Shifting Gears

Author’s Notes:

Here is another quick little ‘simple tale’ that has become a multi-story arc.

‘Shifting Gears’ is the second story in the tale of Kyle MacDenny. Minimal effort is made here to explain the backstory so I highly recommended you read the stories in the following order:

Shifting Priorities
Shifting Gears
…the conclusion (to be named at a later date)

I hope you enjoy them.

All characters engaging in sexual relationships or activities are 18 years old or older.

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Shifting Gears

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Chapter 1

The old motorcycle throbbed with unleashed power as Kyle MacDenny cruised down the Pacific Coast highway towards Santa Barbara. He was four days into his journey from Vancouver, BC.

He’d cut ties with the city of his birth when he’d packed his favorite clothes into his duffle, and donated the remaining items to charity including all furnishings of his apartment that were exclusively his. He’d handed his keys to the landlord and shook the man’s hand. It would be up to Mike to contact his ex-fiancé Gwen Carrington to let her collect the rest of the items in the apartment before it went back on the market.

Gwen was under court order to stay away from Kyle after she assaulted him, a flight attendant, and an Air Marshal on their recent flight back from France. The last time he’d seen her was in the courtroom and she’d avoided looking at him which was a small mercy. The judge ordered her to seek counseling on her obsessive behavior or face jail time. He hoped she took it to heart.

Kyle had informed his employer that he was giving his two week notice and in that time he’d be using the two weeks of vacation time they still owed him. His boss had been gracious as he really liked Kyle. He probably held out hope that Kyle might return to the fold once he’d recovered from whatever was driving him to make this bold change in his life.

Though he’d originally intended on flying to California, his plans had rapidly evolved. His minimizing effort meant leaving nothing he needed behind as it would be a permanent change. He gave notice on his storage unit.

It took a week to get his motorcycle roadworthy. It was a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic he’d inherited from his father. It was the only thing he’d received when the emotionally distant man passed away. The few good memories he had of his father revolved around helping him maintain the machine. It was his father who inspired him to get his own license to ride.

He’d put it in storage well before meeting Gwen and when he’d discovered her surprisingly intense distaste for motorcycles, he’d… failed to mention he owned one. When he thought back on that, he realized it was probably the only act of defiance he’d ever made while she was changing him to be her ideal mate. While his relationship with his father had been anything but emotionally close, the motorcycle was… intensely important to him. He’d given it tender care over the years and kept it in running condition… when Gwen allowed him the free time.

Today, the big bike purred its deep rumble, expressing its satisfaction at finally being allowed to do what it did best. The late afternoon sunlight flashed across the expanse of chrome, making the highly buffed black paint look deeper and darker than it was. The black paint combined with the chrome detailing and big, shiny V twin engine was a beautiful combination. Especially when paired up with fat white-walled tires and kitted out with the studded leather trunk bag and twin saddlebags.

The three bags currently contained all of Kyle’s earthly belongings. He’d taken the minimizing ethic to heart and only retained the essentials. The feeling of freedom that gave him was incredible.

When he’d first received his inheritance, he’d been too intimidated to ride the powerful bike and only tinkered with it. One of the side benefits of Gwen’s pushing him to get so fit was that he was now strong enough to control the Harley. Still, riding it demanded his complete attention and respect.

He was wearing his leathers and a full face helmet which drew some stares, glares, and sneers from the riders who opted for T-shirts, jeans and those barely there skull toppers that left most of your head and face exposed. He shrugged it off as to each, their own.

He’d called Fiona last night to let her know he’d be arriving in Santa Barbara around the dinner hour. He grinned as he recalled her happy and excited squeal. She’d asked him to meet her at the new five star hotel her parents had recently built high on a hillside overlooking Santa Barbara and the ocean. They’d opened it the previous spring and the posh hotel was already in high demand. She was very proud of it and she wanted to show it off… and him as well.

He saw his exit and pulled off the highway, glad to be on a road with more interesting scenery. He followed the traffic through a shopping district which became a series of neighborhoods, all the while gradually making his way closer to the hills. Then he was winding his way upwards while the houses got larger and farther apart with more dense vegetation for privacy. Definitely the proper neighborhood for a grand hotel.

He spotted the hotel’s sign to the left and pulled off onto a smaller side road and finally into a large circular courtyard. A large Mercedes sedan was slowly easing its way backwards out of a parking spot close to the entrance so Kyle waited until he pulled away from the spot. As he maneuvered the big motorcycle into the spot he saw the sedan driver giving him the evil eye. Kyle grinned to himself as he pushed the kickstand out and shut off the motor. It felt good to stand and stretch.

He pulled off the helmet, stuffing his gloves inside, and ran his fingers through his hair as he looked in a rear view mirror. Meh, it would do. He took out his kerchief and dried his face and neck. He really needed a shower but first things first. He had a lady to see.

Two men in hotel uniforms stood on either side of the walkway leading into the front entrance of the hotel. They weren’t sure what to make of him in his black leathers. The entire five story building was built on a slope so the lobby was actually in the middle of the building, the third floor with two upper floors of guest suites and two lower floors with more guest suites. The main restaurant, lounge, and bar were also on the level with the lobby. It was a very wide building.

As Kyle walked in the sliding glass doors he heard a yelp and saw white blond hair rush out of the office door to the left of the wide reception counter. Fiona was grinning from ear to ear as she dashed across the lobby to jump into his arms.

The woman had large, top notch breast implants and watching her run towards him was almost as rewarding as feeling them pressed against his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. He worried what was showing as she was wearing a dress that only came down as far as mid-thigh.

Her mouth was on his and her tongue was in his mouth as she clung to him. He kissed her passionately in return and felt her trembling in his arms. When he finally pulled back from her full lips she was swooning a little.

“Oh my god, I missed that!” she sighed.

“Hello Fiona,” he said with a smile as he gently lowered her to her feet.

She was drinking in how rough and rugged he looked in his leathers then her expression turned to surprise. “Wait! You’re wearing leather! I heard a deep rumble of a motorcycle! That was you?!?” she gasped.

He grinned at her and nodded.

“Show me!” she exclaimed with glee and dragged him by the hand out the doors. He led her to the motorcycle and she gasped.

“It’s gorgeous! Oh my god! You have to take me for a ride!” She paused as she heard what she’d said. She turned to look at him with a hungry smile. “You really have to take me for a ride,” she purred and he caught the innuendo.

“Are you ready to have this much power between your legs?” he asked with one raised brow.

She giggled at his corny line then pressed her tits against his chest once more and tilted her face up to his. He tipped his face down and stroked her lips with his, nibbling them until she grabbed his jacket with a sudden intake of breath and pressed her mouth to his more firmly.

“Fuck, you’re going to make me cum in my panties!” she whispered to him after the kiss.

“We can’t have that! You’d better take them off.”

She pushed back from his chest, her eyes wide as she smiled. “Phew! Let’s take a breath. I made dinner plans for us tonight. Then we’ll have that fun!”

He smiled and nodded.

“When did you get this?” she asked as she looked back at the Harley.

He smiled fondly at it. “It was my father’s. I inherited it years ago and I’ve had it in storage. I’ve been keeping it in running condition but I never got to ride it very often.”

“Gwen let you have a motorcycle?” Fiona asked skeptically.

He shrugged. “I didn’t tell her I had it.”

Fiona grinned at him in shock. “Really?”

“The entire time we were together,” he said with a nod.

She gave him an appreciative look as she knew how controlling Gwen had been. “How?”

His smile softened as his eyes went back to the motorcycle. “I didn’t have the best relationship with my father but this… it’s the only connection I have to the best moments I had with him. I couldn’t lose it,” he said quietly.

Her eyes softened as she saw how important it was to him. “Did you want to take a shower and change? I’m taking us to a fabulous beachfront restaurant.”

He sighed happily. “I would love to take a shower and put some cooler clothes on.” He unlocked the saddlebags and carried them as she led him back into the hotel.

“I have a shower in the bathroom of my office so you can clean up in there,” she said as she pointed to the door to the left when she closed the office door.

Kyle went into the washroom and got his kit out with a change of clothes. He quickly showered, shaved, and dressed in his khaki pants and a stylish shirt from a Barcelona designer. He rolled the sleeves back to help him cool off. He slipped on his shoes and packed the rest in his saddlebags.

When he left the bathroom Fiona looked up from her desk and smiled happily at him. “You can leave the bags in my office. We’ll come back after dinner to collect them and your motorcycle. I have a spot in my garage for it.”

Fiona hooked her arm through Kyle’s and led him outside once more to the parking lot. One of the uniformed men handed her the key to the sporty red coupe he’d brought up for her.

“Thank you, Michael!” she said with a smile as she moved to the driver’s side.

Kyle sat in the passenger seat and looked to the lovely woman smiling back at him.

“You like seafood, don’t you?” she asked.

“Love it!”

“Excellent!” she grinned. She pulled out of the driveway a little more rapidly than Kyle would have preferred but he was her guest. He just ensured his seatbelt was secure and put his faith in the expensive vehicle’s safety equipment.

They made their way back down out of the hills towards the ocean side. Fiona was an aggressive driver but she was attentive to the road so Kyle did his best to relax.

They finally pulled up to a restaurant overlooking the ocean and Fiona stopped by the valet parking. She handed the key to the young man as he held the door for her. Kyle waited on the sidewalk for her and they went inside arm in arm.

The moment they entered the bar a cheer went up from a group of ladies at a table by the far wall. Fiona’s smile just got wider and happier as she rushed forward to press cheeks with the five women waiting with drinks in their hands. She turned back to smile at Kyle.

“Girls, let me introduce you to my new good friend, Kyle MacDenny!” she gushed.

Kyle smiled at the group and got the distinct impression of being under a microscope. It seemed to be a friendly one at least. They were all smiling and he caught one licking her lips hungrily much to his surprise.

None of the women was under thirty and, by his estimation, were likely in the same age range as Fiona, so early thirties with just one in her mid-forties.

Fiona put her arm around the closest woman. “This beauty is Monique. We go back to our high school days!” Kyle smiled at the lovely, mocha skinned woman. Just two inches taller than Fiona’s 5′ 6″, she was wearing her long straight black hair pulled back in a pony tail. He shook her hand as she flashed a brilliant smile at him. There was a definite twinkle in her dark eyes.

Fiona moved to the next lady to continue the introductions.

Charlize was the shortest of the group at maybe 5′ 2″, but she also looked to be the strongest as well. She had full sleeve tattoos on her muscular arms and her short sleeve top showed them off quite well. She wore her jet black hair cropped close on the sides and just slightly long from her bangs, over the tip of her head to her shoulders. The tips of the longer hair was dyed violet. Fiona said she was a friend from their university years.

Gloria was a full figured woman who was the oldest in the group, with a wild mane of strawberry blonde hair, a vivacious and bubbly personality, and a crooked smile. She’d been the lip licker and, it turned out, was Fiona’s next door neighbor.

Next was Phoebe who was a tall, lean, and serene yoga master with straight, yellow blonde hair that just reached her ass. She wore large glasses perched on her prominent nose. Fiona met her teaching a Yoga class years ago and they bonded.

Fiona put her arm around Kyle as she introduced Marion, a stunning redhead whose luxurious locks reached mid-back. Tall and curvy, she had bedroom eyes, high cheekbones, and a sensual mouth with a slight upturn at the corners like she was enjoying a joke, possibly at your expense.

He immediately picked up a subtle tension in Fiona and realized, of all of Fiona’s circle, this woman was the one she saw as a threat. He moved his left arm around Fiona’s back as he shook Marion’s hand. He felt Fiona relax a little as she explained that Marion was also in the hospitality industry but dealt with executive travel. She booked rooms in a number of Fiona’s hotels for her clients.

Now that he’d met them all Kyle glanced around. “I’m not the only male in our party tonight, am I?”

Fiona grinned at him and the group chuckled at his surprised look.

“My husband Dale is the assistant coach for the LA Lakers. He’s on the road.”

“Basketball, right?” Kyle asked with a wince and guilty smile.

Some of the ladies made mock cries of outrage that he didn’t know, but Gloria had a huge smile of delight on her face. “You’re not a nut for pro sports?!?” she exclaimed.

He shrugged and shook his head.

“Fiona! He’s a keeper! All this and no aggravating sports obsession!” Gloria continued, gesturing at Kyle’s body.

“Gloria! You’re embarrassing the man!” Fiona chastised her neighbor but did it with a grin on her face.

“Sorry, Kyle! It’s just a treat to meet a man like you. My Roger is at home, glued to the boob tube watching whatever game is on. Basketball, baseball, football, or god help me, hockey!” She made a gagging sound. She looked at the other women. “Doesn’t ‘hockey’ sound like something a cat does to get rid of a hairball?”

“I like hockey! Well… hockey players,” Charlize clarified with a cheeky grin.

“What? Are they the flavor of the month?” Gloria jabbed good naturedly.

“Hey, athletes are the only ones with enough stamina to keep up,” the brunette shot back with a smirk of her own.

“Oooo!” the ladies exclaimed then laughed.

Fiona gave Kyle a little hug. “Charlize is… between boyfriends?” She glanced over at the woman to confirm and received a nod. “Phoebe’s husband Linus is a spiritual guru and travels a fair amount. He’s in India now, doing a pilgrimage or something to do with expanding his Chakra.”

The slim blonde nodded enthusiastically and grinned at Kyle.

“Let’s hope that’s the only thing he lets the young ladies expand!” Monique joked as she performed a few traditional Indian dance moves with a smooth, sensual and suggestive grace.

More hoots erupted from the group as Phoebe shook her head vehemently but was smiling none-the-less.

“What are you drinking?” Marion asked Kyle as she drifted closer and lifted her own wine glass.

“Oh, uh…” he began.

“Scotch neat, right?” Fiona answered quickly and Kyle nodded to her. Fiona caught Monique’s eye to watch Marion, then headed to the bar.

“Fiona didn’t mention someone in your life,” Kyle said looking towards Marion and received a sly smile in return.

“Confirmed bachelorette. Marriage and monogamy are definitely not for me.” She eyed Kyle like a delicious bonbon just waiting to be unwrapped. “Too many delights to restrict myself to just one,” she purred. “Where did you and Fiona meet?” Marion asked boldly to distract Kyle.

Kyle saw he had everyone’s attention. “Didn’t Fiona mention that?” he asked in surprise.

“Oh she’s been hinting at a mystery man who was coming to visit her but she’s been keeping the truth about you all to herself!” the redhead beauty pouted.

“You know she went on a cycling holiday in France, yes?” he began.

“That’s when her husband showed his true colors and she dumped his sorry ass!” Gloria trumpeted.

Kyle chuckled and nodded. “Yes, he certainly did and she did.”

“So that’s where you met her? On the tour? Were you one of the guides?” Monique gushed.

“I was on the tour myself,” Kyle answered.

Monique blinked. “But I thought it was for couples!”

He knew this would only lead to more questions but he gave them a straight answer. “Yeah, well… originally I was going to be with my fiancé but the night before it began she dumped me in a letter she left at the hotel.” The ladies gasped and made sympathetic noises.

He held up his hands. “It was for the best. Like Fiona’s dumping Alfred.”

“What exactly did he do?” Marion asked, interest lighting up her shockingly blue eyes.

Kyle smiled regretfully. “You’ll have to get that story from Fiona.”

“You’re a cyclist?” Charlize asked and he nodded with a smile. “Alfred was always challenging me to race against him. Such an arrogant jerk! Did you race him? Did you win?” she asked excitedly.

Kyle grinned. “Yeah, I raced him.” He paused for effect. “I cleaned his clock.” Excited cheers erupted from the group. He looked towards the bar and saw Fiona returning with the drinks. She caught his look and moved a little faster.

Kyle accepted the tumbler of whiskey from Fiona’s hand with a smile. His first sip told him she’d splurged on the ‘good stuff’ and he nodded his appreciation with a raised brow as he caught her eye. Her smile in return spoke volumes. She’d told him she intended to pamper him during his visit and this was obviously just the first example.

“A whiskey connoisseur. At such a young age, too!” Monique teased.

“I’m not that young,” he replied quietly.

“Just young enough,” Fiona purred with a wicked grin.

Kyle’s face heated up as interested eyes turned in his direction. “They were asking how we met,” he said to change the subject.

“Were they?” Fiona said though her eyes went to Marion.

The woman accepted the challenge. “Yes! Your mystery man is here so isn’t it time you dish on some details about him and how you met? You’ve been dropping hints for weeks!” Marion insisted with that sexy pout which did things to make Kyle’s pants tight. Worse, she seemed to know it!

Fiona moved up against his side and grinned at her friends. “We should probably be seated before we talk about that.”

“When are we going to get our table? If they don’t hurry we may have to start on Kyle. He looks pretty yummy!” Gloria said with a bold look.
“Hands off woman!” Fiona said with a fake scowl.

“Who said anything about using our hands?” Gloria returned as she licked her lips again, shocking laughter and whoops from the group.

Kyle smiled but glanced nervously at Fiona who picked up the message loud and clear. He wasn’t up for being eaten alive, even if it was by this bevy of beauties. She put her arm around him protectively.

“Sorry girls, he’s not on the menu, tonight,” she teased. Eyes flashed in delight that she hadn’t forbidden a potential encounter with her lover at a future date.

Kyle heard that message as well and glanced once more at Fiona who was busy trading knowing smiles with her friends. So, she was willing to share her boy toy with her friends. Before he’d ridden down to see her he’d known that she wasn’t after a serious relationship. Hell, she’d made that clear in France when she’d happily shared him with the other ladies on the tour. She’d just divorced a bastard and was now looking for a little fun! It just felt a little… off putting to be so blatantly treated like… like… his mind returned to the uncomfortable but seemingly appropriate term, ‘man whore’. Wasn’t she paying his tab while he was down here? The term fit and his thoughts darkened.

“Table for seven for Albright?”

Monique raised her hand as they turned to see the hostess smiling at them. Gloria cheered.

As they followed the woman to their table on the patio with drinks in their hands, Kyle took some deep breaths of the fresh air and tried to shake off the funk creeping into his mood. Seize the day and all that. He was here to see where life took him and enjoy the company of a lovely woman. He didn’t have to be defined by this.

When they reached the table Kyle found himself being positioned at the head of the table with three women on each side.

“Ok, this doesn’t feel weird,” he said as they all took their seats and looked up the table towards him. “Why am I at the top?”

“You prefer to be a bottom?” Marion asked innocently from his immediate left.

“Definitely a top!” Fiona immediately returned with a wicked smile from his right.

Giggles went down the table and Kyle just smiled at the teasing but he wondered if he was going to be enduring it all night. He was beginning to wish one of their husbands had toughed it out to join them.

As if reading his unease, Marion leaned forward to catch Fiona’s attention… and expose her deep cleavage to Kyle who pulled his eyes away once he realized he was staring.

“Time to dish on your vacation!” the redhead begged.

Fiona smiled and nodded, getting cheers from the others. She began with explaining how Kyle’s fiancé had eloped at the last second and described her initial disagreement with Kyle. That drew sympathetic sounds from the women.

Then she told them how she spotted him leaving the Livingston’s hotel room that first night. Giggles erupted and she continued with the story of the others spotting him making out with one of the guides. This led to more giggles. She next mentioned how Alfred offered Kyle a night with her as the prize for winning a race.

Gasps of outrage burst from the ladies as Kyle’s face burned with embarrassment. She was painting a pretty shallow picture of him.

“In Kyle’s defence, none of these things were his doing. It was Skye Livingston and her mother who convinced him to spend a little time with them,” she explained simply.

“Both of them? At the same time?!?” Gloria exclaimed in shock and delight.

Kyle just nodded slightly with a weak smile. He needed to deflect their erroneous impression of him. “But Dita, the tour guide, was just giving me a kiss to thank me for massaging a cramp out of her calf when Alfred hit her with his bike. She was just being nice.”

“That night I found Kyle and I asked him to crush Alfred in the race the following day and he did. By eight minutes!” Fiona cheered.

Kyle breathed a sigh of relief that she hadn’t mentioned her other activity that night.

Charlize was especially excited about hearing how he’d won. “An eight minute lead! Shit! You must have been flying!”

The waiter arrived and they had to ask for more time to look at the menus. She took their drink orders and Fiona ordered him another drink.

Kyle saw Charlize was still waiting for a response so he smiled to her. “Yeah, he was a strong rider but he was in a rage that day and burned up most of his energy early on. He dominated the climb but I left him in the dust on the descent and sprint for the finish. He had nothing left.” He was grinning as he recalled the thrill of that ride.

“Alfred was so spent he toppled over at the end and broke his collarbone,” Fiona said with a grin and they cheered once more. “And I made him sign the divorce papers at the hospital!” Cheers erupted again. They were drawing stares from nearby tables.

Fiona’s eyes flew wide. “I almost forgot! Your winnings from Alfred’s wager!” She dug in her small purse and handed him an envelope. Inside, he saw a check for close to three thousand dollars. He nodded and pocketed the envelope. “Alfred had to pay for all of Kyle’s upgrades on the trip,” she explained to her friends.

“Was that the extent of Kyle’s reward?” Marion asked with a coy smile once the table was quiet again.

Fiona looked at Kyle with heat in her eyes. “Oh no, it was a very rewarding night in so many ways,” she purred as his face felt like it might ignite.

“I suppose that answers the question about your stamina,” Charlize said with a wink.

Kyle just smiled at her and looked down to straighten his napkin on his lap.

“Yes, the women certainly enjoyed the remaining days of the trip,” Fiona nodded to her friends.

Kyle was getting a little desperate to clear up the misconception. “Again, in my defense, I was just trying to enjoy the cycling in France. I wasn’t there looking for a… booty call!”

Fiona nodded in agreement. “It’s true and that’s what made it all the more delicious. Kyle isn’t a player and I’m sorry if I’m giving everyone that impression. He was always so sweet, discreet, and conscientious! Being fabulous in bed is a wonderful bonus.”

Kyle looked at her in surprise. So much for being discreet!

He was prevented from responding when the waitress returned only to be once more sent away for more time. Finally, they picked up their menus to choose.

Then he felt it. A bare foot slipped under his right pant leg to stroke the skin of his shin. Fiona.

He froze when he felt a second bare foot duck under his left pant leg to run up the back of his calf. Marion. Both women were enjoying a feel. Likely oblivious to the other’s flirting. His legs were trapped between theirs and he was feeling tingles running up and down his spine.

The third time was the charm for the waitress as she arrived to take their orders. Kyle chose a filet of sole over a bed of rice. He wasn’t that hungry for some reason. The leg massage continued. He glanced at the two women and saw their subtle smiles.

Suddenly the foot rubbing his calf pulled away as Fiona’s foot paused. The blond cast a suspicious look across the table to the redhead who was looking down and across the table towards Charlize.

Fiona pulled her foot back and reached out to touch his hand. He took hers in his and rubbed his thumb over the back of it soothingly. She relaxed and smiled at him.

Kyle leaned back and just listened to Fiona interacting with her friends and smiled. These were the people she felt most at ease with, aside from Marion, but there was always one in the group with a conflicting agenda.

His attention was pulled back to the present as he heard a question directed to him from Phoebe who had been quiet up to this point. He’d noticed she was drinking sparkling water. Keeping her body pure.

“What happened to your fiancé?”

“Gwen? She, uh, she showed up near the end of the tour and tried to reconcile, but for me it was too late. She was too controlling and I needed to live my own life.” He looked at Fiona who was smiling and nodding to him. “I should bring you up to speed on this too. Gwen was on my flight home and assaulted me while I was sleeping. I stopped her and told her it was over between us. Then she went after a flight attendant and assaulted an Air Marshal. I saw her once more in court. She finally understood that no meant no. She’s finally out of my life.”

Fiona gasped. “She assaulted you on the plane?” She reached up to turn his chin so she could look for injuries.

He gently took her hand from his chin and glanced down the table. “Uh yes. Sexually.”

Eyes widened then laughter burst out.

“I’ve never heard of a man claiming sexual assault,” Gloria guffawed.

Kyle frowned at her. “So a man can’t say no but a woman can?”

Gloria’s laughter petered out. “Ah, I didn’t say that. It’s just so rare it sounds ridiculous!”

“Being rare doesn’t make it less repugnant. I woke up with… an intimate part of me in the mouth of a woman I was trying to escape from. Don’t you think I’d find that upsetting?” He was beginning to get cross.

“Yes, I can see you’re still upset. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything,” Gloria said backpedalling.

Kyle took a breath to settle his nerves. It was true. He was still a little sensitive about Gwen’s interference in his life. He sighed and gave himself a little shake. “I’m sorry if I overreacted. She had a rather severe impact on my life and I’m still trying to get a handle on it.”

“No, it’s fine. You were put through something unwanted. I get it,” Gloria acknowledged. Then her crooked smile returned. “Of course, for me, waking up to find a mouth on my intimate part would be heaven on earth! Roger’s never done that for me and none of the boyfriends I had before him even thought to ask!”

Her friends made sympathetic noises then burst into giggles.

“Yeah yeah, fuck you too,” Gloria said with a grin.

Once the chuckles died down Marion touched Kyle’s arm to get his attention. “What do you do for work, Kyle?”

He noticed her hand was still on his arm but he pulled his mind back from that distraction. “I was an Investment Manager but I just quit as it wasn’t personally fulfilling.”

“Were you good at it?” she asked, subtly scratching the back of his wrist with long nails the same shade of deep red as her hair. More sparks shot through his body.

“Yes, I uh, I made good money at it. But being good at something and enjoying it can be two distinct things. The job didn’t make me happy. I’m looking for what makes me happy now,” he explained, moving his arm to break their link and reset his napkin over his lap as it was beginning to tent.

Marion shared a smile with Fiona. “Your quest for happiness begins in Santa Barbara?”

“It seemed like a good place to start,” he said glancing at Fiona with a smile as well.

“He found a little happiness in the journey itself. He rode the motorcycle he inherited from his father down the Pacific Coast Highway. The motorcycle is gorgeous!” she gushed.

Kyle endured more appreciative stares.

“Oh, now we all want Kyle to give us a ride!” Gloria purred then heard her own words. “Oh!” She burst into loud laughter.

Monique snorted into her drink and began coughing. Once she recovered she joined the laughter over Gloria’s double entendre.

“When’s the food going to get here?” Kyle asked which just increased the giggling.

“Seriously, what do you ride?” Charlize asked.

He saw she was interested so he answered. “It’s a 1988 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic.”

She nodded. “A cruiser. Nice. I just got myself a Yamaha YZF‑R1 Supersport.”

“Get any tickets yet?” Kyle asked and she grinned but shook her head. “Not exactly a comfortable ride for passengers on your bike,” he suggested.

“Wait, you can take a second rider on that rocket of yours?” Monique said, turning to her friend in surprise.

Charlize shook her head. “While there is a seat up on the rear fender and foot pegs, as Kyle mentioned, it’s not a comfortable position to be in. I won’t ride with a passenger as I’m barely large enough to manage the heavy bike without having to deal with the extra weight one of you ladies would add.” She was looking at Gloria when she finished.

“Hey!” the larger woman barked.

“No offense,” Charlize said with a grin and Gloria snorted at her.

Monique looked to Fiona. “Aside from the obvious, what activities do you have planned for Kyle on his visit.” She looked to Kyle quickly. “How long are you going to stay?”

“I don’t have a fixed calendar, aside from leaving the States in six months’ time,” he said.

“But what are you doing for money?” Marion blurted in surprise.

Gloria snorted in amusement.

“Hush you! Dirty mind!” Marion scolded then looked curiously back at Kyle.

“I did mention I’m an Investment Manager. I have my own investments which generate enough income to live on if I stick to a modest budget. Granted, from what I’ve seen so far, Santa Barbara isn’t exactly a place one easily lives modestly.”

“Don’t you worry about Santa Barbara! I told you, you’re my guest.” Fiona said with a smile and patted his hand. He opened his mouth to protest and she placed her expensively manicured fingertips across his lips. He closed his mouth and kissed the pad of her finger while holding her eyes and she squirmed with tingles.

“Yes! Mmmm… Now… what was I saying?” She licked her lips absent mindedly as she watched his mouth.

Giggles erupted as they watched the flush on Fiona’s cheeks.

“You were going to tell us what you had planned for Kyle… aside from the obvious,” Phoebe offered then held two fingers against her face and wiggled her tongue between them.

The table erupted with shocked laughter again and even Kyle joined in this time as he hadn’t expected it from the quiet one.

“GAWD! Don’t do that, Phoebe! I’m getting all wet and tingly just imagining it!” Gloria begged pitifully. The slim blonde laughed and patted her shoulder.

Fiona held up her hands and they gradually settled down.

Kyle saw they were getting annoyed stares from the surrounding tables.

“I’m going to take him to see a concert at the Santa Barbara Bowl. I thought we’d spend a day at Butterfly Beach too. A trip to Los Angeles and from there over to Las Vegas. I have lots of things planned for Kyle.”

“Oh my god! Vegas! I haven’t been there in years! Can we come too?!?” Gloria begged.

“I don’t know… could Vegas survive this group?” Fiona said as she looked at the others in fake worry.

Giggles erupted but were interrupted by the arrival of their meals.

As they ate Fiona went over the itinerary and the others checked their calendars to see if they could free up some time to join them in Las Vegas. They all settled on a date, a weekend, and a cheer went up.

Kyle was watching the friends laughing and talking as they made their plans and he felt good that Fiona had such a great group. Yes, there was still a little tension evident between Fiona and Marion but it didn’t seem to be a deal breaker. They almost seemed to enjoy the competition. As long as there was mutual respect in the mix they could probably make it work.

Once they finished up and indulged in a little light dessert, they settled the bill and headed out.

“Are you up for some dancing tonight?” Charlize asked. Eyes lit up.

“Sorry ladies, tonight I’m keeping him all to myself. He’s had a long ride to get here and there’s more riding to be done.”

Her friends cheered with hoots and whoops as Kyle’s face warmed up and he shook his head with a wry grin. He raised a brow at Fiona and she mouthed she was sorry but grinned.

He gave them kisses on the cheek and friendly hugs and they took the opportunity to press their tits against him, run their hands over his back, grind pelvises, and in Gloria’s case, squeeze his ass. He took it with a good natured smile and was soon back in Fiona’s car zipping back through the streets of Santa Barbara towards the hotel.

“I hope they didn’t paw you too much,” Fiona said apologetically.

“No. Not more than a boy toy should expect,” he replied with a slightly exasperated look on his face.

She winced. “Was I pushing it too much?”

“Just a little.” He sighed as she pouted. “Listen, I don’t mind your enthusiasm and I enjoy how excited you get. Trust me, you make me damn excited too. I just think it might be better if you didn’t… oversell the sexual side of our… relationship.”

“Are we in a relationship?” she asked and Kyle heard a slight edge to her voice.

“We’ve both been burned too recently for it to be a good idea to begin a real relationship. Can we agree we’re friends with benefits?” She smiled and nodded vigorously. “That seems like a safe place to start. I understand you want to enjoy yourself. So do I but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to hire myself out as a stud service.”

She snorted and grinned at him. “Ok, I’m sorry for dangling you under their noses so much. It’s just… they’re so important to me and I’m so excited to have someone to show off that they even like! They couldn’t stand Alfred!”

He nodded and rested back in his seat, trying to ignore the ache in his hands as he gripped the door handle and seat so tightly.

Thankfully they quickly arrived at their destination, in one piece, and Fiona parked. They went inside and she quickly gave him a tour of the hotel. He was greatly impressed with the place and let her know. She glowed under his praise. She introduced him to the staff and then they grabbed his stuff from her office and headed outside.

He remounted the bags, pulled on his leather jacket and gloves, and slipped his helmet on. When he started the bike Fiona jumped a little and grinned excitedly. He pushed up his visor.

“I’m going to have to pick up a second helmet before I can take you for a ride on it,” he remarked.

“Ooo! I want to pick one out!” she said, clapping her hands excitedly.

“Please drive slower on your way to your place. I don’t want to race along unfamiliar windy roads,” he said and she nodded as she went back to her car.

She played nice and didn’t race along the roads hugging the hillside and soon she pulled up as steep slope towards a development of Mediterranean style townhomes. A garage door automatically opened and she parked on the right side letting him pull into the left side spot. The garage door closed behind them.

He locked up the motorcycle and grabbed his bags. Fiona walked up beside him and he turned to her.

“I have to admit, back in France when you mentioned Alfred had to get his stuff out of the condo I was picturing a tall building with apartments, not a townhome.”

She shook her head at him. “Too many earthquakes to make tall buildings a popular option.”

“Ah!” he said as he realised the sense in that.

She led him to the inner door and they went inside. The townhome was enormous inside and beautifully decorated. The kitchen was the first room they entered from the garage and he grinned at the state of the art appliances and amenities.

“Do you cook?” he asked, taking it in.

“No, not one of my skills. Alfred did though. You?” she asked.

He shrugged. “A little. Nothing spectacular. Comfort food like chili and meatloaf. I’m good at stuff like that. Nothing complex.”

He got the tour and admired the large party patio with its big barbeque and the table and chairs for ten. There was a view of Santa Barbara in the distance and pretty lights hung above the table and lit the area with a warm glow. Very intimate!

“Last but certainly not least, the master bedroom,” she purred as she guided him down a hall and through large double doors. The king sized bed dominated the room which was a task as the room was very large. It also looked very inviting.

Kyle smiled at Fiona and walked to stand before her. She smiled up at him. “I’ve been waiting all night to do this,” he said.
He took her face in his hands and caressed her lips with his. They were so soft and tender. He sucked on her plump lower lip and she moaned and clung to him. His kiss became demanding and her tongue chased his in her mouth. He guided her back to the bed and laid her back on the mattress with her legs dangling over the end. He surprised her by immediately moving down and flipping her dress up to expose her naughty lace panties. When he pressed his lips to them Fiona reminded him exactly how much she loved sex.

“OH FUCK YES! LICK IT! LICK MY PUSSY, KYLE!”

He glanced up to her face as his ears rung from her cries. He put that aside and tugged her panties down her legs and off and got to work as requested.

“OH FUCK! FUCK! OH! GEEZUS! LICK IT! AHHHHHHH! SUCK MY WET PUSSY! YES! YES!! YES!!!!”

Kyle did his best to ignore the volume of Fiona’s excited dialog and concentrated on bringing her close to her release. His cock was stiff and throbbing and wanted to come out to play.

When he felt she was ready he pulled back from her pussy and quickly pulled off his clothes. Fiona lifted her dazed head and her eyes widened appreciatively when she saw Kyle’s hard cock. She dropped her head back against the mattress when Kyle pushed two fingers into her wet pussy.

He pumped them in and out a few times to get them slick with her juices. He then rubbed this slippery fluids over his cock.

Fiona’s head came back up just as he lifted her legs up to rest against his bare chest. This presented her glistening pussy for easy access. He pressed the thick head of his cock against her pussy lips and felt them part and accept his heat inside.

“OH MY GOD! YOU HAVE SUCH A FAT COCK! FUCK ME KYLE! FUCK ME!” she screamed.

So, he did.

He slammed himself all the way in and began to spank her ass with his pelvis as he set up brutal pace of fucking her gushing pussy. The wet sounds just got louder the longer he fucked her.

“FUCK ME! UH! UH! MY GOD! FUCK! YOU’RE GONNA- MAKE ME CUM!” she howled.

Kyle grinned as he had one more trick up his sleeve. He pushed Fiona’s legs up to her chest, lifting her ass higher. The angle made it too difficult to fuck her pussy so he pulled free and slapped the head of his cock against her twitching ass. Her eyes went wide then he slowly pushed his slick cock into her ass as she wailed incoherently.

“OOHHHHH MY ASS! FUCK IT! FUCK MY ASS- UHHH! WITH YOUR BIG COCK!”

He strummed Fiona’s clit and forced two fingers deep into her hot, wet pussy.

“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! FFFFAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! NNNNNYAAAA!!!” Fiona grunted as her mind had already begun ripping free of its moorings. She continued to make incoherent noises as she tipped over the edge into the ecstasy of her orgasm.

The squeezing of his cock in her tight ass was too much for Kyle so he drove it home one more time and sprayed her depths with his cum.

“YES! CUM! CUM FOR ME! FILL ME!” Fiona pleaded and gasped.

When his body had stopped surging he gently pulled free of Fiona’s ass and looked down at the panting blonde beauty. He helped her pull her dress off and moved her further up the bed then crawled in beside her. They were both too exhausted to do anything but cuddle and Fiona was asleep in moments.

Before he went completely under Kyle wondered at how quick it had been for them both but realized the entire evening had been foreplay. With a smile, he allowed himself to drift off.

Chapter 2

Kyle made his way back up the driveway after going for an early morning jog around the neighborhood. He’s slept well and managed to slip out of bed without waking Fiona. He went through his normal morning exercises and decided he felt like a short run so he left her a note in case she woke while he was out. He didn’t intend on going far as jogging really wasn’t his thing but he didn’t have a bicycle so it was all he had.

On his way back he spotted a convenience store and stopped to pick up a newspaper as he wanted to keep an eye on his investments.

Climbing the stairs he heard the rumble of an old Cadillac pulling out of the garage next to Fiona’s. He watched it glide down the driveway towards the road but he couldn’t see who was inside. He turned back and headed towards Fiona’s front door.

“Good morning Kyle!”

He turned and saw Gloria standing in her doorway which faced Fiona’s across a short landing. His eyes were trapped by a rather daring display of cleavage and a sexy smile to go with it. He flashed back to their conversation the previous night. She was a cheeky one!

“Good morning Gloria. Well, don’t you look… delicious this morning!” he said allowing his eyes to roam boldly over her body as he smiled. The sheer white gown over her silk nightie displayed her curves and deep cleavage quite well. He could also tell she had a bit of a glow about her and appreciated his attention.

“Such a charmer! Would you like some coffee? I made muffins,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.

“Roger-”

“Just missed him. Heads out every day at the same time. He never tells me where he goes but he comes home in the evening smelling like a stable.”

“The track.”

She grinned and nodded. “On the nose. He plays the ponies but he never loses too much. I think he’s meeting his old army buddies there. Drinking buddies now.”

Kyle glanced back towards Fiona’s door. “I should-”

“From the sounds she was making last night I think you have a good hour or two before she wakes,” Gloria said with a wicked grin.

His eyes widened in surprise. “You heard that?”

“Her bedroom window was open and so was mine, in the hopes hers was,” Gloria smiled devilishly.

Kyle’s face warmed up. “Still…”

“You have time for coffee and a muffin,” she chided him gently.

He smiled at her persistence then nodded and stepped into her home. He slipped his runners off, dropped his newspaper on top of them, and followed her to her kitchen. The home was an identical, if reversed, layout to Fiona’s but Gloria’s furnishings, reflecting the tastes of her generation, was heavier with deeper cushions and elaborate styling on the legs of tables and chairs. She poured him a cup of coffee and offered him a plate of muffins. He took one and a napkin and followed her again to a seating area with a nice window facing out over the valley below.

“I love having my breakfast here every day. It’s so peaceful,” Gloria sighed happily.

“Your view is amazing,” he agreed. He looked back at her as she nibbled on the muffin. “Last night was fun. I mean, at the restaurant!”

She chuckled. “Yes it was. You were a really good sport considering how we were practically undressing you with our eyes all night.”

“Yeah, it felt like that,” he admitted, taking a bite of the baked goods. It was warm, soft, and he tasted a hint of cinnamon. He smiled in appreciation.

Gloria set her coffee down and leaned forward slightly, exposing just a little more of her large tits. “Considering the grief she went through with that dipshit Alfred, you are such a breath of fresh air! We were just a little giddy with relief. She’d mentioned you were coming to visit but she was so tight lipped with the details. We were worried you would turn out to be another arrogant prick!”

“And I didn’t, right?” he asked with the hint of a smile.

She burst into a laugh which did nice things to her cleavage. “No… no, not at all! Like I told her last night. You’re a keeper! Just what she needed! I’m so happy for her!”

He smiled then shrugged. “Well, Fiona isn’t really looking for a keeper at the moment and truthfully, neither am I. We’re being completely honest with each other. We’re both looking for something safe and friendly as we’re on the rebound. Her from Alfred and me from Gwen.”

Gloria tilted her head to look at him appraisingly. “This girly really hurt you?”

He sighed and nodded. “She had near total control and I willingly let her do it… in the name of love. Only she wasn’t really in love with me. Just what I could be once she finished changing me.” He frowned and shook his head to clear those thoughts away as he took a deep cleansing breath. “I’m free of her so that’s good. I’m learning what it means to live my life for me. So far so good!” he finished with a grin.

“Good for you!” she said with a crooked grin.

They drank the coffee and ate their muffins in comfortable silence as they admired the view.

He caught her glancing at him and she seemed to be fidgeting a little, like she wanted to say something but hadn’t worked up the nerve. Finally, he caught her eye and raised an eyebrow in question.

“Did you like eating my muffin? Would- would you like another?” she asked with a nervous smile.

He froze as he heard her words. She wasn’t offering him baked goods this time. He almost laughed at the corny line but he saw she was really anxious about his answer. The bold words matched his expectations of her but the timid delivery made him smile as it revealed she wasn’t quite as tough as the image she presented.

He heard the voice of his conscience insisting she was a married woman and he should be refusing her, outraged that she would even suggest such behavior from him. As the emotions swelled, he felt himself… step aside and let them pass, untouched by their message. He pushed off the nagging voice. He wasn’t going to have sex with her, per se. Just a little foreplay… with a happy ending for her. He wasn’t even competing with her husband as the man wouldn’t do this for her. He smiled and nodded.

Her smile brightened when she saw he wasn’t offended or rejecting her.

“I believe I would like to eat your muffin,” he said quietly and she couldn’t contain a small burst of giggles. It was a surprisingly girly sound from the older woman.

A thrill rushed through her body. She’d taken care to prepare herself this morning in case Kyle was amenable to her request. After hearing Fiona’s screams of ecstasy the previous night she knew he was living up to her claims of being good in bed. She’d been so hot she’d managed to get Roger to fuck her. That had been wonderful! But having a man go down on her? She wanted this experience too! Especially after all the talk about it at dinner last night and hearing Fiona enjoy it.

“H-How? Where?” she stumbled over her words in her excitement.

Kyle looked around and saw a comfortable looking couch in the next room. “Shall we retire to the couch?”

He stood and took her hand to help her to her feet and walked with her to the living room. He stood in front of her and smiled at her nervous expression. “We’ll only do what your husband won’t, ok?”

She nodded with wide eyes as he knelt before her. He slipped his hands inside her wispy gown and up under her nightie to find her panties on her hips. She gasped at the feel of his hands and twitched. He stopped.

“At any time, if you want to stop just say so and I’ll stop. Understood?” She nodded and swallowed then smiled at him.

He slid his hands downwards and her panties followed. She sighed and trembled a little.

Gloria’s mind was racing and her heart was pounding. He said he’d do what her husband won’t. Kyle didn’t know just how many experiences that covered! For now though, she was going to experience oral sex! With this hunk before her! She’d been so jealous of her girlfriend’s stories. Especially Marion who seemed to be able to get any man she wanted and got them to do all kinds of nasty, dirty things with her.

She loved Roger but he was so… unadventurous. Missionary only and only kissing to get her motor running. He wouldn’t even touch her down there! She trembled again to feel Kyle’s hands on her legs, lifting them to help her step free of her wet panties.

“Sit on the edge of the couch and lie back,” he said.

He helped her ease her way down until she was seated before him. He tossed a few pillows behind her and she rested back on them. Now she had a perfect view of him which excited her even more! He began by kissing her knees and running his hands over the outside of her thighs. He didn’t make fun of her extra weight or make her feel bad about it. Roger liked to slap her legs to see them shake. Instead Kyle smiled up at her and gently separated her knees making her bite her lip. He kissed the inside of her knees and she gasped once more. God, it felt like she was ready to gush already!

His kisses gradually made their way up the insides of her thighs as her legs opened wider and wider. His hands roamed, enticing and exciting but never once touching her pussy. She could feel the tingles concentrating there and she needed him to start paying attention to- AHHHHH!!!!

Kyle stroked his tongue across her wet pussy and was pleased she’d just shaved and bathed the area. She was still a little pink from the razor and washcloth. He returned the favor with his tongue and soon she was writhing and clutching at his head.

Considering her loud and rowdy laughter from the night before he’d expected her to be equally loud and coarse now when he was between her thighs. Instead her voice went up in pitch and got quieter as her sexual tension increased. She was beginning to sound like an excited school girl and that was… distracting.

“ohmygod kyle ohmygod so good ohmygod fuck ohmygod oh geez ohmygod shit ohmygod ooo ohmygod” she chanted in a squeaky voice.

When he slipped two fingers into her wet pussy and began to pump them in and out as he danced his tongue over her more sensitive flesh she began to twitch and jerk as her voice rose higher than could be heard. Her shaking was becoming uncontrolled and he had to move his hands to grab behind her knees to keep her on the couch. He pushed them back towards her tits and thrashed her clit with his tongue. She finally found her voice again.

In a big way.

“FFFFFFFUUUUUUUCCCCCKKKKKK!!!!!!!!” she screamed as her orgasm struck. Kyle fastened his mouth on her gushing pussy, keeping her pleasure peaking until she pushed his head away. He leaned back and gently lowered her legs to rest on his shoulders to keep her from being pulled from the sofa.

Gloria was floating in the waves of bliss originating from the buzzing nerves between her legs. That had been so heavenly but she was suddenly exhausted and wanted nothing more than to close her eyes and drift off.

Kyle moved her legs to the floor and pulled her up from the cushions. Pleasure shot outwards through her body from her pussy and she gasped.

“Before you fall asleep you have to lock the door behind me. I need to go back to Fiona’s,” he said gently.

She nodded sleepily and he helped her stand. She held his arm as they went back to the door. He picked up his shoes and newspaper and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She smiled then he was out the door. She locked up then made it as far as the couch and dropped onto its surface. Tingles rushed up and down her body.

She grinned to herself. Now she was experienced and she liked it!

Kyle used the key he’d found on a hook inside on his way out to unlock the door and let himself back in. He listened but heard nothing. He dropped his newspaper on the kitchen table and went back to the master bedroom. Fiona was still asleep. He gathered his kit and some clothes and quietly went into the bathroom. He closed the door, brushed his teeth then took a shower in her massive shower space. He didn’t know what else to call it. It was just too big to call a shower stall. A horse stall for a Clydesdale maybe. He cleaned himself and was soaking under the hot water when he felt Fiona press her big tits against his back.

“Good morning!” he said.

“Mmmm,” she grunted.

“If you’re still sleepy, why don’t you go back to bed!” he said gently.

“No, I’ve had enough sleep. I’d like coffee and breakfast,” she murmured.

He grinned over his shoulder at her. “And am I supposed to make this for you?”

She squeezed him tighter. “It’s comfort food, isn’t it? You said you could make that, didn’t you?”

“So I did,” he sighed. “I’ll get started on that while you finish your shower.”

She released him so he turned and gave her a sweet kiss. She purred happily as he pulled back and stepped out. He dried and got dressed before heading to the kitchen to see what she had.

