Three Little Words

Chapter 15

Trip called us the next morning. The doctors at Vanderbilt had given his father an otherwise clean bill of health and told him to get more exercise and eat less red meat. Trip and Wren were going to make sure he was doing okay and then fly out to Reno the following day.

“How’s the cabin?” he asked.

“Nice. Cozy. A-frame built in the fifties.”

“Wren wants to know if you and Christy tried out the hot tub.”

“Not yet. It’s still covered with a tarp under a foot of snow. But I’ll check it out this afternoon and get it ready for when you all get here.”

“Awesome. Thanks. It’ll probably be after dinner. We have to pick up the rental car, and then it’s about an hour’s drive.”

“Stock up on alcohol in Reno. We’re walking everywhere here,” I explained. “It isn’t bad, but I’m not hauling cases of wine up the mountain.”

“We’ll take care of it.”

“In the meantime,” I said, “we’re glad your dad’s doing well. Hope your stepmom and brothers are too. Take care of everyone there and we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Yep. Oh, wait a sec. Wren wants to talk to Christy.”

“Sure.” I held the phone out to her.

“Hello? Oh, hey!” she said to Wren. Then she glanced at me. “What? No!

I most certainly did not.” Her eyebrows shot up. “No, not tonight either.” She went pink as Wren offered a few more lurid suggestions. “Wren!” she said at last. “I can’t talk to you when you’re like this. Have a safe trip. See you tomorrow… Okay, you too. Bye.” She hung up. “Oh my gosh, she was in

rare form.”

“Sounds like she needs to get laid. You interested?”

“Not you too!”

“’Fraid so. It’s a conspiracy.”

“No kidding,” she muttered.

“You poor thing,” I chuckled as I turned her toward the entryway. “So many people wanna have sex with you.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“I’ll protect you, don’t worry. In the meantime, let’s get a move on. The slopes await.”

Christy donned her coat and gloves and picked up her boot bag. I balanced the ones with our skis and poles over my shoulder and then grabbed my own boots. Down at the resort itself, we rented four lockers together, bought lift tickets, and headed toward the slopes.

I wanted to start with some intermediate runs, but Christy pointed us toward a lift that led to mostly difficult trails. Her idea of a warm-up had nothing to do with mine, and she practically dared me to keep up when she schussed away without a backward glance. She didn’t ski rings around me, but only because she was waiting for me at the bottom of the run.

The rest of the morning was a completely new experience for me. I was a better skier than Gina and Leah, so I’d always had to wait for them or tailor my fun to theirs. I had to push myself to keep up with Christy. She was the most athletic girl I’d ever dated, which I mentioned when we took a break for lunch.

“We all had to play sports growing up,” she explained. She took one look at her Cobb salad and immediately scrunched her nose. “Ugh! I asked for no bacon.”

“Here, put it on mine.”

She did and then assiduously searched for any she’d missed. When she was certain it was all gone, she shuddered in revulsion at how close she’d come to eating it.

“I used to think you were doing that just to be different,” I said with a chuckle.

“Oh my gosh, no! I can’t stand the thought of eating something that has—

had feelings.”

“But seafood and poultry are okay?”

“Well… yes. Don’t ask me to explain.”

“You aren’t a very good Buddhist,” I teased.

“I’m not a very good Catholic either,” she shot back. “You wanna pick on me for that too, Mr. It’s Gonna Happen?”

“Ha! Okay, you win.”

“Thank you.”

“Anyway, we were talking about sports.”

She looked suspicious for a moment but picked up where she’d left off.

“Right. So we all had to play sports growing up. We had to do something musical or artistic too. Our parents wanted us to be well-rounded.”

“What did you all do?”

“Harry played football and basketball, and he’s a pretty good dancer.

You’ve heard James play piano. He’s a really good artist too, mostly cartoons and political satire. He played football and basketball but never like Harry.”

“Yeah, I can see that. What about Danny and Rich?”

“Danny couldn’t convince Mom that surfing was a sport, so he played football. He took up the ukulele, but mostly to annoy the rest of us. Rich was a wrestler, and you’ve heard him sing. He’s also a really good cook. Mom made him take Home Economics one year, and he made an A just to prove he could.”

I chuckled. “That sounds like Rich.”

“Yeah. He did something that really annoyed her. I don’t remember what, but they had a big discussion about him having to take the class. Still, he learned to cook and sew and stuff.”

“What about Laurence?”

“He was a wrestler and swimmer, but he was practically tone deaf.” She laughed at a memory. “Mom finally had to admit defeat. She tried everything, even drums. He was a complete failure in art class too. He wrote poetry and haiku, though. He never would show the rest of us, but he let Mom read it and she was happy.”

She frowned and looked thoughtful. “I wonder what happened to all his notebooks. He used to write in them as he sat in this window in our house in Japan. I remember drawing him with the light behind him, mostly a silhouette.” She smiled at the vision in her memory. “I remember one where he’s looking at me, and he’s kind of melancholy. You know how he was sometimes.” Her face fell. “No, I guess you don’t.”

“I think I know what you mean, though.”

She wiped her eyes and nodded. “He was beautiful. He always will be.”

“Maybe you can show me some of your sketches when we get home.”

“No,” she said after a moment, “I think I’ll keep those for myself.”

“That’s fine.”

“Wow, I hadn’t thought of that window in years.” She forced a smile. “I think he used to sit there just so I could draw him. He was half in light, half in shadow, so it was fun to get the shading right.”

She laughed again. “And I’d forgotten what a bad singer he was. Rich used to say he couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. James even said he made the piano go out of tune by standing too close. Oh, Paul, he really was awful. He couldn’t even keep rhythm. It used to drive Rich and me crazy.

“It’s kind of silly,” she said after a reflective moment. “Those are the things I remember about him. Not that he was a good Marine or a star wrestler, but that he couldn’t sing and used to sit in a window for hours so his little sister could draw him.”

“Those’re the things that make you smile.”

“They do. And… thanks for making me think of him. You remind me of him in a way, how you’re always positive about stuff. Like this morning,”

she continued. “You really can’t ski as well as me—sorry, you can’t—but you still tried, and it seemed like you were having fun. You made it a game to see if you could keep up.”

“That’s exactly what I did.”

“And that’s what I like about you. Well, one of many things.”

“Thank you.”

“Now come on, let’s hurry and eat. I wanna get back to the slopes.”

Later in the afternoon I decided to test myself on one of the most difficult trails on the mountain. Christy simply plunged over the edge and flew through the moguls like she’d been born on skis. I was more cautious and chose a line before I shoved off. I still wiped out once, but it was a minor tumble instead of a hair-raising crash. I made it to the bottom of the run and received a kiss for my trouble, although she grinned and took off again almost immediately.

We left the slopes when we reached the base lodge, since I wanted to take a look at the cabin’s hot tub while I still had enough daylight to see. We

stored our equipment in the lockers and headed to the market for groceries and more wine. Christy chattered away as we carried the bags up to the cabin, mostly about Laurence and how many instruments he tried before their mother finally gave up.

At the house I prepped the hot tub, replaced the drain plug, and started the hose to fill it. Christy made pasta and salad for dinner, and we polished off a bottle of wine. I checked on the water afterward and turned it off when the tub was full. The pump sputtered as it flushed the remaining air out of the system, but then it ran smoothly.

“Can we use it tonight?” Christy asked.

“No. It’ll take too long to heat up. Probably overnight to get to eighty degrees. But we can turn it up when we get home tomorrow. It’ll be ready after dinner.”

“Good. So I have an excuse tonight. Don’t ask,” she said before I could.

“Wren had some wild ideas for what I should do to you in the tub. You know,

‘to keep you interested.’”

“That sounds like her, all right.”

“Exactly. And she’s crazy if she thinks I need suggestions in that department. Speaking of which… I thought I’d model the lingerie you gave me for Christmas.”

“Maybe on a blanket in front of a cozy wood-burning stove?”

“With a bottle of wine?”

“Sounds like a not-date to me.”

“I might even let you not-kiss me.”

“I was hoping for a not-blowjob.”

“Play your cards right,” she said with a coy grin, “and you might get not-lucky.”

