Monday, 12^th September 2005

DINO

Max and I will bring our tuxes to the office and change here; there is no way we will have enough time to get home to change and make the reservations on time. Max to the ‘country estate,’ me to Grapevine and on to the north side to pick up Dee. The logistics of getting all of us to this fucking dog-and-pony show is impossible. Tio would have this figured out in five minutes, and I’m still trying to work it so that I take Dee home.

I shouldn't call my first legitimate date with Dee such an insulting term, but the build-up is the same. At this point, I’m not even sure she considers this a date, but I sure as hell do. I’m hoping the O'Reilly charm will start to wear down her resolve. One night, and she knows I'm not the right man? I don't think so. What opera am I going to have to sit through for three hours? I don’t even know whether it’s Madame Butterfly or the Pirates of fucking Penzance.

Let’s see. Max brings in the Bentley; Dee goes to Reags’ house, and they dress there and come in together. NO! That’s sounds too much like a wedding, and I know Reags well enough to know she’d never get on the train in evening wear.

Dee’s truck always smells like wet horse blankets, so they won’t come in that, and I don't WANT them coming in the Tahoe because that means I have no chance of taking her home. That is not even an option.

Max lived in London, and he was used to the tube. He’ll take the train, and Reags and Dee will come into town in the Bentley. Yeah, it makes sense for them to come in together. Why drive two cars into downtown Dallas if you don’t have to; think Dee will see through that? If Max needs a car that day, I’ll offer him the Company car – Terry's Jag. In a pinch, I’ll offer him Baby, though I don’t know what he’d do if he stalled her, and she won’t restart. Then again, it might be fun to see the General on the side of the road with his thumb out.

From:	Dean O'Reilly
To:	Max, Reags, Dee
Subject:	Troop Movements for Night at the Opera
BCC:	Terry Thorne
Date:	12 September 2005

Okay, Troops, listen up. Orders of the day.

UNIFORM: Black tie (dress optional)

TROOP MOVEMENTS: Max. Take the train in and bring your tux with you. Reags and Dee: Bring the Bentley. I’ll be sure Dee gets home safely and picks up her truck the next morning.

We’ll meet here at the office at 1730. I’ve made dinner reservations at 1830 for the buffet at the Music Hall. Opera starts at 2000.

From:	Max Espan
To:	Dino
Subject:	Re: Troop Movements for Night at the Opera
Date:	12 September 2005

Are you quite sure you will see Diana safely home and make the drive the following morning from your flat to our home to collect her car? There is no need for such sacrifice on your part. She will accompany Reagan and me home; I will follow her home to assure her safe arrival. Your plan has failed.

From:     Dino

To:         Max

Subject: RE: RE: Troop Movements for Night at the Opera

Date:     12 September 2005

Shit!

Well, fuck. Trust Max to scotch my plans. As protective as he is of Dee, you’d think she was his daughter.

From:     Terry

To:         Max, Dino

Subject: RE: Troop Movements for Night at the Opera

Date:     12 September 2005

Mates. I gather I have the desk from 1700 on. Will anyone make it in on Friday?

From:     Terry Thorne

To:         Crescent Court Catering

Subject: Order Number 112546

Date:      12 September 2005

Delivery required not later than four-thirty P.M., Thursday, 15 September 2005

From:     Dee

To:         Reags

Subject: Opera

Date:     12 September 2005

Dino isn’t giving me much time to meet Terry. Do you think we could be a tad early?

From:     Reagan

To:         Dee

Subject: RE: The Opera

Date:     12 September 2005

I’ll be waiting on you, Kiddo. We can go as soon as you get here. Perhaps the world will come to an end; you might be on time.

REAGAN

She called to me through the door before I could open it. “Put the urchins outside. I’m wearing black, and I will not be sticky-rollered to get dog hair off me.” I was still in my shorts, and I shooed the pups out the back door. They could survive one visit from Auntie Dee without seeing her.

I never thought I’d see the day. It’s 1600, and Dee’s already here. More than that, she’s dressed to kill and has obviously been to the hairdresser to have her hair trimmed …and new highlights put in it. I don’t think she’s going to all this trouble for Dino.

At some future point in time, Terry better make this worth her while because for her, not only to be early but dressed like this, is truly a labor of love. She followed me into the kitchen, and I poured wine for both of us. As I turned to look back at her following me, her foot came through the slit in her gown, and I almost dropped the glasses. She was wearing stilettos. I have never seen her in that high a heel, and these were real, honest-to-God come-fuck-me sandals and her toenails were painted. We walked into the lounge, and she kicked off the shoes; clearly, if she wanted the dogs outside, there was no way she would sit on the couch and get dog hair from that source. If she was going to stand for any length of time, the shoes had to come off. Geeze. I’d swear those were actually silk stockings rather than nylons. Can you even find silk stockings any longer? The only time I’ve ever seen her in silk is her riding long johns in the winter. I opened my mouth, but before I could get out a sound, she beat me to it.

“Don’t even.” I had to laugh.

“Terry is not going to know what hit him. It’s going to be as if he's standing on the San Andreas fault when the Big One starts.”

“Is it that obvious? Do you think he’ll expect me to look like this all the time? Maybe I should have worn my Blundies. God knows, I can walk more than ten feet in them.”

“Just consider yourself as having done Maximus proud.”

“Well, there is that; however, Maximus was not the man on my mind.”

“Seriously, Dee, you look terrific.”

“Did we swap roles here? Are you wearing carpenter shorts and a singlet? Terry won't even see me if you do because that outfit is the national wank fantasy in Oz. Get a move on! We have to leave in half an hour. I’ll pay you to get dressed in ten minutes. Will twenty bucks do it, or do I need to up the ante?”

I laughed. “Right now, I think I could take you for every dime you have, including your farm. For you, I can do this. My hair and make-up are done. It will take me less than ten minutes to dress. You can follow me and crack the whip if you like.” She was right behind me as I headed for the bedroom.

She looked at me as I lay my gown on the bed, and then she saw it – the engagement ring.

“When the hell did you get THAT?”

“Saturday night.”

“And you didn’t tell me? This is Thursday!”

“It’s been a busy week.”

“Sounds like it.” She grabbed my hand and dragged me to the window where the sunlight was beaming in. “Jesus, Reags. It's beautiful. Do I congratulate you and give him best wishes? Or is it the other way around?”

Book hound that I am, I didn't think I had a wedding etiquette book. “The other way. I think.”

“I know, I know. We'll get a book, but I have to say something to Max tonight. I don't think 'Did you rob Tiffany’s?' is appropriate.”

“Probably not, but he may be expecting something like that from you. Try De Beers.”

“Okaaaaaaay, when do I get fitted for the bridesmaid’s dress? What an appalling thought!”

“Not any time real soon. And you’re my attendant, not my bridesmaid.”

