Best Friends Forever

by L. A. Thompson

  “You want coffee, baby?” I’ll never get tired of hearing her call me that. “Let me get it. You cooked.” I held her chair out for her to sit and she grinned cheekily at me. “You are such a gentleman, Grant. Your mom should be proud.” “She better be. Do you know how many times she smacked me for not remembering to hold a lady’s chair or open a door?” Her laughter was like musical wind chimes to my ears. Damn, I love that sound! I quickly poured our coffee and took my seat. We spent the rest of breakfast talking about the damage to the library and what we needed to get done today. I told her about the essays I needed to finish grading but promised that I’d help with the library. At that, she smiled and lit up my soul.

  Finishing breakfast, Meri stood. “I cooked so you clean up,” she grinned at my groan. “Ha. You know that’s the way it’s always worked so stop grumbling.” Grinning, I picked up our plates and headed for the sink. “Okay, I’ll take care of clean up while you go grab your shower.” Standing on tiptoe, she gave me a tiny kiss on the cheek. “Deal.” As she walked away, I heard her soft mutter, “Better make it a cold shower.” Damn. Is she turned on as much as I am? Step one in my plan is going good. Now all I have to do is turn that physical desire into an emotional desire to be my wife. I have got to get this plan in action before I explode from need.

  Meredith

  I rushed to take a quick shower, a cold shower, my heart still racing after that kiss. And to hear Grant tell me so bluntly what he wanted to do with me...to me. Oh my gosh. He actually said he wants to throw me down on the kitchen floor and...and fuck me? Grant had always been such a perfect gentleman around me. I had never heard him use such language before and...holy cow...I found myself actually liking it. No...that’s not right. I didn’t just like it when he talked to me that way. I needed to hear him say such things...do such things to me. As I quickly showered, I daydreamed about what it would be like when he finally took me. Am I ready to make that final step to change our relationship forever?

  My whole body tingled as I quickly threw on panties and a bra before pulling on jeans and a t-shirt. Yes. I am so ready to give myself to him. But...does he feel the same way I do? Does he want this to be…forever? Suddenly, my heart clenched in fear and excitement. Do I have the courage to tell him my secret? Will he reject me because I’ve never been with...oh, hell...how do I tell my best friend, the man I adore with all my heart and soul that I’m a nearly-thirty year old virgin?

  Yes, I said virgin. Well, technically I wasn’t a virgin. I mean, thanks to my Rabbit and other...toys...I hadn’t been an actual virgin since my junior year in college. But, that was just a technicality because...I had never, in all my nearly thirty years, had a man make love to me. You may think I’m odd…a freak…but the only man I’d ever really wanted that way was Grant and I made the conscious decision years ago that if I couldn’t have him, I’d do without a man in my life. But...the very real possibility of a sexual relationship with Grant both thrilled and terrified me to death. I only hoped I wouldn’t disappoint Grant and end up with a broken heart.

  After giving myself a quick pep talk, I hurried down the hallway to the living room only to stop and stare at the vision of pure yummy goodness ensconced on my sofa. Grant, his bare feet propped on the coffee table and his laptop on his knees, was engrossed in reading something on the screen. Not wanting to interrupt but unable to stop myself, I quietly sneaked up and, leaning over the back of the sofa, pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. “Hey, babe, what are you reading? That’s if you don’t mind my asking.” I added hastily.

  “Of course I don’t mind.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me around the end of the sofa to sit at his side. “I was just reading one of my students’ essay. He’s actually quite a good writer and seems to have a good grasp on Impressionism.” “So, you’re saying he’ll get a good grade?” He thought a moment. “Yeah, he’ll get a good grade. In fact, if he does this well on the final, he’ll probably have the highest GPA in the class.” “Wow. That’s wonderful.” I leaned my head on his shoulder. “Do you think if I took one of your classes, I could get a good grade…not because of my relationship with you…but do you think I’d be as good as your other students?”

