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The Fifth Floor

By: thornapple



Philip Johnson





                            Chapter One



Berry Hill, Tennessee is just south of Nashville. In fact, it has been swallowed up by Nashville. Russ and Diane have temporarily moved into a large apartment complex there while he takes his four months of management training before they can go home to Cincinnati, Ohio. They felt lucky to be on the second floor of the Carriage Way apartments and townhouses, a four level complex of units complete with an exercise room, a crafts room and two outdoor pools. They were just back from getting groceries when Diane said, "Russ we haven't been here two weeks and I'm already eager to go home, and it's worse because it's December, so were stuck inside unless we want to be out in the cold and rain."

"I wish I could say something entertaining or encouraging, but I feel the same as you."

"I miss our backyard and patio, even in this rotten weather."

"I do too, but at least we can go home to see our friends once in awhile."

"Yes, if we don't mind spending half of our weekend going home and coming back. Don't get me wrong, I'll be ready to do that soon, but we won't have more than a day to see them."

"But when this is over, I'll have my promotion."

"That's the only thing that makes this worthwhile."

Russ put his arms around her and said, "What makes this all bearable is having you here with me."

She patted his butt and told him, "As long as we take good care of each other, we'll get through this in pretty good shape."

"Speaking of taking good care of, I called the maintenance guy to come fix our defective toilet. He said he'd be up before five." Russ hadn't much more than told Di that news when their doorbell rang. When Russ opened the door, the guy smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Mack the maintenance man."

"Good timing Mack, I'm Russ and I'm sure you know the way. I know how to fix the damn thing, but I don't have any tools here."

"No problem, I'll set things straight for you." It wasn't ten minutes later when he came out and said, "Well you're all set. Let me know if it troubles you again."

"Thanks, Mack."

"All in a days work. Now I have to go to the roof and thread some wiring. Not a big job, but it's one of those where you have to be in two places at the same time."

"Maybe I can help. I have time and skills and I sure don't mind."

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

"It will give me something to do other than office work. Honey, I'll be right back." She came in from the kitchen and he told her, "I'm going to help Mack for a few minutes."

"Okay, dinner won't be ready for almost an hour so take your time."

Russ followed Mack out and they took the elevator to the fourth floor, went to the first door to their right marked, keep out maintenance only, and then took the stairs up to the roof. Going out through that door Mack said, "Oh, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention anything about this. We're not supposed to let residents up here."

"I understand." They went over to a cluster of four small buildings on the roof as Mack said, "One building is all electronics for the television system, security and so forth. The next two buildings are mostly mechanical rooms for air handling, and the fourth one is all electrical." 

As soon as they were in the protective pocket between the buildings, Russ said, "Damn, it's warmer between these buildings."

"Yeah, part of it is from the heat generated by what's in the buildings, but a lot of it is just from having those cold breezes blocked, and what little heat we're getting from the sun right now being absorbed by the dark walls. You can hardly stand it to be in this pocket in the summertime."

"It must be like an oven in here then."

"Oh yeah." Mack unlocked one of the doors and holding up the coil of wire in his hand he said, "I just have to fish this coaxial cable through and around behind that panel before I route it down through the floor."

"Well, I can reach around the panel and be ready to catch it."

"Great, that will help." With that they went to work and less than fifteen minutes later they were out and Mack was locking the door. "Russ, you just saved me half an hour and a lot of cussing."

"Glad to help, Mack." Russ looked around and added, "Damn, you can see a long way from up here."

"Yep, we're the tallest structure for quite a ways around. When the sun isn't too brutal, it can be pretty damn nice up here."

"I can imagine so." 

Back inside Mack slapped Russ' back and said, "Thanks again, Russ."

"Any time Mack, thanks for the tour."









     Chapter Two



As Diane came home from her part time secretarial job, she noticed they were getting new tenants across the hall from them, but of the three people she saw lugging boxes in, she didn't have a clue who their new neighbors would be. Out of nosiness, or as she preferred to call it, innocent curiosity, she went out to her car and back so she could get another view of the group taking in the last of their possessions. As she was unlocking her door again, a feminine voice from behind her said, "Sorry, if we're making too much noise."

Diane turned around and smiled at the woman looking at her. "You're doing fine. Still a lot to do?"

"Just putting things away and resting."

"I'll put coffee on and if you're up to it, come over and escape the work for a few minutes."

"Thanks, I'll take you up on that, give me twenty minutes." 

It was closer to thirty minutes when Diane let her new neighbor in. "Hi, I'm Linda."

"Nice to meet you, Linda, I'm Diane and the coffee is ready." Most of the apartments were the same and that included no dining area other than the kitchen, so that's where they settled. "Is this okay, Linda?"

"This is fine, and thanks for inviting me."

"We just moved in a couple of weeks ago, so we don't know a soul around here other than a couple of people my husband met at the office." The conversation had begun and they ran out of coffee long before they ran out of things to talk about, so they switched to wine and continued until Russ got home. When he came in, Diane introduced him to Linda and he joined them at the table for a few minutes before he excused himself to go change. 

A lot of Linda and Di's conversation was the expected, where are you from, and what do you do, and other get acquainted details. Russ rejoined them and told Linda, "Well, now you know what lives across from you."

"And I couldn't be happier. I hate feeling like such a stranger and living in a strange place."

"We know what you mean, or has Di told you about that?"
 "She told me the basics of it your promotion and so forth. Congratulations by the way."

"Thank you. I'll leave you two beautiful women to talk and I'll hit the computer and get a few things done. I'll be back after bit Linda, so don't leave without saying goodbye."

"I won't Russ."

It wasn't all that much later when Di went to the second bedroom where their computer was set up and said, "Linda's staying for dinner and it will be ready in about half an hour. That's when the pizza guy will be here, and I'll leave it to you to pay him."

"Got it, do we have any beer left?"

"I'm sure we do, want one now?"

"With dinner will be fine."

So began their friendship. Diane was so glad to have a friend and Linda felt the same way. Di missed home as much as ever, but at least Linda understood and helped her cope with that issue. 