“Stop, please, stop!” Christy panted, and I lifted my face from between her legs. “You have to let me recover,” she gasped. “I can’t keep going like you do. Mine must be stronger than yours. One is enough. Two is plenty. Three is too much.”

I kissed her thigh and then climbed over her.

“Thank you. I’m sorry, but you can’t expect me to keep up with you.”

“I told you,” I said as I stretched out beside her, “sex is a skill. The physical part, at least.”

“And you’re better than me. I get it. Just let me catch up before you try any marathons again.” She sat up and reached for the wine bottle. “Do we have another?”

“No, sorry.”

“That’s okay. I’m in the mood for whiskey anyway. It’s sexier than wine.

Don’t you think?”

“I never really thought about it.”

“Well, I mean… wine is what kids drink. Not kid-kids, but you know what I mean. Whiskey is for grown-ups, my parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles.” She laughed. “Although, not my nana. She drinks brandy. But Granny Carmichael always has a glass of whiskey after dinner.”

Christy climbed to her feet and kept talking as she walked to the kitchen.

I admired the view and decided that she was a pretty package both coming and going. From the kitchen she told me about her Granny Carmichael’s stash of “corn liquor” (moonshine in my part of the country) and how she steeped cherries in it.

“Oh my gosh, Paul,” Christy said as she returned with the whiskey and glasses of ice, “I ate a bunch of them once, when I was seven. Danny put me up to it. Rich was so mad he gave him a black eye.”

“That seems to be what Rich does, but it sounds like Danny deserved it.”

“He really did.” She sat seiza-style and poured the drinks. “I put a little water in yours. Marianne’s suggestion. Sláinte.”

“Thanks. What’s that mean, by the way?”

“It’s Irish. It means ‘health.’ It’s like ‘cheers’ or ‘kanpai.’”

“Well, sláinte!” I took a sip of my watered whiskey and raised the glass in a silent toast to Marianne. She and Anne had become my strongest allies, even when they weren’t around in person.

Christy was in a talkative mood, so I sipped my drink and listened as she told me about life in Japan as a blue-eyed blonde gaijin.

“I love the culture and people,” she said. “I hope we can go sometime.

You can meet Nobu and Mariko. I told you about her, didn’t I?”

“A little. Your best friend, right?”

“I knew you were paying attention! Right. So, we met when…”

About halfway through the story, I said, “Hold on a sec. Mariko was more than just your best friend, wasn’t she?”

Christy’s blush was answer enough.

“Thought so. You’d’ve been… what? Thirteen, right? So, she was your first serious girlfriend?”

“I’m gonna wring Wren’s neck.”

“So, Mariko in Japan. Then Noelani in Hawaii. Brooke in San Diego.

Wren in Knoxville. Am I missing anyone?”

“No, you seem to know them all.”

“I pay attention, remember? I’m sure there are more—girls you fooled around with but weren’t serious about—but I wanna make sure I know the main ones.”

“Like I know about yours: Kendall, Gina, and Leah?”

“Exactly.”

“But… what about Wren?”

I heard something in her tone that was more than simple curiosity.

“Yeah,” she said to my sudden poker face. “She knows too much about you for being ‘just friends.’ That’s what she claims, by the way, so I’m not accusing you of anything. But you know how you can tell when I’m lying?

Well, I can usually tell when she is.”

I nodded and poured myself a healthy splash of straight whiskey. I was going to need it.

“She’s always careful not to say too much, but I’m not dumb.”

“Far from it.”

“And while we’re talking about it, you know too much about her. Like, how she doesn’t really have a problem sleeping with different… people.” She laughed. “I started to say ‘different guys,’ but she isn’t picky.”

My eyebrows shot up.

“I don’t mean she’s a tramp or anything, but she’s… like you. No, wait! I said that wrong. I don’t think you’d ever do it with a guy or anything. Oh my gosh, I should stop talking now.”

“It’s all right,” I said with a chuckle. “I’m not interested in guys, but I don’t get bent out of shape if someone thinks I am. It doesn’t make me gay or

‘less of a man’ or anything stupid like that.”

She nodded.

“But you’re right: when it comes to women, I’m…” I frowned in thought.

“Let’s say I’m open to a variety of experiences.”

“Exactly! Thank goodness you understand. Anyway, you and Wren are a lot alike. Maybe that’s why I’m attracted to you.”

“Probably.”

“I know she loves me, but she’s never had any qualms about sleeping with someone else. It didn’t bother me, even when we were together, although I never thought about why until I started dating you. And I don’t wanna start the ‘sex versus love’ argument all over again, but… I’m starting to see what you mean. Those girls you dated last spring were just about sex, right? You didn’t really care about them?”

“I cared, in the sense that I wanted to get to know them better, but I never loved them, no.”

“Which is why you’re dating me and not one of them.”

“Exactly.”

“But the others are different.” It wasn’t a question. “You have feelings for them. Especially Leah.”

I nodded.

“What about Daphne?”

“Her too, but not love. I care about her and want her to be happy. So, somewhere in the middle. Does that make sense?”

She nodded but then her eyes narrowed. “What about… Gracie?”

“You really don’t like her, do you?”

“If you must know, I don’t.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not sure. She tried to take something— some one I wanted.”

“Ah. Okay. Me. But… why don’t you feel the same about Daphne?”

“I did, sort of, but then I felt sorry for her. I mean, she never did anything to me, did she? And I was so horrible to her. Then I saw how protective you were. Sara, too. You’re both a bit like Rich that way. And I know how he feels about me, so I guess you and Sara feel the same about Daphne.”

“Yeah, we do,” I said. “Daphne’s had a crappy life in a lot of ways. She’s a good person, though, and she deserves better. Sara and I want her to be happy. But to answer your original question… No, I don’t have feelings for Gracie. We never got that far. I knew pretty early that we didn’t fit.”

“So you didn’t love her. It was just… sex?”

“No. It’s never ‘just sex’ with me. Well, sometimes it is, but that’s a whole ’nother discussion. I’m weird, I guess. Not like most guys. I want some kind of connection before I sleep with someone.”

“Which is why you didn’t with any of Wren’s friends, over the summer.”

“Even though I was sorely tempted a few times.”

“But you did sleep with Wren.” Again, it wasn’t a question.

“Right.”

“That’s it? Just… ‘right’?”

“It’s a little late to deny it. So, what do you want to know? I mean, I’ll tell you the whole story if you think you’re ready for it.”

“Ugh! I hate it when you do that!”

“Hold on, do what?”

“Make me think! And question my beliefs! You’re bad for my moral certitude, you know that?”

“Um… thank you? I think. But… have I done something wrong?”

“Of course you have! I lived a nice, simple life before I started dating you. I knew exactly what right and wrong were. But then you came along and wrecked everything. Now my life’s full of ifs and maybes and buts and sort ofs.” She was irritated instead of morose. “And since you asked, I did want to know the whole story. Right up till ten seconds ago, when you asked that stupid question.”

“What question?”

“Am I ready for it?”

“Ah. I think I understand. So… are you?”

“Yes! No! Maybe! I don’t know.” She scowled. “Isn’t that what you say?”

“Yeah,” I chuckled. “All the time.”

“And that’s what I mean about you being bad for my moral certitude.”

She waved away my question before I could ask it. “It’s a Catholic thing. It has to do with doubt. Get James to explain. He’s the theologian in the family.” She flicked her hand at me. “Note to self…”

“Got it.” I grinned. “Note to self: talk to James about Birdy’s evolving morals.”

“My morals haven’t changed! I’m still the same good Catholic girl!

Who… just happens to be naked with a man who isn’t her husband. Who plans on sleeping with him. And wants to go all the way. Before the wedding.” She grumbled and pretended to glare at me. “You’re a bad influence. I can’t even call myself a good Catholic anymore. I’m lapsed like everyone else. And now I understand that verse from Proverbs: ‘Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.’”

“Pride goes before the fall?” I said in plain English.

“Exactly! I used to be proud of myself, that I was a good Catholic; I knew

exactly what right and wrong were. But you make me think, make me question myself. And… I don’t like some of the answers lately.”

“Don’t like them? Or aren’t willing to accept them?”

“The first one. I mean, you just told me you slept with Wren. I should be furious, jealous, screaming mad.”

“Instead…?”

