The Perils of Mandy Ch. 03

"Thank you so much, guys," she said, sitting down to change back into her own shoes.

"Catherine Destivelle," said one of the climbers, in an awestruck voice.

Philippe started to explain, "That is a compliment, Amanda, for Catherine Destivelle was..."

"A legend," Mandy exclaimed. "A free climber who scaled impossible cliffs all over the world with little or no equipment. That is a compliment I surely don't deserve," she told the man who had uttered it, "but thank you just the same."

"Lady Catherine's early training was here in the Forêt de Fontainebleau, and perhaps her spirit has lodged itself in you," said the guy who had loaned the shoes. He gave her his card, which proclaimed he was a bouldering guide. "If you should feel so inclined again, Mlle Amanda, I should be happy to introduce you to other sites of interest. Who knows, perhaps if we work together to enhance your evident skills, you may follow in the footsteps of the immortal Catherine."

Back at their picnic, Mandy noticed Philippe smiling to himself, and asked him what he found humorous.

"First, let me say how very impressed I am. When you began that venture, having no idea of your prior experience, I admit to some concern. It was not long to realize your physical agility matches your skills in intellect, music, and overall grace. I should not be finding humor in the guide's offer to introduce you to other sites of interest and help you develop your skills, but his interest in you was very evident, perhaps motivated by your physical charms as well as your climbing abilities. Forgive me."

Mandy laughed. "You said nothing offensive. As a matter of fact, I picked up on the vibes, and played him a little to get use of the chalk and shoes."

It was Philippe's turn to laugh. "I failed to praise your cunning, as well. Let us celebrate it by continuing our feast." He produced grapes, an apple, and buttery quiche lorraine pastry, as well as a bottle of white wine and two actual stemmed glasses. Mandy continued to marvel at the thoroughness of his picnic preparations.

The wine was sipped slowly over the course of the afternoon, long after the food was consumed, as they reclined against the large tree, their free hands occasionally joining. Perhaps the wine overcame her inhibitions and loosened her tongue.

"There is something I'm curious about," she said. "Actually, a couple of things." He waited. "Is it a hobby of yours to show American students around and treat them to gourmand feasts?"

"It is not a hobby," he grinned. "It is a pleasure - with some American students - the ones who show interest in French culture and have extraordinary potential in music and... have other qualities that make it a pleasure to be around."

"Surely there must be several French ladies who are interested, have potential, and are fun to be around," she said coyly. "How do you find time for us Americans also?"

His smile showed that he sensed what was on her mind. "I am fortunate to have met nice ladies from all nationalities, whose company it is agreeable to share occasionally, but there are none at present with whom I have established a committed relationship, and none as interesting as the expatriate of French blood I am currently pleased to share time with." His smile broadened, the laugh lines around his eyes quite evident. She beamed in return. Only a few inches separated their faces.

"May I return your affectionate caress of the lips from the previous night?" he asked.

"I would be disappointed if you didn't," she replied. Her voice sounded somewhat husky to her own ears.

They leaned forward, and their lips touched. As kisses go it was not a passionate one, tongues staying in place in the mouths they belonged to, hands staying in place and not roaming, but it lasted a few seconds and was stimulating nonetheless, Mandy thought.

"I'm so happy John didn't have to call you," she said when they separated. He looked confused. She laughed, realizing how idiotic that must have sounded. "You deserve an explanation. Last night John and I talked online. I told him I had become very fond of you and gave you a goodnight kiss; also that I had the impression you wanted to kiss me earlier, and I wondered why you had not." She looked at him a little shyly.

"You talked with your boyfriend about this?"

"The subject was a little tense, but we have an understanding not to blindside one another - to let the other person know if we are feeling an attraction toward someone else."

"Amazing," Philippe said. "You are perhaps the most genuine person I have ever known. And I am delighted to hear you are attracted to me. But how did John react to what you told him."