“Thank God. Define real soon.”

“In accordance with the terms of the negotiation session, not less than six months and not more than a year.”

“Obviously the negotiations went well, or you wouldn’t have that big a rock on your hand. You didn’t really ‘negotiate,’ did you?”

“We did, and there was a bit of parlaying involved …I think he would have preferred next week.”

“Why so soon? He’s already moved in, and you’ve been boinking him for months.”

I gave her a look. “Think about it, Dee.”

“Oh, noooooo. He wants kids?”

“He’s a Roman. Of course he wants children.”

She took a deep breath. “Are you up for that?”

“I don’t know that. We’re reserving that for future negotiation.”

“OK. I know all I need to for now. Get dressed!” She finally looked at my dress and grinned.

“I still think that’s a little demure for you, but hey.” I grinned at her as I pulled on my pantyhose; she’d not yet seen the back of it. “Poor Max. Pantyhose,” as she flipped her slitted skirt open so I could see the garters.

“Poor Terry. He'll only have his imagination that you are wearing them. Come to think of it. Poor Dino. He will KNOW you are wearing it and imagine a thong, too. Dee, it’s your night. Terry already knows what I look like, and I impressed Maximus long since.” We were out the door eight minutes later. She looked as me as I put the Bentley in gear.

“You sure you can handle a right-wheel drive?” I looked at her and winked.

“Trust me.”

“I HATE it when you say that!”

MAXIMUS

I walked to Terry’s office with the Forsythe contract in my hand. His office was empty, and I went in search of him. I required his signature before close of business, and, as I must also change clothes, I had little time to spare. The door to the conference room was closed. I heard a clink of ice on metal inside and opened the door.

Terry was wearing his tux and standing beside the table – now laden with an impressive array of hors d' oeuvres – twirling a bottle of champagne in a cooler. He looked up as I came in.

“Close the door, Max.” I complied. Ah ...let the games begin. Thus far the score was Thorne One, O’Reilly Naught. “Since there has been a change in plans, I thought I’d give us a good send off.”

“I see. Terry, Reagan often meets me at the office when we are going out for the evening, and you have not done this before. Is there something special about this particular evening? And does Dino's absence have anything to do with this change? I’ve not seen him for the last few hours. Before you answer, I need your signature on the Forsythe contract.” Terry smiled as he came round the table and signed hastily without having looked at the specifics.

“I arranged to have Dino called out of town today. Have a seat, Mate. There’s something I need to tell you.” Ah. So I am not the only one with secrets. I managed to control my smile as I sat; my Cara will be pleased.

“I am listening, Terry.” He placed his hands on the table and leaned on them. His voice was filled with anticipation when he spoke.

“Several years back – on one of my trips to Washington - I saw a woman hold her ground with an admiral. Her name was Diana Walker. I don’t know if this is the same Diana Walker, but the description matches, and, on the off chance that it is, I want the first time she sees me to be impressive since Dino has a leg up on me.” I rubbed my jaw.

“I see. Is Diana to become a competition between you? I would find that most …distasteful. I suspect she would feel the same. And what of Miranda?” He took a deep breath.

“I assure you, Max, my intentions with Dee are completely honourable. My tactics with Dino are underhanded; he and I will work through that. I want to be sure Dee has the choice.

“Being around you and Reags has made me realize what I am missing in life. Miranda and I are going nowhere, Max, and both of us know that. We have run our course. The only reason I’ve not broken it off yet is that we’ve not been able to get our schedules to match long enough for me to meet with her and end it. With or without Diana Walker in the picture, Miranda and I are done.” I smiled before I spoke.

“I believe you have good reason to be hopeful our Diana is the same woman. She has spoken of a 'mystery man' at one of her briefings; she did make note of you in Washington.” The intercom crackled with Sooze's voice.

“Terry? Max? You guys in there? Reagan and Diana are here. Max, unless you’ve changed in the conference room, you’d better get in gear because you’re going to look real shabby next to these two.” I smiled as I rose, speaking to both Sooze and Terry. Terry straightened his tie, smoothed his lapels, then ran his hands through his hair; clearly, he was nervous.

“Show them to the conference room please, Sooze. I’ll make the introduction and then change whilst they chat.” He gave me a grateful, apprehensive smile. The door opened moments later, and Cassandra smiled when she saw Terry in his tuxedo, deftly taking the introduction away from me.

“Dee, this is Terry Thorne. Terry, this is Diana Walker. You two get acquainted.” She turned to me. “Max, I’ll come with you …you’ve never learned to make a proper bow in your tie.” I heard Diana’s comment as I closed the door.

“Well, that was pretty obvious, wasn’t it?” It was good to hear Terry’s answering laugh.

TERRY

“Not as obvious as what I did to insure that Dino was out of town tonight. And I’m so glad I did.”

“What did you do?”

“I was hoping you were the same Diana Walker whom I saw three years ago and haven’t been able to get out of my mind.”

“I’ll bet you have a heather brown suit.”

I smiled, no longer nervous. “Three of them, in fact.”

“Terry, what did you do with my date now that we have pretty well established this is not our first encounter?”

“I arranged for him to take a meeting in Boston. It was scheduled for Monday, but I moved it up for tomorrow morning. At least in Boston he has a town with good pubs where he can get totally pissed and decent night life to get over his anger at me.”

“Why would you do that?” She was honestly surprised. “Did he ask you to rearrange tonight? We didn't have to go tonight if he didn't want to.” She had gone from surprised to hurt so quickly. I may have overplayed my hand this time.

“Dino wanted to go tonight. He was looking forward to it.” If she had been here today to hear the heated words we'd exchanged, she would know how much. Bloody oath, instead of pleading my own case, I have started us off on a really bad note. I am defending Dino. “He has already had time with you. I’ve waited three years to meet you, Dee. It’s my turn.”

“Why is it your turn?”

“Dee, let’s have a wonderful evening and get to know each other a bit. We’ll go into the rest of it the next time I see you.” I finally took time to look at her, and what I saw was a treat. Long, black column of a dress with an asymmetrical neckline pointing to her left breast. Black jet earrings to match the black beading pointing to that lovely left breast.

Dee took a step towards me. I now could see how she could walk in it – the slit came half way up her left thigh showing me those legs Dino had described so well. If Dino had been shitting me since September about sleeping with her, his wildest dreams would likely have come true tonight. Poor bugger.

She extended her hand. “Well, Terry Thorne. I am so glad to finally meet my mystery man.”

As I took it into my own, all my glib words left me. All I could do was lift it to my lips and pray that action would be enough for now.

DIANA

The man of my dreams has just yanked away the man with whom I had a possibility. Women like me don’t get the man of their dreams; we settle for being around the man of our dreams any way we can. In the world of beauty, I’m second tier. I have no idea what I look like, but I know I do lack a little, maybe a lot.

