And He Called It Research

"We're working on it, but after our stay in the dayroom, what happened between him and Della really doesn't matter, so we'll be fine."

"And what about you and Keith?"

Brandi smiled and said, "All I can say about that is I hope I get a chance to be with him again."

Ann smiled with her eyes as she said, "I take it he's pretty good in bed."

Brandi all but laughed before she said, "I don't know, because I haven't had him in bed, only on the hard floor of the dayroom. Seriously though, he is good, but so is Jeremy."

"But different."

"So very different.

Ann just couldn't resist a tease so she said, "I should sample Jeremy and Keith so I can see how they differ."

"I'm not sure that Della would be happy about that."

"She didn't stop him while all of us were in the dayroom during the storm."

Brandi paused and then said, Oh, that's right, he was with Margo."

"We were all with somebody new."

Ann paused as she mentally revisited the dayroom experience and then said, "None of that seems real even now. Wait, you didn't even react when I jokingly suggested I make love to Jeremy."

"Ann, I can't even imagine what it will be like for any of us once we're back home, but here on the island and after me being with Keith and then Carl, I really don't mind, but Jeremy and I have a lot of talking to do and some confessions that have to be made. I saw him with you that day as you two stood in the water together so I know he's carrying something for you."

"We really were talking."

"I know, but you two were also sharing something more than words. Of course now none of that really matters, and like I said, he had a thing for you right from the beginning."

"Jeremy really is a great guy, but I wonder why we connect with others. I wonder why any of us choose to do certain things or have desires for somebody else."

"Those are mysteries that defy explanation and always will I'm sure." She stepped to the door and said, "Speaking of Jeremy I better get back to him. I'll tell him you want to make love to him," and she smiled.

"Don't you dare do that, I was just teasing you."

"I know, but be honest, there was an element of truth in that too."

"But Brandi I can't go around trying to make love to every guy in our group."

"Plus Mac of course. Sure you can, what's to stop you? To your good fortune Boyd will soon be out of your life, you've made love to Mac, and had thoughts with Jeremy. I've been with Carl and Keith so you're one behind me," and she stepped out onto the little porch. "Maybe I'll try to seduce Scotty and then I'll know about all of our men...well except for Mac of course."

"But he isn't in our group."

"In a way he is and that's close enough for me," and she smiled and stepped off into the sand. See you later," and she headed toward her cottage.

At lunch Ann sat next to Keith and Della, and over dessert Della talked past Keith asking her her, "You look much better, but how are you feeling?"

"Much better. Not great of course, and I doubt that I'll see great for awhile. But considering what I went through and still have to go through, I'm okay with being less than great."

"When will you see Mac again?"

Ann looked down and said, "I don't know that I ever will see him again."

"Of course you will."

"Why would you say that?"

"I watched you two together, and I especially watched Mac, and I'll be amazed if you aren't with him again."

"I'm just complicating my life Della. He's married to a great woman and he has a life that I can only dream of. I do really believe that he likes me, but he's been with many women, so I'm sure that isn't going to carry a lot of weight with him."

"Say what you want, but be prepared to see him again and maybe even have your life get more complicated."

"I do want to see him again, but I don't know if I can handle more complications right now."

"One will go with the other I'm afraid."

"Keith, you're being very quiet."

"I agree with Della that you'll see Mac again, and I agree that you two share something pretty strong. But I also know that you're strong and capable of taking care of yourself, so in the long run you'll be fine."

She took his hand in hers and told him, "I saw you moving from woman to woman right here in the dayroom, so how did you find time to watch me and Mac?"

"Priorities. Well that and some things that I was doing didn't require the use of my eyes."

Ann smiled and then said, "But I hardly know Mac."

"In this environment it doesn't take long to get to know somebody. Hell, we're all naked and acting like this is how we are at home, like this is normal behavior. Before we came here would you have ever allowed me to do this?" and he cupped her breast in his hand as she watched him.