When Fiona made her way into the kitchen she smiled at the scent of bacon, eggs, toast, and coffee. She saw Kyle was only eating a few strips of bacon.

“You’re not eating?” she asked in surprise.

He smiled at her. “Actually, after my jog this morning I bumped into Gloria. She offered me coffee and a… muffin.”

Fiona caught his eyes and saw his amusement. “A muffin, you say?”

“Yes, she was really hoping I’d… eat it.” He held her eyes and watched the realization dawn in them. Her mouth dropped open.

“That slut!” Fiona gasped looking in the direction of Gloria’s place as Kyle’s smile dimmed.

“Should I have said no?” he asked.

Fiona turned back to face his concerned expression and realized she was acting possessively. They’d both been clear they didn’t want a formal and exclusive relationship so she had no reason to be acting like this. She took a deep breath. “No, it’s fine. It’s just how quickly she acted that surprised me!”

Kyle grinned. “Apparently you left the window open last night and she listened in. You weren’t exactly quiet.”

Fiona sat back in her chair. “Ah… right.” Her smile began to return to the corners of her lips.

“Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.”

“Yes sir!” she quipped.

He gave her a false stern look then opened the business section of the paper to catch up. He circled a few stories then went through the financial section to review stock prices and trends. There was a company he was watching. He saw potential. He’d keep an eye on it so he added an event to his calendar on his phone.

“What’s so interesting?” Fiona asked.

“Hmmm?” he said looking over at her.

“You were concentrating so hard. I asked what’s so interesting,” she said with a smile.

He smiled self consciously. “Sorry, I was just making a note to follow up in a couple of days to see how a company is positioning its public offering.” He scanned his eyes over the article he’d circled in the paper. “It looks… promising,” he replied, distracted once more as he ran scenarios through his mind.

She sat up a little and peered at the newspaper. “Is it something I should be interested in too?”

“Hmmm? Oh! Uh, I don’t know yet. It might be. It’s showing signs of being… interesting. I may invest. A little.”

“What’s a ‘little’?”

“Twenty-five…” he said softly as he made another note.

“Hundred?” she asked, her interest beginning to grow.

His attention returned to the woman before him “Hun- no, twenty-five thousand. I’d sell some stock I own that’s reached it’s peak and use the money to purchase shares in this company.”

She grinned as she was seeing him as he was at work. “This was what you did in your job?”

He shrugged with a modest smile. “I’m doing better personally than I did for the client portfolios I managed at work because I’m not constrained by our corporate mandates and policies. It’s my money so I can be more creative and aggressive.”

“You’re a risk taker?” she asked, curious.

“No. I’m actually fairly careful but when I see potential for growth, I’m willing to follow my gut,” he said with conviction.

“Well let me know if you decide the time is right. I’ll buy some too,” she said with an excited grin.

He looked at her in surprise. “Don’t you want to learn something about the investment before you put your money into it?”

She held his eye. “Did you research it?” He nodded. “Are you going to put your own money into it?” Another nod. “That’s good enough for me. I’m not putting all my eggs into this basket. I’ll just invest the same amount you put in.”

“I’d be happy to explain-”

She held up her hands to block him. “No! I’ve said my piece. I’m going to get dressed as we have to shop for a helmet.”
He smiled and nodded to her as she left then went through the rest of the paper. When she returned Kyle caught Fiona watching him pensively. He turned to her and she glanced away.

“No. If you have something to say I don’t want you feeling that you can’t. Be honest.”

She looked back with a slightly pained expression. “I have no right to ask this.”

He smiled. “You don’t want me to have sex with Marion.”

She relaxed a little then the pained look came back twofold. “Am I that transparent?”

He shook his head. “No, I get it. She’s a competitive person who also happens to be a man eater. She wants what you have. I don’t have to have sex with anyone. Like I said, I’m not hiring myself out as a stud service. I’m not going to be mean to her but I’m ok with saying she can’t have me until you say it’s ok. That might make her a little upset, especially if Gloria proves to be indiscreet.”

Fiona smiled to herself as she thought of how Marion would take being told she had to get permission. Her smile grew into a grin. “Actually, that would be perfect.”

“Ok, it’s settled. Let’s go get you that helmet.”

They looked up the address for a local motorcycle shop then Kyle had to endure another white knuckle trip back down into the valley. Soon enough they were parking outside a large, single story building with the company banner bolted to the wall above the door. Kyle shrugged and they went inside. He took them directly over to the racks of helmets.

Fiona saw which ones he was looking at and saw some smaller helmets on a nearby rack. “Couldn’t I get one that didn’t completely swallow my head?”

“Do you know what a flying beetle feels like when it hits your face at 60 miles per hour? Not to mention what happens to your skin when it’s blasted with that high speed wind for hour after hour.”

She raised her hands in defeat. “Say no more.” She looked back at the rack and saw a white helmet with a silver tribal tattoo design on it. “I like this one,” she purred.

“It’s a good one too. Excellent ventilation and protection. It looks like it might fit. Try it on,” he suggested. He showed her how to put it on and saw a salesman approaching with a practiced smile. Kyle shook his head at the man as the helmet went over Fiona’s eyes. He got a nod from the man who changed direction.

Kyle turned his attention back to Fiona and checked the fit.

“It feels snug!” she said, her voice muted from inside.

“Any discomfort? Anything poking or squeezing your head in a bad or uncomfortable way? Any gaps?” he asked.

“No.”

He pressed on the chin of the helmet as she looked at him in surprise. “Is your face or nose pressing against the inside of the helmet?”

“Oh! No.”

“It seems like a good fit. Do you like it?”

She blinked at him as she realized they were done. She nodded her head. She lifted the helmet up and off and looked at him with a pout. “Our shopping is done?”

“Oh no, if you want to ride with me all the way to Las Vegas, we still have to get you into some leather,” he said with a smile.

Her pout turned into a wicked grin. “I like the sound of that!”

They checked out the offerings in the shop but quickly discovered with Fiona’s overly generous chest finding a jacket that fit was going to be a challenge. Seeing this, Kyle did some research on his cell and discovered their best bet was a shop in LA.

“We can do that! Make a day trip of it!” Fiona grinned.

The drive was pleasant enough as they didn’t encounter any outrageous delays and soon they were pulling up to the shop Kyle had sourced. They were still on the northern edge of Los Angeles but Kyle was already amazed by the size of the city.

“LA’s a big place then,” he remarked to Fiona who grinned.

“Uh, yeah. It’s big,” she said, giving him a playful roll of her eyes.

Then she fastened her eyes on the storefront and looked back at Kyle with a questioning look. “A fetish shop?”

“They’re a custom leather apparel shop. According to the customer comments they cater to ladies with… generous bosoms,” he responded a little defensively. “We need something that will fit but also has room inside for layers as it can get cold riding a motorcycle.”

They made their way to the large iron clad doors. Kyle opened and held the door for Fiona and followed her inside. The lighting inside was far more subdued than the bright summer sunlight outside so it took a moment for their eyes to adjust. Once they did they looked around in wonder at the sheer variety of clothing made of leather. Ranging from the soft suede woman’s business jacket to bondage restraints.

“Oh my! This is a little daunting,” Fiona said nervously.

Kyle gave her a reassuring smile and gestured towards a rack of leather jackets.

An older man with close cropped greying hair and a trim tailored suit approached them with a professional smile. “May I offer assistance?”

Before Fiona could refuse Kyle nodded and spoke for them. “Yes, thank you. We’re looking for a leather jacket for her that would be suitable for wearing on a motorcycle. It needs to fit her proportions well and have room for layers underneath in case of cooler weather.”

The man gave Fiona an appraising look then nodded. “Certainly. Follow me please.”

They walked further into the shop and noticed the further back they went the more fetish oriented the products hanging in the racks became. The man seemed to notice Fiona’s unease.

“We keep the sports outerwear back here as well,” he said with a gentle smile.

They stopped before a display of jackets and the salesman ran his fingers along until he plucked one from the selection.

It was black with numerous buckles and straps around the sides and back. Kyle immediately saw the purpose of the straps and smiled at the salesman.

“The lady’s upper proportions are generous so a jacket to fit both top and waist will be a challenge. This jacket is adjustable and still offers excellent protection. In typical use I would recommend a smaller size but this one will allow for under layers yet still look fashionable.”

He took the jacket from the hanger and handed it to Kyle who moved behind Fiona to help her put it on.

With a nervous smile she let him slip it on her arms.

He moved around to the front with a slight smile on his lips and pulled the zipper up, watching how the jacket lifted and squeezed her tits together gently. The leather was good quality and would protect her tender skin should there be an accident but it was supple enough to form around her curves without uncomfortable pinching.

With only the zipper closed, the jacket was still fairly loose around her stomach so he moved his hands around her to the clever buckle system arranged on the back. He tightened them two at a time, left and right side together, working his hands upwards from the bottom buckles to mid-back. Each brief tug caused Fiona to gasp quietly as she kept her eyes on his. She wasn’t reacting in discomfort but in anticipation of the next tug. The jacket was forming to her body without restricting her movement or breathing, like a leather caress. The snug lower half acted as a base for the upper half to support the weight of her tits, relieving some of the load from her shoulders and back. It also had the delightful effect of putting her eye-catching cleavage on display, when the zipper wasn’t all the way to the top.

Fiona was biting her lip as her pussy tingled madly. Kyle was looking at her so hungrily she was almost oblivious to the presence of the salesman.

“This jacket fits very well. I think you look stunning in it! Take a look in the mirror,” Kyle suggested, stepping back.

She almost moaned aloud when he took his hands from her hips but she caught herself. Cheeks glowing a hot pink, she turned as directed and faced the large mirror. She gasped in surprise as she looked so fucking sexy in the jacket. She wanted it. She turned halfway to admire the… wicked buckles on the back. Fuck, she felt so naughty! She knew it wasn’t bondage wear as it didn’t have any rings for restraints bolted on it nor did it restrict her movement. But it suggested… possibilities.

“Are there matching pants?” she whispered.

“She’ll need riding chaps and gloves as well,” Kyle directed to the salesman who was smiling gently as he turned to retrieve the other items.

“Chaps?” she asked, nervously.

“If you get leather pants you’d have to keep wearing them when you reach your destination. Chaps go over your pants to protect you but you can take them off and be comfortable after the ride. Not that I don’t think you’d look sexy as hell in leather pants but they don’t breathe well and can be a little uncomfortable in this heat,” he explained.

She smiled self-consciously and he caught her embarrassed expression.

“What?” he asked.

“I thought you wanted me to wear the chaps with nothing underneath,” she whispered to him.

Inside he was grinning like a fool but he kept that from his face. Instead, he considered her words thoughtfully. “Not while we’re riding. In the bedroom, yes.”

When her eyes widened in shock, he couldn’t keep the grin from slipping out and she saw it.

“You little devil! Making me all nervous!” she blustered but she couldn’t keep her own smile hidden. He pulled her into a hug and she only pretended to resist.

The salesman returned with a selection of chaps and Fiona immediately pointed to the ones with buckles that matched her jacket. He also had an assortment of gloves and she took a little longer to find a pair that she liked.

Fiona paid for their items, thanked the salesman and headed outside to the car. “While I recommend it for the protection it gives, you don’t need to wear the leather if we’re just riding around in town. The helmet is a must,” he stated firmly and she nodded to him.

Once they were seated he turned to smile at her. “Where to now?”

“Lunch!” she exclaimed with a smile that made him suspect it was going to be more than a street dog from a cart.

-=-

An hour later Kyle had come to the conclusion that there was no such thing as a casual lunch in Fiona’s world.

They were seated at a lovely table outside watching the rich and famous carrying their shopping bags from the shops of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The restaurant’s host was extra attentive to Fiona and she’d even had a visit from the manager. Then there were the other patrons of the restaurant who dropped by to say hello. Much double cheek, air kissing was happening and Fiona was drinking it up.

Kyle learned her parent’s hotel in Beverly Hills was very well respected and gave her serious clout with this crowd. Everyone was especially pleased to hear she was once again single, some even went so far as to hint they might call on her, only after Kyle was introduced as her new ‘friend’, of course.

He began to find himself the target of their scrutiny as he was seen as potential competition for their ambitions. If he read their expressions correctly most found him lacking. He was sure these suiters would be far more aggressive in pursuing her than him but none came across as genuinely interested in her.

When they were finally alone he leaned forward and caught her eye across the table. “You have some potential dates on the horizon.”

She made a brief sour face as she shook her head. “No one worthy in that bunch,” she sighed then looked at him more closely. “But you knew that didn’t you.”

He gave her a gentle smile and shrugged. “Not for me to say. You’re able to make your own decisions. I have my opinions but you never asked me for them so I’ll keep them to myself.”

She nodded as she struggled to contain her pleased smile. “If I asked for your opinion of them?”

“I’d offer it.”

She let the happiness show. “Tell me.”

“This is just my personal read but not one of them appeared to genuinely care about you. There was an almost predatory ambition in each of them.” He paused to see if she was offended but it looked like she wasn’t hearing anything she didn’t already know. He relaxed. “You can do better.”

She raised her glass and he touched his to it. “Agreed,” was all she said.

They enjoyed the rest of the lunch and Kyle spotted a few more celebrities passing by.

“You don’t seem that impressed. I thought you would get more excitement out of this lunch,” Fiona said with a little pout.

He looked at her in surprise. “Oh! I’m sorry! Should I be more effusive with my delight at seeing my favorite actors?”

She giggled at his serious expression. “You really aren’t star struck at all, are you!”

“Hey, I’m enjoying this! I do appreciate seeing them. It’s a little surreal actually,” he said with a grin then shook his head. “Here… they’re just here to shop like everyone else. Why would I interrupt that just to tell them I enjoyed their performance in the last movie I saw them in? I’m sure they get that from so many others. Maybe they’d just like to do their shopping in peace. If I saw them on the red carpet I might wave to them and ask for a picture. I think they kind of expect it at those venues.”

She watched him with a smile on her face then just shrugged as she had to accept he was who he was.

They finished their meal then wandered arm in arm down Rodeo Drive amongst the people Kyle admired in silence.

Once they’d had their fill of window shopping they made their way back to her car and cruised along Sunset Strip and saw the sights before heading back to Santa Barbara.

As Kyle enjoyed the view he relaxed back in the seat. He was surprised to see he was actually getting used to her driving. His stomach grumbled a little as the art piece they’d called lunch had barely been enough to keep one of those teacup chihuahua’s alive.

“Was that you?” Fiona asked with a raised brow.

He glanced at her and caught her smirk. “Yes,” he admitted as he shifted in his chair.

“Maybe you’d like something a little more substantial for the last meal of the day?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t argue against the suggestion,” he said.

She snorted then nodded.

Once back in Santa Barbara she took him to a steak house and he feasted on a huge ribeye with a baked potato and steamed vegetables. He gave her a look of bliss as he took his first bite and only pushed back when the slab of meat was consumed.

“Ugh, I’m completely full and need to hibernate for a month or two,” he moaned but he couldn’t hide his deeply satisfied smile.

“Let’s get you home then,” Fiona said and pretended to help him across the restaurant to the exit. He shook his head but enjoyed the feel of her soft breast pressing against him.

The drive home didn’t take long and soon they were pulling into the garage.

As Kyle stepped from the car big hands grabbed his upper arms and dragged him backwards out onto the driveway and spun him around. He barely had time to lean away as the big fist drove in to slam into his left cheekbone. His head snapped back and he heard screaming in stereo with an answering snarl. Then he was being tossed to the driveway. He just recuperated from that when the toe of a big boot caught him in the stomach. That was too much and Kyle lost the dinner he’d enjoyed so much.

He heard an angry growl moving back from him and more high-pitched screaming bit he was too busy retching to really understand who was making all the noise. Finally, the pain began to ease and he began to make sense of the arguing.

“God dammit, Roger! Leave him alone!”

“You shut the fuck up, you cheating whore!” Deep voice. Kyle winced and cracked an eye open to see a really big man in sweat pants and work boots glaring at Gloria who was standing by the railing on the landing above them.

“Back off! I’ve called the police!” That was Fiona.

“I don’t give a rat’s ass who you stuff in your dirty hole but keep his cock out of my wife,” Roger yelled.

“Hey!” Kyle tried to yell but it came out as a croak.

Angry eyes turned back to him and he tried to kick Kyle in the face this time.

Kyle had had enough of being kicked so he leaned to the left, caught and lifted Roger’s leg up as it passed by and sloppily drove his left fist into the man’s balls. It wasn’t a very powerful punch but sweat pants have a minus ten armor rating.

Roger stumbled as he grabbed his injured dangly bits and stepped into Kyle’s pool of sick. The traction of his boot met its match and his feet slipped out from under him. He went down hard and cracked his elbow on the solid asphalt. The big man squealed in agony.

Kyle pushed himself to his feet and wobbled as Fiona rushed up to brace him.

“I- I didn’t have sex with Gloria,” Kyle gasped as he caught his breath.

“BULLSHIT! She told me!” Roger bellowed from the ground.

Kyle looked up at Gloria who was moving her lips but wasn’t making any sounds. He looked back at Roger.

He was confused but he wanted to clear the misconception. “She told me you wouldn’t… use your mouth on her. She said she always wondered what that felt like and asked me if I would… do that for her.”

“WHO GAVE YOU THE RIGHT TO TOUCH MY WIFE! SHE’S MARRIED TO ME!” Roger screamed at him as he tried to get to his feet but red and blue light started to paint the area as a cruiser pulled into the driveway.

Kyle rocked back as the man’s words made him recall the anguished look on Carl Burkette’s face as he confronted Kyle with his fears about losing his wife to the younger man. His own words about ‘not being an asshole’ suddenly resurfaced and kicked him in the balls His nausea surged. Fuck. He was an asshole. As the policeman approached, Kyle locked eyes with Roger.

“You’re right. It was wrong and I’m really sorry. It was a dick move. I’m an asshole,” he said sincerely.

Roger’s face showed confusion then some of the rage slipped away. He was still pissed but he saw the target of his fury agreed with him. He snorted in frustration then winced as his elbow really hurt.

“What’s the trouble?” the policeman asked.

Nobody spoke but everyone shared looks.

“Who called it in?” the officer sighed.

Fiona stepped forward. “I did.”

“And?” the policemen pushed.

Kyle shook his head then looked away. Roger blinked at him in surprise.

Fiona picked up on Kyle’s mood pretty quickly and faced the officer. “It’s over. Just a misunderstanding. It’s settled now. Thank you for your assistance.”

While he didn’t seem convinced he nodded and eyed the two men to see if there was any fight in them. They seemed tame enough. “Try to contain any further misunderstandings. Understood?”

Kyle nodded immediately and Roger slowly joined in.

The police officer looked down in distaste. “Somebody clean that up too.” Kyle nodded and moved to the garage where he saw the hose.

With a final glare, the officer made his way back to his cruiser and backed out of the driveway.

Kyle returned and turned the hose on the mess.

Roger walked up to him and stared into his eyes. Kyle shut off the hose and waited.

Something passed between the two men and Roger leaned a little closer. “Stay the fuck away from my wife.”

“Yes sir,” Kyle said quietly.

“It’s not his fault!” Gloria called down from above.

“Woman! This is between him and me,” Roger growled and Gloria just pouted.

Roger tipped the soles of his boots one at a time for Kyle to hose them clean. Then with a final nod to Kyle he moved away to climb into his caddy. The man drove carefully away as Kyle went back to hosing down the driveway.

The women silently watched him put the hose away when he was done. Fiona decided to leave her purchases in the trunk for now so she just closed the garage door and followed him upstairs.

Gloria was wringing her hands as she took in the black eye Kyle was sporting.

“I’m so sorry!” she cried.

Kyle paused as he passed. “Why did you tell him we had sex?”

She looked miserable. “He was ignoring me again.”
Kyle nodded tiredly and moved by to wait by the door for it to be opened. Fiona shared a look with Gloria then let Kyle inside and locked up.

“Are you ok?” she asked. “He shouldn’t have hit you so hard!”

Kyle shook his head. “He was right. Gloria is married and I shouldn’t have done what I did with her.”

Fiona started to get angry. “Is this some kind of machismo alpha male bullshit? Roger is married to Gloria. He doesn’t own her!”

Kyle looked at her and shook his head. “No, it’s not that at all and I agree with you completely about his not owning her.” The steam went out of him and his nausea returned. “Could- could we maybe talk about this in the morning. I need a shower then many hours of sleep.”

She nodded with a worried look. They made their way upstairs where he undressed. She saw the bruise on his tight stomach muscles and winced in sympathy. They took a chaste shower together then tucked in under the sheets to get some rest.

Fiona hadn’t seen Kyle this quiet before and it disturbed her to see him so down. She could see he wasn’t up to talking about it now. She’d have to wait for the morning.

Chapter 3

It took longer than Fiona expected for Kyle to finally open up. He seemed to be working through something.

He appeared to enjoy himself at the concert Fiona took him to in the Santa Barbara Bowl and the following day at the beach was so relaxing. Fiona loved riding on the back of Kyle’s motorcycle and looked forward to their trip to Las Vegas.

They were reclining on their towels on the sand, soaking in the sunlight when Kyle finally managed to resolve what was tumbling around in his head and felt comfortable enough to open up to her.

Fiona had been remarkably patient but she was relieved that the wait was over.

Kyle rested back against the sand and felt the breeze cooling his hot skin. The sensation was soothing and he felt himself relaxing. This allowed the memories to rise up on their own.

“I never really understood it at the time. I was too young. It took years for me to mature enough to grasp what happened, even though I lived through it.” He took a deep breath as Fiona listened.

“My father wasn’t an easy man to be with. He… was nice enough but he just didn’t share well. His thoughts, his emotions, his time, none of these things were readily available or willingly given. He… didn’t connect well with others. For a time, when he was younger, he’d surfaced from inside his head long enough to find my mother and get married. They had me almost immediately. Sometime in those early years he slipped back inside his head and not even Mom could reach him.” He sucked in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“He was an airline mechanic. He was really good at it, kind of specialized in troubleshooting, so there was a high demand for his skills. He traveled a lot. It was just Mom and me for most of my childhood and she was incredible. She seemed to have a natural empathy for others. She was also incredibly selfless, loving, and strong!” He smiled and wiped a tear that escaped as he remembered her.

“When he’d come home it would be for a month, maybe three then he’d get a call and he’d leave again. When I got to my teens I needed him to be around and somehow Mom got that message through to him. He held off on taking any contracts away from home. That’s when he bought the motorcycle. He worked on it and eventually allowed me to help. Handing him tools and learning how the machine worked. It was just training for him but for me it was everything I’d been missing.”

Kyle shifted to get more comfortable and Fiona found herself holding her breath, afraid he’d stop. She quietly released it as he began again.

“He couldn’t stay home forever though and shortly after I turned sixteen I heard my parents arguing. He’d taken a twelve-month contract with a company in Japan. I’d never heard my mother so angry before but she wasn’t mad for herself. She accused him of abandoning me when I needed him. He stopped talking and just left the house with his duffle bag. We didn’t see him again for eighteen months, the longest he’d ever been away.” Kyle paused again as the next part was painful. “He said… he’d only come back to say goodbye and settle his affairs,” Kyle forced out. He glanced over to see Fiona’s concerned expression and looked away, his emotions riding too close to the surface.

“He told us he was dying and was going to spend his last months in the countryside of Japan. There was someone waiting for him there. He was going back to be with her.” Kyle paused as he thought about this other woman he’d never met. He wanted to hate her but he just… couldn’t.

“Aiko. Aiko Okamoto,” he said quietly.

“Your father had an affair?” Fiona finally said as the silence stretched on.

“Yes, it seems so. Mom was hurt. Really hurt. She asked why he’d come back at all, if it was just to be cruel.” Kyle frowned as he recalled their final heated argument. He gave himself a little shake and looked over at Fiona. “He just said, he always paid his debts.” Fiona just looked sad so he looked away.

“He’d updated his will. He was leaving me the motorcycle. Mom was the only beneficiary and was on his pension. This wasn’t going to make her rich but it would help. She wasn’t impressed. She said some… pretty bitter things but then, he’d just admitted to being unfaithful. Instead of saying anything he just left the house as he’d done before and that was the last we ever saw him. The next little while was pretty hard for Mom. On both of us to be truthful. It came to a head the night I found her in the garage beating on the Harley with a hammer.”

Fiona gasped.

“I took it from her hand and held her while she cried. She apologized for him being such a poor excuse for a father, for breaking his vows of marriage, for being an asshole. She begged me not to grow up like him.”

“You’re not!” Fiona blurted but he held up his hand to stop her.

He struggled with what he was going to say next. It was deeply personal and disturbed him. He shuddered and pushed on. “I think- I think I might have let Gwen change me because I was trying to live up to the promise I made to my mother, to not be my father. But… since I broke away from her I’ve experienced moments when I felt a… kind of moral ambivalence. A distancing of who I thought I was… to someone who just didn’t feel connected to such concerns.”

“You aren’t your father! You said he was emotionally distant! He couldn’t share! You are nothing like that!” Fiona insisted vehemently.

He nodded with a gentle smile. “That’s my mom’s influence. She was pretty awesome.” His smile slipped. “I’m not saying I’m the same as my father. I’m saying I can be like him in moments of weakness. I think… I think he surfaced when Gloria asked me to do what her husband wouldn’t. I knew it was wrong. I knew it was breaking the spirit of Gloria’s marriage vow of faithfulness. It would have broken my mother’s heart if she’d known what I did. Hell, it disturbed me… after the fact,” he said with a frown. “I have to be more vigilant. I have to be a better man. I owe it to the memory of my mother and I owe it to myself.”

Fiona moved over Kyle and kissed him tenderly. When she pulled back she smiled gently down at him. “You are a good man. Someday you’ll come to realize that. I hope it’s soon.”

He gave her a smile and pulled her face down to kiss her once more, lingering on the touch of her soft lips and against his, enjoying the feeling of her tits pressing against his chest. Finally, the kiss ended.

“You are a delight to the senses and a balm for the mind,” he sighed.

She smiled happily and laid back on her towel glowing from his praise.

They enjoyed the rest of the day on the beach, relaxing, enjoying the waves, and once they’d had their fill, they dried off and rode back to Fiona’s condo on Kyles bike, her big tits pressing enticingly against his back the entire way.

He chased her into the living room from the garage as she giggled excitedly the entire way.

BRRRRRING! BRRRRRING!

They shared a look of surprise then Fiona pouted. She found her cell she’d left on the kitchen counter and glanced at it. “Oh poo! I have to take this. It’s my parents.”

Kyle raised his eyebrows and hands in surrender. She turned to answer and he made his way upstairs to take his shower.

He was surprised to have completed his shower without Fiona returning so he got dressed and made his way downstairs. She was sitting at the breakfast bar with a notepad before her scribbling something into it as she listened to the person on the phone.

“Ok mother, I got it. Yes. I’ll be there. I’ll leave shortly. You too. Bye.”

Kyle stood by the counter as she hung up the phone and turned her sad face towards him. “I take it you have to go someplace for work, immediately.”

She nodded and moaned. “I wasn’t supposed to deal with this for three weeks but the designer for the new hotel we’re opening in Paris had an opening in his schedule starting tomorrow! I have to fly to Paris tonight. Mother made me a reservation for a flight from the Santa Barbara airport to LAX to transfer for a flight to France. I have to go!”

“Is our visit over?” he asked.

“No! I’ll be back on Sunday night. That’s only four days. You can stay here until I get back,” she said hopefully.

“Oh! Sure, if you’re ok with it.”

“Of course I am, silly! Now, I have to get ready fast. Excuse me!” She gave him a quick kiss on the lips and rushed off to her bedroom.

He followed at a more sedate pace. When he got to the room he could hear her in the shower. “Do you need a lift to the airport?” he called out.

“That would be great! You’ll have to drive me in my car as I don’t think my suitcase will fit on your motorcycle,” she replied.

“Again, if you’re ok with it.”

She came out of the bathroom completely naked and he felt himself immediately stiffen in his pants. She smiled happily at his hungry look but quickly got dressed. When his attention didn’t lessen she gave his arm a playful slap on the way past. “Stop it! I’ll be late if you keep looking at me like that!”

“Sorry, you just look really… good,” he sighed.

She felt that tingle all the way through her body but she had to take her own advice. She would be late if she didn’t concentrate. She packed her suitcase and rushed downstairs with Kyle carrying the bag behind her. She felt his eyes on her the entire time. She had to distract him or she’d climb on him and ride him until they were both exhausted.

“What will you do to keep yourself occupied until Sunday?” she asked.

Kyle thought about that and nodded to himself. “I think I’ll just do a little riding. There are some great scenic routes in the area.”

“Day trips?” she asked curiously as she packed the last few remaining items.

“Yeah, or maybe a ride with an overnight camping stay. I enjoy those. I’ll pickup a tent in town,” he said as the idea came to him.

“That sounds like fun!” she said with a wicked grin.

They got into the car, this time with Kyle behind the wheel. He got them on their way and kept their speed almost to the level Fiona drove but he felt safer. She provided directions to the airport as she tapped out a text message to someone with a mysterious smile on her face. Finally, she settled back and faced him.

“As you haven’t had dinner, I’ve taken the liberty of arranging for Charlize to meet you at a gourmet burger place in town. It’s called Eureka! The address is in the car’s GPS. I meet her there from time to time. It’s her favorite spot. You two can discuss the best routes for rides in the area.”

He glanced over at her in surprise. “You know I don’t need someone to keep and eye on me while you are away.”

“It’s nothing like that! I just feel bad that I have to disappear on you during your visit. Even for a short time,” she said to block his protest.

Kyle saw she really was upset about leaving so after he pulled up to the curb in the departures area he leaned over and kissed her deeply as she clung to his shirt and moaned when he finally pulled back.

“Fuck! You got me all tingly and I’m going to be stuck on a plane for hours!” she whimpered.

“Just something to think about for when you get back!” he said with a sly smile.

“You wicked man!” she purred with a grin. They got out and he took her suitcase from the trunk then pulled her tight for a hug, pressing his growing erection against her sensitive parts.

“Oh god, I want that!” she moaned.

“Sunday night, you’ll have it until you can’t take any more,” he growled.

With a lustful smile, she grabbed her suitcase and rushed away, smiling over her shoulder.

With a sigh, Kyle got back into the car and pulled up the address on the GPS. It wouldn’t take long to get there, even if he took it at a more sedate pace.

When he arrived he parked and made his way inside. Charlize was already seated and waved at him to join her. He saw she was wearing a very tight muscle tank top which displayed her tattooed arms to their fullest. He noted she had on an array of leather and ornamented bracelets on each wrist as well as a series of gold earrings running up each ear. She smiled brilliantly at him after he gave her cheek a kiss and settled into his seat across from her.

“Hi! Did she make her flight?” she asked.

“Hi. She just had me drop her off at the curb. I think she had time,” he responded, noticing for the first time she was obviously not wearing a bra under the tight shirt and had pierced nipples.

She quickly tapped out a brief message then grinned widely as the reply came through seconds later. “Yeah, she’s on the plane but she said she’s so horny!”

Kyle’s face felt hot as Charlize was not keeping her voice down and heads turned in their direction. He just nodded at the information.

“Did she get called away by her parents as you two were about to…” Charlize asked with a wicked smile.

“A gentleman never tells,” he said quietly.

“Fair enough. How long is she going to be away?” Charlize conceded.

“Until Sunday night. I’ll pick her up from the airport.”

“She texted me something about you going camping?” the petite woman said curiously.

Kyle smiled. “Not really camping. I’m just going to pick up a tent and a sleeping bag, ride some of the scenic roads and camp overnight. Just an overnight stay or two. I was looking online for routes and campgrounds. Saw a few interesting places.”

She was nodding as he saw the idea appealed to her. “I’ve only ever done out and back loops with an overnight stay in a motel. I’ve never slept in a tent.”

“Well, if you’ve got a sensitive back, sleeping on the ground is less than ideal. Otherwise, it can be an extremely liberating experience.”

The waitress took that moment to arrive. “Can I get you a drink?” she asked Kyle.

“Just water with lemon please.”

“Have you had a chance to look at the menu?” she asked.

Kyle glanced at it and nodded. Then he looked to Charlize. “Ladies first.”

With a smile, she looked to the waitress. “My usual.”

The young woman smiled and turned her attention back to him. “Oh! Ok. I’ll have the Eureka American with no onions please.”

“Ok, that’s a Jalapeño Egg Burger and a Eureka American Burger. One water with lemon and would you like another beer?” she asked Charlize.

“No, I’d like a water with lemon as well, please.”

“Coming right up,” the waitress said cheerfully and walked away.

“Have you picked out a route yet? I know some really truly breathtaking roads!” she gushed.

He smiled as he shook his head. “No, I haven’t set anything in stone yet.”

“Are you set on going alone or would you be open to someone joining you?” she asked with a hopeful expression.

“With you riding the Supersport?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. She nodded. “I’d never keep up,” he said with a grin.

“I promise to rein in my need for speed and just enjoy the scenery this time!” she pleaded.

He gave her a serious look. “I don’t want to diminish your enjoyment of the ride. If you need to go fast feel free but just understand you may end up waiting for me from time to time.”

“Does that mean yes?” she said with a delighted grin.

“Sure, having company would be great! Are you sure you can take the time?” he asked.

“I’m a partner in a sports injury clinic. Grace Medical Sports Clinic. I work as a physiotherapist there and have loads of vacation days I haven’t used yet. My partners can cover for me.”

Kyle recalled something from their previous conversation. “Hockey players.”

Charlize grinned and nodded. “Yeah, I arrange most of my dates at work. Something about a woman putting her hands on your body makes these guys agreeable to going out for a drink and a tumble in the sheets.”

He decided to move the conversation to a different track. Her smile showed she noticed.

“Partners in a clinic! Doing well?”

“Yes! We started about fifteen years ago and now we have clients from all over the country coming to see us. We’ve gradually specialized in professional athletes. Very lucrative!”

“It could only be successful if you had the skills to get the job done. These are professionals. I doubt they’d be willing to put their livelihood on the lines. They’re looking to protect their investment. Good on you!” he said, giving her an impressed smile. She nodded her thanks as she glowed under his praise.

The food arrived and while being a little drippy, the burger was really good!

As she finished up hers, Charlize went back to discussing the trip. She seemed very enthusiastic.

“I know the perfect route! There are some really nice campsites along the way as well. Depending on how long you want to ride each day.” She stopped to think about the logistics of camping as she’d never done it. “What about meals and showers?”

“Dinner we eat in a restaurant earlier in the evening before finding the campsite. Breakfast we find after we break camp. Pack a brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a few shirts, underwear, and socks. I bathe using wipes. This kind of camping isn’t about amenities but minimalism,” he explained.

She nodded thoughtfully.

Kyle raised a hand to cover a yawn.

“What made you so sleepy today?” she asked with a coy smile.

“Nothing. We were relaxing on the beach for most of the day. Did a little swimming, that’s it! I can’t get over how beat I am!” he said in surprise.

“Yeah, being outside all day at the beach can do that to you,” she replied with a smile. She raised her hand to catch the waitress’ attention and gestured for the bill. “Dinner was my treat.” She held up her hand to prevent him from arguing. “You’re letting me join you on this little adventure so dinner is the least I could do.”

He snorted but nodded his thanks.

She settled up the bill and they walked out to the parking lot. He stopped by her motorcycle and admired the Yamaha. It was sleek and black.

“Damn! It looks fast even sitting still!” he said quietly.

Her smile said it all. She loved her ride! She pulled him into a hug which he returned. She was so much shorter than him but she certainly didn’t feel like a child.

“Where should I meet you tomorrow and when?” she asked when she pulled back.

“How about 10AM at REI? Unless you already own one we have tents to buy. Sleeping bags too. I guess I’ll carry them on my bike as yours doesn’t appear to have room to carry a loaf of bread!” he teased.

She punched his arm gently. “I’ll have a small bag strapped to the seat… but yeah, your bike would be better for carrying the bulky items. I’ll see you there!”

He leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek and she turned and got one on the lips instead. With a cheeky smile, she pulled her helmet on and started up the motorcycle. It throbbed with power and she nodded to him as she pulled away and out of the lot.

Shaking his head with a smile, he made his way over to the car and headed back to the house. He really was pooped and he had a long day ahead of him tomorrow.
Chapter 4

Kyle cruised into the parking lot of REI a few minutes before 10AM. He’d unloaded his saddle bags and detached the trunk bag earlier this morning and just visited a drug store to pick up some packs of wipes in case shower facilities were not available at the campsites. He had his kit and clothes packed into one of the saddle bags with plenty of room to spare. His bungie cables were ready for the tents and sleeping bags on the rear rack.

He parked his bike and locked his helmet to it as he heard the telltale sound of Charlize’s Yamaha YZF‑R1 approaching. There was an odd echo effect, perhaps the sound bouncing off the nearby buildings. Then she came into view and he was surprised to see an identical bike, only this one was blue, riding just slightly behind Charlize’s black Yamaha.

The petite woman was wearing her black leathers and a black full-face helmet to complete the look but her shadow was in racing gear to match her bike, blue and white leather with Yamaha emblazoned all over her body.

The two bikes pulled into the lot and Kyle saw both had a small duffle bungied to their ‘passenger seat’. So… they had an addition to their group?

Charlize pulled her helmet off and shook out her hair as she smiled over at Kyle a little nervously. Her friend removed her helmet as well and the first thing to catch his attention was the widest smile he’d ever seen, though it also looked nervous. The woman was maybe 5′ 6″ and skinny except for the extra weight she seemed to be carrying on her chest and ass, like an enhanced hourglass figure. Implants? He couldn’t really tell if she was an example of it but he thought it was crazy how much body augmentation he’d witnessed in California.

Her riding leathers were squeezing her breasts up and together so some delightful cleavage was on display. He wondered what she had on under the racing jacket as that was a lot of skin. Not that he was complaining.

Her sandy blonde hair was straight and just reached the top of her shoulders. He thought it was a very flattering cut.

Her mouth though, that was something to behold. It was very wide and full of bright white teeth, currently on display. She had a slight overbite which braces could probably fix but he thought it was a sexy feature. Her fair skin was generously sprinkled with freckles, over her chest and across the bridge of her button nose, and her large blue eyes looked to him then over to Charlize timidly.

“Good morning Kyle! This is Chloe Ryan. She’s one of my partners. When I called her last night to let her know I’d be taking some days off she begged me to come along.”

“I didn’t beg! I didn’t!” Chloe gasped, her eyes wide with embarrassment. Kyle couldn’t help but smile as he heard the thick Aussie accent in her protests. “I just said I had some days too and Charlize promised me she’d take me riding with her. She’s been putting me off since I got my new bike! Isn’t she a beaut!” The woman was babbling, likely due to her being so nervous.

“Yes, it’s a gorgeous machine,” he agreed and saw her perk up a little. She smiled at him then unconsciously covered her mouth with her hand.

Impulsively, he reached out and gently moved her hand.

“Never hide such a beautiful smile,” he said as he held her eyes with his and her smile lit up her face as her cheeks reddened.

Charlize was beaming at the two of them. “So, it’s ok for Chloe to join us?” she asked.

“Sure, but two things. First, is Chloe aware we aren’t going to race? The pace will be for sightseeing.” Chloe smiled and nodded happily. “Secondly, my bike only has so much room for carrying our camping gear,” he said with mild concern.

The doors were opening so Charlize gestured for them to go inside. “Let’s see what’s available.”

Kyle nodded and gestured for them to lead the way. Chloe went first and Kyle’s eyes widened slightly as he watched her bubble butt move in the tight leather. It wasn’t huge or flabby but she definitely had two perfectly round orbs trapped inside her pants. He caught Charlize’s wicked grin at his noticing and looked away.

They made their way into the camping section and looked at the variety of tents. When he looked at the size of the packed tents, he realized three of them would be an unwieldy load when combined with three sleeping bags. He said as much to Charlize and Chloe.

“What about just getting one four-man tent,” Charlize suggested as she pulled out the rolled-up tent. “It packs smaller than three one-person tents and it’s cheaper too if we pool our money. I think we’ll get a better rate at the camp sites with one tent too.”

Kyle looked at her in surprise. “One tent?” He glanced at Chloe and saw she was back to smiling nervously at him.

The petite brunette continued. “It’s my first time in a tent and I have to admit I’m a little nervous about it. I think sharing a tent would be less stressful for me.” She looked at Chloe. “Have you ever camped?”

“Not since I was a rug rat! And then it was in my Mum’s backyard,” she said and flashed a quick smile at Kyle.

“So, you’d prefer to share a tent too?” he asked.

That brilliant smile returned and she nodded quickly.

Kyle accepted the four-man tent bag from Charlize and agreed it made sense in terms of its reduced weight and bulk. He smiled at the ladies. “Sleeping bags next.” He walked down the aisle and missed them giving each other an excited smile.

They picked out three bags and made their way to the checkout. Charlize picked up the cost as she had a membership and said they could pay their share later.

Outside, Kyle strapped the tent and sleeping bags to the back rack. It worked well. He glanced over at the duffle bags each woman had and suggested he put them inside his saddle bags. The weight was minimal and he had room. They were happy to take him up on his offer and he quickly balanced the load.

“Ok, ready to go. As you know the route Charlize, you lead the way but just remember, I won’t be riding as fast as you normally do. That said, if there is a section without any forks in the road I could get lost on and you want to go fast, feel free to race ahead.”

“Got it! Let’s go!” she replied happily.

True to her word Charlize maintained a reasonable speed, most of the time, and Kyle managed to not lose them. There were a few times when the two Yamahas shot forward to race over a hill and when Kyle eventually caught up, he’d enjoyed the twisty road so much he understood their need to fully experience the ride as their machines were designed to do.

They stopped a few times to poke around in craft shops in the small towns they discovered on the route. They didn’t buy anything but they did enjoy the exploring.

Charlize was a flirt. For all her petite size, she made up for it in enthusiasm. She regaled Kyle with stories from her office. The sexy sport celebrities and their hookups with the staff, mostly her, though it sounded like she had some competition in a coworker named Olivia. Each story brought a blush to Chloe’s face and Charlize seemed to be enjoying that as much as Kyle’s stiffer reaction.

Finally, he thought his dick might break off in his pants so he tried to change the topic. He fixed his gaze on Charlize. “You two seem to ride really well together! You’re both obviously skilled riders. Why the initial resistance to riding with Chloe?” That would put Charlize on the spot! Maybe settle her down a little, he thought.

Instead, the little spitfire went on the offensive. They were sitting in the shade of an old tree on a bench finishing their soft-serve ice cream cones. With a mischievous grin, Charlize jumped to her feet, tossed the last of her cone into the trash and tugged the protesting Chloe up beside her. The blonde looked both intimidated and thrilled to be manhandled by the smaller woman.

“Have you seen how she dresses to ride? Look at all these brand patches plastered all over her wanton body! She’s like a little corporate whore!” Charlize teased as she cupped and lifted Chloe’s full tits from behind to jiggle the large ‘Yamaha’ embroidered patch across the front of her jacket almost forcing them to jostle free of their confines.

Ice cream cone slipping from her numb fingers, Chloe squeaked and gasped at the rough handling of her breasts and being called a whore. Her face took on an amazingly bright pink tone.

Not yet done with the blonde, Charlize spun her around to present Kyle with that amazingly round bottom once more. “And look at this incredibly yummy ass? Shouldn’t there be a big patch across it as well?” Charlize squeezed the orbs hard in her strong hands and Chloe actually moaned in reaction causing the pink complexion to flash to red. “She’s always making these slutty sounds too! It’s almost enough to make a raging lesbo out of me but I love the D too much to give it up.” Charlize looked down at Chloe’s ass once more and gave it a fond but hard slap drawing another shocked squeak from the woman.

Chloe was biting her lush bottom lip as she pressed her thighs together. She kept glancing at Kyle then back to Charlize who was back to smiling mischievously.

“How- how much further to the campsite?” Kyle said then realized how that might be interpreted. “I mean, how much more riding until we have to find a restaurant for dinner and then a campsite?” he rushed out.

Charlize paused as if thinking about that then shook her head. “Not too much longer. Another thirty miles, maybe? There’s a great biker’s bar we usually stop at. They have great burgers and cold beer. There’s a campground maybe ten miles past that. I’ve never been but I understand it’s also popular with the motorcycling crowd.”

Kyle used a spare napkin to scoop up the dropped cone and put it in the trash with the remnants of his own. He went to hand Chloe another napkin to wipe her mouth. He caught her flustered expression and the heaving of her bosom as she took deep breathes to calm herself. His own thoughts quickly derailed and he found himself gently pressing the napkin to her mouth, running it across her lips to wipe away the creamy mess. He throbbed in his pants as her big blue eyes locked on his.

“Sorry, you had… a little ice cream… there,” he muttered, shocked at his own audacity.

She smiled timidly. “It’s ok. Thank you,” she replied softly.

He could only nod as his cock throbbed again. “Shall we? Get going?” he blurted as he looked away from her lips and Charlize nodded happily.

Kyle walked back towards the bikes, trying to ease the pressure in his pants without being obvious about it. He finally had to stop and manually move his erection as the pinching was getting too painful. He looked over his shoulder at the sound of giggling but the ladies quickly looked elsewhere.

They rode on, enjoying the technical riding on the curvy valley roads as they snaked through the countryside.

Roughly an hour later, they came around the last tight bend exiting a valley and saw a large roadhouse up ahead. There were many motorcycles parked around it and a number of cars as well. As they parked they cast their eyes over the variety of bikes. Racers like their Yamahas, cruisers like Kyles, and everything in between. Lots of choppers too. They locked up their bikes and helmets.

Charlize stepped closer to Kyle and pulled Chloe in next to her so she could speak to them both quietly. “This is a pretty rowdy place. Not dangerous exactly but it would be much easier for the two of us if you pretended that we were your women. This’ll keep the more aggressive Romeo’s from bugging us.”

Kyles eyebrows rose and he glanced towards the front doors. He could see they were already drawing attention. Mostly from men. One of the men was licking his lips as he checked out the ladies in their leathers.

He sighed. He hated jerks like that. Right. “I get it. How do you want to play this?” he asked.

Charlize grinned widely and Chloe picked up on that too. “As aggressive as you can comfortably be. The competition inside can be pretty intense.”

He nodded, glancing quickly to confirm the men were still watching, and stepped closer to the ladies to pull them against his body. His right hand immediately went to Chloe’s ass and he gave it a squeeze. He did this as he slid his left into Charlize’s hair, gripping and pulling it back to tilt her face to his to kiss her deeply. The ladies moaned in unison and he felt Chloe tremble against is thigh. When he pulled back from Charlize’s lips her eyes fluttered open as he turned to kiss Chloe. Her mouth was on his instantly and she whimpered into his mouth as they tangled tongues.

Finally, he pulled back from her mouth as she leaned forward to keep his tongue in her mouth. He gave her ass another hard squeeze and she shuddered as she ground herself against his leg.

Another glance to the front door showed that the lip licker and his buddies were stepping inside. Hopefully, they got the message. He turned his eyes back to Charlize and Chloe. They both looked a little dazed.

“Was that ok?” he asked.

“Yes! Yes, that was… really good. Keep that up and we won’t have any trouble with the jerks inside,” Charlize sighed.

