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Thunder Bay Ch. 01

By: Sweetcheekss



Arriving for the start of another day at work, I glanced at my watch before entering the Centennial Bank's Headquarters. I was right on time despite near gridlocked traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway. The drive from my home in Willowbrook, an upscale community west of Chicago, had taken an hour to complete. 

My high-heels clicked noisily on the terrazzo floor as I paced briskly towards the bank of elevators. My corner office on the twenty-first floor seemed more like a second home than a place to work. Putting in long, tedious hours and working weekends had become second nature.

For the past twelve years, I worked hard to attain the position of Vice-President of Centennial Bank. But it hadn't come without costs. The financial rewards and perks of my position weren't worth the loss of a marriage, a marriage to someone I still often thought about. But it was too late to turn things around. My ex-husband, Rick had remarried and was about to become a father for the second time. Admittedly, I still loved him. 

Stepping off the elevator, I scurried down the corridor towards my office, stopping briefly at the coffee bar to fix myself a cup. Coffee and cigarettes, along with a steady diet of fast food, had become my mainstay. I rarely cooked. It was something I never quite got the knack of.

"Morning Valerie!" Emily Hanks greeted, peering over her glasses. "How's my favorite Vice-President this morning?"

"Morning Emily!" I responded, forcing myself to smile. "I'm alright I guess."

Emily Hanks, a woman in her mid-sixties, had served as the personal secretary to the Vice-President for the past twenty plus years. She'd seen three of my predecessors come and go. To me, Emily was more than just my secretary. She was my confidant, someone who knew me better than I knew myself.     

Tossing my purse and tan leather attaché onto the credenza behind my desk, I booted up my computers. While they connected with our networking system, I walked over to the full length windows. The sun rising in the east cast a long shadow over the adjacent office building

"You look very nice today." Emily stated, entering my office with a handful of documents in her hand. "Is that a new suit?"

"No. It's one I haven't worn for awhile." I replied. "I just had the hemline shortened a little."

"You don't think it's too short, do you?" I asked, hoping she'd say no. 

"Not with those legs!" Emily laughed, setting the papers on the corner of my desk. "Those girls down in Accounting wear their skirts a lot shorter than that!"

"Yeah but they're ten years younger than me." I countered, grinning. 

"So what?" Emily asserted. "Age doesn't mean a darn thing. If you've got great legs, there's nothing wrong with showing them off a little."

My legs were probably my best asset. Standing five foot, eight I still had a great figure. Granted, it wasn't as good as when I was in college but thirteen years since then hadn't taken their toll on me. My butt was still quite shapely and my breasts were still firm. Not that it mattered much. I wasn't seeing anyone nor had I since my divorce. It wasn't that I wasn't interested in a relationship. Men seemed to shy away from career women for some reason. At least, that was the conclusion I'd come too. I'd even taken to having my dark brown, shoulder-length hair highlighted with blonde streaks to draw attention to myself but without much luck. Guys noticed me but kept their distance. Maybe it was my gradient tinted eyeglasses that kept them from approaching me. They shaded my bright green eyes but they were necessary to keep eye strain to a minimum.

It was just about noon when Burt Wheeler came barging into my office. Glancing up from my computer monitors, I could see he was upset about something.

Burt was the grandson of the bank's founder, Trenton Wheeler, which was probably the only reason he was ever promoted. He didn't know squat about financial matters, relying on his subordinates to make the majority of his decisions. Rarely in his office, Burt spent most of his time on the golf course at the Sandstone Country Club.

As usual, Burt was casually dressed. Instead of a suit, he was wearing Docker dress slacks and an Izod Polo shirt. Overweight by at least thirty pounds and balding, he didn't exemplify what you'd expect for a man in his position.

"What'd you do this time Burt?" I questioned, continuing with my work.

"I just got a call from the Chief Financial Officer." Burt disclosed, flopping his fat ass down in the chair in front of my desk. "He informed me that I don't have the authority to authorize a five-million dollar loan."

"That's right. You don't." I affirmed, leaning back in my chair. "Any loan over a million dollars has to go before committee for review."

"Well that's bullshit!" He exclaimed. "As president of this bank I should have the authority to do anything I want!"

"Your grandfather set the rules." I responded. "I didn't."

"Besides, it's good banking business to have more than just one person responsible for loaning out that kind of money." I explained. "If you want to change the rules, go talk to your father."

"I did." Burt countered, leaning over my desk. "And he told me you have the authority to sign loans for any amount. Why's that?"

"Maybe it's because I've got great legs and you don't!" I laughed. "Or....maybe it's because the bank trusts my judgment and they don't yours."

"I need you to review the Thunder Bay loan documents and put your signature on them." Burt asserted in a commanding tone. "I expect to see the loan approval before the end of the day."

"There's no way I'm approving that loan!" I countered, rising to my feet. "I denied that loan weeks ago. I'll be damned if I change my mind!"

"I'm giving you a direct order Ms. Marlowe!" Burt shouted, getting in my face. "I can have you fired for insubordination if you don't follow my instructions!"

"I don't think so." I contradicted with a smirk. "You don't have the authority to do that either. In fact, you don't have the authority to do much of anything."

"You Bitch!" Burt screamed, slamming his fist down on my desk. "I'm calling my father!"

"Tell him I said hi." I jested, sitting down in my chair. "And tell him thanks again for the new Mercedes."

"You....you got a new car?" Burt questioned, his voice trembling.

"Yeah. A new S550 sedan." I replied. "It was a bonus for drawing those commercial loans away from the New England Banking Company."

Wheeler bolted through the doorway, no doubt headed back to his office for a stiff drink. He always kept a bottle of expensive scotch and another of vodka in the credenza behind his desk. Everyone knew Burt had a drinking problem but nobody stepped forward to help him get out of it.

Letting my nerves settle down, I pulled up the Thunder Bay loan application on my computer just to review it. Scanning over the documents, I remembered why I hadn't bothered to put it before the loan committee. The Simmons family had a poor credit rating, which eliminated them right off the bat. With no past experience in business, let alone the houseboat trade, that was another point not in their favor. Our research department had done a thorough investigation of the houseboat industry, finding seventy-five percent in the construction industry fail within the first five years. Thunder Bay had failed within three.

Picking up my phone, I called Katie Blanchard in Research.

"Katie, this is Valerie. Can you find out what the inventory is for Thunder Bay Houseboats?" I asked. "They're located down around Somerset, Kentucky."

"You just want the updated inventory?" Katie inquired, jotting down my requests.

"A....find out what the real estate appraised for." I asserted. "And check their bank records to see how much outstanding debt they've got on their books."

"How soon do you want all this?" Katie asked. "We're awfully busy down here."

"Tomorrow or the next day is plenty soon enough." I replied, putting her worries at ease. "I'm not in any big hurry."

Even though I had no intentions of approving the five-million dollar loan for the Simmons family, I wanted more information on Thunder Bay Houseboats. It was for my own curiosity more than anything.

Two days passed with my nearly forgetting about my information request from Research. Katie's sudden appearance in the doorway to my office refreshed my memory. Bright eyed and bubbly, Katie was like a ray of sunshine wherever she made an appearance. A very petite person, her coal black hair hung halfway down her back. Katie was well liked, especially by all the guys looking to score with her.  

"I've got everything you asked for." Katie proclaimed, handing me a file folder filled with paperwork. "It took some time putting it all together."

"I appreciate all your trouble." I affirmed, quickly scanning through the information. "I'll take it home with me and look at it later."

Tucking the folder into my attaché, I went back to taking care of bank business. After spending most of the day reviewing account information on our most exclusive clients I called it a day around 5:00pm. I thought about staying longer but I was getting anxious to review the information Katie had gathered for me.

It was almost 6:30 when I wheeled into my driveway. The security lights illuminated my two-story brick home in the gated community, where I rarely spent much time. While a frozen entrée simmered in the microwave, I put on a pot of coffee. I was planning on a long night going through the Thunder Bay information. The coffee would keep me alert as well as wide awake.

The financial information on Thunder Bay was enlightening but not very favorable. Reviewing their current houseboat listings, construction materials inventory and real estate appraisals, I found the company wasn't very solvent but still not close to filing bankruptcy. Running the numbers several times to check for accuracy, I discovered Thunder Bay was worth the five million dollar asking price, perhaps more. 

Realizing I'd been basing my dollar figures on the retail value of the fourteen new and used houseboats, I tried discounting their value to what I thought the market would bring for a quick sale. Not surprising, it brought the true value of Thunder Bay to just under four-million dollars.

Pouring the last cup of coffee left in the pot, I propped my feet up on the couch and started formulating a plan. If I were to purchase Thunder Bay and all of its assets for cash I might be able to get the Martin family to accept my offer. I wasn't about to offer them five-million, not even four-million, just something close enough to tempt them into selling. But I'd have to be careful. Being the Vice-President of Centennial Bank, I'd have to skirt the issue of conflicts of interest and ethical practices.

Venture Limited LLC was a holding company I'd put together a couple of years back just for opportunities like the one I was considering. Nothing more than a limited liability company, Venture Limited's only assets were a post office box, a letterhead and a box of business cards. 

If I worked it right, I could claim the entity was solely independent from Centennial Bank. Legally, I had every right as an independent entrepreneur to purchase Thunder Bay. But I knew Centennial would frown on it if they were to ever find out. Actually there were only two people I'd have to worry about, Burt Wheeler and his father, Jared. Burt I could handle but his father wouldn't be so easy.

Not wanting to make a rash decision that I might regret later, I spent a few days thinking it over. The temptation to make Thunder Bay an offer was too much of an opportunity to let slip by. From the seclusion of my office, I phoned Thunder Bay on my cell phone. I knew calling from my office phone would identify Centennial Bank as the caller. There was no way I could ever let that happen.

The phone rang several times before someone answered the phone at Thunder Bay. The woman's voice sounded like she might be middle-aged. Asking to speak with Frank Martin, she put me on hold while she went to find him.

A minute or so later, I heard Frank Martin's voice for the first time. His voice was raspy with a slight trembling. He sounded elderly but it was difficult to really tell. Representing myself as Valerie Marlowe, President of Venture Limited LLC, I got right to the point. 

At first, the gentleman on the other end of the line seemed evasive about discussing the sale of Thunder Bay with me. I thought it odd but I pursued the matter further, mentioning I was talking a cash offer. That was all it took. Frank Martin's attitude changed immediately. Cash always changes people's attitude!

We conversed for almost an hour with Frank doing most of the talking. He answered my questions thoroughly and without hesitation. I took that as a sign he was an honest and forthright person. Deliberately, I withheld the financial information I knew about Thunder Bay, wanting to discuss those matters in person. 

I accepted his invitation to visit Thunder Bay Houseboats, trying my best to conceal my eagerness. It was a four-hundred mile drive from my home in Willowbrook to Somerset, Kentucky but I was more than willing to make the eight hour journey. The possible financial rewards were too great not to.

Friday morning of that week I set out for Somerset, Kentucky which was located in the south central part of the state. Information that I gathered off the internet informed me the resort community was situated on Lake Cumberland, a man-made lake covering sixty-three thousand acres with over twelve-hundred miles of shoreline. I was as eager to see the lake as much as I was to visit Thunder Bay.

Arriving in the resort town around 3:00 in the afternoon, I found it thriving with countless businesses catering to tourists as well as the populace. Boat dealerships were outnumbered by new and used car dealerships as well as fast food restaurants and hotels. 

After checking into the Holiday Inn and getting settled in, I walked down the street to a family style restaurant for something to eat. Catfish and fried chicken were the main items on the buffet, both of which were prepared to perfection. Not being a big eater, I found myself trying both, going back for seconds. Maybe it was the fresh, clean air that had made me hungry or just the idea of getting away from the bank for a few days. Either way, I was enjoying myself.

Returning to my hotel room, I phoned Frank Martin on my cell phone to let him know I was in town. The news seemed to enliven his tone of voice, probably because he was eager for us to meet. I set up an appointment with him for the next morning at 10:00am.

Saturday morning, I awoke around 7:00 after getting a good night's sleep. Grabbing a quick shower and fixing my hair and make-up, I stopped in the hotel's restaurant for a bite of breakfast, something I rarely took time for.

Thunder Bay Houseboats was located on Smokehouse Road, which led to the Whiskey Creek Marina, a boating facility located right on the lake. Finding it wasn't difficult with the directions Frank had given me over the phone and the map I'd downloaded from the internet.

Weather for the late May morning was absolutely perfect. The bright sun warmed the air into the mid-seventies with powder blue, cloudless skies overhead. I took it as a positive sign of things to come. I just hoped I was right.

A large sheet metal sign with the Thunder Bay Houseboats logo sat perched on two large metal poles at the entrance to the business. Slowing as I made the turn into the firm, my eyes caught sight of the houseboats, sitting perched on concrete stanchions. Passing through the gates I drove slowly over the graveled lot to the main building, seeing a van and a pick-up truck parked there. 

It was a little disappointing to see the condition of the building in person. In the photographs I'd seen, it looked much better. Paint was flaking off the building, giving it a blistered appearance. Getting out of my car, I slung my purse to my shoulder, allowing my eyes to quickly scan over the rest of the business. The ten foot high chain link fence that surrounded the property was rusting, showing signs of neglect much like the main building. 

As for the half dozen houseboats on display, they were beautiful to say the least. Looking much larger in person, I couldn't help but wonder how difficult it was to navigate the huge vessels. I was certain it took a small crew to man the houseboats safely.

"Miss Marlowe?" A woman's voice spoke out, interrupting my thoughts.

"I'm Rebecca Martin, Frank's daughter." She announced, extending her hand. "I'm glad to see you made it alright."

Rebecca was most likely the woman I'd spoken with on the phone during my initial call. She was in her mid-forties with shoulder-length blonde hair. She was an attractive woman with a tall, slender figure. Her eyes were warm and inviting, much like her pleasant smile.

"Frank's out in the shop." She stated. "I'll show you to his office, then I'll go out and get him."

The interior of the building wasn't much better looking than its exterior. Besides needing paint, it looked like it could stand a thorough cleaning. Construction materials were stacked haphazardly everywhere I looked. I found myself growing more disappointed the more I looked around. Frank Martin's office was all the way to the rear of building. Small and cramped, his desk was cluttered with paperwork and magazines.

"No wonder this place is going under!" I thought to myself. "No one in their right mind is going to buy a houseboat from a business that looks like this!"

"I see you're still here!" An elderly man's voice laughed as he entered the cramped office. "You didn't make a run for it like I expected you would!"

Seeing the elderly gentleman confined to a motorized wheelchair caught me completely off- guard. It was something I hadn't expected. Frank Martin looked to be nearing his seventies. His snow-white hair gave him very distinguished look but the years had taken their toll on him. He looked weathered, like a man who'd worked hard all his life.

"Valerie Marlowe." I stated, extending my hand. "I'm glad we finally get to meet in person."

"Damn! You're a good looking woman!" Frank exclaimed with a grin, shaking my hand. "You look more like a Kentucky gal than a woman from the Windy City!"

"Actually, I was born and raised in New York." I revealed, enjoying his compliment. 

"Let's get down to business, shall we?" The elderly man suggested, still clenching my hand. "I'm sure you don't care for beating around the bush anymore than I do."

Frank guided the wheelchair behind his desk with little effort. Clearing off a place on his desk, he set out an ashtray before lighting up his cigar. I took the opportunity to light up a cigarette.

"I'm sure you're disappointed in seeing the condition of this place but my credit's pushed to the limits." The elderly man disclosed. "It needs a good coat of paint and some cleaning but I can't spare the cash right now to pay for it."

"I understand." I affirmed. "Let's hope we can strike a deal so you won't have to worry about it."

"I'll always worry about this business, even after I sell it." Frank proclaimed, taking a draw on his cigar. "I started this business with every dime I had. I had to mortgage my house to get enough money to get it going."

"Houseboats are all I've ever worked on." He decreed. "I helped build the very first Jamestowner Houseboat back in the sixties. I also helped build the very last one."

"Tell me what you know about houseboats, Miss Marlowe." Frank avowed. "What's your experience."

"I'm afraid I don't have any experience at all." I responded. "I'd have to learn, I guess."

"That won't cut it!" Frank exclaimed, before I could say another word. "If you don't know shit about houseboats, you won't make it in this business!"


Thunder Bay Ch. 01



"I'm guessing what you're really after is buying me out and liquidating the business for all you can get out of it." He added with a sly grin. "That's what the Simmons bunch wanted to do. I considered their offer but some bitch at a bank up in Chicago flat turned their sorry asses down."

"Pardon my language but it just riles me to think of this business folding up." He continued in a calmer tone. "Guess I should thank that banker lady for what she did."

"Do you really think Thunder Bay has a chance of surviving?" I asked. "Your debt load is overwhelming and your sales are zip. How long do you think it's going to be before the lenders are going to flat out demand their money?"

"Sounds like you've done your homework young lady." Frank surmised, relighting his cigar. "The answer is, I don't know. I'll hold out till they throw me out on my ass!"

"God! This is going to be more difficult than I thought." I kept thinking. "Maybe I should just chuck the whole idea and head back to Chicago."

"You wanna make me an offer, go ahead, I'll listen." Frank affirmed, flicking his cigar ash on the floor.

"I won't make an offer until after I've seen every inch of this place." I responded in a defiant tone of voice. "I'd be a fool not to."

"Rebecca!" Frank shouted. "Go get Robbie! Tell him I wanna see him!"

"Robbie's my grandson." Frank stated with a proud smile. "He's a damn good kid. I see a lot of me in the boy. I just hope he gets the chance to experience everything I have." 

"Except for this damn wheelchair of course!" He laughed, puffing on his cigar.

A few minutes passed but they seemed like hours. Footsteps quickly approaching the office gave me hope that I would be led out into the fresh air. Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. Looking towards the doorway, I saw a handsome young man appear. 

Wearing faded bluejeans and a checkered shirt with the sleeves cut off at the shoulders, I could see he was very muscular. Removing his cap, revealed his thick, dark hair and boyish good looks. I guessed him to be in his early twenties at most but with his clean-shaven face it was difficult to tell.

I stood up when his grandfather introduced us, noting he was a few inches taller than me, even with my high-heels. A closer look at his face revealed the brightest blue eyes I'd ever seen.

"Miss Marlowe, this is my grandson, Robbie." Frank stated. "Robbie can show you around a lot better than I can. He can answer all your questions....probably better than I can."

Shaking hands with the young guy, I found his hands rough and calloused, like those of his grandfather's.

Following Robbie out of the office, I glanced down at his butt. The snug fitting bluejeans fit him like a glove, showing off his cute buns. 

"Hmmm. Bet his butt's as hard as a rock." I thought, grinning to myself. "He's probably got a harem of young, horny girls after his ass!"

Stepping out into the fresh air, I stopped long enough to light up a cigarette, noticing it didn't meet with the young man's approval. He didn't say anything but his facial expression spoke volumes.

"Let's start with the new houseboats first." Robbie suggested, leading me out to the first one in line.

Ascending the steps that led to the front deck of the elevated houseboat, I regretted not having worn a skirt. It would have given me the chance to show off my legs to the young man. Instead, I'd opted for dress slacks. At least they showed off my shapely butt. But what was I thinking? I was at least thirteen years older than him. I seriously doubted if he much more than noticed me.

After looking over the houseboat's front deck, we stepped inside to look at the interior. The salon was expensively furnished, which really surprised me. The plush carpeting and expensive tile in the galley area and corridors added to my amazement. The huge plasma television and entertainment center in the salon was top of the line, not to mention the expensive oak cabinetry throughout the houseboat. 

Rob led me towards the staterooms, pointing out all the amenities as we passed them. The bathrooms were furnished with the best fixtures available. From what I'd seen so far, Thunder Bay Houseboats were nothing short of perfection, not to mention luxury.

Robbie pointed out the twin engines, which propelled the houseboat through the water at a fair pace, at least according to him they did. I took his word for it, not knowing if he was leading me on or not. The onboard electrical generator seemed easy enough to operate after the young man showed me how to start it. 

Climbing the circular stairway to the top deck, I was impressed with the wet-bar, hot-tub and built in seating arrangement. Black canvas, stretched over aluminum rails covered a large portion of the deck.

"You can maneuver the houseboat from up here or down below." Robbie informed me, pointing out the wheel and controls on the upper deck. "Just depends on your personal preference."

"Just out of curiosity, what kind of money are we talking about for this one?" I inquired.

"This one is four-hundred and fifty thousand." Robbie replied, sounding proud of the fact. "She's worth every penny too!"

"And why's that?" I asked, leaning against the side rail.

"Well....it's like buying a house." The young man replied. "Thunder Bay houseboats are built like an expensive home. The fact that they float on water and can be moved by just one person are minor. All the side walls are thermo barrier, which allows them to be used year round."

"Some of the other builders just slap their houseboats together, figuring the buyer's only going to use them during the summer months." He added. "They'll hold up fine if that's all you're going to use them for. Best pay the money and get something that's still going to be around twenty-five or thirty years from now. 

"So you're saying Thunder Bay is top of the line?" I stated.

"Not top of the line!" Robbie countered with a huge grin. "We've set the standard for houseboats since the first one rolled out of the shop three years ago!"

"You mentioned moving one of these behemoths by yourself." I asserted. "Is that really true?"

"Onboard cameras over the control panel on the main deck make it easier than hell!" He replied. "All ya gotta do is take your time and don't get your ass in a big rush. That's when you start bumping into things.

"Which is another thing about Thunder Bay Houseboats." He continued. "Our hulls are stainless steel which makes them a helluva lot stronger than the aluminum hulls you find on some houseboats."

I let Robbie talk without interrupting him with questions. The more he spoke, the more I learned from the handsome young man. Frank Martin was right about one thing, his grandson knew a lot about houseboats. Even though he was aware of the company's financial situation and his grandfather's intention to sell, Robbie seemed upbeat.

We spent the next two hours looking at each of the houseboats, going down the line in order. None were priced less than three-hundred and fifty thousand dollars, which I suspected limited their market share.

"How about we break for lunch?" Robbie suggested, steeping off one of the houseboats. "I haven't eaten all day."

"Sounds like a good idea." I replied. "How about we meet again in about an hour?"

