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Please read the previous chapters before you read this one. It’ll add significantly to your reading pleasure. Merci, Petitmort
Meredith woke up with a smile on her face.
It was the morning after Christmas and she was laying in her big, soft bed under a down comforter.
She could feel Paul’s naked body snuggling her from behind.
He was spooning her, his warm, smooth skin silky soft against her back, his strong arm draped across her.
It felt so right to her.
The way his tall frame fit so perfectly with her body. The feeling of his legs intertwining with hers. His broad chest pressed against her back. His warm breath on her neck.
They’d made love for the first time the night before on Christmas Night and it was, appropriately, a revelation.
She already knew he was a great kisser. They’d been kissing like a couple of randy teenagers for more than a month now.
And she was well aware he had an amazing body. They’d been out paddle boarding together several times and she marveled at his athletic physique. His broad shoulders and welldeveloped chest. His rippled abs.
She even knew that he was wellendowed, having once caught a glimpse of his impressive cock while he was showering.
What she didn’t realize, until last night, was just how good he was in bed. How giving he was. How he took his time and built the pleasure. How he made it so romantic.
She hadn’t had that good since… well… forever.
After a marriage where the was lukewarm at best, and then a long period of no at all, she’d rediscovered how much she loved making love.
And that’s why, as she lay next to him, holding his strong arms in hers, she had a smile on her face.
On his way home Sunday night, Paul was looking forward to checking in with Maddie.
He found her sitting by her garden with Ally, who was looking more than a little bedraggled.
“Well, look who the cat dragged in,” Ally said, smiling wanly. “We were beginning to think you’d joined the circus or something.”
He pulled up a third Adirondack chair, facing them.
“I’ve had myself a week,” he said, plopping himself down.
“What’s going on?” Maddie asked, raising her eyebrows.
“I’ve been hanging with Meredith. Things are… going really good. It’s brand new but it feels… I don’t know… like it’s going somewhere. At least, I want it to go somewhere. I like her. A lot.”
Maddie reached over and squeezed his hand.
“That’s wonderful, Paul.”
“Yeah,” Ally said. “Good going, kiddo. She’s a keeper.”
Paul looked at Ally and nodded.
“I think so too. And she seems into me too. At least, she says she is.”
“Of course, she is,” Ally smiled. “How could she not be?”
“Is she still wanting to take things slowly?” Maddie asked.
“Well, since Christmas night, things have definitely picked up speed.”
“Oh?” Maddie asked. “Things are progressing?”
“Let’s just say, we’re definitely enjoying each other’s company.”
Ally glanced at Maddie.
“Glad to hear things are going well,” Maddie said, smiling.
“We’re both on winter break so we’ve been able to spend a lot of time together. It’s been awesome. Though next week it’s gonna get a lot harder.”
“What happens next week?”
“Well, I have to go back to school and she has to go back to work. And then there’s the four nights a week I spend with both of you. I just don’t see Mer and I having a lot of time to be together.”
“That’s a lot to juggle,” Maddie said. “No doubt about it.”
“I wanted to talk to you both… I was wondering… maybe we could cut back a little bit on the love lessons. Just from four days a week to… like, maybe… two. It’s not that I want to, it’s just… there’re only so many days in a week.”
Maddie looked at Ally and back at him.
“Of course dear, we can definitely cut back on that.”
“Absolutely,” Ally said. “That schedule’s totally flexible.”
Paul looked at them, his eyebrows knitted.
“You sure you don’t mind?”
“Come on, the last thing we want to do is to stand in the way of your budding romance.”
Ally looked at him, a sincere expression on her face.
“I think we always knew this would happen sooner or later,” she said. “Or, at least we hoped it would.”
“I mean, I’d like to keep modeling for you, Ally. Maybe we can just do it less often.”
“Really, don’t worry about it. I’ve been thinking about pausing the modeling anyway.”
“Really?”
She waved her hand.
“Yeah, I’m just doing some general belttightening. No big deal.”
Paul nodded.
“And we can cut back on our lessons too,” Maddie added. “Instead of two nights a week, maybe we can do it once every other week. Or even once a month.”
Paul leaned forward in his chair.
“You know, I’ve been giving it some thought and I think it’s really important that I keep learning. One thing Mer says she really likes about our relationship is the way we keep our life fresh. You know, by trying new things. So, I’d really like it if we could spend one night a week going really deep on a subject and then I can bring what I learn back to my relationship with Mer. If that’s okay with you?”
