The Strangest of Circumstance

[Sweetp4u]

The Strangest of Circumstance (Closed)

(( This is closed for myself and Studlycowboy)


IC:

Lora Voughan found herself sitting in a small office, of a small town lawyer and signing page after page of agreements on rules, tasks and non-disclosure agreement, and beginning to doubt her sanity..

Sometimes we do crazy, spur-of-the moment things, like drive from California to New Hampshire. Or press a stranger through calls and emails, until they cave in and give up what we want. This was Lora’s case, as she would not take no for an answer. Not from her friends, her parents, nor the older man on the phone. Probably best to start from the beginning, briefly. Wouldn’t want to put anyone to sleep, now would we?

The ad in the paper ran for three months, and it wasn’t just in the local paper, it was all over online as well. And for some odd reason, no one had taken the job nor been hired. At first Lora had been turned down as well as an applicant, based on her age. Her age! Who turns down a qualified applicant based on their damned age!? So that started the phone calls from Lora, directly to the man hiring. And for awhile Mr. Brennan managed to avoid her and her calls, and questions. For a time. This is when she was informed the owner was seeking a mature woman, a retired, quiet single woman to tend to their house. When Mr. Brennan wouldn’t explain WHY it had to be some old, barely able to move lady to clean house, well she argued well enough to impress the lawyer on the other end of the phone and landed herself the job.

Of course, no one else had passed all the back-ground checks and signed off on the ridiculously long list of rules. Mr. Brennan was fairly certain Lora wouldn’t agree either in the end, and she’d go on back home just as the last twelve applicants had done. What he did not know was that Lora needed OUT. Out of California, away from her smothering parents who wanted her to become a nurse or go to business school to be like her father. The idea of running someone else’s minimart for the rest of her life, did not appeal. She craved more than that, and New Hampshire was not that far from New York. Some of the world’s largest publishing houses were in New York, if not all of them. So bring on the hoops and rules, as she was more than prepared to tolerate just about anything to be that much closer to her dream.
Packing what she had to have, emptying her savings account and loading into her little Mazda, she set out across country. A week later, she was standing inside the quaint little office of Brennan and Curtis, shaking hands and being handed a small pile of papers. Her friends were angry with her, as are her parents. No one could understand her need of freedom, of a scenery change and that is alright.. for them. She had enough of the flat dry desert of southern California, the go no where future everyone seemed content with. Lora wanted to see more, do more and write about it. Have to admit, she spent fifteen minutes standing in the parking lot with head tilt back as far as she could on her shoulders, staring up at the largest, tallest pine tree she had ever seen. The air was so clean here and who knew you could smell pine trees from so far away?

“There is fine print on the house hold rules?” A manicured finger tapped the bottom of the page as a brow quirked up in question. Mr. Brennan looked a bit sheepish, clearing his throat, “Well, things can change and as I said over the phone, there is a three-month trial period where you may be terminated without cause or notice, for any reason.” He read on, pulling a paper out as if to recite word for word his client’s terms. He took on that courtly airs and began speaking as if she were a jury, all of which she blocked out as her eyes read some of these random rules. Rules, she may point out, that changed AFTER said client hired her.

1. No room mates, boyfriend, pets, or children. (children had been stricken through) living in the guest house without written consent.
2. No going upstairs before 9AM any day of the week, and no going upstairs after 5PM without invitation.
3. Indoor pool hours you may make use of are between 3PM and 4:30PM daily. Outdoor pool you may use at any time if it is not covered, and noise level is kept down.
4. Purchase only what is on the weekly list. Meals I will prepare for myself, your meals can be seen to in the guest house as it is fully accommodated.
5. Use the guest house laundry facilities, do not leave your laundry around the main house.
6. No giving out the address to the house nor the landline to any other than emergency contact and immediate family. Hours for phone calls may not be before 7AM nor after 9PM.
7. You will be given a set spending amount for your weekly grocery and necessity items. It is negotiable if it is not adequate. Compensation may occur with receipt and within reasonable need.
8. On Sunday family may visit.


There were more of them, but after reading those few rules, she had to wonder what kind of man was she going to be working for? Eccentric came to mind, and hopefully not an angry sort of person. All she knew of this job posting was she would have ample alone time to write, as the owner was a widower without children who only needed a house keeper to see to the day to day tasks. Free room and board fed with weekends off and most nights and for a rather nice bit of pay. She only had to pass three screenings of her back ground and health and criminal history before she was given the go ahead. Little did she know that she had more things to sign.

"Here are the house keys, Miss Vaughan. You are to park in the back." The lawyer handed her a map of the property and surrounding route to get there. "Guest house keys are included on the main house ring. As you have been told, the house has sat for ten years and is just now been reopened." She listened with half an ear as she tucked things into her bag and handed over the last few papers. "No guests are to be brought to the main house, no calls to the landline unless they are an emergency sort and do not disturb the owner." The man's name was rambled off in a hurried speech, not that she paid much attention. She would find out this and more, certainly later?

"Thank you, Mr. Brennan," her dimpled smile met the elderly man's brown eyes, a quick firm handshake and she was out in her old Mazda, heading up the old route fourteen towards this stranger's estate, without a damn clue exactly what would be expected of her, other than shopping for food and a few dustings? Ten years is a long time for a place to sit empty, she only hoped it was not crawling with spiders.

She had a full body shiver race over her as she grip the wheel and drove rather slowly up this winding road. Either side was thick with brush and trees, of all varying sort. The kind she had not seen in California, well not in the southern half at least. Reaching for the map, she found the mile marker and the small hidden dirt road that would wind about the base of a rather fat mountain, weaving up but not too far, to an estate. Mr. Brennan had been sure to correct her assumption from ‘house’ to estate rather quickly. Did he think she would change her mind based on house size? Truth was, she almost had when finding out she and only one other was to see to the house’s cleaning. Reassured though that there were men to deal with the landscaping tasks and heavy hauling, it was a bit easier to smile in the face of doubt.

Thirty minutes later she stood before the double doors, eyes on the heavy bronze knocker before seeking a doorbell instead. She wasn’t in some vampire goth movie for Christ sake! Why did people still pull knockers on their doors? Shaking her head, her finger pressed to the buzzer at the side of a fancy updated intercom system. When it clicked open she spoke quietly, “Miss Vaughan, I am the new housekeeper.” Yes, she had keys, but barging in unannounced? Even though she was barely thirty years old, she had been raised with manners.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

At 50, I never expected to be where I was. I had taken my fledgling construction company to the top, developing special techniques for repairs that only my company had the knowledge and experience to make and make quickly. Making more than enough money to burn a wet mule, having a box car load left over. I'd made solid investments and had absolutely no financial issues. Selling the company to my employees a couple of years ago, I wanted to pay all my employees back for their hard work. The only thing that I was missing was my heart.