"Well....I was kinda hopin' you'd join me." Robbie stammered, looking disappointed. "But that's up to you."

"Oh! Sure. I'd love to." I responded without hesitation.

Robbie's smile let me know I'd made him happy. Climbing into his pick-up, we sped off towards the marina a mile down the road. Whiskey Creek Marina was bustling with activity. The fueling stations appeared to be doing a land office business. The launching ramps had boaters waiting in line to use the facilities.

"See those houseboats off in the distance?" Robbie asked, pointing to a half dozen or so moored at the end of the main pier. "Those are the houseboats we've taken in on trade. Unfortunately they're not selling like they should."

"According to your listings, I see you've got fourteen houseboats in all." I asserted. "Six new ones and eight used ones."

"And one in construction." Robbie added. "But I doubt that it'll ever get finished."

Walking out to the café on the main pier, I felt Robbie's hand at the small of my back, guiding me along. At first I flinched at his touch but he didn't take notice of it. It had been ages since anyone had touched me but I found myself enjoying his touch..

Over burgers, fries and soft drinks, we looked out at the marina and the multitude of boats.

"You like being out on the water?" Robbie asked, stuffing a french frie in his mouth.

"I've only been out in a boat a couple of times." I answered. "Both times were just in a rowboat on a small pond."

"You married?" He asked casually like it wasn't uncommon.

"A....no." I stuttered, surprised that he asked. "I'm divorced."

"Me too." Robbie stated, staring into my eyes. "Also divorced."

"You! You were married!" I exclaimed. "You don't look hold enough!"

"Hey! I'm twenty-one!" Robbie laughed. "Down here that's considered more than old enough!"

"Any children?" I asked, hoping he'd say no.

"Nah." The young man grumbled. "Same day I will but right now I'm just not ready. With the business on the skids I don't wanna knock someone up and then not be able to support them."

I laughed at his remark, which he must have taken as an odd reaction. 

"What's so funny?" Robbie inquired. "You don't find that funny, do ya?"

"No. Just the term -knocked up- that I thought was funny." I responded. "That's something you don't hear very often."

"What about you?" He asked. "You got kids?"

"No. My husband and I thought about it but that's as far as it ever got." I answered, feeling myself blush.

"Talking about it ain't what gets you knocked up." Robbie roared.

"That's what I hear." I laughed, almost choking on my food.

Before leaving Whiskey Creek, Robbie and I walked out to the end of the pier so he could show me the used houseboats Thunder Bay had taken in on trade. None were as nice as what Thunder Bay built but they were still exceptionally nice. I was concerned as to why they hadn't sold but I didn't want to ask Robbie, assuming he probably couldn't give me an answer.

"Why don't I talk with your mother and let you get on with whatever you were doing?" I suggested when we drove back to Thunder Bay. "I've got some financial questions I'd like to ask."

Robbie nodded his head, giving me a warm smile.

"I'll be out in the shop when you get done." He stated. "Stop out and see me before you leave."

"Ok. I will." I responded.

As I'd hoped, Rebecca was able to answer all of my financial questions. She disclosed the fact that the local banks had limited the length of the term for loans on used houseboats, which made the monthly payments higher than on new units. That was probably the reason they hadn't sold. Discovering the mark-up on new houseboats wasn't as great as I'd estimated was a letdown but not something I couldn't deal with.

Rebecca and I spent the rest of the afternoon reviewing their accounting records and clarifying any questions I came up with. All in all, the time spent was very enlightening. Occasional interruptions by Frank Martin cruising into the office to offer up a joke or two helped the hours pass by. It was nearing 6:00pm when I suggested I come back on Monday.

Before leaving I sauntered out into the shop to find Robbie. Hearing him pounding away on something I found him without much difficulty. He was working on the exterior walls of the one and only houseboat that was under construction.

"Whatta ya think of her?" Robbie inquired, seeing me approaching. "She's the biggest we've ever built!"

"How big is it gonna be when it's finished?" I asked.

"A hundred and ten feet long by twenty feet wide." He replied, grinning from ear to ear. "Seven-hundred grand's gonna be the asking price on her!"

"Asking is one thing, getting is another." I responded, wiping the grin from his face.

"Yeah. I guess." Robbie grumbled, stepping down off the ladder.

"You got a boyfriend?" He asked out of the blue. "Or maybe I shouldn't have asked."

"Why did you ask?" I questioned before giving him an answer.

"I thought maybe the two of us could go out to dinner this evening." Robbie replied. "That is, if your boyfriend wouldn't mind."

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind." I asserted, leading him to believe I had a relationship with someone.

"I'm staying at the Holiday Inn." I added. "Do you want to meet somewhere?"

"Heck no!" The young man exclaimed. "I'll stop by and pick you up. Say around 8:00?"

"8:00's fine." I responded. "I'll see you then."

Walking out to my car, I felt my heart beating much harder than normal. The idea of having a handsome young man ask me out to dinner had my mind whirring. 

Returning to my room, I took a long hot shower to rejuvenate myself. All I could think of was going to dinner with Robbie. I hadn't felt giddy since my first date back in high school. Selecting what I was going to wear wasn't too difficult. I'd brought one of my favorite outfits along just in case such an occasion arose. I just hoped Robbie liked it.

The knock on my hotel room door was like a warning shot. Checking myself in the full length mirror before answering the door, I hoped for the best. Attired in a black leather skirt and a white frilly blouse trimmed in black lace with black high-heels, I wished for the best.

Opening the door, I saw Robbie dressed in a powder blue sport shirt and tan dress slacks. He looked more handsome than ever.

"WOW! You look gorgeous!" He exclaimed, frozen in his tracks.

"Thanks." I responded, pleasantly surprised at his reaction. "You look quite handsome yourself."

Seeing the handsome young man blush made him even more gorgeous. We stood there, eyeing each other for a few moments before I reached over and grabbed my purse. Robbie put his arm around my waist as we walked down the corridor and out to his pick-up. I let myself brush up against him, breathing in the fragrance of his cologne.

Dinner conversation was more about each other than houseboats. I discovered a lot about the young man, his triumphs and tragedies. He talked about his father, disclosing that that his parents had divorced over money his father had embezzled from Thunder Bay. He was taking it hard, like he relived it every day of his life. I managed to change the subject to sports, something most young guys are interested in. It brought him out of his doldrums and lightened up the evening.

After dinner, Robbie suggested we drive out to the marina and spend some time on one of the used houseboats. I was all for it, immediately agreeing to go with him. 

Rob picked out the last one in line, a 2002 Sumerset houseboat, which looked almost new. Stepping inside, Robbie switched on the lights, bathing the salon area in soft blue accent lighting.

"I've got a bottle of wine chilling in the refrigerator." He stated, proceeding into the galley. "Unless you'd rather have beer."

"Oh. The wine will be fine." I responded, realizing he'd gone through a lot of preparation before picking me up at the hotel.

Ascending the winding stairway to the upper deck, I knew he could probably see up under my skirt but hopefully not too far. The evening breeze wafting across the lake was like a breath of fresh air. We drank over half the bottle of wine before the breeze became a little too cool.

Returning to the main salon, I assumed the young man was ready to drive me back to my hotel. I hated to see the evening come to an end and I think Robbie felt the same. It was an awkward moment for both of us.

"You wanna go back to your hotel or would you like to spend the night here on the houseboat?" Robbie asked, avoiding eye contact with me.

"Alone or with you?" I questioned, not sure of his intentions.

"I'll let you decide." Robbie replied, smiling sheepishly.

"I don't think it'd be wise for either of us to get involved." I muttered, hoping he'd understand.

"If that's your decision, I won't argue the point." Robbie murmured. "I'm sure your boyfriend would have a fit if he ever found out."

"That's not the point I was trying to make." I countered. "It's just that....you're a little too young and I'm a little to old."

Robbie wasn't buying my excuse. Maybe I didn't want him too. I definitely wanted to slip into bed with him. There was no question about it. I was just afraid of how we'd both feel afterwards.

Robbie stepped closer, pulling me into his muscular arms. Lifting my eyes to look into his, we shared our first kiss. At first it was soft and sensual, then it evolved into outright passion as we ground our lips hard against each other's. My hands clenched his broad shoulders tight, not wanting our passionate kiss to ever end. Our lips eventually parted so we could catch our breaths.

"I won't tell your boyfriend if you won't" Robbie whispered. 

"I don't have a boyfriend." I murmured, trusting he'd forgive me for leading him on.

Rob's hand slipped to the buttons on my blouse, fumbling nervously. I put my hands over his to slow him down so he could manipulate them. Our lips meshed together for another kiss while his hands worked the buttons free. Slipping the blouse off my shoulders, he brushed it down my arms, revealing my filmy white lace bra. 

Within seconds, my lover's hands worked the zipper at the back of my skirt downward. All I could think about was getting Robbie's clothes off and seeing his naked body. My fingers ripped the buttons from his shirt, revealing his nearly hairless chest. Our lips barely parted as we continued undressing each other. My bra disappeared without my realizing it. Standing in my white bikini-cut panties and high-heels was more than Robbie could stand. I could feel the bulge in his dress slacks pressing against me.

Rob slipped out of his slacks tossing them on the couch. His socks and black briefs quickly followed. He was magnificent! More man than I ever dreamed of!

His long, rock-hard cock protruded from his loins like a spear, waiting to impale me. I never wanted any man more than I wanted Robbie. I wanted his cock buried deep inside my wanton pussy, pounding me hard with all his strength. But the young man had other plans. Scooping me up in his arms, we made our way down the corridor to the master stateroom. There, he tossed me onto the queen-size bed.

Climbing onto the bed, Rob knelt over me. Showering my face and neck with warm, moist kisses, I was ready to let him fuck me. Rob's lips traveled downward, kissing my firm breasts and suckling my nipples until I felt myself cumming. Reaching out, I grabbed Robbie, entwining my fingers in his thick, dark hair. I let myself cum even though I tried to stop it. My body quivered through the bliss, my mind going blank as the sensation rippled up and down me. Rob's lips kept moving closer to my pussy, his lips brushing over my trimmed pubic hair. 

I clenched my legs together, not wanting him to know I'd already cum but it was futile. Rob's strong hands spread my legs apart, his lips licking over the wet folds of my pussy. I felt pangs of another orgasm building deep within my body. Clenching the sheets, I hoped to keep it in remission. Rob was a master at oral sex, unlike my ex-husband who didn't care much for it. My lover's tongue slithered inside my pussy, swirling against the walls until I screamed out.

"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH GODDDDDDDDDDDD!" I cried out. "ARGHHHHHHHHH!"

Robbie kept tonguing me all the way through my orgasm, purposely prolonging my pleasure. My fingers dug deeper into his hair, pulling his face harder against my pussy. Just as I was about to recover from the orgasm, Rob sucked on my sensitive clit, bringing off one more time. I tried to muffle my screams but it was useless. I called out his name over and over, my pussy bucking furiously against his face. I passed out but only for a brief moment. My breathing was so labored, my chest was starting to hurt.




Thunder Bay Ch. 01



Slowly opening my eyes, I saw Robbie leaning over me with a faint smile on his handsome face. The bulbous head of his cock was poised at the entrance to my pussy. My desires to have him inside were stronger than ever. Leaning down, we kissed again. I slipped my tongue between his lips just as he pushed the head between the lips of my pussy. With what little strength I had left, I dug my fingernails into his upper arms. Feeling a man's cock sliding further and further inside me was more than I could handle.

My orgasms came one after another as Robbie fucked me slowly then faster, changing pace with each passing sexual phenomenon. I cried out as each orgasm shuddered my inner depths. I hoped I could hold on long enough for Robbie to cum inside me. Fucking me hard and furious, I felt his body growing rigid. His cock, slamming hard into me felt like a jackhammer out of control. 

"OH GODDDDDDDDDDDD!" Rob moaned aloud, his steaming hot cum spewing from his hard cock.

Robbie's face was beet red, his teeth clenched tightly, trying to keep stroking his cock in and out of me until he couldn't go on. He collapsed on top of me, his face next to mine, his warm breath blowing against my ear. 

Thoughts of how wonderful our sexual experience together had been gradually turned to feelings of guilt. Robbie lay motionless on top of me but I didn't want to push him off. I tried to rationalize our being fourteen years different in ages but nothing made sense. I tired dismissing the whole thing but the feelings of guilt were much too strong.

Robbie finally lifted himself off my spent form. Both of us were covered with sweat from our heated sexual encounter.

"You're the best thing I've had happen to me." Robbie whispered, kissing me softly. "I really mean it."

I nodded my head slightly, coming close to tears at hearing his sincerity. I didn't know what to say so I remained silent, turning my face away from his. 

"Oh God!" I thought. "This is so wrong! I can't believe I was foolish enough to let this happen."

Robbie climbed off the bed and headed into the bathroom. I lay there, looking up at the ceiling, wondering what to do next. Our mixtured cum seeped from my pussy onto the sheets, spreading out in a pool. Propping myself up on my elbows, I watched Robbie washing himself off. He looked my way, giving me a big smile, which I forced myself to return.

All I could think of was getting dressed and getting the hell off the houseboat. Sliding to the side of the queen-size bed, I got my feet to floor but I found myself a little unsteady from weakness. Taking a deep breath, I got to my feet and sauntered out to the livingroom. My cigarettes were lying on top of my purse so I reached to light one up. 

"You alright?" Robbie asked, coming up behind me. "You act like something's wrong."

"Nothing's wrong." I mumbled, taking a drag off my cigarette. "Not if you don't consider fucking some young kid being the wrong thing to do!"

"I'm not some damn kid!" Rob exclaimed, knocking the cigarette from my hand. "I'm fucking twenty-one and you're what....thirty or so?"

"Thirty-five." I muttered, wiping the tears from my face. 

"Thirty-five." Rob repeated, pulling me backwards into his arms. "So what!"

"I guess you feel proud of yourself but I certainly don't." I retorted, trying to wiggle free of his grasp.

"Quite frankly, I think you're acting like a mature woman who just got her ass fucked good!" Robbie proclaimed. "You're just feeling guilty because I'm not closer to your age!

"What's done is done." I asserted, turning to face him. "I'll get over it....eventually."

Spotting my panties lying on the floor I reached down to pick them up. Robbie grabbed them from my hand, tossing them away.

"We're not done!. Not by a longshot! He declared, grabbing me by the arms. "I'm gonna fuck you until you get over your bullshit guilty feelings."

I tried to wrestle free but my strength was all but completely gone. Tossing me over his shoulder, Robbie carried me back to the bedroom. Knowing it was useless to fight him off, I let him fuck me again. I didn't think he could make me cum again but he did. Twice!

I fell asleep in Robbie's arms, knowing full well it wasn't over between the two of us. I was in love with him and there was no denying it. I just wasn't sure how he felt about me and that was making it difficult.

Sometime during the night, Robbie woke me for another round of hot, steamy sex. This time, I didn't resist his actions, allowing myself to become engulfed in our combined passions.

Waking early, I reached out for Robbie but I found myself alone. Running out to the salon, I discovered his clothes were gone. 

"God Damn Him!" I thought. "He got what he wanted so he's up and left me stranded!"

Returning to the bedroom I decided to take a shower before getting dressed. Washing the dried cum off my body seemed like an endless task. I had cum all over me! It wasn't until I toweled myself dry and started out to the livingroom that I smelled fresh coffee brewing.

Robbie was standing in the galley, fully dressed, pouring himself a cup. I avoided looking his way, proceeding towards my clothes, strewn about the livingroom.

"There's donuts on the counter if you want one" Robbie stated, pouring another cup of coffee.

I didn't say anything or look his way. After slipping on my panties, I reached for my bra.

"I take it you're still pissed at me." He grumbled, handing me a cup of coffee.

"No. I'm not pissed at you." I muttered, lighting up a cigarette. "Let's just forget the whole damn night every happened!"

"I'm not forgetting anything." Robbie countered. "And neither will you."

He was right. Our night together was something I'd never forget, nor would I ever want to. Sipping my coffee, I sauntered out onto the rear deck. Shrouded by the dense early morning fog, I doubted if anyone could see me wearing just my underwear. I wasn't sure what to do next.

"The fog will lift soon." Rob asserted, coming out on the deck to join me. "We'll cast off and cruise up the lake when it's clear enough.

I didn't react to his statements, letting him plan our day together.

TO BE CONTINUED



Thunder Bay Ch. 02



The sun, rising in the east, gradually burned the fog from the surface of the lake. During the past two hours, I'd consumed half a pot of coffee and smoked a dozen cigarettes. Robbie was checking over the houseboat, firing up the engines to check them out. Sitting on a barstool in the galley, wearing just my panties and bra, I kept thinking about what had happened the night before.

Maybe I was being over melodramatic about having sex with him. So what if there were fourteen years difference in our ages. I more than just consented to Robbie's advances, I welcomed them. He was right about one thing. The sex was beyond belief. I'd never cum so hard and so often with anyone. There were times my ex-husband couldn't get me off no matter how hard he tried. With Robbie, it had been different. I was cumming not long after we shared our first kiss.  

The longer I thought about it, the more I found myself getting over my feelings of guilt. If it happened again, I wasn't going to blame myself afterwards, let alone feel accountable. 

"Here. Put this on." Robbie commanded, handing me a plastic bag. "I'm sure it'll fit."

Reaching inside the bag, I found it contained a black, wet-look bikini with tie sides. I had no doubt he'd picked out the skimpiest one he could find.

Sauntering back to the master bedroom to change, I removed the tags and tossed them into a wastebasket in the bathroom. Checking myself in the mirror, I found the bikini covered my butt well enough but the top only covered a small portion of my breasts. 

"Cast off the stern line, then come back and toss over the bow line." Rob ordered, standing at the wheel. 

I did as he wanted, following his commands to the letter. Stepping back aboard the houseboat, I stood next to him, watching his every move. Robbie barely eased the throttles back, pulling the houseboat away from the dock. Glancing up at the onboard cameras, he slowly maneuvered the huge houseboat well clear of the one moored next to us.

I felt the rear of the houseboat come around when he swung the wheel hard to the right. Pushing both throttle levers forward, the houseboat gradually picked up speed as we headed toward the breakwater. Once clear of the barrier, Robbie turned towards the west. He caught me smiling, assuming I was getting over my angriness about what had happened during the night.

"Get the feel of her." Robbie commanded, reaching out for my hand.

"ME! No way!" I exclaimed, taking a step backward.

"Get your ass over here!" Robbie retorted, not taking no for an answer.

Hesitantly, I did as he ordered, stepping in front of him. Grasping the polished chrome wheel tightly with both hands I felt its resistance.

"Lighten up on your grip." Rob avowed, putting his hands over mine. "It's not going to get away from you."

I was hesitant to loosen my grasp but the more I did, the less I felt the wheel's resistance. Rob reached over and pushed the throttle levers about three-fourths of the way up. The houseboat quickly picked up speed and the resistance on the wheel dissipated. 

Two powerboats pulling skiers came right towards us but Rob said to stay our course and let them maneuver around us. As they closed in on us, the ski boats split away, one passing on each side of us. The houseboat barely bobbled when their wakes crossed in front of us. Robbie took a barstool from the galley, bringing it forward for me to sit on. Steadily, I gained confidence in my ability to handle the massive houseboat. At least while we were in the middle of the lake. Handling it in close quarters was something I wasn't about to try.

Steering the boat down the lake, I watched for oncoming traffic while keeping an eye on the rear of the boat with the onboard camera system. Robbie stood behind me, just in case I ran into trouble. We cruised for several miles, rounding bends and making our way through other boating traffic. Looking over my shoulder, I discovered I was alone. 

"Let go of the wheel and come up top." Rob's voice commanded through the intercom. "I'll take it from here."

The wheel turned sharply to the left and then to the right, signaling he was at the controls on the top deck. Grabbing my cigarettes and lighter, I scurried to the rear of the boat to climb the circular stairway topside. Robbie was all the way to the front of the boat, shaded by the burgundy canvas that covered half the deck. Sitting on the bench beside him, I allowed my bare leg to brush up against his.

It's gonna be a great day for boating!" Robbie exclaimed, beaming a huge smile. "Especially since we can spend it together."

Rob stayed at the controls, allowing me the freedom to enjoy the fantastic scenery. Sheer rock cliffs on each side of the lake kept the wind off the water, giving it a smooth, glassy look.

Rounding a bend in the lake, Robbie steered the houseboat towards a narrow opening in the rocks. Slowing to a crawl, he traversed the houseboat into a secluded canyon. A few powerboats were tied off against the rocky cliffs to our port side. The boaters were swimming about in the water, seeming to be having the time of their lives.

"They call this place Paradise Canyon." Robbie stated, maneuvering the houseboat closer to the rocky crags. "I come out here and spend the night whenever I can."

"Alone or with somebody?" I asked with a smirk.

"Sometimes I bring somebody; sometimes I prefer to be alone." Robbie answered with a straight face.

I seriously doubted the handsome young man rarely came to the canyon alone but it wasn't any of my business to question him. 

Easing the houseboat alongside the steep shoreline, Rob bounded down the circular stairway to tie the houseboat off. I wanted to help but was unsure of what to do.

"Cut the engines!" Robbie shouted, tying the stern line off to a huge rock.

Rushing down the steps, I bounded to the front of the boat and switched off both engines. Looking out, I saw Rob tying off the bow to a small tree near the water.

We swam in the secluded canyon most of the morning, allowing the cool water to refresh our bodies. It had been ages since I'd gone swimming but it was something I always enjoyed. Rob and I played around in the water until we both got thirsty for something soft to drink.

Lying out on the top deck of the houseboat, we let the warm sun dry us off. Robbie's hand reached for mine, clasping my fingers in his.

"You gonna make my grandfather an offer for the business?" He asked, looking over at me.

"I don't know." I answered, turning to face him. "I've still got the shop to look at and I'd like to take a walk around the property line."

"I'll probably do that tomorrow before I head back to Chicago." I added, squeezing his hand.

"You're not going to stay all week?" He questioned, rising up to lean on his elbow. "Why do you have to go back all of a sudden?"

"I have to get back to work." I replied. "I hadn't planned on staying more than a few days."

"How long before you come back?" He questioned. "Next weekend is Memorial Day. Surely you'll come back for that."

