THESECRETVIRGIN

KATEGILEAD

TheSecretVirgin

KATEGILEAD

For

Adriana

and

Felicity

Coverby

VivianMonirDesign

Allrightsreservedworldwide.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,including
informationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor,exceptinthecaseofareviewer,whomayquotebrief
passagesembodiedincriticalarticlesorinareview.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,and
anyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.

kate@kategilead.com

Don’tforgetto

signupformymailinglist

togetafreesteamyebook,ANDexclusiveepilogueorbonuschaptersformybookswhichareonly

availabletosubscribers!

Staytunedformorefun:)

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKateGilead/

ChapterOne

BRENDA

RESH

out of the shower and wrapped in a big bath towel, I give Princess Pumpkinface Poopypants the

ThirdapatasIwalkpastwhereshe’scurleduponmybed.

She’sanorangePomeranianpupIgotafewmonthsago,sosmallandsweet!Sherollsoverontoher

backandgazesupatmeadoringly,herweepawswavingintheair.

OhmyGod,Ilovehersomuch!AllIhavetodoislookatherandsheturnsintoashiveringfurballof

happiness.Itickleherwarm,roundtummy,thenIpickherup,snuggleherfurandkissher.Shekissesme
backhappilyandthentucksherheadundermychin.Awww!

Iputherbackdownandsmoothherfurfromheadtotail.
“Stay,Princess,”Isay,andshesettlesrightdownlikeagoodgirl.She’ssosmartforapuppywho’s

onlysixmonthsold!

Idropmytowelandtakeafewstepsovertomyfull-lengthmirror.Eyeballing my naked reflection

critically,I’malwaysonthelook-outforablemishorunexpectedrollofpudge.Nothing’sdifferentfrom
thelasttimeIchecked–whichwaslike,justbeforeIgotintotheshower–soIlaydownonthebedand
stareupattheceiling.

I’mprocrastinatingbecauseIdon’twantdowhatI’msupposedtobedoing.
I’msupposedtobemeetingColtonandhisdogatthedogparkandthenwe’resupposedtobegoingto

hisparent’splace,whichhehastohimselfforthenight.We’vebeendatingforafewmonths,sincejust
beforemygradparty.Andhe’sbeenhintingthattonight’sthenightthatheexpectsustogoalltheway.

Thethingis…Idon’twantto.I’mhavingahardtimesortingoutmyfeelingsaboutit,whichisoddfor

mebecauseusuallyIknowexactlyhowIfeelabouteverything.

ButIcan’tkidmyselfanymore.BeingwithColtonisnotworkingout.
I spread my damp hair out behind my head and raise my knees to let my body air-dry. The slightly

coolerairinmyroommakesmynipplespuckerandtingle,bringinganechoingstirringdowninmy‘lady
parts’,asmomcallsthem.“Muhparts,muhparts,muhlovelyladyparts,”Isingtomyself,wigglingmy
buttandgrinningatmyownfoolishness.

ButwhenIthinkaboutColton,thosestirringsandthegrinbothfadeaway.
Doesn’t that seem kind of weird? Why should my boyfriend, of all people, nuke my smile and my

hornythoughts?

Houston,Ithinkwehaveaproblem.
It’snotlikeit’sunusualformetobehavingsteamythoughts.ItseemslikeI’malwaysthinkingabout

sex;dirtythoughtsalwayslurkinginthebackofmymindsomewhere.

MissPerpetuallyWetPanties,that’sme.
I’mjustnotwetforColton.Andthereinliesmydilemma.

Don’tgetmewrong.Withhisthick,darkhair,hisdarkeyesandmovie-star-handsomefeatures,Colton

ishot.And,eventhoughhedoesn’tsoundlikeitinthewayhetalks,oractlikeitinthewayhecarries
himself,heiseducated.Iknowbecausewemetincollege.

But.
But…eventhoughwe’vebeendatingforafewmonths,wehaven’tspentallthatmuchtimetogether.

When we first got together, Colton was supposed to start work at my brother Nick’s construction
company,butthenhetookanotherjobinstead.That’dbefine,exceptthatit’sinSpringville,Kentucky…a
four-hourdrivefromhere.

SoColton’sonlybeenintownforlike,sixweekendsinthatwholetime.ThenhewenttotheBahamas

withhisparentsoverChristmasandNewYears.Hetextedmesomephotos,asifthat’senough.

And frankly…? What I have seen of him is not impressive. For example, he treats people badly

sometimes.Like,theserversatthisclubhelikestogoto.He’ssnidewiththemandIthinkhestiffsthem
fortips,whichisjustshitty.

Eventhewayhegothisdogisallwrong.Hemadeitseemlikehewasnoblyrescuingthedogfroma

shelter, picking out an enormous Rottweiler-German Shepherd mix called Diesel. But his family never
haddogs,andheneverevenmentioneddogsuntilIgotmypuppy.Itwasalmostlikeheneededtoone-up
meorsomething.Weird!

Worse,hedoesn’ttakecareofDieselhimself,leavingthedogwithhisparents’housekeepertolook

after. He hardly ever walks the dog; doesn’t seem to know how to play with him, and definitely isn’t
bondedwithhim.

Itmakesmeuneasy,becauseallthisisshowingmewhatkindofpersonColtonreallyis.
Sighing,Igetup,gobacktothemirrorandcomboutmydamphair.Staringatmyreflection,Iwonder

iftheonlyreasonI’mstillwithhimisbecauseIdon’twanttobeinthedreadedstateofNotHavinga
Boyfriend.

Ugh!
Istandstill,lookingatthemirrorbutnotreallyseeingitanymore.I’mtryingtolookinsidemyself,

tryingtofigureoutwhattodoaboutColton.

Idislikebeingunkindtopeople.IhatetobethebearerofbadnewsandIalwaystrytoseethebestin

people.

Yet, part of me wishes I could just text-dump him and be done with it. Then I feel bad for even

thinkingit,becausethat’sneverokay.SoIdecidetogomeethimatthedogparklikeweplanned.And
there,I’mgonnahavetobreakupwithhimface-to-face;lethimdowneasysomehow.

It’s kind of depressing, and not just because it’s not working out with one guy who I hardly got to

know.

It’sbecausenoneofmydateshaveeverreally,trulyrungmybells.
Noonehasevermademefeelthathot,animaldesirethatyoualwayshearsabout.
Iwanttofeelthatsizzling,passionatelust.IwantthekindofthingthatmybrotherNickandmybest

friend Amanda have, even though they have a near twenty-year age gap. She nursed a crush on him for
waylongerthananyonesuspected;andhehadtowaitforhertogrowup.

Theironyis,IwasalwaystellingAmandathatshe’stoopicky.Hah!Ifsheknewthetruth,she’dkill

me.

Okay...well,she’dpityme,which,ifyouaskme,isworse.
NotevenAmandaknowsthetruestateofmysexlife.
Whichis,that…Idon’thaveone.
I,BrendaBennett…MissBlonde-Hair-don’t-Care,SoulofSassandOvariesofBrass…amasecret

virgin.

IKNOW,Iknow.Who’sstillavirginattwenty-one,especiallyinthisdayandage?It’sembarrassingbut
thefactis,Ihaven’tevenseenarealpenis.Well,Imean,notup-closeandpersonal,anyhow.

Sadbuttrue….pornpeeniesaretheonlyonesI’veseen.
It’snotlikeI’muglyortoosociallybackwardstogetadate.Andsometimes,I’msohorny,allIcan

thinkaboutishowbadIneedtogetlaid.

So,whyamIstillavirgin?
Well…putitthisway.Once,Ioverheardmomtellingajoke:
Howisvirginitylikeaballoon?
Oneprickandit’sgone.
Yeah.Liketheysay…it’sfunny‘cuzit’strue.Youonlygetone‘FirstTime’andIwantittobespecial.
Idon’texpecttobehead-over-heelsinlove,but,attheveryleast,Iwantittobesomeonewhoreally

turnsmeon.

Well,nopointinmopingaroundthehouseanylonger;draggingmyheelsisn’tgoingtomakewhatI

havetodoanyeasier.SoIfinishgettingdressedandputonatinybitofmake-up.Iusemynewlipcolor,
ashadecalledCourageinRed.

Whoknows,maybethat’llhelp.
ThenIputPrincessintohershouldercarrier,theonewiththeorangestripesthatmatchherfur,andget

myassingear.

INTHECAR,Iputtheradioonandlistentooldiesfromtheeightiesandnineties.PrinceandMadonna
andsuch.IlovethatstuffbutIcan’trelaxenoughtoenjoyitlikeIusuallywould.

Arrivingatthedogpark,IseethatexceptforColton’sflashyredpickupandablackJeep,theparking

lotisempty.Good.ToomanydogsaroundPrincessmakesmenervous.

StandingonthegrasstothesideofthelotisColton,holdingDieselbythecollarandtalkingtosome

guy.

AssoonasIgetoutofthecar,IhearColton’svoice.Itsoundsloud,whiny,defensive.
“Idon’tespeciallyleashmydogatadogpark,whywouldI?”
“Becauseyourdogcausedaproblemassoonasyouletitoutofyourvehicle,”comesthereply.Deep,

voice,calmandmatter-of-fact.“Soyes,youshouldespeciallyleashyourdogatthedogpark,especially
whenhe’ssofullofpissandvinegar,”themancontinues,soundingamused.

As I grab Princess’ carrier and walk towards them, I’m not surprised Colton’s gotten himself into

somekindofbeefalready.

IgetagoodlookattheguytalkingtoColtonandoh…my.
He’s a tall, hunk of a guy, looks like maybe twenty-five or thirty-ish. His hair is shaved around the

backandsidesandthickandlongeronthetop.Blueeyessetoffablunt,well-madenoseandalantern
jaw.

He’swearingashortwoolcoat,unzipped,overawaffle-patternshirt,hisbroad,builtchesttapering

down to a trim-looking waist. Sitting calmly next to his blue-jean clad legs is an enormous male
Rottweiler.

It’samassivedog,withahugeheadandthick,stockybody.Themanisholdingthehandle-loopofthe

leashloosely,andthedogisrelaxed,lookingaround,alertbutunconcerned.

Thedogseesmecomingatthesametimeastheman.Bothofthemregardmesteadily,withthedog’s

nosetwitchingashepicksupmineandPrincess’scent.

Theman’seyeslingeronmeforaquiteafewbeatslongerthanisstrictlypolite.
Colton,ontheotherhand,isanythingbutrelaxed.Diesel,eyesrolling,isyankinghimhardtowards

the other dog, with frothy drool already gathered around his mouth. Diesel is probably eighty or ninety
poundsandit’sobviousthatit’stakingeverythingColtonhastoholdhimback.

“Yeah well, you really should mind your fucking business,” is Colton’s retort. His breath makes a

cloudofvaporinthefrostyJanuaryair.

“Um…hi,”Isay,wishingIwasanywherebuthere.
Coltonbarelyglancesatme.“Justgimmeasec,babe.I’mhavingaproblemwiththiswanna-bedog

experthere.”Hesoundspeevish,likeaspoiledteenager.

WhenthemanhearsColtoncallme‘babe’,hisgazeflicksbacktomeandlingersforanothermoment

beforereturningtoColton.Icanseetheamusementinhiseyesanditmakesmyfaceflush.

“Well,Iwouldn’tcallitaproblem,”themansays.“It’snobigdeal.Justputyourdogonaleashand

hewon’tchargethefirstdoghesees.”

“Colton…?”Isay,“Where’shisleash?”
“Iforgotitathome,sowhat?Dieselwasjustplaying.It’shisdogthatfreakedout.”
“If Diesel charged the dog, that wasn’t a very polite greeting then, was it?” I say, keeping my tone

mild.I’vebeenreadingupondogbehaviorbutit’snotexactlyrocketscience.Youdon’tneedtobean
experttoknowthedifferencebetweenrudeandpolite,indogsorinpeople.

“Oh,soyoujustgothereandyouknowwhathappened?”Coltonsays.HelooksdownatDieselwho’s

stillstraining.“Cutitout!”heyells,givingDiesel’scollarahardyank.DieselstaggersagainstColton’s
legsbeforegaininghisfeetagain,hisbreathmakingarustysoundasthecollarcutsitoff.

“Hey!Watchit,you’llhurthim!”Myvoicerisesintoasqueak,makingmesoundlikeakid.
“Tiny didn’t freak out, he just gave your dog a lesson in etiquette,” Hunky Dude says, not sounding

amusedanymore.Hestandsstraighter,hisdoglookingupathimexpectantly.

Tiny!ThegargantuandogisnamedTiny.Hah!Itakeanotherlookattheowner.Hoo,boy,he’ssweet-

looking.Sosweet,butterfliesstartdoinglapsinmystomach.

“Hesnappedatmydog,”Coltoninsists.“Ifhebitmydog,you’llbepayingthevetbill.”
“Ifhesnappedatyourdog,hewouldn’thavemissed,”themansays.
“Ohcomeon,Colton.Vetbill?Wasitreallythatbad?”
Intheback ofmymind, alittlevoice issaying: See? You don’t really like Colton and this kind of

thingiswhy.

“Well, I dunno…maybe,” he says in that sullen teenager tone. “I haven’t had a chance to look yet. I

literallyjustgothereandthisdoucheismakingabigdealoutofnothing.”

“Colton!”Iwince,glancingattheman.I’msoembarrassed,IwishIcouldjustdisappear.
“What?”hesays,glaringatme.
ThemanisjustlookingatColtonandshakinghishead.
I’mstillkeepingmyvoicedown.“Haveyouevenwalkedhimtoday?”
“No,Ihaven’tfuckinghadtime,”hesays,althoughIknowhewasoutdrinkinglastnightandprobably

sleptmostofthedaytoday.“Here,youknowwhat?Youtakethefuckingdog.He’spullingmyarmoff.”
HeletsgoofDiesel’scollarandpushesthedogtowardsmewithhisknee,sharply.Thepoordogbacks
up,lookingatColtonwarily.

“Hey!What’swrongwithyou?”Itakethedogbythecollarandbracemyselftogetyankedaround,

butDieseldecidesthatthisisagoodtimetositdownandchill.ThankGodforsmallfavors.

“There,see?Helikesyoubetteranyway.Fuckingpainintheass.”
“Honestly,why’dyoubothergettingadoginthefirstplace?”Isay.
“Why?Becauseofyou.Yousaidyoudon’ttrustpeoplewhodon’tlikedogs.”
“First,that’snoreasontogetadog.Second,that’snotwhatIsaid.Isaid,Iwonderaboutpeoplethat

dogsdon’ttrust.Idon’tappreciateyoutwistingmywordslikethat.”

“Itmeansthesamething.Youonlylikespecial-snowflakedogpeople…likeyou.”
I’mannoyedthathe’dtalktomelikethisatall,nevermindinfrontofsomeoneelse.Withallhisother

bullshitandnow,this…nope.

“Colton,”Isay,stillkeepingmyvoicequiet,“You’reembarrassingme.”
Hisrollshiseyes.“Oh!I’msosorry,YourHighness,”hesays.
Oh,wow.“Okay,that’senough.I’mthroughwiththis.”
“I’mthroughwiththis,”hesays,inamockingfalsetto.Doesn’thehearhimself?Hetakesabreathto

goonbutIcan’tstandanymore.

“No,forgetit.Idon’twannahearanymoreofthis.I’mthroughwithyou.We’redone.”
Hestaresatme,lickinghislips,hisfaceturningadeepshadeofred.
“You’redumpingme?”Hebacksupastep,pointingathimselfwithbothhands,likehecan’tbelieve

hisears.

Yes,andnotamomenttoosoon,Ithink.
Behindme,IhearthehunkyguymovingawaybutIcan’tbeartolookathim.
“I…wellyou’regivingmenochoice.You’rebeinganass!Andnotforthefirsttime.”
“Yeah? Yeah?” His fists clench and unclench. I can see he doesn’t know what to do. I almost feel

sorryforhim,untilhedigsinandmakesitworse.“Well,fuckyou!You’rejustasnottylittlebitchwho
doesn’tputout.You’reuselessandsoisthatstupidshelterdog.”

“Diesel’sagooddog,hejustneedspropercare.”Andthen,withoutthinkingitthrough,Iblurtout:“I

shouldtakehimawayfromyou…youdon’tdeserveanicedog!”

Hestaresatmeandthenletsoutasnort.“Fine!Youthinkyou’reCesarfuckingMilan,youkeephim.

Atleasthe’sarealdog,notayappylittlefuckerlikeyours.”

I barely hear anything except the words ‘you keep him”. Shit! What’d I do? Mom and Dad are in

Florida. They went back after Christmas and won’t be home for a while. I got Princess without having
theirpermissiontobringadoghome,andit’sdefinitelynotcooltodoitagain.

Butit’sabitlatetoworryaboutthatnow.
“You’reunbelievable.”Isay,bitingmylip.Itakeaquicklookaroundfortheman.He’swalkingaway

slowly,lookingathisphone.

Coltonturnsaway,thenstops.“OhandBrenda?PrincessPumpernickelPoopypantsisastupidfucking

nameforadog.”

“It’s Pumpkinface,” I correct him, holding my head up, “and yeah? So what? You got Diesel for a

stupidreason,andthat’salotworse.”

“Pssshhh,whatever,”hesays,flappingahandatme.Thenheturnsandstalksaway.

ChapterTwo

ROB

WANTED

todowastakeTinyforarompatthedogpark.NextthingIknow,I’mstandingherehaving

whatmightbeoneofthemostmemorablemomentsI’vehadinmonths.

Inosoonergetherewhenthisskinnykidgetsoutofabrightredpick-uptruckandletsabig,shaggy

muttoutofthebackseat.Themuttchargesstraightatus,allpent-upenergyandnomanners.Herunsinto
Tinywho,naturally,giveshimagood-naturedtalking-tointheformofasnarl.Rottweilerssoundpretty
scarywhentheygrowl,butIrecognizethatTinyisjustgivingawordtothewise.Andsodoesthemutt.

I don’t need to do anything so I just stand by and stay relaxed. Tiny’s word is plenty, and the mutt

backsrightoff.

Thatis,untilthekidcomesrunninguptothemutt,grabshiscollarandstartsyankingonitforallhe’s

worth.Thepoormuttgetsconfusedandstartsbarkingandstraining.

There’snoharmdoneandIdon’treallycare.I’mjusthereforTiny’safter-dinnerwalk.ButIhavea

wordwiththedudeanyway.

JustasI’mabouttoleave,themostbeautifulgirlI’veeverseenwalksupandsayshi.
ItakeonelookatherandIcan’tlookaway.She’safair-skinnedstrawberryblondewithbright,fiery

browneyes,acombinationthatyoudon’toftensee.There’sadustingoffrecklesacrossherupturnednose
andakindofadeterminedsettohermouth.

Herlipsareyummy,redandfull.Instantlymymindpicturesthoselipsaroundmy…butIstopmyself.I

seethatshe’syoung,tooyoungformeprobably.

Thekidgreetsherlikeaspoiledbrat,callingher‘babe.’Okay,soshe’shisgirlfriend.Inoticethatshe

doesn’tlookhappytoseehimbutit’snotmyproblemsoIturntomakemyexit.

Butthentheguygetslippywithmeagain.SoImakeafinalremark,andnow,I’mouttahere…forsure

thistime.

ButthedudeandthehottiegetintoitrightinfrontofmeandI’mspellbound.I’mwatchingthisgirl’s

mouthmoveasshetalksand,incredibly,mydickisstirringinmypants.C’monRobert,thisisn’tforyou,
Isaytomyself.Butit’slikeI’mrootedtothespot.She’swearingashortjacketoverjeansthatshowoff
thehigh,roundcurveofherass.AndIseethatshe’snotwearingalotofmake-up,notcoveringupthose
cutefreckles.

She’sanaturalbeauty;averyattractiveyoungwoman.
Butthere’ssomethingelseabouther,somethingelsethatIcan’tquiteputmyfingeron.
Tryingnottobetooobviousaboutit,Iwatchherface.Iseesomethinginthesoberwayshe’slooking

atthedudeastheyhavetheirlittleback-and-forth.Iwasyoungandfullofmyselfonce,andIalmostfeel
fortheguy.

Buthe’sarrogantanddisrespectfulandIgetafunnyfeelingthatIknowwhat’sabouttohappen.And

then,sureenough…ithappens!Shedumpsthisduderightinfrontofme!

Yougo,girl,Ithinktomyself.ThenIgetholdofmyselfandwalkaway…butslowly,andnottoofar.

Their tiff is none of my business and I’m sure she’ll be fine. But something makes me take my time
nonetheless.

Igetmyphoneoutandpretendtolookatmessages,butIcan’thelplisteningin.
Theguymakesfunofthenameshegaveherdog.PrincessPoopyheadorsomething.Yeah,stupidname

butlikeshesaid,sowhat?Thedogdoesn’tcare.Isneakapeekatherandnoticehowshemaintainsher
dignityinthefaceofhisdisrespect.

Whois this girl? She’s obviously someone who didn’t make a great choice in dating this particular

guy…yetthewaysheholdsherselfanddealswithhimsaysshedoesn’talwaysmakebadlifedecisions.

Sheseemscontradictory…andinteresting.
Ofcourse,Inoticethisremarkthatshe‘doesn’tputout’andIwonderaboutthat.It’sprobablytrueor

elsethedudewould’veinsultedhersomeotherway.AndIwonderwhattheirstoryis––whatherstoryis,
anyway.

I’mintriguedbythisgirl,enoughthatIwanttohangaround.
Webothwatchtheyoungguygetintohistruckanddriveaway.
Iturntoherandofferasmile,notingthatshe’sredintheface,butstayingcalm.AndIseethather

self-possessionismakingthebigmuttwhosecollarshe’sholdingcalmaswell.Probablyhelpsthatthe
brattykidisgonenowtoo.

Not only is she adorable to look at, my respect level for the way she’s handling herself is steadily

climbing.

Itakeafewstepstowardsher.“Well,thatescalatedquickly,”Isayjokingly.“Ididn’tmeanto,um,

intrudeonaprivatemomentthere.Butitallhappenedprettyfast.”Sheshrugs.“Youallright,Miss?”

“I’m…fine,Ithink,”shesays,lookingatmesoberly.Shegazesatmeforasecondortwolonger,then

cutshereyescomicallyupwardstotheleft,andthentotheright,asifshe’smakingamentalinventory.

“Yep,” she affirms, “I’m fine.” Her mouth curves into a not-quite smile that doesn’t reach her eyes.

She’stryingtomakelightofthesituation.

ButIcanseeshe’supset.“AndI’msorryaboutthatscene.He…Colton…Ithinkhe’shungover,and…

well, I didn’t date him for very long. I…” She stops. “Oh my God. I’m so sorry. Why am I telling you
this?I’msureyoudon’tcare.”

She’swrong.Idon’tknowwhy,butIdocare,just,notaboutthisguyshejustdumped.
“Nah,it’scool,”Isayreassuringly,takinganothersteptowardsher.
Shetriestosmile,anotherattempttocoverherdistress.Hermouthquiversjustatinybit,not quite

managinganall-the-way-smile.ButIgetaglimpseofwhataknock-outherrealsmilemustbe.Itmakes
mefeelthesamewayIfeelwhenthesunpeeksoutfrombehindthecloudsafteralong,rainyspell.

Iwanttoseemoreofit.
“It’s no big deal,” I say. “These things happen.” She’s obviously uncomfortable, shifting her weight

backandforth,lookingaround,herbodylanguagesayingthatshewantstoleave.

“I wouldn’t have done that in front of you, or anyone,” she says, “but…he…he embarrasses me in

frontofpeoplesometimes.Ididn’trealizehewasquitethatbad,though.I…”Shestopsagain,clearly
uncomfortable.“Ishouldgetgoing.”

“Miss,youdon’thavetojustifyyourself.Seemslikehehaditcoming.”Idon’twanthertoleave.I

wanttomakehercomfortableenoughsoshe’llwanttostickaround.

“Ifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,Ithinkyouhandledthatreallywell,”Isay.Shelooksatmehesitantly.

Those eyes! Sheee-it. “I hope you don’t mind my saying so, but for someone who walked into a bad
situation,Ithoughtyouwereawesome.”

She’s gazing at me as if she’s trying to see if I’m telling the truth. “Really? Thank you,” she says,

uncertainly.

Sheneedstimetorecoverfromwhatjusthappened,soIchangethesubject.
“Didthatdude…yourex,now,Iguess…didhereallyjustgiveyouhisdog?”
Shelooksdownatthemuttasifshe’dforgottenhim.“Oh,geez.Diesel.Well,Isupposeso.IdoubtI

can keep him, but,” she adds, “he’s really a good boy. I should go buy him a leash, and take him for a
walk.Heprobablyhasn’tbeenoutyettoday.”

Sheletsgoofhiscollartorubhishead.Heleanshisheadagainstherlegtrustinglyandstaysrightby

herside.Luckydog,Ithink.

“Youcan’tkeepthisdog?”
“Probablynot.”Shehesitates,thensays,“Iliveathomewithmyparents.It’snotfairtospringadog

onthem.Especially,abigdog.”

“Ah,”Isay.Stilllivingathome…maybesheistooyoungforme.Ishouldleavewellenoughalone,

butIcanatleasthelpheroutwithonething.“IhaveaspareleashinmyJeep,”Ioffer.“You’rewelcome
toit,ifyoulike.”

“Really?YoukeepspareleashesinyourJeep?”
“Well,Idon’tkeepthemtheresomuchas,theyjustkindofendupthere.”
“Um….well,okay,that’dbeabighelp.Thanks!”Forjustamoment,shebeamsatme,managingafull

andgenuinesmile,andthat’sit…I’mfinished.I’mdone,stickaforkinme.

Hersmilemakesherfeaturesgofromfoxytobeautifulandthoseeyesofherssparkleanddance,asif

we’resharingadirtysecret.

Myheartgoesmolteninmychestwhilemydicktwitchesdangerously,likeit’sgonnatentmyjeans

righthereinfrontofher.

Ifthisgirlisn’tovereighteen,thenthethoughtsI’mhavingcouldlandmeinjail..
Downboy,Ithink,bemused.
“You’rewelcome,”Isay.“It’sRobert,bytheway.Rob.CallmeRob.”
“Thank you, Robert-by-the-way,” she says, her voice deadpan but her eyes gleaming mischief. “I’m

Brenda.Pleasedtomeetyou.”SheholdsoutherhandandItakeit.AssoonasItouchher,awarmcurrent
seemstopassbetweenus.Whatthe…?

Oureyesmeetoverourhandshake,butIcan’ttellifshefeltittoo.Eitherway,Ican’tseemtostop

smiling.

“Pleasedtomeetyou,too.AndIpresumethatthelittleoneinthecarrierisPrincessPoopyhead?”
“Princess Pumpkinhead Poopypants the Third,” she says, and the look in her eye turns pure vixen,

invitingmetoshareinthejokeofsuchasillyname,yetdaringmetomakefunofher,allatthesametime.

Iwanttograbher,putherinmypocket,takeherhomeandfuckherbrainsout.
“Thethird?Thereweretwobeforeher?”
“Nope.Ijustlikedthewayitsounds,”shesays.Sheopensthecarrier,saying,“Heresheis,”andlifts

thedogouttoshowme.TinyandDieselbothraisetheirsnoutstosniffinthepup’sdirection,buttheystay
politeanddon’tcrowdher.

“Well,thatisamouthfulforsuchatinydog,”Itease.Sheshrugs,butthecornersofhermouthturnup.
“WejustcallherPrincess,”shesays.
“Hi,Princess,”Isay,steppingoverandgivingthepup’sheadascratch.“Nicetomeetyou.”Thelittle

dog’searsgobackandshesquirmswithjoyinBrenda’sarms.“Awww,man…thesedogsaresodamn
cute,aren’tthey?Shealmostlooksperfect,likeastuffedanimal,cometolife.”

“Iknow,right?”Brendasmiles,andputsherbackintohercarrier,saying,“I’llletheroutwhenwe’re

inthepark.”

“Hey,”Isay,“checkouthowcalmDieselis,nowthatColtonisgone.”Igetmykeysoutofmypocket

andgiveTinyasubtlesignaltoapproachDiesel.

NowthatDieselissettled,Tinytouchesnoseswithhim,theydothebutt-sniffingritualandalliscool

betweenthem.BrendaandIwatch,thenIturntowardsmyJeep,saying,“C’mon,let’sgrabthatleash.”

“That’saverynicedogyouhavethere,”shesays,following.“Didyousayhisname’sTiny?”
“Thankyou.Yes,it’sTiny.”
“Hah!That’sagoodnameforhim.Itsuitshimsomehow.”
“Yeah,itdoes,doesn’tit?That’swhattheycalledhimattheshelterwhereIgothim,soIkeptit.”I

say.“HowoldisDiesel?Hestillhasapuppy-ishlooktohim.

“Accordingtotheshelterstaff,he’snotquiteayearoldyet.”
“Yeah, you can tell. Did they know his breed? To me, he looks like a cross between a German

ShepherdandaRottweiler.”

“That’s what they said at the shelter, too,” she says, and I like how her voice warms up, like she’s

pleasedwithmyguess.

“Right.ThatmixalwaysseemstohaveacertainlooktoitandDieselhasit,althoughhelooksabit

shaggierthanmost.”IopenthereardoorsonmyJeepandpullaleashoutfrombetweenthetwolargedog
cratesIhavestrappedintotheback.IsnapittoDiesel’scollarandhandtheendtoBrenda.

I’mthinkingfast,tryingtofindanexcusetohangoutwiththisgorgeousgirlaslongasIcan.
“So,um,wouldyounormallywalkthelittleonewithDiesel?”
“Yes,he’squiterespectfulofher.She’ssmallbutfierce,”Brendasays.“Sheholdsherowninthedog

park but she can be too pushy with other dogs. Especially big dogs! I have no idea why. I want her to
becomesocialized,learntorespectthemsoshenevergetshurt.”

“Smallbutfierce,huh?”Isay.“Doesshetakeafterherowner?”Ilookdownintoherupturnedface

andwatchascolorrisesinhercheeks.Ihaveastrongurgetoleandownandkissher.Jesus!Whatthehell
iswrongwithme?

“Hmm.Idon’tknowaboutthat,Robert,”shesays,thosecopper-coloredeyesholdingmine,“butif

youhaven’twalkedTinyyet,maybethetwoofyouwouldliketojoinus.”

Shewantsustojointhem!Myheartwantstogetcarriedaway,wantstochasethiscrazy,lust-at-first-

sight thing that seems to be going on right now. But I rein it in. She’s just showing gratitude to a kind
stranger.

Itellmyselftokeepplayingitcool,benice,becharming,butdon’tlooktoofarahead.
IlookdownatTiny.“Whaddayasay,Tiny-boy?Shouldwewalkwiththeniceladyandherdogsinthe

park?”Iraisemyvoiceattheendtogethimalittleexcited.Hestands,perkshisearsandlooksatme
intently,tiltinghishead.Igivehimanalmostimperceptiblesignalandheletsoutonedeepbark.

That’smyboy,Ithink.
“Tinysaysweshouldgoforit,”Isay,grinningwhatIhopeismymostcharminggrin.
Shesmilesback,thoseincredibleeyesshining.It’sanotherwide,for-realsmileandmanohman,the

wayitchangesheralready-lovelyfaceisabouttoturnmeintomush.

Sheletsoutalaugh,shakesherheadandsays,“You’renotfoolingmeonebit,Mr.Robertby-the-way.

Iseewhatyoudidthere.”

ChapterThree

BRENDA

“Y

?Andwhat’sthat?”Robsays.

“YougaveTinyasignal–thatmotionwithyourheadwhenhegreetedDieseljustnow.Andthenagain,

whenhebarked.”

Hechuckles,warmandinfectious.Ican’thelpbutsmileback.He’sbeingawfullykindanddecentto

me;someonewhosedirtylaundryjustgotairedrightinfrontofhim.

Ilookintohiseyes.Theirisesareanicy-bluecolor,surroundedbyabandofdarkerblue.Mustbe

whattheycall‘piercingblue’––theymakemefeelallshivery,liketheycanseestraightintomysoul.

“IthoughtIwasbeingstealthyaboutit.But,yeah,youcaughtme.Hedoesrespondtosignals.”
“That’sprettycool.Areyouaprofessionaldogtrainer?”
“Nah.I’vehadmyshareofdogsandlearnedafewtricksovertime,that’sall.”
“Oh.Still,that’sawesome.IwonderifIcouldtrainPrincesswithsignals,too.”
“Ofcourseyoucould,”hesays,closingthedooronhisJeep.“Howoldisshe?”
We head towards the winding pathways of the park, crunching over the frozen ground. Robert’s

walking close enough to me that I catch how he smells, which is, of soap and faintly, woodsmoke.
Mmmm!

“She’sonlysixmonthsold.Ithinkit’sabittooearlyfortraininglikethat,don’tyou?Although,sheis

super-smart,so,maybenot.”

“Shecouldbealittleyoung,yeah.Ithinkit’sharderforthemtofocusandpayattentionwhenthey’re

veryyoung.Justlikehumans,Iguess.”

“Right.Hey,letmeaskyousomething.AboutthewayPrincessispushywithotherdogssometimes…

doyouthinkshe’llgrowoutofthat?”

Hehesitates,thenshakeshishead.“Idoubtit.”
I sigh. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. It’s funny because Princess is fine with people. And, she’s not

yappy.Idon’tletherbarkincessantly.ButIdon’tknowhowtodealwiththisweirdproblemshehaswith
biggerdogs.I’mafraidthatoneday,she’llgethurt.”

“Yes, well, that’s a concern. If a big enough dog grabs her…I hate to say it, but one shake and that

wouldbeitforher,”hesays.

“Iknow,”Isay.Justthinkingaboutitmakesmesick.
“But, it seems that you have the right idea. Socializing her with big dogs will help. You know,” he

says, looking down at me warmly, “I just happen to have a big dog right here. Tiny is very gentle and
patientwithotherdogs.”

“Yeah?Aren’tRottieskindofdangerous?LikePitbulls?”
“Pitbulls and Rotties get a bad rep because of bad owners. They do make good guard dogs but it’s

becausethey’rebigandlooksoscary.That’shalfthebattlerightthere.”HelooksdownatTinyandpats
thedog’sbighead.“Right,buddy?”Hesmiles,andIspotadimpleinonecheek.

Ohgeez!He’simpossiblyhandsome.Wayoutofmyleague,butveryappealing.
“But,”hegoeson,“ifthey’reproperlytrainedandbroughtupright,theymakesomeofthebestpets

youcouldwant.Greatwithkids,otherdogs,cats,otheranimals,younameit.”Iwatchhisfaceashetalks,
enjoying how earnestly he defends the Rottie breed. “Tiny can help socialize Princess just by being
aroundher,justlikehedidwithDiesel,earlier.”

“Bygrowlingor,um,correctingher?”
“Notnecessarily.GrowlingwasjusthiswayofprotestingDiesel’srudeness.Tinyhasmorethanone

trickuphissleeve.”

Intheparkpropernow,westoptoletthedogsoff-leash.“Gorun,Deez!”IsaytoDiesel,makingmy

voice high and excited, “go on, boy, go! Go have fun!” Ears perked, he looks up at me and smiles like
dogsdo,doesaquickplay-bowandthentakesoff,runningtowardsanearbygroveoftrees.

RobremovesTiny’sleashandthendrapesitaroundhisownneck.TinylooksupatRobintentlybut

staysputuntilRobliftshischin.Then,TinylopesawayafterDiesel.

Heputshishandsinhispocketsandsmilesatme,eyescrinkling.Awarmsensationgoesalltheway

through me, like a jolt of soft, fuzzy electricity that settles in the centre of my body. Like how his
handshakefelt,onlymoreso.

I look at his lips, how they curl up when he smiles. I try to picture how his mouth would feel on

mine…howhisarmswouldfeelaroundmywaistifhewrappedthemaroundmeandkissedme.

Mmmm-mmm,Ibetit’dbeyummy.
But,Ifeelkindofconfused.Shouldn’tIbemoreupsetaboutjustbreakingupwithColton?Isitokay

tobeattractedtoanotherguyrightawaylikethis?

Idon’tknow.
Butthere’snodoubtaboutonething:Thismanisnuclear-meltdown-hotandhe’sgoingoutofhisway

totalktome,makemecomfortable.He’smakingColtonseemlikeabaddreamandI’mlovingit.What
girlwouldn’t?

I’m loving his attention, and I’m definitely loving the way he’s looking at me. It’s making me think

some totally dirty thoughts. Like, what might happen if I were naked, maybe, and it was me who was
beingnaughty…maybeteasinghim,playingwithmyself,andmakinghimwaittotouchme…tofuckme.

Mypeskyvirginitywouldbeathingofthepast,that’swhatIthink’dhappen.
ItakePrincessoutofhercarrierandsetherontheground.Shestartsafterthetwobigdogs.Icallher

nameandshestops,looksbackatme,andandthenkeepsgoing,runningwiththosecutebunny-hopsthat
puppieshave.

“Sheusuallylistensbetterthanthat,”Isay,“butshecanbealittlenaughty.”LikeI’dliketobewith

you,Ithinktomyself.

Eyessparkling,hegrinsandsays,“Well,youknowwhattheysay…naughtygirlshavemorefun.”

JUDGINGBYITSHEAT,myfacemustberedasabeetrightnow.

Of course he’s referring to my comment about Princess and not literally reading my mind but I’m

flusteredjustthesame.Foronce,ittakesmeasecondtogetmymouthmoving.

“Actually, it’s, blondes have more fun, but I think ‘naughty’ might apply, too.” I laugh nervously.

“Maybenaughtyblondegirlshavetwicethefun,whoknows.”OhmyGod!DidIjustsaythatoutloud?

Buthelaughs,steppingclosetogivemeafriendlyshovewithhiselbow.“Iwaskidding.Iknowwhat

thesayingis.Ijustcan’tresistinnuendosometimes.Andthere’sprobablysomeinnuendoaroundthefact

thatyou’reblonde…butIdon’tevenknowhowoldyouare,muchlesshownaughty.”

Great.HeprobablythinksI’mthetownbikeorsomethingnow.
“I’mtwenty-oneand,um,I’mnotsayinghownaughtyIam.”ItcomesoutsmoreprimlythanIintended.
“Twenty-one, huh? Awesome! I mean, that’s…um… you look like you could be a lot younger.” He

smiles,showingthatsingledimpleforasecond.

Whatasmile,whatajawline,whatabody!Mmmm!
Wewalkthroughsomefrozenleavesandsticksasweheadtowardsthedogs,whoarerustlingaround

inthenearbystandoftrees.

“So…nowyouknowhowoldIam.And,youknowthatI’msingle,”Isay.“So,it’sonlyfairtoask.

Whataboutyou?”

“I’mthirty-threeandsingleatthemoment.”
Thirty-three?Hmm.“Singleatthemoment?Temporarilybetweenwives,areyou?”
“Heh. Being single isn’t my preferred state. I haven’t found Miss Right yet. Been through a couple

MissWrongs,though.”