“Of course, Paul. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”
“Like, I was thinking, Mer’s really into cunnilingus. I mean, she totally loves it. And I was thinking maybe you and I could spend a night or two just focused on that.”
“Just focusing on cunnilingus…”
“Yeah, I could spend the whole night just… you know… making love to you with my tongue. Trying different things. See what feels best. What makes you cum the hardest. Do you think we could do that?”
Maddie shifted in her seat.
“Kind of an advanced tutorial on pussy licking? Of course. I’d be more than happy to help you with that.”
“That’d be great.”
He turned to Ally.
“And Ally, you’ve got the same petite body that Mer does. And you both really like being on top. So, I was hoping maybe you and I could experiment with different ways of doing that?”
Ally raised her eyebrows.
“You mean different ways of ? With me on top?”
“Yeah. You and her both really like riding my cock and taking it super deep.”
“You and she, dear,” Maddie interrupted.
“What?”
“You and she really like taking your cock super deep. Subject, not object.”
“Right,” he said, turning back to Ally. “You and she really like taking my cock super deep. I was thinking maybe we could focus on that for a few nights. Just try a bunch of different positions with you on top and see which ones make you cum the hardest.”
“Spend the whole night riding you and cumming?” Ally asked.
“That’s right. If that sounds okay with you.”
“I think I could manage that,” she gulped. “How ’bout we start this weekend?”
Paul’s shoulders slumped.
“This weekend. I’m supposed to be spending the weekend with Bri.”
He let out a sigh.
“I thought you were giving up your… handyman work,” Maddie said, puzzled.
“I was planning to. But then Meredith said she wanted to take things slow, so I thought I’d keep doing it. Just to make some extra money.”
“Sounds like you need to have a talk with Briana,” Maddie said.
“Yeah. I know. The problem is, I’m not supposed to text or call her. She’s worried her husband’ll find out. Do you think… you could text her for me?”
“What do you want me to say?”
He shrugged.
“Just that I need to talk to her.”
Maddie pulled out her phone.
“That’s it?”
“I think I have to tell her the rest in person. Don’t you?”
“Yes,” Maddie said, finding Bri’s contact. “That would probably be best.”
She tapped out a message.
“Let’s see if she responds.”
“What’d you say?”
“Just ‘Paul needs to talk with you.'”
He nodded.
“Well,” Ally said, standing up, “I’m gonna hit the hay. I need my beauty rest. Good night you two.”
“Goodnight,” they chorused.
She walked somewhat gingerly through the bushes that separated their backyards and into her cottage.
“Is she okay?” Paul asked.
Maddie gave the “soso” sign with her hand.
“What’s going on?”
“She’s been wanted to tell you but hasn’t had the chance. She’s having some medical issues.”
Paul frowned.
“What kind of medical issues?”
“The doctors discovered something in her pelvis. A mass. They’re not sure what it is. She’s been having all kinds of imaging done Xrays, tomography. She’s supposed to have an MRI next week. From what I understand, it could turn out to be something benign, like a fibroid or a cyst. Or, it could be something worse.”
“Like… cancer?”
“They don’t know yet, Sweetie. They’ll have to do a biopsy to be sure. In the meantime, she’s trying to take things a day at a time.”
“Poor Ally. How’s she feeling?”
“She’s having a tough time, I’m afraid. The insurance company is being difficult. They’re saying her MRI isn’t preauthorized or something.”
“How can that be?”
“I don’t know, but she’ll probably have to pay for most of it herself. That’s why she wanted to put your modeling sessions on pause. She needs to save money.”
“Can’t we do something?”
“Well, I’m taking some money out of my retirement account to help her. And she’s getting some money from her family back East. She’s still short though.”
“How much is she short?”
“About ten thousand dollars.”
“Holy crap!”
“Yes, it’s very distressing. All she wants is to get this thing, whatever it is, out of her body. But she can’t come up with the money. I’m so mad at her shitty HMO.”
Paul looked up at Maddie.
“I’ll give her the money.”
Maddie stared at him, blinking.
“That’s a sweet thought, Paul, but where are you going to get $10,000?”
“I’ll sell the stock Bri gave me.”
After their tryst in November, Brianna ‘paid’ him with 100 shares of Meta stock.
“Ally wouldn’t want you to do that. That money’s for your future.”
“I don’t care. Her health’s more important.”
“I don’t think she’d accept it, honey.”
