Lady in Red Ch. 10

"Mom! Do you think Steve will complain about posing with me topless? He'll love it!"

Steve heard the last comment and interjected. "I might complain. I don't want explicit pictures of you floating around. You mean too much to me to do something exciting now that I'll regret later. At the very least, I want to see all the shots while they're on the disc and have the right to delete any I don't like. You're perfect, Gwen. People admire you and consider you a role model. I think you're really sexy and beautiful. You don't have to show your breasts to look great, or be noticed. I'll go along with this as long as your mom and I both have the power to delete any pictures we feel are over the line."

"You surprise me, Steve, but in a good way," admitted Gwen. "I'm really happy that you care about my reputation and honor. However, I don't get to model very often and I know darn well that a lot of models would be topless in your arms if that's what the photographer asked. Heck, they'd do it whether she asked or not. I feel safe with you and mom involved. I'm over 18 and may be out of college by the time these pictures come out. As long as my nipples are not showing, I want to try this. I've always been so careful and proper. I want to take advantage of opportunities and not regret what I was afraid to do."

"If you're certain, I guess it'll be okay. I'm worried about your father's reaction. We've got to be sure that all pictures on that chip are good ones and we leave nothing that can come back and bite us later," stated Paula. "These have to be high quality shots and not porn."

Kate and Lisa had been lounging by the pool but sat up when they saw the others in a small conference. When Gwen reached behind her back and unhooked her top, the sisters jumped to their feet and headed for Paula.

"What's going on, Mom?" demanded Kate. "Why is Gwen topless? Are we going to do x-rated stuff now?"

"No. 'we' are not, young lady. Naomi has asked Gwen to pose for some tasteful topless pictures with Steve. We're going to be very careful to keep her nipples from being in any pictures. And before you ask, the answer is 'no', you cannot pose that way with Steve."

Naomi was directing Steve and Gwen as she shot picture after picture. She had Gwen just touch Steve's chest with her nipples and look into his eyes, She had Steve wrap an arm around her smashing her breasts out so they bulged above and below Steve's forearm. Then Gwen stood behind a seated Steve and leaned over him, pressing her nipples into his shoulder, but showing the rest of her breasts.

"Oh, my!" exclaimed Paula as she watched the proceedings. "They're certainly provocative poses. I hope she's about done."

Naomi turned to the group watching and asked, "Lisa, would you be interested in being in some of these pictures?"

"Since you twisted my arm!" laughed Lisa as she hurried over to join her sister. As she walked, she worked on removing her halter. By the time she reached Steve and Gwen, she was topless.

Steve groaned and Lisa and Gwen laughed. "I'd think you feel pretty darn proud of yourself, Steve," teased Lisa. "Don't I look good enough to pose with you and Gwen? Am I too fat, of flat-chested? Are my girls too small after seeing Gwen's?"

Naomi didn't give Steve a chance to respond as she directed the three in numerous poses. She had Steve hold a girl in each arm with their chests against his shoulders. She even had him stand facing the camera with his legs spread the sisters sat at his feet with their arms wrapped around his thighs and their boobs pressed against his legs.

"Gwen! It looks like there's something alive in Steve's trunks," observed Lisa with a straight face. "It may not be safe for us to be so close. We don't know what it is, or how big it'll get!"

Steve had hoped that the jock would help keep his cock under control, or at least from being obviously out of control. When the sisters tag teamed him, that idea went out the window. When Naomi finally told him she was finished, Steve scooped up a girl in each arm and jumped into the pool. When they surfaced, Lisa and Gwen piled on Steve in an attempt to dunk him. Steve dropped under the surface. Suddenly Lisa screamed as she rose out of the water and was launched toward the deep end. Gwen turned and ran for the shallow end, but Steve dove and tackled her before she made two steps. He made a big production of lifting her over his head and tossing her in the general direction of Lisa. Then he turned and climbed out of the pool.

Naomi had not expected the horse play in the pool, but quickly took advantage of it. She constantly snapped photos during the water battle. She also photographed each of the combatants as they climbed from the pool.

Steve walked over and sat down near Paula and Kate. "You've seen Gwen, Lisa, and even Mom. I bet you're dying to see how I look topless, aren't you, Steve," asked Kate with barely concealed excitement.