“Oh?VeteranoftheDatingScene?”
“Notbychoice.Iwasmarriedonce,rightafterhighschool.Thatwasa…well,itwasn’ta…wasn’t

reallymuchofamarriage.Wedivorcedsoonafter.I’vedatedafewwomensincethen,ofcourse,but…I
justhaven’tfoundTheOne.”

“Maybeyou’retoopicky?”
“Maybe.”
“Ikindofknowthefeeling.But,maybethat’sagoodthing.Maybe,ifnotforthat,Iwouldn’thavemet

you,theproverbialKindandHandsomeStranger,inthedogpark.Ofallplaces.”

“Ha!Thanksforthecompliment,”hesays.
Ismileupathim,feelingsomuchbetternowthanIdidwhenIfirstpulledintothepark.
Arriving at the stand of trees, we take a seat on a bench. We’re comfortably silent for a while,

watchingthedogsdotheirthing.

Tinyisthesouloftranquility,shufflingalong,nosetotheground,undoubtedlysmellingthesmellsofa

thousanddogsandothercritterswho’vepassedby.

PrincessandDieselarerespectfulofTiny’sspace,doingtheirownsniffingbutinterspersingitwith

puppy-ishplay.PrincessseemstopreferdoingthechasingandDieselplaysalongjoyfully,leapingover
herwhenshestandshergroundduringoneofhismock-charges.

“Yeah,Princessisprettyfearless,isn’tshe?”Robremarks.
“Yep.Butshe’sbeingreallygoodwithTiny.She’snotevenapproachinghim,muchlesstryingtoboss

himaround.”

“Maybe she likes how calm he is. Hell, he even calms me down. Sometimes, after a shitty day at

work,Ijustlayinfrontofthefireplacewithhim.”

“Thatsoundslovely,”Isay.
“Itis.Exceptwhenhesnores.”Webothchuckle.
“So,um.MindifIask,whatdoyoudoforaliving?”
“Nope.Iwritesoftware,”hesays.
“Really?Nokidding?Youmean,code?Ihopeyoudon’tmindmysayingso,butyoudon’tlooklikea

softwarejockey.Youlooklikeabody-builder!”

Hisgazeissointenseandwarm,Ifeellikeit’sheatingmyladyparts.Ihavetowriggleinmyseaton

thebenchtotrytodispersethefeeling.Hiseyesdrifttomylapandthenbackupagain.

“Well,thanks,”hesays,flashinghiswide,whitegrin.“Youlooklikeanangel.Asweet,sexyangel

whosenumberI’dliketogetbeforeweleavethispark.”

Igivehimalookwhilemyfacegetssohotitfeelslikeasunburn.Heraisesaneyebrowandlaughs.

“Wasthatabittoomuch?Well,youdolooklikeanangel.ButIguessthat’sajobthatdoesn’tpaytoo
well.Sotellme,whatdoyoudoforaliving,Brenda?”

“Ijuststartedworkasanadministrativeassistant.Smallfirm,parttime,temporary.There’snotalot

ofworkoutthere,soIhadtotakewhatIcouldget.”

Henods.“Butthat’sobviouslynotwhatyouwanttodowithyourlife.”
“No.Iwanttobeavettech.But,bythetimeIrealizedthat,I’dalreadygraduatedcollege.Ihavea

degreeinWomen’sStudiesthatcostmyparentstoomuchmoneyasitis.”

“Isee.Youcouldn’tsaveorworkyourwaythroughanothercourse?You’reyoung,youhavetime.”
“Yes,IsupposeIcould.Rightnow,it’sjustadream.Or,agoaltoworktowards.”
“Well,Iwishyouallthebestwithit.”
“Thankyou.Listen…thetruthis,nooneknowsaboutthat.Thevettechthing.Imean,apartfromyou,

now.Idon’tevenknowwhyI’mtellingyou.”

He’s looking at me with such a strange expression. His eyes are so soft and dreamy, and the way

they’removingovermyfacemakesmyheartthrob.

“Nooneelseknows?”Ishakemyhead.“Well,I’mhonoredtobetheonlyoneyouentrustthatsecret

to,sweetie.”

Iblinkathim,wonderingly.Didhejustcallme…yeah,hedid.NotthatImind.
Helooksaway,fiddlingwiththeendoftheleash.“I’msorry,thatwasprobablytooforward.Idon’t

know why I called you sweetie,” he says. Pause. “Yes, I do. It’s because I’m very attracted to you,
Brenda.I’dliketogettoknowyoubetter.”

“It’s okay, Robert. I want to get to know you better, too.” I look down at my hands. “Wanna know

something else?” He looks at me, waiting. “When I came to the dog park today, I was not happy to be
here,nothappytohavetodealwithColton.Overthelastwhile,Iwas…Iwasrealizingthathe’snotright
forme.Iwasplanningtobreakupwithhim.”

“Oh,really?”
“Yes. I just…I didn’t mean for it to be ugly. I didn’t mean for it to happen the way it did, and

especiallynotinfrontofastranger.ButIcouldn’thelpthat.Maybe…maybehe’snotsobad.Maybe,he
justneedstogrowup.Alot.”

Robsnortsbutsaysnothing.
“I’mjustgladit’sdoneandoverwithnow.”Isigh,pushastrandofhairbehindmyear,andlookat

him.“AndI’mgladtohavemetyou,andyeah…IthinkI’dlikeitifyouwantedtocallmesometime.”

“Allright!”Helaughs,grabsmyhand,andgivesitagentlesqueezebeforelettingitgo.
Wetalkforanotherhalfhour.Itturnsoutthathispeoplearelocalfromwayback.It’snosurprise.The

wayhetalksaboutthearea,hisaccentandtheidiomsheusestellsmehe’sdefinitelyfromaroundhere.

Thetalkmeandersbackaroundtothedogs,andthentothefactthatit’sgettingtobetimetowrapup.
“Okay,letmegetyournumberrightnow,beforeyouchangeyourmind,”hesays.
Ismile.Fatchance.“Okay.But,ifyoudon’tcallme,I’llhuntyoudownandsickPrincessonyou.”
“Nothingcouldstopmefromcallingyou,”hesays,takinghisphoneoutofhispocket.“Nothingshort

of…”

Suddenly,thesoundofPrincess’high-pitchedbarkingrisesfromadistance.Welookaroundforthe

dogs.

They’renowhereinsight.

ChapterFour

BRENDA

ALF

PANICKING

,Iruntowardsthesoundofbarking,whichiscomingfrombehindasmallhill.Robisright

behind me. We scramble up the rise. At the top, the dogs are all there, in a gravelled seating area set
amongsomerockformations.

PrincesshascorneredayoungblackLabradordogagainstarock.Stiff-legged,herhacklesareup,her

lips are curled back and she’s growling and barking for all she’s worth. She looks and sounds like a
wind-uptoy,butthemuchbiggerLabiscoweringasifshewereadirewolf.It’dbefunnyifitwasn’tfor
thefactthatthelabcouldeasilyhurther––orworse.

TinyandDieseltrottowardsus.
Myheartleapsintomythroat.“Princess!”Iyell,myvoicerisingintoasqueak,andIstarttowards

her.

Robputsahandonmyarm.“Hangonasec…dowhatIdo,andlet’sjustseewhathappens,okay?”

Heturnshisbodytotheside,putshishandsinhispocketsandrelaxeshisstance.I’mscared,butaftera
second,Ifollowsuitandtrytolookasrelaxedashedoes.

Dieselyawnsandnudgesmyhandwithhissnout.Irubhishead,asmuchformybenefitashis.
Tiny looks expectantly at Rob. Rob lifts his chin towards Princess. Tiny smells the air, then walks

overtoPrincessandextendshissnouttowardsher,sniffing.Shecocksanearinhisdirection,butdoesn’t
lookathim.Hegivesaplayfulgroanandprances,lookingdownatherandtiltinghishead.

Sheignoreshim,fixatedontheLab.
Hetriesenticinghertoplayagain.Shelooksathimbutthengoesrightbacktogrowling.
Withanothergroan,heputshimselfbetweenherandthelab,andstartswavingabigpawather,asif

togivehersomethingelsetofocusherrageon.Shetriestogoaroundhim,buthemoveswithher,and
wavesitagain.Itlookslikehe’stryingtobopherontheheadwithhispaw,butkeepsmissing.

Meanwhile,thesightofit––thishugeRottielookingdownatthetinypuppy,bigearsflappingashe

wavesamightypaw––issofunnythatRobandIbothgiggle…andthetensiondrainsoutoftheair.

Princessrelaxes,thenbacksup,sitsdownandyawns,lookingupatTiny.TheblackLabsniffstheair,

thenstandsupandyawnstoo,wagginghistailandlookingatmeandRob.

Tiny woofs at Princess, lays down on his belly, then puts his chin on the ground between his front

paws,eyebrowsquirkingashelooksfromPrincess,toRob,andbacktoPrincess.

Backtoherhappyselfnow,PrincesswagglesherwholebodyovertothebigRottieandtheytouch

noses.Thensheturns,panting,andletshimsniffherbutt,andthenshetrotsovertome,wagging,panting
andprancing.

Andjustlikethat,it’sover.
Ipickherupandcheckherout,justtomakesureshe’snothurt.She’stotallyfine.Ipicksometwigs

andgrassoutofherfur,and,sinceshe’sdoneherbusinessandhadherromp,Iputherbackinhercarrier.
“That’senoughforyou,missy,”Isay.

ToRob,Isay,“Thatwasamazing.Howdidyoutrainhimtodothat?”
“Ididn’t.Idon’tthinkyoucantrainadogtodothat.Hejustdoesit.Apparently,hedidthatkindof

thingattheshelter,too.Playedpeace-maker.”

TheLabcomesforwardandgreetsTinypolitely,thendoesthesamewithme,RobandDiesel.Froma

distance,wehearsomeonecalling“Miidniiiiight!”TheLab’searsperk,andwithabackwardsglanceat
us,hetakesoff.

“I…I don’t like taking that kind of a chance, though,” I say. “It worked out okay, but…what if it

hadn’t?”

“Idon’tthinktheLabwasgoingtohurther.Helookedprettycowedtome,”Roblaughs.“Besides,

theywereonlyoutofoursightforaminute.TheLabprobablystartledher.Ibetthey’dhaveworkeditout
withoutus.”

“Iguess,”Isay.I’mnotsosure,butRobseemstoknowdogsbetterthanIdo,soItakehiswordforit.

“Well,Iguessit’stimetopackitin,”Isay,regretfully.“Istillhavetostoponthewayhomeandgetsome
thingsforDiesel.”

AndcallmyparentsandtellthemaboutDieselandthentrytofindahomeforhim.
“Yeah,”Robagrees.“It’sgettingdark.”
The lamp posts are lit all along the winding path now. We head back to the parking lot, Diesel and

Tinyfollowing.Theparkismorefullnowwithafter-dinnervisitors,andwemakeourwayalong,saying
hellotocaninesandhumansalike.

Attheparkinglot,IputDieselandPrincessinthecarandthengiveRobmyphonenumber.Heputsit

intohisphone,thensendsmeatext.

It’sakissemoji.
Ilookuptoseehimsmilingsoftly.“Iwanttokissyou,butthatshouldwaituntilourfirstdate.This’ll

dofornow.”

Holycrap,ifthisguywasanysexierhe’dimplode.
“I’mlookingforwardtoit,”Imanage.
“I hope it’s soon,” he says. “Like, one night next week, or next weekend. Hell, I’d love to see you

tomorrownighteven,butIdohaveplans,unfortunately.”Hesmiles.“ButIdon’twanttowaittoolong.”

“Me,neither.Well,thankyoufortheleash––andthemoralsupport,”Isay,feelingbothgratefuland

bashful.

“You’reverywelcome,”hesays,andthewarmthinhisvoicetellsmehowmuchhemeansit.Iunlock

thecardoorandheopensitformewithaflourish,closingitafterI’min.“Buckleupanddrivesafe,”he
saysasIlowerthewindow.

“Iwill.Youcancallortextmeanytimeyouhaveaminute,ifyoulike,”Isay.
“Countonit,”hesays.Myheartfeelslikeit’sabouttostartsinginganaria.Igivehimmybestsmile,

waveandheadhome.

MOOD-WISE, the drive home is completely different from the drive to the park. Like, night and day
different.Ican’tbelievehowmuchhashappenedin,what,anhourorso?

Coltonishistory,whichistotallyforthebest.Hemadeitharderthanitneededtobe,andeasierto

justifydoing,buteitherway,it’sdoneandoverwith.

AndnowIhaveanotherdogtofindahomefor,butI’lldomybesttomakesurehe’llbelovedand

wanted.

Butthebestofallismeetingsomeonewhomakesmyheartfeelallmelty––nottomention,someother

bodypartstoo.Justthinkingaboutthewayhewaslookingatmemakesmeallhotandbothered.

He’squiteabitolderthanIam,andIwonderhowmuchthataddstotheattractionforme––doIwant

myownNick-and-Amanda-typelovestory?

Wouldthatbesobad?He’shandsome,sweetandseemsmature,andthat’sveryattractiveinanyguy.
Ican’twaittocallAmandaandtellherwhathappened!
IturnontheoldiesstationandlistentosomeBritishpopartists.
Then,ShoopbySalt’n’Pepacomeson.
Oooh,that’sonemyfaves!Ilovethebeatandthelyrics,thewaythewholesongisacelebrationof

hotmen.

IrememberwhenAmandaandIcopiedsomedancemovesfromthevideowhenwefounditonline

years ago. We laughed our asses off at her version of twerking, which for her was always more about
bouncingontheballsofherfeetthanshakingherass.

Shealwayssaidshecouldn’tdance,andsheiskindofclumsy,butwehadalotoffuntrying.
Thesedays,IfeelapangwhenIthinkabouther.EventhoughI’mhappyshe’spregnantwithmyniece

ornephew,Imisshavinghertohangoutwith.She’llalwaysbemybestie,andsoon,she’llbemyofficial
sister-in-lawtoo,whichisawesome!

But.
But,herpregnancyalsomeansourchildhoodisreallyandtrulyover.She’sluckytobewiththelove

ofherlifebutshehastogrowupsofastnow.

Sometimes,thethoughtofgrowingupbumsmeout.
But the beat from Shoop grabs me by the ears and makes me feel all funky and loose. I turn up the

volume,andbopalongtothebassline,bustingoutmybestdriver’s-seatdancemoves.

I make a stop at a pet store to buy dog food and some toys for Diesel. I don’t know how long he’s

staying,butI’lltakegoodcareofhiminthemeantime.

Once I’m home, I let both dogs roam the house while I grab a quick bite. Diesel goes off sniffing

whilePrincessfollowsalong,bothdogscomingbackeveryonceinawhiletoseeifI’vedroppedany
foodonthefloor.

ItextAmandatoseeifshe’sgoingtobefreeforacallinafewminutes.Sheanswersthatshe’llbe

aroundforawhile.

Finished eating, I take both dogs up to my room, where Diesel sniffs everything in sight. Princess

climbsupthelittlesetofplasticstepsthatIkeepforhernexttomybedandsettlesrightin.

Usinganoldblanket,ImakeabedforDieselinthecorner.Ishowittohim,tellinghimtoliedown.

Hetiltshisheadatme,thenstepsontotheblanketandturnsaroundafewtimes.Thenheplunkshimself
down,crosseshispawsandpants,lookingrelaxedbutalert.

Dogssettledin,IcallAmanda.
“Whaddap,dude?”Amandasays,pickinguprightaway.“Howyoudoing?”
“I’mprettyfrackin’goodrightnow,”Isay,usinghernewfavorite‘swear’wordthatshepickedup

fromwatchingthatoldsci-fishow,BattlestarGalactica.“Howaboutyou?”

“Frackin’awesome!”shesays,withachortle.“I’mfinallypastthemorningsickness!IthoughtIwas

gonnahaveitthroughthiswholepregnancy.ButIhaven’tbeensickyetthisweek.”

“Oh,thatisgoodnews.Finally!Morningsicknessisusuallyoverbytheendofthefirsttrimester.But

thatwaslike,twomonthsago.‘Bouttime,‘Manda.”

“I know, right? Thank God it’s done with.” She excitedly tells me that she’s feeling more and more

movementfromthebabyandwechataboutthatforabit.

Thenshechangesthesubject.“So,um…haveyouseenColtonyetthisweekend?”
“Yes,Ihave,”Isay,andIgiveherthegistaboutwhathappenedwithhiminthepark,mentioninghow

embarrassedIwasinfrontofthegood-lookingstranger.

I’mbarelyfinishedwhensheyells“Goodfrackingriddance!”rightintomyear.
“Ow,”Isay.“You’restartingtosoundlikemymom,”andwebothlaugh.Momisnotoriouslyloud.
“Idon’tknowhowyourparentswillfeelaboutanotherdoginthehouse,butIknowthey’llbehappy

tohearyoubrokeupwithColton.Noonewantedtosayanythingwhileyouweredatinghim,Bren,but
noneofuslikedhim.Hetalksshitaboutpeople;helikestheboozetoomuch;he’sobviouslygotalotof
growinguptodo.You’rebetteroffwithouthim.”

“Iknow,Iknow.I…”
“Yeah,wellthere’ssomethingelse…
“Butyou’llneverguesswhathappenednext,”Iinterruptherexcitedlytotellherallaboutmywalk

withRobandourplanstogettogether.

WhenI’mdone,shesays,totallydeadpan:“He’sthirty-three?Um,don’tyouthinkhe’salittleoldfor

you?”

“Yeah,you’rehilarious‘Manda,”Isay,andshelaughs.
“It sounds like you’re really impressed with him,” she continues. “and he may be hot but he’s old

enoughtohavesomeskeletonsinhiscloset,youknow?Maybethere’sakidlurkinginhispast.Morethan
one!Or,acrazyex-wife!Or,he’sasecretagentonamissiontosubvertthegoodcitizensofMerlington,
Ohioforthecauseof,um,communism!”

“Communism?Thatwentoutinthefifties,didn’tit?”
“Idunno,”shesays,giggling.“Nah.I’msurehe’safineandnormalguy.Hey,I’mwillingtogivehim

thebenefitofthedoubt.We’llhavetowaitandsee,that’sall.Now,listen.Justpromisemeonething,will
you?”

“Sure,”Isay.“What’sthat?”
“Thatyouwon’tsleepwithhimonthefirstdatelikeyoudidwithColton.”

ChapterFive

BRENDA

“W

HAAAT

?Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”Isputter.

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. I’m sorry to say but Colton’s been telling tales about you

behindyourback!IonlyjustheardaboutthisorIwould’vetoldyou,believeme.”

“Amanda,I…”
“Wouldyoujustlisten?Iknowyouneverliketotalkaboutthedetailsofyoursexlife.Thatistotally

coolandIrespectthat.”

“But…I…”
“No,it’sokay.I’dneverordinarilybringituptoyoubecauseyou’resoprivateaboutit.ButI’mjust

saying,maybesleepingwithhimrightoffthebatiswhyhedisrespectedyoulikethat.”

Ican’tbelievewhatI’mhearing.ObviouslyColtontoldsomeoneawhopperofalieandit’sgotten

around.NowI’mwonderingifeveryoneelseinmycircleoffriendsthinksIsleptwithColtononthefirst
datetoo.

“Wha…wheredidyouhearthat?”Idon’tknowwhethertobeoutragedorwhat.
“Don’t be mad at her, okay? I know it sounds gossipy but Marie told me. She says Colton told

BrendonandBrendontoldherwhentheywereoutacouplenightsago.”BrendonisMarie’sboyfriend.
“If it makes you feel any better, she says she told Colton he was an ass for talking about you and they
endedupleavinghimatthebarbyhimself.”

Well, good I guess, but no, it doesn’t make me feel much better. Slept with him on the first date?

Sheesh.Ibarelylethimtouchmeonanydate,forcryingoutloud.

“And,”shecontinues,“eventhoughIdidn’tsleepwithJasononthefirstdate,maybeIshouldn’thave

sleptwithhimatall.BecauseIwasneververyattractedtohim.IthinkhejustremindedmeofNick!Point
being,agoodguy…adecentguy…won’tpush.Andhewon’tdisrespectagirlforwaitinguntilthey’ve
hadafewdatesandgottentoknoweachotheralittle.”

OhmyGod!I’mgettingalectureaboutbeingchaste,ofallthings.
“OkayAmanda,but…look.Firstoff,Colton’sadamnliar.Secondly,Ineverunderstoodwhywould

goodanddecentmendisrespectagirlforhavingsexualneeds,sameastheydo,”Isay,rathergrumpily.

I’mpissedatColtonbutunderneaththat,Ifeelakindoftired resignation. What else could I expect

fromanimmature,spoiledguywhotreatspeoplelikecrap;andwho’dtakeinandthengiveawayadog
likeit’snothing?Thetruthdoesn’tevenmattertoaguylikehim.Allhecaresaboutishimselfandhowhe
lookstopeople

But, my conscience is bugging me because…if I’m honest, when I started dating Colton, what did I

care about? That he was hot; that he came from a rich family, and that he was going to college. Being
educated is good, and important, yes. But the other stuff…how important is it, really? It’s kind of

important,yes,butisitparamount?Doesitcountmorethancharacterandmoralsandallthat?

No.Idon’tthinkitdoes.
Allthisbringstomindanotherquestion,andthatoneisprickingmetoo:
Why doesn’t my best friend in the whole world know the real and whole truth about me in the first

place?

BecauseIcaredmoreabouthowIlookedtoherthanhowthingsreallyare.Icaredmoreaboutmy

probably-imaginary reputation for being a cool, experienced chick who always knows everyone else’s
secrets.

IcaredmoreaboutmyegothanIdidaboutourfriendship,whichissupposedtobebasedonloveand

trust.

AndmyangeratColtonevaporatesintoshamefornottrustingAmandawiththetruth.
Amanda’ssayingsomethingsoothingbutIdon’thearit.Suddenly,Ijustneedtocomecleanwithher.
“Amanda…oh,dammit!Ineedtotellyousomething.”
IgoaheadandtellherthatIaminfactstillavirgin,thatIhaveneverhadintercoursewithanyone,

including butt sex; never given or had oral; never given a hand-job. And then I tell her my stupid,
delusionalreasonsforkeepingthetruthfromherinthefirstplace.

WhenI’mfinished,she’smadatColtontoo.
“Icouldkillthatasshole!”shefumes.“Andyou…youaresuchadorkface!Ofcoursebeingavirgin

isnothingtobeashamedof!”Ihearhershiftingaroundinherseatassheprocessesallthis.“Shit,”she
says. “I’m so sorry that I believed that gossip. And that I blamed you for his disrespect. I should have
knownbetter.Ijustassumed…becauseyou’re,youknow,you’re…you.Heh.Youalwaysseemtobeso
together,andexperienced,and…”

“Yeah,yeah.It’sokay.Don’tworryaboutit.Ishould’vetoldyou,Idon’tknowwhyIwassoworried

aboutitinthefirstplace.Itwasjust…dumbofme.”

“Maybe.Butit’snotlikeyoueveroutrightliedaboutit…youneversaidyouweren’tavirginormade

upstoriesaboutyoursexualescapadesoranything.Brenda,thisisactually,y’know…kindofsweet.”

Ugh!But,Iguessshe’sright.
“I’mgladyoutoldme,butitreallyisnoone’sbusiness.Well…exceptforwhoeveryour‘first’ends

upbeing.Ithinkit’simportantthatheknows,atleast.”

“Yes.”We’resilentforamoment.IrealizethatwhateverColtonsaidordidisn’tgoingtomakeany

bigdentinmylifeonewayoranother.“Youknowsomething?IwaspissedatColtonwhenyoutoldme
thisatfirst.Butnow…Idon’tcare.”

Afteramoment,shesays,“Yeah.It’snothingtolosesleepover.”
“Exactly. I have more important things to worry about. Like, finding a home for Diesel and being

excitedaboutmeetinganinterestingguy.”

“That’sright,Bren.And,don’tforgettotellyourparentsaboutthedog.
““Iwill.Idoubtthey’llletmekeephimthough,”Isay,ratherglumly.
“Chin up, Bren. What you did, you did for a good reason. You’re a good shit,” she says, “and you

deservetobehappy.”

“Aww,”Isay.“Thanks.Youknowwhat?Iloveyou,TornadoFarts.”
“Iknow,”shesays.“Iloveyoutoo,StankButt.Now,Ihatetorushoff,butwe’reheadingoutsoon.

Wehadabusyweek,didn’thavetimetoshopforgroceries.”

“Okay.SayhitoNickforme.Ohand,couldyouaskaroundatworkifanyonewantsadog?”
“Noproblem.LetmeknowwhathappenswithRob,okay?”
“Okay.Oh!Hey,‘Manda?”
“Yeah?”
“Igotajokeforya.Howisvirginitylikeaballoon?”

Shethinksforaminute,then:“Igiveup.How?”
“Oneprickandit’sgone.”
Shegroans.“Oh,haha.Didyoumakethatoneup?”
“No,thatwasoneofmom’s.”
“Yourmomtoldyouthatjoke?”
“Hellz,no!Ioverheardhertellingsomeoneelse.”
“Whoknewsheevenknewtheword“prick”?Heh.‘Kay,Brenda,talktoyoulater.”
After we hang up, I lay back on the bed, contemplating life’s ironies. I think of Colton making up

bullshit about me and it irks me again, until I start wondering whether Colton has to make shit up
because…coulditbe…thathehimselfisstillavirgin?

Isitupstraightasithitsmethatthere’sprobablyaverygoodchancethatit’strue!Iletoutalaugh.

That’dbetoofunny.

Diesellooksupatthesoundofmylaugh,thengetsup,padsovertomybedandlayshisbigshaggy

headonit.

Irubandcradlehishead,happythathe’shereandnotlockedupinacratesomewherewherehe’snot

wanted.HetouchesnoseswithPrincessandthengoesbacktohismakeshiftbed.Hestandsthere,looking
atme,untilItellhimtoliedown.Hedoes,andthistime,hestretchesoutonhissideandcloseshiseyes.

Crate…that reminds me. There were two crates in the back of Rob’s Jeep. He must’ve had another

dogatsomepoint,andIwonderwhetherhewouldlikeanotherone.Probablynot,sincehedidn’tofferto
takeDieseloffmyhandsatthepark.

ThinkingaboutRobmakesmethinkaboutotherthings,though.Like,howhishandswouldfeelonmy

body.

IpictureRob’sicy-blueeyeslookingintomine,andIfeelthatshiveryfeelinggoingdownmyspine

again.

AndIcan’thelpbutwonderwhathisbodylookslike,andhowitwouldfeel,naked,againstmine.
I lay back and let my mind think dirty thoughts about him, using my fingernails to gently flick my

nipplesthroughmyshirtandbra.Itdoesn’ttakelongbeforethey’restandingup,stiffandsensitive.

Theirtinglingechoesallthewayintomybellyandintomywarmcore.Icupmymoundwithmyhand

andtapmymiddlefingeragainstit,sendingmuffledpleasurethroughtheseamofmypants.

Ipretendit’sRob’shandandnoticehowwetit’smakingme.Ithinkaboutthetinylipstickvibrator

thatIkeepinmybedsidetable,andmyclitgiveafast,hardthrob.

Iunzipandpushmyjeansandpantiesoff,thenIslideafingerintomyfolds,findingmyentrancewet

andwarm.

Itapandcaressmyopening,encouragingittocreamevenmore.Ineverpenetratemyself,nomatter

howmuchIwantto,becauseIwantittobesomeonespecialwhogivesmethatpleasure…evenifithurts
abitfirst.

VisualizingRob’sface,smilingdownatme,Icanalmostfeelhiswarm,muscledbodyholdingmine

downonthebed.Igivehimathick,imaginarycockandItrytofeelitpushinginside…imaginingwhatit
feelslike…andmypussymakesaslow,ardentsqueezeinresponse.

Oh,God,Ineedtogetlaid!
Iusemyjuicestolubeupmyfinger,thenmakecirclesonmysensitivebud,goingfasterandfaster.My

innerthighstenseandrelaxasthesparklesofpleasurebegintobuild.

Inmymind,Rob’slipssuckmynipples,makingthatdimpleshowupinoneofhischeeks.Then,he

workshiswaydownmybellytomymound.Myfingerstandsinforhismouthandmyclithardensalmost
painfullyasmyopeningfluttersandcontracts.Imoansoftly,feelingthatfamiliarneedforrelease.

Igetmylipstickvibratoroutofmybedsidetableandsetittothehighestsetting.Placingthebuzzing

toyagainstthesideofmythrobbingclit,Ipressandreleaserhythmicallyandthepleasurebuilds…once

more…twicemore…andohhhhohhhhI’mcominghardandfast.Imoanquietly,mykneesrisingandmy
toescurling.

After,Itastemyjuicesonmyfinger.Theytastefreshandmild.IwonderifRobcouldbetheguywhoI

couldlikeenoughtolethimtouchme,tasteme,andyes,fuckmethewaymybodyneedstobefucked.

HALFANHOURLATER,I’mreadingabookwhenIgetatextnotification.

Rob:Thinkingofyou.
Ifitwereanyoneelse,Imightmakehimwaitformyreply,forfearofbeingseenaseagerorpathetic.

Butsomehow,Ican’tseeRobthinkingthatway.AndIdon’twanttoplaythosegameswithhim.

Quickly,Itypearesponse.
Me:Ditto:)
Rob:Good.:)AmIinterruptinganything?
Me:Nope,justreading.
Rob:Oh?Youliketoread?
Me:EverychanceIget.
Rob:Awesome.Metoo.Won’tkeepyou,Ijustwantedtoaskyouaquestion.Istomorrowtoo

soonforafirstdate?

Me:LOL!Idon’tthinkso…?
Rob:Ifthereareanyrulesagainstafirstdatethedayafterthefirstmeeting,I’veneverheard

ofthem.

Me:Meneither.Ithoughtyouwerebusy?
Rob: Change of plans. I’d invite you to my house but that’s really pushing it. Besides, I just

movedinandhaven’tunpackedyet.

Me:Well,whatdoyouliketodo?
Rob:Besideskissyou?
Ohmy.Ican’tthinkofasnappyresponse,soIgowithwhateverspringstomind.
Me:*blush*
Rob:Oh,sorry.Ithoughtyouasked,whatwouldIliketodo.
Iwaittoseeifhe’sfinished.He’snot.
Rob:Ilikewalksinthepark…ohyeah,youknowthat.Howaboutdinnerandtalk?Gettoknow

eachotherbetter?

Me:Soundsgood.
Rob:Alright!IknowtheownerofasmallrestaurantinEasterville.Greatfood,quiet,wecan

talkthereallnightandhewon’texpectustokeepbuyingfoodorbooze.

Istarttyping,thenstopwhenhisnextmessagepopsup.
Rob:Unlessyouareabinge-eateroradrunk,inwhichcase,youlookprettydamngoodfora

drunkenbinge-eater.

Me:Why,thank-you.Idoliketobingeondill-pickle-flavoredpotatochipssometimes.Youmight

aswellknowthatnow.

Rob: I don’t think they serve dill-pickle-flavored potato chips at Ron’s Risorante. But I can

double-checkifyouwant.

Me:LOL!
Rob::)ShouldIpickyouupatyourplaceorwouldyoufeelsafermeetingmeattherestaurant?
Asajoke,Itype:
Let’smeetherefirst.I’llbewaitingbythedoor,naked.

Gigglinglikeanidiot,Ihovermythumboverthe‘back’buttontoerasethatandstartover.ButIguess

mythumb’smusclememorykicksin,because,withoutfurtherado,itmovesupwardsonthescreenand
hits‘send’instead.

ChapterSix

ROB

HOA

…what?She’llwaitformenaked?

Atfirst,justforasecond,IthinkI’vecompletelymisjudgedher.Idon’tknowher,andjustbecauseI

keepthinkingaboutwhatthatColtonkidsaidtoherearlierabouthowshe‘doesn’tputout’doesn’tmean
thatshedoesn’tactuallyputout.Peoplesaycrazythingswhenthey’reupset,sowhoreallyknowswhatit
meant.

Butthen,this:
Brenda:OMFGIhitsendonthatbymistake!Itypedthatasajoketomyselfandidkhowbut

mythumbhitsend

Thelackofpunctuationtellsmetowait…andthen,this:
Brenda:…withoutmeaningto.Shit!Shit!I’mnotreallylikethat,Iswear!
Aha!Laughingtomyself,Iconsidermyoptions,tryingtobequickaboutit.Icanteasehermercilessly,

orjustalittle,orletheroffthehookentirely.

Idecidetomostlyletheroffthehook.
Me:Notreallylikewhat?Notreallynaughty?Bummer!
AndIwaitforjustasecond,then:
Me: Nah, I’m kidding. I believe you sweetie, I doubt that you’d purposely text a strange man

thatyou’llmeethimnakedatthedoor.

Brenda:Ofcoursenot!Ishouldneverhavetakenthechancetotypethat.
Iwait,enjoyingmyself.
Brenda:Itwastrulyjustanimpulse.
Iwaitagain,havingagreattimenow.
Brenda:I’mnotthetownbike,Iswear!Someonekillmeplz.
Hah!Okay,I’mlettingheroffthehook.
Me:LOL!Noworries.Itwascute.
Brenda:OhGodI’msoembarrassed.
Ilaugh.
Me:Don’tbe.OfcourseIknewyou’rejoking.I’mflattered.Any man would love the idea of

havingyouwaitingnakedforhim.

Noresponse.Notsurehowshe’stakingthat,butIhavenothingtolose,so:
Me:Isittoomuchtosetthatasagoalfordowntheroad,maybe?
Brenda:LOL!
Whew! I was about to ask her if I could call her instead of chatting by text, but I decide she’s had

enoughpressure.ItextherthatI’llmeetheratRon’sRistorantetomorrownightatseveno’clock.Igive

hertheaddressandanswerherquestionabouttheirdresscode.

Then I tell her that I’ll call her when I’m leaving the house tomorrow and we say good-bye for the

night.

BUTICAN’TSTOPTHINKINGabouther.Herass,herlegsinthosejeans,thoseeyes,thoseredlips.
Thatsmile!

Jesus!
MydickgetshardandIadjustit,pullingonitalmostviciouslytotrytomakeitbehave.
Ofcourse,touchingitinnowayhelps.IleaveitaloneanditslowlygoesdownasIputteraroundthe

house,tryingtofocusongettingsomeunpackingdone.

IhateunpackingalmostasmuchasIhatepacking.ButI’vebeenheremorethanaweekandamtired

oflivingoutofcartons.Istillhavelotsofboxestogothrough.Mymothergavemeashit-tonofstuffwhen
Iboughtthishouse.Waytoomuch!It’soverwhelming.Ihaven’tmadeadentinit.

Pokingintoanopen,half-emptiedbox,Ipickstuffupandcarryitaroundabsently.Iendupputtinga

boyhood baseball trophy in the refrigerator, a framed photo of my parents in the junk drawer and a
packageofbatteriesonthemantlepiecebeforeIrealizewhatI’mdoing.

I’vegotabadcaseofBeautifulGirlonthebrain.
I put that stuff away properly and go down the hall to take a cold shower. Standing under the cold

wateronlyhelpsforaminute,sincemybodysoonadjuststoit.AssoonasIstartsoapingitup,mycock
stiffensinmyhand.

MymindkeepspicturingBrenda’slips,andwhattheymightfeellikearoundmyshaft.Ican’tseemto

helpit,can’tseemtostopit,soIjustgiveintoit.

Iputsomewarmerwateronandthenlathermyrodgenerously,alternatingatightgripwithalooser

one.Iwonderhowexperiencedsheis,whethershecantakeabigger-than-usualcocklikemine.It’snot
freakishlybigbutit’sprettyrespectable.Iletmyimaginationrunwild,andpictureBrendalookingupat
mewiththoselightbrowneyes,hairhangingwildandfreedownherback,redlipsmovingupanddown
mycock.Fuck!Ikeepthatimageinmymind’seye.Inseconds,thesurgeinmyballsstartsandmyorgasm
rises through my shaft. I groan as my imaginary Brenda swallows greedily, looking up at me with that
fiery-yet-innocentgazeofhers.

Afterwards,Imanagetogetmybedroomentirelyunpacked.Ittakeswaylongerthanitshouldbecause

Ihavetokeepforcingmyselftostopthinkingaboutredlipsandbrowneyes.I’m glad to get that much
done but by the time I’m finished, my dick is semi-erect again and I have to satisfy myself once more
beforebed,justtobeabletosleep.

THENEXTNIGHT,I’mwaitingforheratRon’sRistoranteasplanned.I’mseatedatatableandtalking
to Ron, the owner, when she arrives. It’s windy out, and when she steps through the door, there’s high
colorinhercheeks,herhairisalittlemessedupandshe’swearingthathotredlipstickagain.

She’sabso-fucking-lutelygorgeous.Dressedcasuallybutsmartlyinnavy,form-fittingslacks,witha

navypin-stripedshirtunderaquiltedjacket.Abright,multi-coloredscarfsetsoffhercomplexiontoatee
butmyeyesaredrawntoherlonglegsandthecurveofherass.Damn!

Alleyesintheplacelingeronherasshelooksforme.Iraiseahandandsheheadsmyway.Ronlifts

hiseyebrowsatme,nodsdiscreetlyandmovesaway.

She comes to the table, sits, and smiles that smile at me. I’m glad to have the table to cover the

burgeoningsemigoingoninmypants.

Weorderdrinksandstarttalking,theconversationflowingasifwe’veknowneachotherforyears.

Shetellsmewhatshelikestoread,whichis,apparently,everythingunderthesun,fromromancetonoir
tothrillerstosci-fi.

It turns out that she’s a gamer, too, having grown up gaming with her friend Amanda. I love how

excitedshegetswhenshetalksaboutplayingshooters,especiallyacartoonish,innuendo-filledfranchise
whichshestillplays,despitethefactthatit’sanoldergame.ItjustsohappensthatIlovethatfranchise
too, and we break a lot of ice discussing missions and strategies in-game. We decide that we’ll meet
onlineandpartnerupsometimesoon.

Ibadlywantto‘partnerup’withhertonight,butIdon’tsaysoofcourse.Despitethenaughtytextshe

accidentallysentlastnight,there’ssomethingfreshandinnocentabouther.Ikeeptryingtoputmyfinger
onit.

Asshe’stalkinganimatedlyaboutgaming,Ican’thelpbutthinkaboutwhatherbrattyboy-childex-

boyfriendsaidtoherinthepark.Iwonderifit’spossiblethatshe’sstill…no…but…coulditbe?

There’s something about her that’s pure and clean and sexy as hell. I know some girls her age are

fairlyexperienced.Some,maybebemoresothanme.

ButBrendajustseems…different.Idon’tknowifit’swishfulthinkingorwhatthehellitis.Maybe

she’sjustinexperiencedorpickyorsomething.

AllIknowis,I’mbewitched.Enchanted.Completelytakeninandunderherspell.AndIdon’twantto

doanythingtobreakit.Iwanttoearnhertrust,Iwanttobeworthyofwhateveritisthatmyheartseems
tothinkisgoingonhere.

