by Mary Abshire
"Speak for yourself," Carol said.
"And you thought you couldn't get ready in time." Lynn lowered her arms and moved closer. "I knew you would be before the first guest arrived."
Carol let out a deep sigh. She'd arrived at the home around seven, far later than she'd intended. Finishing Andy's reports had taken too long, but she did. She'd spent hours going over each person's data, trying to figure out why Julie's numbers were different. She'd even compared Julie's totals with those of her prior week's statistics. When Carol couldn't provide an explanation for such a large spike, but did see an increase in numbers for other staff, she decided to leave Julie's numbers alone. Maybe the analyst had picked up more additional tasks than her peers had. Carol considered calling Becca for help, but decided not to disturb her. Feeling the urgent need to get to the beach house, Carol finalized Andy's reports, then sent them in an email message shortly after six-thirty.
"My hair is still damp, but I'll manage. I added frizz control," Carol said as she ran her hand along the backside of her head.
"You look better than fine. Now, grab those shoes and let's—"
The sound of the doorbell halted Lynn's words.
Carol chuckled. "Looks like I just barely finished dressing before the first guest."
Lynn tossed her strands behind her. "How do I look?"
"Gorgeous. I can't wait for later when it's just me, you, Thomas, and Andy."
Lynn's eyes widened. "You and me both. I'll meet you downstairs."
As Lynn left, Carol snatched her shoes from the box on the dresser. She slid her feet into heels and secured the straps around her ankles. After a final check in the mirror, Carol strode from the bedroom.
The sound of voices carried to the upper floor by the time Carol reached the curved staircase. She gazed at the group of employees from work as she descended the steps.
Lynn herded them to the heart of the house. "We have drinks and snacks available in the main room, here. Feel free to help yourselves and wander around the property."
Carol reached the main level and rounded the staircase. She headed for Lynn as the group of men and women left her.
"Do you want me to work the door while you entertain guests?" Carol asked.
"How about I handle the new arrivals and you entertain?"
Before they could decide, the doorbell rang again. Lynn headed for it, making the decision of who was going to do what.
Carol approached her coworkers and said a few words to them before mingling with the new guests. A steady stream of people continued to flow into the room, forcing Carol to speak louder as the volume of chatter increased. She introduced herself to those she didn’t know and directed them to the food and drinks. Clients she'd seen a few times at the office even showed up to celebrate Andy's birthday. Although she didn't recognize three-quarters of the people standing around her, she found it easy to talk and laugh with everyone.
Time slipped away from Carol. It dawned on her to check on Andy's arrival status when she saw Lynn talking with an older couple. The thin woman with short white hair wore a pair of trousers and a fancy blouse. The man next to her with salt and pepper hair had dark pants and a pressed polo shirt. His facial features reminded her of Andy. Squeezing through the crowd, she headed for Lynn and the couple.
Lynn faced Carol with a smile. "They're on the way and should be here at any minute. Andy sent his mom a message." She turned to the older woman.
Carol offered her hand. "Hi, I'm Carol. Thomas's assistant. I'm also assisting Andy while Becca is on maternity leave."
The woman’s fingers sparkled with rings worth thousands of dollars as she accepted Carol's introduction. "Nice to meet you. I'm Evelyn and this is my husband, Alex."
Carol greeted him in kind after shaking Evelyn's hand.
"Carol has been helping me set up for the party," Lynn said.
"Don't let her fool you," Carol said. "She's done most of the work since Thomas and Andy have kept me busy at the office."
"Now that I believe," Evelyn said. "Those men are workaholics."
"They make good business partners," Alex said.
Smiling, Carol asked, "Can I get either of you a drink or something to eat?"
"A glass of white wine, please." Evelyn looked at her husband.
"I'll have the same, please."
"I'll be right back," Carol said before she left.
She walked around groups of people to make her way to the table with wine.
"Hey, Carol."
She turned in the direction she'd heard her name and saw Julie two steps from her. Dressed in a red cocktail dress, the young woman with long dark hair stopped at Carol's side.