It’s the Miranda’s of this world who get the men of their dreams. It’s great that Terry wants to get to know me, but did he have to take away my chance at being around him? Dino will be angry – maybe at both of us. At least if I was seeing Dino on a friendly basis, I’d get to see Terry occasionally. Terry has cut my ability to be around him in half. Now I’ll have to rely on Maximus’ and Reags’ ability to engineer meetings so that I can see Terry.

Time to compartmentalize my life …I have tonight. The Bob Seeger song, We've Got Tonight, started going through my head.

“Well, let’s have a good evening then …together.” I gave him my best smile. And prayed my cow eyes would not give me away.

Think, think! What is the etiquette of meeting someone? I really don't want to withdraw my hand, and Terry gives me no indication that he has any intention of letting it go. It just feels – right, the most natural thing in the world – standing here with my hand in his.

MAXIMUS

She closed the door of my office as I stripped off my coat and tie and began unbuttoning my shirt. When I turned, she had my tux shirt with the ruffles in her hand. I abhor ruffles but, for her, I will endure them. As I slipped into it, I decided to tell her of my conversation with Terry.

“Prior to your and Diana’s arrival, Terry was telling me of having seen her in Washington three years ago. She made quite an impression even though they did not meet. When he realised she was likely the same woman, he sent Dino to Boston early so that he could escort Diana this night. I venture he has been thinking she was the same Diana Walker since our debriefing on the day after Labour Day. When Dino had her collect him at the car dealership, I believe Terry’s decision was made at that point to get him out of the way tonight.” My lady smiled.

“Thank God, Terry decided to act early before Dino gets any more invested in Dee.” Yes, her matchmaking antennae were now waving furiously. “While Dee would be inordinately pleased at first to have those two fighting over her, she would really feel guilty about it when she came to her senses.” I had got myself into my tux pants with the cummerbund in place, and she fastened it in the back. Women seem able to fasten things behind their backs with no difficulty; men seem able only to unfasten them. She picked up my tie and placed it about my neck, tying it expertly in a matter of seconds. I would have struggled with it for hours and still not done a proper job. She spoke again.

“Do you know what time Dee got to the house today?” I shook my head; I am not a psychic.

“Fifteen minutes late, rather than her usual hour?”

“No, she was banging on the door at four …before I was dressed. She made me shoo the pups out back so that she wouldn’t get dog hair on her gown and wouldn’t sit for the same reason. She was early because she was afraid that Dino’s schedule wouldn’t give her enough time to actually talk to Terry before we left for the opera. I was expecting her to be early but not that early. She actually offered to pay me if I could be ready to go in ten minutes, and she was more than half serious.”

“I would never know that you had dressed in haste. You look lovely, Cara.” I was now dressed, and she seemed to think I passed inspection. We made our way back to the conference room. As we walked she spoke again.

“What sort of hors d’ oeuvres did Terry order …and is the champagne Krystal?” I looked at her.

“I have no idea. I feel sure the champagne is premium, as it is clearly his intention to impress Diana.” We had reached the conference room, and I opened the door, standing aside for her to enter. Diana had her back to the door and half turned as we entered. It appears that Terry has her hand and is not letting go. Her comment was what Cassandra would call “pure Dee.”

“Max! I’ve never seen you with real clothes on! Damn! You clean up good.” We all laughed, and Terry dropped Diana's hand long enough to pour champagne for Cassandra and I. I glanced at the bottle …Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame. Cassandra would find that acceptable. I scanned the hors d’ oeuvres.

Terry proposed a toast placing a hand on Diana's bare arm. “To a pleasant evening,” said to Diana with a smile and an intense look. Whilst Cassandra and I happened to be in the room, we might as well have been blind and mute servants so prized by conspirators in the Empire.

We all raised our glasses. Diana blushed at the toast, the smile, or the look, and at that, my Cara’s eyebrow shot up. I surmise she has rarely seen that happen. Diana had once warned me off protecting her. I believe this is one of the occasions on which she would find my protection objectionable.

Diana raised her glass again, drawing her gaze from Terry. “To the happy couple.” I nodded my thanks to her. With her anticipation on this day, I was surprised she had taken note.

My lady spoke, diverting my attention. “Thanks again, Dee. People, I’m an academic and used to wearing flats …I don’t think I can stand another minute in these pumps.” She sank into a chair, followed by Diana who looked as relieved to sit as did my lady.

Terry spoke to Diana. “I cancelled our dinner reservations, thinking that hors d’ oeuvres here would allow us a better chance to get acquainted. Dee, let me get a plate for you.” She smiled and nodded as he moved to take a plate and fill it for her. A lobster and crap canapé with rémoulade sauce, a few medallions of beef in bacon, two prawns …as he moved to the dish of caviar, she stopped him.

“Terry, I’m not that fond of caviar. Give mine to Reags; she adores it.” She looked at Cassandra and smiled. “First decision on the reception is finished – caviar for sure. I can build a menu around that.” He moved to the plate of crudités, and she stopped him again. “I’m a Texan by way of L. A., and that means a beef-eater …the bunnies can have my veggies.” The three of us laughed, and at Terry’s questioning look, Diana explained the reference.

“I have a horse named Rabbit so, in our household, hares are referred to as bunnies.” Terry smiled and nodded before speaking again.

“I see …and 'our household' consists of whom?”

“Me, the five horses, and the dogs …our household. The human is outnumbered seven-to-one.” Now his smile was one of relief. I was interested to note that while both Terry and Diana have fears, they were not engaging in the usual male-female game-playing. I suspected that whilst Dino had taken liberties with what he had told Terry of his relationship with Diana, she was making sure that Terry was operating under certainties rather than illusions and misconceptions. I must agree with Cassandra; Diana and Terry are far more well-suited to each other than are Diana and Dino.

REAGAN

I suspected Dee hadn’t eaten all day and now was making the most of the hors d’ oeuvres, though doing so in a polite society fashion; I'm sure had it not been for Terry, she would have inhaled the plate of beef medallions in two bites. The only time she sits up that straight is when she is on horseback; she looked like she was doing a shoulder in this afternoon. And the shoulders were towards Terry ...all the better to show off the cleavage. I leaned over to speak softly to Maximus.

“Did you have lunch today?” His nod made me feel better about making my next request. “Go light on the prawns and beef. I doubt if Dee’s eaten today, and she’s going to need the protein to absorb the alcohol.” He smiled and nodded, taking a bit more caviar.

If I were truly evil and not wanting this so much for Dee, I would call for a hand check. It was a good thing that Terry was seated on Dee's left; she is so right handed she wouldn't be able to eat otherwise. Dee's left arm had disappeared under the table. Terry was eating and drinking with his left hand; his right arm had also disappeared. I wonder if he has found the slit in the skirt yet. Yep, from the look on her face, he has. She whispered something to him to make him laugh and bring both of them back to the boardroom from the stroll they were apparently making towards the bedroom.