She asks me about my life, showing interest in everything about me. When I tell her that I’m from

MerlingtonoriginallybutlivedinD.C.forawhile,shewantstoknowaboutthat.

IexplainthatIlivedtherewhileIwasmarriedandstayedlongafterthedivorce,formyjob.ButI

alwayslovedmyhometownandwantedtomoveback.Ittookalongtime,becausejobsinmyfieldare
scarce,butIjumpedonitwhensomethingopeneduphere.

ItellherthatI’vebeenbackhereforayearandjustboughtaproperty,movingfromacrampedone-

bedroomapartmenttoahousewithabigyardjustlastweek.

She asks about my marriage but it was long ago and not my proudest moment. I tell her the bare

minimum,whichisthatIgotmarriedrightafterhighschoolandthatwemovedtoD.C.tolivewithmyex-
wife’sfathersothatwecouldgotocollege.

And,thatitdidn’tworkoutverywell.
Itwasacomplicatedsituation,onethatwewerebothtooyoungtohandle,soIchangethesubjectas

soonasIcan.There’splentyoftimeforthetellingofancienthistory.I’mmoreinterestedinthehereand
now,andhowBrendamightfitintoit,withme.

Inturn,Iaskherquestionsandshefillsmeinonherlife,herfamily,herolderbrother’simpending

marriagetoherbestfriendandtheupcomingbirthoftheirchild.It’s so nice to hear someone speak so
well of their family. It’s apparent that they are a close-knit, loving clan, not all full of drama and
negativity.

I’vehadenoughofthatinmyownpastandIfindmyselfverydrawntoBrenda’shumor,andoptimism

andthegeneralsenseofpositivitythatsheseemstoembody.

Wetalkforsolongoverappetizersandsaladsthatwealmostforgettoorderdinner.Ron’spatientand

discreet hovering gets him nowhere, so he’s forced to try a different tactic, which is a rather loud
“Ahem!”followedby,“Willyoubehavinganyentréesthisevening,orwouldyouliketogostraightto
dessert?”

IfdessertisBrendathenhellyeah…butIkeepthatsentimenttomyself.Brendacatchesmyeyeandher

expressionsayssheheardtheinnuendointhatcommenttoo.Webothlaugh.I’mgladwe’reonthesame

wavelength;gladshehasasillysenseofhumoraboutinnuendoandsextoo.

We order Ron’s specialty, crab-cake burgers dressed with mango chutney, and Brenda asks if they

have sweet pickled beets. They do, and when the meals come, I’m delighted to see that she puts the
picklesonherburgerasifthey’reregularbread-and-butterpickles.

Ihavethepleasureofwatchingherfacewhenshetakesherfirstbiteofthecrab-cakeburger.Hereyes

flutterclosedasshechewsthoroughlyandswallows.

Jesus,theregoesmydickagain.
“OhmyGod,thisisdelicious,”shesays,lickingherlips.Thesightalmostmakesmegroanoutloud.

“What’sinit?”

“I’vebeentryingtofindoutformonthsnow.Ronnevertells.”Hersmileandthelookonherfaceas

shedigsintotherestoftheburgerisrewardinitself.

Ihopetohaveachancetomakethoseeyesofhersflutterclosedlikethatagain.Withmytonguefirst,

andthen,my…butnope,thatlineofthinkingisjustgoingtomakemysemicomeback,soIpushthataway
anddiginmyself.

She puts the burger down, winks at me, and then devours a handful of potato wedges with

unselfconsciousgusto.Ican’ttellifsheknowswhatshe’sdoingtomeornot.

Andbesideshowsexysheis,Itotallyloveitwhenagirlisnotashamedtoeat.
“Say,” she says, later, when Ron has removed the dishes and taken our desert order, “I noticed that

youhaveanotherbigcrateinthebackofyourJeep.MindifIask,doyouhaveanotherdog?”

“I…no.ThatcratebelongstoMeff,myex’sGreatDane.”
“Excuseme?YourexhasadognamedMeth?”
“No, no, Meff. It’s short for Mephistopheles,” I say. “He’s well-named, because he is the biggest

pain-in-the-assdogI’veevermet.”

“Oh,ha!Okay,Igetit.MephistopheleswasoneofFaust’sdevils,wasn’the?”
“Right,” I say, impressed that she knows that. “And I think, a devilish character in other stories as

well.Anyway,it’snothisfault.”

“Why?Whatdoyoumean?”
Idon’twanttotalkaboutmyexbutsheasked,soItellher.“Valeriss,myex,refusestodisciplinehim.

She’soneofthosepeoplewhoneversayno,orenforceanyrules.Aftershegotthedog,sometimesItook
himforaweekend,lethimhangwithTinyandchill.Triedtotrainhim,workwithhimalittlebit.He’d
alwaysgobacktoherplacebetterbehaved,butitneverlasted.”

“Oh.Andyoustilltakehimforweekends?”Shelaughsbutlooksskeptical.“Ithoughtyousaidyou

weremarriedrightoutofhighschool.Howoldisthisdoganyway?”Hersmileisgenuineandfriendly
butherquestionispointed.

“Oh, hah! No, no. She got the dog a few years back. We stayed friends after the divorce and, you

know,helpedeachotheroutfromtimetotime.Imean,I’veknownherforever.There’snothingsexual,of
course!Nothing…we’renotinloveoranythinglikethat.Infact,Ihaven’tseenhersinceImovedback
here.Thecrate’sbeenhandyforsomeotherfriend’sdogs,soIleftitinthetruck.”

Shestilllooksskeptical.“Well,that’sgood,Iguess.Youdon’toftenhearaboutpeoplestayingfriends

afterthemarriageends.Notthatit’smybusiness.”

I’mworriednowthatshe’sthinkingthatmyexisstillinthepicture.Well,nothingIcandoaboutthat

rightthissecond,unfortunately.

Shechangesthesubject,talkingabouthowDieselseemedtosettlerightinatherplace,andhowshe

stillhastoSkypeherparentsinFloridatotellthemaboutthedog.

ShereachesouttopickupherglassbutIgrabherhandandtwineherfingersinmine.Ilookintothose

eyesofhersandaheatedfeelingsweepsthroughme,justlikeyesterdayinthepark.Hereyeswiden,and
thistime,Iknowinmygutthatshefeelsittoo.Shesqueezesmyhandandstaresatme,withanunasked

questioninhereyes.

Eventually,Ronbringsdessert,whichischocolatemousseoversugaredstrawberries,garnishedwith

wafers.Wesavorit,eatingslowly,sippingcoffee,andtalkingamileaminute.

We’re having so much fun that neither one of us wants the night to end. But we both have dogs that

needout,soweleavetherestaurantaroundeleveno’clocktotakecareofthem.Standingbyhercar,she
invitesmetomeetherandherdogsattheparkforalatewalk.ThismakesmesoridiculouslyhappythatI
havetorestrainmyselffromgrabbingherandtwirlingheraround.

IgladlyacceptandheadhometopickupTiny.

ATTHEPARK,Brenda is nervous about letting Princess run free in the dark, so we let the three dogs
looseinthefenced-inareatohavealastrompforthenightanddotheirbusiness.

The fenced area is quite large, and we do laps around the perimeter to keep warm while we’re

watchingthedogs.

After twenty minutes or so, we stop under a lamppost. “Brrr, it’s gotten cold fast,” Brenda says,

shivering.

“C’mere,”Isayquietly,puttinganarmaroundhershouldersanddrawingherclose.Shesmilesand

huddlesagainstme.Thetopofherheadisjustbelowmychin.Withouteventhinking,Iplantakissonher
hair.Itsmellsfreshandgood.

Sherespondsbylettingoutalittlegroanandleaningevencloserintomybody.Mydicktriestoget

interestedandIstruggletoconvinceitotherwise.

Sheputsanarmaroundmywaistandholdsontightly.
“So, what are your plans for next weekend?” I ask, just to take my mind off what’s going on in my

pants.

“I’m going to my brother’s place for dinner Friday night. Amanda’s a great cook. She cooked the

Thanksgivingturkey,andthebiggesthamI’veeverseenforChristmas!”

“Mmm,soundsyummy,”Isay.
“Hellz, yeah! This weekend, she’ll be doing her specialty, a roast chicken with all the trimmings.

Whataboutyou?”

“I’llbeatmymom’sFridaynight,helpinghercleanouttheattic.Ishouldreallybeworryingabout

unpackingmyhouse,butshe’sbeenaskingforhelpforalongtime.She’llpaymeinhomecooking,too.”
Hesmiles.“I’mfreeSaturday,though.Whataboutyou?”

Shelooksupatme,eyesshining.“Metoo.”
“So,doyouwanttohangout,maybe?”Isay,andkissthetipofhernose.
Ican’thelpit.IhavetokissherorI’mgoingtohaveastrokeorsomething.
“Ido,”shesays,wrinklinghernoseandtippingherheadback.Oureyesmeetandholdeachother’s

gaze.Sheliftsherchin,thenhergazemovestomymouthandbacktomyeyesagain,aninvitationtotouch
thoseruby-redlipswithmyown.

Ilowermyheadandkissher,mycockbeginningtothrob.

ChapterSeven

BRENDA

OOKING

upintoRobert’sfaceaswestandineachother’sarms,myheartispoundingsohard,hemustbe

abletohearit.

He kisses my nose, which tickles. It’s nice but I want more. And it’s so exciting to look into his

eyes…tobeintheshelterofhisarmsandfeelmybodytremblewhenhebringshislipsclosetomine.

Hestopsshortthough,hiseyesalmostclosed.Ilookathismouth,thosesensuouslips,andbackupto

hiseyes.Imovemyheadclosertohis,chasingwhatIneedfromhim.

Andhegivesittome.Hislipsaresoftandwarm,andpressminesogently,it’slikehe’safraidhe’ll

hurtme.Helingersthere,barelytouchingme,andwekiss,breathingeachotherin.

Mymouthopensslightlyandpresseshismorefirmly,andweexploreeachother,tonguestouchingand

dartingaway.

Ahhh,God.Iwantthismansobad!
He turns his body into me, breaking the kiss. He rests his forehead against mine, one of his hands

rising to caress my face. He lifts my chin and kisses me again, quickly, and smiles, that one dimple
showingitselfbeforefadingaway.

Hiskissessendfirefrommymouthstraighttothecenterofmybeing.I’malreadywet,justfromthe

wayhe’sbeenlookingatmeallevening.Justfrombeingwithhim.Andnow…mykneesaresoweak,I
don’tevenknowhowI’mstillstandingup.

“Oh,thatwasnice,”hewhispers.“ThankyouMissBrenda.Thankyouforlettingmelendyoualeash

yesterday.Thankyouforlettingmetakeyououttodinnertonight.Thankyouforbeingsolovely.”With
each“thank-you”,hekissesme,thenheputsonearmaroundmywaistandonearoundmyshouldersand
hugsmetightly.

Irestmyheadonhischestwhilebothofmyarmsencirclehiswaist,warmunderhisjacket.Icanfeel

theminutemovementoftheslabsofmusclesinhissideandbackashisweightshifts.Mmmm!

“Doyouthinkwecanmeetsometimeduringtheweek,too,maybe?”hewhispersintomyhair.“Walk

thedogs,orgrababite,maybe?Idon’twanttowaituntilSaturdaytoseeyouagain.”

“Thatsoundsgood!Icancometotheparkacoupletimesthisweekprobably.”
“Deal,” he says. “Just let me know when and I’ll meet you,” he says, nuzzling my hair again. His

handsareonmywaist,undermyjacket,caressingmysides.

“Okay…”Isay,abitbreathlessly.IhearaquietsoundandlookdowntoseePrincessstandingatmy

feet,holdingonepawup.Herearsgobackandshedances,eyesshining.

“Ithinkthey’redoneforthenight,”Isay,regretfully.
“Yeah,”heagreeswithasigh.
Wecleanupafterthedogsandheadtotheparkinglot.Hehelpsmeputthedogsintothecarandthen

grabsme,picksmeup,andkissesmeabunchoftimes,quickones,overandoveragain.

“ThisistolastmeuntilIseeyouagain,”hesays,settingmeonmyfeet.
“Wellhopefullythatwon’tbetoolongfromnow.”
“I’’mbusytomorrowbutI’dprobablywanttoseeyou,ifyou’refree.”Helaughs,lookingdownatme

warmly.

Tomorrow’sSunday.Laundryandhouse-cleaningday.IwanttoseehimtoobutIthinkit’sprobably

betterthatwetakeatleastonedayofffromseeingeachother,sincewedidonlyjustmeet.

Besides,basedonhowhornyhe’smakingme,I’mafraidI’lljustthrowallcautiontothewindand

endupinhisbed.Orinvitehimtomine.

AllIknowis,Idon’twanttowaittoolongforthattohappen.Weeks,maybe.Maybe.Months…?No

frackingway.

“Iwanttoseeyoutoo,”Isay,“butSunday’schoredayatmyhouse.Youcancallortextmeanytime,

though.”

“Okay.Sameforyou,”hesays.
Afteronelastkiss,wegoourseparateways.

IWAKEupthenextmorningandturntolookforPrincess.She’snotinherusualspotnexttome.Isitup,
lookingaround.There’sDiesel,curledupinhismakeshiftbed,nosetouchingtail.

“Hi,Deez,”Isay.Heliftshisheadandblinksatmesleepily,thenhisearsgobackandhistailthumps.

He stretches, and as he changes position, a fluff of rusty-colored fur shows up behind him. Sometime
duringthenight,Princessapparentlymovedintohisbed.

Awww!Socute!
“Whathappened,Deez?”Isay.“DidPrincessseduceyouinthenight?Huh?Didshehogyourbed?”
Princess’headliftsandshestretcheslazilytoo,thenshecomesoverandclimbsthelittlesetofsteps

up to my bed. She waggles her whole self and licks my face in greeting. Playfully, I blow on her fur,
whichalwaysmakesherdonuttythings.

Shedoesn’tdisappoint.Rearingback,sheshakesherheadfromsidetoside,huffingandshowingme

thewhitesofhereyes.Sheplay-bows,andthengoesintooneofthosemomentsofcrazedjoythatdogs
sometimeshave.Shejumpsbackdownthestepsandstartstearingaroundincirclesonthefloor.

Dieselwatchesherquizzically,lookingupatmewhenIlaugh.Heputshisearsback,smileshisdoggy

smile and huffs doggy laughter. Princess prances and puppy-hops over to him, play-bowing and then
tearingawayagain.Heignoresherandflopsbackdownontohisside,heavingasigh.

“Iknowhowyoufeel,buddy,”Isay.“I’manightpersontoo.But,she’samorningperson.Er,morning

canine.Ifyoucan’tdealwiththat,thenI’mafraidit’llneverworkoutbetweenyou.”

Igetup,putcoffeeonandletbothdogsoutintotheyardtodotheirmorningbusiness.Whenthecoffee

isreadyandbothdogsarebackinside,ItextmymominFloridatoaskifsheandmyDadhaveaminute
toSkype.

Theydo.Inafewminutes,I’mlookingatmymomonthescreen.
“Hibaby,”shesays,leaningforwardandsquintingatme.Shepushesherglassesupthebridgeofher

nose. “Doug, come on, honey,” she says, “Brenda’s on the camera now.” I hear movement and see my
Dad’shandentertheframeandgrowtogiganticproportionsashereachesforthecamtoadjustit.Ihear
thesqueakofchairwheelsandsomeshufflingandthenhesitsdown,bothoftheminview.

“Wecanseeyou,honey,canyouseeus?”Momasks.
“Just look at the little square, sweetheart, that’s her view of us. Remember I told you how that

works?”Dadsays.

“I don’t use this thing enough to remember anything…oh, yeah, there we are.” She squints. “Oh my

GodIkeepforgettinghowterribleIlookonthiscamthingie,”shesays,herhandgoingtoherhair.

“Sweetie, it’s Sunday morning,” Dad says. “Besides, you look great. A super-model would be

jealous.”

“Ohhh, you,” she says, and rolls her eyes. “Listen to your father, what a flatterer!” she says to me,

squintingatthescreenandgrinning.

We’re in the middle of exchanging pleasantries when Diesel walks into the view of the camera,

sniffingthefloor,Princessfollowingbehindhim.Hecomesovertomeandnudgesmyhand.

Myparentswatchinsilence.
“Ahem,”Isay.“Mom,Dad…thisisDiesel.”
“Diesel?”Momsays.“Isthat…Brenda,didyougetanotherdog?He’shuuuuuge!”
Dadsaysnothing,justlooksatmepointedly,thenhiseyesfollowDieselasthedogwalksoutofhis

viewagain.

“Yes…but,notexactly.”Hastily,IgivethemashortversionofwhathappenedwithColtonatthedog

park.

“….andI’mgoingtotrytofindahomeforhim.I’vealreadyaskedAmandatoaskaroundatwork.IfI

don’tfindsomethingsoon,I’llputanadonCraigslistorsomething.”

“Okay,dear.I’mjusthappythatyou’renotseeingthatnastyboyanymore.”Momsays.“Sorudeand

inconsiderate!Weneverlikedhim,youknow.”

“That’swhatAmandasaid,yeah.”
“All’s well that ends well,” Dad says, clearly not interested in my romantic drama. “Call that dog

oversoIcanseehimagain.”

Ido.
“Whatkindofdogisthat?”heasks.
“ThesheltersaidShepherdandRottweiler.”
“SparkyhadsomeShepherdinhim.Hehadthesamekindofshaggyfuronhishaunchesandhistail,

remember?”

“Yep,”Isay.
“Doesheknowhowtodohispeepsandpoopsoutside?”Momasks.
“Yes,mom,”Isay,laughing.“He’shouse-trained.”
“Okay,”shesays.“Sparkyhadsomebigpoops,remember?GoodLord!”
“Hah!HowcouldIforget?HowoldisDiesel,Bren?”Dadasks.
Itellhim.
“I kind of like the look of that dog,” he says. “Beverly? Don’t you like the look of that dog? Hey,

Diesel,heyboy,”hesaystothescreen.Dieselcockshisheadatthecomputermonitor.“Yeah,you’rea
bigboy,aren’tya?”Dadsays.Dieselcockshisheadintheotherdirection,raisinghisnosetosniff.

Ohwow!Istayverystillandquiet,notdaringtosayaword.
“OhIdunno,Doug!He’ssobig!He’shuuuuge,”Momsaysdoubtfully.
“He’snotmuchbiggerthanSparky,”Dadsays.
Isaynothingbuthopeisbloominginmychest.
“Yes,heis,Doug.Ithinkhe’salotbiggerthanSparky,actually.”ShesquintsatDadandpushesher

glassesupthebridgeofhernose.“You…you’renotthinkingofhavinganotherdog,areyou?Afterhow
harditwastoletSparkygo?”

“Hey,Diesel,”Dadsaysagain,quietly.Dieselsitsdown,lookingatthescreen,earsperked.
Dadsitsbackinhischairandclearshisthroat.“Well..Idunno.”Helooksatmomandtakesherhand.

“ItwashardlettingSparkygo,but…itwasnicetohaveadogtowalk.Itwasnicetohaveadog,period.I
missthat.”

Momlooksatmeandnarrowshereyes,butthecornersofhermoutharetwitching.“Brenda,Iswear,

you’dgetawaywithmurder.”Then,tomydad,shesays,“Well,we’regoingbackhomesoon.Ifshestill
hasthedog,wecanmakeupourmindsthen.How’sthat?”

Dadlooksatherandnodssoberly,asifmeetingthedogisgonnamakehimchangehismind.“Sure

sweetie,that’sreasonable.Brenda,don’tgettooattachedthough.”

Quickly,almostimperceptibly,hedropsmeawink.
Icontainmyjoyandmanagetonodsoberly.“Okay,Dad.”
“There’soneotherthing,”Isay,andItellthemaboutRobertandthefirstdatewejusthad.“Ireally

likehim,”Iadd.“Ifallgoeswell,maybehecoulddropbyandmeetyouwhenyou’rehome.”

“You don’t let any moss grow under your feet, do you Brenda?” Dad says drily. “Ever heard of a

reboundrelationship?”

“YesDadbut…Imean,ColtonandIdidn’t…weweren’t,um,youknow…allthatclose.”
He stares at me, then holds up his hand, wincing. “don’t say any more, please. Geez! I’m trying to

say…fryingpan,fire…youknowwhatImean,don’tyou?”

“Yes,butI’msaying,Idon’tthinkthatappliesbecauseIbarelyknewColton,really.Itwasonandoff

forsixmonths.Wehardlysaweachotherandweweren’tclose.”

“Okay,okay.What’dyousaythisRobert’slastnameis?
“Ididn’t,butit’sMollenkamp,Dad.Hesaidhisfamilyislocalfromwayback.”
“Mollenkamp?Ishisfather’snameKen?”
“That,Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tmethisfamilyyet.”
“Well,youwon’tbemeetingKen.Hepassedawayalongtimeagonow,Godresthim.Hewasinmy

classinhighschool.Hah!Iusedtosmoke…ah,cigaretteswithhiminthesmokingarea.”

“What? Really? Cigarettes, huh?” I tilt my head, grinning. First I ever heard of Dad smoking

cigarettes.

“Neveryoumind.KenmarriedRoseDuBoise.Robert’sgottabetheirkid,ofcourseheis.Theyhad

twosonsquick…like,intwoyears,boomboom….”Hestopsandthinksforamoment.“Andbothofthose
kidswouldbe…agoodfewyearsolderthanyou.HowoldisthisRobert?”

Itellhim.
“Yeah, I think that’s little Robbie!” Mom interjects. “My friend Sherry is friends with Rose. I think

RobbieandNicholasmight’veevenplayedtogetheracoupletimes,whentheyweresmall.”

“Couldbe,”Dadsaystomom.Then,tome:“That’sagrownman,notaboy.Ihopeyou’renotgetting

inoveryourhead.”

“Um,Dad?He’snotevenasoldasNick.”
Heshrugs.“Nick’smyson,Robertisn’t.Anyotherquestions?”
“No…nope.Igetit.But…I…whatcanIsay?Itjust…happened.Justgivehimachance.Maybeyou’ll

likehim.”

They’rebothquietforamoment.
“Well, I’m sure he’s fine, dear,” Mom says, sighing. “We kind of know his family, even though we

haven’tstayedintouch.Butyourfather’sright.Lookbeforeyouleap,that’sall.”

“Iknow.”
“Andofcourse,ifyou’restillseeinghim,we’llbehappytomeethimwhenwecomehome.”
“Whenisthatagain?”
“Aroundthefirstofthemonth.Idon’tknowhowlongwe’restayingthough.Itdependsonwhenyour

dadgetshismeetingswrappedup.”

We end with the usual talk about making sure I lock the doors and turn off the stove. They send me

theirloveandwesignoff.

As soon as I shut the webcam off, I jump out of my seat and do a dance of joy, singing “Whoop

whoop,yeahbaby,Diesel’sgotanewhome!”

Both dogs ramble excitedly around me, huffing and prancing themselves. Princess makes a fake-

chargeatDiesel,whojumpsoutoftheway,thenlaysonhisbellyonthefloor,frontlegssplayedandglee
inhiseyes.Theyplayasillygameofbitey-face,fake-growlingandtusslingwhileIdancemywayintothe
kitchenforbreakfast.

ChapterEight

BRENDA

DON

’

HEAR

fromRobatalltherestofthatday,untilhetextsmeaquickgoodnightjustbeforebed.I

sendhimakissemoji,whichhefollowsupwithoneofhisown.

Mondaymorning,hetextsmefirstthing,askingtomeetupatthedogparkthatnight.Iagree,butwe’re

bothatworkanddon’thavetimetotalkanymore.

Thatnight,wemeetatthepark.Wekissandhug,asifwe’vebeendoingitforyears.Excitedly,Itell

RobthegoodnewsaboutDiesel.

“YourDadlikesdogs,huh?Awesome!”hesays,puttinganarmaroundmyshouldersandkissingthe

topofmyhead.

“Yes,and…well,Imentionedyou.”Itellhimhowourparentskneweachotherinthepast.Neitherof

usistoosurprisedconsideringhoweveryoneintownknowseveryoneelse.

“Ha!Yeah,thatfigures.Ifourparentsarethesameage,thentheyhadyoualittlelateinlife,huh?”I

shrug. “They’re not worried that I’m too old for you? Or that, it’s too soon after Colton?” He doesn’t
wasteanytimezero-inginontheirexactconcerns.

“Actually, yes, they mentioned some stuff. But…there doesn’t need to be any pressure. If it doesn’t

workout,then…”

“Brenda,Idon’tknowaboutyou,butIintendtomakesureitworksout.”Hekissesthetopofmyhead

again,makingaloud,satisfactorysmackwithhislips,asiftopunctuatehisvow.

THERESTOFTHATWEEK,wemeetatthedogparkeverynight.Wehavefunwiththedogsandgetto
knoweachother,talking,teasing,laughing,andkissingeverychanceweget.

It’sincreasinglyhardtokeepourhandsoffofeachother,especiallybecausetheparkissovastand

offers so much privacy. It’s the biggest one in Merlington, a huge expanse of rolling hills, dotted with
forested areas, grassy fields with smaller groves of trees and several nicely-appointed rest areas, all
connectedbythewinding,lamp-linedpath.

Fridaynight,wefindourselvesaloneinasecludedarea.Thedogshavehadtheirromp,Princessisin

her carrier and Tiny, panting, flops down to rest. Diesel is still wandering around, sniffing, but he’s
obviouslycontent.

It’s a still, quiet evening, a bit on the cold side. We’re standing in the lee of a couple big rocks,

kissing. We’re both due to spend time with our respective families in short order and won’t be seeing
eachotherlater.So,we’retryingtomakethemostofourtimeinthepark.

Anddoingaprettygoodjobofit,ifyouaskme.Mybodydoesn’tfeelthechill,becausehiskissesand

histoucharesettingitonfire.I’veonlyknownthismanforaweekbutIwanthimwitheverythingIam.

Idon’tknowifit’sreal,orifsuchathingcouldbereal.AllIknowis,mybodydoesn’tcare.
Westandclosetogether,facingeachother.He’slookingdownatme,hiseyesshiningwithintensity.
“Thisisnuts,”hewhispers,cuppingmychinandrubbinghisthumbovermylips.Ikissandthennipat

it,myeyeshalf-closed,mycleftsoakedandclenchingwitheverykiss.“Iwantyousobad,butit’smore
thanthat.Brenda,Ineverbelievedinloveatfirstsight,but…”

“OhGod,Iknow,”Imoan.Iputmyarmsaroundhiswaist,underhiscoat,andstepasclosetohimas

Ican.“Meneither.Maybeit’s…well,maybeit’slust.Chemistry.Attraction.Hormones.”EvenasIsayit,
Iknowthatit’sallthat…butalsothatit’ssomethingmore.

“Or,karma,”hesays,puttingintowordswhat’sbeenfloatingaroundinmymind.
“Karma,asin,somethingmeanttobe?”Hekissesmeagain,softly.
“Yes. Written in the stars…decided by forces greater than ourselves, before we were born.” He

laughsbutsomethingthatfeelslikeashockofelectricitygoesthroughme.Itseemstostartinmyheartand
traveloutwards,settlinginthewarmvalleybetweenmylegs.

“Ifyoubelieveinthatkindofthing,thatis,”headds.“I’mnotsayingIdo,but…”
Againstmybelly,Icanfeelhisfleshthrobbing,andIgrindmyselfagainstit,makinghimmoanand

closehiseyes.“Damn,”hebreathes,andstepsback,puttinghishandsonmyshoulders.

“Iwanttotakeyouhomerightnow,”hesays.“Iwishwe’dknowneachotherlonger!It’stoosoonbut

itfeelslikeI’vebeenwaitingforyouforever.”

Suddenly,Iloseallpatiencewiththewholeideaofwaiting.“Youknowwhat?Idon’tcare!Whosays

waitingissohotanyway?Whosaysit’salwaystherightthingtodo?”

“Brenda…”
“Seriously.EvenAmandalecturedmeaboutthistheotherday.MaybeIshouldn’tmentionthis,butit

turnsoutthatColtontoldsomepeoplethatIhadsexwithhimonthefirstdate.Ididn’t,butitgotbackto
herandshebelievedit.ShebroughtitupwhenItoldherthatImetyouthesamedayIbrokeupwithhim.”

“Huh.IguessI’mnotsurprisedthathe’dslanderyou,”hesays.“Butthat’sreallyironic,considering

whathesaidtoyouthatdayatthepark.Youremember?”

“Um…hesaidafewthings.Whichwasit,exactly?”
“HecalledyouasuselessasDieselbecauseyoudon’tputout.”Hemakesquotemarksintheairwith

hisfingersthenhugsmetohischest,asiftocomfortme.

“Oh,right.God,soembarrassing!”Ihidemyfaceinhisjacket.
“He’stheonewhoshouldbeembarrassed.”
“Iknow,but…look.Thepointis,Coltondidn’t…Imean,Iwasn’tattractedtohim.Itoldyouthathe

startedworkingoutoftownalmostassoonaswestarteddating.Thenheleftthecountryforsixweeks
overtheholidays!Weonlyhad,like,ahandfulofdates.IbarelyknewhimandIneversleptwithhim.”

“Ibelieveyou.”
“I barely know you, either, yet you make me want you. For one thing, you…you’re an awesome

kisser.”

“Ohyeah?Youmean,likethis?”Hekissesme,slowandsteamy.
“Yes,”Isaywhenwe’redone,breathingalittleharder,“andforanotherthing,who’stoknowifwe

didmeetlatertonight?Who’stoknowifwegottogetherandum,porkedourselvessilly?”

“Porkedourselves?Asin…goporkyourself?”Helaughs.
I smile too but I’m trying to be serious right now. “Remind me why I’m waiting again? So that you

won’tthinkI’maslut?Isn’tthatwhattheycallvirtuesignalling?”

Heshrugs,hisexpressionhardtoread.What’shethinking?“Look,”hecontinues.“Ithinkyouknow

that the reason to wait is to get to know each other. Have some emotional intimacy before we have
physicalintimacy.”Hepullsmetowardshimforanotherquicksqueeze.

“Yes,ofcourseIknow.I’mjust…I’mjustfrustrated.”
“Tellmeaboutit,”hesays.Buthiseyesaregleaming.Ishe…isheenjoyingmyfrustration?Ithinkhe

is.Basedonhowhe’slookingatme,it’sturninghimon.

He’senjoyingthetease..whichiskindahot,whenIthinkaboutit..
“Butsexencouragesemotionalintimacy.Peoplebuildstrongbondswithsex,”Isay.
“Intherightcontext,yeah.AndIdothinkwehavetherightcontext.Or,we’rebuildingit.But,let’s

waituntilatleasttheseconddate,okay?”He’slookingatmeinawarmlyamusedandveryflirtyway.
“I’llfeelbetterifwegiveitatleastthatlong.”

“That’stomorrowthen,”Isay.
“Brenda.Youhavenoideawhatyou’redoingtome.But,Idon’tthinkweshouldmakehavingsexon

agivendateagoal.Iwantyou,ofcourse,butIdon’twanttorushit…Idon’twanttoruinit.”

Mybodydoesn’tthinkwe’llruinitbutIdon’twanttoarguethepoint.“Okay.”
Helaughs,andpullsmetohimagain.“Don’tsoundsoenthusiastic!”
Iwrinklemynoseathim.“Hey,maybeIcouldcometoyourplace,or,youcouldcometomine.We

couldplaysomevideogamesonsplit-screen.”

“Thatsoundsnice,”hesays.“Ifyoupromisenottomolestme.”
“Dang!Youarefoilingmyevilplans,”Ilaugh.
“Heh.I’dbeawillingvic…oh,shit.Hangon,Iforgot.I’ve…I’vebeenslackingongettingmyhouse

in order. I hate unpacking. The kitchen’s a mess, full of boxes of kitchen stuff my mom gave me. And I
haven’tunpackedthelivingroomeither.I’mnotevensurewhichboxmygamingconsoleisin.”

“Oh.Andyoudon’twantmetoseeyourplaceinamess?”
“Weellll…it’snotthatbad,it’sjustdisorganized.”
“Whydon’tyouletmehelpyouthen?That’dbeagoodseconddate,don’tyouthink?”
“Maybeforme…butnotsomuchyou?Helpingmeunpackisn’tveryromantic.”
“Yeah…but…Ialwaysthoughtromancewasaboutthepeopleinvolved,morethanthescenery.Imean,

youcouldhavetwopeopleona…Idunno,say,ayacht…oracruiseship…onamoonlitnightinatropical
lagoon…butiftheydon’tlikeeachother…whatthen?”

“Goodpoint.HaveItoldyouthatIlikethecutofyourjib?”
“Gladtohearthat,Cap’n.Letmeknowifyou’reeverlookingforaFirstMate.”
Hechuckles.“Ihaveanopeningcomingupinthatdepartment.”
“WhereshouldIsendmyrésumé?”
Hecupsmychinandkissesme.“Don’tworryaboutit…you’rehired.”

MYTRYSTwithRobatthedogparkmakesmelate,soIhavetorushtogettoNickandAmanda’sfor
dinner.WhenIgetthere,thebirdisreadyandeveryoneiswaitingforme.Amanda’sparents,Bernieand
Carol, have made the two-hour drive down from Cleveland for the night. It’ll be nice to see them, and
awesometogetanothergoodhome-cookedmeal.

Because,truthbetold,I’mnotasgoodacookasAmanda.I’mgreatatgroceryshoppingandkeeping

thekitchenstocked,butmealsformehavebeenkindofhit-and-misssinceMomandDadwentbackto
Floridaaftertheholidays.

AtNick’sbuildingdowntown,Itaketheelevatorupandfindtheirfrontdoorunlocked.Iletmyselfin

and the mouth-watering smells envelops me. Mmmm! I hang up my coat quickly and scoot down the
hallwaytothebigeat-inkitchen.

“Heypeeps,”Isay,roundingthecornerandshootingtheroomawave.“AmIlate?”Iask,atadtoo

breezily.Theyalllaughandoffergreetings.

Everyoneiseithersittingat,orstandingby,thetable.Thebird’sonaplatterandcoveredinfoil.It’s

huge!Thesurroundingtable-spaceistakenupbycovereddishes.Ispotonedishsocrammedwithstuffing
thatthelidcan’tquitekeepitallin.

Ifyouaskme,toomuchstuffingisalwaysagoodomen.
There’sacoupleopenbottlesofwineonthecentreislandandeveryoneexceptAmandahasaglassin

theirhand.

“Dude,whenareyounotlate?”Amandagrins.
“Wewereabouttostartwithoutyou,”Nicksays.“Grabaglassofwineandcomesitdown.”
“There’s a nice bottle of Zinfandel there, Bren,” Carol says. “The same kind we drank together on

Amanda’stwenty-first.”Shewinksatmeandtakesherseat,glassinhand.

“Oh, is that what you two were drinking that night,” Bernie says. “No wonder you were tipsy.

Anythingthattasteslikesody-popisboundtogodowntooeasy.”

“Oooh,yeah,that’sthegoodstuff,”Isay.“Ilikeitsweetandfizzy.”Ipourmyselfaglass,grabthe

bottle,andtakeaseatnexttoCarol.ShesmilesandraisesherglasssoIcanrefillit.

“Great!Okay,let’sgetaganderatthisbird,”Nicksays.
“Gander?”Berniesays.“Ithoughtitwasachicken!”
Everyonelooksathimblankly.
“Gander?”hesays.“Aganderisamalegoose,”heexplains.“Thisisachicken.Getit?Ha…ha?”
Everyonegroans.Amandasays,“Ohhaha,Dad,”and,then,withaflourish,shetakesthefoiloffthe

bird.

The groans turn to cries of awe. Amanda’s chicken is massive, beautifully browned and glistening

withjuices.Andit’sfullofstuffing!

Shemadeextra,Godloveher!
“OhmyGod,”Nickmoans,andholdsupthecarvingknife.“It’salmostashametodothis,”hesays.
“Doit!!”BernieandIyellitalmostatthesametime.
“Okay,okay,calloffthelynchmob,”Nicksays,laughing.Hecarves,andsomehowmanagestodivide

thebirdalmostperfectlyinhalf,likeasurgicalcross-section,showinghowperfectlycookeditis.

“Jesus,‘Manda.Whatthehell?It’sspookyhowgoodofacookyouare,”Isay.
“Iknow,right?”shesays,proudly.
Nickputslicesofwhitemeatneatlyontheplatter,thenfollowsthatwiththelegsandwings.Everyone

helpsthemselvesandstartspassingsidedishesaround,untilweallhaveheapingplates.

“Okay,weready?”Amandasays,lookingaround.“Dad,willyousaygraceandmakeatoast?”
Everyone stays respectfully silent as Bernie asks the blessing and then, beaming, we all toast the

deliciousdinnerwe’reabouttodevour.

I put a forkful of mashed potatoes dripping with gravy into my mouth, chew and swallow. “Oh my

God,that’ssogood!”Isay.Amandasmiles,anddevoursanicehelpingofmashedtatersherself.

We chat idly about Amanda’s pregnancy and this and that, with lulls in between as we focus on the

deliciousfood.

“Oh hey,” Amanda says, wiping her mouth and taking a sip of her juice, “Did you tell Doug and

Beverlyaboutthedogyet?”

Igrinandsay“Yep.Dadreallylikeshim,”beforeeatinganotherdrippingforkfuloffood.
Momentarysilence,then:“Getouttatown!”Nick,whoheardthewholestoryfromAmanda,says.“He

didn’tagreetoletyoukeepthatdog…didhe?”

“Idon’tthinkit’sgoingtobemydog,actually,”Isay,andfilltheminonwhatDadsaid.
“I’llbedamned,”Nicksays.“Helikesthedogenoughtokeepit?Forhimself?Ineverthoughthe’d

wantanotherdogafterSparky.Thatdog’spassingwassohardonhim.”

“Well,Iguesshe’sreadyforanotherone.Ibetyouhe’llenduptakingDieselbacktoFloridawith

them.”

“Noway,”Nicksays.“Hetoldmehimselfhe’stiredofresponsibility.Hejustwantstochill.I’llbet

youfiftybuckshewon’t.”

“Done,Nicholas.Andnowelching!”
“Yeah,youjustworryaboutyourself,littlesister,”hesays,shakinghisforkatmeandgivingmehis

PatentedBig-Brother-Knows-Alllook.

“Weshallsee,”Isay,abitonthesmugsidemyself.I’mpositivethatI’vegotthewinningbet.
“So,um,whydon’tyoutellusabitaboutRobert,yournew,um,beau,”Nicksays.
“Ah,yeah,IguessAmandamentionedthattoyou,didn’tshe?”Igivehertheoldstink-eye,andshe

crosseshersatmeinreturn.

Ifilltheminonevents,includingmyfirstdatewithRobertandhowwe’vebeenmeetinginthedog

parkallweek.

“Hesoundsniceandall,Brenda,but,holyshit,”Nicksays.“Movefastmuch?Don’tyouneedalittle

timebetweenboyfriends?”