"I'm not sure if I'll be back or not." I responded. "Depends on whether I make an offer for Thunder Bay and if I can get away or not."

"I want you to come back." Robbie declared, softly kissing my lips. "I really mean that."

"Ok....I will." I murmured, succumbing to his words. "I'll come back next weekend."

Robbie smiled, leaning in to give me a kiss. Our lips barely brushed each other's but it was enough to arouse my desires. We continued kissing, not with wanton passion but with tenderness and affection. Even though we were out in the open, the top deck of the houseboat sheltered us from being seen.

Robbie's nimble fingers untied the top of my bikini, brushing the material to the side. My nipples were already hard and fully erect. My lover tweaked each one with his thumb and forefinger, teasing them until I couldn't stand it any longer. Robbie's moist lips on my neck heightened my sexual yearnings, adding to the desires I wanted sated. I was purring like a kitten, letting my body to all the talking. Rob kissed down over my breasts, nibbling at my nipples until I began emitting long, low moans.

The ties at the sides of my bikini were no match for Robbie. I barely remember him untying them. Kissing down over my tummy, Rob continued on, placing warm moist kisses down my legs all the way to my ankles. I loved every minute of it, relishing in the attention he was giving me.

My juices seeped from my pussy, moistening the lips. I wanted Robbie to lick my pussy but I wanted it to be his intentions, not mine. Seeing I needed more, Robbie spread my legs apart, exposing my lustful pussy. His fingers slipped over my pubic mound, teasing my sensitive clit.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Godddddddddddddd!" I moaned, lifting my butt upwards. "Fuckkkkkkk Meeeeeee Robbbbbbbbbbb!

Robbie toyed with me, deliberately prolonging my hunger for his wonderful love shaft. My eyes were glassy, my desires taking total control of my body. The instant Rob slipped his tongue inside me I exploded with an orgasm that kept peaking and peaking.

"ROBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB!" I cried out. "GIVE IT TO ME!!!!!!!!

My young lover kept me going, lapping up my thick juices as the cum flowed from my pussy onto his tongue. I wanted to reach out for him but I didn't, allowing him to do as he pleased with me.

Robbie leaned over me, kissing me softly on the lips. I looked down between our bodies, seeing his hard cock mere inches from my pussy.

"I want you Robbie." I murmured, lifting my legs and locking my ankles around his waist.

"I want you too." Rob whispered. "Now more than ever."

Feeling his cock inside me, it took only a few strokes to get me off. We fucked slowly, sometimes stopping to kiss repeatedly. Robbie's stamina was insurmountable. I came twice before Robbie finally planted his hot, thick semen deep inside me. 

Afterwards, we held each other, neither of us wanting to let go. I felt no guilt whatsoever, which added to intimacy. Both of us fell asleep for a brief time, waking to the sounds of a thundering powerboat entering the secluded canyon.   

It was late afternoon when Robbie maneuvered the Summerset Houseboat out of the canyon. Before leaving, we'd taken the time to cook out and satisfy our appetites. The day had been perfect, the best I'd ever experienced.

Cruising at full throttle, the houseboat glided across the water at a fair pace. It was nearing sundown when we passed through the breakwater at Whiskey Creek. Standing out on the front deck, I prepared to tie off the bow of the houseboat when we reached the docks. 

Nearing the end of a long day, we'd both grown tired. I was quite sleepy, no doubt from all the fresh air and the sexual bliss we'd both experienced.

Returning to the hotel, I grabbed a hot shower and slipped into bed. Falling asleep almost immediately, I slept soundly through the night. It was the best night's sleep I'd had in a long time. 

Rumbling thunder, off in the distance, woke me early Monday morning. Switching on the television, I found the local news from Lexington, catching the weather report. Heavy rains and thunderstorms were forecast for most of the day. The weather didn't hamper my plans since I planned on touring the construction shop and being inside. I just hoped the weather would break long enough for me to walk the grounds.

After getting dressed and fixing my hair and make-up, I phoned Emily at the Bank to let her know I wouldn't be in until at least Wednesday or Thursday. Although she'd didn't ask any questions, I could tell by the tone of her voice she was curious about what I was doing. Since I rarely took time for myself, taking multiple days off had to have raised her inquisitiveness. 

Wearing dress slacks and a blouse, I grabbed a bite of breakfast before driving out to Thunder Bay. Robbie's pick-up and his mother's van were parked near the open overhead door to the main building. Parking alongside their vehicles, I latched onto my purse before exiting the car.

Robbie was just coming out of the building, carrying some scrap building materials.

"How'd you sleep last night?" He inquired with a smile.

"Great!" I replied, returning his smile. "You?"

"Not as good as the night before." Rob responded. "I hate sleeping alone."

Just then Rebecca came out to join us. I hoped she hadn't overheard our conversation. I knew she wouldn't approve of Robbie and I being intimate.

"Frank's in the office if you want to see him." Rebecca asserted. 

"Actually, I'd like to take a tour of the building first." I affirmed. "Then maybe Robbie can show me around the property."

The construction building, though not all that old, needed a lot of repair, especially the roof. Materials needed to build the houseboats were scattered about, seemingly in no special order. We spent a couple of hours looking around, waiting for the rains to let up. When they did, Robbie gave me a quick tour of the grounds before the rains started again. Much of the forty acre complex was overgrown with weeds, which detracted from the business's appearance. But it wasn't something that couldn't be easily remedied.

Frank Martin was waiting for us, sitting in his motorized wheelchair near the overhead door. Puffing on his cigar, he watched Robbie and me approaching.

"Well, little lady, ready to make me an offer?" He grinned, flicking ashes on the concrete floor.

"Let me get my attaché'." I replied, walking towards my car. "Then I'll be ready."

With Frank sitting behind his cluttered desk and me sitting across from him, I took out the file folder I'd brought with me.

"I'm willing to make you an offer." I proclaimed, placing the folder on my lap. "But not a cash offer like I originally thought."

"How was your weekend with Robbie?" Frank Martin inquired with a sly grin. "I hope he looked after all your needs."

"Pardon?" I mumbled, being caught off guard. 

"Robbie. I assume you two spent the entire weekend together." The elderly man stated, breaking into a laugh. "Robbie's a bit of a lady's man. Takes after me I guess"

"We had dinner together Saturday evening." I stated. "Then yesterday we went out for awhile on one of the houseboats."

Frank Martin wasn't buying it. I could tell by the smirk on his face, he knew a lot more had taken place.

"Did Robbie tell you something he shouldn't have?" I asked. "Because if he did, I'd like...."

"Robbie didn't tell me anything." Frank interrupted. "And I didn't ask him what went on either."

"He's young and dumb." Frank continued. "He does what he's told, when he's told."

"And you told him what?" I questioned, feeling like a complete fool. "Told him to seduce me, to convince me to make you an offer?"

"That is why you're here, isn't it?" Frank inquired. "To make me an offer?"

"I was." I answered, stuffing the folder into my attaché. "But now, I wouldn't offer you a dime for this place."

Rising to my feet, I started for the doorway. I was fuming with anger, wanting only to get away from him.

"I'll give you three point five million for the entire business." I avowed, turning to face the man. "Not a penny more. Take it or leave it. That's my final offer."

"Let's sit down and talk about this like adults." Frank suggested, trying to calm my anger.

"Fuck you old man! And fuck that bastard grandson of yours too!" I shouted. "I'll see you both burn in hell!"

With that said, I rushed through the building, passing a shocked Rebecca on my way out. Robbie was walking across the sales lot, approaching me. He could see I was quite upset.

"Hey! Hey! What's the matter?" Rob asked, reaching out to grab me.

"Fuck you!" I screamed, kicking him just below the knee. "Thanks to you, I'll never trust another man again!"

Tossing my purse and attaché onto the passenger seat, I got behind the wheel and sped off. Robbie was lying on the ground, holding his leg. I didn't care if his leg was broken. He'd betrayed me by following the coldhearted orders of his grandfather. That was something I could never forgive him for.

My anger soon turned to tears. I never felt so deceived. I couldn't understand how the two of them could have been so callous as to have pulled a stunt like they had.

It was late Tuesday morning, when I pulled into the parking lot at the Centennial Bank Headquarters. Thoughts of what had happened at Lake Cumberland still weighed heavy on my mind. Walking the corridor towards my office, I saw Emily Hanks look up from the stack of documents at the front of her desk. She sensed something was the matter.

"Oh my God!" She exclaimed, jumping to her feet. "Valerie, what's the matter?"

"Nothing." I muttered, trying my best to keep from breaking down in front of her. "Nothing's the matter."

Emily followed me into my office, knowing I wasn't telling the truth. Shutting my office door, she came up to my side.

"It's a guy, isn't it?" She surmised. "It's the only thing it could be."

I didn't want to tell her about what had happened but I found myself opening up to her. Keeping my true intentions for my trip down to Lake Cumberland out of our conversation, she assumed I'd just decided to take a short vacation. Like the true friend that she was, Emily sat quietly while I poured my heart out. She never criticized me for what I'd done.

"It'll take time but you'll eventually get over him." Emily avowed before going back to her desk. "Just don't let this experience consume your life."

Over the next few weeks, I spent more hours at the bank's headquarters than I ever did. Sometimes, not leaving until midnight. I thought working long hours would keep my mind off of Robbie and buying Thunder Bay Houseboats but it didn't. It only made me feel chronically tired and at times, listless. 

It was late afternoon on a Tuesday when my personal cell phone rang, displaying the phone number for Thunder Bay Houseboats. I wasn't about to answer it, letting the call forward to my messages. Whoever it was didn't leave a message. On Wednesday, the cell phone rang a half dozen times. I didn't bother to answer it and no one left any messages. 

It wasn't until late Friday night when I returned home that I found a fax on my home machine. It was a short note from Robbie, two sentences.

"Please call me." It read. "We have to talk."

I shredded the fax, not wanting to ever read it again. I felt my anger quickly rising then passing, actually considering phoning him. I thought it over, barely getting any sleep that night. The next morning, I made up my mind to forget the whole thing. I wanted to hear his voice but I could never believe anything he'd ever say. Not now, not ever!

Over the next week or so, I received several faxes every day. I shredded them all without hesitation. I wasn't going to allow Robbie's persistence to get to me. 

It wasn't until the week before the Fourth of July that I changed my mind. I'd stopped at the coffee bar, just as I did every morning, when Burt Wheeler approached me. He looked angry, like he wanted to start an argument.

"What's the chance of you reviewing that loan for the Simmons family?" He asked, fixing himself a cup of coffee. "They're still interested in buying that houseboat company."

"No better than they were a few months ago." I replied. "They simply don't have a high enough credit score to borrow five million dollars."

"They're only asking for four million now." Burt stated. "The price came down since the owner had a mild stroke."

"Oh....that's too bad." I mumbled, remembering my last conversation with the elderly man.

"Hell! It's a stroke of luck for the Simmons!" Burt laughed, almost spilling his coffee. "That old bastard would probably take less just to unload it."

"Well, I'm still declining the loan." I avowed. "And that's the last I want to hear of it!"

"Bitch!" Burt grumbled. "I'll get your ass fired yet!"




Thunder Bay Ch. 02



"Don't fuck with me Burt!" I threatened, keeping my voice down. "Or I'll tell that wife of yours about Katie Blanchard down in Research."

"Katie! How'd you know about that?" Burt asked in amazement.

"You just told me." I laughed. "I took a wild guess and you fell for it."

I left Burt standing at the coffee bar, looking dumbfounded and embarrassed. That was his most familiar look so nobody took much notice of it.

Emily wasn't at her desk when I arrived at my office but I didn't think it unusual. She often ran errands for anyone who ask her to, being too congenial to say no. Entering my office, I found her sticking a post-it-note to my computer monitor.

"Morning Emily." I greeted her, tossing my purse and attaché onto the credenza. "How's everything?"

"I....I was just leaving you a note....so you'd see it when you came in." The woman stammered, taking a couple of steps backward. "I thought it might be important."

"Oh....ok." I responded, taking note of her odd behavior.

Pulling the note from my monitor, I saw it was a message from Robbie. I kept reading it over and over, forgetting about Emily's presence. 

"I still care about you. More now than ever." The message read. "Call me, please." Signed Robbie, followed by a cell phone number.

"I jotted it down word for word." Emily muttered. "Somehow it got left on my voicemail instead of yours."

"Why didn't you just transfer the message?" I questioned, still staring at the note.

"Cause I figured you'd just delete it as soon as you found out who it was from." Emily replied.

I wasn't sure how Robbie had tracked me down, let alone gotten my phone number at the bank. He had to have put a lot of effort into it. Then again, maybe he had some help.

"So? You gonna call him?" Emily inquired, sounding quite concerned.

"I don't know. I might." I responded. "Right now, I'm not sure what I'm going to do."

"Don't throw the note away until you've thought it over." My secretary suggested, gently squeezing my arm. "I accidentally erased the message."

I knew better. Emily never accidentally did anything. She was just being cautious, worrying that security might be reviewing employee's voicemails, monitoring for personal calls.

I put the note in my center desk drawer, still unsure about calling the young man. Booting up my computers, I kicked off my high-heels, then sat down in my soft leather chair. There was banking business I needed to attend to. Whether I called Robbie or not, my decision would have to wait until later.

It wasn't until early afternoon when the decision was practically made for me. Emily came into my office, sipping on a cup of iced tea.

"That guy's on line four." She stated. "You want me to transfer it to your phone?"

"Robbie?" I asked. 

"Yeah." Emily answered, trying to subdue a grin. "He sounds kinda cute."

I took a deep breath, looking away from the woman for a moment. I still wasn't sure what to do.

"I'll transfer the call." Emily proclaimed, turning to go back to her desk. "Let him have his say before you slam the phone down on him."

"Hello." I said, answering the call.

"Valerie! This is Rob!" He stated. "Don't hang up on me! Please don't hang up one me!"

"Robbie, you're wasting your time." I avowed, growing incensed at his words. "Nothing you say is going to change my mind about you. I could never again believe a word you say."

"I want to explain what happened." Robbie countered. "At least listen to what I have to say."

Reluctantly I agreed to listen to him, although I wasn't about to believe one word that came out of his mouth.

"My grandfather told me to wine and dine you. He suggested we spend the evening on one of the houseboats after dinner." Robbie disclosed. "He wanted me to romance you a little. I'll admit to that." 

"But what happened between us later that night was none of his doing." He added. "I found myself....well....you know....falling for you."

"Rob, I think you've said enough." I affirmed, interrupting him before he could say another word. "You betrayed me and that's something I could never forgive."

"Valerie. Believe me, I didn't betray you." Rob pleaded. "I'd never do that to anyone."

I wasn't sure what to say or if I should say anything at all. I didn't want to hang up on him but I didn't want to continue arguing either.

"I understand Frank's had a mild stroke." I finally said, breaking the silence. "How's he doing?"

"He's gonna be alright." Robbie answered. "He's gonna be in the hospital for another week or so, going through some rehab."

"Who's running Thunder Bay?" I questioned. "You or your mother?"

"Mom closed it down." He replied, sounding disheartened. "I'm not sure if we'll ever reopen. The creditors are threatening to file legal claims. Everything's a mess."

"Have you mother call me right away!" I exclaimed, hearing the news. "I need to talk with her right away!"

"Why?" Robbie asked.

"Don't ask why, just do as I say!" I shouted into the phone. "Don't fuck this up!"

With that said, I hung up on him, hoping he'd contact his mother right away. A few minutes later my phone rang. Picking it up on the second ring, I found myself talking with Rebecca. She was at the hospital, visiting her former father. We chatted about Frank's condition, discussing the latest on his condition. He sounded ornery as ever from what I could hear in the background.

"I understand the creditors are threatening to take legal action." I stated. 

"Yeah. They are." Rebecca agreed. "The doctor's think the increased stress is what brought on the stroke."

"I'll make a few phone calls and get the creditors off your back." I affirmed. "But you've got to get Frank to agree to sell me Thunder Bay first."

"I've got Frank's power of attorney." Rebecca divulged. "I can make that decision for him."

"I'd rather hear it from Frank himself." I countered. "If he's able to comprehend what's going on, he'll have to make the decision himself."

"I'll put him on." Rebecca stated. "I'm sure he'd like to talk to you."

"Hey there little lady!" Frank shouted into the phone. "How's my girl doing?"

"I'm doing fine Frank." I responded. "I understand you're doing better."

"Ahhhh. I guess." Frank grumbled. "These bastards won't let me have one damn cigar!"

"You don't need a cigar." I affirmed. "Right now, the only thing you need is rest."

"I guess." Frank muttered, reluctantly agreeing. 

"Let's talk about my buying Thunder Bay." I suggested. "My offer still stands at three point five million."

"Bullshit!" Frank bellowed. "Thunder Bay's worth ten million!"

"But you were only asking five and I'm not about to offer that much." I argued. "Take my offer and get out of this mess or the creditors will come in and take the business away from you."

"We talking cash?" Frank questioned, his voice much calmer.

"Certified check." I answered. "Give me a yes and I'll pay off the creditors and give you a check for whatever's left."

"You're one smart cookie!" Frank laughed. "You've got that cute little butt of yours covered from all angles!"

"I'm not taking any chances." I declared. "I want to make sure I get Thunder Bay free and clear without any outstanding debts."

"I see now why Robbie fell head over heels for you." Frank uttered. "Can't say I blame the boy."

"Let's leave your grandson out of this." I retorted. "Give me a yes or give me a no."

"You just bought yourself Thunder Bay!" Frank roared. "I just hope you know what the hell you're doing!"

"I'll find out if I know or not." I stated, suppressing my excitement. "I'll have the purchase agreement drawn up and proceed with paying off all your creditors. Right now, you just get better and get some rest."

"Valerie." Frank muttered, sounding somber. "I'm glad you're the one who ended up with Thunder Bay. I'm a good judge of character and I'm confident you'll make a good houseboat builder."

Before concluding the call I chatted with Rebecca, discussing my intentions to take over the business before the upcoming holiday. I could tell by the relieved tone of her voice she was happy Frank and I had finally reached an agreement.

Working late that evening, I transferred a million dollars from my 401K account into a new account listed under the name "Venture Limited LLC". Adding to that, a signature loan for three million dollars, it gave me enough money to purchase Thunder Bay with enough left over for incidental expenses that I knew I'd have.

I had mixed emotions sitting on four million dollars in cash and knowing I'd just purchased a business that was barely keeping its head above water. If I failed to turn the business around, I'd never be able to recover my losses. But if I was successful, I'd almost double my money. It was a gamble that challenged my management abilities but one I was willing to take on.

Surprisingly I slept well that night, not letting the thoughts of what I'd done enter into my mind. I wasn't about to let myself lose sleep over anything or anyone, least of all, Robbie!

The following morning, I phoned my attorney, filling him in on the business deal I'd just made. I wanted the upper hand so having the purchase agreement along with all the legal documents taken care of from my side of the fence was imperative. I wasn't about to trust Frank Martin, not after what he and his grandson had done to me.

My attorney worked overtime, pressing several of his staff members to help put the purchase agreement together. I paid off all of Thunder Bay's creditors so the only thing I needed was Frank Martin's signature on the documents. Stuffing the paperwork in my attaché, along with a certified check for just over a half million dollars, I was prepared to consummate the deal. 

I phoned Rebecca Martin Thursday evening to let her know I'd be arriving in Somerset sometime Friday afternoon. Finding out Frank was feeling better and recovering at home was good news. He was looking forward to my visit as much as I was.

For most of the trip, I drove through one rain storm after another. The holiday traffic was heavy but that was to be expected. While many motorists sped past me like their butts were on fire, I let the cruise control keep my speed constant, not wanting to get a speeding ticket.

Around 2:00pm, I arrived in Somerset. Out-of-towners jammed the four-lane divided highway, many towing boats or waverunners. I hadn't made hotel reservations, knowing it would be virtually impossible over the biggest summer holiday of the year. Beside, I didn't need to. I had fourteen houseboats to pick from that I could stay on. 

Frank Martin's house was located in a subdivision north of town. Finding it wasn't difficult, spotting Rebecca's mini-van parked in the driveway. Thankfully, I didn't see Rob's pick-up anywhere in sight. He was the last person I wanted to see.

Pulling in the driveway behind the mini-van, I reached for my purse and attaché. Rebecca was standing at the door, happy to see me.

"Frank's in the kitchen, having a bite to eat." She stated, holding the door open for me.

At first, I was a little dumbstruck when I saw the elderly gentleman. Frank's complexion looked gray and bland but his smile told me he was feeling pretty good for a man who'd just had a mild stroke. 

"Sit down Missy!" He exclaimed. "How about a cold beer?"

"No thanks." I replied, sitting down at the kitchen table. 

"Why not?" Frank retorted.

"Because if I have one, then you'll want one." I laughed. "And beer and medication don't mix!"

"Smart-Ass!" The man bellowed. "Everyone's wantin' to mother me!"

"I've got the purchase agreement along with the transfer of deed to the property." I stated, retrieving the documents from my attaché. "I'll leave it with you so you can have your attorneys read it over before you sign them."

"Did you read it over?" Frank inquired, scanning over the paperwork.

"Of course!" I replied. "I wanted to make sure everything was all neat and tidy."

"Give me your pen." The man proclaimed, snapping his fingers at me.

"Whoa! Wait a minute!" I exclaimed. "The least you should do is read everything before you sign!"

"Don't tell me what I should or shouldn't do Missy!" Frank retorted. "I may be old but I'm not stupid. If you read them, that's good enough for me."

"Whatever." I mumbled, handing him a fountain pen.

It took a good ten minutes to get all the documents signed and sorted so we both had copies but Frank never showed any signs of reluctance to close the deal.

"Better give Miss Marlowe the keys to the business." Frank sighed, looking down at the documents in front of him. 

"Why don't you keep a key for yourself, Frank?" I suggested, putting my hand over his. "I'd like you to stop by and see how things are going."

"I may just do that!" The elderly man declared with a grin. "I'd like to see how that new houseboat's coming along!"

Before leaving, I chatted awhile with Rebecca in the livingroom while Frank finished his lunch. Having her onboard with me was paramount. Her vast experience in the houseboating business was a valuable asset if I were to succeed.

