5 comments/  19150 views/  0 favorites

Short Term Investments

By: Vitalsigns



After his divorce Jack was lonely. It was hard living without Marni. They had been married 10 years. He planned to stay together for a lifetime but Marni's career was taking off and she wanted to get away from her old problems. Jack did not blame her but he could not help feeling lonely.

Jack works at an aerospace company. He meets with representatives from other companies at their headquarters to negotiate contracts. The job takes him to cities around the country. He has been offered management positions but he prefers to be in the field. He does not see himself behind a desk at corporate headquarters.

One evening following a meeting in Chicago Jack was drinking martinis with a fellow named Harry from Boeing. Harry was 35 years old. He was not married. He did not even have a girlfriend but he was glad to be single. They were discussing Jack's recent divorce. Harry tried to cheer Jack Opp. "Think of all the possibilities. You don't have to report in." Harry was working on his second martini.

Jack wondered aloud how Harry could be so happy without a companion. Harry became serious. He thought for a while and then said, "Jack, there is a way you can have companions."

Jack was interested. He had never seen a Harry be entirely serious. He was waiting for the punch line but instead Harry wrote a phone number on a cocktail napkin. He said, " When you call them say I referred you."

Jack put the napkin in his pocket. He did not think he would call the number. It was probably for an escort service. He had never been interested in that type of entertainment. He was faithfull to Marni when they were married. Now he was not sure what kind of relationship he wanted.

Two months later Jack felt the napkin in his pocket. He had forgotten all about the conversation with Harry. He considered throwing the napkin away but there was something about Harry's expression that made Jack curious.

He dialed the number. A male voice answered, "Security Short-term Investments." Jack was surprised. He spoke into the phone, "Sorry, wrong number. I must have dialed wrong." The voice answered, " Maybe not. Who referred you?" Jack answered, "Harry, Harry Barszak."

The man asked him to wait for a minute. He came back and asked Jack his name. Jack felt uncomfortable telling the stranger his name over the phone. He gave only his first name. The man warmed up noticeably. He asked, "Jack Randolph, 284 Long Lane, 38 years old, born April 22, Winston High School, University of Pittsburgh, employed by Soltram Tethnologies?"

Jack was uncomfortable. He asked, "Why do you have all that information?"

The man responded, "That's what we do. We get to know people. Harry said you may be calling. That information was easy to find. If you join we will get to know much more about you."

"If I join what?"

"If you join our group. We provide the security and you do the investing. We provide the means to find a short-term companion and we also provide security that allows people to get together and be comfortable with each other.

Basically, we are the friend in the middle who can vouch for each person. People who meet for an evening may be strangers to each other but each is well-known to us. Are you interested in joining?"

Jack said he was interested. He was told to wait for a call to schedule an interview.

His interview was arranged and a few weeks later a young man drove up to the house. He stuck out his hand. "Hi, I'm Ron. Are you Jack?" Jack introduce himself. He led the young man to the study and Ron went right to work.

They talked about Jack's life. They reviewed his present living situation. Ron requested a tour of the house. He looked into closets and cabinets. He explained that he wanted to verify that Jack was living as a single person.

Ron was friendly and Jack felt as comfortable as he could be exposing his personal life to a stranger. By the end of the interview the company had a comprehensive picture of him and his life. The young man parted saying that Jack would receive a call.

Three days later in the evening the telephone rang. He recognized the voice of his original contact. He was told that the company had set up an account for him. He was given the Internet address of Security Short-term Investments, an account number and a password.

Jack did not wait. He found the web page. It had the look of a typical business web page with headings across the top and a place for members to sign in. He put in his account number and password.

As soon as he entered his password a new page opened. A message read, " Welcome Jack. We are glad to have you as a member. Please read the following:

The purpose of our business is to bring together people who wish to enjoy each others' company for a single encounter.

We try to maintain security and privacy for all of our members and request that you follow a few guidelines. You should not ask your date for any identifying information.

You should not ask your partner his or her name. When you meet, your first task will be to suggest a name for your partner. He or she will also suggest a name for you.

We hope that you will have unlimited enjoyable encounters with some wonderful people. Now, we would like to know how you would describe yourself to a potential date. Please fill in the following questionnaire."

Jack filled in boxes describing himself as 38 years old, 5'10" tall, 165 lbs., somewhat fit but not athletic, receding hair, good sense of humor, reserved, college-educated, work in the field for an aerospace company. There were other questions.

When he was finished with the questionnaire the computer asked, "Jack, would you like to arrange a date?" Jack was eager to try the service but he was feeling cautious. He needed to think things over.

Soon he made up his mind to use the service. He wanted his first date to be in a city far from home. He would be traveling to Seattle next month.

Jack went to the web site for Security Short-term Investments. He entered his password and his account page opened. He pushed a tab labeled " propose a date".

There was an encounter form. It asked for date and time. Then it asked for a schedule of events. Jack had not really thought exactly what he wanted to do other than meet a woman and spend the night with her. On the other hand, he would enjoy an evening with good conversation.