She looked back up at him and said, "We both know that could have never happened before, but in a way that tells us how much we've been missing, and that's too bad." She moved back until she could look under the table and saw his erection, and then reached under until she found him and smiled. "We never could have shared this either," and she wrapped her hand around him and jacked him off for a second.

"Don't be in a hurry to stop doing that."

Della was watching both of them until she said, "You two better stop before you make love on the floor while the others are still having lunch. Keith was right when he said it doesn't take long to get acquainted when you're naked. He now knows Margo and Brandi quite well and almost knew a lot about Ava. That just leaves you."

Ann smiled and said, "You have Della so you don't need me."

Keith was now in his flirting mode, and holding her hand with both of his, he told her, "You're right, I do have my Della and I love her very much, but that has nothing to do with you being very important to both of us and nothing to do with me desiring you."

She kissed his cheek and told him, "Thank you, but you don't desire me. You just feel sorry for me."

"You couldn't be more wrong, but there's no way I can prove what I say."

As they headed back toward the cottages, Della reached for Ann's hand and slowed down. "Keith you keep going because I want to talk to Ann for a second." She watched him until he was well ahead of them and then she asked Ann, "So about Mac. Do you love Mac, Ann?"

"It's too soon for thoughts like that."

"But you see that as possible."

"Yes, and that scares me. Like I said, I can't have him so why am I inviting disaster?"

"I still think that Boyd's meltdown has something to do with your confusion. When was the last time you and Boyd made love?"

"I don't know, maybe right after we got here."

"That's pretty sad considering our environment. And of course sex with Mac was wonderful."

"He was great. We were great together."

"I'm sure you were."

Chapter Fifty Six

Mac and Didi rode the cargo ferry to the mainland Thursday morning, and were in Melvin's office by ten. Kate brought them iced tea and retreated before Melvin said, "I was going crazy in Pennsylvania and I can do what I need to do from here just as well if not better. Okay let's get right to business. Mac, you handled that mess at Tropic Treat very well."

"Thanks."

"I have to admit that a lot of what has happened out there surprised me, but it's been beneficial for all concerned except Boyd. He's no longer with my company. Okay, on to more pleasant issues. I'm going to do some significant remodeling on the island and change how it's used. Two of the three cottage groups will be for paying guests. There will be two small dining areas and something along the lines of a Cabaña for light meals, evening drinks and conversation. Other changes will be made as well, but you get the idea. More amenities will be offered, but no more free rides for those two groups. Now the third group of cottages will be something more along the lines of what we've been doing, but again with some changes. I want to incorporate some of the ideas that you two have come up with for example, and full communications will be provided to all, like internet and phones. Many changes coming so there will be no visitors for a few weeks at the very least, and more likely two or three months."

Melvin was watching Mac and Didi get a little restless as he talked and tasted his tea, and then said, "Okay now on to how this impacts you two. I have plans for both of you, but the bad news is, for perhaps as long as a few months you'll be separated. Mac, I need you in Pennsylvania, and Didi, you'll be needed on the island to work along side the contractor and be my eyes and ears. Also you'll work with the chef on menus and all of the details regarding food services and the Cabaña and the Bistro. And of course you and I will meet every couple of days and go over everything. Both of you will be very busy. Mac, a small home has been rented for you to live in until one of the new ones becomes available. Of course the small business jet will be going back and forth between here and the states every so often, so you two will get a chance to see each other here or there. I know I've given you a lot to think about, but try to put it aside and enjoy the island. Oh, and Mac, I almost forgot this part. I want you to escort Ann back to the states and see that she is safe and settled before you come back. I guess that's it, but I'll be staying in close contact with both of you. Questions?" Mac and Didi were too shocked to come up with questions so they said no and he added, "We'll talk later," and he stood up and offered his hand to Didi and then Mac.

They waited until they were outside before Didi said, "I don't like the idea of us being separated like that."

"That used to be the case a lot when you had your other duties."

"But not for weeks or months at a time."

"I don't like it either, but I'll bet we'll get to see each other every couple of weeks. I couldn't go along with that for a long time, but I'm willing to give it my best. In other respects we both have very enviable jobs."