We were on a project in Canada involving the repair to a remote dam that required some blasting to first demolish a section that was damaged and then repair it before the rains started. That's the thing about explosives, they have a mind of their own to a certain extent and you can never be too careful. My wife and I were very much in love and we were together everywhere we went. She had traveled with me from the beginning, giving me the constant supply of love and support she knew in her heart I would need and to share it all in person with me instead of in pictures or emails. Usually, she would be standing with me when the charges were detonated but this particular time, she'd gone for a stroll, accidentally getting into the fringe of the danger zone of the blast. The hell of it was that I didn't stop the blast, assuming that Carol was back from her walk. Tom Jackson, big time contractor, made a mistake that would haunt him the rest of his life. I'd let the love of my life get killed.

I'd tried everything you can think of to forgive myself and forget what happened. There was an investigation by the Canadian government's equal of OSHA , that declared it an accident, placing no blame on me or my company. I guess they felt that I would be paying the penalty for the rest of my life, and to this point, I had.

I went to the ends of the earth to forget, finally deciding that I would go home to our estate in New Hampshire to face the pictures and the memories daily until I could accept, or at least deal with tragedy. At any rate, I would be in seclusion so that when I was overwhelmed with grief, I could cry openly without feeling that the whole world was watching me come apart. Old Brennan had opened the house up for me and gotten it cleaned up. He was my faithful lawyer that had steered me though a lot of uncharted waters in the early days. After all, I was setting precedents and using techniques that were cutting edge technology . Old man Brennan had forgotten more about law that most lawyers will ever know and I trusted him explicitly. He had worked hard for me but every time he found someone to take care of me, I rejected them, realizing that whoever it was could never measure up to Carol even though it had nothing to do with anything. The fact of the business was , I was afraid I couldn't face another woman without seeing her .


But now, there was this Lora Vaughn. Brennan said she was a relentless tigress, fighting off every requirement, every roadblock I threw in front of her, even to the point of wearing Brennan out with her endless phone calls and emails. I was shocked when she passed all the background checks without a hitch and now she was standing at my front door and I was scared as hell. "Yes, ms Vaughn, please come in!"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

A polite smile was firmly in place, though nervous butterflies churned about in her stomach, she knew she would be alright. She was an only child of two very strict parents. Growing up, she was well taken care of but she was no lazy spoiled child either. She had chores and tasks she was required to do from about the age of nine on to the day she moved out. If that hadn't prepared her, nothing would. With her long dark hair pulled back to the nape, she stood with both hands folded before her and as per the rules, free of overly powerful perfume as the door swung open and she got her first look at, the owner?

He did not look eccentric nor odd, yet all the paperwork she had read. With the rules and schedules, she had expected.. David Bowie perhaps? That thought made her grin and her dimples sink deep into each cheek as she bit down on her lower lip to keep from chuckling aloud. Last thing she needed was her new boss questioning her on what she was grinning about! She was awful with authority figures, and lying! Oh was she horrible with lies, never able to tell one in her entire life, to save her life! She was always found out whenever guilty of anything, as she just could not hide it nor think of a convincing lie to try to cover her own ass.

"Good afternoon, Sir." Beamed in pleasant, warm smile only moving into the interior as he took a step to one side. "Mr. Jackson?" asked politely as she stepped within his domain and to one side as the large wooden door was once more swung shut. Her hand was held out to give his a shake in greeting, yet her eyes were devouring his home as she glances about the place. It was breathtaking inside, words would not do his home justice. Everything looked hand-carved in some old darkened wood. From flooring to the white plastered ceiling, it was ... earthly feeling. "You have a lovely home." She hoped she was speaking to the owner? Otherwise, this would be awkward in about, Oh five seconds..

 

[StudlyCowboy]

She was so different from what I'd expected. Lora Vaughn was actually a woman, not a girl, and a very attractive young woman at that. I knew she was speaking to me but I seemed to be in a mild trance. I could not speak, my throat dry and a feeling like I'd been punched in the gut by an angry plumber. This .....this wasn't right. My heart felt light and it seemed as if this beauty standing in front of me was surreal, as if a vision in the mist! Dumbfounded, I looked at her from head to toe. A California girl i would guess, based on her athletic look and super tan. Yep, definitely a California girl, a damn fine one at that. At first, I felt like I was going to pass out, but just then, my throat opened up, and I could suddenly breathe again. The most interesting thing was that I hadn't thought about Carol for about 3 minutes for the first time in over 5 years. Clearly, her delightfully clean fragrance was in my nostrils and again, that wave of fresh air swept over me. I think I may have actually wavered a little bit.

"Come in please, and thank you! I do love it here, there's mementos of all my travels everywhere! " For a second, that electric shock that your get from static seemed to go up my arm to my should and neck, making me tingle . But I had to put a stop to my feelings quickly.....I wasn't ready for any feeling of any type for any reason to get in my gut at this point. "May I get you something to drink ma'am? Prehaps the powder room after your trip? My home is open to you!"

What? What in the fuck was I saying? I was acting completely normal on the outside! Something was wrong and it was taking me over. I had to stop it and stop it now. Clearing my throat and in my best grumpy old carpenter foreman voice, I followed it with "Now what can I get you?" Like I was talking to an owner that was late on a draw.

You gave me that look again. It was like "look out old man, I'll fuck your mind up!" look. But it made your dimples show. That had been my nickname in high school, the only member of my family except my dad, that had dimples too! You looked like you wanted to laugh at first and honestly, at that point of my life, I would have loved to hear the laugh of a beautiful young woman. It would have been like music to my ears, a potion for my heart. Maybe even a new reason to live , except I couldn't. I needed time and lots of it , or so i thought.

"Have you read and understand the rules and regulations here ms Vaughn?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

It was difficult, to say the least, to keep from outright laughing. This man was .. charming? A rather large man, as she had to crane her head back a bit to meet his eyes but he seemed to be stumbling, at a loss maybe? He had not expected her, that was of a certainty. Not by the expression in his eyes, that lost look as he had stood there looking her over. She did not really giggle as girls often do, but she did have a warm chuckle and it definitely escaped.. briefly! as he recovered, so too did she make her best effort to appear as serious as he was floundering to achieve.

Charming for sure.

His gruff boss voice returned, again, sort of. He was trying and for that reason alone, she settled down and took it to be as serious as it was meant to be.
"Yes, Sir. I have read all the rules and procedures as well as schedules and tasks you have outlined in the paperwork. Mr. Brennan was supposed to send them over to you when he had them copied and filed." She blushed a little as she had already broken one rule, "I um.." Her thumb shot to the left and where the front door stood, "Had to park in front as Mr. Brennan did not give me any papers with the gate codes on them, I can not get back to the guest house without that." She stood in her blouse and jacket, tucking her hands into her capri pockets to try and hide the nervousness within her.