She laughed darkly. “I’m mad that she did it first.” She finished her whiskey and poured more. “Exactly,” she said to my unasked question. “I don’t care that you had sex with my best friend. I’m upset that she knows what it’s like and I don’t. I’m too chicken.”

“You aren’t chicken. You were just raised differently. And if it makes you feel any better, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with her.”

“I know. I get it. But… dammit, I wanted to be first!”

I chuckled, which earned a petulant glare. “You’re first in my heart,” I said. “Does that count?”

“It helps.”

I grinned and gestured her closer, so she turned and scooted between my legs. I set my drink aside, rubbed my palms together to warm them, and began massaging her shoulders.

“Thank you. That feels good.”

“Yeah, I kinda figured you were tense.”

“You know me so well.” She paused to gather her thoughts. “I guess I’m really annoyed at myself. I want to go all the way with you, but…”

“Sex is more emotional for you,” I said, “more of a commitment, more…

intimate.”

“Yeah, but it’s just a penis and a vagina. They’re practically made for each other. Besides, it’s more intimate when I suck you, but I don’t have any hang-ups about that.”

“Lucky for us,” I chuckled. “I mean, I’m willing to wait a long time for sex, as long as we’re doing the other.”

“I know, right? And I guess that’s why I’m not really upset about you and Wren. She may’ve slept with you first, but I get you for the rest of my life.”

“You think so?” I asked, serious rather than flippant.

She paused and gave it more thought. “Yeah, I do. I really think you’re The One. I know I shouldn’t tell you that, ’cause I don’t wanna scare you away or make you think I’m moving too fast, but… I dunno. I just know it’s right with you. And I know you feel the same.” She looked at me over her

shoulder.

“I do.”

“Not yet,” she joked. “We’re moving fast, but not that fast.”

“No,” I agreed. “But I don’t think we’re moving that fast. Besides, it took us a while—”

“It took you a while.”

“Fair enough. It took me a while to figure out what I wanted. But I’m glad I did.”

“Me too.” She sighed and leaned back against my chest. I cupped her breasts and squeezed her nipples, which made her wince. “Be gentle. They’re still a little tender.”

“Ah, right. Sorry.”

“I like it when you squeeze them, but you have to give them time to recover after you abuse them.”

“Got it.”

I wrapped my arms around her instead and then kissed the top of her head. She crossed her arms over mine, and we sat in silence for several minutes, until I looked out the window.

“It’s snowing.”

“Has been for a while,” she said. “Should be nice powder in the morning.”

“I hope Trip and Wren don’t have trouble getting here.”

“They shouldn’t. They keep the roads pretty clear, unless it’s a blizzard.”

She drank and then studied the light through the cut crystal. “I’ve been thinking about her a lot lately.”

“Wren?”

“Yeah. She really wants me to go all the way with you. I mean, it’s a full marketing campaign with her. So I started thinking about why. I mean, what does she get out of it? That’s when I realized you must’ve gone all the way.”

“Ah.”

“You probably know this already, but we tell each other everything. So I knew all about what you two had done… until last summer. Something was different between you, and she didn’t tell me about it.” She glanced back at me. “It just took me a while to understand what.”

“That’s something I don’t give you enough credit for,” I said. “You watch everything. And you figure out stuff on your own.”

“I try to. Sometimes it takes a while. And some things still don’t make

sense.”

“Oh? Anything I can clear up?”

“You can tell me all the things you’re holding back,” she suggested. “No, don’t. I don’t think I’m ready yet. I… have to get there on my own.” She chuckled at a thought. “My mom says I’m the most stubborn of all of us.”

“You probably are. You’re just like her, too, so you probably clashed.”

“We didn’t really. She’s… the exact opposite of Wren. She’s totally subtle. Not in a bad way, though. She has this… I dunno what to call it.”

“Soft power.”

“Yeah, that’s it.”

“You’re the same,” I told her.

“I am not!”

“Oh yes you are. I can’t tell you how hard I had to resist when we were first dating. Every time you hinted or suggested or tried to get me to do something without saying so.”

“Is that why you make me ask for things?”

“Part of it. I don’t want you to feel guilty after—”

“Like Kendall.”

“Right. And I don’t mind you hinting and being subtle, but I want you to understand the difference between getting what you want and having it given to you.”

“You know,” she mused, “before I met you, I would’ve said those’re the same. But now I think I see what you mean. My mom gets what she wants, and she knows what she’s doing.”

I nodded.

“And if you’re right, and I do the same thing—but without realizing it—I never have to make a decision or take responsibility. That’s what you said bugged you about Kendall.”

“Exactly.” I had to suppress a chuckle as she swirled the ice and whiskey in her glass, the same way her father did when he was thinking.

“I’m glad you make me do it,” she said eventually. “It’s good for me.”

“I think so.”

“You still drive me crazy sometimes, and not in a good way.”

“Comes with the territory.”

“That’s what Marianne said, that marriage is a lot of compromises.

Something might bug you, but you live with it, ’cause there’s more you like than you don’t.”

“Mmm hmm.”

“And there are a million things I like about you, but only a few I don’t.

So… I compromise.”

“Same with me.”

“I still hate that you hide things from me, but I know you’ll tell me everything… eventually. It’s okay, though.” She gave me a sly look. “I have my secrets too.”

I totally took the bait. “Oh? Like what?”

“Like… I know that Trip must be like you and Wren. No way you’d’ve gone behind his back to sleep with her.”

“Um, no,” I said dryly.

“So he knew. Also, that comment you made about the size of his penis.”

She grinned back at me. “Bigger than a pencil. And it wasn’t like you’d seen it soft at camp or something. So… if I had to guess, you both slept with her.

Like, at the same time.”

“Well, we weren’t really sleeping.”

“Ha ha. You know what I mean.”

“Yeah, I do. And you’re right.” I studied her reaction as I said, “It doesn’t bother you?”

“What? Wren sleeping with two guys at once? No, why should it?” She rested her hand on her stomach for a moment and then sat bolt upright. “Hold on!” She turned to face me. “Do you mean what I think you do? You want me to…?” She gulped. “Do it…? With both of you?”

I gazed at her calmly.

“No! Absolutely not,” she said. “Never in a million years.”

I almost asked if she were trying to convince me or herself, but I kept my mouth shut.

“That’s… immoral! Outside the bonds of marriage. Totally out of the question. I can’t believe you’d even ask me.” She took a long drink to steady her nerves.

“I didn’t.” Not technically.

“Of course you—!” She replayed the conversation and realized I was right. She took another long drink of whiskey. “Oh my gosh. I thought you were asking me to… you know.” She went to take another drink and realized her glass was empty, so I handed her mine. She winced at the watered-down flavor, but drained it anyway. “Don’t scare me like that,” she said as the alcohol finally began to steady her.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to.” But I planted the seed.

She nodded and finally began to relax. She’d come a long way since Halloween, but she still had plenty of Catholic guilt to overcome. I poured the last of the whiskey into our glasses, a splash each.

“Come here, Little Bit.” I guided her into my lap and turned her to face me. “Spread your legs. Straddle my hips.”

“It feels weird sitting like this,” she said. “Unladylike. Totally exposed.

Especially with no hair down there to hide anything.”

“I know. That’s why I want you here.” I handed her a glass and picked up my own. “Sláinte.”

“Sláinte.” She tossed it back and then eyed me. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“Not a chance.”

“I think you’re lying.”

“Okay, you caught me. I want to get you drunk and take advantage of you.”

“You don’t need to get me drunk for that. You can do it any time you want. Not do it, but you know what I mean.”

“Yeah. But before I do, I need to tell you something.”

Her brow furrowed at my serious tone.

I took her empty glass and set it aside, followed by my own. Then I tilted her face up and kissed her, tender but lingering.

“I love you,” I said quietly. “I love learning about your past. I love telling you about mine. But mostly I love how we’re both changing and growing together.”

She nodded and crossed her arms behind my neck.

“And I’m glad you’re finally showing your true self. I think you still hold back a lot—”

“I don’t want you to think I’m weird.”

“You aren’t. But I think you have some really kinky fantasies, and you’re beginning to realize that I like that sort of thing. No, I love it. I love you.

Period. Full stop. End of discussion.”

