Lady in Red Ch. 27

"I discussed it with Jordan and she's asked that Charlie be her personal assistant. He's going to be in a few scenes with the band, but now he'll make some extra money as well as take care of Jordan. She has complete faith in him. I think that'll work pretty well. He's very detail oriented. You've seen how he is about his music."

"Who should I get to be mine?" wondered Steve. "Billy or Jared would be glad to have the money, but I wonder if they'd be much help?"

"I've already solved that for you," smiled Gwen. "Billy and Jared would be gawking at all the girls. I love them both, but they wouldn't do a good job for you. I have the perfect person in mind."

"Okay, who is he?" asked Steve. "Is he one of your smart friends? I guess that would work. I get along with them alright."

"I'll give you a few hints. She's very bright, attractive, organized and in love with you!"

"Is it Kate? Is she organized, and isn't she too young? Stephanie? She's too young, too. Maybe Lisa? But she's busy with modeling and school. Jordan's in the movie already, so it's not her. Your mom? Would your dad go along with that? Aunt Diane. I can't see Will agreeing to it."

"Okay! Being attractive and in love with you didn't narrow it down very much!" admitted Gwen with a laugh. "It's Ashley Summers. She'd be perfect. She's really smart, very organized, and she absolutely loves you. I know she'd always have your back."

"Ashley? You didn't see her when she came after me last night. She'd have my front more than my back! What gives with you? First you pimp me out on a date with her sister and now you're trying to put her in close proximity with me on a steady basis. You didn't hear her tell me I could have her mouth, pussy, and ass; but she said it! And she meant it! Even if she was flying high on medications, she still seemed to know what she wanted. Are you trying to get rid of me or something? Most girls don't set up their boyfriends with beautiful women."

"Get rid of you? Never! You're stuck with me, Big Guy! I've learned a few things over the past several months. These facts seem contradictory, but I'm convinced that they're accurate.

"First, women and girls fall in love with you all the time. Every woman in my family, including Jordan, would sleep with you in a heartbeat if they could do it without hurting anyone, which of course they can't. Lisa fell hard for you and couldn't take her clothes off fast enough for you. She wasn't underhanded or sneaky, but she loved you seeing her naked. I was okay with it because I knew neither of you would betray me and I love her so much. I want her to be happy.

"The surprising thing that happened was that she saw what a good guy you are and she raised her standards. She dated a lot of questionable guys in the past, like that jackass, Governs, before she met you. After being around you, she turned down several guys that I know of, until she met Jason. She told me that she asked you what you thought of him. Your opinion was important to her. She saw a lot of your finer traits in him. Now she has a really good guy. I've decided that being around you a lot, even naked, was really good for her. She learned how to tell a good man from a poser.

"Then there's Jordan. She was naked in your arms and very willing to have sex with you. She's excited about doing the love scenes with you. I think some of it's because it's her job, so she won't betray Charlie or me by doing it. But she gets to be in your arms and almost make love with you. Back to my theory, Jordan's been around you a lot, although not naked as much as Lisa, and she's learned what to look for in a man. Her relationships were disasters before she met you. Now she has a very mature, kind, handsome boyfriend. He has many of your qualities."

"So you're giving me credit for Lisa and Jordan finding great guys? Don't you think that the fact that they're incredibly beautiful, talented, and intelligent might have something to do with it?"

"Sure, all of that helps, but they were smart, pretty, and talented before they met you, but they still kept going out with jerks. Knowing you has really helped them. I'm certain of that. I think you'll help Ashley and her sister both learn to distinguish between losers and the real deal."

"It may sound conceited, but I worry about these girls falling in love with me and having their hearts broken. Plus, is it a good idea to keep throwing temptation my way? If Ashley's sister looks anything like her, she'll be a stone cold fox. Why wave girls like that under my nose?" questioned Steve.

"Because that nose of yours is going to be offered prime pussy for the next fifty years. If it isn't one of my friends or relatives, it'll be someone else, but it will happen often. Do you think any guys will be working to get into my little panties over the next few years?" quizzed Gwen. "You bet that tight little ass of yours they will. But they won't make it because I love you, and I always will. We have to trust each other and believe in each other. We're blessed with good looks, good bodies, and now we can add fame to the mix. That sets us up as romantic targets for a good share of the population.

