it’s only fair that I let you explore too. After all, you’re risking your life to let me research what it’s like on this side of the border. Letting you massage me seems like a minor thing, but I worry that you might not be able to control yourself if I’m naked in your hands.”
My Adam’s apple jumped in my throat. “Did you say naked?”
She looked away when she spoke. “Yeah. I know how strong you are and that if you decide to take it further than I wish to go, I won’t have a way to stop you.”
“You’re messing with me, aren’t you? You wouldn’t really be naked.”
She frowned. “Who gets massages with clothes on?”
“So, you’re not messing with me?” My hands ran through my hair. “I’m so confused.”
“Where I come from a massage requires that you take off all your clothes. Nudity isn’t a big deal to us, but if that makes you uncomfortable…”
“No!” I shook my head. “No, of course not. I mean, I’d probably be a little nervous, but damn… the thought alone.”
She sighed. “You’re making it sexual. I told you it’s not.”
Leaning back, I held up a hand. “No, it’s not. I promise!”
For a moment she didn’t speak, but just looked around us, taking in all the people walking in all directions. I was watching two men pranking their friend by pulling his pants down and laughing. They were young and foolish, but their friend laughed with them and tried to trip one of them up in retaliation. My attention was pulled back to Devina when she spoke again.
“This morning when you said that we Motlanders are asexual, I know you meant it as an insult, but it’s true. I mean, there are couples of course, but most of us fill our lives with friends and family.” The moment she said family a ghost of sadness swiped across her face.
To hide the sadness, she leaned her head back and drank more of the water.