“Sorry, there were some rough looking characters standing by the entrance,” he explained. Chloe jumped a little and glanced towards the door as she clung tighter to him.

He got them moving and they made their way up the stairs onto the veranda then into the large building. The noise inside was mostly voices though he did pick up on some country music playing in the background. The ladies stayed close to his sides as he approached the hostess for the restaurant.

“Hi there, table for three?” the older woman asked.

“Yes, please.”

“My, ain’t you polite,” she said with a big grin.

“Costs nothing to have good manners and yields many benefits,” he said hugging Charlize and Chloe to his sides. The ladies smiled at the hostess too.

The woman cackled gleefully then looked over her shoulder. “Ok, give me your name and I’ll come get ya when your table is ready. I can see one opening up but we’ll need time to clean it and set it. You can wait in the bar.”

“MacDenny.”

“Got it. Go on ahead,” the woman said turning her attention to the next people entering the front door.

Kyle walked into the bar followed by the ladies. The tables were mostly full here as well but the bar was almost empty. He walked to the end closest to the entrance as he spotted the lip licker with his two buddies at the far end of the bar. Unfortunately, they were seen as well. He caught the frowns sent in his direction. He didn’t want to get into a fight and saw the bar had a bouncer to ensure civil behavior or consequences.

The bartender approached and he caught the ink covering almost every inch of her skin from her neck down. “Hi honey, what’ll it be?” she asked with a slightly raspy voice.

“Whatever beer you have on tap that’s cold and thirst quenching,” he replied with a smile. He looked to the two ladies who nodded. “Make it three.”

“Coming right up!”

Kyle took a seat at the bar while Charlize and Chloe took the last two stools to his left so he was between them and the men eyeing them. The noise and the crowding wasn’t as bad in the bar but it was still early.

“Here you go, hun’. Should I start a tab or are you here for dinner?” The bartender asked as she placed the beer before them.

“We’re just waiting on our table,” Kyle explained.

“Right, we’ll just add it to your bill then,” the woman said with a smile and Kyle nodded to her thankfully.

While not a big fan of beer, it was cold and had no bitter aftertaste. He grimaced just a little as he swallowed.

“Thought so. Punk’s a fake.”

Kyle turned his head to look at the speaker and wasn’t surprised to see the lip licker. He really needed a better name for this guy.

“Don, let’s go,” one of his friends smartly said as he kept an eye on the brute by the door.

Ah, there’s the name, Kyle thought. He felt no urgency in using it as the man hadn’t actually engaged him in conversation. He studied him to see what his next move might be.

The guy was about his height, maybe five years older, and solidly built. He was sporting three-day growth of beard and smelled three days ripe in his leathers. There was something in his eyes though that raised the hairs on the back of Kyle’s neck. The man was aching for a fight.

“It’s not happening,” Kyle said wearily.

“What isn’t?” Don growled.

“I’m not going to get into a fight with you. I don’t want it. Your friends don’t seem to want it. The bouncer doesn’t either but you know he’ll be the one finishing it. You won’t get the girl, either of them. There’s no ‘win’ in this for you or for anyone. I’m sorry. That’s just how it is.”

“He’s right, Donnie. Let’s just enjoy our beers, for fuck sake,” Don’s second friend piped in with an agitated tone. That seemed to break through the man’s directionless anger. With a snort, he turned away and walked back to the other end of the bar. Kyle nodded to his friends and went back to his own beer. Unfortunately, he had Don’s stink in his nostrils and that soured his taste buds.

“What’s the matter? Don’t like the beer?” the bartender asked as she stepped closer.

“No, it’s good! I just have this… scent in my nose. Where’s the restroom?” he asked.

She pointed him to the back corner.

“I’ll be right back,” he said to the ladies and they both smiled and nodded to him, impressed with how he’d defused the fight so calmly.

Kyle made his way into the men’s room and quickly washed his face and snorted the cold water a little to dull the scent. He was drying his face and hands when Don pushed his way into the men’s room with a murderous glint in his eye. Kyle stepped back and watched Don’s fists come up as the man smiled menacingly.

“Geezus, what’s broken in your head?” Kyle asked in frustration. This could get really ugly.

Don’s first punch was well telegraphed so Kyle leaned back. As it swished by, he launched himself forward and hammered his own fist against Don’s solar plexus. There was a deep thump as he transferred his weight through his arm into the man’s diaphragm.

Kyle skipped aside and watched as Don dropped to his knees and struggled to suck in a breath as his muscles locked up. Kyle moved to the sink as he looked back at the gasping man.

“Seriously Don, I don’t want to fight you but if you don’t promise to fuck off and be good I will finish this.” Kyle said as he washed his hands again.

“Ffff… sshh… fuuuk… you.”

Kyle kicked out his foot and caught Don on his ear launching him face first into a nearby sink. Cartilage snapped and blood gushed from the man’s broken nose as he crashed bonelessly to the bathroom floor.

He made sure Don was still breathing then left the washroom, keeping an eye out for the man’s friends. He made it all the way back to the bar but there was no sign of them. He looked to Charlize.

“What happened to the two guys Don was with?” he asked.

“They had an argument with him, got pissed off and left. Why?”

He waved down the bartender as Charlize and Chloe watched him curiously.

“What can I getcha?”

“Can you call for an ambulance? It seems that angry fellow fell and hit his face on the sink in the washroom.” Chloe gasped in surprise.

The woman rolled her eyes and bellowed for the bouncer. “Pete! Cleanup in the bathroom.”

The bartender walked away and Kyle took another sip of his beer. He frowned as it was warm.

“Table for MacDenny!”

Kyle turned and raised his hand. The ladies fell into step behind him as he followed the hostess to their booth.

When they were finally alone Charlize leaned forward. “What did you do to that guy?”

Kyle looked uncomfortable. “I took care of it.” When they just stared back at him in frustration he sighed.

“I tried to talk him out of getting physical but he wouldn’t listen. I was really lucky that he wasn’t very good. I’m not a fighter but I knew how to disable him. He still wanted to fight so I… kicked him face first against the sink. Busted his nose… knocked him out.” He looked a little ill.
“What’s wrong?” Charlize asked.

“I don’t like how it made me feel,” he said looking away.

“How did it make you feel-” Chloe began.

“I didn’t feel anything!” Kyle snapped. “I felt nothing. I hit him. I kicked him. He was laying in a pool of his own blood… and I felt… completely detached.” His thoughts turned inwards once more as he recalled his conversation with Fiona on the beach. He shuddered. “It’s over. Let’s move on.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that. I could have dealt with them on my own. I’ve done it before. It was just nice to have someone running interference for me for once,” Charlize apologized.

“I’m glad Kyle stood up for us. I freeze when confronted by aggressive men,” Chloe admitted timidly. Kyle gave her a small smile then they turned to their menus.

While he was getting envious looks and the women had their share of distant admirers, they were left alone. The word had gotten out. The ladies were taken.

A harried waitress rushed by and took their orders. While they waited Charlize told them stories of her previous visits to the roadhouse with other riders and the mischief they got into. Kyle let his earlier unease fade as he enjoyed the tales.

The food was basic but good and they made small talk until they finished. Kyle picked up the bill as part of his share of the camping gear. They made their way back to their bikes and once more Charlize led the way once they were on the road. This time the women stayed close and soon enough they were pulling into the campground.

It was actually fairly busy with a large number of motorcycles parked in the larger campsites but they got a site towards the back, away from the louder groups. Their neighbors proved to be an older couple with a big old sedan on the left and three young women with a VW van on their right. The girls looked like they were just barely in their twenties but they seemed the quiet type. There was a good amount of space between the campsites this far back but Kyle felt eyes on him from both directions as he set up their one tent. It didn’t help that Charlize and Chloe were giggling and carrying on while he worked. He finally managed to get them to help him set up the tent before they wandered off to say hello to their younger neighbors.

Once it was ready, he put the three sleeping bags inside and saw they had a fair amount of space left. He moved their duffle bags inside so they’d have access to their stuff. When he came back out of the tent, the sun had dipped down over the edge of the ridgeline casting the entire park into shadow.

He saw Charlize and Chloe sitting next to the firepit with the young women sitting on its opposite side. Charlize waved at him to join them. With a glance back at the older couple who seemed to be reading while wearing headlights, Kyle walked over to sit with the ladies.

“Kyle, this is Ginny Spencer, Stephie Wallace, and Celeste Tillsbury. Ladies, this is Kyle MacDenny,” Charlize said, making the introductions. “They’re all going to Berkeley this fall and have been on a road trip to celebrate. It’s their last night.”

He smiled and nodded to them. “Hello! Nice to meet you.” He got smiles in return.

While it was difficult to tell true colors in the firelight, Ginny was likely raven haired while her friends had much lighter hair, likely blondes. All were pretty but Ginny wasn’t rail slim like her friends. Stephie and Celeste looked like they needed a few extra meals while Ginny had meat on her bones.

Charlize continued. “Kyle is celebrating too! He just escaped from a bad relationship, quit his job and drove all the way from Canada to… visit… a friend of mine.” They all caught her emphasis and eyes turned in his direction. Again, the firelight did a good job of hiding the color flushing his cheeks.

“Quitting your job and leaving the country seems like a rather extreme reaction to a bad break-up!” Stephie gasped with a fascinated gleam in her eye. Kyle thought she might like the implied ‘drama’.

“Extreme. Don’t listen to her. She threatened to set fire to her last boyfriend’s house when she caught him sleeping around,” Celeste dished and Ginny laughed.

Stephie squealed in shocked outrage. “Jesse promised I was the only one!”

“Only one that night,” Ginny said with a grin.

“Did you-”

“No! No, I didn’t have sex with Jesse. Ewww.” Ginny said with a grimace.

Stephie looked at her friend in shock. “How could you say that about Jesse! He was dreamie! All hard muscles and a thick-”

“STEPHIE!” Celeste squealed to shut her friend up. She glanced across the firepit in embarrassment.

“What areas of study are you taking at Berkeley?” Kyle asked to defuse the situation.

“Bioengineering,” Ginny offered with a happy smile.

“Psychology,” Celeste said.

“I’m taking Business Administration,” Stephie said as she looked at her friends.

“Radically different courses. You might not get to see much of each other once you begin.” Kyle said with a sad smile.

Ginny nodded. “Yeah, that’s why we’re spending this time together now.”

“What do- what did you do, Kyle that made it possible for you to afford to do this?” Celeste asked.

Kyle smiled self-consciously as eyes turned his way. “I was an investment manager.”

“A good one, obviously,” Stephie concluded.

He grinned. “Yeah. I do ok.”

“Do ok? I thought you said you quit the job,” Chloe asked in confusion.

He turned to look at her. “I still invest for myself. I just don’t do it for others, professionally.”

“So, you’re living off your investments?” Celeste asked, curious.

He nodded. “If you maintain a modest lifestyle, it’s possible.”

“If you have rich girl friends who insist on paying your way while you visit them, that also helps.” Charlize said with a grin.

Kyle frowned at her. “I’m not sponging off of Fiona!”

Charlize’s expression immediately dropped. “Oh! I’m sorry! I never meant to imply you were!”

Kyle nodded and rolled his shoulders to make them relax.

“Girl friend?” Chloe asked as she gaped at him.

His eyes locked on hers. He saw the confusion in them. And hurt? Where did that come from?

“Fiona is my friend. We’re just… good friends,” he explained.

“With benefits,” Charlize insisted.

His eyes moved to hers but he could only nod at that as to deny it felt… wrong.

He looked towards the fire and saw eyes watching him across the flames.

Speaking of the fire, he was getting a little hot with his jacket on so he took it off. Then he noticed their stares were a little more intense.

“An investment manager? You’re not what I’d pictured someone in that field would look like,” Celeste said looking at the tight white undershirt clinging to his torso.

He snorted. “What should I look like?”

“Lumpy but in a bad way!” Stephie chimed in.

“I’m thinking a sedentary lifestyle, leaning towards intellectual pursuits,” Celeste explained.

Kyle thought back to his life before meeting Gwen and realized he probably would have ended up flabby and weak. The upside from giving control of his life completely over to a controlling partner. His new, healthier lifestyle. He sighed. “Yeah, that would have been who I became but I… went the other way.”

“You’re gay?!?” Stephie blurted disappointedly.

Ginny slapped the blonde’s arm. “Owww!” Stephie yelped.

“No! He didn’t become fat,” Ginny growled at her confused friend.

“Just how buff are you?” Celeste asked in a quiet voice.

Kyle blinked at her. “What? You want a show?”

“Yes please!” Charlize gushed and giggles erupted.

When Kyle frowned Charlize pouted cutely. “Just a little, please!”‘

The others chimed in with pleas of their own and he gave them a frustrated look. With a huff, he stood and everyone went quiet, staring at him to see what he’d do next. He realized he might be taking himself just a little too seriously so he took a deep breath and heard a quiet sigh across the flames. Ok.

He set his jacket down on the log he’d been sitting on and reached down to tug the bottom of his undershirt from his pants. He saw their rapt attention so he slowed down. They wanted a show? He grinned self-consciously. He could do that.

He pulled the fabric up until it was just free of his pants. Then he ran his fingers along his belt from the front to the sides, sliding them under the hem of his shirt which was still clinging to him. It was a wicking undershirt, meant to keep his body dry and comfortable but he’d been wearing a leather jacket on a warm night while sitting before a fire. He was a little bit sweaty.

Gradually he tugged the tight fabric up his body, revealing his tight abs, the sweat glistening in the firelight. The shirt popped up over his pecs and he peeled it up and over his head.

“Fuck, yeah,” Stephie sighed breathily.

Laughter exploded as the tension broke and the ladies were hooting their approval as Kyle grinned at them.

Once they began to settle down he felt a yawn coming on so he raised his hands to get their attention. “I’m glad you enjoyed the show but now I must bid you a goodnight.”

They whined but he waved them off, picked up his jacket and looked to Charlize and Chloe.

“We’re going to stay up a bit longer with these fine young ladies,” Charlize said but Chloe squeaked in protest. Kyle didn’t see Charlize patting Chloe’s hand.

“Good night!” Kyle said and headed back to the tent. He heard more hoots when he showed them his back.

Chuckling, he unzipped the tent and went inside. It was pitch dark inside so he leaned his cell up against the side of the tent and turned on its flashlight as a light source. As he had it to himself he quickly stripped down to his boxers and took the wipes from his bag. He gave himself an efficient and thorough cleaning, even down there to feel refreshed, then sealed everything away. He looked at the three sleeping bags and froze. He should have asked in advance which one he should use. He determined the ones on the sides would have better access to the side vents for fresh air so he took the one in the center. Having chosen, he turned off the light on his phone.

After unzipping the sleeping bag and getting inside he discovered the next issue. It was too hot to sleep inside the bag. He finally just sprawled out on top of his closed bag and closed his eyes. He still had his boxers on so he was decent enough. He threw his arm over his eyes and let himself drift off.

-=-

When Kyle walked back to the tent, Chloe couldn’t contain her annoyance any longer. “Why aren’t we going back with him?” she hissed then glanced over at the curious eyes watching them.

Charlize turned to face Chloe with a devious smile. “We have to wait for him to fall asleep before we wake him most delightfully.”

“Oh my god!” Ginny gasped as Stephie and Celeste squeaked. Charlize and Chloe followed their eyes and there was Kyle’s silhouette against the inside of the tent. He was undressing and the contours of his muscles were clearly defined in profile. They froze as they watched him running his hands over his body.

“What- what is he doing?” Stephie breathed.

Charlize caught on right away. “He’s bathing!”

“Bathing?” Ginny asked curiously though she couldn’t look away.

“With wipes. He’s cleaning his body with wipes!” Chloe exclaimed quietly.

They went silent as they saw him tug the front of his boxers out and slide a hand inside to clean… everything.

“Oh my god!” Ginny gasped again.

“I want that!” Stephie sighed.

“Me too!” Celeste said.

The light went out and they all moaned.

“Fuck that was hot! He had to be doing that on purpose! Is he always this much of a tease? How is he in bed?” Ginny babbled to the two women still staring at the darkened tent.

Charlize turned to face the three ladies. She shook her head and licked her lips unconsciously. “No, Kyle isn’t like that according to Fiona. I doubt he was aware we could see his shadow on the tent. Fiona hasn’t said too much except he’s a very giving lover.”

Chloe moaned. She looked back at the tent. “When do we go to him?”

“What about us?” Stephie insisted.

Charlize looked at her in surprise. “What do you mean?”

Celeste took up their case. “It’s our last night together. Our bold plan to have a wild time, one last blast, before we went our separate ways in university fizzled out and culminated in this. The three of us camping in a rented VW van. Nothing exciting happened! We need this! It’ll be an experience we can share for the rest of our lives,” Celeste pleaded.

Charlize’s mouth opened then closed. She wanted to tell them to back off! That Kyle was theirs to play with… but she couldn’t. She’d been where they were. She looked over at Chloe and saw she felt the same way. “Kyle may not agree to it. For all his sexy looks I’ve seen him be a little prudish,” she said recalling how he’d blushed the night they first met and teased him.

The girls squealed excitedly as they didn’t hear Charlize deny them.

“Take it slow and at the first sign of resistance you stop!” Charlize growled at them. When they went to jump to their feet she held up her hands. “Wait! It’s best you wait until he’s asleep. Did you bring any booze to this party?” she sighed. Stephie rushed back to the van to get something.

Chloe was looking a little desperate so Charlize patted her hand. “We still have tomorrow night with him.”

-=-

Kyle was sitting in his parent’s living room. He wondered how he got there. He heard muffled arguing and didn’t want to hear it anymore. He put his hands over his ears but he could still hear it. His mother’s bitter voice and his father’s cold responses. A chill went through him listening to his father’s voice again. Why didn’t he yell? If he got angry, maybe it wouldn’t send such feelings of pain, loss, and… loneliness coursing through him. As his father’s voice droned on he could feel himself disconnecting with the world and that terrified him.

He woke with a start and realized he wasn’t alone. He didn’t know where he was. It was completely dark and the only noises were the crickets, the wind against the… tent, and muffled giggles.

Soft hands touched his face and he gasped at how good that felt. Connecting to another living being- Lips! Soft but demanding lips pressing against his. He lifted his arm and slid his fingers into the thick hair on the back of her head and kissed the mouth deeply.

He tasted peaches and the bitter tang of alcohol but pushed that aside as the kiss slowed and became more sensual. She was moaning into his mouth and his other hand filled with the heavy weight of her breast. His mind said Chloe as Charlize had smaller breasts. He couldn’t get enough of her mouth and her tongue, his desperation to connect driving his passion higher still.

He moved his hand down across her belly to the heat between her legs and she gasped into his mouth. Then her kisses became feverish with need as he stroked her desire into a raging bonfire.

Kyle became aware of another sensation. Hands rubbing across the front of his boxers. Then tugging down on the waist band. He lifted his hips and heard pleased sounds from below. It was getting hard to hear anything but the roaring of blood in his ears.

A mouth descended over his stiff cock, sloppily, with too much haste and Kyle released Chloe’s head to grab Charlize’s hair to slow her down. He heard a squeal and then moaning as he guided her up and down his hard shaft. He idly thought Charlize would be more skilled at this considering the stories she told.

Then came the oddest sensation of lips kissing their way up his chest and a tongue flicking out to tease his nipples. His left hand was still plunging in and out of Chloe’s dripping pussy as he rubbed her clit and kissed her. His right hand was guiding Charlize in a blow job that was just beginning to improve.

Who did this third set of lips belong to?

He slipped his right hand down to the side of Charlize’s head but the thick hair just continued there. No close cropped hair.

Kyle’s fingers on his left hand increased their frenzied pumping and she pulled back from his mouth.

“Oh my god! I’m gonna cum!”

That wasn’t Chloe!

He reached his right hand up and encountered the chest of the woman teasing his nipples. He felt ribs and small breasts and heard her gasp as he cupped one.

The image of the three women across the fire flashed through his mind and he wondered what the fuck they were doing in his tent. Other than the obvious.

“CUMMING! FUCK! CUMMING SO HARDDD!” Ginny screamed.

Stephie, or it might have been Celeste, increased her efforts in taking his cock down her throat. Not too successfully. He pinched the nipple in his right hand and heard Celeste sigh and moan.

“Fuck yes!”

So it had to be Stephie with a mouthful of his cock.

He wanted to be angry, to demand they tell him why they were there but he could still feel the lingering coldness of his father’s presence in the back of his mind and these women, they felt real! They made him feel something! It pushed the dread in his heart away and he needed more!

As Ginny rolled away from him to stop his touch he pulled Celeste up his chest to kiss her. She hungrily sucked at his lips but he took a grip on her hair and slowed her down until their lips caressed each other and he could feel her breath coming in gasps.

Stephie’s mouth released his cock then he felt the odd sensation of a condom being rolled on over his hard flesh. It was pretty damn tight so maybe it was a small one? Did they make small condoms? Once Stephie got it on him, she proceeded to climb up his body.

Kyle’s mind took him back to France on the night when he was with mother and daughter Livingston. He pulled back from Celeste’s kiss. “I need to taste you,” he sighed and heard her gasp excitedly. She scrambled to kneel over his face and he immediately began to kiss her inner thighs.

“Ooo! Fuck! Ah, yes! Like that!” she whimpered then cried out as his tongue stroked her most sensitive bits.

Stephie was grinding herself along the length of his cock making it wet with her juices. Then she tipped it up to push the head into her hot opening. “Fuck! Big!” she squealed.

Kyle knew he wasn’t that big but maybe Stephie’s previous experiences were with smaller members. That might explain the tight condom she’d brought. He let her set the pace as he didn’t want to hurt her.

He stroked, sucked, teased, and drank the nectar from Celeste’s pussy for long minutes as she shook and trembled above him.

“Fuck! Oh Geezus! Oh! Oh! Oh God! Yes! Yes! Fuck!” she squealed as he worked her pussy hard.

His tongue was getting tired so he reached up and pinched her stiff nipples, giving them gentle tugs.

“FFFUUUUCCCKKK EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!” she screamed as she ground her pussy against his mouth. She was gushing and he did his best to swallow. This sensation just set Celeste off again. Finally, he eased her down next to him as she quaked, trembled, and panted.

Stephie had half of his cock inside her but she’d locked up and wasn’t moving. He pulled her down to his chest and gripped her ass cheeks in his hands. She squealed as he began to pump his cock in and out, never going deeper than she’d already taken him. This also dragged her clit across him and she made odd guttural sounds as he overstimulated her. The condom was squeezing the hell out of his cock so he could barely feel anything but he wasn’t going soft. He was also certainly in no danger of reaching his orgasm before her.

Now that he’d managed to banish the thoughts of his father from his mind he wanted to finish this so he increased his pace to trigger Stephie.

She was making odd little yip sounds as he bounced her against his hard body. She suddenly clung to him making him hold very still. He picked up the sensation of her pussy squeezing his cock in pulses as her body went through her silent orgasm. She finally relaxed across his body. He took her face in his hands and kissed her as he pulled his hard cock from her pussy. She whimpered into the kiss then sighed when he was out. He heard the zipper on the tent open and a cool breeze as someone crawled out of the tent. Then another gust with the second departure.
Stephie squealed as someone tugged at her leg. He felt her quickly kiss his chest then she followed her friends out of the tent. The zipper closed once more. He heard the happy sounds of giggles moving away.

Kyle lay there on top of the open sleeping bag, just floating on the languid residual sensation of pleasure. He reached down and carefully pulled the condom from his cock. It was such a relief to have it off. His erection was still raging. He wondered what was keeping Charlize and Chloe. They’d obviously set this up. No doubt they’d want some attention from him as well. He felt the floor around his feet and found his boxers. He laid them across his erection.

He’d just leaned back on his elbows when he heard the zipper once more. Light assailed his eyes as Charlize used her cell as a flashlight. She smiled impishly as she saw how he was… undressed. When she glanced up to see his annoyed expression her smile faltered. She moved up beside his right side.

Chloe crawled quickly into the tent and her eyes widened in surprise to see boxers resting on top of an obvious bulge. She smiled and looked at Kyle but her smile also dropped away when she saw he wasn’t happy. She stopped at his feet but zipped the tent closed again. She looked back at him nervously.

They’d both removed their leather jackets and pants and he could see they were only dressed in undergarments. He kept his pleasure from his face.

“You two sent them in here?” he said carefully.

“In our defence, you are partially responsible for their excitement,” Charlize said simply.

He snorted. “Oh please, all I did was remove my shirt.”

Charlize was back to grinning wickedly. “The strip tease was very nice but I was talking about your little shadow play.”

“My what?” he asked blankly.

She propped her flashlight up against her knee shining across Kyle’s groin she nodded to Chloe who looked at her with big eyes then reached up to tug down the boxers. She smiled when she saw his erection and after another nod from Charlize she reached up to have it stand straight up.

Kyle heard a burst of excited giggles from his left, outside the tent, and looked to see the shadow of his cock painted on the side of the tent, three feet tall.

“Turn that off!” he barked.

The moment the light went out his cock was buried in the hot wet depths of Chloe’s mouth. She took him all the way down to the root and he felt the head slip into her throat. No gag reflex and so much better than Stephie’s efforts had felt.

“Ohhh god!” he sighed and felt Chloe’s smile.

Then Charlize was kissing him. His passion flared once more and he grabbed her head in his hands and stroked her lips with his and tasted her mouth. She moaned and kissed him harder. He was a little surprised by the strength in her grip but he was too caught up in his need.

She released his mouth and moved down to taste his cock. Chloe moved up and he kissed her passionately.

“I’ve always wanted to do that,” she sighed once she pulled back.

“Do what?” he asked a little breathless as Charlize was driving him insane with her talented tongue.

He felt Chloe’s hesitance and stroked her face gently, feeling her relax to his touch.

“Take a man into my mouth. I’m not a virgin but I’ve only had one partner. That was a long time ago and it wasn’t good. I’m not pretty like Charlize or Olivia. It’s better that it’s dark-”

“What the hell are you talking about? You’re very pretty and sexy as hell!” He fumbled for his cell and flipped on the light. He turned back to Chloe and saw her eyes nervously watching him. “You’re beautiful!”

“I’m covered in spots-”

“I love your sweet freckles!”

“My mouth is too big and my teeth-”

“…are sexy as hell! God, hang on a sec! Charlize, could you stop that for a moment… what?”

He saw she had moved his cell to cast another shadow play on the tent wall. This one showed her taking his cock into her mouth. He grabbed the cell and moved it to the floor behind himself to bounce light upwards with no shadows.

Then he heard the disappointed boos from outside. He glared at Charlize’s impish smile then turned back to Chloe.

“I don’t know where you got the idea that you’re not pretty,” Kyle gasped.

She squirmed a little then her eyes came back to his. “Back home when I went to school the kids were really cruel.”

“Kids! That’s what they do. Monsters, almost all of them!” Kyle lamented. “You can’t base your self image on kid’s opinions! Do you think I’m a kid?”

Big blue eyes looked at him in surprise. “No!”

“That’s right! I’m an adult who’s had time to learn what true beauty is. You can trust me when I say you are distinctively and wondrously beautiful. There will be plenty who will appreciate you as I do.”

Chloe leaped onto Kyle’s chest and pressed her lips to his once more. She was kissing him desperately and he responded.

Charlize’s mouth returned to duty and he felt himself stiffening to fully erect. When he felt her moving up his body he struggled to speak and pulled away from Chloe’s mouth.

“Wait! Wait… I don’t have any condoms,” he gasped.

“I’m on the pill,” Charlize assured him with a sexy smile, her panties dangling from her finger. She tossed them to the side. She moved to throw a leg over his body.

“Me too!” Chloe insisted and went back to kissing him. He moaned into the kiss when he felt Charlize’s heat enveloping his cock.

“Ooo yeah, that’s what I’m talking about,” Charlize sighed as she settled down on his hips.

Kyle undid the clasp on Chloe’s bra and she squeaked in surprise then moaned in pleasure as he ran his fingers over the skin of her back.

Chloe ended their kiss then leaned back to pull her bra free. She leaned over his face and pressed one of her heavy tits against his mouth. He immediately sucked the nipple into his mouth and stroked it with the tip of his tongue as she gasped and pressed against his face a little firmer. He was at risk of suffocating against her soft skin so he reached up and wrapped his fingers around her… natural tits. They weren’t implants after all! He squeezed them and gently nibbled on her stiff nipples making her cry out and press harder.

Charlize was slamming herself against his body as she bounced up and down on his cock. She was getting so aggressive in her desperate need to cum he had to release Chloe’s tits so the woman could move back. He reached up and pulled Charlize down to kiss her. Then he was able to begin driving his cock up into her.

The wet sounds of their bodies slapping together got louder as he increased his pace.

“FUCKING HELL! I’M SO CLOSE!” Charlize howled as her hips twisted and pounded against his. Her eyes went wide when she felt a finger sliding down between her tight ass cheeks to slide over her twitching rosebud. Kyle’s hands were gripping her hips for leverage as he hammered her body with his. “OH! OH FUCK! YES!” Then the digit plunged inside and Charlize’s body went into spasms as her orgasm struck.

“OOOOOOOHHHHHH FFFFFFUUUUUUCCCCKKKKK!!!!!” she screamed. Waves crashed over her senses as Chloe’s finger slowly sawed in and out of her clenching ass. Kyle was dragging her side to side against his body, grinding her clit against himself. It was incredible! It was so good! It was too much!

“Ok! Ok! Stop! I can’t- enough,” she gasped and jolted as Chloe pulled her finger free.

Kyle was pretty close to his own release but he pulled free and eased Charlize’s body onto the sleeping bag to his right. In the dim light he could see her panting and smiling back at him.

“Kyle?”

He turned his face to see Chloe was back to looking at him nervously. “Yes?”

“Would you… could we…” she struggled to say something.

He moved to her and made her lie back on her sleeping bag. He gazed down at her and smiled. “You truly are lovely,” he whispered to her and she pulled him down to kiss him. He settled his body over hers and her legs immediately spread open, her ankles pulling at his ass. He lined his cock up with her wet pussy and slowly pushed forward.

“Oh! Oh my! Good!” she muttered as her eyes closed with the onslaught of sensations.

He slowly pressed inwards then drew out only to push forward again, gradually sliding all of his cock deep inside her hot body. Her big tits were pressing against his chest and he used his hips to pump himself in and out of her tight pussy.

“Oh Kyle! So good!” she sighed then pulled his mouth to hers and thrust her tongue into his mouth passionately. He kissed her and sucked on her tongue as he sped up his thrusting, he was getting close. He began grinding against her each time he reached bottom and knew this was a good tactic when she jolted and gasped each time he did it. He sped up his thrusts again. Her ankles were almost digging into his ass as she pulled him tight with each thrust.

“Fuck! I’m going to cum! Chloe, are you there?” he gasped.

His words were like gasoline on her flames as she went into a frenzy of squeezing, pulling, and grinding. Her eyes looked up into his feverishly and he kissed her again as he pounded her against the sleeping bag again and again until he heard her begin to squeal. He released her lips from his and she sucked in a breath as he drove himself deep one last time, erupting deep inside her.

“oh! oh! oh!” she gasped quietly as she shook in his grip, rocking through her own release.

Once they’d caught their breath, Kyle pulled himself free and dropped himself onto his own sleeping bag. He reached up and turned off the light on his cell plunging the tent into darkness.

He spasmed with the sensation of his semi-flaccid cock being sucked into a hot mouth to be ‘cleaned’ and drained of any residual cum. Moments later he was released and Chloe laid back against her sleeping bag.

“God that was good!” Charlize said with a smile in her voice.

“Yesss,” Chloe sighed.

“A really nice way to end a great day,” Kyle agreed. He realized the tent was pretty warm but by morning he expected a chill in the air. He suggested they open one of the sleeping bags for them all to rest on and use the other two as blankets when they needed them.

They settled back down, Charlize and Chloe tucking themselves against Kyle’s body as the air entering the tent was beginning to hold a chill. He was warm enough to keep them toasty for now. He gave them both a kiss goodnight.

Kyle realized this was about as far from the dream of his father as he could get. With that thought warming him, he let himself drift off.

Chapter 5

Kyle was riding faster than he normally would but they were trying to outrun the storm. This morning when they got up they were surprised to see it was overcast. They checked the forecast and the lovely sunny weather they were supposed to have had been replaced with a severe thunderstorm warning with flash floods possible.

They quickly folded and packed their tent and rolled up the sleeping bags. Everything went into their waterproof pack sacks before being strapped to Kyle’s motorcycle.

As they prepared to leave, they had a visit from the three young women at the next campsite who wanted to give Kyle a kiss for making their last night so memorable. Not wanting to spoil the memory he did his best to leave them with a sensual kiss. They were waving as the three motorcycles drove away.

They made a brief stop for breakfast at a small family restaurant on the route out and decided they would make tracks for home.

Now here they were pushing their luck on the windswept roads at the edge of Santa Barbara. Ahead they could only see dark grey and flashes of light.

Chloe’s bike was in the lead and she frantically pointed to a driveway on the right before pulling off the road and driving right up the slight incline into an open garage. Charlize and Kyle followed her in and shut off their bikes too. Chloe gestured for them to hurry so Kyle got their stuff out of the saddle bags and rushed out of the garage. Chloe slammed it closed, locked it, then they ran across the short distance to the house’s back door as they felt the first fat droplets hit them. She let them into the house as the downpour struck with earnest.

Kyle pulled off his helmet and jacket as they others took off theirs and looked around. They were standing in a really small kitchen, quaint and just a little untidy. Chloe looked embarrassed by the mess.

“Your place?” Kyle asked with a smile and she nodded as she moved to put away the dishes in the drying rack.

“I would have cleaned up but I got the call about the ride and had to scramble to get ready to join.”

Charlize looked around as well, dropping her jacket and helmet on the kitchen chair as the others had done. “I’ve never been to your place,” she said with a grin and walked out of the kitchen into the living room. The light flipped on. “Oh!” she exclaimed from the next room and began to chuckle.

Chloe’s eyes went wide and she dropped a cup, shattering it on the floor. “NO!” she exclaimed and dashed for the entrance of the living room, Kyle following more slowly.

He saw Charlize playing keep away with a DVD case in her hand as Chloe frantically tried to get it from her. She tossed it to him as she wrapped her arms around Chloe’s waist. He automatically glanced at the cover.

“Anal Lovers?” he read aloud as Chloe moaned in dismay.

“I knew it! From the way you diddled my bum hole when Kyle fucked me I knew you had some experience with ass play!” Charlize exclaimed. “I didn’t realized you were obsessed!” she said nodding her head to the couch where a lifelike dildo was partially hidden by the couch pillow.

“Charlize! Let her go! She literally offered us comfort from the storm. This isn’t how to show our appreciation.” Kyle was uncomfortably aware of how sexy the two women looked at the moment and began to stiffen in his pants.

The brunette grinned at him. “You’re absolutely right! There is a much better way to show her how grateful we are! We can help her live out her juiciest fantasy!”

“What?” he blurted in confusion.

Charlize was squeezing Chloe’s body back against hers. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you my sexy little slut.” She squeezed Chloe’s tit with one hand while sliding her other hand down to rub her pussy.

Instead of pulling away angrily, Chloe gasped and ground back against the other woman, her large eyes never leaving Kyle.

He looked at the back of the DVD and saw it was scene after scene of women having anal intercourse. He brought his eyes back up to hers. She was almost shaking with fear of rejection.

“You want this?” he asked quietly.

She trembled but nodded slightly.

“Say it, dirty girl! Say the words,” Charlize growled as she pinched Chloe’s stiff nipples.

“Yes! Yes, I want it,” Chloe gasped out, arching her back to follow Charlize’s tugging fingers.

“What do you want?” Charlize demanded.

“Ahh! Kyle’s… Kyle’s cock in my ASS! Ohhhh!” Chloe panted, looking at him desperately.

There was a flash of light followed immediately by the loud crash of thunder and the lights went out. In the dim light from the windows Kyle could see the women waiting for his answer. He took three steps forward tossing the DVD case back on the couch and pulled them against him. He kissed Charlize boldly then took Chloe’s mouth as his hand cupped and squeezed one of her large tits.

“Yes!” Charlize cheered and dropped to her knees to undo Chloe’s riding pants. She peeled them down her legs and tugged them off. Then she yanked the woman’s panties down and made her step out of them. A large bra dropped from above to land on her head and she snorted in amusement. She stood back up and began taking her own clothes off.

Chloe’s head was spinning with desire. She fumbled with the buckles and buttons on Kyle’s pants then gave up as he took over. She grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it up, forcing him to let go of his pants to raise his arms so she could get his shirt off. She stared at his hard muscles and touched them reverently as he pushed his pants down.

Flickering light came back to the living room as Charlize found the battery-operated candles lining the mantelpiece. Chloe looked back at Kyle and saw he was standing before her naked. She soaked in that image. She’d never been with anyone like him. The one boy who had taken her virginity had been an ugly tosser. That time had been one ‘no’ away from rape but she was lonely and curious so she’d let him do it. Kyle though, he was a head-turner. She was a little stunned he wanted to be with her. His words the previous night aside, she didn’t feel anywhere near attractive enough to be with him.

“Struth, you’re a pretty one,” she murmured as she ran her fingers over the hard muscles of his chest and stomach.

He snorted self-consciously as he recalled the years of being a couch potato and feeling lumpy. He knew he looked better and he felt better but he didn’t really see it as making him different.

He moved closer. “You need to tell me what you want. It’s your fantasy. I want to make it real.”

Her eyes got really big and she began to gasp for breath as her heart raced.

Not knowing what else to do Kyle pulled her into a hug. “Shhh… it’s ok. Just breathe in and out slowly. It’s ok.”

Chloe felt herself begin the relax in his strong arms. Then she realized she could feel the heat of Kyle’s cock resting against her tingling pussy. That tingling just got stronger as she thought about what he’d just said. He was going to be her fantasy man!

Charlize slipped up behind her and rubbed her ass. “This has to be one of the most perfect asses I’ve ever seen! It needs to be touched,” She ran her fingertips teasingly over the muscular orbs and Chloe gasped and shivered. “It needs to be squeezed!” Her strong hands grabbed and squeezed the flesh and Chloe moaned. “It needs to be spanked when she makes those lusty noises!”

SLAP!

“AAAHhhhh!” Chloe cried out as she clung to Kyle tighter, pressing her tits against his chest. Her ass tingled like crazy and she looked into his eyes as she bit her lip. She moved her head in close beside his, her mouth next to his ear. “I need- I need you to take me! Use me! Make me yours,” she blurted quietly to him, divulging her dark fantasy.

Kyle nodded slightly then kissed her hard until she felt like she might be leaving her body. When he pulled back she swooned then squealed when he grabbed her and put her over his shoulder, ass in the air. He briskly walked towards the short hallway that led to the one bedroom, Charlize racing ahead to open the door.

Chloe had never been manhandled like this… and she loved it. Her pussy began to drip from her excitement. He tossed her on the bed then immediately straddled her body to rub his hard cock between her tits. Then he seized her hair and slid his cock into her mouth. She moaned and ran her tongue over it.

“That’s right. Get it all nice and slippery. It’s going deep into your ass in a moment. You want it to be wet.” Kyle growled.

She desperately increased her efforts and used her hands to stroke his cock as well as her mouth, ensuring her spit was covering his entire cock down to the root.

“That’s enough. I want your ass now!” he said firmly and she squeaked nervously.

He swung his leg over her body then flipped her onto her stomach. Then he lifted her ass up and shoved a pillow under her to keep it raised. He paused to admire her ass and shared a smile with Charlize who grinned back at him from the foot of the bed. He mouthed the word ‘lube’ and she nodded, racing back to the living room.

Kyle gave each cheek a series of spanks, gradually increasing the strength of each slap and alternating sides randomly. Chloe was moaning constantly now and her ass was glowing pink. He gently ran his nails over the abused skin and she sucked in a breath as tingles shot through her body.

He grabbed her cheeks and parted them to expose her twitching ass hole. Charlize returned with a tube of lube and the dildo, the latter going on the dresser, for now. He tipped his head to indicate she should put some of the slippery stuff on the puckered ass. Charlize smiled wickedly as she wanted to return the favor. She spread some on a finger and rubbed the pad over Chloe’s ass hole. Then she slowly pushed the digit inside. All the way in.
Chloe moaned loudly and squirmed on the bed.

“Did you think that was it?” Kyle asked. “That’s only a finger.”

Chloe looked back in surprise and saw Charlize sawing her finger in and out of her ass. Then her eyes moved to Kyle’s hard cock, so much larger than a finger, and the desperate look in her eyes increased.

Kyle moved closer to her ass and Chloe faced forward as she grabbed the sheets in anticipation.

Charlize pulled her finger free with a pop and Chloe yelped. She got a slap on her ass from her coworker for that. Kyle looked at the grinning brunette and wondered how their work environment was going to deal with this new level of intimacy between the two women.

Putting that thought aside he grabbed the lube and squirted some on her rosebud to begin rubbing it with his thumb. Chloe was shaking and moaning as he went round and round the tight orifice. Then he pressed directly against it and felt the muscles struggled to keep him out but it as no use with the slick lube greasing the way. His thumb pushed inwards and Chloe’s legs shook when he got past the ring of muscle.

“oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck oh fuck” she chanted quietly as she adjusted to the intrusion.

Kyle stroked in and out as he felt her body begin to accept him. He looked over to where Charlize was searching in the drawers for something. He caught her eye and frowned at her being a snoop but she wiggled the dildo at him as if that explained to him what she was doing. He turned his attention back to Chloe.

“I think you’re ready for my cock now,” he said and her head whipped around in shock.

Her senses were all mixed up. Her anticipation was distorting the sensations and his strong thumb felt huge. The idea of something larger sent a wave of fear through her but she knew she couldn’t stop now. She whimpered as he pulled his thumb out.

He quickly rubbed some lube on his cock and gave her no time to prepare this time. The head of is cock settled into the slowly closing orifice and he pushed it inside.

“AAAHHHH!!!!” Chloe cried out as the heat of his cock soaked into her sensitive inner flesh. She’d had a dildo up her ass but this, a real cock, felt so much different, so much better!

Kyle fought back the urge to ram his cock in deep. She felt incredible! He pushed slowly and evenly and his cock sunk deeper into her tight channel.

“Oh! Oh god! MmmmnnNAAHHH! Oh! Oh! Oh god!” Chloe cried out as Kyle’s hot cock went deeper and deeper. What seemed like an eternity later, she felt Kyle’s body coming to a rest against her. Her ass was so full of cock she couldn’t think straight and just panted as she rested her face against the sheets.

“Are you ok, Chloe?” he asked gently.

“Uhn… yes! Oh god Kyle! It’s… so good!” she managed to say as she adjusted to his thickness inside her. She felt… safe with Kyle. She knew he would make her feel good and she didn’t have to worry about him being cruel.

“I’m going to start moving. I’m going to truly fuck this sweet ass of yours!” he growled playfully and she moaned. He felt her tighten in response.

Her whimpering increased as Kyle slowly pulled his cock out to the head and paused. He could feel her sucking him back in so he pressed forward.

“fffffffuuuuuuuuccccckkkkkkaaahhhhhh” Chloe sighed as he filled her again.

He repeated this slow withdrawal and push inwards again and again and each time Chloe sighed gratefully when he came to a rest against her round ass. He needed to pick up the pace. On the next push he drove his hips forward and caught her by surprise.

“AHHHH!!! Oh Kyle!” she cried out and looked back with need in her eyes.

So she wanted it harder? He could do that. He drew out and drove himself deep steadily increasing the pace until he was slapping her ass with his pelvis.

Chloe was in heaven. This was what she needed, what she desperately wanted, since she discovered she enjoyed having her ass played with. Kyle was so strong and forceful, taking her ass so roughly, filling her up so completely with his hot cock and slapping her ass! Her eyes were rolling back in her head as she was overwhelmed by the intensity of her pleasure.

Kyle was steadily pounding Chloe’s ass and he could tell she was enjoying it. He heard a little sound of victory to his left and spotted Charlize pulling some kind of harness from the bottom drawer of the dresser. She pushed the dildo through a hole in it then stepped into the straps and pulled it up her hips. She tightened the straps until the dildo pointed out from her pussy like a cock. Then she rushed over to the bed, grabbed the lube and slathered the stuff on the rubber shaft.

“Lift her up against you!” Charlize exclaimed.

Kyle knew kneeling on the bed was a bad idea so he shook his head and raised a finger. He pulled his cock from Chloe and she whined when she felt the emptiness. He lifted her hips and tugged the pillow free. Then he pressed the head of his cock back into her ass and she wiggled to let him in deeper as she moaned happily.

When he was fully buried in her ass he forced his arm under her and held her tight as he rolled over onto his back pulling her up onto his chest. She squealed in surprise, her eyes opening wide.

Chloe saw Charlize moving onto the bed between her open legs. Her eyes dropped to the strap-on bobbing between her friend’s legs. She suddenly knew what Charlize intended and she tried to escape but Kyle had her in a tight grip and had resumed pumping his cock in and out of her ass. This destroyed her muscle control and she could only watch Charlize getting closer and closer.

Then she felt it. The thick head of the dildo was pressing against the lips of her dripping pussy then it was in.

“FFffffffuuuuuuuuucccckkk!” Chloe moaned as the thick fake cock pushed inside, pressing against Kyle’s cock through the inner membranes. The feeling of being full was almost too much for Chloe and her eyes rolled back again as Charlize rested her body on top of Chloe’s, pressing deliciously on her clit.

It was almost impossible for Kyle to keep pumping into Chloe with the weight of both women on top of him. He felt the odd sensation of the dildo rubbing the side of his cock and looked up to see the lust in Charlize’s eyes. He moved his hands to her ass and squeezed her cheeks as he helped her thrust into Chloe.

The blonde’s head rested back on Kyle’s shoulder and he nibbled on her ear making her gasp. He began to whisper into her ear and he could feel her clenching tighter and tighter in response as her release rushed up on her.

“Do you like my fat cock in your ass? Do you like it spreading you wide, filling you up? I love fucking your ass. You feel so hot and tight! My cock loves your ass!”

Charlize joined in. “Your slutty pussy is taking my cock so well. So wet and juicy! You love being so thoroughly fucked, don’t you! Don’t you, my little cock slave!”

“UHHH! FFUUUUHH! AAHHHHHHH!!!” Chloe tripped over the top and her pleasure crashed through her mind, obliterating her ability to speak.

Kyle could feel her squeezing his cock as her body clenched and shook. He moved his lips closer to her ear and drove his cock as deep as it would go. “Your ass is mine,” he whispered and she screamed soundlessly. Her orgasm carried her away.

Charlize smiled down at him as she saw Chloe fading. She carefully pulled back from the blonde and pulled the dildo free. Chloe only murmured a slight protest. Charlize crawled off the bed and began undoing the straps.

Kyle eased Chloe to the side and onto the mattress. She whimpered slightly as his hard cock pulled from her ass. Once he was free Kyle climbed off the bed and they lifted the blanket over the sleeping woman.