Terry looked at me with a grin before speaking. “So, tell me, Love, did you manage the right-wheel drive in the Bentley without putting any dings in Max’s paint job?”

Dee couldn’t resist. “She didn’t ding it, but she scared me half to death a couple of times. Max? If the fingernail impressions in your upholstery don’t pop out, I have a great saddle maker who can work miracles with leather.” I felt the need to try and move this along in terms of getting Terry a bit more data on Dee (God knows he would know her body, face and eyes thoroughly before we finished eating) and sought for topics. Let’s see …Miranda is hard to locate because of her job …Dee is in town a lot more often.

“Dee, any idea when your next trip will be to Washington?” Good, that worked. Four hands appeared on the table top.

She was answering my question but looking only at Terry. “Not until November at the earliest, and that’s ‘iffy' at this point. That may not hit the front burner until after the first of the year, and Captain Bigelow’s trying to save on budget. If he can find anyone already on the east coast, he’ll have them make day trips to Annapolis and save the hotel and flight expenses.”

“So, we’re all on for Thanksgiving at our place then, right?”

Dee finally looked at Maximus and me. “I suppose I can let you have it at your place one year. Max, not doing Thanksgiving at my place and agreeing to have it at Reags’ is in your honor. Welcome to the family.” Dee lifted her glass in salute to Maximus. She put her hand on Terry's arm to get his attention – as if she didn't have all of it already. “You want in? Now mind you, this will be a different Thanksgiving than we normally have.” Dee really didn't mean “in” as a double entendré, but she makes them so often, they are second nature to her. I couldn't tell if she was blushing from having made the double entendré or from the earlier grope.

“I’d love to be …in …if Max and Reags have no objections,” Terry responded looking in Maximus' direction. From the smile on his face and his emphasis, Terry did catch the verbal slip. Max smiled, and Terry’s arm went around the back of Dee’s chair. A ghost of a grimace flitted across her face; she will just have to get over being protected. Or Terry will have to learn to be more subtle.

“Terry, it would be our pleasure.” I looked at Dee and just smiled.

Terry pulled his arm from her seat back to her shoulder to get her to look at him again. “I would enjoy having Thanksgiving dinner with all of you very much. Dee, in thanks for your having done so much for us at the Labour Day party, please come to our holiday party as my personal guest.” Dee had a deer in headlights look, and, for the first time in years, she seemed incapable of a response. After a seven second pause to give her some time to answer, I answered for her.

“Of course, she’ll be there, Terry, won’t you, Dee?” I would have kicked her under the table but for fear of the silk stockings running and the table being too wide. The look on my face told her that she would be there if I had to drag her. She later told me that my head was cocked, my eyebrow up, and my lips almost pursed. She finally managed to get the cotton out of her brain.

“Yes …well, I’m so pleased that my life has been planned for the next three months,” but she laughed as she said it, turning to Terry and patting his thigh. “Terry, I would love to come as your guest.”

TERRY

Sweet Christ! I can't keep my hands off her. I had even managed to pour us each a glass of champagne one-handed before Reags and Max came back just so I could keep her hand in mine. Her skin is electric to me; I need my hands on some part of it. And the big surprise? The suspenders holding up her hosiery. I had managed to run my finger underneath one of the suspenders just to feel the skin there. When she leaned over and whispered, “Snap that and you are dead meat, Thorne,” it made me laugh and also pulled us back from where we were headed.

It was we. She had started out with a hand on my forearm as I put her plate before her, stopping me from feeling like a bloody waiter – a very nice, warm gesture, nothing more. She had moved her hand down to her lap, and my roving eyes had followed it to that slit again. I watched my hand move to take hers, put it on my thigh, and cover it with mine; my libido had me running on autopilot. She didn't pull it away, just used her right hand to get her champagne. I think she started counting the hairs on my thigh then. I'm not sure; I was too busy watching her drink the champagne. This woman makes eating a sexual adventure without even trying. It was after the medallion that she started counting the stitches in my inseam.

Perhaps this was not a good idea – the whole thing. I should have politely met her, sent her off with Dino, sorted it with Miranda, had the fight with Dino and then gone to her. This is too much – having to make polite conversation with Reags and Max, the opera, the relationship mess, all of it. All I want to do is have her naked and touch all of her skin, every square inch. God knows, I think she wants the opportunity to have an accurate count of the hairs on my leg.

In for a penny, in for a pound. If Reags and Max could see what was happening under the table, would we shock them? Max, definitely …Reagan, possibly, because above the table, we are in a perfectly civilized dinner conversation at the instances when we need to be talking. Below the table, we are greedily in lust, both of us. Yes, we will have a lot of sorting to do.

The unfortunate thing is none of the way she is dressed was for me. It was for Dino. I have no idea how she made the jump so quickly from Dino to me, but I am more than grateful that she did. When she tells me, she will probably make me laugh. Laughter is something that has been missing from my life; that and the sizzle I am feeling from Dee are both coming back from a long slumber.

Was I moving too fast for her? Not from her reactions, but that was what she was doing right now – reacting. I was still technically tied to Miranda, and Dee was still – technically – with Dino though I had my doubts about that. I wanted to take her to the embassy ball next month but would sort that one out later, after I’d dealt with Miranda and Dino. And I would have to deal with Dino when he returned from Boston. I suppose it’s a rather sorry state of affairs, getting Dino sorted before Miranda, but that’s always been a problem in the relationship with Miranda. We can’t ever get our fucking schedules to line up. At that point I had a moment of insight …perhaps it was convenient for both of us that our schedules never meshed. Perhaps we never really wanted them to.

With Max and Reags settled in as a couple, perhaps I can get Max to take a bit of my burden and free up my schedule at bit. Christ knows I won’t be able to ask Dino to help there; he’d say no just for payback. Pater familias has given me his blessing, and Reags looks as if she’s wanted this all along. With Reags as an ally, Max will certainly fall in line with work. I can’t think about those issues or move on any of them tonight.

Tonight, Diana Walker needs to be wooed, to know that she is the one I have wanted all along. Even if this isn’t what she’s wanted since the Pentagon, even if it starts tonight, I need to insure that from this night forward, I’m the one she wants. For that matter, I need to be sure that I want her – the woman – rather than what may well be an idealised notion of a woman I saw three years ago.

The woman I’d met tonight was not the woman I had expected. Professional Diana is brisk, spot on, no nonsense; private Dee is raucous, warm, considerate, erotic, emotional. That shouldn't surprise me. I have also come to know Reags was a different woman around Max; had I met her on campus and in her professional setting, I doubt I would recognize her as the woman I know. We all have our public faces, and those we assume in private.