Jack checked dinner at a restaurant. He was asked what was next on his proposed schedule for the evening. Jack was a little worried about where this was going. He was simply looking for some companionship.

He checked a box for quiet conversation back at the hotel. He figured that he and his date could decide if they wanted to stop at the hotel bar and have a nightcap before retiring to his room. In the back of his mind Jack was thinking about the potential for disaster. What type of woman would agree to a date with his total stranger?

He finished the form and submitted it. A week later there were three responses. Jack intended to pin this date down well in advance since it was his first time. He examined the responses.

The first potential date was 32 years old. She was 5'7" tall, enjoy dancing and was devoted to her malamute dog.

The second response was from a 35-year-old elementary school teacher. She was 5'5" and 125 lbs. and enjoyed good conversation. She described herself as being reserved but not shy.

The third was from a 33-year-old single mother with two children. She worked as a manager in a department store and enjoyed writing poetry.

Jack pondered his choices. They all seemed like a date for him. He was actually relieved to see that there were any responses at all. He was feeling a little less lonely.

Jack did not want to compete with the malamute. Also, he felt a little reluctant to take some children's mother out on a date so he decided to go with the teacher. The computer asked him to check back to confirm.

Jack did check back the next day and found that his date was confirmed. The woman would meet him in the hotel lobby at the requested time.

A week later Jack flew to Seattle. His meetings went well but that was not the only reason he was excited. This was the day of his date.

Jack thought back. His only previous blind date was in high school. A buddy had arranged a double date. The evening was terrible. The girl was withdrawn. She did not talk. She kept her coat wrapped around her the whole evening. He concluded then that blind dates were not so great.

So, here he was in his hotel room preparing to go out on a blind date with a schoolteacher from Seattle. Jack was having second thoughts. He reminded himself that he and his date were strangers and would remain so. He would act pleasant and try to have a good time. At the end of the evening what could he lose except the cost of a dinner? She might not even show up.

At seven o'clock Jack was down in the lobby of the hotel. He tried to look relaxed as if he did this type of thing all the time. He watched for any single women who appeared to be meeting someone.

In a few minutes he did see a woman enter the lobby. She looked around. Jack suddenly realized he had no way to identify himself to his date. He looked at the woman and gave a friendly smile. She smiled back at him.

The moved toward each other. She spoke first. "I was supposed to meet someone here from Security Investments." Jack was relieved to know that he would not miss his first date.

He answered, "I'm here also to meet someone from Security Short-term Investments."

She looked happy, "That must be me."

Jack stuck out his hand and was about to introduce himself when he remembered the rules. He said, " Nice to me you. May I call you Alice?"

He thought Alice would be a good name as this reminded him of Alice in Wonderland. He had a list of alternate names in mind if she did not like the name he gave her. She said she loved the name and that no one had called her Alice before.

Alice asked if she could suggest a name for Jack. She suggested Robert. The names struck him as a little stodgy. He had been thinking of Mack or Mark but Robert was not too bad.

They left to catch a cab. As they walked through the lobby Jack watched Alice out of the corner of his eye. She was quite attractive. She seemed self-assured and her smile was warm.

They have a seafood dinner. Jack like to travel to Seattle for a number of the city's charms but most of all for the seafood. They selected the local wine.

Alice and Jack fell into comfortable conversation. It seemed no time before the wine was finished and the coffee cups were empty.

Jack looked somewhat shyly at Alice. "Would you like to come back to the hotel for a nightcap in the lounge?" He did not dare ask her to come up to his hotel room.

Alice did not want more alcohol. He had a sinking feeling. This is what he feared the evening would be like. They would have dinner and then say goodbye.

But Alice surprised him. She looked at Jack and smiled a little mischievously, "Robert, we could go back to your hotel and relax for a while. Our conversation has been so pleasant I hate to stop now."

Jack could not be the his ears. She was inviting herself back to his hotel. He tried not to seemed to eager. He agreed that it would be enjoyable to continue their conversation at the hotel.

They returned by cab. As they walked into the lobby Jack was a little concerned that Alice had not actually invited herself up to his room. Maybe she was thinking the two of them would sit stiffly on the sofas in the lobby like a Victorian couple.

Jack decided to take a chance. He asked Alice if she would like to come up to the room. Jack noted that his date really seemed to like being called Alice. She smiled and said, "I would love to see your room."

In the room Jack sat on a chair. Alice took off her jacket. She was wearing a tailored suit with a skirt. Under the jacket her blouse was open at the throat. She smiled a lot when she talked. He could imagine her standing in front of her class smiling at the students as she taught them. He thought how lucky the students were to have Alice for a teacher.

They taught for a while. Jack was entranced by Alice's bright smile.

After a few minutes Jack asked would Alice mind if he turned down some lights. It was awfully bright. He turned off the ceiling light and all but one of the table lamps. The mood became more intimate.

Instead of returning to his chair, Jack sat on the sofa beside Alice. She looked directly at him. This gave him the courage to put his arm over the back of the sofa around her shoulders. Alice moved closer to Jack until they touched.

