Chapter Eleven

Saturday—Sexual Sensuality

“So, Missy,” Flo said, meeting Pia in the hallway and giving her a thorough once-over, “anythin’ you’d like to report about your evenin’ out with the piano man?”

“Let’s just say I wasn’t quite ready to play Mrs. Robinson, but it was a successful seduction all the same,” she replied. “And what about you? I seem to remember you and your beau still talking up a storm when I left.”

“Clay’s a real nice fella. Do you know what he did to celebrate his fiftieth birthday? The crazy man went sky-divin’. For his fifty-fifth he went swimmin’ with the sharks. The man is a nut! We talked for hours. I even told him about Dan. He and his wife divorced four years ago and he gets what I’m goin’ through. He gave me his phone number. Said to call him if I ever need a little moral support.”

“But no boot knocking, huh?”

“The only knockin’ takin’ place was my scaredy-cat knees. He wanted to kiss me good night, but I didn’t let him. I mean, I am still married, but it was nice he wanted to,” Flo admitted with a shy smile. “Oh, Lord, speakin’ of cats, look what just got dragged in.”

With the telling signs of a morning hangover—sallow skin, puffy eyes, and the dead man walking shuffle—Becca joined them. Gone were last night’s glam makeup, high heels, and party girl attitude, but remnants of the sex kitten still remained. Atop her blue jeans, Becca’s white shirt was once again unbuttoned to allow maximum reveal.

The three walked into the Pacific Ballroom and took seats toward the front. To the left of Joey’s podium, this time adorned with a cluster of bright yellow daffodils, was a beautiful carved screen.

“Good morning, lovelies,” Joey’s silky voice called out, greeting the sleepy but happy faces before her. “I have a few program notes before we get started. This morning we will explore sexual sensuality and then spend the afternoon in individual sessions. In these one-on-one meetings we’ll go over your tests and address your questions and concerns about anything we’ve discussed these past few days.

“Tonight at our Isis Dinner we’ll say good-bye but also celebrate the new sensual you. Sometime this afternoon you will receive instructions regarding your attire.

“Did everyone have a good time last night, working on your social sensuality?”

Joey’s question was met with a mixture of cheers and groans.

“Well, through your dash-dating experience, you hopefully gained some insight into what about your flirting style works and what doesn’t. As with everything else, with flirting, practice makes perfect. So when you leave here tomorrow, your training does not end. You should continue to flirt whenever an opportunity presents itself.

“Now it’s time to talk about marrying flirting and seduction with sex.”

“Woo-hoo!” A thunder of cheers and applause erupted, led by Julie and her team. Becca’s robust cheers, momentarily replacing her malaise, were not lost on Pia and Flo. This was definitely not the sheltered, confused girl they’d met just two days ago. Rebecca was quickly morphing into her sexpot alter ego, Becca.

“Now, unlike yesterday’s lesson, in which we made the very real distinction between teasing and flirting,” Joey said, turning to look directly at Rebecca, “today we will discuss the art of seduction, which is an invitation to your lover to join you in a completely sensual experience designed to thrill and excite all of the senses.

“And to illustrate this, we will explore today some ideas on how to plan and execute a RED HOT NIGHT—a sensual evening meant to culminate in passionate lovemaking.”

Again, the whoops and hollers interrupted Joey’s lecture. It was clear that last night’s flirtations had fired up today’s expectations.

“Let me draw your attention to the short questionnaire in your workbook that actually provides the all-important foundation of any sensual entertaining. Logic dictates that if you are planning an evening with the sole purpose of turning you and your partner on, it’s imperative to know exactly what kind of things…well…turn you on.”

“So let’s dive right in,” Joey said.

Surprisingly, Pia was in complete agreement. After last night’s successful reentry into the world of flirting, Pia was looking forward to adding new ammo to her arsenal.

“As any event planner will tell you, building your evening around a THEME can be very helpful. It allows you to stay focused as you choose elements that compliment your sensual style. Pick a theme that is unique to you and your lover. For instance, if you both love the beach, plan a passion picnic in your living room by creating the ocean ambiance through sensual accessories like surf sounds, ocean-scented candles, a seafood menu, et cetera. For today’s example, I’ve chosen the theme CHAMPAGNE AND PEARLS.

