Even bad sex is good, but I wanted better. I wanted caring, tenderness, sensitivity. I wanted love. Sue me.

I don't believe in love at first sight.

Not for me, anyway. I need three dates. Exactly three.

The first date it's all physical attraction stuff. You know, tits, ass, face, eyes, butt. Shallow, but that's the way it is.

The second date is more cerebral. Conversation ability, opinions, beliefs, and so on. Of course, that first date stuff is interfering all over the place.

But it's the third date that matters. I mean, I can handle two dates with any girl on the planet, almost. But that third date is where it all happens. I've had time to consider the physical attraction, and the mental stimulation, and now I can just relax and be with the person. That's when I fall in love. It's only happened a couple of times before, and it didn't work out well either time, but this time I had high hopes.

So now you're saying, well who cares? You're a guy, aren't you? You have urges, right? So why aren't you telling me how you fucked her in the car on the way home, or spent the night in a merry meaningless shag at your place? Well, because I didn't, that's why.

It's not the way I do things. Oh, I've been there. I've had my share of desperate sex. And I'm not putting it down either. Even bad sex is good, but I wanted better. I wanted caring, tenderness, sensitivity. I wanted love. Sue me.

So here we were. I'd spent an evening at a restaurant with Sally, and two other friends. The archetypal double date. I'd never met her before, and was immediately impressed. She was twenty, a couple of years younger than me, and she was physically impressive. Seated at the table in tight jeans and a pale yellow tanktop, her nice breasts were displayed well, but not indecently, and her short black hair complemented her dark mysterious eyes, a contrast to her bright cheery smile, and sparkling voice. I have to mention her butt too. Perfectly wrapped in denim, it deserved an award.

See, I told you first dates were shallow.

Anyway, the dinner went well. The company was pleasant, as were the food and the wine. Dancing followed, and Sally's butt wiggled most impressively.

Eventually, I was driving her home in the early hours. Tired but happy. She was quiet most of the way home, and only got chatty when we got near her apartment.

"Zack, I had a great time tonight. You're a fun date."

"Yeah, I did too. Tell you what, I know the normal thing is to get your number and give you a call, but I'm not much for tradition. I can ask you now. Could we do it again? Just the two of us?"

"You want another date?"

"Yeah, why not?"

"I think I can manage that."

"Good."

And that was that. I arranged to pick her up on Tuesday evening for a movie, with dessert at a nice café afterward. No, she didn't ask me in, and I wouldn't have gone if she did. Well, I might have, but I'd like to think I could resist. She kissed me before she got out of the car though. Just a peck. Nice.

So are you up to date with the plan then? This is Second Date (or D2) we're talking about. The idea is to find out all about Sally. What she thinks, eats, says, believes, likes, hates. Cerebral, remember? Hell of a word, isn't it?

So anyway, Tuesday rolled around, and work was so-so. I went home and had a quick meal, dressed in what I hoped was appropriate, and went to pick up Sally.

Now I know this is Second Date, but I have to tell you this. She looked gorgeous. Truly. Same eyes and hair (well, you'd expect that, wouldn't you?) but no jeans tonight. She was dressed in a short peasant dress, floral. Did I mention short? Now on some girls this would look like a sack, on others it brings the word 'whore' to mind, but not this girl. She just looked wonderful.

Enough of that. I picked her up and we headed for a suburban movie theatre in my car. We were going to watch a romantic comedy. Why? Well, it's the best compromise. You can't take someone you just met to an erotic masterpiece, or at least I can't. Action heroes are out, because you don't want to be seen in a bad light. Serious drama might just bore her silly, and you can't go to a serious romance, because that is plain psycho for this point in the relationship. That's Fourth Date stuff, anyway.

So how was the movie? It was alright. The company? Great.

Then it was supper time. This is the crunch for D2. We had dessert. Blueberry something-or-other. Nice, but I was preoccupied. Then coffee, and chat. I was overwhelmed, frankly. Sally had an opinion on anything that came up, but was never so fixed in her stand that she wouldn't listen. She was interested in everything, to say nothing of vibrant and vivacious. Those two words belong together, right?

So anyway, that got the big tick, at least from me. It was all feeling good, but I wondered how the flipside looked. After all, I got to spend the evening with a sexy, sparkling young lady. She only had me. She seemed happy enough though, so I just had to hope.

Eventually - and quite late - I drove her home again. This time we chatted all the way to her place, and she asked me in for a coffee. No, I don't know either. This could have meant 'coffee', or it could have meant 'fuck'. Either way, I was only up for the hot drink. Don't criticise until you see if it works out.