It wasn't too long before Linda told them about her divorce almost two years earlier. She had Tina, her daughter, who was twenty one and scrambling to go to school and work at the same time. Linda's ex was helping when he could, and it chewed on her that she couldn't do more for her daughter financially.

As often as not, over the next couple of weeks either Linda would stop over and visit with Russ and Diane, or one or both of them would go over to Linda's for a cup of coffee and conversation. Russ had even taken to giving her a light embrace and kissing her cheek whenever they got together. "What are you two doing for New Years Eve," Linda asked them one night.

Diane looked at Russ with a smile and said, "Probably be right here trying to stay awake until midnight, what about you?"

"I don't have any plans at all. Want to come over and see the New Year in with me? I might be able to stay awake that long too. I'll even spring for the bubbly."

"Sounds good to us," Di answered and then added, "I'll come up with some simple snacks."

After dinner on New Years Eve, Diane and Russ freshened up and went across the hall to Linda's. When she opened the door, Russ stared for a second before telling her, "Damn, you look hot. We didn't know we were supposed to dress up."

"I'm not dressed up, silly. I just felt like putting on some makeup, and thank you, but I don't look hot."

"Right here in front of my wife I'll tell you, you do look hot and tempting."

"Diane, did he get an early start on the drinking?"

"No, and he's right you really do look nice."

"Thanks to both of you." Rather than sit right down, they stood in the kitchen and sipped their sparkling wine and nibbled at the snacks as they talked. Diane finally asked Linda the question she had been wanting to ask her. "Have you tried dating or anything since your divorce?"

"Oh sure, a few times."

"But?"

"I don't know if it was them or me, but there were no sparks with any of them. It could just be me, because I'm afraid of relationships now."

Russ put his arms around her and as he held her close he said, "Now I know that can't be right, because you and Di have a relationship, and you and I have a relationship."

"Now don't play games with me, you know what I mean: Kissing types of relationships." Russ kissed her then. Not on the cheek or the forehead this time, but on the lips and he lingered there for a moment before he said, "Okay, so now we have a kissing relationship." Linda looked at Diane and then back at Russ with flushed cheeks, and just smiled. She was at a loss for words. Her friend and neighbor had just kissed her and in front of his wife no less.

"Now Russ behave, you know what Linda means."

"I do know, but I have to believe it's the guys that are out there."

Linda had recovered and kissed his cheek before saying, "Thank you, Russ. This old lady just doesn't have what they want."

Russ laughed and said, "Well number one, you aren't even close to old, and number two, I can guarantee you most definitely have what they want." 

Diane laughed then and slapped his butt saying, "You are so bad."

Linda was smiling as she said, "I agree, you are so bad. I think we better play a game and forget about me dating or whatever."

Raising one eyebrow, Russ did his best to give her a leering look and asked her, "What kind of game did you have in mind?"

"Dominoes."

"Oh. Not cards or..."

"No, not cards or whatever you were going to come up with next. Dominoes moves fast and we can continue to sip and talk while we play.

































      Chapter Three



They were well into their game of dominoes and had slowed down with their drinking. All three of them were feeling their wine and they still had over an hour to go before midnight. When Linda went to the bathroom, Russ took that opportunity to ask Di, "I didn't make you mad by kissing her did I?"

"No, but what possessed you to do that?"

"Mostly I just wanted to tease her, but it just felt like she could use a little encouragement. You know, sweet words."

"You're right about that." Before he could tell her what else he wanted to do Linda came back, but he decided it would be okay to go ahead with it.

Before they resumed playing Diane said, "Okay, the score is pretty even, so I propose a bet. The winner gets a massage from the two losers."

Linda was quick to ask her, "What do you mean a massage? Clothes...I mean clothes on, right?"

Diane laughed and said, "Yes, clothes on. I was going to say a foot massage, but I think since there will be two, it should be more than that."

"I like that," Russ offered and then said, "By the way, I like my low back massaged the best." Both women just laughed at him, but as it turned out he was right. He won by fifteen points. He stood up and dramatically said, "Okay, if you'll excuse me for a moment, then I'll be ready for my massage. My whole body massage by the way, and thank you honey for thinking of this."

"Don't gloat too much mister, because there could be paybacks later."

"I'll take my chances." He went into the bathroom and before he came out he loosened his belt and coaxed his Dockers down as much as he dared, pulled his shirt out and let it hang over his now low riding belt and went back out. "Will this be on the bed or the living room floor?"

"Try not to enjoy this too much, and the floor will do just fine," Di told him. 

He lowered himself to the floor and asked, "On my belly, or back?"

"Belly, of course." He did as he was told and then calmly pushed his pants down another couple of inches. "Now just what do you think you're doing?"

"Making sure my lower back will be massaged."

"Yeah, right. I should have left you home." Linda was just standing there watching the proceedings and then looked at Diane for direction until she said, "Okay Linda, I'll take the top half and make sure he keeps his hands by his sides. I don't trust him tonight."
 "Wait," he said, and quickly pulled his shirt up to his shoulders.

"Now Russ behave, or all you'll get is a night on the couch."

"I just don't want you two to miss anything." Linda was a little nervous now. She was looking at Russ lying there half naked, and she could even see enough of his butt to know right where his crack started. But she was just tipsy enough to get into her task too. Rather than kneel beside him, she straddled him with her pelvis riding him just below his half exposed butt, and put her hands on his warm soft back. With one last look at Diane, she focused on her task and watched her hands as she massaged and caressed her neighbor's naked back and upper butt. Diane worked on his shoulders and upper back, but spent some of her time watching Linda put her hands all over Russ. There was that familiar flash of jealousy, but that settled down, and she got into the moment. Then Linda, using her thumbs, pressed very hard on his back where it joined his butt, and Russ moaned his approval. "Damn, you're good Linda." Nothing more was said and both women fulfilled their obligation.

The women quit a few minutes before midnight and Russ stood up as Diane said, "I have to ask you tiger, why didn't your underwear show?"

With a self satisfied look he simply told her, "I moved them way down in preparation of my massage."

"Well, at least you kept them on."

