Shifting Perspectives

“He’s a stupid git!” Priya scolded.

“Terry Harris! You’re banned from my pub! Get out and don’t show your face around here again!” the older man growled.

Kyle carefully helped Terry to his feet and watched him tenderly walk between the tables. He grimaced, concerned he’d hit the man too hard after all.

He looked back at the cook and saw the man smiling at him.

“I’m Karl Gregson. I own this place,” the man said, holding his hand out to Kyle, who shook it.

“Kyle MacDenny.”

Karl nodded. “Maggie tells me you dealt with Owen Richards.”

Kyle frowned uncomfortably at the term dealt with. “I prevented him from beating my friend, a woman he insisted was his property. The man is mentally unstable and deeply troubled. He needs psychiatric help. I understand he’s getting it now.”

“I know the bastard. He beat my son badly after a rugby tournament. I wish I could have protected my son like you protected your friend,” Karl sighed, then looked back at the kitchen. “I’d better get back. It was nice to meet you, Kyle. You’re always welcome here.”

“Thank you,” Kyle said with a smile and a nod, then sat back down across from Priya, who was all smiles as she glanced around at the other diners, who were staring openly at Kyle.

“Show’s over!” she finally said, and they looked away.

Kyle rolled his neck to relieve the stress he’d built up.

“Are you okay?” Priya asked, suddenly concerned.

He looked at her and smiled. “I’m fine. I don’t like fighting. Let’s talk about something else.”

Priya smiled. “Okay. If you’re no longer an investment manager, what are your plans for the future?”

He nodded and considered the question. “I’m… looking for what makes me happy.”

“Did you find something?” she asked.

He shrugged and took a sip of his beer. He swallowed and frowned slightly. Nope. Not a beer drinker.

“Meeting people. Sharing time with them and getting to know them. Not sure how to turn that into an income-producing career, though,” he said with a sigh.

“I work in a service industry. I deal with the public though I rarely get to spend this much time with my customers.” She smiled across the table at him. “Can you think of a service-related occupation you might enjoy that would let you spend more time with people?” she suggested.

He blinked at her as he hadn’t considered that at all. “In Montreal, I worked as a barista, and I enjoyed that, but it paid almost nothing. The job was just a placeholder while I waited to come to England to visit Helen and Skye.” He considered the job. “I enjoyed greeting and chatting with some of the regular customers, not that I really got to know any of them.”

“So, something where you meet people but for longer than a minute?” she said with a grin.

He nodded with a smile.

Maggie returned with their meals, and she was all smiles around Kyle.

“Thank you, Maggie,” Priya said pointedly when the woman didn’t move on.

“I say it again. Greedy.” Maggie stuck her tongue out at Priya, then winked at Kyle and left.

The food was decent, if not exceptional, but Kyle’s thoughts were circling around Priya’s idea.

Finally, he noticed the silence and looked into her pretty eyes, watching him with amusement.

“I-I’m sorry. I got lost in my head for a moment,” he said self-consciously.

“I’ve given you food for thought?” she asked.

Kyle nodded. “You have. Most service industry jobs are a little too much like my barista job, with fleeting interactions. That’s not what I’m after. I need to put some thought into it, but you’ve pointed me in an interesting direction.” He smiled at Priya. “You’re great at that. Maybe you should be a career counselor!”

Priya grinned at him then waved to Maggie as she glanced at the time. “We’ve got to get back to the shop.”

The happy waitress arrived quickly. “The gentleman would like to settle the bill,” Priya said to her.

“Karl told me to let you know it’s on the house,” Maggie said, looking into Kyle’s eyes.

“Oh! Well, that was very generous of him. Please pass along my thanks,” he said gratefully.

“Thanks!” Priya said to her, and they stood to leave.

Maggie moved a little closer to Kyle. “Don’t be a stranger, Kyle. You have an open invitation to visit.” She wrapped her arms around him and gave him a firm hug, pressing those amazingly soft, pillowy breasts against his chest. That felt heavenly, and Kyle was momentarily caught up in the sensation. Then his face flushed as he glanced at the annoyed expression on Priya’s face.

When she pulled back, she grinned as she saw how she’d affected him.

“It was nice meeting you, Maggie. Take care!” He pulled his leather jacket on and helped Priya on with hers. He guided her outside before she said something to Maggie in retaliation.

“She makes me so angry and self-conscious about my boobs!” Priya growled as they walked back to the shop.

“Why would you be self-conscious about your breasts? They’re delightful!” Kyle said.

She gave him a skeptical look. “Maggie’s are huge by comparison!”

“That doesn’t make them better, just different,” Kyle explained.

“But I saw your expression when she was pressing those milk jugs against you. You loved it!” she argued.

Kyle nodded. “Of course I did! It felt great, but so does holding your body against mine. You’ve got an amazing figure!” He demonstrated that by turning her to face him right there on the sidewalk and pulling her close. His hands rested just under her belt at the top of her ass, and he smiled at her. “That’s wonderful, and I think you can tell how it’s making me feel.”

Priya’s eyelids fluttered as she felt the bulge of his erection pressing against her. “Oh fuck, Kyle! We need to get back to the shop! Now!”

He smiled and got them moving again. They walked quickly, arm in arm, and got back to the shop in no time.

Priya unlocked the door and dragged Kyle inside. The lock went back on. As they turned to the back, she pointed to a suit bag hanging on the hook by the cash.

“That’s what I picked out for you. It’ll fit like the last one and has a classic cut to it. Very James Bond. Skye told me all about the party. This is the suit you should wear for it,” she said quickly as she led him toward the change rooms at the back as he removed his leather jacket.

He looked back in confusion. “Shouldn’t we bring it with us so I can try it on?”

She smirked back at him. “It’ll fit. Let’s get you out of those clothes.”

Priya pushed him into one of the change rooms and pulled the curtain closed behind them.

Kyle kicked off his boots and dropped his pants to step out of them. His t-shirt came off next. He noticed Priya hadn’t moved and stopped to look at her.

“We don’t have as much time today as there is another appointment coming in shortly. We’ll have to make it a quickie!” she explained as she hiked up her skirt and pulled her stockings and panties down.

Kyle pushed his underwear down, and Priya immediately dropped to her knees to plunge his cock into her mouth and throat in one thrust.

“FUCK!” Kyle gasped. She was so good at that.

She bobbed her head over his cock with fast and deep thrusts until it felt like a bar of iron.

Then she stood and turned to face the mirror and bent at the waist, presenting him with her bare ass, her skirt thrown up over her back.

Kyle got behind her and quickly stroked her wet pussy with his tongue.

“AH! Fuck, that was good! Now fuck me!” Priya insisted.

He lined up the head of his cock with her wet opening and forced himself deep inside.

“Ohhhhhh, yes, Kyle. That’s just the way I like it! Faster!” she purred.

Kyle smiled at her reflection in the mirror as he grabbed her hips and drove himself into her, slapping her ass against his thighs. Her jaw dropped, and her expression twisted with ecstasy. He increased his pace, and he could see her progress on her face. She was getting close, and so was he.

Five more thrusts, and her eyes rolled back as her body went through intense tremors. He held her pinned back against himself as his release rushed through him as well. His grip kept her on her feet, too.

Eventually, Kyle eased back, and she stood up straight.

Priya smiled at Kyle as they both panted for breath. Kyle noted the air in the small enclosure held the distinct scent of sex.

The front door chime rang, and the old door thumped closed. Someone had entered the shop.

“Shit! He wasn’t supposed to be in today,” Priya cursed quietly as she frantically pulled her tights up and straighten her clothes.

“What happens if he comes back here? It’s impossible to miss the smell of sex,” Kyle whispered in concern.

She shook her head and grinned as she tucked her blouse into her skirt. “Poor old bugger lost his sense of smell in a textile factory accident when he was our age. He’s not blind or deaf, though, so I’ll exit first and get cleaned up in the washroom. You stay in here and get dressed like you just tried on the suit.”

She peeked out the curtain, slipped out crouching, and scurried away.

Kyle grabbed a tissue from his jacket pocket and wiped his mouth as he checked himself in the mirror. He quickly cleaned himself as well as possible with the tissue and pulled his underwear up.

The curtain suddenly yanked open, and Kyle shared a surprised look with a short, grey-haired man in an immaculate tweed suit. He was slim and wore his beard neatly trimmed.

Mr. Graham, Kyle presumed. The older gentleman’s eyes roamed down Kyle’s muscular body, and Kyle’s eyebrow rose.

That gave him an idea. Bravado was the play to go with here.

“Excuse me! I’m getting dressed here!” he scolded as he turned to face the man, hands on his hips.

“W-w-what? Why are you in my shop?” the old man stammered quietly, his eyes seemingly trapped by the hard muscles of Kyle’s abdomen.

“I’m obviously here to rent a suit,” Kyle said simply.

Eyes finally returning to Kyle’s face, the man pointed weakly to the door. “The door was locked, and the closed sign was still up.”

Recognition suddenly flared in the man’s eyes. “You were on the news recently! The motorcycles in the parade?”

Kyle nodded with a slight smile.

“Mr. Graham! I wasn’t aware you were coming in today,” Priya said with a smile as she returned from the washroom, her lipstick freshly applied.

The older man looked at her with a cross expression. “The closed sign was still on the door. Then I found this gentleman in a state of undress.”

Priya pointed to the suit bag hanging from the hook by the cash desk. “Mr. MacDenny is renting that suit today. I must have missed switching the sign when we returned from lunch.”

“You-you went to lunch with him?” the shop owner asked in confusion.

Kyle could see Priya freeze, so he quickly drew the man’s attention by shaking his jeans out before stepping into them. As the man watched him dress, Kyle explained. “I rented a suit from your shop for a Christmas party that my good friends, the Livingstons, invited me to. Skye Livingston is a classmate of Priya’s, so we were introduced then. I came back to rent a suit for a New Year’s party and caught Priya on the way out to lunch. I insisted on buying her lunch as she did such an excellent job with the previous suit.”

“Oh!” Mr. Graham said in surprise, then a smile appeared, and he nodded. “I’m glad our shop could meet your needs.”

“It certainly did. Excellently cut suits and professional service,” Kyle said with a smile as he pulled his tight black t-shirt over his head and shoulders. He flexed his stomach muscles while his head was covered, and the older gentleman sighed quietly. Kyle wiped the grin from his face as he tugged the shirt down. He saw the twinkle in Priya’s eyes.

“Will you be returning the suit yourself?” Priya asked.

Kyle shook his head. “Actually, Skye will bring it back as I’m heading off on New Year’s Day.”

“Back to Canada?” Priya asked, struggling not to pout.

“I’m going to spend a little time in the Seychelles with a friend of Helen’s,” he admitted.

“Ah, such a paradise!” Mr. Graham sighed. “Not much need for suits there, aside from a swimsuit.” His eyes dipped briefly and discreetly to Kyle’s waist.