Charlize smiled hungrily at his erection and crooked a finger as she picked up the lube and left the bedroom. He closed the door behind himself and they went into the small bathroom. Charlize closed that door as well. She looked down at his hard cock. “I want that in me but only after it’s been washed. Nothing that’s been up Chloe’s ass gets inside me until it’s clean.” She grinned at him and pulled him into the small tiled shower stall. The room wasn’t large enough for a tub.

They got the water going and endured some brief moments of cold spray before the hot water was flowing. The cold had cooled his lust a little but between her hungry kisses and her vigorous washing of his cock he was soon hard as iron. She squirted some lube on her hand and pushed him out of the spray before she stroked the slippery stuff onto his cock. He looked at her curiously.

“I want it hard and fast. Don’t hold anything back!” she said with a grin.

He nodded and lifted her up against himself as he kissed her deeply. He lowered her onto his cock and pulled her down to impale her on his shaft. She tried to cry out but he lifted her again and slammed her down on his cock once more. Her mouth opened but nothing came out. Hands gripping her ass, Kyle began to hammer his cock up into her gushing pussy. Her clit slapped against his body again and again, sharp spikes of bliss lifting her pleasure higher and she was out of control. She tugged at her nipples just to intensify the sensations coursing through her body and felt her mind lifting free.

“KYLE! FUCK! OH! GOD! FUCK! ME! SO! GOOD!” She could only manage one word per stroke. Her eyes were closed tightly as she concentrated on the intense pleasure he was giving her in the brutal pounding. Pain was mixed in with the deliciously explosive tingles and it mixed up her head.

He was getting tired so he needed to get her to her release quickly. He picked up the pace and the small shower filled with the sounds of his skin slapping hers, his grunts, and her cries.

“CUM! CUM! CUMMING! CUMMING! CUMMING!” she squealed as her pussy squeezed his cock. He felt his cum firing up deep inside her and let the bliss fill his mind as he pulled her tight against his pelvis.

“Fuck yes! Oh Kyle, yes! Oh Geezus! So fucking good!” she moaned as she felt his cum surging into her. She released her abused nipples and took his face between her hands to kiss his mouth and face.

When they finished, Kyle lifted her off his softening cock and she moaned a little as an ache went through her pussy… and her ass. He had strong hands and a good grip.

“Are you ok?” he asked as he gently lowered her feet to the floor. She clung to him as her body ached. She’d been a little rough on her nipples too.

She smiled up at him in embarrassment. “Yes… I’ll be fine. I- I guess I wasn’t expecting you to follow my instructions so well.” She winced. “Fuck, my ass is going to have hand shaped bruises on it.”

He looked at her in dismay. “I’m so sorry!”

She placed her fingers over his mouth and shook her head. “No, it was wonderful! Exactly what I asked for. I’ll just have to be careful what I ask for from now on,” she added with a grin.

They quickly showered and he wrapped a towel around himself and walked out to the living room as Charlize took care of a few things in the bathroom.

He walked to the window and saw the wind was still blowing hard, the rain was coming down hard, but the overcast seemed a little lighter than before. He had rain gear and didn’t have far to go but driving would be treacherous tonight. He grabbed his phone from his duffle and checked the forecast. It looked like tomorrow would be a lovely day. So, he’d be ‘camping’ at Chloe’s tonight. The sofa looked comfortable enough. He picked up the DVD case once more and shook his head with a smile. The things you learn about people! He wondered how she learned about her desire for this. Maybe it was better not to know. He dropped it on the coffee table.

Charlize entered the room and smiled at him.

“You ok?” he asked.

“Delightful! Exhausted though. Let’s get some sleep,” she responded.

“I’ll take the sofa. There’s enough room for you on Chloe’s bed,” Kyle suggested.

She snorted and took his hand, leading him back to the bedroom. “There’s enough room for all of us on the bed.”

She pushed Kyle to take one side as she moved to the other. They climbed on and he spooned Chloe who just murmured in her sleep. He heard her sigh happily as he tucked himself against her ass and Charlize backed her ass up against the blonde.

A few moments later, as he began to drift off, he heard Charlize stir.

“Kyle?”

“Hmmm?”

“What happened on our little trip, I mean, what the three of us did together, that’s between us, ok?” Charlize said.

He surfaced completely, hearing a hint of nervousness in her quiet voice.

“Of course. It’s no one’s business but ours,” he assured her.

“Good. Thanks.” There were a few more moments of silence then she spoke again. “It’s just… some of the others in Fiona’s circle aren’t quite so… relaxed in their sexuality and might be uncomfortable-”

“I understand and I won’t divulge anything about our sexy time with anyone not in this bed. I don’t do that. That’s something you should know about me,” he said firmly.

He picked up a little tension in Chloe’s body so he moved his lips closer to her ear to whisper to her. “Your ass is still mine and I’m going to fuck it again in the morning.”

She whimpered happily and snuggled back against him bringing a smile to his lips.

“Go to sleep, my sweet little cock slut,” Charlize said fondly over her shoulder and Chloe rubbed her face against the brunette’s head.

They settled down and soon Kyle heard the quiet sighs of their breathing.

He considered his current situation and wondered if Fiona had any inkling that this might happen when she arranged for them to have dinner. He’d already been with two of her friends! And several others! He knew they weren’t in an exclusive relationship but he was beginning to feel like a bit of a slut himself. He had to rein himself in.

Of course, after Gloria he’d vowed never to cross the line with a married woman again so Monique and Phoebe were off limits and he’d promised to stay away from Marion. So, he should be fine for the rest of the visit.

Right?

Chapter 6

Fiona had returned Sunday night as promised and their reunion sex was epic, in her words the following morning and in Gloria’s words when the group met for lunch. The older woman had gotten an earful through the open window the night before and dished to the others, much to Fiona’s not so secret delight.

Gloria was still trying to make amends for her husband’s reaction but Kyle told her they would be fine as long as she didn’t involve him in any further extramarital escapades.

After their lunch Marion was definitely eyeing him like a challenge. He’d politely indicated that he was not available without explicit approval from Fiona. She hadn’t seemed too pleased to hear that. She’d never had to get permission before and obviously wasn’t going to ask now. He could see her working on a plan to bypass this resistance and that made him just a little nervous. Fiona was thrilled to hear about her reaction and giggled all the way back to her condo.

As promised he kept his non-motorcycling activities with Charlize and Chloe to himself and she’d remained quiet about it too. He’d heard from her that Chloe was asking when they could get together again. He’d awakened something in the woman.

Fiona and Kyle explored Santa Barbara and the surrounding countryside on bicycles. She rented one for him and bought herself a new one. They rode for hours and stopped for lunch in good restaurants in the towns they passed through or in the vineyards they visited. They once enjoyed a quickie out amongst the grapes at the far edge of one property they’d visited. He was really beginning to feel spoiled by her attention but she was having so much fun!

They made a second day trip into LA, this time on Kyle’s Harley and she got to wear her new leather. They went to the same restaurant they’d eaten at before and the reaction to her new outfit was everything she’d hoped for. They were practically stepping on each other to compliment her on her bold new look.

She’d immediately called her friends to arrange a dinner on the seafood restaurant’s patio that night and surprised them with her new attire as well.

Fiona was having a wonderful time and Kyle was enjoying her happiness.

Then it was time for her Las Vegas weekend.

The plan for the upcoming weekend was to meet up in Las Vegas at the Enchant Resort. Fiona told Kyle that it was one of the most luxurious resorts in Las Vegas. Fiona made a deal with the manager and got rooms for the group. She informed them that she was picking up the tab for the stay at the resort.

Monique was in. Charlize and Phoebe were in as well as they’d never be able to afford such a resort without Fiona’s generous assistance. Marion also said she’d join them but of course had to haggle with Fiona over the bill.

Gloria bowed out at the last minute as her husband made plans to take her to New York City instead. It was a trip he’d always promised and finally agreed to do. As much as she would have enjoyed hanging out with her friends in Vegas she was thrilled about her trip to the Big Apple.

Charlize took the opportunity to speak with Fiona to ask if she could invite her co-worker Chloe to join them in Gloria’s place and said she would share her room with her. Fiona agreed. Kyle worried about what Charlize intended as he was Fiona’s date for the weekend and there would be no opportunity to spend intimate time with them. He put that out of his mind as worrying about it now achieved nothing.

Fiona and Kyle would ride to Las Vegas on his Harley tomorrow, and stay overnight. The rest would join them the following night, Friday, for dinner and partying afterwards. They’d have all of Saturday and Sunday to enjoy the resort and check out the city before everyone headed back on the following Monday.

They had a quiet evening at home and watched a movie before packing for the weekend and cuddling in bed. She was a little excited about the weekend so moments after the lights went out Kyle felt her slipping under the covers to pay a visit to his awakening cock. When he tried to move to enjoy her too she blocked him. She wanted to please him tonight.

She was very skilled and quickly had him panting with need as she brought him close several times only to prolong the pleasure. When he finally came he cried out and Fiona struggle to swallow it all.

As he recuperated, she skipped off to the bathroom and returned with minty fresh breath and a damp facecloth to clean him up. Then she allowed him to sleep.

They got an early start and broke up the drive to Las Vegas by stopping along the way from time to time, never staying in the saddle longer than ninety minutes at a time. The route they chose bypassed Los Angeles by taking highways north of the mega-city. The scenery was dry desert and more dry desert so they were both eager to get to their destination.

They rolled into Las Vegas by 3:30PM and headed straight to the resort. Kyle let Fiona off at the entrance as she was going in to make the arrangements. He said he’d meet her in the lobby once he parked the bike.

Fiona ducked into the ladies room to freshen up and when she came out she turned right and walked into the back of a man wearing a sports jacket, jeans, cowboy boots, and a tan Stetson cowboy hat. He dropped his briefcase and some paperwork spilled out.

“Oh! I’m terribly sorry!” she gasped in embarrassment as she bent to help him.

The man was kneeling to get his papers and turned his face to look at her. His eyes first took in the cleavage she was displaying in her leather jacket then flashed up to her face. He froze in surprise and a wide smile spread across his face. She got a look at his features. Piercing blue eyes, nice lips, and a strong jaw with a dimple on his chin. His delighted smile was a dazzling display of white teeth. He got the rest of the papers into his case and took off his hat as he continued to smile at her. She saw his hair was trimmed short and was black but peppered with grey. She couldn’t really gauge his age but if she had to guess she’d say he couldn’t have been older than his mid-thirties.
“I’m not!” he said and she immediately picked up a slight Texan twang.

“You’re not what?” she asked, a smile coming to her lips as well.

“I’m not sorry you walked into me. It’s the nicest thing that’s happened to me in this crazy town since I got here four days ago!”

Her smile widened at his compliment and she raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Really?”

“It’s true! I came to town to meet with some fellahs who were supposed to have a good investment deal and it turned out to be smoke and mirrors. All that work for nothing. I have to head back home with nothing to show for my efforts. Then you bumped into me and the trip is showing promise after all,” he said with a charming smile she couldn’t help but return.

“You are smooth, I’ll give you that!” she purred happily.

“Nothing but the honest truth! Might I request your company at dinner tonight? I can divulge further truths like I’m feeling a little dazzled by your smile,” he asked earnestly.

“Oh! I- I’m actually here with a- a friend,” she blurted and wondered if she should have called Kyle her boyfriend.

“That’s fine bring her along!” he said, misinterpreting her hesitation.

“My friend is a ‘he’, Kyle MacDenny. A friend from Canada.” Fiona found herself babbling and blushed.

He watched her blush and his smile widened again. “Well, your friend from Canada can join us as well.” He reached forward and took her hand in his larger one to shake it. “My name’s Cameron Dawson. You can call me Cam.”

“Fiona. Fiona Hollings,” she said, slightly dazed by his blue eyes.

“Dinner at 8PM? I have a reserved table for four at the Country Club. As my business associates won’t be sharing it with me I sure would like some friendly company, Fiona.” He gave her a hopeful smile and she blushed again and nodded.

His smile flashed wide once more.

“That’s wonderful! I look forward to seeing you there!” He finally released her hand and with a little wave he walked away.

It wasn’t until he stepped out of sight that she realized she’d just accepted a dinner invitation from a strange man while she was here with Kyle. Now she had to either stand him up by not showing or explain what she’d done to Kyle and hope he was understanding. She walked over to the reception desk and saw Kyle was there looking around for her. He smiled when he saw her then his expression became concerned.

“Is everything ok?” he asked when she reached him.

“Yes, uh, I just did something totally out of character,” she confessed.

He just tilted his head and continued to look at her expectantly.

“I- I just accepted a dinner invitation for us from a stranger,” she said quietly.

Kyle froze as he read her body language. This stranger was obviously male and she was probably attracted to him or she would have said no. “Was the invitation for both of us or just you?” he asked cautiously.

“I told him I was traveling with you!” she huffed.

“Traveling with me but… with me?” he said gently.

Her mouth opened and she held his eyes. Nothing came out.

Kyle nodded though he did feel a little conflicted. He realized he had no grounds to be considering what he’d done since he’d arrived. “It’s ok. We said we were just friends with benefits. No commitment to each other. If you want to see where this goes with him I’ll… well, I don’t know what I’ll do as we just got here and I don’t have a room to hide in.” He began to feel awkward.

“You’re not going to hide in a room while I go on a date. That’s just… wrong! We’ll both go to have dinner with him and explain the situation to him. He seemed like a nice man,” Fiona said and met Kyle’s curious gaze. She got flustered and pointed to the reception desk. “Let me just check in and get our room!”

As she walked away Kyle examined his feelings about the current predicament. He’d been enjoying his visit and he and Fiona did have a lot of fun together. But honestly that’s all it was, fun, for both of them. They really were just friends with benefits. Sometimes, she made him feel like an accessory she was wearing to show off to her friends. She wasn’t doing it maliciously. She really liked him. She just didn’t have any real emotional commitment to him… as he didn’t with her.

Now she’d met someone that sparked enough interest in her to make her step outside her normal behavior. Maybe he was genuine or maybe he was just skilled at emotional manipulation. He felt a little flare up of his need to protect his friend. This made him realize he was glad they were going to dinner together with this stranger. It would give Kyle an opportunity to check him out. To see if he was genuinely a nice guy who Fiona should spend some time with or if he was just a scumbag that needed his ass kicked.

Feeling better about the evening he smiled as Fiona returned from the desk. Her expression was still mixed between confusion and annoyance.

“I’m going to send Cam a message, cancelling our dinner,” she blurted with a pout when she stepped closer.

His smile widened as he could see she really didn’t want to but was stuck in her own conflicted feelings.

“No, I think we should go,” Kyle suggested.

She blinked in surprise at him. “What?”

“I’d like to meet the man that can send Fiona Hollings into a tizzy!” he said with a teasing grin.

Her mouth worked silently as she tried to argue and he just pulled her into a hug. “It’ll be an interesting night. We have nothing to lose by this, right?” he said holding her eyes with his.

She still seemed a little confused but she finally nodded.

“Now, do we have a room ‘cuz I’d love to shower this road dust away.” He bounced his eyebrows at her and a wicked grin appeared on her full lips. Her eyes were back to sparkling with mischief as well. She nodded and he picked up the saddlebags and followed her.

They had time to shower, play, nap, have another shower, and get dressed before it was time to meet mystery man ‘Cam’ at the restaurant.

As they walked in Kyle took Fiona’s hand from his arm and turned to look her in the eye. She’d been squeezing him a little tight and there was definitely some nervous anticipation in her gaze.

“We shouldn’t enter the restaurant giving off signals of being a couple. We’re here to scope him out. If he turns out to be a great guy you won’t have to explain we’re not an exclusive couple. That said, if you determine he’s got some agenda you’re uncomfortable with then feel free to drop the boom on the guy. I’m there for you!” Kyle said gently.

She looked at him and her conflict was back. “You are so good to me.”

“Fiona, we’re friends first. I’m there for my friends. Always will be. There might be something to this man that leads to something more than friendship for you. Or maybe you’ll just have a fun romp in the sack. You have to admit something intrigued you enough to accept a dinner date with him. Now, you’ve already made him sweat it out long enough so let’s get in there and meet him. I’m going to follow your lead.”

She smiled up at him and nodded. They approached the hostess and Fiona gave her name. The woman nodded and looked to Kyle before leading them across a beautiful dining room to a table overlooking a lovely waterfall.

As they approached Kyle saw a fit and tall dark haired man stand and smile in delighted relief when he saw Fiona. He caught Fiona’s answering smile and then he was on the receiving end of an assessing look from intense blue eyes. The man’s smile didn’t waver though there was some curious confusion mixed in there.

“Cameron Dawson, please let me introduce my good friend Kyle MacDenny,” Fiona said fondly.

The man reached across the table and gave him a firm handshake. “Please call me Cam. This is the Canadian?” he said with a smile.

It was Kyle’s turn to be confused. He looked to Fiona whose face was beginning to glow pink. He looked back to the man.

“It just popped out of her mouth when she first informed me she wasn’t travelling alone,” the man offered with a cheeky grin.

Kyle matched the grin. “Ah. Yes, I’m Canadian. Just visiting your fair land.”

“Good!” Cam said with a big smile and though his response might be interpreted in a number of ways Kyle picked up his intent very clearly. Cam was feeling better about his chances of wooing Fiona. Kyle just gave him a smile and took the seat next to Fiona after she sat across from the Texan.

She took a moment to enjoy the scenery then turned to Cam. “This is lovely!”

“Yes, it is,” he responded holding her eyes.

Her cheeks flushed once more as she knew he was talking about her. Flustered she tried to change the subject to safer topics. “So, you’ve told me your name but I know nothing else about you!”

“Yet here you are dining with me!” he said with a wide grin. “I consider myself a lucky man for that alone!” When she gave him a happy but flustered look he raised his hands in surrender. “Ok, here goes. Me in a nutshell. I’m thirty-four, 6′, 185 pounds. I’m single, not that I haven’t tried, and I enjoy horseback riding and camping under the stars. I work for my parent’s company, Dawson Industries out of Austin, Texas. I do this and that, most recently travelling to Las Vegas to look into an investment opportunity that fell flat. Then I was bumped into by a beauty who graciously accepted my dinner invitation and saved the trip from being a write off.”

Fiona smiled at the man and nodded to him. “I suppose I owe you the same. I’m 30, 5′ 6″, never mind my weight. I’m recently divorced, and I enjoy yoga and cycling. I work for my parent’s managing their boutique hotel chain. I’m in town to have some fun with my girl friends this weekend. They’ll be joining us tomorrow.”

Cam looked at Kyle. “Girl friends and Canadian friend?”

Kyle nodded. “Yup. Six women and me. I’m the token male in the party,” Kyle said with a false sad expression.

“A six to one ratio? You poor man! It’s inhuman!” Cam exclaimed in fake outrage causing Fiona to giggle. “I’ll tell you what. If you’ll have me, I’ll join your party to increase the male representation.”

Kyle looked to Fiona and saw the delight in her eyes. That settled it for him. “I, for one, would be eternally grateful. Thank you, kind sir.”

Cam was enjoying this game and especially enjoyed the smiles he was bringing to Fiona’s lips. Kyle almost seemed like a wingman in this circumstance and at first, he was sure the man was going to be competition for Fiona’s attention. That made him curious about the man.

“Isn’t it your turn to give us your story?” he asked the younger man. Fiona looked to Kyle with a cheeky grin.

Kyle felt himself put on the spot so he nodded with a little smile and cleared his throat. “Ok, here goes. “I’m 25, 5′ 10″, 175 pounds. I’m single but I was engaged not too long ago. It didn’t work out.” Fiona snorted explosively then covered her mouth with her napkin as an embarrassed blush filled her cheeks.

“Oh, we’re getting back to that reaction,” Cam said with a smile at Fiona then faced Kyle once more. “Please continue.”

“Ok, uh, I enjoy cycling, traveling, camping, and riding my motorcycle. I used to work for an investment house in Vancouver, BC.”

“Used to?” Cam asked.

Kyle nodded. “I quit the job a few weeks ago. I just wasn’t getting any personal satisfaction from it. I mean, I did well enough. I earned good money and I still do it for myself to maintain a stream of income. But right now, I’m just trying to figure out what makes me happy.”

Cam was looking at Kyle thoughtfully. “I had my days of wild oat sewing when I turned eighteen. I told my parents I was going out into the world to find myself. Jumped in my pickup with no plan other than to see the country and truly experience life. Drove through most of the states and did odd jobs to make enough money to eat and keep the tank filled. Ended up going home around three years later. Went back to school and got a degree in Business Administration. Took a job at my parent’s company and worked my way up.” He sighed. “I was hoping this investment deal would let me move into that side of the company. Now I suspect my Daddy set me up. He probably knew there wasn’t anything there when he suggested I look into them.”

“A lesson learned, not the end of the road.” Kyle suggested.

Cam looked at the younger man in surprise then nodded as he thought about the message. “I like that. Where’s it from?”

Kyle looked a little uncomfortable. “My dad. He wasn’t much of a talker but when he did, sometimes I’d get these little nuggets of life experience.”

Cam could see Kyle didn’t like talking about the man and looked to the compassionate expression on Fiona’s face as she watched Kyle. Time to change the subject to something happier.

“So, what did you have planned activity wise this weekend?” he asked.

Fiona smiled at him for his effort to lighten the mood. “I thought we’d just relax by the pool tomorrow and get pampered by the pool waiters. My friends will start arriving by dinner time and I have a reservation for dinner which I’ll amend to include you. Then we’ll go to the club for dancing and drinks. Expect that to go on until the wee hours of the morning. That’s day one,” she said and he nodded.

“That sounds like a great start for a fun weekend!” Cam said with a smile. He looked to Kyle. “With two of us to six of them, we can expect to be on the dancefloor all night! I hope you brought your dancing shoes.”

Kyle nodded and smiled back at the man.

They ordered their meals and kept the conversation light. They learned little things about each other and no show stoppers surfaced during dinner.

Once dinner was over they made their way out of the restaurant.

“Anyone interested in a night cap in this lovely bar I spotted on the way here?” Cam asked.

Kyle saw the interest in Fiona’s eyes and saw the perfect opportunity to bow out of this third wheel scenario.

“You kids go on and have fun. The wine at dinner went right to my head so I’m going to head back to my room, check on my investments, and then hit the hay.” He shook Cam’s hand. “It was great meeting you and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?” Fiona asked with a look of concern.

Kyle leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Enjoy!” he whispered and her eyes twinkled as she smiled at him.

He waved as he walked away and left a delighted couple who turned towards the bar.

He really was a little tired so Kyle followed his own advice and confirmed all was well with his portfolio before doing a little research on the progress of the company he was tracking. The government bill which contained a section the company needed approved to make it viable for them to go public was being voted on tonight. This meant he’d know by the morning if the company would be something he should include in his portfolio.

That done he took off his clothes and climbed under the sheets. He left one light on so Fiona would be able to find her way through their room… if she returned to it tonight. That thought gave him a little pause. He had to be ok with it. This was what their relationship was about. No, not relationship. Friendship.

Kyle thought about that and realized he was actually ok with Fiona finding love with someone else. Honestly, he was more than a little envious. He thought back to the time when he’d thought he’d found love but the realization that it had been one sided turned his stomach. His only other example, his parents, had been in the same relationship. With Gwen, he’d taken the role his mother played. He shuddered and closed his eyes. He didn’t want it to be like that. He wanted to know what real love felt like and fall into it deeply, one day. He knew he wasn’t ready now.

With his poor examples, he hoped it would even be possible for him to know true love. Those thoughts chased him all the way into his dreams.

Chapter 7

Kyle was surprised to find Fiona cuddled up to him in bed when he woke the next morning. He knew how late it had been when his unruly mind finally allowed him to fall asleep. She’d still been out with Cam at that time so he thought she’d spend the night with him.

She must have felt him stir as lovely eyes opened and a smile slipped onto her lips.

“Hey,” she sighed.

“Hey, yourself. You were up late. Go back to sleep,” he said with a smile.

“Mmmm…” was all she managed before slipping under again.

Kyle eased himself out of bed then put on his shorts, t-shirt, and runners to head down to the gym. Room key in his pocket he silently left and took the elevator downstairs.

The fitness room was extensive and he went through his sets slowly, feeling his muscles warm up and stretch. Then he increased the intensity until he felt a good burn.

He looked up from the last machine and spotted Cameron wiping down the machine he was using.

“Good morning!” Kyle called out.

“Hey! Good morning to you!” Cam returned with a smile on his face.

“You just finishing up?” Kyle asked.

“Yeah, headed to the steam room next. I think I might have strained my shoulder a little on that last set. Care to join me?”

Kyle nodded. He wasn’t a big fan of steam rooms but it looked like Cam needed to talk and that seemed like as good a place as any.

They made their way into the locker rooms and stripped down to towels before heading into the large steam room to find a bench.

“Ahhh, this is the ticket,” Cam sighed as he leaned back.

“So, how did it go last night?” Kyle asked.

Cam smiled at the younger man and nodded. “Really well. She’s an amazing woman!”

Kyle nodded, recalling his discovery that she wasn’t the trophy wife he originally pegged her as.

Cam’s expression showed he was struggling with his next question. Kyle had some idea what it might be.

“About your relationship with Fiona…”

“Friends. We’re good friends. We both went through a bad time with our mates and we… leaned on each other for support during that time. It never grew beyond that.”

“So, you’re not having sex…”

Kyle smiled. “I didn’t say that. When we first got together in France, it was only sex. Almost revenge sex for her. Her ex was a bit of a bastard. The friendship built out of that and we’ve had a physical relationship. But we both know it isn’t love and it’s not going to become love.”

Cam looked at him uncomfortably. “Last night, when Fiona went back to her room-”

Kyle shook his head. “Nothing happened. She went to sleep. I wasn’t even aware she came back to the room until I woke up to find her sleeping next to me. I left her sleeping and came downstairs to work out.” Cam nodded and Kyle could see some of the tension drain away. “Listen, I get it. If she tells me you two are going to try to build a relationship together, I’m not going to interfere with that… in any way. I’ll find other… accommodations.” He looked around. “Maybe not in this hotel,” he said with a smirk.

“Too rich for your budget?” Cam said with a raised eyebrow.

“Much too rich,” Kyle nodded. “Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like I don’t appreciate the finer things in life. It’s just, I don’t really need them to be happy.” He smiled as he recalled his recent downsizing exercise. “I’ve learned that I can be quite content with much less.”

“That’s a healthy attitude,” Cam said appreciatively.

“It’s a start,” Kyle agreed with a shrug then blew out a heavy breath. “Ok, now I remember why I don’t like steam rooms. I’m going to head back upstairs and get dressed.” He paused. “Uh, did you two make plans for breakfast?”

Cameron smiled and nodded. “We’ll all meet at 9AM at Jardin.”

“Good. Okay, see you then,” Kyle said with a smile and headed out to get dressed.

He went back upstairs and did his best to enter the room quietly. He padded across the room to his bags and got a change of clothes.

“Hey.”

Kyle turned back to the bed and saw Fiona’s smiling face. “Good morning.”

“What? No good morning kiss?” she pouted.
Kyle walked over to the side of the bed and bent down to give her a friendly peck on the lips. She looked up at him in surprise as he smiled down at her. “Maybe we should talk. I met Cameron downstairs after my workout. He said you two had a very nice time last night.”

“Yes, we did but we didn’t have sex!” she said.

“He didn’t claim you did. He just said he thought last night went very well. Is that not the case?”

She settled back against the pillows as she watched his mouth. “We had a very good time. Drinks and dancing. He’s very charming, a great conversationalist, and a dream to dance with. I- I had a really good time with him.”

“Is there a ‘but’ in there? It doesn’t sound like it to me,” Kyle said.

Her eyes got a little wider. “No! We really enjoyed each other’s company! I really like him!” Her pout was returning. “But I really like you too!”

He tilted his head at her as her last words sounded a little bit like it came from a much less mature woman. “But your liking him might grow into something more. Me, I’m just fun,” he said with a gentle smile. “That fun might jeopardize the ‘something more’ you two could be. I think it might be best if we parked the fun-” She made a sound of protest and he held up his hands. “Just until you’ve given this new thing a chance to grow so you’ll know for sure.” He held her eyes with his. “You know I’m right,” he said and could see it reflected there. However, she’d been willing to pretend to be oblivious, at least for one more tumble.

“Oh poo. Be all strong and sensible!” she muttered.

He grinned at her. “I’m going to take my shower- by myself!” he clarified, stalling her growing grin. “We’ll talk at breakfast about me moving to an alternate hotel.”

She made another sound of protest as the door closed.

He took a quick shower and washed his workout clothes. They were made from a quick dry, wicking material which would air dry for use again tomorrow. He dressed and brushed his hair and teeth.

When he came out, Fiona was right there and pulled him into a fierce hug. Luckily she was wearing a dressing gown but she was still wonderfully soft and he felt her trembling.

“Hey, what’s all this?” he asked gently, holding her in his arms.

“I’m nervous! With you, I’m not nervous!” she said against his chest.

“Yes, because with me you’re not exposing your heart to risk,” he explained.

“Exactly-” she began then stopped when she heard what she’d just said.

When she turned her guilty eyes up to look at him he just gave her a wry grin. “We both know what we have won’t become romantic love. That’s ok. We weren’t looking for that in each other. But now there’s a possibility of it for you. Maybe it’ll work. Maybe not, but you owe it to yourself to be open to try. You’re not the same person who decided to marry Albert. You’ve grown and have become a little more self-aware and cautious. You’re far less likely to leap but that doesn’t mean you should hide from the possibility. You have a great safety net in your friends who will all be here to make sure his charming first impressions aren’t the only thing he has to offer.”

She sighed and he kissed her forehead. She looked up at him again and her eyes were fierce once more. “You aren’t finding another hotel. You said it yourself. You have to be here to make sure he isn’t just charming!”

“Yeah, but I shouldn’t be doing that from your bed,” he said with a grin.

Her smile became wicked. “A threesome?”

He chuckled. “I got the impression that’s not something Cam would be comfortable with.”

Her eyebrows went up with curiosity. “But you would?”

His grin widened. “I don’t find men sexy so I have to admit it’d probably be awkward for me too. But not so awkward that I wouldn’t do it for you if you asked.”

Her face flushed as the image of Kyle and Cam both taking her at the same time flashed in her mind. “Mmmm, there’s a fantasy I’ll take into the shower with me!”

Kyle glanced at the clock. “Just make it a quickie as we’re supposed to meet for breakfast in twenty minutes.”

She dropped her gown and smiled cheekily at him as she pranced away into the bathroom.

Thirty minutes later they sat down at the table across from Cameron, who sat again once Fiona took her seat.

“Good morning! I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.” Then he eyed the glow on Fiona’s face with some concern. Looking to Kyle, he saw the man shake his head so he relaxed somewhat.

“Before we head to the pool, Fiona will be checking with reception to see if there’s an additional room she can book. If not, alternate arrangements will be made.” Kyle said to him and Cam let himself relax further.

“When did you say your friends will arrive?” Cam asked Fiona to change the subject.

“I received a text from Charlize first thing this morning saying she and her co-worker Chloe were leaving at the crack of dawn and would arrive sometime in the early afternoon. They’re riding their motorcycles.”

“They’ll be here for lunch,” Kyle said with a grin and Fiona nodded.

“They have a need for speed?” Cam asked.

“You could say that,” Kyle nodded.

“I think Monique, Phoebe, and Marion will be arriving at 6PM. Our dinner reservations are for 7:30PM.” Fiona continued.

Cam looked once more to Kyle. “So we really will be the only men in the party?” He got a nod.

“Monique’s husband Dale is the assistant coach for the LA Lakers. Phoebe’s husband Linus is a spiritual guru currently traveling in India. Marion is not married…” She glanced nervously at Kyle who continued for her.

“Marion is aggressively single and very competitive. Especially with Fiona,” he said holding Cam’s eye.

Cameron got the message loud and clear. “Right.”

Fiona smiled in relief as she saw the comprehension on his face.

They placed their orders and conversation turned to small talk as they got comfortable with the odd dynamic at the table.

Once finished they arranged to meet in a few minutes at the pool. They went up to their rooms to change into their swimwear. When Fiona exited from the bedroom in her white and gold bikini which struggled to contain her large tits, Kyle gave her a wide grin.

“Bringing out the big guns, are we?” he said cheekily.

Her answering smug smile told him she was going to take full advantage of her time with Cameron before Marion showed up.

“You look amazing!” Kyle told her and she smiled happily as her eyes ran down his bare chest and stomach, visible through the opening in his over-shirt. She bit her lip as hunger flared in her eyes. “Ah ah. Reserve those looks for Cam,” he scolded gently. He worried for a second that he was too much of a distraction. He didn’t want to fuck this up for her.

She nodded then her brows drew together a little as her expression became worried once more. “When Marion arrives she’s going to turn her attention to Cameron.”

Kyle nodded. He’d done what he could to advise Cam. If he began to pursue Marion then he wasn’t the one for Fiona.

“Could… could you distract her?” Fiona asked, biting her lip.

His eyebrows rose as he looked back at her. “Distract her?”

“I feel like a creep asking this but, I do really want to see what Cameron and I could be. She isn’t going to make that easier. I’m not myself around her,” Fiona explained.

“Your job will just be to ignore her. Seriously, I believe Cameron is really into you. Keep being yourself. The rest of us are here to support you. If Marion seems to be targeting your man, we’ll take steps. Monique will certainly help with that! We’ve got your back! Enjoy yourself with Cameron. I’ll do what I can to distract Marion” He pretended to flex his muscles like a bodybuilder, bouncing his pecs, and she giggled and poked at his hard muscles.

He stepped back with a grin. “Hey, this distraction isn’t for you!” She pouted and he just smiled. “You’ll be fine.”

They went downstairs, Kyle heading off to meet Cameron by the entrance to the pool while Fiona went to reception. The men didn’t get to chat for very long before Fiona was making her way over to join them. His eyes lit up when he saw Fiona’s bikini and a big grin appeared on his face.

“Wow! You look breathtaking!” he said as she approached and her smile was dazzling.

“Thank you kind sir,” Fiona said, eyes twinkling happily.

“Any luck?” Kyle asked.

Her smile dimmed a little. “They said they’re fully booked but may get a cancellation. They’ll hold a room for me if one comes up and I should check back after lunch.”

“I could find-” Kyle began.

“No! I’ll take care of it!” Fiona insisted.

Kyle glanced at Cam who grinned at him. “You heard the lady.”

A grin of his own coming to his lips he raised his hands in defeat. Then he spotted a newspaper. “Excuse me!” He hustled over to the table and picked it up. It was today’s. He walked back to the others who were giving him curious looks.

He gestured to the paper. “Today I find out if that business I’ve been tracking is going to pan out as a potential investment,” he told them with a smile.

Fiona clapped as she recalled this was something she was going to profit from as well.

“Investment?” Cam’s eyes showed interest as he caught the excitement in Fiona’s eye.

They made their way out to the pool as they talked.

“I’ve been tracking the progress of a company I think stands a very good chance of being an excellent long term investment. They’re positioning themselves to make a public offering.”

“What’s stopping you from buying?” Cam asked.

Kyle held up the paper. “There was a vote on a bill last night. If it passed, it contained a section that would globally expand the market for this company. This makes them far more attractive as a long term investment.”

As they settled in on their lounge chairs, Cam discovered he was in the middle chair and found his attention torn between Fiona’s loveliness and Kyle’s review of the newspaper. He looked back at Fiona apologetically and the woman smirked.

“Yes!” Kyle said with a smile. “The bill passed.” He looked at the others. “Monday morning I’ll have some shares to buy!”

“Me too!” Fiona said with a grin.

“How did you find this company?” Cam asked, curiosity burning in his eyes.

Kyle gave Cam a false scowl. “What? Give away all my secrets?” The man’s smile showed he would not be deterred.

So Kyle walked him through the process he used to find and assess the company for its investment potential. The man listened with rapt attention and once Kyle was done Cam was grinning excitedly.

“That’s what I want to do with my life!” he gushed.

Kyle looked at him in surprise. “I thought that’s what you were doing.”

“No, my Daddy’s idea of investing is far different than what you just described. His company’s investment department is stuck in the past. They don’t make assessments this way and their returns are dismal because of it. I would very much like to invest in this company you found. More importantly, I’d like to pay you to train me and some of the staff on your methods. I want to breathe new life into Daddy’s company.”

Kyle looked at him in surprise. Fiona clapped happily for him.

“But… I’m Canadian, here on a tourist visa. I’m not allowed to work in the States,” he said in surprise.

“Daddy’s company will get you a temporary work Visa. Not an issue!” Cam said with a wide grin.

Kyle looked across to Fiona and she was grinning back at him.

“I- I suppose I could,” he said, feeling just a little dazed by this turn of events. He certainly hadn’t expected to get a job offer on his visit.

“Ok, enough business talk for now,” Fiona said then pouted cutely. “Isn’t anyone going to offer to help me put my lotion on?”

Cameron quickly spun to face Fiona and her pout turned into a satisfied smile. She was practically purring as the man rubbed the lotion onto her back.

Grinning, Kyle put his own lotion on and relaxed back against the chair.

They spent the morning lounging, soaking, swimming, playing in the pool, and drinking the cold and refreshing beverages the vigilant wait staff brought to them. Kyle switched to ice water as he was beginning to feel a little loopy. Cam and Fiona saw the wisdom in this and switched as well.

Kyle was lying back on his lounger, beginning to feel a little hungry, when a shadow covered his face. His eyes opened and he looked up to see Charlize and Chloe smiling down at him. He blinked as it couldn’t have been 12:30 yet. He stood up and finally saw they were already in their swim suits.

“My god, did you two add nitro injection to those rockets?” he gasped and pulled them to him in a tight hug. Partially because he was happy to see them but partially out of worrying about them.

They made happy noises feeling his hard, hot muscles pressed against them.

He suddenly recalled where he was and released them. Chloe was smiling and biting her lip as she looked into his eyes. He could see the need in hers. He could also see much of her large tits as the red bikini was probably a size too small for her. He assumed her cute bubble butt was going to look incredible as well.

Charlize was eyeing his glistening muscles and her tiny bikini was doing nothing to hide her stiff nipples with their piercings.

“That was quite the greeting!” Fiona said with a raised eyebrow as she looked at Kyle. He raised his eyebrow back at her and she paused then nodded to him minimally as she glanced at Cameron.

“I just got a little freaked out by how quickly they got here,” Kyle explained.

Charlize took that opportunity to grab him again in a hug. “Awww! Isn’t he sweet?”

A timid smile on her wide mouth, Chloe moved forward and hugged him from his other side.

Then the new arrivals finally clued in to the seating arrangements. They looked to the dark haired man smiling at them in delight.

“Charlize, Chloe. Let me introduce you to our new friend Cameron Dawson. He’ll be joining us for our weekend of fun,” Kyle said.

Greetings were exchanged and Kyle’s stomach rumbled.

“Anyone else hungry?” he asked.

“I could eat,” Charlize said looking into Kyle’s eyes boldly. She’d picked up the signals passing between Kyle and Fiona. With Cameron in the mix the dynamic had changed and she felt a little more at ease with flirting with him.

His face warmed up as he glanced at the curious expression on Cameron’s face. “There’s a restaurant nearby, yes?” He got a nod for that.

They stood and collected their items. Charlize and Chloe shook Cameron’s hand and gave Fiona a hug. Cam and Kyle exchanged guilty looks then knowing smiles after ogling Fiona and Chloe’s large breasts pressing together. Next they walked over to the restaurant and got a nice round table in the shade.

“So you two are motorcycle enthusiasts like Kyle?” Cam asked the new arrivals.

“Not like me. They have a definite need for spee-” he stopped himself as he realized he actually was like them. Just not while riding his Harley. He was puzzled by that and for some reason it bothered him but he tucked it away as this was not the time for navel gazing. His eyes stopped on Charlize’s tight stomach muscles and her cute little belly button. Ok, it was time for gazing there.

Fiona smirked. “He’s just realizing now that he’s a speed freak too! I was there when he destroyed Alfred, my ex, by descending a mountain at breakneck speeds.”

Kyle nodded and shrugged to Cam. “Ok, guilty as charged but these ladies take it to a whole new level,” he said gesturing to the women sitting on either side of him.

Cam nodded and looked to Chloe who sat next to him. “Have you known Fiona for long?”

Chloe blinked her big blue eyes at the man. “Actually, this is only the second time we’ve met. I work with Charlize at the sports injury clinic.”

“Ah, doing what?” he asked.

“Acupuncturist,” Chloe answered and looked to her co-worker.

“I’m a physiotherapist,” Charlize offered.

Fiona smiled at her friend. “They get a fair amount of professional athletes as patients.”

“And people who just try to act like professional athletes and hurt themselves,” Charlize said with a smirk. She turned her attention to Cameron. “And what do you do?”

“I’m going to be running the investments division of my family’s company, with Kyle’s help,” he said with a wide smile.

Eyes turned to Kyle and he shifted on his chair. “He’s just asked me to train him and some others on how I research and assess businesses for investing potential.”

“Wow. That’s pretty awesome!” Charlize said with a wide grin. “Does this mean you’ll be sticking around a bit longer?” she asked Kyle.

He shook his head. “Their office is in Austin, Texas.”

“Oh pooh!” Charlize pouted.

Chloe looked sad too.

“I’m not leaving immediately. We haven’t worked out any of the logistics yet. Which includes getting a work Visa,” Kyle insisted.

“Truly, that won’t take long to obtain. A week tops. My Daddy has connections. I’ll get the process started when I get home,” Cameron said with enthusiasm.

Kyle looked at Charlize and Chloe. “Cam is eager to get started on his new career.” He turned his attention back to the man. “This is just my curiosity talking so please don’t take offense but you refer to your father as ‘Daddy’ and I’m wondering if that’s a Texan thing?”

Cameron smiled and nodded. “No offence taken, Northerner. Here in the south we use the term out of respect.” He never lost his smile but the challenge was there in his voice.

Kyle raised his palms. “It’s cool!”

Grinning, Cam turned to the menu and they placed their orders. In the spirit of Cameron’s discovery of what he wanted to do with his life they talked about their careers through the lunch and ‘finding themselves’.

On their way back to the pool Fiona was approached by one of the hotel staff. She spoke with Fiona quietly and seemed to be apologizing. Kyle saw a frown on Fiona’s face but she nodded to the woman and turned back to the group. When she glanced at Kyle he knew what it meant.

“No cancellations?” he asked.

She shook her head.

Charlize wondered at the disappointed look on Fiona’s face. “Cancellations? You expecting one of the girls to cancel? Wait! You were hoping Marion would cancel, weren’t you!” she said with a wicked grin.

Fiona chuckled but shook her head. “No. Kyle is looking to get his own room but the hotel is full and there are no available-”

“He can bunk with us!” Charlize blurted. Chloe’s eyes lit up at that idea too.

Fiona looked at her in surprise. “But there’s already two of you in that room!”

“Yeah, but it’s got a huge bed!” Charlize grinned and Chloe nodded. They looked at Kyle and saw his cheeks were becoming quite pink.

Cameron was looking at Kyle as well. “Am I missing something?” he asked, worried that Kyle had betrayed Fiona in some way.

Kyle looked to Fiona and she nodded before turning to Cam, placing her hand on his arm. “No, my relationship with Kyle was never exclusive. He mentioned he spoke to you about that. He also doesn’t kiss and tell so his… interlude with Charlize… and Chloe?” She blinked as she read it on the blonde’s nervous face. Shaking her head she continued. “It’s none of my business.”

Kyle was feeling very awkward as the center of attention. “I can get a room at another hotel-”

“No!” the three ladies said simultaneously then burst into giggles.

Kyle gave them a resigned smile and shook his head. “Let’s go relax in the sun. We can discuss the other matter later.”

They found lounge chairs and Kyle and Cam were tasked with applying lotion to the ladies. Cam restricted his efforts to Fiona while Charlize and Chloe enjoyed Kyle’s attention.

They enjoyed the afternoon sunning themselves, swimming and getting to know each other. Charlize questioned Cam boldly and he didn’t seem phased at all, giving back as good as he got. Kyle could tell Charlize was impressed and shared a smile with her once her questioning was done.
They were surprised when the rest of their group arrived as the time seemed to have flown by so quickly.

“Is it 6PM already?” Fiona asked.

“Actually, it’s 6:30PM, the flight was delayed,” Monique said as the three women walked up to them.

Fiona leapt to her feet to greet them and kissed their cheeks as the rest stood as well. Then she turned and gestured to Cameron. “Monique, Phoebe, Marion, this is my new good friend Cameron Dawson. He’s going to join us for our weekend of fun.”

“The more the merrier!” Monique said shaking his hand with a happy smile. She’d caught the possessive term and her eyes went to Kyle briefly. Phoebe was also looking at Kyle but her face showed a blush of embarrassment. He smiled at her to show there were no hurt feelings involved.

Marion was busy eying Cameron like a tasty treat and Kyle got a better view of what that looked like now that it wasn’t directed at him. It just increased his unease with the woman. The almost predatory nature of her intentions, driven by her intensely competitive nature, soured his impression of the woman. He was sure she didn’t see men as anything more than something to steal away from her rivals to raise herself above them and secondly as a means to deliver pleasure for herself. Kyle was seeing sexism from the other side and it didn’t feel good.

He knew Charlize and Chloe saw him in a sexualized way too but at least with them it was more of a partnership where each gave and received pleasure.

He turned his eyes to Cameron who caught the gesture after shaking Marion’s hand and an understanding passed between them. Kyle relaxed a little as he saw the other man was aware of Marion’s nature and was on guard. He felt himself relax a little as it seemed he didn’t have to worry about the man hurting Fiona in this way.

“I suppose we should go up and get changed for dinner,” Fiona said.

“Which brings us back to the question of where Kyle is going to stay since he won’t be in your room anymore,” Charlize said with a grin and three new curious gazes turned towards him.

Marion quickly wrote off Monique and Phoebe as viable options as they were married and she opened her mouth to offer to share her room.

“I’ll take you up on the kind offer you made earlier. Thank you,” Kyle said before the woman got a word out.

Charlize and Chloe were all grins and giggles as the others looked on with raised eyebrows. Marion’s expression was not… happy. Kyle thought he saw the glint of challenge in her eye.

“What room are you in? I’ll get my stuff and meet you there,” he said to the happy women.

“1001!” Charlize chirped and he nodded.

They collected their items and promised to meet by the restaurant entrance in an hour. Kyle followed Fiona to her room and packed the few items he’d used.

She followed him to the door and hugged him with a pout on her face. “It feels like I’m kicking you out!”

He grinned at her. “Nonsense! We both know this is the best course of action for giving what might happen between you and Cam room to grow. We’ll always be the best of friends. I’ll always be there for you. Just not for sexy time.”

She sighed so he gave her a brief sweet kiss and left the room.

He made his way to the elevator and took it down to the 10th floor. As he stepped off the elevator he came face to face with Marion.

“Hello Kyle,” she purred.

“Hi Marion. You’re on this floor too?”

She shook her head and her luxurious hair bounced just a little. He realized she was turning on the charm. “I just wanted to let you know that since you’ll be in a room with two people already in it, if you needed a little more space I’d be willing to take you in my room.”

He didn’t miss the double entendre or the twinkle in her eyes when she said it.