Paul just stared into the night, his brow furrowed.
Just then, Maddie’s phone pinged.
“Is that from Bri?” he asked.
“Yep.”
“What’d she say.”
She handed him the phone. The text read:
Tell Paul I’m expecting him Friday night 5pm. We can talk then. Tell him to go to 1475 East Cliff. Ask for Jessica. DON’T USE MY FRONT DOOR.
“That’s so weird,” he muttered.
Paul had no idea why he had to meet Bri at some other house. It didn’t make sense.
Whatever.
He couldn’t even think about Bri right now. All he could think about was helping Ally.
The next morning, he woke up early and headed down to the local Charles Schwab office. He told the agent he wanted to sell enough of his Meta stock to net $10,000.
He was surprised to learn that the value of his Meta stock had depreciated significantly since he last checked it. Something about “regulatory headwinds” the agent told him.
When all was said and done, he had less than $500 worth of stock left in his account.
Still, none of that mattered. What was important was taking care of Ally in her moment of need.
Later that morning, he went by Ally’s place to check on her. He didn’t see her in the yard, but her Prius was still parked in the driveway.
He stuck his head in the back door.
“Ally?”
He heard her voice calling from the bed.
She was leaning against some pillows, sketching.
“Hey, Babe,” she said.
He went to her and sat on the edge of the bed.
“How you doing?”
“Peachy. One of the beautiful things about being retired. You don’t have to get out of bed if you don’t want to.”
He smiled at her warmly.
“I talked to Maddie last night. After you went to bed. She told me about your medical situation. I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah, it sucks. I’ve been meaning to fill you in on that little development but I haven’t had the chance.”
“I just want you to know that I’m here for you. Anything you need, I got you.”
“I know, Babe.”
He lay his big hand softly on hers.
“Listen,” he said, “I had an idea I wanted to talk to you about. I want to buy the MG.”
“You don’t need to do that. I told you, you can drive it as much as you want. Just treat it as your own.”
“No, I’ve been thinking about it. And I think it’s high time for me to own my own car. It’s kind of a guy thing. You know, like a rite of passage.”
She looked at him, frowning.
“But that’s just silly.”
“Well, I really want to, Ally. It’s important to me. Please.”
“I guess if it means that much to you…”
“It does. I remember, the day you lent it to me, you said you researched it and you could get $10K for it.”
“Yeah, but I wouldn’t charge you that much. How about $5K?”
“No, I want to pay you what it’s worth.”
“But that’s too much…”
“Listen, it’s my first car and I want to feel like I bought it fair and square. With money I earned myself. You want me to have that satisfaction, don’t you?
“Sure I do, but…”
“Then let me pay you $10K for it.”
“But that’s too much. $7500 and not a penny more.”
“No, I insist. Here, I’ve already written out the check.”
He pulled a folded check out of his shirt pocket and handed it to her. It was for $10,000.
She looked at the check and sighed.
“Oh, my. Well, I guess it’s a deal then. Congrats. You just bought your first car. But, I’m going to have to teach you a thing or two about negotiating.”
That afternoon, he called Meredith and told her about his purchase.
“Did you have a mechanic check it out first?”
“A mechanic? No, I’m sure it’s fine.”
She raised her eyebrows.
“Well, it’s a pretty big purchase. You sure you can afford it?”
Paul was taken aback.
“It’s not a question of affording it. Ally needs the money. I had no choice.”
She made a face.
“You always have a choice.”
“You know what I mean. It was a priority for me to help her out.”
“I get that. And I think that’s really admirable. It’s just… you have to be smart with money, Paul.”
“How am I not being smart?”
“Don’t you have your spring tuition coming up? And you still have to buy your books. Plus, even when you buy a used car, you gotta pay for licensing… registration… insurance.”
“I know that.”
“I’m just saying… you have to use your head as well as your heart.”
“I am using my head, Mer.”
“I’m not saying you aren’t. I’m just… giving you a little advice, that’s all.”
“Got it. Thanks.”
There was an awkward pause.
“So,” she said, “You want to go paddleboarding this weekend? Maybe try that place south of Carmel?”
“Sorry, I can’t. Gotta work.”
She assumed he meant schoolwork.
“Just bring it with you. You can do it in the car while I drive.”
“No, it’s not that kind of work. I gotta do a job for somebody.”
“Job? What job?”
“I told this friend of Maddie’s I’d be available this weekend.”
“Who?”