“Thank you. I love you too.” She kissed me, and her hunger flared. She tightened her arms around my neck and pressed her body to mine. “Oh, boy,”

she said. “Now I’m really drunk. That last one did it.”

“That last one? Not the ones before it?”

“Maybe.” She moistened her lips. “But now I’m ready for a different

drink. Something… creamier.”

“Ah,” I laughed, “there’s my flirty girl!”

“Mmm, no.” She grinned when my eyebrows rose. “This is horny girl.

And she needs a penis in her mouth. Do you know where she can find one?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

“Oh, goody! But horny girl is really horny. She might need it more than once.”

I laughed and kissed her. “Horny girl can suck my cock as many times as she wants.”

“Mmm, you said cock. I love how it feels in my mouth.”

“Then by all means, let’s get started.” I gently disentangled us and moved to a chair.

Christy knelt between my legs and rested her arms on my thighs. She skipped her usual foreplay and went straight to sucking. She wasn’t in a hurry, though, so I relaxed and settled back to enjoy a slow, sensual blowjob.

Trip and Wren arrived the next evening after dinner. Christy and I were lingering over a bottle of wine when we heard the door open.

“Hello? Anyone home?” Trip called.

“Yeah, in here! C’mon in.”

He almost ran me over as I rounded the corner. His parka and stocking cap were dusted with snow.

“Hey! Good to see you,” I said. “Glad you made it safe and sound.

Lemme put on my coat and I’ll help you unload.”

Wren stomped in with a swirl of snow.

I gave her a quick hug and then grabbed my things from the pegs by the door. “Warm up by the stove,” I told her. “Trip and I will unload. Bathroom is on your left if you need it.”

“I’ll give her a tour,” Christy said.

Trip and I talked as we brought their suitcases inside. They’d had a decent trip, albeit a long one. They had stocked up on alcohol, though. We carried in a half-case of wine, another of champagne, and a couple of bottles of whiskey, along with several bags of groceries. The girls went to work unloading in the kitchen while Trip and I hauled in more firewood.

“Looks like a nice place,” he said as we shed our outerwear.

“Yeah. Solid construction.” I grabbed a suitcase and led the way upstairs.

“It has good insulation, but sound travels inside. Just FYI.”

“How’s the hot tub?” he asked as we set the bags in the master bedroom.

“Still haven’t tried it. It should be ready, though.”

“Hold on a sec.” He drew me back into the room. “I’m supposed to ask about you and Christy. Sorry, man. Wren’s… really eager. What do you want me to tell her?”

“Not to rush us.”

“I know that,” he said in a pained tone, “and you know that, but this is Wren we’re talking about.”

I chuckled darkly. “Yeah, I know. And you’re caught in the middle.”

“I wouldn’t mind being in the middle, but it sounds like she isn’t ready yet.”

“Who isn’t?” Wren asked from the top of the stairs.

“Told you,” I said to Trip, “sound travels.”

He looked appropriately annoyed.

“Who isn’t ready?” Wren repeated as she and Christy joined us.

“She isn’t,” I said.

“Ready for what?” Christy asked.

“A hot tub orgy.”

“Oh my gosh!”

Wren glared at me.

“Oh, was I supposed to be subtle? I forget sometimes. If only someone would tell me.”

“I bet you think you’re funny,” she said dryly.

“Hilarious,” I agreed. I walked around the bed and put an arm around her.

“We all love you, and I don’t know what we’d do without you, but you need to chill out.” I plowed ahead before she could say something snarky. “Have you eaten yet?”

“No,” Trip said. “We were waiting till we got here.”

“Okay, so you’re hungry.”

“Starving,” he agreed.

“And you could probably use a drink.”

Wren looked at me suspiciously but nodded.

“Then we can check out the hot tub and talk about the orgy.”

Christy’s eyes turned the size of saucers.

“I’m kidding,” I told her. “But not really. We can talk about it,” I added to Wren, “but it isn’t going to happen.”

She took the hint and nodded.

“Do you wanna settle in first,” I asked, “or get something to eat?”

She looked at Trip. “Eat?”

“Please.”

“Awesome,” I said. “Christy made enough casserole for an army, so we have plenty of food. We can throw together a salad, open another bottle of wine, and you can tell us how your dad’s doing.”

Trip and Wren wanted some time to digest after they’d eaten, so we opened another bottle of wine and moved to the living room. Christy curled up next to me on the couch—the one her father hoped I was sleeping on—while Trip settled at the other end. Wren sat on the floor and warmed her feet by the stove. We chatted about Christmas and our families for a while, until I changed the subject to what we’d all been thinking.

“So, are we ready for the tub? The water should be nice and hot by now.”

“Oh, God, that sounds awesome,” Wren said. Then she actually looked to me for a cue. “We brought our suits. Do we—? Oh, please! Don’t look so surprised. I’m trying to be considerate.”

“I know. I just didn’t expect it.” I glanced down at Christy. “What do you think?”

Trip and Wren turned to look at her too, and she fell silent at the sudden attention.

“Maybe suits,” I said after a moment.

Christy blushed. “I… um… didn’t actually bring one.”

“Ha! Okay. Are you comfortable being a nudist tonight? We’re among friends.”

She took a deep breath, drained her glass, and nodded. “Just keep the wine flowing.”

Wren and I spoke at the same time: “Absolutely.” “Will do.”

“Hold on,” I said, “whose girlfriend is she?”

“Mine,” she said without missing a beat. “I just let you think she’s yours.”

“Oh, really?”

“Mmm hmm. Besides, she was mine first anyway.”

“Hey,” Christy protested, “don’t I have a say in this? I mean, I’m the girlfriend in question.”

“Okay. So, whose are you?” I prompted.

“Yours,” she said immediately. Then she half-winced. “And… um…

maybe hers too?”

“Fine by me. What do you think, Wren?”

“I’m willing to share.”

“You can have her every other weekend,” I said, “and two weeks in the summer.”

Christy squawked.

“Three weeks in the summer,” Wren said, “and visiting rights the rest of the time.”

“Supervised visits only. I mean, I wanna watch, at least. And maybe join in.”

“I can live with that,” Wren said.

Christy held her head. “Oh my gosh. I’m gonna need a lot more wine.”

“Allow me.” Trip extended the bottle and emptied it into her glass.

“Dealing with these two is thirsty work.”

“You can say that again.”

“I usually let them fight it out,” he told her. “It’s better that way. Less hassle. They haven’t killed each other yet, so…”

“Lucky for us,” Christy said.

“I guess,” he agreed.

Wren and I looked at each other in growing amusement.

“I wonder if they’d miss us if we were gone,” I said.

“Probably.”

“We could always run away with each other and see.”

“We could,” she said, “but I don’t think it’d work. I’m too bossy for you.”

“And I’m too stubborn for you. But still, it’d be fun while it lasted.”

“Yeah, it would.”

“Oh, behave,” Christy said. “Both of you. You know you’re not going to leave Trip or me.”

“Never, my love,” Wren said.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I said. “We know a good thing when we see it.

Speaking of which… I’d like to see more. Hot tub?”

“Hot tub,” Wren said.

“Come on,” I told Christy, “let’s get the towels.” To the others, “Grab the wine and we’ll meet you outside.”

“Sounds good,” Trip said.

I guided Christy into the bathroom and closed the door so we wouldn’t be overheard.

“You okay with this?” I asked in a low voice.

“I think so. Just a little nervous, even with alcohol.”

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“No, I do. I… like it. I’m just nervous about Trip seeing me.”

“Why? Because we live together?”

“Yeah. I can’t explain it, but it was different with your family and Susan.

I don’t see them every day.”

“Ah, right.”

“I know you like it when I’m nude, though. And… I like doing what you tell me. Most of the time it’s things I want to do anyway. I’m not like Kendall, though, I swear! I don’t feel guilty about it. I know I want to do it.

And I’m the one who’s really making the decision. But…” She looked down and finished in a small voice, “I dunno. I just like it when you’re in charge.”

“And you’ll do anything I tell you?”

She nodded.

“Anything?” I stressed.

“Anything.”

“So… what if I told you to take off your clothes, spread your legs, and get ready for sex?”

“I’d… do it.”

“For real?”

She nodded. “Do you want me to?”

“Of course. But you know darn well I’m not going to make you.”

