Love is a Four Letter Word

"I assure you that—"

She interrupted, "Quit while you're ahead, young man."

Just about then, Abby came bounding into the room and almost knocked me over with a hug. Then, she commenced to give me a kiss that I hadn't anticipated. It wasn't a friendly peck, but a full blown, toe curling sensual kiss. If I wasn't made of flesh and blood, I'd have melted.

"Have you met the family?"

"Uh, yeah, we've met," I shuddered, catching my breath. She reduced me to a blubbering idiot.

"I asked you to come early Hun, so you can meet my family. I'll show you to our room." She pulled me toward the stairs.

I thought, Hun? Our room? What the hell!

I paused on the stairs and looked down at her family and they all smiled at me.

What in the fuck did she tell them about me? I wondered.

As soon as we shut the bedroom door, I held Abby by the shoulders and whispered, "What the hell is going on?"

"Alex, I didn't tell you everything because I was afraid you'd say no."

I sat on the bed and looked at her. "I want the truth, Abby. The whole truth and nothing but the truth."

"Okay, but promise you'll stay."

"I'm not promising shit. Come on, spill it."

"It started about three months ago when I told my parents I found Mr. Right, just to get them to stop trying to hook me up with Todd.

"But we've only known each other a few weeks," I noted.

"They don't know that. I never gave them a name until last week. They like Todd and I didn't have the heart to tell them he's a two-timing cheating bastard. My mom was starting to believe you didn't really exist, so I had to come up with a plan."

"I have a feeling there is more," I said, holding up her left hand that had a diamond ring on her finger.

"Oh that!... we're just recently engaged." Her face went flush.

"Unbelievable! Well, I hope you're not pregnant from all the wild crazy sex we didn't have." I stood up and walked towards the door.

"Wait! Alex please don't leave!" She started to cry.

I stopped and looked at her. I was always a sucker for tears. I thought, Damn it! Why did she have to be so gorgeous?

"Okay," I sighed in frustration. "I'll stay and play out this farce, but no more lies between us. It appears we have two relationships between us at the same time: the pretend and the real one. I'm not sure if you're acting or not."

"Good. Then no one else does either. We need to get changed for the pool party." She pointed to the bathroom and said, "You go first."

"No, ladies go first. I'll change in here. Remember, no peeking." I said grinning.

When Abby stepped out of the bathroom in her skimpy bikini, I exclaimed, "Holy crap! You're beautiful."

She poised with one hand on her hip and said, "You're supposed to say that. We're engaged, remember?"

"In that case I can't wait for the pretend honeymoon."

"You have a one track mind."

"Can you really blame me while you're wearing that suit?"

"You have a way of making your compliments seem kinda skeez." She said pulling on her sheer beach covering that didn't hide much.

****

We walked to the pool hand in hand and were warmly greeted by a growing group of guests... I tried my best to maintain my composure in a group of half naked strangers wearing bathing suits. I couldn't help but noticed how familiar, almost intimate they all were with one another. Abby's Mom was wearing a bikini that rivaled Abby's. It barley contained her mature globes.

I was startled when Pebbles came up to us and ran her hand over my stomach.

"You didn't tell me he's got abs!" She gushed; her eyes wild with excitement.

"Ignore her." Abby rolled her eyes. "She's just a little pubescent pest." She said swatting her sister's butt. Then she looked at me and said, "Come on...dear, let's mingle."

I tried to focus on the guests, but my eyes kept wandering back to Abby. No one compared to her beauty. Her voluptuous body was etched in my mind.

I thought, This can't be happening to me. I'm a happy bachelor. Get a grip on yourself.

Abby was giving me a tour of her parents very large an beautifully landscaped yard when I heard, "So... you're the fantasy boyfriend we've heard so much about?" A big dark-skinned muscular guy said walking unsteady toward us with a drink in his hand.

"Beat it, Todd." Abby scowled. "You're already drunk. Leave us alone."

"You let a woman talk for you boy? What, no balls?" He replied, grabbing his privates.

I glared at him, when Abby said, "Ignore him, Alex. He's an asshole."

"Hey, that's no way to talk to your betrothed! I could break pretty boy in half with one hand if I wanted and you know it."

Even though we were in a private part of the yard, people were starting to take notice. The very thought I might get beaten up while pretending to be a boyfriend seemed to be a distinct possibility. I had never been in a fight in my life and I wasn't about to with a guy that had Airborne tattoos on his bulging biceps. Fortunately, Abby's dad saved the day.

