2 comments/  22359 views/  11 favorites

Resolutions

By: randibyrnes



Thank you for reading my entry in the Holiday story contest. I appreciate comments and feedback. 

*

I took a deep breath and pushed open the heavy door with the beveled glass window. The aroma of cinnamon and pine and bayberry engulfed me and warmed me as I stepped into the shop from the cold damp November day. I pushed the door shut and the bell rang.

The small crowded shop had a cozy feel because it was lit with pretty table lamps throughout the store. Tables and shelves were filled with accessories, cards, candles, and antique books that were to be used like props and decorations around the house. The clientele was clearly people with disposable income. It was filled with "I want" and not "I need" kind of items.

A young, thin woman with straight blond hair stepped from behind the counter and asked me if I needed help. I told her my goal: to collect donations, money or items to be auctioned at the town's annual holiday party for the poor.

"I don't think Mr. Wilbanks gives to those kind of things," she said. She scrunched her face and looked pained as she gave me the bad news.

I already knew this about Mr. Wilbanks. I was the fifth person to come to the store trying to get a donation. As the "Director of Giving", a fancy title that just said I was the one in charge of getting the donations for the gala, I was the last effort at a collection. The other volunteers had all tried and returned back to the office empty handed.

"Look," I strained to see if the woman was wearing a name badge, she wasn't, "Sorry, I missed your name." She told me it was Holly. "Holly, every store and business in the county, that's a hundred and fifty three, have given something for the gala. Except this one. Can't we get something? It says a lot about the community if everyone contributes." 

Holly shifted from one foot to the other and stammered a little bit. She was young, probably eighteen, and anxious about the whole idea. I gave her my best "we're a really nice group" smile. She still hedged. I tried guilt and told her that the shop would be the only one missing from the program. I kept at it; I used empathy, guilt, goodwill, and holiday cheer. She stepped behind the counter and made a phone call and returned to me. I don't know what finally worked.

"I guess you can have a set of note cards," she said, her face twisted as though she had just promised a kidney to a stranger. 

Before she could change her mind, I whipped out the donor sheet, filled in the blanks, she signed it and I walked out of the door with a set of ten handmade notecards.

The gala had been good for me. Every night after work I went home, changed clothes, ate dinner, and went to the office to work on coordinating collections. I worked until midnight, went home, collapsed into bed, and at five thirty the next morning started my day all over again. Until the end of October, I would have been hanging out with Eric, my boyfriend. Actually, my ex-boyfriend. My status changed the last Sunday of the month when I arrived at his condo carrying everything to make dinner for us and his parents. He didn't answer the door when I rang and I let myself in with my key. I put all of the cans and bags and boxes on the counter and set the onions and sweet potatoes on the floor. I started setting up to make dinner. I had been there nearly fifteen minutes, still no sign of Eric, and I went upstairs to his bedroom. He had gone out with friends Saturday to spend a day reveling in beer, testosterone, and college football at one of the sports bars. I was convinced that he was sleeping late after too much of a bad thing. I thought I heard something in his room and I pushed open the partially closed door.

I stopped at the door and I grabbed my chest as I lost my breath. Eric was kneeling behind some brunette, her ass in the air, her chest resting on the bed, as he gave it to her doggy style. She moaned with each thrust.

"What the fuck!"

They both turned toward me at the same time, their faces with similar looks of shock. I turned and ran down the stairs. I should have run out of the house, instead I went to the kitchen. I was putting the canned goods into the bags when Eric walked into the kitchen.

"Baby, I can explain," he stammered as he entered the room.

My head hurt. My breaths came in gasps as I sobbed because of what I had just seen. I felt nauseated and dizzy.

"Baby. Amy ..."

He stepped toward me.

"Get the fuck away."

I learned that day how domestic violence escalates out of passion. There was a knife on the counter, and I instinctively went for it. I gripped it hard, and then I threw it behind me. I grabbed the can of stewed tomatoes and threw it hard at the wall, just to the right of Eric. It exploded through the glass of the microwave oven.

"Don't 'Baby' me!"

He stopped, his hands up, palms out, chest level, as if being arrested.

I picked up a can of broth and curled my fingers around it.

"She's just a waitress. I didn't mean for it ..."

I let the can fly, this time to his left, through the glass on the cabinet. It shattered three wine goblets and the shards flew onto the floor.

"Amy, we need to ..."

He was barefoot and there was glass all around him on the floor. Any movement and he would step onto it. I threw the bags of flour, and sugar onto the floor. I hurled the dishes from the dish rack at the floor and they shattered.

I grabbed a shard of a plate and held it in my hand.

"All right, asshole. I'm leaving now. I suggest that you wait until I leave and then go back upstairs to that skank in the bedroom. If you take one step toward me, if you try to touch me, I'll cut it off."

I waived the piece of blue green plate at his crotch, motioning toward his shriveled cock that was exposed through the black and gray print robe he had put on before coming downstairs.

When I had gotten back to my car that day, I slumped into the driver's seat and cried for half an hour before being able to compose myself for the ride home.

I live in a small town. Life is quieter and simpler. The people hard working, but the recession has been hard on everyone. The Women's Society had started up during the first depression and never saw a need to go out of business. It helps people get through the rough patches of life. I joined it when I moved here after college to teach middle school. An hour away from Nashville, we lack the glitz and glamor of the "big city" but get to have a quiet life. It was Saturday, a week after Thanksgiving Day, and I sat at my desk at the society's office at the town's mall. 

I was working on the spread sheet of all my donations. I had columns for each item, an auction number, value, starting bid price and description. The gala was less than a week away, and I was the limiting step to get the information formatted for the bidding program. I had a self-imposed noon deadline. I didn't hear the door open. I turned away from the computer screen and yelped as I jerked out of the chair when I saw the man standing in front of the desk.

I held my left hand to my chest and took a deep breath. My heart beat hard.

"May I help you?"

"You have something of mine," he said. I know I must have looked confused, because I had no idea what he was talking about. I started to ask, and he said "You took it yesterday."

He shook his head and looked at me as if I were six years old and getting a reprimand. He was tall, thin and had short brown hair that was gray at the temples and around his ears. He had deep blue eyes and an angular face. It was cold that morning and he was dressed in a crisply starched white, button down shirt open at the collar and a heather brown sweater. He was a handsome man.

"A Bit of English. You took some note cards."

"Oh, Mr. Wilbanks." I slapped my forehead as everything finally clicked. I extended my hand, but withdrew it after a few moments when he did not return the gesture. "Holly isn't authorized to give away merchandise."

"She didn't give it away, she made a donation."

"That isn't her prerogative, Ms. ..." he searched my desk for a plaque with my name. 

We're a no frills charity. There was no plaque. Business cards are scraps of paper with our name and number scribbled on them.

"Amy. Amy Meisner," I said, again extended my hand. I didn't leave it out as long the second time. I was learning.

"Well, Ms. Meisner, those are my note cards and I want them back."

"But it's for a good cause. We're trying to put together food and gift baskets and toys for the less fortunate."

"Just another excuse to pick a man's pocket all in the name of a holiday."

"But these are people who ..."

"There are social service agencies for those kinds of things. Food stamps." He stopped, as if to get breath, his face was turning red. "When was the last time you came into my shop?" I started to answer. "Before yesterday." He put the emphasis on 'before' and glared at me, those blue eyes almost seemed to get darker in color.

The fact was I don't think I had ever been to his shop before yesterday. I don't make a lot as a teacher, and I have school loans, a car note, and rent. I'm doing better than a lot of people, but that doesn't mean there's money left over at the end of the week for thirty dollar note cards.

I didn't have an answer. He extended his hand. I gave him the package of notes and he left.

The next week was a blur for me. There were committees for every aspect of the gala; there was a decoration committee, a food group, a different one for drinks and beverages, another one managed the facility during the event. My group of five had dwindles to three and we were frantic making displays and arrangements for all of the auction items. Some of the high ticket items were for the live auction while others were for the silent auction. We were at the hall until late every night, arranging items, moving tables, setting up the bid sheets. It was really taking some of the fun out of the holidays for me.

The good thing about all of it was it took my mind off the fact that I didn't have a boyfriend any more. I'm not someone that needs to have a boyfriend or partner or significant other. I missed the company, someone to hang out with, go places, and of course sex. It took a while for me to eliminate the image of him with the brunette. As I worked on getting over him, my libido started to return. 

The Thursday before the gala, I got home early from setting up. I hadn't eaten after work and I when I got home and I was very hungry. I had been so busy, my refrigerator was empty. Well, not completely empty, but there isn't a lot of nutrition in two bottle of beer, a jar of mustard, three carrots, and a box of mesclum mix that was two weeks past it's sell date. The freezer had popsicles and a can of limeade. I ordered a pizza. An hour later, the doorbell rang.

I don't know where they found him, but the delivery guy was absolutely gorgeous. He was tall, angular with sandy blond hair and dark brown eyes. He looked like he was from a fashion magazine for one of those colognes. Hell, I was ready to scratch and sniff him right then. I know I must have mentally stripped him to his boxers as he counted out my change. He was so good looking, I over tipped him. I was flushed when I closed the door. I ate my pizza and drank both beers while watching some holiday chick flick.

When I got to bed that night I was exhausted. I lay in the bed, snuggly in my flannel gown and the electric blanket on low. I read for a bit, turned off the blanket and light, and tried to go to sleep.

Tried is the operative word. I tossed and turned every few minutes, the hunk with the pizza kept dancing through my mind. I ran fantasy scenes through my mind. In one, I had grabbed him at the door and kissed him. In another, I ordered another pizza and answered the door in my sexiest bra, garter belt, and hose. I tried to think of other things, but I kept fast forwarding to the mystery delivery man.

I sat up and pulled off my gown and got under the sheets and comforter, pulling both up to my neck. I closed my eyes and ran my hands over my chest and circled my nipple with one finger, then two, then pinched it, softly at first then harder. An ache started in my breast and made its way to my pussy, where it got harder and hotter. I slipped my other hand down my belly to my pussy, I pulled my hand out and spit on my fingers and replaced them, and nestled them between my lips. I ran my fingers up and down, brushing against my clit on the up stroke and savoring the sensation. I stopped and leaned over to my bedside table and I took out my vibrator and licked the tip. It is small and shaped like a larger lip stick case, and I turned the base and it started to vibrate. I increased the speed from low to high.

I slid it between my pussy lips and rubbed the shaking cylinder against me, touching my clit, and then pushing away. I eventually rested the tip on my clit and pinched my nipples, first one, then the other, eventually twisting each one between my fingers. The effects were quick. The ache grew in my pussy, deepening, swelling to include my pelvis, my legs got numb and then a shot of warmth rushed through my body, flushing my chest and face and taking my breath away as if I sprinted fifty yards. I slumped into the bed, my muscles weak, the vibrator shaking as it rested against the sheet. I turned it off. And I dozed for a few minutes in a dreamless sleep wrapped in my warm bed.