“You could, you know.”

“I know, but that’s why I won’t. When we have sex, it’ll be because you asked for it, out loud, without alcohol.” I touched her chin and lifted it for a kiss. She leaned into me and surrendered herself.

“Thank you,” she said at last. “But… I’m serious. I’ll do anything you tell me.”

“I believe you. And I think I’m going to enjoy finding out how far you’ll go.”

She grinned.

“But later. In the meantime, let’s grab the towels and join the others.”

“I’m kind of excited. Wren hasn’t seen my new… um… hairdo. Down there. Yours either.”

“That’s right,” I said. “And Trip hasn’t seen you at all. He’s in for a treat.”

“You really think so?”

“I told you, Little Bit, you aren’t scrawny. You’re just small. You have curves in all the right places. Time to show ’em off.”

Trip and Wren had piled their clothes on one of the chairs by the stove.

Christy and I did the same. Then I gave her one last chance to back out.

“I can do this,” she said, and I nodded.

The snow was still coming down, so I set the towels under the porch as Christy dashed across the patio to the hot tub. She made it into the water before Trip or Wren really had a chance to react. I took my time and climbed into the tub at an exhibitionist’s pace.

“Um, dude,” Trip said slowly, “I don’t wanna sound gay or anything, but you seem to be missing something.”

“Really?” I made a show of checking my extremities. “Nope.

Everything’s right where it’s s’posed to be.”

“Except your… ahem.”

Christy grinned as I felt between my legs.

“No, it’s there too,” I said. “You can check for yourself if you want.”

“Ignore him,” Wren told him. She turned to Christy and her eyes lit up.

“So you finally asked him?”

“And he said yes!”

“Obviously,” I added. Then I grinned at Trip. “Sorry, dude, I couldn’t resist. Yeah, Christy asked me to shave. And it seemed only fair, since I like her to do the same. So I’ll be sporting the Kojak look for a while.”

“Doesn’t it make you feel weird?” he asked.

“Not really. It’s a bit of extra work in the shower, but I kinda like it. More important, Christy likes it. It’s her favorite plaything these days.”

“Oh my gosh,” she said. “I’m going to need more wine if we keep this up.”

“Your wish is my command,” Trip said, which prompted a glare from Wren, although it wasn’t aimed at him.

“What’re you lookin’ at me for?” I griped. “I didn’t say it.”

“But you made him start.”

“Fair enough.” I waited till Christy had a chance to sip her wine before I said, “You wanna sit on my lap? Or are these seats high enough?”

“They’re high enough,” she said, although only her head and the tops of her shoulders showed above the water. “Besides, it’s too cold to have much more exposed.”

I agreed with a nod and accepted a glass of wine from Trip.

“So, how’s the skiing?” he asked.

“It’s good,” I said. “Miss Ski Bunny here can ski rings around me—”

“You’re a lot better than when you started.”

“—but the runs are really nice. The village is cool too. We were talking to one of the locals today, and he said…”

We told them about a big New Year’s Eve party we’d heard about. We made plans to go and then talked about everyday things. Wren still managed to turn several innocent comments into suggestive ones, so Christy was pretty flirty by the time we finished the bottle of wine. Trip had brought another, but we were several drinks ahead of them. We’d also had a long day on the slopes, while they’d been able to nap on the flight to Reno.

“I hate to be a party pooper,” I said at last, “but I’m ready to call it a night.” I wasn’t in the mood for sleep, especially after Wren’s teasing and innuendos, but Christy wasn’t ready to fool around in front of another couple.

Not yet, at least.

Wren tried to convince us to stay, but Christy had the final word.

“He’s right,” she said. “We’ve had a long day. You two stay and enjoy, though. We’ll see you in the morning.” She moved to kiss Wren’s cheek, but Wren turned and caught her full on the mouth.

Christy struggled self-consciously for a moment but then gave in to it.

Trip and I watched with a mixture of amusement and interest.

“God,” Wren said at last, “you don’t know how good it feels to do that.”

She kissed her again, tender instead of aggressive. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” Christy said, although she darted a glance at me.

Wren saw and chose to smile. “Thank you,” she said to me. “For letting me share.”

“Love is love,” I said. “And it makes Christy happy, which makes me happy.”

“Well, thank you. And thank you, Trip, for being so understanding.”

“Like he said, love is love. Besides, you’re the best thing that ever

happened to me.”

She smiled at him. Then she gave Christy another kiss, this time on the tip of her nose.

“Be patient with her,” I said to Wren. “She’s still getting used to the idea that I don’t mind.”

“I know you don’t mind,” Christy said. “I’m still getting used to the idea that I don’t have to hide it.”

“Yeah, Trip and I are pretty open-minded.”

“A lot more than when we first met,” he agreed. “These two have really opened my eyes.”

“They’re doing the same to me,” Christy said. She squeaked and splashed backward. “And someone is trying to open my legs.”

“Ha! That’s my job, Wren.”

“Then hurry up and do it.”

“Patience, my dear, patience.”

“He knows what he’s doing,” Christy said.

“Mmm hmm,” I agreed. “And right now, I’m taking my girlfriend to bed.”

“Fine,” Wren said, a tad ungraciously.

“Don’t be upset, Wren.” Christy swam into her arms. Then she whispered something in her ear, and Wren’s eyes lit up.

“You mean it?”

Christy nodded.

“Okay. Then I’ll wait.”

Christy beamed and spontaneously kissed her. She was still smiling as she stood and reached for my hand.

Trip’s eyes tracked her small, firm breasts in the glow from the single light by the patio door.

Wait till you see the rest, I thought at him, and his expression made me smile as Christy climbed from the tub and picked her way down the snowy steps. I shot him a grin, hopped out, and grabbed the next towel from the stack.

“Don’t stay up too late,” I said to the couple in the tub. “Breakfast at eight o’clock? Slopes by nine?”

“Sounds good,” Trip said. “We’ll be ready.”

Christy stopped me before I could turn on the bedroom light.

“Why?”

“Let’s watch,” she whispered. Then she crept across to the bed and climbed onto the pillows, where she could peer out the window.

“So you’re a voyeur now?” I chuckled.

“You mean you hadn’t figured that out? You seem to know everything else about me.”

“No, not everything. You still have some secrets.”

She gave me a smug smile and watched over her shoulder as I shed my towel. I joined her on the bed and tugged her own towel loose. Then I held her hips and pressed my semi-hard cock against her ass. She shivered.

“Cold?”

“Uh-uh. Hot. And tingly. Every time you touch me.”

“Mmm, good.” I kissed her shoulder. Curly tendrils of damp hair tickled my nose as I kissed my way up to her ear. Then I set my face beside hers and followed her eyes. We looked down at the patio and hot tub.

“They aren’t doing anything,” she said. “Just talking.”

“Too bad.”

“Yeah. Hold on, are you making fun of me?”

“A little,” I admitted.

“So it’s okay for you to be an exhibitionist, but I can’t be a voyeur?”

“That isn’t what I mean,” I said automatically. Then I thought about what I did mean. “I guess it’s part of learning more about you,” I said eventually.

“I mean, I thought of you as a prude for so long that I can’t help but tease you when I realize how wrong I was.”

“Very wrong,” she said without looking away from the couple below.

“I’ve always liked sex. I’m just very private about it.”

“I’m glad you’re letting me see the real you.”

“The real me has been here all along,” she said. “You were just too prejudiced to see.”

“Prejudiced? How?”

“Against Catholics. We aren’t puritans.”

“True. But you still have some major hangups.”

“One major hangup.”

“Fair enough, but it’s a big one.”

“So? You said you’re willing to wait, as long as we do everything else.”

She turned and looked at me. “Or were you just saying that to humor me?

Now who’s the hypocrite?”

“Note to self,” I said with a chuckle, “don’t argue with Birdy. She’ll beat you with your own words.”

“Exactly.”

I chuckled again and tried to kiss her cheek.

She avoided me. “You still haven’t answered the question.”

“No, I wasn’t just saying it to humor you. I’m willing to wait, for real.”

“Good.” She gave me a quick kiss and looked out the window again. Trip and Wren were still talking, but she was playing with him under the water.

“So,” I said conversationally, “you like watching people fool around.”

“Doesn’t everyone? I mean, isn’t that why people watch pornos?”