  “Babe, are we going to have to have another talk about how smart you are? Or do I need to turn you over my knee?” He waggled his eyebrows comically and I couldn’t help but laugh. “I think you’d enjoy that too much.” I felt my face flush pink when he leaned over and whispered in my ear. “I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy it, too, sweetheart.” He chuckled when I squirmed next to him. Changing the subject, I asked, “So, how do you feel about this semester’s batch of students?” He thought a moment before responding, “I think they’ll all do good. Well, with the exception of a certain little psycho who will not be in my class any longer.”

  “What happens if her parents refuse to believe you? Do you think Cynthia’s word will be enough to convince them?” “I hope so. The girl need psychiatric counseling, she and her lunatic friend both. And if her parents don’t do anything, I will administratively withdraw her from my class. She’s too disruptive and possibly dangerous for the other students’ well-being, especially poor Cynthia.” We sat silent for a moment before he spoke again, “I’ve got an idea I’d like to run by you, babe.” I raised my head from his shoulder. “What’s that?” “I’m thinking about teaching a new course next semester. I’ve already spoken to the Dean and he’s given me the go-ahead.”

  “What kind of class?” I looked at him suspiciously. “You’re not going to bring in nude models are you?” He grinned. “Would you pose for me?” “Uh…no. There’s no way on earth I’m taking my clothes off in front of a bunch of college students.” His voice deepened, “What about in front of one college professor?” I blushed…again…and bit my lip before smiling. “You want to draw me nude?” “Hon, I’d love to draw you nude…heck, I just want to get you nude, period.” “Well…we might be able to work something out,” I whispered.

  Grant swallowed hard and cleared his throat as if he was having difficulty speaking. I took pity on him and asked, “So, if you’re not going to bring in nude models, what are you planning to do with this new class?” “I’m thinking…graphic novels.” “Graphic…comic books?” I asked in surprise. He nodded, “I’ve had quite a few students enquire about a class in art as it pertains to graphic novels. They’re quite popular today.” I nodded, “I know. A lot of the students who come into the library bring them with them. I’ve even had a few ask if we carry them.”

  “So, will you have your students create their own graphic novels for this class?” He shrugged. “Sure. This way, they’re not only creating artwork, they’re learning about plot lines and creative writing. So, what do you think?” Thinking for a moment, I had an idea. “So each student…for their final exam...would have to create their very own graphic novel?” He nodded, “Now you’re thinking.” “And,” I added excitedly. “I could create a display in the library and we could have the entire student body read them and vote on the best one, giving prizes to the students.” He looked stunned for a moment before grinning. “Babe, that’s a fantastic idea!” He gave me a hard kiss. “You are the smartest...and sexiest...woman I know, sweetheart.”

  My eyes big, I felt myself blush again. He thinks I’m smart? And sexy? I squirmed a bit as my panties became damp. Grant chuckled as if he could read my thoughts. I glanced quickly at the clock on the wall. “Oh, crap. I need to get to the library. Cynthia and Bobby are going to meet me there after picking up her stuff from her dorm room.” He closed his laptop. “Let me grab a quick shower and we’ll get going.” My hand on his wonderfully bare shoulder, I stopped him from standing. “No. You’ve got essays to grade. I’ll take the shuttle to campus. You can meet us there when you’re done.” “But what if Brittany...” he sputtered. I pressed my mouth to his, shutting him up.

  Coming up for air a few moments later, his eyes were as dazed as mine. Never had I felt to brazen, so empowered, so...sensual. “I’ll be ok
ay, baby. It’s broad daylight and there will be others around me. Besides,” I grinned and gave him another, quicker, kiss. “You have a...phone call to make, don’t you?” I knew the moment he understood what I was saying. Grant got this big, sexy, I want to eat you alive grin on his face. “You’re right. I’ve got some plans to make.” Clearing his throat, “Let me finish up here and grab a quick shower. I can meet you at the library in a couple of hours.” At my nod, he told me, “Take my car. I’ll catch the bus.”

  Grant held up his hand when I opened my mouth to argue with him. “It’s non-negotiable, babe. I’ll spend all my time worrying about you otherwise.” “Yes, master.” I responded with a smirk and he got the strangest look on his face before grinning. Standing, he stalked me across the room until I was standing with my back pressed tightly against the door. I felt a tingle between my legs as he stood over me, dominating me. “Now that’s more like it. You finally admitting who’s in charge, my sexy little minx?”