“That’s very generous of you but I shared a tent with Charlize and Chloe on a camping trip so I’m sure this will seem like luxury in comparison. Thanks though,” he said with a friendly smile.

Her smile slipped away. “Is there something wrong with me? Don’t you find me attractive?”

He paused. He was in a tricky place. If he said the wrong thing he could sour the weekend for everyone. “Of course I find you attractive. You’re a beautiful woman.”

Her smile returned and she moved closer. “Now that Fiona has found someone new to play with and has set you aside, we could have fun this weekend.”

Shit. She was painting him into a corner. He was going to have to do this as gently as possible. “Fiona has a chance at something more than play. She didn’t set me aside. We decided to put us on hold to see if something developed between her and Cam.”

One delicate eyebrow rose in skepticism. “A mutual decision?”

He just nodded as anything he said at this moment might come across as too hostile.

“But you two are on ‘hold’ so there’s nothing holding you back from finding pleasure elsewhere,” she said easing herself closer to press her breasts against his chest.

“MARION, you skank! Get your fat titties off of Kyle! He’s ours tonight!”

Marion stepped back and they looked down the hallway to see Charlize in the distance, standing outside her door, hands on hips with Chloe peeking out the door at them as well.

Kyle couldn’t stop the small smile from slipping across his lips. They looked at each other as Marion reached past him to press the down button. He saw the challenge in her eyes was back.

“Tonight, you’re theirs. See you at dinner.”

He nodded and watched as she stepped into the elevator. He held her eyes until the door closed. Then he relaxed and walked down the hall towards Charlize who was saying something to Chloe who shook her head. Charlize leaned closer and Chloe looked in his direction with a desperate look. Kyle couldn’t hear what was being said so when Chloe rushed out of the room and ran down the hall toward him completely naked, his eyes went wide with surprise.

Her face was red from embarrassment but Kyle saw excitement in her eyes as well. Her large breasts swayed and bounced as she ran up to him. She crushed herself against his chest which felt amazing, took a quick kiss, then grabbed the saddlebags from his hands to rush back to the door to their room. Kyle enjoyed watching her bubble butt jiggle and Charlize gave it a slap as the woman passed her on the way into the room. Kyle heard her yelp and shook his head at Charlize as he walked up.

“Thanks for the assist with Marion,” he said.

The petite bikini clad woman nodded to him. “I figured she’d try something like that.”

Kyle leaned down and gave her a kiss as well before heading inside.

The room was painted deep orange from the light coming in the windows as the sun moved closer to the horizon. Chloe stood in that light, smiling at him in anticipation. As he walked closer he saw she was trembling slightly.

Charlize pranced past Kyle, now naked as well, and stood next to her large breasted friend. They smiled at Kyle excitedly.

“You know, we have to be downstairs for dinner shortly and we still need to shower and get dressed,” he said in exasperation.

“Then we’d better take our shower together!” Charlize exclaimed and pulled them both towards the large bathroom.

Once inside, the ladies rushed into the shower stall that could easily fit four. Kyle slipped off his over-shirt and pushed down his trunks. He was semi-rigid from the recent attention and heard appreciative noises then yelps as the shower started up.

He joined them in the spray and they immediately began soaping up his body. Once he was coated in suds they rubbed their bodies against his to wash themselves.

His cock rose to full attention and they grinned mischievously.

“We don’t have time!” he exclaimed.

Charlize was rinsing the soap from Chloe’s back and ass. She held Kyle’s eyes as she ran her fingers down between the round orbs of Chloe’s ass cheeks to run them across her pussy lips.

“Aaaaahhhh!” Chloe gasped as her friend slid two fingers deep into her wet pussy.

“She’s making those slutty sounds again!” Charlize growled playfully. “And she’s so fucking wet!” She knelt down and kissed the woman’s ass. “Kyle, she needs a good fucking!”

She reached out and grabbed Kyle’s cock by the root to pull him under the downpour. She rinsed the soap from his torso and cock before plunging it deep into her mouth.

“FUCK!” he groaned as she rapidly bobbed her head over his cock, making it slick with her spit. She finally pulled back with a gasp as Kyle felt hard as iron.

“Bend over you little cock tease!” Charlize barked at Chloe who immediately complied, pointing her ass towards Kyle’s cock. The brunette forced her face between the cheeks to plunge her tongue deep into Chloe’s pussy.

“Ooooooo! Fuck!” Chloe purred.

Pulling her face back she pulled Kyle’s cock forward until she lined it up against the wet lips of Chloe’s pussy.

Kyle pushed forward slowly, enjoying the heat and pressure enveloping him.

“Come on Kyle, she needs it harder than that! Pound that ass!” Charlize scolded as she stood and took Chloe’s face between her hands. “Look at this wanton expression! This slut needs it hard and fast!”

Then she kissed Chloe deeply and the woman moaned with desire.

Kyle watched the two making out and felt a twinge in his cock as it became even harder. On his next stroke he slammed his cock into Chloe, slapping her ass with his pelvis.

Chloe squealed into Charlize’s mouth. The brunette pulled back from the kiss and grinned at Kyle. “That’s it baby! Fuck her hard! The sexy bitch likes it that way!”

Kyle was watching Chloe’s face in profile as she’d turned her head to glance back at him. He saw Charlize was right. Chloe was in heaven. He picked up the pace and slapped his body against her ass faster and faster. The blonde’s mouth was wide open and her eyes were rolling back as his balls slapped her clit with every stroke.

“cum- cum- cum- Cumming! I’MMMM CCCCUUUUMMMMIIIINNNGGG! EEEEEEEE!!!” Chloe’s voice began quiet but rose in pitch and volume until she was squealing. She began to twitch and thrash as her orgasm ripped through her and Kyle held her tight against him as she bore down on his cock.

“Good little slut” Charlize purred as she squeezed the blonde’s big tits and tugged on her stiff nipples.

Kyle had to grab her hips to hold her up as her legs suddenly gave out from the combination of pussy and nipple abuse. Charlize kissed her again and Chloe whimpered into her kiss.

He pulled free from the blonde’s body and she gasped and clung to her friend. Kyle eased her down to sit on the bench in the shower.

When he turned back Charlize wrapped her strong arms over his shoulders and lifted herself up against his body, kissing him hard. Her legs wrapped around his hips and he reached under to guide himself into the entrance of her pussy. She paused her kiss to moan happily as he drove his cock up into her. He felt her stiff nipples and their piercings pressing into his chest and her tongue was back to trying to wrestle his into submission. Fuck, she was hungry for him!

He gripped her ass cheeks in his hands and squeezed them as he lifted and dropped her on his cock.

Charlize threw her head back as he ground her clit against him with every thrust. “Yes! Like that! Fuck yeah! So fucking good!” she growled happily.

Kyle couldn’t help but grin at her enthusiasm. She was so in tune with her body and so eager to squeeze as much joy out of life as she could! She loved sensation! She liked feeling her clit bumping against his body? He could do that.

Hands gripping her ass firmly he pulled her tighter against his body as he rocked his hips to slam his cock deep while grinding her clit against him. He wouldn’t be able to keep this up for long as he was really close himself and it required a lot of energy.

“SHIT! YOU- FUCK! NNNNNYYYYAAHHHH! FU- GAH- SSSSSHHHHHHIIIIITTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!” she screamed incoherently as he pushed her over the top. His released crashed over him seconds later.

They clung to each other until they caught their breath then he eased himself out of the brunette.

“Geezus! What you did there at the end was incredible!” she exclaimed.

“It was good for me too. Now, we should finish getting ready as we are going to be late!” Kyle said and got an eye roll from the woman.

Kyle managed to finish up and dried himself off as the ladies washed their hair. He went out into the room and got dressed. Twenty minutes later they were finally ready. He tried to contain his impatience but it was 7:50PM by the time they finally got downstairs to the restaurant.

The hostess guided them to the table where the others were enjoying drinks and nibbling on appetizers.

“I’m so sorry we’re late,” Kyle said, his face feeling a little flushed as he felt their eyes on him.

“We’re not,” Charlize boldly asserted with a wide grin and Kyle’s face heated further.

Fiona shook her head with a grin.

Monique saw her bestie wasn’t in the least upset that her recent beau was bringing joy to others. She looked to Kyle and began to laugh. “Well, you know how to land on your feet, Kyle!”

He threw an exasperated look at Charlize and Chloe but both were wearing happy and sated expressions and neither showed any remorse for embarrassing him.

Phoebe, sitting next to him patted his arm in consolation as she gave him a compassionate smile.

Marion was sitting across from him and raised her drink to him. He returned the toast with his glass of water.

The waiter arrived to take their drink orders then started taking food orders from the others while the late three scanned the menu quickly. They gave their orders last.

“Tonight, after dinner we go to the club to dance the night away. There may be a few celebrities as I understand it’s a popular spot for them,” Fiona gushed.

Smiles erupted around the table and a toast was raised.

The meal was good, though Kyle thought it was a little heavy on the artistry and light on the portions. Also, waiting an hour and a half for his tiny meal was ridiculous. He’d traded commentary with Cam at the other end of the table who’d agreed that a big juicy steak could be barbequed in under ten minutes to perfection. They’d been booed into submission by the ladies. Now, Kyle would have to watch his drinking tonight with such a light meal in his stomach.

Naturally, the first stop after dinner was the bar next door and Kyle allowed himself a single scotch and nursed it for the two hours they spent there talking and drinking. Apparently they didn’t want to get to the club too early.

Fiona and Cam led their party through the hotel to the far side. With such a high ratio of women to men the doormen let them in immediately.

It was impossible to hear each other in the club but the music was good and the lightshow on the dancefloor was dazzling. Kyle was immediately dragged out onto the floor by Charlize and Chloe. There wasn’t much room so there was a lot of touching and bumping and not just from each other. Accidental collisions with the other patrons were inevitable and no one really minded.

After a few sets his roommates headed back to a table they’d arranged for drinks and he found himself dancing with Phoebe and Monique. He smiled at them and spotted Cam and Fiona dancing a few feet away. It was still impossible to talk but he was wondering where Marion was.

During the next song he spotted her on the dancefloor with a much younger man. He suddenly had a flash of recognition as he recalled seeing the man as the lead singer in a band. Then he noticed Marion was also dancing with another member of the band. He glanced back at Monique and gestured towards Marion with a tip of his head. Monique spotted the two musicians and saw Marion’s sexy dance which was keeping the two entranced. She touched Phoebe’s arm and soon she was grinning and nodding with an impressed look on her face.

Kyle managed to stay out on the dance floor for a few more sets before he indicated he’d like to get a drink and sit. Monique and Phoebe were all smiles as they made their way back to the table. They saw Cam and Fiona at the table with no sign of Charlize or Chloe.

He leaned closer to Fiona as it was just possible to talk by the tables at the outer perimeter of the club. “Did you see Marion with her two dance partners?” he asked.

She nodded and leaned to speak into his ear. “They left the club about ten minutes ago. All three of them.”

He grinned at her and she rolled her eyes.

“Where are Charlize and Chloe?” he asked.

Fiona frowned. “They went to the bar. They should have returned by now.”

Kyle shared a look with her then nodded as he got back to his feet. He made his way through the crowd towards the bar. This area was a little quieter so conversations were possible, if at a higher volume than normal.

He saw Charlize smiling and standing at the bar with a drink in her hand as she faced several tall black men. They were blocking her view of the fourth man holding Chloe against his chest. Kyles eyes were drawn to Chloe’s which were looking into his desperately. He set his course for her and she immediately gave him a tense but relieved smile. The man holding her noticed and turned his head towards him with an annoyed frown.

Charlize spotted him approaching and began to call out to him to introduce him to her friends. She caught the look on his face and her smile slipped away.

“Fuck off little man. She’s with me,” the big man growled at Kyle as he drew close.

He looked up into cold eyes and saw the man was psyching himself up. The situation had the potential to become violent and when he accepted that he felt a coldness slipping into his mind and heart as he… detached.

“No, she’s really not. I seriously doubt she wants anything to do with you,” he replied holding the man’s dark eyes. “You seem like you should be smart enough to understand the word, no.”

Kyle picked up that he and his buddies had to be in professional sports as Charlize seemed to know three of them at least. Without looking away from his target he held up his hand to stop her when Charlize finally noticed what was happening and her expression turned to rage. He took another step closer.

The man holding Chloe reached out his right hand to push Kyle away but Kyle took a grip on his middle finger and bent it and his wrist backwards painfully.

The man yelled and immediately released his grip on Chloe as he dropped to his knees to ease the strain. She rushed to move behind Kyle.

“Let go, motherfucker!” the athlete yelled.

“I assume an injury to your hand would affect your upcoming season? Potentially jeopardize your income in dramatic ways? Tell your friends to back off or your career is done,” Kyle suggested calmly, his cold eyes never leaving the other’s.

The man licked his lips and glanced nervously at his buddies when it looked like they may intervene. “Stay back. Fucker’s crazy.”

When Kyle saw the others ease back he continued. “You and your friends don’t look like you’d have any trouble finding women who say yes. Why would you resort to rape?” Kyle asked.

“Fuck you man! I didn’t rape the bitch- AAAHHH!!!”

“It’s not damaged yet but my tolerance to bullshit is limited.” He pressed just a little harder on the finger.

“Easy! Easy! Shit! I- I never had sex with her.”

“She’s clearly not interested, yet you prevented her from leaving while you rubbed yourself against her. That’s rape too,” he stated, looking the now worried man in the eye.

Mouth opening and closing with no sounds, the man’s panic began to increase. Kyle tilted his head towards Chloe, who was hiding behind him, and the big man finally clued in.

“I’m very sorry for what I did to you!” he gushed, looking at her.

“Thank you,” Kyle said then looked each of the men in the eye. “If you had any thoughts of retaliation please understand one thing. You’ll win the fight.” They smirked at him, obviously thinking about how they were going to mess him up. “I stand no chance of winning… so I’ll fight to cripple. Broken finger,” He pressed the man’s finger back a little more and he hissed. “…broken toe, torn knee ligament, an eye.” They shifted uneasily at that one. “At minimum, your season will be over before it starts. Your choice.”
That got through to them and his calm, matter of fact delivery sent a pulse of unease through them.

“I think you’ll probably want to avoid the paparazzo at the front door. They seem kind of eager to see you right now. I promise to remain silent about this misunderstanding as long as you remember to ask for consent before you touch.” They looked and saw the crowd gathered outside, cameras flashing.

“Yeah, we’re good!” the man said. His friends nodded then set down their drinks on the bar and turned to leave through the hotel entrance.

Kyle eased the pressure off on the finger and helped him to his feet.

“Put that on ice and it’ll be fine in the morning,” Charlize suggested, receiving a nod from the man who walked away with a final glance back at Kyle whose eyes never left his.

Kyle watched until the men were out of sight then held Charlize’s eyes. He saw her expression turn nervous and that felt so wrong to him it jarred him back to himself. He forced his eyes closed and a shudder went through his body as he pushed his father’s influence away. The cold slowly drained away from his heart. He opened his eyes and turned to Chloe. “Are you alright?”

She nodded to him then crushed herself against his chest and he felt her trembling.

“I think I’ve had enough fun tonight,” he said and Chloe nodded in agreement.

He looked into Charlize’s guilty eyes. “Could you tell the others we’ve gone back to the room?”

Charlize opened her mouth to say something but nodded instead.

Kyle took Chloe’s hand and led her away to the hotel elevators keeping his eyes open for the athletes but they were long gone. They went up to the room and Chloe used her key to let them inside.

They got undressed, had a quick chaste shower to wash away the sweat from dancing, dried themselves, and brushed their teeth before snuggling under the covers. Kyle spooned Chloe laying on his left side and she sighed contentedly.

Soon after, Charlize arrived, made her own quick preparations then slipped under the sheets behind Kyle.

He felt a tentative touch on his shoulder. He leaned back a little so he could look at her over his shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was doing that,” she said.

Kyle nodded. “I assumed you didn’t. I also assumed that you weren’t aware of your responsibilities towards your submissive.”

She blinked at him and Chloe rolled over to face him, a surprised look on her face.

Kyle rolled onto his back so he could see them both more easily. “I’m no expert in this. I’ve never been in this kind of situation before but it’s become very apparent that you’ve taken on the role of Chloe’s master. You call her your slut and bitch. You push her into sexual situations. She’s been your willing partner but you’re the boss.”

He slipped his fingers into Chloe’s blond hair and took a grip. He pulled her head back slowly and her mouth opened in a quiet gasp as her eyes went dreamy. He smiled at her as he released her hair and ran his fingers through it. She purred with contentment.

“She’s a submissive. You’re her dominant. She’s mentioned that she locks up when confronted by aggressive men. You took her into a situation she wasn’t prepared for and you didn’t take care of her. She was likely just minutes away from being sexually assaulted. If you don’t want the responsibility tell her now,” he said gently.

Charlize was looking at him with tears pooling in her eyes and her bottom lip was trembling. “Her, not me,” he said.

The brunette looked across Kyle’s chest into the glassy eyes of her friend. “I’m so sorry for not protecting you from them. I promise to do better. If you’ll still have me.”

Chloe nodded her head rapidly and Charlize slid over Kyle’s body to pull her lover into her embrace.

Kyle gave them a little space then a little more as their kisses became passionate and demanding.

On the far edge of the bed he tucked a pillow under his head and closed his eyes as their moans, gasps, and sighs soothed his uneasy mind.

He was still shaken by what he’d done tonight. Not just confronting the much larger men. Faced with a potentially violent encounter beyond his ability to deal with, he’d purposefully reached inside himself to channel his father’s behavior. The man had always handled emotional and physical confrontations with an icy, almost inhuman calm. Eventually his inability to share emotionally drove his family away as they’d been unable to connect with him. Normally, Kyle was much more like his mother but it worried him that he could so easily become the man he resented for so many years. If he’d just been pretending to behave like his father he could deal with it. Instead it had just risen up over him and he… became what he despised.

The cries of ecstasy coming from Charlize and Chloe pulled him from his distressing thoughts. Their voices were reaching a peak as he glanced over and saw they were grinding together almost frantically. The women were staring into each other’s eyes as they came.

Kyle closed his eyes again and smiled faintly. It was good to see them recognizing how important they were to each other. He’d hoped Charlize would recognize the strength of Chloe’s need for her.

The mattress bounced as the brunette threw herself down on the mattress next to the panting blond. She brought Chloe’s hand to her lips and kissed her fingers. Then she looked over at Kyle resting his eyes.

“Hey! You can’t go to sleep yet! There are two women here who need a good dicking!” she growled playfully. Chloe giggled.

He opened his eyes and peered at the two flushed faces staring happily back at him.

Who was he to deny these lovely ladies a good dicking?

Chapter 8

Kyle and Cam grinned at each other as they watched the ladies strut back to their change rooms after modeling the new outfits they’d tried on.

They were being asked their opinions on the clothes but mostly they were just there to admire the women which they were both ok with. The ladies were certainly enjoying themselves.

Marion was moving just a little stiffly this morning but she insisted she was fine. She enjoyed modelling some strappy dresses and Kyle couldn’t help seeing them as light bondage gear as the straps criss-crossed the woman’s large breasts. Her eyes were twinkling at the men’s wide eyed appreciative looks.

Fiona was not to be outdone and came out in an elegant cocktail dress that lifted and squeezed her breasts as if to offer them like ripe fruit to the viewer. She chuckled at Cam’s stunned expression.

Monique found a glittery sheath dress with a daring slit up the side. It was Kyle’s turn to be dazzled. He let her know she looked amazing in the slinky dress and she thanked him with a happy smile.

Charlize and Chloe weren’t having much success in finding dresses to their liking, and fit their budget, in this store but hoped to have better success later.

Phoebe was the last one to come out of the change room and the other women gasped in delight. She was wearing an off the shoulder sundress with large colorful orchids splashed across it. It was gorgeous and a completely different look for her. Much squealing and hopping in place resulted and they all insisted she wear the dress for the rest of their shopping trip. She blushed but finally agreed as she liked it too.

Monique found a pretty flowered hair clip and teased Phoebe’s long hair up onto her head in a sophisticated style causing everyone to make encouraging sounds. When she was done, Kyle couldn’t get over how different she looked.

As the women rushed back to try on another outfit, Cam turned to Kyle and his expression turned serious. “I heard you faced off against four NBA players last night.”

Kyle looked at the man in surprise. He wondered how that story had gotten out. “Yes, well…. it wasn’t quite so dramatic. I just convinced one to stop pawing Chloe.”

Cam nodded thoughtfully as he looked at Kyle’s unease. He could see pushing Kyle on this would be unwelcome.

There were two more rounds of modeling then the ladies made their purchases and the bags went to the two men to carry. Phoebe was all smiles as she left the store in her new sundress.

“Ah the burden of the pack mule,” Kyle lamented getting giggles from Charlize, Chloe, and Phoebe.

They hit a few more shops, Charlize and Chloe finally finding sexy little party dresses that fit, then the ladies took pity on the men and stopped for lunch.

The restaurant was busy and noisy but they had an extensive menu with something for everyone. Kyle sat opposite Phoebe who had her back to the aisle. The kitchen and wait staff were highly efficient so they got their orders quickly. The food was delicious and they all enjoyed themselves as the ladies talked about what shops to hit next.

As he’d finished his meal, Kyle was watching the people coming and going with amazement. He looked to Cam sitting next to him. “This place is doing it right. Good product. Fast service. Customer satisfaction. Quick throughput to maximize revenue per table.”

Cam was nodding enthusiastically.

Kyle caught Phoebe shaking her head at him with a smile. “What?” He couldn’t help admire how sophisticated she looked in the new dress. So different from her usual bohemian garb.

“Does it have to be a successful business model to make you appreciate the symmetry and flow of a place?” she teased.

There was a loud stereo screech emanating from two little girls rushing up to sit in the chairs at the table behind Phoebe. Kyle watched in amusement as she crushed her napkin in her fist, wincing from the noise.

“Exactly why Linus and I chose not to have children,” Phoebe said loudly. The plump woman approaching the table was obviously the mother and must have overheard the comment based on her scowl as she looked at their table.

Her skinny and tall husband with a bad buzzcut was right behind her and placed his hand on her shoulder. The woman paused then squeezed her prodigious ass through the gap to get to the bench behind the table. She sat facing Kyle and gave him a stern look. Her husband nodded apologetically to Kyle then slipped between the tables to sit next to his wife.

“Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! I want ice cream!” one of the little girls shrieked excitedly when she spotted the sweet stuff in the menu. Phoebe winced again.

“Amber honey, sweetie? We’ll have our meal before dessert, okay?” the man said to calm his excitable daughter.

Kyle caught an odd expression frozen on Phoebe’s face.

“But I want ice cream first!” the girl pouted.

“There is a natural order to all things in life, sweetie. Dinner then dessert,” the dad told the young girl who dropped in her chair with a huff.

Kyle was starting to get worried as he watched Phoebe’s normally serene expression begin to crack. “Are you ok?” he asked gently.

She pushed her chair back and stood. Slowly, she turned to face the couple behind her.

Kyle leaned to the side so he could see the expression on the father’s face as he looked up at the woman staring at them. When it froze in panic Kyle’s worry flared into genuine concern.

“Ph-Phoebe? Wha- Here? How- What are you doing in Vegas?” the man gasped. He glanced at his wife who was looking at him in confusion.

“You know this woman?” she barked.

“He married me,” Phoebe forced out as she took in the designer slacks and polo shirt her husband would ‘never be caught dead wearing’. She looked to children he swore he had no interest in having and vowed he’d never raise in such a spiritually bankrupt society. She gazed into the eyes of his other wife who made a mockery of his wedding promises.

“Married?!? Luis, what does she mean married?” the woman screeched.

“Luis? You even changed your name?” Phoebe’s voice caught in her throat.

“Is this why you refused to come to Vegas to visit my parents with us every year?!? Because you’d married a slut from here?”

“Don’t you dare call my friend a slut!” Fiona growled loudly as she leapt to her feet, her chair sliding back.

Monique was on her feet as well and took hold of Fiona’s arm to keep her from launching herself at the gasping woman.

“Children present. Please remain calm,” Kyle said soothingly as he slipped around the table and stood next to Phoebe whose eyes hadn’t left the panicked eyes of her husband. “Maybe the adults can talk in the quiet of the lobby while the kids have ice cream?” he suggested with a big smile and saw the two little girl’s faces light up. The mother looked to Kyle and nodded with a frown. Kyle flagged down a waitress and she took the girls orders. Then the mother and Luis/Linus joined them in the aisle. Kyle gestured for Monique to keep Fiona back and he gently guided Phoebe out to the lobby while the woman and now guilt stricken man followed.

The lobby between the doors was quieter than the restaurant, quiet enough at least. Kyle could see the mother preparing to blow. He needed to get ahead of that.

“Hi, my name is Kyle. Just a friend of Fiona,” he gestured back towards the tables. “And Phoebe. I’m sorry I didn’t get your name,” he said with a friendly smile to the mother.

“Beth.”

“Beth, excellent. I think it would be good if we began with the understanding that Phoebe wasn’t aware of you and the children. Right?” he said looking to Phoebe who shook her head. Kyle gave her a questioning look.

“No. I didn’t know,” she said quietly, her lips trembling.

Kyle kept the momentum going as he turned back to Beth. “As you weren’t aware of her. She isn’t the enemy here. Neither of you is. Which brings us to the only one who knows what happened.” He turned his eyes to Linus or Luis or whatever his real name was. That man looked like he might bolt. Kyle scowled. “Run and I will take you down. You won’t like that.” He held the man’s eyes until the message sunk in. He saw real fear in them now but this was for his two wives who began to glare at him.

Kyle was actually a little relieved that Phoebe had made her way past her despair to become angry. He thought that was a healthier place for her to be.

“You told me you were going to India on a spiritual pilgrimage! All those trips you went on, you were going to your other wife? Your other life?!?” Phoebe growled. She looked at his hair. “You cut your dreads off before you go to her! You told me you cut your hair to not pick up vermin in the impoverished countries you visit to refocus your Chakra!”

Beth was staring at Phoebe in shock. “Dreads? Luis? He’s a forensic accountant, for shit’s sake! He wouldn’t step foot in a poor country to refocus his eyes! The most adventurous he gets is pizza Fridays!”

“Linus is- was my spiritual conduit to higher planes of consciousness!” Phoebe said softly then her eyes hardened as she looked at the man in question. “But it was ALL LIES!” she screamed and Kyle held her back.

“How long?” Beth asked Phoebe, point blank.

Phoebe looked at the woman in confusion. “What?”

“How long has he been this… conduit for you?” Beth asked awkwardly.

Phoebe blinked. “A little over nine… years.” She began to gasp for breath as she clung to Kyle’s arm.

“Phoebe, babe. Take slow, deep brea-” Linus offered gently.

“YOU! YOU SHUT YOUR FUCKING LYING HOLE!” Phoebe suddenly screamed and Kyle held her as she tried to kick the man. Kyle’s eyes went to Beth to see if she’d leap to his defense but she seemed to be mumbling to herself. When she looked up in shock, she spun to drive her fist into her husband’s nose, knocking the man to the floor. Phoebe and Kyle stopped struggling and gaped at her. Kyle stepped back from Phoebe as she was the lesser threat to the prone man.

Beth stood over her cowering husband, baring her teeth. “We’ve been married for fourteen years. Ten years ago you said you were depressed and you went to see Doctor Feinstein. You told me he was sending you to a clinic. You came back after six months a new man! Now I understand! You were pretending to be a new man, for her!” She gasped as her eyes widened again. “All those field assignments! They started then! You were going to her!”

“I want a divorce, you shit!” Phoebe hissed.

“Phoebe! Please!” Linus whined from the floor.

“No! You’ll sign the papers and I’ll be done with you! Don’t even bother coming back because I’m going to burn everything of yours and anything that reminds me of you!” Phoebe said with a scowl. She turned to Beth. “What about you?”

“No, he’s not getting away so easily. He has two daughters who are going to need braces. He’s going to come home with me. He is going to go to work every day and come home every night and keep us in the lifestyle we’ve become accustomed to.” She pulled a business card from her wallet and a pen and wrote something on the back. “Send the divorce papers here. I’ll make sure he signs them.”

Phoebe took the card then pulled Beth into a hug which surprised the other woman. She hugged her in return then looked down at her husband after she released the tall blond. “Stand up, idiot!”

Luis, as that must be his real name Kyle realized, got back to his feet, every inch of him looking miserable and beaten. He had tears in his eyes as he looked at Phoebe but she spun and marched back into the restaurant and right up to the bar as Kyle followed a few steps back. He glanced back and saw the parents heading for their children.

“Rum. A double,” Phoebe told the bartender as she reached the bar. He poured for her. He looked to Kyle but received a shake of the head and took the bill Kyle slipped him to cover Phoebe’s drink.

Phoebe pounded back the drink and gasped as it burned its way into her gut.

Kyle moved up beside the bar and watched Phoebe who was looking down at the glass in her hand.

“I haven’t touched a drop since I let him into my life,” she said quietly. “I have some catching up to do.”

“Maybe not here?” Kyle suggested, gesturing to the loud family restaurant at her back.

Phoebe locked eyes with him and he could see the depth of her pain. He felt it. It made him suck in a breath. Her eyes widened at his reaction and she stumbled away from the bar into Fiona’s arms. Monique was right there too and wrapped her arms around both of them.

“Shopping’s done for today. Let’s head back to the hotel,” Fiona said to the group and they left the restaurant.

Cam moved up beside him. “Marion got the bill for everyone,” he said.

Kyle nodded distractedly. He was still a little shaken by Phoebe’s pain.

“Are you ok?” Cam asked him.

“Huh? Oh, sorry. Yes, I’m fine. I can’t say the same for Phoebe though. She’s hurting.”

The tall man looked at Kyle in surprise and Kyle noticed. “What?”

Cam shook his head, not wanting to offend. Instead, he gestured back to the restaurant. “Have you had training in couples counselling?”

Kyle snorted in amusement as he glanced into the man’s eyes. Just curiosity there. “No, I fucked up my own relationship pretty spectacularly so I can honestly say I’m no expert.”

“Well you handled that situation really well!” the Texan said with a nod.

Kyle looked up to where Fiona and Monique were walking with Phoebe between them, their arms linked. He nodded distractedly. “Thanks. I used to handle some pretty contentious customers at the investment house so maybe I picked up something from there.” He smiled as a thought came to his mind. “It may also be my mom’s influence.”

Cam smiled. “Was she a counsellor?”

Kyle felt a warmth moving through his chest as he recalled his mother. “No, she was just really good at knowing how other people were feeling and how not to make them feel worse.”

“That would be a handy skill,” Cam agreed. “What wisdom did your Daddy impart to you,” he asked with a smile.

Kyle’s smile slipped away as he thought about that. “Always pay your debts,” he said at last with a subdued voice.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories,” he said contritely.
“No, it’s ok. I just didn’t have a great relationship with the man,” Kyle offered.

They made their way back to the taxi stand lost in their thoughts. Kyle hoped Phoebe would be ok. She had her friends there to support her so that was what she needed now.

They reached the hotel and Fiona managed to get spa treatments for Phoebe, Monique, Marion, and herself. Charlize and Chloe wanted to go to the pool so Kyle said he’d join them but Cam said he needed to touch base with home. They all agreed to meet at the restaurant for dinner at 7:30PM again.

Plan made, they went their separate ways.

Chapter 9

Cam was outside the restaurant when Kyle, Charlize, and Chloe walked up to the entrance. He was talking on his cell and he waved excitedly at Kyle. The ladies looked at him and he shrugged as they walked up.

“My Daddy is on the line and would like to speak with you.” Cameron said looking hopefully at Kyle.

“Oh! Uh, sure.” Kyle said, accepting the cell from the other man. “Hello?”

“Am I speaking with Kyle MacDenny?” The voice was definitely from an older man and was very forceful. Kyle glanced at Cam and saw he was looking just a little anxious.

“Yes, is this Mr. Timothy Dawson?” Kyle had done a little research of his own. Finding Cam’s father’s name wasn’t hard.

There was a slight grunt on the other end. “My grammy called me Timothy. Mr. Dawson is fine. I understand Cam thinks you can teach us a thing or two about investing.” There was definite challenge in his tone.

“He’s shown interest in the method I follow to invest,” Kyle responded.

“How you invest. This method, according to my boy, is superior to how we’re doing business now,” the gruff voice insisted.

Kyle gave Cam a frown. “I’m not going to compare my method to others or call it superior. There are many ways to invest and each has its own inherent strengths and weaknesses. I built my method while working under the rigid constraints of the investment house I worked at. I’ve only used it for my personal investments but it’s certainly applicable to corporate trading. My investments have an annual return of between 8% and 12% and this allows me a fair amount of personal freedom at the moment.”

“You’ll forgive me if I remain skeptical of that return rate,” the man scoffed.

“Of course. Mr. Dawson, I’m not trying to sell you on my method. I’m not even looking for work. I just left a very lucrative job because investing isn’t what makes me happy. As I said before, I only do it now for my personal use. Your son asked me if I could teach him how I do it as he believes it will bring value to your company. Is it different from how you currently invest? If you’re only generating annual return rates between 1.8 and 2.4 percent then yeah, it’s different and yeah, it will bring value. You’d have to be willing to let him try and that’s your decision. Now if you don’t mind, I have a number of lovely women waiting for me to join them for dinner. Have a lovely evening!” He handed the phone to Cam with a raised eyebrow and a frown.

Cam’s face showed surprise and worry as he returned the phone to his ear to listen to his father sputter.

Leaving the man to finish his call, Kyle continued on into the restaurant where he spotted Charlize and Chloe settling in at a table. The others hadn’t arrived yet.

Cam joined them a minute later looking a little red under the collar.

Kyle gave the man an annoyed look. “Wow, thanks for that.”

“What? What did he say? I mean I got the gist of it from your side but he wasn’t too happy when you handed the phone back to me.”

Kyle watched Cam’s face but the man seemed genuinely oblivious. “I don’t know what you said to him before I got on the phone but your father was defensive and not in a mood to be open minded.”

Cam’s face showed his unease. “Sorry. I spoke with him earlier and tried to explain what you told me about how you research companies to invest in and I- I got a little tongue tied as I couldn’t recall all of the details. I did a poor job of that and he made some derogatory remarks that I didn’t respond to very well. I told him you could explain it far better than I could. He said he wanted to speak with you directly.”

Kyle sighed and shook his head. “Sorry if I screwed up your chances of fixing this with your dad.”

Cam grinned at him. “Actually, you didn’t. He was impressed when you remained cool headed and is keen on meeting you in person.”

Kyle blinked at him then caught motion in the corner of his eye. He turned his face and saw Fiona approaching with a wide smile on her face. She looked radiant from her spa treatment and enjoyed his and Cam’s reaction. Monique was right behind her with an equally broad smile. Kyle thought her husband was a damn fool for spending so much time away from this beauty.

The next one in line stunned Kyle. Phoebe had undergone a huge transformation! She was wearing a very slinky party dress which showed off her trim body exquisitely. Most dramatic was what she’d had done to her hair. Her yellow blond hair that once reached the top of her ass was gone. In its place was a short, tousled pixie cut which she could no longer hide her face behind. The curtains of hair were gone and he saw her nervous smile as she looked at him.

“Wow! Phoebe, you look amazing!” he finally managed to gasp out.

Her smile was beautiful and her relief was evident.

“That hairstyle looks lovely on you!” Cam added.

She nodded her thanks to both of them then took the seat across from Kyle. Fiona on her right across from Cam and Monique on Phoebe’s left.

“Where’s Marion?” Kyle asked.

Fiona leaned forward to speak quietly but ended up resting her tits on the table in a very distracting way. In her excitement to dish she was oblivious of her effect on the men.

“Do you recall the two musicians she was with last night? They met her outside the spa and were trying to convince her to star in their next music video. Apparently, their night together inspired some musical creativity as well. She said not to wait for her tonight.”

Kyle grinned and nodded. His eyes tracked back to Phoebe’s hair and he had to let himself stare with a smile on his face.

“What?” she finally said as her cheeks burned.

“I’m sorry, this is such a departure from your previous look. It’s also very pretty!”

Monique snapped her fingers to catch his attention. “Hey! You can say it! She’s damn sexy!”

He grinned at them and nodded in surrender. “Yes, she is.”

Drinks were ordered and Fiona suggested they eat light meals as they planned on hitting the club to celebrate Phoebe’s new image and new start.

Kyle smiled with the others and thought it was awesome her friends were rallying around her. He couldn’t help feel a little concerned that this change was happening much too quickly for Phoebe to really come to terms with what happened just hours earlier. When did she have time to come to terms with the fact that her marriage was over and the man she’d loved and trusted had betrayed her so horribly? He kept an eye on her throughout dinner without her noticing and she seemed ok. She’d always been a little quiet so her behavior tonight hadn’t varied too much.

They made their way into the club and hit the dance floor. Now he began to notice some changes. She was out on the floor with the group for every song dancing hard. He could see her losing herself in the music except she wasn’t smiling as she usually did. On the few times they went to a table to get a drink she was downing twice as much as Fiona was though she didn’t have the body mass to absorb it. Kyle switched to water as he tried to suggest the same for Phoebe. He received annoyed looks from Fiona, Monique, and Charlize who were doing their best to keep their friend’s spirits up. Chloe was sticking close to Charlize, the two had been much more open with their physical relationship before the others. Cam followed Fiona’s lead which didn’t surprise Kyle. Phoebe left the table to head back out to the dance floor. The ladies followed her out and Kyle sighed as he saw he was the only one with the opinion it was too soon.

He made his way out and tried to just enjoy the music but he was getting the distinct impression from the intoxicated yoga master that he was not welcome. The others looked awkwardly at him so he went back to the table.

His mother’s voice was yelling at him that this was a bad situation for Phoebe but he’d just been reminded that he was an outsider in this group. He couldn’t do it alone and they wanted so badly for their friend to be happy, they weren’t going to allow anything to interfere with their efforts.

Finally, Kyle had to leave the club as the inner dialog was driving him nuts.

He walked out into the lobby and tried to think of something he could do to distract himself. He decided he would work out so he quickly went up to the room and put his workout clothes on. Then it was back down to the lobby and across to the entrance to the gym.

This time of night there was only one other guest and he was doing some serious lifting. The man scowled at him so Kyle turned to move to the machines at the far side of the room. He glanced back when he heard the door open behind him. Phoebe was standing there, not too steady on her feet and holding the door frame.

“Kyle! Why’d you leave!” she growled in a slur. “We were gonna have sex!”

Glancing uneasily at the bodybuilder who showed a sudden interest in Phoebe, Kyle made his way back to her. “Who said we were going to have sex?” he said quietly as he reached her side, hoping to guide her out but instead she stepped in.

Phoebe rocked back as she looked at him with bleary eyes. “You’ll fuck Fiona, that big fat whore Gloria, and even the lesbians but you draw the line at me? What? Am I- da- damaged goods?” she bellowed.

There was a slam of steel plates dropping behind him and Kyle turned to see a wall of muscles closing in on them. Before he could speak a massive hand covered his face and shoved him back. He crashed into a rack of weights and barely managed to keep the entire stack from toppling.

“If the shrimp is too busy sticking his dick into those sluts to show you a good time, I’d be glad to be of service,” he asserted.

Phoebe blinked up at him and shook her head. Even in her drunken state she’d obviously picked up a bad vibe from the guy.

“Dude, what the fuck?” Kyle said, limping back towards Phoebe. He’d scratched his shin pretty badly against the weight rack. Phoebe’s eyes narrowed as she saw he was hurt but she looked like she couldn’t recall how it happened.

“Fuck off, punk. The lady and I got business to discuss,” muscles growled at him.

“The lady is my friend and she obviously just indicated she’s not interested,” Kyle said with a scowl.

The bodybuilder glared at him. “She didn’t say it.”

Phoebe began to speak and his big hand covered her mouth as he gripped her jaw.

“Be careful what you say,” the man said coldly and Kyle saw Phoebe’s eyes widen in fear.

“Get your meaty paws off of- OOOOFF!!” The wind left Kyle’s lungs as the big fist drove into his stomach.

He barely saw the second punch before it slammed into his temple and the third hit was just a glancing blow on his chin as his legs folded under him, everything sliding to black but never quite getting all the way there. He struggled to get his muscles to cooperate.

He heard fabric tearing, a scream and a slap. This was followed by an angry shout, a loud slap and Phoebe fell to the floor next to him.

“Fucking losers, both of you,” the bodybuilder barked at them, then looked up at the ceiling mounted camera. “Shiiiiit,” he said and walked away quickly.

The next thing Kyle was aware of was crying. Deep wracking sobs tearing themselves out of Phoebe’s chest. He forced himself up to a seated position and felt the room tilt. Fuck that guy hit hard!

He saw Phoebe curled up on the floor next to him and he gently touched her shoulder. She flinched.

“Phoebe, it’s Kyle. It’s ok, he’s gone. You’re going to be ok. Everything will get better. I promise.” He said in a calm, gentle voice.

The crying woman uncurled and looked up at him. He saw the bruise on her cheek and clenched his jaw to keep his anger from showing. “You’re going to be fine,” he said again. She suddenly pushed herself up and climbed onto his lap to wrap her arms around him. She buried her face against his neck and her sobs exploded.

Her lovely dress was torn and the top section was hanging down at her waist. Her small breasts were pressing against his t-shirt but with his arms around her she wasn’t exposing anything when the security team finally arrived.

“Sir! Maam! Are you all right?” a young man in a dark suit asked them.

“Get me a towel please,” was all Kyle said and a second guard rushed away to return with a large fluffy towel. Kyle took it from him and carefully wrapped it around Phoebe’s shoulders. “Let’s get you upstairs to your room. Ok?” he whispered to her and she nodded.

She slid off of his lap and he struggled to get to his own feet as the guards lifted Phoebe to hers. The room swam again and Kyle was steadied by one of the guards.

“Do you need medical attention?” the man asked.

“No, I’m fine.” Kyle said as the room stopped moving.

He moved forward and Phoebe moved with him, clinging to his side as they walked from the gym.

When they stepped out into the lobby they heard a shriek and turned their heads to see Fiona and Monique rushing up to them, Cam not far behind.

Kyle felt Phoebe tighten her grip on his shirt. “It’s ok we’ll get you to your room.” He caught Monique’s eye and gave his head a brief shake. Comprehension flashed in her eyes and she immediately grasped Fiona’s hand to hold her back. He gave them both a smile and turned Phoebe towards the elevators. Monique caught up and slipped a small clutch purse into Kyle’s hand. Phoebe’s. He smiled at the beauty again and guided Phoebe into the elevator.

He got her to her floor and into her room where she dropped the towel and made a beeline for the washroom. She barely managed to get the seat up before she began heaving.

Kyle kept the seat from falling on her head and handed her a damp facecloth to wipe her mouth once she was done. Next a glass of water to rinse her mouth. She spit into the toilet and he flushed.

She began to cry once more so he gently lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. When he set her on her feet her torn dress fell the rest of the way off to pool at her feet, leaving her in just her panties. He pulled the sheets down and got her to lie down so he could pull the sheets up to cover her.

“Get some rest, Phoebe. I promise it gets better. I’m living proof… well, ignore the bruises.”

Her glassy eyes were holding his. “Don’t go,” she whimpered.

He smiled gently to her and turned off the light. He climbed onto the bed, on top of the sheets, and let her snuggle in against his side.

He massaged her scalp and felt her begin to relax. She began to softly cry again so he just held her until she fell asleep.

Kyle was wondering if he had a mild concussion so he lay there looking at the city lights on the blinds until sleep took him as well.

Chapter 10

Kyle kissed Phoebe’s temple and she sighed happily in her sleep. He eased himself from the bed and went to the desk. He wrote a quick note saying he’d see her at breakfast downstairs and let himself out of her room.

“Well, you move fast!”

Kyle looked to the voice and saw Marion seemingly returning to her room after another night with the boys from the band.

He frowned at her. “What are you talking about?

“Oh please, she isn’t even divorced yet!” she smirked.

Kyle’s tired brain clued in. “That’s not what this is. Nothing happened.”

She gave him a skeptical look. “At least I’m honest about my lifestyle.” she sniffed.

He blinked at her. “She just had her marriage implode on her. She’s in no emotional state to have sex with a virtual stranger!”

Marion waved her hand dismissively. “She’s better off now.”

Kyle was surprised by the lack of empathy Marion was showing for one of her friends. It made him wonder if she’d ever been in love.

“You’ve never had a long term relationship?” he asked.

She snorted gently in amusement. “I have neither the time nor the inclination.” She grinned wickedly at him as she licked the corner of her lips. “Why on earth would I restrict myself to one person?” Her eyes traveled down his body. “Care to share a shower?”

His frown deepened. She might have been a beautiful woman but at the moment she was as alien to him as could be. “No, not really.”

Her grin was immediately replaced by an angry glare. “What exactly is your problem?”

“That’s just it. How could I explain it in a way you’d understand?” he said tiredly. “Later,” he said, ignoring the indignant noises she made behind him. He made his way to the room he shared with Charlize and Chloe.

The ladies in question were snuggled together, sleeping peacefully. They looked so lovely. He was glad they’d found each other and he realized he didn’t really have a place in their relationship. All he could offer was a ‘good dicking’.

He quietly gathered some clothes and had a quick shower.

Once he was dressed he headed downstairs with his notebook PC. He found a newspaper then found a comfortable nook and set up his trades on the PC so when the market opened he would be ready to go. He opened the business section and scanned his eyes over the pages. On the third page his eyes stopped. He went back to read the story and felt the hairs on the back of his neck begin to stand on end as his anger built.

“Good morning, Kyle!” Cam said with a cheery tone, another early riser. When the man saw his expression, the smile was quickly replaced by a confused look.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“Did you mention the name of the company I was interested in to your father?” Kyle asked quietly.

Cam blinked at him. “I- I think I might have when we were arguing, why?”

Kyle pushed the newspaper across the table and spun it so Cam could see the story.

He watched the man’s expression swing between outrage and confusion.

Cam finally looked at Kyle. “I don’t understand. He bought the company? Is that bad? You said it had a really bright future. Doesn’t this mean that value will be absorbed by my Daddy’s company?”

“Did you miss the part that your father bought them out? The future value of the company wasn’t the company. It was the people who created the company, running it as they intended to. Your father found their price, paid it, and jettisoned them. He bought the company before its public offering so no one else can invest in it. It doesn’t matter though because, as of this morning, the company is a bad investment.”

Cameron scowled at Kyle. “Now hold on there! Daddy’s company has been around a long time. He knows a thing or two about running a business!”

“His business, for which he is satisfied with annual returns of less than 3%. The potential of this company had growth in the double digits. Do you honestly believe your daddy’s business methods are up to achieving that kind of growth?” Kyle pushed.

“Don’t use that tone with me!” Cam growled.

Kyle leaned back in his chair to look at the man. Kyle’s relationship with his own father gave him nothing to compare with but to him it seemed obvious.