"I have to trust you, Steve. If I don't, then we'll have to break up because I know what you do to women. They melt when they see you. Listening to my own family talk about you last week made me realize that most women that see you, lust after you. You're one of the few men on the planet that could walk into a club and say you're available for sex and have most of the women present try to take you up on it.

"Ashley has some issues. You remember the jerk she brought to the party. You had to teach him some manners, if you recall. Ashley needs to see the kind of man you are and to learn what to look for and demand in a man of her own. Her father died in an automobile accident when she was in grade school. She needs a strong male in her life. I know she'll flirt and maybe try to seduce you, but that just makes her normal. How you react to her and the respect you show her will be new and different for her. It worked for Lisa and Jordan and I'm betting it'll help Ashley, and her sister. I'm telling you this now so you won't be surprised when I broach the subject with her tomorrow morning."

"This sounds like a lot of conjecture and guesswork to me, but I've learned to trust your knowledge of relationships. I'll give it a try, and I won't have sex with them, but it remains to be seen if your off-the-wall theory is correct. I hope it is."

"You want me to be Steve's assistant for the movie?" asked an incredulous Ashley the following morning. Steve and Gwen had asked to meet with her before school started. "There's a million things I'd have to do. I'd need complete access to Steve, his schedule, his script, wardrobe, everything. If you're serious about this, I'd love to do it! I've been thinking of taking some time off school because of my depression. This would be the perfect thing to help me get over everything, especially if Steve can cheer up Becky this weekend."

Ashley suddenly blushed and looked worried. "Gwen, could I talk to you in private about this offer. No offense, Steve, but I really need to discuss some girl stuff with Gwen."

After Steve strolled away from them, Ashley took Gwen's hands in hers. "Gwen, you may not want me for the job after I tell you something that I'd hoped to keep secret."

"You mean about how you're in love with my guy?" asked Gwen before Ashley could reveal her secret.

"You know about that? I guess I'm not the actress I thought I was. I tried to keep it bottled up so no one would know? What gave me away?"

"The other night when Steve was working on his exam, you had that wine/antidepressant/cold pill cocktail and you came on to him. You pretty much told him that you loved him since the first time you saw him," responded Gwen.

"Oh! Did we, did he, what was the final result? Was that why I was naked? I'm not on birth control!" moaned Ashley.

"You were naked, except for your thong, when you came out of your bedroom and rubbed your breasts in his face."

"I'm so sorry, Gwen! I was afraid there was more to that story. I haven't been able to remember anything after giving the exam to Steve. Thanks for not telling the principal and board what a slut I am. I owe you an apology. I don't know what to say to Steve. He's eighteen, so it wasn't sexual assault, but he's a student and I'm a teacher. Are you going to report me to the principal?"

"There's nothing to tell as far as Steve and I are concerned. He managed to elude you and get into the bathroom and text me for help. You eventually unlocked the door and then bumped into the doorjamb and passed out. You were unconscious on the floor when I got there. Steve was pretty worried about the entire situation. He never had sex with you, unless having your breasts in his face and slipping a nipple into his mouth counts as penetration," grinned Gwen. "I'm making light of it because it's no big deal as far as Steve and I are concerned."

"I don't know whether to be relieved or upset. I was afraid that Steve and I had been intimate. If I ever did make that mistake, I'd really want to be conscious for it. This is very embarrassing for me. How does Steve feel about it? Has he lost all respect for me?"

"He determined pretty quickly that you were not acting normally. He's always held you in high regard and after seeing you almost naked, I suspect he has an even greater appreciation for his English teacher," kidded Gwen.

"I've got to tell you that I'm confused at how well you're taking this whole incident. If he were my boyfriend and you were rubbing your amazing breasts in his face, I'd be very upset. Is it that I'm older and don't pose a threat to you, or are you two some kind of swingers?"

