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Nikki Finds a Sound Guy

By: Egmont0409



CHAPTER 1

Nikki's laptop battery was dead, failing to recharge. She decided to go into Alaine to get it tested and buy a replacement if necessary

Her mom Veronica West warned her not to go.

"There was a big dump last night and it's started snowing again," she said, having just come in from feeding the dogs.

The 28-year old blonde medical research technician, recently fired for insubordination and now home for the winter, whined, "I'm bored, I want to go."

"This is stupid. Dan tell her so."

"Take my pickup. Don't forget to use the winch if you get stuck. Make sure your phone is fully charged baby and get me my newspaper. Oh fresh bread. This stuff we had at breakfast is crap."

"You two are totally irresponsible, Veronica snapped. "It's just like dealing with two kids."

As Nikki dragged on her wool-lined hip-length cowhide coat, already in heavy jeans and boots and wearing her black Stetson, her mom called, "Oh darling we could do with a couple of cartons of eggs and my monthly magazines might be in."

"Right mom. Your irresponsible child-like daughter will see to that."

There was no reply.

A mile down the flat highway, with no snowplow yet being through, Nikki drove the 4WD diesel GMC Sierra pickup gingerly, keeping an eye out for road markers and she was driving through snow two feet deep in places. Then she saw a black sedan half- upturned in a ditch on the other side of the road. It had been approaching from Alaine and she could see the remains of tire tracks in the snow ending in a big sideways skew. 

"Some mug shouldn't have been out drinking and the attemting to drive," she laughed. The laughed stopped abruptly when she saw a body almost covered in snow just feet from the vehicle.

"Ohmigod."

She stopped and thought she should call the Sheriff's depot. But no it would be best to check the driver and for other occupants first as the office would ask for details. She walked beyond the dead guy and checked the vehicle. There was no sign of other occupants. She rolled the winter-dressed guy over and his eyes fluttered. That almost scared the crap out of her.

"Hi," he said. And fell unconscious again.

Fighting rising panic Nikki slapped his ice-cold face.

"Wake up, wake up. You'll succumb to exposure," she yelled and then panicked thinking what if he had a severe neck injury. She could be killing him.

She held his head and tugged an ear hard. "Wake up, wake up. You'll die if you don't wake up."

He stirred.

She blew her warm breath on to his face.

His eyes fluttered again then he said, "You're not my mom."

She could have killed him!

He then seemed to focus.

"Oh hi. Have we been in an accident?"

"You have. Now listen to me. Is anything broken?"

"Like what?"

She almost spluttered like your fucking neck but caught herself just in time.

"You have been in a car crash. You appear to have hit your head despite the air bag activating."

"Oh that would have been because I wasn't wearing my seatbelt."

"Thank god, a rational response at last."

She said, "Now you stay resting where you are. I'm taking off my jacket to give you extra warmth and I'll call the Sheriff's office."

"I don't want the Sheriff, I want you." 

Nikki smiled, taking off her jacket. Wasn't that so sweet?

"God you have great tits."

"What planet are you from?" she yelled, wrapping her jacket over him and over his head.

She made the call.

The ambulance arrived without escort because the sheriff's tribe or whatever they called them were dealing out assistance all over, including from little old ladies wanting snow shoveled away from their front doors or the path out the back to the dog kennel.

The medics took over and Nikki was told a broken neck was unlikely but concussion was possible.

"Right I have to get mom's eggs and I'll call at the hospital on the way home," she said vaguely.

"Call at the Sheriff's Office and make a statement," one of the medics told her.

When they'd gone Nikki loaded all of the guy's possession into her vehicle and then went shopping and then called into the Sheriff's Office and made a statement. She was told they would secure the vehicle, whatever that meant. The doors and windows were already closed.

Nikki was blocked from entering A&E because she was not a relative of the person she wished to see.

Uncle Rex was her mom's brother.

"Please call Mr Rex Moore, chief superintendent, and tell him Miss Nikki West wants him down here immediately to kick ass."

The officious woman smiled like a dying swan. "Please follow me miss."

"Thank you ma'am. Much obliged."

"Here is Mr Nicholas Lancer miss."

"Thank you ma'am."

Mr Lancer eyed her balefully. He was in a thermal suit being treated for mild-hypothermia.

"You can take your religion elsewhere sweetheart. No way will I become a Bible-basher," he said.

"Ohmigod, Nick and Nikki," Nikki said almost swooning.

"Eh?"

"I'm Nikki and you're Nick. I rescued you."

"Oh you're the women with great tits?"

"I can easily strangle you," Nikki said, squeezing her hands like pinchers.

"That's no problem. All I have to do..." The poor guy found he was barely able to move, cocooned in his heated recovery suit.

He counter-attacked. "Where's my hire car?"

"Where you left it."

"Oh. You mean wrecked."

"I wouldn't think so. Just some dents and a broken windscreen in the shape of your head."

"Oh Christ, I remember now. I was tired, having been working and traveling for thirteen hours without sleep apart from a brief nap on the aircraft and I saw an angel and swerved to avoid her and everything went blank."

"And then I found you and saved you from dying from exposure."

"What?"

"Never mind. I'll make arrangements for your early release from here."

"What."

"Never mind. Just remember the name Nikki West from out west of here."

"And please don't mention my tits again until you're ready to kiss them."

"What?"

"Goodbye Nick."

Nikki went to admissions, provided identity, and asked that Mr Nicholas Lancer be released into her care.

"You're Mr Moore's fiery niece aren't you? We've been told you were in the hospital ready to bite butt."

"I think the term is kick butt. We have to be careful where we put our mouths. Please remember to consult with Mr Moore about the early release of Mr Lancer into the care of me, a former registered nurse. My mother with whom I am living is Mr Moore's sister."

"Yes Miss West. Very well miss. Not a problem miss."

Well thought Nikki, after filling in a declaration she accepted responsibility as Nick's caregiver. As they say, it's not what you know but who you know. Driving home with the eggs, two magazines, newspaper and three types of bread because her dad could never recall what bread he really liked, she wondered why had she taken responsibility for Mr Lancer.

She shrugged. Was it mothering instinct? She decided there are some things one is not meant to know. It just seemed the right thing to do. The guy appeared too lovely to be confined in a hospital that was for sick people. He'd much prefer to have her fussing over him. Hopefully they would be snowed in.

"Thank goodness you're back safely," called her mom. "Did you see anyone you knew?"

"Mr Charles, Mrs Roberts and three people I didn't know."

"Sensible people stay at home in weather like this."

"They were all store owners or store assistants mother. Oh I found myself a man."

"That's good."

There was silence. Nikki waited, grinning.

Her mom came bustling out of the kitchen. "What did you say?"

"You heard. I found a man. His name is Nick."

"Ohmigod, Nick and Nikki, it was meant to happen. Only you can't take to the men who relate to you. What is the record... a month?"

"Roger lasted an incredible three and a half months."

Veronica sniffed and said thank god for that close shave. She'd never liked him. 

"He was too groveling and he kept looking at my breasts."

"He was shorter than you mom."

Her father arrived from the barn after checking on the horses. Removing his outer clothing and boots he called, "Coffee". Coffee was always available from 6 am to 10 pm but he liked it being poured for him.

"Your unlucky-in-love daughter has just told me she's found herself a man."

"That's a turnaround. Usually they find her but her problem is she's too finicky. She's heading to become the first old maid in the 3000-year history of the West's.

"That's bullshit dad. You don't even know your family history before your grand-parents and if you go back anything like 3000 years you'd have to check up on them in the trees."

"I'll not have bad language in my house."

"God you're a poor loser dad. Get a life. Well this guy is coming to recuperate with us. On my way into Alaine I found him almost extinguished lying beside the road. He was thrown from his vehicle. Another driver like you dad who doesn't buckle up."

"He's coming here," gasped her mom. "I'm using the guest room as my sewing room."

"He can sleep with me mom."

Veronica rumbled, "Not in my house he won't young lady, not a total stranger."

"I thought dad just said it was his house?"

"Well you know what you father is like and stop stirring."

Dan said someone's coming. 

It was a reporter and photographer from The Telegraph newspaper.

Dan asked suspiciously, "What do you guys want? The West's pay their bill for The Telegraph monthly on auto payment."

"We're after your daughter the heroine sir. We need her picture out in the snow leaning against her car."

"You've got the wrong homestead. My daughter's not heroine and she doesn't have a car."

The photographer said. "Let me handle this Joe. Mr West, I was two classes ahead of your daughter Nichol at school and know she's home. Earlier today she saved the life of a big shot businessman from Chicago. When she found him thrown into the snow from his crashed vehicle he was advancing into hypothermia."

"And that makes her a heroine? Listen lady it's our military ladies in combat units overseas who are heroines."

"Dan, where are your manners. Invite the press in. That's Sally, Muriel Wake's daughter and the reporter is Joey Sutherland."

"Hi Mrs West. I'm now only known as Joe."

"That's fine Joey. Now get yourselves in here for coffee and cookies. I'll call Nikki."

Nikki entered the kitchen and said 'Hi Joe' and she and Sally hugged and kissed.

Afterwards Nikki drove the GMC out and leaned against the front for the photograph with only snow and fences in the background.

Joe said Mr Lancer was a vice-president of an insurance company and had been heading to Avoncourt to see his grandmother's grave on her 100th birthday that would have been today."

"Ohmigod," Nikki said. "We can't allow him to fail his mission. Mom phone Uncle Rex and get him to authorize Mr Lancer to be taken by ambulance to the cemetery at Avoncourt. Then they may as well drop him off here on the way back."

"Jeepers, what a wonderful idea," Joe beamed. "It will make a great story."

