Beauties and the Belt

BEAUTIES AND THE BELT

by Karate Kitten

I had just finished breaking down the last of my moving boxes when the little yellow walkie talkie on the window sill chirped at me suddenly. My sister’s voice crackled out of the speaker telling me dinner was ready. This was getting old fast. I hadn’t gotten a new cell phone yet and this was the best method of communication we could come up with. So until I got to the mall, I was stuck feeling like Secret Squirrel.

I had lost my job in Indiana when the credit card company I worked for out sourced my job overseas. For the first time since I was 15, I found myself unemployed and in an unfriendly job market. My sister Sue and her husband were living in Tampa and had just bought a beautiful home near the beach with a guest house. She insisted I move in with them and try my luck in sunny Florida. I was 3 years older than her and felt a little embarrassed at the thought of leaning on my baby sister. But I had to be honest with myself, I wasn’t happy where I was and I had enough of freezing winters and drab overcast days. Florida was an appealing option. Before I lost by job, things had begun to get difficult at work anyway. A busy body co-worker of mine saw me out on a date with a woman named Michelle. Things were going well that evening, I’d had more than a few glasses of wine and I had made the mistake of kissing her in a crowded bar. By Monday morning, my name was being whispered behind everyone’s hand. The men gave me creepy smiles and knowing nods and the other women scurried out of the bathroom whenever I walked in. Being gay in a small town wasn’t an easy thing and I needed a new crowd, so to Florida I went.

The guest house was a finished space above a 2 car garage. It was carpeted, had central air and plenty of space. My sister and I had always gotten along and her husband and I had a long history of good natured razzing. It was also nice to finally be able to get to know my niece and nephew. The family had moved when they were only toddlers and aside from a few visits a year, they were mostly just faces in my bill fold. My niece had already begun to attach herself to me and I was doing my best to become closer to them both.

We all sat around the dinner table that night chatting and laughing. The kids talked excitedly about their day and it was very comical to hear an 8 and 9 year old perspective on life.

“Hey Dad! Are you coming on Sunday?” my niece chirped up, her mouth full of fish stick.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full Katie.” My brother in law Paul said. “And no honey, I’m sorry I can’t. I have to leave tomorrow afternoon and my flight won’t be back until after you go to bed Sunday.” Both kids made pouty faces and looked at each other.

“But Dad, if you’re gone Mom has to take us and she won’t even come in!” Matthew, my nephew said.

I didn’t know what they were talking about. “Won’t go in where? What’s happening Sunday?”

My sister rolled her eyes. “They have a Karate tournament.”

“Yeah, and Mom hates it!” Katie said giggling. I shrugged. “I can take them if you want. It’s not like I’m busy.” Both of the kids perked up at my suggestion and Dave smiled. “Problem solved!”

The next day after we saw Paul off to the airport, Sue and I were sitting on the deck drinking Margaritas while the kids splashed around in the pool. Eric Clapton Unplugged drifted through the windows and I knew that Florida had been a good choice. It was nice to spend some time with my kid sister, enjoying the day and hopefully a new life.

“Hey Aunt Rachel! Watch this!!” I watched as Matthew got a running start and launched into a flying kick, splashing into the pool. I had been playing “Watch This!” with both of them for the last hour and they never seemed to tire of it.

“Remind me to draw you a map to the community center tonight. It’s not far away but there is a tricky traffic circle that can get confusing if you’re not ready for it.” Sue said, eyeing the kids with a straight face. Un-amused at their antics.

“So why don’t you want to go with us?” I asked her. She shook her head with disapproval. “I wish they would get into a different activity. I can’t stand the thought of them getting knocked around or doing it to other kids. I don’t even let them pillow fight!” she laughed. I asked her why she let them get into it in the first place. “Two of Matthews friends take it and he felt left out. Then of course if he was doing it Katie had to. Paul was no help. He took it for years and just went on and on about the discipline it instills. Don’t get me wrong,” she said looking at me. “They have been better behaved but I’d trade that for not having to worrying about broken bones and bloody noses 3 times a week.”

“Oh I’m sure they’ll be fine. You always were a worry wart.” I said, flicking her with drops of my Margarita. Pestering her was still as fun as it was when I was 10. She laughed and winced “Yeah well, we’ll see if you still feel that way after…” she cut her self off and then ended “…after you see for yourself.” We both knew she had meant to say “after you have kids.” My sister had been one of a few people who accepted my preference for women and had never implied it was wrong. And I loved her for it.

The next day, the kids were in their little outfits and ready an hour before we had to go. They romped around in the living room throwing kicks, yelling and laughing. Sue kept telling them to cut it out and save it but it was no use. They were excited. We loaded into Sue’s minivan. The kids waved good bye and she reminded them to be careful and not to hurt anyone.