"Come on, Todd," said Frank. "Jump in the pool and cool off. The barbecue is about ready." He pulled the staggering idiot toward the pool.

Abby met my gaze and apologized. "I'm so sorry, Alex. He's never been quite that mean before. I didn't want you to get into a fight."

"Actually, it wouldn't have been a fight; it would have been an execution. Even if you were my real fiancé, I wouldn't fight him. I'm neither stupid or suicidal. I thought for a few second there you might be spending your day licking my wounds, instead of visiting with your guests."

She gave me a sexy grin, rubbed my crotch and whispered, "If you were real fiancé, I'd be licking more than your wounds."

Digesting what she said, I stood there with a growing erection. In thought, Fuck! I'll never make it through this weekend alive. I'm either going to be plummeted to death by that muscle bound creature or die of blue balls.

****

We ate burgers and chatted with the guests. It seemed our little charade was believed by everyone. Well, almost everyone. Todd pouted in the recliner, giving us both dagger looks. On the bright side, I was getting used to Abby's affectionate hugs and kisses. I wasn't sure if they were pretend or real or a combination of both. As much as I fought it, I knew my feelings for her were growing exponentially.

Later, while I was making drinks in the kitchen, Todd approached me. I assumed the worst and grabbed a long barbecue fork.

He laughed and said, "What do you plan to do with that? Skewer me? I came to make peace dude. I wasn't going to do anything to you. Look man, I was pissed at her, not you."

"That's good to know. I hadn't planned on writing my last will and testament so early in life."

Todd chuckled. "You're a funny guy. I couldn't ever make her laugh, but...I could make her squeal like a pig. Can you do that to her pretty boy?"

I elected to choose self-preservation and shook my head no.

"How do you like my name tattooed on your woman's ass? Every time you stick her, you'll remember I was there first."

With Todd getting more confrontational I felt it was time to exit. I said, "Well, nice chat. I gotta go take these drinks to the guests." I picked up the tray and walked away from him as fast as I could balancing a drink tray.

As the evening wore on, and people started to leave, I was relieved to see Todd disappear in an Uber. Trying to act the boyfriend part, I helped with the dishes and spent some time with Abby's family. After cleanup was finished, we watched a recording of America's Got Talent. I liked this family a lot. I never had a real family of my own that I could remember. My parents were killed in a car wreck when I was a three and I bounced from one foster home to another.

I was rethinking my life history when Abby stretched her arms and said, "It's late. I'm going to bed. If we're taking out the boat tomorrow, we need to rest. You coming to bed, Hun?"

Knowing all eyes were on me, I tried not to sound overly enthusiastic as I yawned and said, "I'll be right up after I say goodnight."

Abby's Mom smiled at me. "It was nice to meet you, Alex. Sorry to hear about the incident with Todd. He's not as bad as he appeared. My daughter hasn't always had such good fortune picking men, as you could see."

"Yeah, I kinda noticed... Well, goodnight."

*****

I tapped on the bedroom door and Abby opened it. I stood there, stunned. She was wearing a transparent nightgown that was closer to being a negligée. Without saying a word, she pulled me inside and shut the door. I looked at the bed and couldn't miss the two pillows dividing the bed in half.

"That's to keep us honest," she said.

I looked at her, and couldn't help but notice her breasts showing through the sheer top. Her pointy nipples stuck out like a couple pencil erasers. Seemingly self-conscious, she crossed her arms over her chest. I didn't attempt to hide my gaze. It was difficult not to stare.

"Abby, I'm confused. What are we doing here? What's going on?"

"What do you mean?"

"Abby, I have no idea what is real or pretend anymore. You've kissed me and flirted all day with me. Yet, when we're alone I'm suppose to become a Boy Scout? I'm confused. We either have something real here or you are the best damn actress I've ever seen."

She looked at the floor saying, "What is it you want from me Alex?"

I walked over to my travel bag and pulled out a condom and tossed it on the bed and replied, "To start with..."

"Alex, I'm as confused as you are. I didn't think things would progress this fast, but they have."

"Look Abby, I'm totally honest when I say that you've gotten to me. When I'm around you, I feel things I've never experienced before with anyone else. My mind is telling me things I'm unfamiliar with."