Geez! “You sound exactly like Dad,” I say. “I already got this lecture from him.” I point my fork at

Amanda.“Ishallseriouslyhavetore-considerlettingyouintomyconfidence,henceforth,”Isay,tongue-
in-cheek.

Shegivesmeagrinandmouthsthewordsorry.
You’regonnabe,Imouthback,drawingmyfingeracrossmythroatjokingly.
NicklooksatAmandaandthenbackatme,shakinghisheadandsmiling.“Youtwoarereallyweird

sometimes,youknowthat?”

Carollaughs.“Youthinkthat’sbad?Didn’tyoueverseethemtogetherwhentheywereteenagers?”
Amanda’seyesgleam.Sheopensandcloseshermouthreallyfast,showingmehermouthfulofhalf-

chewedfood.Isnort,almostchoking.

Nick looks at Bernie, who raises his hands. “Hey, don’t look at me. I lived in a house with two

womenformanyyears.Theirwaysarenotourways,”hesays.

“Andthat’sagoodthing,”Carolsays.“Howboringwoulditbeifmenandwomenwerethesame.”
Amanda raises her glass of cranberry juice. “To all the differences between men and women, the

good,thebad,andtheugly!”

“Hear,hear,”weallchime,andclinkourglasses.
“So…howoldisthenewboyfriendthen?”Nickasks.
“He’sthirty-three,”Ianswer.
“Thirty-three?”Nicksays.HelooksatBernieagain.
“Why do you keep looking at me?” Bernie says. “We’ve had this conversation before, and not that

longago.Remember?”

Nick sighs. There’s nothing he can say, given that he’s seventeen years older than Amanda. And

BernieistenyearsolderthanCarol.

Whichmeans,mytwelve-yearagedifferencewithRobertisnotamatterofdebate.Yowza!Iamsoon

arollrightnow.

Ismile,andeatahugeforkfulofchickenandstuffing,munchinghappily,secureintheSafeZoneof

NotBeinginShitwiththeFamily.

“Okay.WellhesoundslikeanimprovementoverColton,atleast.We’llhaveyoutwooverfordinner

sometime.Ifyou’restillwithhimandhaven’tmetsomeotherguybeforelong,”heteases.Irollmyeyes
athimandhedropsmeawink.

Theconversationtrailsoffintomuffledgruntsofappreciationasweallgetdowntothebusinessesof

doingwhatweallcameheretodo…whichistostuffourfaceswithAmanda’scookinglikeit’sourlast
mealonearth.

It’sagoodfeast,andagoodvisitwithfamily.Andthebestpartis,theweekend’snotoveryet.
IstillhavetomorrownightwithRoberttolookforwardto.

ChapterNine

BRENDA

NIGHT

,IexcitedlygetthedogsreadyandheadovertoRob’splaceforourdate.I’mintriguedby

theaddress,whichisinEasterville,thesameareaasRon’sRistorante,wherewewentonourfirstdate.

It’sanolderarea,withaneclecticmixofhomesandresidents.Artists,youngfamilies,professionals

and elderly, long-time residents live in everything from garden-style apartments to large, rambling old
mansions.Manyhomesarerenovatedandsomearecrumblingandinneedofrepairs.Butpeoplelovethe
areaforthediversityandlifestyleitoffers.

Eveninthiscrappyeconomy,theareaisundergoingakindofgentrification,muchasotherareasinthe

region have done. Easterville, as well as Merlington, where I live, are part of a handful of satellite
suburbs surrounding the good-sized downtown core. The city proper has a huge international airport
whichisanimportanthubforpointsnorthandsouth.Ourcorneroftheworldiswell-placedtoweather
justaboutanyeconomy,soit’sjustamatteroftimebeforeitrecoversinearnest.

IpulluptoRob’shouseandtakeagoodlookatitintheloweringlight.IcheckeditoutonGoogle

first,butinpersonitlooksevenbetterthanIthought.

It’s an older Craftsman-style bungalow boasting a full-length front porch, complete with a white

picketrailing.Amellow,welcominglightglowsthroughabigbaywindow.

I don’t even have to knock. Rob opens the front door as I approach, Princess’ carrier over one

shoulderandDieselbymyside.

“Hey, here’s my new favorite gang,” he says, holding the door open to let us in. He leans forward,

puckeringup,andtakesDiesel’sleashfrommyhand.Ikisshim,smiling.Helooksgreat,wearingfaded
jeansandatightOhioStateUniversityt-shirtthatclingstohismeatyabs.

Tiny pads out from the living area, where I can smell and hear a cozy fire burning. Rob unsnaps

Diesel’sleash,hangsitonacoat-standinthefoyer,thenheadsintothelivingroomwithmefollowing.

It’s a large fieldstone fireplace with a big mantle and wide hearth. There’s a long, plush sectional

couch, an overstuffed armchair and ottoman, a coffee table, and a big flatscreen TV standing on a low
credenza,withdrawersandshelvesforelectronics.Fourorfivemovingcartonsstandby,someopened
andsomestilltapedclosed.

Tiny’searsgobackandhisstubtailwagsashegreetsme.ThenhechecksDieseloutwithathorough

sniff before allowing him to pass by. Having passed this crucial test, Diesel begins exploring
immediately,nosingalongthefloorcuriously.

“Stayclose,Deez,”Isay.
“Naw, it’s okay,” Rob says. “The place is dog-proof. There are a lot of boxes around but there’s

nothingbadtogetinto.Theycanhavetherunoftheplace.LetPrincessoutandshecanexploretoo,ifyou
want.She’llbefine.”

IcanfeelPrincessquiveringinhercarrier.Itakeheroutandputheronthefloorwhereshegoesinto

an ecstatic dance, jumping back and forth between Rob and Tiny, making cute grunting noises with her
earsbackandeyesfulloflove.

Weperchonthecouchforafewminutes,chattingandwatchingthefire.TinyputsupwithPrincess’

silliness,sniffingandwatchingherwithearscocked,toleratingherrestlessenergy,untilshecalmsdown
andbeginsherownexploration.

ThebigRottietakesitallinforanothermoment,andthenflopsdownonanhugedogbedtotheside

of the hearth. Diesel comes back from where ever he went, and watches Princess walk through to the
diningroom,sniffingandexaminingeverythingwithinreach.HelooksatmeandthenRob.Robliftshis
chinandDieselturnstofollowher.

Ijustsmileandshakemyhead,alreadygettingusedtoRob’swaywithdogs.
“Alright,they’regonnasettleinjustfine.C’mon,letmeshowyouaround,”Robsays.
Thehouseturnsouttohavefourbedroomswithtwofullbathsandapowderroomonthemainfloor.

Theeat-inkitchenhasbeenmodernizedandrecentlyrenovated,withgleaminggranitecountersandshiny,
newerappliances.

The basement has a large recreation room, an extra bedroom, a bathroom and kitchenette, fully

finished,allwithaseparateentranceandthepotentialtorentoutforextraincome.

There’salsoagenerous-sizedfurnaceandworkroom,kittedoutasaworkshop,withalong,built-in

benchandpegboardsfortools.

Thehouseisingreatshape,andexceptforthemanyboxesandcartonseverywhere,it’sneat,clean

andwell-maintained.

“Isitjustmeoristhisplacebiggerthanitlooksfromthestreet?”Backinthekitchen,Robhasopened

twobottlesofbeer.Heoffersmeaglass,butIshakemyhead.“Nothanks,I’mstillonthebottle,”Isay,
grinning.

“Mykindofgirl,”hesays,givingmeanotherkiss.“Yes,it’sactuallylongerthanitiswide.It’savery

deeplot,too.Twohundredandfiftyfeet,endinginalittlestreamattheback.Niceandprivate.”

“It’s a great place, and a great area.” I say. “I love it. And all this house needs is to be unpacked.

Now,ImaynotbethegreatestcookbutIamagreatorganizer.Ifyouwant,Icanunpackthekitchenfor
youwhileyoudoanotherroom.”

“Oh, you wanna get right down to work, huh?” He smiles. “Actually I’d appreciate that a lot. I’ve

beenhere,what,twoweeksnowIthink.Livingoutofboxesisgettingold.”

“Well,yougotyourbedroomdone,sothere’sthat,”Isay,encouragingly.
“True, but I need work clothes and a place to sleep worse than I need to cook. Between work, the

gym,andTiny,I’vehardlybeenhome.Plus,therearesomanyrestaurantandfoodchoicesinthistown,I
betIcoulddowithouthavingafunctionalkitchenformonths.”

“Youdon’tlooklikeyoueatoutalot,”Isay,glancingathistrimwaist.
“Ihavebeen,overthelastcoupleweeks.Dinneratmom’slastnightwasoneofthefewexceptions.

I’vebeenhittingthegymextrahard,too,whichhelps.Butyoucan’tgetawaywithneglectingdietforever.
Nutrition’stooimportant.”Helooksaround,chewingonhislip.“Yousureyoucanhandleallthis?”He
wavesatthestackofboxespiledinthekitchen.

“Sure.Ithinkso,”Isay,glancingaroundatthespaciouscupboardsandwalk-inpantry.
“Alright! Well, don’t worry if you don’t get to it all tonight. It’s not going anywhere.” He smiles.

“Thanksagain,sweetie!”Anotherkiss,andhegoesdownstairstotacklethebasement,leavingmetoget
toworkinthekitchen.

Hisremarkaboutnutritionmakesmethinkaboutmyownlackofbasicculinaryskills.Idon’tknow

whyIhaven’tlearnedyet,really,unlessit’sjustbecauseIhaven’treallyneededto.

Haven’treallyneededto…andwhy’sthat?Coulditbe…maybe…onemightsay…I’vebeenaweebit

spoiled?

Super-teeny,tiny,weelittlebit?
Maybe.
Ugh!
Ithinkaboutalltheyearsoffoodprepandmealsmadebymymother,and,yes,bothmygrandmothers.
Sigh.
Andofcourse,Amandaandhermothercook,andsodomanyofmyfriends.ThenIthinkaboutwomen

everywhere, matter-of-factly showing their love for their families, by the simple effort of feeding them
properly.

In my heart, I decide to make a serious effort to master the basics. Baby steps first, and then…who

knows.Maybeit’llbemeservingupaperfectroastchickenonedaysoon.

Lookingoverthepilesofcartons,Ipickone,andgettowork.

ITTAKESmeovertwohourstounpackthethirtycartons––thirty––ofkitchenstuff.There’smorekitchen
stuffthanyoucanshakeastickat!Itemslargeandsmall,modernandretro,usefulandbizarre.

I quickly realize why Rob’s so overwhelmed by this task. As I busy myself deciding on what goes

where,I’minakindofshocked,bemusedawe.

Whatonearthisaguywhodoesn’tcookgonnadowithallthisstuff?
There’safullsetofplain,white,thickandrobustdishes.Theylooklikerestaurantquality,obviously

expensiveandinverygoodshape.Itturnsouttobeacompleteservicefortwelve!

Therearenumerouspotsandpans,sauceandsouppots,adouble-boilerandtwowoks.Thereareloaf

pans and cake pans; assorted mixing and serving bowls; myriad storage containers and tupperware, a
generous mishmash of single or orphaned crystal and china pieces, like a creamer, a salt and pepper
shakerandabutterdish.Allmadebydifferentcompaniesbutallveryhigh-qualityinthemselves.

There are carafes and vases in crazy colors; a dozen big, chunky coffee mugs, in varying pastel

shades;andsixdelicatechinateacupswithplates,allindifferentfloralpatterns.

There’s a fondue set and nesting wooden salad bowls; a stone mortar and pestle; a wooden and a

marblecuttingboard;acheeseplattersetwithanexoticsoundingSwissname;aFrenchcoffeemaker,a
German food processor, a British tea pot; two brand-name blenders, and an assortment of utensils and
servingwarethathastorivalwhatyou’dfindatafreakingStatedinner!

There’satrulyoverwhelmingandbewilderingvarietyofstuffhere.
RobdriftsinandoutofthekitchenasIunpack,grabbinganotherbeer,takingawaytheemptycartons,

chattingaboutthisandthat.Ononetripupfromthebasement,hebringsupahammerandsomenailssohe
canhanguparetro,artdecoclockandvariedpiecesofkitchenartworkasIunpackthem.

The dogs are not allowed in the kitchen but they wander around the rest of the house at will, the

clickingsoundoftheirnailsonthehardwoodfloorsgivingtheirlocationsaway.Soon,theirsoundscease,
andItakeaquickbreaktolookinonthem.DieselandTinyarefloppedontheruginfrontofthefire,
layingalmostbacktoback.

Right in the middle of Tiny’s big bed is Princess, curled up into a tight orange ball of fur. They all

watchmeputanotherlogonthefire,butnoneofthembestirthemselvesasIgetbacktowork.

Onanothertripupfromthebasement,Robadmonishesmewhenhecatchesmestandingonthecounter

to reach the void above the cabinets, where I’m arranging some large, colorful old cookie jars as a
display. He stands behind me, spotting me like a gymnast until I’m finished, when he grabs me by the
waistwithbothhandsandliftsmedownasifIweighnothing.

Then,heplayfullypinsmeagainstthecounterandnibblesmyneck,threateningaspankingifItrythat

again.HemakesitsoundlikesomuchfunthatIwanttoclimbrightbackuponthecounter.

Histouch,hisnearnessandhisattentionmakesmynerveendingsfire,leavingmebreathlessanddamp

betweenthelegs.

Iwanthimsobad.Sobad!Ifhewantsmewithhalfasmuchpassion,I’llconsidermyselftheluckiest

girlinthestate.

Wepausearoundsixo’clocktofeedthedogs.RobaskswhatIwanttodofordinner.Idon’twantto

stoptogooutororderin,soweputafrozenlasagnaintheoven.

Finally,Igetdowntothelastboxes.Doneunpackingtherecreationroomandputtingtoolsawayinthe

workroom,Robjoinsmeinthekitchen.Thelasagnaisready,andwepausetodevourthewholething,
sharingbitesofitrightoutofthepanandwashingitdownwithbottledwater.

Hewipeshismouthandleansbackwithasigh,puttinghishandsbehindhishead,andcrossinghis

thicklymuscledlegsattheankles.

OhGod.He’ssoyummylooking,hemakesthehaironthebackofmyneckstandup.
Hetakesalookatthelastoftheunboxedstuff,whichI’veleftonthetableuntilIfindaspotforit.He

rememberssomeofitfromhischildhood,butnotallofit.Someofit,likethefonduepot,heisn’teven
abletoidentify.

“Howdoyouknowit’safonduepot?”heasks.“Yousayingyou’vebeentoalotoffonduepartiesin

yourday?”

“No,” I giggle, “I’m just saying, I know what it is. My parents had one. Probably my grandparents,

too.”

“I’lltakeyourwordforit.Wow,there’sjust…somuchstuff,”hesayswonderingly,gazingfromhis

seatintotheopendoorsofallthenow-fullcupboardsandcabinets.

“Iknow!Um,doesyourmomknowthatyoudon’tcook?”Ijoke.
“Yeah,butmaybeshe’shopingI’lllearn.Iknowshekeptalotofmygrandparent’sstuffinhopesit’d

getsomeuse.ButI’mwonderingnowifthisisfrombothsetsofgrandparents.I’llhavetoaskher.”He
laughs.“Ihavenoexcusenottocooknow,Iguess.”

HefallssilentasIputthelastitemaway;abigroastingpan,whichIbenddowntoputintoalower

cupboard.

“Now that’s a view I can get behind,” he says. I turn and raise an eyebrow at him. He gives me a

sheepishsmileandashrug.

I shut all the cupboard doors and stand back to survey my work. The counters are neatly arranged,

withabreadboxandanicestandforutensils;amug-holderandthecoffee-maker.There’sadish-towel
hangingfromtheovendoorhandle,andadish-soapdispenserandapaper-towelstand.

Thereareevenfridgemagnets,whichI’veartfullyarrangedonthefridgeforhim.
Itlookslovelyandhome-yandwarm.
Smilingwithsatisfaction,heholdshishandouttome.Igoovertohimandlethimpullmeintohis

lap.

Oneofhisarmspullsmetohischest,whiletheothergoesaroundmykneesandpullsthemupwards,

sothatI’mcurledintohim,ourfacesclose.Henuzzlesmycheek.Istopbreathing,suddenlyfixatedonhis
mouthasitdrawsneartomine.

“You’ve done a great job,” he whispers, kissing a corner of my mouth softly. He kisses that corner

again,andthenmoveshislipsovermine,takingadeepbreathasIturntoreceivehismouthfully.Wekiss,
along,lingeringone,thefirstproper,hotandsexykissofthenight.

Undermybutt,hisswellinginterestismakingitselffelt.Hiskiss,hishardness,andthewarmthofhis

handsonmywaistaremakingmypussythrob.

“Let’smovetothelivingroom,”Imurmur.“Ibetthatcouchofyoursisperfectformakingout.”
“Icouldn’tsay,”hereplies.“It’ssonew,I’vebarelyevensatonityet.Let’sgobreakitin.”

ChapterTen

BRENDA

POKES

thefireandputsanotherlogon,thenwecuddleuponthecouch.

“Weshouldunpackthisroomnext,”Isay,“becauseonceyousetupyourgamingconsole,you’llreally

feellikeyou’rehome.”

“IalreadyfeellikeI’mhome,thankstoyou.”Hepullsmeagainsthimforanotherkiss.“Ican’tthank

youenoughforwhatyoudidinthekitchen.”

Itrytowaveitoffbutheinsists.“No,Iwasreallyoverwhelmed.Waytoomuchstuff,waytoomuch.

Someofitshouldhavebeensoldorgivenawaylongago.It’snicetohave,butyousaidyou’renotinto
cookingeither.It’sashame,butit’sallgonnagatherdusthere.”

Ilovethathe’stakingmeintoaccountinhisthoughtsaboutthefutureuseofhiskitchen.“Don’tbeso

sure,”Isay,usingmyfingernailstogivehisstubblychinagentlescratch.“Iwasjustthinkingthatit’stime
togetseriousaboutlearningtocook.Everyoneinmyfamilycooks,evenmybrother.I’mtheonlyonewho
hasn’treallylearned.”

“Samehere,”hesays.“Mybrothercangrillandroastwiththebestofthem,butIbarelyknowmyass

frommyelbowwhenitcomestocutsofmeat.”

“Well, there’s something we can do together then,” I say, smiling. “Something…else.” I waggle my

eyebrows and wink clownishly, but being in his arms is making my body take serious notice. My skin
feelslikeit’smorealivethanit’severbeen,everynerveendingonhighalert.

“Don’t tempt me,” he says, cuddling his cheek into my hair. “We’ll wait. I don’t want you to regret

anything.”

OhmyGod,whatdoIhavetodotogetlaidaroundhere?
“Robert. Seriously? I don’t want to wait. I’ve waited long enough. Maybe, if anything, I’ll regret

waiting.”

Hesaysnothing,butIcanfeelhisbodytense.Hisfingerstracemyskinrestlessly.“You’remakingit

hardtodotherightthing,here,sweetie.I’monlyaman,andyouareaverydesirablewoman.”

Isitupandkisshim,teasinghislipswithmytongue.Ipullbackandlookintohiseyes.“Whatifthe

rightthingistoshowhowwefeelabouteachother?I’mready,Robert.Morethanready.

Helooksintomyeyes,hisownsuddenlysharpandintense.“Okaythen.”Hegrabsmeandliftsme

intohislap,growling,“C’mere.”

This time, he puts his hands under my thighs and boldly pulls my legs apart so I’m straddling him.

Thenheremovesthebandholdingmyhairinaponytail,andusingbothhands,hefluffsmyhairsothatit
fansoutdownmyback.

Then,hands rubbing myshoulders, eyes crinklingand lips curled upat the corners,he lets his gaze

roamwhereitwill.

“You’reaglorioussight,”hesays,showingthatonedashingdimpleofhis.Puttingahandbehindmy

neck,hepullsmeforwardforanotherpassionatekiss.

Hisfreehandfollowsthecurveofmywaist,settingoffachainreactionofshiversthatfrissonintomy

breasts, making them tingle and harden at the tips; and down they go into my belly and then, my cleft,
whichloosens,thentightensandgetsdewyallatthesametime.

Urgent,hungrykissesmakemybreathquickenandmybackarch,pushingmybreastsagainsthischest

inawaveofachingneed.

Onestronghandholdsmyhead,fingerslacingthroughmyhair,whiletheotherfindsabreast.Hecups

andsqueezesit,makingmybreathcatch.Hisfingerszeroinonmytautnippleandpullonit,thenalternate
flickingandcircling.

Awhisperymoanescapesmythroat.Iopenmyeyestofindhisgazeintentonmyface.Hisownbreath

iscomingfaster,hiserectionthrobbingagainstmyachingpussy,separatedbythefabricofourjeans.

Heliftsmyshirtandthenmybra,freeingmybreasts.
“Ahhh,”hebreathes.Iliftmyselfup,offeringthemtohim.Hetakesabreastineachhand,thenonein

his mouth, licking it and sucking it as far in as he can, where his tongue and teeth flick and nibble the
sensitiveflesh.

The sensation travels directly to my pussy, where a concentration of heat seems to grow, making it

juicyandhot.

I turn slightly so he can give the other breast the same treatment. “Mmmm,” he mumbles, his voice

vibratingagainstmyboob.

“Ohh,geez,thatfeelsso…ahhh!”Hislipspullononenipplesharply,makingmyclitthrobveryhard

inresponse.Myhandsclasphishead,diggingintohishairasheholdsabreastineachhand,lickingand
teasingeachoneinturn.

Ilowermyselfagainsthim,findinghismouthwithmineandgrindingmycrotchagainsthis.Icanfeel

hishardcockthrobbinganditdrivesmewild.

Iwanttoseeitsobad,Iwanttoholditinmyhand,aliveandwarm,Iwanttolickandsuckit,sitonit

andtakeitallthewayinsidemyself.

“Take this off,” he mutters, tugging at my shirt. I lean back, and he takes it off, throwing it on the

couch.Mybrafollows.Hiseyesareavid,hishipsrisingtomeetthepressureandheatthatmybodyis
exertingagainsthiserection.

“Ahh, shit…Brenda…baby,” he pants, those amazing eyes flicking between my boobs and my face.

“Listen,um…areyouonthepill?”

“Yes,yes,I’monthepill.OnthepillandSTDfree.”
“Okay,”hegrins.“I’malsoSTDfreeandIhappentohavearecent,full-panelbloodtestifyouwant

toseeit.Igetafreecheck-upthroughworkeverysixmonthsandwejustdidthatamonthago.Ialsohave
condoms,ifyouprefer.”

“Ibelieveyou,”Isay.“Idon’tdoubtit.”
“Good.BecauseI’dneverlietoyouorhurtyou,Brenda.”
Ibelievehim.
“Standup,sweetie,”hesaysnow.“Iwanttoseeallofyou.”Hissmile,hiseyes…thewayheregards

methrillsme,allthewaythrough.

I stand up. He sits up as well, staying near enough to touch my legs and murmur encouragement.

Undoingmyjeans,Ipushthemdownslowly,lovingtheintensityofhisexpression.Hiseyesdevourme,
mybreasts,mybelly,andthenthosepiercingbabybluestakeinmyfrilly,barely-therepanties.

“You’restunning,”hewhispers,runningahanddownthebackofmythigh.“You’relikesilk,softand

sweetandluxurious.”

Allthoughtsleavemymind.I’mtotallyconsumedwithlust.AllIcanthinkaboutisgettinghiscock

intome,whereitcanfinallysoothethedeep,scorchingneedthat’swideawakenow,awakeandaware
andthrobbingwayuphighinside.

“Ohhh,baby,”hewhispers,“youare…so…beautiful.Turn…turnaroundforme.Showmethatass.”
I turn slowly, bending forward slightly, putting a little sway into my knees without even needing to

thinkaboutit.Ihopehecanseemypussypeekingoutfrombetweenmylegs,Ihopeit’sashotforhimto
seemelikethis,asitisformetolethim.

I hear him stand up and move behind me. I turn my head as he steps close to me from behind. His

handscaressmyhips,thenItiltmyheadbackandrestitonhisshoulder,givinghimmynecktorunhis
lipsover,feelingtheheatofhisbreathandhismouthasitmakesmyowntemperaturerise.

Myeyescloseashesucklesmyneck,takinghistime,movinghishandsdowntomyass,wherethey

grasp those muscles, squeezing and kneading, before following the curve of my waist back up to my
breasts.

He grips and pinches my nipples delicately. Ah, God! The heat, the heat…a warm droplet emerges

frommypussyandrunsdownmythigh.Iarchmyback,pushmyassintohim,andguidehishandsdown
mybelly.Hehookshisthumbsintothewaistbandofmypanties.

Andsuddenly,Igetscared.BeforeIknowwhatI’mdoing,myhandsgotohiswristsandstophim.
WhatamIdoing?Ihavetotellhim…butI’msuddenlyembarrassedbymyutterlackofexperience.

MaybeIshouldwaittotellhim?No,no,now’sthetime,heshouldknownow,beforehand,sohecan…
what?Dowhat…actdifferently?How?

Idunnoexactly,itjustseemslikeheshouldknow.
Will he think that I’m just a stupid, inexperienced girl, dumbass virgin, too spoiled and taken with

herselftoknowwhatshewants?

Ortoopickytomakeadecision?Willhebehappythathe’smyfirst…orthinkmetooeagertogive

myvirginityawaytoaguyIbarelyknow?

MyuncertaintymakesmefeelpanickyandIfeelmyfacestartingtoflush.
Heletsgoofmypantiesimmediately.“Whatisit?”hesays,turningmetofacehimagain.
Heputshisarmsaroundmywaistandletshisfingerstracelightlyovermyass.“What’swrong?”
Ican’tquiteformulatethewords,notatfirst.
“Nothing’swrong,really…”Ishakemyheadandclearmythroat.“It’sjustthat..I…well,you should

know,probably,that…I…ahhh…I…”

Istuttertoastop.
Hefrowns,buthiseyesareglinting.Ishe…isheholdingbackasmile?Hefoldsmeintohisarms,

pressing my nakedness against his warm, wide chest. I feel immediately better…steadier. But I catch a
glimpseofhisfaceandhey…yeah,IthinkIspotthatdimple.

Ishelaughingatme?No,ofcoursenot…right?
Speakingintohischest,Imumble,“There’ssomethingyoushouldknow.I’m…I’venever,um,actually

hadsex.Er,youknow.Intercourse?Yeah.Or,never…really…anythingmuch.Actually.”

Hesaysnothing,justhugsme,keepingmyheadtuckedunderhischin.
Ifeelhisshouldersshakingandhischestvibrating.Waitasecond.
“Areyoulaughingatme?”Isay,pushingbackfromhimtopeerupathisface.
“No!”hesays,tryingtoholdontomesoIcan’tseehisface.But,thenhegivesinandsmilesdownat

me.

“Youarelaughing!”
“Brenda,no!Imean,I’mnotlaughingatyou.I’mdelightedwithyou,totallysmittenwithyou.Head-

over-heels.You’resofunny,socuteandsweet!Ican’tbelievehowadorableyouare…howdelectable
andjust…fucking…gorgeousyouare.IwantedyoufromtheminuteIlaideyesonyou.”

He’snuzzlingme,murmuringandreassuring,holdingmetight,andchuckling.Idon’tknowwhetherto

be embarrassed or overjoyed. No one has ever said these things to me, no one has ever brought these
strongfeelingsoutinme.

Ican’tspeak,butit’sokay.Robholdsmeandtalkstomeandjust…makeseverythingokay.
“Maybeyouwon’tbelievethisbutIhadafeelingaboutyou,basedonwhatColtonsaidthatdayatthe

park. But there’s also this…innocence about you…a hot, and ripe, sweet and yummy innocence. Jesus!
I’mtotally,completely,one-hundred-percentobsessedandsmittenwithyou.”

I struggle and manage to find my voice. “I…really?” I look into his face and swallow hard. “Well

that’s a good thing since I’m completely smitten with you too. I mean, if this doesn’t work out, I’m
probablygonnaneedtherapy.”Ilaughweakly.“I’msoattractedtoyou,Robert.You’resokindanddecent
andhot…didImention,hot?…andIjustlikeyouso,soverymuch.”

Hethrowshisheadbackandletsoutaboyishguffaw,thenlooksdowntonuzzlenoseswithme.“I

surehopeso,”heplantsaquickkiss,“sinceyou’restandinghere,”anotherkiss,“basicallynakedinmy
arms!” Kiss…another kiss and more nose-nuzzling. We’re both grinning and chortling like love-struck
fools.

Andhiswordsandthatwide,whitegrinofhis,andhisevidentenjoymentandthetender,lovingway

he’sholdingme,evenrockingmealittle…allthistellsmeeverythingIneedtoknow.

I’msafewithhim.I’mrightwhereIbelong.
“Baby,” he says, “I’m honored. Honored and more turned on than I’ve ever been.” He grinds his

hardnessintomeasemphasis.“ButIcantakethingsasslowasyouneed.”

“Nooo,” I say, “that’s not what I meant! I don’t wanna take things slow. I just…I think you should

know.Iwantedmyfirsttimetobewithaspecialguy,andyouarethatguy.Thatdoesn’tmeanwehaveto
goslow…Idon’twanttowaitfortheweddingnight,mmmkay?”

He laughs again, grabs my chin and plants another kiss on my lips, this time, taking my bottom lip

betweenhisteethandgrowling.

“Idon’twannawaitthatlongeither.Butit’s…it’swhateveryouwant,baby.”
“Iwantyoutogetnakedwithme!Because,honestly?I’msofrackinghornyrightnow…”
Stillsmiling,hebendsdown,picksmeupandcarriesmedownthehalltohisroom.Onceinsidethe

door,hepushesitshutwithhisfoot.“Tokeepthedogsout,”hesays.

Hesetsmeonthebed,thenleansoverme,pushingmebackwards,slowlyandplayfully,kissingme

andmakinggrowlingnoises,until,heartracing,Ifallontomyback.

Hungrymouthdevouringmine,thenkissestrailingtheirwaydownmyneck,andlovebitespunctuated

by“mmm’s”andsighsofappreciation.

Hislipscircleandtoywithmynipples,takingtheirsweettime,thenslooowlytrailtheirwaydown

myribcage,downmybelly,andthen,hishandsliftmyhipstotakemypantiesoff.

Itakeapeekathisface.He’srapt,eyesexaminingmynakedpussyfrominchesaway.I’mveryaware

thathe’sthefirstmantoeverseemethisway.

Andnow,heisawareofthattoo.
Andhe’sregardingmyglistening,naked,shavedpussylikeastarvingmanwouldadeliciousmeal.
Myhipsthrusttowardshimoftheirownvolition,makinghiseyesgleam.
Buthedoesn’ttouchmypussy.
Helowershishead,then––oh,tease!––thatnibbling,lickingmouthgoesrightpastmythrobbingpussy

tomythighs.

Uhnnnh! Biting my lip, I close my eyes as he licks and sucks the insides of my thighs, blowing hot

breathovermytenderfleshasheswitchessides,stoppingtoliftoneofmyknees,thentheother,overhis
shoulders.

Ohmygosh,thisissohot,it’ssounbearablyerotictohavehisfacesoclosemynakedness.
Finally,hepullsmytremblingasstowardshimselfandthenusesonehandtoliftthefleshofmypubis

upwards,openingmetohimevenmore.

Iwatch,quivering,andthen,andthen…ohGod,heflattenshistongueandusesittolickmefrommy

opening all the way up to my clit. “Mmmm,” he moans, closing his eyes, so intense he almost sounds
angry.Hesmackshislips,tastingme.“Mmmmm,”hesaysagain,breathinghard,thenhelicksmeagain,
moaningagainstmyfleshashedoes,andthesensationissoexquisite,sounlikeanythingI’veeverfelt;
so…incredibly…good.

Helicksmewithhisflattongueagainandagain,andeverytimehistonguecoversmyclit,mywhole

passagetightensandthrobs.HisthumbholdsmyfleshupenoughthatIcanseemyengorgednubsticking
out.

Thesightalmostmakesmecomerightthen.
Heusesthetipofhistonguetostrokearoundmyclit,thenhemakesacircleofhislipsandsucksit

inside,makingmytoescurlandforcinganincoherentmoanfrommythroat.

Heflicksthesensitiveballofmyclitwithhistongue,makingprofoundshocksofpleasure.Everytime

hetugsontheoutside,itcreatesathrobontheinsidethatfeelssodivine.

“Yummy little pussy,” his voice is a sexy, explosive whisper. “Absolutely luscious.” He uses his

tonguetoprobemyopening,gentlyatfirstandthenmoreinsistently,paintingstrokesofwhite-hotpleasure
witheverytouch.

He’salmostpantingnow,hisfaceredandhiseyesgleaming,intensewithanimalpleasure.“Mycock

is so hard it’s killing me,” he says, and dips his tongue into my opening again, probing, probing. The
pleasuremakesmyeyesrollupintomyhead.

“IthinkIcanfeelit,”hesays,hoarsely,comingupforair.“Yourhymen’sstillthere,”anddowngoes

hisheadagain.Hisprobingtongueismakingmecrazy.Mynipplesaresohardthey’reaching,soItake
thembetweenmyownfingers.

“Ohyeah,playwiththosebeautifultits,”hewhispersanduseshisthumbtoexposemyclitagain.“Oh

lookatthis…lookhowharditis,”hesays.Helicksit,makingmeconvulse.“Youreadytocome,baby?
Youreadytocomehard?”Helicksthennibbles,thenlicksagain,makingmemoanandbuck.“Noonehas
beendownherebeforeme?Isthisthefirsttimeanyonehastastedyoursweetpussy?”

“Yes,yes,”Imoan.“Goditfeelssogood!”
“AhJesus,”hemurmurs.Hesurroundsmyclitwithhismouthnow,flatteninghislipsandhistongue

against it. He uses his tongue as if he’s carefully, thoroughly cleaning my button. His other thumb rests
againstmyopening,pressinggentlyandrhythmically,makingmyfleshflutterandgrasp.

Thepleasurehe’slavishingonmyclitorisrises,andclimbs,andtremblesontheedgebeforerising

again, and then the pleasure itself seems to take the shape of his tongue, and he licks and sucks and
tonguesmeandohhhhhGodohGod…ohhhhJesusChristI’mcoming,I’mcomingsofuckinghard!

Myeyessqueezeshut,mypassageandmyclitcontract,peakingandthenpulsatetogether,sohardand

intense,itmakeslightexplodeinmyhead.Ican’tcontrolmyhipsorlegs,andfrommythroatcomesacry
I’veneverheardmyselfmakebefore,notevenwhenImakemyselfcomewithmyvibrator.

Ican’tstopmyselffrommakingthatsound,orfrombuckingandgrindingagainstRobert’sface.My

thighsgriphishead,andhegrabsmyhipsandholdson,fingersdiggingintomyflesh.He’sgrunting,deep,
guttural, animal grunts, his tongue flicking and licking, enticing every last drop cream, lapping at my
opening,drinkingupmyjuicesandcrowningmypleasure.Mythighsquiverandsqueezeuncontrollably.

A few minutes pass, or I don’t know, maybe it’s just a few seconds. My thighs are locked around

Rob’s head and his tongue is still lapping. Juices run down my ass to pool on the sheets. My clit is so
sensitivethatitmakesmybodyjumpwhenhebrushesit.

Finally my thighs relax and I let them fall all the way open. I’m panting, eyes closed and sweat

beadingonmychest.Hekissesmyclit,givesitonelastlick,thenhekissesmybellyandmythighs.Iopen
myeyeswhenIhearhimstandup.

Pullinghisshirtoverhishead,heflingsthatasideandunzipshisjeans,pushingthemdowntolethis

cockspringfree.He’ssmilingdownatme,hischinstillwetwithmyjuices.

He’s so beautiful. What a bod! Broad, muscled shoulders, tapering down to sculpted abs and hips.

Strong,masculinearmsandhandsandstrong,longlegs.

Andhiscock…ohyes,it’saniceone.Itjutsforwardboldly,longandwide,anddeepredatthetip.It

jumpsandreleasesasilverstringashegivesitastroke.

Mypussyclenches,wantingthatlovelyerectioninside.
“Haveyou…doyouknowwhattodowiththis?”heasks,hisvoiceahoarsewhisper,hishandholding

hiscockatthebase.

“No…I mean, I’ve watched some porn,” I say, shakily. It’s hard to make my voice work. “But I’ve

nevertouchedarealone.”Iwantto,butnowI’mkindofnervous.Watchingpornisonething.Havinga
stiffy waving in your face in real life another. Hotter, but also, scarier. I don’t want to make an ass of
myself.

“Oh man,” he says, letting go of his dick. It stays upright, not budging except to leap a little. I love

howhisballspressuptightagainstthebaseofhisshafteverytimehiscockmoves.

“Well,there’llbeplentyoftimetolearn.”Hisvoiceisquiet,urgent.“IwantyoutotouchitbutI’m

afraidI’llcometoosoon.Andrightnow,Ijustwannabeinsideyou,Brenda.Iwannatakethatprecious
cherryrightnow.”Herunsafingerbetweenmyfoldsandshowsittome.“Lookhowsoakedyouare.”He
putsthefingerinhismouthandcleansitoff,eyesclosingashedoes.“Sofuckingyummy.”

Kneeling on the bed between my legs, he takes his cock in his hand as another drop of precum

emerges.Heletsthesilveryfluidfallontomypussyandthenrubshissilkycockheadbetweenmylabia.
His hot flesh against mine feels so good, so dirty and good, I feel like I’ll come again if he just keeps
doingthat.“Youready,baby?”

“OhGodyes,”Iwhisper.
Holding his cock with one hand, he presses the tip against my opening and pushes. He stops, then

pushes again, working it slowly, shallowly, watching my face. I close my eyes, wanting to feel every
sensation,evenifithurts.

Anditdoes,itstartstohurt,but,theneedtobefucked,tobefilledandfuckedandrockedtomycore

isgreater,theanticipationswellinguptooverwhelmme.Hisdelicatemaneuveringisn’tenough.Myhips
tipforward,tryingtomeetandimpalemyselfonhisthrusts.

Iliftmylegsandgriphisasswithmyheels.
“Just…just…go!”Iurge,pushingmyhipsagainsthim.
“Yousure?”Hestopsaltogether,lookingdownatme.Hiseyesaregleaming,andthatonedimplein

hischeekshowsupandthendisappearsagain.

He’steasingmeagain,makingmeaskforit.Sosexy!
“Yes, yes, come on!” I wriggle and writhe, grabbing his legs behind the knees to try to bring him

towardsme.

“Oh,really?”There’sthatdimpleagain.“Tellmewhatyouwantmetodo,”hesays,rockinghiships

teasingly. The tip of his penis is creating uncomfortable, yet stimulating, pressure at my opening. “Tell
me!”

“I…Iwantyoutofuckme!”Myvoicerisestoasqueakattheend,andjustasitdoes,hesmoothly

pusheshimselfallthewayinside.