She too did not know quite what to say to put them both at ease. Had he been more elderly or fatherly like, it might have been easier but he was not. He was far more good looking than she had expected an older retired widower to look like. Built rather well, tan from what she could see and.. tall! Nervous fingers left her pocket to scratch her cheek, fidgeting a little "I did bring some groceries and I have been given keys. If you would be so kind as to show me around your home? Perhaps some things that weren't in the contract you would like to tell me before I make a mistake?" She prompted him with another soft smile. Getting down to business would surely make this get easier.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

Trying to avoid sounding and acting like I'd never seen a woman, I offered "Old Brennan, he's perfect where legal matters are concerned but he forgets about the practicality of things! The gate code is 22765. You'll also find that's the key number to everything around here." If you were observant enough, you'd see that the code spelled "carol". But only time would tell about the small things. " Ok, first things first. Why don't you bring your car around to the kitchen door and we'll get the groceries put away, then we can get started." Offering you the door, I extended my hand, quivering as it was. As we walked , I tried to make small talk, asking you questions with yes or no answers just to bring an easing of the tension that had engulfed us at first. Neither of us was what the other expected apparently. Based on Mr. Brennan's description of you, I expected you to be wet-behind-the-ear girl. Not surprising, Brennan thought everyone younger than him was a kid, including me. Clearly, I wasn't what you expected either and after looking at the description Brennan wrote for the ad, I wasn't surprised. Visually, he depicted me as a broke down old guy.

Getting to your car, I could see that it had been ridden hard and put up wet. It was in need of some TLC and being the handy guy I am, I made a mental note to take a look at it later. Heading you off in the right direction, I walked back through the house. Passing a mirror in the front hall, I realized I was smiling....for the first time in years. Opening the back door, I stepped out to grab some bags with you, watching your body language and how you carried yourself. Obviously, you'd been taught to work and your movements were economical.

I knew you could feel my eyes on you, all women can. I tried not to stare but frankly, I hadn't been around many women in some time. Attempting to recover from the shock and surprise of meeting you, I lowered my voice and stopped trying to sound like the boss. Suggesting you might want to bring a tablet, I started the tour with you, giving you contact numbers for people you could expect to see around here daily and in case of needed repairs if I wasn't available. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC guys, water well repairmen, and anyone else I could think of. Exchanging cell phone numbers appeared to annoy you some but I quickly followed that it would used only when necessary.

Going through the kitchen area showing you what was where, giving you the latitude to rearrange things if it would help your daily work. The utility room, where the electrical panels, generator controls, water shut-offs and other equipment and vehicle keys were kept , offering you the use of my spare truck for your trips out and about so the local people wouldn't ask you more questions than you wanted or needed to answer. They all knew me and they knew I was a good neighbor that would help when I was needed but they respected my privacy as well.

"ms Vaughn, before we get too far from the kitchen, let's have some lunch. Would you like to join me for a salad and a sandwich?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

That poor Mazda was on it's last tires, at nearly three hundred thousand miles, it was ready for retirement. Yet it started right up, albeit a little reluctantly, and pulled around back without a backfire or clamoring death rattle. So a win-win in her books. She had not expected to unload her meager offerings into his kitchen, but she was not going to bring up the long list of rules either. So with a smile and a soft, "Thank you." She and he unloaded her small trunk. The number was quickly scrawled in a small day planner she had until she could commit it to memory.

There was a bit of suspicion that Mr. Brennan may have done things a certain way on purpose. All speculation but the man she was walking with, touring around his home and listening to speak of each room and so forth, was not elderly nor on his last legs as implied. Granted he was most likely old enough to be her father, he sure did not give her fatherly sort of feelings. She smiled politely whenever he turned back to speak with her, and watched as she made quick shorthand notes. Perhaps Mr. Brennan was seeking someone who truly wished to work and not merely a gold digger? She did not know much about that, coming from a middle class family herself, but this house did speak of a bit more wealth than she was accustomed to.


"I would like that, I did not stop for breakfast." Tucking the pen into the little spiral bindings, she followed behind Tom back towards the kitchen. Standing at the island as he began to unpack things from the fridge, she paid attention to where things were. She had been told his deceased wife had decorated this house, though she had not been told the wife's name, she was not about to trod all over his memories by rearranging things. He had politely offered her the option, but it felt too intrusive for a newcomer and the hired help, to do such a thing. So she smiled at his offer and once more thanked him.

"Are there allergies I should be aware of, to avoid cross contaminations while shopping?" She asked as he prepared a salad, "It says in the papers that you will provide a shopping list of items you require?" She had to double check these things, not quite trusting Mr. Brennan hadn't thrown up odd roadblocks to dissuade her from taking this job.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

"I'll tell you what, why don't we go to the store together tomorrow so we can stock up your kitchen and mine? Then we'll know what both of us like in case we need to shop for each other. When my wife Carol was alive, she taught me well! I'm not afraid to buy "lady stuff" and I was always a pretty good shopper!" I'd actually done it! I'd said her name with out coming apart! Lora didn't know it, but I'd just past a serious milestone and she was helping me do it! Finishing up on a good salad, I put it on the table and brought out some sandwich making stuff. Why don't we eat together tonight so we can talk some more and get to know each other better?" I asked.

Eating lunch was pretty quiet cause we were both very hungry. My turkey sandwich was going down good. I suggested that we unload your stuff and tour the guest house after lunch so you wouldn't have to see it for the first time in the dark. "There's an enclosed garage at the guest house and it's yours to use. I know old Brennan must have told you some weird stuff so don't worry about breaking the "rules" too much. I hope you can tell that I'm not that big of an ogre!" Laughing, I'm happy to hear you giggle like a teenage girl . It shakes up the rust up too!

" ms Vaughn, if you would like to move your car over to the guest house, I'll follow you on foot !" Without words, you went to your car and ground on the starter a bit. It wanted to start but it sounded like it wasn't getting any fuel. Backfiring once or twice, a cloud of black smoke hung just over the rear of the vehicle. "Getting a little testy?" I asked. You gave me that "don't start no shit grin" so I walked back to you , putting my elbows on the window ledge. "If you'll put it neutral, I'll push you over there, it's only 50 yards!" Thanking me, you steered the little car while I provided the power! Pushing it into the garage, we both laughed a little bit. "Hand me something to carry in and I'll help" I offered. Loading stuff in my arms, I walked in and laid it on the table, When I turned to come back to help, you're standing in the doorway when our eyes met. For a very long moment, we look deeply into each others eyes but no words are spoken. I don't know how long our shared look lasted but it started and ended with a smile. As we both became a little self-conscious, I look you in the eye but I was taking you in entirely. Finally taking the lead, I asked if that was all your things, Without breaking your glance, you smiled a beautiful smile, whispering "no" very softly. "Ok, let me get the rest then". With no reply, you put your hands behind you, leaning back on the door jamb, one foot in front, one against the jamb at the floor with a questioning look on your face. Walking close to you but stopping at the door, I asked "excuse me please.....your stuff.....?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

So that was his wife's name, Carol. He was far more charming than lead to believe, kind and helpful and absolutely nothing like she had been expecting. He made no comments on her poor old mazda but she could see he was aching to crack a few jokes. It was hard not to smile around Tom, he had an easy fun nature and though he was twice her own size, he seemed to be a gentle giant to her. It was still all sinking into her mind as the day progressed into the evening and her car was near empty of her personal belongings.