"Kate, you're a stunning girl, but you'd get me arrested and jailed for a long time, so please don't even think about it," responded Steve to an obviously disappointed Kate. "Until you're eighteen, okay?"

Kate's eyes lit up and she gave Steve a huge smile as she turned and strutted away. The group spent over half an hour going over the topless pictures.

The women were surprised that Steve deleted three photos they were going to leave. "I know how guys think and those three were just too suggestive. I don't want anyone saying this was some sort of orgy or something."

Satisfied with the day's work, the group went to get dressed for the trip back to Sparta. Meanwhile, in a rented house a few miles away from the house with the pool, six men gathered around an old wooden table. "We have almost all of the pieces in place. Soon you will change the course of history. We have only to select a target and determine the best day to strike. These Americans are lazy and soft. We shall have no obstacles in attaining our goals. You will be famous for all time, My Brothers."

"Fame is not my goal," replied a large man with a swarthy beard and dark complexion. "I only hope to do my share in destroying this country. These people are godless; flaunting their bodies and respecting nothing. Death is no more than they deserve."

"Nevertheless," replied the first man in his native Farsi, "you shall be famous and your family will be well rewarded. Soon these infidels will know fear whenever your name is mentioned. Rest assured that the cable news channels will mention it often! Within the week, I will determine our target. Vengeance will be ours. Justice will be ours!"

The rest of the week passed quickly. Steve and the girls spent hours working on the dances that Diane had chosen for them. Amber reported that she had an appointment with a large retail store to present her "Lady in Red" line. She had all the dresses and swimsuits completed and she and Naomi had put together a portfolio of photographs to use in the presentation.

"I have to tell you that the photos are incredible. You Andersons even made Steve look good," laughed Amber over the speaker phone as she chatted with Gwen, Paula, and Steve. "Being the governor's daughter may help get me in the door, but my designs and the attractive models wearing them will determine if we have any success. That and the fame you two have generated from the river rescue, the dance, and the state football title. I feel really good about our chances!"

Two days later Steve was at the mall with Tyler Smith and Jared White. As they approached the food court, Steve saw Stephanie and one of her friends standing on the other side of the food court. He noticed that both girls seemed agitated as several boys stood near them, pointing and laughing. It didn't look like anything very serious, but it gave Steve an idea.

"You guys see those two girls over there? Stephanie is Gwen's cousin and Jade is her friend. I think it would be extremely cool if you two sort of rescued them from those little punks that are teasing them," suggested Steve.

"I know Stephanie," admitted Tyler. "She's really good looking and I'd be glad to act the tough guy to impress her, but what do you think we should do once we chase those clowns away?

"Good question. Not to brag, but if you tell them you're on your way to meet me and ask them if they want to come along, Stephanie will join you. I imagine Jade will stick with her friend and agree to come with you," reasoned Steve.

"We're not just reeling in more hot babes for the Hammer stable, are we?" demanded Jared. "I'm not going to put any effort in getting you more girls to add to your collection."

"It's about time you added some 'hot babes' to your own collection," laughed Steve. "Stephanie has a bit of a crush on me, but that's mostly because no decent guys have treated her right. I don't know much about Jade, except she's way too good looking for an ugly guy like you, but I'm willing to do my best to help you get a girlfriend. Just bring the girls over to the food court and let me work my magic for your benefit."

The two friends agreed and took off on the direction of the girls while Steve found an empty table at the food court and sat down. He was studying the menu at the sandwich shop when someone suddenly dropped into his lap.

"This is my lucky day!" grinned Stephanie. "First these football studs rescue us from those dumb ass boys and then they bring us over to find you here without Gwen. Have you met my girlfriend, Jade?"

Steve stood with Stephanie clinging to him. He gently placed her on her feet and turned to Jade. "I've seen you around and always wondered who that pretty girl with Stephanie was. Now I know. Hi, Jade."

"Come on, Hammer! Knock off the smooth talk. You've got enough girls already," complained Jared.

"How do you think you get nice girls to like you?" countered Steve. "You notice how pretty they look and you tell them. Let's all sit down and get something to eat. You girls eat free, just for sitting with us and making everyone else in the mall jealous."

