Am I a Cougar?

He gave me a timid look after that confession. I'm sure he saw the shock on my face.

"Henry, how can you like me that much?"

"I told you already. Why is it so hard to believe?"

"What am I supposed to believe exactly? That a handsome, successful young man that could have any woman he wanted is obsessed with an emotionally damaged widow who is thirteen years his senior? That doesn't make any sense to me."

"You're omitting the parts where the widow is really fucking hot, incredibly kind, really intelligent, and I love being in the same room with you," he huffed.

I gave up at that point and buried my face in my hands.

"Are we seriously fighting about how much I like you?" Henry asked.

He sounded exasperated. Despite myself, I chuckled and nodded.

"Sheesh, Natalie, you are emotionally damaged. Did that man-toddler do this to you?"

I sighed and nodded again. Henry knew about my late husband's neglectful nature. We had a brief discussion about it five years earlier. I had gracefully declared, "I don't hang out with man-toddlers anymore, not after being chained to one for fifteen years." I had said it right after he asked me out on a coffee date. It was our parting words. I knew it was harsh, but that's how I felt after Henry childishly pestered me for attention all semester. I had honestly thought it was enough to deter his interest in me, but it obviously wasn't.

"Natalie, forgive me for asking this. Do you have experience with anyone besides the man-toddler?"

I looked at him in confusion after that question.

"What do you mean?"

"How many boyfriends have you had? How many people have you slept with? Did you enjoy any of those relationships?"

I stared at him in shocked disbelief for a moment. He didn't hold back when it came to prying questions, and I'm sure he saw the answer all over my face.

"Shit. You have never been with anyone besides your husband. Don't you want to be with someone that makes you happy?"

"I do. I would love to be with someone that treated me more like a human than a servant or a target for petty insults. I got stuck with a life critic instead of a friend. Now I'm happy by myself, and I don't want things to change."

"I doubt that," he mumbled.

"Why do you say that?"

"You got hurt, and now you're scared to try again. I can relate to that in some ways. I was terrified to speak to you again after you told me off the last day of class, but I made myself do it anyway. I want you to know I'm different now. When I think about how I acted, it makes me cringe. I was a man-toddler then, but I'm not anymore. I'm not asking you to marry me or anything. I just want to be close to you and see where it goes."

"And I don't think it will work, Henry. I'm sorry."

He sighed and stared at me for a moment.

"Fuck it. If you won't even try to be my friend, will you consider having sex with me to see if you enjoy it? I'm offering a no-commitment one-night stand for your pleasure."

My mouth dropped open again at that point. Then I gulped and closed it.

"Dude...no," I said, shaking my head.

"Why not? Are you afraid you might enjoy it? What's holding you back? Am I really that unattractive to you?"

"God, Henry, you don't know when to quit."

"And you don't know when to start," he laughed.

I looked at him and huffed in frustration. He gave me a charming smile, and I felt something give way inside me. I was attracted to him and would probably enjoy having sex with him. What was holding me back? After everything I went through, why couldn't I enjoy myself for once?

"You really want to have sex with me that badly?" I asked.

"Yes. I would love to, but not if you won't enjoy it."

"I honestly don't know if I can. I've never enjoyed it with anyone before," I huffed.

A heartbroken look came over Henry's face after that confession.

"I'm sorry, Natalie. I don't know what to say to that. I don't understand how someone could treat you like that. Forgive me for asking, but can you get yourself off, at least?"

We both blushed furiously after that question.

"Yes. I can, and I can't believe you asked me that."

"Sorry. I had to know what I'm getting into. Um, I think I can pleasure you if you let me try. No pressure. I just want you to know that I would love to try, and I'm not just saying that because I want to fuck you."

"That's hard to believe," I sighed.

He blushed and rolled his eyes at himself.

"I sound desperate, don't I?"

"No, actually, and that's why I'm confused. If you wanted a one-night stand, I'm sure you could easily find a much hotter young woman to give it to you, but you came to me instead."

"Yes, I came to a gorgeous, intelligent woman that I have been infatuated with for five years. Having sex with you would be a fantasy come true for me, but it wouldn't be any fun if you didn't enjoy it."

I propped my chin in my hand and stared at Henry for a long minute, wondering if I was having a bizarre dream induced by too many pina coladas.

"Well, at least you're not scowling at me. Any more thoughts I should know about?" he smiled.

"I need time to think about this."