"A man who likes shopping?" A mock of shock in her expression, yet she giggled at his look. Was she being sexist? Maybe a little bit, her father didn't even know where the grocery store was located, let alone what to buy at any given point in time. Tom was, is refreshing and so different than the men she was accustomed to. By the end of it all she was beginning to feel less and less like an employee but a guest. A bad sense to get, though she liked her new employer quite a bit more than she had ever expected to, this was setting herself up to fail or give a bad impression. So when he tried to move through the door, she effortlessly blocked his path, her smile growing as she shook her head.

"I am sorry Mr. Jackson, I can not allow you to do any more of that. I am the employee here to work for you." She grinned at him, another chuckle coming as she pointed out the other door to the front of the guest house. "You should go on about your business and let me be a proper employee and settle in.." A flush came as she realized she had just sort of bossed her boss! "Well.. Yes, no. I mean!" A huff of air left her lungs, a hand moved to rub at her nape and shoulder, giving him a stern look.. or rather tried to but she was still smiling at him in the process of trying to look no-nonsense like. "Thank you." Finally came out with a warmth of affection and a flush in her cheeks. She had not expected to like him right away, and was rather feeling a bit lucky to find herself pleasantly surprised by their mutual like of one another. Still, she had to draw a line of propriety.

"It is only a few small personal bags that need to be carried in, I can handle those."

 

[StudlyCowboy]

​Smiling​, I take another long look into your eyes. I want to laugh at your directness but I don't want it to be an issue. That little bossy streak is a good thing, It tells me you can be assertive when you need to be. It's also stirring my manliness, a feeling that I've not felt in years. It's way too soon for that yet....I could be wrong reading the body language of a young woman I didn't know two days ago. In my gut, I feel it but I also feel old man Brennan has filled your head full of rules and regulation that I probably didn't read closely. With his age and experience, I'm certain he sought to protect me from gold diggers and thrill seekers, making the qualifications so hard that only the right woman for me would be able to produce results, doing her job to the utmost of her abilities in a workmanlike fashion, a job well done and something to be proud of. Whatever might happen between the two parties after that, well that was to be between them. Old Brennan wasn't as stodgy as he seemed.

"Ok ms Vaughn" I giggled "I'll go out the other door! Take your time getting settled then we can eat supper when you get hungry. It'll be surf and turf tonight, I have some fresh shrimp to boil and some beautiful little filets. Let's say 7: 30 and casual dress. I'm going for a swim in a bit and you're welcome to join me if you like, regardless of what our contract says!" Chuckling, I can see you have a wide-eyed look on your face as I slip quietly out the front door, giving you a look over my shoulder as I leave.

Smiling as I walk down the gravel road to the kitchen door, I go upstairs to my to room . Showering, I find myself thinking about the look on your face when I left you. It was one of surprise, like a girl that had just been presented with an award or proposal of some sort, one that recognized her value and participation in something she really wanted to be a part of. Getting your smile was the seal of your approval of me as it was mine for you. Your small frame begot a big heart , the differences in our ages absolutely meaningless to me. You were growing on me fast but I needed to let nature take its own course, not coercing the future or adulterating our new found friendship. I was well aware that it would show itself in time.

But that car of yours? How could I help you with that? I've been a bit of a motorhead all my life. An architect I worked with once called me "the king of the shop drawings". When I absorbed the drawings, no one, not even the man that drew them, could remember the details as clearly as I could. Just a head for those type details I suppose. Right now, the only details in my head were the details of you.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

It was a full minute after the door closed and heavy footfalls in the gravel receded towards the house that she sagged with relief. To the counter, heart pounding wildly. She had thought for a moment there as he had paused in all actions and stared at her, that she may end up fired already! Thankfully he was not as intimidating as his person would suggest. Certain he could be, and had chosen to accommodate her, made her feel even more at home here than before. Had she doubts of this, they were quickly fading. Still.. He was a good foot taller than her and the boss, best to remember her place and manners.


To her protesting car she went, a hand caressing the fender as she passed by, "About time to retire you old girl.." So many fond memories as this was her first car, one she paid for on her own as her parents would not do so. Had to teach their girl the value of the hard-earned dollar, not just hand it out. Not that Lora would ever complain, she learned that value and how to tend to her vehicle due to her parents not rescuing her from the realities of responsibility. She had planned to use her pay to buy a new car, knew she would have to but had waited until absolutely necessary. Fond memories indeed. First kiss, first trip, first date.. Yes, she drove. Grabbing her cosmetics case, and such as well as a few covered dresses from the rear hanger, and lap top before she disappeared back into her new residence.


For the first time she was living alone.. Sort of? Well it seemed more alone than home or dorms. The guest house was large enough to call a home, with a single bedroom a full bath, quaint little kitchen and living room space, it was much larger than her single room dorm with a shared bathroom. Shutting the door, she began to unpack and turn this guest space into her space. Only pausing when she heard the clear sound of someone doing laps within the pool. A good distance from the house with the outdoor pool between both structures, it was spacious and well thought out. Moving to the window, the curtain was shift aside to peer out, not expecting to see much of anything but splashing water, was a bit shocked to see Tom pulling himself from the pool to side at the side.


The curtains dropped back over the window as she stepped back from the view. He had invited her to go swimming with him.. Flushing a bit at what she had seen of him, she could not do it right now. Or so she told herself. Parading around even in a full body bathing suit, for some reason just made her flush from head to toe. Perhaps this is why there was a schedule in place? To keep from becoming TOO personal with one another? But.. if that were the case? Why had he invited her to swim? perhaps just friendly gestures, manners? Whatever the case was, there was no way she could swim right now! Unpacking was a good excuse as any, right?


She had to peek out, just once more though she knew better than to do it. It was not proper and certainly not something one should be doing! Spying on your boss was never good in any situation, even half naked bosses..