We pulled into the community center parking lot with only a few minutes to spare. Sue had been right, the traffic circle was a mess and I saw my life flash before my eyes more than once as I tried to merge into a turn lane. But we had still made it, barely. They ran ahead of me into the gymnasium, looking for their teacher. I followed closely behind, making sure not to lose track of them in the crowd. Everyone was dressed the same so it presented a challenge. They finally found their group and I introduced myself to their teacher. “I’m filling in for their parents. Paul is out of town and Sue had other obligations.” He smiled and shook my hand when I offered it, speaking in a deep voice and gripping my hand a little longer than necessary. “It’s nice to meet you. I didn’t know Mrs. Webb had a younger sister.” I groaned inside. Hadn’t pick up lines like that gone out of style in the 70’s? Even if I did feel myself waiver when it came to my sexuality, there would always be a guy like this to remind me that I was already on the right path.

“I’m her older sister actually.” I said, obviously ignoring his flirtation. “Where should I sit?” He seemed a little put off that I had disregarded his suave advance and told me I could have a seat where ever I wanted. I smiled a thank you and found a seat in the 2nd row of the bleachers behind the kids. I watched for awhile, smiling at the energy they all put into their matches. Some of the kids seemed to be quite good while others seemed to be having more fun than actually applying any technique. None of them wanted to get hit and most seemed to feel bad if they felt they had hurt another student. Sue didn’t have anything to worry about.

After awhile I had to use the ladies room, I let their teacher know I would only be away for a second and he said it wasn’t a problem and gave me a cheesy wink. “Good lord” I thought to myself.

When I got back, I took a seat on a bench opposite of the side of the mats where I had been sitting. From there I could watch the kids and avoid Mr. I’m Too Sexy for my Belt. After a few minutes a woman came and sat down near me on the bench. She was wearing a black Karate uniform and I could see she was also a Black Belt. She seemed about my age and very pretty. She had very soft brown hair, long legs and a full, toned body. I could tell by the way her top cut in at her waist that she was in amazing shape. I snuck a glance or two at her out of the corner of my eye, taking in her features. Her high cheek bones, the side swell of her breasts, even her shapely feet. She had long slender toes and her nails were painted black to match her outfit. “Nice touch” I thought to myself.

When Sue and I were growing up we had it drilled into us to keep our hands and feet to ourselves, like most kids. But our Mother took it to a higher extreme. She was almost phobic when it came to feet. We were never allowed to be barefoot and I always got the feeling that my mother thought feet were nasty. As I grew older, I loved to walk around barefoot just to get under her skin. Eventually this “taboo” began to excite me sexually. I made my feet almost into a hobby, painting my nails different colors, learning to give myself pedicures. My friends were impressed and often asked me to do theirs as well. I never let on that it was exciting to me. I made sure I kept a cool exterior but inside I LOVED it. Often when I was alone, I would rub and lick my own toes and soles. It was an amazing sensation and also made me feel dirty in a sexy way, the smell and taste of my feet filling my senses. It was my one and only kink and my BIGGEST secret.

Now, sitting on the bench with her, I wondered how much time those feet had spent in people’s faces for her to earn that Black Belt…and felt a tingle run through my body. I reminded myself to be good and turned my attention back to the action on the mats. After a few moments I heard a voice say “Excuse me.” I turned and she was looking at me. I watched her soft lips spread in a smile. “Would you mind handing me that sports bottle?” She motioned to the floor and I looked down, noticing the gym bag under the bench. I reached down; pulling it out of the pocket it was poking out of and handed it to her.

“I’m sorry, did I steal your seat?” I asked. She smiled again and took a drink from the bottle.

“No, you’re fine. I’m judging the 18 and up at the other end of the gym. I just stashed my bag there. Are you here with your kids?”

I shook my head and pointed to Katie and Matthew. “My niece and nephew actually. Their parents had other things going on today.”

“Ahhhh, I see. So are you the cool Aunt?”

“Well, I’m trying. I just moved here this week.” I told her, trying not to look at her too much. I had found her pretty but now as I talked to her, I felt my heartbeat pick up a little. I was afraid if I looked at her too long, I’d blush and give myself away. “Are you one of the teachers?” I asked, plucking a string from my blouse, trying to act nonchalant. She shook her head no and turned her attention to the mat, showing me her profile again.

“I wish. I used to teach classes at the dojo I trained at before it closed. It was one of my favorite things to do. But, business slowed down until it was just a few of us left. There wasn’t any point staying open for 4 people so my Sensei closed the doors.”

“Oh, that’s too bad.” I glanced down at her hand, looking for a band of gold around her finger and saw nothing. Old habits die hard.

“Yeah. So now I pretty much just train at home, try to keep from getting rusty. I know the president of the regional commission and he calls me when they need judges for things like this or someone to sit on a board during belt tests. It’s nice to be around it when I can. What about you?”

I looked over at her, unsure of what she meant. “What about me what?” She tipped her head towards the mats.

“Do you train?”

“Karate? No no no. I don’t.” She scooted closer to me, her face eager to talk about it.