There’sabriefflareofpain,thenhelayshistorsoovermineandslideshisarmsundermeuntilhis

handsgripmyass.Hisexpressionisutterlytransfixed,hislipsdrawnbackfromhisteethasifhe’sthe
onehurting.Ifeelhowhardhisheartispoundingandhe’spantingandtremblingasmuchasIam.Heturns
hisheadandnuzzlesme,bitingmyjawgently,thenhebeginsmovingbackandforth,justalittlebit.

Alittlebitmore,thenalittlebitmore…andthepaindisappears,justlikethat,asmybodyopensto

acceptandenjoyhim.

Thefeelingoffullnessfeelsgoodandright,sonaturalandproper.That’swhatIwasmadefor,andmy

bodyisgreedyforit.

Istartpumpingmyhips,marvelingathowhotandfullIfeel,andhowsmoothlyandperfectlywefit

together.Andhowcompletelythepainhasvanished!Itwasnothing,nothingatall.

Rob grinds himself inside me, pressed close to me, pinning me and holding my ass in his hands,

making circles as he drives himself into me with his hips. I can feel his shaft pulse, getting harder the
moreherockshishipsinsideme.

Hepropshimselfuponhiselbowsandkissesmedeeply,thendrawsbackandslamshimselfhome,

poundingmewithabandon.“Mmmm,yeah,”hemutters,hismouthagainstmine,histonguedrawingmine
outinahot,dirtydance.“Mmm,sweetgirl…unnnhhhh…sweetgirl,”andthatlastwordcomesoutasa
growl,ashegoesstillandthenhegrowlsagain,overandover,ashereleasesspurtafterspurtinsideme.

He collapses on top of me, and we lay, gasping and sweating together. Some time passes, and he

movesoffofme,stretchinghimselfoutonthebedbesideme.

“Wow,” he says, breathing heavily, putting an arm across my belly. “Wow! That was intense. That

was…Idon’tthinkI’veeverhadabetter…”

Hiswordsarecutoffbyaloudcrashingfromoutsidethebedroomdoor.

ChapterEleven

ROB

EARING

RENDA

CONFIRM

that she’s not just a picky, inexperienced girl, but an actual, for-real virgin,

pushes my desire for her from a kind of an ache in my heart––and elsewhere––into a bright, blazing,
throbbingneedtofuckher,conquer,claimher…ownher,forever…body,mindandsoul.

I’mbeyondthrilled,beyondhappythatshewantsmetodothehonors.
IknowI’minthemidstofaprofoundinfatuationbutIdon’tgiveafuck.AllIcanthinkabout,iswhat

anunearthlypleasuresheis.Whatasweet,funny,beautiful,delicious,tantalizingtreasureofagirl.

AssoonasIgetamouthfulofherdelectablepussyIknowI’mnotgoingtolast.Howcansuchatiny

pink gathering of flesh, no bigger than a rose blossom, taste so fucking delicious? Fresh and clean-
scented,sheseemshealthyandpure.Whenshecomesallovermyface,sohardandsoprettily,hertaste
andherfragrancebecomesmuskier,moresexualandutterlyirresistible.

Ihangontoherbuckinghipsasshecomes,lappinghercreamup.Herorgasmissosucculent,sosexy

it’sdownrightsurreal;andsofuckinghotInearlycomeinmypants.Myrodthrobsandswells,sohardit
hurts.Damn!IknowI’mgoingtoblowassoonasIgetmycockinsideher.

AndIloveteasingherbutwhenthetimecomes,slidingintoBrenda’svirginpussyisexquisite.When

Igetitallthewayin,she’stightandhotandsoaked,clampingonmycocklikeawetandhungrymouth.

Knowinghowbadshewantsitmakesitthatmuchhotter.
I can’t remember the last time I was so excited; I doubt I ever was. I already like her so much, so

much more than any other woman I’ve ever known, I already had no doubt that I was going to relish
makinglovetoher.

Butshe’sblownawayeveryoneofmyexpectations.
I come so hard, it hurts my temples. I don’t realize until we’re laying together afterwards that my

orgasmmademegritmyteethsohardthatitactuallyhurtmyhead.

When I hear the sound of the crash coming from outside the door, I couldn’t care less. The dogs

knocked something over? Fine, who cares. Whatever it is, it’s gonna have to stay broken until my legs
stopshaking.

Ilaugh,andtellthistoBrenda,who’slookingtowardsthedoorswithalarm.Ipullherintomyarms.

“Seriously,Idon’tcare.It’llkeepforafewminutes.”

“Okay,”shesays,tuckingherheadundermychin.“Yes…wow!Thatwas…astounding!”
“Astounding?”Ichuckle,andkissherhead.I’mhavingarealfuzzyafterglow,wayfuzzierthanI’ve

everhadbefore.Everythingthisgirldoes,andsays,justticklesmesomehow.Thiswholeweek’sbeen
oneofthebestIcanremember,andthisevening…?

Thiseveninghasbeenonefortheages.
Itfeelslikeshebelongsherewithme.Iputmyhandonthesideofherface,andlookdownintoher

eyes,andthewaymyheartfeels…ifI’dknownherlonger,I’dsayIwasinlove.

I do know that love starts with infatuation. And I know I’m heading in the right direction. And

Brenda…Iknowshefeelsthesameway.

“Yes,astounding!”Shecrosseshereyesforemphasis,makingmelaughagain.“Next,Iwanna…Iwant

tolearnhowtopleaseyou.Howtogodownonyou,howtomakeyoucomelikeyoujustdidforme,”she
says,hervoicerisingwithexcitement.

“Oh,baby,”Isay.“Areyouforreal?YoumademecomeharderthanIeverhave,justbybeingsohot

andbeautiful.Andwaitinguntilyou’renakedinmyarmstotellmeyou’reavirgin…fuck,thatwashot.
Incrediblycute,funny,andhot.”

Shelooksatmequizzically,tryingtoseeifI’mtellingthetruth.Jesus!Shehasnoideahowlovelyshe

reallyis,andthatmakesherallthemoreappealing.“IknowyoucamewhenIwentdownonyou,but…
howwasthe,um,fucking?Didithurt?Yourfacelookedlikeitdid,foraminute.”Ican’tstoptouching
herface,kissingher.

“Yes,butonlyforaminute.Ididn’tcomeagain,butitfeltgreat!Iwassowetandready,andIlovethe

feelingofbeingfull.Ilovehowyoufeelinsideme.Ican’twaittodoitagain!”

“Whoa,sweetie,Ineedafewminutesatleast,”Ilaugh.
WerestforabitandthenIgetuptogoseewhathavocthedogshavecaused.
AllthreeofthemaresquishedontoTiny’sbedbythehearth,andallthreeofthemlookguiltyashell.
“Uhoh,”Isaytothem.“Notlikingthelooksofthis.”Atthesoundofmyvoice,threesetsofearsgo

back,threeheadsgodownandthreesetsoffurryeyebrowsquirksorrowfullyastheystealglancesatme.

Butthere’snothingbrokeninthelivingroom,andnothinginthekitchen.
In the dining room, there’s a chair knocked onto its side, and two others are pushed out from their

placesatthetable.

Brenda comes out, wearing my bathrobe. “It was hanging in the bathroom,” she says. “I hope you

don’tmind.”

“Itlooksbetteronyou,”Ismile.“Ithinktheywereplayingchasearoundthetableandknockedachair

over.Didyouseehowguiltytheyalllook?”

“Yes,hah!”Webothgrin.“Youwantsomewater?”Brendasays.“I’mthirsty.”
“Yes!Lemmegograbsomepants.”
“Okay,butyoulooknicewalkingaroundnaked.”Sheapproachesmeshyly,thenboldlycupsmyballs.

IlikehowIneverknowwhatshe’sgoingtodo.

She hugs me, kissing my chest and then my chin, then my lips. “Hey, do you wanna show me your

videogamecollectionnow?Wecouldhookupyourconsolewhilewe’reatit.Won’ttakelong.”

“Sure,” I say. “Be right back.” In the bedroom, I put some track pants on and put my phone in my

pocket.Iseethere’samessagenotificationbutIdon’tcheckit.

Frommycloset,IgrabaplasticbagI’vehiddenthereasasurpriseforher.
Back in the kitchen, I show Brenda the surprise. It’s a big bag of her favorite dill pickle-flavored

potatochips.“Youwantasnack,sweetie?”

“OhmyGod,you’reanangel!”Shelaughs,andwetakethebagandourbottledwaterintotheliving

room.

Wedigthroughthecartonsinthelivingroomandfindmygamingconsole.HookingituptomyTVand

internetonlytakesafewminutes.WegothroughmygamesandpickoutZombieDeathSquad,amutual
favorite,andquicklylosetrackofthetimeplayingitonsplit-screenintwo-playermode.

Atfirst,Idon’tdosowell.Ithinkthathavinghersittingnexttome,nakedundermybathrobe,long

silkylegsstretchedoutbeforeher,isdistractingme,puttingmeoffmygame.

Andnodoubt,that’spartofit.ButIquicklyrealizethatBrendaisnoslouchasagamer.Sheknows

thisgamewell,knowsallthemaps,knowsthebestgunstouse,andwhatstrategiesarerightforevery

battle against the Zombie horde. We play as partners and as opponents, and she soon proves herself
worthyasboth.

Iknowtherearelotsoffemalegamers,butIdon’tknowmanypersonallyandI’veneverdatedone.

Now,here’sone,freshoutofmybedandsittingnexttome,who’skickingassandtakingnames.AndI’m
fallingmoreandmorehead-over-heelsforherwitheverypassingminute.

It’s hard to keep my mind off how fresh and lovely she is. How full of surprises, how sexy. I can’t

waittoseethoselipswrappedaroundmycock,toshowherhowtopleaseme,andtolearnwhatpleases
her.But,there’snorush,wejuststartedthissizzling-hotthingwehavegoing…andwehaveallthetimein
theworld.

Istealalookather.She’srivetedtothescreen,thetipofhertonguepeekingoutfromhermouthasshe

concentrates.

Ican’timaginehowIcouldbeanyhappier.
For the next couple hours, we find out how truly obsessive gamers we both are, stopping only to

guzzlebottledwater,gotothebathroomandmunchhandfulsofdill-picklechips.

Myphonekeepsvibratinginmypocket,butIdon’tcareifsomeonedied.Rightnow,I’mhavingfun

withmygirlandpeoplewilljusthavetomanagewithoutmeforanight.Itakeitoutofmypocketand
deliberately avoid looking at it. Turning it off, I put it face-down on an end table and promptly forget
aboutit.

Weplaythroughmostofthegameandfinallytakeabreakaroundmidnight.Weletthedogsoutandwe

bothheaddownthehallforabathroombreak.BrendausesthemainbathroomandIheadintothemaster
bath.

She’ssittingonthebedwhenIcomeout,waitingforme.Hesitantly,shemakesaremarkaboutgetting

dressedtoleave.

“You’renotstayingthenight?”Iask,genuinelysurprised.
“I…well,Ididn’tbringanythingtoweartobed.Or,atoothbrush.Ididn’twanttopresume.Plus,you,

um,haven’tactuallyaskedmetostay.”

“Ithoughtitwastakenforgranted.OfcourseIwantyoutostay!”
“Well…okay,ifyouinsist.”Shewinks.“ButIstilldon’thaveanythingtowear,oratoothbrush.”
“Wouldoneofmyt-shirtsdoforyoutosleepin?Youcanhaveyourpick.AndI’msureIhaveaspare

toothbrushsomewhere.”

“That’dbenice,”shesays,andsmilesatme.Thewayhereyesareshiningmakemydicktakenotice.

Nowrecoveredfromourearliersession,itinstantlyswellsinmypants.“I’mgonnaletthedogsin,”Isay.
“Holdthatthought.”

WhenIgetback,she’sstillsittingontheedgeofthebed.
“C’mere,”shesays,puttingherhandsoneithersideofmyhipsandguidingmetostandinfrontofher.

“Whydon’tyoutaketheseoff?”Shetugsatmypants,lickingherlips.

MyerectionandIdon’tneedtobetoldtwice.Ihelpherpullmypantsdownandovermywoody,and

thenstepoutofthem.

She’seyeingmyrodhungrilybutIcantellshe’snervousandittouchesmyheart.“I…wouldyoushow

me what you like? I mean, I’ve watched porn but I…it’s hard to tell, just from that. Maybe you like
somethingdifferent.”

“It’sokay,baby,”Isay,caressingherhair.“Anythingyoudoisgonnafeelgood.ButyeahI’dloveto

showyou.“

Shenodsandsmilesbutkeepsherhandsathersides.
“Whydon’tyoujustgoaheadandtouchitandseehowitfeels?”
Shelooksupatmeandthentakesmeinhersmallwarmhand.Shegraspsmyshaftbythebaseand

squeezes it, hesitantly at first, and then harder, getting a feel for it. She runs her fingers over it lightly,

feelingitstexture.“Itssohard,yetsosoft,”shesays.“Imean,theskinissoft,andsilky.Andhot.”She
startsstrokingtheshaft.Itfeelsnicebuthergripistoogentle,toohesitant.

“Grabitlikethis,harder,”Isay,andIwrapmyhandaroundherstoshowherhowhardtosqueezeit.

“Youwon’thurtit.”

She follows my lead, saying, “Oh, you like it grabbed that hard?” She sounds surprised but she

squeezesit,goodandhard.

“Ohyeah,”Ibreathe.“Now,strokeitlikethatallthewaytothetip,butletupalittlerightatthetop.”

Shedoes,makinglong,evenstrokes.IpullthebathrobedownoffofhershoulderssoIcanseehertits.I
bendtofondleandpinchhernipples,makinghermoan.Damn,she’ssohot!

“Mmmm,that’sgood,”Isay.“Now,openyourmouthandtouchthetipwithyourtongue.”Shedoes.

Jesus! “Yeah…oh, yeah. Lick it like that…and now, suck it into your mouth a little…yes, cover your
teeth…yeah,Jesus!That’ssogood,yeah…”Watchingherfull,bow-shapedlipsnibbleandswallowthe
headofmycockismakingmyballssurgedangerously.

Sherollsherlipsoverherteethandtakesmydickpartwayintohermouth.It’snotwetenoughdown

theshaftthough.Holdingitbythebase,shelicksallthewayuponesideandallthewaydowntheother,
drawingagaspingmoanoutofme.

MycockjumpsinherhandandmyhipspumptowardsherbeforeIcanstopthem.
We’rebothbreathingharder.Gettingintoarhythmnow,sheuseshertonguetolubemydick,thenpulls

itintohermouthagain,alotfurtherthistime.It’shotandwetinthere,andshestartsflickingandlicking
thetipwithhertongueassheholdsitinhermouth.

Goddamn!
Mydickswellsandharden,myballscontractandmylegsstarttotremble.I’mabouttoblowmyload

intohermouth.Herbreathingrisesandshelooksupatmewiththosegleamingcopper-coloredeyes.She
usesherhandtostrokemeagain,saying,“Isthatgood,baby?Youlikethat?”

“Fuckyeah,”Imutter,andputmyhandsoneithersideofherhead.Shetakesmeintohermouthagain,

thistimeusingsuctionallthewaydown,andmyshaftswellsandsurgesasthetipbumpsagainsttheback
ofherthroat.

Itrytopullback,holdingoffonmyorgasm.Idon’tknowifshewantsmetocomeinhermouth,I’m

notsureifshe’sreadyforthat.

Butshewon’tletmepullback.Sheputsonehandonmyassandholdson,takingmeasfarintoher

mouth as she can before drawing back, holding the suction in both directions as best as she can. She
moans, takes a breath on the upstroke and holds her breath on the downstroke. All the while, she’s
grippingthebaseofmydickniceandfirmly,strokingupwardswithherhandtomeethermouthasitgoes
downwards.

Icanbarelystandit.
“Lookupatme,gorgeous,”Iwhisper,andwhenshedoes,hereyesaretearingslightlyandherlips

lookhotanddirtyandsexyashellastheycaressmyshaft.

Thesightpushesmeovertheedge.Itryagaintopullawaybutshewon’tletme.Herfingersdiginto

myassandshepusheshermouthasfardownmycockasshecan,moaningandwrigglingherass.

Fuck!That’sit,Ican’tholdoffanymore.
“Damn…uhhhnnn!”Thepleasureexplodesinmyballsandracesupmyshaft,firingmyloadstraight

downherthroat.Mymovementsstop,andallIcanfeelistheexquisitepleasureofmytiptouchingthe
backofherthroatandhertonguebathingmylengthfromunderneathasI’mcaughtinthethroesofanother
freakishlyintenseorgasm.

After a moment, I feel her tongue and throat contract as she swallows strongly, followed by heavy

breathingthroughhernose.

Idisengageandshelooksupatme,eyeswatering,lipsswollenandhairmussed.

She’sthesexiestfuckingsightIhaveeverseen,noexceptions.
Hell,thisisprobablythesexiestsightIwilleversee.
Icollapsenexttoherandpullherintomyarms.“Thatwasfuckingfantastic!”Igasp.“Jesus,Brenda!

You…thatwasreallygood.”

“It was? I thought you were enjoying it…I didn’t expect it when you…I mean, I wasn’t sure but I

thoughtIcouldtellbyhowhardyouweregetting.”She’stalkingexcitedly,happythatshe’sdonewell.

“Rrrraarrr!”Igrowl,andpushherontoherback.Ipushthebathrobeentirelyoffofher,thenkissher

swollenlipsbeforeworkingmywaydowntoherhardnipples,givingeachoneequallove.

WhenImakemywaydowntoherpussy,she’shot,wetandtight,butshewincesalittlewhenItouch

heropening.

“Oh,isthatsore?”
“Onlyabit,”shesays.
“I’msorrybaby,”Ikissherclit.“Iknowsomethingthat’llmakeitfeelbetter,”Isay.
Igrabathrowpillowandputitunderherass,sothatherpussyisfullyexposed.Ilickherholegently

and tease her clit. Then, slowly, very slowly, I insert one finger into her soaking passage, curling it
carefullyupwardsandfeelingforwhatIknowisthere.Ifindit,aslightlyraisedbumpyarea,andletthe
tipofmyfingerrestagainstit.Idon’tmove,Ijustwatchherandwait.

Soon,Ifeelherwallscontractinggentlyagainstmyfinger,becomingtighterandmoreslippery.That’s

mysignaltolowermyheadandtakeherclitintomymouth,whereitquicklyhardensandbeginstothrob
undermyattentions.

Icurlmyfinger,lightlyrubbingherG-spot,andlickandsuckherclit,alternatingbetweenaggressive

tonguingandlightteasing.Hermoansquicklyrise,herhipsstartcircling,andsheputsherhandsonmy
head,saying“ahh,God,it’stoomuch,it’stoomuch…”ButIdon’tstop,becauseIknowwhat’saboutto
happenwillblowhermind.

Andsureenough,hermoansturnharshandherthighsquiverandshake.Then,herbreathstopsandher

whole body trembles, her hips pump once, twice, and again, pushing against me, and then…here it
comes…herclitthrobsagainstmytongueasherinnerwallscontractstronglyandrhythmicallyagainstmy
finger. Her legs tense, her toes curl and her breathing turns into hoarse cries of ecstasy as she creams
copiouslyallovermyfinger,convulsinginapowerfulG-spotorgasm.

The first, I hope, of many to come. We both lay back, clutching each other and breathing hard. She

laughs,shakily,andsays“Holyshit!Whatthehellwasthat?”

“That,”Isayproudly,“wasmyversionof…”
Suddenly, someone starts pounding on the front door, making all three dogs bark like lunatics and

scaringtheshitoutofbothofus.

ChapterTwelve

BRENDA

“W

HAT

THE

FUCK

NOW

?”Robsays.Welookateachother,eyeswide.

“Atleasttheywaiteduntilwefinished,”Ijokeweakly,heartpounding.
“It’saftermidnight,”hesays,annoyed.Then,“Oh,shit.”Herubsthebackofhisneckandlooksatme

sheepishly.“I’vebeenignoringmessagenotificationsallnight.MaybeIshouldn’thave.”

“Messagesfromwho?”Iask.
“Dunno.Ididn’twannalook.”Hegetsupandputshispantsandhist-shirtbackon,saying“Youcan

stayinbedifyouwant,babe,”thenheleavestheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.Idebatedoingjust
that,butthenthatpoundingcomesagain.Itsoundsserious,soIfigureI’dbettergetupandgetdressed,
justincaseit’ssomekindofemergency.

“Okay,shush,”IhearRobsaytothedogs,andtheyallstopbarkingimmediately.
Ifindmyclothesandgetthemon.IhearRobsay“oh,no!”andmyheartsinks.Shit!
Ihurrydownthehalltowardsthefrontroom.Allthreedogsarepacinginthelivingroom,alertbut

quiet.Thepoundingcomesagain.Robhasn’topenedthedooryet.He’sstandingbythecouch,lookingat
hisphone.

“Fuck!”hesays,thenheseesmecomingtowardshim.Thelookonhisfaceisindescribable.
“What?What,Rob?”Myheart’sracingagain…ohGoditmustbereallybad.
“It’sValeriss,”hesays,hisvoiceheavywithdismay.
“Valeriss?”I’mdrawingablank.“Who’sValeriss?”
“Myex,”hesays.“Hername’sValeriss.RememberItoldyouabouther?She’shere.”
Hetakesadeepbreath,stridestothefrontdoorandflingsitopen.
Beforehecansayaword,ahugewhiteGreatDaneleapsthroughtheopendoorandcrashesintohim,

knockinghimonhisass.

Cryingandwailing,tailcurledunderitsbody,thedogclimbsalloverRob,shakingandslobbering,

turningthiswayandthat,takinggreatbigslurpsatRob’sfacewithitstongue.Itsearsareplasteredtoits
head,itswholeentirebodywaggingandshivering.It’swailinglikeit’sbeingcrushedunderthewheelsof
atruckorsomething.

“Meff!Meff!Ohyoubaddog!Baddog!”It’satinkly,little-girlvoice.Itcan’tbelongtoanyoneolder

thanfiveorsixyearsold.Then,“Jesusfuck,Robbie!Ihatethisfuckingdog!Fuck!Hedrovemefucking
nutsthewholefuckingwaydownhere!”

Whoa!WasthisgirlwiththeTinkerbellvoiceraisedbysailorsorsomething?
Idon’thavetimetothinkanythingelsebeforeTiny,snarling,barrelsintothesideofthewhiteDane,

knockinghimintothewall.Princessisrightbehind,goingstraightfortheDane’sthroat,snarlinglikea
tinydevil.Dieselapproachesbutstopsshortofthefray,barkingandfreakingout.

Shit!IstarttowardsthedogsbutRob,stillsittingonthefloor,reachesoutandgrabsPrincessbythe

scruff,liftingheroutofdanger.Sheimmediatelygoeslimp.Roblooksaround,spotsme,andsays“Here,
takeher!”

Istepforwardandgrabherfromhishands,andthenstepbackwards,grabbingDiesel’scollarasIgo.

HecalmsdowninstantlyandI’mabletoleadhimbackwardswithoutaproblem.ThankGodhe’ssucha
goodboy.

TinyhasthewhiteDanepinnedinthecorner.TheDaneisonitsback,showingitsbelly,tailcurled

completelyunderitself.

“Jesus,Valeriss,”Robsays,standingupshakily.“Whatthehellareyoudoinghere?”
Theownerofthesweet-voicedpottymouthwalksthroughthedoor,stepspastRobandthedogsand

thenstops,staringatme.

She looks like something out of a seventies fashion magazine. Coatless, she’s wearing bell-bottom

jeansandaknittedwoolvestoveraflow-ysilkshirtwithlongwidesleeves.Onherheadisaflower-girl
stylehatwithabigfloppybrim.Herlong,straighthairispartedinthemiddle,framingaheart-shaped,
delicatefacewithhuge,doll-likeeyes.

Hereyesandnoseareallpuffyandred,asifshe’sbeencrying.
“Oh,fuck!AmIinterruptingsomething?”Shetakesoffherhatandletsitdroptothefloor.
“Yes.Yes,yes,youareinterruptingsomething,verymuch,Valeriss.What…whyareyouhere?”
RobtouchesTiny’sflankandthebigRottiebacksoffofthewhiteDaneimmediately.TheDanestays

onthefloor,stillcringingandlettingouttheoccasionalwail.

“Golayonyourbed,”RobsaystoTiny.Tinygoes.
Ihavenoideawhat’sgoingon…orwhattosayifIdid.So,IgrabPrincess’carrierandputherintoit,

thenItakethatandDieseldownthehalltoaspareroomandputtheminsideforthemoment.

From down the hall, I can hear Valeriss saying, “Well, I’m sorry Robbie but if you answered your

fuckingphoneyou’dhaveknownIwascoming.”Hervoicesoundslikeshe’sbeencryingrecently…andis
stillteeteringontheedge.

“Don’t gimme that, Valeriss. You know better. It’s after midnight for Chrissakes. Where are you

comingfrom?D.C.?”

Igobackintothelivingareaandstandthereawkwardly,notsurewhattodonext.
“Yes,” she wails, and her face scrunches up as she sobs, “I came suh-suh-straight from D.C.!” She

takesadeepbreath,throwsherheadbackandwailsagain,asun-self-consciouslyasachild.“Daddy’s
dead,Robbie!Daddy’sdeadandI…I…don’t…nuh…nuh….knowwhattodo!”

“DEAD?Valerian’sdead?”

“Yeh…yeh..yeh…hesssss!”shewails,andcrumblestothefloor.
“Oh,no,”Isay.“Yourdaddied?I’msosorry!”Igoovertowhereshe’ssobbingonthefloor,sitnext

to her and start patting and rubbing her back. “I’m so sorry,” I murmur. “Can I get you something? Do
anythingforyou?”

“I’msorrytohearthatValeriss,”Robsays,hisvoicesoftening.“Whathappened?”
“He dropped dead in the office,” she sobs. “Late last night! Donna, his secretary called me this

morning.HewasinameetingwiththatfuckingTanner!Iknewthatfucker’dkillhimsomeday!”

“Valeriss,”Robsayskindly.“I’msosorryforyourloss.ButIdoubtTannerkilledhim.Valerianwas

what, four hundred pounds? On his third heart attack? Come on, now.” He comes over to us reaches
down,pattingherarm.“Comeon.Getup,let’shaveacupofteaorsomething.Okay?”

She sobs for a moment more, then sits up, looking at us blearily. “Thank-you,” she says, and then

throwsherselfintomyarms,sobbing.“Idon’tevenknowyou,butthankyouforcuh…cuh…caring!”

“I’mBrenda,”Isay,huggingherback.RobandIlookateachotheroverValeriss’sobbingshoulders.

“You’rewelcome.I’mverysorryforyourloss.”

The white Dane, Meff, comes creeping into the room, slinking along the floor on his belly. He lays

downnexttoValerissandgivesmeacursorysniff.Thenheshoveshisheadrightbetweenus,underour
arms,andlaysthere,moaningandshivering.

Ipathimtooandtrytocomfortthemboth,stayinglikethatwhileRobgoesoutside.Whenhecomes

backin,hebringsoneofthecratesfromtheJeepwithhim.Heputsitinthecorner,andcoversitwitha
blanket.

“Comeon,Meff,”hesays,andthedoggoesinsidethecrate.Robshutsthedoor,thenhearrangesthe

blanketsothatitalmostcoversthewholecrate.Thedogsettlesdowninstantly.

Valerisshuddlesagainstme,sobbing,andIcanfeelhowthinandfrailsheis.
Finallyshesubsidesenoughtoletmehelphertothecouch.Igetheraboxoftissuesandsheblows

hernose,usingupprobablyadozenbeforeshe’sdone.Buthertearskeepflowingandhopelesssobskeep
coming.

IhearRobputtingthekettleoninthekitchenwhileItrytocomforther.Sittingsocloselytoher,Isee

thatshe’snotasyoungasshesounds.IrememberthenthatRobsaidtheymetafterhighschool,soshe’s
probablythesameageasheis.

“Wouldyoulikeacupoftea?”Iask.Shenods,patsmyhandandthanksmeagain.“Ihavetomakea

phonecall,”shesays,diggingherphoneoutofherpurse.

“I’llgiveyousomeprivacy,”andIgointothekitchen.Rob’sleaningagainstthecounterandstaring

intospace.Havingnoideawhattodo,Iask,“Wouldyoulikemetogo?”

“No!”Hepullsmeintohisarms.“Iknowthisisawkward.Butpleasestay,atleastuntilIfigureout

what’sgoingon.”

I nod, and rest my head against his chest. “Chaos,” he mutters. “Everywhere she goes, chaos.” He

sighs,kissesmyheadandrubsmyback.

We hear her voice coming from the living room. It sounds like she’s leaving a message. The kettle

boils,andImakethetea,puttingthepotandallthemakingsonabigtray.

IgetValerissacup,andsitnexttoheronthecouch.I’muneasyandIdon’tparticularlylikethatshe’s

here,but,shejustsufferedatragiclossanddeservessomesimplehumancompassion.

Nowthatthingsarecalmer,Robgoestothespareroomandbringsmydogsout.HeletsPrincessout

of her carrier but both dogs come forward timidly, plainly feeling the change in the atmosphere in the
house.Fromapolitedistance,theysniffMeff’scrate,elicitingagrowlfromwithin.Theybackoff,neither
onewantinganypartofhimanymore.

Tiny,however,istranquilandsereneonhisbed,andtheybothpileontoitwithhim.Hecurlsupand

closeshiseyeslikenothinghappened,andtheysoonfollowsuit.

Sighing,Robflopsdowninthearmchair.
“Okay,Valeriss.So,Valeriandiedthismorning?”
“Yes.HewasinameetingwithTanner.”Shelooksatme.“Tannerismyfather’slawyer.”Shelooks

atRobnow.“DoessheknowwhoIam?”

“Sheknowsyou’remyex,yes.”
“Okay.”
“So,didyouhavetogosee…youknow,goidentifyhimoranything?”
“No!DonnasaidTannerwasdoingallthat.”Shewipestearsfromhereyes,butfreshonesfollow.
“Okay,Valeriss.I’msorry,”hesays.“So,whathappenedafteryoufoundout?Didyoucomestraight

here?”

“Yes! I have nowhere else to go. You know you’re still my best friend, Robbie. Tanner…I think he

frozemyfunds.Orsomething.Mycreditcardsarefrozen.Mybankcardisfrozen.Ican’taccessanyof
myaccounts.Ifilledupmygastankfourhoursagowiththelastofmycash.”

“Tannerhasaccesstoyouraccountsnow?”
“Iguessso.Idon’tknow!AllIknowis,Ican’tgetanymoneyoutofanyaccount,oruseanyofmy

cards.”Shesobs,andsays,“DaddywasallIhad,Robbie.Youknowthat.”

“I’msorry.Iknow.I’msorry.But…whywouldyouraccountsbefrozen?”
“Idon’t…Idon’tknowwhat,umm,provisionsthereareandIcan’tgetholdofTanner.Hismessage

thingieisfullandhehasn’tcalledme!”Shesobssomemore.“I’msorrytobotheryoubutIhadnowhere
elsetogo.Ihavenooneelseinthisworld!”

“Whydidn’tyoucallearlier,whenyoufirstfoundout?Iwould’veansweredthephoneifyou’dcalled

earlier.”

“BecauseIwasafraidyou’dsayIcouldn’tcome!”Sheputsherheadintoherhandsandsobs.Iputan

armaroundherandtrytosupporther.“But…but…thenIfeltbadandtriedtocallyouanyway…andyou
didn’tanswer!”

Geez!Ifeelsobadforher!
“Aww!No,youshouldn’tbealoneatatimelikethis,”Isay.IlookoveratRob,helplessly.
“True,”hesighs.“Iguessit’sokay,Valeriss.Youcanstayheretonight.”Thereluctanceisheavyin

hisvoice.“Butsomethingsoundsweirdaboutyourfundsbeingfrozen.Evenifhehasauthorityto,why
wouldTannerfreezeyouraccounts?Maybeit’saprobatething.”

Sheshakesherhead.“Iwouldn’tknow.”
Robsighs.“No,Iguessyouwouldn’t.Well,it’salongdrivefromD.C..Youmustbeexhausted.Did

youbringanyclothes?”

She nods, wipes her eyes and sips her tea. “A couple bags. They’re in the car.” She sobs again.

“DaddywasallIhad,”shewails,miserably.

“There,there,”Iwhisper,pattingandrubbingherback.Poorthing!
“That’snotexactlytrue.YourmotherhasfamilyinEurope,”Robsays.
“Yes but you know they disowned her when she married Daddy,” she says, tears starting to flow

again.Shelooksatme.“ShediedwhenIwasababyandtheydidn’tevencometothefuneral!”Sheputs
herheadinherhandsandsobs.

“That was long ago. Things changed, you know that. We met some of your cousins and your

grandmotherinLondonwhenwewent,thatonesummer.Theylovedyou.AndIknowyou’reintouchon
FacebookbecauseI’veseensomeoftheirphotosandposts.”

“Yeah,alittleonFacebook.We’veemailedafewtimes.Notthatmuch.It’snotlikeIcanjustgolive

withthem,Robbie.Idon’tknowthemthatwell.”

“Youcan’tlivehere,either,Valeriss,”hesays.“Youknowthat,right?”
Shenods,sobbing.
My heart breaks for her. Not knowing what else to do, I keep patting her, comforting her. “I’m so

sorry.I…IwishIknewwhattodo.Losingyourfatheristerrible.I’msosorry!”Sheblowshernoseand
restsherheadonmyshoulderforamoment,sonakedlyvulnerablethatitbringstearstomyeyes.

Irockheralittlebit,unabletothinkofanythingelsetosay.
“Yes.I’mtrulysorry,Valeriss.”Robsaysagain.
Shenods.“Thankyou,Robbie.Thank-youBrenda.Ireallyappreciateyourhelpandsupport.”
“You’rewelcome.But,you’llhavetogobacktoD.C.soonerorlater,”Robsays.
“I know,” she says. “But I need to talk to Tanner first. I need to…” she trails off, looking around

absently,herexhaustionevident.Shepausestoblowhernoseagain.“I’msorryaboutMeff.Ididn’tmean
thosethingsIsaidabouthim.Ijust…Ican’tdealwithhimrightnow.You…youknowwhatImean.”

“Yes,Valeriss.Ido,”Robsays,hisvoicetiredbutnotunkind.

ChapterThirteen

BRENDA

OON

AFTER

finishourtea,Igetreadytoleave.We’renothappythatournightisendingwithmegoing

homeinsteadoffallingasleepineachother’sarms,butValeriss’arrivalhaschangedeverything.

Hewalksmeouttothecar.Sittingbythecurbisalate-model,limegreenVolkswagenBeetle.
“IsthatValeriss’car?”
“Yes.Nowonderthedogdrovehernuts,drivingallthewaydownhereinthatlittlething.”
Igetintomycar.Robclimbsintothepassengerseattosaygoodnight.
“Rob…?HowcloseareyouwithValeriss?”
Heturnshiswholebodyintheseattolookmeintheeye.“We’refriends.That’sall,that’sallit’sbeen

sincebeforeweevengotdivorced.”

“Whydidyougetdivorced?Whathappened?Imean,didn’tyouloveeachother?”
“No.Well,yes,inaway,but…notthewayweneededto,orshouldhave.Themarriagewasn’t…it

wasn’t what I’d even call a legitimate marriage. Legal, but not real. We were so young…neither of us
knew anything. I…we…it’s complicated.” He sighs, rubbing his chin. “It’s hard to explain in two
minutes.”Hegesturestowardsthehouse.“Ididn’texpect…this.Ithoughtwe’dhavemoretimetogetto
knoweachotherbeforehavingto…discussapastthatdoesn’tmatteranymore.”

“Okay.Well,itseemslikeshedoesmatter,that’sall.”EvenasI’msayingit,myheartistellingmeto

believehim.Towait,andsee.Obviouslythere’smoretothestory,butmyspidey-senseisstillsaying,this
isagoodguy.

Whateverhappened,somethingistellingmethathe’snotdoinganythingwrong.
But,isthatspider-sensereal?Isitsomekindofwomen’sintuition…orisitjustwishfulthinking?
“Isshe,uh,doyouknowifshe’sunderadoctor’scare?”Iask.
Helaughshumorlessly.“Youmean,ashrink?Idon’tknowaboutnow,butshehasbeen,inthepast.

Believe me, I know how it looks, but as far as I know, there was never any diagnosis. There’s no, ah,
clinicallysignificantmentalillnessorpersonalitydisorder.AsbestasIcantell,she’sjust…spoiled.”

Iraiseaneyebrowbutsaynothing.
Heshakeshishead,purseshislips,andthenrubshisfacewithbothhands.Poorguy!
Then,hetakesmyhandandkissesit.“Shemeanswell,she’sadecentperson.Andshecanbeavery

good friend to have…in her own way.” He pauses. “How can I explain this? She…she’s passive, yet
stubborn.Irresponsible,and…yeah.Well,yousaw.Childlike.Immature.”Hesighs.“Daddyneverwanted
hislittlegirltogrowup.So,Iguessshedidn’t.”

“CanIask…isshe…isherfamilywealthyorsomething?Thewayshewastalkingabouther‘funds’.

Notthatit’smybusiness.I’mjustwondering.”

“Yes,verywealthy.HerfatherisValerianDeVolt.Acut-throatD.C.lobbyist.Or,was.”

“Oh?”
“Yes. He was known in D.C. but you’ve likely never heard of him. Very rich. Valeriss is his only

child. His namesake, his world…his everything.” He shakes his head. “You can see how well that
workedout.”

“Poorlittlerichgirl,”Imuseoutloud.“Well,moneyisn’teverything.”Ilookintothosebeautifuleyes

ofhis.They’refixedonme,fullofdistress.

AndI’mfeelingit,too.Thisdoesn’tbodewellforourbuddingrelationship.IthinkaboutAmanda’s

wordsabouthavingsexwithamantooearlyaftermeetingandmystomachsinks.

Shewasworriedaboutdisrespect.Butthat’snottheproblemhere.Theproblemis,haveItrusteda

manwhomIdon’treallyknow…someonewho’snotreallyfreefromhispast?

Ican’tchangewhatjusthappenedbetweenus.Idon’twantto.Butonlytimewilltellwhathappens

next.

“There’s nothing between Valeriss and me,” he says, looking at me steadily. “We’ve just stayed

friends.Friendly.She’sapainintheass,andIknowI’mgoingtoregrethavingherhere.But,Ipromise
you,Brenda,thatthere’snothingbetweenus.”

Heleansoverandtakesmeinhisarms.Hiskiss,andthewayheholdsmeandistryingtoreassure

me,sureseemsgenuine.Whatwejustdidtogetherwascertainlygenuine.

“Areyouokay?”hewhispers.
“Yes.It’sgoodofyoutotakeherin,”Isay.“Ihopeshegetseverythingstraightenedoutsoon.”
“Ihopesotoo.Damn!”Heletsoutaheavybreath.“Idonotwanttodealwithher.Workisaboutto

getreallyintense.WehavethatbigprojectduebeforethefirstofFebruary.I’mworkinglatetherestof
thismonth.Thisisareallybadtimeforthis.”