I was anxious to get out to Thunder Bay, eager to set foot in my very own business. I looked forward to the challenge despite the fact that it was failing and I had a lot of work ahead of me to try and save it. If I chose to save it, that is. I still wasn't sure if it was worth saving. I might be better off liquidating the houseboats and all of Thunder Bay's assets. The real estate would hold its value, hopefully increasing in value over time. Forty acres within a mile or so of the lake was prime real estate.

I didn't expect to find the gates open when I arrived at the houseboat business. I slammed on the brakes seeing Robbie's pick-up parked in front of the overhead door. Running into my former lover was the last thing I was prepared for. Working at the complex, I knew our paths would cross daily. I just wasn't prepared for a confrontation at the moment. Still, I wasn't going to let him scare me off.

Easing up to the building, I saw Robbie inside, working on the huge houseboat that might just be the last Thunder Bay ever built. Snatching up my purse and attaché, I entered the building, avoiding eye-contact with the young man.

"I guess you wrapped up the deal." Robbie shouted, stopping me in my tracks.

"Yes. Yes, I did." I proclaimed, avoiding looking his way.

I half expected him to say something more but he didn't, going back to whatever it was he was doing. Stepping inside Frank Martin's former office, I realized I couldn't work in such a cramped and cluttered environment. The room also wreaked of cigar odor, which didn't help matters any.

With six new houseboats sitting perched outside and power readily available on each one, I decided to set up my office aboard one of them. I chose a ninety by twenty foot houseboat, resting on concrete stanchions, sitting along the front of the building. 

Tossing my belongings on the gray leather sofa in the main salon, I set up my laptop computer, hoping my wireless internet service would make connection. As luck would have it, I made the connection rather quickly. I wanted to check my emails and review the latest news at Centennial Bank. I spent nearly an hour at the computer before logging off. 

There were no sounds coming from the interior of the building so I decided to investigate. I didn't see Rob anywhere so I kept looking for him. Noticing droplets of fresh blood on the floor, I followed their path to the restroom next to Frank's old office. Robbie was standing at the sink, running cold water over his left hand. He was bleeding profusely from a long jagged cut across the palm of his hand.

"Oh God, what happened?" I exclaimed, rushing towards him.

"Nothing! Nothing happened!" Robbie snarled, glaring at me. "Just stay the hell away from me!"

I hesitated for a moment, then rushed to his aid. The cut wasn't deep but the bleeding looked like it wasn't about to stop.

"Squeeze the skin together!" I commanded, pulling several paper towels from the dispenser on the wall.

Robbie didn't argue with me, instead following my orders. I put the paper towels over the cut, pressing his right hand down on them.

"There's some ice in that old refrigerator out in the shop." Robbie stated, motioning with his head.

I ran out, finding two bags in the freezer compartment. Returning to the restroom, I saw the bleeding had slowed but hadn't stopped. Applying fresh paper towels and then the bag of ice to his hand, I hoped I could get the bleeding stopped.

"What happened?" I inquired. "How'd you cut yourself?"

"Ahhh. I was cutting a piece of tubing with the sawzall. It jumped out of the cut and caught my hand." The young man grumbled. "God Damn Saw!

Robbie's anger was only making his heart beat faster and that wasn't helping stop the bleeding. I held the ice to his hand, knowing it had to be painful. But it couldn't be helped. He'd just have to suffer until his hand adjusted to the cold.

"I better get you to the hospital." I muttered. "Someone needs to look at your hand."

"NO! NO WAY!" Rob shouted, trying to pull his hand free of my grasp. "I'm not going to any damn hospital!"

Knowing it was futile to argue the point, I kept applying pressure to his hand until the bleeding finally stopped. Holding his hand tightly, I examined the cut for any particles of metal that might be embedded in the skin. Thankfully, I didn't see any.

"Is there a first aid kit around?" I asked. "I need to put a bandage on it."

"In that locker behind you." Rob answered. "There's about anything you need in it."

Finding a disinfectant rinse, I poured it slowly over the cut. Robbie flinched when the astringent started burning but it soon subsided. After placing a clean gauze over the cut, I wrapped it with an ace bandage to hold it in place.

"Just needs a bow!" I laughed, glancing up at his face.

"Thanks." The young man mumbled, brushing past me to return to the shop area.

"You're welcome Asshole." I muttered.

Rob made a feeble attempt to pick up the saw and finish the cut he was attempting to make but I pulled the plug on the power tool.

"Why don't you call it a day?" I suggested, holding the plug in my hand. "In fact, why don't you take a couple of days off? Give your hand a chance to heel."

Rob stood there, looking at me like he wasn't sure what to do. I sensed his hand was hurting but he wasn't about to let me know it. Looking at his hand was just a stalling tactic while he tried to figure out what to do next. 

"What're you gonna do?" He inquired. "You gonna be here for awhile?"

"Yeah. I've got a lot of work to get started on." I replied. "I've got to put a plan together and figure out how I'm going to unload all these houseboats."

"Mind if I stick around?" He asked rather sheepishly. "Just to keep you company."

"I don't care." I answered. "Just don't start an argument. Ok?"

Robbie nodded his head, waiting for me to lead the way back to the houseboat. I had reservations about letting him hang around but I didn't want to run him off either.

While I worked on the computer, Robbie laid out on the front deck of the houseboat, keeping his hand elevated by propping it against one of the deck chairs. I kept an eye on him, just in case his hand started bleeding again. He'd fallen asleep so he wouldn't be aware if it did.

It was growing dark when I finally called it a day. Robbie was just waking up from his extended nap. His hand was throbbing so I gave him a couple of aspirins even though I doubted they'd help much.

"How about I run into town and get us something to eat?" I suggested, feeling pangs of hunger. "I can pick up some more bandages for your hand while I'm out."

Robbie muttered something incoherently and nodded his head. I sensed he wasn't feeling all that well. 




Thunder Bay Ch. 02



In town, I stopped at the drugstore and picked up supplies before getting burgers and fries at one of the fast food restaurants. With all the people in town for the holiday, it took me over an hour to get back to Thunder Bay. Robbie was standing alongside the houseboat, filling the water supply tanks with a garden hose.

"I thought you might like some water to go along with the electricity." He stated when I stepped out of the car. "I assume you're planning on staying on the houseboat."

"Yeah. That's what I planned on." I responded. "I doubt I'd ever find a hotel room with all the boaters in town."

Sitting at the diningroom table, I watched Robbie eat like he was starved. Handling the burger was a bit of a chore but he managed to get most of it in his mouth.

"I'm not gonna start anything." He avowed, catching me staring at him. "I don't wanna argue any more than you do."

"Good. Let's keep it that way." I asserted, letting him know where I stood.

After cleaning up our mess, I expected Rob to suggest staying the night but he never so much as made a hint of the idea. I changed his bandage, glad to see the long, jagged cut was heeling.

"I better be gettin' home." He muttered, flexing his fingers against the constraint of the bandage. "I'll be back in the morning."

"Why don't you take the day off?" I suggested. "Get out on the lake and enjoy yourself for a change."

"I don't know. Maybe I will." Rob responded, giving me a smile. "Maybe I'll go fishing or somethin'"

I closed the gates and locked them after Robbie passed through them. Watching the taillights on his pick-up slowly disappear as he drove away, I wondered if I should have asked him to stay the night.

After enjoying a hot shower, I switched on the plasma television in the main salon. Watching a movie about halfway through, I grew too sleepy to continue watching. It was well after midnight so I decided to try out the queen-size bed in the master stateroom. 

Waking well after sunrise the following morning, I sauntered out to the galley. The smell of freshly brewed coffee alerted me I wasn't alone. A box of chocolate covered donuts sat next to the coffee maker, too tempting to resist. Realizing I was just wearing my panties and an oversize t-shirt I looked around to see if Robbie was onboard. He wasn't so I didn't bother putting anything else on.

Stepping out onto the front deck, I saw Robbie's pick-up sitting in its usual parking spot. The overhead door was open so I assumed he was back at work and his hand was much better.

Finishing off my second cup of coffee and as many donuts, I lit up a cigarette. Robbie climbed the stairway, boarding the houseboat.

"I see you found the donuts." He stated with a grin. "I figured you liked chocolate."

"They're my favorite." I mumbled, realizing I still hadn't bothered to get dressed.

"I thought you were going fishing." I asserted, catching him staring at my legs.

"Nah. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do today." Rob grumbled. "I thought about working on the houseboat but my hand's stiffened up on me."

"Let me change the bandage before you do anything." I affirmed, motioning for him to follow me to the master bathroom. "I want to see how it's coming along."

The cut on Robbie's hand looked much better than it had the night before. I didn't see any discoloration so I felt assured it wasn't infected. I put another bandage on his hand to protect it just in case.

"There's a friend of mine who's got a cruiser down at the marina." Robbie affirmed. "He's not using it this weekend."

"And?" I questioned, knowing he was leading up to something.

"I thought the two of us....you know....could take it out for the day." He stammered. "That's if you'd want to."

Making the decision wasn't easy. I wanted to go out on the lake since it had been awhile but I was hesitant about what might happen if I agreed to go with him. Against my better judgment, I agreed to go with him.

Stopping in at the Whiskey Creek Marina's store before we took to the lake, I purchased a white bikini that didn't look too skimpy. Rob picked up some supplies, mostly food and soft drinks so we could make a long day of it.

So far the day was progressing nicely with both of us keeping our guards up. Robbie seemed in an especially good mood, his warm smile never changing. Boarding the Formula thirty-one foot cabin cruiser, I couldn't wait to get a look below deck. Outfitted with all the amenities, it was super luxurious but still not as nice as our houseboats. The cruiser was built for speed as well as luxury, something our houseboats weren't.

Robbie fired up the twin V-8 engines while I changed clothes. Returning to the deck, I stood next to the driver's seat and lit up a cigarette. With both engines at operating temperature, Rob motioned for me to untie the cruiser from the dock.

Within minutes we were cruising at speed down the lake towards the east. The skies overhead were cloudless, a perfect day for boating. We sped through the water for almost an hour before Robbie pulled into a cove off the main lake. Filled with a variety of boats, it looked like a favorite spot for partiers. 

"There's some friends of mine that are supposed to be out here." He stated, leaning towards me. "We'll just stop for a quick hello and a cold beer."

I nodded my head, agreeing to his suggestion. I didn't know much about Robbie, let alone any of his friends. I was worried I might not fit in with a younger crowd so I hoped we wouldn't be staying long.

TO BE CONTINUED



Thunder Bay Ch. 03



Rob idled the cruiser into the lagoon, searching out his friends. There were a couple of young girls, looking to be in their early twenties, floating on inflatable rafts. Not wearing their bikini tops, their breasts were exposed for everyone to see. Rob glanced at them but only for a second or two. A number of young men, wearing everything from swim trunks to Speedos, shouted off-color remarks and waved as we passed by them. 

"Just ignore them." Robbie asserted. "It's the beer talking."

I wasn't taking their rude comments to heart, trying me best to shrug them off. A group of boaters, mostly women outnumbering men two to one, waved at us to pull in beside them. Robbie waved back at them, steering the cruiser towards their position. My feelings of being uncomfortable increased when I saw they looked to be in their mid-twenties, a good ten years younger than me.

One of the girls tossed me a line to tie off with. Her bountiful breasts nearly spilled out of her bikini top when she tossed the rope. Robbie cut the engines, while I tied the line to one of the cleats.

"Hey Rob!" A young man shouted, holding a beer bottle in each hand. "That the new babe?"

"Hey Glen!" Robbie responded. "Hope one of those beers is for me!"

We joined the young girl and guy on their boat, a nice looking pontoon boat with a canvas top for shade. Glen handed both of us cold beers without asking if we wanted one. I could tell he'd been drinking from the swagger in his step. He eyed me up and down like I was a juicy steak.

"Damn! She is fine!" The young man remarked with a grin. "She's all you said she was!"

I was blushing, wondering what Robbie had told him about me. The young girl saddled up next to Robbie, blatantly reaching down and squeezing his cock.

"You taking care of business?" She laughed, grinning my way. "She looks like she could handle it!"

"Whoa! Hold on a minute!" Robbie exclaimed, sensing I was growing uncomfortable. "This is Valerie Marlowe. She's the new owner of Thunder Bay. AND my new employer!"

"Oh....ok." The young girls mumbled. "I didn't mean to piss you off."

"Why don't you lie down on the couch and take a nap?" Glenn angrily suggested, pulling her away from Rob. "You're making an ass of yourself!"

The young girl jerked free of Glen's grasp, then sauntered off to the front of the pontoon boat.

"You'll have to forgive her." Glen grumbled, putting his arm around my waist. "She likes to mouth off when she's been drinking."

Before long we were joined by several other couples. The talk was casual, which helped me relax and have fun. The guys stole glances at every female onboard the boat, more so at me than any of the other women.

"You really think you can pull Thunder Bay out of the ditch?" One of the men asked. "Ole Frank's got her buried pretty deep."

"I've got too much money invested in the business not to make it successful." I responded. "I hope to see it back on track by this time next year."

"A year!" One of the women exclaimed. "You think you can sell that many houseboats in just a year?"

"With lots of promotion and the right financing, I plan to sell every houseboat we've got." I answered, sounding somewhat boastful.

"Good Luck!" Glen exclaimed, handing me another beer. "The damn banks won't go more than ten years on a houseboat and the bastards want ten to twelve percent interest to boot."

"I'm knocking fifteen to twenty-thousand off each houseboat plus offering a twenty-five year loan at six percent interest." I proclaimed. "That should bring in enough customers to dump the whole lot!"

"Sounds good but you've got to have damn good connections with a bank to be able to offer that kind of financing." An attractive blonde in her early thirties remarked. 

"I've got the connections." I bragged. "All I've got to do is hook the potential buyers."

"We've been interested in buying a houseboat for the past five years but we can't afford the payments." The woman's husband avowed. "Coming up with the ten percent down payment makes it even harder to buy one."

"I'll go five percent down and finance the down payment on a signature loan if I have to." I quickly responded. "I'm not going to let a buyer get away simply because he thinks he can't afford it."

"WOOHOO!" Glen shouted. "You must have good connections with a bank!"

"I need to recoup my investment so I'm going to be aggressive when it comes to selling off Thunder Bay's inventory." I declared, glancing over at Robbie. "I can't afford to fail."

"So, when you sell all the houseboats, what're you gonna do next?" Another guy inquired, stepping towards me. "You gonna close down Thunder Bay once and for all?"

"I'm....I'm not sure." I stammered, noticing the concerned look on Robbie's face. "If the market's still strong for houseboats, I may keep on building them. Otherwise, I'll probably sell off the assets, including the real estate."

"We've got one left to build." Robbie spoke up. "She's gonna be a hundred and ten foot long and twenty foot wide. The biggest and best Thunder Bay houseboat we've every built."

"You know what they say. Size does matter!" A young woman in her late twenties smarted off. "Isn't that right Rob?"

Robbie blushed, embarrassed by her remark. The others laughed, which added to Rob's humiliation.

"It's not the size that matters. It's the quality that goes into it that matters." I quickly remarked, wiping the smirk of the woman's face. 

"Sort of like Robbie." I added, clasping his hand in mine. "With his help, I'm confident we'll have lots of satisfied customers."

"Hmmm. That alone would make a good salespitch." The blonde woman laughed. "I'm ready to buy a houseboat if you'll throw Robbie in on the deal."

"Robbie's not for sale." I responded, pulling his hand behind my back. "I'm only selling houseboats."

Robbie squeezed my hand, letting me know he liked what I'd said. I knew I'd made comments that I shouldn't have but I wasn't going to stand there and let his so-called friends make fun of him.

Thankfully the conversations turned to subjects other than boating. We spent the rest of the day in the lagoon, watching the people and enjoying each other's company. 

With the sun starting to set, we left the party revelers to return to the marina. Robbie had long since stopped drinking so he was sober enough to drive the boat. He didn't say much as we cruised along the lake but I caught him glancing over at me several times with a smile on his face. 

Back at the marina, Robbie guided the cruiser into its berth. I slipped the ropes over the cleats to secure it to the dock while Rob hoisted the cooler over the side.

"Helluva day!" He laughed.

"Yeah." I muttered, helping him carry the heavy cooler. "I really like your friends, especially the little dark-haired girl that squeezed your dick."

"That's the way Beth is after she's had a couple of beers." Rob asserted, trying to calm my anger. "You oughta see her out on the dance floor. They don't call her the Bone Breaker for nothin'."

"Is that dancing in the vertical or horizontal position?" I retorted, glaring at him.

"GEEZ! I never took you for the jealous type!" Rob exclaimed. "Beth and I are history. She's Glen's girl now."

"You dated her?" I asked, stunned at the news.

"More than just dated." Robbie replied. "Beth's my ex-wife."

"YOUR EX-WIFE!" I shouted. "You were married to that slut!"

"Hey! She's not a slut!" He countered. "Well....maybe just a little."

"Yeah, right!" I thought. "Just a little bit of a slut. Sort of like being just a little bit pregnant."

I couldn't help but wonder how many of the girls I'd met at the lagoon had slept with Robbie.. I'd noticed a blonde-haired woman in her late twenties never took her eyes off him. Maybe she was just fanaticizing; then again maybe she was having a flashback.

"So. How many guys have you slept with?" Robbie questioned with a smirk. "Not counting me."

At first I was reluctant to even let him know I'd heard him ask such a personal question but his staring at me was forcing the issue.

"Other than my ex-husband, just one other guy." I finally answered. "And that was in college."

"You're still a rookie then!" Rob laughed, tossing the cooler into the bed of the pick-up.

"I'd rather be a rookie than a God Damn whore!" I exclaimed, slamming the tailgate shut. "Of course, you probably prefer your women the other way."

"We're arguing again." Robbie declared. "I thought we weren't going to do that."

"Let's just get going." I suggested, walking towards the passenger side of the truck.

The drive back to Thunder Bay was short and quiet. Rob sensed I wasn't happy with his outlook on extracurricular sexual activities but he knew better than to defend his moral attitudes at the moment.

After dropping me off at the houseboat facility, Rob drove off with saying so much as good-bye. I didn't care if he was pissed off or not. If he wanted to fuck everything that walked that was his business. He'd probably have a fit if I shared his moral stance.

The following morning, I awoke to the sounds of rain hitting the roof of the houseboat. Dark clouds looming overhead didn't offer much hope for a sunny day. After putting on a fresh pot of coffee, I sauntered into the master bathroom for a quick shower. Dressing in shorts and a tank top, I returned to the galley, dying for my first cup of coffee of the day.

Looking out, I saw Robbie unlocking the gates, then swinging them back to their latches. I knew he'd stop in to see me before going to work so I poured a cup of coffee for him. Rob drove his pick-up to the front of the building but proceeded inside. I assumed he was still mad so I wasn't about to go after him.

With tons of work to do, I booted up my laptop. It was nearing noon when a fairly new Lexus sedan pulled into the sales lot. I recognized the couple as one I'd met the day before at the lagoon. Both in the mid-thirties, I couldn't recall their names but the blonde I remember as the one eyeing Robbie.

Stepping out onto the front deck of the houseboat, I greeted them with a hello and a smile.

"Hey there!" The guy exclaimed, giving me a wave. "Thought we'd stop by and see just how serious you were about selling us a houseboat."

"Come on up." I responded, motioning them over. "I've still got some coffee left."

The three of us sat at the diningroom table, sipping coffee and discussing one of the houseboats they'd looked at earlier in the year. They seemed sold on the houseboat, a 2000 Stardust, eighty-eight foot by sixteen foot. Priced at three-hundred thousand, they hoped to strike a deal if I was willing to offer them affordable financing and take their powerboat in on trade. I wasn't sure what their boat was worth and I wasn't about to accept their appraisal as fact.

Remembering Robbie was in the construction building, I thought about asking him but I was hesitant to approach him. One of the RV websites had a link to boat financing and appraisals so I decided to see what their figures were. I linked to the website to find out what the couple's 2003 Baja 342 performance boat was worth. Looking at the high and low retail values, they averaged just under a hundred thousand dollars. I couldn't give retail for the boat, knowing I have to mark it up some in order to make a profit on it.

"I'd be willing to give you ninety-thousand for your boat on trade-in." I proclaimed, hoping they'd accept my offer.

I could tell by the disheartened look on their faces, they weren't happy with my numbers but I wasn't about to offer than any more. I listened to them tell me about how nice their Baja powerboat was, remembering seeing it at the lagoon. With a flashy paint job and twin engines, I had no doubt there was probably someone out there who would buy it. Still, I wasn't budging off my offer, hoping they'd give in and agree to my terms.

"We owe eighty grand on our boat." The man revealed. "That only gives us ten-thousand in equity."

"You mentioned yesterday that it'd take five percent to make the down payment." The man's wife reminded me.

They hadn't given up so that led me to believe they really were serious about buying the houseboat they wanted.

"I'll discount the houseboat ten grand but not on paper." I stated, coming up with an idea. "That'll double your down payment."

"How can you do that?" The woman asked, sounding confused.

"We'll leave the price of the houseboat at three-hundred thousand dollars, at least on paper." I detailed. "But I'll actually sell you the houseboat for two-hundred and ninety thousand. That'll give you ten grand in cash, so to speak and another ten grand in equity for your Baja."

"Twenty-thousand." The man affirmed with a grin. "That's cool."

"I can work the up the figures if you'd like me to." I offered, knowing I had them on the hook. "I assume you'd like to go a twenty-five year loan at six percent interest."

Their nods and grinning faces said yes so I proceeded to run the numbers.

"Eighteen-hundred and four dollars a month." I stated, seeing the figures appear at the bottom of my calculations. "I'll throw in a little more for your Baja to bring the payments to an even eighteen hundred."

"Let's run down and look at the houseboat before we decide." The woman suggested. "We should check it out one more time."

I figured they wanted to be alone so they could talk it over without my being around so I ran into Frank Martin's cluttered office to get the keys for them. 

"Sell the Thompsons that houseboat?" Rob shouted as I rushed past him.

"Not yet but I'm sure I will before the day's over!" I replied, glancing back at him.