"Alex, I know what you want and I can't blame you. I have feelings too. I don't intend to torture you. I just worry that if we have sex now, it might take away from the connection growing between us."

"Damn it." I sighed. "Why do you have to be so right about everything?"

"This is new territory for me too. I knew there was something special the first time we met. When I said you were dangerous, I meant it. I feared you had the ability to break down the protective wall I so carefully built. I've had my heart broken too many times."

"Turn around." I told her.

"Why?"

"Never mind why'd ya . Just turn around." She obeyed, looking over her shoulder.

I reached out and yanked down her night shorts. There it was, a tattoo of a heart with Todd's name written in the middle.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

"So, it's true. He did brand you!"

"Oh Alex..."

"I'll let you know up front that If for some reason you decide to be with me, I want that repulsive tattoo erased. There is no way I'm going to be looking at that."

"You men are all alike. You're as bad as him. Why don't you just pee on me to mark your territory? I'm a free woman. No one owns me!"

"If that were the case then why is his name inked on your ass?"

She glared at me and asked, "Jealous? Dammit, Alex! I don't want to fight about this. He's my past. Jealousy is unattractive."

"How would you feel if I had an ex lover's name tattooed on me?"

"It's your ass, and your business...What else did that bastard say?"

"He said he made you squeal like a pig."

Her face flushed a crimson red. She looked beyond angry.

"Did he?" I asked.

"That's none of your business!" She screamed. "What is it with you men, anyway? You turn everything into a pissing contest!"

"Look, I'm sorry. Todd is the one that told me that, after he told me he had his name tattooed on you. I was curious if it was true."

"Okay, you want details?... yes, he was good in bed and he has a huge cock. But, he was an utter failure in all the things that really count—things like loyalty, love and honor."

Softened by her sudden vulnerability, I pulled her to me and kissed the tears on her cheeks. Then I took the pillows that were dividing the bed and threw them in the chair.

"What are you doing?"

Not taking my eyes off her, I pulled off my T-shirt, dropped my shorts and crawled under the sheets. I replied, "Going to bed. I sleep in the raw."

Abby watched my impromptu striptease and said, "You are taking a lot for granted... The left side is mine."

She turned off the lights and I heard a faint rustling of clothing. I felt the bed give. Then her glorious body pressed against mine. Our lips came together as if to seal the deal.

She whispered, "Please promise me, you won't break my heart."

"I would die a thousand times over before ever letting that happen. But, that goes both ways." It was then I realized how vulnerable she really was.

There was no way to keep things PG. I wasn't superhuman. We touched, and caressed while exploring each other. There seemed to be no urgency. In a short time, we were making love. Abby's body fit me perfectly as we lost ourselves in endless passion throughout the night. It was nothing like some the outlandish positions that I used with past lovers. I felt no need to impress her with my sexual prowess. I connected with her in ways I never thought were possible.

****

The next morning, I reached out but quickly realized I was alone.

Was last night just a dream? Where is Abby? I rubbed the sleep from my eyes before noticing my swim trunks and T-shirt on the bed, freshly ironed. After a few minutes, Abby came through the door with a mug of coffee.

"Wake up sleepy head! Drink this." She held out the cup. I took a couple sips. "Mmm, hazelnut is my favorite."

She ripped my covers away and I reacted by covering my privates with my hands.

Abby giggled. "Don't you think it's a bit late for modesty? Get dressed lover, they're loading the boat. You do fish, don't you?"

"It all depends what I'm fishing for," I answered, pulling on my board shorts.

She walked over to me shaking a bottle and said, "Better put on some sunscreen or you'll fry your Lilly white skin." Abby rubbed some on my back. I noticed her hair was braided in a long pony tail, giving her a schoolgirl look.

I rubbed some sunscreen on my legs and said, "Your turn."

She didn't hesitate, pulling off her shirt, revealing her bare breasts. In the light of day, she was magnificent. I squeezed in some cream in my palms and cupped her globes of flesh.

"You might want to get my back," she said. "My boobs will be covered." She giggled.

"Awww, you're no fun."

"Later." She winked, and squeezing my dick through my trunks.

****

We walked out to the landing where the family was already waiting. Frank noticed me and frowned.

"Good afternoon! We usually leave at dawn... it's after seven." He said stacking some coolers.

"Sorry," I said. "I didn't know, otherwise I'd have set my alarm."

"Don't worry. I blame my daughter for keeping you up doing god knows what."