“I’m sorry, sweetie,” I say. But that’s all I can say. We kiss goodnight and I leave, worried and

unhappy.

FORTHENEXTTWOWEEKS,it’stoughtotalkortext,andimpossibletomeetuporhangout.

Robandhisteamofco-workersareontwelvehourdays,withRobgettinghomeaftereighto’clockat

night.

Atleastthat’sunderstandable.Workiswork,oneofthosethingsweallhavetodealwith.
Thebiggerandmorebizarreproblem,isthefactthatValerississtillthere,withnoendtoherstayin

sight.

She’stoodistraughttoleavealone,butRobhastobeinbedearlyforwork.Beforehegoestosleep,

hecallsmetosaygoodnightfromhisbedroom.Wetalkbrieflyandhereportsbasicallythesamething:
Still no word from this lawyer, Tanner. No word about her funds, or her father’s estate, or when she’s
goingbacktoD.C..

He’swonderingifsomethingfishyisgoingontherebutisn’tsurewhattodoaboutit.Or,ifthere’s

anythinghecandoitaboutit.

Furthermore,she’sgrieving,sleepingalotandcryingwhenshe’sawake.Hedoesn’tfeelrightabout

pressuringhertoomuch.Or,makingherleave.And,truly,whatkindofpersonwouldthrowabereaved
orphanout,togrievealone…eveniftheorphanisthirty-threeyearsold.

Hehangsoutwithherthefirstfullweekendshe’sthere,butduringtheweek,hehastoleaveheralone.
Andthat’swhenthecausestheworstofthechaos.
Bythenextweekend,whenhecallsmefromhisbedroom,thetensionishisvoiceisthick.Hetellsme

thathedreadsgettinghomenow,afraidofwhathe’llfind.

ThehouseisamessfromValeriss’sloppyhabitsandwhatshecalls‘ongoingdisagreements’between

Tiny and Meff. She won’t keep them separate because she thinks they need to learn to get along. Rob
thinks that they fight because Meff keeps challenging Tiny for leadership when Rob isn’t there, since
there’snoleadershipcomingfromValeriss.

“She’s already wrecked my stove,” Rob’s saying, gritting his teeth. “She ruined a pot and a burner,

trying to make porridge from scratch. ” Heavy sigh. “The main bathroom and the bedroom she’s using
looklikeahurricanewentthroughthem.God,she’ssuchaslob!”

“Holycow,”Isay.“Really?Thisissurreal.”
“It’sexactlylikeitwaswhenweweremarried,”hesays.“Nothing’schanged.It’slikeshehasthis…

helplessness. Yet there’s nothing wrong with her. I mean, she shouldn’t be helpless. It’s learned or
something.And,you’dthinkit’sdeliberate,which’dmakeherevil,wouldn’tit?Abadperson.But,she’s
not. She’s kind and decent, educated. She’s actually an amazing intellectual…sometimes. She’s just…
impossibletodealwith,inmanyways.Youcan’thateher,butyoucan’tstandher,either.”

Hesoundsbesidehimself.“I’msorry,sweetie.Itsoundslikeshehasproblems,noquestion.”
“Yes.Listen.I’vebeenthinking…let’smeetinthedogparkafterworkonFriday,”hesays.“I’mgoing

togotoworktwohoursearlyandleaveatsixinsteadofeighto’clock.”Hepauses.“Ihateleavingherin
thehousealoneforasecondlongerthanIhaveto,but…thishasgoneonlongenough.Ineedtoseeyou.I
needtotalktoyou.”

“Iwanttoseeyou,too.”
We make arrangements to meet and hang up. I stare up at the ceiling, suffering a case of romantic

heebie-jeebies.

IfeellikeIshouldbeoncloudninebecauseofmeetingRob.Weshouldbehangingoutregularlyand

gettingtoknoweachother.

Butnow,it’salmosttheopposite.IfeelreallybadforValeriss’lossbutIcan’thelpbutresenther,just

the same. It’s not her fault that her father passed away, but her arrival has tarnished what should be a
shiny,newromance.

Icouldreallyusesomeonetotalktoaboutthis,butIshudderatthethoughtoftryingtoexplainthisto

anyoneinthefamily.

I’mprettysurethey’dtellmetojustforgetabouthim.ThatIdon’tknowhimwellenough;thathe’s

stilltooinvolvedwithhisex;thathislifeistoocomplicatedandmessyforme.

Amanda’sbeenbusytooandIhaven’theardfromher.AndI’dhaveavoidedherprobably,ifIhad.I

wishIcouldjusttellhereverything!

AndifsheshouldsheaskifI’vesleptwithhim,I’mdreadingtellingherthetruth.
Iknowshe’dsayitwasabadidea.And,whatifshe’srightandmyintuitioniswrong?Whatiftohim,

I’mjustadumbgirlwho’smadeherselftooavailabletoaguyshebarelyknows?

OFCOURSE,thenextweekdragsasifit’snevergoingtoend.Wetextregularlyandtalkbrieflyinthe
interim,whichreassuresme,evenifthesituationathishousedoesn’t.

FridayfinallycomesandIgetthroughmyworkday.Robtextsatsix-thirtytotellmehe’sheadingout.
Yay,thankGod!Icheckmylookandtrytocalmmybutterflies.Finallygonnaseemynewbeauagain!
Igetthedogsintothecarandheadoutafewminuteslater.
Ipullintotheparkinglotandthere’stheJeep.IseeRobsittinginthedriver’sseat,hisheadswiveling

towatchmepark.Tinyisinthepassengerseat,andhisheadturnstowatchaswell.

Gettingoutofmycar,IturntoseeRobpracticallyjumpingoutoftheJeep.Hehurriestowardsme.

Thesightmakesmyheartleapwithjoyandallmydoubtsflyawayasiftheywereneverthere.Ican’t
keepthesmileoffmyfaceandhisownwide,whitesmileandoneadorabledimpleshowmehowhappy

heistoseeme,too.

Hegrabsmeandliftsmerightoffmyfeet,huggingmesotightlyIcan’tbreathe.
“Mmmmohyeah….there’smygirl,”hesays,tuckinghisfaceintomyneckandrockingme,myfeet

danglingofftheground.Wekiss,makingsillynoises,mwahmwahmwah,and then he play-gobbles my
nose. We both giggle like lunatics. A woman taking a beagle out of the car looks over and smiles. We
probablylooklikewehaven’tseeneachotherforyears.

“Imissedyousomuch,it’scrazy!Jesus!”Heputsmedownwithafinalsqueezeandwegetthedogs

out.TinyandDieselimmediatelystartagameofbitey-face,eyesrollingandhuffingdog-laughter.It’slike
theymissedeachothertoo.

RobandIstartdownthewindingpath,holdinghands.IonlyletgolongenoughtoletPrincessoutof

hercarrier.

AssoonasIsetherontheground,allthreeofthemgonuts,play-bowingandgalumphingaroundlike

furrygoofballs.

“Lookhowhappytheyaretoseeeachother,”Robsays.
“Notashappyasme,”Isay,holdinghisarmbetweenbothofmineandstayingasclosetohimasI

can.

We let the dogs exercise and play and do their ‘peeps and poops’. Following Rob’s advice about

beingrelaxedmyselfwhenPrincessisaroundbiggerdogshaspaidoff.She’swell-behavedandmannerly
now,lookingtomeforleadershipcues.

Seeingthisprogressmakesmyownanxietyabouthersafetyfade.I’llalwayshavetokeepaneyeout

forherbutIthinkIcantrusthernottostartproblemsonherownnow.

AsforRob…wecan’tkeepourhandsoffofeachother.Hisaffectionfeelswonderful,familiar,and

right.Betweenchatterabouteverything––exceptValeriss––weholdhands,hug,kiss,walkarm-in-armand
steallong,sexykisseswhenno-one’saround.

Afterapleasanthourinthepark,westartheadingback.
‘So, you said your parents are coming home for a visit soon? Any idea when, sweetie?” he asks.

Stoppingneartheparkinglot,wetakeaseatonabenchandleashTinyandDiesel.IscoopupPrincess
andputherinhercarrier.

“IthinkMomsaidMonday.Dadhastaxmeetingsafterthefirstofthemonthorsomething.
“Youlookingforwardtoseeingthem?”
“Yes! It’s nice to have the house to myself, but it gets lonely. It’s a big house for one person to be

rattlingaroundin.”

“Well,onepersonandtwodogs,”hesays.
“Right.” We’re quiet for a moment, then, I bring up the inevitable. “So…about your houseguest. I

guessthere’sstillnochange?NowordfromTanner?”

“Soshesays.Iwashopingshe’dbegonebynowbut…Idon’tknow.I’vebeenwalkingoneggshells

with her. Trying to help without pushing her too hard. She’s been trying, I’ll give her that. She’s been
gettingtheplacecleanedup,thatsortofthing.Ihaven’tpesteredheraboutdealingwithherfather’sdeath
butthat’llbenext.”

“How’sshebeen,emotionally?”
“Fragile.But,IdidmakeitcleartoherthatI’llneedmyhouseandlifebacksoon.ItoldherthatI’m

tryingtostartanewrelationshipwithyouandIcan’tdoitwithheraround.”

Helooksatmefranklyandsoberly.
“Oh.”Thestrangest,mostconflictingfeelingsI’veeverhadslicethroughme.Deepsadnessforthis

poorlittlerichgirlmixedwithakindofwildhappinessformyself.

I’veneverfeltanythingsobittersweetbefore.
Idon’tknowhowtoexpressthatfeelingorevenifIshould,soIjusttakeRob’sarmandsay,“How’d

shetakeit?”

“Fine, actually. She said you seemed very nice. I told you, there’s no romantic feelings whatsoever

betweenus.Whatwehadofthat,longago,wasbriefandoverwithfast.”

“It’scool.It’snoneofmybusiness,”Isay,eventhoughofcourseI’mdyingtoknow.
Heraiseshiseyebrowsatmeasiftosay“Oh,really?”andgrinslikehecanreadmymind.“Anyway,

I said I’d help her get hold of Tanner or another lawyer, but that I was going to talk to you and we’d
decidehowmuchlongershecanstay.YouandI.”

“You…no,Ican’t…it’snotmyplace,Rob!”
“I’mmakingityourplace.SheneedstogohometoD.C.andtrytocopewiththis.She’snotlocked

outofthehouse.She’snothomeless,orpenniless.Whatever’sgoingonwithhermoneywillberesolved
soonerorlater.But…thatsaid…shereallyisgrieving.Andshereallyisalone.Idon’twanttopushher
toohard,butIdowanttopushher.”

“Yes.Iunderstand.Itmustbehorribleforher.Areyousayingsheseriouslyhasnofriends?Noone

elseshecouldgoto?”

“Sheneverdidhavemanyfriends.She’sveryeccentric,alwayswas.You’veseenityourself.”
Inod.
“Shecanbehardtotake.Myparentsdidn’tlikeher.Evenmybrotherbarelytoleratedherandhelikes

everyone.Anyway,that’swhyshe’ssodependentonherfather.And,toalesserextent,me.”

“Damn.Ialwaysassumepeoplehavefamily,friends…someone,somewhere…youknow?”
Henods.“Butnoteveryonedoes.Andit’dhavetobeadamngoodfriendtotakesomeonesofreshly

bereavedandhelpless.Friendslikethatarehardtocomeby.Youprobablydon’thavethatmanyreally
goodfriendsyourself.IknowIdon’t.”

Irealizehowtruethatis.Amongallmyfriends,andacquaintances,howmanyofthemcouldIaskto

takemein?Amandaisprobablyitandshe’sprettymuchfamily.And,themoreIthinkaboutthat,themore
IrealizejusthowmuchItakemyfamilyforgranted.

“Whatabouthermother’sfamily?”
“ItoldhertocontacthergrandmotheronFacebookandtellherwhathappened.Sherefusedatfirst,

but I said that if she didn’t, then I would. Even if they can’t take her in, they could at least support her
emotionally. Or, maybe someone could come stay with her at her place in D.C.. I dunno, something,
anything,wouldbebetterthanherbeinghere.”

“Why’dsherefusetotalktohergrandmother?”
“Shesaysherfatherthoughttheywereonlybeingfriendlywithherformoney.Hewasveryparanoid,

suspicious.Controlling.HeputalotofpressureonValeriss,truthbetold.”

“Whatpressure?Itsoundslikehespoiledher!”
“Yesbutthat’sakindofpressure.Toalwaysobey,orriskhavingyourabilitytosurvivepulledout

fromunderyou.Moneywashowhecontrolledher,andhowheshowedhelovedher,forallthegoodit
did her.” He pauses, looks away. “He used it to control everyone, me included. I got away from him,
eventually,butshecouldn’t.Shedidn’twantto.Imean,hewasherfather.”

I nod. “Well, sure. Of course. It’s funny, though. When I was unpacking your kitchen I was thinking

howspoiledIambecauseIhaven’thadtolearntocookyet.But,consideringValeriss…andevenColton,
whoalsocomesfromarichfamily…maybeI’mnotsobad.”

“Ya think?” he snorts. “Valeriss sometimes just needs to have the flaws in her logic pointed out.

Because,whenIaskedherwhyorhowhermother’sfamilywouldknoworcareabouthermoney,shehad
noanswer.Theydon’tknowhowwealthysheis.Besides,they’reallsuccessfulpeopleintheirownright.
Theyjustwantarelationshipwithher.She’salltheyhaveleftofhermother,afterall.”

“Ihopeyou’reright.”
“Well,ifI’mnot…Ican’tletitbemyproblemformuchlonger.Idon’twanttobeaprick,butIneed

tomoveon.”Hesighsandsqueezesmyhand.“Nomatterwhathappensbetweenyouandme,Ineedto
leavethepastbehind.”

IlookathimandIcan’thelpbutsmile.“You’reaverygoodman,Rob.Verydecent.Ireally,really,

likeyou,youknowthat?”

“Thanks,”hesays.“Ilikeyoutoo.AndIappreciateyouputtingupwithallthis.”Hepullsmetohim.

“I wish I could take you home with me tonight,” he whispers, nuzzling my ear. His warm breath and
closenessstartacascadeoftingles.“Iwantyousobad.Iwannamakeyoumoan,Iwannatasteyou,feel
youaroundmycock…Iwannafallasleepandwakeupnexttoyou.”

OhGod,metoo!“Well…”Isay,swallowinghard,“Idohavethehousetomyselfforthenextcouple

days.Maybeweshouldtakeadvantageofthatwhilewecan.”

“Aww,yes!”Hepumpshisfistandkissesme,hard.“Ithoughtyou’dneverask!Iwasabouttoeither

beg you to go to a hotel with me, or just flat-out invite myself over.” He nuzzles me again, grinning,
fanningthefirehestarted.“WhataboutTiny?Canhecome?”

“Yes!Ibethe’llappreciatesomepeaceandquiettoo.Doyouneedtorunhomeandgrabanything?”
“Nope.Ipackedanovernightbag,justincase.”Webothgrin,wide.“Alright,baby,I’llfollowyouin

theJeep.Let’sgo!”

ChapterFourteen

BRENDA

HANDS

onthesteeringwheelaresosweaty,Ihavetokeepchangingmygrip.I’mthinkingabouthow

Rob’sjuicycockfeltinsideme,andit’smakingmypussythrobwithanticipation.

Behindmycar,theJeep’sheadlightskeeppacewithmeallthewayhome.
I park in the driveway while Rob pulls the Jeep up in front of the house. “I think you missed your

calling as a race-car driver,” he jokes as we bring the dogs into the house. I take my coat off and let
Princessoutofhercarrier.“Didyoueventouchthebrakesordidyoujusteaseuponthegaswhenyou
tookthecorners?”

“You seemed to keep up with me pretty well,” I say, letting him see my eyes crawl over his thick,

meatybody.Isthat…?Yep,itlookslikesomething’sgrowingbehindthezipperofhisfly.“If you must
know,allIcouldthinkaboutwasgettingthatcockofyoursinsidemeagain,”Isayitprimly,lookingathis
crotchandthenlookinghimsquareintheeye.

Blueeyesflashinglust,hedropshisbag,shrugshiscoatoffandintwostrides,hehasmeinhisarms.

Onebighandgrabsmyasswhiletheothergoesundermyshirtandtakesahandfulofboob.“Oh,youdirty
girl,” he growls approvingly, bringing his face close to mine. His eyes fix on my face as he rolls my
nipplebetweenhisfingers.

Myhandfindhishardnessandscrabblesatit,tryingtograspitthroughhisjeans.Iopenhiszip,reach

throughandgrabit,findingithotandhard,makinghimgruntandthrust.

“Yousee?Ihadtodriveherewiththisgoingoninmypants,”hemurmurs,thenmasheshislipsagainst

mine.

Iholdhisthrobbinghardnessinhishandwhileourmouthsmelttogether,tonguestanglingandbreath

coming faster and faster. My pussy throbs strongly, insistently, wanting what it was made by Nature to
take.

“Let’stakethistomybedroom,”Ileadthewaytothestairs,withRobhotbehindme.Thedogsfollow

excitedly,Princessfirst,thenDiesel,withTinytakingamoredignifiedpace.Downthehallandintomy
room, we fling ourselves on the bed, where Princess runs up the little set of steps and tries to get
involved.

“Okay,dogsaway,”Robsays,doingthatthingwithhischin.Princessimmediatelygetsdownoffthe

bed. “Go lay down,” he says, looking at her and Diesel. They both settle onto Diesel’s makeshift bed.
“Tiny,”hesays,“youtoo.”AndthebigRottieamblesoverandthumpshimselfdownwithasigh.“Now,
allofyou,”hesays,“listenup.”Theyalllookathim,eyebrowsquirking.“I’mgoingtofuckmygirlnow
andIdon’twantanynonsensefromanyofyou.Gotit?”

Threeheadslowerobediently.
“Oh,comeON!”Iyell,giggling.“That’sridiculous!Howthefuckdoyoudothat?”

“Honestly?”hesays,slidinghisbodyovermine,“Idon’tknow.”
I reach up and take his face between my hands, affectionately scratching his beard-stubble. “You’re

moreofadog-whispererthantherealdog-whisperer.”

“AllIwantistowhisperyou,”hesays,talkingintomymouthasI’mkissinghim.
We kiss and caress each other, taking our time now. Clothes come off and land on the floor, and he

stretches his naked body out alongside mine. It’s warm, and solid, muscular and masculine, sexy and
comfortingatonce.

Andhe’sgivingittome,givingeverythinghehastome.
Hecaressesme,examiningmybreastswithhiseyesandhands,stoppingtotrailfingersoveramole

here,andalittlescarthere.

Soon,hetrailshiskissesalongmyjaw,andhistonguefollows,allthewaydownmybody,gruntinga

littleashereachesmylegs.Itrytograbathisjuttingcockonthewaydown,butitbobsoutofmyreach,
leavingawarmdropofprecumonmybelly.

Scrunchinghimselfdowntowardsthefootofmybed,heslidesoffwhenhereachestheendandkneels

onthefloor.Hepullsmebythehipsuntilmyassisalmosthangingoffthebed.Iknowwhathe’sgoingto
donextandit’smakingmylegsshakealready.

Andhedoesit…ohhhgodyes,heplungeshistongueintome,overandover,fuckingmewithit,then

slurpingmyjuicesoutofmyflutteringhole,ignoringmyclitevenasIgrasphisheadandgrindmyhips,
tryingtogetthatflickingteasingtantalizingtongueofhisontomyachingnub.

He’s grunting and growling, making those sexy animal noises. His saliva and my juices drench his

face,hischinandmythighs.Hewon’ttouchmyclit,hewon’t,hejustpullsaway,teasing,teasing…until
bam,hesucksitintohismouth,hard,andthensoft,andthenhardagain,encirclingit,flickingit,doingthat
washing-motionwithhistonguethathedoes,makingmemoanandbuckandclenchhisheadbetweenmy
thighs.

OhGod,ohdamn,it’ssogood,soexquisite,Ihavetoletgoofhishairandgrabmysheetsinmyfists

beforeIpullhandfulsofhishairrightoutofhisscalp.

He’sbreathingsohard,italmostsoundslikehe’sabouttocometoo…sosexyandhot,itmakesthose

sparkles leap, and grow and grab on, grabbing my tenderest flesh; those golden tingles of pleasure that
grabonandsqueezeintoadelectablecontractionthatstartsoffthechainreaction.

Hefeelsit,andpullsmyhipstohimsothatIcan’tescape,buryinghisfaceinmypussy.Heuseshis

flattenedtonguetolickmefrommyholetomyachingclit,lickinghard…yesohyes,herewego,hereit
comes…thewhitelightflaresbehindmyeyesasmyclitandmypussyexplodetogether,clenchingover
andover,makingmythighsconvulsearoundhishead.

Ican’tstopmyselffrommakingthathigh,whisperyscream,andhe’smoaningtoo,moaningintomy

soppingfoldsasifit’shisorgasmasmuchasmyown.

Helicksandslurpsme,tryingtogethistongueasfarintomeashecan,lappingupmyjuicesasif

they’rethemosttemptingdrinkhecouldeverwant.

“Unnnh,” he mumbles incoherently, getting up on his knees. His eyes are dreamy and his chin is

glistening.Hestandsup,takesmyhipsinhishandsandflipsmeover,lightasafeather.Onmyhandsand
kneesnow,hepullsmyhipstowardshimashiskneespartmylegsandholdthemopen.

Ican’tclosemylegs,Ican’tgoanywhere,Ican’tgetawayfromhimevenifIwantedto.AndIdon’t

wantto.Iwanthimtofuckmeandfillmeandmakemehis.Itmakesmesohottobeheldopenlikethat,
opentohissightsothathecanseeeveryglisteningpartofme…dowhateverhewantstome.

“Ohgod,ohyeah,”Iwhisper,“fuckme,ohhhyeah,ohyes…uhhnnnh!”
Hiscockslicesintome,impalingme,knockingthewindfrommeashefillseveryinchofmewithhis

thick,hardshaft.

“Ahh,lookatthatass,”hemurmurs.Hepullsbackandslamsmehard,makingmecryout.

“Youlikethat?Doesthatfeelgood?”Hedoesitagain.
“Yes! Yes…” It feels better than good, it feels wonderful. He pulls back with a snarl and just…

starts…hammeringme,hammeringandpoundingme,thesexy,slap-squelchsoundofourbodiescoming
togetherfillingmyears.Iputmyheaddown,archmyback,lovingthesensationofbeingfucked,being
lustedafterandenjoyed.

Andashepoundsme,hefindsarhythm,oraspotorahiddenplacemaybe,somewheredeepinside,

and every time his cock touches it, it feels like a stroke of white-hot pleasure lashing some secret hot-
spot,wayupfarinside.

Mypussyseemstograbathiscock,almostlikeithassomekindofprehensilequality,grabbingathis

cock like it’s trying to suck it deeper into itself. And every time it grabs it feels so good, so very very
good,itmakesmyclitthrobandmyjawgoslack.

“Ahhh yeah,” he moans, “yeah…fuck yeah,” and he pounds me with every word, his cock getting

harderandharderinsideme,makingthatgrabbingandclenchingfeelinginmydeepestpartfeelmoreand
moreintense.

Heslamshimselfhome,handsgrippingmywaistsohardtheyleavetinyfinger-shapedmarks;Ipress

backagainsthim,mypussyalivewithpleasure,ashishipsgrindhisexplodingcockdeepinsideme.

WE’REbothlayingthereinanakedtangle,pantingandsweatingandtryingtocatchourbreath.

“Brenda,”hesaysdreamily,pullingmeagainsthiswidechest,“youfeelsogood!Sofuckinggood!”
“Oh god, Robert, you too. You know what?” I swallow and lick my lips, trying to catch my breath.

“Thatwassogood…everystrokefeltsogood,especiallywhenyouwereinsodeep!IthinkIcouldhave
comeagain,justfromhowawesomeyourcockfeelsinsideme.”

“Yeah?” He looks down at me, his face still glistening with my juices, and plants pussy-flavored

kissesallovermyface.“Thenwe’llhavetoworkonthat.It’sjustthatit’ssohardtolastwithyou…”He
letsoutashortlaughandhugsmetohimagain.“You’resohot,sexygirl!”

“Lookwho’stalking,”Isay.“Mypussy’sstilltinglingandthrobbing!Andthewayyoumakemecome

withyourmouthandtongue…ohgod,it’ssomuchbetterthanmyfingers…oreven,mylittlevibrator.”

“Oh, you have a vibrator? Naughty, naughty girl!” His voice is full of approval. “Have you ever

fuckedyourselfwithit?”

“No,no,it’salipstickvibrator,”Isay.Isquirmoutofhisarmsandgetitoutofmybedsidetableto

showhim.“See?It’stoosmallforthat.Besides,Ineverpenetratedmyself.Iwantedtosavethatforthe
rightguy.”

Helooksatmewithwarmintensity,analmostlovinglook.Hetakesthevibratorfrommyhandand

looksatit,thenturnsiton.Hiseyeswiden.“Wow,it’spowerful,isn’tit?Later,wouldyouletmetryit
outonyou?”

“Hellz,yeah!”HeturnsitoffandIputitback,thenwelaybackineachother’sarmscontentedly.
Princesspadsovertothebedandclimbsthelittlestepshesitantly,hernosesniffingtowardswhatI’m

sureareallthestrangeandinterestingsexsmellsonthebed.

“Out,” I say, and wonder of wonders, she turns away and gets down immediately. “Well, would ya

lookatthat,”Isay,lookingwithwideeyesatRob.

Hegivesmeanimpressedexpressionandathumbsup.“See?Iknewyouhaditinyou,justbytheway

Diesellistenstoyou.”

“Yeahbutshedidn’talwayslisten.Shehasamindofherown.”
“Maybe she just knows whether you really mean it or not. And since she’s so cute, and small and

adorable,maybeyoudon’talwaysmeanwhatyousaytoher.”

Ithinkaboutthatforamoment.“IalwaysmeanwhatIsaytoDiesel,becauseIthinkit’simportantto

controlabigdog.It’simportantthattheylisten.Buthonestly,Ithoughtitwasmostlythathe’sjustagood
dog.”

“They’reallgood,”hesays.“EvenMeff.Theyjustneedtoknowthatwemeanwhatwesay.”
Werestforalittlewhilelonger.“Yougettinghungry?”Isay.
“Starving.”
Ilaughandgetupoffthebed.“Metoo.Andthirsty.Let’sgodownandseewhatwehave.”
Wegetdressedandheaddownstairstothekitchen,allthreedogsfollowing.Igetuseachabottleof

water,whichwebothchug,andfixtwoheapingsalamisandwichesonthicksoftbuns,layeringthemwith
cheese,lettuce,picklesandmayo.

WeheadintothefamilyroomandturnonthebigscreenTV.Ifindamovieonthemoviechanneland

wedigintooursandwiches,sittingasclosetogetheraswecanwhilewestuffourfaces.

Wefinisheatingandcuddleup,withPrincesscurlinguptoonesideofmeandthetwobigdogstaking

spotsonthefloor.

Fiveminuteslater,wehearacardoorslamandthesoundsoffootstepscomingtothedoor.Princess

sitsupandwoofsexperimentally,whileDieselandTinylookupatRob.

IsitupandlookatRob,too,wholooksbackatmequizzically,waiting.
Wehearthefrontdooropenandthenmymother’svoicecallsout.“Hellloooo!Bren?Brennndaaaa!

We’rehome!”

ChapterFifteen

ROB

“O

!”Brendasays,“myparentsarehomeearly?”

I don’t know whether it’s okay for me to be here or what. This is Brenda’s parent’s house, but,

presumably,she’sallowedtohaveguests.

Princess jumps off the couch and goes running out, barking ecstatically. Diesel stands up, unsure,

whileTinyjustlooksatme.

Brendaheadstowardsthedoor.Tiny,DieselandIfollow.
“Mom! Dad! You…you’re home early!” She goes to the big, stocky older guy who’s obviously her

fatherandgiveshimahugandkiss.

He’sjuststraighteningup,havingbenttoscoopupPrincess,who’swrigglingwithjoyinhisarmsas

shetriestolickhisface.“No,we’renot,”hesays.“We’rerightontime…aren’twe,Beverly?”Hisgaze
fallsonme.

“Well,today’sthefirstofthemonth,”comesavoicefrombehindhim.Wearingthickframedglasses

andspikyhair,Brenda’smotherstepsaroundthebigman.“That’sthedaywesaidwewerecominghome.
”Sheseesmenow,too.“Oh!”

“AndyoumustbeRob?”HerDadlooksatBrenda,thenbackatme,thendownatthetwobigdogs.
“Yes,Mom,Dad,thisis…”Brendabegins.
Thenhermotherseesthedogsaswell.
“OhmyGawwwwd!”sheyells,“Lookatthesiiiizeof‘em!Ha!HiBren,c’mere,c’mere!”She hugs

andkissesBrendaandlooksatme,pushingherglassesupthebridgeofhernose.

“RobertMollenkamp.Pleasedtomeetyou,Mr.Bennett,Mrs.Bennett.”Iholdmyhandouttoeachof

theminturn.

“Call me Doug,” the big man says, “nice to meet you, too. Unexpected,” he looks at Brenda, “but

nice.”

“AndpleasecallmeBeverly,”Brenda’smomadds.
Iwasn’texpectingyouuntilMonday,”Brendasays,sheepishly.
“Well…surprise,then,Iguess!”Beverlylaughs.
“Hey,guys,”Dougsaystothebigdogs.Theybothputtheirearsbackandwagtheirtails,butdon’t

approachhim.

HeputsPrincessdownandkneelsononeknee,whichinstantlymakesbothdogscomfortable.Theygo

straightovertohimandgreethim,sniffingandwagging,eyesshiningandhappytomeethim.

He looks happy to meet them too, trying to pat and talk to both of them at once. “I recognize you,

you’re Diesel,” he says to the shaggy mixed-breed, petting and scratching the dog, who stretches, turns
around, then lays down and shows his tummy, tail wagging happily. “But I don’t know your name,” he

saystomyRottie.

“Tiny,”Isay.“Thisismydog,Tiny.”
“Hey,Tiny,”helaughs,“that’stheperfectnameforyou,isn’tit?Hey?Who’sagoodboy?Hey?Isit

you? You a good boy?” he says, thumping my dog heartily on the side. Tiny lifts his head and smiles,
huffing,tailwagging,lovingtheattention.

Mrs.Bennettbendsdownandgreetsallthedogsaswell,pickingupPrincessforacuddleandmaking

baby-talktothetwobigdogs.

“Well,”Brendasays.“Welcomehome!”
“Thankyou,sweetheart,”herdadsays,takingoffhiscoatandhandingittoBeverly,whohangsitin

thecloset.

“Ishouldgetgoing,”Isay.IpatmylegandTinycomesover.
“No,no,listen.Sinceyou’rehere,whydon’tyouletusgetsettledinabit,andthenwecanhavea

visit…noneedtorushoff,”saysDoug.

“Yeah,noneedtorushoff,”echoesBeverly.“Unlessyouhadotherplans…?”
“Nope,nootherplans,”Brendasays,lookingatme.“Rob?Youmindhangingoutwiththe‘rentsfora

bit?”

“Notatall.

EVENTUALLY, everyone ends up around the kitchen table. Doug offers me a beer which I gratefully
accept.BrendaleansagainstthecounterwhileBeverlybustlesaroundthekitchen,tut-tuttingcontentedly
abouthownothinginthehouseisquitehowsheleftit.

“So,Robert.DidBrendatellyouweknewyourparents?”
“Shedid,yes.Youallwenttohigh-schooltogether?”
“Yep,Iwasinthesameclassasyourdad.Wehadsomegoodtimes.Iwasverysorrytohearofhis

passing,bytheway.”

“Thank-you.”
Henods.“Didyouknowthatwehungoutwithyourmomacoupletimesafteryourdadpassed?”
“No,Ididn’t.Shenevermentionedit.”IglanceatBrenda,whoshrugs.
“No?Well,itwasalongtimeago,asyouknow.Actually,RoseandBeverlyhaveagoodfriendin

common.SherryWaters.Youknowher?”

“Sherry?Yes,Sherry’slikeafixtureofmychildhood,”Isay,smiling.
“Minetoo,”Brendachimesin.
“Hah!” Beverly laughs. “When Brenda told us about you, we thought maybe you and Nick played

togetherinouroldhouseafewtimeswhenyouweresmall.Imean,reallysmall,liketwoorthree.Sherry
broughtyouandyourbrotheroveracoupletimeswhenshewasbabysittingyou.He’sMark,right?”

“Right.Yes,Sherrybabysatus.”Ismile.“Smallworld…smalltown!”
“Itsureis,”Dougsays,buthe’slookingatDiesel.HewinksatBrenda,then,hegetsup,goestothe

fridgeandtakesoutapackageofkielbasa.

Cuttingsomeofitintosmallpieces,heputstheminabowlandcallseachdogover.Tinylooksatme

first.InodmypermissionandDouggiveseachdogatreatinturn,beforebringingthebowltothetable
andsittingbackdown.Allthreedogswatchwithinterest.HeordersPrincessandTinytogoliedown,
whichtheydo,atarespectfuldistance.

Now,hecallsDieseloverandgetsthedogtoliedownathisfeet,whichDieseldoeswillingly.From

time to time as we talk, Doug gives the dog affection and attention, as well as slipping him a piece of
meat.

I smile to myself, thinking that Doug will have that dog thoroughly bribed by the time the night is

through.IglanceatBrenda,whocurlsthecornersofhermouthbutsaysnothing.

Thechatturnstosmalltownlife,andwhoweknowincommon,whichturnsouttobe,alotofpeople.

Wejokeabouthoweveryoneknowseveryoneelse’sbusiness,aclichéoflifeinsmalltowns.

ThetalkmovestothehistoryofMerlingtonandhowitbecameasuburbofthebiggercity,andallthe

changesthathavetakenplaceoverthelastthirtyyearsorso.

Aswetalk,Dougopensfreshbeersforthetwoofus,whileBeverlyandBrendamovebetweenthe

table and the counter, chiming in with the conversation while keeping the snacks flowing. The Bennetts
aredown-to-earth,friendlyandsupportivepeople,andtheeveningispassingpleasantly.

They’remakingmefeelwelcomeandathome.I’mrelaxedandwarminguptothem.ThewholetimeI

wasinD.C.,thisiswhatImissedabouthome.

Brendacatchesmyeyeandbeamsatmeeverynowandthen.
Around ten o’clock, Beverly plops herself down at the table with a sigh, saying ““So…Robert. We

hear that you eloped with your first wife.” She pats my hand. “Yeah, of course we know. Your parents
wereupset,naturally.WeheardallaboutitfromSherryatthetime.”

Ishrug.Yep.Smalltown.ButIdon’tcare.It’spartofmyhistory,mypast,partofwhoIam.
“Now,I’msureyouhadyourreasons,”shegoeson,“whicharenobody’sbusiness.ButIcan’thelp

being a little worried, because, you know, Brenda’s our only daughter…our baby. We wouldn’t want
to…”

“Mom!”Brendagroans.“Wejustmet!I’mnotgonna…”
“Naw,it’sokay,sweetie,”Isay,“it’stimetotellyouthatstoryanyway.It’snotmyproudestmoment,

but,itiswhatitis.”

“See,Bren?”Beverlysays.“Hedoesn’tmind!”Shepushesherglassesupandsmiles.
“Theshortstoryis,Iwasyoung,foolish,andthoughtIwasinlove.Imetmyex,Valeriss,thesummer

afterIfinishedhighschool.Shewasstayingwithourneighborforthesummer.Whenitwastimeforher
toleave,wecouldn’tbeartopart.Wewantedtogetmarried,butourparentswouldn’tsupportthat.I’m
sureyoucanimagine.”

“Ohmy,yesthat’stooyoung,”Beverlysays.“Wedidthesamethingandweshouldknow.Wedidn’t

elope,mind,but,we…um…hadtogetmarried.”Sheactuallyblushes!

“Iwascrazyaboutyou,Iwould’vemarriedyouanyway.”Dougsays,takingherhandandkissingit.

“Goon,Robert.”

“Besidesourage,myparentsdidn’tlikeValeriss.She’s…well,odd.But,wewereeighteenandall

fullofhormonesandideals,likeyouwereprobablytoo.So,wewenttoVegas.”

“Vegas,huh?DidyougotothatLittleChapel?”Beverlyasks.“Theplacewhereallthecelebritiesget

married?”

“TheLittleWhiteWeddingChapel,yes.”
“And…?”Dougasks.
I’mansweringhimbutlookingatBrenda.“Then,Valeriss’fathercutoffherbankcardandstrandedus

out there. We had to agree to have the marriage annulled or else. Valeriss picked the ‘or else’ and we
livedonthestreetforafewweeks.”

Ipause,andtakeadrinkofmybeer.
“Didn’tyoulookforwork?”Dougasks.
“Ohyes.IwasheddishesandValerisstriedbusking.Shehasaprettygoodsingingvoice.Thatgotold

prettyfast.However,Valerisswouldn’tagreetocomehomewithoutme.Soherfatherofferedtoputus
bothupandpayforhertogotocollege.Shegothimtoagreetopayformyeducation,too.Myownplan
forschoolwasvagueandhalf-assed,soIjumpedatit.”

“Herfatherhasmoney,Itakeit,”Beverlysays.

“Yes.He’saD.C.lobbyist.Well,hewas…herecentlypassedaway.”BrendaandIlookateachother.

“But, the marriage only lasted about a year. I couldn’t cope with Valeriss, or her father’s constant
interference. After we divorced, we stayed friends. She somehow got him to let me stay there and
continuepayingformyeducation,untilIgraduated.WhichIdid,fouryearslater.IgotmydegreeandI’m
aprogrammernow.IoweValerissalotforthat.”

“Youlivedwithherafteryoudivorcedher?”Brendaasks.
“Yes,inherfather’shouse.Inoneofthesparebedrooms.”
“Wasn’tthatawkward?”
“Notreally.Therelationshipbecamemoreofakindofbrother-sisterthing.”
Dougraisesahand.“Igetyou,son.WhatI’mwonderingismoreaboutthemoney.Didn’therfather

expectyoutopayitback?”

“Nope.Itwasnothingtohim.ButIdidpayitback,everypenny.Ittookfiveyears.AssoonasIgot

mydegree,Igotajob,movedout,andstartedpayinghimback.”

Dougnodswithsatisfactionbutsaysnothing.
“There’ssomethingelseyoushouldknow.Iwantyoutohearitfrommeandnotsomeoneintown.”
Doug and Beverly wait quietly. I sit up straight and say, “Valeriss is in my house at the moment.

Which,incaseyouwerewondering,isthereasonBrendaandIarehere,andnotthere.”

“Oh?”BeverlyandDouglookateachother,andthenatBrenda,andthenbackatme.“Iwaskind of

wondering,”Beverlysays.

“I can explain… but I want everyone, Brenda especially, to believe and understand that there’s

nothingsexualbetweenmyexandmeanymore,andhasn’tbeenforyears.I’maone-womanman,period.
Icouldn’tdealwithtwowomenatonceonmybestday,believeme!”

