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Partners in Life

By: Dreamweaver594



Surprise.



AUTHOR'S NOTE: According to the clinical research in several studies, over 85% of male cross-dressers view themselves as heterosexual (if you don't believe me Google it). Usually, they are married, and a vast majority of them started early in life, and then returned to dressing when they were older as an exploration of their feminine side. Western social customs today define cross-dressing as a male-only phenomenon. It's been that way since the early part of the twentieth century when women were no longer banned, and persecuted, from wearing clothing traditionally considered male while making strides towards gender equity. By the way, we still have a long ways to go.



Partners in Life Ch. 02



AUTHOR'S NOTE: I wanted to offer another glimpse into lives of this young couple and their unique relationship. I also wanted to examine a few issues that relate to a partnership like this as it struggles to maintain a balance within the twisted social construct we have saddled ourselves with in western society. It's a razor's edge they tread, trying to balance a loving relationship while at the same time exploring new and exciting feelings for one another. Please enjoy this latest chapter of Partners in Life. 

Additionally, I have disabled voting on this and all my stories but I always enjoy your feedback, either publicly or privately. Your support is always welcome. Thanks. 

Dreamweaver594 

=FIVE= 

Ashley was correct when she guessed that it would take a while before she could coax her best girlfriend Laura out for another shopping trip. After the incident at the coffee shop and almost being discovered by Ashley's sister Susan, Laura was a nervous wreck for weeks. 

While she was homebound, Laura managed to make several spectacular meals and several wonderful desserts. Ashley was really going to miss her culinary talents; she could really cook up a storm when she barricaded herself in the kitchen. But Ashley wanted to go out and sipping wine on the terrace wasn't her idea of going out. Finally, she managed to persuade Laura that nothing really happened that day in the coffee shop and nothing was going to happen. 

"Come on sweetie, I really miss my best girlfriend. Can't Laura come shopping with me today? I need some new short sleeve tops for work and she has such good taste." 

Jeff looked up from the magazine he was reading with a half smile. "Only if you'll do her makeup. She still can't get her eyes right. They look like big black smudges." 

"Oh they do not, but I'll be happy to help. Come on." 

"What? Now?" 

"Uh-huh." She swatted his butt playfully as he stood up and walked towards the guest room. "Hurry up, there's a sale on in a couple of stores and I don't want to be late." 

Jeff finished the transformation into Laura in the guest room with a pair of slacks and a sweater top with a nice cowl neck. She was still a little self-conscious about her neck, the adams-apple wasn't all that noticeable but then, to her, it stood out like a sore thumb. 

A few minutes later Laura walked back across the hall and into Ashley's bedroom. She had moved her growing collection of clothes into the guest room closet several weeks back and kept them in a zipped up garment bag just in case one of Ashley's friends wanted to snoop. Ashley asked her to move her clothes into the main walk-in closet next to Jeff's but she didn't want to. 

"I want to keep their worlds separate," Laura said. "I'm afraid of losing to Laura and I like being Jeff. I like that you love to spend time with Laura. I see a side of you that I never knew about and it fascinates me. But I want to be Jeff with you too. I hope you understand." 

"I do. I just thought it would be more convenient," Ashley replied with a kiss to her cheek. "Either way, I'm glad you're in my life Laura, no matter where you hang your clothes." 

"Me too." 

Laura tried on a pair of four-inch wedges that Ashley insisted she buy several weeks ago when they first went shopping together. 

"They look so cute on you," she said when Laura finished fastening the straps. 

Ashley stood in the doorway wearing a pair of comfortable flats. 

Laura looked up. "I'm too tall in these if you're only going to wear flats," she complained. "I'd feel like a center for a basketball team." Laura knew she wasn't that tall but standing next to Ashley in flats made the difference all the more obvious. She adjusted her knee high hose and started to remove the straps on her shoes. 

"Oh you will not." Ashley slipped off her flats and dashed back to the bedroom to rummage around in her closet. "Look, I'll wear these cork wedges I bought last year." 

"Thank you." Laura refastened the straps on her shoes. 

"And we can look for a pair of flats for you while we're out shopping today." 

Next was the makeup to complete the change. Laura was getting better at it with practice, but the eyes were always the most difficult. She waited patiently while Ashley fastened the straps on her cork sandals. 

Ashley picked up a foundation brush and added some finishing touches to Laura's cheeks. "There, just lovely." 

Laura leaned her elbows on the vanity and pouted. "Can you help me with my eyes? If I don't get them right the rest just looks dumpy." 

"You really are 'Miss Picky' aren't you?" Ashley grinned as she finished applying the lighter section of eye shadow to give a sense of lift to the eye and shape the eyebrow. "We need to pluck a few hairs, if you're up for it." 

Laura pressed her lips into a thin line and nodded. 

"Ouch, crap that hurts." 

"I know, I never get used to it either. Come, on just a couple more." 

Laura winced a few more times and then Ashley was finished. 

"There, beautiful as ever," she smile as she gazed into Laura's eyes. 

"I am frump girl next to you my love." 

"Yeah, right. Come on, I'll drive." 

They stopped at a boutique on their way to the outlet mall near the beach. It was a wonderfully crisp fall day so they both brought jackets. 

The boutique was fairly quiet for a Saturday morning, and that suited Laura just fine. It was a small store but there were little nooks and crannies all around the converted Victorian home so it wasn't hard to feel like you were shopping in a private salon. 

Laura pulled out a cute little black dress with a low-cut neck that draped in supple folds off the hanger. She held the dress against her body and turned to Ashley who stood across the room. "You know, men's clothes are so boring." 

"I don't know," Ashley said flipping through several blouses on a rack. "Some things look good on them." 

Laura snorted with a smirk. "Name one, name one thing that's sexy in the entire male wardrobe. I bet you can't. It's all black, grey, blue or dark green. Boring, boring, and more boring. Even with a pattern texture the colors are so subtle it might as well be a solid color." 

Laura rifled through several more dresses. "The fact of the matter is, men's suits haven't changed since the mid-nineteenth century, maybe the fabric, a little, but the cut is the same. Back then they called it a 'sack suit', which was appropriate because it hung off a man like a limp burlap bag." 

Ashley looked across the room with a twinkle in her eye. "Whoa, where did this come from?" 

Laura sighed with a shrug of her shoulders. "Years of frustration." 

"Then I guess it's a good thing for Jeff that you are around, my dear," Ashley added with a chuckle. 

"I think you're right. Look at this." Laura held up a slinky black dress with a plunging neckline. "I can't wear it but it would just scream sexy on almost any woman. Add a pair of stilettos and everyone in the room would know that 'this girl is on the prowl'. Men have nothing like this." 

Ashley smirked. 

"Not the dress silly, what I mean is that they have nothing in their wardrobe that they can wear that screams 'fuck me' like a dress like this. And, if they do try to dress provocatively, it usually comes off looking sleazy and perverted." 

"That's true," Ashley agreed with a nod. 

"So instead they have to rely on seedy pickup lines that totally turn women off. It makes me wonder how the human race has survived." 

"Or how much women have had to compromise over the years," Ashley said thoughtfully. 

Laura looked a little worried. "Did you compromise with Jeff?" 

"No dear, I was one of the lucky ones." 

Laura stood a moment with a perplexed look on her face. 

Ashley walked over to Laura and her eyes twinkled with delight. "Now you can not tell Jeff any of what I'm about to say or I swear, I will put cayenne pepper on a tampon and shove it where it will really hurt." 

Laura's eyes grew really large as she nodded. She had never seen this side of Ashley before and it amazed her that she could be so forceful. 

"You have to promise me Laura that whatever I tell you about Jeff stays strictly between us, agreed?" 

"Yes, I promise," she whispered. This was somewhat perplexing to Laura because, after all, beyond the makeup and heels she was Jeff, only now dressed as Laura, Ashley's best girlfriend. 

Ashley gestured to a bench in front of a window across the room. "Let's sit over there." 

Laura followed Ashley over to the bench and sat next to her, she was rapt with curiosity. Somehow, Laura was beginning to understand that even though the whole Jeff/Laura thing sounded complex, in this case it was relatively simple. Whatever Ashley wanted to confide to her, as Laura, was never to come up in conversation between Ashley and Jeff, and visa versa. Laura was beginning to learn the complexities of the female world. The politics were there, just very different. 

Ashley settled in on the bench next to Laura and glanced around to make sure they were alone. "When I first met Jeff we were both still in college in Pittsburgh. He was there on an academic scholarship so he didn't go out much. He was rarely at parties because he was always working hard to keep up his GPA. I, on the other hand, was the party girl. I was there on 'Daddy's Money' and I guess I didn't really appreciate what I had. That was one of the many gifts that Jeff gave me after I got to know him. He taught me to appreciate my life and all the blessings I'd taken for granted." 

Laura looked down at her hands and blushed slightly. Ashley wrapped her arm around Laura's shoulder and gave her a little squeeze. 

"Anyway, I was at a sorority party and the booze was flowing. I was a little tipsy and I saw this geeky looking guy in a rumpled plaid shirt standing across the room talking to my roommate. Well, she was getting kind of handsy with him and he looked rather uncomfortable." 

Ashley turned to Laura with a wink. "My roommate, Samantha, used to get rather aggressive when she was drunk. It landed her in more trouble that she probably remembers because it was mostly when she was blahto, like she was that night." 

"So, I decided to rescue Mr. Timid from the clutches of my roommate. But as I was crossing the room, someone tripped me, it was an accident, but I fell flat on my face. From what others have told me, I was out cold. Mr. Timid was there first and lifted me up. My drunk and lecherous roommate told me later that he carried me to my room and put me to bed. He stayed by my side for most of the night to make sure I was okay. She also told me how disappointed she was because he was cute and I was out cold and yet I got all the attention." She shook her head with a smirk. 

"Needless to say, I was mortified. But I also knew that I needed to apologize for my roommate's behavior and thank him for helping me. I got his name and number from one of the other girls in the sorority whose boyfriend knew a friend of his. I finally tracked him down and arranged to meet him at the coffee house in the student center." 

Ashley paused a moment and smiled sweetly. "I don't know any other way to tell you this Laura, but when I saw him walking up to meet me that morning I think I fell in love. I can't explain it, I just did. But it took him six weeks to realize that he was in love with me too." 

"He was sweet and kind and generous to a fault and I was shallow, petulant, and I took advantage of his kindness and nearly lost him. But I never cheated on him; even though we weren't actually dating, I never cheated, not even once. I guess I was testing him because I just couldn't believe that a nice guy like him would ever be interested in a party girl like me." 

Laura reached over and took Ashley's hands and gave them a squeeze. 

"Thank you," Ashley said as she looked into Laura's eyes. "Six weeks later and we still hadn't officially gone out on a date. But he was quickly becoming my best friend. I didn't know what I would ever do without him even though I really knew nothing about him." 

"Late one night I was coming back from a bar with a couple of my sorority sisters. There was fresh snow on the ground, like there is today. I saw him sitting on a bench outside of our house. I don't know why but I felt like something big was going to happen so I told the girls to go ahead. I walked over and sat down next to him. We sat there for a long time in silence and then he turned to me." 

"Ashley, he said, I have to leave school." 

"The wind was knocked out of me. I finally squeaked out a tiny why?" 

"My brother Michael just died and I have to help my mom with the business until she can get back on her feet." 

"How did he die?" 

"He was shot by a bunch of his so called friends. It was a drug deal gone bad. Mom's a mess. He was her precious baby." 

"But you're her son too, aren't you?" 

"Sort of. She's my step-mom. She married my dad when I was three but the marriage didn't work out. My dad ended up in prison and my stepmom divorced him. By that time, I was in middle school and I kept to myself a lot. I guess my stepmom didn't see me living with her as an issue so I stayed." 

"Jesus Laura, I was devastated and Jeff was in tears now too," Ashley said softly, her eyes were glistening. "He went on to say that Michael was the gregarious one, and he was the quiet one. Michael was always out partying with girls and he was always hiding in his bedroom, his nose in a book. He paused a moment and looked at me, then he said, I'll miss you Ashley, even though we never really went on that date you promised me, I will miss you." 

"He looked me in the eyes and made me promise to call my parents and thank them for all the things they've ever done for me. And then he took my hand and brought me up to stand next to him. He kissed me on the lips. It was the most tender and beautiful kiss I had ever felt. And then he was gone. I thought I'd lost him. I was a mess for weeks after that. He was the love of my life and he was gone." 

Ashley took a big breath and let it out slowly. 

"I had no idea where he lived so I used every trick in the book to crack open the student records and find him. Apparently, his last home residence was in Cleveland so I took spring break and went to find him. As it turned out his mother had moved several times since then, mostly because of her son Michael's shady drug deals. But I finally found him. He was working at a vintage clothing store his mother owned." 

"I walked up to the counter and met his stepmom for the first time. Hi, I said, is Jeff here? She walked to the back room and told him that a pretty sorority looking girl was out front to see him. I guess I blushed because my face felt warm after that. Anyway, he came out of the backroom pushing a clothing rack. He was wearing several silk scarves around his neck. I guess that was the first time I'd seen him wearing anything feminine and he looked sort of cute." 

Laura blushed with a gentle smile. 

"I didn't realize, until that very moment, how much I really missed him. Well, to make a long story shorter, he told me that his mom was on the mend and things were getting back to normal with her life. He said he'd be back in school after the summer. And I told him that I couldn't wait that long. He said, what? And I said that I'd promised him a date and I was here to make good on that promise. I said I'd pick him up tonight for dinner and to be ready at seven." 

"He just smiled at me and I melted, right there in the middle of his stepmom's store, I was a puddle in the aisle. He reached down and lifted me up and kissed me the same way as when he left me that cold winter night. I wrapped my arms around his neck and whispered into his ear that I loved him and I didn't want to live another day without him in my life." 

Tears trickled down Ashley's cheeks. "You know what he said?" She dabbed her eyes with a tissue. "He wrapped his arms around me and whispered that he'd never left." 

Ashley turned to Laura and looked into her eyes. "So you see Laura, I never had to compromise when it came to Jeff, he was perfect." She wiped her eyes again and glanced at Laura. "And if you ever tell him that I will..." 

Laura held up her hands and smiled. "Not a word, ever, I promise," she interrupted. 

Ashley took another big breath and let it out slowly then she smiled at Laura. "Now put that dress back...unless you want to try it on," Ashley added with a smirk. 

