"I want this to last for both of us, but I'm not sure I can..."
"I'm not worried about either of us. Let's make love and then we'll go from there."
Neither of them thought about anything beyond the two of them and what they were sharing. It was only when, while lying on their backs a little later, Char said, "For a guy that worried you wouldn't last for me, you've outlasted me.
"No I haven't. I think we're both done honey." Turning toward her, he touched her cheek and said, "You are so fantastic and how I wish we would have made love long ago."
"We couldn't. We shouldn't have this time, but like I said, one day I knew we would. Owen, this isn't something we can keep repeating, but every ounce of me is so happy that we've had our own special time to share and to remember."
Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Four
Char let Molly in right at seven, and they shared a firm hug before Char said, "He's in his office. Would you like something to drink?"
"No, but if I change my mind, I can get it later. How is he doing with the Nila thing?"
"Much improved, but don't mention her name for like the next year."
"No kidding," and she headed toward the office.
Popping in without tapping at the doorway, she said, "Hey, I'm supposed to do all of the work."
"And I know that. I'm just going over a few other things." Standing up, he hugged her and they shared a light kiss before he told her, "Damn it's good to see you again."
"It's good to see you too handsome," she told him, and Char came to him instantly as he remembered her commenting on how Molly's eyes danced when she was into something she enjoyed. Smiling up at him she said, "Char told me how well things were going here, and how great you look, and she's right." Then she kissed him again and then hugged him closer as she added, "I really did worry about you Owen."
"I really screwed up."
"How?"
"I should have made sure I was naked when you got here."
Dancing eyes again as she said, "Now that's the Owen I know so well. Of course I would have impatiently demanded that you put something on."
"And I would have begged you to join me by stripping."
"And indignantly I would have puffed my chest up and told you that wasn't about to happen."
"Nice, now pretend to be indignant and show me how you puff up your beautiful chest. Oh never mind, you don't need to puff up your beautiful chest."
"Damn I've missed this. Maybe we better talk parties."
"Well okay, but I like where we were going."
"I know, and I do too, and maybe just a little too much, now let's get comfortable. Yes, the loveseat would be good, because it's too short to lie on," and tugging his hand she led them to the end of his office and they sat close together. "Okay, Tom and Karen Cabot is their name. Right, a real married, and by appearances anyway, very loving and devoted couple. Speaking of appearances, they are very ordinary, but only if you can picture a very prosperous looking mid forties couple as being just ordinary. So anyway, allowing for a few that might decline their invitation, a small party of fourteen their guessing. Very casual, and they would like a soft trio playing light jazz in one corner."
"And of course you have the perfect trio in mind."
"I have several that I've used in the past, but yes, I do have an idea about that."
"What are your thoughts and feelings about them and their party?"
"Not as rowdy or blatantly sexual as parties of the past, but I made it so very clear that we only cater very select groups, but that I had a good feeling about them. Some sales in that, and they seemed to love what I was saying, but of course I wasn't lying either. So I showed them a few carefully chosen photos of Destinbury and of past parties. I started with more benign pictures, and as I watched their reactions, I pulled more images out of my folder. That was a lot of fun actually, and it turned out to be a perfect way to get a feeling for what we might expect from them."
"Do you have that nailed down enough to share with me?"
"I do. Somewhere between blatant gropes through clothes to some nudity and more groping. Maybe more than that, but with the parties we've had in the past all of that would seem very subdued and maybe even fun."
"A special occasion for this party?"
"Right, the occasion. Birthday for Karen, complete with birthday balloons, but no cake because she doesn't like sweets, and that wouldn't play well with booze and so on."
"Good, so we don't have to worry about some drunk starting a frosting fight."
"Speaking of drunk, they would provide the wine list."
"Oh, so that tells a lot."
"Not really, because he also has a few selections for the bar in the hard liquor area."
"That sounds more promising. So your thought is what?"
"My thought is to see if you're ready to get into this again."
"Because of Nila?"
"I'm surprised you mentioned her name, but yes."
"I've said her name to myself a number of times, but not in very flattering ways," and she was relieved to see his smile. "So I say let's do it unless you have concerns that you have yet to share with me."