I waited patiently while the couple drove down to the marina to have another look at the houseboat they'd been wanting. Seeing they were driving a late model Lexus, I assumed their credit score was sufficient for me to secure financing with Centennial Bank.

I was sitting out on the front deck when they returned. The expression on their faces was all I needed to get the financing procedure underway.

"We'll take it!" The woman shouted. "How soon can we take possession of her?"

"Let me contact my bank." I replied. "I'll have an answer within the hour."

Filling out a brief credit application was all I needed to get the process started. The couple paced back and forth in the salon, anxious to get word if they were approved or not.

"How soon can you get your Baja in here?" I questioned.

"It's parked at our hotel." The man replied. "Probably thirty or forty minutes."

"That's about how long it'll take me to get the loan papers faxed down to me." I stated with a grin. "They'll be ready for your signatures by the time you get back."

"WE GOT IT!" The blonde screamed. "WE GOT THE HOUSEBOAT!"

I was as happy as they were. Knowing I'd sold one of the houseboats, even though I had to take their trade-in, was a start in the right direction. I phoned Rebecca, asking her to come out to Thunder Bay so she could show me how to fill out the purchase agreement and title papers. Since she was well versed with both procedures, the transaction would go quickly and smoothly.

"What're you gonna do with the powerboat?" Robbie inquired, coming out to look it over with me.

"I plan on selling it of course!" I replied. 

"Or....maybe I'll keep it for myself." I added, grinning. "I'd look pretty damn hot running around on it!"

Looking over at Rob, I saw him smirk, then smile. A sure sign he agreed with what I'd said.

Thunder off in the distance alerted us another storm was nearing the lake. Securing the boat cover on the Baja, we barely made it before the downpour started. Rob shut the overhead door on the building to keep the rain from blowing in.

"I need to run into town and pick up some groceries." I asserted, when Robbie joined me on the houseboat. "I'm getting tired of fast food and eating out."

"How about I go with you?" Rob asked. "Unless you'd rather I didn't."

"No, I don't mind." I answered, glad that he offered to join me.

At the supermarket in Somerset, we filled not one but two grocery carts. Rob eyed the cleaning supplies I put in the carts, coming to the conclusion I had definite plans for the rest of my stay.

"You planning a party?" I jested, watching the young man shoving several cases of Michelob Light Beer onto the bottom tray of one of the carts.

"I might be." Robbie replied. "You think we should get some wine too?

"Get some Reunite and Sangria." I responded, pointing to the wine selection at the end of the aisle.

It was mid-evening when we made it back to Thunder Bay. Pulling alongside the houseboat, we managed to get everything onboard without getting drenched. 

"How about I fire up the gas grille and fix us some steaks?" Rob suggested, tossing two of them on the counter. "Unless you'd rather have burgers?"

"You....you cook?" I questioned, somewhat startled. 

"I'd starve if I didn't." He laughed. "I can't go that fast food stuff all the time."

"Ok. I'll fix some baked potatoes and work up a salad while you do the cooking." I asserted.

The dinner was great, the steaks cooked to perfection. Dining out on the front deck of the houseboat, the rain changed from a downpour to a steady shower. 

"How long before you have to go back to Chicago?" Robbie asked. "A month or so?"

"A month!" I exclaimed with a laugh. "Next week is more like it."

"That doesn't give me much time." He muttered.

"Much time for what?" I questioned. 

"Much time to change your mind about me." Rob responded. "I hate having to keep my guard up around you, afraid I'll say something and you'll take it the wrong way. Afraid I'll do something and you'll run off again."

"Nothing you say or do will change my doubts about you." I proclaimed. "It's best if we leave it at that."

"So, there's no chance the two of us will get together again?" Rob hinted, looking disheartened.

"Depends on what you consider getting together." I responded. "Seriously, there's no chance in hell."

"What about....sexually?" He stammered. "Any chance?"

I didn't answer his question, leaving him wondering. As for wanting to sleep with him again, I was more than willing. As for letting it develop into a serious relationship, I wasn't about to ever let that happen. Robbie was too much of a player to ever convince me he could be trusted.

After dinner, Rob parked himself on the couch to watch a movie on the plasma TV. I jotted down a list of tasks that I wanted to tackle before I had to return to my job at the bank.

"We need to get some painters out here." I affirmed, getting Robbie's attention. "And some roofers too."

"I've got some friends who're looking for work." Robbie stated. "You want me to call them?"

"Not unless they're bonded and insured." I replied. "The last thing I need is someone getting hurt and suing us."

"What about getting the old crew back to help finish the houseboat?" Rob suggested. "I might be able to get talk some of them into coming back."

"Yeah. That's a good idea." I agreed. "Offer them a two dollar an hour raise. That might persuade them a little."

"Is the one in the shop gonna be the last Thunder Bay ever built?" Rob inquired, joining me at the diningroom table. 

"I don't know. It's too early to say." I answered. "Depends on how well sales go for the ones we've already got."

"There's another six hulls stacked up out back." Rob reminded me. "The supplier's refused to take them back."

"We might have to sell them for scrap metal then." I asserted. "We'll have to wait and see."

Robbie returned to his movie, coaxing me to join him on the couch. Pouring myself a glass of Sangria and opening a beer for Rob, the two of us snuggled up on the couch.

It was sometime after midnight when a loud clap of thunder literally shook the houseboat. It startled me at first, waking me from a sound sleep. Robbie was sound asleep, his strong arms holding me, my head resting in his lap. Lifting his arm gently to avoid waking him up, I managed to free myself. I switched off the television, then closed and locked the sliding glass doors that led out to the front deck.




Thunder Bay Ch. 03



Lighting up a cigarette, I debated whether to wake Robbie or leave him sleeping. I didn't much care for the idea of him driving home late at night, especially in the pouring rain. I made the decision to leave him be, sleeping soundly on the couch.

Slipping out of my clothes, I opted to take a shower before climbing into bed. The warm water cascading over my body soothed my tired muscles and rejuvenated my senses. After toweling myself dry, I put on an oversize t-shirt and a pair of sexy black panties.

Returning to the livingroom, I checked on Robbie before going to bed. He was restless, slowing waking up.

"I'm going to bed." I muttered. "You can stay the night if you want."

"In the same bed?" He jested, staring at my crotch.

"That's up to you." I murmured, turning to head back to the master bedroom.

I knew he'd be right on my tail by the time I reached the bedroom, taking his clothes off along the way. Wearing nothing but his sexy white briefs, Robbie rushed up behind me, grasping me at the waist. His warm breath on the back of my neck was quickly replaced by his moist lips. Entering the bedroom, he lifted the t-shirt up over my head, tossing it on the floor.

I felt his rock-hard cock pressing against my butt, alerting me he was more than ready to have his way with me. Knowing he liked to be the dominant person when it came to lovemaking, I let him set the pace. 

Tossing back the comforter on the queen-size bed, he pushed me face down onto the soft cotton sheets. I thought he was planning on ravaging me, taking me hard and fast until I passed out but Robbie had other thoughts in mind. Climbing onto the bed with me, I felt his calloused hands gently massaging my back. Working downward, his lips trailed moist kisses down my spine.

"Mmmmmmm." I purred, taking great pleasure from his actions. "I love that."

Rob's hands trailed over the back of my legs, kissing every inch of my flesh. Feeling his hands grasping the flimsy material at the sides of my panties I lifted myself just enough to allow him to slide them down my legs. Robbie's warm breath wafting over my bare butt, heightened my sexual desires even more. His muscular arms spread my legs apart, wide enough to allow him to tease the swollen lips of my pussy with his tongue. 

My hips bucked with each swipe of his tongue as he brought me closer and closer to cumming. Reaching back for him, I tried to grab him by the hair but he pinned my wrists to the bed, making me wait for an orgasm that would make me scream out. The orgasm came on quickly like an electric shock. My wrist, pinned to the bed, jerked free from Robbie's grasp. My body shuddered violently as the sexual bliss coursed through my body.

"ROBBBBBBBBBBBBBB!" I screamed out, turning my face to the side. "GODDDDDDDD!"

My juices flowed like a swollen river, my body quivering. Rob slithered his tongue inside my pussy, teasing me until I peaked again. My breathing was labored, gasping for each breath. Clenching the sheets, I dug my fingernails into the material.

When my breathing finally returned to normal, Rob grasped my waist, lifting me up until my knees supported my weight. His shaft, thick and hot, slipped between the folds of my wanton pussy, letting me savor the feel of the head of his cock. Slowly, he pushed against me, taking slow, deliberate strokes until I felt his hot balls pressing against my sensitive clit.

I pushed back, grinding my butt against him. The feel of his balls rubbing against my clit immediately aroused my inner desires once again. Robbie fucked me slow, taking long strokes, at times almost pulling out of me. I wanted more and I wanted it now.

Pushing back against him, I rocked back and forth, quickly picking up the pace. My orgasm zapped all the strength I had left. Arching my back, I fell backwards against his chest. Robbie held me tight, letting me milk the orgasm for all its worth. My firm breasts heaved, my nipples harder than ever and hurting like hell.

As the orgasm waned, so did my strength. Collapsing face down on the sweat-soaked sheets, Robbie fucked me like a wild animal, his long, thick cock pounding harder and harder. His pelvis slapping against my butt, emitted loud smacking sounds that filled the bedroom. With a long, loud groan, Robbie pumped his steamy hot cum deep inside my pussy. He kept stroking into me until finally collapsing on top of me.

Perspiration from his face trickled onto my hair. His body sweat mingled with mine, seeping onto the cotton sheets. His heated breath wafted against my ear.

Within minutes, my body relaxed enough to fall asleep. My handsome, young lover was still on top of me, warming me with his body heat. We slept that way most of the night.

The bright sunlight pouring through the bedroom window stirred me awake. Robbie was lying on his side, his arms wrapped tightly around me. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I checked the time. It was almost 9:00am. Half the morning was almost gone.

"Wake up! Wake up!" I shouted, jostling Robbie from a deep sleep. "We've got work to do!"

Robbie barely moved, seeming like it was taking forever for him to wake up. I jumped off the bed and ran into the bathroom for a quick shower. I thought Robbie would be up but he'd fallen back asleep. I gave up on trying to wake him again, thinking it best if he got all the sleep he needed.

After getting dressed and fixing my hair, I ran out to the galley to put on some coffee. I barely noticed Rebecca, Robbie's mother climbing the steps up to the houseboat. I panicked, not sure how I'd explain Robbie's presence in my bed. I knew she'd seen his pick-up parked in front of the building so she'd know he was around somewhere. I hoped he'd stay sleeping and I could figure out a way to get her inside the construction building while I came back and got him up.

"Robbie around?" Rebecca inquired when I slid the glass door back. "I noticed the building was still locked up tight."

"Oh....a....he's in the bathroom." I stammered, hoping she'd buy it.

"In the bathroom." She repeated, a faint smile forming on her face. "Are you sure?"

"No." I muttered, knowing she didn't believe me.

"You know, in my grandparent's day they'd make the two of you get married." She laughed. "But that was then. A lot of things have changed since then."

There wasn't any sense in me trying to say we hadn't slept together. She'd already caught me in a lie. Why tell another?

Over coffee, we discussed hiring painters and roofers. I mentioned getting the weeds cut down, something I'd almost forgotten. Rebecca took over, making phone calls to responsible contractors who could do the jobs. I just hoped she'd forgive me for sleeping with her son.

Robbie finally stirred an hour or so later. Rebecca and I heard the shower running but neither of us said a word. I blushed with embarrassment, turning away from his mother.

Later that afternoon, I had written quotes from the contractors, giving them permission to start work. A fresh coat of paint on the building and fences would improve the looks of the place but having the roof repaired was a necessity. I was anxious to get the weeds mowed down so I could see what the property really looked like.

By the end of the week, Thunder Bay looked completely different, at least from the outside. Rebecca and I had sold two more houseboats, including a new Thunder Bay. The Baja powerboat I'd taken in on trade was gone, sold to a couple from Knoxville. I hated to see it sold but then again, it wasn't something I really needed.

Sunday morning I prepared to leave for Chicago. Robbie and I had spent every night together so we needed a break from each other. He was a little down, not knowing when I'd be back. Admittedly, I felt the same but it couldn't be helped. My position as Vice-President of Centennial Bank was far too important to risk taking any more time off.

Monday morning, I practically pounced off the elevator. I felt wonderful, no doubt thanks to Robbie and the sales we'd made during my stay at Thunder Bay. I stopped at the coffee bar to fix myself a cup of coffee, hoping I wouldn't run into Burt Wheeler before I could get to my office.

As usual, Emily was already busy at her desk, typing up an announcement of some kind.

"Hey Hon!" She greeted me, peering over the top of her glasses. "Looks like you got some sun!"

"I sure did." I agreed, grinning. "And I hope to get even more."

"You got any tanlines?" She asked, bursting into a laugh.

"Yep." I answered, slapping my hand on my hips. 

Entering my office, I tossed my purse and attaché onto the credenza just like I did every morning. Turning to boot up my computers, I noticed two of them were gone. Looking around, I noticed some of the furniture had also been moved around. The carpeting looked like it had been cleaned also.

"Before you ask any questions, you need to run over to Burt's office." Emily stated. "They told me to tell you as soon as you got here."

I felt faint, thinking I'd already been caught. My legs stiffened, making it difficult for me to walk. As I trudged the corridor towards Burt's office I kept trying to think up excuses for my actions in buying Thunder Bay, at the same time denying a loan to another potential buyer. I knew Burt would probably fire me no matter what and his father wouldn't refute his decision.

Connie Marshall, Burt's cute little secretary, looked up from her computer monitor when she saw me approaching. The serious look on her face didn't do anything to calm my nerves.

"Go on in." She asserted. "They're waiting for you."

They? That had to mean Burt and the Director of Personnel!

Opening one of the double, solid oak doors to the President's office, I spotted Walt Taylor over by the windows. Director of Personnel for Centennial Bank, Walt thrived on fucking over people, firing staff members for the most menial things. He answered solely to the President of the bank so I didn't have jurisdiction over him.

"Valerie! Come in, won't you?" Carson Wheeler greeted me. "We've been waiting to see you."

A quick look around as I approached the two men, let me see that Burt wasn't present. Motioning for me to sit down in a comfortable chair by the windows, I caught a glimpse of a blue manila folder in Walt Taylor's hand. I knew immediately it was my personnel file.

"Fuck 'em!" I thought. "I'll should just make a run for the door and deprive them both of berating me before they chop off my head."

"How was your vacation?" Carson Wheeler, Burt's father, inquired. "Other than being too short."

"It....it was fine." I stuttered. 

Carson Wheeler sat there looking at me for what seemed like an eternity. His salt and pepper, neatly groomed hair and short beard gave him a very distinguished look. Dressed in a designer suit that had to cost a fortune, he prided himself on his appearance. He wasn't a man who looked threatening but when he spoke, you better be listening.

"Over the past few months I've been pondering a decision." Carson affirmed. "I'm sure you're well aware I don't make decisions without thinking things over."

I nervously nodded my head, unable to speak a word. My throat and mouth were dry as a bone.

"I've made a decision, which affects this entire organization." Carson continued, leaning forward in his chair. "One I hoped I'd never have to make."

"Oh God, just get it over with!" I thought. "Get to the point! Fire me so I can get the hell out of here!"

"Friday afternoon, I dismissed Burt." Wheeler muttered. "It was damn hard for me to do that to my own son but it had to be done. I gave him a year's severance so he'll survive until he finds another job."

I was shocked at hearing the news, no matter how good it felt to know his lack of abilities had finally caught up with him.

"There'll be a posting going out to all the bank's facilities later this morning." Carson affirmed, a faint smile forming on his handsome face.

"Even though we haven't discussed the issue, I was sure you'd accept the promotion to the President's position." He stated. 

"You will, won't you?" Carson asked, hoping I'd say yes.

All I could do was nod my head, barely choking out the words that I'd gladly accept the promotion. Both men shook my hand but I was still having difficulty believing it was all true. Walt Taylor reviewed the salary increase, which was almost double what I'd been making. The benefit package was much better than I thought it would be, which really surprised me. The perks practically paid all my living expenses, not to mention additional weeks of paid vacation and the use of a luxurious condo in Fort Lauderdale.

"I'm bringing in a new guy to take your place." Carson stated. "He's the former Vice-President of the New England Banking Company. I'm hoping under your tutelage he'll be able to fill your position. He's young and doesn't have much experience. But he's bright and well educated."

"There is one thing." Taylor chimed in. "You won't be able to bring Emily Hanks with you."

"Why? Why not?" I questioned. 

"Emily's decided to retire." Taylor revealed. "I hate to see her go as much as anyone but she's going to be sixty-seven next month. She and her husband plan on traveling while they've both still got their health."

"If you'd rather not have Connie for your secretary, there's a lot of other women you can pick from." Taylor added. "That's up to you."

"Oh....well....let's see how Connie works out." I stammered, still shocked at the news of Emily's retirement.

Carson gestured for Walt to leave the office, which didn't bother me in the least. We both watched the door close behind him.

"Before you ask, NO, you can't fire him!" Carson Wheeler laughed. "I wanna do that myself over lunch."

"What I do wanna talk with you about is the three million dollar loan you wrote for yourself." He continued. "Tell me about this Venture Limited LLC company you've got going on the side."

I took a deep breath, wishing I had a cigarette. Starting at the very beginning, I told him how I'd formed Venture Limited for an opportunity that might arise in the future. I didn't withhold any details, feeling it necessary that he knew everything, including my purchasing Thunder Bay Houseboats. 

Carson Wheeler sat quietly across from me, absorbing every word I spoke. He never interrupted me once to ask a question although I'm sure he had many. I talked for over an hour, divulging everything to him.

"Sounds like Thunder Bay Houseboats might consume quite a bit of your time." Carson asserted, when I'd run out of anything more to say. "That worries me a little."

"I can assure you it won't affect my performance here at the bank." I avowed. "My priority is Centennial Bank." 

"That's what I was getting at." Wheeler countered, rising to his feet. "You're not going to have much time for yourself running back and forth between Chicago and Lake Cumberland."

"How about you cut me in on Thunder Bay?" He inquired, looking out at the Chicago skyline. "I'd be more than willing to oversee the business if you'd cut me in for say....half ownership."

"It'll cost you three million." I boldly stated, knowing he wouldn't give up until I agreed. "We'll split the business fifty-fifty, equal control."

"Three million!" Carson exclaimed. "That's a helluva lotta money!"

"Thunder Bay's worth ten." I boasted, remember Frank Martin declaring the same figure.

"I'll stop down in accounting and write a check to pay off that signature loan of yours." Carson asserted, displaying a big smile. "That alright with you?"

"Fine with me." I responded, getting to my feet to shake his hand. "Just don't fuck things up at Thunder Bay!"

"I'll try not to." Carson laughed, grasping my hand. "I damn sure don't wanna piss off my new business partner!"

I practically ran back to my office, anxious to tell Emily of my promotion to the President's position. What I hadn't realized was that she was typing up the announcement when I arrived for work. She knew about my promotion before I did but she wanted Carson to break the news.

I had mixed emotions, knowing my long time confidant and close friend was retiring. I was happy for her but saddened for myself. Emily knew me like a book. I seriously doubted Connie Marshall and I would ever have that kind of relationship.

After helping Emily pack up her personal items, we carried them down to her car. Surprisingly, she was very upbeat for a person putting in her last day at a job she'd worked at for such a long time. I wasn't sure what to say after we had everything stowed away in her car. I hadn't had the time to get her a retirement gift, let alone think of anything to say. Wishing her a happy retirement was so cliché and not very personal.

"You've got my cell phone number." Emily muttered, giving me a hug. "Keep in touch. I wanna know how the romance is coming along with that cute young guy you've been seeing."

"I will. I will." I responded, tears welling in my eyes. "But how did you figure out Robbie and I were seeing each other?"

"Robbie! Even his name sounds cute!" Emily replied. "As for knowing you two were back together, I could tell by your walk. You used to come trudging down the corridor every morning but when you came back from the lake, you were practically prancing."

Reaching inside my jacket pocket, I took out an envelope, placing it in her hands. 

"What's this?" She questioned, wiping the tears from her eyes with a tissue.

"I didn't have time to get you a proper retirement gift so I deposited some money in your personal checking account." I replied. "It should be enough to buy that motorhome you always talked about."

"I....I can't thank you enough." Emily muttered, tears streaming down her face.

Watching the woman drive away, I wondered if we'd ever run into each other again. I certainly hoped we would.

Returning to my former office, I called the maintenance department to see if anyone could help move my belongings. The furniture I'd leave except for my desk chair. Over time, it had come to fit my butt perfectly. Burt's high-back red leather chair looked pompous and uncomfortable.

It was late afternoon, when I got all settled in. Still getting used to being the new President of Centennial Bank, I wasn't sure what to do first.

Connie Marshall was just getting ready to leave for the day. Entering my office, I couldn't help but notice how tight her short red leather skirt was. At twenty-two years of age and barely over five foot tall, she was cute as a button. Connie's long blonde hair hung halfway down her back and shadowed her pretty face. Her figure was perfect for a woman her size, everything in proportion.

"It's five o'clock." She mumbled, looking down at the floor. "Do you need anything before I leave?"

"No." I replied.. "I'm fine. I'll see you in the morning."

"Miss Marlowe, would it be improper for me to ask if I'm going stay as on your secretary?" The young girl asked, looking quite worried.

"I don't see why not." I answered, giving her a smile. "I'm sure we can work together."

"Thanks. I was worried you'd want somebody else." Connie asserted. "Somebody like Emily."

With that said, she left the office, allowing me to get back to work. It was nearing 7:00pm when I called it a day. My eyes were getting tired and I was facing an hour long drive on the expressway to get home.

During the long drive home, I received a call from Rebecca on my cell phone. She just wanted to chat about how things were going at Thunder Bay. I skipped over telling her about my promotion. Instead, I informed her about my new partnership with Carson Wheeler and that he was the new co-owner of the business. 

"I'm not sure when you can expect him." I stated. "It may be a week or two before he shows up."

"The sooner the better." Rebecca asserted. "I'll gladly welcome anyone who can take over the responsibility on a day-to-day basis."




Thunder Bay Ch. 03



"I'm worried that Robbie might not like it." I affirmed. "He and Carson might not hit it off."