The clock was ticking down to the midnight hour and they watched the television as the throngs in New York City counted as the crystal ball slid closer to the ground. At the stroke of midnight, Russ gave Diane a long and tender kiss and then put his arms around Linda. "Happy New Year, Linda."

"Happy New Year, Russ," and he pulled her into a kiss, a kiss that surprised her as well as Diane as he pulled her close to him and dove his tongue into her mouth. He could feel her tighten up in surprise, but her arms stayed around him as she melted into the sensations that washed over her. Diane was on the verge of saying something, or at least making a noise when they broke the kiss and Linda stared up at him. She had no voice, and her alcohol affected mind couldn't seem to do anything but allow her to smile before she told him in a near whisper, "That's the most powerful New Years kiss I've ever had."

"I have to go home now and recover from your kiss." 

Linda and Diane shared a firm embrace and a light kiss as they wished each other a happy new year before Di told Linda, "I'm going to take my slightly intoxicated husband home now and tuck him into bed."

"Take good care of him because I'll have questions for him later."

Diane smiled and told her, "So will I, night Linda and thanks."

"You're welcome." Russ obediently followed his wife across the hall and into their temporary home where he asked her, "Am I in trouble?"

"I'll let you know tomorrow night, because I haven't decided."

They went to bed and Russ rolled onto his side close to Diane and told her, "I'm not drunk, but I don't know why I kissed Linda the way I did."

"You certainly rang her bell."

"She didn't do badly herself once the shock of me kissing her passed."

"Did she feel like, she's what...fifteen or so years older than us?"

"I didn't notice any difference at all. Want all the details?"

"What do you mean details?"
 "She's still firm, and smooth, and still does one hell of a job kissing. Oh, she has some crows feet at her eyes, but those are subtle, so they don't even count."

"Okay stud, that's enough."

"Jealous, honey?"
 "I'll let you know tomorrow night when I also let you know if you're in trouble. I have to think about all of this...about your uncontrolled impulses."

"I'll behave now I promise."

"That might be a good idea. Now I have another idea," and her hands went down between his legs and found his half ready manhood. They weren't in any condition for a lot of teasing, so it was only a minute later that he was over her and she was guiding his harness into her.









































     Chapter Four



Linda was at Diane's door almost as soon as she got home, and the two were soon in the kitchen sipping coffee. "Diane, what the hell got into Russ last night?"

Diane smiled and said, "At first I was blaming too much drink, but I don't think that was it. I think he was just in a celebrating mood, and...well, like he said he thinks you're pretty hot."

"Di, he can say whatever he wants, but the years don't lie."

"Linda, I'm going to speak my mind here. I think you worry too much about your age. Okay, so you're a few years older, but so what? You're still good looking, have a great shape as near as I can tell, and I know your sparkling smile makes Russ drool. Linda, Russ really likes you."

"I really like him, too, but when we massaged him, I was worried about you getting upset or something."

"That was all my idea remember?"

"But you didn't know it would be him that would win, or that he would pull that pants down trick."

"He was a little devious, but no harm was done. He didn't show anything at all."

"But my thumbs were right at...right into the top of his butt crack."

"I know, and I can't wait to ask him about that later."

"You two didn't talk about it last night?"

"Well...no, we sort of got distracted."

"Oh...of course, what was I thinking."

When Russ got home from work, he found Linda in the kitchen with Diane, both still in their work clothes. He got a cup of coffee and after kissing Diane sat down and looking at Linda said, "Hi, beautiful."

"Hi, handsome, still drunk I see. I'm still almost old enough to be your mother."

"To quote some famous person that I can't remember, bull shit."

"Oh and by the way honey," Diane said, "You're not in trouble."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Linda took over then asking him, "Okay lover, where did that kiss come from last night? I mean what prompted that?"

"Honey, let the record show that Linda brought this up, and I'm going to answer her." He moved a little and took her hand in his as he said, "I don't know how you get ready for work in the morning and not look in the mirror."

"What are you talking about?"

"You are a good looking woman from head to toe. You have a great shape and on top of all of those little details, I think you are a really great person."

"So if you encounter another good looking woman that's nice, you'll kiss her like you kissed me?"


The Fifth Floor



"Of course not."

"Okay, so there must be something you're not telling me." Di was just watching the two of them talk, and she couldn't help but smile because Linda was putting him on the spot and Diane wanted to hear his answer.

"Okay," Russ said, "In a fairly short time we have become very good friends. In fact, so good that I distinctly remember your hands on my butt as you gave me a killer massage."

She smiled at that and said, "I was afraid you'd bring that up."

"Okay, one more thing, chemistry. I simply like you. No, it's more than that, I think the world of you, okay? Now if you're expecting me to say something like I shouldn't have kissed you like that, it won't happen. If you think I'll apologize for kissing you like I did, that won't happen either. If you expect me to say I'll never ever kiss you again, I won't say that either. What I will say is, damn lady, you sure do know how to kiss," and he calmly got up and refilled their cups as she stared at him while Diane continued to watch both of them. "Oh, and one more thing, if you bring up the age issue again, I'll take you over my knee and smack your cute ass."

"You wouldn't do that."

"Di, I'll warn you too. If she says anything about being old again, I will take her over my knee, and I haven't decided if I would paddle her through her pants, or I'd pull them down first."

"Okay, you two, now truce. Linda, if he were to do that, he'd have me to deal with, but at the same time, I wouldn't even try to stop him either. Russ, now behave yourself."

"Yes ma'am," but he was smiling as he sat back down again. He certainly would pull her pants down and paddle her, and he'd love every second of it he decided.

After that evening things settled down for the three of them. Russ stopped kissing his neighbor and their three lives went back to their routine once again. Coffee at one apartment or the other, dinner out or sharing what little else they did for entertainment.

It was probably the almost too laid back life that made Diane tell Russ, "Honey, it's time to go home for the weekend."

"I agree, why don't you call the others and see if we can all get together for dinner or something." Diane went to her task, and then finding Russ on the couch reading, she dropped down next to him and said, "Everything is set for Saturday night."

"Can they all make it?"

"Yes, even Joe will be there."

"You aren't trying to play matchmaker for Linda are you?"

"Of course not. I just thought you'd want to see him."
 "You're right, of course."

