Their Guilty Pleasures

by June Tate

  ‘You carry on, Brad,’ she insisted. ‘I’ll go on home.’

  ‘I can’t let you do that!’

  She touched his arm. ‘Of course you can. You’d only have to walk back, and that’s crazy.’

  ‘When can I see you again?’ he asked.

  Rusty was thrilled. She liked this man. ‘How about Thursday evening?’

  ‘That’s great. What would you like to do?’

  ‘There’s a good film on at the Forum cinema I would like to see. I could meet you outside at seven.’

  ‘It’ll be my pleasure, Rusty.’ He drew her close and kissed her softly. ‘Thanks for a great evening.’

  ‘I enjoyed it too,’ she told him, then she left.

  Just after, she encountered two GIs who were among her regulars.

  ‘Hi, Rusty, what are you doing here? Why aren’t you doing your bit for the war effort tonight?’

  She laughed. ‘Well, boys, I’ve taken the night off.’

  ‘See you soon,’ they said and carried on their way.

  She quietly looked up and whispered, ‘Thank you God!’ How awful it would have been had the two soldiers seen her with Brad! If she continued to see him, life would be fraught with the danger of being found out . . . but she was prepared to take the risk. Especially after he’d kissed her. She made a rule that she never allowed her punters to kiss her, it was much too personal. But when she’d felt Brad’s mouth on hers, she’d known she wanted more. She wanted to be bedded by a man who was attracted to her, who thought of her as a woman and not a business transaction. But would she be able to fool him that long without being found out? She certainly hoped so.

  The next morning, Brad drove to the stables to make his apologies for not turning up the previous Wednesday, but Beth brushed his words aside.

  ‘Please, I can’t thank you enough for sending Corporal Maxwell along.’ She then told him what had taken place and how the soldier had tamed the maverick horse.

  ‘He was here for forty-eight hours working with the animal, and he came back today to continue. Come with me,’ she said. ‘Chad has the animal in the practice ring now.’

  He followed her, curious to see what was happening. He saw Jenny and walked over to her. ‘What’s going on?’

  ‘Just watch,’ she whispered. ‘It’s amazing!’

  Once again, Chad moved around the ring making the horse turn in any direction he chose. He saddled up and rode the horse around the ring until once again he had the animal laying on its side, where he sat on it. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he called the groom into the ring.

  The girl looked nervous as she slowly walked towards him.

  Chad held out his hand to her and in a quiet, calm voice told her to sit beside him, nearer the neck of the animal. She did so. The horse just raised its head to see what was happening, then lay back down on the ground.

  ‘Stroke him and speak softly to him,’ she was told by the American.

  The girl leaned forward and stroked the mane, talking all the time. After a while he told her to stand up, and he got the horse to its feet. Chad took a carrot from his pocket and gave it to the girl. ‘Feed him,’ he said, ‘then stroke him, talking to him all the time so he’ll get used to your voice.’

  Whilst she was doing so, Chad walked over to the fence and picked up a saddle, then walking back he gently put it across the back of the animal, which pricked up his ears, but remained still.

  He tightened the girth and told the girl to return to the safety of the fence, then he put his foot into the stirrup and pulled himself on to the back of the animal, talking all the time.

  The maverick animal tensed and pawed at the ground, but Chad pulled gently on its mane, then stroked its neck. Gathering the reins, he put pressure on his heels into the side of the horse, and it moved forward and trotted around the ring.

  Everyone watched with baited breath as he urged the animal into a gallop, circling the ring several times, before stopping and beckoning to the groom.

  He slipped out of the saddle and held the reins whilst the groom put her foot into the stirrup and mounted, then he handed her the reins.

  ‘Now do what I did. Walk him, then take him into a trot, then a gallop. Try and relax or he’ll feel your tension, and don’t worry, he won’t throw you – not now.’

  He stood in the centre of the ring as the girl followed his orders.

  The animal responded to her every move. The girl flew around the ring, grinning broadly as she gained in confidence. It was a joy to watch the two of them.

  At Chad’s signal, she slowed down to a walk and eventually came to a halt. She leaned forward, stroking the horse’s neck. ‘You good boy!’ she said, then she slipped out of the saddle, walked to the front of the animal and stroked its nose.

  ‘You can walk him back to his stall now and unsaddle him,’ Chad told her. ‘He won’t give you any more trouble.’ Then he walked over to Beth. ‘There you are, ma’am! He’ll be fine now.’

  ‘How can I ever thank you?’ she said, looking delighted and amazed.

  ‘Well, you can let me come out here when I have a pass!’

  With a smile she told him, ‘You are welcome at any time.’

  Brad looked at Chad. ‘Well, Corporal, I had no idea you had such a talent. Well done.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. It was my pleasure, it was like being at home . . . Well, almost.’

  ‘Come into the kitchen, all of you. I’ll make us some coffee.’ With this, Beth led the way.