"Hardly!" chuckled Gwen. "We're committed to a totally monogamous relationship. You're beautiful, have a great body, and you're intelligent. When Steve first asked me out, I thought it had to be a joke, or some kind of bet. You know how I was. Why would a super stud like Steve ask out a nerd like me?

"After being with him for awhile, it became pretty obvious that one of my big fears was well founded. Women simply fall all over the guy. Who can blame them? All the women in my family are crazy about him, including my mother, aunt, and grandmother. Lisa fell for him really bad. You know how beautiful she is. Well, she kept finding reasons to be topless around him, always when I was present, I think. She loved the way he looked at her, but never made any advances. It became a bit of a game for her. She could see that he loved how she looked and it made her feel great, but she also knew he wouldn't pursue her. She was able to tease him, and kiss him without being attacked or groped.

"How many guys would have that sort of self-control with a girl like Lisa? Eventually, they established an understanding. He loves her. She loves him. They will always love each other, but they'll never have sex. It would ruin the love they have because it transcends sex. They're two people that care about each other deeply, like the best friends you could ever imagine. It's different with Steve and me. We're lovers and best friends. The two kinds of love are different, but both are amazing.

"Jordan was come to have pretty much the same arrangement with Steve. She loves him. He loves her, but they won't be having sex. Their respect for each other, and for me, simply makes it impossible. My sister Kate has it bad for Steve. So does my cousin, Stephanie. My mom and aunt have to rein themselves in around him.

"Now for the interesting part of my theory. The women that become like very close to Steve go on to date and fall in love with great guys. I believe it's because they raise their standards, and because Steve attracts loyal male friends with strong character. You know Lisa has become very serious about a West Point cadet? Jordan has fallen for a band mate that we think the world of and who treats her like a queen."

"Jordan and Lisa are two of the most beautiful women in the world. They can get any man they want, except for Steve. It's natural for them to find great guys," reasoned Ashley.

"Yes, except they didn't before they knew Steve. Lisa dated a couple decent guys and a few losers. Jordan was promiscuous and slept with real jerks. I really think that being around a man like Steve helped them refine their standards and realize that there are good men, but they had to learn what they wanted in a man."

"I guess you think I'm pretty pathetic as far as romance goes, especially after that absolute disaster I had at New Year's. I seem to date losers. That's one of the reasons that Steve made such an impression on me. He's everything a woman could ever want in a man," admitted Ashley before she realized that she may have exposed too much of her feelings about Steve and turned a bright red.

"What Steve and I think is, that you're beautiful, smart, and very capable, but need better friends, as well as male role models. We see this as a mutually beneficial situation. Steve really needs someone to have his back during the filming. It has to be someone we trust implicitly and has the brains and ability to get the job done. You'll get a nice pay check and be around Steve all the time. I'm convinced that it'll be good for you."

"What about my feelings for him? He knows how I feel. So do you. How do I look him in the eye now? What if I become lust crazed and try to seduce him again? I don't trust myself around Steve, so I know you shouldn't trust me," revealed Ashley.

"I think you'll do fine. Steve really likes you a lot. I can tell. He won't go to bed with you, but he won't complain if you jump into a hot tub with him and forget your top. How you behave around him is up to you, but Lisa, Jordan, and Kate love teasing him. He enjoys it, too, and watch his eyes if you need any proof that he appreciates your beauty. He's very expressive with them. You're already in love with what you know of him, but when you're around him a lot, you'll be in even deeper. At some point, that love will allow you to realize how special your friendship with him is, and how you'll want it forever. Your husband will understand that Steve is special to you, but he'll have me, Jordan, Lisa, Kate, Stephanie, and who knows who else in his life and treating him special. It'll be worth it to him!"

"Somehow, I believe you. The school's aware of my health issues and how my sister's problems have affected me. They suggested a few weeks ago that I take some time off to heal, so I know they'll let me take off the last couple of weeks of school. If you're willing to take a chance on me, I'll pack my bags. It's so exciting being with you two! I can't wait to see you guys make the movie."

Friday afternoon saw Steve, Ashley, Gwen, Jordan, and Charlotte pull into Ashley's mother's driveway. "We moved into this house when Dad died and my mother got the insurance money. It's pretty big, so we'll all fit. Gwen and Steve can have the pink room on the end, while Jordan and Charlotte can have the other spare bedroom."