"But I did invite Linda to go home with us, is that okay?"

"Of course, as long as you're not trying to pull something."

"Not at all, I just thought she'd like to get out of here the same as us."

"Did she say she'd go?"

"She jumped at the idea in fact."

"Are we going home Friday night or Saturday?"

"I just assumed Saturday, but Friday night would be great. Even stopping for dinner we could be home well before midnight."



     Chapter Five



When Russ got home after work on Friday, he found Linda and Di waiting for him. "Am I holding up this adventure?"

"Yes you are," Linda told him, "Go change."

"Yes, dear," and he did as he was told. 

They were on the road less than half an hour later, stopping for dinner before they got too far into the country, and then it was on the road again. The three of them had settled down into a more or less quiet mode as they watched the gray depressing late February landscape slip behind them. The evening light had given way to the thin twilight when they stopped for a restroom break, and when they returned to the car, Diane took the backseat so she could more or less lie down. 

Linda and Russ didn't talk much more just because she was now in the front seat, but they would look at one another every so often. Diane was soon about half asleep. By the time they were within an hour of home and Russ asked Linda, "Doing okay?"

"I'm fine. Sleepy but fine, you doing okay?"

"I'm okay. I'll be ready to see the bed, but all is well."

"Russ, thanks for inviting me to come along."

"You're welcome, and I'm glad you agreed to join us." Linda turned to say something to Diane, but she was now asleep so she just turned back and smiled at Russ.

"She's out cold."

"She probably had a busy day today."

"She said that she was glad it was over." Once again silence returned and the darkness deepened. It was by the feeble reflected light of the headlights and dash lights that he could still make out Linda's form as she sat there with her head back and her eyes drifting closed only to open again a minute later. He took the opportunity to look at her frequently and revisit their times together. He really liked her. She was old enough to be settled, but still easily young enough to make him think about her in more intimate terms. What she might look like undressed or how it would feel to be in bed with her. He didn't lust after her, but with the time and silence that he had right then, he gave those thoughts free reign. He could never be unfaithful to Diane, but that didn't stop him from enjoying his wandering mind. She finally caught him looking at her and they shared a tender smile before he said in a near whisper, "We're almost home." She just smiled at him and looked ahead again.

Linda was more asleep than awake when Russ turned into their driveway and hit the garage door opener. He reached over and with his hand on Linda's thigh said, "Hey babe, were here." She roused and smiled at him, and at the same time Diane sat up knowing where they were. With Linda's overnight bag in hand, Diane led the way and the three of them went inside. Diane took Linda to the guest room showing her the house on the way, and not much later the three of them were in bed and asleep.

Over coffee in the morning, Russ saw Linda in her sleepwear and her hair still tossed in different directions. "Well now, you two have seen me at my worst."

Russ got up and kissed her cheek and told her, "You look cute," and he refilled their cups before sitting down again. After showers and getting dressed, they went out for breakfast and then Russ drove them around to show Linda their little part of Cincinnati. Over to the Burnett Woods Park area and up past the Cincinnati Zoo before Diane showed her the best places to shop. But mostly, they just talked and killed time, and enjoyed being away from the apartments until it was time to go to dinner with Diane and Russ and their friends. 

They went to Continental Gardens for dinner and were there just ahead of the others. As soon as they had all assembled, Russ said, "Okay everybody, as you can see, I have two loves in my life now. This new good looking addition is Linda. And Linda, we'll go through their names at the table to help you remember this unruly group." By some strange coincidence, Joe, the only other single in the group was seated next to Linda, but because Diane wanted to sit next to Beth, one of her best friends, that put Russ to Linda's left. It was a noisy group of eight that were gathered at the long table as they all tried to talk at the same time. Things slowly settled down and questions were abundant. What were they doing to pass their times in those apartments and about meeting Linda and on and on over dinner and then drinks afterward. 

Mark, one of their friends, went to the restroom when Russ went and he said while standing at the urinals, "So you getting any of that?"

Russ laughed and said, "No, I'm behaving myself more or less. A kiss here and there, but that's all."

"Damn, Linda is enough to make me wish I was older."

"And single again."

"Yeah, that...no, I guess not. So how is training coming?"
 "Fine, mostly I'm cheap help for the Nashville office for four months."

"That's a long training session."

"It isn't even necessary, but like I said, I'm cheap help. I'll be replaced by another trainee and their cheap help will continue. But it will look good on my résumé when the time comes for me to change jobs." When they returned to the table, Linda was engaged in conversation with Joe, but she gave Russ a smile, and when he sat down, her left hand went to his thigh and gave him a gentle caress. It was like she was telling him she missed him in that short time he was gone. Whether or not Joe noticed that gesture, Russ couldn't tell, but he put his hand on hers to let her know he certainly liked her warm touch. It was great therapy for Russ and Diane to see their friends and home again, and Linda seemed to be enjoying herself as well. 

Late Sunday morning, Diane showed Linda their backyard and large stone patio. As they stood there, Diane told her, "In the morning the sun hits this side of the house and warms it up nicely, and in the afternoon, when it's getting hot, this side is in the shade and when we put our awning out, we'll have at least fifteen feet of shade out here if that's what we want."

"It must be nice to just hang out here."

"It is. The house is fairly generic, but I love our yard and patio."

After lunch, the three of them headed back to Nashville with Linda once again in the backseat. They were well into their ride when Linda said, "I like your friends. They welcomed me into the fold and I never felt like the odd one in the group."

Diane laughed and told her, "The position for odd one of the group was taken by Belinda. She's sweet and a lot of fun sometimes, but she is certified odd."

"I think she just dances to different music."

"For sure, music nobody but she can hear." Then Di added, "I think she hears voices sometimes too. What did you think of Joe?"

"Nice. Almost bashful in a way, and that seemed incongruous with him being square jawed and looking pretty fit."

"He runs a lot and is in very good shape. I never thought of him as shy or bashful, but then I've known him for a long time too." Once again they fell into a comfortable silence, and each of them retreated to their own thoughts and replays of the weekend.