So we had coffee, and then I went home. Oh, she kissed me properly this time. Not improperly, but properly. Very nice. And then I arranged D3.

"Hey Sally, I had a great time tonight. That's the second time. I was wondering if I could stretch a point, and ask you again?"

"I was hoping you would. I had so much fun. You're great to talk to Zack."

See, that's what happens when you don't try to rape them in the theatre. Take note.

"That's a relief. Well listen, I have to work late tomorrow and Thursday, but what about Friday? We can have a nice dinner somewhere perhaps."

"That sounds great. Maybe after that we could go dancing again?"

"Yeah, that's a good idea. Best you give me another kiss so I don't forget."

"Uh huh. I can't say I'm against the idea, but don't make excuses."

"Okay. Please kiss me again. I like it."

"That's better."

And she did.

"Zack?"

"Mmhmm?"

"Listen, um, would you like to stay?"

Ooh, that was where it got tough. But I was determined to stick with the original plan. "Ah, I know this will come out wrong, but no. I mean, I do want to. I really want to, but I don't think I should."

"You sure?"

She looked very, very sexy then, and I desperately wanted to stay. My body was keen on the idea as well. I could tell from the pressure in my trousers. "I'm sure. I want this to be perfect when it happens."

"Oh, it's going to happen?"

"I want it to. But not now. It wouldn't be right. I better go."

"Okay. Jeeze, you're not very traditional, are you?"

"No, I'm not, but I better go, before I change my mind. I can't pretend I'm not tempted."

"Okay, I won't ask again. At least, not tonight." With a grin.

And I left. Now don't get me wrong. I've got a sex drive like anyone else. I wanted to stay. God, I wanted to. When I got home, my cock was still hard with the thought of it. I needed to take care of it so I could get some sleep, and I came so hard it hurt.

Friday took forever to arrive. I kept thinking about Sally, and the way she smiled at me. And how I turned down her offer. Work was busy thank goodness, and that helped considerably.

But eventually it was time to pick Sally up. As she opened the door, I realised just how beautiful she was. This time she was wearing a top and skirt. Very elegant. And sexy as hell.

We stopped for a kissing break at that point, and damn near didn't make it to dinner. Then I remembered my plan, and managed to distract myself long enough to make a break for the car, dragging Sally by the hand.

A table was booked at a nice restaurant, and we arrived more or less on time. The food was great, and the conversation was better. Sally looked absolutely gorgeous, and kept rubbing my leg with hers, under the table. It was all I could do to eat. Around the time that dessert arrived, I fell in love. Truly. Up until then, I had been with a very attractive woman, and I wanted to make love to her more than anything, but now it was different. I couldn't explain it if I tried, but it felt different.

Suddenly Sally looked me in the eye, and smiled. "Zack, what's the matter?"

"Huh? Nothing sweetie. I'm having a great time."

"But you went all thoughtful then for a moment."

"I'll explain it to you one day."

"Oh, alright. Listen Zack, do you mind if we don't go dancing?"

"Eh? Oh no, that's alright. Would you like me to take you home?" Shit, what had I done?

"Yeah, I would. And then I want you to take me to bed, if that's alright."

"Sorry?"

"You heard me. I want you inside me. Let's go."

"Hold it. Why are you talking like that?"

"Because it will work. I'm so horny I can hardly stand it. Come on."

And so we left. Paid the bill, and hit the road.

And you know what? Sally was chatty all the way back. No more mention of lovemaking, but talk about work, and family and stuff. I was quiet. Thinking. I had no intention of turning down her offer this time.

Fairly soon the car was parked, and we were in Sally's apartment.

"Zack, would you like a coffee?"

"No thanks Sally. I'd rather make love if it's all the same to you."

"God, I'm glad you said that. I'm so hot..."

I grabbed her quickly, and kissed her hard. My hands were stroking her whole body, and she was sighing as we stood there. My trousers were becoming very constricting as I picked her up and carried her to the bedroom.

Dropping her gently on the bed, I gently caressed her face with my hands. She sighed as my fingers moved down to her neck and shoulders, and relaxed more on the bed.

"Take my clothes off Zack."

"You sure?"

"Oh yeah. Hurry though honey."

I sat her up gently, and pulled her top over her head, exposing her stomach, and a sexy black bra. I unclipped the bra neatly, despite my shaking hands, and released her breasts from their prison. Laying her back gently, I kissed from her neck down to her breasts, and delicately kissed one of her nipples.

"Oh God. Do that some more. I love that."