"When is Andy going to show up?"
Carol lifted two filled glasses from the table. "He's on his way and should be here soon."
"Oh, great. My feet are killing me in these shoes. I can't wait to get them off."
"Are you planning to leave early? We're having fireworks at midnight."
"Oh, no, I'm staying. I have a big surprise I want to give to Andy."
Three questions immediately popped into Carol's head as she gave Julie a confused look. What surprise did she have for Andy? Why bother mentioning her sore feet at all if she planned to stay in her heels for several more hours? And why were the numbers on her report so much higher compared to other staff? Carol wanted to ask, but realized she didn't have time.
"I'd love to chat more with you, but I'm taking these to Andy's parents. They're waiting on me."
Julie's arm shot out and her hand landed on Carol's shoulder. "Oh, can I meet them? Please? After tonight, Andy and I might be better acquainted with each other, if you know I mean."
"Excuse me?"
Julie looked around, then leaned closer to Carol. "I plan to fuck him later."
Carol took a step back. "I need to go. Sorry, Julie, but if Andy wants to introduce you to his parents, that's up to him."
Pulse rising, Carol walked away from Julie and headed for Andy's parents. She couldn't see Lynn near them, but Lynn had to be close by. Somehow, Carol had to tell Lynn about Julie's plans and find a way to make sure Julie didn't fulfill them.
Smiling, Carol handed the drinks to Evelyn and Alex. "Sorry for the delay." She glimpsed past them and saw Lynn talking to a tall man near the door. He looked familiar, but Carol couldn't place where she'd seen him before.
"We have plenty of snacks and desserts if you're hungry," Carol said, clasping her hands in front of her.
"Thank you, dear. This should be fine for now," Evelyn said before pressing the glass to her lips.
"Please excuse me, I need to speak with Lynn for a moment."
Carol passed the couple and headed for Lynn. The man who'd spoken to Lynn earlier smiled at Carol as he passed her. Carol felt certain she'd seen him at a party before.
Lynn faced Carol and extended her arm.
Carol took her offering and gripped Lynn's hand. "Hey. Who was that cute tall guy you were talking to?"
"That's Sam Kriposki, one of Thomas and Andy's long time clients. He owns a restaurant chain."
"He looks familiar, but I couldn't place him."
"He always attends our parties. He's a really funny guy, and I can't wait to tell Thomas you called him cute."
Carol rolled her eyes. "As if you don't think he's the least bit attractive."
Lynn laughed as the doorbell rang. Their hands parted as she reached for the handle on the door. Standing outside were two men dressed in suits but with loose collars. Andy's eyes widened as he stared at Lynn.
"Hello, birthday boy. Do come inside." Lynn pushed the door all the way open and moved out of the way.
"Holy shit," Andy said as he stepped inside with a wide grin.
Thomas chuckled as he entered the home behind his friend.
After Andy had his fill of Lynn, he shifted his gaze to Carol. "Let me guess, this was Lynn's idea and you helped out."
Carol shrugged. "Two are better than one."
Thomas slapped Andy on the back. "I told you, they're creative and sneaky women."
Andy looked at Thomas. "And here I thought my parents were throwing a party. You didn't say a word."
"Trust me, it wasn't easy," Thomas said.
Andy chuckled and shook his finger at Thomas. "Paybacks—"
"Take my advice and enjoy your birthday. The night is still young." Thomas winked at his friend.
"I'm starting to wonder what you have up your sleeve," Andy said.
Thomas moved toward his wife and wrapped his arm around her waist. He gave her a kiss, then looked at Andy. "Considering I'm your best friend and business partner, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you find out."
"There he is," said someone from the main room.
Andy turned to face the crowd. Men and women were spreading the word he'd arrived.
His parents walked toward him and lifted their near empty glasses. "Happy birthday, son."
"You might want to say a few words before getting that drink," Thomas said softly.
Andy moved forward and smacked his hands together. "Well, now. I had no idea I'd see so many friends here tonight. This is absolutely amazing."