It was all arranged and Dan drove Veronica and Nikki to the cemetery at Avoncourt as soon as they had finished preparing the guest room and switched on the bed's electric blanket. They sat in a coffee shop until they saw a deputy from the Sheriff's Office lead the ambulance through followed by a Land Cruiser with The Telegraph's name on it.

"Only the Land Cruiser and the GMC will get up to Boot Hill Dan predicted, and was proven correct. 

Nick Lancer on a stretcher was loaded on to the Land Cruiser and the two male nurses went up in the twin-cab GMC. The deputy, driving a Ford Crown Victoria, returned to Alaine, probably to continued snow shoveling duty. Mr Lancer told everyone to call him Nick

Near the grave Nick was placed on a wheelchair but it was immediately bogged in soft snow.

"Those front wheels are useless in snow," Dan the practical rancher said. Turn it around and pull."

That worked fine. 

Nick, warmly wrapped and supposedly still under observation for possible concussion, was left alone for five minutes. The others withdrew and one of the nurses said to Nikki, only in a rural area would a hospital get away with allowing this. The hospital manager demanded the superintendent give his instruction in writing in case anything went wrong."

"You mean a blood clot?"

"Yes or internal bleeding. He took a hard head knock. But Mr Moore examined him personally and said he was confident Mr Lancer was in no danger. He'd gone through the night with all vital signs indicating no problems. He will be ready to go home in another 24-hours but will be prohibited from driving or flying for another forty-eight hours after that."

Sally, who had Mr Lancer's permission to take his photo at the gravesite, was hard at work, keeping her distance. It was snowing and the photograph published next day would later win her an award in the Midwest Region news media awards.

When the nurses and Dan had the patient back to the vehicle Nick called, "Nikki. I want you."

She went to him and hissed, "Well you can't have me."

He looked startled but recovered. "Not only did you rescue me but you initiated this and have managed my early release by taking me into your custody."

"The term is into my care."

"Oh yes. Well just my heartfelt thanks. A big kiss please."

"Okay," she said without hesitation and kissed him.

"I'm now fully recovered," he grinned.

Back down at the ambulance the nurses checked their patient's temperature and pulse rate and one of them contacted the hospital to report mission over and all was well.

The ambulance followed the GMC home. The press duo had already raced off to hand in photos and for Joe to write his story.

* * *

Veronica took over and fussed over the patient who was under hospital orders to remain quietly in bed for another twenty hours apart from going to the toilet. The guest room had a bathroom so Veronica said to call her when he wanted to visit the little room.

"You may talk to my patient now Nikki but only for ten minutes at a time."

Nikki sighed and said yes.

After Veronica had gone to make broth as she called it Nick grinned. "I was told I was being released into your care as an ex-nurse?"

"Correct but even a charging bull couldn't stop mother when she feels she'd doing her god-given duty."

"I admire you for not telling her to butt out."

"Well she is my mother and this is her house and she feels she's wanted."

"My mother would admire her."

"Well they're not likely to meet."

Nick grinned. "Can you be sure about that? Please hold my hand."

"No way."

"I feel faint."

"Oh god, tell me the symptoms?"

"My heart feels it's breaking after your rejection and I really do believe I have no reason to continue living."

"Oh you idiot. You gave me quite a start. Here, hold my hand."

Nick asked why was the room was so dark.

"To keep you restful. You suffered a frontal head blow and there could have been damage but it appears not so, as least so far. I can't understand why the airbag didn't cushion the impact."

"The guy from the Sheriff's Office who interviewed me said there would have been two impacts. The first was when my vehicle thudded into the ditch, stopping abruptly and then my door flew open as I slammed into it when the vehicle half turned and I was thrown out but fortunately landed on thick snow. He said even though I was wearing thermals and a thick winter hat it was surprising to him that I survived because on my reckoning the accident happen seven hours before you came along. The car will be examined for tire failure and why the door burst open when it's supposedly designed not to do that."

"So your thermals and thick outer clothing saved you. I found you practically buried in snow and although the hood of your jacket was not over your head some of it was twisted around under you so may have substantially covered most of your face, stemming heat loss and you were wearing gloves. The chill factor wasn't great last night but in blizzard or near blizzard conditions you may well have died."

"That's what the cop said. He also said practically everyone was at home because people are sensible and I was very lucky to have been found so early in the morning. But he said when he saw your name as reporting the accident he said he smiled because telling Nikki West not to go out in bad weather was like talking to a fence post because you always were stubborn and some would say a little stupid but he always knew it as being without fear. He said he once body surfed three miles down the Alaine River on a flood 'fresh' with you, the craziest and more exciting thing he'd ever..."

"Oh Scott McDonald."

"Yes."

"Scottie was a high school pal. I'm godmother to Julie and his two-year old Skye. Well my ten minutes is up. I'll be back later. Please rest and please don't vomit up mom's broth; she has not idea how to make it. She began making it as soon as she knew you were coming and probably grabbed a bacon bone set aside for dog feed and added chopped liver and oats from the barn to the mix, but it will be stained."

"Gee thanks."

Within two minutes Nick was asleep.

Nick awoke at 11:00 and saw Nikki on a bedside chair maintaining vigil.

"Hi," she smiled.

"Hi."

"We didn't want to wake you. I called the hospital and spoke to a doctor in A&E and after I told him your breathing and skin temperature appeared normal he said that was fine, you would just be exhausted. He did advise me to wake you at midnight just to check you weren't in extra deep sleep."

"A coma?"

"I said extra deep sleep."

"Oh very evasive. Actually I feel fine. I decided to sleep soundly to escape the broth."

"Mom burnt the bottom of the pot and tasted it and said it was ruined but saved it for the dogs."

"God that's three miraculous outcomes within forty-eight hours."

"Oh, what was the third one?"

"Meeting you."

"God you are a clown," Nikki said, looking anything but displeased.

"No I mean it. I've been divorced for three years and haven't been able to find the right woman. And suddenly there you were, telling me to wake up."

"Well that adoration will pass quickly, I assure you."

"Okay, help me to the toilet. You won't have to hold it for me."

"Oh shy are we?"

He smiled and said, "In these circumstances yes. Are you married or going steady?"

"Never married and rarely have gone steady. Apparently I'm too unpredictable, strong-willed and argue too strongly for men and for some reason I don't fancy women."

In the morning Nikki went into town for supplies. As she walked into the general store Mrs Roberts began clapping and when three other people in the store saw who it was she they joined in the applause as did store owner Robbie Charles who came out of his office to see what was going on.

"Oh our heroine," he smiled. "Milly give Nichol three complimentary copies of the newspaper."

"Dad says the only heroines are women abroad on military service Mr Charles."

"Well we all know your father is one-eyed about the military. Well done young woman. Communities need good citizens like you."

Nikki almost died when she unfolded the front page to see what Joe and Sally had produced and almost died when she saw the entire front page to the story. Beside the great photo of Nick looking at the gravestone, alone and surrounded by snow, was a big black heading, 'Local Lass Saves Chicago Man From Certain Death'.

She hurriedly refolded the newspaper and asked Mrs Roberts for six cans of chicken soup.

That afternoon Nick had an appointment at the hospital at 2:00 and expected to be cleared to return to Chicago.

"Your mother will take me but she's agreed to drop you off at the biggest car yard. I want you to buy a car, register it in your name and drive me to Chicago and the car will then be yours, as a reward for saving my life. He's my credit card and number. Spend around $10,000. No one will be buying cars right now so drive hard for a good deal. And please don't hassle me and say you can't accept. If you think you deserve a $20,000 vehicle then present your case. Your father said you lost your company car when you lost your job."


Nikki Finds a Sound Guy



"Okay I'll do what you say and will accept your very generous gift. Why argue about money?"

Nick eyed her gravely. "Arguing about sex and money broke up my marriage. My wife became bent on having less sex and spending more money. She eventually announced she'd been seeing a guy and wanted a divorce. I'm glad you don't want to argue about money. What about sex?"

"Ask the doctor if there's any limit on your sex endeavors and then tell me the truth. We should make an overnight stop to avoid tiring you unduly."

"Oh I fully agree."

Nikki said, "I thought you'd say that. If the doctor decides you should lay off sex to keep your blood pressure down at least you can have a little play with me. I find it hard to get enough sex."

Eyes almost popping, Nick said thickly, "Is that so?"

Nick received his clearance and he came out of a coffee house to greet Nikki. He thought she'd had done a good deal in getting a low-mileage 28-month old Chevrolet Malibu 4-cylinder LTZ Sedan with leather seats for $9990 which was $3400 off the ticketed price.

"We pick it up in the morning as part of the deal was an upgraded sound system. Ross the salesman is swapping systems from another Malibu."

"Is a sound system important to you?" Nick asked.

"Yes. I understand sound quality is not important to older guys. Just how old are you?"

"I celebrate my 40th late this year. And may I tell you my hearing is as good as my eyesight."

"Oh poor man."

Remaining straight-faced Nick reached round and gave Nikki a horse-bite on her butt. She jumped a foot into the air and abused him just as her mom arrived out of the coffee house.

"Nikki, that foul language. People all up the street can hear you."

"I told her she was too fat Veronica."

"Nick, that is a horrible thing to say to a woman. Under the circumstances I think Nikki was quite justified letting loose."

Nikki took Nick's arm and pressed against him. "He's pretty well trained mom.. I think his mother did a good job on him."

"Well I couldn't believe Nick could hold down his major executive post on merit alone."

"Mom, you go home and bring dad back in and meet us as Merrick's bar. Let's have dinner at Merrick's. I'll pay."

"No I'll pay in return for hospitality," Nick said. Catching Nikki's big frown he hastened, "If that's okay with you Nikki. I wasn't intending to over-bid you."