When I woke, I kept my eyes closed enjoying the feeling or being wrapped in the warmth of my bed. But I had an ache, deep in my pussy, different then when I cum. I wanted to be filled. It had been a while since I had been fucked, too long, and I yearned to be fucked right then, to fill me, to make me cum. I reached in the drawer took out a new dildo that I had bought earlier in the year but had never used. I coated it in some lube which smelled and tasted like lime and coconut and chili peppers. I took it and rubbed it against my lips, up and down my hole, slowly pushing it deeper into me with each pass. An inch, then two, my cunt stretching to take it in, it had been way too long, my juices mixing with the lube, igniting the warmth of the peppers, another inch, in and out with each pass. After a few glorious minutes, my new toy was in me, filling me up, stretching me wonderfully. 

I took the bullet vibrator and placed it on my clit, the speed set at low, and I slid the dildo in and out of me, slowly at first, then gradually faster. I closed my eyes, imagining the delivery man's hands on my hips, lifting me off the bed, I thrusted upwards, pushing the dildo deeper inside, and flicking the speed of the vibrator to high. After a few moments I dropped the vibrator and held the clear dildo with both hands, thrusting my pelvis up against it, my thumb brushing my clit with each push in. I felt my cunt muscles tighten, squeezing the dildo, trying to milk it, trying to push it out. I closed my eyes tight, picturing a cock sliding in and out of my cunt, fast and hard, I started to rub my clit, my fingers a blur against it as I tried to cum, I wanted to cum. It hit me hard, different than in the past, a slow tingle in me feet that felt like a roll of surf, gathering speed and strength as it got to my knees and thighs, pressing against my pussy and then exploding into a giant wave of liquid warmth into my belly chest and neck. I grabbed the dildo with both hands, savoring the sensation in my cunt as the waves of my orgasm subsided. I removed it and dropped both on the floor next to the bed. I put my gown on, rolled onto my side, closed my eyes and drifted to sleep savoring the warmth deep in my cunt.

Saturday, the day of the gala arrived, and everyone was at the hall putting the final touches on everything. It was a madhouse. People were flittering from place to place, not finishing one task before starting another. It was nearly noon when Vivian, the chair called me and asked me to meet her at table six.

She stood at the table, a program in her hand, staring at the table when I finally got there.

"We're missing an item," she said.

"Can't be. I've doubled checked, everything is out."

She pointed to an open area on the table.

"Item seventy two, ten handmade note cards courtesy of 'A Bit of English'." She pointed to the bid sheet, pencil, and no note cards.

I had forgotten to delete the item from the spread sheet after giving the cards back to Mr. Willbanks. The program was printed, the acknowledgement given. Everyone thinks that charity projects and galas are a lot of fun. They are far from it. They are hard work and egos and at times tempers. Vivian ran a tight ship and everything was going to be perfect. Or else. And there was no or else.

"Fix it." 

When the party started that night, I was almost too tired to attend. But I had to make sure the items were okay, help coordinate the closing of various tables, and help out where I could. II got to get dressed up in my party finest, but my shoes were a little too tight and I really wanted to toss back a couple glasses of champagne. Both were going to have to wait until after the paying guests were gone.

I was standing near table five just as the bids were closing. I heard Vivian talking to people and saw her hugging and kissing guests as she made her way around the room. I had lived in town for nearly three years, but I had just met her a couple months earlier when I started working on the party. She was the wife of a surgeon, didn't work, and spent her time moving from one project to another. She meant well, but as I had found out earlier in the day, it went her way or no way.

"Charles," she said in a too loud voice.

I turned just in time to see her air kiss Mr. Wilbanks near my table. His stern look was gone, his eyes danced, and he smiled as he talked to her. 

"Thank you so much for the note cards," she said to him. He looked a little surprised, he saw me, and he flashed me a look, some of the glimmer gone from his eyes.

They continued to talk, and I moved on to the next table.

The auctions were over and it was nearly eleven o'clock as the last of the party goers were working on getting their money's worth from the evening. The band launched into a ripped version of "Moonlight Serenade" as the boomers got out to the dance floor and were working it. I leaned against a wall, slipped my shoes off, and took a slug of my champagne.

"Hey there," the deep, smoking voice said.

Warmth shot through my body, and then my heart raced. Eric dressed in a tux with his tie undone and the shirt collar open, was standing next to me. His scruffy hair was a bit too long and he hadn't shaved in a couple of days. It was the first time I had run into him since I found him with the skanky brunette. Unfortunately, he looked pretty good. My brain was working, though, despite the alcohol.

"Fuck off," I said and turned.

"That's no way to treat a friend," he said as he grabbed my arm. 

I tried to turn, but he tightened his grip.

I tried not to make a scene. It's a small town. Everyone talks.

"Let go," I said, firmer this time. He started to pull me toward him.

"I think the young lady told you to leave her alone," Charles Wilbanks said. I didn't see him approach us, but he had positioned himself between us and blocking a view of us from the rest of the party. "I suggest you honor her request."

I looked hard at Eric. His eyes were red, and he seemed to weave a little as if trying to keep his balance.

"Or what old man?" Eric hissed under his breath. He tightened his grip.

It happened quickly, and I'm still not sure how he did it. But with a couple moves of his hands, Charles Wilbanks had released Eric's grip from me and gripped Eric's left hand in his own. Eric appeared startled, then uncomfortable.

"Or else I break every finger on your hand." 


Resolutions



At the beginning of every year, millions of people around the world make a list of New Year's resolutions, and every year they say to themselves that this time they are going to fulfill them all. And of course most of them never fulfill anything on that list, and others manage to do a few of them and forget the rest. But there are those few rare special people who have the will power and motivation to do them all. My wife Betty is one of those rare few. Every year, Betty, like me and millions of others make those resolutions filled with outlandish promises to ourselves. We usually just forget about them after a few weeks, six at the most, but something happened one day in December 1997. Betty was cleaning out her desk when she found her list of resolutions that she made at the beginning of that year. After reading what she wrote she saw that out of her 25 resolutions she only fulfilled one promise, eating Indian food, and half of one which was to lose 10lbs. Needless to say she was greatly disappointed in herself. She remembered how much she worked on making that list and how excited she was to go about to achieve them all. 

So at the beginning of year 1998, she made another list of 25 things she'd like to do by the end of that year. Some of them were from the old list that she really wanted to do. Now of course I thought she was going to give up after a month like I did, but to my amazement she just kept on going. She ate at 10 separate foreign restaurants, took French lessons, and watched 50 movies that she always wanted to see, took karate classes, and planted trees in a park, sky diving, and she even got something that I enjoyed, breast implants. She went from a B to a full C. It took some time for some of her friends and coworkers to get used to that change, but I took advantage of them whenever I can.

Those were some of the things that she was willing to tell people that she was doing, there were other things on that list that she only shared with me. For example she always wanted to dance at a strip club. I was skeptical at first but she promised that it was just for one night and she wouldn't give any lap dances or anything. She had an old college friend, Amy, who was now a dancer at a club in another state and she arranged it for one night. So Betty and I went to a few strip clubs and she studied how the dancers stripped, talked, what they wore, and so on. 

Finally, in December of that year, she felt ready to make her dancing debut, so to speak, and went to stay at her stripper friend's apartment for a weekend. There, she gave Betty a few more pointers and we went to the club she worked at. I sat at the bar with more than 200 one dollar bills in my pocket. I saw Amy dance first; she was incredibly hot, long black hair, blue eyes, great ass and big tits. Afterwards Betty came on stage, everybody was hollering at her. She wore black dress, high heels, and her blonde hair was tied up in a bun. She worked the poles like a professional. She took off her dress and was wearing a bikini underneath; and when she undid her hair bun and let her long blonde hair fall down everyone was in an uproar. Finally, she took off her top and out came her new C cup tits and that's when people really got crazy. She got off stage and went around the bar to collect dollar bills from the customers. I allowed her to let men touch her tits when giving her the money, but that was as far as I was willing to go. The men seemed aggravated to when she refused to do lap dances, but they still wanted to talk to her and give her money. She danced three more times that night before we all went home. 

The night before we left Amy's apartment Betty got to fulfill one more resolution that I had absolutely no problem to letting her do, which was to make out with another woman; and Amy was more than happy to help out with. It wasn't sex, she just wanted to see what it was like to make out with a woman and suck on each others tits, and maybe touch each others pussy's but that was it. Betty didn't want me to be in the same room because she wanted to do this on her own, but I really wanted to watch, so Amy came up with a compromise which was for me to hide in the closet. I wouldn't be there in the room, but I still got to watch. So there they were, laying on Amy's bed both wearing nothing but panties and just kissing and touching each others pussy's and sucking on each others tits for two straight hours. Amy took more of the lead since she has had more lesbian experiences and knew what to do. But Betty was a quick learner and managed to take over a few times on her own. I think they both knew that I was jacking off in the closet from the small noises that I was making. 

When they were done they laid there for a couple of minutes whispering to each other and looking over at me in the closet. They got off the bed, walked over to me and opened the closet and found me standing there with my pants down and holding my dick. They both grabbed me and threw me out of the closet and on to the bed. Amy then got down on her knees and knelt between my legs. I looked up at Betty to ask what was going on. 

"It's Ok, honey. Let her do what she has to do." 

I smiled at her and said, "You are the best wife ever." 

Amy grabbed a bottle of lotion from the nightstand and lathered up her hands. She grabbed my cock with one hand and gently started rubbing the shaft up and down. Every time her hand went to the top she flicked the tip of my cock with her thumb. She grabbed my balls with her other hand and gently massaged them both. Betty knelt down behind Amy and started rubbing her back and looking up at me with a lustful stare. Amy began to tighten her grip on my cock and jerk me off faster. Betty pressed her body to Amy's back; as she began kissing Amy's shoulder and neck, she reached around her body and started massaging her tits. And as she did this I swear my cock got harder and maybe even a little bit bigger. 

Amy looked up at me with this huge smile on her face. Without any warning she just took my cock and shoved it all in her mouth. My jaw dropped open and my eyes felt like they were going to pop out of their sockets. Amy started pumping my cock into her mouth. Her lips were tightened firmly around the shaft and every time she put it all in her mouth her tongue lathered my cock and made ridges to increase the sensation. Betty grabbed Amy's hair and guided her head as she was sucking me off. 

"Yeah, that's it you little whore, suck my husband's cock," Betty said to her with a sinister grin on her face. "Come on, you could do better than that, bitch. Work that cock!" 

Betty smacked Amy's ass really hard and gave it a nice hard grab. Amy started to suck me off faster and with more intensity. She deep-throated me a few times, so deep that at one point I swear my cocked touched her larynx. My cock began to stiffen and I knew that I was about to blow real soon. Amy knew and pulled my cock out of her mouth. 

"He's almost ready," Amy said to Betty. 

"Good," said Betty. 

"What the hell are you two talking about?" I asked. "Come on, let's finish." 

"Oh we'll finish," said Betty. 

They both pushed me back farther on the bed and pinned me down. Betty got on top of me and grabbed my cock with both hands. 

"Number 25," she said. 

"Say what?" I asked. 

"Number 25 on my list is to get pregnant. I'm ovulating right now. Don't you want to have a child?" 

"Yes, but why go through all this trouble." 