“Well you should try it! It’s a great workout, keeps your joints loose and kicking is great for your legs and buns. And of course there is the self defense aspect!” I had to admit she had a point. I told her how a year before I had been followed to my car in the mall parking lot by two teenage boys. I wasn’t sure what they wanted exactly but they were being a little aggressive, touching my arms and asking where I was going, what my name was…until I pulled out my pepper spray.

“That’s a perfect example right there!” she said smiling. “You never know when something like that can happen and Karate isn’t something that can be knocked out of your hands and used against you.” She pronounced it ka rah tay , gently rolling the R. I hadn’t heard it pronounced that way before and it sounded soft and pretty.

“You’re quite the saleswoman!” I told her. She shrugged and grinned confidently.

“What can I say? It’s a passion! Listen, I have to get back to my area. They’ll be starting again in a minute. But before I go…” she reached into her bag and pulled out her wallet. She fished around inside it for a second and came out with a pen and business card. “Here is my cell number. Think about it. I have been thinking about taking on students anyway and no time like the present! I’ll tell you what, I’ll give you the first…make that the first two lessons for free.” She turned over the card she had written on, looked at it and laughed as she handed it to me. “And I guess you get a free set of windshield wipers with the purchase of an oil change too!” I took the card from her and looked at it.

“Thanks, I might take you up on it.” I put my hand out and she shook it gently.

“Good! It was great talking with you…”

“Rachel.” I finished.

“Rachel. I’m Laura. Think it over, I hope to hear from you.” She stood up, adjusted her belt and winked as she walked away, her bare feet whisping on the floor. “Back to work!”

That night, in my apartment as I put away the last of my clothes, I thought about Laura and her offer. Getting back into a workout routine wouldn’t be a bad idea and she had seemed so nice and gorgeous to top it off. So what if I had a little crush on her? So what if the thought of her AND those perfect feet was turning me on? Then I remembered the idea that crossed my mind when I was spying on her out of the corner of my eye that afternoon. I wonder how much time those feet spent in people’s faces for her to earn that Black Belt. I felt myself flush, my nipples swelling, and growing stiff. That could be me!

And that was the moment I decided I wanted to learn Karate.

The next morning, Sue and I were on the deck, sipping our way through a pot of coffee and chatting. “So I think I made a friend yesterday when I was with the kids.” I began. Sue took another drag off of her cigarette and I watched as the smoke floated away in the morning breeze.

“Oh yeah? Who?”

I tipped her a wink. “Their Karate teacher.” She rolled her eyes and made a disgusted face.

“Oh that guy! What a creep. When I first took the kids in there he asked me if I was their big sister.” I almost shot coffee out of my noise as I choked back my laughter. She kicked me, “Whaaat? What’s so funny? I look good for 30!” I told her what he has said to me about being her younger sister and we both had a long laugh at his expense.

“Yeah, I had to find a way to avoid him. I ended up sitting on the other side of the gym so he’d quit batting his eyes at me. I wanted to tell him he was barking up the wrong skirt but ignoring him seemed like a better option.” I looked down into my lap and pretended to inspect my finger nails “I did meet someone though.”

Sue looked at me inquiringly. “Someone as in….”

“No, nothing like that. She was a judge. We only talked for a few minutes but she was very friendly. She offered to give me lessons actually.”

“You?” she scoffed. “I don’t think you’re the Karate type.”

“Well I’m not NOT the Karate type!” While it was true that I hadn’t ever really thought about it before, I had become very interested in the idea. Maybe not for the standard reasons but the more I thought about it the more I realized I was very much the Karate type. “I need to get into shape anyway. Running is boring and yoga only does so much.”

“So you’re thinking about doing it?”

“No,” I said, refilling my coffee cup. “I am doing it. I’m going to call her this afternoon.”

She shook her head in disbelief. “You people! Am I the only one who prefers a violence free existence?”

“Looks that way, you’re outnumbered now. We can take over this house whenever we want. So watch your step lady!” I said, pointing at her.

“You go right ahead. We’ll see how long the rebellion lasts when you all run out of cereal and bologna to eat and start missing real food!”

“Hey,” I snapped, sitting up in my chair. “I can cook!”

She threw her head back and laughed. “Rachel, my darling sister, a meal from a microwave will never be a substitution for one from a real oven.”

Later that evening, I sat on the edge of my bed holding my new cell phone in one hand and the card Laura had given me in the other. I was more nervous than I thought I’d be. Just do it! I told myself. You’re not asking her out on a date. She offered a service and you’re giving it a try. For all you know she’s isn’t a good teacher or you’ll hate it and quit after one lesson. I didn’t think either of these things was true but we tell ourselves all sorts of things when we want to talk ourselves in or out of something. Finally, I took a deep breath. 555-3338…ringing…ringing…ringing… I was just about to hang up after the fifth ring when I heard her voice say “Hello?”