"No it's okay. Everyone can eat and drink top shelf and you and I will share the bill. Don't be too long mom; another foul night is forecast."

Dan waited until the snow plow had gone through next morning to take everyone into Alaine to the car yard where Dan's best friend's son Ross Curtis greeted everyone warmly and said proudly Nikki had negotiated a ripper of a deal. Everyone admired the black vehicle waiting for Nikki to drive Nick to Chicago.

"When will you be back darling," her mom asked conversationally.

"Who knows mom? It depends on how long it takes Nick to tire of me."

"Nikki has accepted an invitation to live with me for a while Veronica. Have your or Dan any objection?"

"Hell no," Dan said instantly.

"Well I, um I suppose not," Veronica said. "Well you are a very nice man," she said, kissing Nick goodbye.

CHAPTER 2

As they drove off Nick said, "Great sound system."

"Thanks."

Before going on to the interstate route to head for Illinois Nikki pulled over and used the TomTom One XL GPS unit and when the calibrations came through announced, "I'm sure I'm using this thing correctly as Ross demonstrated. It says 632 miles to Chicago CBD."

Nick said that sounded about right and agreed with Nikki to stop at about 300 miles for the night.

"Let's pick an up market place. We are going to have sex aren't we?"

"Yes."

"Which one did that yes answer?"

The driver smiled and said guess. 

During a stop for coffee Nick called ahead and booked a superior-grade motel room for the night and asked that the Jacuzzi be heated in time for their arrival two hours away. He was told the room had not been used overnight so the pool had been emptied and sanitized and the heating turned on.

They arrived in their suite and looked around approvingly. The Jacuzzi was seated in part of the huge bedroom.

Nikki said coyly, "If we use it you'll see me nude."

"Oh damn," he smiled. "I suppose I can endure that."

With the inspection done Nick said he'd made coffee.

"Damn coffee. Open that bottle of sparkling wine in the fridge and bring it and two glasses. I'll be in the Jacuzzi."

Nick said, "Um shouldn't we have a look around this town while there's still daylight?"

"Whatever for? I would have known about it if it were noted for remarkable things. My drink please."

Nick arrived nude with the tray holding the bottle of wine and two non-breakable flutes.

"Welcome Nick," said Nikki. "Now is your opportunity to kiss and suck my tits."

"It's only the start baby. You pour, I'll kiss and suck."

When Nikki was fully aroused they climbed from the pool, dried off and went on to the bed where they cavorted, combining rather well for two first-timers together but then both were considerably experienced from the wider world of sexual encounters.

Next morning they continued their journey and Nick directed Nikki to his apartment building to a visitor's parking space he'd booked for a week for Nikki's car. She was used to her former modern and roomy apartment and found Nick's home cramped, old and in need of renovation.

He apologized. "It's rather inadequate but was the best I could afford three years ago when I divorced and had to split my assets with my out-going wife."

"I understand. There is no need to continue."

"Nikki, I want you to know. She lost her job and we began fighting... I think she was jealous of my earnings and felt belittled having to asking me for money above her allowance because she was still spending extravagantly without an income to support her extravagance. I gave her three ultimatums and each time she ignored me so I tossed the problem to my attorney and told her I wanted a divorce. This place has been sold and I move out by the 17th of next month. Because of two promotions my salary has almost doubled in the three years since the divorce and when our senior vice-president retires this Friday his replacement will be announced and I could have the inside running because the other two internal candidates are females. I say that because we have a conservative board of eleven, only two being females. We have no knowledge if any outside contenders are being considered."

"Well come on Friday."

"Yes and the announcement will be made at the farewell dinner to Joseph. You'll need to be formerly attired if you consent to accompany me to that function."

"But I won't know anyone there and know nothing about insurance apart from paying premiums and making claims."

"That makes you something of an expert."

Nick yawned and said he best take a nap and suggested Nikki went out shopping and while out to purchase milk and juice and her preference of snacks. "I never snack and only eat a bagel midmorning and a salad for lunch and have steak or tuna most nights anytime from 8:00. I don't start work till 9:00. How about a fish restaurant tonight?"

"That sounds great. You get a good rest because I want you fit for the morning."

"Yes dear but you mean for tonight don't you?" he leered.

She giggled and said she'd be back by 7:30."

He said if he wasn't in he'd be down on the 4th floor at the gym.

Resting in a coffee bar three hours later Nikki wondered had Nick enticed her to Chicago to accompany him to the Friday dinner but then decided no, he had a phone. He could have called up one of his bunnies for that date. She called her mom to say they had arrived safely and she then thought of Nick's comment about a conservative board. Well it wouldn't be appropriate to parade a bunny, would it? A wholesome country girl with a big of rub-off city sophistication would be the answer, and the mach-up of names Nick and Nikki wouldn't go amiss either. She wondered but could take those thoughts no further.

Nikki walked back to near the apartment building over looking the Chicago River and found a hair saloon. The only time they could take her on Friday was from 6:00 and so she booked.

Entering the apartment Nikki heard whistling from the shower so pulled off her clothes and joined Nick who greeted her in delight and completed an awkward thought nevertheless satisfying bout of sex. They smiled their mutual gratification as if acknowledging that both had more than a passing interest in sex and in each other.

Dinner was slow and lovely, rather like great sex and back home they just kissed and stroked before falling asleep.

When Nikki awoke in the morning she found she was alone and wasn't surprised because it was almost 10:30. She felt wonderful and went out for a light breakfast, She smiled thinking of the lovely time ahead of her because she'd found six hundred bucks and under the bills a note that said she'd need shoes and a dress for Friday evening.

* * *

Nick called in a panic on Friday.

"Where are you?"

"At the hair salon. I told you."

"But it's 6:20. The cocktail part starts at 6:30."

"Well off you go and leave details where I'll find you."

"Can't you come now?"

"No, I had to wait and having one's hair done properly can't be rushed."

He snorted and said it was only hair and she said, "Only hair? You wait until you really start losing hair and then decided whether hair is important or not."

She expected to be bellowed at but instead he laughed, although it sounded a little tense.,

"Thank you for laughing. I understand you are tense. Just go and I'll just arrive late, that's all. No big deal."

"I love you."

"What?"

But he'd cut the call.

Jesus. Was he crazy? A couple of good fucks and he was smitten.

Unbelievable.

The hairdresser said, "That was a great line you gave him about considering the important of hair when his hair was falling out. I must remember that when I have a client complaining I'm making her late for a date."

Blue-eyed Nikki had an inverted triangle shape, wide shoulders and fairly narrow hips so had chosen a one shoulder black ruffled dress with a satin empire waist and with light metallic blue netted mesh overlay and plain black. The shoes were black pleated satin uppers with a jeweled ornament and three-inch covered heels. She thought she looked stunning, with her natural light blonde hair streaked with darker lowlights/

Nikki entered the fairly crowded function room and finally found Nick with a group of older guys and women. They were probably big cheese people in the company with their partners. She came up behind Nick and slipping her arm into his purred, "Sorry Nick my flight was delayed and the hair stylist took forever."

The people looked at Nikki and looked at her hair and the old guy with white hair and big belly said, "Oh you're the chick who rescued Nick. Your photo was in my newspaper."

Nick who was still gaping at the new look Nikki heard that and the accompanying murmurs of approval and said, indicating the big-belly guy, "Nikki this is our chairman Mr Charles Montgomery and Mrs Montgomery and our retiring senior vice-president Marshall Eves and his wife Elsie and to Elsie's left is our VP of new business and client retention, Jennifer Weaver and husband Harold and beside Harold is our VP of finance and claims Elizabeth Hoffman and her husband Karl.

"Hi everyone and I guess this is a big night for you to remember well into retirement Mr Eves," Nikki said, and added, "That was very astute of your to recognize me from a newspaper photo Mr Montgomery."

"Oh our chairman has a reputation for being eagled-eyed Nikki," Marshall said, "and yes this will be a night for Elsie and I to remember. I have been with the company for forty-one years."

"God you started with the company thirteen years before I was born."

Everyone laughed.

Mrs Montgomery asked, "Did you really think Nick was dead when you found him?"

"Oooh yes, I rolled his body over and almost passed out in fright when his eyes fluttered open and he said "Hi" and slipped away on me. I slapped him gently and blew warm air on to his face and was beginning to panic because this was in an isolated place amid almost snowed-in ranchland when he suddenly looked at me and said I wasn't his mother. Of course I knew that as well."

Some of the women laughed and even the guys grinned.

It was a head office gathering with North American office CEOs invited so Nikki assumed correctly she had fronted the command heads of American Mishap and Security Insurance Inc. Another white-hair guy joined the group and was introduced to Nikki as Julio Martinez. She greeted him fluently in Spanish and when he expressed surprise she said her late maternal grandmother had lived in Rosario and Nikki had gone to Rosario under the AFS program in her senior year at high school.

"You are the heroine who saved Nick from dying of exposure."

"Yes but how are you aware of that?"

"The story and photos were published in our internal monthly newsletter e-bulletin published throughout South America. I think I recognized you because of your beauty and infectious smile, yes?" 

"I wasn't smiling at the time of finding Nick I can tell you," Nikki smiled.

"There goes that beautiful smile again," beamed Julio.

Another couple joined them and were introduced to Nikki as Anton Gulliver, the company's president and his wife Julia.

"Nikki speaks Spanish, Julio said to Julia, a still beautiful woman formerly from Brazil. The two women just smiled at one another and Anton looked at his watch and said, "Nick it's time to get everyone seated for dinner which was when Nikki learned that Nick was MC for the evening and she was to sit with him at the top table. She began to panic, feeling out of her depth, but Nick squeezed her hand and said she looked amazing. That boosted her confidence and Anton helped further by saying, "Stay with Julia and me Nikki and go in with us. You'll be seated between Nick and me."