"I know, but I'm going to be stuck on that island with nobody to talk to but contractors and workers."

"And you'll be busier than hell from the sounds of it."

"Without a doubt. A whole new system will have to be set up to handle reservations, billing and so forth."

"I'm not even sure what I'll be doing and I'm going to miss you and the island."

"So you will escort Ann back home."

"I guess so. I'm no bodyguard so I don't know what I can do for her."

Didi smiled and told him, "I'll bet I know what she'll want you to do for her."

"Once home she'll be tied up in the divorce and all of the stress that comes with that issue."

"I'm sure she will be, but you have to do whatever to make sure she's safe and provided for, or that's the message I was getting from Melvin."

"Yeah me too. Honey, I love you."

"I love you too, but what made you say that?"

"I just don't want you to think that I'm going to go off the deep end or whatever."

"Why would I think that? Is there something you need to tell me?"

"No, but that situation could be a little sticky. I don't have a clue what to do with her or for her. I could be with her for a few hours after the flight, or days. All I can do is make decisions by the hour."

"Well do your best for her, but don't forget about us."

"I will. I suspect that you'll have your hands full down here, and I probably will have up there. Damn I'm going to miss this island."

"I'm going to miss walking the beach with you."

Then Melvin called. "Mac, I forgot to mention that a woman named Lacey will be contacting you at the development by the time you get there. She's a former visitor to the island, and I think she would be good as my go to person for day to day things, and work with the realtors when they bring visitors around. That's not to say you won't have that opportunity, but I don't want you to feel that you have to carry that load. Also, if it turns out that you need an assistant or secretary, you don't need to check with me. You'll have a lot of autonomy up there Mac. Maybe Lacey could handle that, or for that matter, one of the other previous visitors. But remember, when you talk to them that will be a temporary position. Not more than a year or so."

"Thanks for your confidence Melvin."

"You and Didi have earned it. Of course don't hesitate to contact me if you get into a tricky situation. Just don't let the contractors bull shit you, because they sometimes will test you."

"I'll remember that. Oh, I remember Lacey. Good looking woman. A little brassy, but smart."

"That's her."

"She might be great for the job. Have you talked to her?"

"No, Kate contacted her so it will be up to you to interview her and decide. Check a few others if you'd rather."

"How about Ann? I don't know her situation, but she might be in need of a place to live and an income until she gets her feet under her."

That's an excellent idea. My only concern with her is she won't be as liberated as Lacey or one of the others."

"That's the one area that could be an issue. Okay, I look into all of that."

"Mac there are other changes coming that will affect you and Didi, but don't worry, because you two will always be part of my team. Just remember that."

"You've been very upfront and generous with us Melvin and you know we'll give you our best."

"I have no doubt. I'll be in touch with you in the days ahead and give Didi my best. Oh, and tell her that I totally agree with her recommendation on her replacement. She's doing an excellent job and she's sweet candy for the eyes."

"I look forward to meeting her Melvin. Take care and be good to Kate because you have a winner there too."

"I agree. We really do have the perfect life don't we Mac."

"I can't imagine anything that could make it better. We're surrounded by natures beauty and beautiful and sexy women. Life indeed is good."

Didi had listened to Mac's side of the conversation, but she was still full of questions after the call was ended. "So what's with Ann now?"

"He wants me to line up my assistant up there and he suggested Lacey, and she would be great, but she's a little...well brassy was the word I used for her. Then I suggested Ann simply because of his concern for her"

"If you hire her, you'll probably end up with a live in assistant Mac."

"I don't see that happening with her or anybody else I might hire. Hon, I'll have to think about all of that. Hiring somebody that's been here would be the perfect thing to do, but she has to have the needed skills and be fully into the lifestyle that he has in mind for the development."

"I do agree with that part. Oh, I know the perfect one. She's unemployed and she lives in that area. She fully embraced the island life as I recall. Wait, let me look her up." Didi dropped into the chair and her fingers danced over the keyboard for a couple of minutes. She found the file and as Mac looked over her shoulder, Didi read and then said, "Yes, she has the qualifications. You should remember her."