"Because number 24 is to become sexually uninhibited, and I figured that I can kill two birds with one stone." 

She took cock and guided it right into her pussy and started grinding herself on top of me. Out of all the times Betty and I fucked, her pussy has never been this hot and wet, she was more excited then I am. Her hands were on my chest as she was bouncing on my cock, I enjoyed watching her tits jiggle around as she fucked me. Amy was behind Betty and began nibbling on her neck. She placed her hands on Betty's hips and slowly moved them upward to her tits and grabbed them both in her hands. She began massaging Betty's tits and twisting her nipples between her fingers. 

"Come on, baby, give it to me," Betty ordered. "Shoot your hot cum inside of me; let me feel it rush through me. 

"Yeah, fill her up with your cum," Amy said while looking at me with her dark eyes. "Then fill me up as well." 

I couldn't hold on much longer and I shot a huge fountain of cum straight into Betty's pussy. Betty stopped fucking me right then, she felt the cum rushing through her and commented on how incredible it feels. I shot cum into her before, but I guess now she feels it because she was about to get pregnant. 

Betty gave Amy a big kiss then got off me and laid down beside me. She grabbed her legs and pulled them up to her chest. I saw this before on TV, it was supposed to increase chances of conception. But right then Amy took advantage of her position and knelt down at Betty's pussy and started rubbing Betty's clit. 

She then put her face into Betty's pussy and began eating her out. I got behind Amy and began rubbing her ass. I looked at Betty who was now moaning, she gave me a nod signaling that it was OK to fuck Amy. My cock was just about hard again and I just shoved it into Amy's pussy. This caused her to jump up in surprise; she laughed it off and went back to licking my wife's pussy. I started pumping my cock into her slowly then began to pick up the pace. I went faster and harder, so much that Amy could no longer concentrate on licking Betty's pussy so she just began fingering her pussy. They were both grunting and yelling dirty things at each other and at me. I reached down and gathered every last ounce of strength and forced myself to pound Amy's pussy harder and faster then ever before. Amy looked back at me; her mouth was wide open and was squealing like a pig, and her face was all read with sweat pouring down from her forehead. 

I was ready to cum again so I pulled out of Amy and started jacking off. Amy got on her back and told me to cum on her tits. Betty moved around and got between Amy's legs and was now licking her pussy. I held back from shooting my cum and instead got on top of Amy. I placed my cock between her tits and she instinctively grabbed her tits and just squeezed them around my cock. I began fucking her tits, it felt great having those soft mounds of flesh pressed around my cock. I looked back at Betty, she was doing a great job licking Amy's pussy, not as well as Amy was doing it to her because it was her first time, but she was still doing very well for a first timer. 

It wasn't long before I started shooting my cum all over Amy's tits. Betty stopped licking Amy's pussy and went to lick up the cum from her tits and swallowing it, and she was even kind enough to scoop up the some of the cum with her fingers to feed it to Amy. They started kissing each other like professional lesbian lovers than they both took turns kissing me just as passionately. 

We all slept in the same bed, still naked and holding each other. When I woke up the next morning I found Betty sucking off my morning erection and Amy licking her pussy. After we all showered together and then ate breakfast, Betty and I packed up our things to leave. While we waited for the cab to come, I jacked off to the sight of Betty and Amy making out with each other one more time. The cab came and we left to the airport. 

Betty never made another long list of resolutions, it wasted too much of her time, especially now with taking care of our daughter. Amy visits us every now and then, sometimes our daughter wondered why whenever she visits she always slept in the same bed as her mother and I. 

THE END.



Resolutions



My fingers slide through the condensation on a bottle of Corona as I stand on the deck gazing out at the activity in the backyard. A flock of cockatoos take flight against a horizon streaked with brilliant reds and oranges, the colours overlaid with strands of wispy clouds. The evening breeze carries the aroma of barbecued meat and the faint thumping of bass from another party down the street. 

Beth, Lucas and I share an old four bedroom house with a large yard that overlooks the lake. The town always puts on a fireworks show above the water on New Year's Eve. Our low-lying fence means we have an uninterrupted view of the crowd and the show itself, without actually having to go anywhere. All of our closest friends come along each year, with most of them staying over to avoid having to drive home. 

Our barbecue dinner finished a while ago so now everyone's just letting loose and enjoying themselves. It makes me smile hearing their raised voices and laughter. It's all fairly tame right now but if the parties we've had in the past are anything to go by, I know it's going to become raucous later. 

The breeze and setting sun are doing their part to cool what's been an uncomfortably hot day. I'm wearing a light blue sundress with thin straps and a stretchy bodice, the loose skirt allowing air to swirl around my legs. I've decided to forgo a bra and shoes in exchange for comfort, with my long blonde hair piled on top of my head for the same reason. 

I lift the bottle in my hand and take a sip, feeling a presence beside me just as I swallow. I've become so aware of him lately that I know who it is without even having to turn my head. He must have dipped inside the house before I came up here to grab a drink. 

"Ellie," Lucas says, confirming my suspicion. "What's going on? Why are you up here when everyone else is down there?" 

Our yard slopes from the deck with most of the action taking place in the lower section on the grass. Earlier in the day we filled a couple of wading pools with the garden hose and a few of the guests are either sitting on chairs with their legs dangling over the side or actually in the water with their drinks. Some are wearing bathing suits; others have stripped down to their underwear. 

"Just taking it all in," I say, avoiding looking at him while I sip from the bottle. Once I make eye contact with him I know he'll start turning on the sizzle because that's all he's been doing these past couple of weeks. No matter how much I try to ignore him my resistance weakens each time. 

He stands a head taller than me, with messy brown hair and an athletic body. His eyes are the colour of espresso and his voice is smooth and deep, often sending little shivers of pleasure through me. I'm not giving in, though, regardless of how many playful, inviting looks he throws my way. He's Beth's boyfriend so that makes him off limits as far as I'm concerned. I just wish he felt the same about the situation because it would make living together a lot easier. 

"You look hot tonight," he says. 

I feel like closing my eyes and sighing but I force myself to meet his gaze. "Lucas, don't." 

He's wearing a black tank top and khaki shorts, his feet bare like mine. He looks so carelessly gorgeous it inspires awe along with the desire I've become so familiar with these days. 

He stares at me and raises one questioning brow, just that simple action causing my pulse to hammer. The usual tension hums between us, but he still manages to crack a smile as if it has no effect on him. "I mean you actually look hot. Your cheeks are pink." 

They grow even warmer at the realisation that I've just taken him all wrong and given the impression that I think I'm irresistible. "Oh. Sorry." 

He nudges my bare shoulder with his, the kiss of his warm skin against mine making me want to lean in to him to maintain the connection. "Maybe you should take off your dress," he says. 

Despite my discomfort, I snort at his suggestion. "You're an idiot." 

He grins and relieves me of my beer. While I stand there glaring at him open-mouthed, he takes a long swallow of my drink then points the bottle at me. "Seriously, Ellie," he says, licking an errant droplet from his lower lip, "when are you going to stop fighting it?" 

The sight of his tongue takes my attention, and the knowledge that his mouth has now shared the same space as mine gives me a strange little thrill. "You mean the heat?" 

"Yeah, the heat—between us," he adds. His gaze sweeps over me just once, but it has enough of an impact that it leaves me feeling naked. 

The conversation feels all wrong to be having out here in the open, but there isn't really anywhere appropriate to talk about whatever it is the two of us have going on. Up until now we've only shared glances and lingering touches; neither of us has brought the subject up in conversation. Now it's out there, we'll never be able to pretend the attraction doesn't exist again. 

My attention flits about the yard, and I briefly wonder if anyone has noticed us standing here together. I shift my blue eyes back to Lucas, keeping them on him while I try to figure out what to say. His mouth twitches at one corner while he watches me. It gives me the impression he finds my awkwardness amusing, which wouldn't surprise me at all. 

"Tell you what," he finally says, leaning over to deposit the empty bottle on the trestle table we had the food set out on earlier. "I'll just lay it all out there, okay?" 

My heart pounds and my stomach lurches. The look in his eyes tells me that once he's voiced whatever thoughts are going through his mind right now, there won't be any turning back. I don't know if I want to run away or beg him to tell me, but my feet remain rooted to the spot regardless. 

"Okay," I say. My voice comes out like a squeak, which only further increases his amusement.

He reaches out to me. I force myself not to flinch as his warm hand slides over my collarbone and curves around the back of my neck. He smiles as he leans in close, his thumb rubbing softly against the pulse in my throat. 

"I want you," he says, "and I know you want me, so... tonight's the night." 

"What?" I ask, swallowing against the excitement rising inside me. I should be pushing him away, telling him to leave me alone and stop being such an ass, but the slightest of smiles crosses his face and it makes my knees tremble. "Tonight? What do you mean?" 

He flicks a glance over my shoulder then gazes directly into my eyes. "When the fireworks are taking everyone's attention later, I'm going to take you." 

A feeling of recklessness tears through me, rendering me speechless. The look on his face sends a bolt of heat rushing straight between my legs. I want him. God, I want him so much. The intensity in his dark eyes, the confidence in his words... it would be cocky and annoying coming from anyone else. From him, it leaves me filled with desperation and aching for more. 

"You can't," I say, feeling like I'm just putting up token resistance at this point, which then makes me feel terrible for being such a poor excuse for a friend. "Beth. She'll—" 

His fingertips stroke the nape of my neck as he leans in and presses his mouth to my temple. His lips are warm and soft, lingering there while his scent, his nearness and the promise of things to come make me want to moan and fall into him. 

"I can, Ells, and I will. Later," he says, his deep voice tinged with humour. 

I want to ask him how he's able to find this situation so entertaining when I'm just barely stopping myself from tearing off my dress and throwing myself at him, but his closeness overloads my senses and I can't string two words together. I open my mouth and stare at him, unsure if I'm inviting him to kiss me or hoping a coherent sentence might accidentally fall out. 

He slides his fingertip along my jawline, causing me to let out a shuddering sigh. Our gazes mesh. He gives me one long look then smiles and walks away without a backward glance, leaving me standing there with a thundering heart and damp panties. 

* * * * * 

I can't keep my eyes off him. What used to be an attraction mostly kept under control with avoidance has now taken on a life of its own. It pushes me to seek him out among the guests and watch his every move in the hope that the next one will bring him closer to me. 

Whenever he sends me one of those barely-there smiles, I feel like agreeing to anything he suggests regardless of how much it might hurt my friend. The thought of him actually following through on his promise leaves me feeling on edge and unable to focus. I need to snap out of it or people are going to start wondering what's wrong with me. 

"Ellie?" 

"Hmm?" I shift my gaze from Lucas to Beth, experiencing the now familiar stab of guilt every time I make eye contact with her. 

"I said what's going on? It's like you're off somewhere else at the moment." She grabs my hands and links her fingers with mine, pulling me against her as we dance a little way off from the main action of the party.

We're standing beneath the cover of a towering eucalyptus tree with the sound of birds stirring in the leaves overhead. It's around nine o'clock now but the sun is still shining. Our bodies are so close that her breasts press to mine and her warmth radiates through the thin fabric of her yellow dress. It feels nice. 