Kyle nodded politely to him as he sat to slip his boots on.

Finally dressed, Kyle followed Priya and Mr. Graham to the cash, and Kyle settled the bill.

He took Priya’s hand between his and looked her in the eye. “Thank you for the advice you gave me at lunch. It really was very helpful!” Kyle said sincerely to her and received a bright smile for it.

He turned to the older man and held out his hand. The surprised shop owner quickly reached forward to shake Kyle’s hand. “It was great doing business with your shop.”

“It was our pleasure, Mr. MacDenny.”

With a wave, Kyle hooked a finger through the hanger and slung the suit bag over his shoulder as he left the shop to walk back to Helen’s. He followed one of the ladies Margaret had been with into the building and rode the elevator up with her. She couldn’t stop smiling, so Kyle wished her a Happy New Year as she left on her floor.

When Kyle got to Helen’s door, he paused as he wasn’t sure if Byron was still there. He didn’t want to avoid the man, but he didn’t know how to get around the fact that he’d be spending some time with his mother.

Sighing, Kyle knocked on the door.

When it opened, he saw Helen standing just inside without a stitch of clothing but wearing a delightfully wicked smile.

Byron had left with Skye, obviously.

He stepped inside, locked the door, and hung the suit bag in the closet. Then he pulled Helen to his chest. She squeaked when the cold buckles and metal bits on his leather jacket pressed against her bare skin. His mouth captured hers, and he kissed her hard as she squirmed against his cold coat.

He pulled back to smile at her. “Oh, should I make myself a little more comfortable first?

She giggled and nodded, panting slightly from the kissing.

“I think I might like to take a shower to freshen up. Care to join me?” he asked as he removed his boots and coat.

Helen’s smile widened as she spun and pranced down the hall to the master suite. Kyle chased after her, causing her to shriek in excitement.

Kyle ensured her shrieks became cries of bliss in the shower and on her bed until she fell into an exhausted but very satisfied sleep. He lay next to her, admiring her lips and their slight upturn at the corners like she was perpetually happy.

He hoped she would be. She deserved to find someone to love.

Chapter 12

The New Year’s party was held in a posh country estate north of London, which meant a significant drive for Helen. Kyle could see she was dreading meeting her ex-husband, so he kept up a steady stream of banter, compliments, and teasing. Soon, she’d returned to her relaxed, cheerful self.

She glanced over at him. “Thank you, Kyle.”

He looked back in question. “For what?”

“For helping me realize how much of an idiot my ex-husband was.”

Kyle laughed. “Finally, she acknowledges the truth!” he teased.

She chuckled and flashed him a brilliant smile. “I’m truly grateful for all the amazing changes my life has gone through since he left. First, Skye pushed me to go to the gym to get back into shape. Then she dragged me off to France to join that cycling vacation.

Meeting you was the next major milestone in my year. You made me feel desirable again. You opened my eyes to the fact that sex was not only possible but essential for my happiness. I’m so much more comfortable with my desires and who I am!

I gained so much confidence from my time with you on that trip, and I used that new confidence for my third major change. Taking the administrative job at the hospital pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I rose to that challenge. I like what I do, and now I have an even more exciting challenge ahead of me with my new position. I’ve made new friends from a higher stratum of society with Reginald and Francis Dunsfield.

Then you protected Skye from her abusive ex-boyfriend and guided her to a new one who seems absolutely charming. I’ve been blessed this year.”

Kyle gave her a knowing look. “Most of those blessings were based on you realizing your own potential. You may have had a few external prods to make you look at yourself more honestly, but all those achievements were yours,” he asserted.

She gave him a warm smile. “That’s the kind of compliment that makes me realize what a miserable twit Perry is. He’d rather eat poison than give a compliment.”

“Perry is your ex, I assume,” Kyle said with a smile.

Helen nodded with a smile. “He married his secretary, Lydia. Honestly, I could tell she was going to be trouble the first time I met her. She seemed the jealous type and set her sights on my husband from day one.” She snorted softly to herself. “Now I find myself almost feeling grateful to her for excising him from my life.”

“Definitely! Sounds like they deserve each other,” Kyle agreed.

They smiled at each other and continued in companionable silence.

Kyle was enjoying the scenery, which was mostly free of snow. It was late afternoon by the time they drove up the long driveway toward the vast manor house.

“This place puts Reginald’s place to shame for its excess,” Kyle remarked. “Let me guess, two people live here.”

Helen chuckled. “Good guess, but you’re off by one.”

“Three people?” Kyle gaped at her.

“One. But he has a staff of sixteen,” Helen clarified. “The master of the estate is Sir David Hallowfield. He was knighted, so if you’re introduced to him, remember to include the Sir preface. He’s a bit of a stickler for protocol.”

“Any other social minefields I should avoid? Penalties for using the incorrect fork order?” Kyle asked.

She shook her head. “Just be your sweet self. You’ll be fine. There won’t be a formal dining arrangement. Just finger goods in the dining room. There are too many people for a proper meal.”

He nodded with relief. Finger food etiquette he was good with.

They left the car with the valet, and Kyle took Helen’s arm to guide her to the front door.

“I wonder if Skye arrived before us,” Helen said.

Byron was driving them to the party, and Skye was staying at his place tonight. Kyle made a mental note to say his goodbyes to her tonight. He’d get a lift to the airport tomorrow with Helen.

Helen presented her invite to the doorman, and they went inside. The first thing to catch Kyle’s attention was the large portrait of a man who had to be their host. Kyle memorized his face, just in case.

The noise level inside picked up immediately as many people were milling about in the large foyer just past the entrance. Kyle handed Helen’s coat to the woman behind the counter and received a ticket he placed in his pocket.

The suit Priya had selected fit very well, and Helen made it very clear that she approved. He thought it was a little… too much. The sheen on the fabric was a little too bright for his tastes. He felt like he was wearing black chromed armor, albeit very comfortably.

Arm in arm, they walked further into the hall, and the meet and greet began.

Helen seemed to know everyone and was approached by couples and larger groups who all exclaimed that she looked so healthy and happy.

Cheeks were kissed, hugs exchanged, then eyes turned to the handsome young man on Helen’s arm.

Helen was introducing him as her friend, yet her tone and eyes said so much more. Kyle was on the receiving end of their reactions. He did his best to maintain his polite smile while faced with the range of judgment Helen’s friends and relatives aimed at him.

Most were positive, from delighted smiles, a few grateful hugs for bringing Helen’s spirits up, and more than a few people, women and men, undressing him with their eyes. He ignored the latter.

Luckily, the negative responses he received were in the minority and were largely looks of disapproval, scandalous shock, or contempt. Again, he just smiled as that seemed to annoy them. He wouldn’t do anything to make Helen’s life difficult… but fuck them.

They browsed the offerings in the dining room and nibbled their way through a meal as they met more of Helen’s extended family.

As they continued moving through the manor house, Kyle saw the bar and offered to get Helen some white wine as another group approached. She nodded, and he ducked away to run his errand.

The room was busy, but he caught the bartender’s attention. He was pleased that scotch was an option, so he asked for one and wine for Helen.

A man appeared at his elbow and glared at him belligerently.

Kyle glanced at him curiously. He didn’t immediately recognize him as someone he’d been introduced to by Helen. Maybe someone was talking about him? The man hadn’t moved away, so Kyle turned to face him directly. He was maybe in his late thirties, but his eyes had that bruised, sunken look, which made their glare that much more intense.

He did a quick evaluation of the man before him. Prematurely greying and receding hair, square jaw that was currently clenched, pale blue eyes, thin lips, and a stocky body in an ill-fitting suit. He was maybe an inch shorter than Kyle as well. Still, he remained silent, and Kyle’s patience was up.

“Anything I can do for you, buddy?” he asked as he saw the bartender returning with his order. His eyes turned to follow the motion.

The man made a choked sound and punched Kyle’s cheek. The hit was unexpected and fast, so it caught Kyle by surprise. Luckily, he was gripping the edge of the bar, so while he was knocked back, he remained on his feet. Someone nearby screamed, and the startled bartender dropped Kyle’s drinks. Then the surrounding area went silent. People gathered in the doorway to watch.

Kyle straightened up and gingerly touched his cheek, keeping a watchful eye on his assailant, who seemed frozen by his own actions. It was painful, but there was no blood, so he’d have yet another bruise. For all his speed, the man’s punch was weak, thankfully.

“That was terribly rude of you. Punching a stranger is pretty damn anti-social behavior for a party. If I wasn’t here as a guest, I’d probably return the favor.”

“Perry! What are you doing?” a shrill voice cried out.

Both men glanced at the pneumatic brunette struggling to rush to their side in six-inch bright-red pumps. Her little black dress was just a little too tight, a little too low-cut, and a little too short. Combined with the obvious breast implants, injected lips, and startlingly large hair and long nails, Kyle wondered how much of the woman they faced was plastic.

She stopped next to her husband and looked at Kyle with an almost vacant stare.

Then the name clicked.

Kyle turned to face the man. “Perry. Helen Livingston’s ex. Ah, this explains much.”

“You–you keep your grubby hands off Hele–”

“STOP!” Kyle snapped, and Perry flinched back. The woman squeaked in fright.

Kyle locked his eyes on Perry’s as he glared at the man. “Don’t you DARE say her name like you have ANY right to. You gave that up when you ran away like the cowardly little shit you are.”

“How dare you–” the ex began.

“PERRY! What have you done?” Helen cried as she rushed to Kyle’s side. She made another sound of dismay when she gently turned Kyle’s head to see the red welt on his cheek.

Eyes flaring with rage, Helen turned to face her ex. “What are you, nine?”

Perry’s face reddened. “I–he’s not allowed–”

“We’re divorced, you moron. You no longer have any say in my life. Even when we were married, you never knew how to be a true partner in a relationship. Your decisions were always for your benefit….”

Helen suddenly noticed the woman standing next to Perry, and her jaw dropped as her voice went to a whisper. “Oh my god, Perry. What did you do to Lydia?”

-=-

She wasn’t looking forward to this year’s New Year’s party, but Perry insisted they attend and show off her new look. At last year’s party, Perry attempted to let his friends and family know that he was much happier in his new marriage to his beautiful wife.

The night had begun well, but by the end of the evening, Lydia knew that many of the party guests were more sympathetic to Perry’s ex-wife than impressed with his new one.

When they left the party that night, Perry had sulked like a child. Then, over the next few months, he’d made requests. They were always to make her prettier and sexier, and with each change, he’d tell her how much he loved her and how much better she looked.

Perry had a bad temper. She’d learned that early in their marriage. It was easier and safer to just let him have his way. When she’d complain about how much the operations hurt or object to the next size upgrade, he’d quickly argue that he’d spent all this money for her, and she was benefiting from it. How could she be so ungrateful? That was her signal to stop arguing.