Evidently, the food was a hit; Dee had even gone for the crudité once. I suspect it was to have something else to put the rémoulade sauce on. I’d learnt a couple of things about her thus far. She doesn’t care for caviar and appears to be unaccustomed to wearing high heels on a routine basis. She has horses. I’d ridden whilst in the Army but had not enjoyed it much. In fairness, that was based more on the company than the sport; perhaps I’d enjoy it a great deal more with Dee.

She has such warmth with Reags and Max. Even when grilling me about Dino's whereabouts she made me at ease with the laughter in her voice. She was the first one to make contact by extending her hand to me, and I responded like a dag. Another trait revealed. She is attracted to nerds.

DIANA

I have no spreadsheet, no computer, no time to build a database. He’s completely bowled me over. He’s not what I’d anticipated, and the fact that he’s cut off his best friend at the knees to get to me scares me shitless. And the reality? I’d jump his bones right there on the conference table if Reags and Max weren’t here.

I can only hope that my own fears haven't been too apparent. I think I handled Dino not being here with some modicum of graciousness. I have tried to be straightforward with Terry so that he knows I more than enjoy being with him, but he’s gone silent on me. I need to find a way to wake him up without actually grabbing his dick because I want this man; I have touched everywhere else on his leg. The string between my belly button and my clit is drawn so tightly that it will snap when I stand up. God, I didn’t have anything that even approached this with Dino, even with that mad necking session in Reags’ back yard. All Terry has to do is look at me, and I’m having orgiastic fantasies. My God …is this the spark that has been missing in all my other relationships?

We’d finished the hearty part of the hors d’ oeuvres, and Reags stood and picked up the tray of desserts …something I wasn’t familiar with (“Lemon Slice” I learned later) and passed it around. I was glad she did it; I didn't think our host was in any shape to stand at that particular moment, and my doing it would be presumptuous. OK. It was now or never. I took one and looked at Terry as I popped it in my mouth, chewed, and swallowed, then slowly licked the lemon curd off my finger and thumb. My God! The man’s eyes dilated as I watched. Now if I can only keep my courage up to go after who I want. This is going to a long, damned opera.

I don’t think Maximus noted the exchange, but Reags sure as hell did. She stood and looked at Max, then at Terry. “Why don’t we go in separate cars? We have such a long drive home that we’ll probably leave immediately after the performance. You two may want to hang around for the after party.” Only if the after party is at my place or his! If she hadn’t noted the interplay a couple of minutes ago, she’d sure as hell have seen what happened next.

I still had my finger in my mouth getting the last of that lemon stuff off it when Terry reached over and pulled if from my lips and put in to his own, licking gently. He smiled, still holding my hand as he spoke. “Missed a bit there, Love.” I am in so much trouble. Reags and Maximus had their own silent exchange. She called back to us as they walked out.

“We’ll see you at the Music Hall.”

I managed to answer. “Uh huh, fine.”

In the past I’ve confused sex with love, but I was making no mistakes about this man. I want him in my bed, now. Having one night with him will have made the price worth paying. I don't really care if I love him.

“Diana, we need to talk.”

“Okaaaaaaaay.” He thinks I'm not good enough, a slut and wouldn't be caught dead with me in public. This may be the first time I have ever gotten the brush off before going out with someone. I can deal with Reags' opinion; she is probably sorry that she and Max were even here. But she won't blame me. Maximus. I doubt he would ever understand such a lewd display in public. Well, Reags will simply have to explain things to him.

“God. I don't want to be crude.” Yep, that's it. I'm a slut.

“You need to move over across the table from me. I need some time without my hands on you or your hands on me else we will be late for the opera.”

“Is that it?” I closed my eyes and sighed in relief. “You are still willing to be seen in public with me?”

“Of course. Why wouldn't I? But right now, public ain't in it.” Well, that sounded like Jack Aubrey. I can't know that, though.

I scooted my chair back from the table, folded my now gaping skirt over my legs and crossed my ankles away from him. “I won't move across the table, but my hands will remain on my arms. On the chair arms. Oh, hell. You know what I mean.” Our laughter helped.

Terry Thorne is a flesh and blood man. Movie Terry would be in so control he never would have had hard on. Movie Terry would have had the perfect line to toss off. I think I like real Terry better than movie Terry. Am I in trouble, or what?

TERRY

“Stop trying to count the hairs on my leg.” Diana had her hand on my thigh again.

“What are you talking about?”

“While we were at the office I thought you were trying to count the hairs on my thigh. Don't do it while I'm driving.” She started to laugh. A deep, in-her-throat cackle. When she would stop to breathe it moved to a high pitched “hee-hee” before dropping again. It was infectious.

“How about I only put my hand on your leg at lights then?” she offered still laughing. “Or do you need all 15 minutes to get your pretentious opera face on?”

“I don't because I don't have a pretentious opera face. But with as much laughing as you're doing, you will need to redo your mascara.”

“Then you can't make me laugh anymore because I didn't bring any mascara with me.” With that, she primly folded her skirt open and interlaced her fingers in her lap. Her long, silk encased leg was open to me. I believe she knew precisely what she was doing.

“I'm sorry. I meant to thank you earlier for the roses. They are beautiful. You didn't have to do that. I enjoyed the party.”

“Oh, yes, I did have to do that; I wanted to do that. I regret missing the party. I truly hate that I couldn't have met you then.” Our first uncomfortable moment had just occurred.

“So that was you in the heather brown suit three years ago? At the Jennings briefing?” Diana put us on more comfortable footing.

“It was. I usually wear that colour to spring and summer briefings, as it blends in with the warm weather khakis of all services, and I’m not so easily noticed.”

“Oh, that briefing went badly. I couldn't even see a quarter of the people at the conference table. I hate not being able to make eye contact with everyone. Considering it was the first one for Captain Bigelow's new section, I hated that. It did make me focus on the Admiral, though. The Admiral and his aide on the left. They were really the only two in the room I needed to impress.” She did read a room well. The aide on the left told the Admiral what decisions to make and what his decisions should be.

“You disappeared after the first break.”

“I did. My security clearance hadn't come through yet. I thought Captain Bigelow handled my exit well.”

“Both of you did. You managed not to run into anyone and drop your presentation everywhere.”

“I knew you were the same guy! Well, the guy in the corner who I couldn't see was the same one I had run into. And both of them are you! Do you wear any other suits besides the heather brown one?”

“If that is the only way you will recognize me, I'll get a dozen made up next time I'm in London.” She uncoiled from her seat and put her hand on my chest, patting it.

“Not necessary. Now I will know you anywhere as long as I can feel the chest. I never got a look at you either time. I was too busy picking up papers the first time, and the briefing set up was arranged badly the second. The first time it was literally a bump and run.”

