"You're right," I admitted with a small smile. "If I get pregnant, I'll need to take some time off around six months in."
Meanwhile, Miyagi would be left dealing with his desires. That was what he was really getting at.
"Just so you know, I don't stop at one or two times a night. And I have a pretty good success rate," he said, a playful confidence in his voice.
More tries might not guarantee anything, but I was up for it anyway. I could feel my face getting warm.
In the real world, it's usually the guys who get chased and stay passive. Pursuing a woman so intensely is more like something from a movie than real life. True love, selfless devotion, and love at first sight are all romantic fantasies. Miyagi was no different, as much as I might want to believe otherwise.
He was into me, that much was clear from his words and actions. I had some appeal to him, but at the end of the day, his main goal was physical satisfaction, while mine was to have a baby.
If our goals didn't line up, this whole thing would fall apart, no matter how good it felt right now. The idea of having a baby while he was still in school didn't seem fair. I wasn't sure he had thought that far ahead, but I was willing to meet his terms, at least for now.
"How about we focus on making a baby after I reach my third-year summer?" I suggested. "Until then, let's just enjoy each other's company, no strings attached."
His offer was tough to swallow, even though I wanted to agree. "Third-year summer means if I get pregnant quickly, I'd be on leave by the time you graduate."
That would work out for both of us, if it happened fast.
"But that's only half a year for trying," I pointed out.
"Yeah, about that..." he trailed off.
"Half a year isn't much time. If it doesn't happen, I'd want to start sooner."
I got where he was coming from. This was already a great deal. A thirty-five-year-old offering five encounters a month was generous, but Miyagi was promising six months of steady commitment. I knew I was being greedy, but I couldn't afford to let this chance slip away. I wanted to be with this young man, nearly a decade younger than me, and have his baby. I had always dreamed of being with someone who cared for me, having his baby, and making that my purpose in life. My expression must have given away my thoughts, because he adjusted his terms.
"Let's change the timeline," he said.
"Yes, I'd prefer at least a year," I agreed.
A year wasn't a guarantee, but asking for more felt like pushing my luck.
"No, I mean after third-year summer, we keep going until you're pregnant," he clarified.
I stared at him, surprised. "Even after graduation?"
"I haven't decided on work or college yet, and I don't plan to leave the area," he explained.
So, he intended to stay until I got pregnant. Some women have trouble conceiving, or it could be an issue on the man's side, but the possibility was still there. Was this too good to be true? I had been thrilled just to have his attention, and now there was more? Life had thrown me plenty of curveballs, but this kind of happiness seemed almost too much to hope for.
My mind raced as he grinned casually. "No more sneaking around like today. Though, openly dating an ex-student might raise some eyebrows."
"No, it's fine. Kind of exciting, actually," I reassured him.
It wasn't entirely proper, but there was no law against it. What woman wouldn't love the idea of being seen around town with a younger man, holding hands, or resting her head on his chest during a nighttime stroll? After he turned of age, we could even enjoy a drink together. I preferred the intimacy of a dimly lit bar, shoulders brushing, ice clinking in glasses. Wherever we ended up, the night would culminate in a cozy motel.
I let my imagination run wild, picturing the baby-making adventures of the following summer. It might happen quickly, or I'd enjoy adult dates if it took longer. Part of me hoped I wouldn't conceive for a year after his graduation. That sounded spoiled, I know. Past me would have scolded present me for such thoughts!
"So, do we have a deal? Is the timeline okay?" he asked.
There was no reason to refuse, and even if there were, I couldn't bring myself to say no.
"Yes, it's too perfect. I must be dreaming," I admitted.
The only thing that should be hitting me was his... well, you know. I nearly blurted out that cheesy line.
"Hope it's just the seed that hits," he quipped.
I bit my tongue, holding back the lame joke. Sorry, Miyagi, I almost said it but stopped myself. You're straightforward about sex, but let's skip the corny puns—you deserve better.
I sighed and sealed the deal. "Fine, I'll wait until your third-year summer."
"If it works out, the result will come in the fall, so no showing off a younger guy around town, sadly," he noted.
"That's quite the confidence. Reassuring, though," I replied.
Youth is full of surprises. Guys can't go on endlessly like women, maybe two or three times a day at most, and not back-to-back. But he was talking big, so maybe two rounds tonight. With high hopes, I led him to my place after dinner.
He had eyed a love hotel, but a uniformed kid wouldn't get in. I snuck him inside, praying no neighbors saw. These days, people mind their own business, but a high schooler in tow could still raise eyebrows.
He liked the vibe, though, with its grown-up feel. It wasn't my style, as I prefer fancy things. I'd skip bright pink, but I love pastels and fluffy stuff. This furniture came from my karate friend's hand-me-downs. Her CEO job brings in free samples and gifts. Big items she doesn't need get passed to me for free—keep or toss, whatever. It's high-end, and I picked the best, giving it a sleek look. Plus, I had cleaned it spotless the night before. His admiration made my effort worth it.
Then I made a shy request. "It's been a while. Can I set the pace first?"
I wanted to lead, but his desire was clear. After feeling his strength, I was a bit intimidated by the idea of rough stuff.
"Do whatever you want," he said.
"Really?"
Young guys shouldn't offer that. It's bold yet sweet.
"Uniform off?" I asked.
He popped the top button, flashing his undershirt collar. Sex in it? Hell yeah, but I couldn't say it!
"It'll get wrinkled, right? Better to take it off." I insisted, my heart racing.
"No keeping it on? The forbidden vibe is hot," he teased.
He needed to stop tempting me. "Guilt wins," I said, pulling a stern face to avoid it.
"My bad. No 'Sensei,' then?" he asked.
This kid—teasing on purpose? Or maybe he was just making my dreams come true. What was this boy, reading my mind?
"Uh, yes. Use my name," I managed to say.