So I kept caressing her nipple with my tongue, and stroked the other one with my thumb.

"Ooh, that's nice. You gotta take my skirt off though Zack."

So I had to give up the nipples for a bit, and undid the skirt. I find this undressing process very erotic, and my trousers were straining with the pressure. Sally was down to a pair of black panties now, and as I grabbed the elastic to pull them off, she lifted her cute bottom from the bed, and wriggled to help. And there she was, bare and sighing, her legs slightly apart, her eyes shut.

Returning my attention to her nipples, I squeezed them both in my fingers, gently but firmly, and as I continued to manipulate them, I kissed her cleavage, and then slowly moved my mouth down towards the thatch between her legs. As I got closer, she started to shiver, and I stopped.

"Ooh, don't stop love. Keep going."

"Just checking," and I returned to the task.

Sally bent her legs, and opened her knees, presenting me with a perfect view of the damp petal of her womanhood. I lowered my mouth to her moistness, and slowly licked her pinkness all over. As my mouth touched her clitoris, she jumped, and groaned.

"Oh, you can do that the rest of the night Zack."

"No I can't. But for a while...."

And I returned my mouth, and caressed lightly over the clit, speeding up slightly as I went. As my tongue strokes got faster, so did Sally's movement. Writhing under me, she was groaning loudly, and as I returned my hands to her breasts, her breath came quicker, and suddenly she was arching her back, and screaming, as her legs squeezed my head until it hurt. She convulsed violently, shuddering and groaning in climax.

"Oh Zack, stop it Zack. God, that was good. You should have that tongue licensed. Come up here and kiss me properly."

I had a lot more in mind than kissing, but it was a good way to calm her down, so I complied. As my lips met hers, her tongue invaded my mouth, searching for mine, and twining tenderly with it. After a while, I removed my mouth from hers in order to speak.

"Sally, you are a very sexy woman. You know that?"

"I'm not normally Zack. It's your fault. I didn't want to tell you before, but after those other two dates, I had to masturbate because you wouldn't make love to me. I've never felt so erotic in my life."

"Well, you weren't the only one Sally."

"I wasn't? God, I don't think I normally have that effect on people. Listen, I want you in me Zack. I want you to fill me. Please?"

"You don't have to plead. I'm so hard I can barely move."

"But I want to be on top. I want to watch you."

"Yeah? Well, alright. Get up then."

" You lie down. I want to undress you."

"Great service here."

"Shut up. I'm ogling"

I lay on the bed, and she looked down at my trousers. "By God boy, you gotta do something about that." And gently unzipped my fly, and reached in and removed my penis. I nearly exploded on the spot, but managed to hold off.

Then she removed my shirt, and undid and removed my trousers and boxers.

"That's better. You ready?"

"Oh yeah. More than."

She climbed up on the bed, and squatted over me, leaning down to kiss my face. I put my hands up to her shoulders, and slowly rubbed the base of her neck, with the very tip of my fingers.

"Ooh, you know what? It wouldn't matter if that appendage of yours were no use at all. I'd put up with you just for your fingers and tongue."

"Don't threaten me like that."

"Don't worry. I'll make up for it."

Wriggling back slightly, and sitting up, she slowly lowered herself near where all my blood was collecting. Then, she put the very tip of it inside her. I could feel the moist warmth envelop me momentarily, and then she lifted herself again. Then suddenly she pushed herself down hard, and I was completely inside.

Sitting still for a moment, she smiled down at me. "You have no idea what this feels like."

"Oh, I do. I can feel you all around me. You're very hot down there."

"Don't I know it."

As she started to move again, I looked down and could see my penis appearing and disappearing as it smoothly slid in and out, a layer of silvery mucus the only thing between us. Skin sliding on hot wet skin. Muscles providing just the right stimulation. As the rhythm developed, I started to thrust gently, and then not so gently in time with her movements. I looked up to see Sally's face all red and contorted. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing Zack. Come inside me honey, please."

"Oh, you bet. I'm nearly there."

"So am I hon. I'm holding off for you."

"No need Sally. I'm about ready to burst here."

Sally's speed increased, as did my heart rate, and my butt was lifting off the bed in answering thrusts as I answered my body's call to action.

Just as the pleasure was rounding the point toward pain, and Sally's groans were starting to sound desperate, I felt the signs of imminent orgasm.

"Now Sally." Quietly, but urgently.

"Oh, yes, now Zack. Now!" Loud, brash and husky.

