MARIKO<br/><br/>She looked at me, and I looked at her.<br/><br/>I nodded slowly.<strong>"I know exactly what you mean. I'm having the same sort of thoughts." </strong>Except mine were probably more explicit. And based on experience. I paused, briefly, to make a quick decision.<strong>"Well, I'm not really hungry so... It would be nice to get to know each other a bit better."</strong><br/><br/>She took my hand. I loved the contact, feeling her skin on mine. I stood still briefly, just letting her hold it.<strong>"Comes from the martial arts. And the guitar."</strong>I smiled.<strong>"Glad you like it."</strong>I gently turned around, allowing her to either adjust her grip or let go entirely, and sat down next to her on the bed.<strong>"I like the feel of your skin, Akiko..."</strong>I didn't think it would be out of line. After all, she complimented me first...