They were getting close to Nashville and were talking about looking forward to spring when Linda said, "I used to have a house. A nice house in fact, but it did lack a nice yard and our patio wasn't more than ten feet wide. But I liked it there. I just couldn't afford it after the divorce, and neither could Todd."

Russ and Diane could both hear the lingering hurt and loss that she was feeling, but since the subject was on the table now Diane asked her, "Do you ever see or hear from your ex?"

"Not often. If something comes up that involves Tina, one of us will call the other one, but that's about it. We can be civil around each other, but that's about it. As time passes, I'm sure that whole thing will mellow out though."

"So he never tried to poison Tina's love for you?"

"If he did try, I never knew about it."

"Linda, what did happen between you and Todd, or would you rather not get into it?"

"Oh, a combination of things I guess. We fought a lot, but the fighting was because of disagreements with finances, how to treat Tina, sex, you name it."

"So he wasn't unfaithful then?"

She looked out of the side window and stared at the passing scenery and paused before saying, "Not that I could ever prove, but I wouldn't be surprised if he had been." Diane didn't quite know what to say at that point, but Linda solved that by continuing. "I guess I should tell you something else too. When I said sex, it wasn't because he wanted to and I didn't. I know that's what is always assumed and maybe that is often the case I don't know. It was more that what I wanted and expected, didn't line up with what he wanted and expected out of our marriage. He wanted...sorry, I'm sure you don't want to hear that part of it."

"We would if it isn't too uncomfortable for you to share it."

"I'm like most women in that I like to be loved, not just screwed. I like some feeling and commitment to the act, and not just the mechanics of lovemaking. Well, I can't really even call it that. He liked to get into kinky things. I'm not talking about simple things like a little bondage, or unusual locations or whatever. More, like...well, I won't go into that. We were just so incompatible in that area is what it comes down to."

"Did you two make love before you were married?"
 "Several times, but he wasn't like that then. He changed for whatever reason."

"We're so sorry you have had such a rough time of it."

"Thanks, but I'll be okay, it just takes time. Like I said before, I do miss my house. The apartment I'm in now is a lot nicer than the one I got after the divorce, and that helps, but it's still an apartment and somebody elses place. I want to say one thing more too. I'm so glad that I have you two in my life now. Even when you move back home, I'll know where you are and that you are my friends."

"We're hoping you'll come stay with us once in awhile."

"I'd like to very much."

They made back to the apartment complex, and shared warm embraces and soft kisses before calling it night.





































      Chapter Six

It was almost three weeks after their trip up to Cincinnati, when Linda caught Diane coming home from work. "Hi, I just got some good news today and I wanted to share it with you."
 "Wonderful, come in." Like they always did they went to the kitchen and with iced tea poured they sat down at the table. "Tell me your good news girl friend."

"Tina is coming to stay for few days: Thursday to Sunday to be exact."

"That's fantastic; we do get to meet her don't we?"

"Of course and I can't wait."

"So, tomorrow night then?"
 "Yes."

"How long has it been since you've seen her?"

"At least three months, and it seems like forever."

"I've never asked, do you two keep in touch?"

"By e-mail, two or three times a week, and once in awhile by phone. I've told her all about you and Russ. Even about the new years kiss from Russ."

"You didn't?"

"I did and was she full of questions."

"I'll just bet."

"I have to go, because I have a ton of things to do and groceries to buy."
 "We'll have to get together for dinner or go out or something."

"Yes, let's do that. We can go to the Outback."

"By all means, just let us know when works for you two."

Linda hardly touched her iced tea and was gone in minutes. When Diane told Russ about Tina coming to visit she added, "Poor Linda was a bundle of energy. She's so wound up, I don't think she'll sleep tonight unless she takes something."

"I'll go over there about ten and hand her a pill or a glass of booze."

"She'll need something."

He put his arms around her and said, "Speaking of needing something."

She smiled and said, "Where did this come from?"

"From you. Always from you my love."

She kissed him and said, "Liar. I see you watching Linda."

"Can't fool you can I."

"Not for long anyway, so what is it about her that gets your attention?"

"She's so much like you."

"You sweet bullshitter you, care to try again?"

"I'm serious. I don't mean in appearance, but in temperament and general outlook on life. Oh, and you both seem to like the way I kiss."

"Is that right, and what else?"

"Mmmm, well, I can't say you're alike in bed obviously. You two laugh at the same things, and even share a favorite color, green."

"That's pretty thin, mister, but I'll accept your version, now take me to bed and you can try to explain to me why you mentioned her."

"Let's make love first."

"Before you make me mad or jealous?"

"Just taking precautions, honey," and they made their way to the bedroom. He helped her to undress and kissed her again and told her, "I love you."

"I love you too, honey, even if you do ogle the neighbor and lust after her."

He continued to undress himself and said, "I do not."

"Care to take a polygraph?"

"Well, I'll admit to having those thoughts jump into my mind a time or two."

"Uh huh. Ravage me, lover." And he did. They weren't big on trying six different positions or trying to last half the night. It was almost more important for them to be close and touching and talking as the actual act of lovemaking. Almost. As they rested afterward Diane said, "Now don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining at all, but you didn't last very long tonight."

"Well, that is at least partly your fault."

"Okay and what about the other part lover?"

"I was a little impatient."

"Why, is there a game on tonight?"

"Cute. No, it's just that you got me going and I just lost control. That, and it's been too long since the last time."

"Okay, I'm more inclined to buy the second reason."

"But you really do get me going, honey."

"I hope so or we have a problem."

"We do have a problem, I'm hungry."

"But you just ate me, didn't that help?"

"I just had desert first."

"You are so clever and thank you."

"No, thank you."

"Okay, now for dinner tonight we can have Chinese or Italian."

"Why?"

"Because they both deliver."

"Oh. Italian then."

Just before ten, Russ poured a double of an old black cherry liqueur and went across the hall and knocked on Linda's door. When she opened the door he looked at her and then smiled. "Damn, you look sexy."

"I do not, but thank you."

"Di told me about Tina coming and she said that you were so wired and excited."

"I am."

Holding up the glass he told her, "This is for you: Something to help you sleep tonight."

She looked down the hall and said, "Come in before somebody sees me in my nightie."