"He was a little uncomfortable but tried to cover it with humor. He joked that perhaps you were shy, and asked did I want him to call you and say I wanted to be kissed. Of course, he wouldn't have done that. He said it as a joke, and actually, was trying very hard to be cool with what I was telling him. But..." She suddenly felt foolish and stumbled for words. "Anyway, I'm happy you realized what I wanted, and... well, that's why I blurted out what I did."

Philippe was smiling. "I did want to kiss you yesterday," he confessed. "Earlier than that, to be truthful. I find you immensely attractive, Amanda. I have not attempted more familiarity because I know that you are committed to John, and I do not want to complicate your relationship. I want you to have only good feelings for me, and when you return to your country, only good memories."

She brushed a loose lock of his hair back into place. "I think it's too late to avoid complications," she said, "and I don't think my feelings for you could be any better. Nor is it likely they would be diminished by anything you do."

She leaned toward him and their lips joined again, more intensely this time, gums mashing, then tongues tentatively exploring. She felt his arms enfold her, hands caressing her back, her breasts pressing against his chest as her arms went over his shoulders and around his neck. This time when they finally broke the clinch, they were both breathing heavily and looking intensely at each other. Two children walking past on the path giggled, breaking the spell. Mandy noticed that the boulderers were also casting sideways glances in their direction, grinning at one another.

Philippe spoke first. "I suggest we try to compose ourselves before this evolves into something more than kissing, and we shock the public."

She laughed, nodding, as they sat back against the tree. Mandy reflected that her panty felt moist. She looked surreptitiously at his crotch, noticing the shorts more stretched than before. Surely some public displays of affection are allowable, she thought, leaning sideways so her head rested against his shoulder and their hands joined. They remained that way for a long while, talking very little.

* * *

Evening was settling in as the train got back to Paris. Philippe asked if she wanted to share dinner at a bistro, but she shook her head, saying her hunger was still in check from his picnic feast. He walked her to the door of her residence, where they faced each other, both hands together.

"I wonder if... what is it Americans say... if we should 'chill' a little, reflect on today," Philippe said. "I selfishly hesitate to say this. Your affections are most welcome. But you should think about limits you may wish to set, perhaps talk with John, so that you and I may continue as friends, at least, above all."

"You are such a dear man," she said, letting go of his hands and putting her palms on each side of his face. She could not resist kissing him again, and he put his arms around her. They held it for a few seconds before she turned to go inside, and he began to walk away. She looked over her shoulder to see he had stopped and was gazing back at her.

"Make sure you are a good student and find time to practice for the music debut at Chez Luc et Amis," he called out, with one of his big smiles. He turned and walked briskly away.

Bounding up the stairs, she felt almost as high as if they had been toking rather than picnicking. She was now sure that he was as attracted to her as she was to him. During the ride back she had been considering how to react if he had asked her up to his apartment - she may well have gone - but instead, he advised her to consider limits and talk to her boyfriend. He wanted her friendship even more than her body. What an amazing guy, she thought.

Julie was beaming at her when she entered the door. "Such a happy demeanor. I think perhaps you will deny no longer that Philippe is more than just your tour guide. It does you no good to deny." Julie added she had observed their approach while sitting on the shadowed balcony outside the room. "That was a meaningful kiss," she said. "I allow no more than a week before you reserve this room to entertain your guest in private, or perhaps you tour his apartment and fail to come home one night."

Mandy laughed, then fell back on her bed, looking at the ceiling. "He may be the most romantic man I have ever met," she told Julie. Then, because a woman needs to share such special experiences, told all about her time at the chateau and at the forest, Philippe's generosity and thoughtfulness.

"He is trying to, as the Americans say, sweep you off your feet," Julie said. "Men can be very generous and thoughtful when they wish to bed you."

"But if that's their only goal, do they usually advise you to consult your boyfriend and consider setting limits?"

Julie shrugged. "They may if they think such noble sentiments will advance their cause and the lady will ignore the advice anyway."

That might be something to think about. Julie was no stranger to the ways of men.

"You haven't said anything about your own activities lately," Mandy said. "You failed to come home last night."