"Steve and I can't sleep together! He's taking your sister to the dance. He can't come home and jump into bed with a different woman after romancing your sister. I'll sleep with Becky. That way she won't dare stay out too late, or try too hard to steal Steve away. How's that for planning?" asked Gwen to the group.

"You've slept with me a few times, but you never let me go on a date with Steve," complained Charlotte. "I hope Becky realizes how lucky she is!"

"Mom didn't tell Becky who my friends were. She just knows that I have some visiting. She's moping around her bedroom right now, according to a text from Mom. I bet this surprise will get her out of her funk!" laughed Ashley as she led the way up the drive.

Ashley's mother was an attractive blonde woman with a few extra pounds and a huge smile. "I can't believe you're staying with us this weekend! When Ashley told me that you were going to visit and take Becky to the formal, I cried. You saved Ashley's life that day the terrorists attacked your school, and now you're going to do the same for Becky. I can't thank you kids enough!"

"Mom! Don't put too much pressure on Steve, Gwen, and Jordan. They're here to help, but it's going to require some effort from Becky. I'm going to go get her and bring her down."

The group kept chatting with Mrs. Summers until they heard Ashley descending the stairs. She led a lovely blonde girl into the kitchen.

"This is my sister, Becky. Becky, these are some friends of mine. There's Charlotte, Jordan, Gwen, and...."

"Steve Hammer!" exclaimed Becky. "I've watched your TV show, the concert one, too. I don't know how many times I watched that 'Lady in Red' video on YouTube. I can't believe you're staying with us!"

Gwen and Jordan exchanged smiles as Becky seemed unfazed that Steve brought his co-stars with him. Steve had been coached for days about treating Becky extremely well, so he began immediately.

"I've heard so much about you from your sister, but I think she might be a bit jealous of you because she didn't begin to tell me how pretty you are," complimented Steve as he stepped close to Becky and hugged her to his chest. "I've got a few things to talk to you about, so would you walk with me for a little while?"

Becky couldn't conceal her surprise as Steve took her hand and led her out the door. "My God!" exclaimed Mrs. Summers. "That boy oozes charm. If he doesn't cheer Becky up, nothing will!"

"I don't know why you want to talk to me. I'm just Ashley's sister, her freak sister with one hand," began Becky. "Guys are repulsed by me."

Steve stopped and turned to face the girl. "Let's get a few things clear right now. I know you lost a hand. I know it bothers you far more than it should. When you had your left hand, did boys spend a lot of time looking at it and complimenting you on it? Ashley said you've dated quite a lot. What did the boys like about you that made you popular?"

"I don't know. My smile, my hair, my figure, and my personality all entered into it," admitted Becky.

"That's right. You're beautiful. You're a beautiful, intelligent, personable girl that lost a hand in an accident. How much do you honestly think that affects your desirability?" asked Steve.

"Well, it has to make a difference. I'm handicapped now. I can't do all the things I used to do to take care of myself."

"You're not handicapped very much. You're selfish and self centered. I was in Afghanistan with my father. I saw guys that lost arms and legs, and they still played football and baseball! They never asked for special treatment or consideration, except to be treated like men.

"Did you know that your sister was so depressed after all of your problems that she's on a very strong antidepressant? Did you even consider her feelings, or your mom's? Do you think they didn't suffer when you were hurt? They suffered a lot, but what hurts them more is your lack of guts and responsibility. You want to quit. Where would that leave them?

"I'm not good at this. We came here to see you and to see if we can help get you back on an even keel. I'm taking you to that formal tomorrow night and I expect you to show me a good time. I want to meet your friends and hear stories about the things you did growing up. I want you to reward me for my effort by being as beautiful, charming, and personable as I think you're able to be."

"You're taking me to the formal? You think you can waltz in here and declare that you're taking me out whether I agree, or not? Maybe I don't want to go, and maybe you aren't God's gift to women like you seem to think! Besides, I don't have a dress to wear and it's too late to get a nice one. You'd better stick with your gorgeous girlfriend."