Bandot boldly called Rumiyati “little sis” to test whether the woman hugging him really was ready to let him get closer.
Rumiyati blushed shyly at Bandot’s sudden, blunt question, asked without any preamble at all.
“Drop by ... that’s fine, Mas. I’ll wait for you on the back porch, okay? Not out front.” The woman answered calmly as she tightened her arms around Bandot’s waist.
Bandot hid a smile. His blood began to stir again in the chill of the night in Telomoyo Village. The back porch. That meant Bandot was no longer an ordinary guest. He was an invited guest whose arrival was eagerly anticipated.
Man, Mbah Siman’s advice really hit the mark. He’s the man! the young man cheered silently.
Just like that, the two of them changed the way they addressed each other. Bandot had his Little Sis Rum, while Rumiyati affectionately called him Mas. Yet when they’d set out earlier, they hadn’t had any special relationship at all. Love at first sight, or just a fleeting moment? A sudden fling, or the real thing?
“Yeah, all right. I’ll drop by around midnight, Little Sis. I’ll come looking for something to warm me up.” Bandot briefly touched and stroked the hand of the woman embracing him.
Rumiyati pinched Bandot’s right side. The young man’s words were terribly naughty.
“I mean coffee, Little Sis. Don’t get your hopes up. I mean, don’t think about anything weird,” Bandot continued with a chuckle.
The cold air and the beautiful woman hugging him from behind were clearly stirring the naughty urges of a normal man like Bandot. Who could resist? Even if he couldn’t satisfy his pent-up desire, at least he could indulge in some adult conversation. Consider it an emergency outlet ... while using his imagination.
“Oh, really ... Mas Bandot doesn’t want anything more enjoyable? All right, then. Just coffee, okay?” Rumiyati teased in return.
“Enjoy the coffee—and I wouldn’t say no to enjoying the person serving it, either, Little Sis.” Bandot smiled meaningfully.
“The person serving it will be Mbok Nem. You still interested, Mas Bandot?” Rumiyati laughed mischievously, naming one of her elderly servants.
They both burst out laughing. Who knew when they’d become this close? Mbah Siman’s provocation had really worked.
They arrived at Rumiyati’s house at nearly ten that night. Bandot immediately said goodbye because he had to change into his uniform and begin making his rounds through the village as part of his duties. Before leaving, Bandot still managed to gently stroke Rumiyati’s cheek, making the young widow lower her head with a flushed face. Whether from embarrassment or restrained desire, even she didn’t know.
“I’m causing you trouble, Mas. I’m sorry, and thank you so much,” Rumiyati said softly. She raised her head and gazed at him sadly.
“No, you’re not, Little Sis. I’m happy if I can help you. All right, I’ll head home now. See you later, sweetheart.” Bandot tapped the pointed chin of the beautiful woman, making Rumiyati’s face flush again.
Being a widow really is a hassle. When you want something like this, there’s no one around to help, Rumiyati thought.
Bandot quickly rode home on his steel horse, while Rumiyati returned to her room. She planned to shower and get ready for their first date at midnight. Even though it was nighttime, she couldn’t afford to look shabby, disheveled, or especially sleepy. No matter what, she had to look beautiful, fresh, and alluring.
I have to marry Mas Bandot soon. I can’t hold out much longer. Rumiyati sensuously touched her own slender neck. She imagined Bandot’s lips roaming over it, just as Subandi used to do every day.