When they got to the party this evening, Perry had been distracted by something. She followed him from room to room as he spoke with members of the family. He rarely introduced her, and when he did, he wasn’t expressing how beautiful she was like he said he would. Instead, he was becoming agitated.

Then he dashed off to go into the room with the bar in it. She had difficulty following in her tall shoes as they hurt her feet.

She heard a scream and glass breaking as she pushed through the crowd.

Perry was facing off against a handsome young man who was touching his cheek. Perry hit him?!? She called out and ran to Perry’s side.

When she got there, she was better able to see the bruise on the hunk’s cheek. He didn’t seem too hurt, but he was furious. Lydia could feel the rage barely held in check.

Then Helen appeared.

Lydia couldn’t believe the difference a year made for the woman. She’d looked like a beaten woman at the last party, but today she was absolutely radiant. She glowed with health and vitality. She was graceful and elegant, and suddenly, Lydia realized how outclassed she was.

Helen’s words struck her like hammers on an anvil, the truth of them ringing in her ears.

When the woman’s eyes locked on hers, Lydia froze as she saw the shock and compassion on Helen’s face. She had to turn away and suddenly saw the shame on her husband’s face.

Then the awful truth sank in.

He was embarrassed by how she looked.

She’d done this for him. She’d undergone the painful surgeries at his request. She did it to please him, and he’d told her she was beautiful and desirable.

But it was all a lie. He wanted Helen, and she couldn’t compete.

Lydia couldn’t breathe in this crowded room, so she turned and fled. She didn’t know where she’d go, but she needed to get away from Perry.

The monster she’d married.

-=-

“Kyle, go after her!” Helen gasped in anguish.

He rushed after the fleeing brunette, the crowd parting for him as he still wore a stern expression.

Lydia wasn’t difficult to see as her tall hair rose above the other guests.

Kyle quickly caught up to her side. She squeaked as he gently took her hand and put his other arm around her back, guiding her into a side room that looked like a library. He carefully sat her on a loveseat next to him and looked back to the door, where he spotted a young woman watching them in shock. He recognized her as someone he’d been introduced to earlier. He gestured for her to come closer, and she quickly did.

“Leslie?” he asked, racking his memory for her name. She was maybe sixteen and desperate to look older. Her straight blonde hair was in a sophisticated braid on the sides, and her dress was designer and matched her shoes perfectly. It was her braces and joyful smile that gave away her true age.

When her face lit up, he knew he’d lucked out with his guess. “Could you find Helen in the bar and bring her here? She needs to speak with Lydia. Don’t let Perry hear where she is. Thanks.”

Leslie grinned and rushed away with her mission.

Lydia was struggling as tears ran down her cheeks.

“Helen never meant to make you upset. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.” He looked into Lydia’s eyes and handed her a tissue from his pocket. She dabbed her tears away with a lost expression on her face.

“My name is Kyle. I’m a friend, and so is Helen.”

“She must hate me for what I did,” Lydia said quietly.

Kyle smiled gently. “At one time, she probably did. But not anymore.”

Lydia watched Kyle, disbelief and hope alternating in her eyes.

“Talk to her, and you’ll understand,” Kyle said.

They sat holding hands until Leslie returned and said Helen was on her way. Lydia glanced at Kyle nervously, but his smile seemed to reassure her.

When Helen arrived, Kyle stood and offered his spot to her. She flashed him a grateful smile and immediately turned her attention to the nervous woman next to her.

“Please accept my apology for my reaction earlier. I was just shocked by the extent of the changes you went through for Perry. He was the one who asked you to do it, yes?” Helen asked gently.

Lydia nodded shakily and began to cry again.

Helen pulled her into a hug. She gave Kyle a sad look over the woman’s shoulder. He handed her his pack of tissues and gestured that he’d give them some privacy. Helen mouthed a thank you to him.

Kyle guided Leslie out into the hall and slid the pocket door closed behind him. He looked at the young woman. “Let’s give them a moment. I think Lydia is discovering just how much of a selfish bastard her husband is.”

Leslie grinned and giggled at him.

Kyle heard music playing. “Is there dancing?”

The young woman rolled her eyes. “It’s old people music.”

He smiled at her.

“Leslie! Where have you been?” Another young woman asked in annoyance from behind Kyle. Leslie took Kyle’s arm and gently turned him to face the approaching woman.

The new arrival froze when she saw Kyle smiling back at her. He took in her large blue eyes, cute button nose, freckles sprinkled across it and her cheeks, and a mane of yellow-blonde hair. Her red party dress looked very stylish, but Kyle estimated her to be sixteen, seventeen at the oldest.

“Kyle, this is my cousin, Holly. Holly, this is my friend, Kyle MacDenny,” Leslie said with a satisfied smile on her lips.

“Hello, Holly. It’s very nice to meet you,” Kyle said politely as the girl hadn’t stopped staring at him.

“You–you’re the one from that vid! The war cosplay vid!” Holly gasped.

Kyle stared back at her in surprise. “I… don’t know if I’d call it cosplay.”

“LARPing, then. It was you, wasn’t it! Fighting those other men in military uniforms?” Holly insisted.

That was a new term for Kyle. “What’s LARPing?”

“Live Action Role Play,” Leslie jumped in to say, trying to get the spotlight back.

Kyle shook his head. “Ah, then no. It wasn’t LARPing. They were fighting for real and not acting.”

Holly looked at his bruised cheek. “Is that injury from the fight?”

Kyle smiled self-consciously. “No, I got this tonight when Helen Livingston’s ex-husband hit me.”

The two girls stared at him in shock. “Why did he do that?”

“I believe it’s because he has the mentality of a nine-year-old,” Kyle sighed.

“Did you beat him up like those other men?” Holly gasped.

Kyle smiled and shook his head. “No.”

“Why not?” Holly insisted.

Kyle laughed. “Contrary to what you saw in the video, I don’t enjoy fighting. It’s painful, and people can get badly injured. I’d much rather talk it out. Tonight, Perry hit me, but I think it surprised him as well. He really sucked at fighting. I could easily have beaten him into paste, but that wouldn’t have made him smarter or more considerate of others.”

“I haven’t seen the video of the fight,” Leslie said to her cousin, who immediately pulled her cell from her small purse.

“As I’ve lived through that and don’t need to see it again, I’m going to head back to the bar to get the drink I was denied. I’ll see you two around,” Kyle said. They nodded, and he headed back toward the bar.

When he arrived, the room was just as busy as it had been earlier. He made his way to the bar and caught the bartender’s attention. She took his order and slipped away.

Kyle felt the presence of another man moving to the bar next to him. When he glanced toward him. Kyle took a careful step away as he was scowling.

“What now?” Kyle snapped.

“Perry told me about you! You stay away from my sister!” the man asserted, jabbing Kyle in the chest with a pudgy finger.

Kyle seized the offending digit and folded it back.

His assailant screamed and dropped to his knees, trying to relieve the pressure on the digit, but Kyle had a firm grip on it.

“Who the FUCK are you?” Kyle snarled.

“F–Frank! Frank Livingston! Helen’s brother. Please! Please let go!”

Kyle scowled at him. “I’ve had enough of people trying to pick fights with me tonight. Are you going to piss off and leave me alone?” He squeezed the finger a little harder.

“AH! YES! God! Please! Let go!” Frank groveled.

“Hey, Uncle Frank! I see you’ve met Kyle!”

The voice belonged to Skye, who was entering the room with Byron. She had a delighted look on her face, which quickly became dismay when Kyle turned his head to face her.

“Oh my god! Did Frank do that to your face?” Skye gasped.

Kyle looked back at the man on his knees and let go of his finger. Frank sucked in a breath and cradled his sore hand to his chest. Kyle helped him up, then turned back to Skye while keeping Frank in the corner of his eye.

“No, your dad hit me. It sounds like he was talking shit with your uncle here.”

Byron leaned forward to look intently at Kyle. “Have you been drinking?”

The hilarity of that question caused Kyle to bark a laugh at the man. “No! I’ve been to the bar twice tonight, and I have yet to touch a drop!” He turned back to Frank.

“What crap did Perry tell you to make you brave enough to come after me?” he asked the pouting man.

Flinching from Kyle’s tone, Frank looked at him petulantly. “He-he said you were sponging off Helen, like some kind of gigolo.”

Kyle pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

“That’s bullshit! Kyle is a wonderful man who’s ten times the man my father is. He’s our friend, and he cares about us!” Skye barked at her uncle.

Kyle held his hand up to stop Skye. He saw the look on Frank’s face and sighed. “There’s no use trying to change their closed little minds, Skye. Besides, I really don’t care what they think of me.”

He turned to the bartender, and the woman placed a wine glass and a tumbler of scotch before him. He sipped the scotch and nodded thoughtfully as it was pretty good. He frowned a little as he noticed it wasn’t as good as the scotch Reginald served. He really had become spoiled.

“Where’s mum?” Skye asked.

He looked up. “Sorry. She’s speaking with Lydia. Your dad…” Kyle took a deep breath to ease the tension in his chest as he recalled the lost look in her eyes. “He really mind-fucked that poor woman. Helen was so lucky to get away from him.” He signaled the bartender to make a second glass of wine, and when it arrived, he handed both to Skye. “She’s in the library, down the hall to the right, fourth door on the left. Try not to react when you see Lydia.”

Skye looked at him nervously and nodded. She left with Byron, who glanced back at Kyle.

Kyle took another sip of his drink, then noticed that Frank was still there looking undecided. He locked eyes with the doughy man and squinted at him as he channeled Dirty Harry once more. “You’re still here? A man’s got to know his limitations,” he growled menacingly.

Frank turned quickly and hurried away.

The bartender chuckled. “Was that supposed to be Clint Eastwood?”

He shrugged and downed the last swallow. “It served me well.”

“Would you like another?” she asked.

“Thank you, no. I’m going to get some air instead.” He nodded to the woman and made his way to the back of the manor. He found a large kitchen with French doors opening onto a huge patio. Several guests were huddled together outside, smoking.

Kyle stepped outside and avoided the smoke by walking to the opposite side of the patio. He had to move cautiously on the slick stone as a thin coating of snow and ice on the pavers made them very slippery. A low stone flower box circled the outer edge of the patio. It was only knee high, and on its opposite side was a short drop to a small garden filled with what looked like the remnants of a rose garden. It was in rough shape, which surprised Kyle for so posh a home.

From his spot out by the edge of the patio, he took some deep breaths of the fresh and chilly air. He felt his mind clearing from the stress of dealing with the idiots. He allowed his thoughts to float for a while as all the poisons leached from his soul. The cool air also felt good on his bruised cheek.

“Is that him? Is that the cunt who attacked you?”