He was burning. She was really quite beautiful. He pulled her closer until their lips met. Jack now knew he was in Wonderland. He was kissing a beautiful stranger in his hotel room. This was something he had only dreamed about.

Jack embraced Alice. He held her close and she leaned toward him.

That position became awkward so Jack suggested that they may be more comfortable on the bed. They lay on top of the bedspread. Alice's smile seemed even prettier than before. She lay on the bed with her legs crossed at the ankles. The silk blouse draped over her small breasts and flat stomach. Jack kissed her again. As they lay together he placed his hand on her chest.

Jack opened the buttons of her blouse. She didn't resist his advances. He turned Alice to her side and unclasped her bra. His hand moved over her stomach and up to the chest. 

He caressed her breast. Alice sighed. Her smile became dreamy. Jack sensed they both had been waiting for this moment.

He pushed the blouse and bra off her shoulders and removed her skirt. There she was lying on his bed with only panties. Jack removed his shirt and slacks.

They pulled down the bedspread and lay on the sheets. Even with clothes off it was her smile that captured his attention. As they hugged he enjoyed the curve of her back. When he covered her breast with his hand the nipple poked his palm. He pressed his pelvis against hers and felt her urgently pressing back. Jack wanted to be inside Alice.

He got up and told Alice he would be right back. In the bathroom he removed his briefs and pulled a condom over his penis. Alice waited for him. She had removed her panties.

They both thrilled to his probing against her vulva. Jack pushed deeper. Alice was tight. As he probed her vagina slowly relaxed to let him slide in. He pushed into her until their bodies met. She was impaled on him. His pubic bone crushed her clitoris. They kissed and stroked and embraced.

Jack withdrew enough to place his hand down between their bodies. He rested his palm on her mound and let a finger slide between the labia. He could feel her swollen clitoris. He gave a few strokes which caused Alice to moan. With his finger and thrusts of his penis he brought her to the brink of orgasm. Alice grasped Jack's shoulders and pulled with surprising strength. She cried out that she was cumming and wanted him to pump deep into her. They both climaxed as their bodies ground together.

After that they were sleepy. Alice agreed to stay the night. The next morning Jack woke to see a beautiful sleeping Alice with the smile on her lips.

At breakfast they looked into each other's eyes and spoke sincerely. Each told the other how wonderful the night had been and they hoped they would have another. Jack watched Alice walked down the street. He thought to himself what a difference it made to spend the night with a lovely woman.

Jack felt more relaxed than he had in months. His coworkers noticed that he finally seemed to be recovering from the divorce.

Next month he was planning a trip to Houston. He logged onto Security Investments. Jack decided to explore more features of the web page. Next to "propose a date" was a tab "accept a date". He opened the "accept a date" tab and put in Saturday. The meetings would be over on Friday.

A list popped up on a screen. There were a dozen dates proposed. They were mostly from men looking for women. Jack noticed how they all had the same general format with dinner, some entertainment, then back to the hotel or home for a drink and conversation.

One day it was proposed by a woman. She offered a date in the mountains at a private Lodge. There would be a home-cooked dinner followed by quiet conversation. The format was not too different from the dates proposed by the men except for the home-cooked dinner.

Usually after a negotiating session Jack needed to relax. This date could be just what he needed. He wondered how he would feel being on the other end of the date-making process.

Jack checked his acceptance of the date. He knew his "résumé" would show up on the woman's computer. If she rejected him, then he would proceed with his original plan to propose a date of his own for that day.

He was told to check his account page daily. If he changed his mind before the date was confirmed he could simply delete his name.

The next day he Jack opened his account. He was mildly shocked to see that he was accepted. Why did she confirm the date so soon? Would he be safe in the mountains with a stranger? He was aware that these thoughts probably were common for women as they accepted dates from men.

The day came and Jack was ready. He would let the women run the show. After all, she invited him. He would let her start the conversation, choose the wine, make the first move. He would try to be a good date.

The woman drove up to the hotel in a Cadillac. Jack had never ridden in a Cadillac. He usually favored European cars. This car handled well. Jack made a mental note for his next car to be a Cadillac.

The woman was 32 years old. He named her Marcia and she named him Carlos. He did not feel very Hispanic but was happy to take the name. Marcia had a fair complexion. He guessed she had some Irish background. She wore her hair shoulderlength and she had that drawl.

Jack had to restrain himself to keep from asking personal questions. Marcia as Jack if he thought she looked familiar. He told her that she was a complete stranger to him. She seemed relieved.

Her family was in the oil business. She thought someone like him in aerospace would not have much contact with oil people. Jack agreed that he could not think of a single oil person he knew.

They drove four hours. The mountains loomed in the distance for a long time. Then suddenly they were in the foothills. The road climbed higher as they left the city behind.

At last they turned into a gravel drive and approached a lodge with spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Jack was impressed.

Marcia opened the door with her key. She told Jack that this was her family's getaway place. No one else was planning to come to up to the lodge that day so they would have it to themselves. Jack was certain he could relax in this setting.

They spend the day walking outdoors, soaking in the hot tub and trying to identify the wildlife. In the late afternoon Marcia asked Jack if he were hungry. He told her the mountain air gave him a good appetite.