"As long as I get to see you."

She tasted the potent drink and said, "Wow, now this could be dangerous. Sweet, but, oh so strong. Did Diane tell you what I told her?"

"About what?"

"That I've told Tina all about you and Diane including that New Year 's kiss?"
 "No, she didn't mention that. How did Tina take that?"

"Lots of questions, but that's all. She knows how much you mean to me."

She took a healthy taste of her syrupy potion and then Russ kissed her softly. "Your kisses are already so sweet, but I wanted to taste you with black cherry on your lips."

"I'm going to go crazy when you two leave."

"Get a job up there and then come live near us."

"I know you're not serious, but if I thought I could, I'd think hard about it."

"I know you could, but that would mean another big change for you."

"Having you and Diane gone, will be another big change for me." She emptied her glass and handing it back to him said, "Thanks Russ, but you better get home before Diane comes looking for you."

"I better. Night, beautiful."

"Night, love," and she watched him go back to his wife.

As soon as Russ went in, Diane asked him, "Was she surprised to see you?"

"I guess not, because she met me in a very sexy negligee."

"She did?"
 "No, but she was ready for bed. She drank the liqueur like a good patient and we talked for a minute. You're right, she's anxious to see Tina."





























     Chapter Seven



Russ and Diane didn't see or hear from Linda until after they got home from work Friday. They barely had time to change before Linda and Tina arrived, and minutes after that they were sitting in the living room having coffee and talking. Tina was taller than Linda, maybe five six, but other than that, she was just like her mother. Nice looking with dirty blond hair, light complexion, and light framed without looking skinny. Diane and Russ both noticed how Tina was checking them, but especially Russ. They had talked for quite awhile before Tina asked Russ, "Do you know anything about cars?"

"A little, why?"

"Come down and listen to my noise and give me your opinion before I drive it back to school."

"Sure, let's go check it out." As they walked down the hall to the stairs he asked her, "So what does it sound like?"




The Fifth Floor



"I'm not sure if it sounds like trouble or not. How would I describe the symptoms?" By then they were at the bottom of the steps and she said, "Well, we're almost there, so you just tell me your thoughts."

"Sure, okay." 

As soon as they were outside she stopped and as the light rain tapped on their skin, she pointed at a large puddle saying, "Walk across that puddle for me would you?"

"What? I'll get my shoes wet."

"Oh, so you can't walk on water after all."

"What are you talking about, and can't we find a dry place to talk about it?"

She reached for her car door and said, "Get in."

"Right get in, sure okay." As soon as the doors were closed he said, "I'm going to take a wild guess that you have no noise, but you have something you need to talk about."
 "Yes, I do. Will you answer a couple of questions for me? Personal ones?"

"Try me."

"Have you and my mother made love?"
 "Of course not, and why would you even ask that?"

"Keep in mind that all I know, I know from e-mails and phone calls. Do you love my mother?"

"I don't know, maybe I do."
 "You're serious?"

"You need to learn to refine, or be more definitive with your questions. The love I may feel for your mother, would be that of a good friend, not that of a lover or suitor."

"Are you making fun of me, Russ?"

"Not at all, but I think you're overreacting, unless Linda has said something that would leave you with little doubt about the meaning of her statements."

"Not in so many words. She just goes on about you and Diane, but mostly about you. I agree with her in that Diane seems like a great friend and human being, and I have to say the same about you."

"But?"

"But...I don't know how to explain it because it's more the tone of her voice and her phrasing than her actual words."

"Which leaves a lot of room for interpretation and misinterpretation. Are you that worried about your mother?"

"Maybe it's just because I'm away at school and not closer where I can help her or whatever."

"Would you like my two minute armchair opinion of your mother?"
 "I think so."

"First the physical aspects, she is very attractive, has a cute shape, and those genes have been passed on to her daughter by the way, and Linda seems to be in great physical condition, despite her fears of being older. Her emotional health is solid, considering her fairly recent past. Also considering that she misses you of course, just like most mothers would miss their offspring. She greatly misses her house that she had as well. 

Now as to our relationship, she is a very good and close friend to both Diane and me. I've seen her fresh out of bed in the morning with her hair a mess, and I just melted that morning because she looked so cute and alive. We've shared many hugs and a few kisses, a couple of which became quite an experience for both of us."
 "Yes she told me about that."

"Tina, were I not married I can't say that I'd try to get her to marry me because of the large difference in our age, but that said, I also couldn't say I wouldn't still consider it. I'm closer to your age than your mothers, but that in no way diminishes my feelings for her. Okay?"

"I think so. So, is she love starved?"

"I don't get that impression from her. I think she does get lonely, but that's not the same as being love starved at all."

"I agree. By the way thank you for the compliment earlier."

"You're welcome. We good to go now, or do you have more questions?"
 "Could I have your e-mail address or phone number? You know, just in case."

"Sure, I'll see that you get it before you leave." They went back inside and up the stairs. They hadn't gone far when Russ asked her, "Does Linda love me?"

Tina put her hand on his arm and said, "Russ, even if she told me she did love you, I wouldn't say so. That would be up to her to tell you."

"Good answer."

"Was that some kind of test?"

"Nope. I'd very much like to know that if she did."

"And if that were so?"

"Then, I'd say we have a serious problem."

"Good answer," and she smiled at him. She then kissed his cheek and they went back to the apartment.

"Well, did you diagnose the problem," Linda asked.

"Yeah, I did," Russ lied, "It was a stick jammed under the car that was dragging and sending bad vibrations through the body."

Tina looked at Russ very quickly and then said, "Yes and Russ was able to put my mind at ease."

Saturday night, the foursome went to the Outback Steakhouse and had dinner and talked their way through dessert before calling it an evening. Going out to their car, Russ took Tina's hand and held it in both of his as he transferred a slip of paper to her asked, "Can we expect to see you again sometime?"
 "I certainly hope so assuming you stay in touch with your mom."

"Then we're certain to see you again."



































      Chapter Eight



Once again life settled down to their usual routine. It was March now, and the weather would swing from warm and sunny to cold and rainy, and Russ was keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts. There was just enough promise of nice weather in the air to perk them up a little.