The shrill and grating voice immediately sent shivers down Kyle’s spine. It was also rare and odd to hear that insult from a woman’s lips.

He glanced toward the kitchen and saw a thick woman with an ugly dome of brown hair launch herself outside. Her pale blue party dress and pasty complexion made her look like two hundred pounds of flour in a one-hundred-pound sack. She was charging at Kyle with a full head of steam. He spotted Frank still inside, so he assumed this was his wife.

“How dare you touch my husband! Do you know who we arAAAHHH!” she screamed as her high heels lost traction on the snow.

As she’d rushed out of the house so quickly, she was moving too fast to stop. Her excess mass was now an unstoppable runaway train.

So, Kyle simply stepped back to watch her slide by, arms windmilling to keep herself upright.

When her shins clipped the low flower box, she toppled over it to cartwheel into the garden below. Her wailing shrieks increased in volume, and Frank rushed outside to help his wife. He lost traction too and slid past Kyle to flip over the flower box, landing partially on top of his wife. Her pained screams now included angry shouting.

Serenity shattered, Kyle sighed, and walked back into the house. People were coming outside to see what the noise was, so Kyle assumed someone else would come to the aid of the obnoxious couple.

He wandered to the other side of the large mansion and into a large room with a grand piano. People were relaxing on couches or groups of chairs, listening to a man play a classical piece. He was pretty good, and Kyle made his way closer. He leaned up against a window seat next to the piano, where he could watch the man’s hands. He was fascinated by the talent required to play, and the man was skilled.

Kyle glanced at his face and noticed the man was watching him with a thoughtful expression on his face. Maybe he looked a little sad. Kyle’s eyebrows went up curiously. The pianist couldn’t have been much older than Helen. He had dark curly but short hair, greying slightly at his temples. His skin was slightly tanned, so he’d been outdoors, but his hands showed no sign of cuts or scrapes from hard labor.

While he was wearing a suit, Kyle gauged him to be relatively fit based on what he could see of the man’s hands, neck, and face. He didn’t seem to be carrying any excess weight.

But he was watching Kyle with a slight tension in his eyes.

When the piece was finished, Kyle moved closer, and the man turned to face him.

“You’re really good!” Kyle said with a smile, and the man nodded his thanks. “Kyle MacDenny.”

He saw a momentary and possibly involuntary twitch in the man’s eyes. “John Montgomery.”

Kyle examined the man more closely. “Sorry, have we met? You’re giving me that impression.”

The man’s eyes dipped slightly, then rose to focus on him. “No, we haven’t. Sorry, I have heard of you. Many of the people here tonight are talking about you.”

Kyle’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Uh, I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. It’s been quite a night.”

John smiled. “Most are saying good things. Don’t worry. It’s just an odd group and a stranger party as it’s based on a historical and geographic mix. There are many families here who’ve known each other for generations and a few new arrivals each year as people join or are just transient guests.” He stared at Kyle pointedly as he said that last part.

Kyle got the impression that the man was trying to ask him something. He hazarded a guess.

“I’m a friend of Helen Livingston, whose family is part of this geographic group, it seems.”

He saw the man’s hands moving over the keys as if playing a silent tune, and the precise movements suddenly triggered his memory. “Doctor Montgomery?”

The man smiled in surprise. “Yes.”

Kyle grinned back at him. “I was told you were in Indonesia!”

“I got back last night,” he admitted.

“Johnny! Play us another. Something more recent!” a woman’s voice called out.

He smiled at the audience and began playing As Time Goes By, and smiles appeared on faces.

He looked back at Kyle with a chagrinned expression. “This is why I try to avoid these parties. Getting roped into entertaining the riff-raff.”

Kyle grinned.

The man’s expression became serious again as his fingers flowed across the keys. “I’m told you’re Helen’s plus one tonight.”

The hesitation in the man’s voice clued Kyle in once more. “And I’m told that you might be a suiter of Helen’s at the hospital.”

John’s expression froze, but his hands never slowed or missed a note. Kyle was very impressed.

“I’m Helen’s friend and always will be, but I’m not a permanent fixture in her life. In fact, I’m moving on tomorrow.” He held the man’s eyes. “Helen is a very special woman. She’s one of the truly great women I’ve met in my life. Her heart is precious and should be protected and nurtured.”

The surgeon was watching Kyle as he segued his playing into the Beatles tune Let It Be. “I feel the same way,” he said.

“Then make her believe it,” Kyle said, and John’s eyes showed a little hope.

“She spent too many years under the thumb of her cruel husband. She’s far happier now that she’s free of him, but her self-confidence is something else that needs nurturing. Can you be that kind of supportive man for her?” Kyle asked.

John nodded as he held Kyle’s gaze. “Nothing would make me happier.”

Kyle smiled. “Good. I’m counting on you.” He listened to John play and smiled. “Damn, you’re talented!”

John’s grin was a far happier expression than the concern he’d first shown. “Thanks!”

When he finished the song, he stood and held up his hands to fend off the protests at his leaving. Finally, he just waved and stepped away from the piano.

“I’d like to say hello to her. Where might Helen be?” John asked Kyle.

“The last I saw, she was speaking with Perry’s new wife. The man crushed her confidence, and Helen was trying to help her.” He gestured for John to follow him.

They moved through the party and came to the open door to the library. Kyle stepped inside, but they weren’t there. He checked his cell, but there were no texts from Helen. He sent her one, and moments later, his cell buzzed. “Bar,” Kyle read.

They walked down the hall and found the room. Helen and Lydia were sitting at a table with two other women Kyle recognized from the introductions. They were cousins of Helen’s. Four sets of eyes gazed at Kyle and John as they approached, and Kyle got the distinct sensation of being undressed by their eyes. He’d have to speak to Helen about her loose tongue.

All were drinking wine, and Lydia seemed to be more relaxed now.

“Helen! Look who I found tickling the ivories in the music room,” Kyle said to her.

“John! When did you get back?” she asked in surprise.

“Last night. I didn’t want to miss this year’s party as I heard you’d be attending,” he insisted with a smile.

“Ooo! He’s got a silver tongue, doesn’t he!” Helen’s cousin Anna grinned as she giggled with her sister Darla.

Helen swatted her cousin’s arm, then made the introductions.

Her cheeks were pinking up nicely as she glanced between the two men. Kyle gazed at Lydia and saw she was watching the events with wide eyes.

Then he noticed she’d changed her make-up. Her lips, while still puffy, were a lovely pale pink. The bold eye shadow and liner had been toned down as well. The tall hair-do was no longer tall but had been brushed down into a lovely flow over her shoulders. The overall appearance was much more natural. She still had the oversized and round breast implants, the tiny dress, and the very tall shoes, but the changes made were a start in the right direction. He gave her an admiring smile and nod, and she gave him a trembling smile in return.

“Oh, before I forget. Your brother and his wife slipped on the ice on the patio and fell into the rose garden,” Kyle mentioned.

“What?!?” Helen exclaimed.

Kyle showed his palms with a look of innocence on his face. “I didn’t lift a finger to harm them.” Then a smile slipped onto his lips. “But I didn’t life a finger to help, either. They should have known better than to move so quickly across an icy patio.”

Helen and her cousins burst into laughter.

“Couldn’t have happened to a bigger blow-hard than Priscilla!” Anna crowed.

“Why were they rushing on the ice?” John asked curiously.

“It seems Frank’s wife took offense to my defending myself from him poking me.” Kyle waved a dismissive hand. “He may have a minor sprain on his index finger. She came after me to put me in my place but ended up in the thorns. Frank rushed to her aid and ended up on top of her.”

The giggling erupted again. “I would have loved to have seen that!” Darla moaned.

Skye and Byron joined them. “Hi, Dr. Montgomery!” she said cheerily as she watched her mother’s face.

“Please, call me John,” the doctor replied, and Skye nodded.

“This is Byron Cantington, my boyfriend,” Skye said happily to the group.

Then she looked at Kyle and John, then Byron and a light went on behind her eyes. Her eyes returned to Kyle, and her jaw dropped open as she frowned.

“Might I speak with you a moment?” Kyle asked her as he gently led her a few steps from the group.

“You’re doing it again!” she insisted when they were alone.

“Doing what?” Kyle asked.

“Matchmaking! Finding mates for the friends you’ve been intimate with!” she hissed quietly.

He looked into her eyes. “Have I offended you? Are you not happy? All I did was put two people with potential together and let them work it out. You know I’m not going to be anything more than a good friend for you and Helen. This is the best outcome for everyone.”

“Except you!” Skye insisted, sadness in her eyes.

He smiled gently. “I’ll find love… one day. When I’ve dealt with my demon. I’m not fit to be in that kind of relationship with anyone until then.” He gave her a fake stern look. “Come on. Put a smile on that pretty face. It’s a New Year’s Eve party! It’s almost time to celebrate!”

He guided her back, and Byron watched him nervously, but he just smiled and shook his head at the man. He noted John was speaking quietly with Helen, and she was playing with her hair with a happy little smile on her lips, a good sign.

“Five-minute warning!” someone called out from the doorway.

Kyle aimed a questioning look at the group. “Is there a central place all guests go to ring in the New Year?”

Helen answered. “We used to gather in the main dining hall, but the group is too large now, so it’s split between there and the music room. They’re next to each other. Shall we go?”

Everyone moved toward the hall, the cousins going off to find their families, and Kyle stepped next to Helen. “Where is Perry?” he asked quietly.

Helen frowned. “He left. I’m bringing Lydia home with us tonight. She needs to speak to a lawyer to free herself from her husband. I’ll help her with that.”

Kyle smiled at Helen. She really was one of the great ones. He looked at John and nodded toward Helen as he moved back to walk with Lydia.

She smiled at him nervously as he moved beside her.

“Hey, you’re with friends. Everything’s going to work out fine,” he assured her.

“Are you going to be at Helen’s tonight?” she asked.

He nodded. “It’s the last night of my visit to England.”

“Are you going home? Where is your home?” Lydia asked.

“I’m going to the Seychelles for a bit… not sure how long, and after that, I’m not sure. I’m from Canada, but I no longer have a home there.” He frowned as that sounded sad.

“I’m going to stay with my mum for a while… just until I get the divorce settled. Then we’ll see,” Lydia said quietly.

“Good plan,” Kyle said with a smile, and she nodded.

“Any resolutions for the new year?” she asked, feeling a little more comfortable with him.

He saw Skye was watching him on his other side, so he raised his voice slightly for her to hear as well. “I’ve never been one to make New Year resolutions, but I think this year I’m going to have to do it. I need a more concrete plan to find a direction for my life. I mean, I’m glad I left my old job, let go of my apartment, and gave away the stuff I no longer need, but it feels like I’ve been drifting ever since. I need to add some structure and purpose.”

They reached the music room and saw a table had been set up for champagne flutes. They all collected one and found a spot by one of the windows to wait for the countdown.

