I was looking for a new place to live. I had one week left on my tenancy agreement and having left everything to the last minute I was getting desperate. Hunting for a new home was much harder than I'd anticipated: I'd seen three rooms already that evening, in different parts of the City, and they were either damp, falling apart or the size of a shoebox. I had one more place to see and I really didn't want to have to spend another evening traipsing through the streets of London looking for a dream home that didn't exist.
I found my next address and rang the bell. The landlord answered the door. "Hi, I'm Alex" he said. He was tall, a few years older than me; rather rugged-looking and seemed friendly enough.
"Hi Alex, I'm Kate." I took my cue and entered the house. He showed me around the communal areas; kitchen, living room, shared bathroom. They were all clean, tidy and homely; so far so good. We found plenty to chat about and I even felt like he was flirting with me a little. He walked behind me as we ascended the stairs to the 2nd floor and I was sure he was catching glimpses up my skirt. Not that I minded, I was starting to feel quite attracted to him. Since it was the height of summer I had dressed light. I wasn't wearing tights; just a pair of pumps, a cute denim skirt that scraped the tops of my knees and a pair of flowery-patterned satin knickers underneath. I was glad that I'd chosen my favourites that morning, if he really was checking them out! I was also wearing a light cotton blouse, with the top few buttons undone, and a balcony bra, so my cleavage could make a subtle appearance from time to time.
It was a good-sized bedroom, with a double bed and nice furniture, overlooking the quiet garden. Perfect!
"There were 2 rooms advertised, but the other one was taken earlier today." Alex explained. "It's a little more rent than the ad said - Β£700 a month including bills".
"Oh, that is more than I expected" I said, struggling to hide the disappointment in my voice. "I really love the room and I'd like to be able to take it, but I'm not sure I can stretch to that - my budget is Β£600. Also, I don't get paid until next week, but I really need to move before then". I was trying my best to flirt in an attempt to appeal to his softer side. I gave him the doe-eyes and slightly puckered my lips.
Alex paused for a few seconds "You do seem like you'd really fit in here and I want to get the room rented fast. Perhaps we could come to an arrangement."