“When you mentioned the company to your father, was it said in the context of proving you could do a better job of investing than he could?” Kyle asked and saw a moment of clarity flash across Cam’s eyes. He pushed on. “You told us that your father sent you to Vegas to complete a deal and you suspected he’d set you up. He was already aware the deal was bad.” Kyle looked into Cam’s eyes and saw the doubt building there. He pulled the final straw. “Why does your Daddy need you to fail?”
For the second time in two days Kyle found himself on the ground, his face throbbing from being hit by a big fist.

“CAMERON! What are you doing?!?” Fiona screamed as she rushed across the lobby towards them. Monique was right behind her with Phoebe bringing up the rear. Fiona moved to stand between the tall man and Kyle who was still lying on the floor as the room tried to dump him off the surface of the earth. That wasn’t good.

“He- he was being disrespectful to my Daddy,” Cam wheezed as he realized what he’d just done.

Phoebe and Monique were kneeling next to Kyle, their concerned faces filling his blurred vision.

“What the fuck happened here?” Charlize barked as she and Chloe ran over.

“I- I hit him,” Cam said in a daze.

“The question is why?” Fiona asked with concern.

“Kyle? Can you sit up?” Monique asked gently.

“I don’t think so. The room won’t stop spinning,” he moaned.

“How hard did you hit him?” Charlize growled into Cam’s face.

“Hard, I guess. I don’t remember,” Cam said with a frown.

Kyle closed his eyes but that just made the sensation worse so he opened them to see their concerned faces. “It’s the concussion from the night before maybe. Too many hits in the head.”

Cam’s face paled. “I’m sorry Kyle… but you shouldn’t… have said what you did.”

Kyle frowned at the tall man. “Answer the question.”

Cam snarled at Kyle then turned and stormed away. Fiona glanced at Kyle then rushed after Cam.

Monique watched the Texan leave then turned her lovely eyes on Kyle with curiosity burning in them.

Phoebe beat her to it. “What’s the question?”

Kyle struggled to sit up and had to lean on Phoebe and Monique as the room wouldn’t stop moving.

“I… I think I need to go to a hospital,” he said. He pointed to his notebook PC and Chloe picked it up with his newspaper.

Charlize helped get him to his feet but it was the taller women who put his arms over their shoulders and walked him out to the concierge desk. The man called for a cab for them.

Monique looked to Charlize and Chloe. “Could you let Fiona know where we’ve gone? I’ll call you when we know more.”

Looking a little upset at not being able to go with them Charlize and Chloe nodded and stood aside as Phoebe and Monique eased Kyle into the back of a cab.

“Take us to a hospital with good, fast service!” Monique said.

“You have insurance?” the driver asked.

The ladies looked at Kyle. “Yes.”

“I take you,” the man said as he put the car in drive.

They pulled out onto the main road and accelerated away.

Phoebe leaned closer. “Thank you.”

Kyle’s eyebrows went up. “For what?”

“For being there for me last night,” she said with a sweet smile.

“Hey, we were all there for you last night,” he insisted.

She took his hand in hers. “Monique told me you were the only one who recognized I was hurting.”

Kyle looked at Monique who nodded with a sad smile. “We were all trying so hard to show her how happy she could be we missed the fact that she wasn’t.”

“He helped me fall asleep and was a perfect gentleman,” Phoebe said smiling around Kyle at the other woman.

Monique smiled at Kyle and he looked ahead, hoping they’d get to the hospital soon.

It actually didn’t take too long to reach it and Phoebe paid before they helped him out.

Then came the ordeal of registering, insurance confirming, and a wait that was a surprisingly painless forty-five minutes. The doctor ran him through a series of tests before he gave him a diagnosis of having a concussion. He was to rest for the next three days. No physical or mental exertion. When he told his doctor he’d ridden his motorcycle to Las Vegas he was told to keep it parked until the three days were up.

“What do you mean by exertion-” Phoebe began to ask.

“Nothing that elevates the heart rate or increases blood pressure. No sex,’ the doctor said without even looking up from the notes he was making.

Monique snorted at the surprised and embarrassed look on Kyle’s face.

As they waited for a cab to take them back, Phoebe moved in front of Kyle and looked in his eyes. “What was the question?” Monique nodded and moved closer to hear the answer as well.

Kyle sighed then nodded gently. “I shouldn’t have pushed Cam so hard but I was really angry. I trusted him with the knowledge of a great investment and his careless tongue cost me a lot of money when his father bought it out from under us.” He squirmed as it dragged up his own memories. “I didn’t have a good relationship with my own father. He was… emotionally distant. I resented him for years and I watch for elements of him in my own personality. Cam on the other hand, practically worships his dad but I think the man is willfully sabotaging his son’s career. First, he sends Cam to Vegas to complete a deal he knew was bad. Cam told him he was going to invest in this company to prove he was a better investor so his father bought out the company and issued an immediate press release to rub it in his face. I suspect he’s one of those parents who competes with his children and can’t tolerate his son achieving success.” The women were watching Kyle with wide, shocked eyes. “I asked Cam why his father needs him to fail. So, he hit me. It seems he can’t deal with the concept.”

“Oh Kyle, you were treading on his most precious beliefs.” Monique said gently.

Kyle hung his head. “Yeah. Dumb. I was just so pissed off at him but his father especially. I lashed out at both.” The women nodded. He lifted his head and gave them a fierce look. “That said, if he intends to be a good partner for Fiona, Cam needs to push his father off the pedestal he’s put him on or he’ll never become the man he needs to be.”

The cab arrived and they piled in, giving the name of their hotel.

They rode in silence, thinking about their friend Fiona and what they might do to help her without appearing to interfere in the budding relationship.

Once they arrived, Kyle paid for the taxi and they made their way inside. Charlize and Chloe were waiting in the lobby with their bags and Kyle’s as well.

“They needed our room,” Charlize said. “We have to head back. It’s a long ride. Will you be coming with us?”

Kyle shook his head. “I’ve been benched for three days. Concussion.”

The ladies pouted as they were looking forward to riding back with him… and perhaps having a little fun with him when they got home. He caught the look in their roaming eyes. He moved forward and gave them hugs.

When he pulled back, Charlize was looking at him nervously. “That- that felt like goodbye.”

He gave them a sad smile. “I think it is. I won’t be going back to Santa Barbara.”

“What?” Phoebe gasped but Monique held his eyes then nodded faintly. Once more, Kyle found her to be a remarkably perceptive woman.

“Fiona needs to move on and… so do I,” he finished. “I’m grounded until the concussion eases. Besides, you’re all going home today and have your lives to get back to. I have to figure out my next move. Working for Cam and his father is a non-starter.”

“I was hoping you wouldn’t feel that way, but I understand.”

Kyle looked to see Cam walking up with Fiona on his arm. They were pulling their luggage behind them. They really did make a lovely couple. That just made this harder.

“Sorry Cam. It’s not going to happen. Not now.” Kyle said with a frown as he fought back another surge of anger for Cam’s father and also for Cam’s willful blindness. He sighed as he wanted Cam to be a bigger man for Fiona.

The man’s body language and expression both showed a stiffness. Kyle could tell he wanted to be elsewhere but was being civil for Fiona’s sake.

“Where did you go?” Fiona asked.

Monique turned to her friend. “We went to the hospital. Kyle has a concussion. He’s not allowed to drive for three days.” Her eyes went to Cam and he had the good grace to look guilty at least.

“But we’re leaving today!” Fiona exclaimed.

“Not me. This is where I say my goodbyes,” Kyle said gently and watched her eyes widen.

“Goodbye?” she asked and he knew she understood.

He smiled and opened his arms. She was in them in a flash and he gave her a warm hug.

“You’ll always be in my heart as a dear friend. I wish you all the joy and happiness in the world as you deserve it,” Kyle whispered to her, his throat tight with emotion. He kissed her cheek and stood back. She had tears in her lashes but she forced a smile on her face.

“You’ve been such a positive influence on me, ever since France. I’m so glad I met you!” she exclaimed.

“Should I break out the violins?” Marion said as she walked up. She looked to Phoebe and Monique. “Are we leaving or not?”

Phoebe gave Kyle a tight hug then rushed off to get her bag from the room.

Chloe stepped up to Kyle again and he held her tight. He felt her tremble in his arms so he looked into her eyes and saw some tears in her lashes as well. His throat was becoming unbearably tight. “You take good care of Charlize as she’ll take good care of you.” Chloe nodded to him. She tilted forward to bring her lips to his ear.

“My ass will always be yours,” she whispered in her saucy Aussie accent.

It was Kyle’s turn to tremble as the blonde grinned cheekily at him and rushed off with her bags. Charlize waved sadly to him as she walked after Chloe and he waved back.

“We have to get going too- OH! Where are you going to stay tonight? Should I see if I can get you a room?” Fiona chirped.

“No! No thanks, I’ll leave the bike in their garage but I’ll find a less expensive hotel.” Kyle said with palms raised. He’d taken advantage of her generosity too much for his comfort.

“No need. My suite has a pull-out sofa bed. You can stay there,” Monique offered.

Heads turned to look at her in surprise.

“Aren’t you going back to Santa Barbara with us?”

Monique smiled and shook her head. “I received a text from Dale last night. He’s going to be in town for some meetings on Tuesday so I thought I’d stick around and say hello. I’m keeping my room until Wednesday.”

“I- I still can’t afford to stay here,” Kyle said.

She smiled at him and patted his arm. “Not to worry, you’re my guest. We’ve seen how much of a gentleman you can be based on your evening with Phoebe, so I think I’ll be safe!” she said with a mischievous smile.

Kyle’s face flushed with embarrassment as Marion gave him a challenging look. She obviously didn’t believe he could resist Monique’s considerable charms. He looked away from her in frustration and heard her snort gently.

Phoebe came rushing back with her bag and a relieved look on her face as she saw the others were still there. She rushed up and hugged Kyle again. “Thank you so much!” she squeaked into his ear.

“Take care of yourself Phoebe. Remember, it gets better and you have so much to offer. You’re an amazi-”

He didn’t get to finished as Phoebe suddenly kissed him fiercely and he… went with it. She was a very good kisser. She pulled away, grabbed her suitcase, and rushed away with tears in her eyes.

Kyle wobbled a little as he turned his head to follow her departure in a daze. He looked to Marion’s self-satisfied smirk and frowned. “Hey! She kissed me!” he protested.

“Such a hypocrite,” she scoffed and followed Phoebe out the door. He could only shake his head in frustration.

Monique hugged Fiona then shook Cam’s hand before the couple left. Fiona gave Kyle a sad smile and Cam nodded stiffly to him then they were gone.

Then it was just Kyle and Monique. “I can trust you to be a gentleman, right?” she asked with a small smile. When he opened his mouth to protest, she touched his arm and laughed. “I’m teasing! Unlike Marion, I know you’re not a sleazy player.”

Kyle sighed with relief. “Thank you! It’s hard enough convincing myself sometimes!”

She snickered. “Brunch?”

“Yeah, that would be lovely.”

They dropped Kyle’s bags in her room then had a nice meal as they shared stories about growing up in their different worlds.

Monique came from a well to do family, the only daughter of surgeons. She had two older brothers who went into law. She showed Kyle a family photo and he noted that they were all very photogenic. From her dashingly handsome father and elegant mother, two younger versions of her father as brothers, Monique’s stunning looks proved beauty ran in the family.

She’d gone to the best schools and got top grades. She and Fiona had become fast friends in high school and they’d bonded for life. She was used to moving in the highest levels of society but found that bored her to tears. The group of friends she and Fiona gathered had grown organically and Monique loved them all for their individual and unique contributions to the whole.

She’d met her husband in university as he scouted some talent from the university basketball team. She pulled up a picture of him and Kyle noted to himself that he was… much older than she was and bore some resemblance to her father.

Monique quirked a crooked smile at him. “My brothers aren’t too fond of Dale. They think he’s too old for me.”

Kyle just smiled and kept his opinion to himself. If she loved the man and he loved her, then who was he to judge?

When it was his turn, Kyle confessed to having come from a lower middle income family. He only had one picture of his parents which he showed her and she remarked on seeing both his mother and father’s resemblance in him. He nodded to that as he put the photo away. He gave her a little background on his parents, what they did, the troubles they had relating, but he didn’t go into too much detail on that. He spoke of going through the public school system and how he paid his own way through college where he’d met Gwen. Monique’s eyes lit up when he mentioned her.

“This girl did a real number on you,” Monique observed.

He nodded with a wince. “Yes, I basically gave her carte blanc to change everything about me to mold me into her ideal mate. I lost too much of who I was in the process. Still figuring out who I am.”

She shook her head with a wide eyed smile. “I can’t imagine Dale doing that for me.”

“You have to start with a man who’s trying to run away from the man he might become.”

Her expression showed her compassion. “Your father?”

He nodded.

“If it means anything, I don’t believe you’re emotionally distant. I’ve seen you very much in tune with your true emotions. You’re also sensitive to the emotions of others.”

Kyle smiled. “My mom’s influence. Thank you for saying so.”

“You had a very close relationship with her.”

He nodded. “She had to play the role of Mom and Dad as he was absent for most of my childhood. She was incredibly empathic. I owe her so much.”

“Is she still-”

“No, she passed away shortly after I graduated from high school. It was a sudden thing. Brain tumor. Nothing we could do. It was like the damn thing was suddenly there and growing like crazy. It took less than a month but I got to say goodbye and thanks. It wasn’t a good time but we did our best to stay positive for each other.” Kyle said with a sad smile.

Monique patted his hand then sat back in her chair. “So, in the theme of relaxing what would you like to do this afternoon?”

He shook his head. “What were you going to do?”

“I was just going to lie by the pool, soak up the rays and have cabin boys fetch me drinks,” Monique admitted with a grin.

“That sounds ideal for relaxing!” Kyle admitted with a nod.

“Care to join me?” she asked with a grin.

He nodded so they went back up to the room and changed into their swimsuits. When Monique came out of her bedroom in her white bikini top and a wrap covering her lower half, Kyle did a double take as he hadn’t seen her in this one and she looked very sexy in it.

“You look… incredible! That’s a lovely swimsuit!”

She smiled demurely to him. “Thank you.”

“Shall we go?” he asked and they went down to find some lounge chairs.

They found two at the far side of the pool which made drink delivery a little spotty but Kyle heroically made the trek to the bar to get refills. He was sticking to fruit juice and water but Monique preferred piña coladas.

The afternoon drifted by as they relaxed in the sun, cooled off in the pool, and just talked. There was no pressure to do anything or to be anywhere and they both felt the troubles of the world slip from their shoulders.

Monique had an amazing tolerance for the strong rum they added to her drinks but by the fifth one the alcohol was showing some effect. She was very relaxed and giggled a little too readily at his teasing in the pool. She was looking at him curiously after they dropped their dripping bodies back down on the lounge chairs once again.

“What?” he asked.

“I was just wondering how much different relaxing like this feels like for someone like yourself. Someone who had to work hard to make ends meet. Someone who didn’t grow up in a lifestyle of privilege. Does this seem… excessive? Self-indulgent? …Do I seem spoiled?”

“Yes.”

Her mouth dropped open as her eyes flew wide at his quick response but she burst into outraged laughter when she caught his grin.

Kyle smiled at her cute pout. “I’m sorry. You wanted an honest impression, didn’t you?”

“Maybe with a little more sugar coating,” she said with a smile.

He just nodded and made a face like he was seriously considering new words.

“Never mind! Too late!” she huffed with a spoiled little pout once more.

He grinned as he shook his head. “Of course this feels self-indulgent! That’s the point. However, for me there’s an implicit understanding that this is just temporary. That’s the bittersweet reality that people in my economic situation are faced with. Maybe that’s not a feeling you’ve experienced?” He held her eyes and her smile returned as she shook her head in agreement.

“I have the trust my grandparents set up for me to fall back on and my investments. That’s not counting Dale’s income which affords me a lovely wardrobe of designer clothing and shoes. My home in Santa Barbara is mine. This… is my life.”

“And I’m not saying it’s wrong, it’s just not a lifestyle I’m familiar with,” he qualified.

The corner of her mouth curled up in a crooked smile. “Still, because of your callous disregard for my gentle sensitivities, you’ll have to make it up to me by putting lotion on my back!” She flipped over onto her stomach, pulled her long hair to the side, and presented him with the flawless skin of her back, her exquisite ass, and her long toned legs. “Get to it mister!” she insisted.

He actually found himself pausing. This was typically where things… became complicated. He was reluctant to alter their current friendly relationship. Then again, they could both be adults and he was likely just overthinking it.

She looked over her shoulder at him. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, sorry,” he said with a blush and she eyed him closely before resting her head back against the cushion. He moved closer and squirted the lotion onto his palm.

“You may want to relax your arms by your sides as that makes it easier to do your shoulders,” he suggested.

She moved her arms down. “How does this make it- Ohhhhhhhh… mmmyyyy… gawwwd…” she sighed as he massaged the lotion into her skin, working the knots from her muscles at the same time. He loosened her neck muscles, her shoulders, and made his way down her arms to gently tug each finger. Then he returned to her upper back and made his way down. She was purring happily as he reached the cute little dimples just above her butt. He looked to ensure he’d covered her skin with the lotion. He did a quick job of applying the lotion to the exposed skin on her ass and began his massage once more when he reached her upper thighs. She turned her head and pouted at him.

“What?” he asked, his hands pausing on the back of her thighs.
“My butt cheeks are jealous of the attention the rest of my muscles are getting,” she moaned.

“Yeah, well… they’re just going to have to deal with a little neglect as massaging them would be cruel… for both of us,” he sighed. “And you can rely on me to remain a gentleman.”

“Cruel?” she said, blinking at him in confusion.

“I think you can figure that one out,” he muttered as he returned to the task of applying lotion and massaging her legs.

She moaned loudly when he worked on her feet, pressing the pads of his thumbs firmly against her arches, and a passing guest smiled at her. “Lucky lady! What I’d give for a foot massage that could make me cry out like that!”

Monique smiled blissfully at the women then her mouth dropped open as Kyle worked her toes.

“Damn! That good?” Shaking her head with a sigh, the woman continued on her way though she did run her eyes appreciatively over Kyle’s body before she did.

Kyle settled onto his stomach on his own lounge chair. This way no one would see the bulge in his shorts.

She turned her head to look at him with wide eyes. “Where… how did you learn to do that?” Monique breathed in amazement.

Kyle shrugged. “Just another skill I picked up to please Gwen,” he said without enthusiasm.

She gave him a compassionate look. “Well, I’m not Gwen and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that delightful massage. My bottom doesn’t thank you for its neglect.”

He snorted at her. “You’re welcome and you’re welcome.”

She pouted at him and he stared back in exasperation. “Have you ever had your butt massaged?”

She gave her head a little shake as she kept up her eye contact and sad pout.

Gritting his teeth he pushed himself up to a seated position to stare at her. “You’re too used to getting your way.” She gave him an impish smile and nodded as she saw she’d won. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This is a therapeutic massage only,” he said sternly. She nodded once more in understanding.

With a sigh he poured some lotion in his hands and rubbed them together. He began at the dimples on her lower back and worked downwards, squeezing and kneading the firm muscles of her exquisite ass.

By the end, he was hard as rock in his board shorts and she was squirming under his hands. He immediately stood and walked into the pool with a splash. The cool water hid the visible signs of his excitement and gradually relaxed his stiff appendage. It also had the added benefit of easing the pounding in his head. He recalled the doctor’s instructions.

When he’d calmed sufficiently he climbed back out of the pool and reclined against his chair. He was still showing against his shorts but it wasn’t as blatantly obvious as it had been earlier.

“You said it was cruel. I’m sorry. I didn’t really understand,” she said contritely.

He nodded with a small smile. “Well, it’s not fatal and it goes away so, all’s good?” he held her eyes to see if their friendship had been damaged but she gave him a small smile of her own and nodded.

He sighed and smiled in relief.

“One question,” she said and he nodded. “That was strictly therapeutic?”

He nodded.

“Huh.” She left it at that.

A short time later Kyle’s stomach grumbled, closely followed by an answering grumble from Monique’s. They burst into laughter at the perfect timing.

“They sound hungry!” Monique giggled.

“Do you like Mexican food?” he asked as the mood suddenly struck.

“Oh yes! That sounds so good! I’d love some nachos and tacos!” she gushed.

“Let’s go!” he said as he stood and held out his hand. She took it in hers and he pulled her to her feet. They gathered their stuff and quickly made their way up to the room.

Kyle took his shower first and was quick about it. He exited the bathroom with his towel around himself and she stepped inside and closed the door. He heard the shower start up so he pulled some clothes from his bag and dropped the towel to step into his underwear. He heard a squeak behind him and glanced over his shoulder to see her duck into the bathroom, closing the door once more.

“Sorry!” he called out but he heard no response. He cursed himself. He should have taken his clothes into the small guest bathroom to get changed.

He finished dressing and sat on the couch to wait. When she came out he stood quickly. “I’m so sorry about that! I thought you were in the shower and I could get away with a quick change.”

She raised her hands. “It’s ok. I didn’t see… much. We’re good. Let’s go eat some Mexican food!”

He smiled and nodded.

They took a cab to a restaurant slightly off the strip. Kyle had done some quick research on his cell and found this place. The reviews raved about the food though the ambience was a little lacking. It was almost a sports bar with multiple TV’s tuned to different games. They managed to get a table on the rooftop deck overlooking the street.

Nachos were ordered and they dug in when they arrived. Monique ordered a beer to go with the food but Kyle stuck to water.

They ordered their entrées which they didn’t wait long for and found them to be delicious as well.

The only TV upstairs was against the wall and was showing a bunch of men sitting around a table arguing good naturedly about something.

“Oh! That’s Dale!” Monique said in surprise.

Kyle turned his head and saw one of the men in the show was her husband. He was making emphatic gestures to accompany the point he was trying to make but he was smiling as he did. They watched him for a while and saw he was holding his own even against the younger men around the table. “Man, he really seems to love what he’s doing!” Kyle remarked as he could see the passion in his eyes.

Monique nodded and turned away. Her smile dimmed a little.

“Are you ok?” Kyle asked gently as he caught her mood change.

Monique’s eyes returned to his. “When you were living with Gwen, you said you gave yourself over to her completely.”

He nodded carefully, not knowing where she was going with this.

“Dale gives himself over to coaching and basketball. It’s everything to him. He’s consumed by it.”

Ah! Comprehension dawned for Kyle.

“I used to worry about Fiona’s treatment by Albert and how he acted like she was some kind of trophy wife. He didn’t love her. He loved how she made him look.” A sad little smile appeared on Monique’s lips. “Dale loves me. He’s faithful to me… but his passion is reserved for basketball. He spends less and less time at home and I find myself alone in a beautiful house filled with reminders of his success… and I realize I’m a trophy as well.”

She dabbed her eyes with a napkin. “Seeing Fiona find love again was eye opening for me. I thought you were the one when we first met but I realize you two were just playing it safe. Maybe Cameron is connecting with her at a deeper level?”

Kyle nodded but his expression was more cautious. “I’m worried about how his relationship with his father is going to affect Fiona. To be a healthy adult he needs counselling and she deserves someone willing to be a better man. I say this as someone who recognizes his own father issues.”

“I’ll be there for her.” Monique assured him. She looked at him nervously. “I’m surprised you haven’t pointed out the age difference between me and Dale and my own potential father issues.”

He shook his head. “Not my place nor do I have any right to judge others on how they relate to their fathers. And from what you just said, it seems you have enough self-awareness to manage on your own.”

“My brothers are far more blunt about it and do feel they have the right to interfere,” she grumbled.

He just smiled. “Family.”

She glanced up into his eyes for a moment then looked away with a slight smile of acceptance.

She squirmed a little. “I can see it too. Dale might be a substitute for my father. Dad is a highly skilled surgeon and that made him highly sought after and kept him very busy. He was too preoccupied and never had time for me.” Light dawned behind her eyes as she looked up at Kyle. “Like your father was for you as an aviation mechanic!”

Kyle nodded as he was very aware of their similar stories though their reactions to it were so different. “You sought a replacement and I did everything I could to reject mine.”

Monique nodded as she recognized their polar opposite behavior.

They fell silent for a bit as they picked at the remnants of their meals. The show continued on the screen but Kyle noted she never turned her eyes back to it.

“I’m going to ask Dale for a divorce.”

Kyle looked up from his plate in surprise.

“What you said about Cameron needing to be willing to deal with his father issues so he could be a better man. I realize I’m guilty of the same unwillingness. I need to clean house. There won’t be a better time.” She looked into Kyle’s troubled eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“I hope you don’t think I was criticizing you-”

“No! I get it! You were only talking about him. I’m the one who saw the similarity.” She noticed he still looked troubled. “Something else?”

“I’m starting to worry that I’m a catalyst for breaking relationships. Fiona and Kimberly on the bike ride in France. I put Gloria’s marriage in jeopardy. Phoebe’s discovery. Now you tell me you’re divorcing your husband. I mean, good for you, but damn I’m beginning to feel like a curse.”

She shook her head as she looked at him seriously. “Kyle, you’re not responsible for the state of the relationships you encounter. If you help people come to terms with how unhappy they are and how they don’t have to remain that way, then your presence isn’t a curse, it’s a blessing!”

Kyle snorted with a doubtful smile. “A blessing? I’m not sure I’d go that far.”

Monique reached across the table and gave his hand a squeeze. “I certainly appreciate your being here.”

“Thank you,” he said, squeezing her hand in return.

She smiled as she recalled the strength in his hands as they massaged her back. Then she remembered the intense tingling they’d caused when he massaged her ass. She pulled back her hand and Kyle released it immediately. They each turned their eyes to look out over the street and watched the sun setting behind the buildings.

“Not the most picturesque scenery but the food makes up for it,” Kyle suggested.

Monique smiled and nodded in agreement. “Did you want dessert?”

He shook his head then hid a yawn behind his hands. “How can I be so tired from doing so little?”

“Sunshine and fresh air will do it every time,” she agreed then Kyle caught her hiding a yawn of her own. “It’s your fault!” she pouted when he grinned at her.

Kyle paid for their meals then they walked out to the strip. The night was still warm so they decided to walk for a while to burn off some of their dinner. They picked up their conversation from earlier in the day and fell into such a comfortable rhythm as they walked they were surprised when they saw their hotel only a short distance away. They smiled at each other as they’d lost track of the time and the distance as they talked.

The rest of the way they remained silent but neither felt awkward about it.

As they passed through the lobby they heard the thump of the club down the hallway.

“Would you like a nightcap?” she asked.

He just grinned and shook his head. “I’d love one, but I can’t. Still healing,” he replied as he pointed to his head.

She winced and bounced her fist gently off her forehead. “Right! Sorry. Forgot.”

He just nodded and they made their way up to the room. She went into the bedroom and he took his sleeping shorts into the guest washroom to get changed. He came out and put the sheets on the pull out bed.

He heard a knock on the bedroom door from inside and smiled. “Decent!” he called out.

She opened the door with a smile and he caught his breath as she looked stunning in her silk nightie with a silk dressing gown over top. He did his best to not let his eyes roam and saw she was doing the same.

“I just wanted to say good night and thanks for listening tonight. It really helped!” she said.

“Your welcome. Thank you for giving me a place to rest my bruised brain,” he returned with a grin.

“You’re most welcome.” She stood there in the doorway looking like she wanted to say something else.

He looked to the bed as a yawn threatened to overtake him. “Have a good night,” he said.

She nodded with a smile as she turned back to her room. “You as well.” The door closed.

Kyle climbed onto the bed and was impressed with the quality of the mattress. He wasn’t feeling any of the springs, or the bed frame underneath. He turned off the light and pulled the sheets up to his chin. Sleep was quick to take him tonight.

Some time later, how much time he couldn’t tell, he heard his name being called out.

“Hnnna! Wha?” he grunted as he jolted awake.

“Were you asleep?” a nervous voice asked. He recognized it as Monique.

He snorted. “Uh… yeah. What’s wrong?”

“I- I can’t sleep. Could… could I sleep in your bed?” she asked.

His brain wasn’t cooperating. “You want to switch beds?” he responded.

“No. I want to sleep in that bed… with you still in it.”

Kyle became wide awake then. “Uh, maybe that’s not such a great idea.”

“Not for sex. I’m just anxious about talking with Dale tomorrow- I mean today. I need sleep. Please,” she begged.

“Oh. Ok. Sure.” He shifted over to the other side and felt her climb onto the bed and slip under the sheets.

“Mmmm! It’s warm on this side,” she said in a little, pleased voice.

He snorted in amusement from the cool side of the bed. “Go to sleep, silly girl.”

A hand gently touched his chest. “Thank you, Kyle.”

He covered her hand with his. “What are friends for?”

She took his hand in hers and rested it on the mattress between them. He heard her sigh and listened to her breathing until it steadied, deepened and he knew she’d drifted off.

A small smile on his face, he allowed himself to drift off once more.

Once the sheets on this side warmed up, that is.

Chapter 11

Sweet perfume and the feel of silk filled his senses as he awoke.

He blinked his eyes and realized he was smelling Monique’s shampoo as her long strands of hair were spread out across his face.

He became aware of where he was… and where she was… and it was good and bad.

He was on his back and she was resting her head between his arm and chest. He felt her slow breaths on his chest. Her exquisitely soft breasts were pressing against his side and he was acutely aware of how good that felt.

Monique’s right arm was thrown across his chest, curling under him to hold him close.

All of this was… good.

What was bad was her right leg was thrown across his groin and the pressure on his morning wood was excruciatingly… good, which was bad. She was also subconsciously grinding herself against his hip as she slept. This was… bad, too.

He needed this to stop.

“Monique? Time to wake. Up and at ’em… Oh god!”

She stretched cat like across his body and trapped his tented erection behind her knee, squeezing it between her thigh and calf.

“Monique, please wake up.”

She smiled as her eyes opened then she took in his tense expression. “What’s wrong?”

“Your leg. You’re gripping my… you need to stop.”

She lifted her head then squeaked as she realized what she was squeezing behind her knee. Involuntarily, she squeezed tighter.

“Geezus!” Kyle gasped.

“Oh! Oh! Oh!” Monique chirped as she panicked.

Kyle was getting desperate as her movements felt too good. “Monique, unclench your leg. Please!”

He looked into her eyes and saw she was frozen. He reached down and lifted her leg to yank his cock from its prison. He slipped from the bed and walked stiffly to the washroom. He closed the door and dropped his shorts. He stepped into the shower, got the water going, and finished what Monique began. It didn’t take long.

He washed himself then stepped out to get dried.

“Kyle?”

“Can we talk when I get out?” he asked through the door.

“Ok.”

He shaved and took care of business before wrapping his towel around his waist and exiting.

She wasn’t there and the bedroom door was closed once more. He took some clothes from his luggage and got changed in the washroom.

He came out and the door was still closed. He popped open his notebook PC and quickly checked his investments. All was good. Once more he thought of the investment he would have included and sighed. He had to let that go.

As he was putting the computer back in his luggage he heard the bedroom door open. He turned to see Monique leaning against the door jamb, watching him with a very guilty look on her face. She had on a very sophisticated shear white top which hinted at the black bra underneath. She combined this with a tight grey pencil skirt which showed off her toned legs. She was obviously dressing for her meeting with Dale.

“Are you ok? You seemed a little freaked out there for a moment,” he said cautiously.

“I am so sorry! I- I don’t have any idea why I did that or what came over me!” she said miserably. Tears began to pool in her lashes.

“Hey! It’s ok! No harm, no foul. Please don’t cry,” he said moving closer.

She was suddenly pressing herself against his chest and crying on his shoulder. He froze momentarily then wrapped his arms around her as she shook. He made soothing noises as he rubbed her back. They remained that way until she finally calmed and pulled back to look up at him with sad eyes. He handed her a tissue and she dabbed at her eyes.

“What brought this on?” he asked gently.

She pouted and looked away then glanced back into his eyes. “I slept so well last night once I joined you out here. I haven’t slept that well in… months if not years. Then I was having such a sexy hot dream only to wake up doing… that to you! I’m so sorry.” She began to well up once more.

“Stop, I said it was ok. Let’s move on,” he said firmly and she sucked in a deep breath to get a hold of herself. She finally nodded and stepped back from him.

He could tell she was still uneasy. “What’s wrong?”

Her eyes flicked to his then away. She sighed. “I’m dreading my meeting with Dale,” she said quietly.

“Does he love you?” Kyle asked.

She looked at him in surprise. Slowly, she nodded.

“Do you love him?”

This time she took longer to respond. “Not enough. Not enough to endure the absences. He loves me but I’ll always be second to his career. To the sport.”

Kyle nodded. “If he loves you, he’ll understand and he’ll want you to be happy. If he doesn’t, then you’re making the right decision anyway.”

She smiled, though her lips trembled.

Kyle released her and went to his luggage to close the bags. “Listen, you have this meeting with Dale and I think I’ll just be in the way for that. I’m going to check into a motel for my last day or two of recuperation. I’ll find one near the north edge of town… then keep heading north-east,” he said with a sad smile.

“Please don’t go!” she cried. He thought he saw a mix of panic and frustration on her face but he just put it down to her nerves.

“What did you expect me to do? Hide in the guest bathroom? Hang out in the lobby?” He held up his hand. “Please. This is hard enough. It’s for the best. You know it is.”

Monique just looked at him with sad eyes so he picked up his bags and turned to face her. “I really hope everything works out for you. You deserve to be happy too!”

She moved forward to give him a soft kiss on the cheek. “Thank you, Kyle. I hope you find your own answers soon.”

He nodded and she opened the door for him.

Kyle made his way down to the lobby then out to the parking lot to where his motorcycle was parked. He mounted the saddlebags then pulled out his cell. He did a little research and found a cheap, clean motel on the north edge of town. The ride there wasn’t too bad but his head was just a little achy when he pulled into the lot. He parked his motorcycle in the spot next to the office window.
He walked into the reception and the friendly face of an older man looked past him to his ride outside.

“Sweet Harley!”

Kyle smiled at the man. “Thanks! I’d like a room for a couple of nights.” He decided to play on the side of caution with his concussion.

“Certainly! I can give you the room right there by the office so you can leave your bike where it’s parked now. We can keep an eye on it and it’s mostly out of the rain.”

Kyle looked out the window at the cloudless sky. “Rain?”

“News reported a big storm coming in tonight. I can feel it in my bones too. Should be a doozie!”

“Oh! Well, sure then. That would be great!” Kyle agreed.

The clerk set him up with the room and Kyle went out to lock his bags in the room. Then he pulled the rain cover over the bike. The clerk gave him a thumbs up through the big plate glass window. He returned it.

That done, Kyle wandered across the road to a diner and got a booth by the window.

“Coffee, hun?” an older waitress asked as she walked up to the booth.

“Large orange juice?” he answered.

“Sure nuff! Ready to order?”

Kyle nodded. “Two eggs over easy, crispy bacon, white toast.”

She looked at him questioningly. “That’s all? Hardly enough there to keep a growing boy alive!”

He smiled and nodded. “That’s all, please.”

“Yer a polite one too!”

He just nodded again and she moved off to place his order.

Kyle listened to the sounds of the families enjoying their breakfasts, happy domestic sounds. He noticed that not all the sounds were happy. A father cursed at his wife to ‘control the brats’ as he left the table. The mother passed along that anger to her kids with some bitter comments.

Kyle did his best to tune out the surrounding conversations from that point on.

Breakfast arrived and the portions were larger than he’d ordered or expected. The waitress just smiled and winked at him. It was more food than he wanted. He ate his fill and when the woman returned he thanked her and asked her for a container to pack the rest to go. She retrieved one for him and he tipped her generously which got him another broad ear to ear smile.

“Have a good day, hun!”

“You as well!” he said with a smile as he headed outside with his container. He didn’t have to worry about lunch at least.

Kyle went to his room and open his laptop. He wasn’t able to spend too much time researching as his headache came back.

Sighing, he shut down the machine and dropped himself on the bed.

He napped and ate the rest of his breakfast when lunch rolled around.

As he sat at the small table he realized how incredibly bored he was. Concussions sucked!

He supposed it was different when he was at the fancy hotel with the pool and someone to talk to.

Even though they really didn’t share much in common in terms of life experiences, he’d really enjoyed speaking with Monique. Intellectually, they were a good fit.

He moved back to the bed and laid down to look up at the ceiling.

His mind took him back to Fiona and he hoped she was well. He really hoped Cameron made a break with his controlling father and took his life back. What frustrated Kyle was, Cam was behaving like he had acted when under Gwen’s control. But he’d learned how to separate himself from her.

Maybe it was harder for Cam because he’d been under his father’s thrall for much longer. More likely, it was because it was his father. That bond had to be much stronger than his had been with Gwen.

Pondering this he nodded off.

The crack of thunder jolted him from his sleep and he looked around quickly at the unfamiliar surroundings of the dark room. The thunder continued with quieter thumps which sounded oddly like-

“Kyle? Are you in there?”

He jumped out of bed and rushed to the door. He opened it to see Monique standing there, dripping wet and shivering.

“Can I c-c-come in?” she asked, teeth chattering.

This broke him from his paralysis. “Oh my god! Yes, come inside!”

She waved behind her and a waiting taxi drove off. She stepped past him and he closed the door with a quick glance up at the dark clouds and torrential rain.

“Get out of those wet clothes and take a hot shower to warm up. I’ll get you some dry clothes!” he said as he guided her back to the washroom. She was shivering and he could hear her teeth chattering. She was still wearing the shear white top which was now completely translucent, her black bra clearly visible.

He gently pushed her into the washroom and rushed to his luggage to pull out the only fleece sweater and comfy PJ bottoms he had. He knocked on the door.

“Decent,” she squeaked and he smiled. He opened the door and she hadn’t taken anything off.

“What’s wrong?” he asked in concern.

She looked at him pitifully. “My f-f-fingers are t-too c-c-cold. I c-c-can’t work the b-b-buttons or zipper.”

“Ah. Ok, don’t mind me then,” he sighed and began undressing her. He undid the buttons down her front and eased the wet garment back over her shoulders. He dropped this in the sink then unzipped the zipper on her skirt and slid it down her legs. The skirt joined the shirt. As he knelt at her feet he undid her shoes. She put her cold hands on the top of his head to brace herself as she stepped out of the shoes. He was shocked at how cold her fingers were.

He gently spun her to face away then slid her panties off. Into the sink they went. He stood and undid the clasp on her bra and that joined the panties.

He turned and got the shower going, nice and hot and helped her step into the tub. She was a little wobbly so he yanked off his shirt and shorts, leaving his underwear on and stepped in with her pulling the curtain closed. He pulled her tight against his chest, shocked by how cold her skin was, and made sure the hot water was spraying over her.

Her hands slipped around to his back and he tried not to jump when her cold fingers landed on his lower back. They stood under the hot spray for long minutes. The hot water and his own body heat finally began to do the job of warming her frozen body.

“How on earth did you get so cold and wet?” he asked against the side of her head.

Her teeth were no longer chattering and he could feel her muscles begin to loosen with the heat. “I tried so many motels to find you. It started to rain and the taxi driver couldn’t or wouldn’t turn off his air conditioner. I got wetter with each motel I checked. Then I saw the motorcycle under the tarp and asked the nice man at the front desk which room was yours.”

“What happened? Why were you looking for me?”

Lovely brown eyes looked up into his. “I told him. I told him I couldn’t go on being the second most important thing in his life.”

“And?”

Her eyes became glassy. “He tried to bargain, to buy my love so I would stay married to him.” She sucked in a breath as a gasp. “To continue to be one of his trophies.”

“I’m so sorry,” Kyle said.

She struggled to get control of herself again. “It’s his competitive nature. He doesn’t like to lose. I once thought that was attractive.” She frowned. “He finally saw how much he was hurting me and he agreed to a divorce. We signed prenup agreements so it’ll be painless. Financially at least. I get to keep the house in Santa Barbara as it was mine to begin with.”

She rested her forehead on his shoulder and let the hot water run over her stiff neck muscles.

Kyle felt her stomach rumble as it was pressed against his.

“Have you eaten?” he asked.

She pulled back to look up at him sheepishly. She shook her head.

“At all?!?” he asked with raised eyebrows.

“When you left I was too upset to eat! Then I had to meet Dale and my stomach was all butterflies. After he finally left I started looking for you. All you said was a motel and north so that’s where I started.”

“You still didn’t answer my question. Why were you looking for me?” he asked gently.

She pouted. “I… I didn’t want to end like we did. You running away because I molested you in my sleep.”

He gave her a skeptical look. “The molesting part didn’t happen until you were awake.”

She gasped as her eyes widened. “So mean!” Her pout became more pronounced.

“Stick that bottom lip out any further and you could land a plane on it,” he said with a wry grin.

“What?” she gasped with wide eyes.

“Just something my mom used to say to me when I was acting spoiled, like you are right now. Out with it, why did you come looking for me?”

She looked at him in frustration. “Fine! I like you, okay! I wasn’t ready to say goodbye! I was really sad when you left because I still wanted to spend time with you!”

He smiled at her flustered expression. “See, honesty is always the best policy!”

“Kiss me?”

The words were so quiet he almost missed them under the sound of the shower’s spray.

He looked into her eyes and saw her fear of rejection.

He’d promised himself he wouldn’t cross the friendship line with Monique. Because he needed friends more than lovers. Because Marion called him a hypocrite. But mostly because she was married and he wasn’t going to become his father.

But here she was, beautiful, willing and naked, in his arms, and… in the process of getting a divorce at least. He felt his resistance crumble.

Kyle slid his fingers up the sides of her neck to sink them into the silky hair at the back of her head. Her eye lids fluttered as her mouth opened with a gasp. He tenderly kissed her soft mouth and she responded with an eagerness that spoke of her need and her loneliness. She leaned into the kiss and pressed her body more firmly against his.

That felt very good and Kyle felt himself begin to respond. He didn’t want to do this in the dinky little shower. He slowed the kiss then pulled back as she swayed gently with eyes closed.

When he began to step out her eyes opened. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to dry off and I’ll meet you in the bedroom,” he replied. She smiled timidly as he closed the curtain.

He took off his wet underwear and rubbed a towel over himself. Then he walked out into the bedroom, pulled the bed spread down then stretched out on the bed.

A short time later timid eyes peeked at him from around the corner. She rushed over and climbed onto the bed next to him. Her hair was still damp and there was so much of it. He smiled as he ran his fingers through it. He now saw why she kept it in a braid. Just to manage it!

She moved to push him onto his back as her lips found his again. Her kiss was bold and demanding and he gave back as good as he got. She was writhing and rubbing her body on his and for just a second his cock slipped into the hot, soft opening of her pussy making her gasp. He took a grip on her hips and pulled himself free.

“Oh god, Kyle! Such a tease!”

“You’re not on the pill are you,” he asked and she blinked at him.

“No.”

He smiled. “That’s why I have protection.” He pointed to the bedside table and the condom on it.

She grinned happily and reached over to get the package. She tore it open and plucked it out of the package. Her stomach growled again.

“Would you like to feed that before we-”

“NO!” she gasped and rolled the condom down his erection. Her movements were almost frantic with her need.

Once it was on Kyle seized her arms and rolled her under his body. She squeaked but he pinned her to the bed.

“Kyle! What are you doing?” she growled.

He rubbed his cock up and down and side to side over her mound and she squirmed and gasped under him. Then he kissed her and slowed the pace. She moaned and her movements became slow and sensual.

He could tell she was ready and he was now slick with her juices so he slid down a little lower on the next grind and slid his cock deep into her heat.

“Oooohhhh fuck yes!” Monique pulled back from the kiss to sigh.

Kyle kept his movements slow and steady with long smooth strokes and Monique’s eyelids fluttered from the intense sensations. When her hips began to twitch he increased his pace, but again, in small increments until she was gasping and clawing at his back, heels hooked behind his ass to pull him deeper.

By then his hips were pumping rapidly, his body slapping hers at the bottom of each stroke sending her into the stratosphere. His release was right there and from her frantic gasping and squealing she was already beginning to crest.

“OhgodKylefuckmesogoodfuckmefuckmefuckme!” she squeaked as her pussy clamped down on his cock.

He held himself tight against her body, rocking side to side to prolong her release as he filled the condom.

A cell phone began ringing and they both jumped then laughed.

“Not mine,” Kyle moaned as he didn’t recognize the tone.

“Bad timing. That’s mine. Fiona’s ringtone. I’ll call her back,” Monique sighed and trembled under Kyle’s body.

She held him tight, enjoying the afterglow and the feel of his hard body on hers. Fiona had been right, he was an exceptional fuck. Now she had an experience she could share with her friend in return.

A loud growl rumbled between their bodies.

Kyle chuckled. “Ok, we’ve put off feeding that hunger of yours long enough.” He eased himself from her body and watched her eyelids flutter as he did. She smiled and purred to him as he moved to the side. He slipped off the bed to move into the washroom where he removed the condom and freshened up. He slipped on his shorts and t-shirt.

As he stepped out he bumped into Monique who grinned at him as she slipped around him to close the door behind her.

Kyle picked up his cell and began looking for local food delivery options.

He heard the bathroom door open and saw Monique come out wearing his PJ bottoms and fleece. She had a big smile on her face.

“What do you feel like? Options are limited,” he asked.

“Pizza?”

He smiled and nodded. “That’s probably our best bet on a night like tonight. What do you like on it?”

“Can I get a Margherita pizza?” she asked.

He frowned as he tried to remember the ingredients. “That’s thin crust, tomato sauce, San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, salt and extra-virgin olive oil?”

She cheered and clapped. “Very good!”

He nodded with a smile and dialed up a place that sounded promising. He placed an order for a medium Margherita pizza, a medium meat lovers pizza, a dozen medium spice chicken wings and two large bottles of water. Then he gave the address, reading it from a card on the coffee table.

“Ok, forty minutes until we eat,” Kyle announced as he hung up.

She patted the mattress beside her and he reclined on it next to her, propping his head up on his hand as he looked into her beautiful dark eyes.

“Where were you going to go next?” she asked.

He dropped himself onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. Monique moved closer to rest against his side so she could still see his face. He pulled a pillow under his head so he could see her without craning his neck.

He sighed. “I hadn’t actually given it much thought. Even though the tourist visa gives me six months, due to my means of transportation I’m going to have to head back to Canada before the weather turns cold up north. I’ll have to be back there by October at the latest as I’ll need to get the motorcycle into a safe storage facility. Then I’ll have to find something to keep myself occupied until December when I’m flying to England to visit Helen Livingston.”

“She’s one of the ladies you met on the bicycle tour?”

Kyle glanced at her saucy little smile and sighed. “Yes. She was on the bike tour in France and invited me to celebrate Christmas with her and her daughter Skye.”

“Right! The threesome!” Monique snickered.

“Hey, come on! It’s not like I’m some kind of gigolo… even if I feel like one sometimes,” he said with a pout.

She reached up and tapped his lower lip with a fingertip. “Land a plane right here.”

He snorted and she giggled.

“Honestly, these things just happened. I wasn’t chasing anyone and I wasn’t trying to get revenge on Gwen by sleeping around. That’s not who I am and not who I want to be. When it happened, it surprised the hell out of me.” He tapped her on her lower lip. “It still does.”

She smiled mischievously then rested her head on his chest and they rested there together in silence for a while.

“What’s next for you?” Kyle asked gently.