"Don't worry about Rob." The woman avowed. "As long as he's building houseboats, he doesn't care who he's working for!"

"I hope you're right." I responded. "Robbie's an important asset to the company. Losing him would have a dramatic effect on Thunder Bay."

"A dramatic effect on Thunder Bay or a dramatic effect on you?" Rebecca quipped, snickering.

"Both." I replied, realizing how much I already missed him.

It was late that night before I finally wound down enough to get some sleep. So much had happened during the day, I couldn't stop thinking about the events that were radically changing my life. I hoped everything would work out for the best.

Arriving at work on Tuesday, I stopped at the coffee bar, just like I did every morning. Looking down the corridor leading towards my old office, thoughts of Emily entered my mind.

Connie Marshall, my new secretary, wasn't at her desk when I arrived at my office. Not scheduled in until 8:00am, it seemed odd not having someone there to greet of a morning. 

I went about, booting up my computers, just like I always did after tossing my purse and attaché on the credenza. Looking around at my new office, I realized how much bigger it was than my old one. A private bathroom, complete with shower and a wet bar were just a couple of the amenities I'd have to enjoy. Kicking off my high-heels, I delighted in the feel of the soft, plush carpeting beneath my feet. 

"Burt Wheeler really had it made." I thought to myself. "Too bad he fucked it all up and lost his job."

Remembering my business deal with Carson Wheeler, I checked my personal bank accounts to see if he'd paid off my signature loan like he promised. I was greatly relieved to find that he had, not that I doubted his word. But when it came to money, I wanted to stay on top of things.

I wasn't sure when Cole Bannister, the bank's new Vice-President, was going to arrive. I figured at least two weeks, maybe longer. Checking into his background to get acquainted with him beforehand, I found out he was thirty-two years old and married. His wife, Nicole was an architect and a graduate of one of the leading engineering colleges. As for Cole, he was a Harvard graduate, with a PHD in Finance and a Masters Degree in Management. The information I was able to obtain didn't mention the couple having any children so I assumed they didn't.

"Probably too damn busy handling money matters to knock her ass up!" I thought. "That's one of the things that I let ruin my marriage."

TO BE CONTINUED... 



Thunder Bay Ch. 04



With Carson Wheeler at the helm of Thunder Bay Houseboats, I was able to concentrate on the business of banking. Centennial Bank, a family owned business since its inception, was doing great with assets in the billions. As President of the bank, my highest priority was monitoring every penny, a job I'd been doing when I was the Vice-President.

I thought my new position would prove more challenging but it wasn't. I seemed to actually have more free time than I did in my former position. Cole Bannister, the bank's new Vice-President was working out really well. He was a little on the pretentious side, informing everyone he came in contact with that he had a PHD in Finance and a Master Degree in Management from Harvard University. His attitude was to be expected. I'd met a lot of well-educated people in my lifetime and boasting about their education seemed to be their favorite pastime.

Cole's wife, Nicole was the exact opposite of her husband. She was warm and bubbly with a down-to-earth personality that you couldn't help but like. She was drop-dead gorgeous with a fantastic figure, coal-black shoulder length hair and bright, emerald green eyes. I doubted Cole was taking care of business at home. Nicole usually stopped by my office, just to say hello, after visiting her husband. She frequently suggested we have lunch together sometime, which led me to believe she wanted to talk. Maybe I was reading between the lines, then again, maybe I wasn't.

Connie Marshall, my new secretary, was working out well. She was quite proficient at her job and always ready to do as I asked. Connie rarely had any male employees stop by to chat. Her work area, just outside my office, was probably too intimidating for most male suitors.

The Labor Day weekend was just a week away. I was planning on driving down to Lake Cumberland, wanting to see how things were going for myself. I hoped the weather would cooperate with my plans so I could enjoy some time out on the lake. I'd prompted Connie to clear the entire week before the holiday off my schedule. Since she didn't have any vacation time left, I offered to let her take time off but she declined my offer.

Returning from a quick lunch at a nearby fast food restaurant, I went about cleaning up any unfinished business before leaving on vacation. Connie was busy at her desk, typing up a financial report for me.

"Just finished the last report." She declared, rushing into my office. "They're ready for you to sign."

"I proofread them." She stated, before I could ask. "I didn't find any mistakes."

"Are you sure you don't wanna take next week off?" I asked, thinking she might want to change her mind.

"Nah. I don't have anything to do." Connie replied. "I'd rather be here than cooped up in my apartment."

"Well, you're more than welcome to go with me if you want." I suggested. "Lake Cumberland's really beautiful and the weather's supposed to be nice for the entire week."

"Oh....yeah! I'd love to go!" Connie exclaimed. "Are you sure I won't be a bother?"

"You won't be a bother." I replied. "The drive gets a little boring with just the radio to listen too. I wouldn't mind a little company."

"What do I need to take?" Connie inquired, showing her excitement. "A bikini or two I guess. Maybe something dressy in case we go out for dinner. Better take some casual clothes too."

"Take whatever you think you'll need." I asserted. "There's shopping malls and stores at the marinas for anything you might forget."

Connie's excitement about going down to Lake Cumberland was a reward in itself for me. I was sure she had boyfriends even though she never mentioned anyone in particular. If getting away to the lake worked wonders for me, I was sure it would have the same effect on her.

Early Saturday morning, I picked Connie up at her apartment complex. It was still dark, at least an hour or two before sunrise. I knew the interstates would be packed with traffic going both ways but I hoped to beat most of it around the Chicago area.

Connie and I chatted about anything and everything during the eight hour drive to Lake Cumberland. She avoided talking about anything personal, which I thought was a little strange. Even so, the drive was much more pleasant having her along.

It was approaching 1:00pm when we finally arrived in Somerset. Traffic on the four-lane divided highway was heavy but moving along at the posted speed limit. Crossing over the new bridge, Connie got her first good look at the lake. Her excitement was like that of a teenage girl about to go out on her first date.

Turning onto Smokehouse Road, Connie noticed the sign for Whiskey Creek Marina.

"Is that where we're going?" She asked excitedly. "Whiskey Creek?"

"Eventually." I replied, feeling my excitement rising along with Connie's. "I've got to stop at Thunder Bay first."

Seeing the mammoth houseboats, perched on their concrete stanchions just inside the chain link fence at Thunder Bay, the young woman practically jumped out of her seat. 

"Oh My God!" She shouted. "Would you look at those! They're huge!"

"Yes, I know." I responded, noticing there were only three houseboats on the lot.

Driving up to the building, I saw Robbie's pick-up, Rebecca's mini-van and Carson Wheeler's Cadillac Escalade along with a couple of other vehicles with out-of-state plates on them.

Carson was chatting with a middle-aged couple, standing alongside one of the houseboats. Rebecca came out of the building to greet us, noticing I had a traveling companion.

"And who is this?" She questioned with a warm smile. 

"This is Connie Marshall, my secretary." I answered introducing the two women. "I thought she'd get a big kick out of coming down to the lake and getting away from Chicago."

"Welcome to Thunder Bay." Rebecca greeted Connie, shaking her hand. "I'm sure you'll like it down here with us country folks."

"How's sales doing?" I asked, noticing two fairly new powerboats sitting along the front of the building. "Looks like you've sold two of the new ones."

"If that couple Carson's talking to buy the one they've been looking at we'll only have one new one left." Rebecca answered. "The one on the end is already sold. They're launching it Tuesday morning."

"Wow! That's great!" I exclaimed, overjoyed at hearing the good news. "What about the used houseboats? How many of those are left?"

"Just two. But I think that couple's wanting to trade theirs in." Rebecca replied. "If they do, we'll have three."

"Sounds like Carson and I oughta get together and discuss Thunder Bay's future." I remarked. "If sales are this strong, we should keep on building houseboats."

"Wait'll you see the new one!" Rebecca exclaimed. "It's just about finished. Robbie's thinking the guy's will have it all wrapped up by Wednesday."

Entering the construction building, I was astounded at the progress that'd been made since the last time I'd seen it. Robbie and another guy were putting the vinyl decals on the sides of the houseboat, which really set it off. All the canvas trappings were done in a bright blue to offset the basic tan color of the houseboat.

"How big is it?" Connie inquired, looking quite astonished.

"A hundred and ten foot long by twenty foot wide." Rebecca proudly proclaimed. "It's the biggest Thunder Bay houseboat ever built."

Climbing the steps to board the houseboat, I noticed Robbie checking out Connie. For him, it was typical behavior. The salon was yet to be furnished, which made it look even bigger than it was. Stainless steel appliances and natural oak cabinetry complimented the galley. Plastic sheeting covered the plush carpeting and ceramic tile floors for protection. The bedrooms, all five of them were done as were the three bathrooms. Ascending the circular stairway at the rear of the houseboat, Rebecca and I had to duck our heads to keep from bumping into the buildings roof trusses.

Standing on the top deck at the front of the houseboat, we watched Carson and the couple walking towards the office. From the expression on the trio's faces it looked like we'd sold another new one.

"Which houseboats are left at the Marina?" I questioned. "Connie and I are gonna need one while we're here."

"There's an '04 Sumerset, eighty-six by eighteen and a '99 Stardust, one-hundred by eighteen." Rebecca replied.

"Let's take the smaller of the two?" I suggested, looking over at Connie. "I'm not that well-versed at handling houseboats."

"We're gonna spend the entire week on a houseboat?" Connie questioned. "That's awesome!"

"First, we're gonna have to lay in some supplies." I asserted. "It'll be late when we get done so we'll wait until tomorrow morning to cast off."

Before leaving I stopped in to have a word with Robbie in private.

"That's some sweet little honey you brought down with you." Robbie smarted off. "You gonna let me have a crack at her?"

"You stay the fuck away from Connie!" I exclaimed, keeping my voice down. "She's not your type!"

"You're my type!" The young man laughed, grabbing my arm. "You're a whore!"

"You heard what I said." I retorted, jerking my arm free of his grasp. "Stay away from both of us. I don't want her getting the wrong idea about us."

"Since when did you worry about what people thought?" Robbie questioned. "Since you became President of that bank of yours?"

I assumed Carson Wheeler had told him about my promotion, so his mentioning it didn't come as a surprise.

"Is that you're lover?" Connie asked, getting into the car. "Or is he just a boyfriend?"

"He's neither." I replied. "Robbie's just an employee. And if he doesn't straighten up, he's gonna be an ex-employee!"

Returning to town, the traffic seemed to have thinned a little. The supermarket was doing a thriving business but it appeared they'd taking extra measures to have plenty of food and beverages on hand. 

Before heading back to the marina, we made a quick stop at a swimwear store located in one of the strip malls. While Connie picked out a few bikinis, I added a couple more to the only one I had. Plenty of sunscreen and a few beach towels completed our shopping at the specialty store.

We sped by Thunder Bay, anxious to get down to the Whiskey Creek Marina. Again, my secretary was awestruck seeing the countless number of boats, not to mention the lake for the first time.

After getting everything transferred from my car to the Sumerset Houseboat, I gave her the grand tour. Pointing out the guest stateroom across from the master, she quickly put her things away.

"Let's run up to the café and get something to eat." I suggested when we were done. "I'm not much of a cook and I'm too tired to fix anything anyway."

Connie agreed, feeling pangs of hunger herself. Walking along the main pier, we stopped to look over some of the high-performance powerboats moored at the docks. I could see Connie was mesmerized by them as much as she was the houseboats.

"This place is so awesome!" She exclaimed. "I'm gonna hate it when we have to go back to Chicago."

"Yeah but that's what makes coming down here so special." I reasoned. "If you lived down her all the time, you might get tired of it."

At the café, we sat out on the terrace. Since we had a great view of the lake and marina, we took our time eating. A couple of young men, closely resembling each other and looking to be in their late twenties, sat at a table next to us. Striking up a conversation with us, one of them disclosed they were from Aurora, Illinois.

"We're from Chicago." Connie divulged. "This is Valerie and I'm Connie."

"Trey and Trevor McCall." One of the handsome, young men responded. "We're here for the week, hoping to put some hours on a new boat we just bought."

"What kind of a boat did you buy?" I asked, joining in on the conversation.

"A Fountain." Trevor McCall proudly replied. "It's a twenty-nine footer with a five, twenty-five Mercury and Bravo One drive. She's sleek and she's fast!"

"Maybe you girls would like to join us tomorrow?" Trey suggested with a smile. "We're docked at the far west end of the marina."

"Thanks but we've got a houseboat." I replied. "Maybe we'll run into each other out on the lake though."

"That'd be great!" Trey exclaimed, staring straight into my eyes. "Speaking for myself, I'd really like that."

"Yeah, me too." I muttered, noticing the deep blue of his eyes.

We continued chatting and drinking a beer with the two brothers. Trevor seemed quite captivated with Connie, never taking his eyes off the long-haired blonde. Trey, the elder of the two, pulled his chair up next to mine. 

Sitting down it was hard to tell but Trey was a good two inches taller than me with an athletic build. His pleasant smile revealed his nearly perfect teeth. Both guys had short dark hair, which gave them a youthful appearance. I'd noticed earlier that neither of them was wearing a wedding band so I assumed they were single, probably divorced.

"I'm a chemical engineer for Kemcor." Trey stated. "What's your line of work?"

"Oh....I work at Centennial Bank." I stammered, not wanting him to know any more than that.

"Valerie's the President." Connie proclaimed, without thinking. "I'm her secretary."

"The President!" Trey exclaimed, seeming a little put-off by the news. "Oh....a....I see."

"Does that bother you?" I asked, not too pleased at his reaction.

"Oh....no." Trey responded, trying his best to sound nonchalant. "I just never figured anyone so young could be a bank president."

"Well, I'm not THAT young." I laughed. "I'm probably a lot older than you think."

"I'm terrible at ages so I won't venture a guess." Trey stated, with a smile.

"Thirty-five....just in case you're wondering." I freely admitted.

"I'm twenty-eight." Trey muttered, grasping my hand and entwining our fingers. "Does that bother you? I mean....being seven years younger than you."

"I guess I can live with it." I jested, squeezing his hand. "It'll just take a little getting used to."

Unexpectedly, Trey leaned in and kissed me. It caught Trevor and Connie by surprise as much as it did me. The other guests didn't seem to so much as take notice, not even when he kissed me the second time.

"Are you leading up to something?" I murmured.

"Depends on how far you let me get." Trey whispered, staring into my eyes.

Remembering his brother and my secretary were watching and listening to everything, I pulled back. I wasn't about to let another handsome young man seduce me, no matter how much I needed to have sex with someone.

Changing subjects to the lake and all its recreational facilities, I chatted more with Trevor than I did his brother. Connie joined in but Trey hardly uttered a word for the next half hour. It was getting late so I suggested we call and end to the evening. I sensed Connie didn't much care for the idea and neither did Trevor. The guys paid for our dinner, then escorted us out onto the main dock.

"Maybe we'll see you guys out on the lake tomorrow." Trevor commented, putting his arm around Connie's shoulders. "At least, I hope so."

"What about you, Valerie?" Trey questioned.

"Where you guys staying?" I asked. "In town at one of the hotels?"

"Nah. We're gonna sleep on our boat." Trey spoke up before his brother could answer. "It's got a cozy little cabin below deck."

"Why don't you bring it over to our houseboat?" I suggested, giving in to temptation. "We're docked at the far end of the main pier. You can tie off to the stern of our houseboat."

Both guys looked more than just a little stunned at my offer but they gladly accepted. Connie was beaming a huge smile, letting me know she was all for it.

"We'll be right down!" Trevor exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

"One of us will be out on the rear deck so you can find us." I asserted before leaving them.

"You think they're gonna try anything?" Connie inquired, sounding coy and displaying a big grin.

"Let's hope so!" I laughed. "Otherwise, we're gonna wake up in the morning still horny as hell!"

We both laughed until we almost choked. Boarding our Sumerset houseboat, I switched on the lights in the salon and corridor, while Connie scurried to the rear deck. I took a few beers from the refrigerator, placing them in the freezer compartment along with all the ice we'd bought.

Trevor McCall idled the Fountain powerboat up to our stern. When it was close enough, Connie tossed Trey a rope so he could tie off to us. The two men, climbed onboard the Sumerset, relieved to have found us in the dark without any trouble.

"This is some houseboat!" Trevor remarked, grinning. "I could live on one of these year round."

"We stopped at Thunder Bay Houseboats this morning to look at theirs." Trey asserted. "They build one awesome houseboat!"

Connie started to say something but I managed to shush her. She caught on that I didn't want the guys to know I co-owned Thunder Bay.

"How about a cold beer?" I suggested, walking into the galley.

"Sounds great!" Trevor responded, pulling Connie in close to him. 

With drinks in hand, the four of us sat out on the top deck, enjoying the cool breeze coming in off the lake. Finding out Trevor was a veterinarian elated Connie, who was a dog enthusiast. Sharing a common interest, the two were hitting it off more and more the longer they conversed.

Other than Trey's earlier comments about Thunder Bay Houseboats, he seemed to have grown quiet. I sensed he might be uncomfortable. Remembering Trevor had been the one who'd spoken up and wanted to stay on the houseboat with us, I wondered if Trey preferred not to. His silence was bothering me.

"Is there something the matter?" I murmured, leaning close so Trevor and Connie couldn't hear me.

"No, nothing's the matter." Trey responded, not sounding anywhere close to convincing. "I'm....a....just a little tired is all."

I didn't believe a word he'd said but I wasn't sure what to do next. Lighting up a cigarette, gave me a moment or two to think of something. 

Looking up the pier, towards the main building, I saw Robbie briskly approaching.

"Oh no!" I muttered. "God damn him!"

"What's the matter?" Trey asked, trying to figure out who I was looking at.

"It's nothing." I answered, setting my beer on the table. "I can handle it."

Before Robbie reached the houseboat, I managed to scurry down the circular stairway and run to the front of the houseboat. Robbie was just about to set foot onboard when I rushed out onto the front deck.

"Whatta you want?" I asked. "I told you to stay away from us!"

"I know you didn't really mean it." Rob asserted, his voice slurred.

"Go home and sleep it off!" I exclaimed, surmising he'd been out drinking with his so-called friends.

"What's going on here?" Trey inquired, stepping up behind me. "This guy bothering you?"

"Who the hell's this?" Robbie asked, taking a quick step backward. "You're new lover?"

"That's right buddy boy! So back off before I throw your drunken ass off the dock!" Trey shouted, coming around in front of me.

Robbie wasn't about to try and take him on. At least, not in front of me and risk making a bigger fool out of himself than he already had. Turning, he stumbled back up the pier, leaving us be.

"I'm....I'm sorry." I stuttered. "I didn't want you to get involved."

"Hah!" Trey laughed. "I'm good a getting involved in things I shouldn't. Sort of a white knight thing, I guess."

"Well, I'll have to think of a way to reward you, won't I?" I quipped, putting my hand to the back of his head so I could pull him in close for a kiss.

"That's a start." Trey murmured when our lips finally parted. "But I'm expecting a lot more."

We kissed again, this time grinding our lips hard against each other's. Trey held me close, so close I could feel his heart pounding in his chest. His cock, pressing against me, felt like a steel shaft.




Thunder Bay Ch. 04



We'd gotten so engrossed with each other, we forgot about Trevor and Connie up on the top deck. We made our way back to the master bedroom, switching off the lights as we went. 

Both of us raced to get out of our clothes. Watching Trey reveal his body, he managed to get ahead of me, tossing his clothes to the far side of the bedroom. Wearing just my white lace bra and bikini panties, Trey eyed me up and down before slipping out of his snug-fitting knit boxers.

My eyes focused on his rigid fuck shaft. Long and thick with a mushroom-shaped head, all I could think of was getting mouth on it. Trey scooped me up, then tossed me on the bed like a rag doll. Pouncing on top of me, his nimble fingers worked the clasp at the front of my bra. Our lips crushed together for a kiss that rocked my desires. Slithering my tongue between his moist lips, I teased him on, encouraging him to take control. We were having difficulty breathing but neither of us was willing to part lips, our hunger for each other too dominant. 

Trey gasped for air, lifting himself upwards but still straddling me. His hands brushed the cups of my bra apart, exposing my breasts. Gently massaging them with both hands, he worked them until they grew blushed. 

"Suck on my nipples!" I begged. "Suck them hard!"

Trey's teeth gently clenched onto one, flicking his tongue back and forth over the super sensitive nub. It was all I needed to arouse my desires to a new height. Suckling on my nipples until they hurt, I urged him own, savoring the wanton pain I craved. My first orgasm came on without warning, almost bucking Trey off of me. 

Sensing I couldn't wait any longer to be fucked, Trey ripped my panties off, tossing them to the floor. The juices flowing from my pussy soaked the cotton sheets between my legs. It must have really turned Trey on. His lips locked onto my pussy, sucking my cum into his mouth. I had another orgasm seconds later, this one more jolting than the first. Trey held me tight, locking his arms around my upper legs. Flicking his tongue feverishly over my clit, prolonged the orgasm till I came close to passing out. My eyes were blurred, almost too blurred to see Trevor and Connie standing in the bedroom doorway. 

Unable to speak and too weak to cover myself, I lay there completely naked with my legs spread wide open. Trey held my legs apart, positioning himself between them. His cock looked even bigger as he guided it between the lips of my pussy. Pushing slowly, Trey began sinking one inch after another into me. Reaching up, I grabbed the headboard of the queen-size bed, pushing into him. Trey fucked me hard, bringing me off right away before slowing his pace so he could take his own pleasure. Trevor and Connie had come closer, standing right next to the side of the bed.

Looking over, I saw the petite girl's beautiful breasts for the first time. Trevor was squeezing and massaging Connie's breasts, causing her to moan aloud. Trey picked up the pace, slamming his rigid cock in and out of me, jolting my body with each deliberate stroke. I had another orgasm, this one coating his dick with heavy fluids. Trey slowed suddenly, coming to a stop. I thought he was going to pump his load into me but he managed to hold off.

"This is too damn good to let it come to an end." He muttered, rocking back and forth into me again.

"Give it to her hard!" Connie screamed. "Fuck her good!"

Startled, I looked over at her. Trevor had his hand shoved down the front of her panties, fingering her clit beneath the thin material. Connie was cumming, pushing wildly back against him, trying to grab his cock through his slacks.