The breeze ruffles her short, dark hair. I watch her mouth move and focus on her vibrant red lipstick, trying hard to come up with a valid reason for being so spaced out without actually telling her the truth. "Too much to drink?" I suggest, even though I've barely touched a drop since Lucas helped himself to my beer. 

She smiles and lifts our joined hands above her head, doing a little shimmy move which I'm sure is designed to distract me from the fact that she's now wedging her thigh between mine. "Cool. You know that means I'm going to start putting moves on you, right?" 

I laugh and pull our linked hands down. Beth and I have often ended up kissing after we've had a few drinks. It's never happened any other time and it's always initiated by her, but I think it's mostly designed just to stir Lucas up than out of any real attraction to me. Whatever the reason behind it, I've always been a willing participant. 

Sending a glance over her shoulder, I notice Lucas is standing with some of the other guys, tipping his beer bottle and taking a long drink as he listens to the conversation going on around him. I watch him while I dance with Beth, willing him to look my way. It's as if he feels my gaze on him because his dark eyes shift to me and his lips form a smile around the mouth of the bottle. 

He continues to stare, the sight of him making my pulse flutter. My attention returns to Beth, my eyes dropping to her lips momentarily. I lean in closer so our mouths are only a breath apart. Adding this intimate contact to the memory of my earlier conversation with Lucas has me more turned on than I've been in a while. "I'm going to kiss you," I say, only just making up my mind now. 

Her mouth tilts at one corner. "I figured that." 

"Like, right now." 

She lets out a laughing breath, the challenging look in her eyes making me forget all about Lucas for a moment. "So... do it." 

This is new for me. Even though Beth's not the first girl I've kissed I've never actually initiated the contact before. I bite my lip to keep my smile under control, wiggling my fingers free from hers so I can slide them up her arms. I feel her shiver against me. 

My hands stroke her skin. I sweep them over her shoulders and up to her neck, curling my fingers around her nape. Her pale skin is smooth and fragrant, scented with the coconut body wash she keeps in the shower. My gaze drops to her mouth and I take in her plump, red lips. I brush my mouth over hers then draw her lower lip between mine, tugging on it gently. She sighs and presses closer to me. 

I release her lip and glance over her shoulder once again, discovering that Lucas is now staring openly. His jaw appears tense and the look in his eyes sends a flurry of butterflies free in my stomach. "He's watching," I whisper. 

I know she realises who I'm talking about because she moans and touches her lips to the corner of my mouth. Her hands skim down my spine then curve over my ass. "Why don't we give him something to look at then?" 

The idea of putting on a show for Lucas fills me with excitement. Beth's told me about his previous reactions to seeing us together like this; it apparently makes him go harder on her in the bedroom when they're alone. Thinking about that, and the way he spoke to me before, almost makes me lose my hold on control. Rather than answer her with words, I catch her mouth with mine and fall into the kiss. 

She shifts her thigh from between mine and our mouths begin moving together. We tease each other slowly at first, exploring and arousing. One of her hands remains on my ass while the other comes up to clasp the back of my neck. She pulls me even closer, until it's like I can feel her breaths moving through her body. Her scent surrounds me, her softness enveloping me. The sensations almost make me forget about Lucas. 

Our tongues tangle and our touches become more intimate. Beth's soft moans mingle with my urgent whimpers, and we strain against each other. I wonder if the idea of kissing in the middle of the party with all of these people around us turns her on as much as it does me. It reaches the point where I desperately want more and feel the need to go somewhere private with her. 

My eyes drift open and I once again seek out Lucas. Our gazes lock and I keep watching him, tilting my head to the side while Beth nibbles her way down my throat. His friend John nudges him with an elbow while they watch us, and although Lucas manages to laugh it off I can see the tension in his features. 

"I'm so horny," Beth says, her voice husky and breathless against my skin. 

God. How is it possible to go from pining for one person to craving another? "I am too, now." I try to laugh but it comes out more like a choking sound. 

"Wanna make each other come?" she asks, touching her tongue to the hollow at the base of my throat. 

Pleasure rushes through me and my fingers glide up to clasp her temples. I tilt her head back, sending her a questioning glance because we've never gone there before. "Here?" 

Beth places a peck on my lips and smiles. "Yeah." She glances over her shoulder before facing me again. "No one cares. Take a look around." 

I do as she says, discovering Lucas taking another sip of his beer. He raises his brows and gives me a look I can't quite decipher. It takes an effort to tear my gaze away from him, but when I do I find a few other couples engrossed in each other in the same way Beth and I have been. Only Lucas and his friend are actually watching us, and to John it seems to be more of a passing amusement than anything else. 

My attention returns to Beth and I let out a slow breath. 

A couple of weeks ago we were having drinks together when the topic of New Year's resolutions came up. We were both in silly moods at the time and decided we should spend the next year checking items off our sexual bucket lists. Depending on which one I confessed to her, mine either raised her brows or made her eyes narrow, but I remember mentioning one about wanting to get more... intimate with a woman. I guess she's taken it on herself to help me out with that one. 

"Okay," I say, smiling. 

She lets out a breathy laugh and clasps my cheeks, planting a kiss on my mouth. "That's what I like about you, Ellie. Always up for anything." 

"Well, I don't know about any—" 

Beth cuts off my reply with her lips, smiling against my mouth as she kisses me. I take one last look at Lucas before I close my eyes and pour myself into the kiss. She's feels so soft and smells so good that it makes me sigh against her mouth.

One of my hands sinks into her hair, clutching the silky strands while the other slides down to her shoulder. I slip my thumb under the thin strap on her dress, rubbing her soft skin. 

Her hands go on a wandering mission, dipping beneath the hem of my dress. Her palms smooths over my upper thighs and her fingers sink into my flesh. I'm wearing a white thong and the sensation of her cupping my bare ass has me moaning. 

I use my thumb to slip the strap of her dress down her arm, needing to feel her, to touch her without the barrier of clothing. My tongue thrusts into her mouth as my fingers tug on her bodice and bare one of her breasts. She presses against me and lets out a little whimper. 

Her breasts are smaller than mine but they're so pretty and perfect. I saw them for the first time last summer when Lucas was messing around with her here in the backyard. He had her pinned beneath him after her bikini top had come off while they were wrestling. I remember being mesmerised by the scene and unable to look away, watching as Lucas smiled at me just before he dipped his head and took one of her nipples into his mouth. 

That image spurs me on now. My palm covers her bared breast and I rub her nipple with my thumb. She moans against my lips, causing a rush of affection to swell inside me. Her fingers begin working on the side of my thong, dragging the fabric down to the top of my thighs. Her tongue meets mine and one of her hands clutches my ass while the other glides around to the front of my body. 

I brace myself for the sensation of her fingers slipping between my thighs for the first time. She tentatively seeks out my pussy and I push closer, encouraging the contact. When she finally touches me I let out a muffled exclamation against her lips. She delves into my damp folds, her strokes becoming firmer as she arouses and excites me. 

I trail my palm down her forearm and follow her lead. My tongue moves with hers as I lift the hem of her dress. The yellow fabric settles against my wrist and I sweep my hand over her thigh. My fingers slip beneath the waistband of her panties, stretching the elastic as I work toward my goal. I can feel her heat before I even reach her.

Beth pushes closer and lets out a soft, urgent sound as I touch her pussy.

She's wet. That's the first thing that hits me. So wet. Her inner lips feel slippery against my fingertips, the warmth of her overwhelming. Touching her is different yet so familiar to me, and I suddenly wonder why we've waited so long to do this together.

I slide my fingers back and forth a couple of times, taking in the sensations as she does the same to me. It's hard for me to concentrate on her with everything that's going on inside my own body. 

We continue massaging each other for long moments, slowly building the intensity until neither of us seems likely to hold on much longer. Beth ends the kiss and rests her forehead against mine, drawing a shaky breath as her fingers work over my pussy. 

"God, Ellie." She presses a soft kiss on the tip of my nose then lets out a laugh. I'm so wrapped up in her that I haven't even thought about Lucas for a while. I want to look over her shoulder now to find out how he's handling the situation and to see if anyone else is watching us, but I can't tear my attention away from Beth. 

I feel her shudder against my hand, her hips beginning a gentle rocking motion that pushes her closer to the slick glide of my fingers. My body reacts the same way, moving without me having to think about it, trying to deepen the sensations she's creating inside me. 

I return my free hand to her breast, my palm cupping her flesh while my fingers tease and massage her clit. She cries out and leans heavily against me, tucking her face against my neck. Her new position leaves my line of sight clear, and I can't stop myself from opening my half-closed eyes to find Lucas. 




Resolutions



He's still watching but he looks like he's suffering from a kind of physical torture. He's trying to stay involved in the conversation with John while sending fleeting looks our way. The expression on his face leaves me torn between wanting to moan and smile; I feel bizarrely proud of myself for playing a part in putting it there. 

He lowers his hand to the crotch of his shorts and discreetly adjusts his cock. Thinking about how hard it must be by now has desire filling me, and I touch Beth's pussy with feather light strokes, teasing her clit in slow circles. She moans and her mouth moves on my neck, her tongue leaving gentle caresses as her breaths warm my skin. She gives my throat a soft, sucking kiss as she continues manipulating my pussy with her slippery fingers. 

"This is so hot," she says. "You feel so good, Ells." 

Her voice sounds breathless, her words panting from her. I've heard her coming before while she's with Lucas but I suddenly want to experience it myself, to be the reason behind her making those sounds. I release her breast and wrap my arm around her, gripping her bare shoulder and pulling her tightly against me. It leaves little room for the movements of my hand, but the restriction intensifies both her touch and mine. 

I feel it building inside me, my climax just within reach. She grabs the back of my neck and encourages my head to turn, the movement resulting in an urgent meeting of mouths. While her tongue thrusts against mine her fingers rub my clit in a fast back-and-forth motion that finally sends me flying.

We lean against each other, a strangled moan leaving me just as her body trembles with her release. It all happens so quickly. The sensations, the feeling of her losing it... God, I can't breathe. 

I pull my mouth free from hers and stare in Lucas's direction. The tremors begin beneath her hand, spreading through my body while I watch him. Our gazes clash and I take in his features in a dazed kind of wonder as his girlfriend makes me come. A final, guttural sigh then tears from me and my thighs tighten around her fingers. 

Lucas's eyes drift closed. I'm not sure if he's committing the image to memory or just trying to shut it out so he can remain in control. Either way, it mesmerises me, making me feel a strong urge to be close to him and touch him.

It's in that moment that I hear Beth whisper I love you against my neck, and my stomach drops as I suddenly realise I can't do it to her. We've been friends for years and have never let a man come between us. No matter how much I want to, no matter how many times Lucas presses the issue, I have to keep my hands to myself.

Beth and I finally pull back from each other to right our clothing, both of us still trying to catch our breaths. We don't make eye contact at first but once she's tugged the bodice of her dress into place she lifts her gaze to meet mine. There's a little awkwardness between us but also a deep feeling of closeness that wasn't there before.