I cleared my throat. “Hi, Laura?”

“Yes, this is. Who is this?”

“This is Rachel. We met yesterday at the community center.” I hoped she’d remember me. After all, how many people could she have given her number to there?

“Oh hi! I wondered if I’d hear from you. Listen, can I call you back? I’m at the bank right now and I’m holding up the line” she said and I heard her apologize to the teller. I told her that would be fine. She hung up and I sat in silence. Well that was anti-climactic! I made sure the volume was up on my cell and busied myself by making my bed and sorting the contents of my jewelry box. Organization had never been my strong suit and I had a dozen pairs of earrings scattered around it. Ten minutes had passed and she still hadn’t called back. I sat on the edge of my bed again, looking at my phone, waiting for it to ring and pondering what I was getting myself into. After a couple more minutes of thought, I smiled to myself and leaned over to unlace my sneakers. I pulled them off one at a time and then tugged at the warm cotton of my socks, feeling them come unstuck from my feet. I pulled each one off slowly, pausing to smell each one. My feet had been in my shoes all day. They smelled of warm leather and my own musky foot sweat.

I stood and walked barefoot over to the full length mirror on my closet door. I looked myself up and down, turning to see my reflection from all angles. Yup, I could definitely stand to tone up. I looked fine but wanted to look better. She had said that Karate was great for your legs and I meant to find out. I faced the mirror with my hands at my sides and bowed to my reflection as I’d seen people do in the movies, and giggled. Then I stepped back and brought my hands up, fingers straight, mimicking how I’d seen it done and did a kick. I uttered a quiet “Hiyaa!” as I did it, seeing my bare sole reflected back at me, and felt an excited tingle all over my body. I did it again and again, doing a side kick, seeing how high I could go. The ringing of my cell phone startled me and I almost jumped out of my skin, feeling that deep embarrassment you feel when you’re caught doing something you didn’t want anyone else to see. BUSTED!! “Hi Rachel? It’s Laura. Sorry it took me so long. I hate being on my phone when I’m driving. I don’t think my license can take any more points and the last thing I need is a fender bender. Are you busy?”

“No, not at all.” I said, blushing. “I was just…straightening up my apartment.” I could see my nipples poking into the fabric of my tee shirt like they were trying desperately to get out and I thanked God I was on the phone and not talking with her in person.

“Good! So did you call to take me up on my offer?”

“Actually I did.” I was trying to sound calm and “matter of fact” about it. I didn’t want to let on that it had been ALL I had been thinking about.

“Yayyy Me!” she exclaimed “My first student! When do you think you’d be available?”

I laughed a little, taken with her excitement. “Well, you’re the teacher, when are you available?”

She said that she had plans that night but if I wasn’t busy the following evening she’d be home. “I get home from work around 6:30ish most nights so say…7 o’clock? I have a spare room I use to train in so if it’s alright we can just do it at my place. But if you’d rather, we could probably occupy a corner of the gym at the community center.” I said that her place would be fine. If I was going to look like a goofy newbie, I’d rather do it in private. She laughed and promised that it wouldn’t be that bad and not to be nervous. “I have spare uniforms here but if you’d rather just wear a pair of sweats and a comfortable top or something that’s fine. As long as you have freedom of motion.”

“Well if I have the choice, I’ll borrow one of yours then. Might as well be official right?” I had actually thought how she looked in hers had been quite sexy. The low cut V of the jacket, showing off just enough cleavage, her Black Belt decorating her shapely waist, the pant legs stopping just above her ankles, her bare feet clearly visible as well as her delicate toes... It suddenly seemed hotter in my apartment.

“No problem. Do you have a pen? I’ll tell you how to get here.” I took down the directions and was relieved that the words “traffic circle” weren’t mentioned once.

The next day moved incredibly slow. The minute and hour hands seemed to take twice as long as they should have to count down the time to 7:00. I was much more excited than I thought I’d be and it was a constant battle as I reminded myself to stop acting like a fool. At the very least I could end up with a new friend and there was no need to risk that over some silly half fantasy. After we had finished dinner, I headed back to my space above the garage to get ready. I took a shower, blow dried my hair and put on just enough makeup for me to be satisfied but not so much that it looked like I was trying to look pretty. I put on a pair of sweats, a spandex sport top and was ready to go with a half an hour to spare. I laughed out loud to myself. I was acting like the kids had on Sunday. I went back into the bathroom and rooted through my cosmetics drawer. I had dressed up as Lady Lucifer for Halloween the year before and I still had the black nail polish I had used for my costume. Just for fun, I grabbed it, a few cotton balls, settled into a chair and went to work on my toes. When I was satisfied that they were dry enough, I slipped on my flip flops and headed for the door.

Sue was outside with the kids as I walked to my car. I waived and said I’d be back in a couple hours. She just looked at me and shook her head, smirking. I shot her the middle finger quickly so the kids wouldn’t see and she did the same to me just as stealthily. An old game from when we were younger.