"I can't," Laura said, walking back across the room and shoving the dress back onto the rack. She turned to Ashley. "I'd have to go bare chested and that just won't work with this body." 

Ashley walked up to the rack and pulled the little black dress back out. "Oh yes, you can!" She held it up to Laura and grinned. "Let's take this into the dressing room, we're going to see if it fits." 

"Ashley!" 

"What?" The gleam in her eyes was devilish. "Laura, I would love to buy this for you. I can just hear the neck bones cracking on every boy in sight if you wore that walking into a club tonight." 

Laura grabbed the dress from Ashley and shoved it back on the rack. "I could never." 

Ashley pulled it back out again and held it away from Laura's grasp. "You could too. I won't force you but I bet you will someday, just to see if you could." Ashley turned and walked towards the fitting rooms. "Now come on, let's see if it fits."  

Laura, her face as red as it ever could be, followed her reluctantly. "I would never..." 

Ashley turned with a smirk. "You want to bet on it?" 

Laura shook her head, blushing, and looked away to see if anyone else was watching. "Give it to me," she muttered grabbing the dress and stomping past Ashley. 

Ashley chuckled, tilted her head with an impish smirk. "I love you Jeffery Richards," she whispered, "with all my heart." 

=SIX= 

The following week on Thursday Jeff was in the kitchen fixing something light for dinner. He usually got home before Ashley so he would fix most of the weeknight dinners. 

The door opened in the foyer and closed with a thump. "I'm home," Ashley shouted towards the back of the house. "Something smells good." 

"Asian stir-fry. It'll be ready in ten minutes," Jeff shouted back. "You got a package. I put it by the front door on the bureau." 

Ashley looked around and found the small box under several magazines and some junk mail. "Found it." 

A few minutes later Ashley appeared at the kitchen door holding up two cream colored orbs that jiggled like jelly as she wiggled them. "Look what I've got." Her voice was lyrical and filled with mischief. 

Jeff turned around and stared with his mouth open. "When did you order those?" 

"A couple of weeks ago, when you were pouting about Susan and the coffee shop," she added with an impish grin. "I thought they might cheer you up." 

She walked over and unbuttoned several buttons on his shirt. She pressed one of them against his chest and held it in place. "The color is almost a perfect match. With a little bit of makeup you wouldn't know they weren't real unless you looked real close." 

"Ashley..." 

"What?" She took them off his chest and slipped them back into a protective pouch. "You have to admit that Laura's silhouette is a bit off. Panty hose just isn't the right look, even if you fill them with rice." She held up the pouch. "These will be perfect." 

She turned Jeff around to face the stove. "Come on love, I'm famished. We can play with these later." 

After dinner, Ashley grabbed Jeff's hand and pulled him up the stairs. He sat down on the bench as she pulled the silicone breast forms out of the pouch and laid them on the dressing table. 

"Jump in the shower and shave off any stray hairs on your chest. The adhesive that comes with the forms will work better that way. The website said that if you wanted to go without a bra you probably needed to use a theatrical adhesive but for tonight this will be fine." 




Partners in Life Ch. 02



Jeff turned at the bathroom door and looked at his wife studying the instruction packet. "Doesn't this feel kind of strange?" 

Ashley glanced up a bit confused. "What do you mean?" 

Jeff shrugged his shoulders and fiddled with the bathroom doorknob. "I don't know. I mean do you think less of me as a man because I do this sort of stuff?" He puffed up into a macho stance. "I'm not the 'man's man', doing manly things with power tools and such." 

"I've never thought that way about you," she said with a winsome smile. "Besides, you fixed the back porch steps last fall didn't you?" 

He shrugged his shoulders and nodded but she could see his face was filled with doubt. 

Ashley set the breast forms down and walked over to cup his face in her hands. "I know you're nervous about all of this. If it's coming too fast we can always slow down, you know that. I just want to make you feel like a woman when you're Laura, that's all." 

"But I'm not am I?" 

Ashley leaned up and kissed Jeff tenderly on the lips then she leaned forward and rested her head on his shoulder with a sigh. "Yes, you're right, you can never be a full fledged member in the all girl club. You haven't paid your dues. You don't menstruate; you have no idea how lucky you are with that. And you can't carry a child inside of you or give birth." 

She looked up into his eyes. "BUT...in your heart you are my dearest and closest friend, as much Laura as Jeff, a beautiful balance. I know you can never truly understand me as a woman, and I know I can never truly understand you as a man. Yet, with both sides of you, we can meet in the middle. Beyond your makeup, you will always be my husband; beyond my makeup, I will always be your wife. We're equal partners, nothing will ever change that." 

"Thank you Ashley." 

Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. "Still, it is fun to play." She reached over and picked up the pouch filled with the silicone forms then dangled them in the air in front of his face with a giggle. "I feel like I'm thirteen again, and you're my best friend who's just got her first set of falsies!" 

Then she gave him a lingering kiss and curled into his arms. "Your gift of Laura to me is the best gift I could ever have imagined because you give yourself to me, you do all of this for me. I am spoiled beyond measure. I am loved beyond measure. Thank you, my love, with all of my heart." 

"You're welcome." 

"Now get in that shower, I want to see how you look with your new tits!" 

Jeff turned and Ashley playfully swatted his butt as he scampered across to the bathroom and into the shower. Ten minutes later he stepped out and dried off. His chest was now squeaky clean and all the remaining hairs were gone. 

He walked into the bedroom wearing a towel wrapped around his waist. "What are you doing?" 

She was holding up a breast form and studying the shape. 

"These have a tear-drop shape to them to make them appear more natural on the body. I was just seeing which way was going to work best. Here, sit down. I just have to apply the adhesive and press it in place." She pulled off a protective plastic covering and smeared a small dab of the adhesive around the edge of the breast form. Is your chest dry?" 

Jeff wiped the towel again and looked up with a nod. "Will they come off easily? I do have to work tomorrow." 

Ashley snickered. 

"That's not even funny," he said, blushing. 

"Oh, it is, a little, but yes with the temporary adhesive I'm applying now it shouldn't be much of an issue. The theatrical stuff is more durable." She pressed the form in place and held it for a moment then gently let go. It didn't budge. She lifted the other form, removed the protective cover and applied the temporary adhesive. Then she pressed it on Jeff's other breast. 

Ashley stepped back and admired her work. "They do look lovely, even without any makeup blending." 

Jeff looked down at his chest a bit amazed. Instantly he'd gone from a flat, male chest, to one of modest, and feminine, proportions. He brought his hand up and touched a nipple; the sensation seemed to transfer through the silicone. It felt as if he was rubbing his own nipple even though he knew that he wasn't. 

He slowly swayed his chest to test the weight of the forms. It felt different, like he had small sandbags taped to his chest. That was the only way he could explain it to himself. 

"The temporary adhesive is more for use with a bra to keep them from shifting around. Sort of like double stick tape without the irritation that can cause." Ashley eyes twinkled with mischief as she watched his naked breast move with every breath he took. 

He looked up to see his wife grinning from ear to ear. "Now you can wear that new dress I just bought you." 

"I knew it! You planned this all along, didn't you?" 

"I swear sweetheart I didn't, but that doesn't mean that you can't," she said with a wicked grin. 

Jeff crossed his arms under his new breasts and looked defiantly at her. "I am definitely not going wear that dress anywhere else but here. It's totally out of the question. Laura is my gift to you and only you. Yes, Laura will go shopping with you sometimes; she'll even go out for coffee, but only with you. 

"I'm sorry sweetheart, I was just excited and I guess I wanted to prove to you, and the world, just how beautiful Laura is, that's all." She helped Jeff into one of Laura's bras and she clasped the fasteners in the back. 

"Thank you," he replied. "But it's only how beautiful I am in your eyes that matters to me. I could care what the rest of the world thinks." 

Jeff stood up and walked around with Laura's bra and the breast forms still in place. "They feel kind of funny, a lot heavier than I imagined." 

"Hold your shoulders back more, it gives you a better posture and a more natural walk," she added. 

Ashley watched him move about the room. "Wait," she said dashing across the hallway into the guest room. "Put these heels on," she said as she returned. "That's the true test of things, breast forms always throw off your balance the first time you wear them. If you can walk in heels with them then you'll be fine." 

"Have you worn breast forms before? Yours are gorgeous. I can't imagine you ever needing to wear something like this." 

"I did when I was thirteen and not developing as fast as my friends at the time. I guess I was a late bloomer." 

"I'm glad you took your time, my love, your breasts are beautiful." 

"Thank you sweetie, now pull your elbows in more and take shorter steps," she said watching him move about the room. "Perfect." 

"It feels exaggerated but I guess it's because it's different." Jeff turned quickly and had to reach out to steady himself a moment. "Wow, these really do change your sense of balance. It's amazing how much I notice the weight on my chest." 

"Can you imagine how it feels for a woman with much larger breasts? Especially if she has a small frame?" 

"That must be tiring. Still, anyone who's overweight must feel the same way." 

"Not completely," she replied. "An overweight person is overweight all over. A woman with large breasts is...well, out of balance, it affects her back and pretty much her whole body." 

Jeff nodded as he continued to walk about the bedroom. Then he walked to the bedroom door and turned to Ashley. 

"It's still early yet, I think I'd like to keep wearing them to see if I can adjust to feeling comfortable with them on. If you don't mind." 

"Of course not," she gushed with a grin. "Let's go make some cookies." 

In the kitchen, Jeff got out most of the ingredients while Ashley worked on making the cookie mix. After a minute with the electric mixer she reached in and scooped up a dollop of dough on her finger. 

Jeff could see a wicked gleam begin to sparkle in her eye. "Don't even think..." 

Before he could finish she swiped the dough across his chest. Then she began to lick the dough off his new breasts. 

Jeff tilted her face up to his and kissed her on the lips. "You have a thing for cookie dough don't you?" 

"Umm, especially when it's smeared across my husband's new chest." She bent down and kissed the cleavage between his breast forms. 

While her tongue worked to lick the rest of the cookie dough off his chest, Ashley wondered what it would be like to make love to Jeff when he was dressed as Laura. From her actions she was beginning to get an impression. 

Did this make her feel like a lesbian? Was this lesbian sex? She didn't think so. Or maybe it was more like making love to a transsexual, she wasn't sure; she'd never experienced either. Either way, her husband was an incredible lover and no matter what the circumstances, she felt blessed. 

Jeff reached beneath her and lifted her up into his arms. She squealed with laughter as he carried her to the kitchen table. She tried to wiggle off but he pinned her there and kissed her hard on the lips. Then he reached down to pull her shorts and her panties off and toss them across the room. 

She propped herself up on her elbows as he knelt down between her legs and began to kiss along her inner thighs. She leaned her head back and closer her eyes as he moved up closer to her sex with each tiny kiss. Her heart was racing faster with every touch of his lips. 

Jeff kissed her swollen lips and his tongue moved across them as if beckoning them to open like a flower in bloom. He moved up and nibbled on her clitoris and then he reached down beneath his chin to slip his fingers into her vagina to find her g-spot. 

Ashley began to writhe in ecstasy on the kitchen table. She pulled at him to come around beside her so that she could reach his cock. As soon as it came within reach she began to stroke it. 

Jeff rammed his fingers into her pulsing vagina and suddenly she was quivering and bucking. 

"Let go, sweetheart," he whispered in her ear as he pressed against her special spot. "Don't hold back, my love, just cum for me, just cum." 

She arched her back once more and her cum spilled across the table and onto the floor; it was a regular geyser of cum. 

"Oh my God! I've never cum like that before!' She grabbed him around the neck and squeezed him tight. "Oh, fuck me lover, fuck me hard!" 

He moved between her legs and pressed his cock into her pussy, filling her with a single stroke. His fake breasts were pressed against hers as she wrapped her arms around him. 

"Oh God, yes!" She screamed in pleasure as he drew his cock out and then back into her. 

"Dig your nails into my ass and push me into you, my love," he moaned as he pushed his cock back into her. 

She reached down and curled her sharp nails to bite into his butt. 

"Oh fuck, yes, like that!" 

* * * 

In the after glow they are both sat on the kitchen floor leaning up against the cabinets, panting. "Wow, you are amazing," Jeff murmured, cookie dough was still smeared across his chest. 

"Only because my partner is so talented," she replied leaning over to kiss him and wiping some dough off her left breast. 

Jeff's cellphone began to ring. He reached up to the counter and pulled it down to look at the display. 

"It's Mom," he said with a half smile. He flipped it open as Ashley leaned against him and began to play with the nipples of his new breasts. 

"Hello?" 

"Jeffrey, it's your Mom, you know, the mother you haven't talked to in a very long time?" 

"Hi Mom." He glanced at Ashley and rolled his eyes then he reached up the grab her fingers as she pinched another nipple. 

"How's Ashley?" 

"She's right here, do you want to speak to her?" Jeff looked over to see Ashley frantically shaking her head and mouthing the word "no". 

"No time dear, I'm running out to meet Barbara Knowles, you know, my friend from church. We're going shopping for my trip." 

"What trip?" Jeff pressed a button and put their conversation on speakerphone. 

"I've decided to come visit for a few days on my way to Florida. I'm going to spend Christmas with my sister Margaret. I hope you and Ashley will be in town." 

"When?" 

"Next week. I'm taking the train out of South Station on Tuesday. I'll be there around ten, can you pick me up?" 

"Of course. We'll have everything ready when you arrive. Do you want to do anything special?" 

"No, not really. I just want to visit and catch up with what you two are doing. I'm still waiting for grandkids you know." 

"Yes Mom, we know." 

"Okay, got to run. Kiss Ashley for me. See you next week." 

"Bye Mom." Jeff closed his cellphone and turned to Ashley with a sigh. "So much for a quiet week." 

She went back to tracing a finger around the edges of his new breast forms. "Does your mom know about Laura?" 

"Laura specifically? No. But she has caught me dressing in lingerie before, her store was always filled with beautiful clothes, I couldn't help myself." 

Jeff pushed a stray curl of Ashley's hair out of her eyes. "She's pretty open-minded about it, choosing to ignore and tolerate it rather than try to change it or try to guilt me in to stopping. I wondered why once and she told me she had a cousin who dressed in her clothes every chance he could get when they were young. She said it shocked her at first, but then she said they talked it over and she grew to accept it." 

"Did your mom's mother know about her nephew?" 

"Oh God, no. That was a different time, even if it was California. My mom kept the whole thing a secret. Usually, my mom would leave her bedroom when her cousin showed up. I guess she was trying to run defense between her cousin and her mom. Regardless, no one else found out until much later when her cousin came out officially." 