Trey slowed again, prolonging his climax. I reached over and grabbed Connie by the wrist, pulling her nearly naked body down on top of me. Trevor jerked her thong panties down to her knees, then unzipped his slacks. Trey and I watched him pull out his snakelike cock, then press the head into the young girl's pussy. 

"OH GOD!" Connie cried out, her fingernails digging into the sheets.

"Now you fuck her good!" I commanded, holding her down on top of me. "Fuck her brains out!"

Trevor pounded his cock in and out of her, bringing Connie off not once but twice within the first few minutes. The smell of hot, steamy sex filled the bedroom, encouraging the guys to try and outdo each other. Connie and I were the fortunate recipients of their lustful pleasures, 

The bed shook with both guys fucking us harder and harder. When Connie and I came together, it blew the guys away. Spewing their heated cum into our pussies satisfied everyone's animalistic hunger. Trey collapsed on top of Connie, pinning us both to the bed. I watched Trevor pull his cock from Connie's pussy, a long strand of thick cum dangling from the head.

Sweat streamed off his face, onto his chest. He took a step, then collapsed against the nightstand, barely able to stay on his feet. Reaching out for his cock, I cupped the thick cum dangling off his cock, smearing the thick fluid onto Connie's cute little butt.

Minutes passed before Trey managed to climb off the bed. His body was soaked with perspiration, his upper legs and stomach covered with dried cum. Connie had either fallen asleep or passed out. I wasn't sure which. With Trevor's help, we managed to get her off of me. I clambered off the bed, making my way into the bathroom with Trey.

Soaking a fresh washcloth with warm water, I tossed it out to Trevor.

"You fucked her, you get to clean her up." I laughed. "Make sure you wash that hot little pussy of hers good."

"That was fucking incredible!" Trey exclaimed, stepping into the shower with me. "I can't believe we actually did that!"

"Me neither." I asserted, washing my juices from around his mouth before kissing him. "I doubt if Connie will either."

Toweling ourselves off in the bedroom, Trevor ran into the bathroom to grab a shower. Connie was just coming too, trying to lift herself up on her elbows. Her facial expression turned from drowsiness to a smile.

"Let's get her over to the other bedroom." I suggested, nudging Trey..

"I'll carry her." Trey volunteered, scooping my naked secretary up in his arms.

I pulled back the covers on the bed so Trey could lay her down on the cool sheets. She'd already drifted back to sleep so she probably wasn't even aware we'd moved her. Returning to the master bedroom, Trey helped me change the sheets and put on fresh ones. Trevor came out of the bathroom, looking around for Connie.

"She's across the hall." I affirmed, pointing to the guest bedroom. "I trust you'll look after her."

"Oh yeah!" Trevor grinned. "I'll be happy too."

I wanted a cigarette, much like I always did after sex so I slipped on a robe, tossing one to Trey.

"Let's grab a beer and a cigarette." I suggested, heading towards the galley.

Trey followed me through the darkness, toying with the belt around my robe. Sitting at the bar in the galley, I sensed he was curious about what happened earlier. I didn't feel obligated to tell him anything more than I wanted to if he asked. Thankfully, he didn't.

Sleeping soundly in Trey's arms throughout most of the night, I awoke the aroma of bacon frying and coffee brewing. Slipping on a robe, I sauntered out to the kitchen after looking in on Connie. She was still sound asleep, snuggled up with Trevor.

"You cook!" I quipped, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"I'm not the best but I give it a try." Trey asserted, giving me a soft but prolonged kiss. "I'd starve if I didn't."

"Surely you cook?" He questioned.

"Nope. I chose to starve." I laughed, lighting up a cigarette.

"What's on the agenda for today?" Trey asked. "I assume you and Connie wanna hang out with us."

"How about we cast off and take the houseboat somewhere down the lake and find a nice secluded spot for a day or two?" I suggested. "With your powerboat, we can go cruising or whatever."

"Sounds like a plan." Trey agreed. "Assuming you know how to handle a houseboat."

"Oh yeah!" I laughed. "I've seen it done....once."

Before breakfast was ready, I ran back to the guest stateroom and woke up Trevor and Connie so they could join us. The food was great. Trey was much more of a cook than he gave himself credit for. Afterwards, Trey and I cleaned up the galley while Connie grabbed a shower.

I was anxious to get out on the lake as much as Connie. Slipping into a hot pink bikini that barely covered my butt and showed more than an ample amount of my breasts, we waited for Connie to join us. Sauntering into the salon wearing the skimpiest bikini I'd ever seen, she looked really hot. Attired in a silver snakeskin design mini-bikini, she was spilling out of it more than she was wearing it. The guys ooh'd and aah'd, making the young woman blush.

Firing up the twin engines on the Sumerset houseboat, I looked over the gauges, figuring out what they all meant. The fuel gauges showed less than a quarter of a tank in each one. Running out onto the main dock, I looked up towards the fueling stations. They didn't look busy so I had Connie cast off the bow and stern lines while Trey and Trevor untied their Fountain powerboat. 

Remembering Robbie's instructions about taking it slow and easy and not getting in a rush, I eased the twin throttles back after checking the rear view cameras. The mammoth houseboat backed gently away from the dock.

"You're clear!" Connie yelled from her vantage point on the very front of the deck.

Turning the wheel hard to the left, I gave it a little more throttle. The rear of the houseboat swung around, much too quick than I was prepared for. I spun the wheel hard right to correct the over steer. We were far enough away from the other houseboats so we hadn't come close to hitting anyone. Taking a deep breath, I eased the throttles forward to get us moving towards the fueling stations. I wasn't about to rush it, knowing I'd have to pull alongside the dock in order to get fueled up. 

Two teen-aged attendants saw us approaching, especially noticing Connie standing out on the bow. They prepared to tie us off as soon as we were close enough. I remembered watching Rob switch the bow and stern thrusters off an off to move the houseboat sideways but I was close enough to the dock that I didn't have to actuate them.

"That's good!" One of the boys yelled. "We've got it!"

I shoved the throttles into the neutral position and cut the engines while the two guys tied us off to the dock. Since I didn't know how much traveling we'd be doing or how long we'd be out, I went ahead and had both tanks filled. At nearly four dollars a gallon, the bill came to just under eight-hundred dollars.

Before we could get away from the fueling station, another houseboat pulled in for fuel and a pontoon boat pulled in behind us. Switching the thrusters simultaneously back and forth to the left, I maneuvered the Summerset houseboat clear of them. I was pretty proud of myself but we weren't in the clear yet. Easing the throttles forward just enough to get us moving, I made a wide, sweeping turn to the right. Once we were clear of everyone, I steered the houseboat to the opening in the breakwater. Trey and Trevor pulled up alongside, giving us the thumbs up.

A mile or so down the lake we stopped so Connie could get on the boat with Trevor and Trey could join me at the helm on the top deck. We watched the Fountain powerboat thunder off down the lake, leaving us far behind in its wake.

I coaxed Trey into taking the wheel while I ran down to the galley and got us some cold soft drinks. We cruised for miles, passing numerous houseboats and countless waverunners and pleasure boats. The weather was perfect, not a cloud in the sky. With the temperatures in the mid-eighties, the black canvas cover over our position kept us from getting too hot. 

We met up with Trevor and Connie later in the afternoon. They came roaring up to us, Connie motioning for us to follow them. A couple of miles further down the lake Trevor turned into a secluded lagoon. Running down to the helm on the main deck, I took over the wheel while Trey stood out on the front deck.

Slowing to a crawl, I managed to get the houseboat parallel with the shoreline using the thrusters instead of the engines. Trey secured the bow and stern to the trees with ropes before we drifted out. Knowing we'd made it, let me breathe a sigh of relief.

Trevor and Connie tied off to the houseboat, then climbed aboard to join us. The four of us swam and played in the water, which cooled and revived us. While Connie and I floated around on inflatable rafts, the guys fixed dinner for us. 

"Whatta ya think of Trevor?" Connie asked, floating up alongside me. "I think he's really nice."

"Yeah. He seems like a nice guy." I agreed, not knowing what else to say. "He's seems quite taken with you, that's for sure."

"What about Trey?" The young girl asked. "You two seem to be hitting it off."

"He's alright." I responded. "I'm not going to let it get serious. I don't think Trey's thinking anything serious either."

"That's not what he told his brother." Connie disclosed. "He told Trevor he hoped you guys would keep on seeing each other when we got back to Chicago."

"Well...." I started to say before Trevor called out to us.

"Dinner's just about ready." He shouted, waving us in. "Better paddle over this way."

Trey had fixed Fettuccini with a side salad and garlic bread. The Reunite Red complimented the dinner perfectly. We ate like we were starved, consuming most of the wine. 

Connie was feeling giddy, No doubt from all the wine she'd drank during dinner. I hadn't taken her for much of a drinker. Her flirtatious actions were proving me right. It didn't bother me in the slightest, knowing she was having the time of her life. 

Straddling Trevor's lap, she pushed her firm breasts into his face. Holding the back of his head, she rubbed them back and forth across his face, teasing him to no end.

"Connie's quite a girl!" Trey remarked, helping me wash the dishes in the galley. "Ole Trev's never been around anyone like her."

"She seems pretty much hooked on him too." I commented, looking over at the two cavorting on the couch. "Maybe it was fate that brought them together."

"Maybe." Trey agreed. "What about us. You think fate brought us together too?"

"I doubt it." I muttered, looking him eye-to-eye. "Before you start thinking this is something that could get serious, I should tell you that I'm not interested in a relationship, serious or otherwise."

"Spoken like a true divorced woman!" Trey countered. "My ex has the same attitude."

"It not the divorced woman in me that's talking." I contradicted. "I've been hurt once....by that young man we got into it with last night. I'm not about to let me emotions overrule my better judgment."

"Just because some guy took advantage of your feelings, doesn't me all men are like that." Trey argued. "I, for one, would never think of doing anything to hurt you."

"Maybe....maybe not." I grumbled. "I'm not sure so I'm keeping my guard up."

I knew my words hadn't made Trey happy but I was glad I'd said them. At least now he knew where I stood. If he had thoughts of our relationship developing into anything, I'd put them to rest. Whether it made him mad or not, it was best for him to find out upfront.

Opening up a chilled bottle of Sangria, Trey and I sat at the bar, watching Connie perform a lap dance for her lover. Removing the top of her bikini, she tossed it to Trey. He caught the minuscule garment, setting it on top of the bar.

"You like my boobies?" Connie laughed, rushing up to Trey. "Trevor really likes 'em!"

"They're....they're quite....beautiful." Trey stuttered, his handsome face blush red..

"What about you Miss Marlowe?" She giggled, calling me by my proper name. "Do you think they're beautiful?"

Reaching out, I tweaked one of her nipples, pulling gently on it until she squealed. She didn't pull away from me so I tweaked the other one, raking my fingernails over the erect nub.

"Does it really matter what I think?" I asked, flicking my fingernail over the nipple.

"Hmmmmmmmmmm." Connie purred, looking as if she were in a dream state.

My left hand brushed downward, coming to a stop at the side of her bikini bottom. Both of Connie's firm breasts were a pinkish hue from the blood gorging through the veins. Spreading my legs, I pulled her in close to me. Her body felt extremely warm. I kissed her full on the lips, softly at first, then grinding them hard until she gasped for air.

Trevor got up from the couch and came over to the bar to get a closer look. 

"Damn! That's...so....fucking....hot!" He exclaimed, rubbing the front of his swim trunks.

Pulling my lips from Connie's, I sensed she was willing to let me continue. Brushing back her long blonde hair, I kissed her on the neck, sucking lightly on the soft flesh. Connie was literally vibrating in my hands. Gliding my lips over her chest, I kissed her firm breasts, suckling on each nipple until I made her gasp.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Vallllllllll." Connie moaned aloud. "Yesssssssssssssss."

Trevor shoved his swim trunks down his legs, exposing his steel hard fuck shaft. Kicking them aside, he started to position himself behind the young girl. Moving my hand to cover Connie's cute little butt prevented him from removing her bikini bottom.

"She's mine!" I snapped at him with a lustful look on my face. "You'll have to settle for watching."

Trevor stepped back, holding on to his hard cock. Untying the strings at the sides of Connie's silver bikini, I let it to fall to the floor. The back of my hand brushed lightly over the young woman's pubic mound, over the small tuft of blonde pubic hair.

"Spread you legs." I murmured into her ear. "You know you want to."

Standing between my legs, she couldn't spread them all that much. But all I needed was enough to slip my fingers between them. Connie's pussy was wet, her juices freely flowing. I flicked a fingernail over her clit, making her jump. She leaned forward, collapsing against me. Slipping my middle finger inside her soaking wet pussy, I swirled it around, teasing her most wanton desires.

"OHHHHHHHH! GODDDDDDDDDDD!" Connie screamed, experiencing an orgasm that rippled through her entire body.

I fingered her pussy faster and faster until she came again, this one more intense than the first. Pulling my finger from her pussy, I pressed it to Trey's lips but he pushed my hand aside.

"Lick it!" I screamed at him, pushing my finger forcefully between his lips.

This time Trey didn't refuse, licking the young woman's cum from my finger. Connie was growing weak, her knees beginning to buckle. Sitting on the barstool, I knew I couldn't hold onto her. Fearing she'd drop to the floor, I motioned for Trevor to grab hold of her.

"Take her over to the couch!" I commanded.

Trevor dragged the weakened young woman over the couch and laid her down.

"Take off your trunks." I whispered to Trey, pulling him off the barstool next to me. "I'm gonna let you fuck her."

"Like hell I will!" Trey protested, pulling free of my grasp.

"Have it your way!" I screamed, positioning myself between Connie's legs. "I'll tongue fuck her until she cums all over me!"

Trevor leaned over Connie, his face mere inches above her tummy. He watched intently, his mouth gaped open in astonishment, as I licked the blossoming folds of his girlfriend's pussy. Connie's hips bucked wildly, forcing me to wrap my arms around her legs to hold onto her. Loud sucking sounds filled the salon as I lapped up her juices and swirled my tongue inside her.

"ARGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Connie screamed, allowing another orgasm to consume her petite form.

"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!" She groaned, when I prolonged the intense orgasm, milking it for all its worth.

Connie's cum flowed freely onto my lips and tongue. Trevor's face came closer, almost brushing against mine. Grabbing the back of his head, I plunged my tongue deep into his mouth, giving him a taste of Connie's thick juices.




Thunder Bay Ch. 04



Connie arched her back, lifting her butt upwards. She was ready for a good hard fucking. I wanted Trey to be the one to give it to her but he wasn't budging from the barstool. 

"Looks like you're gonna have to be the one to fuck her." I grumbled, glaring at Trevor. 

The young man didn't have to be coaxed but I wanted to really piss off Trey more than he already was. Grabbing Trevor's hard cock, I plunged my mouth down over his throbbing shaft, coating it with my thick saliva. Trevor almost came before I could pull away but he managed to control himself.

Spreading the young woman's legs apart, he plunged his cock into her hard, jolting her body to life. Fucking like a wild animal, Trevor brought her off twice before spewing his thick load deep inside her. Sweat streamed off his heated body, dripping onto Connie's heaving breasts.

"I hope you're fucking happy!" Trey retorted, roughly pulling me aside. "Is there anyone else you're gonna fuck?"

Jerking free of his grasp, I stepped away from him. The look on Trey's face was that of pure anger. I realized I'd pushed him much too far. I was seeking revenge for what Robbie had done to me, choosing Trey to be my victim. It was the wrong thing to do but it was too late to turn things around.

Trey slowly calmed down, his breathing gradually returning to normal.

"I'm....I'm sorry." I muttered. "I just let myself get out of hand."

"You're nothing but a...." He started to say, stopping in mid-sentence.

Rushing out onto the front deck of the houseboat, I started to go after him but realized it best to let him be. Nothing I could do or say right then was going to change his mind.

Trevor slowly lifted himself off Connie's limp form. His legs were weak but he managed to stand without my help. He seemed in a daze, taking a few moments to get his bearings.

"That was incredible!" He mumbled, a faint smile on his face.

"Yeah. It's always incredible." I muttered, pushing him towards the main bathroom. "Go clean yourself up. I'll take care of Connie."

Wetting a few paper towels, I washed the young woman's body. She was fast asleep, completely unaware of anything that was going on. 

Afterwards I strolled out onto the front deck. Trevor was sitting in a chair at the patio table, staring out at the lagoon.

"Connie alright?" He asked, avoiding eye contact with me.

"Yeah. She's asleep." I answered, lighting up a cigarette. 

Minutes passed with neither of us saying a word. I couldn't tell if Trey was still upset with me or not but I assumed he was. His silence was doing the speaking for him.

"You alright?" I finally asked, breaking the eerie silence between us.

"Does it matter?" He replied, glaring at me. "Do you really give a fuck?"

"Yes, it matters." I murmured, turning away from him. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

TO BE CONTINUED...



Thunder Bay Ch. 05



Sitting in the dark on the front of the houseboat, I smoked one cigarette after another wondering if Trey would ever speak another word to me. I sensed he was still seething with anger. He had every right to be angry with me. I'd made a complete fool of myself by seducing my secretary when she was most vulnerable. Attempting to involve Trey in my lurid experience had backfired. I was humiliated and at my own doing!

"I'm going to bed." Trey mumbled, rising from his chair. "I'll sleep in one of the guestrooms."

I let him do as he pleased, not wanting to get into an argument over something as frivolous as sleeping arrangements. Even if we slept together, there wasn't a chance in hell we'd end up making love. 

The gentle breeze wafting across the water made it difficult for me to stay awake. Sometime after midnight I crawled into bed after taking a long hot shower. Surprisingly, I feel asleep within minutes, not waking once during the night.

The next morning I awoke to the sound of the Fountain powerboat's rumbling engine. My first thought was that Trey and Trevor were leaving. Leaping from the bed, I ran down the corridor to the salon. I barely caught a glimpse of Trey, preparing a fresh pot of coffee in the galley, but it was all I needed to put my worries to rest.

"Looking for somebody?" Trey question without turning around to face me.

"A....no." I stammered. "I was just worried that somebody might be trying to seal your boat." 

"Yeah! Right!" He laughed.

"Fuck you." I muttered, scurrying back to the master bedroom.

I didn't feel much like wearing a bikini so I opted for shorts and a tank top. Returning to the galley, filled with the aroma of eggs and bacon cooking, I poured myself a cup of coffee.

"Pour me one too, will ya?" Trey mumbled, standing at the stove. 

I did as he asked, seeing it was the least I could do. Thank God he was speaking to me again.

"Where's Trevor and Connie going?" I asked, hearing the powerboat roar off.

"They skipped breakfast." Trey answered. "Trevor mentioned something about going to Burnside Island State Park for the day."

"Why didn't you go with them?" I questioned.

"I think the two of them preferred to be alone so I declined their offer." Trey replied. "I doubt if they really wanted me to go along."

We sat at the diningroom table, eating in complete silence. I prayed for someone to drop a bomb just so I'd hear a noise but no one did. After cleaning up the kitchen I sat down at my laptop, hoping to make a wireless internet connection. Being in a secluded lagoon with sheer rock walls on three sides I couldn't make it.

"Thought you were supposed to be on vacation." Trey asserted, heading towards the rear of the houseboat. "Or is working how you spend your vacation?"

"I was just trying to see how things were going at the bank." I replied, closing the laptop. "But I can't make an internet connection from here."

"Good!" Trey laughed. "That means you'll have something else to worry about."

"I'm not worried!" I shouted. "I've got a very competent Vice-President who can handle things until I get back!"

"Are you fucking him too?" Trey smarted off.

It was obvious Trey was trying his best to start an argument so I didn't bother answering his stupid remark. I spent the rest of the day steering clear of him, but on a houseboat it wasn't easy. We kept running into each other, either in the galley or in the salon. 

I decided to lie out in the sun for awhile. Being up on the top deck, I figured Trey would more than likely stay below. Slipping into a turquoise bikini, I tied the strings securely. It was skimpier than the pink one I'd worn the day before, barely covering my nipples.

I heard Trey swimming next to the houseboat but I wasn't about to join him, still wanting to keep my distance from him.

"HEY VAL!" I heard someone shouting. "OVER HERE!"

Looking out at the lagoon, I saw a sleek looking bass boat idling close by. 

"Oh God!" I thought aloud. "This can't be happening!"

The man waving at me from the bow of the fishing boat was the last person I ever expected to see at Lake Cumberland.

"Hi Rick!" I shouted, waving at him. "What're you doing down here."

"Just getting in a little fishing." Rick replied. "How about you?"

"Oh, just taking a little time for myself." I responded.

Seeing Trey at the rear of the houseboat distracted my ex-husband, but only for a moment.

"I....I see you're not alone." Rick stammered, eyeing Trey as he climbed the spiral stairway to the top deck.

"Trey McCall." I stated, watching him approach me.

"Come on aboard!" Trey yelled out. "You look like you could use a cold beer!"

"Oh God no!" I thought, glaring at Trey. "Why the hell did you do that?"

Rick was standing on the front deck of the houseboat, his bass boat tied off to the bow. I wasn't sure what to expect, the least of all being hugged by my ex.

"Val, you look fantastic!" Rick exclaimed. "That bikini really shows off your figure!"

"It certainly does." Trey agreed, coming out to join us. "You oughta see her ass in a thong!

Handing each of us a cold beer, I was tempted to pour mine over his head. Sitting down at the patio table. I sat quietly while Trey and Rick talked about bass boats and fishing. The two seemed to be hitting it off, which shocked me.

"I read in the local newspaper where you sold half your interest in Thunder Bay to Carson Wheeler." Rick commented, taking a sip of his beer. "I'm a little surprised to see you on a Summerset."

"This is a trade-in." I muttered, glancing over at Trey and seeing him with a stunned look on his face. "We didn't have any Thunder Bays in the water so we took this one."

"What's one of these go for?" Rick asked. "A half a mil?"

"Some of them do." I replied. "This one's just under four-hundred thousand."

I hoped Trey would chime in and change the subject but he left my ass hanging out, allowing my ex-husband to question me about my new promotion at the bank, my home in Willowbrook and anything else he could think of.