"I was with a guy I met during one of my performances at the club," Julie said. "He described me as the most beautiful, enticing woman he has ever met, which of course is a lie but goes well with a full course meal at a gourmet restaurant and the opening of a major play. So I stayed over at his apartment and gave him something nice in return."

Mandy reflected that Julie's outlooks and habits were more cynical, utilitarian, and pragmatic than her own.

Her Skype with John that night was short. She told him about Philippe's picnic basket and her bouldering experience. He asked about "the status of kissing in France."

"No longer an issue," she admitted. "Things are heating up. I find him very attractive, and he seems to feel the same about me." She paused a moment but continued when John did not say anything. "But get this: Philippe actually proposed a cooling-off period. He said he didn't want to complicate my relationship with you, and you and I should talk. He actually wants my friendship more than my body."

John nodded, looking thoughtful. "Have to admit," he said at last, "it would please me if he had just your friendship and not your body." He sighed. "But these are things for you to decide. I want you to be happy, and I appreciate not being blindsided."

"I would never do that," she said tenderly. "But we should decide how detailed you want me to be if things keep developing the way they are. If I'm too explicitly honest, it might hurt you as much as being blindsided, and I don't want to do that either."

"Yeah, there are things I want to know, but some things I don't want to hear in detail. Maybe don't want to hear at all," he acknowledged.

After some small talk, they ended the conversation. She felt the need to run everything by a BFF, and Julie did not fit, so she went out on the balcony to Skype Kay, bringing her former roomie up to date on her adventures with Philippe and the evolving conflict in her heart.

"I can't tell you what to do," Kay said. "It sounds like you and Philippe are getting closer to the deed. If I was over there and met a stand-up dude like him, it might have already happened. It's good you're being honest with John, with both of them. It's also important that you be honest with yourself. Let's look at it this way - if you had never hooked up with John you wouldn't be thinking twice about taking on Philippe, right?"

"I think that's correct."

"So John is sort of like a snag at this point."

"No, I can't think of him that way. John has been wonderful. I don't know if it will be forever with him, but I wouldn't want to have missed experiencing him."

"I'm not trying to undermine John," Kay said. "I love both of you guys and think you're good together. It's just that, as you yourself have said, sometimes there is another road to take. If you stop right now with Philippe, call it off, will that be something you'll always think about, maybe regret?" Mandy didn't answer. Kay continued, "The new road may be too interesting to pass up. Who knows what great place it may take you? Or, on the other hand, it may just dead end, in which case you could go back and try the old route again, which might look better than ever. Or might not. But anyway, you will have had an interesting side trip and a greater database for mapping roads to take in the future."

Mandy was silent, and Kay asked, "Did all that make any sense? Considering my own boyfriend misadventures, I'm not the best relationship counselor. The most important thing is what you're already doing - being upfront with your men and yourself.

"I get the point, and it is worth thinking over, so thanks," Mandy said. "Speaking about roads, how is your trip going with James."

"I sort of feel we've crested the hill and are just going to roll along as friends," Kay said. "He's a nice guy, a good player, but the high notes just aren't there."

"So, as we also talked about at my going away party, that leaves you free to comfort John for me if need be," Mandy suggested.

"I am appreciating John more and more, but let's not go there right now," Kay replied.

Classes occupied much of her time and thoughts in the ensuing week. Philippe found her Thursday and suggested they put together a playlist for the debut at Luc's. She had not given much thought to it, since Chez Luc et Amis was not as intimidating as the cabaret she had been introduced to by the headmaster, but she was glad for his suggestions since she wanted to perform adequately. She was even happier when he offered to accompany her on some songs. They went through a few numbers and found they worked well together on their timing. His voice was as nice as the rest of him, or at least what she knew about the rest of him.

* * *

Mandy's debut the next evening exceeded her expectations. Philippe accompanied her well on vocals and played piano while she concentrated on the guitar. They took a break after a half-hour, inviting bistro customers to take the stage with their own guitars and wind instruments. A few did. When it quieted down again, they resumed entertaining with another set, which inspired a new crop of customers to take to the stage. Luc made good on his promise of a tasty dinner for his new professionals, and they were able to relax with wine for another interlude.