The remainder of the evening was a big bore for Nikki because she knew little about insurance and nothing about the company and the jargon used by speakers but the food was surprisingly good. As the formalities were about to start Julia switched seats with her much older husband and between speeches she and Nikki engaged in meaningful conversation about fashion trends, stuffy men, feeling safe on the streets and the need to take a midwinter break from Chicago.

"Anton usually takes me to Brazil because it's summer down there."

"Did Anton meet you in Brazil."

"No in New York where I was the compare of a Brazilian fashion show."

"Ah that explains your interest in fashion. I had gathered your knowledge was deep and extensive."

"Thank you dear," Julia said. I regard fashion as an important element to culture."

"I do too, very much so. God one only has to look back in history to see the ancient Greeks and Egyptians recognized that or at least how artists and engravers depicted that."

"That is a highly perceptive comment... oh pardon me, I wasn't saying that I didn't think you were intelligent. It just took me by surprise."

"That's fine, it takes a lot to embarrass me and no way did I take your flattering comment in embarrassment."

"What is your work Nikki?"

"I have a masters in applied statistics but am currently unemployed. I was working in medical research and during an overheated exchanged with my superiors about the antiquated processing methods of data collection and analysis I was fired for insubordination."

"Oh dear me,"

They laughed and then Nick was up again to announce an address by the man of the moment, retiring senior vice-president Marshall Eves.

"How are you going," Nick whispered as he sat down. "Bored to death."

"I've been talking to Julia," Nikki whispered, aware Julia was beside her talking to Anton. "God she's so lovely."

"Yeah and she's a great credit to Anton. Everyone admires her for her elegance and charm."

The chairman was the final speaker. Charles Montgomery thanked everyone for attending and participating in a great send-off for Marshall Eves, bringing to a close a very active and illustrious career.

"But we won't be losing Marshall altogether because when he and Elsie return from their world trip Charles will fill the vacancy on the board that becomes available with the imminent retirement of Gordon Baker.

"Now for my final announcement and I'll be brief. The board wishes to announce that it has approved the recommendation of our company president that Nicholas Lancer be appointed senior vice-president, effective from next Monday.

There was a big cheer and applause and Nikki gripped Nick's arm and smiled, saying congratulations.

Nick kissed and shoulder squeezed her. He then rose to shake the chairman's outstretched hand and to congratulate Nick.

"Everyone, you may have noticed the charming young lady sitting next to Nick who has just congratulated him. She is Nikki West, the heroine who saved Nick's life when she found him early one morning recently thrown out of his vehicle in deep snow in an isolated location in Kansas. Thanks to Miss West Nick is here tonight to see Nick being honored in this manner."

Huge applause followed and people began filing out. The board and senior executives and partners were invited to the chairman's suite for a nightcap and that gathering disbanded an hour later.

Nick yawned constantly on the way home and when apologizing Nikki hugged him and said, "You are mentally exhausted darling. It's been an emotional time for you. Is this really why you invited me to drive you back here?"

"Yes because I knew it was political correct to have a woman sitting next to me and I knew that a heroine would be the perfect choice but Nikki, I'd already decided to try to begin a relationship with you. I knew of course you were good looking but my god, you looked simply stunning tonight, beyond my wildest expectations."

"So you don't want me to return home tomorrow."

"Christ no. Don't even think like that Nikki. I chose not to explain my motives to you in fear that you would have backed off being paraded like that. But you were magnificent and you have a great memory for names."

"It's okay Nick. That one lapse in you failing to be open with me is excused."

Nick's phone went.

"Yes."

"That would be lovely. Thanks. Yes I'll hand her the phone now."

"It's Julia. She and Anton wish to take us out to dinner tomorrow evening. I've said yes and now she wants to say goodnight to you."

"Hi Julia."

"Hi darling. I just wished to say good night and I'm so happy meeting you. You might not be aware that wives/partners of most older guys in insurance are rarely exciting and in my experience they can be predictable and staid."

"Oh dear," Nikki chuckled.

"There, see what I mean. You have empathy with me and are classy enough not to be overly critical. I look forward to meeting you again tomorrow evening but shall we meet for morning coffee and look at some shops?"

"I'd love that."

"Right then, at my favorite, the Intelligentsia coffee bar is located in Chicago's historic Monadnock building at 53 West Jackson in the Loop. Get directions from Nick and my phone number is now in his phone so get that."

"Thanks Julia. Good night."

As they entered the apartment Nikki said, "Oh Nick, please. I want sex. I'm so excited that Julia is so friendly with me."

"Right said Nick, closing the door and unzipping. He frog marched the squealing Nikki to the sofa, bent her over the end, raising the bottom of her new dress and ripping off her panties."

"Oh god Nick, I meant in bed," she panted.

"Are you complaining?" he asked, sinking two fingers in her from behind as Nikki opened her legs. "Are you complaining?"




Nikki Finds a Sound Guy



"No I'm certainly not," she panted. "Please hurry Nick."

Later Nikki staggered off to the bathroom after the most robust fucks she'd ever had. She remained asleep when Nick rose quietly in the morning and left for work.

* * *

Over coffee Julia said, "I feel I have to ask you this although I fear it could harm our relationship."

"Please feel unafraid Julia. I'm pretty balanced as a person."

Julia smiled nervously. "Has Nick told you about being with me?"

Nikki was staggered by laughed and said no.

"It was three years ago and went on for a month. He was on a real low with his divorce proceedings underway. Because he was younger than most of the other people around Anton I had established a casual affinity with him. Well I began to think about his despair and when Anton was away I invited him over for dinner. Well after dinner we had sex... he virtually just fell into my arms."

"And you were in a motherly mood."

"More likely I wanted sex."

They laughed and it was fine.

Nikki asked, "What stopped it?"

"I became anxious that Anton was becoming suspicious."

"That's good reason to stop."

They laughed and Julia leant over and held Nikki just above the wrist and said, "God you are so much like me in the way you think."

"You mean we are both libertarians."

"You mean as free thinkers?"

"Yes."

Julia smiled and placed money on the check and they left. Outside she took Nikki's arm and said, "Oh we are going to have such a lovely day. I must buy you a wee present."

"Oooh."

* * *

Anton grinned when greeting Nikki at the restaurant bar and kissed her on the cheek. "I found one very happy lady when I arrived home this evening who spent several hours in your delightful company, was how Julia described it."

"Well she was so lovely to me; I was unable to resist her mood. You are married to a very lovely and exciting lady Anton."

"See Anton, I told you she's almost over the top with her compliments."

"That would apply only to people I really like," Nikki responded.

Anton said, "Well all I can say is this is fine by me. What would you too like to drink. Have a stiff one now and we'll have champagne at the table.?"

Anton was drinking beer so Nick chose beer and Nikki said, "A Midori Sex on the Beach please."

"Oooh, I'll have one of those Julia said, finishing her martini.

A very sociable dinner followed and the women walked out, gripping one another a little unsteadily with the men walking behind them grinning.

Entering the apartment, their last night there, Nikki murmured, "I'm afraid I've had too much to drink. I'll be a bit of a wet sack."

"That's fine," Nick slurred. "I'm unlikely to get it up stiff enough."

They went to sleep in each other's arms, very happy.

Next morning the relocation crew arrived to pack and in the afternoon Nick's furniture and other contents were carted to their new address, a prestigious high-rise and they were on the eleventh floor, a very spacious one-bedroom condo with a closed off kitchen and huge living-dining room with views out to the lake.

"God this is awesome," Nikki said, viewing the condo for the first time.

"There's only been the one previous occupier," Nick said proudly. "Did I do well."

"Gawd yes, let's go and spend the remainder of the afternoon in bed."

"The boys are still assembling the bed, " the foreman said apologetically, that sending Nikki scampering from the room greatly embarrassed. She'd forgotten there was a relocation in progress and they weren't alone.

* * *

Two days later Nikki drove home to visit her parents. She'd be missing them.

Her mom asked, "If you don't work what do you do each day?"

"Oh I sleep till late, go out shopping with a few women I've befriended including at our new condo building, prepare snacks and a drink for Nick when he comes home, more often and not tired. After he's rested and showered when go out for dinner and then usually come home and fuck."

"What, what did you say girl!"

"Oh mom, sorry. I lost it a bit there didn't I?"

"You certainly did. I will not have that language in my house."

Nikki's father asked, "What did she say?"

"Shut up you old fool, "Veronica said, smacking Dan over the head with a folded newspaper.

But the three-day visit went well. Nikki introduced her parents to cuisine they'd never heard of let along tried until now and they were a bit tentative but determined to impress their daughter she had 'new age' parents.

Nikki arrived back at the condo just before 8:00 and received one of those welcomes young women dream about. Nick smiled and almost crush her with his hug and said, "I have arranged for takeouts to be delivered at 9:00; let's go to bed."

* * *

The house phone rang one morning at 9:30. "Hi Miss West, it's Mardi Caprio from American Mishap and Security Insurance Inc. Everything is fine here. I'm head of HR and Mr Anton Gulliver has suggested I talk to you. Can you come in and see me?"

"What about?"

"I'd rather talk face to face. It concerns a senior vacancy we have here and according to Mr Gulliver who could suit requirements. We are about to engage employment consultants. Are you interested in applying."

"No I won't make a formal application but I have my CV with me and am willing to talk to you. Those are my terms."

"That is quite acceptable Miss West. When is a suitable time?"

"Please call me Nikki. What about 10:30 tomorrow? I have the address."

"That's lovely. Until tomorrow then Nikki."

Nikki was mystified although she had mentioned to Julia she intended to begin job-seeking shortly.