She spent the next two and a half hours unpacking and putting her things away in the provided furniture. Making a list of things she had forgotten to buy or bring, she also made a list of food items to purchase when they were out shopping next. She too showered just before dinner, slipped into a comfortable pair of slacks and a blouse before making her way up to the patio entry. This time she did not knock but upon entering did call out, "Hello? Mr. Jackson?" Walking towards the kitchen as she did so.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

Lora Vaughn. Lora Vaughn. How had she gotten so deep in my head so fast? No matter, It was time to slow the process down, to let nature take over while she got settled in. She did make me feel very good for the first time in forever but I wanted her to prove to herself and to me she could do the job without any special consideration from me. She was a very attractive young woman and even if I wanted a closer relationship, it was far too early and it would interfere with her ability to do her job. It's important to succeed before anything else is accomplished .

Swimming with purpose, I worked hard at it as I'm prone to do in everything I do being a type A guy. The gnawing in the pit of my stomach felt good actually. Feelings of any kind had been in short supply for me in recent memory. Doing the neighborly thing, I had invited her to swim and it may have made her a little self conscious for the moment. Of course it conjured up a vision of her , this well-tanned California girl, in a white French cut bikini with a top that fit her firm young breasts perfectly. Holding that picture firmly in my mind as she walked confidently towards me, towel in hand in her flip-flops and funky sun glasses.

Toweling off, I released her vision and got back to the business at hand, the preparation of supper. She hadn't said she didn't like my menu but she didn't glorify it either. There was always ham, turkey, or cereal! Slipping on my flip-flops, I walked to the kitchen to start the process. Upstairs after a cool shower, I stood in my closet for a few long minutes, trying to decide what to wear. Snapping out of my mild trance, it was as if Carol was standing there whispering " be comfortable and be yourself" Thank you dear! A nice pair of shorts and a Colombia fishing shirt would be perfect for a cookout.

I'm an old school charcoal guy for grilling, building a fire that would make really hot coals when it burnt down. I like my steaks a full inch thick and these filets were cut perfectly. My poolside cooking area had produced some quality meals over time and I expected this one to be memorable as well. Some music would be nice, something soothing but flowing would be well received . Tuning into a favorite station, I sat down to await the fire and your arrival.

Hopefully, Lora would approve of my guest house and make a nice retreat for herself there. She struck me as a very self-sufficient woman, one that was highly adaptable. Another sign of a good upbringing, one that would serve her well. After the way she took over about unpacking her things, I wasn't worried in the slightest that she would make it her home with no problems. In fact, I think she liked it immediately, all the more reason for me to move along so she could begin to bring it to her idea of comfortable.

Sensing movement, I could see you walking down the path to the house and almost called out to you. Stopping myself so I didn't frighten you, I wanted to see how you would work this out and locate me. An adult form of hide and seek you might say. Not only that, it would let the lump in my throat subside and let my heartbeat relax. Sipping on my sweet tea, I remembered I hadn't ask your drink preference. I'd give you a few minutes to locate me, just for fun.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

“Who doesn’t have fridge magnets?” Brows drawn together, she eyed the shiny steel refrigerator for the longest time before moving forward to start opening drawers. Then she recalled, they never had any children. With that thought came a moment of shame for her thoughts, and she was glad Tom was nowhere in hearing distance. Or was he? She paused in her drawer surfing to look about the large open kitchen once more.

Nope. No Tom.

Finding a bottle opener with one built on, she stuck her grocery list to the fridge. “There.” A smile coming as the kitchen felt a little more homey.. Then taking out her pen from behind one ear, she scribbled down “magnets” to the list. Eyes scan the cupboards and shelves; this place was designed by a woman or for a woman. None of the cupboards or shelves were too high from the floor and there was a quaint little wooden step stool in the corner for the harder to reach spaces. However, the island was lift much higher than the rest, by a few inches. That had to have been done for Tom’s sake. She took a few minutes to acquaint herself with his kitchen, finding where everything was placed. And as she had thought it would be, it was arranged rather logically. So moving to the sink she opened the cupboard next to it to find the glasses, smiling as she had done so.

Hey it’s the simply things in life people!

Through the open patio door the scent began to blow in with the cooling breeze, that delicious scent that reminded her of many back-yard neighborhood barbeques. With nose guiding her way, she turned for the backyard and began to follow. Should have recalled he had spoken of barbeque earlier, but with him filling the small guest house up and so intimately in close confines with her, she had forgotten half of what he had been saying. She spied him reclined back in a lounge chair, waiting on his pit to be ready and noticed too that he had seen her walk right by..

“Good evening, Mr. Jackson.” Her voice and smile were warm, friendly and trying hard not to blush. She was so not going to admit to watching him swim earlier, nor that she had forgotten what he had been telling her. Some things are better to let alone! Empty glass still in hand, she stood there a moment and took in the sights, the quiet stillness of the woods and the scent of the fire pit. “Oh, I love grilled food.” Came out in a softer tone, moving closer and perching to the end of an empty lounge chair. “You could have said hello, Sir.” Finally comes out, their eyes meeting as she gives him a knowing grin. He let her walk right on by without saying a word. No way she would believe he hadn’t heard her, not in this quiet. So why hadn’t she noticed him? Distractions, that was why.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

"Yes ma'am, I could have said hello but you looked pretty intent and I didn't want to startle you". Your smile held up so I felt that you had accepted my explanation. Your voice calmer and warmer now , the timing right to ask you if we could call each other by our first names, dropping the Ms. and Mr, since we were off the clock technically . Each time we were close to each other, I sensed that you were a little more open to it and so was I. I could see the blush come over your face, watching as you tried to conceal it , but not having any luck.

"I never did ask you what you would like to drink Lora. What can I get for you? I have sweet tea, unsweet tea, soft drinks, water, a cocktail or beer prehaps?" Getting up, I go to start the water for the shrimp, feeling your eyes on my back this time! Had you watched me in the pool and wondered what the rest of me looked like? For the first time since you'd arrived, there was no doubt you were watching and making notes. I hope you checked out my kitchen layout, I'd be disappointed if you hadn't.

While the fire burned down to perfection, I put the shrimp in the near-boiling water. My little outdoor kitchen had turned out some memorable meals and I expected this one to be one of them. Watching you as you looked out over the grounds, I could see that you were going to be a great fit here. Would you be the missing piece of my puzzle?

A gentle breeze came through the woods, stirring the trees and lifting your hair off your shoulders. Such a lovely profile! Electing to take a long look at you, there was no 'ms' or 'mr' right now, only two people enjoying what was set before them. Allowing me to take you in, appreciating your presence, made me understand that there would be life after tragedy. There would be other cookouts, more awkward situations that would work themselves out in pleasant ways.

The ice that had formed around my heart was slowly but surely being melted by this young woman I barely knew, Lora Vaughn. It mattered not whether she knew and understood it at that point. A lot of understanding was yet to come and I embraced that notion with open arms. Feeling it in it's entirety warmed my soul, repairing me.