"None. I think this could be a very easy and pleasant way to make a very nice profit."
"Then book it by all means, but what time frame are they thinking?"
"Three weeks from tomorrow, on her birthday. He's been in contact with a number of their friends in anticipation of this party."
"What do I need to do?"
"Take me to the den for a taste of your tequila."
"That's it?"
"Like I said, this will be pretty easy. Char can help me with the cameras, both still and video, and little details like that."
"Oh, wait staff?"
"A staff of six, but no nudity, but of course since it's her party, they have to be sexy studs dressed in something risqué."
"This sounds almost too easy."
"After the parties we've dealt with, this will be an easy one, but equally profitable."
"I'm liking this a lot."
"Art will be out for surgery, but he recommended a guy so I have him lined up."
"Damn. You're good looking, oozing natural sexiness, smart and so very good at your craft."
"I've really missed your over the top flattery," and she kissed his cheek. "How are you and Elise doing?"
"Where the hell did that come from and how do you know about her?"
"Char of course, but only because I poked and probed as she and I talked. I was just curious, and of course you don't have to answer my question."
"She's a great person, we enjoy each other's company and we seem to have a lot in common."
"That's what Char said too. Also very slim and sexy body and loves to pose."
"Okay, and those facts too, but we haven't done any more photography. I haven't even touched my camera in a long time."
"I'm sure you haven't." Changing the subject, she asked him, "So what's up with your home building and with Char?"
"With Char?"
"I mean long term, do you see yourself having a housekeeper forever?"
"Char will be with me for as long as she's willing to put up with me. Molly, she's so much more than a housekeeper for me."
"I got that impression from us talking, and I think that's great."
"I expected you to have more, let's say, probing questions."
"No more questions."
"The house construction is still slated to begin in about three or four months, weather permitting, but I've discovered that I don't know if I'll move into that or sell it. I have a lot of money tied up in property and architect fees, so I really hate to just abandon the project. I'd like to recoup my expenses if nothing else."
"I'm sure you can do that well and better. Okay, I'm going home and get to work on our Tom and Karen project. You'll really like her by the way."
"Why?"
"She had that average body and looks, but she oozes sensuality," and she kissed him before she got up.
"Wait," he said as he jumped up to join her. "Not more than you do I'll bet."
As he followed her to the door she told him, "Thank you, but I'd take that bet handsome."
While Owen and Molly stood at the door, Char got a call from Kate. "I have some news about Nila."
"Oh good," Char said as she dropped into her favorite chair.
"I got an e-mail from Nila."
"That's a major surprise."
"No kidding. She said she isn't looking for a reply and that wasn't what prompted her contacting me. She said it was important that I know how very sorry she was for hurting Owen and destroying their relationship."
"Well duh, did she really think she would never be caught?"
"Well there's more. She said that every time she saw Jake she swore that would be the last time, but then he'd call and she'd go with him. But get this. She got a visit from Trace."
"No. Oh my God Kate, so you seeing him was just the thing to do."
"I haven't heard from him, but that has to play into this. So anyway, she said that he was cordial, but firm and to the point when he talked about what he had learned about Jake being a phony low life, and those were his words. Then he let her know that Jake had a string of women that he rotated between, which was no big surprise to me."
"Did she say how that hit her?"
"She went on about a part of her half expected something like that, but still that hit her hard. But get this. He used some of my words when he told her that she was guilty of being from a small town, which in scale to New York, we do live in a small hick town. But just as I had said, he told her that she was guilty of being naïve, vulnerable to his line of shit...his word not mine, but she needed to find out what about Jake affected her so or she might well fall into the same trap again. She said she didn't appreciate the way he talked to her, but that she knew he was right. Now I can't wait to talk to him and see if there is anything else we want to know. Of course we can never share this with Owen, but at least you and I know we've done some good for him."
"Oh God, I almost feel sorry for her now, and I don't like that about me."
"I don't, but I can understand why you might. She has some issues, and I guess we all do of one type or another."
"Like you with men."