I pulled into valet parking, joined Dee at the front of the Jag, and took her face in my hands. “I promise this time it will not be a bump and run.” She tried to drop her head, but I wouldn't let her. I wanted her to see the truth in my eyes. “I promise.” Her eyes showed me a melancholy and distrust that had mirrored my own once upon a time.

She lifted her arms from her sides and slid them up my back stepping into me. “It will last as long as it lasts, Terry. But we can make it good for however long it does.” She stepped back, shaking her head to loosen my grip. “I won't hold you to that promise,” giving me a wistful smile of one who had been too often disappointed by others.

“Hey, I promised you a wonderful evening, and it’s just beginning. Don't start doubting me so soon.” I put my arm round her tucking her into my side. As we began walking towards the Music Hall, she laid her eyebrow on my cheek.

“If I am a very lucky woman, this evening is just starting.” I could feel her lips moving on my throat as she spoke; I could feel her say it more than hear it.

Reags and Max were waiting on the steps waving us forward. As we neared them, Reags turned, and I saw the back of her dress for the first time. There was nothing there but Max's hand. I suspect Max loves every moment of that.

“Mate, you need a bigger hand.” Reags chuckled; Max glowered; and Dee snuggled in closer to my side.

Reags dug into her evening bag to hand me a Kleenex. “You, Mr. Thorne, need to get the lipstick off your neck. Damn, Dee, I thought I taught you to put on lipstick so it doesn't smear.” I dutifully started rubbing.

“I swear, I did. It must have happened when I was talking into his neck. One crummy sentence.” The laughter was back in her voice. “Here, give me that. All you are doing is irritating your neck. Not getting the lipstick at all. You are going to look like one big hickey. Definitely not a good look with a tux.”

*

We made it all the way through the opera though I have no idea how. Well, yes, I do have an idea how we made it through. Theatre seats are not conducive to any type of physical contact. An occasional shoulder brush is about all we managed. Once we stood at the final curtain and she brushed against me whilst rising from her seat, I was back where I’d been at the office. I leant down and whispered in her ear.

“Walk in front of me, Love.” That earned me beautiful smile and a quick pat I did not need.

Diana started giving me specific directions as soon as we left the car park. “Start getting in the far left lane as soon as you can.”

“Move one lane to the left as soon as the on ramp ends. That lane heads north as well.”

“Move two lanes over. As soon as you pass Live Oak, get in the fast lane.”

“Directly after the merge, start moving over to the fast lane and do at least 70. You'll get run over otherwise.”

Her directions were concise and well timed. “You've driven this a lot, have you?”

“Yeah, I had season tickets to the Summer Musicals for years. I wanted to be sure to see Phantom of the Opera the first time it came through town. While season tickets for the Musicals are not as tough to come by as the symphony, you have to work your way up seating seniority to really good seats. It only took a couple of traffic jams the first year for me to figure out how to get around them. After that it only took me 30 minutes to get home.”

“I thought you lived out in the country.”

She lifted her right foot, poking me in the ribs with her index finger to have me see. “It's lead.”

Damn, she is rearranging the slit back over her leg again. You would think by now I would have some smooth move to be able to touch her on the ride home. I don't even have the excuse of shifting gears; sometimes automatic transmissions are a drag. Drag, that's it. “Love, mind if I have a smoke? The pack is in my coat pocket.” She will have to twist around to get the coat off the back seat.

“I don't mind at all. As long as I can have one as well.” She turned without having to unhook her seat restraint and reached my coat. I was able to lay the back of my hand on her back ostensibly to steady her. The low back of her dress let me feel the muscle move as she got the pack out. “Marlboros. I should have guessed. Available around the world.” She shook out a cigarette for me to take.

“Ta.”

We reached for the car lighter at the same time – quite the opportunity to take her hand and put it on the console between us. Instead of wooing her earlier tonight I had firmly fallen into a groper; I wouldn't make that mistake again.

One thing I had not factored into this plan. Driving and smoking requires two hands. So much for the infamous Thorne planning. Two puffs, and I was done with it. I can recover from an initial misstep; I do know how to think on my feet or arse as the current setting offered.

I took the hand she had left on the console; Diana rearranged us. She snuggled the back of her hand into my palm. She arched her fingers up between mine, and I swear she was able to stroke between them. I had to move my non-driving leg over to create some room. This woman has had me on edge for five hours.

Another driving direction. “Be careful. We are coming up on the High Five, and I have no idea how Doofus Bob has the lanes routed tonight. I haven't been this way since I took Dino to the dealership.”

“Doofus Bob?”

“TxDoT apparently has only one employee. His name is Doofus Bob. He designs the roads and builds them. No cross checks. It's the only explanation I have for some of our goofy road designs.”

“Only some of them?” Dee had me laughing and hard at the same time. A first for me.

“I have no clue on the others.”

We pulled off the freeway onto the 'main road' to her place. If this is the 'main road', we might have to hike in; the Jag may not have enough clearance to go farther on secondaries.

A chemist's was on the feeder road; it looked like the only business for miles. All I could see in front of us was roadway in the headlights. I made a quick braking action and pulled into the car park.

“Dee, I think I am getting clear messages from you that you wouldn’t object if I stayed the night. If that's the case, do you have protection?”

“No, I don't have a weapon in the house. I really would like to have a sawed off shotgun for snakes, but those are illegal. Oh. That wasn't the kind of protection you were talking about, was it? You can tell it has been a long, dry spell for me. Really, I'm not that stupid or naïve.” I had to laugh as she covered her face with both hands.

I pried her hands off her face. “I'll take that as a no to protection. But answer the other question for me.”

“Yes, I want you to stay. I want to put my head on your naked chest. I want you to FINALLY kiss me!”

I leaned across the console, and she met me more than half way. But she waited for my lips to touch hers as if she was unsure of my desires or didn't trust her own.

I held her face between my hands, the tips of my fingers just touching her ear lobes under the soft fall of hair surrounding her face. Her lips are soft, warm and open to my tongue. I have to stop now, or the chemist's is out. The stash in my wallet will have to do.

I kissed her eyelids open, more to get my own control back. “I'll be right back. Lock the doors. Hold down the horn if anyone comes near the car.”

I got out and backed away from the car towards the front door. Following my precise instructions to the letter, Dee hopped out of the car. She’s an independent one. “Would you mind getting a gallon of milk? I'm almost out.” I stopped, motioned for her to lock the doors, imitated a horn honking motion, and turned to walk into the store. The older gentleman at the check-out was gracious enough not to comment on the unusual combined purchase or my chagrined smile, though he returned it with an amused smile of his own.

It was another five paved miles to Dee's. I needed no pretext to worm my way through the slit in her dress. She didn't need the contact; I did. I needed to touch her without a mob looking on. In another five minutes, the stockings would be history anyway.