Carol stood next to Lynn and listened to Andy address the guests. He spawned laughs, then after several not so humorous lines, he thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to enjoy the party. After he disappeared into the group, the chatter returned.
Thomas removed his arm from Lynn. "I better stick with him. He's had several drinks already. I'd hate for him to do something he might regret."
"Or worse. We don't want him passing out on his birthday," Lynn said.
"I'll take care of him," Thomas said before he left Lynn and Carol alone.
"Do you think Andy suspects anything?" Carol asked, scanning faces of people in the main room. Each one appeared to be enjoying the festivities. Julie was nowhere to be seen. Carol wanted to keep an eye on her.
"I don't know."
Carol spotted Julie wedging herself between bodies as she headed in the direction of the bar. "Oh my God. There she is."
Lynn quickly looked at Carol. "Who?"
She leaned closer to Lynn's ear. "One of Andy's employees, Julie, told me she plans to fuck him later."
"What?"
"I was getting drinks for his parents when she spoke to me and asked when he would arrive. After I told her, she said she was going to fuck him."
Lynn shook her head and turned to the crowd. "What does she look like? We can't let her get her paws on him."
"Dark hair. Red dress. She has a bit of a pointy nose. I can show her to you."
Lynn held her hand out for Carol. "Come on, we have to protect our man."
"Protect and serve."
"Exactly. Let's go."
Gripping Lynn's hand, Carol strode next to her lover's side. Together, they would make certain Julie wouldn't get her dirty fingers on Andy. He was their man, whether he knew it or not. Their man to bring into their circle so they can play with, tease, and take pleasure from him. Carol would not allow the opportunity for her and Lynn to have sex with two men to be taken away.
Chapter Eight
Gold sparkled in the dark sky, lighting it up, and then a loud pop echoed. A red burst of light followed a blue one. Thomas stared at the fireworks while he held his wife pressed to his side. He loved her closeness and the way she held onto one of the loops of his pants. It was as if she'd claimed him and refused to let him go. He couldn't ask for a sweeter wife.
He lowered his gaze to Carol. She stood about twenty feet away in front of him and a half that behind Andy. She looked stunning in the short maroon dress. Every time he looked at her ass, he had the urge to bite and grab it. When she walked in front of him, she swayed her hips and his cock twitched from watching her. He was famished and ready to fuck her at any moment. But he waited. This was Andy's night, so he would give Andy first rights to pussy.
Sighing, Thomas took note of Carol's stance. She had her arms crossed and one leg stretched to the side. Strange. Instead of watching the show in the sky, Carol's attention seemed directed at a woman with dark hair standing between her and Andy. Interesting. Thomas had seen the woman in red hanging around Andy during the party. The woman worked in their office, and if Thomas guessed right, she worked for Andy. Why was Carol interested in her?
Carol twisted to look at them. Lynn stiffened and raised her head. Carol gave a nod, then Lynn replied with one too. What games were his two lovers playing?
Thomas bent closer to Lynn's ear. "Care to tell me what's going on?"
She leaned against him. "Nothing you need to worry about."
"I am curious to know why Carol is watching the woman in red."
He felt Lynn's chest expand as she sighed.
Lynn moved her head away from his shoulder. "The woman's name is Julie and she works for Andy, in case you didn't know. Carol is trying to make sure Julie doesn't get too close to him. Apparently, she told Carol she wanted to fuck him tonight."
Thomas chuckled. "She told Carol this?"
"Yes, and it's not funny. We have plans for him later. She can't have him."
He grinned at his wife and lifted her chin so her gaze met his. "You're sexy when you're upset."
She pressed her lips together. "Well, it is our special night too. I don't want it ruined."
His dick stiffened as he imagined his wife and Carol kissing and touching each other. He and Andy would watch, then take their time playing with the two women. Soon, my big beast. Soon.
Movement captured Thomas's attention, and he turned to look. Men and women who'd been standing close to the lake were now walking back to the house. The sky was dark again and the booms had faded, leaving the buzzing of bugs to fill the void. The fireworks show was over.