"That's it? Please don't leave me hanging for another five years. What are you leaning towards?"

I sighed and straightened up, knowing I would regret my next words.

"I think I would enjoy having sex with you, but I need to build up to something like that. We should spend more time together and get to know each other again."

"As friends?"

"Yes, Henry, as friends."

"Thank you," he breathed in relief.

His eyes were wide with excitement. It was flattering.

"Well, I need to get dressed. I'm supposed to meet Janet for coffee soon."

"Oh, okay. Thanks for the pizza and the drink."

"You're welcome."

Henry collected his plate and cup and carried them over to the sink. I watched in amazement as he proceeded to wash them.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"My fair share," he shrugged.

"You're my guest. You don't have to do that."

"No, I'm your friend, and I want to help," he smiled as he glanced at me.

"Right... thanks," I nodded.

I awkwardly carried my plate and cup to the sink. Henry proceeded to wash them too. I was at a loss as I watched him. He was still shirtless after our dip in the pool. I couldn't help admiring his lean chest and arms. It was surreal to have an attractive man washing dishes in my own kitchen.

"There, not hard at all," he smiled as he dried the last cup and stuck it in the cupboard. "I'll leave you alone now. Would you like to come over later and see where I'm planning my new garden?"

"Oh, sure. Vegetables or flowers?"

"I'm leaning towards both. Have you ever done that?"

"Once, it's a lot of work, and I haven't done it again since."

"I see. I may be getting in over my head."

"That's how you learn."

We chatted about gardening as we walked to the patio door. Henry stopped on the threshold and searched my eyes for a moment.

"Thank you for spending time with me, Natalie. I'm sorry if you didn't enjoy it as much as I did."

"I didn't say that. You turned my morning upside down, but not in a bad way," I smiled.

"I'm glad. Would you be terribly offended if I asked for a goodbye kiss?"

"Yikes... I'm not offended, just surprised."

I stared at him in amazement for a moment. He was completely serious and still waiting for a better answer. I took a deep breath and searched my feelings for a moment. The idea of kissing him excited me even though it felt wrong at the same time. He read into my hesitation and quickly spoke up.

"Wait, before you kick me out, let me rephrase my question. Natalie, would you enjoy kissing me?"

That question was less ambiguous, at least.

"I might," I shrugged.

"May I kiss you then?" he smiled.

I gulped and nodded, hoping I didn't regret it later. He touched my cheek and leaned down, bringing his lips close to mine. He searched my eyes for a second, then he closed the small gap between us and kissed me. The heat and excitement that radiated through me at that point were titillating. His lips were soft and warm as they tasted mine. He gently pulled my lower lip between his before doing the same to my upper lip. My heart pounded as I returned his kiss. I touched his warm neck and gently sucked on his bottom lip. He smelled and tasted delicious. I hadn't kissed anyone with passion in more than a decade. To be doing it with Henry was exhilarating. Suddenly, he ran his fingers into my hair and slid his tongue into my mouth. He worked it against mine, provoking a rush of heat and tingles in my gut and between my legs. I had never enjoyed a kiss like that before. I could tell he was enjoying it too. Suddenly, he wrapped his arm around me and pulled me against him, letting our naked stomachs touch. I moaned as I indulged in his warmth and soft skin. Our hearts were pounding against each other, and my day was officially derailed. Suddenly, Henry drew away and looked at me worriedly. He had obviously not expected the kiss to get that heated.

"Sorry," he gulped.

"For what?"

He raised an eyebrow at me for a moment, then he smiled and kissed me again. He pulled me into his arms and unleashed his passion. He held the back of my neck and kissed me breathless as his other hand slid down the smooth skin of my back and squeezed the soft flesh above my hip. My gut tingled as I felt his erection press against my mound through his shorts. He was making sure I felt it by pulling me tighter against him, and my body reacted with tingles and growing wetness. I was aroused and conflicted. A few seconds later, we stopped kissing to catch our breath. Henry held me close and smelled my hair as he massaged the back of my neck. I knew I should tell him to leave at that point, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I had never felt that aroused by anyone before. It was too good to be true, and that added to my anxiety.

"Henry, I..."

"Please don't make me leave yet," he whispered.

My heart melted a little as he squeezed me tighter and breathed me in more.

"I... don't want you to leave," I confessed, surprising myself.