"Well, I guess that's one item checked off your list," she says, giving me an almost shy smile. "And it's not even technically the new year yet, so you're off to a good start." 

I smile and use my thumb to rub a smudge of red lipstick from the corner of her mouth. I cast another glance in Lucas's direction, then immediately wish I hadn't. The look of resolve in his features gives the impression that his vision of the night ahead has a much different ending to mine. 

One of us is going to be in for a surprise when those fireworks start up later.

* * * * * 

It's almost midnight and darkness has finally settled in. We've hung some lanterns from the low-lying tree branches, and there's a floodlight at the rear of the house blanketing the backyard in a yellow glow. The warmth of the day still lingers even without the sun. 

The guests have become rowdier than ever now. There's some wrestling going on in one of the wading pools and a drinking game in progress. A close work colleague of mine has just flung off her bikini top. She's straddling one of Lucas's friends after having been introduced to him for the first time tonight. Since she's normally the quiet type, I know she'll be regretting this tomorrow. 

It makes me wonder if I'll have any regrets of my own after tonight. 

I've somehow managed to stay out of Lucas's way, but I know I can only avoid him for so long. Even if I dodge any advances he makes during the party, I still have to live with him. The looks he's been sending me these past couple of hours suggest he's still planning to make a move during the fireworks show. I've decided it's for the best if I turn him down, but it doesn't stop me from indulging in a few what-if fantasies. 

Every time I think about him getting close to me and turning on the charm, my skin tingles and my body warms with pleasure. Saying no to him isn't going to be easy, but my friendship with Beth is more important. I'm fairly certain my attraction to him is mostly physical, but I know that won't matter to her if I take him up on his offer and she finds out later. 

I'm standing near the tree where she and I had our encounter a few hours ago. It's quiet over here compared to the rest of the yard and I'm enjoying the solitude. I've been mingling with the guests for most of the night, but I just need a few moments alone now to gather my thoughts. 

I turn and glance out at the lake that backs onto our property, watching as a group of latecomers make their way down to the water's edge. They're too far away for me to see them clearly, but I suddenly want to be among them and away from all of this tension and temptation. I wish I could go back to the beginning of the night when my life wasn't so complicated. 

"Ellie." 

I whirl around to find Lucas standing there. "You scared me," I say, flattening a palm against my pounding heart.

"Why so jumpy?" 

He isn't close enough for me to see his expression, but there's no mistaking the humour in his tone. It helps me feel more at ease around him because I'm reminded again that this is only a game to him; shooting him down isn't going to hurt his feelings. "I don't know, I guess I just get that way when people sneak up on me in the dark." 

He lets out a huff of laughter that almost makes me smile. Without waiting for a response, I walk out from under the cover of the trees, moving closer to the fence so I'll have a clear view of the show. I should be heading back to join our friends, but I know he won't let up until we've had this discussion. It's probably good timing because I've reached the point now where I'm tired of finding reasons to disappear every time he comes near me. 

He follows me and stops at my side. "What are you doing over here anyway?" he asks. "Avoiding me?" 

I shoot him a glance, unable to stop myself from smiling this time. "Not only are you pretty, you're perceptive too." 

He chuckles as his gaze sweeps over me. The playful expression on his face makes me want to forget all about my decision to keep my distance. His hands are in his pockets, his stance casual and at ease. I'm never sure if his ability to appear completely unflappable annoys or impresses me. 

"It looked as if you were enjoying yourself with my girlfriend earlier," he says, returning his attention to the activity around the lake. 

It's just like him to try to throw me off balance by steering the conversation into inappropriate territory. He does it so naturally, too. The only way I can stay in control is to pretend it has no effect on me. "Hmm... maybe. What gave it away?" 

He slants me a look. "Public orgasms are a pretty big clue." 

It surprises me that in the midst of all this, he's still able to make me want to laugh. "Yeah, I guess so." 

"Were you thinking about me when she had her hand in your panties?" 

The sound of his deep voice and the rush of desire the memory triggers have me wrapping my arms around myself. "You shouldn't talk to me like that," I say. 

He gives me a quick smile then glances in the direction of the party, leaning forward as if he's searching for someone. When his gaze shifts back to me, there's an intensity in his eyes that wasn't there seconds ago. "Do you know what I wanted to do after I watched you come?" he asks. 

How am I supposed to answer that? I shouldn't be having an intimate conversation like this with someone else's boyfriend in the first place. The part that annoys me most is that despite how wrong this is I desperately want to hear his answer. I raise my eyes and blow out a breath, choosing the wiser option of saying nothing. 

"I wanted to grab Beth's hand while you were still standing there and lick the taste of you from her fingers." 

God, I can't stand this any longer. I wish he wouldn't say these things to me. The huskiness in his voice brings goosebumps to my skin and the urge to touch him grows even stronger. My eyes close, and I focus on my breathing in order to hold back my reply. 

"The way you looked at me when you came... I wanted to shove you up against the tree and fuck you right there while everyone was watching." 

My eyes shoot open, my mind flooding with sensual images that are so vivid I can almost feel him inside me. My arms unfold and I glance around to make sure we're still alone. "Stop it, Lucas. I mean it." 

A ghost of a smile plays about his lips and he's watching me as if I'm his latest form of entertainment. He looks like he's trying not to laugh, and I can't for the life of me figure out why he finds this so funny. 

"She knows." 

My stomach drops and my heart pounds so hard that the noise from the party barely registers. "What do you mean?" 

"It was Beth's idea." 

I sweep my gaze over the row of trees that separate this area of the yard from the other, expecting her to step out into the open clutching her stomach and laughing. "What?" I'm barely able to hold back from grabbing fistfuls of his tank top to shake the information out of him. 

"I told her it was fucking stupid. I didn't think you'd go for it but she said you had this list of dares or a..." He pauses as if trying to remember the term Beth used. 

"Bucket list, a sexual one." It's a struggle to form the words while my mind's trying to grasp the concept that this might actually be real. I draw in a quick breath, my hands clenching and releasing at my sides. 

"Yeah. She wants to watch me with another woman, but you're the only one she trusts. You apparently had a threesome on your list, so..." 

My pulse is fluttering in my throat. I blink and try to make sense of what he's saying. "Watch you with another woman? Are you serious?" I'm not even sure he's talking about the same Beth. 

One side of his mouth quirks, and he pulls his hands from his pockets. He reaches out for me, hooking my elbows to bring me closer. "Maybe you don't know this about her... but she's a little kinky." 

That could probably qualify as understatement of the year. While I'm still processing that information, a movement in the corner of my eye catches my attention. I hold my breath and watch as Beth moves out from between a couple of trees to join us here in the clearing. My body jolts, and the fight or flight instinct kicks in. I attempt to pull my arms free from Lucas's hold but he only drags me closer. 

I figure it'll look worse if I make a scene, so I try to relax and wait this out. I need to know what's going on here. 

"I wondered where you two were," she says, smiling. "I've been looking for you." 

Since Lucas and I have been gone for a while, she launches into an animated update on the party, reporting on the status of the food and alcohol supply, letting us know which guests have hooked up and who's crashed already. All the while, her descriptions and the tone of her voice give the impression she's completely unaware of the strange vibe going on here. 

It all feels surreal because Lucas is still holding on to me like he has every right to touch me. He doesn't meet my eyes but his thumb sweeps over the sensitive skin inside my elbow, keeping me all too aware of his presence. I'm sure it's intentional. 

"I told her," he finally says, cutting Beth off. 

She stops in the middle of a sentence and looks from him to me. Her eyes are unusually bright in the dim light, and her hand comes up to rake through her short, dark hair. The way her smile falters makes my breath catch, and it's in that moment I realise Lucas has been telling the truth. 

It feels like my heart stops beating and then I'm suddenly hit with a rush of understanding. The glimpses of humour he's been showing these past couple of weeks, his flirtatious behaviour and his lack of concern over who sees him... it's all been leading to this. 

My best friend wants me to have sex with her boyfriend. 

"I meant to talk to you about it while we were dancing before," she tells me quickly. "I've been working up to it for days but... we kind of got distracted." She gives me a meek smile that's completely unlike her, and I realise for the first time that she probably feels vulnerable showing this side of herself to me. It shocks me that there's so much I don't know about her even though we've been close for years. 

"She didn't believe me." Lucas keeps his attention on me but directs his words to Beth, smiling as he pulls me even closer. He slides his hands up my arms and strokes my shoulders. I let out a slow breath, trying to get my head around the fact that this is actually happening. We've never physically been this close before and now Beth's here to witness it all. 

"Will you do it, Ellie?" she asks. "Just this once?" The back of her hand brushes mine and our fingers slide together while my gaze remains on Lucas. She leans in to me, pressing a kiss on my cheek. "It would turn me on," she whispers beside my ear, "so much." 

I'm overwhelmed with longing, but I don't know who exactly I'm longing for. I turn to face her. "I can't even make sense of this," I say, taking in her features as if I've never seen her before. "How can you watch us together and not hate me?" 

Her attention darts to my mouth and she moistens her lower lip. "Because I love both of you," she says. 

It makes me wonder if it can be that simple. Before I can think too much about it she curves her free hand around the back of my neck and kisses me softly. The gentleness of the touch makes me sigh. My eyes close, and I feel Lucas sweeping his palms from my shoulders to elbows. He moves in close and cups my chin, urging my mouth to leave Beth's. 

When our lips make contact for the first time I actually feel my knees quiver. I want to check Beth's reaction but I can't tear my attention away from Lucas. I let go of her hand so I can hold onto his forearms and steady myself. My mouth moves with his, my lips opening to invite him inside. He makes the most of the opportunity, and his tongue dives in to tease mine. 

I hear Beth whisper "yes" as her fingertips stroke the back of my neck. That single word and the force behind it, sends my desire soaring and eases my doubts. She moves in behind me, slipping her arms around my waist. Her sweeping movements up and down my abdomen have her brushing the undersides of my breasts. 

The three of us stand like this for long moments, with Lucas and I kissing while Beth's hands slide over my body, arousing me further. The intensity between us deepens, our touches becoming demanding rather than teasing. I feel Lucas's need; the hunger in his kiss and the hardness of his cock pressed against me. I let out a whimper and push closer to him. 

He groans against my mouth, moving his hands to my shoulders to slip the straps down my arms. Beth's there to take over; she pulls them to my elbows, helping me tug my arms free. 

The knowledge that both of them are undressing me so that he can have his way with me in front of her makes me kiss him harder. I grab his wrists and lift them, desperate to have his hands on me. When his palms cup my breasts, I thrust my tongue against his and make an urgent sound in my throat. 

Beth works the dress over my hips, my mouth remaining occupied with Lucas's while I step out of the bundled material. 

Suddenly I'm standing in our backyard sandwiched between my two housemates, wearing nothing but my panties. 

He moves his mouth to my neck, his lips tasting my skin while his fingertips work my nipple into a hard, aching point. I tip my head back and watch Beth as Lucas kisses his way down my throat. 

"We don't have much time," she says. "People will be looking for us soon. Please, Ellie. He's so good." 