  Palming the keys on the table next to the door, I reached out with my other hand to his bare chest. Staring into his eyes, I slowly ran one finger down the center of his chest and across his tight abs. Reaching the hard ridge under his shorts, I gave it a light squeeze and he groaned, closing his eyes for a moment. Giggling, I grabbed my purse and rushed out the door, the sound of his laughter following me.

  Grant

  “Damn.” I watched Meri’s sweet little ass disappear into the elevator. That woman’s going to be the death of me yet. Grinning, I returned to her apartment. Glancing at the clock, I realized it’s still too early to call Malcolm. Returning to my laptop, I worked for another ninety minutes before wandering down the hall to Meri’s bathroom for a shower. In her bedroom, I hesitated, breathing in the scent that, over the years, I had come to associate with my sweet woman. Honeysuckles and sunshine, pure Meri. Showering quickly, I quickly threw on jeans and a t-shirt.

  Sitting on the bed to tie my sneakers, my mind wandered back to last night. The memory of Meri in my arms, her sweet, heart-shaped ass nestled against my crotch, made me hard all over again. Soon. I told myself that she’d be mine soon…body, heart, and soul. Then maybe the nearly overwhelming ache in my chest and groin would be appeased. I shook my head at that thought. Nope, I’ll never have enough of Meri. I checked my watch and grinned. Malcolm should be out of bed by now. Even after five years, I still remembered his number and quickly grabbed my cell phone and dialed.

  “’ello?” came the distinctly Irish accent I remembered. “Malcolm? Grant Thomas?” “Grant, me boyo! How long has it been, kid?” I chuckled. “Five years, as if you didn’t know that already, old man.” He laughed, “And to what do I owe this pleasure, my friend?” Nervous, I hesitated before blurting out, “I need a special favor, Malcolm.” It was quiet on the other end of the phone and I worried I’d gotten disconnected. “I thought you’d given up the lifestyle, kid,” he continued quietly. “Yeah, so did I but...” “Got an itch you need scratched?” “No...no, it’s nothing like that. It’s...I have this friend who is...curious.”

  “Curious, huh? I take it this is a lady friend?” I cleared my throat, “Yeah. She’s...she’s special, Malcolm and I want to give her a good experience.” Why the heck am I so nervous? It’s not like this man didn’t know me during the darkest years of my life. He chuckled. “She wouldn’t by any chance be the reason you left the lifestyle in the first place would she?” “How...I mean, what do you mean?” “Oh, kid, even when you were at your darkest, there was one young lady who had an iron grip on your soul. The last time I saw you, you were drunk off yer arse and crying because you missed the relationship you had with one special young lady. So is it her or not?”

  I nodded, forgetting he couldn’t see me. “Um...yes, it’s her. She...uh...is curious about...spanking...on the receiving end.” “Ah, your specialty. Has she ever partaken?” “No...god no. She’s completely innocent.” “Maybe she’s not as innocent as you think if she’s interested in the lifestyle. So what’s the favor you need from me? I’ll be more than happy to...discipline...the young lady for you.” “No!” I practically shouted. More quietly, “No.” He chuckled as if he knew something I didn’t. “So, exactly what do you want from me, Grant?”

  “We…we need to use one of your special rooms.” “Oh ho, now I get it. The good professor wishes to discipline the naughty little girl himself?” I couldn’t help but grin at the vision he planted in my head. “Exactly. So, you do still have your little playhouse don’t you?” He chuckled. “You know it, kid. So which of my special rooms would you like?” “Four poster bed with restraints?” “Ah, a little bondage with the discipline. Good choice, my friend. When would you like to indulge the young lady’s fantasy?” I thought for a moment. “I don’t have any classes tomorrow, just a nine o’clock meeting, and I think she can take the day off so…how about this evening?”