The weather and the timing finally came together just over two weeks before they would be going back home. Russ came home Friday night, and after giving Di a kiss asked her, "Got any plans for tomorrow?"

She laughed and said, "Oh sure, like our social calendar is so full. What's going on that you need to know that?"

"I'll have to wait until tomorrow to answer that, but keep the day open. I mean in case you and Linda were going shopping or something."

"You always go too, because it's part of our social activities."

"Kind of sad isn't it."

"More than kind of sad, but you have to admit it's really our fault. It isn't like there aren't things to do around here."

"I know. I guess I just miss home and friends."

Saturday morning, Russ disappeared and came back almost an hour later and asked Di, "Want to get started on your tan?"

"A tan, you mean like at a tanning place?"
 "Nope. Put your bikini on and jeans and top over it. When you're ready, we'll grab a couple of sodas and a book to read and go get some sun."

"What are you up to?"

"Just trust me, okay?"

"Forgive me for being just a touch on guard. What about you?"

"I'm ready to go." She did as he asked, and when she came out, he had his book in hand and two sodas in foam sleeves to keep them cool. "Okay, now just come with me honey." They took the elevator to the fourth floor and then she followed him to the door with the sign that said, keep out maintenance only. As he opened it she whispered, "Russ, what are you doing, we're not supposed to do this."

"Trust me, honey," and he closed the door behind them. "Follow me," and up the steps he went with her close behind him. When he opened that door they were met with a rush of cool air, but abundant sunshine too. 

"Russ, why are we on the roof?"

"Shhh, now just a little farther." He led the way to the four buildings on the roof, and then between two of them to his hideout, and there sat two lounges and a lawn chair. She gave him a look of confusion, so he said, "I've been talking to Mack, the maintenance guy, and I bought those lounges and chair last night on the way home from work. I told Mack that when we leave, he can have them."

"So he knows we're up here?"

"He knows. As long as we don't tell others our secret, he doesn't care. Now have you noticed anything yet?"

She looked around expecting to see something, but there were nothing but small dark buildings around her. Then she realized she was actually warm and almost too warm. "Is this where we're going to tan?"

"This is our private little salon, and as long as the sun is out and the breezes stay down, this will work great."

"So I can just strip to my bikini up here?"

"You can strip naked up here."
 "I don't think so. What about you?"
 "Like this," and he peeled down to his briefs.

"You're just going to lie around here in your underwear?"
 "Yeah, why not? Nobody else will be up here."

"Not even Mack?"

"Not unless they have some kind of electrical failure. Now come on and strip because we need to get some tanning done." She did strip then as he watched. He'd seen her naked hundreds of times, but crazy as it was, being up on the roof almost naked had a feeling of adventure and daring to it that he really liked. 

They positioned their lounges for best effect and for the next half hour they read their books and soaked up the sun, first on their backs and then on their bellies. Russ put his book down and said, "In some ways this is better than home."

"You're nuts. At home we can walk into the kitchen or bathroom and we have a nice patio not a dirty roof."

"We have a very nice situation at home, but we can't do this," and he jumped up and walked out away from their protective buildings in his underwear. He turned around to make sure she was watching him and he peeled his underwear off and stood there with a nice erection pointing at her. She didn't know if he could hear her unless she shouted, so she frantically waved at him to get back to their hiding place. He ignored her and turning his back calmly strolled around pretending to survey the area and enjoy the view. He walked a loop and came back to Di and asked her, "Can we do that at home?"

"Are you crazy?"

"Nobody can see us, babe. This is the tallest building around and we have that nice wall extending above the roof line."

She stared as his still rigid cock and said, "Well, it looks like you certainly enjoyed yourself."
 He sat down on his lounge and told her, "I loved it, except it was chilly out there. When the air is warmer, that would be a blast. Want to try it?"

"Naked?"
 "Sure, why not?"
 "I don't think I can do that."

"Try it. If you find you can't, just come back to our spot. Besides, tan naked so you don't get tan lines. In fact, try that first." He almost held his breath as he looked at her, but when her hands went behind her back to unhook her bra, he had to smile. He'd waited for this moment ever since he had helped Mack that day so many weeks ago. 

With her top tossed aside she slid her bottoms off and said, "I can't believe I'm doing this."

"But it feels good to have the sun all over you and know you're getting an all over tan right?"

"It feels good, but it's scary and impossible to relax."

"Give it a few minutes. I'm totally relaxed now."

She looked between his legs and said, "You are not totally relaxed."

"That's because I'm staring at my naked and sexy wife."

"You've seen me naked for almost five years."

"And you still get me hard, love." Diane couldn't go back to reading right then, but she did seem to relax a little. 

"Ready to go for a short walk?"
 "Oh god. Just a short one then."

"It's too chilly to just stay out there too long." He held out his hand and pulled her to her feet, and with his arm around her waist, he urged her away from the security of the four small buildings. Diane's head was on a swivel as she tried to look in every direction at the same time to be sure they were alone. The roof was very large, but to her it now seemed to go on forever.

"Russ, are you telling me that if it was warm we could walk all the way to the far end?"

"Well I haven't done that, but I'm sure we could. Let's go look over the edge."
 "No, because my boobs are higher than that wall."

"We'll just get a little close then."
 "Are you testing me or something?"
 "No, I just want us to experience as much as we can in case the weather turns to crap and we don't get back up here." 

When they got close enough to see the street down below, Di hesitated but he coaxed her on saying, "Nobody can see us, hon. See there's a car coming and we're looking down on it. They aren't going to stick their heads out and try to look up here." He could feel her tense, but she stood her ground and watched three cars drive by oblivious to the naked people staring down at them. She was cold, but now she was also a little fascinated. Even dressed, she would have enjoyed looking at their neighborhood from this new perspective, but it was exciting and with Russ' hands now teasing her from behind she leaned back against his warmth and feeling his hard cock push against her, she submitted herself to his touch until she turned her head and whispered, "God, you're driving me crazy. Let's go back to where it's warm." He relented and with his arm around her waist again they moved back to the warm safety of their little nook of privacy. She lay on her back and opening her arms and legs for him, he came down on her as she guided his cock to her entrance. It wasn't even close to a comfortable situation, but that didn't matter right then. They were both so charged from their new experience that it was over for them in minutes. He lay on her and they proclaimed their love for each other, and with lounges moved next to each other, they tanned for awhile longer before having to dress to get warm.