Monique sighed heavily and Kyle felt her breath gust out over his chest. She sat up beside him, crossed her legs, and looked down at him with a sad little smile. “I don’t know. I’m trying not to think about it just yet. I- I need to fill my days with something. The English Lit degree I earned in university is useless. I have no idea what I was thinking when I chose that path. I don’t need to work which I get is a huge advantage over most people. I just don’t know what to do with my life.”

“What would make you happy?” he asked.

She shook her head. “I don’t know. I think I may have gotten married so I wouldn’t have to think of what to do with my life. I’d just be a wife.”

“Just be a wife?” he repeated quietly in surprise.

She frowned. “God, now that I say that out loud I hear how vacuous it makes me sound.” Her eyes came up to look into his and he could see tears pooling there. “Dale wanted a trophy and I stepped up into the display case of my own free will.”

“Come here,” Kyle said quietly and she stretched out over him and sniffled. He held her and rubbed her back as she contemplated her poor life choice and the time lost to her lonely self-imprisonment.

They held each other and Kyle ran his fingers through her hair until she nodded off.

The knock on the door made them both jump then smile at each other. Monique rolled off of Kyle and jumped up to disappear into the bathroom as Kyle rolled off the other side of the bed, grabbed his wallet and answered the door.

He paid the driver and accepted the boxes, which were just a little wet from the rain which continued to pour in torrents.

Locking the door, he went back to the bed and set the boxes down.

“Food’s here!” he called out.

Monique reappeared with a smile and they settled down on the bed with the boxes between them.

Monique opened her pizza box and frowned. “Dried basil?”

Kyle looked at her then frowned. “I did tell them fresh basil. I also said a Margherita pizza.”

She gave him a pout and turned the box to him. Sure enough, it was speckled with dried basil with slices of salad tomatoes on it.

“Poor man’s Margherita for sure,” Kyle agreed.

She tried a slice and turned up her nose. “Ugh! It’s terrible!”

Kyle smiled and pushed the box of wings towards her.

Looking at him doubtfully she picked one up and bit into it. Eyes widened and a big smile replaced the frown. She closed up her pizza box and dragged the box of wings directly in front of her.

“They were for both of us you know,” Kyle said with a raised eyebrow and a slight smile.

Monique fake snarled at him to defend her meal.

Kyle snorted in amusement and bit down on his slice of pizza. He sighed happily with his eyes closed as the flavors of the pepperoni, Italian sausage, bacon, and seasoned ground beef blended together on his tongue.

When his eyes opened he saw Monique’s eyes were closed as she enjoyed a slice of his pizza too.

“Hey!”

Her eyes popped open and she began to giggle.

He gave her a fake glare and her giggles erupted into outright laughter.

They ate in silence though she did resort to whimpering cutely to get another slice from his pizza.

When they’d eaten all they could, Kyle dumped the garbage into the garbage can outside his room so ‘the stale food smells wouldn’t stink up the room’ according to Monique.

When he came back inside he caught her using his tooth brush. She smiled mischievously.

“Man! Do you always get your way?” he grumbled. She thought about that and nodded happily.

When he was finished and came out of the bathroom, she was already under the sheets watching him. He spotted his PJ bottoms and the sweater on the floor next to the bed. He picked them up and folded them with an annoyed look for her but she just grinned.
When he got into bed she disappeared under the sheets.

He suddenly felt his shorts tugged down.

“Hey!”

A delicious warmth enveloped his cock and he hissed from the overwhelming sensations her mouth was giving him.

When he grew too stiff for her to force into her throat, she pulled free and gripped the base to keep him at maximum rigidity.

Kyle threw the blanket back and looked at her in exasperation as he panted.

“How many condoms do you have left?” she asked as she gasped for breath as well.

He reached over and snagged the box from the bedside table. Peering inside quickly he looked back at her as he tossed her one. “Nine.”

She smiled as she tore the packet’s corner open with her teeth. “That should be enough.”

Chapter 12

Kyle woke feeling extra tender in sensitive places. His stomach muscles also ached like he’d overdone his daily crunches. Actually, he was going to skip his normal routine as he had a few muscle groups complaining this morning. He glanced over to the end table at the carnage. Four condom wrappers and four tied off used condoms were stuck to the cover of the travel magazine protecting the table’s surface. He grimaced then turned his face to look at the reason for his soreness this morning.

Snoring softly, long silky black hair… everywhere, Monique was still deeply asleep. He shook his head. Her behavior the previous night was so different from how she’d been with the group. He wasn’t sure if she just felt more at ease in a one on one situation or if this was fallout from her breakup with her husband. He was leaning towards the latter. Maybe she was trying to make up for lost time, from all those lonely years waiting for her husband to come back from playing with the boys.

He’d also received this odd impression from her behavior that she’d reverted to her college girl persona. Youthful, enthusiastic, outrageously sexy, but also terribly self-absorbed and greedy. He could almost picture how she’d been back then. If he hadn’t looked to his own needs while he brought her to orgasm time and again, he was sure she wouldn’t have noticed if he was enjoying himself too.

Her ability last night to get him to rebound after the seriously energetic sex surprised him. He was hurting now but her sheer sexiness and teasing got a literal rise out of him again and again. Granted the condom for his last effort was almost empty.

She’d flat out challenged him to man up as she was ready for one more give it your all fuck. He’d somehow managed it and as they both lay gasping for breath, hearts pounding in their chests, she’d gazed over at him with sleepy eyes. Finally, he could tell she was satisfied. She smiled sweetly then promptly fell into an exhausted sleep. He’d only managed to remove the fourth and final condom, place it with the others, and shut off the light before exhaustion claimed him as well.

He stifled his grunt as he gently sat up on the edge of the bed. He picked up the magazine and carried it into the washroom where he gently placed the whole mess into the trash can.

He saw she’d hung her wet clothes and his wet underwear on a line in the shower area last night. His underwear were quick dry so he could pack them away. Her clothes were mostly dry. He quietly moved the clothes out onto the back of a chair then returned to the bathroom and closed the door. Time for a shower.

The hot water felt good on his muscles. He gave himself a good scrub and felt his muscles ache from the workout he’d given them. Shit! It flashed through his mind that he was supposed to be avoiding strenuous activities during his convalescence. He paused in the shower and felt for any residual headache or muddled thoughts but his head was clear and free of pain. Dodged a bullet there.

He moved on to washing his hair and heard the bathroom door open.

“May I use the toilet?” Monique asked plaintively.

“Sure, but don’t flush.”

He did his best to ignore the sounds of her peeing and her whimpers as she did. She flushed and he jumped back as the water suddenly became scalding hot.

“GEEZUS! I said don’t flush!” he yelped as he shut the water off.

She peeked in the curtain. “Why? What happened?”

He looked at her but she really had no idea. She’d probably never stayed in such a low end motel before with substandard plumbing.

“When you flushed you drew most of the cold water to the toilet so the shower suddenly became scalding hot. It happens in these older motels and hotels.”

“Oh! I’m sorry. Are you ok? I didn’t burn anything important did I?” She pulled the curtain all the way open and smiled in admiration at his naked, wet body.

“Hey, you got to play last night.” He gestured to his body. “This is off limits today. Besides it sounds like your fun bits may need a little down time too.”

She burst into giggles. “Fun bits! You say the funniest things!” She continued to eye his firm muscles. “Are you done in there? Is it my turn.”

“I need to rinse off. My shower was rudely interrupted if you recall,” he grumbled and she pouted playfully.

“Can I wait in there?” she asked mischievously.

“No. Just give me 30 seconds of privacy and the shower is yours,” he insisted.

She pouted again so he closed the curtain and got the water running once more. He ducked under the spray and rinsed the remaining shampoo and soap from his hair and body. He felt a hand groping his ass so he gave it a slap and heard a yelp.

He turned off the water and pulled the curtain back to see her looking at him with a frown as she shook her tingling hand.

“No. Means. No,” he said. “Lesson learned.”

He stepped out and grabbed a towel to dry off. She stepped inside and pulled the curtain closed. He went back into the bedroom and pulled on his shorts. Then he opened the front door and stepped outside. The clouds had blown over but there were still a lot of puddles. When the sun rose in the sky the humidity was going to increase as the standing water vaporized. It was already feeling a little warm.

He went back into the room and saw she’d put on her bra and panties. She was looking at him petulantly. He stopped and gave her a raised eyebrow.

“You hurt me,” she sulked.

He sighed. “I think you’re more surprised than hurt. It wasn’t a hard slap and you’d been told I just wanted 30 seconds of privacy. You get your way all the time. Probably have all your life. No one says no to you and when they do you find a way to get what you want anyway. You get them to change their minds or go around them, regardless of their wishes.”

She opened her mouth to deny it but couldn’t. But there was another path. “It’s how you get ahead in life. It’s how to be successful!”

“Sure, it’s one way,” he said and moved to get a t-shirt. He had to stop talking now as the next direction the conversation would go wasn’t going to be pleasant. He noticed he was really getting low on clothes. He was going to need to visit a laundromat soon.

“Will you come back to Santa Barbara with me?”

Kyle turned to look at Monique in surprise. “What?”

Big, dark eyes were watching him nervously. “I’m going home and I want you to come back with me.”

He was sorely tempted just because she looked so damn beautiful and sad at the same time. It was almost instinctual to want to be there for her but he was aware that’s what she did. She used her beauty to get her what she wanted. She didn’t say she’d like him to come with her, she said she wanted it. There was a difference.

“Let’s talk about it over breakfast,” he suggested.

“Back at my hotel?” she asked.

“No, at the diner across the street.”

She blinked. “A diner?” He just smiled and nodded.

Her top was dry enough but her skirt still needed a few more hours to be dry enough to wear so he loaned her a pair of black board shorts. The drawstring waist meant they could be made to fit. Her legs drew the eyes away from the shorts anyway. And that was the last of his clothes.

“I have to hit a laundromat,” he muttered to himself.

They made their way across the street and got a booth by the window.

“Good morning, hun! Large orange juice?”

Nodding, Kyle smiled up at the waitress who’d served him the day before. She gave him a wide smile of her own.

“Coffee please. Black,” Monique said as she flashed the woman a quick smile.

As she had the pot in her hand the waitress poured a cup for Monique and gave them menus. She smiled once more to Kyle before moving on.

“What’s good here?” Monique asked, looking around.

“It’s breakfast food. It’s all good,” he replied.

They scanned the one page menu and gave their orders as the waitress passed by once more.

They sat and looked out the window for a while, just watching life on the edge of the city start its day. Kyle knew Monique was waiting for his answer but he wasn’t in any hurry. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it. He sighed.

“So, will you come back with me?” she asked once her patience ran out. He was impressed it lasted as long as it did.

“Why do you want me to?” he asked.

“I wasn’t expecting to have to beg,” she pouted.

“Please stop that.”

She blinked. “What?”

“The pouting. You do it a lot,” he said with a sigh. “It’s almost irresistible. Almost.”

She didn’t know whether to look sad or smile. She seemed a little off balance.

“I’m just asking what your intentions are. What are your expectations?” he said gently.

She reached across and took his hand. “I like being with you. You’re fun. Easy to talk to. You’re great in bed!” she finished with a grin then giggled as the waitress had just returned with their meals at that moment. Monique released his hand and sat back but she kept her eyes on him.

Kyle’s face was heating up as the waitress gave him a grin.

Once more she’d loaded his plate. There was nothing extra on Monique’s plate.

With a second glance back, the waitress moved on but Kyle saw her pause to say something into the ear of another waitress who glanced over and grinned.

“And it’s really sweet how embarrassed you get when complimented,” Monique finished.

“Only about the sexy stuff. That’s supposed to be private,” he whispered then began to eat.

She watched him for a bit then started in on her own breakfast. She smiled as the food was very good.

“You haven’t answered me,” she said after a bit.

“I wanted to be clear if you were looking for a relationship,” he replied. He gestured to the extra scrambled eggs on his plate and she nodded with a smile. He dumped the eggs onto her plate.

She looked at him cautiously. “If I said I was hoping for the same arrangement you had with Fiona, would that upset you?”

He sipped at his juice. “No, but if I were to go back the others would be there to. I was very close with them. Are you looking for exclusivity?”

She considered that. “I- I’ve never had to share a lover before.”

Kyle sighed and rubbed the back of his neck as the older waitress seemed to be passing by at the most opportune times. Her smile now was almost splitting her face.

“Maybe we should talk about this later.”

Monique’s phone was ringing in her purse. Same ring tone. “Shit! I forgot to call Fiona back!” she said as she dug her phone out.

“Hello?… I’m still in Las Vegas. Yes, he’s here with me… WHAT? Oh my god Fiona! What happened?… I’m so sorry! Is he all right?… Where are you?… But you’re going home?… Tonight? Ok, I’ll be there when you get home!… Hold on, I’ll ask.” She looked across the table. “Cameron’s in the hospital. He’s been shot, not life threatening but his father is dead and Cameron’s going to be charged. Fiona needs you to give the police a statement about the investment deal. Will you come back to Santa Barbara with me?”

Kyle was stunned. What the hell did Cameron do? He nodded to Monique.

“Yes, he’ll be there… I love you too. See you tonight.” She hung up.

“What happened?” Kyle asked.

Monique shook her head. “She didn’t give me any details. She’s in Austin, Texas right now but she has to go home as her parents need her home for something.”

“Geezus. Ok, so… you fly back and I’ll get there when I can on my bike,” Kyle said slowly as he worked out the logistics. She was nodding too.

He flagged down the waitress who picked up the tension and worry on their faces and worked out their bill quickly. Kyle paid and tipped her well.

“I hope whatever’s worrying you works out,” the woman said kindly as he passed her on the way out.

He gave her a smile and thanked her as he walked outside. They crossed the road back to the motel and Monique slipped out of his shorts and back into her skirt.

She grimaced. “It’s still a little damp.”

“Ok, I’ll see you back there. Fiona’s place?”

She nodded then looked at him closely. “Are you ok to ride? How’s your head?”

He smiled. “It’s good. I’ll be fine.”

She used her cell to order a cab and waited by the window as he changed into his jeans and leather chaps.

“Something about a man in leather,” she purred from the window then turned her head as she saw the cab. “Oh! That’s me.”

He walked over to the door and she stepped into his arms and kissed him. “I’m glad you’re coming back to Santa Barbara.”

“We never finished our discussion and now it has to wait,” he said.

She nodded. Then she was out the door and into the cab.

Kyle finished packing and took the tarp off of his Harley and packed it away. Then he locked the bags on and checked out of the hotel. He pulled on his leather jacket and rode through Vegas to its western edge where he fueled up before heading off. It was going to be a long ride.

-=-

It was close to 4PM by the time Kyle pulled into the driveway of Fiona’s condo. The traffic across the top of Los Angeles had been insane. He was exhausted, gritty, thirsty, and his head ached. Nothing serious and nothing a good night of solid rest wouldn’t cure. First a drink of water, a shower, then sleep.

He knew he was kidding himself about getting to sleep any time soon. Parked in front of Fiona’s garage door were two other cars. A sporty black SUV and a small Japanese import hatchback. If he had to guess, the SUV was Monique’s and the fuel efficient car was Phoebe’s. He didn’t see the motorcycles so Charlize and Chloe were probably still working at the clinic.

He took his helmet off and locked it to the bike then climbed up the stairs. He didn’t even have to knock as the door flew open and Fiona was in his arms. She burst into tears and he held her tight as he looked past to the two women joining them at the door. Monique had a compassionate smile on her face but Phoebe was making no effort to keep her happiness at seeing him again from lighting up her face. He returned her smile as he rubbed Fiona’s back.

“Let’s go inside, hmmm?” he murmured. Gently, he got Fiona moving and walked her back into her home. Monique locked up behind them and the group made their way into the living room to sit on the couches. Phoebe gave Fiona a fresh tissue which she used to dab her eyes.

Kyle glanced to the others then looked Fiona in the eye. “You’re home. You’re safe. You’re surrounded by friends. Take some deep slow breaths. That’s good. Feeling relaxed?” Fiona nodded. “Good. Can you tell me what happened?” She nodded again and gave him a trembling smile.

“Cam and I flew to Austin. He showed me around then we went to his family estate. What you said about his father, it really got under his skin. He needed to speak to his father about the company you’d planned on investing in, the one he bought out. I waited in a lounge while they spoke in the study. He was gone for a long time so I went to find him. I heard yelling then a shot. I froze. There was a crashing sound, more yelling and a second shot. Then silence. I went inside and Cam was on the floor, unconscious. His father was behind the desk, also on the floor but dead.” She squeezed her eyes shut. “I called 911.”

“You spoke to the police?” Kyle asked and she nodded.

“I told them about the investment. I told them what you said to Cam about his father, about his need to see Cam fail, how Cam didn’t believe you and hit you. They want to speak to you.” She had a desperate look in her eye so he just nodded and she sagged, resting her forehead against his shoulder with her eyes closed.

“Did you get any sleep?” he asked gently.

She shook her head slightly. “Parents are flying in tonight. 10pm. They need to speak to me.”

With a stern look Kyle scooped her into his arms and stood. She squealed in surprise but he just walked out of the living room and up the stairs to her bedroom. He set her on her feet beside the bed and tugged the sheets down.

“Lie down. You need rest before they get here. If you’re exhausted you won’t be able to make smart decisions,” he said firmly.

Fiona looked at him with sad eyes and he kissed her forehead.

“Everything’s going to work out. It’ll feel that way for you too if you get some rest,” he said calmly as he held her eyes.

She finally nodded and climbed onto the bed. Kyle tucked her in under the sheets and sat on the edge of the bed. He ran his fingers over her scalp and she sighed with a little smile. He continued the massage until she faded which was only a matter of a few minutes. He watched her for another minute then closed the door behind himself as he stepped out of the bedroom.

He went down the stairs and outside to his motorcycle. He brought the bags inside and went straight to the laundry room. He doubted Fiona would mind him doing his laundry. Everything but a pair of clean shorts went into the machine. He saw he was alone so he stripped and tossed what he was wearing in the machine too.

There was a guest bathroom across from the laundry room with a small shower so, carrying his shorts and toiletry kit, he quickly stepped across and locked the door. He took a quick but hot shower until he felt squeaky clean. After drying himself he pulled the shorts on and shaved to feel human again. He went back to the laundry room and returned his kit back to the saddlebag.

When he reached the living room he saw Monique had an angry look on her face but Phoebe’s expression was more confused and hurt. “What’s wrong?”

Monique locked eyes with him, as if daring him to lie. “You had sex with her!”

Kyle rocked back and looked at her incredulously. “What? Where the hell did that come from?” he blurted.

Her conviction turned to doubt in a flash. “You didn’t?” she squeaked.

“Of course not!” he exclaimed.

“But you were gone so long and you’re almost naked-”

“I put her to bed, then came downstairs to do my laundry, and took a quick shower!” Kyle growled indignantly.

Phoebe’s smile had returned and looked just a little smug but Monique was realizing she’d just fucked up.

“I need some water,” he snapped and glared back at Monique when she made to follow. “Don’t!”

As he strode from the room he heard Phoebe start in on her suspicious friend. “I told you he was too good of a person to pull machismo bullshit like-”

“He carried her out of the room like Tarzan!” Monique snapped back then Kyle was in the kitchen and doing his best not to listen. He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and drank it all. As he rested back against the counter he could still hear them arguing. He didn’t understand Monique’s sudden burst of belligerence.

He needed some air. He made his way to the front door, unlocked it and stepped outside. Kyle stopped as Dale Albright finished climbing the stairs and looked at him in surprise. Kyle’s expression froze.

Dale took in his lack of clothes and gave him a crooked smile. “Kyle MacDenny? Fiona’s friend, right?”

Kyle just nodded.

The older man smiled and held out his hand. “Dale Albright. Monique’s husband.”

Not ex. Not soon to be divorced. There was no sign of despair, loss, bitterness, anger, or any of the emotions Kyle might have expected to see.
Kyle’s head was beginning to ring. “Yes… she mentioned you.”

Dale looked him up and down and laughed. “I sure hope she did!” His laughter calmed and his expression turned serious. “I just got home and listened to the message Fiona left on our answering machine. I came over right away. I knew Monique would be with her best friend.” He frowned in concern. “Hey, you aren’t looking too good. Are you ok?”

Kyle nodded shakily. “Did… did you speak with Monique in Las Vegas?”

Dale’s eyebrows went up. “Yes… we spoke on the phone a few days ago. Why?”

Kyle’s stomach began to cramp, badly. “You didn’t meet her at her hotel yesterday?”

The older man frowned at him. “I was in Denver until last night. What’s this about? Is Monique ok?” he asked with a genuine concern that sent a spike through Kyle’s guts. He found himself nodding to ease the man’s mind while his own was spinning out of control.

His thoughts flashed back to Monique’s confession in the Mexican restaurant, the troubled night on the foldout, and the anxiety and tears she’d shown him the following morning. It all felt… so real! The surprise encounter at the motel, her desperation to find him, the subsequent… activities, his mind reeled at the scope of the lie. He’d fallen for it completely as she’d been so damn convincing. Maybe… maybe he’d just wanted to believe.

That final thought was enough to send Kyle’s stomach contents racing upwards.

He barely managed to get to the railing before he heaved over it onto the driveway below. He’d had very little for lunch so it was mostly water.

“Easy, easy son. Let it out.” Dale said calmly, bracing Kyle so he didn’t fall over the railing.

Finally, Kyle couldn’t heave anymore and Dale eased him back down to sit on the step and handed him a tissue. Kyle accepted it and wiped his mouth. “Sorry,” he croaked.

The older man touched his forehead with the back of his hand. “I don’t feel a fever. Stomach flu? Food poisoning?”

Kyle looked the man in the eye and wondered if he was going to be hit by him. He didn’t want another concussion but he wasn’t going to lie to the man. He looked away.

“Would you say Monique is a determined person? A person who focuses on what she wants and gets it?” he asked weakly.

Dale blinked in surprise at the odd question then laughed as he thought about it. “Oh yes! She can be a spoiled little brat. She doesn’t like being told no.”

“While we were in Vegas, I got punched in the head, twice in two days, and was diagnosed with a mild concussion-”

“AH!” Dale said, thinking this explained his vomiting but Kyle shook his head.

“Everyone was coming back to Santa Barbara but I wasn’t able to ride my motorcycle. Monique told us that you were coming to Las Vegas and she was staying behind to see you.”

“What?” the man said in confusion.

“Bear with me a moment. Monique let me use the fold out bed in her suite’s living room. I wasn’t allowed to do anything but rest so we relaxed by the pool and talked. It was really nice. At dinner that first night she told me you two were having trouble in your marriage. Then she told me she was going to ask you for a divorce when you came to the hotel the next day. I moved to a motel to give you both privacy.”

Dale’s expression was stony as he held Kyle’s eyes intently.

“This is where I ask you not to hit me. Not in the head at least.”

The man watched him grimly but nodded slightly.

“I don’t- I won’t be with a married woman. My parent’s marriage ended with infidelity and I promised myself I’d never become my father. Fiona knew that. Monique would have known as Fiona tells her everyting.”

He glanced again at Dale and the man still didn’t look like he was about to punch him so he continued.

“Monique came to my motel last night, soaking wet and frozen, looking pitiful. She told me she’d done it. She’d met with you, you talked, and you two were getting divorced.”

“Why would she say that?” Dale asked gruffly.

Kyle looked at him helplessly. “Fiona boasted about having sex with me to her friends but now that she’s with Cam… I think… I think Monique wanted a turn. So she could share the experience with her bestie. But, she was married so… she played me. All the lies. All the emotional triggers. I’ve never been so skillfully manipulated.” Kyle shook his head in disbelief. “It’s staggering.” He looked at the man whose face was clearly showing his inner turmoil as disbelief battled his knowledge of how his wife’s mind worked.

“I’m so sorry. I would never have allowed this to happen if I’d known the truth. If she hadn’t been so damn convincing.”

“Beautiful.” Dale muttered.

Kyle paused then nodded. “Yes, it’s one of her strongest weapons,” he agreed with a frown.

Dale suddenly looked lost. “I- I’ve never been able to refuse her anything. But… this is the first time she’s ever cheated on me… I think.”

“God, I feel so… guilty and sick… and furious, all at the same time,” Kyle snarled then he froze as he looked into Dale’s eyes. “Wait, why did she ask me to come back to Santa Barbara if you were going to be here?”

Dale nodded as his expression became bleak. “I wasn’t supposed to come home this weekend as I’m going to training camp for the next two months. She sounded a little off the last time I called her so I thought I’d surprise her.”

Kyle looked away and his jaw muscles jumped in his cheek. “Geezus.”

“I’d love to blame you and contribute to your concussion but I don’t think you deserve it and I’m not willing to lie to myself. I’m too old for that shit. My age is also likely part of the reason she did it. I’m sure not everything she told you about our marriage was a lie. We have been having difficulties, largely because of my schedule. She’d include those truths to make what she said easier to believe.” He waved his hand when Kyle went to speak. “Let’s go inside and say hello.” Dale stood and helped Kyle to his feet. “You go in first. I want to see her surprised look and see how she handles this.

Kyle nodded and took a deep breath to calm some of his trembling. He quietly opened the door and walked down the hall until he reached the living room. Dale waited back by the door.

Monique leapt to her feet as Kyle entered the doorway but he held up his hand to prevent her from approaching. Phoebe looked between them oddly.

“I’m so sorry, Kyle. I- I just got confused by how you handled Fiona. I should have known better.” Monique gushed.

Phoebe was watching, trying to figure out why Monique was acting possessive. “What happened after we all left?”

Kyle made to answer but Monique spoke first. “Nothing!” At Kyle’s surprised look she hastily continued. “I mean we relaxed, ate good food, and talked a lot.”

He looked at her questioningly. “What happens in Vegas…?” Monique was giving him an intense look to be quiet.

“Oh my god! You had sex with Monique?” Phoebe asked in surprise, staring at Kyle.

“Ah, she didn’t tell you about her divorce?” Kyle asked. Phoebe’s eyes flew to Monique in surprise.

“I haven’t told anyone anything Kyle. That’s the point. She was just guessing and you gave it away,” Monique said in flustered annoyance.

“I don’t understand. You asked me to come back with you to Santa Barbara, even before Fiona’s troubles. You never said I’d need to keep what happened a secret,” he said reasonably.

Monique looked at him for a moment and he could see the wheels turning. She was probably wondering just how little she could say to appease her friend’s curiosity while leaving her wiggle room. She nodded. “Ok, I didn’t. Right.” She looked to Phoebe. “Kyle and I had sex in Las Vegas.” Her lips closed and she was done.

“Because you’re getting divorced. I’d never ruin a marriage,” Kyle said and looked at Phoebe who was looking more comfortable with him but was still giving Monique a confused look.

“When did you decide to get a divorce? I thought you and Dale were doing well, aside from his busy schedule,” Phoebe asked.

“She spoke with Dale in Las Vegas when he came to visit her and he agreed to the divorce,” Kyle offered before Monique could speak.

“Really?” Phoebe asked.

Monique was painted into a corner and looked distinctly uncomfortable. She looked to Kyle but he just held her eyes expectantly. Finally, she answered. “Yes, yes he did.”

Phoebe looked back to Kyle and frowned. “Still, that was pretty quick for you to jump into bed with her.”

Kyle smiled sadly as he relived the night of the Great Lie. “It was the moment. Showing up at the door of my motel in a thunderstorm, soaking wet and freezing. She looked so lost… so sad and lonely. And after all those years of neglect too. It was too much. My resistance crumbled. I guess I’m a sucker for a sob story.” That last line came out a little more bitter than he’d intended.

Monique became indignant. “It wasn’t a sob story! After what I went through, it was a plea for help and you were there for me in my hour of need- DALE!”

“Hello, Monique,” the older man said with a sad smile as he walked into the room. “If you were that unhappy, if you wanted a divorce, you could have just spoken with me about it.”

“What?” Phoebe asked, her voice tapering off in her confusion.

Dale turned his eyes to her. “I was never in Las Vegas. Actually, let’s all be completely open and honest for a moment. The first time I heard of the divorce was when I met Kyle out on the front steps minutes ago. He was rather surprised to see me and confessed the events of the last few days. Everything.”

Monique’s eyes went to Kyle and he was surprised to see the raw hate there. “Hang on a minute. You’re mad at me?”

“I think Monique and I need to talk and we should have that talk elsewhere,” Dale said.

Kyle tore his angry gaze from Monique to look at Dale. “Remember, she always gets what she wants.” he ground out.

“Not this time,” Dale said sadly.

She huffed and looked away from Kyle, eyes darting to Dale. Kyle imagined she was already working on a plan to salvage this and his stomach turned once more.

“Come on,” Dale said and Monique lifted her chin and left the room with as much dignity as she could.

When Kyle heard the door thump closed he trembled with unspent rage.

“So… she lied to you about getting a divorce just so she could have sex with you?” Phoebe asked incredulously.

“You’d have to ask her for her reasons but that was the end result. After my mistake with Gloria, there’s no other way I’d have agreed to being with her. She’s married. So she wove a very convincing story of being neglected and how she was divorcing her husband. She created this lie over two days. The night she found me in the motel was… grand theater. She’s got what it takes to be an actor. She lies with no sign of conscience at all. She gets what she wants with no thought of the consequences.” He grimaced and thumped his forehead with his fist in frustration.

“KYLE! Don’t do that! You just had a concussion!” Phoebe exclaimed.

He looked at her in embarrassment. “Right, sorry.” They sat opposite each other on the couches. He sighed then frowned as he realized someone was missing from this situation. “Where are Charlize and Chloe?” he asked.

Phoebe’s expression turned awkward. “Fiona didn’t call Charlize.”

Kyle frowned. “Why not?”

Phoebe was having difficulty not staring at Kyle’s bare chest. “Since she started going out with Chloe, it’s been uncomfortable to be with her,” Phoebe confessed.

“What? What are you talking about?” Kyle blurted.

Phoebe’s look became a little defiant. “She’s gay. All those years and she didn’t tell us! It feels like she’s been lying to us all that time!”

Kyle leaned forward and her eyes went to his chest once more. He wished he had at least one clean shirt to cover himself. “Is it because she’s attracted to women or that she didn’t tell anyone? Those are two entirely different issues.”

Phoebe blinked and looked to the stairs to the bedrooms. Then she looked at Kyle. “I can’t speak for the others. You know my issue with lying. How Linus lied to me every day we were together. I’m intensely sensitive to that now.”

“I get that but you have to understand, it’s the intention behind the lie that makes the difference. Linus’s lie was malicious. He was pretending to be someone he was not.”

“Same as Charlize-”

“No! Charlize is still Charlize. She hasn’t changed. The only thing she withheld was an attraction to women. Charlize loves you guys as friends but she was worried about being cast out of the group if it was discovered she likes women too. Perhaps she’d heard some of you express less than supportive opinions on the subject? I’ve heard you speak negatively about lesbians-”

“I’ve never-”

“You were drunk. You wanted me to have sex with you. When I refused you lashed out at me and them, claiming I’d sleep with lesbians but not you. Not that it makes any difference, but you do realize that Charlize and Chloe are Bi?” He gave his head a shake to get back on point. “What’s important here is that there was no evil intent behind her silence. Just a fear that this shunning would happen. You and the others need to rise above this. Don’t lose a genuine friend.”

Kyle paused as that thought resonated with him and he had to take a few deep breaths. “You need friends like that. Monique probably won’t emotionally manipulate you or Fiona but I won’t ever trust her again.” He looked away as a flash of bitterness surged through him. “I never want to see her again.”

Phoebe looked troubled again.

Kyle sighed as he shook off the negative emotions. “Well… shit. Coming back turned into a huge disappointment,” he said wearily. “The beginning of this visit showed such promise. I met all these wonderful friends of Fiona’s and I got to see this part of the country but recent events have… really soured the experience. I’m also no closer to figuring out what I should be doing with my life.”

They sat in silence for a while until Kyle heard the washing machine chime indicating it was done. He got up and moved the wet laundry into the dryer.

When he came back out Phoebe was gone. He felt bad about that too but her rejection of Charlize and Chloe depressed him. He’d thought of all of Fiona’s friends, Phoebe was the one most in tune with her spirituality and openness. She should have been more accepting of alternate lifestyles.

He dropped himself on the couch and rested his head back. The house was quiet and he listened to the muted rumble of the dryer until it lulled him to sleep.

Soft lips kissing his cheeks brought him up from the depths of his sleep. He was being kissed by at least two deliciously soft women who were leaning on him from both sides. His eyes fluttered open and he smiled widely as Charlize and Chloe grinned down at him. He looked between them and saw Phoebe standing a short distance away with a happy smile on her face. He gave her a grateful smile and nodded making her smile widen with joy.

“I thought we’d never see you again!” Charlize said and gave him a poke in the chest.

“Hey!” he yelped.

“That’s for making us so sad!” she pouted.

“I missed you two as well.”

Charlize’s expression turned serious. “Listen, Phoebe told us what you did for us. She understands and accepts us. She also accepts my reasons for staying silent for all those years. She’s going to speak on our behalf to Fiona. I can’t thank you enough! These bitches mean the world to me and I don’t want to lose my friends!”

Kyle smiled and nodded to them. Not satisfied with that Charlize took his face in her hands and kissed him sweetly.

The moment she moved back Chloe was right there taking a kiss of her own. Hers was a little more desperate. She moaned a little as he sucked on her bottom lip. When she pulled away, Charlize was guiding Phoebe towards him. He stood and wrapped his arms around her and she trembled as she was pressed up against the muscles of his bare chest. He tipped her face back and kissed her tenderly as well. “Thank you for restoring my faith in you!” Kyle said quietly once the kiss was done. Her face flushed with joy once more.

He released her and smiled at the three women. “I should get dressed.”

“No!” Phoebe and Charlize said in unison as Chloe shook her head vehemently. Giggles burst from them.

“Yes,” he said with a crooked smile. As he walked from the room he tugged the back of his shorts down to flash them and grinned at the squeals he heard. He dumped his dried laundry into a basket he found in the room and carried it out to the living room. Happy eyes tracked his return.

He set the basket down and quickly and efficiently rolled all of the clothes inside. He set aside clothes he’d wear tonight. He wondered how much time he had before Fiona’s parents arrived.

Charlize came to stand beside him. “Not to be a downer but Phoebe told us what Monique did to you. That was some major head games. I’m really sorry she abused your trust like that,” she said.

Kyle just nodded stiffly as it was still too raw for him. He turned and went back to the laundry room to collect his saddlebags and carried them out to the living room. Fiona was there facing away from him and Phoebe was standing close to her speaking quietly. Charlize stood by looking nervous. He stopped in the entrance and waited as he didn’t want to distract them. A few moments later Fiona opened her arms and Charlize was there immediately getting a fierce hug. Tears were shed and Chloe received a hug as well, generating more tears.

When it seemed safe to do so Kyle walked into the room with his luggage and smiled at the friends.

“Ooo!” Fiona purred as she saw him in only his shorts. “Now I see the source of all these warm and fuzzy emotions!”

He smirked at her. “Cute.”

She grinned broadly then looked around. “Where’s Monique?”

Kyle’s smile dropped away and he moved to his rolled laundry and began to pack it away in the bags. Fiona looked at him in surprise.

Taking this as her cue, Phoebe once more pulled Fiona close and filled her in on what her other friend had been up to in Las Vegas after they all left.

Kyle did his best not to listen as it just made him sick and angry to hear how he’d been manipulated so skillfully. Charlize and Chloe moved closer to hear the explanation once more.

He moved his saddlebags to the entrance to the hall leading to the front door. He wasn’t sure where he was sleeping tonight. He felt Fiona suddenly hug him from behind and press her cheek to his back.

“I’m so sorry she did that to you!” she gushed as she held him tight.

“Thank you,” he said with a rough voice.

She released him though her hands lingered a little on his stomach muscles. She turned to face Phoebe. “Where is she now?”

“She left with Dale.”

Kyle collected the clothes he’d set aside and walked back to the guest bathroom to get dressed. He was still too upset to stick around and listen to them talk about Monique. He thought about that and came to the sick realization that the beauty had gotten into his head. Was it the thrall he’d been under with Gwen? Was he just looking for a replacement for her? A shudder went through him. This felt like a step backwards in his healing process.

He dressed as he worried about that. Was he following a cycle of falling for manipulative women?

He walked back out to the living room and eyes turned to him. “What’s wrong?” Fiona asked, seeing his disturbed expression.

He shook his head and forced his concerns into the background. “So I get to meet the ‘rents!” he said with a slight smile.

Fiona blinked at him then the lights went on behind her eyes. “Oh! Parents! Yes! They should be here shortly.”

“Any idea what they wanted to talk about?” he asked.

She just shook her head.

“Do you want us to leave so you can speak privately to them?” Phoebe asked.
She shook her head. “I’ll just take them into the office.”

They took seats and relaxed.

“How is Cam?” Kyle asked.

“He was shot in the back but nothing vital was hit. He lost a lot of blood.” She looked troubled. “It’s his mood I’m worried about. His father shot him then was killed after fighting with him. He blames himself.”

“It’s part of his programming. His dad did a number on him like Gwen did on me.” While he wanted to avoid thinking about it, he went over his memories of his night with Monique and he recalled he’d actually rejected some of her moves. So maybe he wasn’t really falling under her control. That knowledge made him feel a little better about himself.

The doorbell rang and Fiona immediately headed off to get it. When she returned she was leading an older couple, maybe in their late fifties, early sixties. It was difficult to tell precisely as both had had ‘work done’, on their faces at least. Fiona’s mom likely had other cosmetic uplifts as her chest was fuller and higher than he’d expect such a slim, older woman to have. Her father just had that trapped in a wind tunnel look, where his facial skin was pulled back a little too far for it to look natural. Kyle hoped he had the strength to resist doing this to himself when he aged.

Fiona made the introductions. There was a stiffness in them like they immediately disapproved of her choices of friends. Fiona then ushered them directly into the office and closed the door. Kyle noticed the parents had left their suitcases in the entrance to the hallway next to his saddlebags. So they were likely staying the night. He immediately felt uncomfortable about staying here as well.

“I’m going to put my bags back on my bike,” he said as he began to move towards them.

“You’re not staying with Fiona?” Phoebe asked in surprise.

He turned back to her. “I think Mom and Dad will be staying and that would feel… awkward.”

“You picked up on that too?” Charlize said with a grin.

He nodded then carried the bags outside and locked them on the motorcycle. While he was outside he hosed down the driveway where he’d heaved earlier.

He went back inside and saw the others were on their way out. “Do you have anything else of yours inside?” Phoebe asked and he shook his head as his eyebrows climbed. She pointed to the front door. He turned and went back outside. Charlize and Chloe joined him and Phoebe locked the door with the spare key.

“What happened?” he asked.

Phoebe sighed. “We heard some sharp words then Fiona poked her head out the office door and said she was going to be a few hours. She asked if I could host you at my place tonight.”

“I don’t want to put anyone out. I can stay at a motel,” Kyle said.

Phoebe gave him a small hopeful smile. “I’d welcome the company. The house is so quiet now.”

Charlize and Chloe were pouting. “We didn’t know you’d be coming back to town. We’re dog sitting this week for one of our partners. The dogs aren’t friendly with strangers,” Charlize said. “How long will you be here? We’d like to get together with you before you leave.”

Kyle moved forward and hugged them. “Fiona needs me to speak with the police to give a statement.” He shrugged. “I don’t know how long I’m going to stick around after that. I don’t want to see Monique again.” He took a deep breath to ease the tightness in his chest. “It just… feels like I’m prolonging the pain of parting.” He frowned and looked away. “Too much pain.”

Looking at him sadly, Charlize and Chloe swung a leg over their motorcycles and pulled on their helmets. With nods they started up their rides and pulled away.

“So… will you be my guest tonight?” Phoebe asked timidly.

He turned his eyes to her and nodded. She gave him a smile and moved to her car.

Kyle got on his bike and followed Phoebe as she drove down the hill into a neighborhood of small, closely packed homes. She pulled her car up beside the curb and pointed to a driveway. Kyle drove his motorcycle up the lane next to the house and Phoebe moved her car in behind him.

He grabbed his bags from the bike and followed her into the small bungalow.

A sleek coated, chocolate brown Siamese cat rushed up to them to see who’d entered the house. It looked at Kyle then dashed away.

“You aren’t allergic to cats are you?” Phoebe asked cautiously.

He smiled. “No.”

“You probably won’t see much of Aisha. She’s very shy around strangers,” Phoebe explained.

He looked around and saw her place was small but very warm and inviting. “Uh, where should I put my bags?”

Phoebe looked at him with another hopeful expression. “I thought we could share the bed- like we did back in Las Vegas,” she hastened to add to ease his mind.

He looked into her eyes to ensure she wasn’t manipulating him as Monique had, but of course she wasn’t. She was nothing like Monique. He nodded and a grateful and happy smile lit up her face.

He followed her down the short hall to the small bedroom and set his bags down on the floor. The queen-sized mattress was on a low platform and the tables next to the bed were equally short. Phoebe caught his raised eyebrow and curious look and smiled.

“We saw this low profile furniture at a shop in San Francisco and fell in love with it. I purged a lot of items Linus collected and contributed but I love this set too much to let it go,” she explained.

“I guess you don’t worry about falling out of bed,” he said with a grin.

She giggled and glanced at him happily as she shook her head.

They made their way back out to the compact living room and he sat on the comfy couch amongst the colorful cushions. He smiled up at her.

“Hungry?” Phoebe asked but Kyle’s stomach was still too jumpy so he shook his head. “I have herbal tea.”

“Tea would be very nice. Thank you,” he said with a smile.

With a smile and a nod, she turned and quickly hustled off to the kitchen and busied herself with preparing the tea.

As Kyle waited he looked around the room and saw blank spots on the walls where pictures had obviously once hung. There was a bookcase with gaps in the collection and spaces where knickknacks might have once sat. These were memories Phoebe no longer wanted. He shook his head, unable to comprehend the desire to live with such a horrible lie.

The Siamese suddenly hopped up on his lap and stared at him with blue eyes. Kyle stroked his hand over the cat’s back and it plunked down on his lap, purring deeply. He continued to run his hands over its head to its back until Phoebe returned with a tray in her hands.

“Oh! You’ve made a friend!” she said with a surprised smile.

The cat jumped down and made her way into the kitchen, tail raised haughtily.

Phoebe set the tray down and served Kyle a mug of tea. Then she offered him a plate of digestive biscuits. He smiled and took one. He hadn’t had one of these since he was a child and had a stomach ache. His mom picked them up for him on her way back from work.

“Kyle? Are you ok?”

He looked up into Phoebe’s concerned eyes and realized he’d been staring at the small biscuit. He cleared the frown from his face. “Sorry, my mind took me to a memory of my mom.” He raised the cookie in his hand and smiled. “She bought me these once when I had a stomach flu.”

“A good memory?” she asked.

He nodded. “Yes, almost all of my memories of her are good. I miss her. I wish I could talk to her… especially now.” He’d welcome her wise guidance in his quest to find his way.

Phoebe picked up her mug and a biscuit and sat on the couch, curling her legs under her as she faced him. She took a bite of the cookie and a sip of the tea as Kyle did the same. After she swallowed she tilted her head. “What would you say to her? Pretend I’m her.”

Kyle looked back at Phoebe then pulled his leg up onto the couch to turn and face her. “Ok. I think… I think I’d start by asking if she was disappointed in me.”

Phoebe looked at him in surprise. “Why would she be disappointed?”

He looked down into his tea and thought about that. “What I allowed Gwen to do to me, to avoid becoming my father. What I’ve become since I broke away from Gwen. I’m not my father but I don’t know if I’m a man she’d be proud of.”

“What about you now would she not be proud of?” Phoebe asked gently.

He nibbled at his biscuit and took another sip as he put his thoughts into words. “The promiscuity. I think she’d be disappointed by that.”

Phoebe smiled at him. “To paraphrase a smart man I know, you have to understand it’s the intention behind the act that makes the difference. You’re not ‘scoring’, you’re sharing intimacy. You may not intend to build a permanent relationship with the women you’re intimate with but you’re not using or abusing them either. There’s trust, respect, and genuine affection involved. None of the women in our circle of friends who’ve been with you have a bad word to say about you.”

Kyle gave her a skeptical look and she raised a hand. “Monique is the one guilty of abusing a trust, not you. Her anger with you has nothing to do with your treatment of her. She got caught in a lie and, if there’s any justice in this world, it’ll cost her the marriage she abused. That’s entirely on her.” She gave Kyle a compassionate look. “You’re not to blame for any of that.”

He held her eyes but she refused to give him an inch. He finally dipped his eyes in acceptance, conceding the point to her.

“Is there anything else you feel your mother wouldn’t be proud of?” Phoebe asked gently.

He looked at his hands and flexed the one not holding the mug. He smirked. “The navel gazing. She’d tell me to stop moping and get moving!” He sighed. “The problem being, I don’t know what direction I need to move in.”

Phoebe tilted her head at him again. “I think you can give yourself a little time. You’ll get moving in time. Once you assess what you need to be happy.”

He suddenly yawned and triggered one in Phoebe. She grinned at him. “I think you’ve had enough excitement for one day. Why don’t you head off to bed and I’ll join you after I take care of my own laundry.”

He nodded as he really was feeling the strain of the day catching up to him. “Thanks for the tea, cookies, and especially the talk. I really needed that. It has been a rough day.” She smiled at him with a nod. “And thanks for letting me crash at your place tonight. I appreciate it!”

“It’s nice to have company. Aisha isn’t a very scintillating conversationalist,” Phoebe sighed. The cat in question wandered through the living room and gave them both a critical stare before moving on.

Kyle and Phoebe stood and he surprised her by giving her a warm hug. She leaned into it and then pulled back with a happy grin. She took the mugs and the plate back into the kitchen after he snagged one more biscuit. He popped it into his mouth and munched as he walked to the bedroom. He undressed, leaving only his boxers on and grabbed his toiletry kit. He went to the bathroom to brush his teeth then returned to the bedroom and turned back to the door.

“Which side of the bed do you want?” he called out.

“The side closest to the door,” her reply came back.

He turned on the lamp on her side table then turned off the overhead light and slipped under the covers. It felt a little odd being this close to the floor but the mattress was comfortable at least. His head hit the pillow and he felt his body relaxing already.

Soon the day was fading from his mind and he let sleep carry him away.

Sometime later he resurfaced as the light clicked off and he felt Phoebe climb into bed. She moved a little closer to him and sighed happily as he moved his arm around her and tucked her in against his side.

With a smile on his face he slipped into oblivion once more.

Chapter 13

Kyle discovered it was difficult to do push ups when there’s a cat in the room who wants attention. Aisha had made herself comfortable on his back as he pushed himself up from the floor and remained there through his efforts to the count of thirty. He heard a burst of laughter from the doorway as Phoebe, wrapped in her dressing gown, joined them.

She walked over and scooped the cat from his back. “Oh you silly kitty! Let the man finish his routine.” She took a seat on the couch with the cat on her lap and ran her fingers over its fur until the animal was purring contentedly.

Kyle smiled at her gratefully and moved on to do his crunches. Now he had an audience of two who sat on the couch watching him work his muscles until they burned. He wasn’t sure which one was purring louder.