Marcia proposed that she prepare supper while Jack could sit on the porch with something to drink. Jack was feeling quite manly so he got himself a Scotch.

He sat on a rocking chair looking out on the mountains as Marcia prepared food. He could smell the woods and hear the birds. The afternoon sun was warm but not hot as it had been in Houston. Jack sipped his Scotch and relaxed. He nearly dozed off.

Marcia tapped Jack on the shoulder, "Dinner is ready." She had said two places at a small table in the sunroom. She opened a bottle of wine and they sat down to eat. Marcia had prepared steaks with potatoes and green beans.

Jack was curious about Marcia but did not want to break the Security Investment rules. He asked what made her decide to become a member. She answered that her family was well known in Houston and sometimes she wanted to just be herself without the celebrity. She picked Jack because she thought he would not know her.


Short Term Investments



She also wanted to cook a meal for a man. She felt feminine when she did something domestic. The men she usually dated would take her to house parties where the "help" served and cleaned up. She would not trade her life in Houston for anything but occasionally had the urge to do something on her own.

They watched the sun fall lower in the sky. The afternoon colors grew deeper and shadows appeared. They moved to a sofa in the sunroom to watch the light fade as they finished the bottle of wine.

Marcia made coffee. Jack complimented her for a fine cup of coffee. She seemed pleased even though she knew he was teasing her about her domestic skills.

Jack was about his relaxed as he could be. He had been wined and dined and entertained. Marcia leaned on him and took his hand. She told him that she really enjoyed cooking for him.

Without thinking, Jack gave Marcia a kiss. It occurred to him that this may not have been a good move. Maybe their evening together was drawing to a close and Marcia wanted nothing more than to cook him a meal.

He needn't have worried. Marcia kissed back. She put her arms around his neck and held him tight. Jack became much more aware of Marcia's physique. She was slim and muscular.

Jack guessed that Marcia was into serious workouts at the gym. She probably had a personal trainer. He was feeling a powerful attraction to her.

The sofa was too small for lying down. Jack stood up and pulled Marcia to her feet. He held her tight. They kissed deeply. She led him to a loft with a queen-size bed. It had a large window with a view of the valley below.

Jack lost no time. He stripped Marcia. He pulled her cotton blouse out of her jeans and undid the buttons. She helped him take her shirt off her shoulders.

She looked terrific standing in the dusk wearing her bra and jeans.

He pushed her back onto the bed and pulled off her boots. The jeans were tight. Marcia raised her hips to make it easier for him to yank them off. Now she was lying on the bed in bra and panties.

"What a lovely sight," thought Jack. He undid the front hook of her bra. Her breasts were firm and small perched on her chest. The nipples became hard points when exposed to the cool mountain air. Jack pulled off the panties.

There she was, naked. She did not seen the least embarrassed to be nude in front of a stranger. Maybe the Houston society women were blase about these things.

Jack took off his own clothes as quickly as he could. He felt a little self-conscious as his penis was obviously projecting from his body. He was pleased that Marcia seemed attracted to him.

Jack wanted to enter Marcia but he intended to arouse her first. He wanted her warmed up when they came together. He pulled down the covers leaving the bed with only a sheet. He positioned Marcia in the middle of the bed and then sat with legs crossed Indian style beside her.

He looked at her body in the dusky light. She raised her arms over her head. Her breasts flattened into small mounds. Jack had access to all of Marcia's body. He ran his hand over her breasts gently pressing with his palms and feeling the softness. His fingers traced the areolas causing little bumps to rise.

He brushed the nipples with his fingertips. Jack ran his hand over her rib cage. He stroked her stomach. His hand moved down until his fingertips just entered the soft thicket of curly pubic hairs.

All of this caressing was light and gentle. Jack wanted each touch to increase Marcia's arousal. He listened to her breathing. It became deeper and more regular. Her muscles relax under his touch and then began to tense slightly as she became more aroused.

He especially monitored her nipples. They started as soft bumps. With his attention to her body the nipples tightened and rose up from the breasts. With a few more caresses and some gentle squeezing the nipples hardened.

Marcia was relaxed and feeling stimulated. Jack moved to the next level by letting his fingers move down through the pubic hair to her labia. The labia were already becoming puffy and swollen. Jack let his fingers move over the cleft between. She drew in her breath slightly each time his finger passed over her clitoris.

He held his finger over the clitoris and pressed. He could feel the little shaft swelling under its hood. She was lubricating nicely. He slid his middle finger down into the groove beside her clitoris. He stroked up and down first one side and then the other. He let his finger roll over the sensitive bump as it moved from side to side.

Marcia was aroused. She could now be more intensely stimulated without feeling groped. Jack moved his hands over her breasts. He squeezed the breasts feeling the glands inside. He squeezed the nipples until she squirmed. When he thought maybe he was hurting her she said, "It feels good when you squeeze my nipples."

He pinched her nipple with the thumb and finger of one hand and moved the other down to her pubic area. He ran his middle finger into her vagina. The finger penetrated. He then rapidly pumped it in and out causing her vagina to contract.