"How would you like your steak Lora?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

"Tom it is then, and I would love some tea. Whatever is handy, I like both regular and sweet." She agreed with an easy smile and lounge back to listen to.. nothing! To nature. "It is beautiful here." Came out quietly, she only hoped that she could actually sleep in this environment as it was unlike her busy suburban home or even the crazy dorm life. Here it was serenity, peace and rustling winds. Far too relaxing and way too quiet! "I understand why you would want a retirement home here now, I don't think I have ever had such a peaceful feeling in my life. Even the parks back home, someone was always shouting and drivers always on their horns or some idiot wouldn't come out and turn off their car alarm." A chuckle came, yet blue eyes swung his way as he questioned her. "Medium-rare, please? It needs to be a least giving a bit of kick."

Her eyes lingered on him, watching him prepare dinner. "You know, I have not had a single boyfriend in my life who could or would cook more than whatever they could throw in the microwave." A flash of dimples came as she grins with that thought. "It is not odd to see a man cook, my father grilled every weekend.." She reaches up to tuck loose hair behind her ear and scratch the bridge of her nose a moment, "Just not as common as it once was. Most of my friends thought my father was too domestic because he grilled now and then.." She chuckled at those words, Tom seemed to know far more than her father did or was willing to do. She certainly never heard her father volunteer to go to the store for 'lady products' as Tom had the audacity to do!

Again she chuckled, though not one to share that thought aloud, as it still made her blush a little to even remark upon that offer the first time he made it. He was unique, so different than any man she had met before. It was refreshing and a bit new to meet a man who seemed to have it all together, confidence in droves and easy going nature without some silly urge in his personality to strut about like a jack ass to prove he was a man. He certainly was a man, could not confuse the size of him with a boy. Lifting from where she had been staring off, lost in her own thoughts, she caught his gaze watching right back and another wave of red darkened her cheeks. "Sorry, did you say something? I was a bit lost in thought there.." She brushed her hands to her outer thighs and stood up from the lounge, approaching where he was boiling the shrimp.

Tilting her head so her eyes would meet his as she approached, she stood just opposite with the grill between, a smile lifting as she were about to offer her assistance when it dawned on her just how much larger he was than she. "Uh.. Need a hand with anything?" Came out finally after a long pause.. God! She was acting like a moron tonight!

 

[StudlyCowboy]

"That's good, Lora, nice to meet you!" Teaser that I am, I extended my hand, you look somewhat confused but extend yours. For the second time, that tiny electrical impulse passed between us. Sharing a very long moment, we looked into each other's eyes. It's said that your eyes are the window to your soul but until that moment, with a young woman I barely knew, I'd never experienced that, not even with Carol. The silence of our surroundings was so loud, it deafened us both, opening our minds to things other than work and the world. Inside the soul of this young woman, my soul was finding comfort and understanding.

"Medium rare it is then! The best way to eat a filet mignon!" After pouring you a glass of sweet tea, I went back to the food prep. "I get these shrimp air freighted to me from a friend in Florida where I'm from. I don't think I mentioned this to you but I have a little farm there where I winter, it's way too cold here to be enjoyed. I think you'll love the farm though, It's plenty cold enough for me to get in a little hunting and fishing and a lot less for you to deal with. We'll leave here about the middle of September and come back at the first of June."

"Lora, let's go to town to shop about 10 tomorrow morning, if that works for you. That's after all the senior citizens finish shopping and before the lunch time traffic starts up! You can learn the store a little better and figure out where everything is. There's items I get here that aren't available at home so I always buy extra so I can have a little stock of things to take to the farm.


The simplicity of the moment was wonderful for me . A beautiful girl meets a handsome guy for a reason. It's not the reason either one of them originally thought they were meeting, but that isn't a reason to ignore the feelings that have been generated. My self-sufficiency was not elected but my mother had raised her sons to believe "It's a sorry man that has to have a woman take care of him!"

Something about this young woman, she was very precise, very attuned to her reason to be here, it was clear that she wanted to do the best job possible. The way she carried herself, her honesty of correctness with the boss, was changing at least for the time being. All for the better in my mind. Her clothes suggested that she was, indeed, relaxing somewhat. Small in stature, was she put off by my physical presence? I think very curious about me would be more like it and I was attracted to her smallness.

I watched you rise so that I could enjoy the fluidness of your movements. Not just your style, but your body. Your eyes open and underestanding, your cute little nose, and your lips.....your lips looked so.....so inviting and warm. Your neck looked soft and sensitive, waiting for me to enjoy, and for you to enjoy my attributes as a man, feeling my breath on your skin. One of them for me is kissing, the most serious and hottest form of foreplay possible in my opinion. Never judging a woman for her looks or body, but if she was a good kisser then she had my full attention. Not sloppy but tender and warm as our lips touch for the first time. Had Lora ever been kissed by a real man? I didn't know but I wanted to find out. Lost in my own moment, I hear you speak.

"Sure, I can use all the help I can get! Do you know how to peel shrimp?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

"Very carefully?" Came out in question, a slight smile lifting as she did so, followed by a chuckle, "No, I have never peeled ..." She moved closer to where he stood, still a bit daunted by the size of him compared to her. She did not fear him or he would hurt her, just felt.. dwarfed a bit. "They aren't alive are they?" She asked a bit squeamish with the idea of ripping some poor things shell off of its living body. She loved to fish but she refused to gut the poor thing until it was very, very dead. And if they weren't dead by the end of her fishing day? She released. Does that make her soft? Yes, and proud of it. So when she got near, she reached out to poke one and make sure it wasn't still kickin'.


Standing at his side, her head barely reaching near to his shoulder as he hunched over, prepping dinner when she caught his gaze and smiled. "So how do you.. shell a shrimp? Is that the right way of saying that? Setting her tea down, eye inspects her fingers and hands to be sure they are clean, hip cocked to one side and bumping him now and then as he moves about. Or was he bumping into her? It didn't really matter, it didn't bother her at all that she was too close to him in his workspace. Taking a band from her pocket, she quickly wrapped her long thick mane of hair and tied it back, peering into the pot and then familiarizing herself with all the items within reach.


"Florida in the winter? I have never been.." Her pointy little chin tilt up, eyes finding Tom's as she spoke with him, "I have seen pictures, it looks beautiful." A little bubble of excitement welled inside, she had no expected to travel beyond this place, except maybe to go to New York once in awhile. Florida? "Thank god I packed my bikinis.." Joked, her fingers grabbing a plump shrimp, giving it a squeeze and shake.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

I like you standing close to me. It makes me feel like a real guy again, having some fun with his date? His date? Well, not quite just yet but it does have promise. All my life, I'd been the leader, the guy everyone looked to when the chips were down. My dad had trained me to lead and be the boss. There's only so many people in the world that can handle pressure and responsibility. There's no place to run and no place to hide when your name's at the top of the page. Lora was young and energetic, probably good leader material too. It just seemed to fit her and her mannerisms.

