Ascending Lauren Ch. 08

All my friends are fucking me. Was this just another of her fuck buddies? Was this the beginning of the end, with Corey now on the outside looking in?

When she touched her well-dressed date's arm or shoulder, threw her head back in laughter, or look into the mystery man's eyes, he could not help but feel those familiar emotions of jealousy, rage, arousal, and titillation bubbling up and intertwining, like some perverted erotic strands of DNA wrapping themselves around each other. If I was any kind of husband, I'd go in there and rip that guy apart. But Corey knew that would be hypocritical. He had, after all, given her a hall pass. Yet there WAS a difference between dating and just having sex, wasn't there? The former implied an emotional connection beyond carnal lust, and this was without doubt, Corey's greatest fear. He would do whatever it took, give her whatever she wanted, to keep her forever.

As if to prove the point, his mind was riveted to the sight, handcuffed by the strange thrill of seeing his Lauren on a real date, not just hooking up with random men. It was unexplainable. Lord, it hurt so good. Why the hell was that? Was he really that sick? He just had to see how this played out. How would she act when he wasn't around? The covertness added even more fuel to his flaring kink. Yeah, for now, he'd just hang back. His thoughts began sifting through the possibilities of how the evening might end. Those, unfortunately, didn't last long.

Corey saw the couple suddenly push away from the table. Shit. He frantically looked for the entrance to the correct auditorium and slipped in as the objects of his surveillance grabbed popcorn and yet more beer from the concession stand. Minutes later, Lauren and her date strolled in, laughing of course, and headed up the aisle towards the back of the theater where he was seated. Damnit! The couple looked up from their discussion and scoured the area for a pair of seats that were centrally located, but not so close to the screen as to get a headache. For a second it seemed they were looking right at him and he lowered his head, fearing the jig was up. Luckily the guy pointed to empty ones just a few rows in front of him. Corey breathed a sigh of relief. That was close.

While waiting on the obligatory trailers for upcoming films, Lauren and her date maintained a lively conversation. At one point, they even took turns trying to throw popcorn in each other's mouths, giggling like school kids when they missed. Corey shook his head. He couldn't remember ever having done anything that juvenile with her. Granted, he was nearly 32 and she barely 20 when they married, so that probably had a lot to do with it. But here she was at her age, acting like a high schooler on a first date. Maybe she had been forced to mature too soon. Or maybe, just maybe, she was having the time of her life in Miami, with no husband to cramp her style.

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Lauren stole glances at her coworker whenever he checked his phone for messages. No, it was not just the beer. The engineer was a handsome man in his own way. A bit geekier than I would have gone for back in the day, but he's certainly cute tonight in his plaid shirt, tight slacks, and loafers. And that cologne! Did he know how hot I find a good cologne? With every passing minute, her attraction to him grew. Yes, she was pleased their coincidental plans to see the movie had come together.

As the lights dimmed and one awful trailer after another played out on the big screen, Corey left his seat and deftly slipped two rows behind the pair, who had now settled back in their seats for the show. Lauren struggled at first to adjust hers to a comfortable position. The bastard was finally able to get the stuck lever to cooperate and she was able to recline.

"Thanks, Stevie," she replied gratefully as she touched her head to his shoulder and took her cup back.

Stevie? Corey winced. Okay. At least we have a name now.

"Stevie" set the bucket of popcorn in his lap, inviting Lauren to "grab a fistful". She giggled, scooping a few pieces out and popping them into her mouth. "You're bad," Corey heard her whisper.

As the film opened and the plot unfolded, the couple watched with the enthusiasm of cult fans, reciting poignant lines and laughing at those in the theater who were acting out each scene to the best of their abilities. Watching Rocky Horror was an event and remaining quiet was almost tantamount to being rude.

For just over 100 minutes, the 61-year-old watched his wife and date interact with the film and each other. She clearly enjoyed being with this man. And, God help him, Corey was enjoying it too. How did we get here? he asked himself. When did I go from wanting her all to myself to being, let's face it, ENTERTAINED by her being on a date? He wasn't sure if he should be congratulated on his slyness, or admonished for not flying over the crushed velvet seats and smacking "Stevie" upside the head. No surprise, his kink won that battle.