"So," Ashley looked into his eyes as she pinched a nipple on Jeff's breast form but got no reaction. "What would she say if she met Laura?" 

"I'm not sure. And I'm not sure I want to find out. Sometimes it's best to let sleeping dogs lie." 

=SEVEN= 

That weekend Ashley and Jeff went grocery shopping for his mother's visit. They had spent the morning cleaning and getting the guest bedroom ready. Jeff thought to pull Laura's clothing out of the closet and hang the garment bags next to his clothing in the main closet but Ashley said she didn't see any reason to. 

"There's plenty of room in there even with Laura's clothes in the closet. So don't bother." 

"Well, at least I'll take Laura's shoe bag to our closet, it takes up a lot of floor space." 

Jeff noticed a new garment bag hanging at the far end of the closet. "What's in that new garment bag hanging near the back?" 

"Don't you dare peek," Ashley shouted from the bedroom. "That's for next weekend after your mother leaves for Florida. It's an anniversary surprise." 

"What anniversary? Our wedding anniversary isn't until May." 

"The anniversary of the day I fell in love with you." 

After lunch they walked into a neighborhood grocery store and bumped into Sara, the gossipy woman from Ashley's work. 

"Ashley, nice to see you. Oh, and you too Jeff, it's been too long." Sara looked Jeff up and down like a panther appraising a new quarry. 

"Hello Sara, how's work been treating you?" 

"Fine, I guess. I've been so busy lately that I've had little time to play." She crossed her arms under breasts and pushed them up slightly, putting them on display. 

Ashley looked away with a snort. "I think salmon is on sale, Jeff, I'll be right back." 

"Okay honey," he said watching her walk back up the aisle. He turned back to Sara and noticed that she has moved a little closer. She reached out and placed her hand on his arm. 

"You know, I've been working so hard lately that I've not had time to thank you for your help on that Stafford account. Those graphics proved very useful in convincing them of my point." 

"You're welcome, Sara, I was glad I could help," he said feeling a bit unnerved by her aggressive behavior. He knew that Ashley would be back at any moment and he didn't want a scene. 

"Perhaps I can take you out to lunch sometime," she purred, "to thank you better." 

Jeff reached over and pulled Sara's hand off his arm. 

She reached up and began to caress his cheek. 

"You are a beautiful woman, Sara, and I'm flattered, but I want you to know that I'm not on the menu," he said pulling her hand off his cheek and holding it with both of his. 

"Hmm, pity, it would be so much fun to play. Oh well, you can't blame a girl for trying," she said turning a shoulder and walking away a few steps to glance back provocatively. 

Jeff just shook his head with a derisive smile. 

At that moment Ashley returned with a package of freshly wrapped salmon filets. "For Saturday night on the grill." She placed the package into the shopping cart. 

"Sound great, we haven't had salmon for months," Jeff replied as he turned and kissed her on the cheek. 

"What were you guys talking about?" 

"Nothing much," Jeff said glancing back to Sara. "Just what was and wasn't on the menu, that's all." He turned and pushed the cart down the aisle. Ashley followed him down the aisle smiling like a Cheshire cat and leaving a disgruntled Sara in their wake. 

=EIGHT= 

Jeff's mom arrived on Tuesday the following week and Jeff and Ashley picked her up at the Amtrak station. 

She hugged Jeff then squeezed Ashley into a big hug. "Oh, it's so good to see you two." She kissed Jeff on the cheek and hugged Ashley again then she leaned back. "But I'm still disappointed," she added with a pout. 

"Why?" Ashley asked. 

"Because I keep looking for that little baby bump and I don't see one yet," she replied. 

"Someday, Mom," Jeff said. 

"Soon, okay? I want to get to know my grandchildren before I go." 

"Children?" Ashley looked a bit pale. 

"At least three," Jeff's mom replied with an impish grin. 

"At least we've been practicing," Jeff said with a smirk and Ashley poked him in the ribs. 

"The car's this way, Mom, how's Aunt Margaret?" 

The rest of her visit was uneventful. Jeff's mom did wonder why Ashley had extra clothes in the guestroom closet when it looked like she had plenty of room in the walk-in closet in her bedroom. 

Ashley brushed it off as her way of sorting through her things and Jeff's mom seemed to be satisfied with that. 

Later that night as Jeff got into bed next to Ashley she looked over with a smirk. "You know...if Susan and Howard ever come for a visit, we'll have to be more careful where we put your clothes. She's a bigger snoop." 

Jeff flipped open a magazine. "Would you care if she found out?" 

"Would you?" 

"I'd be mortified, but that's not what I asked. Would you?" 

"It might bother me if she didn't approve but ultimately I wouldn't mind. She has her life in Springfield and we have ours here. If she can't accept that my husband looks stunning in a cocktail dress and heels then that's her loss." She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. 

=NINE= 

The Friday after Jeff's mom left for Florida he pulled into the driveway to find Ashley's car already parked. It was unusual for her to be home so early and she didn't say anything this morning about coming home early before she left for work. 

He locked his car and walked to the front door. 

"HI honey, you're home early." He listened but she didn't reply. He dropped his portfolio case and glanced into the kitchen. It was empty. He opened the terrace door but she wasn't there either. Then he heard a faint voice singing a familiar tune drift down the stairs. 

He dashed up the stairs and slowly opened the bathroom door to peek in. 

"Good afternoon beautiful," Ashley said with a lyrical lilt to her voice. "Why don't you join me in the tub?" 

Jeff began to unbutton his shirt. "What's all this?" 

"I decided that I wanted to have a girls' night out with my best girlfriend Laura," she said with a devilish grin. "And it all begins with a luxurious bubble bath soak. Hop in, there's plenty of room." 




Partners in Life Ch. 02



Jeff quickly disrobed and slipped into the jetted tub. The tub was one of the main selling factors for Ashley when they bought the house, although she didn't use it nearly as much as she thought she would. Perhaps that was going to change. 

"Where are we going tonight sweetheart?" 

"I made reservations at Les Maisons' at seven for just us girls," she said with a gleam in her eye. "I haven't seen my best girlfriend for two weeks and I was missing her." 

"What should Laura wear?" 

"I think tonight would be a perfect night for that little black number we bought a couple of weeks ago." 

"You know what she said about that dress, my love," Jeff added blushing crimson. 

"I know. I knew she would say that. And that's why I found something different. It's lying on the bed waiting for her." 

"And what will you be wearing?" 

"Something equally provocative without being too revealing." 

Jeff sunk down to his nose and grinned. "Hmmm." 

Lying on the bed next to a beautiful new set of black lace lingerie was a gorgeous little black dress. It looked vintage. Jeff held it up to his body, the cut of the dress brought the hem to just above his knee. It tapered in nicely at the waist and the bodice was nearly transparent in cut black lace. The dress finished with a modest cowl neck collar fastened with black pearl buttons up the back. He could see it was stunning, even before he put it on. 

"Where in the world did you find this dress, Ashley? It's beautiful!" 

"Your mother sent it to me, perhaps as an incentive to lure you into my boudoir and make grandchildren," she snickered from the bathroom. "I knew from the moment I pulled it out of the box you had to wear it." 

"Thank you, sweetheart, it's perfect." 

Ashley stood in the bathroom brushing her hair with a hair dryer and wearing a smile that hung from ear to ear. 

=TEN= 

The hostess sat them at a table near the back of the restaurant when Ashley requested a table that was more private. Ashley thanked the young woman who nodded and drifted back towards her hostess station. 

Laura looked up from her menu. "Have you been here before?" 

"No, this is my first time," Ashley replied, her nose still buried in her menu. "A friend from work suggested it, they said the chef and the cuisine was excellent." 

Laura glanced around the room. Near the front of the restaurant two men in business suits sat casting furtive looks towards their table. 

"Don't look now but we're being watched," Laura whispered cautiously. 

"I'm not surprised, you look stunning in that dress," Ashley grinned. "If your mother only knew," she added with a smirk. 

"She probably does," Laura said with a sigh. She glanced sideways. "Oh crap, they're coming over here," she whispered frantically. 

"Good evening, ladies," the taller of the two gentlemen said with a subtle smile. "You both look lovely tonight." He glanced down at Laura. His eyes seemed to be drawn to her breasts. 

This was the first time that Laura felt such a provocative stare at her body. It was a bit unnerving to say the least, almost as if she was suddenly the main course on the menu. She was swiftly becoming nervous and she shot a quick glance of terror to Ashley. 

The second man had a neatly trimmed beard and moustache peppered with a hint of grey leaned forward and smiled awkwardly. "We're out celebrating and we wondered if you two would like to join us?" 

"Thank you, but no," Ashley murmured softly. "We're both in committed relationships." She nodded towards Laura demurely. 

Laura looked up and smiled meekly. "With each other," she added with a soft voice, hoping not to sound too nervous. 

Both men bid them a lovely evening and returned to their table looking somewhat disappointed. 

Laura let out her breath. "My God, my heart was in my throat I was so nervous." 

"You did marvelously well, my love, very composed." 

Laura paused a moment and looked at Ashley. Her eyes narrowed. "Was that something you set up? A test perhaps?" 

"I would never embarrass you like that," Ashley replied, a bit indignant. "You know me better than that." Then a subtle grin began to form on her lips. "But it was kind of an ego boost don't you agree?" 

"I suppose. And you can't blame the poor guys for being fooled, even if that wasn't my intention." 

"I'm glad we got those breast forms, they give such a lovely feminine shape to your body." 

"Thanks. I'm sort of getting used to them. They're still new so I'm very conscious of them. They are a lovely gift. Thank you." 

"You're welcome." 

Their waiter arrived a few minutes later and they placed their order. 

Ashley paused a moment and glanced around the room. "Laura, have you ever thought about being more natural with all of this?" She waved her hand across her chest. 

"What do you mean?" 

"There are all kinds of creams on the market that are used to enhance the bust size. They work locally rather than like a full on hormonal replacement therapy, which changes everything. I know some of them are 'snake-oil remedies,' but some of them work." Ashley looked around again to make sure no one could hear. "It would be easier than having to apply those each time don't you think? Especially with the irritation the theatrical adhesive causes." 

"But what about the rest of the time I'm not Laura? I mean if they got this big, which I doubt they ever would, they'd be pretty hard to hide. I'd have to be all trussed up all the time to hide them. Besides, I'd much rather play with your lovely breasts than my own." 

"And I like that you adore them." She blushed and looked away a moment then turned to meet Laura's eyes. "I don't know, I just wondered that's all." 

Laura's eyes narrowed a bit. "Where's this coming from?" 

Ashley's cheeks flushed red and she stammered. "I-I don't know..." 

"Remember, we both promised, no secrets," she said quietly. 

Ashley nodded, her face still a bit flush. 

"I do know," Laura whispered, "that Jeff doesn't want to lose his identity in this relationship and I don't want him to either. If I grew breasts then the struggle to maintain a balance might be difficult." 

A busboy stopped at their table and refilled their water glasses, interrupting their conversation. Then their waiter returned a moment later with their dinner. 

Ashley glanced to the waiter then back to Laura. "Let's finish up and talk about it where we can be alone." 

Laura nodded and picked up her knife and fork. 

* * * 

They walked across the street from the restaurant to a little park that meandered along a stream in the center of the city. The only sounds were the click of their heels on the sidewalk pavement and the gentle babble of water rushing over rocks in the creek bed. Ashley walked up to a bench and sat down. She patted the seat next to her with a smile. 

"So," Laura said as she brushed a lock of Ashley's hair out of her eyes, "what are you thinking?" 

"I honestly don't know," she sighed and fiddled with a ring on her finger. "Since I first met you as Laura my mind has been preoccupied with all kinds of feelings, about things I've never thought about before. When Jeff and I made love in the kitchen last week, it was wonderful. He was nearly dressed like you and part of me was thinking it was kind of like making love to you." 

"So it was kind of a lesbian experience?" 

"Sort of, but not exactly because he has a cock, a beautiful, marvelous cock that felt amazing. But it wasn't your cock, it was Jeff's." 

"So it was like a transgender experience?" 

"Maybe, sort of, I don't know. These thoughts are all new to me and it's all rather confusing. Does this bother you too?" 

"What? That you're confused and fascinated with new ideas and experiences at the same time? Yes and no." 

Ashley reached over and took Laura's hands in hers. "Go on." 

"Jeff and I are both just as confused. Jeff has always wanted to keep things separate and defined between us. At first, Jeff wanted our relationship, the one between Laura and Ashley, to be a simple girlfriend experience and not a sexual one. He thought at the time, when you first proposed the idea of going out shopping together, that that was the end of it, two girls out shopping and having fun. It was going beyond that idea that he believed you didn't want to go and he was happy with that. Plus, he didn't want to compete with his feminine side, and I can understand that too. I suppose the other night changed that and I'm not sure how we both feel about that now." 

"Me either." 

Laura leaned back and gazed into the night sky. "This all sounds rather schizophrenic doesn't it?" 

"A little but this whole life is a bit crazy between us, and I wouldn't have it any other way," she said lifting Laura's hands to her lips and kissing them. 

"I've read that an intimate relationship between two women is much different than it is with a man and a woman," Laura said softly. "It's often more tender and more open where a relationship with a man is typically stronger, more dominant or aggressive." 

"That's true. Even if I initiate the sex, Jeff usually takes the dominant role in our love making." 

"Does that bother you? Do you want to be the dominant sometimes?" 

"I think I'd like to explore it," Ashley said in almost a whisper. 

"With who? Jeff or Laura?" 

"Both." 

Laura turned to look into her eyes. "Really?" 

"Yes, if you are willing, and if Jeff is too," she said shyly. "We may find it thrilling at the moment and later tire of it, I don't know. But I want to try." 

"Would we return to more traditional roles?" 

"Perhaps, I don't know," she said looking into Laura's eyes. "But I do know that the ring on the carousel only comes around once and I want to grab it. Just this once, I want to grab the ring, to see if it's right for us." 

Ashley fell silent as Laura gazed up into the night sky. 

"But I'm not interested in anything beyond just the two of us," Ashley added. 

"Me either," Laura quickly agreed. "I think the moment we include others into our world it quickly spirals out of control and you find yourself serving the outsider's goals and needs and not your own." 

Ashley nodded, then she settled back and looked up into the night sky. "Will we ever go back to just vanilla sex?" She asked rhetorically. "I don't know, perhaps, perhaps not. I do like it from time to time; I love the way we are together. But I like other things too, and Jeff has opened up so many new ideas for me, and I'm eager to explore." 