"Watch this now, I'm going to peel one for you right handed. These shrimp have already been ' headed' meaning their heads have been removed to save weight in shipping. They are good when boiled with the heads on but the heads aren't edible. Hold the body in your left hand between your thumb and pointer with his tail looking to the right. Take the tail, using the flippers for a handle, stretching the body straight and pinch down on it , pulling in opposite directions at the same time. The tail section of shell will come off in your right hand, then you just 'unwrap" the little piece that was between your thumb and pointer finger of your left hand. Got it?" After a few attempts, she was peeling shrimp like a pro.

"Yes, I think you'll love being on the farm. It's like being here, you'll think you're a million miles from nowhere. I can't wait to show it to you!" Your fragrance is delightful, especially your hair. The scent of a woman. It's been a long time since I've had the pleasure of enjoying it. It's that clean scent and I'm happy you are more of a natural woman, no heavy make-up or perfumes. Brushing against you feels like ......like foreplay.

There was lots of logistics to discuss in the next month or so about Lora's first trip to Florida. She'll definitely have a change of heart about the the bikini thought though, unless we go down to the Keys. Which we might, just for her benefit. North Florida has enough winter that only the Canadians swim in the Gulf then. Besides, there was no way I could wait that long to see her in a bikini.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

It was odd and yet pleasing, to step into a home on the first day and feel as if it were your own. Tom was great at making her feel at home, at ease and far more than welcome. Easily they laughed together as they worked, seemingly flawlessly so. He was older but he didn't feel like a father figure, nor a brother either but there was something there that felt right. A nice little fit? Perhaps it was merely that their personalities were quite alike?

The first shrimp was squished but shell free, the second one slipped out and nailed her in the chin, making her burst out laughing so loud that the wildlife around the property edges ran for cover. Not to be defeated by a headless little slimy blob, she kept at it and by the fourth little bugger, she had it down to an art form. Pinky high and pinching the hell out of it's tail, she's strip one after another and was glad to finally see the end of the task, as she was quite hungry. With stomach rumbling, she wiped her fingers, grabbed her tea and moved about the other side of Tom to see how the pit was doing.


He told her a bit about the farm and Florida and by his words, she had put two and two together in her mind. Not likely to see sunny beaches in BFE Florida, but she was fine with that too. Hopefully he didn't require her to FLY there though? The idea made her stomach drop and a firm quick shake of her head at her own inner thoughts. No way was she getting in a plane. Nope! She'd have to be drugged, bound, gagged and maybe even deaf? Then she'd just puke every where with motion sickness.. She was feeling a little green around the gills just contemplating that journey.. Maybe she should mention this? Well, not now.. Maybe later, nearer to travel time.


"I am also looking to buy a vehicle, is there a dealership somewhere nearby? My Mazda is on her last piston.. Pretty sure it may be only a half piston.." laughed at her own dorky joke. Feeling restless, she wandered the backyard, walking towards the pool shifting so subtly in the evening air. It is peaceful here, she could see herself here for the rest of her life.. Odd though, since she had often thought of marriage and children of her own, now the mental picture was shifting on her a bit. "It won't make too many more trips anywhere, even with regular mantainence." She stooped down to run her fingers through the clear water, debating if she would swim tonight after supper.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

"Oh yeah, there's a bunch of dealers nearby. If you want another Mazda, I'm pretty sure there's dealers in Atlanta, Jacksonville , Tallahassee, and Valdosta for sure. Is this something you prefer to handle on your own or would you like me to check with my sources? I'll be happy to help if you like, write down what options and 3 color choices and I'll see what I can find out." Never one to mind a woman's business, I learned years ago to find out what the hell is going on and never to assume a damn thing about them. Women are so wonderful. I know we are totally different and I accept it. If you want to handle the deal , I'm cool with it. What I want you to know is that I'm here, standing beside you, to assist you. Not to speak for you but with you. I am a Southern gentleman , not an asshole. I'm well aware that you are capable on your own and I'm glad you are.


"Looks like you picked up the shrimp peeling detail pretty quick. And these steaks are ready too! " The table is set for a somewhat romantic dinner. I know, I know, she's an employee. But not tonight, she's a woman, a fine looking one at that. Her slacks fit her well, accenting the curves of her hips, blending smoothly into a firm, round ass. Slender, but not skinny, her waistline flat , her breasts proudly holding themselves high. "What kind of dressing would you like?" Setting our plates on the table, the thought crossed my mind that you would be......no, that's assuming again. Telling myself whoa, don't read anything into this. Just have a nice time with a beautiful lady.

"Looks like a meal fit for a king, even if we did do it!" Offering you a chair, I do the gentlemanly thing and seat you. Before I sit, I get us both more sweet tea. It'll help us stay awake I'm sure. Making conversation helps keep the butterflies from doing back flips in my stomach. "I usually drive when I relocate for the winter. There's enough stuff to transport that it makes flying more trouble than it's worth, besides being a pain in the ass all the way around. Someone to take us to the airport , someone to meet us there. I'd rather drive and see the country , coming and going as I see fit, not waiting on someone else to decide what to do. I don't mind if it takes a few days, I pull a small enclosed trailer so everything is secure."

Not only that, but I would be spending that time with you, something that was making me feel good again. I liked it and I liked it very much. My comfort level was like that of old friends with you. I could not explain why, so I would trust my gut on this one. Just like always.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

She had a feeling in her gut that Mr. Brennan had been trying to pull a fast one on her for some reason. None of those weird rules fit the man who helped her to sit and kept talking without a moment of awkward silence since he said, Hello. He spoke between bites, talking of the trip he takes every year to Florida and this farm of his. Hard to imagine him with pigs and cows, but mostly because this house didn't feel farm'ish at all.


"There is a lot of food here.. I hope you're going to eat all this, Tom.. I sure as hell can't fit in it my body." laughed as her eyes wandered from plate to dish to plate to platter. Damn that is some spread for the two of them, but quick left overs for lunch tomorrow.


"I didn't get much of a chore list from Mr. Brennan." she reminded him as the last shrimp was finally swallow and her plate as close to as bare as possible. Stuffed and feeling it, she could only lean back in her chair and try to breathe a bit easier. Perhaps her eyes were larger than her stomach? "Really, this was all very delicious, Thank you." Its fading fast to dark but there are strategically placed lanters all about the property and barbeque area that she can easily see him in the dark. She sat back, sipping her tea and watching the light play over his features, every time their eyes met, she offered him a smile. She did not have a whole lot to say, but the peaceful companionship was so relaxing, it felt as if that did not matter.


When he finally stood up to start clearing things, she rose to assist. Carrying in their plates, remnants of the meal and then the few dishes that were used. And as she rinsed and loaded the dishwasher, her questions continued. "What would you like me to do in the morning? What time are you awake? Do you require me to brew coffee or do you prefer that yourself? Breakfast?" It rattled off the top of her head as she worked, handing him a plate, and then another before she met his gaze once more.