“Last year, I did this in front of a television in my apartment, alone, thinking about Gwen, who was already in France, likely sharing the bed of the author she worked for. I can’t get over how much has changed in a year,” Kyle said as he looked at Helen and Skye. They sent him sympathetic smiles.

“Gwen? Who’s Gwen?” Byron asked, an edge to his voice as he stared at Kyle with a cross expression.

Kyle sighed as he gave the man a weary look. Skye firmly pulled Byron aside and spoke to him quietly.

Lydia looked at him curiously as she obviously also wanted to know, so he leaned closer to her. “Gwen was my fiancé who left me the day before I joined a group bicycle holiday in France with Helen and Skye.”

Lydia’s eyes widened as she gasped quietly.

Kyle gave her a small smile. “It’s been one hell of a year, but it’s definitely been an improvement.”

The count down began, and everyone in the room raised their glasses and joined in. Kyle’s eyes caught John’s as he took a small step back. The man smiled gratefully as he moved slightly closer to Helen.

“Three! Two! One! HAPPY NEW YEAR!” the crowd roared and cheered.

Helen found herself facing John, and she smiled as he leaned closer to give her a kiss. Her lips met his halfway, and the kiss was sweet and gentle.

Skye was snogging Byron, and the man was lost to her passion.

Kyle was facing Lydia, whose eyes were locked on his mouth. He smiled and leaned forward.

Lydia’s arms went around his neck as her mouth was suddenly on his, her tongue flicking out to taste him. The soft pressure of her tits squished against him was wonderful, if surprising.

Kyle wasn’t sure where to put his hands as that might trigger the woman’s passion, so they landed on her hips gently. She moaned and crushed herself against his body harder.

He slowly pushed her hips back to end the kiss, and she released his lips from her kiss, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the lingering sparks.

Kyle glanced at Helen, who was observing him. She relaxed as he shook his head slightly.

He heard Byron make an angry noise, then Skye was leading him away.

Kyle’s eyes returned to Lydia’s as they opened and suddenly went wide as she realized what she’d just done. Her body stiffened in embarrassment, but he took her hands and smiled at her. “That was really nice. Happy New Year,” he said softly.

Eyes were watching them, and some were judging, but Lydia looked at Helen and received a warm smile.

“I-I don’t know why I did that!” Lydia gushed.

“It’s been a very trying night,” Helen said.

Kyle moved closer to Helen and kissed her cheek with a smile. “Happy New Year, Helen. I think it’s going to be an extra special year for you.”

As he stepped back, her eyes locked on his as she recognized what his friendly kiss meant. She smiled at him as her eyes became a little glassy. She pulled him into a firm hug.

“I hope your year brings you what you are looking for, Kyle,” she whispered in his ear with a tremble in her voice.

When she pulled back, Skye grabbed Kyle and gave him a squeeze. It was her turn to whisper. “You’ll always hold a special place in my heart, Kyle. In Mum’s too. I’ll never forget how you saved me from Owen.” She pulled back to give him a shaky smile. “I’m leaving now with Byron, and I won’t be able to join you at the airport tomorrow. I’ll keep Byron distracted as you fly off to spend time with his mom.” She grinned cheekily. “Don’t be a stranger!”

“Goodbye, Skye. You’re gonna be a star! Good luck with everything!” he said fondly.

She gave him a stiff smile with glassy eyes, then rushed away.

He turned to look at Helen, John, and Lydia. “Boy, these New Year parties really get emotional quickly,” he said, wiping at his own eyes.

“I think we’re all feeling a little tired, so we should probably get going, too,” Helen said with a smile at John.

“I’ll see you at the hospital the day after?” John said to Helen.

“Yes, but I’m the new Hospital Administrator now, so you’ll find me there,” he said with a smile.

John’s face lit up. “Congratulations! That’s wonderful!” he gushed enthusiastically.

Helen’s expression of joy was beautiful to see. When John gave her another hug, she bit her lip happily, and Kyle saw they were a good fit.

People were heading to the exit, and their group joined in the flow.

They picked up their outerwear from the coat check, and John shook Kyle’s hand with gratitude in his eyes.

Being a prick to the end, Perry had taken Lydia’s coat with him when he left, so Kyle put his leather jacket over her shoulders.

The drive back to Twickenham was quicker as the traffic was lighter, but it was still a little past one in the morning when they parked outside Helen’s building.

She led them inside, and Kyle had to keep his arm around Lydia’s shoulders as she was so exhausted.

When they got inside the condo, Lydia gazed at the lovely décor. “You have such a beautiful home.”

Helen smiled. “Thank you. I’ll set you up in Skye’s room tonight.”

Kyle accepted his jacket back from Lydia as she and Helen moved to the living room to have a little talk. He made his way into the guest bedroom, where he quickly stripped the suit off and put everything back into the suit bag for Skye to return to the stop.

Then he put on the shorts he wore to bed and threw a t-shirt on before setting aside the clothes he would wear tomorrow for his flight.

He quickly packed all his belongings into his duffle bag and slipped across the hall to the washroom to brush his teeth for going to bed. Once he put these items back in his room, he made his way back out into the living room to say his goodnights.

Helen and Lydia looked up at him from the couch with smiles.

“Goodnight! See you both in the morning,” he said with a smile.

The ladies stood, and Kyle gave them hugs, which put smiles on their faces.

“Goodnight, Kyle,” Helen said with a sad little smile.

“Hey, no sadness. Great days ahead in the New Year!” he said.

Helen nodded and flashed a quick smile at him.

He left the women and headed back to his bedroom. He was really going to miss Helen, but he truly believed she would be okay now.

With that thought in his mind, he slipped under the sheets, and his exhaustion tugged him under.

-=-

Sometime later, Kyle felt the mattress shift as someone joined him. His groggy eyes opened, and he felt breasts pressing against his arm. When he realized how much of his arm was being covered by the soft flesh, he realized who it was.

“Lydia, what are you doing?” he asked quietly.

She froze and remained silent for a moment. “Please let me stay.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea–”

“Please! I won’t disturb your sleep. I just don’t want to be alone,” she pleaded quietly.

Kyle sighed. He was too tired to fight, so he moved his arm to let her cuddle in under it.

He felt her sigh and relax against him.

Her tits felt incredible squeezed against him.

Not disturbing his sleep, eh? Right.

Chapter 13

Kyle was in the passenger seat of Helen’s compact car once more as she drove him back to Heathrow.

His duffle was in the backseat, and Lydia was not.

After the three of them ate the breakfast Kyle made for them, Lydia got dressed in his room and joined them wearing his sweater and track pants, the sleeves and pant legs rolled up.

As nothing Helen or Skye owned fit over the woman’s large breast implants, he donated his warm clothes to the cause. He certainly wouldn’t need them in the Seychelles.

She looked rather delightful in the bright red fleece with CANADA in bold white letters stretched across her chest.

She gave him and Helen a warm hug and went downstairs to meet the taxi that would take her to her mother’s place.

Kyle’s flight wasn’t until seven that night, so he and Helen spent the day just relaxing and talking about her new job, Doctor Montgomery, Skye’s new beau, his issue with Kyle’s current lifestyle, and the future. Helen was so easy to talk to, and he enjoyed the day with her greatly.

Now, he leaned back in his seat and yawned broadly.

“Oh, the poor man got no sleep. Perhaps something kept you up last night?” Helen said with a smirk.

He glanced over at her. “Not in the way you seem to be insinuating.”

“No?”

He closed his eyes and shook his head as he leaned it back against the headrest once more. “She just needed human contact. She fell asleep right away.”

“But?” Helen asked.

He glanced at her as he cracked an eyelid open. “Yes, being squeezed against that much feminine flesh was very… stimulating. It took me longer to fall back asleep.”

Helen chuckled, then drove in silence to let him rest.

She tapped his arm as she turned the car off in the parking lot. He blinked the sleep from his eyes and looked around. “Ah, you didn’t have to come in. You could have just dropped me off on the sidewalk.”

Helen gave him a serious look, and he saw… frustration? Then she smiled.

“Kyle, there is no way I am letting you get on that plane without a proper hug and kiss. None of this peck-on-the-cheek nonsense. I know you believe you’re being chivalrous, but you need to take my feelings into consideration as well as John’s. I will be seeing him, and I hope a relationship is in our future, but it’s all potential at this time.

You’ve had such a profound impact on my life and Skye’s. You are and will always be a treasured friend, but you’re also in my heart. That deserves honest emotions and acts. I will walk you to the gate, and you will kiss me like the adults we both are. I expect passion, and I want to feel your heart in it.”

Kyle blinked then nodded as a smile slipped onto his lips. “Okay. I guess I’ve been a little heavy-handed with the whole wingman activity, and I clearly haven’t considered your feelings. I’m so sorry about that. Thank you for the wake-up call.” He touched her arm as he looked into her eyes. “Let’s go.”

She nodded, and they got out. Kyle grabbed his bag, and she locked up. They walked arm in arm into the terminal. As instructed by Louise, he made his way to the British Airways ticketing desk and presented his passport.

Minutes later, he was walking away with a ticket and boarding pass.

Helen walked him to the security checkpoint where she’d have to say goodbye.

“Will you be coming back?” she asked, and he heard the tremor in her voice.

He moved forward to take her in his arms and looked into her lovely eyes. “I don’t know, but I hope so. I haven’t really worked out what I’m going to do next. I’ll try to spend some time on that issue while relaxing on a beach.”

Helen snorted gently, then she gasped as his mouth found hers. As promised, he didn’t hold back as she was also in his heart, and he wanted her to know that. The kiss was deep, sensual, and lingered until Kyle finally pulled back. Helen’s eyes were closed, and she was breathing a little fast.

“Now… that was a beautiful goodbye kiss,” she sighed and opened her eyes.

He nodded with a slight smile on his lips. “Let’s call it an until-we-meet-again kiss.”

Her smile widened, and she nodded shakily. “Yes, let’s.”

He stepped back with her hand in his and walked forward, only releasing her fingers when he could no longer hold on. He glanced back with a smile and saw her wave before she spun and rushed away.

Kyle took some deep breaths and made a promise to himself that he’d attempt to return.

The security gauntlet was before him, so he steeled himself and marched forward, papers in hand.

-=-

Sipping chilled fruit juice in the First-Class lounge while he waited for his flight, Kyle relaxed back in his chair with his notebook PC on the desk before him. He also had a newspaper for researching potential investments opportunities. From the expensive designer clothing and displays of jewelry from the other travelers, he knew he was surrounded by money, a lot more than he had. Some passengers were just flaunting it more than the others.

He’d been pleasantly surprised by how quickly he made it through security. This was expedited by an incident with an old guy trying to smuggle some suspect items through. The agents found several large deli meat sticks, including a monstrous four-pound pepperoni, in his carry-on. This drew the attention of many of the agents, especially when they found a huge jar of personal lube, as well.