“Ha!Youandmeboth,buddy,”Dougsays.
“Tellthemwhyshe’shere,”Brendaurges.
I explain the situation and try to convey to them how fragile and child-like Valeriss can be. How

difficultitisforhertocopewithnormaleverydaylife,nevermindthelossofherfather.

BrendapipesupwithherimpressionsandconfirmsthatValerissshowedupwithoutmypermission.

The upshot is, everyone agrees that it wouldn’t be right for me to abandon Valeriss during her
bereavement.

“ButIdon’tseewhyshecan’tgetaccesstohermoney,”Dougsays.“Orwhythelawyerhasn’tcalled

her. I doubt he could block access to someone’s bank account without a court order. She’d have to be
declaredincompetentorsomething,wouldn’tshe?”

“Ireallydon’tknow,”Isay.“I’vebeentoobusytolookintoitmuch.AndIhaven’twantedtopress

her.IdidGoogleitabitbutallIcouldfindwassomethingaboutjointaccounts.Theycanbefrozenif
someonedies,butallthatisrequiredtoreleasethemisacopyofthedeathcertificate.Theaccountisthen
turnedovertothesurvivingjointowner.”

“Thatsoundslikeit’sprettystandard,”Dougsays.
“Soitseems.Ididtrytotalktoheraboutitbutsheseemstothinkthatbecauseherbankandcredit

cardsshowhernameonly,thattheaccountsareinhernameonly.”

Dougsays.“Allofmineandmywife’saccountsarejointbutthecardsareinourindividualnames

only.Alsostandard.”

“Right,” I say, “and she just doesn’t understand that. She’s not exactly a competent adult, I suppose

youcouldsay.Herfathertookcareofeverything.Idoubtshe’severseenarealbill,muchlesspaidone.”

“Geez,”Beverlysays.“Mustbenice!”
“Yeah but she’s gonna have to learn fast now. And she will, since her helplessness is learned. She

meanswell,though.She’sadecentperson.She’sjustclueless.”

“Shedoesseemlikeadecentperson,”Brendasays.“Itisaweirdsituationbut,Valerissdoesn’tseem

evilorwhatever.Just,verychild-like.”

“Isshe…youknow…allthereinthehead?”Beverlytapsherowntemplewithalongfingernail.
“AsfarasIknow.She’sbeenintherapybutneverreceivedanykindofdiagnosisthatI’mawareof.”
“Isshejustsloworsomethingmaybe?LowIQ?Mentallychallenged?”Dougasks.
“No.Shefinishedhighschoolandwenttocollege.She’swellspoken,she’swell-read…no.She’snot

lowIQoranythinglikethat.She’sjustaspoiledandpassivepersonwhohasn’tbeenmadetogrowup.”

“Wow,”Beverlysays.“Okaythen.So…whatareyougoingtodo?”
“I’m going to try to help her figure out her finances and contact her mother’s family. But whatever

happens,afterthat,shehastoleave.Ineedtomoveonwithmylife,andsodoesshe.”

“That’sashameaboutherfather,”Beverlysays.“Anditisgoodofyoutotakeherin…eventhoughit

doesn’tseemlikeyouhadmuchchoice.”

“I don’t right now, I suppose. But she’s had time to grieve in peace now. Monday, after work, I’m

goingtositdownwithherandmakesurethingsstartmovingforward.”

“If you want,” Doug says, “I can call my lawyer on Monday and see what he has to say about this

money thing. He won’t charge me to ask a couple questions. I’m sure your ex can’t be shut out of her
accountsforever.”

“That’sgoingtobemynextstep,actually.LetmeseewhatIcandofirst.Iappreciatetheoffer.”
“No problem, son. Glad to help.” He stands up and pats me on the back. “Well, I dunno about you

kids,butIwanttogostretchoutonthecouchandwatchthenews.C’mon,Deez,”hesays,ashegetsup
fromthetable.DieselfollowsDougintothefamilyroomwithoutabackwardglance.

IlookatBrendaandsmile.Shesmilesbackandwrinkleshernoseinhappiness.
“I’lljoinyouinaminute,honey,”BeverlycallsaftertoDoug.“It’snicetomeetyou,Rob.Well,meet

youagain,ha!Eventhoughyoudon’trememberthefirsttime.I’msurewe’llbeseeingyou,”sheadds,
smiling.“I’mpooped!I’mgonnagetmyjammieson.Seeyoutwolater.”Andoffshegoes.

“Ithinkthatmeansit’sokayifyouwanttostaythenight,”Brendasays.“I’llasktomakesurebutyou

canprobablysleepinmybrother’soldroom,orthespareroom.”Sheputsherarmsaroundmywaistand
cuddlesme.“Andprobably,sneakintomyroomlater.”

Hertouch,andlookingintohergleamingeyesandisallmydickneedstowakeup.But,herparents

arehereandIdon’tfeelrightaboutit…yet.

“Ishouldgohome.”Ikissthebridgeofhernose,thenherlips.“Ifanything,youshouldcomehome

withme.Valerisswon’tcare,notthatitmattersifshedid.”

“I was thinking the same, actually,” she says. “But I want to hang out with my parents tonight. Why

don’tIcomeovertomorrowandwecantrycookingsomethingfordinner?Then,we’llseeifit’sagood
nightformetostayover.”Sheputsherheadagainstmychestandsighs.“I’mnotsureIwanttohaveloud,
hotsexwithyourex-wifesleepinginthenextroom,butImightbeconvincedtohavequiet,hotsex.”

“Wedon’thavetohavesexatall.Wecanjustcuddleandsleep.”Isay,kissingher.“Ijustwantyou

withme.”

Andthat’sthetruth,but,whenIheadhome,myballsfeelache-yandbluejustthesame.

ChapterSixteen

BRENDA

FTER

LEAVES

,Igetmyownjammieson,thenIjoinmyparentsinthefamilyroom.They’resittingas

closetoeachotheronthecouchastheypossiblycan,mugsofsteamingcocoawithinreachonthecoffee
table.Thesightmakesmyheartsqueeze.Ididn’tevenrealizehowmuchImissedthem!

“There’s my baby girl,” Dad says, and pats the couch cushions on one side of him. Diesel, who’s

layingatthisfeet,looksupatmewithshiningeyes,layinghisearsbackandsmackingthefloorwithhis
tail.PrincessisalreadyinDad’slap.

I curl up against my Dad on one side. Mom, on his other side, lays her head on his shoulder. He

heavesacontentedsighandweallsitquietly,watchingthesportsnewscast.

Soakingupmyparents’solid,familiarandcomfortingpresenceiswonderful.
ButI’mnotcompletelycontent.
I’mstillbotheredbythesituationwithValeriss.AndasIthinkaboutit,Irealizeafewthings.
Eventhough I’m notafraid there’s anythingbetween her and Robanymore, there’s stilla tiny bit of

that green-eyed monster lurking within. But I think that’s probably normal and doesn’t mean I’m being
overlyneedy,possessiveorinsecure.

No.Thisisaboutmultiple,morecomplexthings.
The death of her father is making me think about things I’ve never considered before. Like, how it

must feel to be alone in the world. It sucks for her that she no longer has the comfort of her father to
sustainher.Ikeepthinkingabouthowlostandpanickedshesoundedwhenshesaidthatherfatherwasall
shehad.Geez!

AndIthinkaboutwhenshefirstarrived,andRobmentionedhermother’ssideofthefamilytoher.
Herresponsehadbeen“It’snotlikeIcangolivewiththem.”
Whatshereallymeantwasthathermother’sfamilyisnevergoingtobethesame‘family’forher,as

her now-deceased father was. Nothing can replace her father, who represents all she knows of her
original,birthfamily.Itwasonlyafamilyoftwo,butitwasallthefamilysheknew.

Andnow,it’sgone,forever.Wordscan’tdescribehowsadandfinalthatreallyis.
Inaddition,thestark,inescapablefactthatmoneycan’tbuylove,orfamily,isbecomingapparentto

meinamorerealandconcretewaythaneverbefore.Imean,Iknowyouneedmoney,ofcourse.Moneyis
important…hell,weneedmoneylikeweneedoxygen,whenyouthinkaboutit!Nodoubtaboutthat.

But.
But you can have all the money in the world and still be terribly alone. When I imagine myself in

Valeriss’place,it’slikeIcanfeelacold,bleakwindblowingthroughmysoul.

Ican’thelpbutfeelgladthatI’mnotinhershoes.
Andthenthere’sRob,whoobviouslyfeelsstuck,obligated,byhiscompassionforher.They’vehada

long association and a history together. So, I can see why he feels as he does, and I see that he can’t
morallydoanythingdifferentthanhe’sdoing.

ButIalsoseehowmucheasieritwouldbeifshewerejustabitch,or,say,acartoonvillainthatwe

couldhateandbedonewithit.

Butsheisn’t,she’snothinglikethatatall.
Sigh.Nothingissimple,isit?Nothingisblackandwhite.
On top of all that, my attraction to Rob keeps climbing, and it’s largely because he’s so moral and

trustworthy.He’sdoingtherightthing,despitehisclearwishesforthingstobeotherwise.

It’stotallysexy.I’msodrawntohim,soattractedand…humbled?
Yes,humbled.I’mfeelinghumbledbyhisself-restraint.He’sgothimselfundercontrol,he’skeeping

thingssteady.

It’s…hot.
Allthat,andofcoursehislooks,histeasing,thewayhewalks,talks…howhefeelsandsmells…all

ofthesethingsaresosmokinghottome.Irresistible.

Inmyheart,IthinkI’vemetmyForeverLove.Andit’smorecomplicated,marvelous,scaryandsexy

thanIeverimagined!

“Iwasgladitturnedoutthatwekind-ofknowRob,”Momsays,afterawhile.“Hecomesfromagood

familyandhedoesseemlikeanawfullydecentguy.”

“Yeah,”Dadsays.“Ithinkthingsaremovingtoofastbetweenyoutwothough,Bren.And,frankly,I’ll

behappywhenthisex-wifebusinessgetssettled.”

Obviously we’re all sitting here thinking the same thing. I feel an almost physical rush of gratitude.

I’msoluckytohavethesupportandloveofmyparents!

“Iadmitthatthingsaremovingfast,Dad.”Ianswerquietly.“ButIbelievehimwhenhesayshehasno

romanticfeelingsforValeriss.I’mmoreworriedthathefeelslikeheowesher.”

“Yes,”Dadsays.“andIthinkhemeans,heowesittohertonotabandonherinhertimeofneed,not

thatheowesittohertogetbacktogetherwithher.But…that’spartlywhatbothersme,Iguess.Helooks
afterhisobligations,payshisdebts,takescareofpeople…that’sthemarkofadecentguy.Agoodman.
Sometimes,peopletakeadvantageofthat.”

“Yeah.AndIwonderabouthermoney,”Momsays.“Peopledostrangethingsformoney.Iwonderif

she’lltrytomanipulatehimwithit,likeherfatherdid.”

“Thattoo,”Dadsays,“buthehasagoodjobandhisownmoneynow.Amanwhohashisownmoney

isnotthateasilytempted.Especiallyifhe’shappywithwhathehas.Andapparently,neitherhisex-wife
orhermoneymadehimhappy.”

“Howcouldit?Idon’tseehowanyonecanbehappyinasituationwherethey’rebeingboughtand

paidfor,”Isay.“It’snodifferentfrombeingchained.”

“Exactly,” Dad says. “And he says he worked to get himself out of it. That’s a man who can’t be

bought.Hedoestherightthing.Ilikethat.Whateverelseisgoingonwithhim,Ilikethat.”

“Yeah,metoo.”Momsays.
“AndyouknowwhatelseIlike?Ilikehowgoodheiswithdogs.DidyouseehowhisRottiewatches

him?Andhowthatdogwaitedforpermissiontotakefoodfromme?”

Momsitsupandtakesasipfromhermug.“Ididn’tnoticethat!”
“Ididn’teither,”Isay,“andIalreadyknowhowgoodheiswithdogs.”
“Yep.ThatdoglookedatRobertbeforehe’dtakehistreat.AndRobertjustduckedhisheadandthe

dogknewitwasokay.Imean,comeon!Whatdogwaitsforpermissiontotakefood?There’ssomething
specialaboutaguylikethat,Brenda.”

Icouldn’tagreemore.
Mom looks over at me and smiles. “He’s so handsome too, sweetie. He can have any woman he

wants,”shesays,“likesomeoneelseIknow.”

ShegivesDadasmolderinglook.Heglancesather,looksawayandthenlooksbackquickly,catching

theglintinhereye.

Whoa!That’smycuetoleave.
“Okay,I’mgoinguptomyroomnow,”Isay,laughing.Igivethembothahugandkiss.“I’msoglad

you’rehome.Thanksfor…youknow…beingsocool.”

“No problem, baby,” Mom says. Dad gives me an absent thumbs-up and turns his attention back to

Mom.

IpickupPrincessandgouptomyroom,hearingMomgigglingasIheadupstairs.

THENEXTDAY,RobtextsmetoaskifI’mstillplanningtocomebyfordinnerandtomaybestaythe
night.WhenIconfirm,hesendsmeakissemojiandsays“can’twait,comewhenever”.

When I arrive at his place just after four o’clock, I’m nervous, not sure what to expect…except

perhaps,chaos,dogfightsandasobbing,grievingchild-woman.

Myknockonthedoorproducesthedeep,resoundingwoofsoftwobigdogsbarkingintandem.Aftera

moment, they both fall silent and Rob opens the door, his wide, white smile showing that one elusive
dimple.

“Hi! Come in, come in,” he says, standing back to let me in. Tiny and Meff stay a polite distance

away,earsbackandentirebodieswagging.They’restandingsidebysidewithnotaruffledhairinsight.

“Oh,thisisencouraging,”Isay,smilingupatRob.Hegrabsmearoundthewaistandpicksmeup,

kissingmewitharesoundingsmooch.

Iwrapmyarmsaroundhisnecktightlyandreturnthefavor,myheartracingalittleathistouch.
“Yes, they’re always fine together when I’m here. But, we’re all feeling a little better today. Come

on,” he takes my coat and hangs it on the coat rack. “We’re in the kitchen, looking up dinner recipes
online.”

Thelivingroomneedstobepickedupalittlebuttherearenomoremovingcartons.Everythingseems

tobeunpacked.I’mrelievedtoseeit’snotthedisasterzoneIwasexpecting.

It’sthesameinthekitchen.Therearepapersandalaptoponthetable,butthecountersarecleanand

thesinksareclearofdishes.Abigpackageofporkchopssitsonthecounter,nexttoabagofpotatoesand
abagofcarrots.

At the kitchen table, Valeriss looks up at me over the open screen of the laptop. “Hi Brenda,” she

says, solemnly, in her Tinkerbell-small voice. She’s wearing retro-hippy clothing again. An orange,
ribbedturtle-neckpairedwithseventies-chichoundstoothtrousersinburntsiennaandavocado.

“Hi.”Ifeelshyagain,andawkward,whichisunlikeme.Iamsooutofmyleagueinthissituation,all

Icanthinktodoistotrynottomakeitanyworse.“So,um,how’sitgoingtoday?”

“Bitbetter,thanks.Howaboutyou?”
“I’mgood,thanksValeriss,”Isay.
“CallmeVal,ifyouwant.Where’syourdogs?”
“Oh,they’rewiththe‘rents.They’rebackfromFloridaforabit.Theydon’tminddog-sitting.”
“Ah.Theyseemedlikenicedogs.I’msorryIdidn’tpayanyattentiontothemwhentheywerehere.”
“Oh,no,no,that’s…Imean,youweren’tinanyshape.”
“That’strue.Hey,didRobbietellyouthatIcontactedmygrandmotheronFacebook?”
“No,”IglanceatRob.“When?What’dshesay?”
“Thismorning.IgotareallygoodsleeplastnightandI…feltuptoittoday.Shewassaddenedtohear

thenewsbut,shecalledmeandwetalkedfortwohours!”

Suddenly, she smiles. It’s the first time I’ve seen her smile and it transforms her. It makes her face

crinkleadorably,hereyesbecomingtwomirthful,elfincrescents.

Itakeaseatatthetablenexttoherandupclose,Iseethathereyesarestillpuffyandsurroundedbya

webofweary-lookingwrinkles.Hersmileiscute,butshe’stiredandfrail.

“Oh,that’sgreat.”Ihavenoideawhattosay.WhatcanIsaythatisn’ttoopatronizing,ortoobreezy

orindifferent,isstillrespectfulandauthentic,orevenrealenoughtomakeanydifferencetoher?

I feel awkward and uncouth, grasping for something to say. There’s a moment of awkward silence

beforeIsay,“So,doyouthinkyou’llgettoknowthatsideofthefamilynow?”

“Yes.I’dliketo.”Shebitesherlipandlooksdown,andthesilencestretchesout.Sheflickshereyes

backupatme.“Thisisweirdforme,too,”shesays,soquietlyIalmostdon’thearher.

ButIdo,anditjustaboutbreaksmyheart.
“Oh,dude!”Iputmyhandonherarmandjust…letitout.IjustsayexactlywhatI’mthinking.“You

knowwhat?AllIcanthinkabouthowhardthismustbeforyou.Iliterallyhavenoideawhattosayto
you.Orwhattodo.I’mtotallyoutofmyleaguehere.ButI…I…really,reallyfeelforyou.Lastnight,I
wasbummedoutallnightimaginingwhatthismustbelikeforyou.”

Shestaresatme.I’mveryawareofRob,standingagainstthecounter,watchingusboth.
“Dude?” she says, and that smile comes back, this time with a tinkly little laugh. “The last time

anyonecalledmethatwasinhighschool.”Shelooksatme,reallylooksatme,turningherbodytowards
me.“Thankyou,”shesays,puttingherhandovermine.“Itmeansalottomethatyouwerethinkingofme.
Iappreciateit,verymuch.”

Shestandsupandleansovermeforasomewhatawkwardhug,whichmakesusbothgiggle.
She sits back down and looks at Rob. “You have a nice girl here, Robbie.” Her smile comes back,

suchasweet,diminutivesmile.ButIseeashimmeroftearsinhereyes.“She’sverykind,isn’tshe?Just
likeyou.”

“Aww,” I look down now, fighting a shimmer in my own eyes. I can’t look at Rob. “Right now,

though?I’mveryhungry.IgetkindofgrumpywhenI’mhungry,ifyouwannaknowthetruth!”

“Believeher,Valeriss,”Robsays,grinning.“I’veseenhereatandshemeansit.Youdon’twannaget

inherway.”

Wealllaugh,andjustlikethat,everythingfeelsbetter.

TURNSOUT,theywentgroceryshoppingthatdayandstockeduponstaples.

Now,Valerissislookingonlineforwaystocooktheporkchopstheybought.SheturnsthelaptopsoI

canseeittoo,andtogether,wesettleonasimplerecipeusingacanofcreamofmushroomsoup.

Noneofushasdoneitbefore,butthedirectionsareclear,andinnotime,wehavethechopscooking

in a sauce made with the soup, plus some onions, garlic and spices. And the potatoes and carrots are
peeled,quartered,andboilingaway.

“Youknow,justhangingaroundthekitchenwhileotherpeoplecookhasbeeneducational,”Iremark.

“I’mrealizingthatIsort-ofknowwhattodo.Thisisalleasy-peasy.”

“Yeah.Ain’tnothang,”Robagrees,turningtheheatonthepotatoesdowntoasimmer.
Valerissisalittlemorelostatfirstbutshecatchesonquick.Andwhyshouldn’tshe,it’snotlikeit’s

rocketscience.

“Iwasn’tallowedinthekitchen,”shesays,pointingattheemptyspaceonthestovethatusedtohouse

aburner.“YouseewhathappenswhenItry.”

I make a comical “oops” face and she and Rob both chuckle. “As soon as I have access to money

again,I’llpayRobbieforthat.”

Sheopensajarofparsleyandbringsitovertome.“WhenIwasgrowingup,thekitchenwasforstaff

only.Honestly,mydadwassodismissiveofcooking,forawhilethereIthoughkitchendutywassome
kind of punishment for being bad or something. Ha!” She sniffs the open jar suspiciously. “Umm…this
doesn’tsmellthatgreat.”

SheholdsitouttomesoIcantakeasniff.“Ithinkthat’sjusthowitsmells.Throwapinchofitinto

thesauce.It’llbegoodonceitmeldswithalltheflavors.”

Judiciously,shesprinklessomeofthedriedspiceandthenstirsitintothesauce.“It’skindofcool,

doingthis,”shesays,bangingthewoodenspoononthepothappily.“Ilikeit.Itfeels…satisfying.”

“Itdoes,doesn’tit?”Robsays,smilingatme.“Ican’twaittoeat.”
Whenthemealisready,wealldigin.Thechopsturnouttobealittletough,andthepotatoesareon

themushyside.Butthesaucetastesperfectlydelicious,andweeateverythingslatheredinthat.

“Mymotheralwayssaidthatagoodsaucecoversamultitudeofsins,”Robsays.
“Damnstraight,”Isay,“thisstuffistheshit!But,nexttime,I’llturntheheatdownonthechopsandlet

themcookslower.”

“Andwe’lldrainthepotatoessooner,beforetheygettoowaterlogged,”Robsays.
“Mmmm,”Valerissagrees,mouthtoofulltosayanythingelse.She’seatingravenously,andit’sgood

tosee.She’ssothinandfrail,thefoodisboundtodohergood,over-cookedornot.

TinyandMeffhavebeenwaitingpatientlyoutsidethekitchendoorwaythewholetimewe’vebeenin

there. Rob doesn’t allow dogs into the kitchen but that doesn’t stop them from hovering as close to the
doorway as they can. They’re in close proximity to each other but they’re calm and serene, and getting
alongjustfine.

Afterweeat,Robgetsthedog’sfoodpreparedandservesittotheminthemudroomoffthekitchen.

Together,ValerissandIclearthetable,loadthedishwasherandtidyup.Valerissdoeshershare,doinga
prettygoodjobforsomeonewho’sneverhadtopickupafterherself.

We don’t talk much but we’re not uncomfortable. When she’s not in distress, she’s not such a bad

persontobearound.ButIthinkthatshe’sprobablydifferentnowthathedadisgone,thanshe’sbeenin
thepast.Thedeathofyouronlyfamilyhastochangeyou.

She’llsurvive.Shewon’tbethesame,butshe’llsurvive.

LATER,welightafireinthelivingroomandrelax.Ienjoygettingachancetogettoknowandplaywith
Meff, who’s a fine and affectionate animal now that he’s minding his manners. Tiny accepts him
completely, and as the three of us settle in to watch a movie, the two dogs share the Rottweiler’s bed
amiably,withMeff’slongganglylegshangingofftotheside.

Valerisscurlsupintheoverstuffedchair,hertinybodyallbutswallowedupinthecushions.Roband

Isharethecouch,cuddledineachother’sarms.Asthemovieends,weheargentlesnorescomingfrom
thedirectionofValeriss’chair.She’sfastasleep.

Rob turns off the TV and nuzzles my neck. “Would you come to bed with me, sweetheart?” His

whisperedvoiceinmyearsendsshiversalongmyflesh.

“Thoughtyou’dneverask,”Iwhisperback.“WhataboutVal?”
Hiseyesgleam.“Ifyou’resayingyouwantathreesome,”hejokes,“I’llhavetodecline.UnlessIget

topicksomeoneelse?”

Igivehimalightpunchhimonthearm.“No!Imean,aren’tyougonnawakeherupandtellhertogo

tobed?”

“Nope.She’sabiggirl,shecantellherselftogotobed.”
Hestands,takesmyhand,andleadsmedownthehalltohisbedroom.

ChapterSeventeen

BRENDA

I’

ALREADY

hotandsteamy,anticipatinggettingnakedwithmydelicious,sexyhoney.

Shutting and locking his bedroom door, he turns to me. Those blue eyes lock on mine, the dimple

appearsandthendisappearsagain.

He comes close, puts his arms around me and and rests his forehead on mine. “Are you tired,

sweetie?”hewhispers.

“Yes.Tiredofwaitingtogetnakedwithyou,”Isay.I’mjokingbutImeanit,too.
Hechucklesandrunshishandsupanddownmywaist,thendownandoverthecurveofmyass.His

fingersgripmybutt-cheeksandkneadthemappreciatively.

Hishandsaresowarmandstrong,theymakeshiversfollowwhereevertheytouch.
Wekiss,softly,leaningintoeachother,supportingeachother.Ourlips,astheytouch,andteaseand

feeleachother,fallintoarhythmoftheirown,andwebothgiveintoit,lettingitbuildthefirethatmakes
ourbreathcomefaster,andourbodiescomealive.

IpushmybellyintoRobandIcanfeelhowhardheisalready,howmuchhewantsme.Itmakesme

moanasIgrasphishardnessthroughhispants.

Hislipsonmine,thenonmyjaw,myneck,myearlobe,hishandliftingmyshirtandmassagingmy

breast.Electricsparksflowfromhishandstraighttomypussy,whichpulseswithaslow,wetthrob.

He helps me pull my shirt over my head, then kisses and nibbles along my neck where it joins my

shoulders. Slowly, he unhooks my bra and pushes it off my shoulders to the floor, letting his fingertips
traillightlyovermyskin.

Bothhandspushmyjeansandpantiesdownmylegstothefloor,whereIstepoutofboth.
I’mnakedinhisarmsagain.
“Ahhh,hewhispers,“lookatyou.Sobeautiful.”
Onehandfondlesmyleftbreast,pullingonthenipple,whiletheotherreachesbetweenmylegs.
“Mmmm,”hislipsbackonmine.Hisfingerspetmyachingpussysoftly,teasingly.Iopenmylegsto

hisprobinghand.Heusesafingertopartmylipsandthenpusheshismiddlefingerintome,overcoming
thesoftresistanceofmylabiawiththehelpofthecreaminessthathefindsthere.

Hecurlshisfingerinsideme,stirringhot,slowpleasureintomytunnel.Iarchmybackandsquata

littletogivehimbetteraccess.

“Mmm,yeah,”hemurmurs,“letmeintothatsweet,juicypussy.”
Hegentlysteersmetowardsthebedandurgesmedownonmyback.“Iwantataste,”hewhispers.
Greedyforhismouthonmyclit,Ilaybackandspreadmylegs,lookingdownashepositionshimself

betweenthem.

Without further ado, he lowers his head and feasts. And ohhh yes, his hot tongue plunges into me,

making a fleshy hook of itself and licking, digging, slurping my hole, making it flutter and clench. He
makesquietmoansandsighsandeachoneislikemusictomyears,expressionsofdelightthatedgeme
closerandclosertoorgasm.

I’mtryingsohardtokeepquietmyself!Igrabathrow-pillowandholditovermymouth,breathing

intoit,lettingitcatchmymoansandwhispers.

Whenhehasmythighsjumpingandmyjuicesrunningdownmyass,Iletmyquiveringlegsfallallthe

wayopen,liketheleavesofabook.

That’swhenhemoveshistonguetomyclit,andhisfingertakesitsgentle,inquisitiveplaceinsideme,

tappingandrubbingthatsecretinsidespotthatcausessuchadeliciousresponse.

Iclutchthepillowtomyfaceandchestashestimulatesmyclitandg-spot.Hepeaksmypleasureas

he licks and sucks my tiny erection and his careful, insistent finger gives my hungry, soaking pussy
somethingtosuckonaswell.

Myhipsstarttorockinvoluntarily,theirdownwardmotiontrappinghishand.Hesitsupandmoves

his finger more quickly inside of me now, drawing erotic sounds of smacking juices from my creamy
pussy.

“Mmmyeah,”hegrunts,hiseyesintentonmyface.Ahhhshit,he’ssuckingmyclitintohismouthnow,

suckingithardandthensoft,surroundingitwithhiswarmmouthandthenusingthetipofhistongueto
lashit.

Myhipsandassarejumpingandrocking…hewon’tstop,hewon’tletupanduuuhhhuhhhhhohgod

oh jesus hhnnnnnng, I scream hoarsely into the pillow. My body is bucking and jumping, knees rising,
feetandtoescurlingintimewiththestrong,rhythmicorgasmwrackingmypussy.

Breathinghard,lipsdrawnbackfromhisteeth,hekneelsinfrontofme,cockinhand.Hewetsthetip

withinmydrenchedfolds,workingitbackandforthuntilmybodyswallowsitintomystill-convulsing
hole.

Hescytheshimselfintomewithahiss,buryinghimselftothehilt.
Eyesclosed,supportinghimselfonshakingelbows,hebeginstocirclehiships,andItiltmypelvis

forwardsothatIcanfeelhiseveryinchwitheveryinchofmyown.

“Hhhnnn,”hebreathes,“baby,ifyouarchyourbacklikethat…hhhnnnn….it’sgonnamakeme….uhhh,

shit…Ican’tholdoff…”

Hewithdraws,stops,thenpushesbackin,diggingandcircling,sogood,sogood!Thrustanddig,and

hiscockishardeningwithinmenow,andthelastthrusthashimentirelyenfoldedinsideme,leaninginto
meashardashecan,teethbaredandsnarlingwithecstasyashiscockpulses,blastinghisseedintome.

Hisballscupupagainstmyass,whereIcanfeelthemcontractandpulse.
Hishard-yet-softbodyfillsmeandpressesmeintothebed,givingmethemosteroticandsatisfying

sensationI’veeverhad.

“Ahh,shit.Ilostcontrolandcame.”He’ssmilingandbreathinghard.Heclimbsallthewayontothe

bed,collapsingnexttome.Hepullsmetohim,kissingmyhead,catchinghisbreath.“You make me so
fuckinghotandhard.IwantedtoseeifIcouldmakeyoucomejustwithmydick.”

“Maybenexttime,”Isay.“Youdidmakemecomehardwhenyoukissedmeinmy,um,no-noplace.”

Igiggle.“MyGod,Ican’tbelievehowhotthatis.”

“Yourno-noplace?!”Heletsoutashoutoflaughter.
“Shhhh!”Isay,butI’mgigglingtoo.
“Ican’thelpit.Yourno-noplace!Hah!Morelikeyouryes-yesplace,now!Youryum-yumplace.”He

laughs,tryingtobequiet,holdingmetightandshakingthewholebedwithhismirth.

Through the closed bedroom door, we hear the toilet flushing and the sound of water running in the

mainbathroomdownthehall.Wemakefacesateachotherandlaugh.

“See,youwokeherup,”Itease.“Hey.maybeit’snottoolatetoinviteherinhere,”Isay.Ijumpoutof

bedandruntotheensuitebathroom,tryingtostiflemygiggles.

“Don’t even joke about that,” he says, following. “Valeriss isn’t sure she’s entirely hetero, so who

knows,maybeshe’dlikeyoumorethanyou’dwant.”

“What?”Istopdead,mytoothbrushliftedhalf-waytomymouth.Hewidenshiseyesatmeandlifts

hisshoulders.Soadorable!

“She’sbi?”
“Who knows? Honestly, she’s so vague about it, I don’t think even she knows. She could even be

asexual.Itoldyou,she’sstrange.”

Webrushourteethandwashup.It’sniceandcosydoingthatwithRob,bothofusnakedandsharing

thesinkinhisbathroom.

“Thiswillbeourfirstnightsleepingtogether,”Isay.“ShallIputsomethingontowear?”
“Hellno,”hesays,rinsinghistoothbrush.“Iwantyoutosleepnakednexttome,whereIcanfondle

andannoyyouasmuchasIwant.”

“Ihopeyouannoymeallnight,”Isaythroughamouthfulofbubblingtoothpaste.
Hewatchesmeinthemirror,grinning,andturns,grabsmychin,andplantsakissrightonmyfoamy

lips.

“I’m gonna let the dogs out and I’ll be right back,” he says, licking the spot of toothpaste from his

lowerlip.

“Okay.”Ifinishupinthebathroom,getunderthecoversandwait.
When he comes back, he brings Tiny in and shuts the door. With a sigh, the big Rottie flops on the

thick,fuzzycarpetatthefootofthebed.

“IfeelbetterwithMeffinthecrateandTinyinherewithmeatnight,”Robsays,climbingunderthe

covers.HeholdsonearmsopenformeandIscootunderit,findingacomfypositionagainsthisshoulder
ashewrapshisarmaroundme.

Welayquietly,lettingourbodiesrelax.
“SoItakeitshe’sbeengettingbetterthisweek?”Isay,afterawhile.
“Mmm-hmm,”hesays,runninghisfingerslazilyupanddownmyarm.
“Inoticedthehouselookspickedup.You’vebeencleaningupafterher?”
“Abit,butshe’sdonemostofit,”hesays.“ShestartedtakingcareofitwhenIwasatwork.Shesays

shelookedatcleaningvideosonyoutube.”

“Really?Onherowninitiative?”
“Yep.Youshouldseethemainbathroom.Shedeep-cleanedthat.Lookedthatup,too.Shesaiditwas

gettingonhernerves.Hah!”

“Awesome!Inoticedthelivingroomiscompletelyunpackedtoo.Whatabouttherestofthehouse?”
“Yep,prettymuchdone.Therewasn’tmuchleftafterthekitchenandthebasement,though.Iunpacked

alittleeverynightwhenIgothomefromwork.Shehelpedmeabittoo,especiallytowardstheendofthe
week,whenhergriefeasedupsome.

“This is all good, though, Robert!” I say. “Maybe she’s trying to grow up, take some control of her

life.”

“That’sexactlywhatshe’sdoing,”hesays.“Andit’sabouttime.Ihaveavacationdaycomingtome

afteralltheovertimeI’vebeenputtingin.SoIbookedoffMondayandwearegoingtoworkongettingto
thebottomofhermoneysituation.”

“Stillnowordaboutthat?”
“NobutIhaven’tpushedheraboutthatatall.Yesterday,onherown,shetriedTanner’snumberagain.

Shesaidhisvoicemailisfullagain.Or,stillfull,whichever.We’llfigureitoutsoon.”

“But, it doesn’t matter which lawyer she has? Any lawyer can help her get access to her money, or

doesithavetobewhomeverischosenbyherfather?”

“Idon’tknow.We’llfindoutMonday.That’sourgoalfortheday,tohaveitcompletelyundercontrol

bybedtime.”

The warmth of Rob’s body and bed is comforting and lulling. I yawn. “I have full faith in you. But

don’tforgetmyDad’sofferofhelp,ifyouneedit.”

“I’llkeepitinreserve,incaseIgetstuck.Ireallylikeyourparents,bytheway.Sodowntoearth,and

real.Theyreallymademefeelathomethere.”

“Theylikeyoutoo,honey,”Isay,inasleepyvoice.“Mydadnoticedhowwell-trainedTinyis.Plus,

they’rehappythattheyknowyourfamily,andthatyou’refromaroundhere.”Iyawnagain,sowidethat
myjawcracks.

“Oops,careful,”hejokes,histhumbrubbingmyjawlinegently.“Yeah.Familiarityhelps.Smalltowns

canbekindoftribalbutIthinkthat’sokay.Nothingwrongwithlookingoutforyourown.”

“Mmm-hmm,” I agree sleepily. He turns to me, yawning, and cuddles me close, cupping one of my

breastsandkissingmyhead.

“Nite-nite,sleepyhead,”hewhispersaffectionately.“Don’tbeafraidtowakemeupifyougethorny.”
For the first time ever, I get to drift off to sleep in the arms of my lover, naked, warm and

comfortable––withvisionsofmorning-sexdancinginmyhead.

Andsureenough,thenextmorning,inthewarm,darknestofhisbed…

ChapterEighteen

BRENDA

OMETHING

TOUCHES

NIPPLES

,firstone,thentheother,somethinggentlebutinsistent.Myclitthrobs,my

channel clenches, and my juices flow in preparation for receiving what the tantalizing touches are
promising.

Wiry-softwhiskersraspgentlydownmyneckandshoulders,followedbykisseslikeliquidlove,and

softbreathspuffovertongue-touchesalongmywarm,sleepyskin.

Iwakeallthewayup,butkeepmyeyesclosed,lettingmybodystaylooseandlimp,lettingwhatever

isgoingtohappen…happen.

I’monmyside,facingawayfromhim.Hisfingerstracetheirwaydowntheswellofmybreast,down

myflank,overthecurveofmyhip,thenfollowthemoundofmybuttockbeforeslidingalongmythighto
myknee.

His warm hand lifts my leg and bends it at the knee. One of his thick, solid legs slips under it,

replacinghishandandholdingmylegupandawayfrommybodysohishandhasfullaccesstomyinner
self.Itcaresses,rubs,teasesandplays,makingmewet,andready,makingmybackarchandmynipples
hard.

Hisinsistentfingersslowlywakeupmynubwithsoftbrushes.Then,whenithardensandgrows,he

takes it between thumb and finger and rolls it…ahhh, god…a rolling, rubbing, intensely exciting and
intimatemotionthathasmearchingmybackintohishand.

Hisfingerdipsdownandopensmylabia,makingwayforhisthrobbingcockhead,ahot,fleshyclub

thatdemandsentrance.

Herockshiships,pushingitinalittlemoreeachtime,untilI’msohotandwetandreadythathecan

slipitallthewayin…allthewayin,withagruntandasigh.

Nowhebraceshimselfwithafootagainstthemattress,andholdsmykneewithonehand.Heturnshis

hipsintomeandpushes,andhishardlengthfillsandpleasuresme,slippingbackandforthwiththeease
ofawell-oiledpiston.

Withaslightchangeofposition,Ilayonmysideandclosemylegssocanhefuckmefromaslightly

moreside-angle…andohmygosh,ohhhjesus,ohplease,please…it’ssogood,soindescribablygood!

Betweenhisthick,insistentcockandmyownclosedlegs,evenmoreofmyfleshisstimulated.His

motionshavetheeffectofstrokingonthebulbofmyclit,fromtheinsideandtheoutside,andthewhite,
clean, intense pleasure grows. As it does, my pussy grasps at his cock greedily, stroke for stroke, each
onepeakingthepleasuremoreandmore.

Mybreathrises,myteethbitemyliptokeepfromscreaming…hereitis,hereitcomes…uhhhohyes

ohohhh…mytightpussyexplodesinaprofound,intenseorgasm.Mycontractionssuckatandmilkhis
dickinsideme,sogood,soincrediblygood,myeyesrollbackinmyheadandmythroatmakesincoherent

rasps.

Hisbreathpumpingfast,hegrowls,deepinhischest,hisweightholdingmedownandpressingme

intothebed.Hiscockstiffensevenmore,throbbing,andheslows,andthenhestills,andarisingmoan
comesfromhischest…andheslamshiscockhomewithasnarl,hiswholebodytensingashecomesdeep
inside me, his spasms feeding and intensifying the aftershocks of my orgasm as it rolls through me and
away.

“Goodmorning,”hesays,laughingshakily,andhewithdrawsandcollapsesbesideme.

HEDONShishousecoatandletsbothdogsout,lettingmedozeinthewarm,comfybed.

Whenthedogsarebackinside,heputscoffeeonandcomesbackintohisbedroomtogetreadyfora

shower.Igetoutofbedandjoinhim,andweenjoyalong,lazyshowertogether,exploringeachother’s
nakedbodiesfranklyandcuriously.Weplaywithandteaseeachotherbutwe’rebothsatisfiednowand
justhavefun,soaping,splashingandbeingsilly.