Ashley leaned forward and cupped Laura's face with her hands. "I do know that I want to find our own path together, just the two of us. I'm thinking of Jeff and Laura as a single person at this moment." 

"I understand, and I agree," Laura said holding Ashley's hand and gazing into the same night sky. "We're partners and we can chart our own course without any help from anyone else." 

"Thank you my love. I feel much better now." 

"Good, because when we get home I'm going to knock your socks off," Laura said as she leaned over and whispered in Ashley's ear. 

Ashley giggled. "Great, because if you didn't, I was going to knock off yours!" 

=ELEVEN= 

When they returned home Laura followed Ashley up into the bedroom. Usually, when they both went out like this, Ashley would wait downstairs until Laura became Jeff. He would open the bedroom door and turn the light on in the hallway signaling to her that she could come up. 

But tonight, Laura followed Ashley up the stairs and into the darkened bedroom. She stood silently watching as Ashley lit two candles on their dresser and then she lit another one on a bedside table. Laura's eyes twinkled with excitement. 

Ashley walked over and cupped Laura's face with her hands and gently kissed her. "You are my girlfriend, my best girlfriend. But tonight I want to make you my lover." Ashley was firmly in control and Laura yearned to melt into her arms. 

"Will you teach me?" Laura whispered. 

"Gladly," Ashley murmured. She turned Laura around and unbuttoned her collar then unzipped her dress. It crumpled at her feet. Then she turned around and Laura unzipped hers. Both girls stood for a moment in lingerie admiring each other with a half smile and lost in each other's eyes. 

"I love you Laura." 

"I love you Ashley. Make love to me," Laura whispered. 

Ashley took Laura's hand and led her to their bed. She pulled back the bedspread and Laura laid down watching Ashley's every move. Ashley gently pulled Laura's heels off and set them on the floor then she removed her own heels. 

"Tonight I want to make love to you like the beautiful woman you are. Just lie back and relax, let me make love to you, to all of you. 

Laura settled back into the pillows, her eyes sparkled in the candlelight. 

"Tonight is just for you, my love. Close your eyes and let your body drift." 

Laura closed her eyes and tried to relax her body. 

Then Ashley moved to tease and tantalize Laura with the delicate touch of her fingers across Laura's breasts. She expanded her caresses, kissing and touching Laura's body in places Laura never knew were so sensitive, all the while whispering words of love. 

Ashley kissed Laura's breasts and trailed kisses down her body to rest her lips above Laura's panties. She slowly pulled them down, releasing Laura's rigid cock. It sprung back against her body and throbbed to the rhythm of her heartbeat. Ashley kissed her cockhead gently then caressed it with the tips of her fingernails, treating it like a clitoris. Her tongue touched the tip and Laura moaned softly. 

"I want you to experience sex like a woman, my love, with your whole body." 

Ashley continued to kiss Laura's cockhead as she reached down with her other hand beneath Laura's balls to her perineum. She lightly drew her nails across the tender area and moved down to circle Laura's anus. 

Laura gasped and arched her back. 

"Shush, my love, you are mine tonight. Relax your body and float along in pleasure with me." Ashley moved her index finger to Laura's rosebud and pressed lightly then brushed her hand across the opening before she moved it away, still caressing Laura's cock with her lips and nails. 

She reached over and picked up a small bottle of lube from a nearby nightstand. She flipped the cap open and squeezed a dollop of gel onto the sheet. 

"A woman's body is an amazing thing," Ashley whispered. "So sensitive, so passionate. A delicate touch in the perfect spot is all that is needed to send our spirits soaring. But you know that my love, you've taken my body to heights I never imagined. Now it's my turn to take you there." 

She dipped her finger into the gel and pressed it against Laura's anus. She slipped it inside and moved it around looking for Laura's prostate. "Ah, there it is," she murmured. And she began to massage her prostate while she continued to caress her cock. Laura squeezed her eyes shut and arched her body. 

"Yes, my love, release," Ashley whispered. "Isn't it wonderful? To orgasm with your entire body." Ashley continued to massage Laura's sweet spot, milking her prostate. Laura's release expanded to encompass her entire body, from head to toe. She quivered uncontrollably for a moment then she relaxed into oblivion and every cell radiated with pure orgasmic bliss. 

* * * 

Ashley let go of Laura, leaned over her face, and smiled. Laura moved her fingers up to gently trace across Ashley's lips. Ashley closed her eyes to savor the touch. Then Laura leaned up and kissed her. 

It was just like the kiss that happened eight years ago outside her sorority house in Pittsburgh, and it was just like the kiss she received in a vintage clothing store in Cleveland, and exactly like the kiss on her wedding day. It was the same kiss that melted her heart each time from the same person. 

She slowly opened her eyes to look into Laura's and she saw Jeff. His eyes crinkled as he smiled like they always have. They parted lips. "So, my love," he whispered, "do you want to make a baby?" 

Ashley tilted her head slightly, her face lit up with a sweet smile. "Yes, my love...with you." 

A NOTE TO THE READER: 

This story is a work of fiction. All of the characters, their names and the places that they visit, are purely from the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to persons, places, or things is not intentional and purely coincidental. 

If you believe in coincidence I'm happy for you. However, if you read my other works you know that I do not, but the lawyers like to see that word in there anyway. 

Thank you for reading my work, I hope you enjoyed it. If this is the first time you've read one of my stories, welcome. I hope you take a look at the rest of the work that I've published here on Literotica.com. If you are a returning reader, welcome back, it's nice to see old friends. - Dreamweaver594



Partners in Life Ch. 03



Another trip down memory lane. 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here's another glimpse into life of this young couple and their developing relationship. A month has passed in their lives since the last chapter and a lot of changes are in store for them in the not too distant future. But before we get into their story, I wanted to clarify something regarding the concept of "cross-dressing" as it is applied here, as well as the lack of point voting on my stories. 

I'm beginning to discover (from what others whose wisdom in these matters I find to be very helpful) that the range from transsexual through transvestite to cross dresser or simply to someone who may only be interested in one element of the cross-gender wardrobe is, for lack of a better analogy, a sliding scale. There are no true milestones along the way that point to a specific action or behavior as definitive. So what works for Jeff/Laura and Ashley may not work for others and I'm sure that they are fine with that, and so should you. 

Some of my readers have commented in the past that I have disabled voting for my stories. I have found the process capricious and often used by some to degrade and debase the creative work of others rather than objectively award feedback based on merit. Nevertheless, I always enjoy your written feedback, either offered publicly or privately. Taking the time to respond to my work is an endeavor I welcome and appreciate. Thank you. 

Please enjoy this latest chapter of Partners in Life. -Dreamweaver594 

***** 

=ONE= 

It wasn't the weekend after his mother left for Florida but actually several weeks later that Ashley finally brought out the mystery garment bag she had been kept in their closet. She and Jeff were getting ready to go shopping and she was looking for a pair of pants. She walked back into the bedroom and stood in the closet doorway holding the bag Jeff had been so curious about. She held it in one hand and she held a small white plastic pen shaped device in the other. 

Across the room, Jeff was lounging on the bed browsing through a magazine as he waited for her. She struck a provocative pose in the doorway. "I suppose in a couple of months I won't be able to fit a single thing in my closet let alone what's in this bag." Her face was a bit flushed and her eyes were sparkling. 

"Huh?" His scantily clad wife drew Jeff's attention away from his magazine. "You mean?" 

She was leaning up against the closet doorframe, dressed in a satin robe and dangling the mystery garment bag from a finger. She held up the small test indicator in her other hand. The blue plus sign was clearly visible. "Want to be a daddy?" 

Jeff rushed off the bed to hug her tightly and smother her with kisses. "Yes, yes, yes." 

Ashley giggled and squirmed under his barrage of kisses. She wiggled out of his grasp and sashayed across the floor. "Then what should I do with this garment bag?" 

"Hmm, let's see what you have inside," he said, reaching for the bag. 

She moved it out of his reach then zipped open the bag. "Huh-uh, it's my little secret, I get to open it." She draped it across her arm to display the contents. Inside was a lacy black bustier with garter straps, a pair of six-inch patent leather stiletto heels, several pair of black lacy bras and panty sets clipped on a hanger, plus another item wrapped in an opaque plastic bag. 

"I love the shoes, and the bustier looks scandalous," he growled, kissing the nape of her neck. "What's in the package?" 

"Hmm, let's see," she said playing coquettish and hiding the bag from him as she unwrapped it. 

"You are such a tease," he said trying to peek around her shoulder as she giggled and scooted out of reach. 

She stopped and turned around slowly. The plastic bag fell to the floor revealing a black harness with a simple smooth phallus attached. She looked into her husband's eyes apprehensively. "What do you think?" 

"I think it's time to play," he said with a devilish grin. 

"Really?" She gushed with renewed enthusiasm. "You don't mind? I'll be very gentle, I promise. The sales girl told me that the harness is universal so I can change the dildo out for a different one if you don't like it." 

Jeff reached forward and wrapped his arms around her. He crushed her and the strap-on to him in a big hug. "It's fine, sweetheart, just fine." 

She gently pushed him off and walked towards the bed. "Okay my love, but when I wear this," she said picking up the bustier and dangling it from her fingers with the strap-on clearly visible. "I get to lead." 

Jeff's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I'm all yours." 

Ashley gathered up the garment bag and turned to walk to the bathroom. She glanced over her shoulder with a wink. "Yes you are, my love...always." 

She closed the bathroom door and Jeff could hear her humming a familiar tune. He walked over to the bathroom door and knocked softly. "Is there something I should be doing to prepare for you, sweetie?" 

The humming stopped. She cracked opened the bathroom door and nodded. Her face was flush with crimson as she slipped a small shopping bag through the narrow opening to Jeff. "Use the guest bathroom and follow the directions on the note, sweetie."  

Jeff opened the bag. Inside was an enema bottle, a mild soap with a peppermint fragrance, and some directions. He nodded and smiled. His face felt a little warm as he closed the bag and headed towards the guest bathroom. 

Several minutes later he returned to their bedroom wearing only his bathrobe. The drapes were drawn and several candles were lit around the bed. Across the room Ashley stood wearing a silky black robe, the hem of it came to just below her hips. Jeff could see a bulge emerge from beneath the robe. 

There was a fierce glint in her eyes as she strode seductively across the room in her six-inch heels, her phallus swaying in rhythm with her walk. Her stride gave her a sense of confidence she hadn't felt before. Standing in front of him she was much taller now than her husband. "You are mine my love," she said cupping his face in her hands. 

"I always have been, sweetheart," he replied, his heart was pounding with excitement. 

She tilted up his face so that she could kiss him tenderly. Her lips lingered there a moment longer. "I never knew how much I wanted this moment to happen until I met Laura." 

She removed the knot in the belt of his robe then she put her hands on his shoulders and brushed the robe off. It fell from his shoulders to crumple on the floor. She shrugged her shoulders and her own diaphanous robe fell across her arms to lie at her feet. 

She moved her hands to caress his nipples dragging her nails gently across his chest. It sent shivers and raised goose bumps. 

"I love how your body responds to me," she murmured. 

"I'm putty in your hands darling. Make love to me," he whispered. 

She took his hand and led him to the bed then pushed him onto his back. "I want to look into your eyes while I make you mine," she said seductively placing a pillow under his ass. 

She knelt between his legs, her silicone cock jutting out proudly from her. She opened a bottle of lube and coated its slick surface. Then she coated his opening with more lubricant and dropped the bottle behind her. 

She leaned forward placing both hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. "I've read that there might be a little pain. Tell me if it's too much and I will stop." 

"There won't be, not where there's love," he replied softly. 

She lowered her body and pressed her breasts against his chest then shifted her hips slightly and suddenly they were one. 

He was startled by the sudden intrusion. "Oh." 

"Are you okay?" 

"Blissfully so," he murmured and wrapped his arms around her to hold her tight against him. "Just give me a moment to adjust." 

After a little pause, and once Jeff nodded his head, Ashley began a slow and steady rhythm, undulating her hips in and out. The harness that the sales girl sold her had a feature that allowed for stimulation of her clitoris as she moved. At first she was skeptical. But the rhythmic movement of her hips was sending waves of pleasure through her body. 

Jeff moved his legs up to allow for better access and Ashley leaned forward again and kissed his lips. "I know it's not the same as when I make love to you sweetheart," he said softly into her ear, "but thank you for sharing this with me, I feel wonderful." 

*><*><* 

Sometime later Jeff stepped out of a steamy shower and Ashley wrapped him in a towel. She held him close and nuzzled the nape of his neck. "I love you my darling, thank you, thank you, thank you, for everything." 

"You're welcome. I'm happy to be yours anytime you want, dear." He turned into her embrace and pulled a second towel off the rack to bundle up his dripping hair. "What are your plans today?" 

"Well, we need some groceries. And that little boutique we both like is having a sale on blouses so I thought we might stop there too." 

"I'd like to go with you this time, if you don't mind," he said kissing her cheek. 

"I was hoping you would." She gave him a little hug and dashed out of the bathroom. "Let's get dressed and we can catch a bagel on the way." 

*><*><* 

The coffee shop down the street from their home always had a wide assortment of bagels and sweets on display. Jeff wove through the crowd and worked his way up to the counter. "Two cinnamon raisin bagels please with walnut and honey cream cheese," he shouted over the din of conversation. The little shop was a lively place on a Saturday morning. 

"Hey Jeff," a familiar face emerged from the crowd. He was tall and lanky with wirery black hair and a pleasant smile. 

Jeff grinned back. "Hi Dave, what are you up to?" 

"Pit stop, I'm out with the wife and kids shopping for summer, you?" 

"Pretty much the same," Jeff nodded as he waited for his order. "Aren't you guys going on vacation sometime soon?" 

Dave nodded as he moved closer to the counter. "Yeah, as soon as school's out. That's the downside of having kids. You can't go on vacation until they're out of school and then you're stuck paying higher prices because everybody and their brother is out doing the same thing. You don't have kids do you?" 

"Not yet," Jeff replied with a shrug. 

"You will, then you'll understand." 

"At least I'll have a sympathetic ear to chew," Jeff replied as he picked up his order and wove towards the door with a wave. "See ya." 

*><*><* 

The little boutique wasn't too crowded by the time they got there. Jeff followed her towards a smaller room in the back of the store. Ashley started flipping through a clearance rack and Jeff pulled out several blouses that seemed to catch his eye. 