  “I’ll reserve the room for the entire night if you like. Who knows, the little lady might be very appreciative of your discipline.” I chuckled, “I’m counting on it, Malcolm.” “And, seeing as how you’re such an old friend, I’ll even throw in a party pack, something new we usually charge for.” “Ah…dare I ask what a party pack entails?” He chuckles again. “Our party pack includes a few little favors for our guests, such as scarves, additional restraints, a few tools of discipline, and of course we must ensure our clients practice safe sex so we include a variety box of condoms. So, I’ll see you and your lady friend at say…nine tonight? I look forward to meeting the young lady who stole you away from the lifestyle.” “Nine it is. Oh, and Malcolm?” “Yeah, kid?” “No cameras and cover the two-way mirror.” I hung up to his laughter, chuckling to myself. I never thought I’d go back to that lifestyle but…I’ll do anything for Meri. Thinking of Meri, I headed out the door, anxious to see her.

  Chapter Seven

  Meredith

  Oh dear lord...what an absolute mess. I walked in the front door of the library, closely followed by a maintenance worker. Looking around, he echoed my thoughts, “Holy crap, what a disaster. I’m just glad you weren’t here when this happened, Ms. Mac. Who knows what those lunatics might have done.” “Yes, I’m glad I wasn’t here. I might have had to kick some serious butt,” I responded with a frown. I heard his low chuckle as I began walking around the room, checking for damage to the shelves and furniture. Finding nothing a good cleaning wouldn’t remedy, my next step was picking up the books and inspecting them for damage.

  In the meantime, the maintenance worker began inspecting the walls that were spray painted. After muttering quietly to himself, the older man looked over at me. “Well, Ms. Mac, it looks like you’re going to have to close the library for a few weeks.” “Close the library? But...the students need the library. We can’t close for weeks.” “Well, this here wall alone is going to have to have the paint stripped and then we’ll have to put on at least two coats of primer before repainting. And we’ve got two more walls just like this one.” I rubbed my temples, trying to fight back a headache. “Can’t the painting be done in the evening after the library closes?” He shook his head. “I wish it could but we’re looking at least a month or two getting it done that way.”

  “Crap! This is such a nightmare.” I looked around. “What if we restrict access to whichever section is being painted at the time?” “Sorry, no can do. The college’s liability insurance won’t allow students in the building while we’re painting and doing the repairs. You’re going to have to pack up these books and put them in storage, unless you can come up with an alternative location.” “What about the study rooms? Can the students at least access those?” He scratched his head while thinking. “That would still mean allowing them in the building so I don’t think that’s possible. How about empty classrooms?”

  I considered this. “If we can get access to enough empty classrooms, we can use them for studying but that still doesn’t solve the problem of the students having access to the books.” I paced around the area as I thought. St
opping back in front of him, I snapped my fingers. “I’ve got it. Many of our books are on the computer. I’ve been working on getting them scanned into electronic format for the past year or so. Only the ones that I have gotten copyright permission for are on the computer but, if I can set up one of the larger classrooms as a temporary library for the ones not on computer, I’m sure my student workers and I can handle that.”

  He grinned and nodded. “That just might work. Once you find a classroom and get the books moved, my guys can start stripping the paint off the walls.” “Perfect.” I looked around at the mess. “I’ve got a few people coming to help out today so we should be able to get everything packed up by late afternoon.” He nodded again. “My guys can get started tomorrow, then. Let me go and grab you some boxes and carts to haul the books once you find a classroom.” I stopped him with a hand on his arm. “Um...” I bit my lip nervously. “Would you mind waiting around for a few minutes, just until someone else shows up? They...they haven’t caught the two girls who orchestrated this and I’m just a little...nervous to be here by myself.”

  He looked concerned. “Oh...of course, Ms. Mac. I hadn’t realized those lunatics were still running around loose.” He looked around. “I tell you what...how about I help you go through the books to check for damage while we’re waiting for your friends?” “Oh, Mr. Hansen...you’re the best.” Impulsively, I threw my arms around his neck and gave him a big hug. He awkwardly patted me on the back, his face red. I realized that I embarrassed him but he was always so sweet to me. Pulling away, I smiled up at him. “How about I go in the break room and make us a pot of coffee? Looking at this mess, I think we’re going to need it.” He grinned, “That’d be good. In the meantime, I’ll get the trash picked up so we have room to work.” He got busy while I headed in the back to make coffee.