The 'chat' with Mardi lasted less than two minutes before she said, "Please come through for coffee and a chat with a couple of other people."

Those 'other' people were the director of administration and the manager of technical administrative support services.

After Mardi made the introductions Nikki smiled and said she believed she had been misled as there had only been mention of a chat.

"Then let's chat Nikki," smiled the female director of administrator. I suggested to Mardi we adopt this procedure as a shortcut. In thirty minutes you'll probably be ready to either say this is not for you. If you are interested we'll be in the position to decide whether or not to make the job offer."

"Well that seems to be a real shortcut Shannon," Nikki smiled.

Mardi said she'd done a web search and had found Nikki's personal website and had given Shannon and Peter copies.

Forty minutes later Nikki left the building as the company's new manager of research and statistics, heading a department of seven including a woman who acted as the department's clerical assistant, which mostly involved filing, as well as the manager's PA. Her salary was $13,600 more than what she'd been paid in medical research. She went off to buy some business suits, having notice how Mardi and Shannon were dressed, feeling rather bewildered and excited. She called Julia who also became excited and they arrange to meet for late lunch.

To Nikki, her future appeared to be utterly predictable. While Julia would remain her best friend Anton would feel he should have less to do with Nikki with her becoming a line manager and Nick would propose and they'd be married and have two children, a boy and a girl, and live in a house in a good area near good schools. Before too long Nikki's concept would be blown apart.

The first thing was Nick blew his top that night when he arrived home and Nikki gave him the news of her appointment.

"But I don't want you working in the same office as me."

"Why not?" Nikki asked in surprise.

"Because it doesn't seem right, that's why."

"Can you be a little more explicit?"

"No. You should have consulted with my before accepting. I'd like you to resign."

"I don't sign my contract until I've read it and consulted you about it."

"Consult with an attorney."

"Very well. But I'm not withdrawing my resignation unless you give me a compelling reason why I should do so."

"Well let's drop this. We are getting nowhere. Let's have a drink and talk about better things and the same when we go to dinner."

Their conversations that evening had uncustomary periods of awkward silence. Nikki decided not to press it, that Mr Unreasonable would get over what's bugging him.

Then out of the blue next day Anton called Nikki to congratulate her. "Julia mentioned you intended looking for work and wondered if we had anything suitable for you, like in research."

"Yes Julia mentioned that to me yesterday."

"Well I thought we could be a little more creative than just offering to plonk you in research so I arranged for the manager of that department to be promoted out of there, leaving a space that I was confident you'd accept."

"Oh you can read my mind can you?"

"You are a very bright and vivacious young woman Nikki. I expect to see you go far. This appointment won't put you into direct contact with Nick at the office because I oversee administration while his main responsibility is field operations."

"Oh I see. It didn't occur to Nick to mention that to me."

"Well yes, I must say he appeared to be less than charmed when I asked had you told him your good news."

"Yes it found his displeasure surprising. I'll stay out of his way at the office until he gets used to seeing me around."

"Look would you guys like to come out with us for dinner Saturday with the proviso we don't talk about work."

"Tentatively yes. I'll check with Nick and confirm with Julia."

"Yes call Julia if you wish."

"Would you rather I called you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"In case you've forgotten it was me who made the invitation. Besides I rather like the thought of pretty women calling me. Bye."

Looking at her phone Nikki said, "What the hell was that about? Here am I surprised that he even called me and he ended the call saying more or less he welcomes me calling him. I wonder if his beautiful wife calls him just for a chat rather than only when she wants something?"

That night Nick and Nikki had great sex and he was back for more in the morning. Nikki concluded his little blip apparently had passed through his system.

It happened almost imperceptibly, so slowly that much of it had occurred before Nikki had confirmed it had happened. Nick's demands for sex had tailed right off. It occurred to Nikki they now practically only did it when she pushed for it and another thing, his manner towards her had changed. It was more disinterest rather than surliness. He still chatted and laughed but now tended to look away whenever they made eye contact. The confusion she had was he still appeared to be attentive and reasonably considerate. Oh god, he had fallen into treating her like he'd treat his own mother. There was another woman in his life!

Her instinct was to pack up and leave but she was curious, who was she. She was seeing far less of Julia these days and had thought that was because she was working. Even so, was it Julia? That seemed unlikely because Nick was really indifferent about Julia and Nikki had noticed that from the time they first met. Well according to Nick's confession he and Julia had banged each other for a month soon after Nick's wife had returned home to mother. Why would they start again when Nick had Nikki and that relationship had been going so well, um, at least until recently.

However, with Nick's big promotion he was away more and probably rubbing shoulders with more influential people. It was well know that some of the sexiest women around went around fucking successful men. It was a power thing, power attracting dick-hungry women who were not regarded as sluts in the normal sense. The odd thing about this, Nikki reasoned, was she couldn't very well ask Nick was he having an affair because if he wasn't he'd be appalled and hurt she hadn't trusted him.

"Oh Jesus," Nikki said in frustration. Her sense told her to pack up and go but her emotions told her to sit it out. What if Nick was received treatment for cancer or something he'd not told her about? Yes sit it out. Although since resuming work Nikki had been contributing to the monthly living costs, Nick accepting the offer but insisting she pay only a third of outgoings, the lease was in his name so she was free to disappear whenever she wished. She decided to tell no one about her concerns about her relationship with Nick.

Another unpredicted thing had happened. She and Nick were eating out once a week with Anton and Julia and now Anton called her usually midweek for what he called 'a friendly hello'. Then whenever Nick was away without her Anton would call her practically every day and twice had taken her to lunch. That was most unusual. But when she had said casually, 'Should I be telling Julia you call me fairly frequently' all he had said was he didn't think so. Puzzled about that she asked, "And why not?"

He'd asked did she have girlfriends and she'd replied a few and he said well what was so wrong with her having a male friend on a similar basis and she'd had to admit, "Nothing." He'd smiled and said exactly but if she thought it necessary to say something to Julia then to go right ahead but she said she didn't think that would be necessary.

She'd walked off wondering, "God does he have some long-term strategy where he sees himself fucking me?

Initially she was aghast. Christ he was fifty. Although he was the youngest president by far in the history of the company, and according to Nick it's most successful president in driving the business. The age-gap between them was twenty-two years.

A week later when she was thinking about being 'stalked' or more correctly possibly stalked, Nikki conceded Anton was pretty good looking and was charming as well as decisive. He gave the impression he was non-competitive but she bet that changed in times of disputes at work or dealing with bad guys or negotiation as an industry representative with Government regulators.

He also looked wiry and had a home gym so perhaps he was great at fucking. Julia must have thought there was something okay about him, having been married to him almost seven years. And that was another thing. If he was having great sex with Julia why would he be thinking about having sex with her? Nikki wondered. In fact why would he even think of having sex with her when there were heaps of women round him including his PA with her augmented breasts, swaying ass and enhanced lips? All of this was so confusing. Nikki sighed and returned to proof-reading a report that she'd present to Monday's executive meeting. Nikki knew she'd have some answer in due course.

Three weeks later Nikki came home from work alone as she regularly did because Nick worked extended hours, she entered the condo and gasped, thinking they'd been burgled and then found a note from Nick taped to the kitchen door.

'Dear Nikki

The time has come for me to move out. I had won a big job as president of a freight-forwarding company and that means a steep learning curve for me. I have bought an apartment very near where I'll be working and will begin a new life, without you Nikki. Thank you for all you have done for me and being with me all these months. We were so happy together while it lasted. I know have someone else. I'll be back Saturday to pick up my bits and pieces but you can have all the furniture that is left there. I have terminated the lease as from today so you will be required to vacate within twenty-eight days.

Nick'

"You heartless bastard; I ought to kill you," Nikki wailed and began crying. She'd saved his life only to be treated like this.

Half an hour later Anton called.

"Hi is Nick there?"

"No he's moved out and left a note telling me to find my own place to live as he will be beginning a new life without me."

"So you know he had found a new job."

"Yes, he mentioned that." "He left here ten minutes ago handing me his resignation. But his contract requires him to give eight week's notice so he'll be around for a while yet."

Nikki was wondering had Julia taken off as well.

"How are you?"

"Okay but initially it was quite a shock."

"Julia just phone to say she's back from the airport. Her parents are here from Brazil for ten days. They don't speak much English but you are welcome to come to dinner."

"Thanks but I'll eat locally and go to bed early. I had been thinking of marriage and children so there is much to think about."

"My first wife has custody of our daughter. I couldn't interest Julia in having children."

Nikki felt the ridiculous urge to say to Anton she would bear his children for him. Instead she said, "Well I best let you go to catch up on yours. Thank you for thinking of me and thanks for your supportive words."

"I wish I could help more. That bastard want a garden spade shoved up his ass for what he's done to you."

Nikki giggled and said goodbye.

Later that evening Nikki went to sleep fingering herself, thinking the fingers belonged to Anton.

CHAPTER 3

Apart from a brief initial negative reaction, Anton Gulliver wasn't miffed by the totally unexpected resignation of Nick Lancer, his chief deputy. Although his original reaction had been one of tempered anger, a feeling of betrayal because he'd felt he'd handpicked a promising man young enough to eventually be his natural successor, Anton had personalized the situation and had focused on that. What he'd been presented with was an opportunity, perhaps a great opportunity.

In his sights was Nikki.

Soon after meeting the only woman he'd ever been aware had proved herself to be heroic, he'd seen in Nikki something that went beyond the fact she'd saved the life of Nick by acting decisively and properly, without immediate assistance. She'd demonstrated more of her qualities emerged after that frightening event, involving herself in the aftercare of the man whose life she's saved and then had grasped at fortuitous straws to allow her to have Nick at the grave of his grandmother on what would have been her one hundredth birthday.