"You know, you seem to have the same taste in clothing as Laura, imagine that," she said with an impish smile and holding a shirt up beneath her neck to see if the color would go well with her complexion. 

"Hmm," he said with a grin. "You have a pair of heels that will look lovely with that shirt." 

She took the shirt he referred to and placed it by the fitting room door. "I think you're right. I believe that Laura has been giving you some fashion pointers." 

Ashley flipped through another rack of skirts while Jeff browsed through some patterned tops. 

She paused a moment, then smiled. "How about we take a trip before things get crazy," she said rubbing her belly, "someplace warm and tropical. I hear the Caicos Islands are nice this time of year," she said, tilting her head in a way that always melted Jeff's heart. 

"That sounds lovely," he said walking over to hold her close. "Me and you? Or do you want to go with Laura?" 

"Laura is you my love and you are Laura. We can't go anywhere together without her, which makes me very happy. But, perhaps just this once, let's leave her wardrobe at home. It will be just you and me. I'll take Laura on a little trip, just the two of us, when we get back." 

"I like that," he hugged her tightly. "I like that a lot." 

*><*><* 

The next day, Jeff was lounging around the house in a loose flowing dressing gown. At another place and time, it might be considered a man's kaftan, except for the silky material that flowed around his body as he lay on the couch. Whenever he wore something like this he usually wore makeup and did his hair. At times like that Ashley would usually refer to her as Laura. But today was different, he simply pulled his hair back into a low ponytail and he didn't bother with any makeup. Jeff looked up to see her gazing at him with a distant look in her eye. "What's on your mind?" 

"Nothing, just remembering," she replied whimsically. She walked up to the back of the couch and leaned over to kiss his forehead. 

He sat up and looked at her curiously. "Remembering what?" 

"The first time I discovered you had a thing for feminine clothing," she replied as she walked around and sat down on the sofa. She patted her lap and he rested his head there. She began to stroke his hair, pushing a few stray curls behind his ear. 

"Was that when you saw me wearing those silk scarves in my mother's store or another time?" 

"Another time," she said acting a bit coy. 

"Uh-huh...and?" 

"It was when we played 'truth or dare'. At first I was sort of shocked. I suppose I should have guessed something about it when I first saw you in your mother's clothing store. Those silk scarves did look kind of cute around your neck." 

Ashley looked off and smiled. "If I remember correctly, it was late and we had just returned from one of my roommate Samantha's parties. We were both a little tipsy." 

"More like drunk." 

"I suppose. Anyway, I always felt that there was so much about you that I never knew so I decided the best way to find out was to play a little game." 

"You know...all you ever had to do was ask, I would have told you anything," he said with a smirk. "And if my memory serves you did ask a lot of questions that night, even if it was a game." 

"I did and some of your answers shocked me." 

"Well, you asked," he said, "and I told you I would never lie to you. I remember that you asked me if I had a sexy secret and I said I did." 

"Yes," she said blushing slightly. "Then I asked what it was and you told me...that you liked to wear feminine clothing. Of course, I didn't believe a word of it." 

"Uh-huh," Jeff added with a smirk, "and when it was your turn again you dared me to wear something and I pulled out a frilly skirt and put it on." 

"Your face was three shades of crimson if I recall," she said leaning down and kissing his nose. 

"Yes it was, but you didn't laugh or call me names or anything that other girls had done before. You just smiled so sweetly and pulled me into a hug. I knew, at that moment, and without a doubt, that you were the one for me." 

"You looked so cute standing there in white crew socks and that frilly pink chiffon skirt. But when I saw the trust in your eyes it just melted my heart." 

"We fell into my bed giggling after that," he said holding her hand in his. 

"And we were both out like a light. Too much alcohol I suspect." She paused a moment and her expression became somber. "After that you never dressed for me again, until I met Laura. Why?" 

"Well, you didn't ask and I guess I didn't want to push my luck," he said sitting up. 

"What do you mean?" 

"All the other girls I'd ever known before you always reacted so negatively when they discovered my interest in feminine clothing. As if I was a challenge to their narrow concept of male and female roles and what was right in the world." 

Ashley pulled him back into her lap and began to stroke his hair. 

"You were different, you didn't laugh at or ridicule me. You just accepted it as part of me and I was so very grateful. But I didn't want to press the issue and lose you. I thought, perhaps the alcohol might have relaxed your attitude about it that night and I didn't want to risk showing you when you were sober. So I just didn't dress for a long time." 

"Why did you start back up? Was it something I did or didn't do?" 

He sat up and looked at her. "Oh, no, not at all. You were and are wonderful." Jeff glanced away, his face felt flush all of a sudden. He turned back to her and held her hands in his again. "It's hard to explain. It was a year or so after we were married. You were off on a business trip and I was doing some house cleaning. I found one of your bras stuffed under the bed and...well, it got me thinking. Ultimately, I guess I just wanted to feel pretty again, every once in a while, even if I had to do it alone." 

"And that's what was happening when I came back home early from that weekend with my sister," she said smiling meekly. 

"Yes," he nodded. "I was devastated. I thought I'd lost you." 

"I'm glad you stood your ground and made me understand. I can't begin to say how much it's changed our lives." Her eyes began to glisten. "I know this probably doesn't work for most couples but I'm glad it works for us. Since I met Laura our lives have become so much richer." 

"Please tell her that the next time you see her," he said with a wink. 

"I will," she replied wrapping her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. 

=TWO= 

As Jeff and Ashley stepped off the little island-hopper airplane a small man with a huge smile greeted them as they walked into the airport terminal building. His name was scrawled across a large cardboard sign that hung from his neck on a string. It read: Sam and he seemed to be perpetually happy. He ushered them and their luggage to a taxi waiting outside of the terminal door. 

"Welcome! This way sir, madam," the small man said with an every present grin. He handed Jeff a package as he stepped into the taxi. "The taxi will take you from the airport to the Turtle Cove Marina and slips where your boat is waiting for you."  

"Thank you Sam," Jeff said as he took the package that Sam held for him. 

"Boat?" 

Jeff turned to his wife and smiled. "A little surprise, sweetheart. I've chartered a sailboat for us to do a little island hopping for a couple of days before we settle into the hotel for the rest of our stay. It will give us chance to see the islands in their natural setting before we are bustled away to a fancy resort. It was something Laura suggested," he said with a wink. "I hope you don't mind." 

She cuddled up next to him and kissed him on the cheek. "You are simply amazing and so is Laura. Remind me to thank her when we get back." 

He nodded as the taxi pulled away from the curb. The taxi swerved and weaved its way through the congested traffic of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Ashley paused a moment then looked up with tinge concern. "Do you know how to sail?" 

"I do," he said glancing back to her from the view out the taxi window. "But the sailboat comes with a captain who owns the boat. He seemed to be a nice fellow from our conversations over the phone. Besides he knows the waters around here and I don't." 

"Oh, okay, that's good. Is there a crew?" 

"Yes. Us," he added with a grin. 

The sailboat, a Hunter 54, sat moored in its slip as the taxi pulled up to the dock. There were hundreds of sailboats and powerboats clustered into the marina. Jeff and Ashley gazed around a moment until the taxi driver pointed out their boat. Its sleek white hull glistened in the afternoon sun. They followed the taxi driver with their luggage down the dock towards the boat. The words 'Island Princess' were stenciled in bold letters across the stern. 

Onboard, near the bow, a woman knelt coiling several lines into neat circles on the deck. She looked up to see the couple approaching then she stood up and waved. "You must be the Richards. Welcome." 




Partners in Life Ch. 03



Jeff and Ashley stood near the narrow gangplank that led to the boat while the taxi driver set their luggage on the dock. "Hello," Jeff waved back. "Is Captain Sanders on board?" 

A man popped up from below the deck and waved. "Hi, I'm Fred Sanders, Carl's son and this is my fiancé, Anna. We're your crew for the trip. Come on aboard and we'll get you settled into your cabin." 

A half hour later Anna cast off the bowline as Fred throttled up the engine and the boat pulled away from the mooring. Jeff sat in the cockpit area while Ashley stayed below to finish unpacking their bags. A few minutes later she emerged from the cabins below and sat next to Jeff. 

Fred spun the wheel a few degrees to starboard as the boat cleared the outer barrier of the harbor marina. "So, is this your first time in the Caicos Islands?" 

"Yes, it's lovely down here," Jeff replied. He wrapped his arm around Ashley's shoulders as she snuggled closer. "So we're part of your crew, what should we do?" 

"First things first, now that we've cleared the marina, it's time to haul the main up," Fred said. "Anna can handle the jib. Wrap the mainline around this wench once you have the sail nearly up so you can stretch it tight." 

Jeff pulled the main line out of a cam catch and handed it to Ashley who looked at him quizzically. "Take up the slack as I pull down on the line, Ash, then as the main sail gets near the top wrap a couple of turns around this wench and we'll pull it the rest of the way." Ashley nodded and Jeff stepped up next to the mast to hoist the main sail. 

"Watch this boom as the main goes up it'll want to swing your way," Fred said releasing the boom from the cradle. "If you're not paying attention you can get a nasty bump." 

Ashley nodded as she retrieved the line as rapidly as Jeff fed it to her. Then she wrapped it around the wench as Fred snapped a wench handle into it. As the sail began to stretch the boat seemed to leap forward when the sail filled with air. Fred eased out the boom stay and steered a little more into the wind, which allowed the boat to settle more into the water. 

Anna finished hoisting the jib and ran a line back to the starboard wench next to the mainsail line. She attached another wench handle and pulled all the slack out of the jib. Fred cut the motor and they were off with only the wind singing through the mast stays and the lap of water along the bow to break the silence. 

Ashley stood in the companionway and watched the waves break across the bow as the boat sliced through the water. It was magical to see a boat this size glide so effortlessly across the sea. She looked back at Jeff and grinned from ear to ear. He nodded. It was going to be a beautiful day. 

Out and away from land the boat settled into a steady course towards a smaller number of cays to the east of Providenciales Island. "We'll head to Pine Cay first," Fred said as he adjusted the wheel. "We should be there before nightfall. It's a pretty straight run so you two can relax for a bit." 

Jeff turned around and leaned against the cabin as Ashley cuddled up in his lap. "So, I thought Carl was going to pilot us around," Jeff said. 

"He was, but another client, somebody he's been working with for years, called and wanted to charter a boat for a couple of weeks," Fred replied with a shrug. "I hope you don't mind." 

"Not at all," Ashley said, grinning. 

"My dad thought this cruise would be a good experience for us, Anna and me I mean. He said we needed to get a few more charters before we could take on any longer cruises. Besides," Fred added with a grin, "Anna's a great cook, much better than my dad, and her conch is delightful." 

Anna slipped down into the cockpit and sat next to her fiancé. Her tanned face was tinted with crimson as she smiled at Jeff and Ashley. "Have you ever sailed before?" 

Ashley shook her head. "No, never, but Jeff has. It's fantastic!" 

"It always is," Jeff said. "I did a little in college, crewing mostly small day-sailers, built more for racing than cruising." 

Anna nodded and Fred laughed. "That's were we started too, racing in day-sailers I mean. Are you guys down here for anything special?" 

"Just down here to get away before life gets too complicated," Ashley replied with a laugh. 

Anna looked at her quizzically. "Huh?" 

Ashley rubbed her belly. "I'm only at nine weeks so we thought we'd have fun while we can." 

Anna squealed with delight and reached over to give Ashley a big hug. "Is this your first? Oh my, you don't even show it." 

Anna moved up closer to Ashley and gushed with a dozen questions. "You're so beautiful. I'm sure your baby will be beautiful too. Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? Have you chosen a name? Do you want lots of kids? I know I do." 

Jeff scooted back towards Fred and the wheel as the girls talked. Fred grinned at his fiancé's antics. "She wants children so bad," he laughed. "She comes from a big island family and her parents are already pressuring her to have babies." 

Jeff leaned against the rail and squinted into the afternoon sun behind them. "When are you two getting married?" 

"Soon, maybe next month, maybe later," Fred replied with a shrug. "We're on island time. Things will happen when they happen." Fred pointed to the starboard jib wench. "Can you take some slack out of the jib?" 

Jeff nodded and looked forward to watch the telltales on the jib. They are tiny pieces of yarn attached to the jib sail at strategic points. They show the movement of the wind across the sailcloth. As Jeff drew the slack out of the jib the telltales went from slack to streaming across the surface. 

The boat heeled over slightly with the new sail shape and Fred corrected their position on the wheel. "That's better," he said, "thanks." 

The boat glided to the northeast towards Pine Cay. Both girls seemed to become fast friends. Ashley followed Anna down below to help start dinner as Jeff stayed on deck to help out with any rigging. 

"We're going to pull into a little cove up ahead, it's a place where we take guests a lot," Fred said as he shifted in his seat to see around the jib. "There's great snorkeling if you two are into that and the beach is really lovely." 

"Sounds great," Jeff said standing up to go below. "I'll tell Ashley." Jeff got up and moved towards the companionway. "Back in a minute." 

Jeff ducked below and found Ashley and Anna in the galley working on a green salad and preparing the batter for some fresh conch fritters. "Hey Ash, Fred says that there's a cove up ahead he's going to pull into for the night. There's good snorkeling if you're up for it, or we can just lie around on the beach." 

"I vote the beach," Ashley replied looking over her shoulder with a grin. "We can snorkel in the morning. Anna and I are going to talk baby clothes after dinner and that's hard to do when you're wearing a mask." She looked at him and beamed a broad smile. 

Jeff laughed. "Sounds good." He climbed back into the cockpit and leaned against the side rail to watch the waves break across the bow. 

Fred nudged the wheel a little bit to starboard to compensate for a change in wind direction. "What did she decide?" 

"Beach tonight, snorkel tomorrow," Jeff said with a chuckle. "The girls are talking baby clothes." 

Fred shook his head with a hearty laugh. "Of course they are." 

After Jeff helped Fred set the anchor Anna brought the conch fritters up to the deck in a big bowl. Fred fastened a charcoal grill to a bracket off the stern and lit the charcoal. Twenty minutes later the sweet smell of fresh battered conch fritters drifted up to the bow where Jeff was busy coiling the jib line neatly onto the deck. 

Fred glanced up to see what Jeff was doing. "You did sail a boat once or twice didn't you?" 