Shower done, we get dressed and head towards the kitchen for coffee. Before we get there, Meff

comestrottingover,bigheaddownandearsback.Igreethim,pattinghisflanksandscratchinghisspine
byhistail,wherealldogsseemtoloveagoodscratch.Inreturn,Igetsloppykissesandaleg-whipping
fromhiswaggingtailasheturnsinecstaticcirclesundermytouch.

Tinycomesbyandreceiveshismorninggreetingtoo,thenRobtellsthembothtogolaydown.The

delicious smell of coffee brewing pulls me into the kitchen. Rob pours us each a cup and then takes a
packageofbaconoutofthefridgewhereitthawedovernight.

“Youthinkwecanmanagebaconandeggs?”heasks.
“I’m game if you are,” I laugh. “Bacon is easy, you just let it fry until it’s crispy…almost burnt.

Eggs…wellI’veonlyboiledandscrambledthem,butIbetIcanflipthemover-easy.Imean,howhard
canitbe?”

Igetapanoutandlaythebaconinneatrows.Beforelong,theirfragrantsmellfillsthekitchen.
Asmall,frailfigureappearsatthekitchendoorway.“Smellslikewe’rehavingsucculentpigfleshfor

breakfasttoo,”Valerisssays,andletsoutatinklygiggle.

“Hey,that’sright,”Isay.“Porkfordinner,porkforbreakfast.”
“Andacouplegoodporkingsinbetween,”Robsays,snortinglaughter.
Ismileandbitemylip,lookingatValerissalittleguiltily.Shelooksbackatme,shakesherhead,and

herfacecrinklesintothatelfingrin.“What?”shesays.“Iain’tclutchinganypearls.Ihappentolovepork,
andwhatyoupiggiesdointheprivacyofyourpig-penisnoneofmyconcern.”

Ilaughandsay“Alright,well,thatisfinebyme,MissVal.How’saboutacoffee?”
“Yes,please,”shesays,andshegoesovertothestovetopeerintothefryingpan.Shepicksupafork

andgivesarasherofbaconanexperimentalpoke.“Ilikeitsuper-crispy,”shesays,followedby“Ow!”
as a droplet of hot grease jumps out of the pan and lands on her hand. “Shee-it,” she says, holding her
handtoherchest,“didyouseethat?Damnthingbitme!”

Rob pours her a mug of coffee, then she sits at the table and opens her laptop. “I’ll load the

dishwasherifyouguysdothebrekkie,”shesays.

“Deal,”Robsays,gettingbreadreadytotoast.
“Hey, what’s this,” Valeriss mutters, looking at her computer. “I have a bunch of messages on

Facebook…friend requests…another message from my grandmother…and my cousins! I got messages
frommycousins,”shesays,inasmall,wonderingvoice.“I…there’squiteafewmessages!Wow!”

Robpeersoverhershoulderatthescreen.“Awesome!Whatareyouwaitingfor?Answerthem!”
“Okay,okay,keepyourpantson…”shesays.“They’reum,condolences,andinvitationstovisit,”she

says.“That’llhavetowaituntilIgeteverythingsettled,Iguess.”

RobandIshootaquick,hopefullookateachother.
Valerissstartstappingawayathercomputer,readingsomeofthemessagesoutloud,thencomposing

and reading her replies aloud to us before sending them. “Gramma must’ve put the word out.” Valeriss
looks nervous but happy. “And there are some offers to help with…hey!” As she speaks, another
notificationsoundsonhercomputer.“That’sgrammaagain!”ShereadsthemessagesilentlyasIcracksix
eggsintoabigfryingpanfullofmeltedbutter.

“Ithinkyoushouldtoastthebreadnow,Rob,”Isay.“Thiswon’ttakelong.”
“Gramma wants to come!” Valeriss shouts. “And she wants to bring Susan, my oldest cousin…my

mother’sbrother’sdaughter.”

“Really?When?”Robasks.
“Hangon,shewantstochat,”Valerisssays.“Lemmeaskher.”Shetapsonthekeyboardandwaits.
Iwatchtheeggscarefully,notatallsurewhatI’mdoing.Iremembermymomsayingit’sallinthe

wrist,andIcarefullyslideaspatulaunderoneofthemand…flip!Overitgoes,splashingmewithbutter.
But the yolk didn’t break, and I do the same with the others. Two end up breaking, but the rest don’t,
whichI’mgonnacallawin.

Islidetwoover-easyeggsontoaplateandhandittoRob,whoputstwopiecesoftoastandahandful

ofbacononit,thenputstheplateinfrontofValeriss.“Mmmm,”shesays,pickingupapieceoftoastand
dipping it into the runny egg. “Damn, nice job, Brenda,” she says, not taking her eyes off her computer
screen.

RobandIplatetherestofthefoodandjoinValerissatthetable.
“Okay…Grammawantstocomeassoonaspossible!Susan’stakingsomeholidays,and….”shetaps

something onto the screen and waits. “They checked flights and they can be here by Wednesday!” She
stuffsabiteofbaconintohermouthandchews,hereyescrinklingwithherelfinsmile.

“Well?Whatareyougonnatellthem?”Robsays.
“I’ll…I’mgonna…I’llhavetobeinD.C.whentheygethere,”shesays.“Idon’t…I…I…don’tknow.

I don’t know what’s going on yet. How can I have people over when I have no money? I can’t pay
servants,I’llhavenohelp!”

“You’re panicking, Val,” Rob says. “Do you really think your grandma cares about that? Besides,

we’regoingtohavethisstraightenedouttomorrow.That’sapromise.”

“So,shouldI…shouldIsayyes?”
“Yes!” Rob and I both shout it, laughing. Val’s face crinkles into a smile and she taps away on the

keyboard.

ROBandIputbothMeffandTinyintotheJeep,andheadoutforawalkatthedogpark.Westopbymy
housetopickupPrincessandDiesel,butwhenwegettherewefindoutthatDad’sonestepaheadofus.

“He literally just left with Diesel,” Mom says. “Like, literally. If you’re going to the big park, you

mightseehimthere.”

IputMissPoopypantsintohercarrierandweheadout.Atthedogpark,wespotDad’struckbuthe

and Diesel are gone. We take our three dogs and head down the winding path, talking hopefully about
Valerissandherplanswithhermom’ssideofthefamily.

Meffisrapidlyturningintoadifferentdog.He’scalm,confidentandfriendly,galumphingwithTiny

andplay-bowingwithPrincess,whoacceptshimcompletely.

Wemeanderalong,takingourtime.Afterawhile,weclimboneofthesmallhillsand,aswecrestthe

top,weseemyfatherandDieselatthebottom.

Dad has a tennis ball that he’s throwing for Diesel, who chases it happily and brings it back. We

watchasDadfakesDieselout,pretendingtothrowit,andlaughsheartilywhenthedogcomesbounding
back,jumpingaroundmydad’slegs,huffinganddancingandseemingtosharethejoke.

We watch as my Dad makes a playful, stiff-legged charge at Diesel, yelling “I’m gonna getcha!”

Diesel play bows, lets my Dad get close, then he leaps, play bows again, and runs in a circle. Me and
Robgiggle,watchingfromabove.

Then,whenmyDadgetscloseasecondtime,Dieselgoescomicallynutswithhappiness.Hethrows

hisheadbackandgoesintooneofthoseinsanedoggyjoy-runs,tearingaroundwithhishaunchescloseto
theground,earsback,eyeswideandtonguehangingoutlikeapinkpartystreamer.

Dad’sinfectiouslaughtercarriesclearly,andweheaddownthehilltowardsthem,MeffandTinyin

thelead,bothofusgrinningtoo.

ThedogsgreeteachotherandweallhangoutwithmyDad,fiff-faffingintheparktogether,strolling

alongthepath,talking,throwingtheballandplayingwiththedogs.

DadandRobtalkaboutdogsandworkandpoliticsandwhat-not.I’mcontenttomostlylisten,tolet

thembondandeven,learnalittlebitfromthereconversation,hereandthere.

Then, Rob fills my Dad in with Valeriss’ progress and my Dad listens quietly, nodding, a satisfied

lookonhisface.

It’sovertoosoon.Sunday’schoreday,soIopttogohomeinthetruckwithDadandDieselsothat

Robcanjustheadhomehimself.

We have our hug and kiss good-bye in the parking lot. “I’ll text you later,” Rob says. “Things are

lookingup,sweetie.IthinkValerisswillbegonesoon.Iwon’thavetoworryaboutherany…”

Ding!Hisphonesoundsatextnotification.Helooksatitandgroans.
“It’sValeriss.ShesaysshegotholdofTannerfinallyandthere’snothinghecandoabouthersituation.

ShehastogotoD.C.todealwithitinperson.”

“So?”Isay.“Shejustsaidshe’sgoinghometomeetherfamilyanyway.What’stheproblem?”
“Idon’tknow.Nowshe’ssaying,shewantsmetogowithherorshe’snotgoingatall.”

ChapterNineteen

ROB

“S

GOT

SCARED

,”Brendasays,rightaway.

“Yep.”
“It’llbeokay,”shesays,andstandsonhertiptoestokissme.“Callmelater.”
It’shardtowalkawayfromher.
WhenIgethome,Valerissisinpanicmode.
“Robbie,TannersaysIhavetobeinD.C.todealwiththis!Hesayshesentpaperworktothehouse!

Hesaysmyaccountsarejointwithmyfather!Hesaysthebankiswaitingforthepaperwork!Hesayshe
didn’ttrytocontactmebecausehecan’trepresentmeandmydad’sestateboth!HesayshethoughtIknew
that!HesaysIhavetofindsomeoneelse!”

Asshespeaks,shepacesinatightcircle,stabbingtheairwithsplayedhands,eyesbuggyandtense.
“Okay,okay,slowdown.”Imakemyvoicelowandsoothing.“That’sallfine.You’refine.Tomorrow

wefindyoualawyer,andyougohome,getthepaperworkandgofromthere.”

“Robbie,Ican’t…Idon’t…Daddytookcareofallthat!Idon’tknowwhattodo!Pleasecomewith

me!”

Meffispacinguneasily,bigheadlookingfrommetoValerissandthenbackdowntothefloor.
“Val.”
Shestops,frowningupatme.
“Tomorrow, you will have a lawyer to represent you. The lawyer will help you do everything you

needtodo…onestepatatime.That’stheirjob.”

“But…Ican’t!Idon’tknowwhat…I’veneverhadtodealwiththisshit,Robbie!”
“Val,”Isay.”
“No!I’llfuckeverythingup!”Shestartsbreathinghard,almosthyperventilating.“Youhavetocome

withme!”

“No,youwon’tandno,Idon’t.You’rejustpanicking,butit’sallgoingtobeokay.Thelawyerwill

helpyou.Youwon’tbealone.Together,you’lldealwithit,onestepatatime.”

Istaycalm.Igointothekitchenandgetasodafromthefridge,openit,anddrinksome.Shefollows

me.

Ipatmyselfinthechestandburpsoftly,asnonchalantascanbe.“Tomorrownight,I’mfillingupyour

carwithgassoyoucandriveyourselfhomeTuesday.”

“Idon’t…”
“I’mgoingtogiveyouplentyofcashforgasandfood.Enoughtostopandstayinahotelovernight,if

youneedto.Youshouldn’tneedto,though.”

“I’mscared!”

“Ofwhat?Yougotyourselfdownherejustfine,you’llgetyourselfhomefine,too.”
Shestaresatme.“I…Ididmakeitdownhereokay,didn’tI?”Iseeaglimmerinthebackofhereyes.
“Yes,andyouwereevenmorefreakedoutthen.Howdidyoumanagethat?”
“I…dunno.It’sallablur.Meffwasanightmare,Robbie!Hekeptcryingandtryingtoclimbintomy

lap!”

“That’sbecauseyouwereamessyourself,Val.I’vetoldyouamilliontimes…he’llbeokayifyou’re

okay.Lookathim.”

Shelooks.Hestopshispacingandlooksbackather,earsback,tailbetweenhislegs.
“It’snotthedrivethatscaresme,”shesays,lookingbackatme.
“I know. It’s being alone. But, you won’t be. You’ll have your own lawyer who’ll work for your

interests.You’llhavefamily….morefamilythanIhave,maybe!”

Shetakesafewdeepbreaths,andthenplopsherselfdownonthecouch.Meffgoestoherandlayshis

headinherlap.Shestrokeshisears,speakingsoothingly.Soon,herelaxesandlaysdownatherfeet.

“See?Youneedtokeepittogetherforbothyoursakes.You’llbefine.”
“Youthinkso,Robbie?”
“Yes.Andbesides,you’llonlybealoneforonenight.Yourfamily’sflyinginonWednesday,right?”
“Right…but…”
“Butnothing.They’llhelpyou,they’llbethereforyou,giveyoumoralsupport.”
“But…whatifmydadwasrightaboutthem?”
“He wasn’t.” I say it as matter-of-fact as I can. “You need to give them a chance. I understand you

lovedyourfather,Val.Andthathelovedyou.Butit’stimetomoveoutofhisshadow.”

Sheletsoutashakysigh.Isitnexttoheronthecouchandputanarmaroundhershoulders.“You’llbe

fine.”

Shesighsandpatsmyhand.“You’retoogoodtome,youknow.”
“Oh,Iknow,”Ijoke.
Wesitinsilence.Then,“Thank-you.Ioweyouforthis.Foralot.”
“You’rewelcome,”Isay.“But…youdon’towemeanything.Let’scallitevennow,okay?Alldebts

arepaid.”

She nods solemnly, then smiles. “I’m gonna have a grandmother, Robbie! A real, honest-to-God

Gramma!”

MONDAYMORNING,firstthing,wegoonlineandstartlooking.WefindheralawyerinD.C.,aguy
namedGreenbaum.Youngguy,knowseveryoneintown,includingTannerandValeriss’father.

She talks to him competently enough, asking the right questions, and then, out of nowhere, she calls

himGreenie.I’mreadytowincebutsomehow,he’sfinewithit.That’swhatshecallshimfromthenon.

Theyendup hittingitoff, talkingforover anhour.I hover,getting thegistof itfromher endofthe

conversation.

Heseemstoexplaineverythingpatiently.Tannertoldherthatamongthepaperworkwaitingforherat

homeisadeathcertificatethatsheneedstotaketothebank.Greenieexplainsthat,oncethebankhasthat
document,theaccountwillbeturnedovertoher.Probatewillbegin,andherfather’sestateandaffairs
willbesettled.Eventually.

Endofstory.
She’llhavehernewbuddyGreenietohelphersortitallout.
Bythetimeshe’sdone,shelooksbetter.Brighter,happier,likeabigweight’soffhershoulders.As

soonasshegetshometomorrow,she’stotextGreenieifsheneedsanything.

“So…lookslikethis’llbeourlastnighttogether,Robbie.”
“Yep.”
“Youwon’tbesadtoseemego.”
“Nope.” We both chuckle. “I won’t. I need to get on with my life and so do you. We can stay in

touch––onceinawhile––but,youneedotherfriends.Otherpeopletosupportyouinlife.”

“Yes.Iknow.Iwishwecould’vehadsomefunwhileIwashere.Somethingbettertorememberwhen

I’mgone.”

“Yeah.But,Iguessitwasn’tallbad.You’recertainlyinbettershapenowthanyouwerewhenyou

firstarrived.Say…howaboutwegooutfordinnertonight?Me,youandBrenda.Youcantellherhowall
thelegalstuffwentwhenyouseeher.”

“Yeah!That’llbenice.”

THATEVENING,ValandIpickBrendaupandheadtowardstheartsdistrictdowntown.We’regoingto
afancynewrestauranttoseeValerissoff.Wedressupsome,meinanicepairofkhakisanddressshirt,
andBrendainademurebutsexy,figure-huggingwooldress.

Valerissiswearingasixtiesretro-chicoutfit,featuringwide,flow-ypantswithabigfloralpattern,a

whitepeasantblousewithfrillynecklineandsleeves,andherhatwiththebig,floppybrim.

There’slotsoftimeduringthedriveforValerisstobringBrendauptospeedonallhernews.Traffic

isterrible,evenforaMondaynight.Sittinginstop-and-goincitytraffic,I’mregrettingtheideatocome
downherefordinner.

“Hey…what’sthatplace?Dotheyservefoodinthere?”Valerisssays,fromherspotinthebackseat.
“Whichplace?”Brendasays.
“Ican’tquitemakeoutthenameofit…acrossthestreetthere,theplacewiththeskullsandheartsin

thewindow.”

“Oh,theDirtyGurrlTavern?Theyprobablyhavebarfood.Idon’tknowhowgooditis.Lotsoflive

entertainmentthere.Themenights,thatkindofthing.”

“Really?Iwonderifanything’sgoingontonight,”Valsays.
“IthinkMondaysarekaraokenight,”Brendasays.
“Oooh!Really?Canwegothereinstead,Robbie?Please?”
“I…shit,Idunno.Brenda?Youwanttolistentokaraoketonight?”
“Alright.Aslongasno-oneexpectsmetoperform.Yougonnasing,Val?”
“Yes!YesIwill!Ihaven’tdonethisforages!Daddydoesn’t…hedidn’tlikemetosing.”
“Hedidn’t?”Brendasays.“Nooffense,butwhyonearthnot?”
“Remindshimtoomuchofmymother,”Valerisssays.
BrendaandIlookateachother.
“Okay,”Isay.“Atleastwe’llbeoutofthistraffic.”
Insidethebarisasurprisinglyrespectablecrowd.Wegetasmalltableandorderchickenquesadillas.

Serviceisabitslow,butwhenthefoodcomesit’shot,freshanddelicious.

Asweeat,thelightsgodownandawomanwearingacowgirloutfittakesthestage.Shewarmsupthe

crowdandendswithakaraokesong,thenintroducesoneoftheregulars.

It’sanolderguy,whosingsafewSinatratunes.He’sgood.
“Notbad,notbad,”Valerissmutters,chewingherfoodthoughtfully.
Wesitthroughafewmoreperformers,andthenBrendaandIstartgood-naturedlybuggingValerissto

takeaturn.

“Okay,okay,letmegoseewhatsongstheyhave.”Shegetsupanddisappearsintothecrowd.

Assoonasshe’soutofearshot,Brendasays,“Cansheactuallysing?”
I laugh and scoot my chair closer to hers, sliding my hand along her shoulders and down her back.

“Oh,shecansing,”Isay.“Yousaidyouliketheoldie-moldies?Shesingssomereallyoldstuff.You’ll
see.”

Nowthatwe’realoneatthetable,IletmyeyesfeastonBrenda,onherfoxyfaceandherlovelybody,

hidden yet showcased in her tight dress. My hand caresses her hip, dipping down to squeeze her ass
wherenoonecansee.

Ismile,catchinghereyetomakesuresheseeshowI’madmiringher,thenIleanintostealakiss.
TheservercomesbytoclearourfoodplatesawaybutIstayclosetomygirl,holdingherhandand

lettingoneofmylegstouchhers.

Wesitsippingourdrinks.Asusual,Ican’tstoptouchingher,kissingherhandandnuzzlingherhead

whenno-one’slooking,

AbigwomantakesthestageanddoesanenergeticrenditionofPink’sGetthePartyStarted,followed

byMeandYou,aloveballad.Shedoesitwell,andbythetimeshe’sdone,Brendahasherheadleaning
againstmyshoulderandI’mwishingIhadherhomeinmybed.

Afewmoresingerstakethestage,andBrendaandIstartwonderingwhetherValerisshaschickened

out.

Then,thespotlightonthestagegoesout.Thebackgroundnoiseinthebardiesdownaspeoplelookto

thestage,waitingtoseewhat’sup.

Someonecomesoutandstandsinthedark.Amomentgoesby,thenanother.Afewbarsofaroughand

down-home guitar intro sounds, it’s familiar but I can’t quite place it….then, boom, the spotlight hits
centrestage,illuminatingadiminutivefigureinafloppyhatandhippyclothes.

It’s Valeriss, of course, who has somehow gotten hold of an enormous pair of white-framed retro

sunglasses,complementingheroutfitperfectly.

Shelooksexactlylikeshejuststeppedoutofthesixties.
The crowd applauds politely. The guitar intro turns into the opening bars of Janis Joplin’s Me and

BobbyMcGee.

Thecrowdgoessilent,listeningtoValerisssingthosefamiliarwords,thosefirst,quietly-sungwords

aboutbeingbrokeandontheroad,andhitchhikingintherain.

Her voice is good. Really good. That little-girl tinkle disappears when she sings, giving way to a

soaring, mature and rough-edged vocal that sounds like it really could belong to a vagabond girl living
rough.

Whenshehits thechorus,Valeriss’ voicetakeson aneerie similarity to Joplin’s yet surpasses it in

depthandstrength.It’smagnificent,movingandemotional.

Thecrowdgoeswild!
Rough and edgy yet full of a kind of crazed joy, her voice responds to the encouraging crowd and

just…soars…takingusallalongontheride.Wesingwithher,beltingoutthefamiliarwordsastheyroll
alongthekaraokedisplayscreen.

Brendagripsmyarmexcitedly,smilingwithdelight.“She’sfantastic!”sheyellsintomyear.Welaugh

andclutchateachother,watchingasthecrowdpoursloveontomypoor-little-richgirlex-wife.

ValerissfollowsupwithAnotherPieceofMyHeartandKozmicBlues,thenshesingssomestandard

karaoketunes,likeSummertime,Sittin’ontheDockoftheBay,andYouReallyGotMeNow,eachsong
drawingwildapplause.

Forherfinalsong,ValerisstakesoffhersunglassesandsingsWhenAManLovesAWoman,moving

tostandbyourtable,spotlightfollowing,andsingingitdirectlytoBrendaandme.

Shefinishestothunderousapplause,bowingandlaughing.Shecovershermouthwithafrillysleeve,

and holds the mic to her chest with the other, trying to catch her breath. She raises the microphone and

says, in her little-girl voice, “I almost lost my nerve to do this…but you guys all helped me so much!
Thankyou,thankyousomuch,thankyou!”

BrendaandIshareaglance,andalso,thedawningrealizationofjusthowmuchnaturaltalent––and

plainoldham-bone––Valerisspossesses.

IntheJeeponthewayhome,BrendaandValerisstalkexcitedlyabouttheevening,withBrendaurging

Valerisstocontinuetodevelopherselfasaperformer,evenperhapsfindingabackupbandandgetting
herselfontheshowcircuitbackhomeinD.C..

WedropBrendaoffatherplace.Hergood-byewithValerississurprisinglypoignantandemotional.

TheypromisetofriendeachotheronFacebookandstayintouch.

IwatchBrendawalkupthedrivewayintothehouseandthinkabouthavingherovertomorrownight,

maybe.Andthenightafterthat.

Andtheoneafterthat,andsoon.
AllIcanthinkaboutishavingBrendainmybed,inmyhouse,andinmylife,everynightandevery

day,forever.

Don’tgetmewrong,I’mhappyforValeriss,happythatshe’sfoundamaybe-directionforherlife.
Butmostofall,I’mhappythatshe’sleavingsoIcanbringmygirlasfarintomyownlifeasshe’s

willingtocome.

ChapterTwenty

BRENDA

UESDAY

MORNING

,rightbeforework,IgetatextfromRob:

Rob:She’sgone.IputherandMeffinhercartenminutesagoandsheheadedout.Crossyour

fingers!

Me:Howwasshe?Okay?Scared?
Rob:Scaredbutokay.She’llbefine.Itoldhertotextmewhenshegetshome.
Me:Alright.Fingerscrossed.Haveagooddayatworksweetie.
Rob:Youtoo.WhattimeshouldIexpectyoutonight?
Me:LOL
Rob:I’mserious.Iwanttoseeyoutonight.
Ihavetothinkaboutthis.IwantRobtohavesometimetohimself,toprocessandrelax.
And,Iwanttospendsometimewithmyparents.
Plus,truthbetold,Iwantusbothtohavesometimetomisseachother,too.
Me:Myparentsareonlyintownforanotherfewdays,thenthey’regoingbacktoFloridauntil

furthernotice.CanIletyouknow?

Rob:Yeah.Iguess.Imissyoubaby.Iwantyouinmyarms.
Oh, God! And I want to be in his arms. I swing back and forth for a few minutes, but then… no.

Anticipationisincrediblyerotictoo,andIwanttomakeournextmeetingashotasIpossiblycan.

Me:Mmmm,youmakeithardtosayno.
Rob:Don’t,then.Comeovertonight.
MeWe’llsee,k?*kiss*
Rob:Tease.

LATERTHANEVENING,afterwork:

Rob:Valtextedme.Shemadeithome.Hernewlawyer’smeetinghertomorrowfirstthing.
Me:Awesome!
Rob:Now,fortheimportantstuff:Whattimeareyoucomingover?
Me:I’mnot,sweetie.ButI’lltakearaincheckforFriday.
Rob:Damn.You’reatoughcustomer.IstherenothingIcansaytochangeyourmind?
Me:I’mafraidnot.Nottonight.
Rob:Alright.Fridayitis.Whydon’tyoubringthatitemwetalkedaboutalongwithyou?
Me:Item?

Rob:Thatlipstickitemyouhave.Remember?
Oh!He’stalkingaboutmylipstickvibrator.Thethoughtmakesmebreathjustatinybitfaster.
Me:It’sadate.Me,youandasextoy.LOL!
Rob:Grawr!Can’twait.
Fridaycan’tcomesoonenough.

WETALKonthephoneWednesdayandThursday,butRobhasn’theardanythingfromValeriss.Weboth
choosetoviewthisasagoodsign.

Friday,Robtextsmeakissemoticoninthemorning.Hefollowsthatupwithatongueemojiaround

lunchtime,makingmelaughandthinkdirtythoughtsatthesametime.

Afterwork,Ipackabagfortheweekend,andtalktomyparentsforamomentbeforeIleave.They’re

heading back to Florida next week. Diesel, who’s rapidly becoming my Dad’s dog, will be going with
them.

AssoonasDadmentionsthis,ItextNickanoteinforminghimthathelostourbetandremindinghim

thathenowowesmefiftybucks.

I wait a few minutes, and my Dad’s phone rings. He picks up, and says “Hey son.” Yep it’s Nick,

callingto“innocently”shoottheshit.Hah!

Aftersomesmalltalk,IhearmyDadsayinghowmuchhelikesDieselandthathehopesthedoglikes

swimmingbecausethey’llbetakingalotofwalksonthebeach!

Afewminutesafterthat,Nicktextsmethegraphicofawinner’sribbon…thentheoneofabundleof

dollarbillsflyingaway.Isendhimthelaughing-faceemojiback.

I send Rob a text to say I’m leaving for his place shortly, then with Princess in her carrier, I say

goodbyetomyparentsuntilIreturnonSunday.

AsIgetintothecar,allI’mthinkingaboutRob’smouthonmine,andhishandsonmybody.Justas

I’m putting the key into the ignition, he texts me again…a single pictogram…of a lipstick! Holy crap, I
almostforgot!Irunbackintothehouseandgrabmylittlevibrator,andthenheadonovertoRob’s.

By the time I get to his place, my pussy’s damp, making me squirm in my seat on the way. But I’m

smilingtoo,becausenodoubt,heknowsexactlywhathe’sdoingtome.

ROBOPENSthedoorasIwalkuptheporchsteps,smilinghissexysmileinwelcome.Tinystandstothe
side,earsback,eyesshiningandmassivebodywaggingingreeting.

“Hello,beautiful,”Robsays,puttinganarmaroundmywaistandpullingmeforcefullyagainsthim.

Heplantsabunchoflightsmoochesonmyface,mychin,andthenmylips,whichturnintoalonger,much
moreseriouskiss.

I’mstillholdingPrincess’carrierinonehandandmybagintheother.Robtakesbothfrommeand

letsPrincessout.Shedoesherusualhappydance,runningunderandaroundTiny’slegsanddancingat
Rob’sfeet,untilhepicksheruptoloveherabit.

Princessdoeshertourofthehouse,sniffing,whileTinyflopsdownonhisbedwithasigh.Robpours

usbothaglassofwhitewineandwesitonthecouchinfrontofthefiretounwind.

“Weneverdiddecidewhatwe’reeatingtonight.Arewecooking?”Iask.
“Nottonight,”hesays.“Ijustwannarelax.Ihavesandwichmakingsandfruitandmunchiesandall

kindsofready-to-eatstuffinthehouse.Noone’sturningthestoveontonight.”

“Soundsgood,sweetie.”

Heputssomeambientmusiconandweeachtakeasipofwine.
“So,ItalkedtoValerissjustbeforeyougothere.She’sbeenwithGreeniesinceshegothome,pretty

much.Hewentwithhertothebankandshe’sgotaccesstohermoneynow.Hestartedtheprobateprocess
andthecourtwillsoonappointanexecutor.Then,hewentwithhertopickherfamilyupattheairport!”

“Oh?Isthatanormalpartoflegalcounsel?”
“NotthatIknowof.Maybetheylikeeachother.Checkoutthisphotoshesentme,they’reallather

place.”

ThephotoshowsValerissintheforeground,smilingherelfinsmile.Inthebackground,sittingaround

an opulent-looking dining room table, is a youngish, clean-cut looking guy, an older woman with short,
greyhairandawomanaboutVal’sage.

The younger woman looks to be taller, and blonde, but she’s smiling a very familiar, elfin-looking

smile.

“Hey,thatmustbehercousin.Youcanseetheresemblance,”Isay.
“Yep,”Robsmiles.“that’sSusan.Andthat’sGreenie,andherGramma,Nancy.”
“Yay!”Isay.“ThankGodforfamily.”
“Yeah.AndthankGodshe’sgonehome,”hesays,withasnort.
“You did good, Robert,” I say. I let my respect for and approval of him show in my eyes, which

quicklymorphsintoacaseofburningdesire.

Heregardsmesilently,andfromthegleaminhiseye,Iknowhe’sfeelingwhatI’mfeeling.Heturns

hisphoneoffandputsitaside.Stretchingoutbesideme,hegathersmeintohiswarm,strongarms.He
laysoneofhislegsovermineandsnuggleshisfaceintomyneck.

Ifeelsmallandlovedandprotected…andvery,veryaroused.
Turningmyfacetohis,IkissthepartofitthatIcanreach.Heliftshimselfuponanelbowandlooks

downatme.“Hi,”hesays,thatelusivesingledimplemakingaquickshowing.

“Hi,”Isayback,lettingmygazetraveloverhisfacebeforereturningtothosebabyblues.
Westareintoeachother’seyes.Thesecondstickby,andbeforeIknowit,we’vegotastaringcontest

goingon.Inarrowmyeyes,refusingtoblink.Iseetheglintinhiseyes,butsayIsaynothing,Idonothing,
Ijustchewmybottomlip.

Henarrowshiseyesbackatme.“Hi…hi,”hesays,inaprofoundlyserioustone.
Weburstintogigglesandclutcheachother,laughingandsnorting.Thatturnsintoatickle-fight,which

RobwinssinceI’mticklisheverywhere,whilehe’shardlyticklishatall.

Bothdogsgetupandcomeovertothecouch,thinkingplaytimehascommenced…andthey’reright.

Weplaywiththemboth,throwingtheirtoysalittlewaysforthemtofetch,gettingthemallplayfully-riled
up and acting silly, having growly, goofy tug-of-wars with a rope toy and just generally lavishing them
withattention.

Whenthey’rebothpantingandspent,Robsays,“K,youtwogomindyourbusinessnow.”Tinyheads

intothemudroom,followedbyPrincess,wherewewehearthesoundofthemdrinkingfromtheirwater
bowlsbeforetheyreturntostretchoutinTiny’sbed.

“Now,I’vegotsomebusinesstomindwithyou,”Robsays,andhestandsup,picksmeupandslings

meoverhisshoulder.

“Ahhh!,”Ishriekjokingly,“ohnoes,Mr.Caveman!Pleasedon’thaulmyassintothecaveandmolest

me!”

“Graawwrrr!”Robroars,andwegogigglingdownthehalltohisroom.Herubsandsmacksmyass

playfullyaswego.

He shuts the door with his foot and gives my ass one more smack before throwing me down on the

bed.

“Raaawwr,” he says, and grabs the waistband of my pants. In the mood for a sexy wrestling match

now,Iresist,holdingontomypantsasbestIcan.

“Ohnoes,Mr.Caveman,”Ibreathe,inmybestMarilynMonroevoice,“pleasedon’ttearmyclothes

offandfuckmypussywithyourbig,scarycock.”

Helaughs,butIcanseethatthere’ssomeseriouslustinhiseyes.
“What cock?” he says, pushing his pants down and stepping out of them. His erection bounces

impressively.“Thiscock?”

“Ohyeah…Imean,ohnoes,you…youbeast-man…pleasedon’tfuckmewiththatdeliciouspieceof

man-meat!”

Grinning,hepullshisshirtoffandletsthatdroptothefloor.“Mesay,womanshowpussynow!”he

says,andpullsmypantsoff,yankingthemoutofmyhandseasily.

Imock-scream,closemylegsandcrossmyarmsovermychest.
“Hhmmmrraarr,” he snarls, grinning, and strips my shirt and bra off. He nips at and play-bites my

breasts,mouthingmynipplesandsnorting.

Hetakesbothmywristswithoneofhishandsandholdsmyarmsovermyheadwhilehelicksand

kissesmybreastsandcaressesmybodywithhisfreehand.

Ohmygosh!Ihadnoideabeinghelddown,nakedandhelpless,couldbesohot!
“Mmmm,”Imoan,demurelyholdingmykneestogetherwhilepushingmybreastsintohishand.
Hands above my head, helpless and hornier than I’ve ever been, my hips writhe restlessly, my legs

openingandclosinginvoluntarily.

“Oh,you dirty girl,”he whispers, seriousnow. He takes anipple between histeeth, biting it gently

andthensuckingitsharplyintohismouth,makingmegasp.

“Hey…where’sthatlipstickvibe?”hesays,releasingmybreastwithapop.
“Right there, in my bag,” I say. He retrieves it and then slides between my legs, pushing my knees

apart,hiscockjuttingforwardboldly.Heturnsthevibeon,playingwiththesettings,thenhepushesmy
thighsupwardsasfarastheywillgo.

“Lemmejustseehowthingsarelookingdownthere,”hesays,bendingtolickmypussywithastrong

swipeofhistongue.“Thingsarelusciousdownthere,justasIsuspected.”

I’m already soaked but he wets me even more thoroughly, smacking and sucking my folds with his

mouthandtongue.Goddamn!I’mgoingtocomealloverhisfaceifhe’snotcareful.

Heslidesathickmiddlefingerintomeanddoesthatthinghedoeswithit,curlingitagainstmyG-

spot,makingmypleasurepeak,sharpanddelicious.

Ican’tstopmoaning,makingnoisesthatsoundsohelplessyetsofullofpleasure,they’remakingme

even hotter and ready to come. Using that talented finger alone, he brings me to the edge of orgasm. It
feelslikehe’sstimulatingmyclitfrominsidemybody,sogooditbringstearstomyeyes.

I’msoclosetocoming,thatifhetouchesmyclitIknowI’mgoingtoblow.
“Please,baby,please,”Imoan,headturningfromsidetosideandhipsrolling,rollingandpumping.
“Ohyeah,you’reready,aren’tyou,”hesays,hisvoicehoarsewithlust.
Hetakeshiscockinhandandpushesitintomeslowly,eyesclosingandteethclenching.“Jesus,”he

whispers,asIliftmylegsandtrytodrawhimintotome.

Hepushesmythighsbackandpicksupthevibrator.
Puttingitonthehighestsetting,hesetsitbetweenus,exactlywherewe’rejoined,andleansforward,

holdingitinplacewithourbodies.Hepusheshimselfintomeasfarashecango,fillingme,whilethe
vibrationspermeatemypussyandstimulatemyclit.

Itdoesn’ttakelong.Mylegsspreadinvoluntarily,jerkingupwardsandbackfromthestrengthofthe

orgasmiccontraction.“Uhhh…uhhh…God,”Iyell,thegutturalcrytearingfromthebackofmythroatas
his cock and the vibe fill my pussy with hot, lancing pleasure, pulse after pulse firing through my
glistening, thrumming flesh. “Ah fuck, oh god, oh fuck,” I pant, losing all control, hips pumping and

grinding,toescurlingandlegsquiveringfromthightoshin.

“Yeah,”hegroans,“ohyeah,”hecries,andhisthrustsintensifyandthen,still.Hisfacepullsintoa

grimace of pleasure as my pulsing pussy squeezes, milks and sucks a powerful orgasm through his
throbbingshaft.

TIMEPASSES,Idon’tknowhowmuch.AllIknowis,I’mlyinginthearmsofamanI’mdeeplyinlove
with,lostinthefeeling,completelycontent.There’snowhereelseintheworldIwanttobe,nowhere
elseIcouldbe.

I’mexactlywhereIbelong.
Hisbreathingisslowandsteady.Thinkinghe’sfallenasleep,Iturnmyheadtosneakalookathim.

Butno,hestirs,pullsmealittletightertohim,andclearshisthroat.

“Brenda?”Hisvoiceissoftandsleepy.Heturnsandpropshimselfuponhiselbowsohecanlook

intomyface.

Ismileupathim.“Hi,”Isay,soundingsleepymyself.
Hisdimpleappearsandthendisappears.Hekissesmyforeheadandnuzzlesmyhair,cradlingmein

hisarmsasifI’mthemostpreciousthingontheplanet.

“ValentinesDayisaroundthecorner,”hesays.“Andit’sjustinthenickoftime.Youknowwhy?”
IthinkIdo,butofcourse,Iwanthimtotellme.
Itakeadeepbreath.“No,why?”
“BecauseI’mfallinginlovewithyou,”hemurmurs,hislipsagainstmyhair.“Ijustthoughtyoushould

know.”

Myheartleaps,andraces,makingaroaringsoundinmyearsasgoosefleshflashesacrossmyskin.
My intuition was right. And so was his. Fate, karma, or lust turned to love…it’s real and true,

howeveritsparked….andthat’sallthatmatters.

“Ahh,God,”Isay,lettingmybreathoutinarush.“Iloveyoutoo,Robert.”
He’s holding me so close I can feel his heart jump and race as much as mine. I can feel his pulse

againstmytemple,andinhisbroadchest,whereitrestsagainstme.Heinhalesdeeplyandletsitoutina
long,contentedsigh.

“Doesthismeanwe’regoingsteadynow?”Isay,withagrin.
“Hah!Yep,you’remygirl,”hesays,hisvoicequietbutfullofemotion.“You’remine.Allmine. My

dirty,funny,sweet,beautifulgirl.”

Afterawhile,wegetup,andwemakecornedbeefsandwicheswithdelipickles,andhaveagiggling,

rip-roaringtowelfightinthekitchen,whichRobertletsmewin.

Thenwefeedthedogs,andgetdressed,andtakethemforanicelongrompinthepark,talking,and

laughing,andmakingplansforthedaysahead.

TheEnd