“Your basic ingredients for this theme include champagne flutes and your favorite sparkling wine; several strings of faux pearls—toy store pearls are perfect; loose pearls from the craft store; rose petals—no faux petals, please; your favorite sexy CD; and candles.

“INVITATIONS. The primary purpose of your initial invite is to create a wonderful sense of anticipation and set the mood for what’s to come. So go out of your way to create an invitation that is impossible to say no to, and then leave it in an unexpected place to be found. The element of surprise is all important here, so set everything up the night before. Here are a few suggestions,” Joey said as she turned to her flip chart.

“Fill an empty champagne glass with pearls and tuck inside the details—a scented scroll tied with a satin ribbon. Leave it on the nightstand for him to find in the morning.

“Leave a seductive invitation on his cell or office phone. Again, do it the night before so he will hear it in the morning. Write your own or borrow a favorite poem or song lyric to recite and tag with your own message.

“Jot your invitation down in lipstick, complete with lip print, on the bathroom mirror or on a breakfast plate.

“You get the idea. The main thing is to be inventive and suggestive, and to incorporate the element of surprise.

“RED HOT TIP: Anticipation is everything. Continue to surprise him throughout the day. Drop a few pearls into his suit or pants pockets as a gentle promise of the evening ahead. He’ll love it. Maintain the mystery and you’ll surely maintain his interest.”

“I can’t wait to try this,” Pia whispered to Flo. “Now I just have to go home and find a willing partner.”

“Willin’ bein’ the key word here,” Flo said while shooting her hand into the air.

“Yes, Florence.”

“Joey, this all sounds wonderful, but my husband is much more a Budweiser and Mardi Gras beads kind of fella’. He’d laugh me out of the house if I pulled this on him.”

“So make it a Mardi Gras evening complete with beer and colorful beads. Or apple cider or water—just serve it in a sexy glass with lots of attitude. It’s not so much what elements you include; it’s more about the mood, presentation, and mind-set. To be successful, any seductive entertaining should be tailored to fit you and your man’s personalities.

“RED HOT TIP: Senses rule. Every aspect of your special evening should be planned according to your senses. Every sight, sound, smell, taste, and texture should be pleasurable.

“Now that the invitation has been extended, let’s plan the menu for the rest of the evening.”

On her signal, a member of Joey’s staff removed the screen, revealing a luxurious picnic setting, with a chenille throw, several large pillows, flickering candles in jewel-covered votives, and a tray of various sundries, all designed in hues of burgundy, red, and tan. It looked sexy and inviting and was met with a chorus of delighted ahhs.

“Time for a little creative visualization exercise. Everyone close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and relax. Now imagine this scene being played out by you and your lover.

“After hours of anticipation, your lover walks into a house flooded with soft, sensual music and candlelight. At the entry he finds a note telling him to follow the path of rose petals and wait for further instructions. The trail leads him up the stairs and into the bathroom, where he finds his APPETIZER, a warm bath drawn in a room and tub treated with candles, petals, and delicious-smelling bath oils. On a nearby towel rack hangs a pair of soft drawstring pants in his favorite color, but no towels. At tubside there is a glass of chilled champagne and a few yummy finger foods. There’s also a note that instructs him to relax and unwind until further notice.

“He’s intrigued.

“While he’s relaxing, you’re preparing the next course, and when everything is ready, you make your grand entrance, looking and feeling fabulous, smelling wonderful, and wearing your pearls. Because of your early preparation, those pearls unleash the desire he’s been feeling all day. With a warm towel taken straight from the dryer, you help him dry off, take a seductive sip from his glass, and ask him to follow you.

“He’s game.

“Are you all still with me?” Joey interrupted herself to ask.

A fragmented hum of “Yes,” “Mmm-hmm,” and “I’m with ya” was the reply. The entire room was lost in Joey’s titillating daydream, and her breathy voice was the perfect tool to bring the scenario to life.

“You lead him back to the designated area for his ENTRÉE. Here you’ve treated the room with music, wonderful textures and scents, and candlelight. You invite him to recline among the pillows. On a nearby table sits a champagne bucket surrounded by loose pearls and rose petals and a tray of delectable yummies. He watches you pour his drink as you flirt with your eyes, and then you deliver it with a scorching kiss. Dinner is a slow, luxurious affair. He is no longer hungry but his appetite is far from satiated.