“Briana Carroll. She’s got a beach house in Opal Cliffs. She wants me to be available starting Friday night.”
“So, we can go Saturday. Or Sunday.”
“I don’t think I can. Not this weekend.”
“What, are you working the whole weekend? Can’t you just put it off?”
“I can’t, Mer!” he snapped. “I need the money. Remember?”
Meredith suddenly became very quiet.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to be snarky.”
“It just seems… so random.”
“It’s not random. This is how I make my money.”
“Hey, I don’t want to cramp your lifestyle. I’m just saying…”
“It’s not my lifestyle, it’s my work. It’s how I support myself. I’m just… in a situation right now.”
“Well, if you were more careful with your money, you wouldn’t be in this situation.”
Paul let out a sigh.
“Look, Mer, I don’t even want to do this job. I’d much rather be paddle boarding with you, believe me. It’s just… I made these commitments. I can’t just back out of them…”
“I don’t want you to back out of them. Just go do what you gotta do. I’ll see you when you have some free time.”
“C’mon, don’t be that way.”
“No, I mean it. Look, I don’t want what we have, whatever it is, to totally disrupt your life.”
His voice got soft, urgent.
“Well, maybe I do. Mer, you’re the best thing that’s happened to me. I want to be with you as much as I can.”
She breathed a sigh.
“I know. I feel the same. But there’s something else. Something I don’t want.”
“What’s that?”
“I don’t want a repeat of what happened with my ex.”
“What happened with your ex?”
“When we got married, he completely changed his life, and after a while, he realized it wasn’t what he wanted.”
“But it is what I want.”
There was a long pause.
“Listen,” she said. “How about we ease into this. OK? Go take care of these… obligations. Do what you gotta do. We’ll talk after the weekend and see how we feel.”
“OK. I’ll call you.”
“Bye.”
Meredith hung up the phone and let out a frustrated growl.
She loved spending time with Paul. She really did. But sometimes he seemed like such a teenager.
He had wonderful qualities. He was smart. Compassionate. Attractive as hell.
But he was so young! Twentyone years old! He was barely out of his teens!
He had brains, no doubt about it. He was doing great in school and was planning to go for his master’s after he graduated.
He’d gotten good feedback from his professors and had landed a plum summer internship at a local research institute.
And they had a great time together. They shared a love of the natural world. They were both adventurous and athletic.
Her friends and family all liked him. He was sweet. And funny. Easy going and considerate.
There was just one little thing that made her unsure about him. One little kernel of doubt in the back of her mind that made her wonder if he could be “the one”.
His age.
He was only 21. And while she was only 24, she remembered how much she’d matured in those intervening years.
Like this whole business with his car. Spending all of his savings to help a friend in need was admirable, but what did it say about his judgment? His ability to manage money?
He’d spent the last few months bouncing around friends’ houses sleeping on their couches. Was Paul just an irresponsible surfer dude with a high IQ?
What would life be like with him helping to manage the family finances?
And his age made her worry in other ways too.
Deep down, she questioned whether he was truly ready to commit himself to one person. At age 21, had he really had a chance to sow his wild oats?
Meredith was still feeling the fallout from her divorce. Her ex also seemed like her soul mate. At first. He was smart and creative and he made their life fun.
They shared a lot in common. A love of nature, books, movies, cooking. They got each other’s humor. They put each other’s needs first.
Sure, their life wasn’t that hot but they communicated well and found ways to make it work.
And then, it all fell apart. Her ex suddenly realized he was living a lie. He was more attracted to men than to women. He didn’t want to be married. He wanted to be his true self.
In a matter of months, their marriage had ended.
What if Paul suddenly discovered he wasn’t ready for a fulltime commitment? That he’d settled down way too early?
She brought up her concerns with him a couple times but he told her she had nothing to worry about.
Still, worry she did. She’d let herself be vulnerable once before, and it ended badly.
Meredith didn’t know if she could bear that kind of pain again.
These were the doubts that were circulating in the back of her mind. And it pained her heart that they were there.
When Friday evening arrived, Paul showered and shaved, put on his best Hawaiian shirt, shorts and flipflops, and headed out to meet Bri.
Walking to Opal Cliffs, he rehearsed the conversation he was planning to have with her.
He’d have to explain to her that he’d met someone. And that it was getting serious. And, while he appreciated all the Meta stock Bri’d given him, he wasn’t going to be able to spend the month with her like she wanted.
ero