Lucas's breathy laugh warms my skin. His hand glides from my breast to my belly, slipping between my thighs in one fluid movement. I let out a shocked cry as tingling warmth spreads through me. He massages my pussy with a confidence that has me wrapping my arms around him to keep him close. 

It's in that moment I decide I'm going to let him to do whatever he wants and just trust that Beth will put a stop to it if it goes too far. 

My legs part to allow him easier access, and his groan rumbles against my throat. The heat of his palm penetrates my panties, his thumb finding my clit through damp cotton. He presses a soft kiss on the underside of my jaw, and I sigh in response. 

"Your pussy feels so good," he says. The deepness of his voice makes my stomach quiver. "Want me to fuck it nice and hard for you?"

Oh, God. Desire slams into me. Rather than answer him, I grab fistfuls of his tank top and drag it up his chest. He plants a smacking kiss on my mouth then pulls back to help me tug the material over his head. Once discarded, he yanks me against him, and his mouth closes over mine again. His arms slide around me, and the kiss goes on as if neither of us can get enough of each other. 

It feels so different from the moment I shared with Beth. His body is hard where her's was soft, his touch commanding where her's encouraged. I love the sensation of his strength pressed against me, his fingers moving back and forth over my panties. I shove my hands between our bodies and latch onto the button at the top of his shorts, popping it open so I can get started on the zipper. 

Beth makes a sound behind me, and it's the first time it registers that she's no longer touching me. I pull my mouth from Lucas's, letting out a panting breath as I turn my head. 

Just as I'm worrying that the reality of the situation isn't matching up to her fantasy and she's going to end this, she looks at me and says softly, "God, Ellie, this is so hot. I can't—I have to..." Her voice trails off and she moves back to sit on the grass. 

She arranges herself in a cross-egged position, her dress stretching taut over her thighs. With a quick movement of her hand, she has her bodice lowered to expose one of her breasts. When she covers it with her hand and begins toying with her nipple I take that as an encouraging sign. I tear my gaze away from her and return my attention to Lucas. 

"She's okay," he reassures me. He kisses me again, his lips softening against mine, his tongue making slow, sweeping caresses through my mouth. I press closer to him, the feel of his bare chest against mine urging me on. 

I want to know what it's like to touch every inch of him, to feel him inside me. The longer this goes on the more the craving for him builds. I'm desperate now to have him. 

His mouth moves from mine and leaves soft pecks across my cheek. "Lie down next to her," he says quietly beside my ear. "I want you on your back so you can see the fireworks while I'm fucking you." 

My limbs tremble and the ache between my thighs becomes unbearable. I close my eyes for a moment just to calm myself. 

Lucas kisses my temple and tucks his thumbs in the waistband of my panties, sending them to my ankles with one shove. I kick free of them, faintly self-conscious about being the only one naked among the three of us. 




Resolutions



He lowers me to the ground right beside Beth, and she leans over to kiss me. I curve my hand around the back of her neck to encourage her closer, our lips moving together in the deepest of kisses. She strokes my cheek then finally backs away, seeming more intent on watching my pleasure than being the source of it. 

A rush of emotion overwhelms me as I turn back to face Lucas. He looks down at me from his standing position, and I suddenly want him everywhere; on top of me, inside me, to be able to think and feel nothing but him. 

I've seen him half-naked before. He walks around the house shirtless often enough that I should be immune to the sight of his body, but I'm taking in the view of him now as if I'm seeing him for the first time. His broad chest and defined arms make my mouth go dry. The line of dark hair that travels from his navel to the waistband of his shorts has me wanting to follow it with my fingertip then grip what I find at the end with my hand. 

He shoves his open shorts and underwear down his hips, the fabric catching on his cock. He tugs the material free then reveals himself to me. This part of him I've never seen before and now that I have I can't look away. In the dim light his hard length stands out proudly from his body, tempting me. I want to drag him on top of me just so I can get my hands and mouth on him. 

He lowers his shorts and underwear, then steps from them and kneels before me. 

We're really doing this, is the first thought that hits me as I stare at his beautiful body. I'm actually getting ready to have sex with my best friend's boyfriend. I want to look at Beth and check that she's okay, but I can't make myself do it because I don't want to see something in her expression that might cause me to stop. 

Lucas cradles my bent knees, his mouth kicking up on one side as if he's aware of my inner struggle. "Open your legs," he says, keeping his eyes on mine. 

I want to do this, but at the same time I don't. Even though the lack of light allows me at least some modesty, the idea of him sitting back and just watching me bare myself seems like a monumental thing to me. He's never seen me like this before. Once I put myself on display, he'll know exactly what I look like every time he sets eyes on me. 

He continues watching me, his patient expression impossible to resist. My stomach churns as I move my heels away from my body. I hold my breath and slowly part my legs, feeling warm air invade my inner thighs. He makes a sound that's somewhere between a growl and a groan, then cups my knees and encourages my legs to spread wider. 

My breath shudders from me, my palms flattening against my lower belly in an effort to keep the butterflies under control. "I can't breathe," I whisper, looking up at him just before I send a glance Beth's way. She takes in a shuddering breath, giving the impression it's no easier for her than it is for me. 

"Do you want to do this?" Lucas asks. His hands slide down my outer thighs then curve under my ass.

I close my eyes and give the slightest nod of my head. I'm not even sure if he can see the movement in the dim light, but the way his fingers suddenly grip my buttocks tells me it registered. 

"Good," he says, then he lifts the lower half of my body and his mouth closes over my pussy. 

Exhilaration rushes through me and my eyes shoot open. I let out a cry of surprise, watching as he gives my pussy one long lick. His tongue feels warm and wet against my flesh, his touch leaving tingles in its wake. While I'm still responding to the first stroke, he goes back and does it again. Beth reaches out to stroke my hair, murmuring words of encouragement under her breath. 

A chant rises among the party-goers, and it takes me a moment to realise they're counting down. A final shout of "One!" breaks through the surrounding noise. Cheers erupt from the crowd at the lake, mingling with those coming from the other side of our backyard. 

I hear a sizzle overhead closely followed by a pop. I raise my eyes to see the sky light up with colour, reminding me again of his intention to take me during the show. Now I know it was all prearranged it's going to be a moment to remember rather than regret. A bolt of blue spreads and disappears in the blackened sky, then a whoosh sounds when it's quickly followed by another. 

My shoulders press into the grass, my heart thumping as Lucas's tongue moves over me again and again. He circles my clit, licking the swollen nub until I wish I had a sheet under me to grab in my fists. His tongue trails down to my entrance, slipping inside to tease me. My mouth drops open and guttural moan tears from me. I sink my hands into his hair and clutch him to me, needing something to hold on to while he takes me on this ride. 

His tongue returns to my clit, swirling and licking. One of his hands moves from its position under my ass, and he slides two fingers inside me. I glance at Beth. She's watching Lucas suckle my clit while his fingers plunge in and out of my pussy. My back arches, and I feel it right to my core. 

Urgency sweeps over me. I look away and try to catch my breath, my stomach fluttering as I follow the journey of a firework that's just been launched into the air. I watch it break apart and shatter into a shower of sparks before it falls back to earth. It feels like the same thing is going on inside me. My attention returns to Lucas in an almost dreamy state. I stroke my nipples and reposition my legs, resting them over his shoulders. 

He groans and pumps his fingers harder inside me, his tongue relentless on my clit. My hips push back against him, my ass cradled in his palm. Beth reaches out to clasp my breast, pinching my nipple between forefinger and thumb. She leans down and kisses me, her lips damp against mine, her tongue soft and teasing. 

It comes over me slowly, the pleasure sliding through me while I twist in Lucas's hold. My thighs tremble, and I clutch my breast, lifting my ass as it consumes me. I urge my pussy closer to his mouth, riding out the orgasm as it races through my body. My head tips back and Beth rubs my nipple with her thumb as I turn into a shivering, quivering mess. 

My hips come back to earth, and I drape my arm over my eyes, making soft sobbing sounds while I try to gather my senses. 

Lucas climbs over me. I hear him kiss Beth and the satisfied murmur she gives in response. He trails his lips over the forearm I'm hiding behind and I try to smile.

"You okay?" he asks, pulling my arm away to look at me. 

"Uh-huh." I suck in another gulp of air and turn my head to make sure no one else heard the noises I made. I can't see clearly from my position, but going by the ruckus coming from the other side of the garden I'm sure it's gone unnoticed. 

While I still have my head turned away, Lucas pushes my knees wide apart and settles between my thighs. His bare chest comes to rest against mine, and a thrill rushes through me at the feel of him pressing against me. He reaches down to grip his cock, sliding it back and forth against my pussy. 

I face him again. Our gazes lock, the intensity in his eyes leaving me lost for words. After one long, heat-filled moment, he dips his head, crushes his lips to mine and drives his cock inside me. 

My moan borders on a scream. His mouth muffles the sound and I close my eyes, shutting out the last of the fireworks. I taste myself on his lips, and my intimate scent lingers around us. My back bows, and I lift my legs, wrapping them around him. 

He thrusts his tongue against mine, pulling his cock out to plunge into me again. I link my ankles at his lower back, digging my fingers into his shoulders. Each time he sinks into me I hang on, clutching him tight and lifting my hips to deepen the connection. 

Lucas tears his mouth from mine, his pace hard and fast. His weight lifts from me, and I open my eyes to find him pressing his palms into the ground, locking his elbows at his sides. His sharp breaths keep time with each of his thrusts and tension ripples through him. With his lower lip swollen from our kisses and his dark eyes glittering in the moonlight, I've never seen him look more appealing than he does right now. 

I turn my head and share a long look with Beth. She smooths the hair from my eyes, smiling slightly before she lowers her gaze to take in my body. Her attention lingers on the place where Lucas's body joins with mine. She sweeps her hand over my breasts, sliding down until her fingers dip between us. My breath catches when she makes contact with my already sensitive clit. She strokes me a few times, the softness of her touch increasing my pleasure. Her heavy breaths give away how much this is turning her on. 

She grabs my wrists with her free hand and raises them above my head, pinning them to the grass. Her other hand massages my pussy, her attention focused on my clit. Lucas leans over and gives her a hard kiss on the mouth as he continues driving into me. 

"Ellie, you feel so fucking good," he says breathlessly.

It's all too much for me. I can't even put into words how he's making me feel, what it's like to be with both of them in this way. My heart's thumping so hard. My thighs are aching from the effort it takes to keep them wrapped around him. I love the sensation of his body pressing down on me, his cock pushing into me. All while Beth works on my clit with a pressure that's so perfect it makes me want to scream.

Lucas thrusts deeper, harder. I stare up at him wide-eyed, my thighs clamping around him and my hips lifting to meet the slick glide of his cock. He keeps hammering into me. My breasts jolt with the harshness of his thrusts, my belly tightening with desire. 

"I'm gonna... come," I say. 

"Fuck," Beth says softly, appearing completely immersed in the moment. 

Lucas lowers himself onto me, burying his face against my throat. He shoves his cock inside me... again... again. The force of his thrusts makes me cry out. My legs tremble, and a moan tears from me as I come hard, shuddering beneath him. 