Laura’s directions were very easy to follow and it was 6:50 when I pulled up at the address she had given me. As I parked, I watched as she stepped out of her car. I had gotten there the same time as she had. She looked over when she heard the sound of my door closing and smiled.

“Hi! Sorry, I ran a little late at work tonight. I was hoping I’d beat you here. Come on in!” She was wearing a black knee length skirt, a white button up silk blouse, black hose and shiny black peep toe heels. She looked very executive, very sexy. I followed her up to the house and remarked at its size. She said that the people who had lived there before her had been convinced that it was haunted and offered it at a ridiculously low price. “I haven’t heard a peep and I’ve been living here for 2 years. If it’s haunted, the ghost seems to like me more than it liked them. It gets a little drafty at night but I think that has more to do with the leaky window sealant than restless spirits.” We walked inside and she closed the door behind me. “Just give me a second here to settle in.” she said and I watched as she stepped out of her heels and walked to the kitchen to check her answering machine. I waited patiently but couldn’t help looking down at her feet. They looked so sexy, the hose hugging each curve of her foot. They were thin from wear and I could make out the color of her skin and the deep red of her nail polish beneath the black nylon.

“Come on, I’ll show you where we’re going to work out.” I followed her up the stairs, stealing glances at her soles as she climbed the stairs in front of me. She opened the door to a room upstairs and I saw that it had plenty of space and was a perfect spot for a Karate lesson. She walked over to the closet, opened it and pulled out a red uniform and a white belt. “Here, we look about the same size, this should fit you. Go ahead and get changed, I’ll do the same and be back in a minute!” she smiled brightly as she handed it to me and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

After a few minutes she rapped on the door. “Knock knock, you decent?”

“Yes, well…I am. I’m not sure this knot is!” I said laughing nervously. She was in the same uniform she was wearing when we met and looked just as sexy, her hair back in a pony tail. She looked at the knot I had tied with the belt and smirked. “Close enough. As long as it holds the top closed I think you’ll be okay.”

We sat down on the floor and began to stretch. Some on our own, some partner assisted.

“So how do you like it here so far?” she asked. I was lying on my back and she was kneeling, my right leg over her shoulder, applying steady pressure to stretch my hamstring. I had been in a similar position with women before, only naked. It was fair to say I was enjoying my first Karate lesson.

“It’s beautiful. I’m just taking it easy for awhile but I’m going to start job hunting soon.” I told her.

“Don’t miss home? Didn’t leave some broken hearted guy behind?” she asked.

“No, nothing like that.”

“Good! A fresh start then!” I nodded and said she was dead on right.

“Well then,” she said standing up. “Speaking of starts…are you ready?” Nodding, I got to my feet. She stood facing me with her hands at her sides. I did the same and bowed, hoping it was the right thing to do. I kept my eyes on hers as I did and she smiled approvingly, returning my bow with her own. The fist of her right hand into the palm of her left, her right foot moving forward, toes pointed, lightly pressed to the mat.

She was a very patient instructor, walking me through each stance, each punch, and each kick thoroughly. After I had done them correctly enough times she had me repeat each in series of three’s while she watched my form.

“You’re doing great! Some people just CAN’T take instruction but you’re a natural!”

I blushed and thanked her. “Well, you’re a good teacher!”

She shrugged and said “Well I’ve been doing it for years! Okay, now I want to show you the side kick. I’m going to do it slowly so you can get the full picture. Watch close.” She was facing me and I watched as she turned her body to her left. She shifted her weight onto her left leg and brought her right leg up, her knee bent in. “Now you want your leg parallel with the floor,” she said tapping it “and the heel of your foot in line with your hip.” I was able to take in what she was showing me as well as admire her soft sole as she spoke. “Then you just extend your leg all the way out, toes pulled back so the ball of your foot makes contact.” She straightened her leg out as she spoke, her foot moving slowly and stopping short in the center of my chest. I felt my thighs grow hot, my breath catching in my throat. She placed her foot back on the mat and looked at me. “Okay, this time, full speed and don’t move!” I stood perfectly still and watched her as she executed an expert high side kick, her foot stopping even closer to my face this time and the smell of it caught me off guard. It was obvious that not only had her feet been in her shoes all day but those shoes were not new! The smell was strong but not over powering and in the context of martial arts…seemed almost expected. The smell of Karate I thought to myself, pronouncing it in my head as she had. My heart began to pound.

After I had performed the side kick three times to her satisfaction she ended the lesson. “That should be good for tonight. I don’t want to try to cram too much in at once.”

I looked at my watch and saw it was almost 8:30. “Yes, I should be getting home.” The truth was I HAD to get home. I was more aroused than I had imagined I might be and desperately needed some alone time.