"Stephanie, I see why you're always talking about Steve," laughed Jade. "He really does treat a girl right. I hope his manners rub off on these other two."

Once everyone had their food, Steve moved to the next part of his plan. "Steph, these two clods want to learn how to dance like we do. Do you think you're mom could work them into her schedule. The other problem they have is that they're socially dysfunctional and can't find any girls to partner with them when they learn. I was thinking as a Christmas gift to them, I'd hire you and Jade to work as their dance partners while they learned.

"I know it doesn't sound very appealing. These guys are pretty good on the gridiron, but are about as graceful as a couple of bulls in a china shop. How much would you need to subject yourselves to the misery of dancing with these two left-footed freaks?"

Tyler and Jared both showed their surprise at Steve's request. Their jaws dropped and eyes seemed to bulge. Stephanie and Jade swung their attention to the two friends for a few seconds.

"I'd be willing to work with Tyler, if Jade's up to risking her life working with the big guy. I don't want any money, but you have to do something nice for us. You can surprise us; that is if Jade is willing to go along with it."

"I don't know how much you weigh, Jared, but you'd better not stomp on my feet!" declared Jade. "It'll be like helping the underprivileged or doing charity work. Count me in, and that surprise had better be a good one!"

Jared and Tyler were dumfounded. Somehow they were suddenly obligated to learn to dance with two very attractive girls! They were embarrassed that they knew virtually nothing about dancing, but excited about the prospects of holding a pretty girl in their arms

Before Steve and Gwen began their practice that evening, Diane made a point of asking Steve about Jared and Tyler. "Stephanie told me that you tried to hire her and Jade to dance with two of your friends. What was that all about?"

"Did she tell you that she told me they'd do it for free? I saw an opportunity to draw Stephanie out of her shell a little more. Tyler is a great guy. His dad runs the bank. Jared is one of my best friends, too. But both of the guys are surprisingly shy around girls. They talk a good talk but they're as pathetic as I was before I met Gwen. They've mentioned how they're jealous of me when I dance with Gwen or Lisa.

"I was thinking this might be a great opportunity to get you some business, help the guys gain confidence, and get the girls a little experience with boys, but under your supervision. They both know that they have to pay for the lessons and they're fine with that. I think that some others may want to learn when they find out that two tough football players are doing it."

"Stephanie was pretty excited about dancing with Tyler. She mentioned several times that he was a senior on the football team and she was just a sophomore. It seems that she feels like she's climbing socially. I hope I do get more students. I'll give a discount and donate part of my fee to your hospital fund, if you two help me once a week. You can help show the steps to the slower learners and help sharpen the better dancers. If everyone knows they'll get some practice time with 'The Lady in Red' and the studly architect of 'The Drive', classes will be full before long."

"That sounds like a great idea! We can help you one day a week without too much trouble," reasoned Gwen with a smile. "We'll be helping kids learn to interact socially a little better and make money for the hospital fund at the same time. That was a darn good idea, for a jock."

It was agreed that Diane would make some flyers and Steve and Gwen would help circulate them around school, as well as around town. They decided to build a simple web page to provide a source for schedules, fees, location, and contact information.

New Year's Eve was a subdued event. Paula insisted that there had been enough excitement the past year and her family would bring in the New Year at home. The kids were allowed to have friends over, but there would be no alcohol for minors and not a whole lot for the adults. Then Diane suggested that her family host the party and they would have dancing in her studio. Everyone was still allowed to have friends attend.

Gwen invited Laura, who immediately asked if she could bring Coach Watkins. Angela Walker was delighted to accept an invitation. Steve coaxed Jared and Tyler into going. It wasn't too hard once he mentioned that Stephanie and Jade would be there. Charlotte and Billy readily accepted an invitation. Lisa surprised everyone by asking Mike Boone to stop in. He was a local contractor a couple years out of trade school and two years older than Lisa.

Everyone but Gwen was surprised when Ms. Summers arrived with a date. His name was Larry Donner. The guy was as big as Ashley Summers was petite. He was the stereotypical body builder with an amazing physique surpassed only by his vanity. Steve took an immediate dislike to the guy. When they were introduced, Donner tried to squeeze Steve's hand into pulp. Steve reaction was to look at his hand and back at Donner.