“Nothing on TV this morning?” he panted.

“Nothing as entertaining as this,” she replied with a pleased grin.

He shook his head with a smirk and finished his morning routine as his watchers followed his movements with their eyes.

“What’s the plan today?” he asked as he did his cool down stretches.

“Oh! Let me check my email!” Phoebe exclaimed, dropping the cat on the cushions as she popped up to her feet to go pick up her phone from where it was charging. She scanned through her email and opened the one from Fiona. Kyle watched her smile fade into a look of concern. She looked over at Kyle when she was done. “It didn’t go so well with her parents last night. They informed her they’re retiring and want her to take over the operations of their chain.”

Kyle blinked. “That’s good news, right?”

Phoebe nodded but still didn’t look happy. “She’s been expecting this news. They’ve been grooming her for years. Apparently, last night they told her she needs to move to Paris to ensure the new hotel opens on time and on budget. She’ll have to be there for at least a year, maybe two.”

“Ah. That’s rotten timing. They can’t put off their retirement until Cameron’s out of the hospital and the charges against him are settled?” he asked.

“That’s the second condition. They don’t want her involved with the scandal as it’ll reflect poorly on the business. They want her to fly to Paris tonight,” Phoebe sighed.

“Not involved?!? She was there!” Kyle exclaimed.

Phoebe looked at Kyle with sad eyes and gestured to her phone. “She said she’s going. It was either that or be cut out of her parent’s business, their will, and their lives.”

Kyle gaped back at her in surprise. “Oh. Damn.” He absorbed the impact of that ultimatum. Personally, he’d have told Fiona to tell them to shove it up their ancient puckered orifices but he hadn’t grown up surrounded by affluence. His dreams weren’t on the line.

“She’d like to have dinner with all of us tonight at the seafood restaurant we went to when you first arrived,” Phoebe said. Her expression turned nervous. “Monique was included in the invite.”

Kyle saw he was trapped between supporting Fiona and facing the woman he’d vowed to avoid. “Shit.” He couldn’t decide what to do. “I’m going to take a quick shower,” he finally said.

He purposefully kept his mind on the actions of showering and shaving and forced himself to ignore all distractions so he could approach this issue with a fresh mind. Once he was clean and dressed in his comfy grey jeans and a white t-shirt, he returned to the living room and Phoebe took her turn in the washroom. He sat on the couch and kept Aisha entertained until Phoebe returned. This was a good distraction as well.

When she walked into the living room she gave him a questioning look.

He sighed. “I’ll be there for Fiona. I’ll avoid Monique as much as I can. If she tries to speak to me, to justify what she did, I’m gone.”

Phoebe smiled in relief and nodded to him. “I’m sorry I can’t take the day off as I have to go to work but there’s a spare set of keys on the hook in the kitchen.” She pointed them out and he nodded. “I’ll be home at 5:30PM and we can go over to the restaurant together.”

“Hey! I completely understand. I was a working stiff as well. Still am to an extent,” he said. “I want to start researching an investment to replace the one Cam’s father voided. That’ll take me a number of hours. Do you want to meet for lunch? My treat.”

She grinned and nodded then handed him a business card from the kitchen counter. It had the name and address of the yoga studio. “My lunch hour is from 1PM to 2PM. I know a place next door to the studio. Fast, good, and cheap! A rarity in this town.”

He walked her to the door and surprised her with a hug. She beamed him a happy smile as she headed out.

Kyle spent the morning on his tablet looking for stories of interest in the business world. He saw a few mildly interesting companies but nothing with the growth potential that truly captured his eye.

He rode his Harley over to the studio and entered the front door at promptly 1PM. Phoebe was standing by the receptionist’s desk with three other women who were all older than Phoebe but equally slim and fit. The receptionist couldn’t have been more than twenty and had a look of innocent excitement to be among them.

“Right on time, Kyle!” Phoebe said with a grin. “Let me introduce you to my fellow teachers. This is Amelia, Franca, and Jasmine. And Ginny, who just started as our receptionist last week.”

Kyle placed his palms together and bowed slightly as he smiled at the group. “Namaste,” he said and received delighted smiles in return. Ginny was gaping at him with wide eyes.

“I’ll be back in an hour,” Phoebe said to the others then shared looks with the other teachers. She took Kyle’s arm and walked with him outside and to the restaurant next door. They had a reserved table which was good as the place was very busy. “Louis gets free Yoga lessons as long as he ensures we can reserve a table from time to time. We’re the only ones who get this service.”

Kyle ordered a sweet chili chicken bowl with chicken tenders, rice, and stir fried veggies. Phoebe ordered a fresh chopped salad with avocado, pecans, fresh greens and a honey lime vinaigrette.

Kyle observed the calmness in Phoebe and smiled. “You love your job, don’t you.”

She nodded. “Very much. I bring people peace and tranquility for their minds and their bodies. It’s very fulfilling for me.”

Kyle smiled wistfully. “When I finally figure out what I want to do with my life, I hope I can find that feeling of fulfillment. The acquisition of financial wealth is certainly not it.

“You have any other marketable skills?” she asked.

Kyle pondered that. He frowned as his mind took him to one he’d learned at his father’s side. “I have some skill as a mechanic. I could take some courses to brush up on them but that doesn’t appeal as it puts me on the same path as my father.” At her curious look, he continued. “I didn’t have a great relationship with the man. I’m doing my best to not become him.” He left it at that as he didn’t really want to dredge up those feelings and spoil their lunch.

The food arrived and, as promised, it was delicious! They enjoyed their meals and the conversation naturally turned to Fiona and her parents.

“I grew up in a very different world. She’s been surrounded by her parent’s wealth and privilege all her life. This ultimatum seems shockingly harsh to me,” Kyle said quietly.

Phoebe nodded. “My family was pretty much the middle class standard. House in the suburbs and amazing parents who both took decent jobs to provide for their three kids. Fiona’s desire to include me in her circle of friends was a surprise to me but we just clicked. I’ve had some time to assess her relationship with her parents. The severity of their demands doesn’t really surprise me. From what I’ve seen, they put their business first. They value their daughter but they’ve groomed her to be the heir and owner of their hotel chain. This is their legacy. They’re exceedingly protective of it.” She gave him an unhappy look. “At, potentially, the cost of her happiness.”

He shook his head. “So… what’s the play? Try to make her face reality and take control of her life or just be a shoulder to cry on?”
“As much as I want the first, she’s looking to us for the second,” Phoebe sighed.

Neither was satisfied with that but they weren’t going to add to Fiona’s pain unless she directly asked for their advice. Even then they’d be gentle as they could.

“What’s next for you?” Phoebe asked.

“After I give my statement to the police for Fiona, I’m going to leave and ride… east. Maybe north-east. I’m in no rush so I’ll do as much sightseeing as I can along the way but I’ll aim for Montreal as my final destination. I’ve heard good things about the city. I’ve always wanted to visit it and I’ll need to be in Canada before my tourist visa expires. I’ll find a place to store the motorcycle for the winter. I’ll be in England for Christmas-”

“Ah yes, the mother and daughter you met in France,” she said with a grin.

“The Livingston’s. Nice people though the daughter is a bit on the wild side,” he said with a nod and grin.

They ordered ice cream for dessert and once they were done Kyle settled up the bill.

“This place does have very reasonable prices,” Kyle remarked with a smile and Phoebe nodded.

He walked her back to the studio and gave her a hug.

“Meet you at your place at 5:30PM?” he asked and she nodded.

Kyle got back on his bike and wondered what he would do with himself for the afternoon. He decided to just ride around for a bit to explore the city.

Roughly an hour later, he was cruising into one of the more affluent areas and a sign on a low rise office complex caught his eye. It said Grace Medical Sports Clinic. He suddenly felt a need to speak to Charlize and Chloe. Due to the funk he’d been in last night he felt he hadn’t treated them very well. He needed to apologize and wanted to do it without specific members of Fiona’s group present.

He pulled into the lot and parked his Harley next to the two Yamaha racing bikes.

He went inside and smiled at the receptionist. “Hi, I’m a friend of Charlize and Chloe. Are either of them available to speak for a moment?”

The pretty brunette smiled up at him. “And you are?”

“Kyle MacDenny.”

“Please have a seat Mr. MacDenny and I’ll see if they’re in a session.”

“Thanks!” He made his way over to a chair and sat.

About a minute later the receptionist called out to him. “Mr. MacDenny, they’re both just finishing up with clients. They said they’d be out to see you shortly.”

He nodded to the woman. “Thank you.”

The magazines on the tables were all sports related from hiking and mountain climbing to basketball and baseball, amateur to professional.

He spotted one cycling magazine and skipped through the pages as he waited. He was the only one in the waiting area.

A tall and tanned beauty walked into the waiting area from the clinic and smiled in his direction. He gave her a friendly one in return. When she turned away to speak with the receptionist Kyle allowed himself to admire her long, toned legs. The cream colored silk blouse and khaki pencil skirt she was wearing showed off her athletic build and her black hair flowed in soft waves to mid back. She turned back to him with a wide smile and his eyebrows went up at the expression of delight on her face.

“You’re Kyle MacDenny?” she exclaimed.

“Uh, yes,” he replied.

She moved closer as he stood. She held out her hand and he took it in his. “Olivia Khatri. Charlize and Chloe spoke very highly of you!”

He picked up the hint of an East Indian accent and she had the loveliest brown eyes. “Oh?” he asked hesitantly.

Then her name registered in his brain and all the stories Charlize shared about the numerous office hook-ups with the athletes surfaced. “Oh! Olivia!” he blurted then he felt heat rushing to his cheeks as he faced her.

Her smile became a smirk. “So, Charlize has spoken of me as well. I only hope she kept her facts straight.”

“Only good things!” he rushed to add, his face feeling warmer still. She watched his blush with interest and a small pleased smile.

“Look who’s trying to get her claws in Kyle now!” Charlize said boldly with a grin as she walked with Chloe from the clinic into the waiting area.

Kyle realized he was still holding Olivia’s hand and she was making no effort to pull it back. He released his grip and she may or may not have intentionally stroked his palm with her fingertips as he pulled his hand back.

Charlize stepped between them to hug Kyle tightly, rubbing her tight body against his muscles. That felt really good.

She released him then Chloe pressed her soft body against him and he was in heaven again. He wrapped her in his arms and gave her a good squeeze in return. She stepped back to stand with Charlize and Olivia.

“We’re seeing you tonight at the restaurant, right? I know Monique is going to be there but Phoebe let us know you said you’d be there,” Charlize asked nervously.

Kyle nodded. “Yes, I promised Fiona I’d be there so I will.” He glanced at Olivia who gave no signs of leaving so he pushed forward. “I just wanted to stop by before we got together with the others so I could apologize for how stiffly I behaved towards you two last night… you know, after the… big reveal.”

Charlize and Chloe immediately made sounds of protest but he continued. “No, it’s true. You two were so happy but I was a complete mess, drowning all the joy from the reunion.”

“Does this mean you’re going to stick around awhile?” Charlize said. Chloe was looking at him hopefully as well.

Kyle gave her a sad look and shook his head. “No. I’m going to leave after I keep the promise I made to Fiona to give a statement to the police.” He glanced once more to Olivia and saw her eyes were absolutely glowing with curiosity. He wasn’t about to fill her in so maybe she’d get the story from Charlize.

“When is that happening?” Chloe asked.

Kyle frowned. “I- I’m not sure now. I thought I’d be going with Fiona to the police station. Now that she’s leaving tonight… I’ll have to ask her tonight.”

Chloe moved forward to gently touch his chest as she looked up into his eyes plaintively. “Could- could you stay until the weekend? Richard gets back on Saturday to take his dogs back. I need to… spend more time with you before you leave us permanently. Please?”

Kyle’s face felt like it might ignite but he nodded to her shakily. A wide smile lit up her face and she pulled him into a tight hug. Kyle rested his hands on her lower back and fought his impulse to squeeze her ass. He felt her tremble as if she knew. Chloe had no sooner pulled back than Charlize was crushed up against him.

“Thank you,” she whispered in his ear.

He released her and caught the surprised expression on Olivia’s face.

“Now you’ve made me envious of my friends for having had the opportunity to get to know you!” she said with a grin to take the sting from the words but her eyes showed the envy was real.

Kyle had no words for that and just shrugged gently. Charlize and Chloe were all smiles and practically vibrating with excitement. He had to leave before he did something truly embarrassing.

“I’ll see you two tonight. It was very nice meeting you Olivia,” Kyle managed with a rough voice.

He left the reception area feeling their eyes on him the entire way and made his way back out to his motorcycle. He took some deep breaths to calm himself. He needed to clear his mind.

He got on his bike and headed down to Goleta Beach Park. He found a spot to park then walked down to the water’s edge. The water gently lapped at the beach and made a soothing sound. He closed his eyes and let his mind drift.

He knew he had to leave. There was an almost physical need to move on. Honestly, most of it was his desire to avoid certain people.

The purpose of his visit had been fulfilled and he was no closer to knowing what he should do next in his life. His mind took him back to the clinic and he realized he was really going to miss Charlize and Chloe. And Phoebe! They were such good people!

He had a bond of friendship with Fiona but they were from such different backgrounds. He disagreed with her current decision but he wasn’t about to dictate how she should lead her life when he couldn’t figure out his own.

Gloria reminded him of the bitter lesson he learned about himself. He wouldn’t miss her but he didn’t hold her responsible for it.

Marion pissed him off so he wouldn’t miss her at all. She had no emotional link to anyone- He jolted when he realized she might be a female equivalent of his father. Maybe that’s where his distaste for her attitude originated.

Monique. Brilliant, beautiful, treacherous Monique. One of the biggest disappointments of his time here. The woman who got everything she wanted, no matter the cost. The fact that he’d witnessed her ability to empathize with others made the pain of her manipulation so much sharper.

He shook off the funk and soaked in the calming sound of the gentle waves and the warmth of the sun. He concentrated on these things and just… breathed. Here and now. Here and now. He needed to free himself of his thoughts as they just led him to dark places.

Once he was feeling better he walked back to his Harley and headed back to Phoebe’s place. He parked in her backyard once more and let himself inside. Aisha once more rushed up to see who it was then wandered away.

He decided he would take a nap and plunked himself down on the couch. The moment he got comfortable Aisha hopped up and settled down across his chest and stomach. He snorted softly then got to work stroking her from head to tail across her back. He smiled as her purring reminded him of the throb of his motorcycle on the highway.

Eventually his eyes drooped and he nodded off.

“Awww, don’t you two look sweet!”

Kyle blinked his eyes open and there was Phoebe smiling down at him. The cat hopped down to rush into the kitchen. Mournful cries were soon heard when she discovered her food bowl was still empty.

Phoebe rolled her eyes and followed the cat into the kitchen to feed it. “Are you ready to go?” she called out from the next room.

Kyle sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Yeah. Ready as I’ll ever be,” he muttered.

She came back out and gave him a sad look when she saw his unease. “We’ll be there for you.”

He nodded.

“Let me get changed and we’ll go,” she stated and rushed off to the bedroom.

He looked down at himself and decided he was good to go.

Soon enough they were out the door and in Phoebe’s car. She drove them down to the restaurant he’d visited that first night when he’d met Fiona’s friends for the first time. In the parking lot he spotted Fiona’s sporty red coupe, the big caddy owned by Roger and Gloria, and Monique’s SUV so he took a deep breath and followed Phoebe inside. The two Yamahas were parked closer to the doors and that made him feel a little better.

They were guided out to the table they’d sat at before and Fiona’s face lit up with relief when she saw him. She stood and came around the table to get a hug.

“Hi Fiona. Are you doing ok?” he asked gently.

She trembled in his arms and squeezed him tight before pulling back and nodding sadly. “I’ll be ok. We’ll always be friends, right?”

“Of course. For life.”

A smile burst forth and she kissed his cheek. “Come. Sit.”

He found himself sitting on Fiona’s left. Monique was on her right so he was shielded from the woman he had no desire to-

“Good evening, Kyle.”

He glanced in her direction as she leaned forward to smile at him around Fiona.

He looked away and heard her snort in scorn.

Marion was sitting across the table from Monique and was watching him with a smug look on her face. He did his best to ignore her as well. Phoebe was across from Fiona with Charlize and Chloe on her right side. He took strength from their presence. Gloria was sitting next to him but there was no sign of her husband. Maybe she drove his car?

“Where’s Roger?” he asked.

Gloria smirked. “He’s at a sports bar a few doors over. He has no desire to hang out with the girls.”

Kyle nodded then heard Fiona making a noise to catch everyone’s attention so he turned back to her.

“Thank you for coming out to join me tonight. As most of you know I’m heading to Paris tonight to ensure our new hotel opens on time and on budget. My parents have made all the arrangements for me to work there for the next year or two as required to ensure this property is given the attention required to make it the premiere hotel in Paris.”

“What? What about Cameron?” Charlize blurted.

Fiona’s reply was slightly stiff. “I spoke with Cameron last night. I explained that I had to go and we agreed to put a bookmark in our relationship until I could return. If we’re both free when I return then we’ll see how it goes then.”

“Good for you!” Marion said, giving her a sly smile. Fiona nodded with a small smile of her own.

“What about the case against Cameron?” Kyle asked gently.

Fiona looked at him and nodded shakily. “I’ve given my statement to the police. When I asked Cameron last night about your giving a statement, he said not to bother. He didn’t need it.”

Kyle frowned. “Huh. I wish I’d known that two days ago. Would have spared some people a lot of pain.”

Monique leaned forward to gape at him. “You- you weren’t going to come back with me?” she exclaimed in surprise.

He scowled at her presumption. “No, I wasn’t. I would’ve said my goodbye’s and traveled north-east from Las Vegas. You would have come home and no one would have found out about your infidelity, including me.”

“Did Dale drop your sorry ass?” Charlize asked with a wicked grin.

“No! Our marriage is stronger than ever,” Monique said with a self-satisfied smile on her lips and Marion grinned widely at her.

Charlize’s eyes went to Kyle who was grimly staring down at his place setting as his stomach turned.

He was seething with disgust and suppressed anger. The spoiled princess who always got what she wanted. He didn’t know what she’d said to Dale but he couldn’t help but lose all respect for the man.

Fiona looked between Monique’s smug smile and Kyle’s stony expression. She didn’t want to lose her friends but she saw how her oldest one had hurt Kyle. “Monique, apologize to Kyle,” she said quietly to the woman.

Monique looked at Fiona in shock. “I’ll do no such thing! He’s just being a self-righteous hypocrite!”

“Fiona, I don’t want her apology. The woman has no integrity. An apology from her would just be empty words,” Kyle stated plainly. At Monique’s outraged gasp, he shook his head in disgust. Marion was staring daggers at him but he just ignored her.

“Goodbye Fiona. I hope it all works out for you. I truly do.” He stood up and tenderly kissed her forehead before turning to Phoebe. “I’m going to go join Roger at the sports bar. That’s where I’ll be when you finish up here.” She nodded to him with wide eyes.

He left the table and left the restaurant. He found the sports bar and walked inside. It was fairly busy but he spotted Roger at the bar watching the TV. The stool next to him was empty. He made his way over.

“You mind if I sit here?” he asked.

Roger glanced at him with a frown. “Why aren’t you with the ladies?”

“I said my goodbyes to Fiona. I can’t stay there with Monique accusing me of overreacting to her tricking me into her infidelity.”

Roger got a mean look in his eye. “You fucked another married woman.”

Kyle ordered a scotch and faced Roger. “She sold me a story of neglect and loneliness. Sprung the trap by telling me she spoke with her husband and they were getting divorced.” He grit his teeth and snarled with anger and self-loathing. “Lies. All of it. She played my emotions and manipulated me like a master. That said, I can’t deny I wanted her. Smart, funny, beautiful… just… selfish and spoiled to her core.” His drink arrived and he tossed it back. He grimaced at the harsh burn. Not the best scotch but it was a sports bar.

“Did you come here to have your ass kicked again,” Roger growled.

Kyle paused as he thought about that. Why had he come here? “I don’t know. Maybe? I want to believe I’m innocent in this situation. I believed what she was telling me. But I wanted to believe her.” He shook his head as he stared into his empty tumbler wishing for more of the awful scotch.

“What about her husband?” Roger asked.

“I told him what happened. He knew nothing of any divorce. He… he said she always got what she wanted. He said she wouldn’t this time. But he’s staying with her. She’s quite smug about that.” He caught the bartender’s eye and gestured for another scotch.

Roger was silent, sipping at his beer as he watched Kyle get his drink and sip at it this time. Finally he spoke as Kyle made no sign of continuing. “So you came looking for me. I’m not interested in beating on you. I’m just here to watch the game and enjoy my beer. Piss off.”

Kyle looked Roger in the eye and saw the man’s disgust there. He looked away and nodded. He tossed the scotch back, put money on the bar to cover the drinks and moved to a booth opening up on the far side of the room.

A waitress stopped by and he ordered another scotch.

There were other ways to punish oneself.

Chapter 14

Hammers pounded on his skull as a droning rumble went on and on, throbbing in his abused ears. Kyle cracked his eyelids and sunlight stabbed into his brain. Clamping his eyes closed once more, he whimpered pitifully, praying for a swift end to his misery but the droning just continued.

“Come here you silly cat. Leave the man to wallow in his misery alone.”

The weight on his chest suddenly lifted and the droning rumble moved away.

Kyle struggled to open his eyes and after the initial pain he saw he was in Phoebe’s living room. On the couch. He blinked at her.

“This was as far as we were able to carry you last night,” Phoebe explained. “What the hell were you thinking? You had a concussion! You don’t go on a bender after that!”

Wincing from the volume he raised his hands in surrender. He felt his gut churn then he was stumbling for the washroom.

He dropped to his knees before the toilet and heaved until he thought he might break a rib.

Once he was wrung out, he dropped back onto his ass and leaned back against the wall. Phoebe was watching him from the doorway.

“What time is it?” he managed.

“Around 10:45AM.”

At his concerned look she continued. “They’re covering my morning classes but I’m going in for my noon class. I was about to wake you.” She gave him an exasperated look. “Listen, I wrote a small list of tasks I need your help with around the house. You need to keep busy and I understand you’re handy with tools. Lord knows Linus wasn’t. Luis. Whatever. I need help. Will you do it?”

“Yes.”

“Ok, I’m going in. I’ll see you at 5:30PM.”

He managed to nod.

“Will you be ok?” she asked gently.

He looked up at her from the bathroom floor and nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Actions, not words.”

He thought about that and nodded.

“See you tonight.”

“Tonight.”

Then he was alone. He heard the front door close and lock.

Taking a sniff he realized he stank. He pulled off his shirt and boxers. Someone had undressed him last night.

He stepped into the tub and got the shower running.

Once he was scrubbed clean he got out and brushed his teeth to get that awful taste from his mouth. He found some mouthwash and tried that too.

He wandered down the hall to the bedroom and pulled some fresh clothes from his saddlebags and got dressed. Then he walked out to the kitchen and found the list of chores on the counter. He snorted to himself with a grin at the little happy faces she’d drawn on the page to take the sting out of asking for so many tasks.

The smile lingering on his face, he picked through the meager tools from the tiny tool box and got to work. He had to earn his keep after all.

When Phoebe returned from work she parked and made her way to the front door. She grinned as she saw the light fixture next to the door was properly mounted on the wall. The screen door opened without the usual squeal and the front door lock didn’t stick and require a key wiggle to open.

She stepped inside and her eyes widened in surprise. The room was neat and tidy, the pictures on the wall had been rehung to eliminate the gaps left behind during her purge.

And that scent teasing her nostrils! Cookies? How did he make cookies? The oven wasn’t working! She rushed into the kitchen and there was a tray of fresh baked cookies cooling on the countertop next to the stove. The cracked knob was gone and a newer one was in its place.

She heard a noise at the front door and walked back out to see Kyle entering with a laundry bag over his shoulder. “Hey! You’re back!” he said.

“You did my laundry?” she gasped.

“Sorry, I hope you don’t mind. I promise I was a complete gentleman when I handled your underthings. I had a few items of my own to wash after last night and noticed you had a full bag waiting to go. I spotted the laundromat around the corner when I rode to the appliance repair shop to get the parts for your oven. I installed it when I got back and tested it by baking cookies.”

Phoebe picked up the list and saw Kyle had scratched off almost all of the items.

“Yeah, sorry I couldn’t fix the toilet. They don’t make those parts for the tank anymore. It’s too old. If you’d like I can replace the toilet but I’ll need your car to pick up the replacement from the store.”

“Oh my god Kyle!” I thought you’d get to two or three things!” she exclaimed then made her way around the house with her to do list in hand to see the fixes he’d made.

She returned to the living room with a huge smile on her face. “Thank you so much!”

“Least I could do after you rescued me last night. I- I have no memory of how I got home,” he said awkwardly.

Phoebe gestured to the couch so he sat next to her. “We were in the restaurant for a couple of hours then Fiona had to leave to catch her flight. It was a teary farewell.”

Kyle nodded with a sad look on his face. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for her.”

She held up her hands. “No, we get it. Monique was so snotty and bitter after you left. Miserable bitch. Once Fiona left, Charlize, Chloe and I went looking for you with Gloria. Roger was sitting across from you in a booth. He was watching the game but he kept an eye on you as you were passed out face down on the table. We thought he might have hit you but then we smelled the booze on you.” Kyle looked embarrassed for his lapse in judgement and she gave him a stern look. “Roger wouldn’t help carry you so he and Gloria just left.”

Kyle nodded. He wasn’t going to hold it against the man. He’d done more than Kyle expected.

“Charlize and I got you on your feet and walked you back to my car. You were mumbling something but we couldn’t make out the words. We put you in the back seat and they followed me home to help me get you inside. We made it as far as the couch. Chloe undressed you in case you were wondering.” He smiled guiltily.

“Why were you drinking so heavily?” Phoebe asked gently.

Kyle looked away from her compassionate gaze. “I wanted… I wanted to stop hearing that voice in my head. The one telling me I somehow knew she was lying but did it anyway.”

“Did you?” Phoebe asked.

He looked back at her then dropped his eyes. “No. I didn’t. I believed her. The problem is, I wanted to believe her. We got along so well. We clicked… or at least I thought we did, but that was probably fake too. Now I can’t trust anything she did or said but at the time I didn’t question what she said, the timing, or her behavior. I just… let it happen.”

Kyle surged to his feet. “Enough!” He smiled at her. “Working on your list was a really great idea. It really kept my mind occupied. If you’re up to it why don’t we head over to the home improvements store to check out toilets.”

Phoebe giggled at his excited smile. She knew he was just distracting himself but if that eased his mind it was certainly a healthier approach than drinking himself into a stupor. She nodded to him and he helped pull her to her feet. She made a beeline to the kitchen and picked up one of the warm cookies. She bit into the chewy, sweet cookie and sighed happily. She grabbed another then followed him out of the house and locked up.

She drove him across town to the big box store and they made their way inside. She mooched a little on their way back to the plumbing section. Phoebe set her budget and Kyle found her a nice one piece that met her requirements. Kyle went for a flatbed cart and when he got back Phoebe was standing there with some lighting kits for replacing the old style ceiling lights with dimmable LED track lighting.

“They were on sale!” she said with a hopeful smile. He just smiled and nodded.

“You’re going to need a dimmer switch or two for those. Do they come in the kit?” She looked and shook her head. “No? We’ll swing by the electrical department on the way out,” he said.

He loaded the toilet onto the cart, a wax toilet gasket, and a new feed line. The lighting kits went on the cart and they made a brief stop to get the dimmers.

Phoebe paid for the supplies and Kyle loaded it all into her hatchback after he dropped the rear seats.

On the way home they stopped for a quick bite at a casual little restaurant she knew. Then she drove them home and Kyle moved the items into the house. Phoebe was tingling with anticipation for Kyle to start the installation but it was getting late.

“Am I still in the dog house for my behavior last night or may I sleep in your bed tonight?” Kyle asked with a slight smile.

Grinning widely Phoebe bounced over to him and pulled him into a tight hug. “Of course, you’re forgiven for your over indulgence last night!”

Kyle held her tight as well and enjoyed the closeness. This was real! This was honest. He felt so much better.

“Rowr?”

Phoebe pulled back to look down at Aisha. “Oh! I forgot to feed you when I got home earlier, didn’t I. Silly mommy.” She looked back at Kyle with a happy smile and gave him a quick kiss before prancing off to the kitchen to feed the cat.

Kyle’s lips were tingling as he smiled after her.

He picked up the laundry bag and carried it to the bedroom and dumped it out. He sorted and folded the items until he had all of his clothes rolled and stowed back in his saddlebags.

“Are you playing with my underwear again?”

He grinned over his shoulder and threw his hands up in surrender.

She giggled and walked over to the bed to begin putting her own stuff away.

Snagging his sleeping shorts, he went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and get ready for bed. The day had taken a lot out of him. He was still feeling the last lingering effects of the hangover and he’d pushed himself hard to complete so many of the chores. He undressed and slipped on his shorts before heading back to the bedroom.

“You going to sleep this early?” she asked in surprise.

“Yeah, I’m still wrecked from last night. It looks like I’ll have a busy day tomorrow as well,” he sighed with a smile.

Her answering smile showed her excitement. “It’s so nice to have a handyman in the house!”

He chuckled as he put his stuff away. When he turned back she was right there and gave him another hug which felt especially nice against his bare skin.

“Thank you so much for all your hard work today. The house looks and works so much better!” she gushed.

“You are very welcome.”

She pulled back and hesitated then released him as she moved to the doorway. “I’m not sleepy yet and have a few things to do before bed. I’ll come in later. Sleep well!”

“You too,” he said with a nod then slipped under the covers. He was still tingling a little from her hug but he was vaguely relieved that she hadn’t taken it further. He wasn’t ready.

Chapter 15

Kyle dropped himself onto the couch with a grateful sigh. He was done for the day. The toilet was installed. The new lighting was installed and made the home look new. Well, newer.

As a thank you for taking him in and dealing with his drunken state, he went back to the home improvement store to pick up a kit for the shower which had a rain shower head and a handheld shower head that mounted on a bar. Strapping the box to the motorcycle had been a bit of a challenge but he got it home and installed. He tidied up the house and just sat down to rest.

Aisha was immediately on his lap demanding attention so he stroked her fur until she was purring happily.

He heard a key in the door and smiled at the woman as she entered her home. Phoebe’s face lit up with joy at the look of the new light fixtures and how lovely and inviting the lights made her home appear. She squealed and Aisha jumped off Kyles lap to disappear down the hallway.

“Oh my god Kyle! This is so gorgeous!!!” she cried. She rushed into the kitchen and more happy sounds erupted from there as the lighting was so much better for working at the counters. Then she dashed over to the bathroom and the squealing continued.

“KYLE! What did you do?!?”

He grinned as he assumed she’d seen the new shower heads.

Next thing he knew she was sitting on his lap with his face in her hands as she kissed him playfully again and again. He started to laugh.

“So, you like the update to your shower?” he asked.

“Like it? I LOVE IT!” she cheered.

“Good. That’s my thank you for taking me in and dealing with my drunken stupidity.”

Her eyes widened in shock! “No! I’ll pay you back-”

“Nope. My treat!”

She gaped at him then her mouth was on his, it lingered, and it was good!

There was a chime as someone rang the now repaired doorbell. Phoebe moaned into their kiss but pulled back and stood up. With a final hungry look back at Kyle’s mouth she went to answer the door.

“Hey Phoebe! You ready to go- oh! Did we disturb anything?” Charlize said with a grin as she took in Phoebe’s slightly puffy lips and smudged lipstick. She grinned over at Kyle who was still recovering from the kiss on the couch. “We can come back…”

“No, it’s fine. Come in.” Phoebe said and stood back to let Charlize and Chloe enter.

“Wow! What have you done to your place? New paint? It’s brighter!” Charlize gushed as she looked around. She went to the entrance of the kitchen and made more happy sounds.

“You have a lovely home!” Chloe said to Phoebe.

“Thank you! Kyle’s been doing some improvements for me. New lighting and he upgraded the bathroom! Plus he fixed my oven and a dozen other things… including the doorbell.”

Charlize and Chloe chuckled at Phoebe’s regretful tone regarding that last item.

“If you don’t want to go out for dinner just let us know,” Charlize said with a wicked grin.

“No, we should go out. I need to feed this man for all the work he’s done!” Phoebe responded.

Before they left the two women went to see the changes to the bathroom and made happy noises from that room. Returning to the living room Charlize gave Kyle a cheeky look. “It’s nice to know a man who knows how to use his tools!”

He shook his head at her with a weary smile. Chloe giggled happily, watching him as she bit her lip sexily.

“Aren’t we going to dinner?” he sighed so out they went.

It was close to 10PM when Phoebe and Kyle returned, pleasantly full from a wonderful dinner of Thai food and relaxed from a little wine and lots of great conversation. The ladies had been very flirty when they’d arrived at the restaurant but settled down during the meal. Charlize and Chloe were still very excited about their upcoming ‘date’ with Kyle on the weekend. They’d made arrangements that he’d stay over with them Saturday and Sunday night and would head off Monday morning. They were still a little sad about that but understood he needed to move forward on his quest to find a path for himself.

Phoebe looked around her home and saw little touches Kyle had added to improve her home. He hadn’t changed her style or removed any elements she’d chosen but he’d arranged them to eliminate reminders of her previous life with Linus and accentuated the peace and beauty of her home. She thought she would always be reminded of him when she worked in her kitchen or even just relaxed in the living room. That made her feel warm yet a little sad at the same time. Then there was the bathroom.

“I’m really looking forward to enjoying that shower tomorrow morning!” she said with a grin.

Kyle smiled back at Phoebe and his eyes landed on her pretty lips. His mind flashed back to earlier when she was kissing him and he felt a stirring. He pushed it back. “I’m going to go brush my teeth,” he blurted awkwardly then grinned at how silly he sounded as he moved off.

He was standing before the mirror, toothbrush in his mouth when Phoebe came in and proceeded to bump him to the side with her hip so she could make room to begin brushing her own teeth. She grinned happily at him as they struggled to finish the task and get access to the sink. Kyle won, rinsing his mouth, then stood back to let Phoebe finish up too.

“I should have looked into a larger sink but I think I’d need to knock out a wall to expand the room for that,” he muttered.

Phoebe rinsed and spat then looked at Kyle hopefully.

He grinned and shook his head. “Way too costly and the footprint of this house can’t really accommodate a larger bathroom. There’s no other rooms that could afford to get smaller.”

“Oh pooh,” she pouted, popping her lower lip out dramatically.

“Stick that bottom lip out any further and you could land a plane on it,” he said then caught himself as the memory of the last time he’d said those words slammed back into his mind. His smile faded.

“What’s wrong?” Phoebe asked gently.

He looked away. “Sorry, I just recalled who I last said that to.”

“Monique.”

He nodded.

“Pouting is one of her trademark moves. Sorry.”

Kyle shrugged it off with a grin. “It looked cuter on you.”

Phoebe’s smile came back. “I do have a question for you and I want an honest answer.”

“The only kind I have.”

Her smiled widened then she fixed her eyes on him. “Do you like my hair this short?”

He blinked at her then smiled. “I think it looks great like this.”

“But you preferred it long?”

He gave her a curious look. “Preferred?” She nodded nervously. “Why would my opinion matter? Yours is the only important opinion.”

Her pout returned. “I don’t like it.”

He moved closer and pulled her into a hug. “It’s lucky for you then that hair grows.”

“Slowly!” she groaned.

He ran his fingers through her hair and massaged her scalp. Her eyes closed and she cooed from the sensations.

“It’s just hair. I think you look beautiful with short hair or long hair. That’s my opinion.”

Her eyes opened partially and they almost glowed with happiness. This was what made Phoebe so special. Her emotions were pure and true. She valued honesty in her emotions and her actions. That made her so much more attractive than Monique. He leaned forward and she met him halfway, her mouth eager for his kiss. He held her close and the kiss deepened and she made little needful sounds. He carefully walked her back out of the bathroom then lifted her in his arms to carry her into the bedroom.

Phoebe’s eyes were wide with nervousness but her smile was adorably excited.

He set her on her feet next to the bed and slid his hands down to her hips. He began to gather up the fabric of her dress in his hands slowly lifting the hem upwards. While he did this he caressed her lips with his. Phoebe’s breath was coming in trembling gasps. When he had the bottom of her dress in his hands he lifted it up as she raised her arms. Then she was standing in her pretty pink and white bra and panty set as he admired her svelte curves. He pulled his own shirt up and over his head.

Phoebe’s hands immediately went to his chest, her fingers squeezing and rubbing across his hard muscles.

“Oh my god your body is so much harder than Linus’ ever was!” she sighed.

“You haven’t seen how hard I’ve gotten yet,” he growled playfully at her and she squeaked with excitement.

He released his belt and zipper and pushing them past his hips, down went his pants. He stepped out of them and kicked them behind himself. Before she could prepare herself he scooped her up in his arms once more and laid her on the bed. Then he moved over her and took a kiss from her trembling lips. She didn’t know where to put her hand and they fluttered until they landed gently on his chest. As his kiss deepened she slid her hands around to his back and pulled him down to rest on her body. Feeling Kyle’s muscles touching her skin drew a moan from her.

Resting more weight on her, he slid a hand under her back and popped her bra loose. She quickly helped him remove it and he swooped down to kiss her small breasts. He discovered her nipples were very sensitive when he kissed one and she arched her back and cried out. He got a larger reaction when he slid her panties down and his mouth reached the wet lips of her pussy. Her shriek made him think he’d hurt her but she just thrashed under him as she held his head in place with her fingers clenched in his hair. Definitely not pushing him away.

He did his absolute best to be as gentle as he could without just tickling her, but her reactions were stronger than he expected. She continued to gasp and twitch under his tongue and lips. He glanced up and she wore a look of bliss on her lovely face so he continued.

“Oh my god Kyle! Geezus! So- AH! Cumming!” she suddenly cried out breathlessly and curled her body over his head as she held him tightly against her. He felt her body shaking and she hissed her breath out between her teeth.

Then she was pushing his head away desperately. “AH! Fuck! Too sensitive!”

He smiled apologetically and he climbed up to lie next to her as she tried to catch her breath.

“Oh my god, Kyle! That was so… intense!” she gasped out looking into his eyes. Then she closed her eyes, her brow furrowing slightly as she concentrated on recovering.

He watched her trembling slow as well as her breathing. Soon, it became deep and even and he realized she’d fallen asleep. He smirked, shaking his head in amusement, and pulled the sheets up over both of them.

There was always tomorrow.

Chapter 16

Kyle’s heartrate began to slow down from the jackhammer pace he’d maintained for the last… damn! How long had they been going? His breathing sounded like a bellows as well but that was slowing too.

His bed companions were in no better shape for their recent activities. He reached out and grabbed a handful of Chloe’s sexy bubble butt and gave it a squeeze, drawing an exhausted but happy coo from the woman. Charlize smiled and purred at him from Chloe’s opposite side. She also grabbed and squeezed Chloe’s ass making the woman gasp once more.

He smiled and rested back against his pillow as he reflected on how different sex was with these two compared to Phoebe.

This morning he’d awoken to the feel of lips kissing his cock and lifted the sheets to see Phoebe’s contrite expression. She was terribly embarrassed for having fallen asleep the night before but he’d assured her it wasn’t the first time that had happened to him.

He’d pulled her up onto his chest and kissed her which led to her riding him to a glorious release… for her. Once more her sensitivity triggered her far sooner than his did and she became overly sensitive afterwards. She was distraught over him not ‘finishing’ as she had. He kissed her until she calmed and they enjoyed a soothingly hot shower together under the new rainfall showerhead.

Kyle had left Phoebe’s home just after noon with warm hugs and kisses with promises to take care and possibly come back to visit some time.
He’d ridden his motorcycle to Chloe’s place and spent the afternoon being… very athletic with the two ladies. His muscles were still trembling with fatigue from the workout but everyone was happy.

“Fuck! I’m hungry!” Charlize groaned from the other side of the bed.

He realized he was as well. “Pizza?”

“Yes!” Charlize seconded.

“wings…” came a whimper from Chloe’s pillow.

Kyle and Charlize kissed Chloe’s face making her giggle then rolled out of bed and grabbed some clothes before heading out of the bedroom. They quickly freshened up in the shower, no sexy stuff, got dressed, shorts and t-shirt for him and panties and sleeveless tank for her, and headed into the living room.

Charlize had a favorite restaurant and called in their order. Then they settled on the couch and turned on the TV.

Something was poking Kyle in the hip and he pulled the dildo out from the cushions.

“So that’s where we left it!” Charlize said with a grin.

He just gave her an exasperated look and carried it into the kitchen to put it in the dishwasher. When he got back he saw Charlize was flipping through the channels.

“Shit! That’s Dale!” Charlize exclaimed as the screen showed a group of men and one woman sitting in chairs around a table in a semicircle. Behind them was a backdrop showing pictures of the guests in various poses on, or next to, basketball courts. The name ‘Talk on the Court’ was emblazoned across this. The host was concluding his introductions.

“…and Jordan Sparks of the Celtics. Finally, we have special guest Dale Albright.”

Charlize looked over at Kyle in concern as his expression had frozen when he recognized the man. “Should I change-”

“No… I want to see how he’s doing,” Kyle found himself saying softly. While he’d said he’d lost respect for the man for staying with Monique, truthfully, he was genuinely concerned for the older man’s state of mind.

The topic was Free Agents and they watched the group banter back and forth trading good natured jabs but Kyle saw Dale was missing the energetic animation he’d shown in the last show Kyle had seen him in. His answers were minimal and Kyle began to worry about him.

He felt Charlize’s eyes on him and he gave her a little reassuring smile before turning his eyes back to the show.

The host was directing his question to Dale. “You seem a little distracted tonight, Dale. You don’t have anything you want to add on the topic of Free Agents?”

Dale smiled sadly as the others waited. “Actually, I do.” He glanced to the camera and Kyle felt his body jolt as his eyes connected with Dale’s.

“This is a lot more common in the sport than anyone admits but I never expected it would happen to me.”

Jordan snorted and laughed. “You’re becoming a free agent?”

Dale sent him a scowl then nodded. “Not professionally. Personally. My wife cheated on me.”

There was a collective gasp on the set as the host and the other panelists reacted in shock.

Charlize had her hands over her mouth to contain her explosive burst of laughter. Kyle looked at her in surprise. “So sorry, but I hope Monique’s watching this!” she gushed.

Chloe wandered naked out of the bedroom to see what the excitement was but Kyle’s eyes were locked on the screen.

The host was attempting to get control over his show once more. “Dale, always ready to shake things up! That’s a bold accusation!”

Dale shook his head. “Not an accusation at all. Once faced with the proof, she admitted she’d done it. She downplayed it as just a momentary weakness when faced with temptation.”

Jordan was looking pissed. “Temptation? Shit, your wife is hot and someone tempted her? Man, you have to find this guy and cut his balls off!”

It was Dale’s turn to snort. “I met the young man. He’s not that much older than you. He was the one who told me it happened.”

“When you beat it out of him?” the athlete blurted.

“Please stop talking and use your ears,” Dale said with his best dad tone and Jordan shut up with a petulant frown. “The young man told me his father had cheated on his mother when he was young and he’d vowed to not become that man. Monique knew this and to get past it, over the course of two days she convinced him we were getting divorced.”

The woman in their group chose this moment to speak. “Wait, you said she claimed it was a momentary weakness. That definitely sounds premeditated.”

Dale shared a look of agreement with the woman and realization dawned on her face. He continued. “When the young man first saw me arrive with a big smile on my face, clueless about the divorce I’d apparently agreed to, he… took it pretty hard.”

“You bought the punk’s story? Of course he wanted to bang your wife. Who doesn’t?” Jordan finally blurted, not being able to contain himself.

Dale sighed and gave him a pitying look. “He didn’t have to admit to anything. Monique certainly wasn’t planning on telling me. He could have left me in the dark and gotten away with it. But this man had something you rarely find in today’s generation. Integrity. He confessed what happened and apologized. He said if I wanted to use my fists on him he’d understand. He was prepared to accept punishment for the wrong he’d done to me. Would you have been that strong?” Jordan looked away.

“I’d like to meet him,” one of the other panelists said and the woman seconded this with a big grin.

Dale smiled and shook his head. “No, I think he wants to put all this behind him. I know I do.” He looked around at the group and smiled. “I was sitting here listening to you all talk about free agents and the term just struck a cord. I let Monique convince me her affair was just a stupid mistake and she’d never do it again. But I see now, she was just manipulating me in the same way she did him. He deserved better. So do I! I’m getting a divorce. I’m going to be a free agent!”

The guests all began to clap and the show finally broke for a commercial break. Charlize looked to Kyle who nodded so she shut off the TV.

“Good for him. I’m glad he realized he didn’t deserve to be treated like that,” Kyle said with a relieved smile. He really did feel a tremendous sense of relief. The man wasn’t hurting from what he’d done. He was taking control of his life. Best of all he didn’t hold Kyle responsible for the dissolution of his marriage. Kyle’s inner voice was taking care of that guilt trip quite sufficiently on its own.

“I think that Jordan fella wants to shag Monique,” Chloe said.

“They deserve each other-” Kyle began but the doorbell rang. Charlize chased the still very naked Chloe back into the bedroom as he walked over to answer the door and paid for their food. He carried the boxes back to the small four seat table at the end of the living room, the home’s dining room. “Food’s here!”

The ladies returned but now Chloe was wearing panties and a tight t-shirt squeezing her tits in exciting ways. She smiled impishly at Kyle. He couldn’t help but return her cheeky grin. He caught Charlize biting her lower lip sexily as she watched him across the table.

Dinner was going to be quick.

-=-

As the two beauties snored softly at his side, exhausted from their day of ‘play’, Kyle remained awake, staring at the ceiling.

He was also feeling the ache of overexertion, and overuse of certain parts of his anatomy, so tomorrow was definitely going to be a day of rest. Besides, he was out of condoms. He snorted quietly.

Looking over at Charlize and Chloe, he smiled fondly. Their open and honest enjoyment of each other and him had been a soothing balm on his soul after the ordeal of the past few days. Truthfully, Phoebe had begun that healing process for him.

He realized he no longer felt the pressure to leave, to escape the… stench of Monique’s influence. Dale’s confession tonight played a large part in that. He’d exposed her manipulation as he freed himself from it. For Kyle, that was justice being done and it made his world a little brighter, a little friendlier.

The influence his father had over his behavior was still something he would have to be vigilant for. He had a promise to keep for his mother and himself.

With the journey north ahead of him, he realized he really wasn’t in any hurry. Maybe he could spend a few more days, a week or two tops, in the company of these wonderful women.

He also decided that after his visit with the Livingston’s at Christmas he’d visit Fiona in Paris to make sure she was ok.

With a sigh of contentment, he rolled onto his side and spooned Chloe, hearing her sigh happily in her sleep.

He’d let them know in the morning that he was sticking around a little while longer. They might be happy to hear that news.

His eyes opened. Maybe he should buy the condoms before he told them.

Chuckling to himself quietly, he let himself relax and begin to drift off. There was no need to make plans for tomorrow.

He had time, after all.