And we both exploded. My penis pulsing uncontrollably inside her, as her muscles squeezed me hard. Each movement teasing the other's nerves, we shuddered slowly and loudly to a stop, Sally collapsed on top of me, as I lay panting, still inside her, the pulses slowing to a dull reminder of recent violence. Her hot breasts on my chest, her smiling face on my shoulder.

"Oh Sally, why didn't you tell me how nice that would be. I would have stayed the first night."

"Well, I'm pleased you didn't. The anticipation was great, and you lived up to it. How about a shower, and see if you're up to a rematch?"

"I'm not too sure I can handle a relationship like this Sally. After all, this is only our third date."

"Yeah, I know Zack, but you know what? I always fall in love on the third date. Always the third." And she kissed me again.

Jul 2006
Saucy
      GBF: Sank you. :-)

Jun 2006
very, very, sexy. and complete.
      GBF: Thanks. I do TRY to finish things...

Jun 2006
Nice and Sexy.
      GBF: Thanks

May 2006
You have a winner here. As Dr. Frankenfurter said in "Rocky Horror Picture Show": "I can't stand the antici.....PATION!" I liked the way you built up the story as foreplay in itsself. Bravo!
      GBF: Thanks for that. Yeah, it's high the list of faves.

May 2006
Sex is just SOoo much better when there is strong emotion fuelling it.... I like the term "damp petal of womanhood"... very creative!
      GBF: Many thanks.

Apr 2006
Priceless! Short, titillating, with a wonderful ending. You keep surpising with new twists in your stories. Thank you for entertaining us.
      GBF: Great. Us?

Apr 2006
Reading your stuff has become a special treat that I give myself. I get some chocolate, make myself ahem, comfortable, and settle down to experience some great writing. Not trashy, not vulgar - good stories with great sex. Thanks!
      GBF: What, and no email address so I can thank you?

Apr 2006
Nice romance, and anticipation.
      GBF: And that's all? :-)

Jan 2006
pretty goood pretty girl
      GBF: pretty brief

Jan 2006
Animals fuck, but humans are capable of making love. There is a time for both, but now that I'm getting old, I prefer much more to make love. Slow is good. Wham, bam, thank you mam, is not so good. Your stories are about making love.
      GBF: I thought you were telling me off there for a start...

Dec 2005
Hot, romantic. Beautiful. Thank you.
      GBF: No, thank YOU.

Dec 2005
good story with some humor. I liked it.

Dec 2005
I think it is wonderful. What a sexy date.......Thanks
      GBF: Thanks

Nov 2005
I am supposed to be working but you have sucked me in. Enjoying your writing too much.
      GBF: Can I stop work too, then?

Aug 2005
oh my god, oh my god. That was so good, do it again? Thanks Gentle, was it as good for you as it was for me?
      GBF: How can I tell? Thanks though.

Jul 2005
This AGAIN among my top favorites. I just love the romance and anticipation you prestent in your stories, it makes them all that more erotic. DEFINITELY A RE-READ. And although my husband doesn't read these all, I am sure he is just as appreciative.
      GBF: Thanks AGAIN!

Jul 2005
Love it. Anticipation is the sauce of life
      GBF: Sauce? Source? :-)

Jul 2005
Oh God, Gentle, you are SOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooo fucking good........that was absolutely wonderfulllllllll, love it.....Every story I read of yours you get better and better......yummmmmmmmm, don't stop now....chuckle....Oh, and THANK YOU!!!!
      GBF: I'm not sure if I should say thanks, or call the cops! :-)

Jul 2005
You've got a gift for packing maximum punch into a minimum of prose. Great story!
      GBF: Thanks for that. I'm just lazy! :-)

Jun 2005
I actually knew 'Sally.' Sadly I was not nearly as savvy as Zach. Thanks so very much for the pleasant memory of a place and time more than 25 years ago. I hope that 'Sally' is well and happy. And all the best to the writer
      GBF: Thanks a lot. You know this is all pretend. Right? Of course you do...

May 2005
What to say? Your stories are such a turn on! I like these girls speaking for themselves. I cannot wait not to be single and do just the same.
      GBF: You want to read 'Splat!' then. :-)

Apr 2005
Every time I take the time to come to your site i am pleasantly surprised. Sometimes, I'll read a bunch of stories and sometimes just one. oh, for a perfect world...
      GBF: It doesn't exist, worse luck. Thanks for the kind comments.

Mar 2005
this story was romantic, sweet and real cute how they connect like they do.
      GBF: Well men and women always connect like that...:-)

Feb 2005
Outstanding! I gave it a 10.
      GBF: Thanks.