He groans and pins me to the ground with his last thrust. I close my eyes and clutch him close as he shoves deep inside me, finally exploding and filling my pussy with his cum. 

When it's over my pulse still flutters in my throat and my breaths sound harsh. With the weight of him pressed against me, I stroke his back and open my eyes to stare at the sky. 

Even though the fireworks are over, the noise from the lingering crowd at the lake intrudes on the quiet here between the three of us. I want to stay right where I am, wrapped around him while my body settles and the languid feeling takes over but... he's not mine. While Beth strokes his hair and whispers that she loves him, never has that been more obvious than now. 

I reluctantly shift my hips and give his shoulder a gentle push. He catches on and rolls to the side. I feel his absence immediately, and it takes all of my self-control not to reach for him again. 

We all busy ourselves dressing, my mind spinning while I try to figure out how I feel about this now it's over. I want to do it more than once, that much I know for sure. I'm already trying to come up with reasons for why Beth should let me be with him again. 

When he's finished throwing his clothes on, Lucas moves to a standing position and holds out a hand to Beth and me. My fingers brush his palm and I experience that familiar tingle of awareness. The smile he gives me as he pulls me to my feet tells me he feels it, too. 

Lucas helps Beth up, and while I'm still wondering what to say next, he clutches the back of my neck and gives me a kiss that has me moaning in the back of my throat. I reach for his now-clothed chest to steady myself, my body already responding to his touch. 

"Mmm, that's enough of that." Beth's voice is thankfully light-hearted as she nudges her way between us. Her arms wrap around me and she pulls me into a tight hug, whispering her thanks beside my ear. She pulls back and smiles as she says, "Happy New Year, Ellie." 

I glance from her to Lucas, still finding it hard to believe this has just happened. It's safe to say I've never had a year start out like this one before, and I can't help but wonder what living together is going to be like from now on. 

Beth slips her fingers between mine and Lucas's, urging us to rejoin the party with her. As I walk beside my best friend and feel the heat of Lucas's gaze on me, I get the feeling it's all going to be good.



Resolutions



Charles Wilbanks had the cold look I had seen earlier in the week. Eric looked scared. The standoff lasted less than fifteen seconds. Charles let him go. Eric shook his hand.

"You deserve the bitch," he said and he walked away.

I realized that I was shaking from the encounter. I drank the rest of my champagne, and put on my shoes.

"Thanks," I said as I walked away from him.

I slept late on Sunday, later than I had planned. I was exhausted when I had gotten home from the party, and I had barely gotten into my bed before I had fallen asleep. I turned the radio to a station that played rock bands singing Christmas songs and made heuvos a La Americano and fresh squeezed orange juice. I picked through the paper as I ate breakfast. I really didn't want to do it, but I had signed up to help put together the gift boxes and food baskets from our group. My phone rang with a number I did not recognize.

"Ms. Meisner?"

I reflexively said yes, and then asked who was calling.

"Charles Wilbanks."

"How did you get this number?"

"You gave it to me."

"I didn't. I said thank you."

I hung up the phone. I programmed my phone with his number and set it to be blocked. I grabbed my coat and headed for the hall.

Sometimes it is easy to lose the Christmas holiday in all of the trappings of the season. I don't mean the religious part. And I don't mean the commercial aspect. It can be a fun time of the year. I get to see the excitement in my student's lives every day. People seem to be nicer to each other. And even though I was tired, and it was my day off, I actually enjoyed being there putting together baskets for people. We were going to make days better for some people because of what we had done the night before. We had bought the food and gifts and toys and had hoped to make enough money from the gala to pay the bills. At the end of the day, Vivian announced that the gala had been a huge success, but we were still short about two thousand dollars for the baskets that we had put together. She said that the merchants understood, our group had a couple of weeks to pay for the goods, and she was certain that we'd get the money. 

The following week my life started to get back to normal, whatever that was. After school I stopped at the fitness club and worked out. I was exhausted as I dragged myself home because I was so out of shape since I had not gone for several weeks. Each night I graded homework or read trashy novels. I went to bed early, and started living a dull, normal person life. On the weekend I splurged while I was out shopping and stopped at a coffee shop and got a pumpkin latte. When I saw the calorie count, I realized it would take an hour to burn the calories. I sat at a table, reluctantly enjoying the coffee and thumbed through the day's newspaper.

"Seat taken?" Charles Wilbanks asked, and he sat down before I could answer. "You came and got the notes," he said, no small talk.

"Look, I paid for them; I've got the receipt somewhere if you want to see it."

"Why?"

"Look. For the last time, I said thank you for what you did with Eric, okay. Last time. Second, you're really starting to creep me out with the calls, coming up to me. Do it again, I call the cops. Third, and finally, not that I need to tell you this, but I screwed up. I told the group we would have those cards to auction. They were on the program, we needed the money. Simple as that. Now, leave me alone."

I walked away and started to shake internally. I wasn't sure if it was because of the confrontation or something else. He was actually okay this time, he didn't confront me. He was polite when he asked the question. He almost smiled. If he hadn't been such a jerk the first time, he might have been okay.

Later in the week I was sitting in my classroom catching up on paperwork when Justin, another teacher, knocked on the door and came into the room. He sat down and we made small talk. We had started working at the same time, spoke when we saw each other, but nothing more. He was short with dark hair and had a round face with perpetually red cheeks. The conversation drifted from one topic to another and he got up to leave.

"There's a party Friday night at the Palace. Would you like to go?" he said. His speech was fast and he sounded nervous.

I should have just given him an answer. Instead, he got twenty questions from me.

"So, is this just hanging out, or is it a date?"

It didn't seem possible, but his face flushed even more.

"Does it matter?"

"Justin, of course it matters! Hanging out is one set of clothes and expectations. A date, well that's a whole other level."

He looked flustered and looked down at his feet. I had seen him with a classroom of kids and he ruled the room with an iron fist, no one got away with anything. Now, he looked befuddled and uncomfortable. It was funny, but endearing.

"I was thinking a date. But if that's not okay, if you want to just hang out, then I'm fine with that, I guess."

"A date it is," I said. I wrote my address and number on a card and slid it across the desk. He walked out of the room with lightness to his step.

I looked forward to the date and it crept into my mind during the week. Justin came and got me and we had a good time. It felt like a combination of a prom dance and a fraternity mixer, there were a lot of people there, trying to make conversation, and like ours, there were lulls of silence. The band took the stage for the last set and launched into a fast version of "Do you love me?" I grabbed Justin's hand and dragged him to the empty dance floor. The good news is a lot of other couples followed, emboldened by my decision and we danced through the song. He turned to leave when the song ended, but the band went into "It's my party" and then a great rendition of "Sugar Sugar". The lack of exercise was showing, and I was getting tired and they started "I'll be home for Christmas." Justin came over to me and wrapped his arms around me and we slow danced. We are about the same height, and I leaned my head on his shoulder and he held me close. I enjoyed feeling his arms around me. The song ended, we moved apart and held hands as we left the dance floor.

It had been a while since I had been on a first date. This one was better than most, but I was still not sure what would happen, or what I should do at the end. Justin pulled his car up outside my apartment building. I took charge.

"I had a great time," I said. I leaned over and kissed him on the lips, holding it for just a second, before I left the car and walked to my door.

The kids were excited as Christmas got closer. I struggled to keep them focused on math and reading and the weekly performance tests that seem to litter the education highway. It was the last day of school, the kids were on their way home and my phone rang. It was Vivian.

"You have an admirer," she said. She gave no pretext or context for her statement. "We got an anonymous gift, in your honor, for the gala. We broke even. Everything's paid for."

She started saying something else, but my mind was a blur. I knew how much the gala was short for the baskets, and the number baffled me. All of the people I knew were like me, comfortable, but getting by, and most did not have $2000 looking for a new home. Even if all my friends made a contribution, it wouldn't be that much.

"So are you coming? Seven o'clock?"

I snapped to and asked her to repeat herself. She had invited me to a dinner party, at her house, that night. It started in three hours.

I was in a panic when I got home. I would have had a glass of wine to calm my nerves, but the bottle was empty and I didn't think I had the time for it. I went through my closet looking for something to wear. My work wardrobe is a collection and mish mash of dresses, skirts, and blouses that are plain, comfortable, and only suited for a room of fifth graders. I finally found an above the knee black dress. After a shower, fixing my hair, and makeup I ran out of the door with barely enough time to get to Vivian's house.

Her house was bigger than my apartment building. Accent lights illuminated the walkway and there were a single strand of Christmas lights at the roof line. A full size sled and eight life size reindeer sat in the front yard, ready for flight. She opened the door before I rang the bell. She was elegantly dressed in a red dress that showed a lot of cleavage. A strand of pearls rested against her tanned skin. She kissed me on the cheek, a level of intimacy that she had never afforded me while we worked on the gala. It was clear what happens when you have money, or know someone who has it.

The house was decorated with garland and lights and a live, nine foot spruce resided in the living room. I had never seen a real tree so elaborately decorated. Vivian introduced me to her husband, Bill, who has dressed in a dark suit. He poured me a glass of wine and we walked to their living room. There were nearly a dozen people present, some I recognized from the gala. Charles Wilbanks stood talking to a couple near the fireplace. Vivian walked me from group to group and made the introductions. 

"Of course, you know Charles," she said. 

He extended his hand, grasping it as if he was going to kiss it and he bowed slightly. 

"It is good to see you again."

After nearly an hour of drinks and hors d'oeuvres we were ushered into a dining room with a table set for twelve. There were assigned seats, and I was at one end with Charles to my left, Bill to the right at the end of the table, and another woman named Janis across from me. Staff brought and cleared dishes and we had an endless variety of soups, salads, entrees, and a choice of deserts. Wine flowed like water in a brook and we talked about a variety of topics. I spend my days with fifth graders and then with teachers who complain about their jobs, pay, and the students. It was an amazing evening of thoughtful conversation about arts and politics and modern culture.

As I looked around the table it was reinforced that I was the youngest person in the room; everyone else in attendance was twenty to thirty years older than me. I tried to figure out why Vivian had invited me. Surely not for my witty conversational skills. Nor for my insight into the problems with our test score driven educational system. It had to be for the donation. The one I had no role in acquiring.

I spent a lot of time listening. Charles had a breadth of knowledge and spoke eloquently about a lot of topics. Every now and then, when I hadn't spoken for a few minutes, he would stop, look at me, and ask for my opinion or insight on whatever we were talking about. The others would become silent and wait for me to speak and then ask me more questions or amplify my points.

The evening came to an end and I drove home, getting back to my apartment after midnight. I was exhausted. It had been a long week, and busy night, and it being December 23rd, I'm certain I at least thought about sugar plum fairies in my dreams.

I was probably hung over the next morning, Christmas Eve day. I looked at myself in the mirror and was glad that I didn't have to see anyone that day. Then I remembered that I had no food in the refrigerator and realized that the grocery clerk would see me. It was nearly noon; the stores would close early for Christmas Eve.