"Oh, now that hurt. You're right though, but I am getting past that mess with professional help, but never, ever tell Owen okay?"
"Well of course I won't, and I'm happy for you. Kate, Owen and I finally made love."
"Did you really? How is that going to play out in the coming days?"
"I don't intend for us to continue sharing a bed, but I just had to let go that one time."
"Is there a way I can ask how that went for you two?"
"Too well, but I'm so glad that happened."
"He does worship you, you know."
"I really do love him too."
"But do you see yourself as being single forever now?"
"No, but for now I'm very happy with myself."
"Then that's all good. Okay, I'll let you know when or if I hear from Trace."
"I'm sure you will, and thanks for calling."
Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Five
"Hi cuz."
"Linda, how are you and the clan?"
"We're all doing fine, but I wanted to see if you could say the same now."
"I'm doing much better than just a few weeks ago. Busy as hell, and that's okay too. It's weird that you're calling, because I've been thinking about coming down one of these days. I can't right away, but I will soon."
"We'd all love to see you, and especially Aunt Eva."
"I can see you smiling as you say that. I'm going to host another party soon, and I have a few other things that have me tied up. Oh, and I'm back to working a real job again."
"It's about time. Okay, I'll tell your family that you're alive, well and have plans to come down as soon as you can. Oh, and bring a friend."
"What? Why did you add that last part?"
"So Ginger and Lori will stay out of your bed."
"But then that means you have to as well."
"And that's a good thing, or so I keep telling myself. Keep us informed Owen."
"I'm off to dinner with a friend, and yes, I will do that."
Dinner at the Olive Garden Thursday evening with Elise was just the right medicine for him, and as their dishes were whisked away, Owen raised his glass to Elise and told her, "To you my very attractive and sexy friend."
They tasted their wine and then she told him, "Marcie's doing great with school, and she and Kiley have been getting together every so often just to talk. Kiley asked me to say hi by the way. She doesn't want you to forget her. Of course I don't know how any guy young or old would forget her."
"And she's like no other woman I've ever met young or old."
"Well she's something of an exhibitionist, but I'm sure you know that."
"I got that impression. That and she loves to flirt."
"Not with just anybody though. You're still one of her favorites."
"I'm not sure what to even say to that. So no guys in their lives?"
"Oh of course, but nothing at all serious. They don't share a lot with me, but I do catch bits and pieces here and there, so I'm not too uninformed. So you were going to tell me some things."
"Right. One is I'll be working full weeks and long days starting with a week from Monday."
"You've been so spoiled that's going to be an adjustment for you."
"I know, but I'm ready to get back into that again. Oh, and I had dinner with Wendy Tuesday evening. Do you remember who she is?"
Smiling, Elise said, "Oh yes, I remember Wendy. She has the hots for you of course."
"Our flame burned hot and fast, but now we're more like good friends that like to tease each other."
"Oh, she's the one from that wedding you told me about."
"That's right."
"She really does seem very nice. A little too thin, but she's very sexy without trying to be."
"I agree, and it's funny that Gail, her daughter that married Trace, doesn't look a lot like her. Oh in some facial features it's pretty strong, but their builds aren't a lot alike. Gail is small, but not thin at all."
"Like Marcie and I don't look a lot alike."
"True. Oh, here's a big one, we're...Molly and I are hosting another party."
"Really? I thought that was over."
"I did too, but this will be an easy, profitable and fun one."
"So no more orgies then."
"Well not with this group there won't be."
"It sounds like your life is slowly filling up again and that's a good thing, but what about photographing willing young women, is that totally over for you?"
"Probably, but if opportunity presented itself, I'd be quick to see if I could work that out. By the way, when are you and I going to try what we hoped to do the last time?"
"So that doesn't bring back horrible moments for you?"
"I'd love it if you and I could try again. More sensual and teasing the next time though."
"Here's a thought if Char would be willing to take part. We could do a set where she could be my maid and she could help me getting dressed and undressed."
"I think she would, but how could we work it so she could be nude for a few shots?"
"Would she do that?"