Marcia but her knees and opened her legs. Her labia separated exposing the swollen little rod. Her muscles tensed and her breath came in short gasps. He moved the finger again into her vagina. This time it slid in all the way. Marcia bent her knees more and flexed her hips to present her vagina as completely as possible to his probing finger. He moved the finger in and out with long strokes.

After a few strokes the finger instead of plunging deep into her vagina pushed against the back of her opening. Marcia flexed her pelvis to pushed against his finger. He moved his finger forward and back in the groove between her labia.

With each stroke he pressed against the back of the vagina. Marcia did not bring her legs down so he guessed that this was a pleasure area for her. It seemed that she was comfortable with his finger probing beyond the vagina.

Jack let the tip of the finger ride a little higher and it slid up between the buttocks over her anal bud. Marcia moaned and rocked her hips in pleasure. Jack stroked along the vagina and over the anus several times. He then allowed the finger tip to rest at the anal opening. Marcia held her position without moving.

He pressed the finger tip gently through the ring into the canal. He could feel the muscle tightening around the finger. Marcia's breathing was rapid and shallow. He moved the finger tip gently in and out. With the other hand he reached down and stroked her clitoris.

Marcia began to pant. Jack let his index finger enter her vagina. Now he could pump the vagina and the anus at the same time. He grasped the clitoris with the thumb and finger of his other hand and rapidly squeezed and released.

The pumping of the anus and vagina and squeezing of her clitoris caused Marcia to rise higher and higher toward her climax. Her muscles spasmed as an organism flooded her senses. The spasms went on and on until she was drained.

Jack lay down beside Marcia. He would give her a rest but was not done with her. He knew that she would remain aroused but sensitive. He would allow her to stabilize but not cool off. He wanted to satisfy himself and give her one more organism.

Jack went into the bathroom to roll a condom onto his hard penis. He coated it with lubricant and moistened it with warm water from the tap to be sure not to irritate when it slid into her sensitized vagina.

He found Marcia lying in the same place he left her. He moved her arms up over her head and separated her legs. She bent her knees as he placed his body over hers. He aimed the head of his penis over her vagina and gently probe until it slid into her.

As he entered her fully She once again flexed her hips and brought her legs over his body to allow him deep access. He slid his penis in and out banging her clitoris with each stroke.

Once again her breathing became rapid and deep. She clung to him and her muscles tensed. They held each other tightly as their bodies pressed together in mutual organisms.

Both were finished. Jack cleaned up in the bathroom. When he came out he saw that Marcia had put on her panties and a cotton shirt with thin straps. Together they put the top sheet and blanket back on the bed. Then without much talking they lay down in the bed.

Jack said to Marcia, "You made a nice dinner."

She answered him in a sleepy voice, "Glad you liked it." She snuggled up against him.

The next morning dawned bright and cool. Jack was awake early. He felt refreshed. Marcia looked beautiful sleeping next to him. As he sat up on the edge of the bed she woke up. They exchanged good mornings. Marcia made coffee and they sat and talked.

Jack was feeling philosophical. He was surprised at how genuinely nice Marcia was despite her privileged life. He got a glimpse at how vulnerable a woman must feel when she accepts a date with a man.

Jack was beginning to feel adventurous. He wanted to try new experiences. He was scheduled for a business trip to Miami. Security Investments' service was so simple to use. He proposed a dinner date at a hip restaurant.

As he reviewed the responses his eyes kept returning to the one from a college student. She was only 21 years old.

Jack knew he would be too old for her but she had answered his proposal. He wondered, did he list is age as 28 instead of 38? He decided to see what would happen if he picked her.

The next day when he looked she had accepted. Jack asked himself what he had gotten into. Theoretically he was old enough to be her father.

He looked into the mirror. His hair was full but somewhat receded. It was not yet gray. He tried to imagine a 20-year-old girl standing next to him. It was hard to imagine.

Jack dragged himself down to the hotel veranda. They had agreed to meet for a drink. The sea breeze was a nice change from home. Jack looked around. There were couples sitting at the bistro tables talking and sipping drinks.

Would this be too adult for her? Maybe they should have met in the bar for a beer. Would she wear sandals and a peasant dress?

It was not long before Jack's questions were answered. A sophisticated young woman in a linen suit came up and stood in front of Jack. She had a straw handbag and designer sandals. She knew how to dress. She took off her sunglasses and asked him, " Are you from Security Investments?"

Jack was pleased. He was always surprised when a young person spoke well. He looked around. No one at the other tables was talking. They simply saw two people meeting for a drink. Jack stood up. He said, "Glad you could come." He hoped that did not sound too formal but he did not want to seemed to forward either.

He had several names in mind for his date. He asked her what she thought of Lois.

She noted that some of the man she dated thought all college students were merely grown-up children. Jack did not tell her that he thought of Lois because of Superman's girlfriend.

Lois ordered a Spitzer. Jack had a piña colada. The afternoon started well. Lois was happy to talk about her life on campus. She seemed excited about her studies and her new experiences as a freshly minted adult.