Corey maneuvered quietly out of his seat when the climatic final scene began and walked gingerly down the aisle past Lauren. It was a risky move to be sure, but a calculated one. He felt there was less chance at being recognized by leaving in the dark than sitting in the open when the lights came up.

It worked. They never noticed him. They were too busy watching the last bit of credits. And holding hands.

+++++

"It was AMAZING to see that again," Lauren exclaimed as she and Steve exited the theater to the downtown sidewalk.

"I know, right? It's remarkable we still remember the lines!"

The Rekrap engineer glanced at his phone. Only eleven. "So, you done for the night? I know how you old executive types need to rest your bones," he chided, elbowing her side.

"Old bones, huh?" Lauren shot back, clapping her hand on his shoulder. Steve instinctively lowered his hand and cupped an ass cheek. It was a bold move, but not as much as her next. He noticed her looking up and down the street for something.

Where is it? The buzzed office manager racked her brain. She could have sworn it was on this road! A hint of purple light illuminating the sidewalk about a block away told her she was right.

"I'll show you old bones," the slinky brunette grinned, whispering in his ear. "C'mon, let's go!"

Corey could not hear the pair's conversation but did watch with curiosity as his wife pulled her coworker down the sidewalk towards a building that emanated a shower of purple light. "Where are we going?" he heard "Stevie" protest several times, resisting the persistent tugging. That is, until they stopped in front of Lauren's intended destination: one of Miami's seediest strip clubs.

NO! Corey gasped. This was no Randy Sandy's. He knew a dive when he saw one.

"Uh, are you sure?" Steve objected. "That's not one of this city's more upscale...um, establishments. Someone like you shouldn't go in a place like that."

Lauren pursed her lips defiantly. "Someone like me? What does that even mean?" she retorted, pushing Steve ahead of her and through the outer door. "Old bones, my ass!"

+++++

Inside, Lauren handed the cover charge to an overweight doorman with greasy hair and quickly sat down on an empty stool next to the only runway in the place. She called impatiently for Steve to sit next to her. He was finding it difficult to believe one of Rekrap's high-level leaders had actually chosen to come in there. The engineer wasn't the typical strip club patron and clearly felt uncomfortable. He wasn't a virgin, and certainly not a prude, but all of the women in his life had been fairly reserved. It's not that he objected to being there, he just wasn't used to it. After briefly hesitating at the sticky vinyl covering on a stool, the sexy puppy-dog eyes staring up at him through those bangs punched through any doubts. He sat down obediently.

Lauren could see her date's assessment of the place was indeed correct. This was a dive compared to Sandy's where young Autumn plied her trade. In fact, this was a dive's dive. A skinny waitress wearing a skimpy jumpsuit came by and took their order. Corey seized that opportunity to flip the doorman a twenty and scooted to the far side of the bar. If he was careful, it was busy enough that he could remain unnoticed.

The stage lights - what there was of them - dimmed a bit as the DJ announced the next dancer. "Please welcome the queen of Miami...Apple Dumpling!"

Corey saw his wife giggle at the name and nestle her face into Steve's chest. In a heartbeat, the engineer's arms closed gently around her shoulders where they remained as the erotic dancer went through her routine. He was no fool.

The music was upbeat and infectious, and Lauren enjoyed bouncing to the beat while sipping her drink. With every song, she appeared to become more aroused, and, to Steve's delight, began rubbing her ass into his crotch to match the rhythm. Eventually more strippers worked the crowd and the pair were happy to ply them with bills. The dancers quickly realized the couple was cut above their regular, less affluent clientele and gave them extra sugar.

Dumbstruck, Corey watched from afar as his wife was mesmerized by the nude women. She seemed genuinely turned on as they shook their tits and ass in her face. Yes, Lauren had regaled him with the stripper adventure at Sandy's, and her touchless fling with Amy, yet here she was, flirting with strange women and it was all very, very erotic.

Steve thought so as well. The more flesh jiggled in Lauren's face, the harder she ground her hips into his. He stood behind her, feeding her bills. Loose fitting underwear did nothing to suppress the hardon beneath his khakis and Lauren was very much aware of his aroused state. At one point she leaned back into his chest and put her arms around the engineer's neck, caressing the thick mane of dark hair.