It was mostly a young crowd, and as it got closer to closing time Mandy and Philippe transitioned from lively ballads to more romantic ones. On their final number, Mandy found herself looking at Philippe behind the keyboard, as she soloed on Carly Simon's Anticipation.

... And I tell you how easy it feels to be with you

How right your arms feel around me.

But I rehearsed those words just late last night

When I was thinking about how right tonight might be.

Anticipation, Anticipation

Is making me late

Is keeping me waiting

And tomorrow we might not be together

I'm no prophet, No, I don't know nature's way

So I'll try to see into your eyes right now

And stay right here, 'cause these are the good old days.

When the song ended, Philippe was looking earnestly at her, and Mandy realized she had been doing the same at him. It was as if she had been singing directly to him. She had completely forgotten the audience until it erupted in applause, which snapped both of them out of their near-trance, and they acknowledged the appreciation. Luc bounded up on the small stage, also applauding as he reminded customers that the duo of Amanda and Philippe would be a regular feature on weekends, and to tell all their friends.

On the way back to the Institute, they left public transportation to stroll the Champs-Élysées, where in the nighttime brilliance Mandy saw why Paris was called the City of Lights. They walked slowly, hand in hand. Standing in front of her dorm, she did not want the night to end. It must have shown because Philippe scarcely missed a beat in guiding her further. They came to the administrative apartment building on a side street off the quadrangle.

"My humble abode," he said. "It does not have the magnificent lighting of the route we traversed tonight, but there is comfort for two people who wish to pass more time with one another. May I introduce you to it?"

She threw her arms around him and pressed her lips against his in a passionate kiss.

"I surmise that my suggestion meets with your favor," he said, somewhat breathlessly, after they broke their clutch.

They entered Philippe's first-floor apartment. He helped her off with her wrap, then conducted a brief tour. There was a small sitting room and tiny kitchenette. All was neat and clean. "The bedroom and bath are through there," he said.

"I want to see the bedroom," Mandy said.

"You are sure?" She could tell he hoped so and was struggling to be polite as usual. She nodded affirmatively, and they fell into another embrace. Mandy thought of the lyrics in their final song. She had decided to accept "nature's way."

Philippe was both passionate and gentle as a lover. Passionate in his rush to shed his clothing and help relieve Mandy of hers, gentle in the follow-up. Both naked, they continued to kiss as they stretched out on his bed, and their hands began exploring new places on their bodies. He went slowly, cupping her breasts, lightly pinching her nipples, bringing his mouth to them, while extending hand and fingers to caress the vital spots between her legs, ready to retreat at any stage if she seemed anxious or displeased.

She was actually bolder than him at first, taking hold of his maleness, looking intensely at his handsome body and face. She had to restrain herself from jumping him, deciding it was better to let him direct the pace in a measured manner, as with their other recent activities. And it was wonderful to let him have his way, his hands expertly stimulating her in the right places, increasing the pleasure and anticipation. But even so, she thought to herself, "Oh, get to it, Philippe." She was as ready as she had ever been for carnal delight.

Fortunately, he was as sensitive as ever to her wants, and also his thoughtful, cordial self.

"You wish me to don a condom?" he asked, an intense look on his handsome face.

"Not necessary. I'm still on birth control," she replied, stroking his arm.

He positioned himself and she felt him enter her gently. A small gasp escaped her lips, and he withdrew a little before sinking in again, deeper. She closed her eyes and murmured her pleasure, as he continued the pattern, until finally, he was totally inside her, their pubes meshing together. She opened her eyes and found his gazing into hers, a smile on his face, the laugh wrinkles standing out.

"You are so beautiful," he said.

"So are you," she responded. "A beautiful man with a beautiful soul. Now, let's forget how beautiful we are and baisons."

He laughed. "Your French vocabulary has grown," and began rising and falling. "Is this acceptable."