That really had been extraordinary. Other people would have given up or not even made the attempt.

But that wasn't all. When Nick had offered a grateful hand, instead of rejecting it because it meant being taken from her comfort zone, Nikki had come to Chicago with him. In Anton's mind Nikki was responding to not only the lure of having sex regularly with the handsome Nick but she was responding to opportunity and had done knowing she would be facing a city of strangers who were seemingly successful people either on high salaries or being partners of people who were.

Whether Nikki had recognized it, she had seized opportunity to find how she could manage it. Nikki West had acted not as an opportunist but as a visionary focused on gaining advantage from it. In all probability she would have not know what was driving her but she would in time, even earlier if Anton could explain this phenomenon to her.

Anton possessed that similar high level of instinct and focus himself that had taken him where he was today. Initially of course he'd almost resented Nikki arriving at the top table with Nick but the way Julia immediately bonded with Nikki had put him on alert because Julia didn't bother with ho-hum people. Gradually that evening he noticed how the company's most senior people had reacted favorably to Nikki and in no way do she wilt. He began thinking how was it that this beautiful, unemployed woman had been plucked out of her apparently hopeless position to be sitting so confidently at the top table with the company's elite at the honoring of the company's retiring senior vice-president who until that evening she'd never met, and then it hit him. Nikki had seized opportunity to re-establish herself and was riding a wave.

Yes it was extraordinary. When learning Nikki was ready to resume looking for employment after recovering from her humiliation in being fired for insubordination, Anton had intervened to open the door for new opportunity for her. She'd taken it and her section head was already expressing his delight at Nikki's early performance in her management role.




Nikki Finds a Sound Guy



Anton was aware he'd become sexually attracted to Nikki and of course that could be skewing his belief that Nikki was a subterranean high flier on track to emerge and be discovered. Well no one was entirely right all the time were they? But he was confident in his assessment and smiled, thinking his belief in her was responsible for him becoming sexually attracted, that coinciding with Julia appearing to be going off him. Anton grinned thinking that would explain why his focus on Nikki had intensified. It was a power thing... she was a rising star, er possibly. He found it amusing he was devoting this time thinking about Nikki instead of trying to work out what his lovely Julia was losing her ardor. Well it was appear Julia had found some other guy. Anton wondered if that guy might be Nick. That would explain why Nick had dumped Nikki, leaving her a note saying he was seeking a new life.

God didn't people complicate their lives? He saw his domestic future simply as Julia would go when she was ready and Nikki was be her successor, although he'd have to work on Nikki to make that happen. In business his pathway was perfectly clear. He'd succeed Charles Montgomery as chairman when the time came. Anton knew he'd be in for hot sex that evening because Julia's parents were great at hassling and would have their youngest daughter half-ready to climb a wall and Julia knew the best was to release frustration was to have sex, lots of it.

In the morning being driven to work in the company's limo Anton called Nikki.

"Hi it's Anton. I was worried about how you might be feeling this morning?"

"Better than expected actually. To tell you the truth I had noticed a change in Nick's behavior recently."

"Another woman?"

"Perhaps or perhaps the drama of changing jobs or perhaps both."

"I hope you don't mind me calling occasionally."

"No it's fine. Please continue you calls."

Anton paused to make sure Nikki would know to expect something deep. Although for you this is not a good time to be saying such a thing Nikki, I find I have more than a passing interest in you. Have a nice day. Bye."

"Bye."

Anton cut his call and wondered had her farewell been flat or had it been inflated with sudden emotional interest. It was impossible to tell based totally on that one three letter word.

Damn. He wished she'd been more revealing.

His phone went and he was startled, noting the caller was Nikki.

"Hi."

"Did you mean that?"

"Yes."

"Anton you are almost twice my age."

"You'll have to deal with that Nikki. Think deeply and don't rush. Bye."

Anton felt his limpid cock stir and grinned. The simply rule was if you want something to happen you have to work to make it happen.

He took a couple a business calls and one from his mom and then relaxed and wondered would Nikki really like being fucked by him and sleeping with him and spending her leisure time with him.

He thought yes to all them, but then he was an optimist.

Anton smiled, visualizing the face of Nikki staring at her phone in disbelief. He knew something Nikki might not have thought of yet. That was right now Anton was the only available male in her frame. The only snag was Nikki would be unlikely to do the dirty on Julia. However time would take care of that and the pace that events were unfolding, that time might not be too far away.

Julia's parents were proving to be a big pain, to Julia and well as Anton.

"What can we do about my parents," she complained, wiping cum from her belly but her childish husband was now help when suggesting, "Export them?"

"Please Anton, be serious."

"Suggest we take them somewhere."

"Where?"

"Let them suggest."

"Oh darling, that's a great idea," Julie said, kissing his face and chest and for a moment Anton wondered if he'd misguided himself thinking they were drifting apart.

And then, "Oh god, look at all this mess over me. Why can't you wear a condom and blow into that?"

"I like it natural."

"And I don't. Be considerate of them Anton instead of taking, taking. God you can be a pain at times."

As Julie went off to the bathroom Anton though she was putting on flab. Well she was a greedy eater. Yeah she'd worn out her welcome, hadn't she, and she was definitely sick of him.

The parents opted for Niagara Falls and weren't fussed to find it would be a nine to ten hour drive including stops and depending on traffic and hold ups by road works.

They went in Julia's car. She wanted to go in the limo but Anton decided without telling her bad idea. If the trip became a nightmare he'd have to drive them back in the limo whereas he could fly back and tell Julia to take them to other places.

That was good thinking because after enjoying Niagara the parents decided they'd like to be taken to Washington, have a good looking round Massachusetts and then go to New York City.

"I'll have to get back to work."

Julia sighed, "I was expecting you to say that. Off you go."

She didn't offer to take Nick to the airport and he didn't ask, taking the hotel courtesy car instead. Nearing the airport he realized although he'd said goodbye to the parents he and Julia hadn't kissed. That would be a first for them. He mulled over that thinking she'd been star-struck when she'd first met him and she'd proven to be amazing at fellatio whereas now she usually just licked and hand-cranked without taking him in her mouth. He wondered what she thought was wrong with him beside his age.

Back in his office and after catching up, he called Nikki.

"Hi, is your chin up?"

"I'm fine Anton. Good to hear your voice. I vacated the condo at 7:00 am on Saturday and didn't return until 8:00 at night to avoid seeing the cunt."

"What?"

"You heard. I think it's the first time I've ever used the word. He abandoned me Anton."

"I know."

"We had had visited and removed the last of his personal affects and left me a note about vacating and how I must arrange an inspection by the letting agents and..."

"Which you won't be doing."

"Yes, you're bright today Anton."

"Come out with me for a drink after work."

"What about Julia."

"She is driving her parents on from Niagara to Washington, Boston and then to New York."

"So it's just you and me?"

"Yes."

"Well I don't know Anton."

"It's your decision."

"Well if I come it means no sex."

"Can you come without sex?"

She laughed, he laughed and he said they should just take it step by step and Nikki agreed. He gave her the name and address of the bar and arranged to meet at 6:00.

* * *

Nikki switched off her phone and drummed it against her chin thinking that Anton was out to have sex with her.

Well she'd like sex too and would do it with him but not with Julia about. But she was over at the east coast. God you slut, Nikki laughed. She thought it was good to be able to laugh again. She'd totally given up in Nick. There could never be a reconciliation, he was such a... She didn't allow her mind to reuse that word. Just because he was one with a capital 'C' there was no need for her to wallow in dirt.

Pouring coffee Nikki thought about Julia who had cheated on Anton once before and could be at it again with Nick. Well until she knew for sure not way would she allow Anton to fuck her. Nikki's face burned at the thought of Anton doing that to her. She sighed, deeply.

As Nikki walked into the bar dressed in black apart from a gold chain belt Alton stood and looked at her admiringly. He kissed her and said she looked great and added, "Great tits."

Nikki swallowed, feeling her blood surge and said, "Ought a company president be making such a comment to a junior member of his workforce?"

"No and that makes me naughty, doesn't it?"

She giggled like a whore would, Julie thought but then wouldn't most normal women laugh lightly like that unless they were uptight? Nikki ordered vodka on the rocks and Anton had Scotch whisky on the rocks.

They touched glasses in a silent toast and she thought 'To us" and wondered if he'd thought similarly. They then stared at one another and that was when she noticed he had hazel eyes and not green or perhaps it was the light. He was old enough to be her father, she thought but she'd thought that many times in recent days and had responded each time with a question, "Does it matter?" Of course it didn't. If Julia left him and she took up with him it wouldn't have to last for decades.

In the restaurant sitting in a small booth and waiting for mains, Anton placed a hand on the top of her thigh, midway to her knee. As he began drawing his hand up and along her stocking, allowing his hand to lower on the inside of her thigh, Nikki slowly opened her thighs, knowing perfectly well what she was doing. As his fingers finally reached her vulva under the panties Nikki almost wet herself in desire.

"That's enough Nick."

He dutifully removed his hand and looking at her sniffed those fingers.

She squirmed and thought Ohmigod and almost levitated. But she remained resolute. 

"Anton," she said weakly. "Back off."

"Okay."

He left her alone until they were in the cab on the way to her condo building. They kissed passionately and neither allowed their hands to wander. Outside the building she finally sent Anton on his way.

Anton called soon after arriving home. Nikki believed he would be in the empty house with an erection but nowhere to park it.

"When will you do it with me?" he whined.

She sighed and made sure he heard that. When you and Julia have signed an agreement to split.

"But why wait. When we divorce she won't want anything to do with you?"

"Anton I feel that's the property thing to do. If you don't like it chase someone else."