Jack let her talk. He could remember how things were when he was young. Everything was an adventure.

It was not hard to sit and watch Lois talk. She radiated. She sat on the edge of her chair and leaned forward as if expecting something wonderful to happen right there with him that day.

She did not seem at all disappointed with Jack. He tried but could not imagine exactly how he must have looked at this young woman.

They finished their drinks and strolled to the restaurant. During the dinner jack listened as the college student talked.

By the end of the meal it was dark. The streets were brightly lit and tourists filled the sidewalks. Jack and Lois decided to walk back to the hotel. The air remained warm and there was a slight breeze.

Jack had been entertained the whole evening. Lois told him stories about her family. She talked about all the new insights She was gaining from her classes. She gossiped about her professors. She talked to him like he was her best friend.

He was especially attentive when she started discussing her previous love life. When Lois left home for college she thought she would marry her high school boyfriend. He was the only boy she had sex with. She thought she was in love.

That changed rapidly in college. She started dating almost immediately. She went out with men of all types and had sex with most of them.

Lois was so impressed with her variety of experiences that she wanted to try everything. She went out of her way to do things that she would not have considered a usual part of her life.

She dated another woman. That was a special experience which she would always remember. She was glad she had dated a woman but did not feel that was her true orientation. She said with an exaggerated sigh that there was no substitute for a man.

They went up to Jack's room. His window showed a view of the city. Outside the lights of the restaurants and businesses were glowing despite the late hour. Lois stood at the large window and gazed at the scene below. They left the lights off in the room so it was easier to see out.

Jack stood behind Lois and put his arms around her waist. She leaned back to let him support her as she stood and watch the activities on the street below. He kissed her neck. She turned her head to give him more neck to kiss.

Jack moved his hand over her stomach. Lois took the other hand and placed it on her chest just below the throat. He moved it under her lapel and felt the gentle rise of her breast. She arched her back and turned her face toward his. They kissed. Then she went back to watching the people on the street.

Jack removed her linen jacket. He draped in over the arm of a chair. He stood behind Lois and unbuttoned the bottom buttons of her blouse. She continued to gaze intently out the window. He pulled out the shirt and finished unbuttoning the blouse. He removed it and placed it carefully over the jacket.

He stood behind Lois and his hands roamed over her front. She leaned into him. He traced her clavicles and his fingers pressed her breasts beneath the thin fabric of her bra. He ran his palms over her stomach down to the waist band of her slacks.

They moved to the bed and Jack finished addressing Lois. He undressed himself as well. He lay on his back and positioned her facing away. Then he pulled Lois toward him which gave his hands once again full access to her front.

From behind he put one arm around her chest and grasped the nipple. With his other arm he moved his hand down to her pubic mound. There he pushed his fingers through her fine curly hairs to the moist opening. Two fingers separated the labia and the middle finger stroked her clitoris. She responded to his caresses with sighs and moans.

He could feel the clitoris swell. His fingers slid up and down the lubricated groove. Jack gave the shaft of little pat. Lois tensed and gasped. He gave a couple of more pats. Each time she drew in her breath.

He continued to squeeze the nipple and pat the vulva. Her breathing became deeper. Her muscles tensed with each little slap. She was close to an orgasm. Jack patted faster and squeezed more and held her tightly in his arms.

Her whole body tensed. She lost control. She breathed deeply and rapidly. She strained against Jack's grasp as she was overwhelmed by a powerful irresistible orgasm.

Jack released her. He himself needed release. She accepted him on top of her. Jack slid his penis into her tight vagina and thrilled to the young woman's body under his. He entered her fully and rocked in and out. The stimulation of his penis brought her to another small orgasm just as Jack climaxed.

They lay on the bed for a while to catch their breath. Jack looked at Lois. He invited her to stay the night but she declined. She hoped he would not mind. She needed to get up early to study.

She told Jack that she enjoyed the evening and never had a stronger orgasm. She would never forget this night. Lois put on her clothes. She gave Jack a kiss on the lips and let herself out.

Jack went to the chair by the window. The crowds outside were thinning as the night grew late. He thought about Lois. She kept the memories of her life in her mind like an exciting story. Tonight would be a single page. It would be about her encounter with an older man. There would be many more pages and chapters.

Jack started to look forward to his business travels more than ever before. He had never minded traveling. This, however, was different. The cities were becoming his home towns.

His next trip took him to San Francisco. He knew the hotels and restaurants. He had been to San Francisco on business many times. This time would be different. He would have a date.

Jack was surprised that he look forward to talking with his dates. The anonymity afforded by Security Investments made it easy to be comfortable with his companions.

He was paying more attention. He was starting to appreciate little things that he never previously noticed. He became aware of a certain grace that seemed inherent to the feminine perspective.

He was feeling particularly daring about his trip to San Francisco. That city brought out the adventurer in him. As he looked over the responses to his proposed date there was one that he was drawn to.

She was black and she worked for a pharmaceutical company. He had never dated a black women before. He wondered what it would be like.

Once again Jack felt excited. This would certainly be a new experience. It was not long before the adventure began. She walked into the hotel and looked around.