Kyle felt a little bad the man was kink-shamed for his contraband. It’s possible the items weren’t related.

As he had time before his flight, he did a little shopping and replaced his donated fleece tracksuit at a shop in the terminal. Granted, it wasn’t red, and it didn’t say CANADA on it, but he’d have to settle with royal blue with LONDON across the chest and down one leg. Planes could be cold, so having the cozy tracksuit was like insurance. Not that he expected to need it on the island.

He was reading a story in the paper about a new tech start-up that sounded promising. They seemed to have a good chance at filling a void in the renewable energy infrastructure. He did a background search on the talent behind the new company and was excited to see several of the key players from the potential investment he’d missed out on during the Las Vegas fiasco. They weren’t resting on their laurels after being bought out! He quickly logged into his trading app and transferred twenty grand into the new stock. It was a bit of a gamble, but he was trusting his instincts on this one.

Shutting down his PC, he stuffed it into his duffle with a satisfied smile.

Moments later, he heard the boarding call and joined the stream of wealthy travelers. As he gazed at the group and picked up their chatter, he smiled as he realized how foreign their world was to him. He acknowledged that the tier above them likely flew on private jets to the Seychelles, but even these travelers came from a world of privilege which was nothing like his humble beginnings.

He had more in common with Reginald Dunsfield, who worked for and grew his wealth over many decades. That man also came from a wealthy family, and his start may also have included a comfortable financial cushion. However, Kyle realized it was their attitude that made the difference. Reginald appreciated the struggle. He wondered if any of the people he was amongst had ever experienced it.

Speaking of experience, Kyle was stunned to find himself directed to his very own space pod, complete with a reclining seat with a personal flat-screen TV and a control panel to adjust… everything in his personal space. It even came with a blanket, pillow, sleep mask, and booties to keep with toes warm as he slept. He sat on the plush seat and sighed.

“Good evening! Is there anything you need?”

Kyle looked up at the gorgeous flight attendant, smiling back at him with perfect white teeth.

“Good evening… Uh, I think this seat has… everything,” he mumbled. He spotted a complimentary bottle of spring water.

“First time in First-Class?” she asked quietly.

He recalled his flight to England, jammed in next to matrons Beryl and Abigail, and grinned. Such a difference!

“Yeah, this is… something else,” he sighed.

She gave him another lovely smile. “If you think of something you need, feel free to press the call button, and I’ll return.”

“Thank you,” Kyle said with a smile of his own.

“Miss! I want a thicker pillow!”

Kyle and the flight attendant glanced back at the source of the surly comment.

“Yes, sir. I’ll look for one for you,” she said pleasantly, then turned to Kyle. “They are all identical.” Kyle gave her a sympathetic smile.

She moved away on her mission impossible, and Kyle settled in.

He realized this was a service industry job he didn’t want. Sure, it involved travel, and you got to meet people, but… no.

He needed to put more thought into it. In the meantime, he had a space pod to explore.

Chapter 14

The flight to the international airport on Mahé in the Seychelles was one of the most comfortable trips Kyle had ever taken. The chair was comfortable, and it folded flat to become an even more comfy bed.

Before he called it a night, he’d had a friendly conversation with Emily, the flight attendant for his section. He learned a lot about the joys and pitfalls of working the skies and shared anecdotes about his time as an investment manager and his subsequent quest for joy.

Emily was a lovely woman with a great sense of humor. Kyle let her quietly know how impressed she was with her ability to maintain her patience with such entitled travelers.

She asked how long he’d be on the island, and he let her know he had no idea, nor did he know where he’d be going next.

Emily told him that was a lot like being a flight attendant as well.

She woke him, and once he’d freshened up a little in the washroom, she’d served him a surprisingly good breakfast.

They arrived at their destination soon afterward, and Kyle said his goodbyes and wished her luck. He told her she’d made his First-Class experience that much better, and she gave him a dazzling smile.

Shuffling out into the terminal after passing through usual security processing, he spotted a handsome older man with brown skin in a bold flowery shirt and khaki pants holding a sigh with Kyle MacDenny printed on it. Kyle approached the man and smiled at him.

“Mr. MacDenny?” the older man asked.

“That’s me,” Kyle said.

“I am Bernard, your driver. I will take you to the resort.” He looked behind Kyle. “Where is your suitcase?”

Kyle gestured to his duffle bag. “I travel light.”

Bernard nodded with a smile and gestured for Kyle to follow him outside to a small minivan. Bernard opened the sliding door, and Kyle climbed in the back.

The drive to the other side of the island was surprisingly short, but Kyle was blown away by the tropical vistas, the heat, and the scents. Santa Barbara had been the closest he’d come to this, but it didn’t really compare at all. The density of the lush vegetation was certainly a vast difference. This was likely the source of the humidity and the sweet scent of tropical flowers.

He grinned to himself as he realized he was on an island whose closest neighbors were Africa and Madagascar. He was far from home.

When they reached the resort, Kyle’s mind was blown again. He was expecting to see a large, multi-floor resort with balconies facing the tropical scenery. Instead, a cluster of low-rise buildings housed the administration offices and reception area, several restaurants, and the communal areas. For the guest suites, multiple villas were scattered across the beautifully landscaped property. He followed Bernard through the canopied pathways to a private bungalow. Kyle saw others through the dense foliage, but there was excellent privacy between these buildings. He looked at his guide, who handed him a key when they stood before the door to a beautiful building.

“Enjoy your stay with us, Mr. MacDenny,” the man said, enjoying the expression on Kyle’s face.

“Kyle, please,” he responded as his eyes were pulled back to the grounds.

“Is there anything you need, Kyle?” Bernard asked with a smile as Kyle was making no move to enter the villa.

Kyle shook his head slowly. “I just need a moment to get my head around the idea I’m here. It’s so different from anything I’ve experienced. It feels a little surreal.”

Bernard grinned. “But in a good way, yes?”

Kyle’s eyes returned to the man, and he smiled. “Yes. Thank you, Bernard. It’s truly beautiful here. I suppose I shouldn’t keep my friend waiting any longer.”

Bernard nodded and headed back toward the main building.

Turning to the door, he let himself inside and cast his gaze about the stunning and tastefully decorated interior. He saw no sign of Louise, so he called out.

“Louise? It’s Kyle. I’m here!”

“I’m outside by the pool, Kyle. Come join me.”

Kyle kicked off his shoes and dropped his duffle bag before he walked through the lovely living space to step out onto a large patio. His eyes immediately locked on the beautiful woman stretched out on the lounge chair wearing a very sexy bikini. Louise was smiling at his appreciative stare as she relaxed with her book. She set it down as he approached and grinned up at him. Then her expression changed to concern. “What happened to your cheek?”

He shrugged as he rolled his eyes. “It’s a long story, which I’ll save it for later. It’s only a little tender, now.”

“Okay. How was your trip?” she said. She smiled up at him in anticipation as he dipped down to kiss her.

Her lips eagerly met his, and she sighed as he sensually kissed her.

Louise’s eyes were a little dreamy when he pulled back, which made him smile.

“The flight was amazing. First-Class is so different from economy. Thank you for that experience.” He gestured around. “And thank you for this! I can’t get over how gorgeous thiiisss–” His brain derailed as he finally caught sight of the view of the ocean over the pool. They were a distance above the water, the villa nestled in against the hillside overlooking the expansive bay before them. He realized they’d get to watch the sunset from here.

“Yes, it’s pretty spectacular, isn’t it.”

Her voice drew his brain back to reality, and he looked at her in embarrassment. “Yes… it’s incredible.” He wondered at how dazzled his brain felt. “Maybe I’m still dealing with travel fatigue. I feel a little punch drunk. My brain seems to be having trouble absorbing so much change, so quickly.”

Louise offered her hand, and he assisted her to her feet. “I have just the remedy for that. Come with me.” She walked past and tugged his hand.

He followed obediently into the bedroom, but instead of being led to bed, she stopped before a bureau where she opened a drawer and pulled a piece of red fabric from it, and handed it to him. He looked dubiously at the tissue-sized bit of spandex. Holding the tiny briefs out in front of himself, he glanced at the grin on Louise’s face.

“What?” she said with playful defensiveness. “It’s the bathing suit I promised to pick up for you. Put it on and join me in the pool,” she said as she turned and strolled out of the room.

Kyle scanned his eyes around the room and saw it also had a spectacular view of the ocean. The furnishings were tasteful, light, and uncluttered. It was very much his style. The bed looked very inviting, but he looked back at the bathing suit with a resigned expression.

It didn’t take long to strip his clothes and slide the stretchy bathing suit on. As he’d expected, it barely covered anything and clung to him as if it was painted on. There was no room for an erection in the tiny suit, which he imagined Louise considered a positive feature.

He tucked his clothes into the bureau drawer and walked out to join Louise by the pool.

She was already in the water, but her eyes were drinking in his muscles and how he filled out the tiny swimsuit.

“Very nice!” she purred.

He looked down. “It doesn’t leave much to the imagination.”

“Who needs imagination when you have this kind of reality before you!” Louise teased. She lifted her hands to beckon him into the cool waters.

He climbed down the steps, sighing with relief from the heat. Once he was in the pool, Louise swam closer and stood before him. The water wasn’t deep, reaching her collar bones as she leaned forward to receive another kiss.

Her lips were soft but insistent as her hands explored his back and slid down to cup his ass through the slippery material. His stomach growled as her body pressed against his, and she snorted into the kiss as she felt the vibrations. She pulled back and grinned up at him as he smiled self-consciously.

“Breakfast on the plane was very good, but not very filling,” he said apologetically.

“How about we order up some lunch then go for a walk on the beach? We can work up an appetite for dinner and other activities,” she suggested.

He nodded. “That sounds perfect.”

With a sultry look over her shoulder, Louise climbed the steps out of the pool and grabbed her towel.

Kyle watched her head inside to place the order, and he checked out the pool. It was a little too short to swim laps, so it was more for just cooling off and… doing what they’d just about done. The sunset view from the pool was going to be incredible!

He climbed from the pool and quickly rubbed himself down with a towel before picking up a bottle of sunscreen next to Louise’s chair. He began applying it, and Louise returned.

“Lunch will be here momentarily. May I apply the lotion to your back?” she asked.

He nodded, and she did a thorough job of covering him. “Did you get your own, or can I apply it for you?” he asked, and she smiled with a nod as she turned around. He massaged the lotion into her skin, and she moaned happily as he worked out her tension.

They finally laid back and relaxed until there was a knock on the door. Kyle stood and wrapped a towel around his waist.

“Oh, pooh! Hiding your delightful body like that!” Louise said with a cheeky smile.