“What about you?”

She shifted nervously. “What about me?”

“Do you watch them? I mean, how else would you know who John Holmes is?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she lied.

“You know that isn’t going to work.”

“Ugh! I hate when you do that.”

“Mmm hmm. Get used to it, I guess.”

“Like I have a choice!” She wasn’t really upset, so I started nibbling her ear. She sighed and closed her eyes.

“So, tell me,” I said softly. “What have you seen?”

“I don’t know why I even bother trying to hide things from you. You find out everything anyway.”

“Yep. Still, I’ll let you off the hook… this time.” I pressed my erection into her ass and then reached between her legs. “How ’bout if I get us in the mood instead?”

“I’m always in the mood where you’re concerned,” she said. Sure enough, her pussy was hot and very slippery.

I teased her hooded clit until I felt it swell with arousal. Then I lubricated my middle fingers and slid them down either side of it. She groaned and leaned back against me. I watched the couple below as I slowly fingered her.

Wren had straddled Trip and was riding him with her arms around his neck.

“She’s fucking him,” I told Christy softly.

“Oh my gosh, let me see!” Her breath immediately fogged the window.

“No fair! You knew that would happen.”

“Relax. You’ll have plenty of chances to see them have sex. Trust me.”

“‘Trust me,’ he says.” She gave a small snort. “Every time you say that, I get pulled in deeper.”

“Isn’t that what you want?”

“I don’t know. You’re like quicksand.”

“No, I’m just leading you where you want to go anyway.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Her breathing grew heavy as I vibrated my fingers on her clit. “You know just… what to say… to get me… to do…

whatever… you want. Unh! That’s it. Right there.”

I rubbed my slippery fingers over her clit and pulled back the hood to expose it. Then I cupped her breast with my left hand and tweaked her nipple.

Her body tensed with mounting pleasure.

I pinched her nipple and ground my hips against hers. My erection nestled in the warm crack of her ass, and she moaned as another tremor shook her.

She touched my left hand and insistently moved it higher, to her collarbone.

Then she rolled her head back and exposed her throat. My fingers closed around the soft flesh of her neck, and she reacted like I’d touched her with a live wire.

I gave her throat an experimental squeeze. She moaned and begged me to do it harder. I didn’t want to hurt her or leave a mark, but she obviously enjoyed it. So I squeezed again, harder, and she rewarded me with a soft cry.

At the same time a wave of heat and moisture flooded her pussy.

I gripped her throat and held her body against mine as the current of ecstasy flowed through her. She didn’t move or even breathe as her orgasm reached a peak, held there, and then slowly receded. For a moment I worried that she’d passed out, but then she let out her breath and went limp. Her head lolled toward me, and I felt her breathing slowly return to normal as she came to her senses.

“Oh my gosh,” she said softly, “they just keep getting better.”

“They’re supposed to get better,” I said with a chuckle. “Especially as we get to know each other.”

“But it’s never been like this before. It’s like you’re inside my head.”

“I am inside your head.”

“I know. And part of me is really scared.”

“But the rest of you…?”

“Is buzzing. And happy. And wondering what else you’re going to do to me.”

“You’d run screaming if you knew.”

“There you go again, thinking you know me.”

Trip and Wren were still on Eastern time, so they were up before us. Wren made Denver omelets for three and another for Christy without the ham.

“Wren, you’re amazing,” I said as I cleaned my plate. “I just realized how spoiled I am, how spoiled we all are. You chop up a few vegetables, mix a few ingredients, and produce… this! It’s delicious.”

“Thanks, but it’s really very simple.”

“Yeah, well… I think designing a building is simple. Christy thinks drawing people is simple. Trip thinks running a business is simple. But they all take talent. Yours is to combine a few ‘simple’ ingredients and create something everyone wants. And not just with food. You do it with pretty much anything you touch.”

“Why… thank you.”

After breakfast we walked down to the village, where Trip and Wren rented equipment while Christy and I browsed the latest fashions in ski apparel. She bought another headband, to match her pants this time, as well as one for me.

“It makes you look dashing,” she said. “Although you really need some proper ski sunglasses.” She picked out several pairs and had me try them on.

“Definitely the first ones. The black pair.”

They were cat eye Vuarnets with a price tag that made me do a double take and wonder if someone had misplaced a decimal. “Whoa, my old ones are fine.”

“But these look awesome. Very sexy.”

“She’s right,” the female clerk said. She was a cute brunette with a button nose and legs straight out of a pinup calendar. “They make you look like a movie star.”

“Yeah,” Christy agreed. “Like Matt Dillon or Rob Lowe.”

“Ooh, he does look like Matt Dillon,” the clerk said. She grinned as Christy fluffed my bangs. They both stepped back to get a better look.

“What do you think?” the clerk asked critically. “Would you date him?”

“Totally.”

“Oh, totally.”

My eyes bugged behind the mirrored lenses. The clerk was flirting with me, and Christy was playing along. Totally!

“How much are they?” Christy asked. She didn’t even blink when the clerk told her. “We’ll take them.” She opened her fanny pack and pulled out her wallet.

I started to object, but they were already headed toward the register. The clerk gave me a discreet once-over when Christy returned with the bag, but Trip and Wren joined us and cut off any argument I might’ve started. (An argument about the sunglasses, not the clerk—I knew better than to mess with Pandora’s box, whatever her name was. But I digress.)

“Cool glasses,” Wren said.

“Um… thanks.”

“You ready to hit the slopes?”

“Yeah, come on, Mr. Sexy Eyes.” Christy tugged my hand, and we headed out to the lifts.

Wren wasn’t as athletic as Christy, but she wasn’t a couch potato either, and she quickly graduated from the intermediate trails. She wasn’t as confident on the difficult ones, but she managed them if she took a cautious line.

Trip was a different story. He had so much natural ability that he was skiing almost as well as Christy herself by the time we took a break for lunch.

Not for the first time, I asked myself why I hung out with people who were better than me at so many things.

We skied till late afternoon and talked about getting night passes, but Wren had plans that involved the hot tub and lots of alcohol. So we stowed our equipment and headed back to the cabin. The girls started on dinner while Trip and I hauled in firewood and turned up the thermostat on the tub. Then he fixed a couple of Jack and Cokes before I could even ask. At least he had the courtesy to look chagrined as he handed me one.

“Orders,” he said quietly. He made sure we were far enough away to avoid being overheard. “And just a heads-up… she’s really in the mood for some, ahem, female companionship. So don’t be surprised if she starts something in the hot tub.”

“I don’t think Christy’s ready for that,” I said, just as quietly.

“Yeah, that’s what I told her, but…” He shrugged. “You know how she is.”

I nodded and took a sip of my drink. “Holy crap,” I gasped. “Whose side

are you on?”

“Sorry about that,” he chuckled. “I’ll dial it down a bit for the next one.”

“Thanks.”

“If the hot tub thing doesn’t play out,” he mused, “you should probably expect a visitor later tonight. You have my permission to tease the hell out of her and send her back frustrated. I’ll take care of her.”

“Gee, you’d do that for me?”

“What’re friends for?”

“I’m beginning to wonder,” I said dryly.

“Hey, don’t blame me. You’re the one who introduced me to her.”

“And then you stole her out from under me.”

“You’d’ve killed each other,” he said. “She’s right about that.” He took another drink and nodded toward the kitchen. “Besides, you and Christy seem made for each other.”

“We really are,” I admitted. “It’s kinda scary how much we… um…

enjoy the same things.”

“Wren says she’s really into giving head. Like, a total nympho.” He laughed and slapped my back when I tried to snort some of Tennessee’s finest.

Wren stuck her head out of the kitchen. “You guys okay?”

“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “I tried to inhale my drink is all.”

“You shouldn’t do that.”

“No shit, Sherlock.”

She grinned and nodded at our glasses. “You wanna open a bottle of wine for us?”

“We’re on it, sweetheart,” Trip said.

She blew him a kiss and disappeared into the kitchen again.

“Sorry,” he said to me in a low voice. “You and I were supposed to get started first. I feel like such a Judas setting you up like this, but you know how it is.”

“Yeah, I do. And don’t worry. You gave me plenty of warning.”