She swiveled in the seat to exit the car, handed me the sack, said “Thank you,” and stepped onto her front walk. I tucked her hand into the crook of my elbow to escort her to her door in a gentlemanly fashion. No need for the neighbors to get the right ideas. She sussed my intentions immediately, stepped in front of me, and stopped.

“Terry, look around. The closest neighbor is a quarter of a mile away; their houses are set back behind mine; they can't see. You have had me on a sexual roller coaster all night. Do not drop me now. Please.”

My arms went round her in a flash as I dipped my head and kissed the swell of breast above the asymmetrical V that had called my name all night.

DIANA

If I only had tonight with Terry, I was damned well going to make the most of it. I was doubtful how successful I would be backing up the steps in these shoes, but if a heel broke, it broke. His thighs on mine set the pace for this stroll. He nudged; I backed. We were one already.

I kissed up and down his neck – sides, Adam’s apple, the tip of his chin – as I backed across the walk being absolutely grateful for asymmetrical V necklines. I was busy untying his perfect bow tie. One tug and it unfurled to hang underneath his collar. At least I had both hands free to work on his shirt studs and collar button. I only needed to unbutton three, maybe four, to have adequate access to that solid chest. I had counted the studs on the stud during the opera.

This was so unfair; he had access to my face, my lips, my ears and was taking total advantage of it. I was in a frenzy to kiss something other than his neck and chest. In reality, I was just in a frenzy.

Getting the milk was an absolutely stupid idea. The cold in the small of my back was annoying; even more annoying was one of Terry's hands being unavailable. The one free hand was doing a great job of touching every piece of exposed flesh, not to mention some that wasn't. I am quite sure that hand was on a reconnaissance mission to find out what kind of a bra he would be unfastening.

Backing up and onto the first step gave me enough height to be as tall as Terry; I felt the heel of my left shoe go as I misjudged the distance. Though we both were in a hurry to get inside the house, it was too good of an opportunity to miss. We stood there and kissed on equal footing. Lips at the same level, my hands inside his shirt. I felt for the second step and tugged Terry with me by the ends of his tie.

Now standing on the porch we only had to navigate the brick step and threshold. I reluctantly took my right hand from its task of rubbing the sparse hair on his pecs and opened the door. I gasped out, “You can yell at me later for leaving the door unlocked.”

My collarbone and throat heard him say, “Tonight I am bloody glad you did.” His leg left mine long enough to help me find and close the door. “But lock it now.”

I twisted the dead bolt shut loudly.

I reached behind me to grab the bag and put it on the presentation stand to the right of the door. Our hands were both in the bag reaching for the condom box while still moving towards the bedroom. I was taking the short cut through the open plan dining room on a straight diagonal to the closed bedroom door.

I could feel when Terry opened his eyes long enough to find it. His lashes tickled; his steps became more confident. Our hands met on the doorknob and opened it together, my hand on top of his. He rested his forehead on mine as we stepped inside the bedroom.

“Lights, where are they?”

“On the bedside table.”

“Where's the bloody bed?”

I pushed the rheostat for the overhead light turning it down to a soft glow and switching on the attached fan. He tossed the box towards the bed.

I kicked off my shoes in front of the dresser while Terry unzipped my dress kissing down my spine. He pushed the wide straps from my shoulders; I let it slide from me and stepped sideways towards the bed out of it. I tried to put aside all doubts and fears that threatened to overtake me. Good lingerie can help a woman's self-image. Does that mean Victoria’s Secret just became my new best friend?

“You are beautiful.” Terry pulled me to him and silenced anything I might have said with a kiss. He ran his hands up and down my back and quickly unhooked the strapless bra. He cupped my breasts and bent to kiss downwards.

I had all his studs out of his shirtfront and his shirt out of his pants. I worked on his right cufflink while he flipped open the left. I held out my cupped hand with a wicked grin for the cuff link he was holding. With a lazy smile and a shrug he dropped it into my hand and tossed his shirt somewhere in the vicinity of my dress. Since the dogs weren’t going to be able to get in bed with me tonight, they would have a nice, soft, expensive pile of clothing to burrow into, assuming that I let them inside at all.

I put my hand in his right pants pocket and rubbed up and down his thigh just outside the outline of his cock. His head fell back, and he took two deep breaths before I stepped into him. We had naked torso to naked torso. I kissed the hollow at the base of his throat. His arms and hands were looking for something, anything to hold on to behind him; there was nothing.

I slid down his body to kneel in front of him to help him get his shoes off. His head snapped forward, and his hands came down to my upper arms, squeezing quickly before releasing, leaning down to pull my hands away from his shoes and into his own. He pulled me to my feet, sliding me back up his body. I kept my left arm between us to be able to stroke him.

“Let me get my own shoes.” He took my free hand and led me to my brass bed where he sat and bent to untie his shoes, kissing my stomach. His sweeping back needed to be touched, or at least I thought so. I crawled up behind him and started working on his fly from behind just to feel his broad, strong back pressing into me. He gently took my hands and placed them around his middle. He bounced his shoes off the high boy and leaned back into me. I could stay like this for a long time. He dropped his socks by the bed and stood dragging me with him, leaving me kneeling at the edge of the bed.

“Come here,” extending his hand to have me stand in front of him. He unhooked the first garter with such satisfaction, running the tips of his fingers down where the fastener once lay. I was so captivated with his kisses I did not feel the second garter come away. I knew it was gone because he knelt to take the stocking from my leg brushing the inside of my thigh, knee, calf, ankle, instep as he drew it off my leg with such excruciating slowness I shivered. I never shiver.

TERRY

My God, I had flashed back to every whorehouse I’d ever visited. Every woman I’d ever paid for it had knelt to take off my shoes.

So far, Diana had been doing a better job of seducing me than I was of her. Slow and soft caresses seem to be the ticket with her. She turned her head to give me more access to her throat and underside of her jaw.

I wrapped one arm round her unclad leg up to her lovely bum and gave her feather light kisses on the inside of her thigh. I don't think she felt either of these two suspenders going. It dawned on her when I took the stocking off though. She shivered when I took the stocking off the first leg. I extended my thumb to trace S curves from the inside to the outside of her leg as I took that flimsy garment from her. It was an excellent choice to have her held so closely. Her knees almost gave way. “I have you. I won't let you fall. Trust me. I won't let you fall.”

I laid her back on the bed, dropped my trousers and shorts, crawled onto the bed beside her. “I've had three years of dreaming of you. I want to see the real woman.” I traced the inside of her arm as she lay on her side facing me, every sensation she experienced registering in her face. I kissed the inside of her elbow, and she wrapped her arm round my head, cradling me to her. She must put her perfume there because the fresh smell envelopes her so naturally but was strongest here. It smelled like a woodland after a spring rain, so fitting for all the women she is.

I continued kissing down the inside of her arm, her side, to arrive at my real target – the slip of silk remaining round her hips. I pulled them down to reveal her hipbones, stopping to caress them before drawing the silk down her legs.