As they made their way to the door inside he asked her, "Well, can I talk you into coming up here again?"

"Yes and I hope it's soon, but we have to bring an old spread or something with us the next time. That lounge just isn't designed for lovemaking."

"I see a stop at the local Goodwill coming up." When they reached the second floor and walked down the hall she said, "The heat of the sun felt so wonderful."

"Okay, and what about the walk? I want to do that again okay?"
 "Okay, but I can't promise I will last much longer."

"One step at a time."

     Chapter Nine

Sunday proved to be, if anything, better than Saturday, but after that the forecast was for more typical weather for the time of year, falling temperatures and cold rains.

By ten o'clock, Russ and Diane were back on the roof with a sad looking bedspread from Goodwill. They didn't waste anytime and were soon sunning and reading in the nude in the privacy of their warm nest. For the next hour, they tanned, changed positions and moved the lounges to follow the sun as it sneaked between the buildings. Russ even had a little sweat sneaking down his chest and both of them were glowing and getting pretty pink. It was time for another naked stroll across the roof just because they could. This time, rather than walk to the edge they stayed toward the center and headed for the far end with their flip flops making little popping sounds as they walked. Di noticed Russ' cock bouncing between his legs and she just smiled to herself as she looked out over a subdivision well off to their left. They couldn't see people, but they did watch cars move through the subdivision. It surprised her how quickly she was able to just accept what they were doing now. She felt safe, and she loved to feel the sun and light cool breezed touch her skin. She was chilled, but at the same time she felt so alive that she felt immune to the chill of the March air.

They had walked far enough that Russ told her, "I'm not even sure I could throw a baseball far enough to reach where we started."

"This is so incredible. I'm going to miss this when we go home."

"I am too." She wrapped her hand around his cock and smiled at him as she said, "It isn't hard to see that you're enjoying yourself."

"I am, but you know what? I want to go back and see how well our bedspread works." They made the walk back in less time than they'd spent going out.

This time, Diane straddled Russ and rode his cock and he put his hands on her sun warmed breasts. They lasted longer this time, but not by a whole lot. They finished with her on her back and him pumping into her hard and fast, and after they both climaxed, he stayed on her, until his cock finally fell out of her in defeat.

They were in no hurry to get up, even though the sun had moved and left them lying in the shade. Diane surprised Russ when she said, "I wonder how Linda would handle being up here."

"You mean in a bikini?"

"Or less."

"Or less, that can't happen with me up here.

"Oh I know, but I was just wondering."

"If she would or could do something like this?"

"Right."

"I could see her going topless I think, and maybe even with me here."

"You really think so?"

"Maybe."

"Or, do you just wish that would happen."
 "Well, that too I guess. What the hell, we're only a couple of weeks away from leaving anyway."

"I'm going to tell her about us being up here."

"How much are you going to tell her?"
 "Everything. I mean we are married after all."
 "But about us walking around naked too?"

"Absolutely, she'll notice that we've been getting sun that's for sure. We've gone from winter pale to spring red just this weekend."

"The weather is going to be crappy for the next several days though."

"We'll just appreciate it all the more, if and when we get another nice day before we leave."

"We were lucky with this weekend that's for sure."

"And it only cost us three chairs and a bedspread."

"And worth every cent."

It wasn't until Tuesday evening that Linda went over to Russ and Diane's for coffee, and as soon as she saw Di she said, "Oh look at you, tanning salon I take it."

"Not exactly." She called for Russ in their computer room, "Russ honey, come show Linda your tan before I tell her the story."

They had talked last Sunday night and had a little plan laid out. He came out and gave Linda a nice kiss on the lips and said, "I haven't seen you in almost a week."

"That's your fault for being gone most of the weekend."

"We were working on our tans."

"Where, in Cancun?"

"Oh no."
 "Honey," Di said, "Pull your shirt off so she can see the nice start on your tan." 

He pulled his tee shirt off in a flurry and tossed it aside and Linda said, "Wow, are you red. Are you burned?"

"Nope. Close, but I'm not sore."

"Ask him how far down his tan goes," Diane said.

"Show me Russ."

He stepped over next to Linda and letting his jeans slip down his hips about halfway said, "Look for yourself."

Linda looked at Diane and she motioned for Linda to tug his underwear down a little. With more than a little uncertainty, Linda hooked her fingers in the elastic waist band of his briefs and pulled down slightly. "Farther," Diane coaxed. Linda pulled farther, but she still wasn't showing much of his hip, so Diane moved over and gave it a yank and all most all of his hip and left cheek popped into view. 

"Oops, sorry honey, I pulled a little too far," but she held her hand there while Linda stared in surprise. "Pretty nice start on his tan don't you think, Linda?"
 "Oh yes," and she smiled as she studied his glowing ass and hip. "Looks great from here, that's for sure. So somehow you've managed to get a start on a whole body tan. Legs too, I assume." Diane and Russ hadn't talked about that, but just let his jeans drop to the floor. He stood still and Diane didn't move even to pull his briefs back up for several seconds. 

"I'm tanned from end to end love," he told Linda, and then he calmly pulled his jeans back up and fastened them. Russ was more hard than soft, and Linda was still rattled by what had just happened. She'd just seen Russ more naked than dressed, and Diane even participated in that event.

"All I can think to say is, wow Russ, nice. I mean, nice tan."

"Thank you. Now if you'll forgive me, I'll go finish what I started while you two talk," and he walked away.

Linda turned to Diane and asked her, "What was that all about?"

"Sorry, I pulled a little harder than I meant to."

"But, I just saw Russ' naked butt."

"I know."

"Okay, so what's the story Diane?" She told Linda about tanning on the roof, but that nobody was to know about it because it's technically off limits to residents. Then on to the chair, lounges and bedspread and moving to keep up with the moving sun. "But Diane what about...I mean the all over tan thing?"