“Well, that’s what I try to do. But sometimes she doesn’t give me any, so…”

“The things we do for love, huh?”

“I dunno ’bout you,” he said with a grin, “but I’m doing this to get laid.”

“Yeah, by my girlfriend.”

“It’s only fair. Besides, I’m willing to share.”

I rolled my eyes and glanced at him sideways. “Did you ever think we’d be having this conversation? I mean, back when we first met, when you lived across the hall with Luke and Jeff and that other guy?”

“Never in a million years,” he admitted. Then he laughed. “Back then, I thought you were a little weird. Definitely cool,” he added quickly, “but you stayed in your room or disappeared all the time. Little did I know it was

’cause you had two girlfriends and were getting laid more than a rock star.”

I chuckled and silently toasted the past. Appropriately enough, the future stuck her head out of the kitchen.

“Hey,” she said, “where’s that wine you promised us?”

“Don’t let her size fool you,” I said to Trip. “She’s a handful.” To her,

“Coming right up, dear!”

Trip and I had a good buzz by the time we finished dinner. The girls had stuck to wine, but they’d finished a bottle between them and were headed toward tipsy. That seemed to be Wren’s plan, and I was feeling too mellow to mess with her. Besides, it would have been sheer cussedness if I had. So I decided to help her out and move things along instead.

“I dunno ’bout you all,” I said, “but I’m ready for the hot tub.”

She gave me a surprised look that immediately turned suspicious. I swallowed a laugh as she tried to figure out how I meant to frustrate her plans. I gave her my best faux-innocent expression, just to mess with her.

Then I winked, which nearly sent her into a tizzy. At that point Christy touched my knee under the table and shot me a “be nice” look.

“Relax, Wren,” I said. “I’m just screwing with you. Well, not screwing with you, but you know what I mean.”

“Uh-huh,” she said cautiously.

“Seriously. I know exactly what you’re trying to do, and I’m helping.”

“Sure you are,” she said, still dubious.

“Here, I’ll prove it. Trip, let’s do the dishes so the girls can relax in the tub for a while.”

She goggled, while he glared.

“Dude! How come you always do that to me? I hate doing dishes.”

“You think I like it?” I shot back. “You think the girls do?”

They shook their heads.

“See?”

“But that’s—”

“Whoa!” I cut him off. The words “women’s work” had been on the tip of his tongue, which would’ve started a fight for sure. “Don’t even think that.

You won’t get laid for a week. Trust me.”

Christy gave my leg a squeeze of encouragement. Wren chose to let the comment go, even though she probably knew exactly what he’d been about to say.

“Come on,” I told him. “The sooner we start, the sooner we’ll be finished.”

“And the sooner we can thank you properly,” Wren added.

He gave me a sour look but eventually conceded, “Yeah, you’re right.

Might as well.”

“We’ll help you carry the plates in,” Christy said.

I held Wren back as the other two headed to the kitchen.

“Be cool in the hot tub,” I told her in a low voice. “She isn’t ready to fool around in front of Trip. Kissing you is one thing, but don’t expect anything else.”

“I know what I’m doing,” Wren said tartly.

I gave her the skeptical eyebrow.

“Fine! You’re probably right anyway.”

“Trip said you might visit us tonight if the hot tub doesn’t play out?”

“Trip needs to learn to keep his big mouth shut.”

“He’s walking a fine line,” I told her, “trying to keep both of us happy.

Don’t make him choose sides. You’ll win, but it’ll be a Pyrrhic victory. He already feels like he’s selling me out.”

“Yeah, okay,” she said after a moment. “Thanks for telling me.”

“No problem. And remember, I want the same thing you do.”

“I know. I just get so frustrated sometimes. I want things to happen faster.”

“So do I. But a relationship is like a building: if you lay the foundation right, it’ll last forever. If you rush things in the beginning, it won’t survive the test of time. So, which do you want, a quick building now or one you can enjoy for years to come?”

“Why do you have to be so damned reasonable?”

“It’s part of my charm.”

Christy appeared from the kitchen before Wren could respond. She took my plate, looked up at me for a kiss, and smiled when I gave it to her. Then she turned to Wren.

“Plate,” she said with her hand out. “Kiss.”

Wren gave her both automatically, and I hid a smile as she frowned in confusion.

“Trip and I’ll take care of the dishes,” Christy said. “You two go out.

We’ll join you in a few minutes.” She gave us a bright smile and turned for the kitchen, plates in hand.

“What just happened?” Wren said when she’d gone.

“You’ll understand when you meet her mother.”

“I’ve met her mother.”

“Right. Then you know she’s a force of nature.”

“Should I be worried?”

I laughed. “Only if you don’t do what Christy wants.”

She stared after her.

“Mmm hmm,” I said. “It’s called ‘soft power,’ and she’s very good at getting what she wants. Like when you first lived together and you thought you were seducing her?”

“But she was really seducing me the whole time?”

“You got it.”

She thought about it and then laughed softly. “You know, sometimes I think I know what I’m doing. And then other times, like now, I think maybe I’m in way over my head. But still… I totally love her!”

“That makes two of us.”

She gave me an appraising look and then directed it toward the kitchen.

“Do you think this is what she wanted all along?”

“Wouldn’t surprise me a bit. But I think it’s unconscious if it is.”

“Yeah, that’s what worries me.”

“Why?”

“It makes me feel like I’m not in control. You know how much I hate that.”

“Same here. But I think Christy is fine with us directing things… as long as we do them her way.”

“I think I love her even more.”

“Yep. Me too. Now, let’s do like she said. You grab the wine and I’ll get the towels.”

Trip and Christy were chatting at the sink as I passed the kitchen. He seemed to be in a much better mood, and I chuckled to myself at how she worked her magic.

Wren was already taking off her clothes by the stove when I returned with the stack of towels. I shed my own clothes and followed her out to the patio.

She set the wine on a chair next to the tub and opened a bottle. The air and ground were both freezing, so I leapt up the stairs and slid into the welcoming warmth of the water.

Wren climbed into the tub a moment later, and my eyes immediately went to her pussy. She still had a neatly groomed triangle of hair in front, but she was completely bare between her legs.

“Yeah, I thought you’d notice that,” she said. “Trip calls it ‘business up top, party down below.’ And I know you and Christy think I’m totally selfish sometimes, but I enjoy doing things that make him happy.”

“I don’t think you’re selfish,” I said. “I think you’re just… very determined. You know what you want and you don’t let anything stand in your way.”

“What’s wrong with that? If I was a man, you’d say I’m ambitious.”

“I’d say you’re ambitious anyway. Nothing wrong with that. But I know what you mean. A woman who’s ambitious is a ‘bitch.’ A man is a ‘go-getter.’ Complete double standard, I agree.”

“I knew you would. It’s one of the things I like about you. I really mean that. You aren’t some macho jerk who can’t handle a woman like me.”

“Um, no. I grew up with strong women. I’m dating one. My best friend is dating another.”

“Just so you know…”

“Oh, I do. And just so you know… what we were talking about inside?

Christy has a plan too. Maybe it isn’t a conscious one like yours, but don’t ever make the mistake of thinking she isn’t as ambitious and determined as you are.”

“Yeah, I’m beginning to see that. She hides it well, though.”

“She doesn’t really ‘hide’ it, per se. She’s just… subtle. Like tonight, with the dishes. She made all of us happy at once.”

“Which was what she wanted. She likes to please people. Whereas you and I…”

“Well, we like to please people too, but we take charge and do it.”

The door to the house opened and Christy appeared. She was laughing

and looking over her shoulder at Trip. I took a moment to admire her body, and I could almost feel Wren’s desire as she did the same. Trip pulled the door closed behind them, and Christy turned her smile our way.

“Hello, my two favoritest people in the world.” She smiled back at Trip.

“You’re pretty awesome too.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

They joined us in the tub, and Christy settled beside me as I put my arm around her.

“Mmm, you’re warm.”

“Yep,” I said flippantly, “250 to 400 BTUs per hour.”

Her brow furrowed.

“Sorry, environmental control joke.”

“Oh.”

“Not even very funny. Here, have some wine.”

She accepted my glass and pretended to look askance. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

“No, but Wren is.”

“She doesn’t have to get me drunk, Mr. Man.”