"Ohmigod you can't do this to me."

She snorted and told him he was now behaving like a spoilt child. Goodnight Anton and if it displease you then you know what to do, fire me."

"No wait..."

Too late. Nikki had cut the call.

Next morning Anton called the chairman about Nick's sudden resignation. The board had to be informed about employment issues affecting the company presidents and vice-presidents and any proposed changes had to be put to the full board for approval. Charles Montgomery invited Anton to lunch that day at Charles's club."

At lunch Charles listened to the little Anton knew about Nick's resignation and that Anton had learned nothing more when speaking to Nick that morning at work.

"This is a big upset. Well what do you want to do Anton. It's you call."

"Nick wishes to leave in thirty days from today, meaning one month's notice instead of the required two. He knows that requires board approval and my feeling it would be best that we agree in the hope we'll get a decent month's work out of him as he ties up loose ends."

"Agreed."

"I propose a reshuffle with one new addition. I'd like to replace Nick with Elizabeth Hoffman and place Jennifer Weaver who has master's degrees in business management and finance in as VP of finance and claims and replace Jennifer as VP of new business and client retention with our new lady Nikki West."

"I see. Are you having a relationship with this Nikki West?"

"Not yet but intend to try if Julia leaves me and I see signs of that happening."

"Christ what is wrong with you people at the top? You are so unstable."

Looking pained Anton said, "I'd like you to reflect on that. Nick is the only unstable one in our employment mentioned in this conversation. Both Elizabeth and Jennifer are very loyal, stable and dedicated senior executives and I'm not aware of have demonstrated instability."

Charles coughed and said, "Quite right, I see what you mean. But this young lass is she academically qualified for anything?"

"She has a master's in applied statistics that is core interest in our operations. In being authorized to make this offer to Nikki West it would be with the proviso she undertakes to complete an MBA within three years of her appointment or otherwise forfeit that position."

"Are you able to demand that?"

"Yes by giving her a three-year contract with that proviso written into it. It would be enforceable providing there were no exceptional circumstances delaying her completion such as becoming the mother of triplets within that period."

Charles sighed. "I always thought you were a clever guy with this company's interest at heart. These are my decisions. Our disloyal Mr Lancer may leave in thirty days' hence. Then you present Miss West to the board after briefing her about your intention to promote her as a VP and explaining the MBA tag. Then and only then with the board going in to lunch recess do you approach Mrs Hoffman and Mrs Weaver and explain your intentions to them and if they accept their proposed new roles then you bring them into us when the board resumes its meeting."

"Fair enough. All I can say is good thinking."

Charles smiled, "An all I can say is you better be very convincing about their meteoric rise in status for our Miss West because board members will be aware it will upset other senior executives."

"Yes I realize that and I'm banking on Nikki West impressing the board by what she says and how she answers questions."

"Does she know about this?"

"No, she knows nothing about it but believe me Charles she is a rising star and it's in our interest to get the best out of her and I'd still believe that even if I fail to get to first base with her."

"Christ don't mention that last bit to the board. Some of them are not as worldly as I am." 

"Ah, thanks for that advice Charles. You are quite right of course," Anton said smoothly, thinking did Charles really think he was an idiot and would bleed his heart to the board like that? He'd only mentioned it to Charles to ensure Charles realized Anton was being completely open and honest with him. The safer option would have been to recruit a senior executive from another insurance company but he wanted Nikki in his senior management team, not some older guy or woman already set in their ways and immersed in another company's systems and culture. 

The following day, Julia and her parents arrived home.

"I've had them up to my neck," Julia fumed. "I'm out of here and will stay somewhere else tonight."

"Where will you stay?"

"I don't know, anywhere."

Later Anton accompanied Julia to her car. She said goodbye but made no move to be kissed. The driver's window was open and as the car began moving off Anton called, "Say hi to Nick for me."

Her face screwed up as she began mouthing obscenities at him and she accelerated backwards in fury and sped through the gateway and on to the street. There was a huge scream of protesting tires under heavy braking and the driver of a courier van who'd just missed slamming into Julia's vehicle leant on his horn. Julia drove off squealing rubber and Anton imagined she'd just given the other driver the fingers.

* * *

Julia stormed into the hotel suite where Nick was staying until his new apartment became available at the end of the month.

"He knows," she screamed.

Nick turned off TV and standing asked, "Who knows what?"

"Anton knows you are screwing me."

Nick laughed. "He'd only know if you or I had told him."

"We are not that dumb. He must have had a PI tail one of us or perhaps both of us and bingo."

"Christ."

Julia said, "I'm so worked up I'm scared I'll have a heart attack."

"Bend over the sofa after pulling your pants down. I'll give you one up the butt. You know sex cures your frustrations and anxieties."

"Oh would you darling. Please hurry then we'll talk about this," Julia said, already working her entrance wider and after Nick had undressed called him to fetch the lube.

In bed alone Anton felt the need for a woman, even Julia would do but he would rather have the new woman in his life and without much evidence had already decided Nikki would be a much better companion that his wife who'd gone off the boil with him. He sniffed, thinking the only person Julia had really cared for was herself. He resolved to try much harder with Nikki at sharing himself and doing things she wished to do like visiting galleries and browse at bookshops like he sometimes had seen other couples do and smiling as appearing joined at the hip, acting if they were in their own little world. He resolved to always go out early Saturday mornings and return with flowers for his darling.

Next day Anton visited a PI firm with photos and full descriptions of his wife and Nick and details of their usual habitat and movements. He wanted to find out where Nick was holed up as Nick insisted he was still at his old address and he also wished to know if Julia visited that address. If she did so then goodbye Julia.

Four days later Anton was having a great day. First Julia called him from the airport saying in delight, "My parents are on their return to Brazil." Nick was not in so Anton hoped she was now on the way to have a piece of Nick. The latest draft reports were on his desk indicating the bottom line on the most recent quarter was up 7.1% on the comparative period a year ago. Late that afternoon an investigator called and gave Anton photos of Julia entering a seedy hotel. Almost ninety minutes later she was photographed emerging arm-in-in arm with Nick. Both looked rather tired. Next they were photographed in a both of a restaurant cuddling and then the camera was switched to movie mode and Julia was shown slipping under the table and although concealed by the table cloth Nick was shown with both arms spread along the cushioned back of the seating and smiling toothily, eyes closed. The bitch, Anton thought. It had been several years since Julia had done that to him. 

* * *

An hour before the board meeting Anton went to Nikki's office. Two days later he'd requested she remain in her office on Wednesday morning because he'd arrive with some important news.

As he entered she was in that classic Hollywood pose of a female office occupant... bent over the bottom drawer of a filing cabinet. Although Anton saw little above her knees she had great legs and he almost forget was he was there.

"Hi."

Nikki straightened, slightly red-faced.

"Hi. It's been a week since we were last face to face. Have I done something wrong?"

"No, I was hatching a plan and attending to domestic matters. Today is a huge day for you providing you choose to seize the moment."

"Oooh, you want a relationship with me but without sex?"

Anton leered thinking she had great humor and knew how to remain relaxed, not like that Latin bitch. "You might even regard it as something very much better."

He began talking after Nikki poured coffee and sat behind her desk with Anton no longer eyeing her breasts as he slipped into business mode.

Amazement gathered on Nikki's face as he explained the proposal.

He paused and said, "Say something."

"Jesus!"

Anton rather liked that. He continued with the proposal, detailing how he thought Nikki should consider presenting to the board.

He stopped.

She was red-faced and appeared to be perspiring. He stood and went to the window to look out, giving her a few moments to pat her face dry.

Finally she spoke and he turned to face her. Are you sure what you are proposing is legal?"

He grinned. "I'm the president Nikki and can do almost anything. You help me swing the board our way and it's a done deal. Is completing an MBA a problem?"

"No, I'm already six months into my MBA at the University of Chicago as a part-time student."

Anton beamed and said great, that would go down well with the board.

"I'll bring documentation with me."

"Good idea. I take it you are accepting this almost unbelievable challenge?"

"Yes. My Gran always said never turn down an opportunity because the good ones outnumber the bad ones."

"That's great homespun philosophy."




Nikki Finds a Sound Guy



"My late grandmother was a professor of economics."

"Ah, great university-spun philosophy."

Nikki smiled and said, "You have quite a humor Anton. I had not expected that."

Ninety minutes later Nikki faced the board after it had been fully briefed by the board. When members began questioning promoting a junior executive to the most junior position of vice-president Charles suggested his board waiting until they had met the candidate, heard what she had to say and then question her before debating the issue, if it remained an issue at that stage.

"You all have seen Miss West. She was at Marshall's farewell, sitting beside Nick Lancer."

"Ohmigod," Lucy Holt said. "That pretty and articulate heroine."

There were murmurs of approval.

"Yes, she's the one who had impressed me hugely. Prepare to be impressed."

Nikki performed as Anton had suggested. Splicing what she had to say and in answering questions with soft smiles but not sexy smiles and at all times sounding like a rock-solid conservative executive of a long-established insurance company.

She was superb although disappointed Anton a little by suppressing her natural charm and not breaking into personal anecdotes.

Nikki began by thanking Mr Montgomery for the opportunity to address the board and addressed each member by name with a bright good morning and not having to refer to notes.

Christ, she'd memorized everyone of them, Anton boggled and thought what a magnificent touch when Nikki made a personal comment to one of them. She said to the deputy chairman, "We were all sorry to learn of the recent death of your father Mrs Holt."

Oh boy, what a winner that was with Lucy, who positively purred when thanking Nikki for mentioning that.