I heard him breathe in and hold it for a few seconds as if he were stunned by my words. Then he breathed out and found my lips again. He kissed me slowly, making me feel appreciated. Then he drew away and searched my eyes for a moment.

"Can I make love to you, Natalie?" he whispered.

His question sent a spike of anxious arousal up the center of my body.

"Yes," I nodded.

"Where?" he smiled.

"Um, the guestroom. I mean, my bedroom."

I took his hand and led him into the downstairs guest room that had become my new bedroom. I hated the master suite and the bad memories attached to it. My new room was a sanctuary, and I wanted to share it with Henry. I closed and locked the door behind us. Then I nervously looked at my former student. His admiring gaze eased some of my anxiety. He stepped closer and kissed me again, encouraging the fluttering in my stomach. He drew away and looked down at my bikini.

"Can I remove this?" he whispered and gently tugged at my right shoulder strap.

"Please," I nodded.

He smiled and pushed my shoulder straps down my arms until my top slipped off my breasts. My nipples were hard pebbles, thanks to my swimsuit being cold and wet. Henry gently squeezed my breasts as he admired them. Then he leaned down and captured my left nipple between his warm lips. I let out a soft moan and closed my eyes as he sucked and nibbled it. The simple touch made me ache with arousal after years of deprivation. He gently pinched my right nipple and flicked his tongue against the left one. The horny ache that followed made me wobble a little. His hands slid down my sides until he found the bikini strings on my hips. He pulled the bows loose, allowing it to fall to the floor. He quickly lowered himself to his knees and lapped his tongue over my clit. I gasped and grabbed his hair to keep from swaying.

"Mmm," he moaned and explored deeper with his tongue, lapping between my swollen labia.

"Oh God," I groaned and pulled his hair to keep myself steady.

I was glad I groomed myself before my dip in the pool. I kept my mound silky and smooth. It felt better masturbating when the hair was gone. I had a feeling Henry liked it too. He squeezed my thighs and lapped into my warmth until I was trembling. I was shocked at how easily I could cum if he kept it up. No one had ever made me feel that way before. Henry slid his hands over my ass cheeks and squeezed them, pulling my crotch tighter against his face. I twitched and whimpered as he vigorously lapped inside me and slid his tongue over my clit. I groaned and focused on the mind-numbing tickle against my sensitive bulb, then it hit me like a euphoric wave. I gasped and pulled Henry's hair as an incredible orgasm rocked every muscle in my body. He groaned and squeezed my ass cheeks as he licked harder against my inner muscles. I cried out as he prolonged the ecstasy. I rode it until I was exhausted. I groaned and twitched as he continued lapping through my drenched pussy. I had never felt more satisfied.

"Wow, thanks, Henry," I smiled.

"You're welcome," he said as he returned to his feet.

He wiped his mouth before pulling me into his arms for another kiss. I felt the angry bulge in his shorts pressing against my mound again, and I was suddenly eager to explore it. I reached down and unzipped Henry's shorts. He smiled when I wrapped my fingers around his erection and freed it from his underwear. My eyes widened as I stroked him, exploring his thickness. He had a lot to offer.

"Would you like to lie down with me?" he asked.

"Uh, sure."

"You don't sound very confident," he chuckled.

"Sorry, I was actually thinking about sucking you since you licked me."

"Maybe later. I would honestly love to penetrate you."

"Oh, in that case."

I stepped over to the bed and bounced onto it. Henry quickly shoved his shorts and underwear to the floor before he climbed over me. He pressed his hard body against mine and caught my mouth for a kiss. He reached down and guided his tip against my dripping inlet. He massaged my juices onto his glans, teasing a little deeper with every stroke. My heart was pounding as I enjoyed his silky touch. He stopped kissing me and watched my eyes as he slowly penetrated me. I groaned in delight as he opened my inner muscles with his hard meat. It was exhilarating to be penetrated by someone I was attracted to. He moaned as he pushed deep into my warmth and rocked his hips, exploring my depth. He was raging hard and longer than I was used to. I could feel his pulse thumping deep in my abdomen. It was incredibly arousing. He smiled and held still for a moment, then he leaned down and kissed me again. His tongue played against mine as he began to thrust, and I moaned with my eyes rolling back. His hard shaft pumping through my inner muscles felt electric. I wasn't sure if it was the angle or his technique, but it was mind-numbing. I had always wanted sex to feel that good. I could easily cum if he kept it up a little longer. He was getting shaky and tense as he pumped into me faster, jarring our bodies with his passion.