Jeff grinned as he finished coiling the line. "My roommate in college was on the sailing team. He had a habit of dragging my butt out of bed on Saturday mornings to go practice with him; he always needed an extra pair of hands. And I discovered that I really liked the quiet of a sailboat. It's you, the wind, and the sail. You have to leave your troubles at home or you won't go anywhere." 

Fred laughed as he furled the mainsail onto the boom. "Truer words were never spoken, my friend." 

The meal was light and refreshing. Anna brought up a bottle of white wine to add to the table setting. After dinner they all climbed aboard the dingy that island boats always drag behind them wherever they go and headed to the beach. 

Jeff and Fred gathered driftwood for a fire later and the girls spent time chatting about their families while setting up for a campfire. 

When Jeff and Fred returned, each with an armload of driftwood, Jeff was shocked to see both women lying naked on beach towels. He looked at Fred who shrugged and grinned as he dropped his armload near a hollowed out area in the sand. "Island style, mon." 

"Hi," Jeff said as he walked up to the two women with a sheepish grin, "you two look comfortable." 

Ashley leaned up on one elbow, held her hand above her eyes and smiled. "When in Rome, my dear." 

Jeff glanced over to see Fred pulling his shorts off. He shrugged his shoulders, dropped his load of driftwood, and his swimming trunks fell off right after. "I suppose you're right." 

Of course, even though he was following local customs, it still meant that Jeff wore a bright crimson complexion until after sunset. Ashley leaned over and whispered a tease. "You are so cute when you're shy." 

"If I had a body as beautiful as yours I would never feel the need to be shy," he whispered back. 

She giggled and nuzzled his ear. "You do, my love." 

That night, back onboard the sailboat; Jeff and Ashley lounged on the deck while Fred and Anna were in their cabin below. A gentle breeze drifted across the cove to caress the boat along with the placid rocking of the waves. 

"Today has been magical," she whispered as the sea breeze played with the telltales that hung off the mast stays. "Thank you my love, I will never forget this." 

Jeff reached across to pull Ashley into a kiss. "The day isn't over yet, sweetie," he murmured as he kissed her again. At first his kisses were tender and playful but as their passions grew she wrapped her arms around his neck as he pulled her on top of him. 

"Wait," she whispered, "we can't do anything up here, what if they come up on deck?" 

"Listen," he whispered back to her. Faintly they could hear soft moans coming from the aft cabin below. "I think Fred and Anna aren't interested in coming up on deck right now," he added with a grin. 

Jeff pulled her into another embrace and trailed kisses down her neck to nestle his mouth between her breasts. She reached back and pulled the string on her bikini and her breasts fell free from their prison to caress his cheeks. 

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known, my love, I'm the luckiest guy in the world." 

"Luckiest next to me, sweetheart," she murmured as she reached down and began to fondle the growing bulge in his swimming trunks. She pulled the drawstring on his trunks and slipped her hand inside. She sat up and her top fell the rest of the way from her breasts. "Make love to me, darling," she whispered. 

He slipped off his trunks and reached over to pull off the strings of her bikini bottom. Then she pushed him down again and straddled him. She began to rub his rigid shaft against her clit and swollen pussy lips. She leaned forward to kiss him and he arched his back and shifted his hips to push deep into her. She moaned softly as his body met hers in a tender embrace. He slowly began to move in and out of her. They made love to the gentle rhythm of the lapping waves. 

Jeff looked up and gazed into her eyes as he thrust back into her. Surrounding her head a canopy of stars shown brilliantly in the night sky. She looked angelic, her eyes half closed as she rode him bathed in bliss. All the moments in his life that had led to meeting and loving this wonderful woman began to flood into his mind. Suddenly he saw her in his mind standing in his mother's clothing shop, demanded that he allow her to honor her promise and go on a date. He knew in that single moment that she would be his partner forever. 

In one last massive plunge he filled her vagina with his throbbing cock. Then, his body going tense, he arms wrapped around her shoulders. Then came the beautiful release, flowing and blissful. Her vagina gripped his shaft as he filled her with his seed. He pushed again and again inside her. Finally, she collapsed on top of him. They were both exhausted in euphoria. 

Shortly after sun-up Jeff and Ashley emerged from their cabin below, climbed the companionway to the cockpit, and then stood admiring the early morning on the forward deck. 

"Good morning you two," Fred said with a broad grin. "Did you sleep well?" 

"As well as you did my friend," Jeff said and Ashley blushed as Jeff crushed her into a hug. 

Fred stepped around them. "Would you two like to go snorkeling this morning?" Fred went down to the main cabin followed by Jeff and Ashley 

"Sure, are you and Anna going to join us?" 

Anna stepped into the main cabin from her stateroom and turned. "We'd love to. I'll pull out what we have for gear and set it on the lounge out here. Pick out what fits." 

An hour later, with the aft ladder lowered and a swimming platform rigged, the four of them jumped off the boat. They began to explore the coral heads that beckoned them a short distance away. The water was so clear if felt like you were suspended in mid-air. Ashley had to fight a bout of vertigo briefly but she soon settled her nerves and was able to dive nearly as deep as Anna. 

It was another beautiful day in paradise filled with exotic fish and coral displays that gave them both memories that would last a long time. 

Lunch was spent bobbing along towards Emerald Cay Island under full sail. After another swim, they pulled anchor and headed back to Jeff and Ashley's hotel before Fred and Anna finished the cruise at the marina on Providenciales Island at sunset.  

"I'm going to drop you guys at the dock at your resort hotel. Nothing is grander than to step off a yacht when you arrive," Fred said with a huge grin. 

"I totally agree," Ashley said as she hugged Anna and Fred. "You guys have been such lovely hosts, I hope we see you again before we leave." 

Anna leaned forward and kissed Ashley on the cheek. "When do you fly back? 

"On Saturday," Jeff said shaking Fred's hand followed by a hug. "Lets do a farewell dinner Friday night at the hotel." 

"I'll do you one better, come meet my family," Anna said opening her arms wide. "We'll do a big dinner with everybody." 

"That's fantastic!" Ashley shouted. "You've been talking about them non stop, I'd love to meet them, especially your mom." 

"The queen of the island," Anna grinned, "you'll love her." 

"Fair warning," cautioned Fred, "it's a big family. You will need a score card to keep count." 

Anna elbowed him playfully in the ribs. "Frederick!" Then she turned with a sheepish grin. "But he's right, you may have to take notes, it is a big family." 

Fred stood behind her, grinning, and holding his arms as wide as he could. 

They spent the rest of their time at the resort. Enjoying lavish dinners with extravagant floorshows. In the mornings they went shopping, and the afternoons were spent lounging by the pool. 

Friday evening arrived and Fred and Anna appeared in front of the lobby driving a battered old jeep painted in crazy, wild colors. The canopy top was lined with tiny pom-poms that danced in the breeze, and the tattered seats were held together with some form of colorful tape. "Island transportation, mon," Fred said with a grin as he hopped out and helped Ashley into the back seat. "Anna's mom has been roasting a pig all day. Tonight is going to be a feast of epic proportions!" He gunned the motor and the jeep squealed out of the hotel. "I hope you're hungry!" 

Anna's family home was a sprawling affair built in a Spanish style with a garden courtyard interior surrounded by the main house. Ashley and Jeff were led through a little courtyard at the front of the building and then through a portico. They emerged a moment later in the center of the courtyard garden. Hibiscus bushes in full bloom surrounded several large palms that swayed gently in the breeze and across the courtyard a young boy stood picking avocados off an enormous tree. 

"This is beautiful," Ashley said gazing over her head at the shafts of dappled sunlight that filtered through the palm frons. 

"Thank you," a portly man with a grizzly grey beard grinned and gestured wide. "You must be the Richards that our daughter Anna has been talking so much about. Welcome to our home." 

Anna rushed up and linked her arm with Ashley's. "Papa, this is Ashley and Jeff Richards. Papa is the gardener in the family." 

"It keeps me out of the house and out from under foot," he added with a chuckle. "Welcome, come meet the family." He gestured towards a large portico that led off to the rear of the house and eventually the kitchen. 

"Mama," Anna gestured to Ashley and Jeff, "this is Ashley and Jeff." 

A tall woman of modest proportions turned from directing two young girls who were preparing a salad to greet her guests. "It's good to finally meet you, Anna has told me so much about you." She moved across the kitchen, her arms stretched wide, and engulfed Ashley and Jeff in a huge bear hug. 

She turned and shouted into the house. "Everyone, come here and meet Anna's friends, the Richards." Children and adults seemed to be sprouting from all corners of the house to converge in the kitchen. 

"Now then," Mama said picking up two of the smallest children into her arms and began to name everyone present, pointing them out as she called their names. "You know Anna, so next to her is Michael, then John, Mary, Ellen, Samara, and this is Timothy and," she said kissing the youngest on the cheek, "Elizabeth. That's Diana, Michael's wife with her two kids Thomas and Peter." 

Diana rubbed her swollen belly with a grin. "And I've another on the way." 

"It's going to be a girl," Mama pronounced, her eyes twinkling, "I just know it. Next to Diana are Marta, John's wife, with her three children, Paul, Bonnie, and Suzanne." 

"This is quite a family," Ashley said. 

"Wait until the neighbors show up if you think it's crowded now," Fred added. 

Jeff turned and looked at Fred. "The neighbors?" 

"Sure, when Mama throws a party the whole family shows up," Fred laughed. 

A moment later an elderly woman, walking with a cane, entered the kitchen and sat on a nearby chair. 

"Grandmother," Anna said moving quickly to her side. "This is Ashley and Jeff, our friends from America." Then she whispered something softly into her grandmother's ear. 

The old woman opened her arms and gestured for Ashley to come near. She smiled as Ashley approached. "Pou bondye beni pitit ou a pou you," she said as she reached over and placed a hand worn thin and frail from ages of hard work onto Ashley's tummy. 

Ashley looked up into Anna's glistening eyes in wonder. "What did she say?" 

"She said may God bless your child for you," Anna replied, wrapping her arms around Ashley with a big hug. "It's a blessing her grandmother gave to her when she was about to have her first child. Something that has been handed down in our family for generations." 

"I'll treasure that and make it our tradition too," Ashley said returning Anna's hug. She turned to Anna's grandmother and smiled. "Merci beau coup." 

"Oh, it wasn't French, Ash, she spoke in Creole, an island dialect. But she understood you just the same, thanks." 

The old woman gestured for Anna to come close as she whispered something into her ear. Anna's eyes glistened as she rose up with a broad beaming smile. "She says it's going to be a girl and very healthy." 




Partners in Life Ch. 03



Mama shooed the rest of the family out of the kitchen, except for Diana and Marta. Ashley asked if there was anything she could do to help? 

"Of course not, you are our guests," she said gesturing towards the courtyard with a big grin. "Go, relax, ask Papa to tell you about his garden, he'll chew your ears off." 

The dinner that followed was marvelous. Several more families, cousins, aunt and uncles on both sides of the family, arrived before it was time to eat. All in all it was a feast of epic proportions, just like Fred promised. 

As the evening wore down, Fred and Anna took Jeff and Ashley back to their hotel. The night ended with tearful goodbyes and promises to stay in touch. 

=THREE= 

Since the time Ashley first met Laura, she had decided that Friday mornings were going to be a special time for just the two of them. It was a time set aside with no commitments, no chores, just "us time" as she called it. She would go to work late those mornings so that she could enjoy coffee with her best friend on their terrace. Laura usually got up early every Friday to bake something tasty like a coffee cake or scones. 

It quickly proved to be a wonderful way to ease into the weekend and enjoy a simple moment with her best friend. After their trip to the Caribbean it became a way to reconnect to 'island time' as their new friends Fred and Anna called it. It was a quiet, peaceful time, and a time to share dreams and thoughts about the future. 

Ashley was now nearly five months pregnant and her mind was filled with the usual doubts that plague any young expectant mother. Today they seemed to be weighing heavily on her mind. 

"I got an email from Anna late yesterday," Ashley said as she sipped her coffee. "She's pregnant." 

"I knew that would happen if they kept practicing," Laura said with a smirk. 

"And they're going to have the wedding in August," she added, ignoring Laura's comment that suddenly sounded more like Jeff than Laura. 

"I wish we could go but that's too close to when you're due," Laura said shrugging her shoulders. 

"Oh!" 

"What?" 

"She kicked me," she said pointing to her stomach. "Right here." 

Laura placed her hand on Ashley's stomach and felt the baby move a little. "I felt it. Oh, was that a kick?" 

"Yup, she's trying to make room where there isn't." 

Laura placed her hand on Ashley's belly again. "Does it hurt?" 

"No, not really. It's the surprise that's all. Now when she decides to dance on my bladder, that's a whole different matter." 

"You are going to make a wonderful mother, my love, our baby is so blessed," Laura said gently rubbing Ashley's stomach. 

Ashley smiled then a hint of worry clouded her expression. "I'm worried about what she will do to us." 

"I'm not," Laura said with a smile. "I know that a baby will change our lives but I also know that we love you so very much Ashley. We'll do whatever it takes to help you recover. I know birthing children puts a tremendous burden on you and your body. But we will always be with you. And yes, there will be some adjustments, but we'll be fine. 

Ashley's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Through all fourteen children?" 

"Fourteen?" 

"Of course! I have to keep up with Anna don't I?" 

Laura tilted her head with a knowing smile. 

=FOUR= 

The next morning the doorbell rang which Ashley thought was odd. Laura was due back at any minute, but she wouldn't use the doorbell. She went out to fill up the car with gas before they took off for a little trip to the country. It was something that Ashley promised she'd do with her after her trip with Jeff to the Caribbean. Ashley went to the door and opened it. Standing next to a rather shocked Laura was Susan, Ashley's sister. 

"Hi Sis, guess who I followed up into your driveway driving Jeff's car? I was sort of surprised until I remembered who she was. Laura, right? Your friend from the coffee shop I met several months ago. I guess you girls are planning a shopping trip, which makes me right on time." Susan slipped past a speechless Ashley and stepped into her living room. "I know I should have called first but I wanted it to be a surprise." She turned with her arms held out wide. "Surprise!" 

Laura stood a moment transfixed then, as if wanting to speak to Ashley alone, she sighed. She pulled her cellphone out of her purse and held it up to get Ashley's attention as she looked past Susan. "Ash, I need to use the restroom," Laura said as she moved quickly to the hallway that led to the bedrooms. 

Susan abruptly stopped talking and watched Laura disappear down the hallway. An odd expression crossed her face as turned back to Ashley. "Ashley, what's going on?" 