She gave up trying to watch me long ago; she was lost in her own sensations. She gave me a sharp intake of breath when I touched a particularly sensitive spot. I kissed and nibbled the inside of her thighs working towards her pleasure.

“Oh, God, Terry. Touch me, please.” There does come a time when soft and slow has to give way. She opened her eyes to find me watching her reactions.

“Right now is for you.”

“Right now is for us.”

There is no smooth way to get a box of frangers off the floor even if you know where you tossed them; however, I had no idea where the box had landed. Frangers make a zipless fuck absolutely impossible. While I still had a chance of some blood flow to my brain, I began feeling for the box. Socks. Well, it is a sock that I’m looking for, but this wasn’t the one I had in mind. I suppose I will have to stop kissing Diana, open my eyes, and find the bloody box. If I am lucky, I will not have to unwrap myself from around her. If I am very lucky, she will forgive this unsuave move. If I am very, very lucky, she won't notice.

I am a very, very lucky man. Next grope found the box, got it open and a packet out so I could get on with the more important task at hand – making this woman know how very much I want her …how much I need her. I got the box open, tore one loose, and tucked it under my pillow. I was still kissing her, and I don’t think she noticed. That may be the first smooth maneuver I’ve made all night.

She was still on her side facing me, eyes closed, drawing me in. I reached for her leg and gently moved it closer, tucking it between my own. I wanted her to feel my heat, to feel my hardness against that leg, wanted her to know the effect she was having on me. I’d like to say that I was doing all this for her pleasure, but, in truth, I wasn’t. Part of it was purely selfish motivation …having her leg already between mine would make it easier to move over her and between them shortly. It also made it easier to reach her, to touch that centre I so wanted to know. Her skin was like hot satin, soft and smooth; my fingers slipped over it with no friction at all. My hand was moving on its own as it traced down her side to her hip, over her upper leg, and then to touch her. I separated her lips and lightly brushed her wetness. As my strokes got closer to her clit, she started to move on my fingers, helping me understand what she needed.

“There, yes, there.” Her mouth opened slightly, and she began to pant. She moved her leg higher up between my thighs, wrapping her calf underneath mine and sliding her foot down. I felt her back start to arch, clench and spasm. I wanted to feel her under me when that happens again; I want to be inside her then. Her breathing hitched, and she bit down on her lower lip. She grabbed my shoulders and ran her palms down my arms. I held her close, stroking her hair until her back and knees unclench, and her breathing returned to near normal. “The reality is so much better. I am such a selfish bitch though. I am sorry.”

“I promised you a wonderful evening. From what I saw, that was at least pretty good. I wanted to see what I do that makes it good for you. I want to know you, Diana, to understand your body and what it needs. Watching you, touching you has me so stiff I can hardly breathe.” I moved her hand down for definitive proof; her hand wrapped around me, softly exploring, tracing the veins, circling the head with the lightest of touches. If we kept on the way we were, I’d explode before I ever got inside of her. Christ, I’m worse tonight than on my first leave six months after being accepted to SAS.

I reached under the pillow and grabbed the foil packet, tearing it open with my teeth because I wasn’t willing to take both hands off her. I got it out of the packet and looked at her; her eyes had opened when I’d reached under the pillow.

“I need some help here, Diana.” For some reason, she looked suddenly shy, then spoke.

“Terry? I’ve never used frangers before. It’s been so long since I’ve had sex – and when I did, I didn't need to take temporary precautions – I’d known him for so long that I wasn’t worried, and I didn’t bother.” Whoever the bloke was she hadn't been invested in him – not a mention of we. I realised she was far closer to being inexperienced than I’d thought. I smiled, and it felt good.

“Then let me show you how it works.” I rolled onto my back and placed the franger on the tip of my cock and rolled it down slightly before taking her hand. “Help me roll it down ….” I had my hand over hers, moving it slowly down, showing her how to keep it smooth and without the wrinkles that would cause both of us pain. She looked up at me.

“Wow …I always wondered just how they worked. Do I sound stupid for saying that?”

“Do you know how erotic it is for me to teach you this?” I suspected she’d figured it out by then, because I’d got even harder whilst her hand had smoothed the franger over my shaft. I couldn't wait any longer.

I slowly trailed my fingers down between her breasts, down her inner thigh, moving her knees apart as I moved over her. I began to ease my way in. “I need us, Diana. My God …you feel so good. This is where I belong.”

Long, slow strokes. Kisses in the hollow of her throat as she throws her head back. Her hands kneading my back and shoulders drawing me ever closer to her. Her hands slid down my arms to lace her fingers through mine, mimicking the strokes, guiding my tempo, urging me on. I felt her clench and begin to spasm around me, and I stopped focusing on her needs. Her body clutching me to her, pulling me deeper allowed my own release. I must have done something right; maybe tomorrow or next month, I'll get her to tell me what it was.

Diana ducked her head into my chest and lipped, “I am so sorry I left you behind.” Left behind? Not a chance.

The reality is that I was in bed with an alluring woman who is making me laugh. Truth it is. “Not for long. I caught up quickly.” My laughter came harder with her head twist to put her ear to my chest, placing her hand on my heart. “What is the fascination with my chest?”

“I've heard your voice with my ears long enough. I want to feel the rumble. Say anything, something. Recite the phone book, tell me dirty limericks; anything – I don't care.”

“There once was a woman from Dallas. Give me a tic here.

Who had legs all the way to her ass.

“Quit laughing. It's the best I can come up with at the moment.”

“Your laugh makes it better. Even when you try to say ass it sounds like arse. And, no, it is not the best of you coming up at the moment.”

Best make this recitation quick. When the woman is right, she is right.

“Though she didn't know it

She turned me into a poet

Just for a glimpse of bare arse.” For emphasis I flipped the sheet off said, lovely, bare arse lying beside me.

DIANA

I was lying with my head on his chest in an enraptured after glow. I had just spent a wonderful evening with Terry Thorne, just what he had promised me. He thinks I'm beautiful. When is the other shoe going to drop?

Sooner rather than later, it seems. Terry Thorne is fast asleep. I felt the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest, heard the steady ba-bump, ba-bump of his heart and looked up to see the unlined face of a man at peace. I don't think I will tell him we missed the footy match.

NOTES

Dog-and-Pony Show	A colloquial term widely used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the US. A dog and pony show was a small traveling circus featuring trained dogs and ponies, much to the delight of children. Over time, the term was hijacked and used by the US Military in referring to the preparations prior to visits from senior officers (usually a commanding general) and the attending ceremonies in which everyone was expected to “perform” to the best of their abilities.
Shoulder in	A suppling movement for a horse. The rider's shoulders turn towards the direction the horse's shoulders should follow.
TxDot	Texas Department of Transportation