Trey invited Rick to stay for dinner but he declined, stating he wanted to get back to the marina before dark. I was thankful to see him leave, hoping I'd seen the last of him once and for all.

"Willowbrook, huh." Trey asserted with a grin. "Classy neighborhood! It's about twenty-five miles from where I live."

"Yeah. Small world isn't it." I muttered, brushing past him.

It was late afternoon when Trevor and Connie came back from their day at the state park. Too infatuated with each other, they were unaware that things weren't going well between Trey and I.

It was during dinner that my cell phone rang. At least something was able to make connection with our position in the lagoon! Answering it, I heard Rebecca's voice on the other end. She was quite excited, informing me the houseboat was finally completed and scheduled to be launched the day after tomorrow. 

Being the largest houseboat ever launched at Lake Cumberland, television crews from Lexington and Knoxville were going to be on hand as well as the local media. The Sheriff's Department had agreed to divert traffic on Smokehouse Road so the houseboat could be moved from Thunder Bay to the marina. Being a co-owner of Thunder Bay, I was expected to be there for an on-camera interview and talk with the media.

"What else is gonna go wrong." I thought, concluding the phone call. "About the only thing that's left is Centennial Bank collapsing!"

Informing everyone that I needed to return to the marina, we agreed to spend the night in the lagoon, then leave for Whiskey Creek in the morning. It would take most of the day to make the trip back, providing the weather cooperated. Trevor and Connie weren't the happiest about having to return to the marina but they understood the importance of my being there. I hoped I could make it up to them somehow.

I didn't sleep well that night. Thoughts about the upcoming events kept me restless and worried. It must have been around 3:00am when I decided to get up smoke a cigarette. I thought drinking a glass of wine might help settle my nerves but we'd drank everything but the Sangria. 

Lighting up the cigarette, I discovered I wasn't alone. Trey was sitting in the shadows next to the windows. The moonlight barely illuminated his masculine figure.

"Couldn't sleep." He muttered.

"No. Too restless, I guess." I murmured, keeping my voice down so I wouldn't wake the others.

"Was there a reason you didn't want me to know about your involvement in Thunder Bay?" Trey inquired.

"I didn't think it was important so I didn't mention it." I replied, hoping he'd buy it.

"Are you sure it wasn't because you thought I'd bolt and run if I found out?" He questioned. "I sensed you knew it was hard enough for me to accept the fact that you were a bank president. Finding out you were also a successful business woman too might be more than I could handle."

"Well....suppose it was?" I asked. "What're you gonna do about it?"

"Whatta ya want me to do about it?" Trey countered. "You want me to leave or do you want me to stay?"

Trey's ultimatum had me trapped. I knew he'd do whatever I said. If I told him to leave, it'd be the end of our relationship. If I told him to stay, I'd be making a commitment to him. I wasn't sure how I felt about him. After all, we hadn't known each other all that long. Between the fantastic sex and the arguments we seemed like a typical couple!

"Well?" Trey muttered, coaxing me for an answer.

"I want you to stay." I murmured, putting out the cigarette. "I'm not sure how I'd feel losing you."

Slipping into his arms, I hoped I'd made the right decision. Our lips meshed together for a long, loving kiss that wiped away all my worries. Being in Trey's embrace made me feel secure and not just lusted after. 

"Let's forget everything what's happened." Trey whispered in my ear. "Put it in the past and leave it there."

I nodded my head, totally agreeing with his proposal. Leading me back to the master bedroom, Trey shut the door so we wouldn't have any intruders. His hands at my waist, lifted the t-shirt over my head, revealing my erect nipples.

"Hmmmmm." He murmured, looking down at them. "You really are glad I stayed!"

My juices were already flowing, knowing my lover was about to take care of all my needs. Lifting me up on the bed, he placed a pillow under my head. We kissed softly at first, letting our sexual desires for each other slowly awaken. Trey's tender sucking on my hard nipples had me peaking, close to cumming within seconds. 

My breathing was labored, feeling his moist lips trailing kisses down over my tummy. Trey's hand brushed lightly over my panties, arousing me even more. I was squirming under his touch, letting my body react as it wanted. Feeling his warm breath blowing on my pussy made my juices flow even more. 

I raised my hips when Trey reached for the waistband on my panties, allowing him to slip the garment down my legs. His hands parted my legs just enough to allow his lips to seek out my pussy. Flicking his tongue over my clit was all I needed to reach orgasm.

"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!" I screamed out. "TREYYYYYYYYYYYYY!"

The intense orgasm coursed through my entire body, tensing every muscle, then subsiding only to return stronger and longer. My fingernails dug into the sheets, clawing at them until my fingers cramped. My eyes, blurred with tears, could barely make out Trey leaning over me.

We kissed passionately, grinding our lips hard. Feeling the head of Trey's cock sliding into the entrance of my pussy felt wonderful. Pushing his hard shaft in deeper, my clit rubbed against his cock sending sparks of desire that had me cumming and cumming. Trey pushed hard, sinking his cock all the way to my most inner depths. His warm balls, pressed against my butt. We fucked for an hour, slow and steady, savoring every movement. My wet pussy, lubricating his dick with heavy fluid and Trey's insurmountable stamina, gifted me with one orgasm after another.

We collapsed into each other's arms, our mixture of cum pooling on the sheets between our legs. Feeling Trey's heated form on top of me, soothed me into a deep sleep that lasted until mid-morning.

Waking to the sounds of Trevor and Connie firing up the Fountain powerboat, I rushed into the bathroom for a quick shower. All I wanted for breakfast was a cup of coffee and a few cigarettes, which I managed to choke down while Trey readied the houseboat.

It was nearing noon when we cruised out of the lagoon and into the main lake. Trevor and Connie were well ahead of us, blending in with all the other boaters. Trey was at the helm with the throttles all the way forward.

Sitting at his side, I put my foot up on his seat. Trey placed it on his leg, gently rubbing my ankle.

"You nervous about doing the interviews?" He inquired, smiling at me.

"Yes. I've never been on television before." I replied. "I'm afraid I'll say the wrong thing. Or worse, say something stupid."

"You'll do alright." Trey assured me. "Just relax and be yourself. Except....be careful you don't say fuck!"

"That's gonna be hard, especially if I happen to look your way!" I laughed.

"I do want you to be there. With me, I mean." I quickly added. "It'll help me get through it all."

"I wouldn't miss it for anything." Trey affirmed. "Not for anything in the world!"

It was early evening when I maneuvered the Summerset houseboat through the opening in the breakwater at Whiskey Creek. The sun, setting behind the mountainous terrain behind us, cast a long shadow ahead of the houseboat.

"Take it slow and easy." I remember Robbie saying. "Don't get in a hurry."

I eased the throttles back until they were barely propelling the houseboat. The main pier loomed closer. I checked the traffic on both sides, hoping no one was about to cross in front of me. Trey was standing out on the front deck, prepared to tie us off. Looking away for just a moment, I spotted Trevor and Connie rushing down the dock to meet us.

Getting the huge houseboat into its assigned berth wasn't going to be easy. The stern of the houseboat moored at the adjacent dock had drifted over, narrowing my way. Noticing the stern extended past the dock, I idled the engines on the houseboat, letting it drift a few feet alongside the other houseboat. Switching the bow thrusters back and forth to the left, I managed to bump it over, out of our way. Before it could drift back, I eased our houseboat up to the dock. Trevor and Connie tied off the stern while Trey secured the bow.

I breathed a sigh of relief, happy in knowing I could handle the houseboat pretty much by myself. But having a crew made it so much easier.

We decided to eat in town that evening, since everyone had the craving for pizza. Stopping by the supermarket we picked up supplies we'd depleted, especially the beer and wine. 

Passing by Thunder Bay on the return trip to the marina, we stopped along the road to look at the massive houseboat, sitting on a low slung trailer attached to a semi tractor. 

"It looks so much bigger sitting out than it did inside the building." Connie remarked, looking over at me. "You think you'll have trouble selling it?"

"Maybe....maybe not." I replied. "You never know when the right buyer might come along."

"What kind of price tag you got on it?" Trevor inquired. "Half a million?"

"Seven-hundred thousand." I answered. "It cost over a half a million just to build."

Driving on, we parked near the docks at the marina. While the guys carried our supplies, Connie and I scurried ahead to switch on the lights.

"Still nervous about tomorrow?" Connie questioned.

"Yeah. I'm more worried about being interviewed than getting the houseboat launched." I replied. "It should be the other way around."

I slept off and on most of the night. Snuggled warmly in Trey's arms was a great comfort. Without him there I'd probably been pacing the floor, wishing it was all over with. I couldn't eat anything for breakfast, knowing I probably couldn't keep it down. Drinking cup after cup of coffee and lighting one cigarette off of another had me ready to climb the walls.

"Which bikini you gonna wear?" Connie asked. "That hot pink one?"

"No bikini!" I laughed. "That's the last thing I'd wear on television."

"What are you gonna wear?" Trey asked, taking the cigarette from between my fingers. "Something sexy I hope."

"I'll let you be the judge of that." I responded.

After showering and fixing my hair and make-up I started to get dressed. For the occasion I'd selected a beige business suit with a powder blue frilly blouse underneath. The skirt was quite short, the hemline well above my knees. Dangling feather earrings and matching high-heels complimented my attire perfectly.

"WOW!" Trey exclaimed when I joined the trio in the salon. "You look....fantastic!

"You'll knock 'em dead!" Trevor chimed in. "Nobody's gonna be lookin' at the houseboat with you there!"

"OH MY GOD!" Connie shouted, rushing in from the front deck. "You gotta see this!"

Scurrying out onto the main dock, all I could see were throngs of people. Some were lined up along the hillside overlooking the launching ramp, while others were crowding onto the docks. Television cameras were strategically set up to film the launching, their cables running back to command trucks. Out in the water, boats were scattered about, vying for a good vantage point.

I started to feel faint, wishing I'd eaten something for breakfast.

"We better head up to the top of the hill." Trey suggested, taking my hand in his. "It's gonna take us awhile to make it through the crowd."

The four of us finally made it to the bottom of the launching ramp. Looking halfway up the hill, I saw the stern of the massive houseboat slowly coming into view. It took my breath away, seeing it coming towards us.

"VAL!" Rebecca shouted, standing next to her mini-van. "Over here!"

Frank Martin, who I hadn't seen for quite awhile, was sitting in his powered wheelchair just inside the van. He was dressed casually, looking better than ever.

"Thought you'd be out there shouting instructions." I laughed, grasping his withered hand.

"NAH! Robbie can handle it well enough without me poking my nose in!" He bellowed.

"We did it. You and me." Frank declared, pulling me down close to him. "Without your help, this day would never have come."

"I just provided the money." I countered, kissing him on the cheek. "This houseboat was all your idea...your dream.

I could see tears welling in his eyes so I didn't say another word, fearing he'd break down and get me crying. 

Standing next to Rebecca, she put her arm around me, pulling me in close. Together we watched the houseboat passing by our vantage point, getting nearer and nearer the water. Several men with walkie-talkies guided the driver of the truck down the hill while countless onlookers snapped pictures of the one-hundred and ten foot long houseboat.

Seeing the steep angle the houseboat was at, I worried the stern of the houseboat might go underwater before it lifted off the trailer.

"Don't worry! These guys know what they're doing." Rebecca assured me, sensing I was worried about the launching.

Still, I was holding my breath, anticipating a disaster at any moment. I squeezed Trey's hand hard, wanting to make sure he stayed with me.

Just as the stern of the mammoth houseboat touched water, the rear of the trailer slowly elevated upwards. I could see Robbie at the helm, viewing everything through the rear vision cameras. The semi tractor eased the trailer into the water, submerging half of it. The stern of the houseboat floated up off the trailer, barely making a ripple in the water.

The supervisor over the launching crew signaled the driver to stop. Robbie fired up both of the powerful V-8 engines, letting them idle to operating temperatures, while the others made one last check of the hull. It seemed like forever before the signal was given to back the boat farther into the water. Camera crews were scurrying about, filming every minute of the launch. With the trailer backed farther down, the humongous houseboat finally freed itself. Robbie backed it out away from the ramp, then spun the stern around so everyone could see just how long it was. Applause and cheers from the crowd heralded the successful launch.




Thunder Bay Ch. 05



"Thank God that's over!" A familiar voice commented from behind me.

Looking like a proud father, I saw it was Carson Wheeler. He gave me a hug that crushed me to his chest.

"I wondered where you were." I avowed, tightly embraced in his arms.

"I couldn't watch!" He laughed. "I was afraid the damn thing would split in two or sink."

Before we could say anything more to each other, field reporters from one of the television stations pulled us in front of their cameras. I didn't look at the cameras, knowing they would probably intimidate me. Answering one question after another, I managed to throw in a few words to promote Thunder Bay, sounding like a professional salesperson. Carson was being interviewed by the other television reporter, motioning for me to join him when I could.

With his arm around my waist, pulled in close to him, we managed to complete the interview together. 

The local newspaper reporter, a young woman with exceptional shorthand skills, took very little of our time. 

"Glad all that bullshit's over." Carson murmured, squeezing me hard. "Let's find a cold beer and rest our butts!"

"Bet ole Frank's got cold beer in the van." I laughed, leading him by the hand.

Approaching Rebecca's mini-van, I was quite taken when I saw both television reporters interviewing Frank. As usual, he was ornery as ever, exaggerating his southern drawl and tossing out yarns from his earlier days building houseboats. The reporters were eating it up like ice cream on a hot day.

"Missy!" Frank yelled out at me. "Get your butt over here!"

"This here's the reason that houseboat's sittin' out there!" Frank exclaimed, giving me a slap on the butt. "Without Miss Marlowe, Thunder Bay would be just another houseboat company that went under. She put that cute little butt of hers on the line and gambled millions on saving it."

"Oh god!" I thought, seeing the producers were directing the cameramen to keep rolling. "This is gonna be on television!"

Thankfully, Frank was quickly running out of breathe....and bullshit. I managed to survive the embarrassment.

I lost Trevor and Connie in the throng of people but Trey was close enough for me to spot him. He was talking with Carson and another couple I was astonished to see.

"Emily!" I shouted, rushing up to her and giving her a hug. "I can't believe it's you!"

"George and I wouldn't have missed this for the world!" Emily asserted. "We were camping in the Smokeys when we heard about this houseboat they were going to launch."

Having my former secretary as my side, calmed my nerves immediately. She'd often talked about her husband but I'd never met him. Shaking hands with him, I sensed his warmth, the same as I always felt with Emily. She'd never caught on that I'd purchased Thunder Bay. It was probably the only thing she'd ever missed.

With the crowd quickly dispersing, Whiskey Creek Marina started looking somewhat normal again. Frank and Carson were sitting by the mini-van, having a cold beer. I'd lost track of Trey but I knew he was around close.

"Mind if I borrow your drinking buddy for a minute?" I asked Frank, latching onto Carson's hand.

"Nope, just don't forget to bring him back!" Frank laughed, opening another beer.

Dragging my business partner off to the side, I hoped we wouldn't be interrupted.

"We need to get together before you head back to Chicago and discuss the future of Thunder Bay." Carson stated before I could say anything.

"That's what I wanna talk about." I asserted. "I've been thinking it over. I'm not sure I can handle my position at the bank and being a co-owner of a houseboat business."

"Surely you're not resigning from the bank!" Carson nervously exclaimed. "I really need you at the helm!"

"No, I'm not resigning from the bank." I replied, putting his worries at ease. "I'd like to sell you my half of Thunder Bay."

"How much....and don't say three million dollars either?" He laughed.

"Hell, it's worth ten million!" I jested, squeezing his arm

"Give me two million AND the houseboat." I avowed. "You can have it all, lock, stock and both barrels!"

"One million and the houseboat." Carson counter offered. "Take it or leave it."

"I'll pass." I replied. "I'm not giving my half away."

"OK! OK! Two million AND the houseboat." Carson agreed, grinning. "I don't wanna piss the President of my bank!"

We shook hands on the deal, just to seal the bargain. With Carson and I, that's all it took. We trusted each other with our lives, let alone our finances. The legal transfer of ownership we'd take care of in due time.

I found Trey, Trevor and Connie down at the new houseboat, looking it over from bow to stern.

"Well, whatta ya think of her?" I asked, trying my best to keep a straight face.

"Gorgeous!" Trey proclaimed, putting his arm around my waist. "Second only to you."

"She's fantastic!" Trevor decreed, Connie nodding in agreement. "Now all you gotta do is get someone to buy it."

"It's already sold." I affirmed. "I bought it myself."

"You....you bought it?" Connie questioned, her mouth gaping open.

"I'm out of the houseboat business." I asserted. "Carson bought me out. I can't handle this and the bank. It takes too much out of me."

"I'm happy for you." Trey muttered, pulling me in close and giving me a long, loving kiss.

"I'm happy for both of us." I whispered, when our lips parted.

"You two gonna keep that up all day or are we gonna do something?" Trevor jested, pulling us apart.

"Let's cast off and take her down so we can transfer our stuff." I suggested. "We've got four days left to enjoy ourselves and there's still plenty of daylight left."

Maneuvering the hundred and ten foot long Thunder Bay away from the dock wasn't much more difficult than the Summerset. Allowing for the additional twenty-four foot length and two foot width, I remembered to take my time and take it easy. Thanks again, Robbie!

An hour and a half later the four of us were headed out on the lake, fully stocked and ready to enjoy ourselves. Remember where Paradise Canyon was, I hoped I could traverse the narrow opening to the secluded lagoon.

Lining up between the steep, rocky crags on both sides at the entrance to Paradise Canyon, I eased the mammoth houseboat between with them with room to spare. We had the secluded chasm all to ourselves, at least for now. Tying off the houseboat, I had my first chance to really relax.

A cold beer, a cigarette and Trey's arms around me were all I wanted. Having all three in Paradise Canyon was almost too much to wish for. 

"Are you gonna be happy just being the President of Centennial Bank?" Trey inquired as the four of us sat on the top deck of the new houseboat.

"Yeah....at least for now anyway." I replied, smirking. "I might get involved in another business should one happen to come along."

"Sounds like you've already got something in mind." Trevor surmised, holding Connie's hand.

"Well....I might." I laughed. "Nothing big like houseboats though. Something much smaller. You might say something a lot skimpier."

"Bikinis!" Connie exclaimed, guessing on the first try. "You wanna buy a swimwear company?"

"Not buy one." I corrected the young woman. "I'd rather start my own swimwear company, specializing in designer bikinis."

"Strictly a marketing and franchise venture." I added. "I don't wanna get involved in the manufacturing process."

"Trevor's a marketing specialist with Watson & Stanton." Trey divulged. "I'm sure he'd be happy to help."

"Got a name for this little venture of yours?" Trevor questioned. "Something sexy?"

"I thought about going with the name Thunder Bay." I replied. "It's kinda sexy and it's got pizzazz."

"I thought Thunder Bay was a registered trademark." Connie chimed in.

"It is but I'm sure I can strike a deal with Carson Wheeler to let me use it." I responded with a grin. "He's always looking for a good deal, especially when there's cash involved."

It was well after midnight when we called it a day. The activities and excitement of the previous day had caught up with everyone. With all that behind us, we looked forward to a good night's sleep.

Slipping out of our clothes in the seclusion of the master stateroom, my eyes focused on Trey's gorgeous manhood. From the guestroom across the hall, we could hear soft, low moans of pleasure escaping Connie's lips. They were having an effect on Trey, making his cock grow hard and protrude from his groin.

"I hope Connie keeps groaning until I can take care of that." I murmured, displaying a coy grin. 

"Whatcha got it mind?" Trey responded, knowing full well what I meant.

"You'll see." I replied, climbing onto the bed with him.

Kissing his lips was the first place I planned on putting them. Wrapping them around his hard cock was the second. Swirling my tongue around the head of his cock, I felt his leg muscles tensing.

"Spread your legs." I murmured. "I wanna massage your balls."

Trey indulged me, spreading his muscular legs so I could get my hand between them. His huge balls felt firm and extremely warm, just the way I like them. Tightening my lips, I pressed them down over the head of his cock, taking as much of his manhood in my mouth that I could. Pulling back, I coated his fuck shaft with my thick saliva. Trey was moaning softly, his right hand grasping my waist. 

The louder and faster Connie moaned from across the hall the harder I pumped my mouth up and down Trey's cock. I hoped Trevor had the same stamina as his brother, allowing me to suck Trey as much as I wanted before getting him off. Trey's climax was coming on quicker than I expected but I wanted to stay in tempo with Connie's moans, which had become increasingly louder and almost constant.

My lips sucked harder, making loud slurping sounds that filled the stateroom. Trey's back arched upward, nearly tossing me off him. His hand dug deeper into my waist as his climax neared. 

"OH GODDDDDDDDDDDDD!" Trey moaned out, flooding my mouth with his hot cum. 

I choked down the first load, milking his cock with my hand for every last drop of his fuck cream. From the guestroom across the hall, I heard Connie scream out, experiencing one of her most intense orgasms ever. Both staterooms grew suddenly quiet. Everyone's sexual desires seem to have been sated at about the same time.

We spent the next four days in the secluded lagoon, drinking, swimming and lying out in the sun. Occasionally other boaters would share our canyon getaway, many for the same reason as us.

Three months have passed since that fateful week. Standing at the windows in my corner office on the twenty-first floor of the Centennial Bank's Headquarters, I can see flakes of snow beginning to cover the cars in the parking lot. The temperature is below freezing but that's typical for mid December in Chicago.

My houseboat's moored at the Whiskey Bay Marina, patiently waiting for Spring to break. It has more patience than I do!

As for Trevor and Connie, they phone each other every day and spend their weekends together. I'm looking for an engagement ring to show up on her finger any day....perhaps at Christmas.

Trey and I are a slightly different story. We rarely phone each other. Kemcor frowns on its employees making or receiving personal phone calls at work. Instead, we chat over dinner, which Trey has ready for me when I return home every night. His cooking skills have improved along with his prowess at making love. We've decided not to get married, although we've spoken our love for each other many times. Tying up our relationship with a legal document might allow us to let our guards down. Instead, I'm wearing a diamond engagement ring, a symbol of our everlasting relationship.

THE END