My eyebrows shot up, and Wren laughed.

“Okay, you don’t either,” Christy said with a smile.

“So, can I have my wine back?”

She playfully slapped my hand away. “Mine. Get your own.”

Wren knelt on the seat and reached for the wine bottle, so I took the opportunity to admire her body as well. She was Christy’s opposite in so many ways. She was curvy and tended toward lush, where Christy was lean and slim, almost boyish. She was much less reserved, although Christy had come a long way since Halloween. Still, I suspected that Christy had only been reserved because she thought she should be.

Wren handed Trip a glass and then poured one for me. She passed it across the tub and finally picked up her own glass. I watched her breasts and remembered them bouncing under me as I fucked her. They disappeared under the bubbles as she sank into the water and settled close to Trip.

“What should we toast to?” she said.

“Hot tub orgy?” I suggested.

“Oh my gosh!”

Wren rolled her eyes, but they glittered with amusement.

“How ’bout we toast to good friends?” Trip said.

“And better lovers,” I added.

“The best,” Wren agreed.

“Hold on,” Christy said before we could raise our glasses. “What about me?”

“What about you?” Wren said.

“Don’t I need to say something?”

“Go ahead,” I said.

She blushed. “I can’t think of anything.”

I leaned down to whisper in her ear.

She frowned and shook her head.

“Just say it. When it’s your turn.” I nodded to Trip, who raised his glass.

“To good friends.”

“Better lovers.”

“The best.”

“And me!” She turned rosy, and not just from the heat of the water. “Oh my gosh.”

The rest of us laughed and clinked our glasses. Christy immediately drained half of hers.

“Okay,” I said slowly, “I guess we need to figure out how this is gonna work.”

She cringed. “I’m afraid to ask. What?”

“How we’re going to share you. One at a time? Pairs? All three at once?”

Her eyes grew very large. Then she gulped, emptied her wineglass, and held it out to Wren. “More, please.”

“You’re scaring her, Paul.” Wren emptied the bottle. “Don’t worry,” she added to Christy, “I’ll protect you.”

“You’re as bad as he is,” she said. “I think I need Trip to protect me.”

“Oh, no, not me. I wanna fuck you too.”

She squeaked and sank into the water up to her nose. Her eyes darted to each of us. Then she disappeared completely, with only her small hand and wineglass above the water.

“Was it something I said?” Trip laughed.

“No, she’s just being dramatic,” Wren said. “She does this sometimes.”

“Yeah, you’re cool,” I said. “She isn’t really ready for an orgy, but she’s getting there.”

She surfaced, blinked water from her eyes, and took a drink of wine. “I know you’re talking about me,” she said before she took a breath and

submerged again.

Wren and I looked at each other and burst out laughing.

“She’s a lot more fun when she’s been drinking,” Trip said.

“She’s pretty fun when she hasn’t,” Wren told him.

“Yeah,” I said, “but she still tries to be the good Catholic girl sometimes.”

“She’s getting better,” Wren said.

“True. But we’re still taking baby steps. That’s why I told you she isn’t ready for more in front of Trip. Sorry, dude.”

“It’s cool. Wren told me. Besides, she takes good care of me.” He smiled at her. “Isn’t that right?” He cleared his throat. “I said, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Of course I’ll take care of you.”

He leaned back and smiled indulgently. “Then we’re good.”

“Right before I visit Paul and Christy,” Wren added.

“Still good.”

“For a wild threesome.”

“No problem. All good.”

“Maybe all night.”

“Mmm hmm,” he agreed. “Good, good.”

“You see? This is why I love you.” She kissed him. “One of many, many reasons.”

“I’ll give you twelve more later.”

Her eyebrows flew up. “Twelve?”

“Well, six and six.”

“Ha! You’re on!”

Christy surfaced and looked at us suspiciously. “Are you still talking about me?”

“Sort of,” I said. “Trip wants to make sure Wren takes care of him before she joins us tonight.”

“Oh my gosh. Tell me when it’s safe.” She took a deep breath and went under, although she surfaced again almost immediately. “Need sustenance first.” She drained the wine and then waved the glass at Wren. “This seems to be empty. Fix it for me?”

“My pleasure,” Wren laughed. She took the glass, and Christy disappeared under the water.

“She’s in a goofy mood tonight,” Trip said.

“Her brother does the same thing,” I said. “He jokes about things that make him nervous. It’s all right. She’ll be fine.”

“You know her better than I do.”

“You’d think,” I said, although I looked down at her shape below the bubbling water. I rubbed her back and silently reassured her.

She came up again. “Is it safe?”

“It’s safe, Little Bit. We’ll behave.”

“We promise,” Wren added.

“Okay. But only if you pinky swear.”

Wren held out her hand, and the girls linked their little fingers.

“I solemnly swear to behave,” Wren intoned. Then she grinned and added, “As long as we’re in the hot tub. All bets are off once we’re in bed together.”

Christy looked up at me with wide blue eyes. “You’ll protect me, won’t you?”

“I won’t let her do anything you don’t want her to.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

I pulled her close.

“She’s pushy, you know,” she said. “She makes me do things. Naughty things.”

“Naughty things?” I teased.

“Mmm hmm. Very naughty. I can’t even describe them.”

Wren and I shared a grin.

Christy stretched toward my ear and stage-whispered, “The kind of things Sister Prune warned us about.”

“Well,” I chuckled, “if Sister Prune disapproves, then you should definitely do them.”

“That’s what I thought you’d say.”

Wren burst into laughter and crossed the tub to kiss her. “God, I love you.”

Christy put her hand on my thigh to steady herself. I moved it to my cock.

She squeaked in surprise before her fingers closed around it.

“What?” Wren said.

“His penis,” Christy said with a faux-fearful look. “He put my hand on it.

And… he has an erection.”

Wren laughed and kissed her again. Christy surrendered to it, although she held on to my growing manhood.

“He does that,” Wren said. “It’s okay. I’ll protect you.”

“No, you can’t,” Christy said immediately. “He’s my boyfriend. I have to

do what he says.”

“And I’m your girlfriend. So you have to do what I say too.”

Trip sipped his wine and watched with growing amusement.

“Uh-uh. That isn’t how it works,” Christy said. “I can only have one master.”

“Oh, please,” Wren said. “You don’t need a master.”

“I know,” Christy said with a grin, “but it’s fun to pretend.”

“Not about that.”

“Maybe not for you, but I kinda like it. Besides, he’s a really good one.”

Wren rolled her eyes.

“What?” Christy said. “He lets me have a girlfriend.”

“He doesn’t ‘let’ you do anything. You’re a free woman.”

“I know. But you do what works for you, and I’ll do what works for me.”

“Can’t argue with that,” Trip said.

Wren shot him a glare. “Whose side are you on?”

“Right now,” he chuckled, “the side that won’t get me yelled at.”

“That’d be mine, dude.”

“And mine,” Christy agreed. Then she realized what she’d said. “No—! I mean—! Oh my gosh, I should stop talking now.”

“Nah, you’re safe,” he said. “For the time being. Can’t promise anything about Wren—she’s a free woman and all—but you don’t have to worry about me.”

“Thank you,” she said politely. “I knew you were a gentleman.”

“What about me?” I teased.

“You’re my favorite gentleman.”

“And me?” Wren said.

“My favorite gentle— uh… woman?”

“I can live with that.”

“Aren’t we just a happy foursome,” Trip said.

Christy gulped and looked at me. “He said foursome.”

“Feels good in your mouth, doesn’t it?”

“Oh my gosh!” She gave Wren a nervous look. “You promised to keep the wine going, remember? You promised.” She looked up at me. “You promised too.”

“Right you are.” I handed her my half-full glass.

She only sipped from it, but it seemed to settle her nerves.

“Okay, that’s probably enough teasing.” I put my arm around her and

pulled her to my side. “For now, at least.”

“There’ll be more later?”

“Absolutely.” “Oh, definitely,” Wren and I said at the same time. We shared a grin, and Christy held out her glass.

“More, please.”

“My pleasure.” Wren opened the other bottle and topped off Christy’s glass. Then she topped off the rest of our glasses and settled against Trip’s side. “I don’t know about you all,” she said, “but I’m having a wonderful evening.”

“And I’m going to,” Christy said quietly.