She was slim and lanky. Her dark skin contrasted with an ivory blouse and light blue skirt. She had chiseled African looks. But her facial expression was anything but exotic. It was full of wit and fun. She grinned at Jack and said, " You must be from Security Investments."

He answered with a hesitant catch in his voice, "I am. Are you?"

That was a stupid thing to say. Of course she was. She ignored his question and asked Jack, "Do you want to name me?"

Jack said, "How about Sally?"

She thought a second. "You mean like Thomas Jefferson's slave? The one who had his child? Well I guess that's better then Jemima or Ella. If you call me Sally can I call you Elvis or John Wayne? Tell you want, you can call me Sally if I can call you Thomas. OK?"

Jack was stunned. The name actually had come to him because of Thomas Jefferson's slave. He did not know whether to apologize or make a show of acting indignant. When he looked at her grinning face he could not hold back a laugh. They agreed to call each other Sally and Thomas. This date was going to be different than he had thought.

They walked in the park. It was a fine day. The city was busy. The air was cool but not cold. Sally talked. She said she had a reputation for talking a lot. She studied biology in college. Before graduation She told her mother that she was thinking of going on to get a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Her mother told her that she might as well stay in college because a girl with a mouth like hers could not count on finding a man to support her.

After graduate school she went to work for a pharmaceutical company. They were studying the control of appetite. If they could find an effective weight-loss drug She would be able to retire on her stock options.

Jack asked her how many people were working on the project. She answered that they had about 20 scientists and 30 technicians working at any one time.

She was put in charge of the group because they knew that she would never stop talking so she might as well be at the head of the table during their meetings.

Jack was perceptive enough to realize that this disarming talkative woman was probably one of the smartest people he had ever encountered.




Short Term Investments



They enjoyed their dinner and then walked and talked some more. Sally would say the most outrageous things without a quiver of self-consciousness. Jack laughed a lot. He could not keep up with her but that did not seem to matter. Most likely, not many people could match Sally's wit.

Jack had planned to ask Sally if she wanted to go back to his hotel for a drink at the bar but she invited him to her house instead. They drove to her condominium.

It was in a complex on a hill with a view of the Bay. The interior was furnished with paintings on the walls and modern furniture. Sally had good taste. The condo confirmed his suspicion that this funny self-deprecating woman was quite successful in the job market.

Sally poured some wine and they gazed out over the buildings to the water. She told stories about work and her childhood. She quoted her mother frequently. It seemed her mother had a strong opinion about everything. Jack noted that trait had rubbed off on the daughter.

Sally put on a music CD. She stood in front of Jack and swayed her hips. She held out her arms and asked him, "Do you want to dance?"

Jack wanted to hold her but was not confident in his dancing ability. He could imagine that Sally had some pretty good moves. He protested that his dancing days lasted only through high school. Sally insisted. She said they could dance slowly.

Jack stood up and held her close. Sally was different. She had an energy he had ever encountered before.

She rested her head on his shoulder. Her chest pressed against his. He was turned on. Hopefully his arousal would not turn Sally off.

He did not need to worry. Sally suggested that they head for the bedroom. They removed their clothes. Sally looked like a beautiful African sculpture. He was sure she could read his thoughts so he did not try to hide his appreciation.

They lay beside each other and kissed. Jack moved his hands over her body learning all the contours.

He put his lips to her large nipple and drew it into his mouth. It stiffened and elongated. It reached almost an inch. He did the same to the other nipple. Her erect nipples aroused him. He kissed her chest and moved down to her stomach and then down between her legs. He spread her labia with his thumbs. The passage hidden between the labia was pink.

Her clitoris was large and firm. He ran his tongue along the swollen knob. She squirmed and sighed. He licked up and down as her passion rose. He did not plan to stop until she was finished.

Sally rose steadily to a large orgasm. When she was finished She asked Jack if he would like her to go down on him. Jack preferred to have intercourse face-to-face. He wanted to enter her and feel her body against his as he drove to his climax.

Afterward, they lay down together on the bed. Sally asked Jack, "Where did you learn to do that?"

"Do what?"

"Be so good to a woman."

Jack had thought about that question. He obtained as much enjoyment from the woman's orgasm as from his own. He thought that simply screwing a woman without her becoming aroused was almost like masturbating.

On the other hand, when he could arouse a woman he also felt fulfilled. He thought, the man will always reach a climax. It was up to him to bring the woman alone.

He answered the question, "I enjoy seeing a beautiful woman become aroused. It turns beyond."

Sally asked Jack if he would like to stay the night. He wondered for a moment whether she was just being polite but rapidly dismissed that thought. He knew her well enough by now. If Sally did not want him to stay she would already have pushed him out the door. They kissed and hugged and made love twice more that night.

Jack was back home. He looked forward to his next trip. He would be returning to Seattle. He remembered his first date through Security Investments. He proposed a date.

Several days before the trip he checked for responses. Jack saw there was nothing from Alice. He wondered if she was away. Was he wrong to think they both had a good time? Did she have a rule against dating a man twice?