At that moment Ashley's cellphone chirped indicating that she just got a text message. She ignored her sister and opened her phone. It was a message from Jeff and it read: Lie? Or Truth? 

Ashley set her jaw firmly and tapped out a brief message, which read: Truth. Then she turned to Susan. "Sue, why are you really here?" 

Susan looked down then looked up into her sister's eyes as tears began to fall across her cheeks. "I'm leaving Howard." 

"What?!" 

Laura returned from the bathroom and paused at the entrance to the hallway, her eyes opened wide. 

"I can't take it anymore," Susan said wiping away her tears. "I'm sure he's having an affair." 

Ashley moved to place an arm around her sister and steer her to the couch. "Are you sure? Have you seen him with another woman? What makes you think he's having an affair?" 

Susan glanced towards Laura and sighed. "I'm sorry Laura but I can't talk about this in front of strangers." 

Laura nodded. "I understand." She looked at Ashley and shrugged. "I'll wait in the bedroom." 

Susan looked at Ashley then at Laura, and then back to Ashley. "Wait a minute. Ashley, what's going on here? Are you having an affair with another woman? Where's Jeff? Does he know what's going on?" 

Laura's face was flush with crimson as she shifted her voice into a more masculine tone. "I'm right here Susan, and yes, I know what's going on." 

Susan looked shocked. "Jeff? But, but..." 

"It's all right Susan," Ashley said trying to reassure her. "This is Laura, my best girlfriend and Laura is the name Jeff takes when he dresses like this." 

"So he's a transvestite?!" The words seemed to explode out of her mouth. 

"No," Laura said walking over to sit in a chair near Ashley. "That would be a person who dresses full time as a woman but hasn't made any attempts towards gender reassignment. I, on the other hand, like to dress occasionally in feminine clothing. That makes me more of a cross-dresser." 

"And you go out looking like that?" Susan began to shake her head in wonder. 

"Yes," Laura replied, "just like the time I met you at the coffee shop down the street." 

Susan thought for a moment. "But you don't look like a man at all. I thought you were...well now I don't know what I thought." Susan turned to Ashley. "And you're okay with this?" 

"Susan, my dear sweet sister, I'm so very much okay with this. Meeting Laura has changed our lives; we're closer than we ever were before, we're deeper in love than we ever were before." 

Susan glanced back at Laura and then to Ashley. "But what do other people think?" 

"Frankly Sis, I don't give a damn what other people think. Jeff is my husband, my lover, and my best friend, and soon to be the father to our first child. We couldn't be happier, our family could not be more blessed." 

Ashley took Susan's hands in hers. "Now Sis, let's get back to the more important question here. Why do you believe that Howard is cheating on you?" 

"I don't k-know, I-I just do," Susan stammered with furtive glances at Laura. 

"When I spoke with him last week," Laura said, returning to a more feminine tone. "He didn't give any indication that things were difficult between you two." 

Susan looked up and smiled meekly. "Thank you Jeff, I mean Laura. What did he say? I mean what did you guys talk about?" 

"Mostly your kids, softball practice, swimming lessons, that sort of thing. He did grumble about work saying he was getting fed up with his new boss. That was about it." 

"You see," Susan said vehemently, "he doesn't even talk to Jeff about it." 

"Okay, okay," Ashley said lifting Susan's face to look into her eyes. "Tell me why you think he's having an affair, and be specific." 

Susan blushed bright crimson, hesitated, then took a big breath and sighed as she let it out slowly. "We haven't had sex in over a month. And when we do it's like a race to the finish. He doesn't talk to me about anything anymore. He just comes home, pushes his dinner around on his plate, plops down in front of the television and falls asleep." 

Laura caught Ashley's eye and smiled a knowing smile. She subtly nodded back and turned to Susan. "Sis, it's time to spice things up." 

Susan looked up suddenly. "What?" 

"You guys are in a rut. It happens to every couple, some sooner than others, but it happens to us all. You need to shake things up, add a little mystery, dash in a little erotic intrigue and a smidgen of fantasy." Ashley turned to Laura. "Honey, can we postpone our little trip?" 

"Absolutely," Laura replied. "And I'll call Howard tomorrow and see if I can nudge him towards a different way of thinking." 

"Perfect," replied Ashley. "Susan, stay here tonight. Tomorrow you and I will visit my favorite toyshop. You will be surprised at what's available." 

Susan hugged her sister then, as if in a moment of impulse, she rushed across the room and threw her arms around Laura. "Thank you Laura, you have no idea how much this means to me." She hugged her again and then held her at arms length. "Have I made a new friend?" 

Laura blushed and smiled shyly. "Yes, but a secret one." 

Susan nodded with a smile. 

"Come on," Ashley said, "let's go get some lunch, just us girls." 

Susan followed Laura and Ashley out the front door. "So, tell me, when did this all begin?" 

Ashley smiled. "Remember about eight months ago when I came to Springfield for a visit?" 

Susan nodded and glanced at Laura who blushed slightly. 

"Well," Ashley continued as they got into Jeff's car, "I came home early and..." 

***** 

A NOTE TO THE READER: 

This story is a work of fiction. All of the characters, their names and the places that they visit, are purely from the imagination of the author. Any resemblance to persons, places, or things is not intentional and purely coincidental. 

If you believe in coincidence I'm happy for you. However, if you read my other works you know that I do not, but the lawyers like to see that word in there anyway. 

Thank you for reading this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it. If this is the first time you've read one of my stories, welcome. I hope you take a look at the rest of the work that I've published here on Literotica.com. If you are a returning reader, welcome back, it's nice to see old friends. - Dreamweaver594



Partners in Life



Finally, unable to resist the mountain of questions that had been building inside her any longer, Ashley asked how long Laura had been around?

"Since I was sixteen, or maybe fifteen. I discovered an old trunk that my mother left in the attic. There were dozens of dresses and slips and oodles of amazingly sexy underwear in there. They were from my mother's sister, Aunt Karen, before she died."

"What happened?"

"A car accident. It was on a night like this, rainy and dizzily. The roads were slippery and another car pushed her off the road. My mother was a mess for months after that; she was very close to her sister."

Ashley nodded; she knew what it meant to be close to a sister. The thought of losing her own sister chilled her. She smiled briefly and reached over to take Laura's hand. She could feel Laura's nervousness.

"Anyway, it was during Christmas break and I was bored so I went up into the attic to look for something to do. I guess one thing led to another. Apparently my Aunt Karen was close to the same size as I was then."

"Did your mother ever see you in her sister's clothes?"

"No, thank God. It probably would have devastated her, now that I think about it."

The room was filled with silence once again. Laura twirled her fork in the food on her plate.

Ashley took another sip of her wine. She took a big breath and let it out slowly. "Do you want to live full time as a woman, Laura?"

Laura glanced up in surprise then her features softened into a meek smile. She shook her head. "No." She took a breath and sighed. "I like to come out and play sometimes but my life as Jeff with you is what I want and need."

"Are you attracted to men?"

She smiled winsomely and shook her head. "No dear, I never have been or ever will be. I'm head over heels in love with you. I have been since the first day we met." She stood up and began to gather the plates and silverware off the table. "Maybe it's my way of understanding you better, of getting closer to you, or trying to understand what it is to be a woman." She shrugged her shoulders as she walked into the kitchen to set the dishes down near the sink. "Being a woman certainly isn't easy, I'll give you that."

Ashley smiled and picked up the platter laden with the Chinese food cartons. She followed Laura into the kitchen. "It's my night to do the dishes."

"Can I help?"

Ashley turned to her a bit surprised. "Do you want to?"

Laura nodded and smiled. "Of course."

"You know, Jeff and I never do the dishes together. We always take turns. So this surprises me."

"Well, that's Jeff and I'm Laura. Besides, with the two of us we can finish much faster."

They stood side by side while the sink filled with warm water. Ashley turned to Laura and smiled. "Thank you. You know, after last night I was so scared of meeting you but now I'm glad I did. I hope we can become friends."

"Does that mean you would like to see me again?"

Ashley paused a moment. She looked into Laura's eyes and nodded. She lifted a plate out of the soapy water and ran a washcloth across it. "Yes, I would like that." 

She dunked the plate into the rinse water and handed it to Laura who replied, "I'd like that too."

They finished the dishes quickly and Ashley poured a glass of wine for Laura. "Let's sit in the living room."

"Okay." Laura followed her in and walked over to sit on a chair by the fireplace.

Ashley patted a cushion on the sofa. "Come sit over here, you're too far away."

Laura sat down next to Ashley and glanced nervously around the room. "I like the choices you made in decorating this room."

"You do? Thank you. I've tried countless times to get anything out of Jeff about it and he just shrugs his shoulders and grins."

"I like it, the muted blues and lavenders are very calming. I imagine you would probably need something like this after spending all day at your office. I know I would."

"You're right, it is calming. And there are days when I need it." Ashley reached down and slipped off her shoes. She studied her wine, rolling it around and watching it cling to the side of her glass.

"What are your plans this weekend?"

Laura looked up a bit surprised. "I didn't really have any. Why?"

"I was thinking that it might be nice to do a little shopping, just us girls. What do you think?"

Laura's hand began to visibly shake. She quickly placed her wine glass on the coffee table. "Ashley, I'm flattered that you would want me to go with you but I am not sure that's such a good idea. I'm not really good in public and I wouldn't want to embarrass you. Besides, this is something I would like to stay between us."

"Oh pooh, I think you're lovely. I've been watching you all evening. Everything about you speaks feminine to me. Besides, if anyone has an issue with it that's their problem not yours."

Laura still wasn't convinced. "But what if we run into someone we know?"

"We'll go to the outlets near the beach. Nobody we know goes there yet. I'll help with your makeup, nobody will know. Please, I want to go shopping with my new girlfriend."

"I'm your new girlfriend?"

Ashley nodded with a sweet laugh. Her words were almost lyrical. "Come on, it'll be fun."

Laura sighed and smiled meekly. "Okay. I guess I'll see you Saturday. What time?"

"Nine too early?"

Laura shook her head and smiled shyly.

"Yeah." Ashley leaned over and gave Laura a big hug then kissed her on her cheek. "Thank you."

Laura stood up and finished the rest of her wine then she set her glass on the coffee table. "I should probably go, you have to work tomorrow and eight o'clock comes awfully early."

Ashley stood up and placed her hands in Laura's. "Good night Laura, tonight was lovely. I can't wait until Saturday."

"What about your husband?"

"Oh, I'll talk to Jeff later, I'm sure he won't mind."

Laura nodded and smiled then she turned and walked out of the living room. She paused at the stairs and turned to Ashley. "Good night." 

She quietly climbed the stairs as Ashley picked up the wine glasses and walked into the kitchen.

A few minutes later Ashley walked into her bedroom. Jeff was lying on the bed reading a magazine. There weren't any signs that Laura had been there moments before. "Hi, how was dinner?

She unbuttoned her blouse, tossed it into the hamper, and stepped into the bathroom. "It was very nice, different, but nice. I'm glad I asked to meet her."

"Me too. Are you seeing her again?"

Ashley stepped out of the bathroom while brushing her teeth. She nodded with a big grin. Then she ducked back into the bathroom to rinse. 

She wiped her mouth on a towel and looked at her eyebrows in the mirror. "We're going shopping this weekend at the outlets near the beach."

Jeff set his magazine down. He got out of bed and walked to the bathroom door. "She's pretty shy Ash, she doesn't have a lot of confidence in public."

"She'll do fine, I told her I'd help her with her makeup if she needs it but honestly, she doesn't have anything to worry about, she looks and acts lovely."

Jeff pulled his wife into a hug as she stepped by him walking out of the bathroom. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "I love you sweetheart, so very much."

"I love you too." She kissed him and hugged his neck. "Now be a dear and rub my feet. Those shoes I wore today were killing me. I'm taking them to the Goodwill next week."

She sat on the bed and scooted across to make room for him. Then she swung her feet around and plopped them into his lap. "Ooo, yes, right there. That's the spot."

He rubbed the soreness out of her feet. "Thank you for accepting Laura into your life sweetheart, it really means a lot to me."

"Until tonight I never knew how much it meant to me either." She poked him in the arm and chuckled. "She even helped me do the dishes."

"It sounds like she's spoiling you."

She swung her legs around and snuggled down beneath the blankets and cuddled close. "Maybe a little, but I deserve it."

He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her on the head. In minutes they both were sound asleep.

=TWO=

Five minutes after nine on Saturday morning, Laura walked down the stairs and into the living room looking for Ashley. Hoping that a casual look wouldn't draw too much attention, she wore faded blue jeans, a pink top, and a pair of black espadrilles. Ashley opened the front door and walked into the living room. "Hi, you look casual, I like it."

"Thanks, I'm hoping it helps me fade into the background."

Ashley grinned and walked over give her a hug. "Laura, sweetie, you are too pretty to fade anywhere but you could use a little more help with your makeup." 

She took her hand and led her back upstairs to the bedroom. She pointed to a bench at her vanity as they walked in the room. "Here, sit down and let me look at what you have for makeup."

Ashley rummaged through a small bag containing all of Laura's makeup. "You have some nice subtle colors for your eyes in here but your foundation needs to be corrected. It's too pale and, well, you can't go cheap on makeup, sweetie. We'll get a better quality later while were shopping."

She picked up an eyebrow pencil and began to retouch a few spots. "There, much better. No one will ever know."

Laura looked in the mirror while Ashley turned to her closet and pulled out a blouse and some slacks. "I was cleaning the car before you came down and I got my pants all dusty. I won't be a minute."

"You didn't have to do that."

She poked her head out of the bathroom door. "What, and take my new girlfriend out shopping in that mess of a car? It's the least I can do." 

A few minutes later she stepped out again and twirled in front of Laura. "What do you think? Casual enough?"

"Perfect, as always."

"Flatterer. Come on, I'll drive." Ashley started for the bedroom door then paused. "Wait." She dashed back to her closet and rummaged around a moment, emerging with a small leather purse with a simple shoulder strap. She handed the purse to Laura. "Here, you'll need this."

"Thanks," Laura said with a nod as she dropped her wallet and keys into the purse.

After nearly an hour, Ashley pulled into a parking space near the H&M outlet store. "We have at least two hours before the place is swamped so let's go shopping."

"Where first?"

"H&M then Forever 21, after that we'll see what comes along."