“So if you’re interested in another class, let’s let your muscles rest for a day and say Thursday? Same Bat Time, same Bat Channel?” I said that would be great and I’d be here. She told me to hang onto the uniform for next time. “Consider it a gift, as my first student. A free set of windshield wipers don’t seem appropriate.” We both laughed and she walked me to the door. “I’m really glad you came over.” She said as she reached and touched my arm. “I’ll see you Thursday.”

On the drive home, my head was spinning. I had thought I might find the lesson sexy, especially with her as a teacher but I did not anticipate it would be this intense. I could feel heat radiating from between my legs and the thin cotton of my panties clinging to me as I climbed the steps to my door. I was on fire and I planned to lock my door and not come out until had relieved my “tension”.

It took over an hour and three orgasms until I began to settle down. As I lay on my bed, my chest still heaving slightly, I realized I had only managed to get my pants off. I had jerked my Gi top open but it was still held closed at my waist by the belt. I sighed contentedly to myself. It had been a long time since I’d been that horny. I moved my hand back between my legs, stroking my inner thighs with my finger tips and thought about Laura…my Sensei. My fingers slid deeper between my thighs, maybe just one more time…

I had a busy day planned for myself on Thursday. I woke up early and went for a run through the neighborhood, taking the warm morning air into my lungs and congratulating myself on having the guts to pick up and move. To take a chance. I felt better than I had in years, filled with hope. Once I got back to my humble apartment, I showered and headed to the DMV to get my car registered and spent the rest of the morning running various errands. Sue and I met around 3 o’clock for a late lunch at her favorite Sushi restaurant and after we stopped at a few boutiques I wanted to check out. I had the necessaries but I wanted to make my apartment a little more cozy, more my own. We got so swept up in our little shopping spree that I didn’t notice the time. It was almost six o’clock!

“Oh shit! We have to go! Paul is bringing the kids home from their class but I promised to bring dinner.” Sue said as we rushed to the counter to pay for my candles. She drove like a mad woman back home, stopping for Happy Meals and a Big Mac for her poor starving family. “Hey, you walk in the door empty handed or late after you promise food to those crazy people! I swear they act like baby birds. And Paul is the worst!” I laughed at the picture that painted in my head.

“Well then, I guess from here on out, you should regard the Stop Signs as suggestions huh?”

“Way ahead of you Big Sis!” she grinned as she wheeled the van down the street to her house. We came to an abrupt stop in the drive way and she pointed at the clock on the dash triumphantly. “Ha! 4 minutes to spare and they aren’t even home yet!” I had saved the drinks from flying out of the console and splashing all over the dash. “Yeah, great work Mario. Take your food. You’re on time and I’m running late!” I unbuckled my safety belt stepped out of the car.

“Have fun Rachel san!” she called after me.

“You know, you can keep the sun and the ocean, all I need to get me by is your undying support.” I said through the window. “It warms me to my very core.” She blew me a kiss and laughed as I headed for the garage.

I ran quickly to the bathroom and pulled a brush through my hair a few times before selecting a white scrunchy to hold my hair back. To match my Belt! I mused to myself. Combat sport or not, I couldn’t think of any reason I shouldn’t accessorize! I paused and glanced at the shower. I had of course planned to take one before I went to my lesson but there was no time for that now. Besides, it wasn’t like I was dirty; all I had done was shop and eat sushi! I had only one reservation. I sat on the edge of the tub and quickly pulled of my shoes and socks. Crossing my leg over my knee, I leaned down and pressed my nose to my foot, taking quick sample. On a scale of 1-10…I gave it a 5, maybe 6. “Oh well!” I said out loud. “It’s not like she was shy about that issue the other day!” then as an afterthought, and not that I minded.

I slipped into my sport halter and Gi in a flash, my fingers tying the drawstring quickly. I decided not to put on my belt yet. I wanted her to show me how to tie it correctly so I just slung it around my neck, leaving the jacket to drape open. After slipping into my flip flops, I ran to my car and pulled out of the driveway. I was barely a mile from home when I felt that tingling excitement begin to work its way through my body. I decided not to try and fight it and just let it be. Struggling against my natural reactions would just be even more distracting so I decided to just enjoy myself. It would probably fade soon anyway. At least that’s what I told myself as I pressed harder on the gas, driving to Laura as fast as I dared.

We had been in her “home Dojo” for about twenty five minutes. We stretched first of course and then she ran me through a drill of everything she had taught me in our first lesson. I was able to retain most of it and she only had to correct my stance and form a few times. I began to feel a little winded and saw how this was a great cardio workout as well. After she was satisfied that I didn’t need to brush up on my previous instruction we moved to something new.

“Now, we’re going to string those basic moves together and you’ll see how a combination of attacks can be useful on the offensive.” She motioned for me to step back as she demonstrated. I moved to the edge of the mat and kneeled, watching raptly as she assumed a sidewise high stance, what she called Renoji-dachi. She explained various movements to me in both English and in Japanese. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to make you remember those. Yet anyway.” she said and smiled.