Feb 2005
My God! Another prize-winner. Terrific writing, romantic, erotic without vulgarity, and thoroughly believable. I gave it another ten.
      GBF: See, now I REALLY wish you'd included an email address, just so I could thank you properly.

Jan 2005
Way to go Sally and Zack!!!!! That was great to read. Perfect ending for Perfect Sex.
      GBF: Perfect review!

Jan 2005
This was THE perfect falling in love story. There was something magical about the third date that made the story believable. And the story had great sex, very believable and (to me) exciting. Deffinitely a 10!
      GBF: Oh, give me an email address after saying such nice things, and I could thank you properly!

Dec 2004
Oh my! What a wicked sense of humor you have. I loved this story! The last two sentences I was absolutely not expecting. What a pleasant surprise. Keep pen in hand.

Dec 2004
MMM! My Pussy is throbbing!!
      GBF: That was the idea, but thanks for letting me know.

Dec 2004
You have a wonderful way with words that also bring wonderful images along with them. I can imagine what your characters are actually feeling as your stories go along. This is a rare but to be treasured talent. I love the things you write and look forw
      GBF: Wow, thank you very much.

Nov 2004
Your words were a picture in my mind. Beauiflly written and well "laid out". Welldone.
      GBF: why thank you.

Nov 2004
You are still tooo predictable but your stories are great. There is no mystery in your date-plan. But your description of first sex between the new couple is great. In my days (I'm 67) it took 10 to 20 dates to get to the 3 that Zack and Sally needed.
      GBF: You're still rather critical, but you make up for it, so thanks! :-)

Oct 2004
Well, Jack has a good formula for dating and I could see that it could work. Sally confirmed my suspicions. You described it beautifully. Taking one's time doen't seem to be the norm anymore but you made it delightful. Sensual, slow and erotic. Very n
      GBF: Nope, sorry. Not this time.

Sep 2004
Your "Sally" popped up on the 'recommended reading' at SoL, so I had a look. Yet another damned good read! For my own sanity I have to think that you have a primo stable of editors -- being a repressed editor myself, I usually have part of my mind in t
      GBF: Thanks. I'm afraid I have to take all the blame for that one...

Sep 2004
YOUR STORIES ARE GREAT...VERY EROTIC YET NATURAL ..HAVE TO GO READ THEM ALL...ARE U FEM?MALE? AGE? WHAT DO U LOOK LIKE?
      GBF: You do that. Not telling. Terrible.

Sep 2004
Just re-reading this. I've only recently found you, but I really like your style of erotica (as opposed to anything harder and - uhmm - more muddy. Grimy?). Anyway, I like the soft touch and the gentle revelation. Not to mention the command of language.
      GBF: Not at all. And thank you.

Sep 2004
Okay, another goddamn great story by Gentlebutfirm. You're going to think I compliment all writers like this. I love it. I'm going to read it again. _Where_ are you getting all this? Will you lend your muse to Frank Downey for a few chapters (since h
      GBF: Hell, Frank doesn't need anything I have, but if he wants it, go for it.

Sep 2004
Sweet short-short story. Good communication between the characters...which is what it's all about anyway.

Aug 2003
I could say good romance, but you went a step further. Erotic friendship? Warmth? Something that's very rarely present in erotica...the sort of mood that leaves one with a smile as well as excitement of other sorts. Definitely looking forward to your

Aug 2003
Wow! Literacy and sex with an emotion in the mix!! Good job! LP

Aug 2003
Very nice! A good blend of romance and sex. Good writing throughout. I like the character of Zack. Here's a guy who wants more than meaningless sex, sets and follows his own rules, and is generally believable.

Aug 2003
Excellent.... More

Aug 2003
good story!

Aug 2003
Anywho, good story. Somewhat on the short side, but you inserted quite a bit of quality and character build into a what turns out to be a nice little romantic week for 2 people. I hope to read more from you, keep up the great work. (You may now af

Aug 2003
great story! keep it up!:-)

Aug 2003
TO SHORT BUT A GOOD WELL WRITTEN READ......KEEP WRITING!!!!

Aug 2003
Another winner...solid 9...I so like your short, short stories would be interesting to see what you could do with a lengthier piece...give us more than a taste of these interesting characters and maybe a bit more give and take in the relationship. Don't

Aug 2003
Pretty good stuf and some humor too. Gave it a 10. It's good entertainment. Thanks

Wow! The anticipation worked for me too! A terrific story. I'll read this one over and over. It's one of the rare stories I'll keep for years. Thanks for this one."