"I see the ladies are making an impression on you," she whispered in his ear.

"It's not the ones on stage that impress me," Steve winked, "We'd better be careful, or we may violate a few company bylaws tonight."

That made her laugh. Once a geek, always a geek. "And what if I want to be violated?" Lauren gushed, a naughty smirk on her face.

The Rekrap employee gulped and took a drink. What did I get myself into?

+++++

Corey couldn't hear the couple's conversation but could see Lauren press her back into her date's chest and loop her arms around his neck. The lurking husband felt that familiar pang of sweet jealousy. When he saw her whisper into his ear, he felt the angst he so craved. His cock twitched its approval. When the creep followed that up by kissing her full on the lips and cupping her tiny tits through the thin bodysuit, Corey nearly creamed in his boxers. Jesus. This REALLY is who she is. This isn't some silly show for me. Its who she's become. What I've WILLED her to become!

+++++

Steve grinned from ear to ear as the petite office manager twisted in front of him, trying to match the rhythm of the dancers. He held the thin waist while admiring her sleek body, how the straight jet-black hair fell to just below her shoulder blades, and how the barely-there bodysuit disappeared into her tight white denims. He began thinking he might just have a chance.

Steve wasn't the only one noticing the beautiful patron dancing next to the runway. One grubby guy standing with Corey along the back wall even went as far as to nudge him. "Older broad there is head and shoulders over what's up on stage tonight, eh? What you say?" he hacked and coughed. "I'd love to give that pussy a roll in the hay. Bet she could make ya come without even trying!"

Corey returned the drunk's comment with a steely stare.

"Jeez, pal, lighten up. Go get laid or something," the guy had said, moving away.

Several songs later, as the last dancer picked up her tips and clothing she'd shed, the engineer's confidence level got a big boost. After draining the last of her drink from a purple glass with an exaggerated slurping sound, she pulled Steve towards her until their noses were touching.

"Take me home," Lauren purred. "I think my gateway needs rebooting."

Steve didn't think twice. He grabbed his aroused coworker's hand and made a beeline towards the front door.

+++++

Corey had to be on his toes when he saw the couple abruptly depart the strip club. He had two choices: continue to tail them or gamble they were headed to Lauren's apartment. He chose the latter, which would necessitate getting ahead of them.

His eyes darted about the room. All exits were alarmed. Now what? If he was to beat them home, he had to act fast. Gritting his teeth, Corey headed for the nearest fire door at full steam and slammed into the metal bar marked "Fire exit only. Alarm will sound". The door flew open, followed by a loud high-pitched buzzer. Luckily, it emptied directly into an alley behind the building and before the staff could react, the voyeur husband had navigated to an adjacent street and out of sight.

Corey wasn't familiar with the downtown grid, but had a good sense of direction. He knew the side street ran parallel to the main drag, which would lead him to the resident high-rise. Half-walking, half-jogging as fast as his 61-year-old legs would carry him, he finally pushed through the apartment's revolving doors in a haste. He had not seen Lauren and Steve since leaving the club, so he couldn't be sure where they were at.

Harvey was turning the concierge's desk over to his relief when he saw Mr. Miller bolt across the lobby and frantically press the elevator call buttons. The older attendant looked at the younger one and shrugged.

On the ride to the 23rd floor, Corey's mind was racing. What the hell am I doing anyway? He really had no idea what he'd do if Lauren actually walked in the door with her date. Should I be sitting on the couch, nonchalantly drinking a beer and watching the late show? Hey babe. Did you have a good time? You going to fuck Stevie now? That's okay, I'll wait out here.

+++++

"Hi, Harvey," Lauren giggled and wiggled her fingers at the curious desk attendant who was just about to leave. "Awe, you're so sweet, you waited up for me!"

The older concierge smiled at her oddly as she stumbled through the lobby, arm-in-arm with a rather dapper looking gentleman. As they entered the elevator, Harvey's young relief looked at him with eyebrows raised.

"Is that her husband?" he asked.

"No. And lesson number one. After every shift, you forget what you see. Ain't nobody's business but theirs."

+++++

Corey slowly opened the apartment's door. There was no sound coming from within. Good. His nerves were absolutely shot. Grabbing a bottle of whiskey and a bourbon glass, he started to pour three fingers when the ding of an elevator stopping on the floor rang out, followed by muffled laughter. Was that them? As if on cue, a familiar giggle came from right outside the door.