"God knows what?" Ginny giggled. "You know exactly what, you old fuddy-duddy." She slapped his butt.

.

"Where's Pebbles?" I asked.

"She's at her friends place playing video games. This is an adults only excursion. We will be meeting some friends on the lake, later in the evening. You're welcome to join us."

"Mom!" Abby whined. "Please not Evelyn and Dane? Not today."

"Oh, hush! I told them about Alex. They'll behave."

What the hell is that about? I wondered.

We cast off and motored out to the center of the lake. Frank offered each of us a fishing pole. Being a novice, I opted to share one with Abby. She showed me how to bait a hook and cast it out. Almost immediately we had a hit and reeled it in. I proudly held up the wriggling fish.

"Beginners luck!" said Frank.

"Actually, Frank, it was your pole, and your bait. It was caught on your boat—so it's your catch."

"You're wasted in the computer field, my boy! You should be a fucking politician!" Frank slapped my shoulder, handing me a cold beer. I was having a really good time with them all. As the day went on we were all getting to know one another better, and a bit drunk. After enough beer even the stupidest jokes seem funny.

Later in the day, Ginny came over to us, looking a bit nervous.

She looked at Abby and said, "Honey, I need to talk with your young man before Evelyn and Dane and the gang show up."

"No, Mom, I'll talk with him."

I was curious and when I asked, "What should come from you? What's this about?"

Abby pulled me aside and said, "I'll start by saying I didn't think I'd develop such strong feelings for you, but I have, and It's real. We both have pasts and have things we're not proud of."

"That goes without saying, but what does that have to do with me."

"What my Mom wanted to tell you was that the group that they're meeting later this evening are not your average friends."

"Meaning what?" I asked.

"What my Mom was trying to tell you, is that they are...swingers and they get together on this boat or the house once a week."

"Just so you know, I'm not judgmental. That's their business. How does that effect me?"

"I'm glad you're so open minded Alex. I just wanted to say that at one time I was, too... but not anymore."

I stared at her in disbelief before asking, "Are you saying you have sex with strangers?"

"Alex, if we are going to build a relationship, we need honesty. That's what I'm doing."

"I'm thinking that Todd fits in here someplace."

"Yes, We met at a swingers party my folks hosted."

"You'll have to pardon me, but this is a lot for me to grasp... So you fucked Todd at a sex party and then got engaged to him? You said you dumped him because he fucked someone else? Isn't that what swingers do?"

"He broke the rules."

"Ahhh, and what rules are they? It pretty much sounds like there are no rules. This is too weird to believe. So, if you and I are a couple, you plan on having sex with other men? I'm sorry, that sounds just plain wrong."

"Don't pull the moral card with me Alex. I'll bet you left plenty women broken hearted like Betty. I made a horribly bad decision with Todd."

"It's not the same thing."

"Look Alex, I told you I don't swing anymore. When my boyfriend was killed, I was in a bad spot and used sex to placate my pain. When I met Todd, the sex was great, and I thought that we were meant for one another. I knew nothing about him other than that he was good in bed. Then, I came to my senses. That part of my life is over, but I need to be truthful to you."

"Why? You don't owe me anything."

"I like you Alex and I feel I at least owe you the truth."

"How many?"

"How many what?" She asked.

"You understand the question. How many men did you fuck?"

She was angered by my question and replied, "What difference does that make? I told you that's over now."

I sat there trying to process what Abby had shared, realizing my initial opinion about love was true. To think I was actually planning a future with her was a joke. How could I ever be so stupid?

She searched my face for a reaction. I said, "Thanks for a memorable weekend. Take me back to the dock."

Panic seemed to fill her eyes. She pleaded, "Alex, we can work things out, I know it! I... I... love you."

"Yeah, sure you do. All I want to do is go home and wash this stink off me. I think I'm going to be sick."

I didn't say another word. When they pulled up to the dock, I almost sprinted to my car.

Immediately, my phone started ringing. I shut it off.

How could I be that stupid? I guarantee this will never happen again. Ever.

****

Abby had finally quit calling after two weeks. I had given my secretary instructions to tell Abby if she called or came by, I wasn't available. I buried myself in work and life seemed to be slowly returning back to normal. I was even thinking of testing the waters of dating again, but for some reason I couldn't find the motivation. My friends were constantly trying to set me up with blind dates, which I declined. As much as I tried, I couldn't erase Abby from my mind.