He looked over the responses he did get. The dog lover was not there but the working mother was there again. He felt connected to her despite the fact that they had ever met. She had answered two of his proposals. He wondered if she answered everyone's proposals. Was She desperate? He decided to see what a working mother who described herself as a poet would be like.

Jack went to Seattle. He had an image in his mind. He expected to meet a serious woman with longish hair wearing a dress. He expected a hippie earth mother.

While he was waiting and daydreaming about his date he did not notice the woman approaching until she came close and asked, "Are you from Security Investments?"

She had a slightly husky voice. She wore a soft sweater and slacks. A gold bracelet draped on her wrist and small earrings complemented her face. She did not look like the poet-mother Jack had in his imagination.

He answered that he was from Security. They exchanged names. She would call him Douglas. He had picked out Emily for her. He was thinking of the poet Emily Dickinson.

He wondered if the name she picked for him had special significance. He could not help asking. She answered with a grin that he was in the aerospace industry which made her think of McDonnell Douglas. He was glad it was not the name of her former husband.

She said turnabout was fair play so he had to tell her why he picked Emily for her. She was pleased with his answer.

Jack had rented a car. He proposed to see the Asian museum. He thought that even if the working-mother-poet date was boring at least he would have company to look at some interesting exhibits.

His preconceived mental image of her was completely wrong. Emily was a stimulating companion. She did know something of Japanese history and had been to the museum before.

She tried to imagine the attitudes of people who had no Western background. Jack found himself trading ideas with Emily as they pondered the Oriental viewpoint.

While they examined the exhibits Emily would stand close to Jack. She would put her arm around him or She would touch his shoulder to get his attention.

Jack liked the contact very much. It felt comfortable. They eventually walked together hand in hand.

They left the museum and proceeded to the nearby park. They walked quietly holding hands. Occasionally one would speak and the other would answer.

Jack asked Emily if she really did write poetry. She said she did. She would recite some later.

They drove to a restaurant on the Sound. Jack, of course, had seafood since this was Seattle. They talked a little. There were periods of silence. Both were comfortable with their own thoughts. There seemed to be no urgency to talk.

After the meal they drove to the beach and watched the sun set. Then they returned to the hotel. Jack did not need to ask Emily to come up to his room. She asked if he still wanted to hear her poems.

Emily curled up her feet on the sofa. She began to recite. In her husky voice she talked of her dreams as a young girl. She spoke lovingly of her children. She expressed remorse about the broken marriage. The poems were clear and simple. She used the language to create image after image.

Jack was swept into Emily's life. He was awed by how completely he was drawn into her thoughts. He had never become so deeply acquainted with anyone in such a short time.

After about 20 minutes she stopped. She looked at him. Jack thought he should applaud but that would have broken the spell. He told her that her poems were beautiful. She seemed pleased.

They sat on the sofa together. Emily moved close to Jack. She put her arm over the back of the sofa and draped her hand on his shoulder. Jack was completely at ease.

More time passed. Jack offered Emily a T-shirt to use for a night shirt if she would like to stay. She took a shower. She came out of the bathroom dressed in panties and his T-shirt. Jack felt like grabbing and hugging her but he took a quick shower himself.

When he came out of the bathroom Emily was already under the covers. Jack turned out the lights and got in the bed. Emily moved close to him. She put her hand on his chest.

He could feel her breast pressing against his side. This was as intimate as Jack had been since he and Marni had parted.

He turned up on his side and kissed Emily on her lips. He kissed her cheek and her neck. He put his arm around her. She moved closer and put her leg across his thigh.

Emily pressed her vulva against his pelvis. She laid her cheek on his shoulder and brushed his chest with her fingertips.

Her leg pressed against his penis. He could not restrain the swelling and stiffening that resulted. She used his leg for her own stimulation.

Jack put his hands under her T-shirt and stroked the soft breasts. He found her nipples and pinched. She responded by pressing her lower body against his thigh. She was aroused. Jack wanted to shove his hard penis into her vagina and feel her body under his.

He quickly pulled off her T-shirt and panties and slid into her. They moved together as he pulled out and pushed in to trap her clitoris between them. She bent her knees and opened her legs to give him access to her very private area. He could feel her excitement growing. She gave a little sigh with each thrust.

She reached one of her hands down to rest the tip of a finger on her clitoris. She began to press and make little circles. She closed her eyes and stroked as he worked his piston in and out.

Her self-arousal was stimulating him. He matched her rhythm. Their breathing became more rapid. They reached a climax together. She withdrew her hand and grasped him tightly. They ground their bodies together and released all the sexual energy that had been building.

Finally they were finished. Both were panting from the effort. They put their underwear back on and lay together between the sheets. Periodically through the night he would stroke her back or arm or chest and she would sigh with pleasure.

The next day Emily needed to return home. Her ex-husband was going to bring the kids back. She told Jack that she had a perfect time and hoped they would cross paths again. Jack watched contentedly as she walked to her parking lot.

Jack was no longer lonely. His life as a single man was not so bad. Someday he may again find a woman to share a lifetime. For now, he was happy to share one night at a time.