Mac looked closer at the screen and then said, "Hell yes, I do remember Liz and her friend Allie too."

"I thought you might."

"You're right, she might be the perfect one."

"Then I wouldn't have to worry about her living with you."

"You weren't really worried about that were you?"

"I guess I'm just feeling a little insecure for some reason. You hire who you want honey."

"I'll certainly interview her as soon as I can. I think I even remember where she and her hubby live."

"Her hubby being Darren. This is interesting reading. Darren spent his first week living with Liz, their best friend. I'll bet that caused some interesting and dangerous situations."

"That shouldn't have happened. Well I'll find out how that was resolved. Okay, so where will you start?"

"Set up a meeting with the general contractor and make sure he understands that I'm going to be a hard ass to deal with if I need to be. Once we understand each other we'll work out the early details and go from there."

"Kick ass baby."

"If I blow this I could find myself unemployed, and you know I don't want to be kicked off of this island."

"You'll do great."

Chapter Fifty Seven

Mac made himself wait until Saturday to go see Ann. He timed it so he could catch her at the dayroom having lunch, and waited until she was finished before he went over to her. He put his hand on her shoulder and she turned her head and stared up at him. "Hi."

"Mac," and she stood up and put her arms around him. "I didn't expect to see you again."

"You'll be seeing more of me. If you're done I'd like to take a walk on the beach with you so we can talk."

She smiled and her eyes danced as she said, "I'm ready if you are."

After all of the women he had been with in the recent past, this woman was making him a little nervous. He smiled, and said goodbye to Della and the others and with her hand in his, they headed back past the cottages and down the beach. "So you didn't think you'd ever see me again?"

"I really didn't. I was hoping I would, and Keith and Della told me I would see you again, but I didn't believe them. What did you mean when you said I'd be seeing more of you?"

"I'm going back to the states with you. I'm going to escort you home and make sure you're safe and have things under control."

She stopped and turned toward him as she said, "Say that again?"

"I'm going to take you home and see that you're safe Ann."

"Oh my god. Oh Mac, you don't have to do that hon...sorry, you really don't have to do that."

"Melvin and I decided it was the right thing to do, and of course I couldn't be happier."

"How...you mean fly home with me and the others, and then..."

"Yes, and then stay with you if needed. If Boyd has moved out we'll change your door locks and the garage door opener. We'll change your alarm code and do whatever else we need to do to see to your safety. If he's still there I'll get you set up in something comfortable while we get his butt on the road. Then we'll get you into your house."

She put her arms around him and held him tightly as she told him, "Oh god I'm so happy Mac, thank you."

He tipped her chin up and they looked at each other for seconds before he kissed her tenderly. "Ann, both of us are playing with a hot fire."

"I know you love Didi, and I know that we're asking for trouble. But right now I just want to be with you and we'll work everything out later."

"I better also tell you that I'm afraid and nervous, but I'm so glad we can be together again if only for a short time."

"I am too honey." Then she led him up to a group of lounges, pulled the pads off and lay on her back. "I need you so much Mac. Please make love to me. Hold me close and make love to me."

Mac knew even before the put the mats back on the lounges that he wouldn't dare have her work with him. He just couldn't control himself when he was around her and he didn't even know what it as about her that overwhelmed him so completely. She was attractive to be sure, and she had a cute shape, but that wasn't it. When he was near her his common sense seemed to fall apart and he felt like he was putty in her hands. He didn't want to be away from her and he didn't want others making over her. That last part really scared him, because he knew he loved Didi so much, but he didn't get jealous when she was with another man. In fact he enjoyed watching her when she was with somebody like Mitch, because she was so responsive to his touch. He'd be lucky to survive seeing to her safety. He walked back with her as far as her cottage and then claiming he had a lot of work to do, he left her there and almost ran back up to his electric car and raced back home and to Didi.

When he went in he told her, "Well I told Ann that I would be escorting her home and she seemed very pleased."