“He’s on fire…

“…and ready for DESSERT. You remove the string of toy pearls from around your neck and warm them and your favorite massage oil between your hands. He’s curious. You ask him to lie back, and, using your hands and the pearls, as well as the back of your hands, your forearms, lips, even your hair, you caress and soothe your partner with a sensual massage. You use you imagination—and your pearls—for a second helping of dessert.

“He’s impressed.”

And totally whupped, Pia said to to herself, smiling.

“The things I could do with those pearls,” Julie declared to those sitting around her.

“It does sound very sexy,” Florence agreed, “but what about food? I mean, with all that drinkin’ there’d be a lot more snorin’ and a lot less sexin’ goin’ on in my house.” Her humor helped break the sexual tension that had settled like a cashmere blanket around the room.

“I was just getting to the DECADENT DINING menu,” Joey assured her. “On a red hot night, dinner is not just a meal, it’s an experience. Mindful dining can be just as erotic as sex.

“Whatever food you serve,” Joey continued, “should engage your senses and his through a complementary mixture of textures, tastes, and smells—sweet, juicy melon slices wrapped in salty proscuitto; spicy oysters served on the half shell, succulent sirloin chunks dipped in zesty, melted gorgonzola cheese—a meal of juicy, sexy foods served by hand, to your lover, bite by sexy bite. And whatever you eat, wait a minute or two between tastes to fully perceive and enjoy the food’s flavors. Oh, and between each luscious course, cleanse your palate with sorbet or champagne.”

“RED HOT TIP: Drown yourself in pleasure, not libations or food. You will negate all your hard work and satisfaction if you allow yourself or your lover to drink or eat too much.

“Let me interject a little day-to-day advice here. Food is one of the most sensual and satisfying pleasures we have, but most of us are so busy dieting or hurrying through our lives to truly enjoy eating. Eat healthily and watch your portion sizes, but don’t shy away from the sensual pleasures of food. At mealtime, engage all of your senses—from your table setting to your meal—and find delight in the nourishment of your body.

“Now let’s move on. On a red hot night, DRESSING FOR SENSUAL SUCCESS begins the moment you wake up in the morning. Put on your favorite, most flattering outfit during the day, and underneath wear lingerie that makes you feel beautiful. On your commute to and from work, listen to music that leaves you feeling loving and frisky and makes your imagination race. Apply your favorite scent or dab some of his on your forearm. Fondle your pearls throughout the day and evening to remind yourself of the pleasure to come. You can’t successfully pull off a night like this if your heart isn’t in it, so build the same anticipation in yourself that you are creating for him.

“Everything about you should be touchable. Your hair, your skin, and your attire should be inviting and be screaming to be caressed. Don’t forget your manicure and pedicure, and in celebration do something different—maybe paint your nails, toes, and lips a flirty, come-hither red.

“What you wear is up to you, but make sure it’s something comfortable and beautiful. Silk or cotton, risqué or demure, doesn’t matter. Whatever turns you on will turn him on. Feeling positive about yourself determines how you give and receive pleasure from your mate. Your perceived body flaws and insecurities will evaporate as your partner responds to the sensually confident you.

“RED HOT TIP: To thine own self be true. At the core of a truly sensual woman is confidence in her authentic self. The evening you create should be driven first by your own comfort and enjoyment.

“Questions?”

Quiet all morning, Becca finally spoke. “I have one. What if it doesn’t work?”

“In my experience, the one thing that will kill a red hot night every time is having too many expectations of yourself or your partner. Be flexible. Remember, one of the joys of living sensually is enjoying the moment and reveling in life as it comes. Plan your evening and then follow it wherever it takes you. Keep everything from your attitude to your menu light and flirty.

“One last thought. A red hot night is an amazing way to celebrate Valentine’s or a birthday or anniversary, but what makes a night like this really hot is when it comes out of the blue for no reason other than to make your lover feel special.”

“You should do a workshop for men,” Tracy suggested, to unanimous agreement. “I’d love for my man to treat me to a red hot night.”

“Something to consider. Well, lovelies, you have your scheduled time for our one-on-one meetings. I’ll see you there and then all of you again tonight at our closing dinner. Enjoy your afternoon.”