"Can I cum in you, Natalie?" he panted.

"Yes, please," I groaned.

He grunted and tensed as he pushed hard against my cervix. My eyes rolled back as wet heat poured into me with every spasm of his cock. I quickly reached down and massaged my clit as I enjoyed Henry's orgasm. He groaned and shakily pumped into me, sending hot streams dripping out of me. The sensation pushed me over the edge. I gasped and tensed as the sharp pleasure hit me. Henry studiously fucked me through it, prolonging the ecstasy. It felt incredible and left me exhausted. We were panting and sweating when we were finally able to relax.

"Mmm, thank you," Henry panted as he relaxed against my breasts.

"Thank you, too," I smiled and squeezed his tight ass.

He thrust into me again, sending more cum dripping out of me.

"Hmm, you're juicy," I noted, making him chuckle.

"I've been saving it for you," he grinned.

"Seriously?"

"No, but I have wanted to give it to you for a while. You came twice, didn't you?"

He raised up and looked at me curiously for a moment.

"I did. Thank you. You're the first man to make me orgasm during sex. I didn't know it was possible."

Henry smiled hugely and kissed me again. He had seduced me and melted my heart that morning. Everything about it scared and intrigued me. Suddenly, my phone rang on the nightstand. That's when I remembered Janet. Henry raised up and searched my eyes for a moment.

"Don't you want to answer that?" he asked.

"Not yet. I'm sure it's Janet. I'll call her in a few minutes," I sighed and ran my fingers through his soft brown hair.

"I want to stay with you all day," he whispered with sleepy eyes.

"That would be nice, but I think I need some time to process all this. It happened really fast."

"You enjoyed everything, didn't you?" he asked with an eyebrow raised.

"I did."

"Good," he smiled and snuggled against my breasts again.

We cuddled for a few more minutes before we went to the bathroom to clean up. There was a lot of inappropriate touching and groping while we showered together. I was tempted to play with Henry's cock again, but my phone wouldn't stop complaining from the nightstand. I knew Janet was worried about me. Henry and I shared a long goodbye kiss before he finally collected his clothes and left the house.

I called Janet to let her know I was safe and finally on my way. She was on her second latte when I entered the coffee shop and sat down across from her.

"Natalie, what happened to you?" she asked as she studied my smiling face.

I was probably glowing at that point.

"Well, to put it plainly, I think I'm a cougar," I whispered.

Her green eyes widened in astonishment for a moment, then she smiled like a devil.

"Oh my God, that's an excellent way to enjoy your summer vacation. Tell me everything. Do I know this young person you're corrupting?"

"Keep your voice down. It's not like that. He seduced me."

Janet's mouth dropped open at that revelation.

"Holy cow, it's a former student, isn't it?"

"It is. Do you remember me complaining about Henry Thomas?"

"Shit, I do. That was right after George died. How did you meet Henry again? Is he your new gardener?"

"No, he's my new neighbor."

Janet almost had a fit of hysterics as I recounted the events of that morning. She was getting way too much entertainment out of it.

"Will you quit giggling already? People are going to think you're high," I grumbled.

"That would be fun. We should do that later," she laughed.

"God, what do you think I should do about Henry?"

"You should keep seeing him. He's obviously good at sex and infatuated with you. Enjoy him. You both deserve it. He sounds like a great guy," she declared.

"What if he's not?"

"Why does that matter? Do you think he would physically hurt you?"

"No."

"Then why are you worried?"

"I'm thirteen years older than him. What will Joseph think if he finds out?"

"He'll think you're a cougar," she chuckled.

"Thanks," I sighed.

"It's not a big deal, Natalie. It will be awkward at first, but you're not breaking any laws. Like me, Joseph wants to see you happy. If Henry makes you happy, then go with it."

It felt good divulging my secrets to Janet despite her giggling. She encouraged me to see Henry again that afternoon and not avoid him out of misplaced shame. After departing the coffee shop, I busied myself in town for the rest of the afternoon. I needed some supplies from the hardware store, the garden center, and the grocery store. I grabbed an extra bottle of my favorite champagne as a housewarming present for Henry. I could use it as an excuse to visit him that evening. Just thinking about him sent my heart rate up and my stomach fluttering. I never thought I would feel like a teenager again, but I did, and I honestly loved it.