"Well she has for me, so she might. You know, maybe have her touch your breast with just a finger, or her caress you in some almost innocent way as you close your eyes and tip your head back in appreciation. Something like that anyway."
"Let's work on that idea and you talk to Char."
"Fantastic."
"We could also do something like that with you caressing me."
"Oh, now I like that one a lot, but who runs the camera?"
"I'm sure you could come up with somebody."
Owen hesitated for only a moment before he said, "Yes, I do believe I could. Large bedroom, large mirrors, oh yes, this is getting better by the minute."
"Owen, I even have a couple of evening dresses that we could use, plus some sexy things from my posing days. You talk to Char and your photographer, and in the meantime we can keep dreaming up some ideas."
"Wait. Believe this or not, I'm not thinking of myself, but minutes ago you said something about Kiley being an exhibitionist, and I remember how comfortable she was in front of a camera."
"I'd look like last weeks dinner next to her."
"You would not. You and Kiley have totally different looks, but you're right, your maid needs to look more the part, and that isn't Kiley."
Owen paid the bill, and as they walked out, Elise said, "Kiley would make a very poor servant. She should have servants for any shoot she'd be in."
"That's a good one to remember too. Or she could be master and have the guy on a leash or something like that."
"You're going to be very busy if you follow through with all of your ideas."
"The one I'm more interested in though is just you and me in my bedroom."
"Me too, and we could also do a set or two of photos."
Chapter Two Hundred Thirty Six
Char was waiting for Owen when he appeared dressed for the office in the morning. "You're looking good boss," and setting his coffee on the table, she said, "Before you eat, I have to ask. Is what you and I shared going to have a serious effect on us...I mean as me working for you?"
"Damn right it is, but it's all good. Thanks to you we have a wonderful memory to spend some time with whenever we choose. I do refuse to believe that is the only time you and I will ever make love however."
She kissed his cheek and said, "I'm not saying never again either. Okay, but I just had to hear you say we're okay."
"I'm looking at my very naked and very sexy friend and housemate, so damn right everything is okay."
"Dan and Alana, Perry and Kathy are stopping tonight."
"I remember, but thanks, and unless you'd rather not, whatever you do, don't get dressed."
She smiled and said, "Are you sure about that decision?"
"If you can do that I'm totally sure honey."
"That will be fun, but what if Dan or Perry thinks he's funny by...you know, making over this old woman?"
"I'll smack your sweet ass the next time you refer to yourself as old, and if Dan or Perry do that, and I can see that happening, play up to him as much as you dare and let them figure out what to do."
She kissed him quickly and then told him, "I do love living here. I'll serve drinks in the nude then."
"Wearing heels."
"Oh yes, wearing heels, just for you hon. Now I'm going to my room, you eat and get to the office, and I'll do my chores later."
Owen's day was long and busy, but even that didn't dampen his spirits as he raced home eating a drive through burger as he went. He just had time to rest for a few minutes and then shower and be ready for his friends.
"Owen," Char said waltzing into his bedroom and catching him pulling on his underwear, "Molly just called and I told her it was okay for her to come over. If that's not good, then say so and I'll call her right back."
"Did she happen to say why she was coming?"
"Something about the party is all, nothing too serious."
"Well sure, but did you tell her the others would be here?"
"I did, but I also assured her not to worry and that she would be very welcome. I've also decided not to strut naked around here this time."
"That's too bad, but maybe for the best. Well I guess if Molly doesn't mind I sure don't. Hey, you look pretty hot. No, make that smoking."
"You're horny again. Oh hell, you're horny most of the time."
"I'm too old to be horny most of the time."
"Oh right, like I believe that one," and he smiled as he watched her butt as she retreated toward her kitchen.
Char compromised by wearing a short skirt, high heels and a low cut blouse, and Dan and Alana were first to arrive. "You look great," Alana told her as they stepped inside, but Dan stopped, kissed her cheek and brazenly let his eyes dive between her breasts before he told her, "Too hot lady, just too hot."
Kathy and Perry joined the group with Perry making sure Char caught him smiling and staring at her. "Char," he said, "I think you should come live with Kathy and me. You're just too much woman for Owen."