I loved watching her demonstrate. She moved with such fluid, confident grace. The air even seemed to part on its own for her arms, legs, hands and feet as she flowed from technique to technique. Her power and skill radiated from her with each movement, proclaimed itself in the echoes of her frequent shouts. I wanted her… and I wanted to be like her! It all felt so crystal clear and right! How had I not known about this before? How had I missed Karate?

“All right hot stuff…on your feet! Your turn.” I stood up, pulling a lock of loose hair back from my face and took a deep breath. Trying to slow my rapid pulse.

“Now, go slow at first. I want you to advance forward… punch, punch then a front kick. Okay?” I nodded and assumed my stance.

“Ichi….Ni….San!” she counted in Japanese, commanding me forward. I moved slowly, feeling her eyes on me, watching my form. “Turn and…again.

"Ichi….Ni….San!” Back and forth across the mat, her count speeding up until I was moving at full speed. I pivoted on the ball of my foot again and was surprised to see her facing me with her guard up.

“Ichi! Ni!...” she counted and I responded with a right then left punch. She blocked both easily and yelled “Now a high front kick!” I raise my leg, knee bent as she taught me and snapped my foot out, high to her face. “IYAAA!!” She caught me by the ankle and held it. Her face appeared around my foot, a wide grin on her lips. “Very nice!” Then I saw her nose twitch, her eyes dart to my foot for an instant and she let me go. I felt blood rush to my face.

“Sorry.” I giggled nervously, bringing my foot back to the floor. “I was running late and didn’t have time to shower before I came.”

She threw her head back and laughed. “Oh Rachel, don’t worry about it! It’s always been my philosophy that if someone makes the mistake of letting your foot that close to their face in the first place, they deserve it!” That made me feel better and I liked that philosophy. I liked it even better that it was her philosophy.

“Listen, you relax and I’m going to go get us some water.” She walked towards me and gave me a quick hug. “You’re doin great!” I savored the feeling of her body pressing to mine, our skin separated only by our Gi’s. The scent of her perfume mingled lightly with her sweat made my head swim. I sat down on the mat as she left to room and ran my hands over my head, taking deep breaths as I composed myself. She returned after a minute and sat down in front of my on the mat, her legs out to the side, holding herself up with one arm as she took a drink of water. “So what do you think so far? Enjoying it?”

“Yes, I am. A great deal actually. I wish I had gotten into it sooner!”

She slapped her palm on the mat and said “Atta girl! Glad to hear it!”

We talked for awhile about different aspects of the sport. Questions poured out of me and she batted back answers as easily as she had batted away my punches earlier. “There are so few forms of activity that give you the same sort of physical or mental benefits that you get in Karate.”

God I love how she says that! I thought to myself.

“And do you want to hear something crazy?” she asked with a smirk.

“Sure, I can handle crazy.” I told her.

“It might sound nuts but I’ve always felt it to be a sexy, sensual art as well.” I swallowed hard. Her words echoed in my ears. I couldn’t believe she had just said that!

“I know! It’s not something you would normally find erotic but…”

“No, I…” I had to force the words out of my mouth. “I know what you mean. I felt it my first lesson!” A look of relief washed over her face and she smiled brightly at me.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah! Wild horses wouldn’t have dragged it out of me if you hadn’t said it first!” we laughed together for a moment and then she reached over and put her hand lightly on my knee.

“Of course having the right partner helps too.” Her eyes twinkled. I felt my mouth drop open in surprise, my eyes darting to her delicate fingers. She pulled them back quickly as if she was burned.

“Oh god! Oh Rachel, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… I guess I just thought that…” Her face was flushed a deep red and she brought a hand to her mouth her eyes locked on mine.

No! There was no way, she couldn’t be! Then the events of the past three days came flooding back to me all at once. She had approached me at the tournament. She had given me her phone number and an excuse to call. She had called me “hot stuff”… hugged me. And like me, was still single and had no children. Alone, they meant nothing…together everything fit into place. I had been so caught up in my own head that I didn’t realize she was just as attracted to me as I was to her.

“If you want to go I’ll understand.” She said, starting to get up. “I feel awful. Here you are just trying to….” I caught her by the cuff of her pants.

“Wait, Laura, I’m not offended. It’s just you caught me off guard. I didn’t know that you were…that you liked me in that way. Or that you knew I was… gay.”

She stopped and knelt in front of me. “You really didn’t get that I was flirting with you? I thought I was making it pretty obvious.”

Feeling a sheepish I looked at her and said “Well, you were distracting me with Karate.”

“Karate” she said, correcting my pronunciation. I smiled and there was a silence between us. Then she stuck out her hand suddenly. “Hi, I’m Laura. It’s nice to meet you and I think you’re gorgeous!”