He just shook his head and opened the door. Bernard carried in a tray with covered dishes, and a young woman accompanied him. She quickly moved the items from the tray to the small table by the patio doors. Louise joined them and thanked Bernard and the woman for lunch. Kyle closed the door behind them and returned to see what Louise had ordered.

As he’d expressed his hunger, he was delighted to see a club sandwich with coleslaw and fries. He grinned at her. “Perfect!”

They enjoyed the meal, and Louise received a description of the event that led to his bruised cheek.

After they finished up, Kyle went back to his duffle bag and moved his clothes into the dresser. He tried to find something he could wear for his walk on the beach and settle with a short-sleeved shirt, worn open, and the swim trunks he picked up in Paris. They weren’t so revealing, so he’d be more comfortable in public areas. The next issue he had was footwear. He had his runners he could wear without socks, but he’d have to take them off at the beach and carry them. They were the only shoes he had other than his boots.

Louise joined him with a sheer wrap around her waist and sandals on her feet.

“What happened to your sexy swimsuit?” she pouted.

He smirked. “Let me ease my way into being comfortable exposing so much of myself in public, please.”

She finally nodded then looked at his feet. “Do you need sandals?”

He sighed. “Yeah, I guess it makes sense for me to pick some up.”

She fingered his shirt and smiled. “I think we need to have a shopping trip tomorrow to get you some tropical wear.”

He gave her an uncomfortable look.

She caught the expression and patted his arm. “I promise not to go overboard, but I’d enjoy the opportunity to shop for you.”

He took a deep breath then nodded. She grinned happily and tugged his arm.

“Let’s go walk on the beach!” she said.

They locked up and walked through the beautiful grounds along the path that led down to the beach.

Kyle smiled. “We’re going to get our exercise climbing down and back from the beach.”

“It’s the price you pay for such an amazing view in the rooms,” she sighed with a smile.

When they finally reached the sand, Kyle slipped his shoes off and tied the laces through a small loop at the hip of his shorts. This meant he didn’t have to carry them in his hands. Louise slipped her sandals and banged them together to clear the sand. Kyle held his hand out to her, and she looked at him curiously. He took the sandals and slipped them inside his runners. Louise gave him an impressed look for his ingenuity.

They walked down to the ocean’s edge, picked a direction, and headed that way.

The sun was blazing as the blue skies were perfectly clear, but the water was refreshingly cool to walk through as the gentle waves caught their feet at the shore. The wet sand was so soft underfoot, and Kyle paused for a moment to breathe in the sea’s scent. Kyle’s senses were reeling with all this unique and wonderful input.

Louise stood by his side, silent for a moment as she watched him take it all in.

“It’s lovely here, isn’t it,” she sighed. “Everything seems so far away, like there’s nothing to worry about, no deadlines or demands on your time. Everything moves at a much slower pace. It’s easy to just let all of your emotional baggage just slide off into the sand to be washed away by the waves.”

“That sounds nice,” Kyle agreed.

They continued along and saw another couple walking toward them. Kyle glanced at Louise. “So, how does it work with a resort made up of individual villas? Do you get to meet your neighbors, or does everyone remain isolated?”

Louise looked up into his eyes momentarily, then looked forward, keeping an eye on the people getting closer. “Some like to keep to themselves, but there are restaurants on the property and places to get a drink. Some seek social interaction, and I’ve met some interesting couples here. If a friendship builds, tables are shared for meals, excursions on the island are joined, and get-togethers for drinks in the bar and dancing is possible. Sometimes couples are interested in more than friendship, and I’ll admit I once accepted a request to join a couple in their villa for some intimate fun.”

Kyle watched her carefully, so she patted his arm. “That hasn’t happened in a long time, and I’m not so eager to do it now.”

He sighed in relief as that would step well outside his comfort zone. He heard Louise chuckle as she caught him relaxing.

They nodded politely to the couple who went by. Both looked to be in their thirties and in perfect health. Kyle thought they were entirely too photogenic, like they stepped out of an ad for exactly this kind of blissful lifestyle. The man was tall, dark, and ruggedly handsome with his perfectly trimmed five o’clock shadow and wavy hair, his rock-hard toned muscles, and the broad shoulders and narrow waist of a champion swimmer. The chunky divers Rolex on his wrist screamed wealth, as did the immense diamond ring on the finger of the tall and sleek, stunning beauty at his side. She was all long limbs and toned muscles. Her long black hair was straight, reached her ass, and gleamed in the bright sunlight. Her features were as perfect and symmetrical as his were.

They were the perfect couple, image-wise, at least.

Kyle grinned at Louise as she glanced up at him. “Maybe you’ve changed your mind about being eager now?” he joked.

“Like you would kick that beauty from your bed!” she teased back.

“Of course I would! The audacity of her disturbing my peaceful sleep!” he growled with fake indignation, and Louise giggled delightfully.

They decided to take a little dip in the water as the sun was making them too hot. Kyle untied the knot on his shoelaces and put their footwear further away from the water. Then he stripped off his shirt and wrapped it around his shoes.

Louise tucked her wrap under his shirt then joined him. They rushed into the water and stayed there for over an hour, playing, holding each other as they jumped to keep their faces above the waves, and just relaxed in each other’s arms.

“This is bliss!” Louise sighed happily.

Kyle smiled at her happiness and nodded.

They eventually walked from the surf to collect their clothes and walked back to the resort. The climb was tougher for Louise, but soon they were back in their villa.

Kyle suggested they take a shower, and her eyes lit up with excitement.

The stall was huge, so they had no crowding issues. Kyle washed her hair and body and slipped down to his knees to worship her with his mouth to bring her to a glorious release. Then she rested on the seat in the stall while Kyle washed.

Clean, they left the shower and got dressed for dinner.

“I thought we might enjoy the restaurant tonight,” Louise suggested.

“You just want to meet the world’s most camera-friendly couple again,” he teased.

That got a snort from her, and she shook her head.

Kyle’s selection for dinner casual wear was very limited. He slipped on a dress shirt and khaki slacks. His sneakers would have to accompany this outfit as that’s all he had.

Louise took his arm, and they left the villa again to check out the restaurants.

They were led to a table with a view of the gardens, and Louise immediately ordered a bottle of her favorite wine. Kyle raised an eyebrow at her as he wasn’t that much of a drinker.

They took their time reviewing the menu, and Kyle chose the grilled fish dish while Louise went for the pasta.

“So, tomorrow we go shopping?” Kyle asked.

Louise nodded. “We can do that after breakfast. Then have lunch at a delightful restaurant on Eden Island. We can walk off the meal on the beach when we get back, but you have to promise me you’ll wear the swimsuit I bought for you when we do.” She grinned at him in challenge.

Kyle saw the plea in her eyes, so he steeled his nerves and nodded. “Fine. Just refrain from giving me a woody while we’re on the beach. There’s no excess room in that swimsuit.”

Louise burst into giggles as she figured out what a woody was.

Kyle saw heads turn to look in their direction and realized it was the beautiful couple. They were seated two tables away, over Louise’s right shoulder. The woman’s eyes lingered on him, so he redirected his eyes to Louise’s excited expression.

“Don’t look now, but you’re attracting the attention of the world’s most photogenic couple,” Kyle whispered to her.

Louise blinked in surprise and began to turn in her seat, but Kyle reached out to hold her hand.

“Why do people always do that when you specifically say don’t look now?” Kyle sighed.

Louise chuckled and shook her head. “Where are they?”

Kyle picked up the couple in his peripheral vision and did an estimate. “They’re at your five o’clock, two tables away.”

She blinked at him. “My what?”

He grinned. “It’s an old aviation term. You imagine yourself standing, or in this case sitting, at the middle of a clock face. Twelve o’clock means straight ahead or where I’m sitting facing you. Three o’clock would mean directly to your right, and nine o’clock would mean directly to your left. On your six would mean directly behind you. By saying they’re at your five o’clock means they are behind you and slightly to your right.”

Louise raised an eyebrow at him. “You’re a pilot?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “No, but I’ve been accused of cosplaying as one with your brother.”

“Ah, yes! You looked so dreamy in that uniform,” she sighed. “Is that what cosplay means?”

“According to some of the younger women in attendance at the New Year’s party. Or maybe it was LARPing,” he said with a frown.

She gaped at him. “What on Earth is LARPing?”

Kyle shrugged. “I’m told it means Live Action Role Playing. I assured them the men attacking me weren’t playing.”

The wine arrived, and Kyle enjoyed watching Louise perform the tasting and approval. When they were alone again, they raised their glasses and looked into each other’s eyes. “To a wonderful holiday with the most delightful company,” Louise said.

Kyle smiled at her, and they touched glasses before sipping the wine. He saw her eye close happily as she tasted it. He thought it was nice, but he was no wine connoisseur. She liked it very much and was paying for it, so Kyle just resolved to enjoy her happiness.

Kyle saw the handsome man take a sip of the wine they ordered, and his face pinched. It was the first ugly expression Kyle had seen on his features. He shook his head and had some terse words with the waitress. She nodded to him and rushed away with the bottle.

It seemed to him that wine would be a tricky product to sell, as everyone had their own opinion about what tasted good. All those terms for describing the tasting experience just told Kyle it was a miracle when an interpretation actually matched and appealed to the drinker’s palate.

Added to that, the bottle the waitress just opened for that couple could now only be sold by the glass and relatively soon, potentially reducing their profit if the wine wasn’t in high demand.

He looked at Louise, who was blissfully sipping from her glass, as she watched the late evening activity of… Kyle looked closer. “Are those bats?” he asked.

Louise smiled and nodded. “Fruit bats, actually.”

Kyle smiled and watched them for a bit until raised voices drew his attention back to the neighboring table.

The beautiful couple was arguing. Not violently, but the occasional word was traveling across the room. Kyle did his best to ignore what wasn’t his business to hear.

“They aren’t happy?” Louise asked, curious interest in her eyes.

He spared the couple a quick glance and felt a jolt as the woman was watching him intently. His eyes returned to Louise, and he smiled gently. “Trouble in paradise?”

Their food arrived, and Kyle wasn’t too surprised by the smaller portion sizes. It was delicious, and Kyle did his best to eat slowly to stretch the experience out.

They made small talk during the meal, but Louise seemed content to share the experience with him in silence.

Occasionally, there were additional sharp words from the other table, but Kyle struggled to ignore them. He could tell Louise was absorbing each audible clue.

After a time, Louise pitched her voice for only Kyle to hear. “The woman is angry that someone didn’t show up. Someone the man promised would join them.”

“Oh?” Kyle said with mild interest as he ate the last morsel from his plate. He dabbed his mouth with his napkin and set it on the table next to his plate.

A waitress appeared at his elbow. “Are you finished, sir? May I take your plate?”

He was a little surprised by how quickly she appeared, so he looked up at her with a grin. “Uh, yes, I’m done. Thank you.”

The woman flashed a smile and collected his plate and utensils. Then she was gone.

