Like some straight guys, I've always been curious about sex with another man.
After years of reading and watching gay porn online, and amusing myself with toys, the simulations simply weren't stimulating any more. I decided to take the next step and have a real encounter.
I posted a profile to a gay dating site: "59 years old and looking to explore my bi-side with NSA meet-ups. I'm 5' 6" and about 170 lbs. Seeking someone around my age who'll show me the ropes. Must be DDF and cut. Available most of the time. Can host or travel."
I received a number of replies, mostly from other curious guys or younger ones, which didn't really interest me. I wanted someone with experience.
About a week later, I received a message that piqued my interest: "Hi there, I can help you explore your bi side. We can take it slowly. Have you ever been edged? Great way to start! I can host."
His profile said he was 63, 6' 0" and 195 lbs. His pic showed a rugged looking, clean shaven, man with a full head of gray hair and a friendly smile.
I responded: "Thanks for reaching out. I'm definitely interested. I have absolutely no experience, so taking it slow is how I want to go."
We agreed to meet at his place Friday evening at 7 p.m. He lived in a condo about a 20-minute drive from my place.
Friday arrived. I had butterflies in my stomach, both in anticipation of what I was about to do and some trepidation - after all, this guy was a complete stranger. I showered and headed out, determined not to chicken out.
The condo was a newly built low-rise, just four floors. I punched in the buzzer code he gave me, heard the door click, and walked in. His corner unit was on the ground floor, down a corridor to the right. I got to the door and was just about to knock, when it opened.
"Hi, I'm Max, come in," he said with a welcoming smile, gesturing me in.
He was barefoot and wearing a black nylon track suit. He was lean and I could tell he kept in shape.
"I'm Paul, nice to meet you," I replied and entered, slipping off my flip flops.
As we walked into the living room, Max said, "Look, I realize you're probably nervous, so let's take it easy. Have a seat on the couch and I'll pour us each a glass of wine. There's no pressure on you to do anything. Just enjoy yourself. If you decide you'd rather do nothing, well at least you'll have had a glass of nice Pinot Noir and some conversation."
He went into the kitchen, and I looked around. The place was open concept. The living room area had a couch and two easy chairs, all leather, facing a gas fireplace. On one side of the fireplace was a bookshelf, on the other an entertainment centre with a TV and stereo system. In front of the couch was a rustic, faded red chest serving as a coffee table.
I sat down on the couch and he returned, handed me a glass and sat down beside me.
"Cheers," he said, as we clinked glasses. "Tell me about yourself."
I told him I had been married for 27 years, but split up about eight years ago. I hadn't done much dating, and I was now semi-retired, doing a bit of project management consulting work to keep busy.
Max told me he had retired at 55 after selling a successful property development company, so he and his partner, Aaron, could travel the world. Unfortunately, his partner died a few years later.
"I prefer to remain single and play the field," he said, with a chuckle as he patted my thigh.
I felt completely at ease. We made small talk for a while, mostly about sports and current events, while sipping our wine. When Max finished his, he placed his glass on the chest in front of us, and said, "Ready?"