The board appeared to be hugely impressed by the complexity of Nikki's former work in medical research into a comparative analysis of hospital mishaps and even deaths at that hospital and aligning those statistics with state-wide statistics and identifying thirty-year trends indicating improvements in her hospital compared with state averages and areas of decline as well as areas of particular concern.

She noted the frowns and said, "It sounds complicated but to the trained mind it is very straightforward. I have found similar relationships in my work here. For example in the drift of clients from here to other companies is one of the lowest in Chicago and clearly the reason for that is the quality of our management in that department. I called my contemporaries and found we are the only company that actually contacts clients lost to other companies who had not recorded a reason for leaving. Of course I did not tell my contemporaries that because we do that in the past twelve months we have won back 26.387% of clients who failed to renew by simply listening to their grievances and undertaking to action solutions where possible or fully explaining why no solution was possible. That dedicated management program by our client retention team wins us back almost one in three departing clients You board members will know the cheapest way to maintain high business productivity and income is to maintain existing clients, that winning new clients is expensive although necessary for overall growth. My research has shown that almost 43% of our clients have only one policy with us and in my opinion that is a ridiculously high figure. Management needs to set up a task force to devise a strategy to slowly work that figure down without blowing out operation budgets.

During the forty minutes of questioning, if Nikki couldn't answer the question she said so rather than attempting to fudge it and clearly that won approval.

When thanking Nikki for her attendance, Charles said, "Oh one thing Miss West. You were unable to answer a few questions put to you by members of the board. Have you any comment about that?"

"Only the obvious Mr Chairman. In daily duties if I don't know the answer to something I use our considerable resources to find out. In the case of this position of VP becoming vacant you will be aware I have a very experienced deputy in Mr Perez."

"Thank you Miss West. Well answered."

Anton called Nikki at 3:00.

"The board is have a half-hour break. There's a problem, not directly related to you. More than half of the board is disturbed that in appointing you we'd have three female out of the five VPs."

"Oh dear."

Anton sighed, "Can you visualize a way out of this."

"Who me. How can I... ah wait. Mrs Hoffman is fifty-eight. Call her and tell her the problem and ask if she has a solution. She may tell you she plans to retire when she's sixty."

"She won't tell me that because that's a negative."

"Bye Anton."

Anton growled to himself but called Elizabeth.

"We've hit a snag. Some members of the board don't want more than two female VPs."

"The bastards."

"Elizabeth I know you are quite right but can you see a way out of this. I favor promoting the three of you."

"I've agreed with Karl to retire next year and begin a long tour of Europe. Will that help."

"It could give me ammunition. Will you retire at the end of next year?"

"Yes, definitely."

"Thanks Elizabeth."

Anton took the three female VPs to dinner that evening and announced he'd undertaken to the board that the next VP female to resign would be replaced by a male to appease a board faction.

"That would be Lucy Holt and her faction," Jennifer said.

Anton smiled. "Wrong. I can tell you in confidence that after Charles, Lucy was the biggest backer of Nikki being plucked in from the ranks over the heads of more senior people to become the new VP of new business and client retention, saying Nikki was the best qualified person to be working on client retention that was so important to our efficiency and productivity and Nikki possessed the clearest concepts of modern business she'd ever heard. Those two worked to grind down the opposition and as soon as Charles calculated he had a clear majority to get all three appointments approved he called for the vote and got more than the required simple majority in favor."

CHAPTER 4

After that celebratory dinner Nikki allowed Anton to come up to the condo where she had two weeks of her occupancy remaining. They cuddled but she refused to have sex.

"God what am I supposed to do this erection? My balls are hurting."

"Jerk off. I'll watch and give you verbal encouragement."

He grinned but said no thanks.

They went to the breakfast bar for coffee where Anton pulled out an envelop.

"Please don't get upset at looking at these photos."

"I'm a big girl Anton, Nikki smiled and blushed when Anton immediately looked at her breasts.

She looked at the photos without comment until when she reached the sequence taken from the filming of her friend disappearing under the table between Nick's legs when she said, "Ohmigod."

"I'm going to end our marriage," Anton said. "I advised her tomorrow night."

"Well I have to say you are grounds for wanting to do that. She had it all, the stupid bitch. You are much warmer as a person than Nick. He'll dump her eventually."

"Then she'd go home to right with her parents."

"Well please advise me when the formal process has commenced."

"I will and look, why don't you move out of here straight into my house. The house is owned by the company so Julia can't get a piece of that and most of my other assets are safe from her greedy grasping because I possessed them before we signed out prenuptial agreement. She'll be lucky to walk away with fifty thousand cash.

On a Saturday morning, eleven days after that conversation, a highly flushed and excited Nikki West, who was due to commence her position as one of Nick's vice-presidents at the end of the month, moved into his home. Every sign of Julia had gone, including wedding photos.

"She took what she wanted and told me to burn everything left behind, which I did. Nick the bastard laughed and said Julia had told him he fucks her much better than I ever did."

"Oh why am I not surprised to hear that from Nick? I saw Julia in Bloomingdale's yesterday. She saw me, turned and hurried away. Perhaps they deserve each other." 

"Well let's forget them and welcome to your new home. Let's get you things from your car and..."

"Anton, could we go to bed. It's been weeks..."

"Oh my darling, of course, and am I eager to show what I have for you and how it performs."

She giggled and they walked up the stairs, arm in arm.

In the bedroom Anton said softly, "May I undress you."

"Yes of course. I'd love you to do that. I may be leaking."

"I'd be disappointed if you weren't. I think I am too. Oooh, let me at these tits."

"Are you a titman Anton?"

"Yes," he mumbled, his head buried between them.

Nikki giggled and lifted up the back of her top to unhook her bra.

Anton pulled down Nikki's panties to her knees and lowered them completely with a foot and she stepped out of them, her hand already down under his belt and feeling for him, not that she could miss it. She gurgled and Anton pushed a finger into her and brought it out and sucked it, staring at Nikki as she grew wide-eyed. Her soaked a finger again and offered it. Slowly she opened her mouth and leaned forward to begin sucking the finger and shuddered into an orgasm.

After Anton unbuckled and drop his pants he swept Nikki into his arms and she kissed all over his face as he walked her to the bed. She cooed, "You are very strong."

He dumped her on to the bed and leered.

She smiled, blushing.

"Want me to use a condom?"

Nikki looked at him openly. "I'm not protected but won't mind at all if I become pregnant. Do you want children."

"Yes, two. Didn't I tell you that?"

"Yes but I was seeking confirmation. You decide if you want to wear a rubber."

"Nah and this first lot goes right up you, right?"

"Right. I don't mind if it takes us a long time to score."

"That's my thinking as well."

Later as Nikki was leaking everywhere and stretched with Anton holding her ankles wide she was panting and beginning to yell when he worked a finger into her anus and begin wriggling it. Nikki was about to yell she wanted nothing up her butt when black, yellow and red lights flashed blinding her vision, she yelled "Oh fuck!" and had her biggest release ever, mistakenly thinking she'd burst her bladder. She dimly heard Anton say, "Jesus!"

* * *

Nikki flew home after lunch on Friday for a quick visit.

Her parents were delighted to see her of course unaware of the coming bombshell. When Nikki had poured drinks and they were settled she said, "Mom, dad. Nick Lancer and I are not longer together."

"Oh dear," said her mother. "He was such a lovely young man."

So much for her mother's assessment.

"Is he insane," her father said loyally.

"Actually it ended because he was fucking my best girlfriend Julia. I had often told you about her."

Veronica said, "Nikki, there is no need to use that word. Dan disagreed saying its use established in his mind exactly what that cur Nick was doing to Julia.

"Guys cut the crap," Nikki said. "A lot of things have happened so listen. Julia husband is president of our company and he's become attracted to me and after he threw Julia out of his house and began divorce proceedings he invited me to move in with him."

"Good heavens, how old is he?" asked Veronica, displaying all her facial worry lines."

He turns fifty-one in three weeks."

"God that is almost as old as your father and me."

"More than a few years if you do the math mom. He wants children."

"What?" said her mom, now totally tuned in. "And Nick didn't?"

"Exactly."

"That god you dumped Nick. Now this other guy. Please describe him to me."

"I can do better than that mom," Nikki said, opening her laptop. "I made this film clip of our house that is owned by the company and then you'll see the limo arriving for us in the morning and then Anton will say hi to you guys and then give you a brief details of his background and explain what he does and what he thinks of me."

Veronica and Dan watched the film clip agog.

When it finished Veronica said she wanted it played again. "But first are you really a vice-president of that company in that huge building with its name on it."

"Yes. I was considered a promising candidate for promotion and the full board approved my appointment after a proper presentation of the facts and listening to me."

"I don't believe him when he says he's paid that much in salary so can afford to keep you in a good lifestyle. That amount of money is obscene."

"Well it's what he is paid in salary dad but of course he gets other benefits. My new salary is $84,000 plus bonuses."

"Jesus," said he father and Veronica was too shocked to admonish him for blasphemy.

After the replay Veronica said, "Well I think apart from age he'll be very suitable to father my granddaughter."

"Grandson," Dan corrected.

They looked at each other and grinned.

"Are you trying yet?" Veronica asked.

Nikki blushed and said yes, adding that Anton expected his divorce to be finalized in four months' time. "We want you to come to Chicago for the wedding of course but meanwhile Anton suggests you come and stay with us for four or five days around the Columbus Day weekend."

Her parents agreed that would be lovely. Dan said he had to be sure Anton was suitable for his daughter but was overruled by his wife saying. "Rubbish, he must be good. He wants to give us grandchildren."

Nikki arrived back in Chicago and found Anton at the airport, looking around anxiously. She had only been away two nights. The first thing Anton said to her after they kissed passionately were the most beautiful words anyone had ever said to her:

"God I've missed you."

THE END