"If you're looking for a guy to hold hands with, keep on looking," smiled Steve as Donner suddenly released his hand. "A simple hand shake shouldn't be that difficult, but you seem to be lacking in that social skill. Don't try that with me again."

Steve had spent the last couple years pretty much in the exclusive company of men, very tough men. He had learned from them. He had little patience for posers, and Donner was definitely a poser. Real men didn't try to belittle or diminish others to improve their own image.

Gwen saw Steve's tight smile but barely heard his voice. She knew something had passed between the two men. She watched Donner grin back at Steve and then move on to meet the other guests. She paid close attention when he shook hands with Jared. She saw Jared flinch as Donner maintained contact longer than normal in a handshake. Again, Donner walked away with a big grin as Jared rubbed his hand.

Gwen was concerned that a man with an attitude like Donner's could easily annoy other men and she knew she had several alpha males at the party. She decided to keep a close eye on Ashley Summer's date.

Steve and Gwen's friends enjoyed the music and dancing. They weren't allowed any alcohol, but they had lots to eat and had a great time. That was until Donner began hanging around the students and making disparaging remarks about any male that danced. He questioned the testosterone supply and manhood of anyone that acted like a "fag". Steve did his best to ignore him, until Ashley Summers asked Donner to leave the kids alone.

Before anyone could guess his intentions, Donner delivered a nasty backhand to her face. She fell backward and the group suddenly went silent. Everyone saw Steve step up to Donner and say something quietly into his ear. Donner grinned and headed for the back door. Steve asked Jared to close the door behind them and not to allow anyone out.

Jared nodded his head in understanding and took up a guard position in front of the closed door. When he refused to let Gwen by, she called for her father and her Aunt Diane's husband. The two men had heard the gasps and screams caused by Donner's blow to Ashley Summers and were entering the studio when Gwen called for them.

"Dad, Uncle Will! That brute, Donner, just backhanded Ms. Summers hard. He knocked her down and Steve said something to him. They both went out the backdoor and Jared won't let anyone by! Steve may be in trouble. You men have to go out there and put a stop to whatever's going on."

Lisa and her date had just helped Ashley to a chair when there was a knock on the back door. Jared opened the door and Steve walked in. He went to Ashley and spoke gently to her.

"Donner asked me to offer his apologies for his earlier behavior and for having to leave so quickly, Ms. Summers. He just remembered an important appointment he had back at the gym. I promised that we'd be sure that you had a safe ride home and that he didn't have to worry about you."

"Really?" asked the disbelieving teacher as she accepted a small towel wrapped around some ice and placed it on her face. "He just suddenly realized he was an abusive ass and apologized? Then he remembered an appointment at nine on New Year's Eve? You're an amazing young man. You try to protect everyone and anyone in trouble, including a teacher that should have known better than to take up with a narcissistic moron. He just looked so darn good."

"Don't worry about him, Ms. Summers. As beautiful as you are, you can have almost any guy you want. You just need to judge the next one on more than strength and looks," suggested Gwen.

"If I didn't know Steve as well as I do, I'd be laughing in your face for that statement. Are you suggesting that looks and strength aren't important to you? It was just a coincidence that you wound up with Steve? I know what you say is true, but let's be honest. Your boyfriend practically cornered the market on good looks and muscles, so when you say that shouldn't be part of the criteria for a boyfriend, it sounds ironic coming from you, at the very least."

"She has a point," laughed Lisa. "You're the poster child for girls that go for good looking guys with big muscles."

"If I had been allowed to finish, I would have mentioned that character, loyalty, courage, kindness, and dependability are as important. Does anyone here feel that I picked a guy that lacked those qualities?" asked Gwen as she looked around the room.

"Now you're just bragging!" quipped Laura. "Ashley, let me look at your face. I think you're probably going to be okay, but I have to recommend that you go to the hospital. That's standard protocol. If you choose to not go, avoid alcohol and stay a few more hours with us so I can watch you for any signs of a concussion. Not a great way to welcome in the New Year, but you'll be safe here."