Laura started to blush and Ashley turned to lean in close and whisper. "Don't you dare get cold feet on me. You look lovely and no one is going to think anything other than two good friends are out shopping for fun." She paused a moment then gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Then she got out and walked around the car. She opened the passenger door and grabbed Laura's hand. "Now come on, let's have some girl fun."

Laura got out of the car and they both walked into H&M.

Ashley started searching through a rack of blue jeans near the entrance. "What are you looking for?"

"I'm not sure, maybe a new skirt or a top?"

"You look like a size 12." She grabbed Laura's hand. "Let's go over here first."

Ten minutes later she had an armful of choices. "Let's go try these on." She took Laura by the hand and headed towards the fitting rooms.

"What, now? Together?"

"Of course sweetie, we can help each other. Now, come on, room three is open."

The fitting rooms were spacious with ample lighting and several full-length mirrors. Ashley helped Laura out of her pink top and held out a lovely teal colored shirt that buttoned up to a high neck that was covered with a simple bow. 

She glanced at Laura's bra as she unbuttoned her blouse. "We really need to do something about that bra dear. The tissue isn't working. We should look online this afternoon for some breast enhancers. They'll help you complete the look you need to wear this top and appear more natural. Here," she handed Laura the teal shirt, "try this one on first."

"Thanks. What are you going to try on?"

"A couple of new bras." She glanced over her shoulder and winked at Laura. "We can't find any new ones for you until we get your silhouette fixed. Then we'll be back."

Ashley took off her shirt and unfastened her bra. Her lovely breasts fell free of their prison. As she removed the bra she noticed Laura glancing sideways at her. Her nipples grew firm and erect with excitement. "Like what you see?"

When Laura realized she was caught looking she blushed. "I'm sorry Ash. You're just, well, you're just gorgeous and I can't help myself."

"Thanks," she said giving her an air kiss. "Now tuck that top in so we can see if it fits." She helped Laura adjust her blouse then she glanced down at her crotch. "And speaking of tucking." 

Laura followed her gaze to the bulge that was beginning to emerge between her legs. "Oh, shit. Now what do I do?"

Ashley knelt down with a devilish grin. "I can think of something." She started to unzip Laura's jeans.

Laura quickly covered her growing bulge. "Ashley Richards! She whispered hoarsely. "Not here!"

Ashley chuckled with a mischievous grin. "Well then you better start solving some math problems, sweetie, because you can't go out looking like that." She stood up and kissed Laura on the cheek. "You are so cute when you're embarrassed." 

Laura blushed an even darker shade of crimson.

Ashley turned around and pulled the bra straps around to her back. "Now help me with these clasps."

Twenty minutes later, with their choices in hand, they made their way to the checkout counter. Standing at the rear of the checkout queue another woman held several slacks and a short jacket. She happened to turn around as Ashley and Laura approached.

"Ashley! What are you doing here? I thought you said you'd be off somewhere with your husband this weekend."

Ashley blanched as she glanced back at Laura. "Sara, sorry, I had a change of plans."

Sara looked past her to Laura who stood awkwardly behind trying not to draw Sara's attention. 

Ashley noticed her glance. "Oh, Sara, this is my husband's sister Laura. She's in town for the weekend and she wanted to go shopping."

Sara extended her free hand to Laura. "It's nice to meet you."

Laura nodded and smiled. "Hi," she added softly.

Ashley looked into Laura's eyes with a subtle nod to the exit door. "Laura, I'll take your things, you said you needed to go."

Laura shrugged her shoulders with a meek smile. "Yes, thank you." She handed Ashley the tops she wanted and with a nod towards Sara, she dashed to the exit and down the corridor to the restrooms.

"She's nice, Ashley. Your sister, huh? How long is she staying in town?"

Sara Conway was the go-to girl for office gossip. And when there was nothing to talk about, Ashley suspected that she made stuff up just to stir things up. She wasn't one of Ashley's favorite people. 

Ashley turned to look for Laura. "Only for the weekend. Then she has to get back to Springfield."

Sara nudged Ashley in the arm with a wink. "Well, if you're up for some fun tonight with your new sister, come check out the action at The Tropicana. The DJ they have there now is good and sometimes so is the action."

"I'll remember that Sara, but I doubt Laura will be up for it. She's kind of shy, and I think just like me, she's in a committed relationship."

The checkout clerk looked to Sara. "How can I help you, miss?"

Sara dropped her clothing choices onto the counter. She smiled at the sales clerk and then glanced back at Ashley. "You never know with the shy ones, if you know what I mean. Besides, when you're out of town who's the wiser?"

Ashley shrugged her shoulders with a half smile more meant to appease Sara than to agree with her. She turned to look outside again for Laura.

Sara took that gesture as the end of the conversation and returned her attention to the sales clerk.

Five minutes later Ashley walked out of the store and headed towards her car. Laura walked out of a nearby sporting goods store and joined her.

Ashley opened her trunk with her remote. "Ugh! Of all the people to run into." She leaned closer to Laura and whispered. "Sara Conway is a slut. She has nothing better to do in her life but wag her tongue about everybody else. The little bitch even makes stuff up."

Laura looked a bit shocked at Ashley's candor. "Should we go?"

"No, she's gone. I told her you're Jeff's sister. It looked like she bought it and in a way you are." Ashley touched Laura on the arm. "His sweet little sister who is now my new girlfriend." 

Ashley closed the trunk and winked at Laura. "Come on, we have more to shop for."

The rest of the morning was uneventful, save for the sheer fun of shopping with Ashley, which, for Jeff dressed as Laura, was a real eye-opener. Sure, he had spent many hours shopping for clothes with his wife but somehow he was seeing the whole experience in a different light and he was really enjoying it. 

That surprised him more than he expected. Ashley was so delightfully funny and playful and carefree. It was a side to her that he had rarely seen and he was beginning to relish it.

They bought a few more things for Laura, including some high quality makeup at Ulta. Then they stopped into Ashley's favorite shoe store.

She insisted that Laura try on some new shoes. "A girl can not have too many shoes. Here, try these on." She handed her a pair of four-inch wedges. "You should own a pair of wedges to go shopping in. They're safer and they're easier on your ankles."

"How do you know my size?"

Ashley covered her mouth with her hands and blushed like a schoolgirl. "I peeked when you were in the shower."

Laura stood up in the shoes with a twinkle in her eye. She glanced down at the way her feet looked in the shoes. "At what? My shoes or me?"

Ashley laughed as she walked down the shoe aisle. "Both."

On the way home Ashley admitted that she liked having Laura as a good friend. She confessed that she always wanted someone who she could confide in, almost forgetting that beneath Laura's exterior was her husband. 

Laura looked away from the passenger window towards Ashley. "What about Jeff?"

"Oh, there are just some things a girl can't talk about freely with her husband. It's not like I'm trying to keep anything from him, I'd be happy to tell him anything if he asked. It's just easier with...a girlfriend." Ashley glanced over and bit her lower lip. "Does that make any sense?"

Laura smiled and nodded her head slowly. "Somehow, I think it does. Thanks."

=THREE=

Monday, after Ashley returned home from work, she found that Jeff had set a romantic candle light dinner in the dinning room. She walked in and found him finishing up setting the table.

Ashley dropped her purse by the front door then she walked into the dinning room. Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight. "This looks lovely."

Jeff turned and kissed her on the lips. "Thank you, how was your day?"

"Busy. And yours?"

"Not so bad." Jeff turned her around and began to massage her shoulders. 

"A client called and yelled at me about the layout of a new brochure he wanted 'yesterday'. In the middle of the conversation he finally looked at his inbox and noticed that I had already finished his changes. He apologized...sort of."

"Oh God, that feels so divine." She turned and kissed him on the lips. "Let me get out of these clothes."

"Dinner is almost ready."

She turned half way up the stairs with a twinkle in her eye. "What are we having?"

He grinned as he stood looking up at her. "Salmon and copious amounts of wine."

"Hmm, are you trying to seduce me Mr. Richards?"

Jeff offered her a subtle smile. "The thought did cross my mind."

"Good." She turned and climbed the stairs to the bedroom. "I'll be right back."

Minutes later she returned in a provocative satin dressing gown with a matching bra and thong panties. Her hair was done up in curls and her makeup was smoky and seductive.




Partners in Life



"You see! That's what I'm talking about. You are simply gorgeous! You make it look so easy, and yet I know how much real skill and talent went into this look."

She smiled at him seductively as her heels clicked on the hardwood floor. She walked slowly towards him; her hands outstretched beckoning him into her arms. 

"You are a sorceress," he whispered.

Her eyes sparkled with delight. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I do love you so very much my darling husband, for this moment and so many more. You are the most wonderful man in the world and I'm lucky to have you."

He whispered in her ear. "No luckier than me. Shall we eat?"

"What's for dessert?"

"Something served best in bed," he murmured as they walked arm in arm to the dinning room.

The dinner was every bit what he had promised although she only had eyes for her husband.

He stood up as she set down her fork and walked over to her, extending his hand. She placed her hand in his and he led her to the stairs, then up to their bedroom.

What followed was a night that neither of them would forget as he slowly removed her satin robe and lingerie. Tonight was to be a night devoted solely to her pleasure. 

He caressed her lovingly. His hands and tongue grazed across parts of her body that, under his caress, became incredibly sensitive. 

Her first orgasm exploded filling her eyes with stars, and yet he hadn't touched her sex. She barely had time to recover and another orgasm shook her body. His tongue settled between her thighs like a feather that had fallen from the sky. His touch was delicate, gentle, and elusive. She yearned for more, so much more. Her body craved another caress, a subtle touch, a dainty kiss on each nipple. Her mind soared with infinite pleasure.

Who was this man...this husband...this lover? How had he discovered the secrets of her body? How can he be so tuned into her? And then a thought struck her like a thunderbolt. Laura. He understood her through Laura! She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tight. She didn't know what she did to deserve such a beautiful gift as the man in her arms tonight.

She smiled blissfully and thanked the stars above for Jeff, her husband, her lover and her new best friend. 

=FOUR=

The following weekend, Ashley's sister decided to take follow up on Ashley's offer to visit. It had been a long time since she'd been to the city and an invitation to go shopping with her sister was too much to pass up.

It was the middle of an afternoon by the time she arrived at her sister's house. She knocked on the door but no one answered. She peeked through the sidelight by the door but the house looked empty. A bit flustered she pulled out her cellphone and sent her sister Ashley a text. 

It read: Hi Sis, I decided to take you up on your offer for a day of shopping in the city. Call me so we can meet up, I'm at your house.

Two blocks away at the Fair Grounds coffee shop Ashley and Laura sat sipping cappuccinos and listening to soft jazz in the background when Ashley's cellphone buzzed.

Ashley retrieved it from her purse and swiped the screen to read the text. Her eyes grew large as she read what her sister sent her. "Oh shit."

Laura leaned forward. "What? Bad news?"

"It could be, Susan is in town, at our house! She wants to spend the day shopping."

Laura sat back in the overstuffed chair by the fireplace and shrugged. "That sounds like fun. How about I disappear for a little bit and then I'll meet up with you guys later for dinner."

"That sounds good, except..."

The color in Ashley's face went white as she watched her sister walk into the coffee shop. 

"Hi Sis," Susan said as she flopped down in a chair next to a somewhat shocked Laura. "I was driving down to get some gas at the corner station when I saw your car. Lucky, huh? She reached over and offered Laura her hand. "Hi, I'm Susan Billings, Ashley's sister."

"Hi," Laura gulped as she took Susan's hand. "Laura Benson."

Susan glanced back and forth between Ashley and Laura. "I didn't interrupt anything did I? I always do that. My husband Robbie tells me I do it all the time."

Laura set her cup down on the side table and smiled awkwardly. "No, no, don't worry, I was just leaving."

"Laura dropped in just before you did. We were just catching up," Ashley volunteered. She glanced at Laura with a subtle smile.

Laura returned her smile and stood up. "Ash, it's been fun. I'll talk to you later, have fun shopping." She turned briefly to Susan. "It was nice meeting you, Susan." Then she walked around the corner and out the door.

"I hope she didn't leave on my account," Susan sighed watching Laura go.

"I don't think so, Laura told me she had a ton of things to do. She just happened to catch me like you did."

"She's a pretty thing, is she married? I saw the wedding band on her hand so I wondered."

"Yes, happily so," Ashley sighed contentedly. "Do you want a cup of coffee?"

"No, I had some before I left Eastville," Susan said as she stood up. "I want to check out the new outlet shops you raved about a couple of weeks ago."

Ashley set her cup down on the side table next to Laura's and stood up. "You want to take my car or yours?"

"Oh, let's take yours. You know how to get there and I hate driving in the city. Do you want to follow me to your house so I can drop off my car there?"

Ashley mind raced through the possibilities. Most likely Laura was walking back to their house. Susan might see her and suspect something. "No, let's not bother. We can just pick it up on the way back, okay?"

Susan nodded and smiled as Ashley let out a sigh of relief. It was a good thing Laura was so pretty, most people overlooked the telltale signs with such a pretty face to admire. Still, she knew what Jeff was going to say. It might be weeks before she could coax her best girlfriend out for coffee again.

She grinned sheepishly as she followed Susan out the coffee shop door. It was fun watching him squirm when Susan sat down. 

She'd make it up to him, he was easy to please and she loved pleasing him as much as he loved pleasing her. 

Susan chatted on about the drive into the city, the traffic, the rude drivers and how many times she was sure she almost died. Ashley loved her sister but she was glad she was only around in small doses.

As she stood in the checkout line at TJ Maxx it occurred to Ashley that she was falling in love with the feminine side of Jeff. Even though Laura was only a feminine personification, deep inside was Jeff, her husband and her best friend.

Later that night, with her sister on the interstate safely heading west, Ashley confided in Jeff that she really cherishes the times she spends with Laura, nearly as much as she cherishes her time with him.

Jeff sighed as he took her hand and looked into her eyes. "I'm worried that I might be losing out to Laura, Ash. That you might want to spend more time with her than you do with me."

But Ashley assured him that it's just the opposite...that she has fallen more in love with him because of her. 

"We'll find a balance, I know we will. I love Laura as much as I love you, my dear sweet husband. She's taught you how to love a woman. For that I can never thank her enough."

=EPILOGUE=

Today, Jeff and Ashley are still together as their marriage has moved past the critical seven-year itch into a lasting relationship built on love, understanding, and mutual respect. 

Ashley still loves to spend time shopping, dinning out, and going to the movies with her best girlfriend Laura, but now more than ever it's her time with Jeff that she cherishes the most. They truly have become partners in life.