My phone pinged with a text message. It was Charles. He asked if he could meet me for a few minutes for coffee. I thought about the night before, he seemed to be different than before, but then remembered the woman who looked back from the mirror a few minutes earlier. I was no site for anyone's eyes. I said no, I'd take a rain check. He said it was important. We went back and forth and I finally agreed to meet him.

He was at the shop when I arrived and he waived me to his table. He already had two coffees.

"Grande, milk, not half and half, half pack of sweetener."

I slumped in my chair and stared at him. It was exactly what I ordered.

"You can be real creepy. Anyone got a restraining order on you?"

He threw his head back and laughed hard, a deep, chest laugh that brought tears to his eyes. He wiped his eyes with his hands. He looked at me.

"No," he said. I stared back. "I was with you for three hours last night, remember me; I was the guy to your left, at Vivian's house. I noticed what you were doing."

I shook my head and drank my coffee. I had a headache and felt like I could sleep for another day. The coffee helped. But I had things to get done before everything shutdown.

"So, what's so important that we had to meet?"

Charles reached into his pocket and took out a small package. It was wrapped loosely in tissue paper and neatly tied with a pretty pink-purple ribbon. He slid it across the table towards me.

"I'm sorry. I was a jerk when we first met, when I came to the office, and I shouldn't have done that to you. Please accept this from me."

I looked at the packed. It was simple and elegant. I looked at Charles, and he was staring at my hands. I undid the ribbon, turned the package over, and gently unfolded the paper. There was a white linen handkerchief. There was a "P" embroidered in faded yellow thread in the corner of it.

"My grandmother's name was Patricia," he said.

"Thank you," I said as I gently rubbed my finger against the fabric.

Three days after Christmas, Charles sent me a text and asked if I would call him. I did, and he invited me to a dinner party at his house on New Year's Eve. He said it would just be a couple of people and hoped that I would attend. I thought about it for a moment, and I agreed. The moment I hung up the phone, I started to panic. I had one good dress, and he had already seen it. I had the week off from school, so I hit the road for a shopping trip. I found a good rock and roll station on the radio and sang my way to Nashville. I hit the first mall and quickly regretted my decision as I waded through the store with all of the post-holiday shoppers. I got online and created a list of thrift stores and made the rounds.

Let me tell you, no one shops thrift stores after the holidays. So, they're happy to see you and the deals are great. I went to the Junior League Regift Boutique and it was like walking into a high end department store. I had trouble making a decision, so I ended up with three great dresses that were really sexy and cute. I also got four pairs of shoes and new clothes for work. They offered my change from my $50, but I considered it a gift.

I fretted about the dinner party for the rest of the week. New Year's Eve arrived and I redid my hair three times. I chose the deep blue dress with sharp angles, a low neck line and the hem a couple of inches above my knees. After trying it on after my shower, I realized I needed my push up bra to make it work. The new shoes gave me some height. I tucked the linen handkerchief into a black clutch I got at the store. 

The weather was supposed to be bad that night, and Charles insisted that I not drive to his house, so he sent a limousine. I felt both incredibly ridiculous and spoiled as I rode in the back of the car to his house. Dinner was to start at 7 pm and I arrived at six twenty. He answered the door and he looked like a stranger. In every other setting he had been composed and calm. He looked like he had been in a wind tunnel; his gray hair blown around on his head, and his shirt was rumpled. He led me to the kitchen.

I'm not a good housekeeper. My refrigerator is usually bare. But I know how to run a kitchen and assemble a meal. My parents owned a bed and breakfast, we lived on the first floor, off the kitchen, and I knew the breakfast drill. I asked Charles the menu, the order of the meal, stage of preparation, and where the key equipment was located. It was six thirty when I sent him to get dressed.

The house was a 1920's arts and crafts bungalow, but the kitchen had been remodeled with a subzero refrigerator, a Viking stove and a great island. There were six guests, and I quickly assembled the salads, put out the soup bowls, and arranged the plates for the main course. I opened the wine, let it start to breathe, and got out the wine glasses. Charles was tying his bow tie as he walked into the kitchen as the first guest arrived. He turned to let them in.

We sat in his living room and ate arugula crepes and had a terrific Merlot while we talked about the New Year. The other guests were Vivian and Bill and Jean and Carol, Charles' across the street neighbors. We moved to the dining room and spent the next four hours feasting on roasted butternut squash soup, salad with toasted pecans, a spinach soufflé with risotto, and ice cream. It was midnight when Jean and Carol left for their house.

"Let me call the driver to get you home," Charles said as he walked into the kitchen.

"Let me help with the dishes, you don't want to greet the New Year with this mess."

He pointed to the clock.

"New year's already here."

I turned and started to rinse the dishes and filled the dishwasher. In fifteen minutes, everything was picked up.

"So, how'd you learn to be such a great cook?" I said. I leaned against the island as we each sipped from out wine glasses.

"My wife taught me," he said.

The word wife hit me in the chest like club. When we first met, I never wanted to see him again. Over the past week, I had started to like him. He was smart, witty, and when he wasn't being an ass, he was quite charming. I hadn't planned on the "w" word.

"And where is she tonight?"

My friends had always told me that I didn't conceal my emotions or opinions well. It was plainly obvious that night.

"Oh, no. Wrong idea, she's dead. Jean died five years ago. Heart attack. Went to the store, never came back," he said, a look of loss flashed across his face.

"Sorry, I didn't mean ..."

"Well, it never came up; it had no reason to be talked about."

A quiet settled on us for a moment.

"She was a good teacher," I said.

He nodded.

"She could have taught you some kitchen time management skills, though. If I hadn't gotten here when I did, well, let's just say things would have been iffy."

He laughed that deep laugh of his. For the first time since meeting him, I felt like I was finally connecting with him. There had been a connection at the coffee shop. But tonight, there had been another and deeper one.

"I need to ask you a question," I said. The smile slipped from his face, he got serious again. "Did you make a donation to the Women's Society in my name?

He was quiet for a minute and took a sip of his wine.

"Yeah." I looked at him, and he looked at me. "I screwed up over the note cards. The store was Jean's idea. Her baby. And I keep it open for her. Her memory. And it is hard sometimes, to go there, to keep it open, but I don't think I can close it. Not yet. It breaks even, makes a couple of bucks some months. And I just was a jerk. And I took it out on you. And you did the right thing. You didn't tell anyone what you did, you just did it. You didn't try to get credit for a good deed. So I tried to honor that."

I put my wine down and stepped toward him and rested my hands on his hips and my forehead on his chest. He was warm and his shirt smelled like the toasted pecans. He put his arms around me and rested his hand on my head. It felt nice as he caressed my scalp. I looked up at him and kissed him on the lips. His body shivered and he hugged me close.

"I haven't been with anyone since Jean died," he whispered in my ear.

"I'm sorry, I just wanted ..." and I started to pull away from him.

"No. I want you. Well, I mean I like, I should ..."

I stepped back and started to laugh.

"You can do asshole without thinking, but man, when start to get romantic, you start to lose it."

I took his head in my hands and kissed him, hard, slipping my tongue between his lips. He kissed me back, hard, hungry, and urgent. I asked him to take me to the bedroom and he led me by the hand. I sat him on the edge of the king bed and turned so he could unzip my dress. It slipped off my shoulders and dropped to the floor. Charles let out a moan as he looked at me from behind, and I suddenly felt self-conscious about what I wore. I had the push up bra because the dress needed it. I wore a thong because all of my panties caused lumps and lines under the dress.




Resolutions



"Wow!"

My self-consciousness went away.

I turned around and pushed him back onto the bed and straddled him. I unbuttoned his shirt and leaned forward and kissed him on the forehead, his nose, his lips and his chest. I dragged my tongue to his left nipple and swirled my tongue around it, nipping it with my teeth before a moved to the right one. I stood and unbuckled his belt, undid his pants and tugged them off, taking his boxers too, and his hard cock slapped against him when it was freed. I looked at him lying back on the bed, his cock inches away from me and my mouth watered and I got wet as I leaned forward and lowered my nose to his cock and balls and inhaled and smelled his damp musky scent. I licked him from the base of his cock to the head and swirled my tongue around the head. He started thrusting his hips, trying to get deeper into my mouth.

He reached down and pulled me onto the bed and then stood over me. He knelt on the floor and lowered his face to my pussy, his tongue pushy against the thin white lace thong, pushing hard trying to get to the nub of my clit. He pushed the fabric aside and slipped a finger into my cunt, pulling it out with my slick wetness and put it in his mouth, and then put his finger back into me. His tongue flicked at my lips and then to my clit, and he started a slow steady tattoo on it. My cunt ached and I reached for my breast, pinching my nipples through the satin fabric. I arched y head back, concentrating on the sweet spot between my legs and my new lover as he lapped at me. I pinched hard and I could feel the arc start deep in my belly and then a wave of warmth flooded down as a jolt of energy exploded deep in my cunt. I grabbed his head and pulled him hard against me, he lapped at my clit, hard and fast and I held him there until the sensation was too much, too hard and I released him and I fell into the bed.

"You sure know how to show a girl a good time," I said, barely able to get the words out. My breath was short and my heart pounded in my chest.

I leaned over and kissed him and tasted myself smeared all over his face. It was sweet and a little salty and the taste made me wet. I straddled him, spit on my hand and smeared it on his cock. I reached back and grabbed his cock and lowered myself onto it. I gently rocked back and forth, sliding the tip into me and then a little more with each rock backwards. I propped on my hands and knees and started to slowly slide up and down on him, turning my body slightly as I slid him into me. I rocked faster and faster, and I leaned forward so he could slide against my sensitive clit with each stroke. I turned slight and closed my eyes tight as I found a good rhythm, trying to take him deeper with each thrust and getting my clit. After a few minutes I felt another orgasm start and it shot through me, it felt like fire as it raced from my cunt to my breasts. I fell forward onto Charles and I kissed him again.

He grabbed me around the waist and rolled over, never letting his magnificent cock slip out of me. He looked like a man possessed, and as long as it was me he wanted to possess, I was fine with it, and he started to pump in and out of me. I could hear him slide in and out of me and the room smelled of sweat and sex and warmth. I reached up and flicked my thumbs over his nipples and he scrunched his eyes closed. I wrapped my legs around his hips, pulling him into me and he gave a grunt and moaned and I could feel his cum pulse into my waiting cunt.

We fell asleep, tangled into each other, under the crisp sheet and warm comforter and slept until nearly noon ton New Year's Day.

I woke first and lay quietly in the bed, savoring the feeling of his arm around me. He moved a few minutes later and then woke up. He kissed the back of my neck.

"If I didn't tell you, you were a lot of fun last night, he said, his voice thick with sleep."

"You weren't so bad yourself," I said as a flipped to lie facing him.

We made cooing noises and kissed for a few minutes.

"You know, my mother used to always say that whatever you were doing at midnight, you'd do all year long."

I reached between us and took his cock in my hand. I slowly started to slide my hand up and down on my cock.

"You know, my doctor says that it takes old guys longer to recharge after they show a girl a good time. I'm in that category."

His cock started to get big in my hand.

"You saying my mother doesn't know what she's talking about?"

His cock was hard. My pussy was wet.

"I think we should put it to a test," he said. 

My mother was right.