Thomas kissed Lynn gently. "I can handle this. Let me talk to Andy."
"What are you going to tell him?"
"I don't know yet, but I'll figure out something."
"Hey," Carol said, stopping near him and Lynn.
"Why don't you two go inside?" Thomas jerked his head toward the house. "I'm sure guests will start leaving soon."
Carol looked at Lynn. "But—"
"Come on." Lynn took hold of Carol's arm and nudged her forward. "I'll give you an update."
"Is it a good one?" Carol asked as she walked next to Lynn, heading toward the home.
Lynn glanced over her shoulder at him. "Everything's under control."
Thomas shook his head as he twisted away from them. His lovers were clever, but sometimes they needed to learn when to ask for help. If one of them had informed him of the situation sooner, he could have easily passed the tidbit on to Andy. Problem solved and they wouldn't have had to worry. Women dramatize situations way too much.
Hands in his pockets, Thomas strolled forward. Julie and a female coworker were talking to each other. He guessed the woman with Julie was another one of Andy's employees. Thomas couldn't recall her name but was certain he'd seen her at the office. He kept a distance from them and his gaze on Andy and his parents. Evelyn finished hugging him and stepped away. Alex embraced Andy and patted his son's back. Thomas heard them wishing Andy a happy birthday and paused. He didn't want to interrupt any kind of family moment.
Thomas scanned the area as he thought about what to tell Andy. If he informed Andy about Lynn and Carol, the surprise would fall short of spectacular. They deserved to see his reaction as much as Thomas did. So, what could he say to Andy?
Thomas rubbed his hand over his mouth. He didn't want his best friend to fuck Julie when two women were waiting for him. If he told Andy what Julie planned, he probably would give her what she wanted. How could he entice Andy to ignore Julie? Thomas glanced at the two ladies still chatting. Two were better than one. The proverbial light bulb flashed in his head.
Andy walked next to his parents, heading for the beach house. He saw him and moved behind his mom and dad so he was heading toward Thomas. Perfect.
"Got a
minute?" Thomas said with a tilt of his head.
"I'll catch up, Mom," Andy said, and then faced Thomas. "What's up?"
"I have a gift for you, but you're going to have to follow my lead."
Andy narrowed his gaze. "What kind of gift?"
"When we get back inside, sometime later, I'm going to bring you a shot. I want you to take it, then within a few minutes I want you to fake being sick. You go upstairs and wait in one of the rooms."
Andy laughed. "Why?"
"Because one of your employees wants to fuck you and we need to get rid of her. I have two women eager to get their hands on you. Follow my instructions and you'll have the best birthday gift ever."
Jaw lowered, Andy stared at Thomas. "Are you fucking kidding me?" He turned his gaze to the house. "Are they here now?"
Thomas pressed his lips together. He didn't want to provide too many details. Telling Andy about two women hot for him lessened the shock value of his gift, but he would still receive a large blow when he discovered Carol and Lynn were the ones eager to please him.
"Do you want to get laid by two gorgeous women, or screw an employee and have to deal with the gossip at the office?"
Andy grinned and slapped his arm around Thomas's back. "I'm a lucky man to have you as a friend."
"Yes, yes, you are."
Together, they headed for the house.
"Mind if I say goodbye to my parents?" Andy asked.
"Go ahead. Take your time. You still have company hanging around here anyway. Just remember, when I give you a shot, that's your cue."
"Got it." Andy tapped Thomas's back before he jogged off.
Thomas grinned as he strode toward the bright house. With his mission accomplished, he needed to pass the message to Lynn and Carol so they would be aware of the signal. While Thomas hoped he didn't have to wait long to set his plan into motion, he had no idea when the guests would leave. Since he didn't want to be rude, he would give them an hour. Then, it was time for Andy to really enjoy his special day.
Reaching the patio doors, he opened one and stepped inside the bright house. Thomas noticed less people crowded the room and several others stood near the entryway. The steady clacking of shoes prompted him to veer his gaze to the left. Lynn and Carol were walking toward him. He closed the patio door behind him.