"I only ask because I am fading fast here, I know I will be out like a light in .. well as soon as I make it to the bed over there." Her grin was lopsided, friendly watching his hands as he worked.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

'Well, we can have it for breakfast or lunch if you like. I can do a mean steak or shrimp omelet ." I have a thing about making sure there's plenty. Don't want anybody going hungry and I'm glad you enjoyed it. As far as chores go, we can make up a list over the next few days. It's not going anywhere! We can talk tomorrow and don't forget, we're going to town in the morning. Come on over to the house for a cup of coffee whenever you like. I'll be up early. Come on, let me walk you home." It had been a big day for you, one full of surprises, I'm sure. We walked without words being exchanged but there was definitely cosmic information moving between us. More than anything in the world, I wanted your friendship, first and foremost.

Sitting at the table after a fantastic meal, I knew you were watching me and you knew I was watching you. When our eyes did meet in the low light, it was with genuine smiles. You had discovered as I had, neither of us was what the other expected. I didn't view it as a problem and I didn't think you did either. The smiles we were sharing confirmed that.

"Did you get a chance to familiarize yourself with the house Lora?" We walked inside and it looked like you had made a big dent in your putting your things away. I made sure the water heater was working and the a/c was cooling. Looking around but not trying to be nosy, I did spy your black thong, hanging over the back of a chair. I though I was going to hyperventilate at first, having an almost overwhelming desire to touch them and hold them to my face, enjoying your fragrance. I don't think you noticed my dilemma but I was sorely tempted to steal them from you.

"I'll probably be up when you get up but just come on over and help yourself to whatever you need . Just holler out so I'll know you're there! " No sense in walking in on you, yet anyway. "Dream sweet Lora and thank you for joining me tonight, I really enjoyed your company! Good night" Looking into your eyes as I moved slowly to the door, I felt it. Imagining taking you in my arms, holding you close and kissing your lips deeply, I walked out the door with visions of grandeur in my head. As soon as I was out of your view, I took off my shirt, just so I could breathe.

My body heat was such that I felt like I was on fire so I headed straight for the indoor pool so I wouldn't disturb you. I had some BTU's built up inside me that I needed desperately to work off or I'd never get to sleep. Taking off my clothes, I swam hard and fast in the dark, naked, burning fuel like a rocket. After an hour's workout, I felt stable again so I got out of the pool, picked up my clothes and went upstairs for a shower.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

It had been tempting to go for a midnight swim, the air outside and peace was such a blessing that despite being fully drained and so well fed, it was tempting. Until she sat down on the couch, intending to watch the news and promptly fell asleep. Not hearing a damn thing until her cell's alarm went off at 6AM, the chords of Mustang Sally waking her.

Stretching, a grin and groan came. She felt like she slept on a cloud and had been having this most wicked of dreams of a tongue gliding over her. Upright in a second, her clothes were tossed here and there as she made her way to the bathroom. Showering did not take long, wrapped in robe, she sat at the small table sipping a glass of juice and checking her emails. A few from friends back at school, but that was about it. The "news", if one could call it that, was just pathetic stupidity.. As usual. As if the world cares at all about some starlet's rehab? Cry me a fucking river.. Where is the real news? The stuff that actually matters? Disgusted entirely with media in this day and age, the phone is pushed aside in favor of a good day and some clothes.


Slipping into some cutoffs and a USC t-shirt, her hair was tugged up into a ponytail and sneakers slipped on. She thought about a morning run but not knowing the area that well, opted to do that at some point later. Heading for the big house, she didn't need to call out to alert she was there, as she came in to spy Tom in the kitchen.

"Good morning, Boss." Grinned as she shut the door behind her.

 

[StudlyCowboy]

"Good morning Lora! I trust you rested well?" For the first time, I could see most of Lora's legs. The cutoff's and tee shirt she wore confirmed all I had thought and dreamed of last night when I worked off my sexual energy in the pool. Her legs were shapely, her thighs perfectly proportioned to her body, not too thin, making her what I consider nearly perfect. Oh but then her ass. Lora's ass was the kind of thing that could start a fight in a bar. It was extremely tight from her running I suspect, her muscles well defined but not those of a body builder. The cleavage of her round butt was very well defined also, each cheek high and full, separated from the other one by a proper divide created by fantastic muscle tone.

As she turned toward me after shutting the door, her shorts followed the shape of her vulva, as it protruded , forming a most lovely shape. By the time I realized I was staring, Lora's eyes were meeting mine. I'm sure I turned red in the midst of all this. In effect, she'd caught me checking her out, big time! " Oh well, how do you take your coffee Lora?" I was embarrassed to say the least . It was witnessed only by her and me and she was still smiling when she came toward me, headed to the coffee pot. Unable to completely stop myself and knowing that she really didn't mind, I watched her breasts bob up and down as she jiggled when she walked. Undoubtedly, she was wearing a soft cup bra, one that didn't force her lovely breasts into some contorted shape , thought up by whoever made bras to see if they could torture women completely with them.

"Here's the staple list for this house. Do you have one to build on for your pantry? You're welcome to use this list to work from. Now, I promised you an omelet this morning , what will it be, shrimp or steak or one of each we can share?" Over the top of your coffee cup , which you held with both hands, I could see your eyes. They looked happy, glad to be here and comfortable with a man she barely knew. In reality though, they were fitting together like the last two pieces of a puzzle that had been finished, laying on a display table, waiting for the last two pieces to arrive.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Lora

He was totally checking her out! No way in hell that those looks in that general direction was anything but checking her out! Couldn't really help the grin that spread, walking further into his kitchen to hunt up a mug for coffee. She could feel his eyes, though the poor man tried so hard not to be caught doing so. It was cute and decidedly, wicked! Was this why Mr. Brennan was so picky in who he hired?

"Steak, please." Funny, but she thought she was the one hired to cook and clean and do laundry? This 'job' was looking less like one by the hour. Amused clearly by it all and flattered by his attention and lingering looks. Hard to be upset by it when it made her blush and a little ripple of pleasure in the knowledge that he found her appealing. He was rather well put together himself, for an older man. Now that he had opened that door, she was going to walk right on through as well.

When in Rome, right?

"Yes, I have things I need as well.." She moved over, plucked the pen from his hand with a widening grin and then confiscated his notepad too. Fetching a cup of the old black brew, she doctored it up so she could swallow it and scoot to the end of the island where he was making a rather tame mess with breakfast. Eyes scan the paper, pausing to write beneath his bold scrawl her items she needed. It took a little longer than expected, her eyes kept lifting up to find his, to watch his ass while he turned around too. He was quite distracting now that he had opened that level of interest wide open.