I took her hand in mine. “Likewise…on both counts.” We sat staring into each other’s eyes. Both feeling a bit awkward but still unable to look away. Then she leaned closer to me, her eyes moving to my lips for an instant. I closed the distance between us, pressing my lips to hers, and she accepted them softly and eagerly. I felt her fingers on my cheek as my tongue slipped into her mouth, dancing with hers. My hands on her waist, holding her by the belt as I lay back, pulling her on top of me. I felt the knot of her belt firmly pressed to my crotch by the weight of her body and was delighted by the sensation it gave me. Her kisses, trailing down my neck. Opening my legs wider as I wrapped them around her, I began sliding my feet down her calves and pulling up the fabric of her gi pants. Softly stroking her calves as she nibbled my neck. She moaned into my shoulder as I slipped my toes over her heels, along her soft arches, pressing our soles together.

“I have to tell you something,” she said softly, licking my ear lobe.

I was completely swept away with an animal lust for her. I held her tightly. “Tell me…”

Her breath, hot in my ear as she said “Over the years…I have become very turned on by feet.” I could feel my heart pounding in my chest; my whole body seemed to be quivering with desire. “And your foot…when you kicked….” Her teeth nibbling my neck as she spoke, “it turned me on sooo much!” The last of my inner defense crumbled and I felt a rush of sexual energy seethe through me.

“Show me…” I moaned into her ear. “Teach me Sensei!” I felt her arms loosen their grip on me, her hands sliding down my body, nails dragging along my sides as they moved. I felt them slip beneath my gi jacket, gripping they waist band of my panties and pants. I cried out in surprise and excitement as she jerked them down suddenly, stripping them off my legs. I felt the cool air on my skin, no match for the hot dampness that existed between my legs. I brought my hands to my breasts, squeezing them softly through my gi as I watched her slide my pants off my feet. She was gripping my ankles firmly and spread my legs apart.

I lay there, naked from the waist down hot and wet. I ached for her touch. She brought my right foot to her face and I watched as she dragged her nose from my heel along the arch of my foot to my toes, inhaling its scent. I felt the air rush between my toes as she sniffed, her tongue flicking the tips of my toes. She held it with both hands and opened her mouth, taking my big toe between her lips and sucked on it slow and hard. I felt a jolt of pleasure lace down my leg, making the muscles quiver. I cried out in ecstasy as her tongue swirled around my toes, between them, driving me closer and close to the edge with each caress. She seemed to be in another world as she lavished affection on my foot, and I wanted more…

I ran the sole of my other foot up her thigh, watching as it disappeared beneath her gi top. Hooking my toes into her waist band, I pulled it down enough to slip my foot inside. She moaned as the tops of my toes slid easily against her swollen lips. Gripping my ankle, she began to rock against it, the top of my foot growing slippery as she moved back and forth over it. My own fingers trailed down my body and I slipped them inside myself as I watched her. She leaned back, holding herself up with one hand while the other held my foot in place. Gradually she began to pick up speed, her hips moving faster and faster. I lay hypnotized by her. Then her moans began to give way to impassioned cries…cries that sounded familiar. With each thrust of her hips an iyaaa crossed her lips, quietly at first, then building until the room echoed with the sound. Finally, her thighs squeezed tight around my foot, her eyelashes fluttered and she let out one last cry before collapsing forward, gasping for air. “Oh god…oh god! Oh god!!”

I had slowed my own pleasure to watch, completely taken with the sensation and site of her as she brought herself to orgasm on my foot. And now she moved towards me, parting my legs wide. I laid back and closed my eyes as I felt her mouth press to smooth mound. Her tongue moved expertly along my folds, licking gently, probing…sucking softly. I heard myself begin to moan, thrilled at her touch. Then feeling first one…then two fingers slip inside me. Grazing my G-spot, circling it, pressing, rubbing back and forth against it in time with her tongue. I felt myself nearing the brink, the sensation making my knees shake, my thighs quiver. My hand pressed firmly, running through her hair. “Oh yesss..oh Laura…yes! Yes!!!” I dug my heels into the mat, my toes spreading wide as I began to shake. The orgasm rocketing through my body, feeling a release I’d only dreamed of.

I lay there, my muscle contracting involuntarily as she lapped at me slowly, kissing my inner thighs…soft nibbles. I cupped my hand behind her head and brought her up to me, kissing her deeply, tasting myself on her lips. When I opened my eyes she was smiling above me. Her finger smoothing my hair behind me ear.

“Is this crazy?” she asked me, biting her lower lip. I rested my hand on the small of her back, in no hurry to let her go.

“Maybe, but I can handle crazy.” Our lips met yet again and we lay together, enjoying the afterglow.

Later, as she walked me to the door, we held hands and tried not to act like school girls, which wasn’t easy. I paused in the doorway and turned to her. “Well, this was my last free class. From here on out, what do you charge?” She as leaning against the door jam and kicked me in the leg, playfully.

“Oh, I think we can work out other forms of payment. But we should probably make the classes at least..two hours from now on.”

We came together in a quick embrace. “It’s funny,” I said. “All I really wanted was a new set of windshield wipers.”