“They are highly efficient here,” Kyle noted with a slight smile as Louise nodded happily.

When she finished, the waitress returned to whisk the remaining plates away. “Would you care for sone dessert?” she asked as she topped up Louise’s glass once more. Kyle stretched his single glass through dinner, refusing top-ups as the waitress came by. This would be Louise’s third–no, fourth. She was already looking very relaxed.

Kyle ordered a coconut tart, but Louise just shook her head at the waitress as she watched Kyle over the rim of her wineglass.

Once the waitress left, Louise grinned at Kyle. “If you want to eat a tart, I know one who’d quite enjoy it.”

She burst into wicked giggles as Kyle smiled and shook his head.

He felt the sensation of being watched and glanced up to see the tall raven-haired model-type staring at him as she stood next to her table. The man reached out to take her hand, but she pulled it away from him sharply and stormed off. Kyle couldn’t help but watch her leave, as even in her enraged state, she was dazzling to the eye. Maybe more so.

Once she was gone, Kyle’s eyes returned to the man sitting alone. Once more, Kyle jolted as the man was staring back at him, and his expression was frustrated, perhaps even angry. Kyle couldn’t help but blink in confused surprise.

The handsome man stood, and after one more glare in Kyle’s direction, he followed the path the beauty took.

“What was that?” Louise asked.

“Huh?” Kyle grunted as he turned to face her. “What?”

“Why did you look so surprised?” she pushed.

He paused as he thought about it. “I don’t know what’s going on with those two, but the woman kept looking over at me during the meal. She was angry about something, and just now, the man was giving me the stink-eye for some reason.”

Louise stared at Kyle in confusion. “Why would they be angry with you? If anyone was making noise at dinner, it was me.”

He shook his head. “I don’t believe it had anything to do with that. It has to be something personal to them that neither of us has anything to do with.” He shook his head as the waitress stopped by to give him the tart. “Thank you!” She smiled and left.

Kyle shared his dessert as he wanted Louise to put more food in her stomach to absorb some of the alcohol.

They walked back to their villa when they were done, and Kyle let them back inside, locking up behind them. Louise was humming to herself and floated across the room toward the bedroom. It was still early, but Louise had the bedroom on her mind, so he followed her in. She’d pulled the sheets down on the bed.

“My tart joke put an idea in my head, Kyle,” she said as she turned back to face him with the bed at her back.

He stepped up close to her and smiled. “Did it now.”

“It did. I think it might be lovely to feel that while I’m feeling so good. You’re the first man to ever do that for me!” She batted her eyelashes at him, and he snorted softly.

He knew she was inebriated, so he’d have to be gentle with her. He dipped down to kiss her, and she moaned softly into his mouth. While she was preoccupied, he undid her dress and let it slip down to her feet. Next off was her bra, and his hands massaged her breasts, her moaning becoming more urgent.

He laid her back on the bed slowly and confirmed she was not dizzy. Then he kissed his way down her body as she sighed and gasped. He smiled as this was obviously becoming her favorite activity with him. As she’d just confirmed that she’d never experienced it before meeting him, she must feel like she was making up for lost opportunities.

When he reached her pussy, she gasped loudly. He kissed, sucked, and stroked until she was screaming out her release and clinging tightly to his head. The wine dropped her inhibitions, and with them, her concern about being heard by others. His ears were ringing slightly from her volume, then she faded quickly.

Kyle suddenly realized their villa had an enormous open wall facing the sea. Not the most soundproof of structures.

He looked up at Louise and saw the smile on her face. She was also breathing deeply, and her eyes were closed. He raised an eyebrow as he realized she’d fallen asleep.

He eased her up the bed and pulled the light sheets up and over her.

Kyle walked into the washroom and cleaned up. He looked at himself in the mirror, and a frown appeared before he understood why.

He was enjoying his stay so far, but it was feeling like he was only here to be Louise’s sexual plaything. He knew when he accepted her invitation that she wanted to have sex with him again. But since he’d arrived, she’d seemed to focus on that more than she had in Paris. Initially, there’d been more of an intellectual connection then. Now it seemed far more physical.

He left the bedroom as Louise was snoring softly. Speaking to her about it now wasn’t an option. He sighed and stepped out into the living area, gently closing the door behind him.

He looked around and admired the style of the room.

Then he realized he wasn’t tired.

He decided to head back to the main buildings to see if he could get a drink. He wrote a quick note for Louise to let her know where he was if she woke while he was out.

Kyle locked up behind himself and wandered back to the main buildings. He found a bar and took a seat at the bar.

The bartender approached with a smile. “Yes, sir.”

“I’d like a scotch, please. Neat.”

“Certainly. Villa?” the man asked.

“Oh, uh, ten. Cantington,” Kyle responded. He guessed that meant the drinks weren’t part of the all-inclusive price. No matter. He could settle with Louise tomorrow.

The bartender nodded and moved to collect the bottle. Kyle didn’t recognize the name on the label, but soon he had a tumbler before him. “Thanks!”

The man moved to the other end of the bar, and Kyle took his first sip.

Shit.

It had to be the same scotch Louise’s dead husband preferred. He tried to keep his dismay from his face, but he failed.

“Yes. It’s terrible scotch.”

Kyle turned his head and was looking into the dark brown eyes of a very handsome man.

“It is. Not the worst I’ve had… but close,” Kyle agreed.

The man smiled then quickly looked contrite. “I’m glad I met you here. I wanted to apologize for giving you the impression in the restaurant that I was angry with you.”

Kyle smiled and waved a hand dismissively. “No, it’s fine. I knew you couldn’t have been angry with me. I mean, you don’t know me, we’ve never spoken, and today was the first time we saw each other. I’m sorry you seemed to be having a stressful night, but don’t worry about me. It’s cool.”

The man smiled in relief. “I’m Nicolau Ribera Bartoli,” he said as he watched Kyle carefully as he held his hand out to shake.

Kyle returned the smile and shook the hand. “Kyle MacDenny.”

“You have an interesting accent, Kyle. Are you American?”

That brought another grin to Kyle’s face. “No, I’m Canadian. And you?”

“Catalan,” he said, still watching Kyle closely.

Kyle nodded. “One day, I’d love to visit Barcelona as I hear it’s exquisite.” He was careful to pronounce the city name with a TH sound replacing the C for the Catalan. He must have gotten it right as Nicolau’s smile widened, and the man nodded.

“It truly is.”

Kyle noted the man hadn’t ordered a drink, yet he was in a bar. “Would you like a drink?”

“They have nothing here I would drink for pleasure,” Nicolau said sadly. He gestured to the bartender. “Spring water, please. Bottled and chilled.”

Kyle took another sip of the scotch. Still bad. “I’m going to agree with you there.” He looked at the bartender. “Water for me, as well?”

When they had their drinks, they tapped glasses and took a sip. Kyle looked at his scotch and tossed it back, pursued by some spring water. “Waste not, want not,” he said as he grimaced.

Nicolau shook his head. “You are far braver than me.”

Kyle snorted. “So, what do you do?”

“You really don’t know,” the man said in surprise. He actually seemed a little disappointed.

“My not recognizing you is no reflection on you. If you’re a politician, an actor, or an athlete, I won’t have a clue, as I don’t follow those interests at all,” Kyle said honestly.

That seemed to heal the man’s wounded pride. He nodded to Kyle. “I’m the top scorer for Spain’s National Football Team.”

“Very cool!” Kyle said with an impressed nod. “I know how important football is in Europe, so being the top scorer likely means you have a massive number of fans.”

Nicolau smiled and nodded modestly, though he was obviously enjoying the praise he’d been denied.

“Is that why you’ve come to vacation in the Seychelles? To avoid the crowds of followers and the press?” Kyle asked, and Nicolau was back to watching Kyle closely. Unsure what the man was worried about, Kyle just waited for him to decide to answer or not.

Finally, the pro-football player sighed and nodded. “It’s true. My wife, Èlia, and I needed to get away for some private time. We have been under a tremendous amount of stress lately, and it was affecting our marriage.”

“Your health and the relationships you have with those you love are two of the most important things you will ever have in your life. It’s great you are taking care of both. I hope to one day find someone I can give my heart to without fear of betrayal,” Kyle admitted.

Nicolau flinched almost imperceptibly at Kyle’s mention of betrayal. Whether he’d received or inflicted it had yet to be determined.

“You sound like a man who has experienced some pain in this area,” the man suggested.

Kyle nodded. “Enough to have some understanding of the importance of maintaining a trusting relationship.”

Nicolau smiled and nodded as Kyle had just said something important to him as well.

“Èlia is not happy with me at the moment. I must do something to make amends.”

Kyle sipped his water and nodded as he listened to the man, keeping his eyes on the man’s face to let him know he was paying attention. It was a thing his mother had taught him. Listening was a powerful skill and had tremendous healing potential. The man before him was in trouble, and something was definitely bothering him. It was bad enough to make him seek out Kyle in a bar when he had no intention of drinking himself.

“Sometimes I forget how my fame interferes with Èlia’s life,” Nicolau said quietly.

“What does she do?” Kyle asked.

Nicolau nodded as he smiled. “She is a brilliant fashion designer! Some of her designs are sold in Desigual’s stores throughout the world.”

Kyle recognized that name. Gwen had been very fond of their clothing lines. “That’s awesome! They have really great styles,” Kyle said.

“You’ve shopped there?” Nicolau said, glancing at Kyle’s very plain shirt and khaki pants.

Kyle snorted self-consciously, well aware of the disparity between their outfits. “My… ex-fiancé was a major fan of Desigual. I think their products are beautiful, but I typically spend far less on my clothes.”

Nicolau looked at Kyle in confusion. “Why? Why would you deny yourself the best?”

Kyle smiled and shook his head. “I’ve decided to eliminate everything from my life that doesn’t bring me joy. After my fiancé ran off with another man, I realized she and acquiring stuff didn’t bring me joy. I quit my job, released my apartment, and gave away almost all my worldly possessions, as none of that stuff really mattered to me. I have my health and my friends. That’s all I really need.”

Nicolau leaned away from Kyle as he looked at him in confusion. “I see now the source of your pain, but the lengths you went to seem excessive to me!”

Kyle laughed gently. “I know. I get that reaction from most people I tell my story to. It goes against everything most people believe.” He shrugged. “It’s not a philosophy for everyone.”

“But you are here? In one of the most expensive resorts far from your country!” Nicolau argued.

“I may not be rich, but I’m not poor. I’m a smart investment manager, and my personal investments have an excellent return that pays for my minimalistic lifestyle. It occasionally allows me to buy a discounted ticket to fly to London, England, to visit friends. While I was there, I met some great people, and one of them invited me to spend some time here with her. It’s certainly not something I could afford, but she insisted on paying for my ticket, so I’d join her,” Kyle explained.