Shit, shit, shit! Corey grew pale with indecision. Should he take a stand, or hide and watch the rest of his wife's date unfold? The couple outside were fumbling with the fob. They had no way of knowing he was inside. Whiskey bottle and glass in hand, the discombobulated project manager dashed onto the balcony, closing the heavy glass door behind him, praying it wouldn't lock him out. Leaning against the railing 23 floors up, he felt the strong humid breeze and heard the steady hum of the traffic below him. Hoping the darkness and tinted windows would help obscure his silhouette, he peered back into the apartment to see if they had heard his hasty retreat.

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Lauren placed the key fob against the brass plate of the apartment door and turned the latch. Strange, it didn't make the usual clicking sound. She quickly forgot about it as Steve pushed her inside and gathered the sexy manager in his arms.

Corey watched from the balcony as the two kissed for the second time. Lauren let the engineer's tongue explore her mouth as his hands cupped her ass. After a few seconds, she stepped away.

"Easy tiger. What would the Rekrap office staff say?"

"Before or after their boss went to a strip club and fed bills to erotic dancers?" Steve chortled.

"Touché," Lauren acknowledged, pulling her date into the small living room and pushing him back on the couch. The apartment was oddly dark with the exception of some moonlight streaming in from the balcony's floor to ceiling windows. Did I not leave the kitchen lights on? She lit a candle on the coffee table and grabbed a couple seltzers from the fridge.

"Did you like the Purple Palace, Stevie? Did those young girls get you hot?" Lauren strutted slowly back to the couch, deliberately gliding towards him like the women who'd just been stripping for them.

"They can't hold a candle to you, Mrs. Miller," Steve countered politely, opening the two beverages and handing one back to his host.

Lauren put a hand on her hip, thrusting it out dramatically, then a finger to her temple as if in deep thought. "Mrs. Miller doesn't sound like a stripper name, though, does it?"

"So, what would yours be if you were a...entertainer?"

The Iowan transplant pursed her lips, trying to come up with something clever. The alcohol coursing through her veins wasn't helping any. She thought about Corey, how she had tried to be understanding and nurturing to his desires.

"Charity," Lauren finally exclaimed decisively, curtsying. "Most definitely Charity!"

Steve laughed and cupped his hands around his mouth. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on table six...Charity!"

Giggling, the raven-haired beauty set down her drink, flipped to a music app on her phone and cast it to a Bluetooth speaker. As smoky blues began to play, she swayed to the beat, arms raised above her head.

Good God almighty, the Rekrap engineer's mouth dropped open.

Jesus H. Christ, Corey thought. Hands shaking, he poured himself that long overdue drink and adjusted the growing erection beneath his boxers.

+++++

Arms caressing her tanned body, Lauren moved her hips to the music, swaying erotically above the captivated engineer.

"Do you like me, Stevie?"

"Yes, Lauren. You're beautiful."

"Call me Charity. Would you like me to dance for you, Stevie?"

He nodded with the enthusiasm of a sixteen-year-old.

"You know what you have to do then," she winked.

He hastily removed a number of assorted bills from his wallet and tucked a fiver into the front of her jeans.

Lauren blew him a kiss as she reached for the button on her jeans and popped it. She grinned as her coworker sat in stunned silence, pleased she had his undivided attention.

+++++

Little did the newly christened stripper know, she also had her husband's attention, albeit from an entirely different perspective.

Corey threw back another shot and pressed his nose against the window. Lauren slowly pulled down the jeans' brass zipper, allowing the tight denim material to relax and fall away from her hips.

Lucky bastard, now she's stripping for him.

His knees slowly buckled as his back slid down the window to a seated position.

Yet another thing she's never done for me, he lamented.

+++++

As another bill slid into Lauren's belt loop, she pulled the denim down over her hips in gratitude and let them drop to her ankles.

"Oops," she chirped, putting a hand to her mouth in mock surprise. "Did I do that?"

Steve stared at the small triangle in front of him, where the two shapely legs came together, flabbergasted by his good fortune. The black lace bodysuit did little to hide the treasure beneath.