  Shortly after, Brad took his leave. ‘Sorry, but I have to get back to the office. Good to see you, Jenny. How’s your husband enjoying his leave?’

  ‘Very much, thank you.’

  ‘That’s great. I’ll get back when I can,’ Brad told Beth, and turning to the Corporal he said: ‘I’ll see you back at camp.’

  Beth too made her excuses, leaving Chad and Jenny alone.

  ‘You were amazing!’ Jenny told the American.

  He smiled lazily. ‘No I wasn’t, Mrs Procter.’

  ‘Jenny, please.’

  ‘I was just doing what comes naturally to me, that’s all, Jenny.’ He looked at her with his penetrating gaze which she found so unsettling. ‘And how are you finding things with your husband home? Are you enjoying his leave too?’

  She hesitated just a fraction. ‘Of course.’

  ‘No, you’re not! You are not enjoying it one bit.’

  ‘What makes you say that?’

  ‘Because you’re not happy. You’re tense, your back is tight, and there is a certain sadness in your eyes.’

  She was speechless.

  ‘Come on,’ he said and took her by the hand. ‘Let’s go for a drive. You need a change of scenery.’

  Six

  Jenny sat in the jeep beside Chad as he drove to Botley, where he stopped and parked the vehicle. They had travelled in a comfortable silence, despite Jenny wondering why she had agreed to come. She should have returned home by now – although Adam had said he was meeting friends at lunchtime, so he wouldn’t be waiting for her, breathing fire at her absence.

  She and Chad walked along the peaceful river bank. Apart from a few ducks and a couple of swans, they had the place to themselves. They stopped and sat beneath a tree overlooking the water.

  ‘There are two miracles of nature that bring peace to a person’s soul,’ he proclaimed.

  ‘And what are those?’

  ‘Water and mountains. Back in Wyoming we have the glorious Rocky Mountains, and lakes of course, but you have no idea what a mountain range can do for your soul. Among them, you can forget everything – except the wonder of nature.’

  ‘You truly are a man of the outdoors, aren’t you? I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you, Chad.’

  His laughter echoed. ‘That’s because I’m an American!’

  ‘No, it’s much more than that. You have an inner peace which is most unusual. You’re not in the least egotistical, as most men are.’

  He turned his gaze on
her. ‘Like your husband, you mean.’

  It was Jenny’s turn to laugh. ‘Oh yes. Adam has a huge ego.’

  ‘How long have you been married, Jenny?’

  ‘Eighteen years, although Adam has been away for that last three.’

  ‘That’s a long time. People change. You’ve probably changed more than he has.’

  ‘What makes you say that?’

  ‘Well, it makes sense. Without a man to care for you would have found other things to fill your time. With him away, you were free . . . at last.’ He continued: ‘Within you is a free spirit, Jenny, but sadly it has been smothered during your marriage. Now, having tasted freedom for the first time, you find it difficult to return to your marriage ties.’

  ‘You have an uncanny way of getting into people’s minds as well as those of horses. It is very unsettling!’

  He found this highly amusing. ‘Sorry, I usually keep such thoughts to myself, but I would love to take you to Wyoming because there you could be that free spirit. You could really live the life you want.’ He stood up. ‘Come on, I think it’s time to go home.’

  He drove her back to the stables where she could collect her bicycle.

  ‘Would you like me to drive you home? We could put the bike in the back of the jeep,’ Chad said.

  ‘No, thank you. I need the exercise. Will I see you again?’

  ‘Oh, yeah, I’ll be around here whenever I’m free. You take care, you hear?’

  Chuckling, Jenny said, ‘You have no need to worry about me, I can take care of myself.’

  ‘I bet you can . . . given the opportunity!’

  As she rode home, Jenny pondered over the American’s words and his uncanny understanding of the human spirit. It was fascinating, but at the same time, somewhat unnerving. She could imagine him back in Wyoming, riding the range, dealing with maverick horses. Well, she wasn’t a maverick woman!

  The remainder of Adam’s leave seemed to fly by. Jenny was busy with committee meetings and keeping her husband entertained, which left no time to visit the stables, and now Adam was returning to his regiment after lunch.

  The two of them sat at the table in the kitchen, neither of them feeling at ease with the other now the time had come to part once again. Jenny was wondering when Adam would have his next leave; would he even come through the war alive? She quickly pushed this thought to the back of her head.

  Adam sat wondering if the fighting would be as bad as it had been in the past and how many of his men would fall in battle. He gazed across the table at his wife. She had an air of independence about her these days which he found hard to cope with and for a moment he wondered if his marriage would survive this separation. But he immediately thought that once he was home for good things would return to normal, because he would once again be in control and Jenny would no longer belong to so many of the things which these days seemed to occupy most of her time.

  He drained his coffee cup, lit a cigarette and suggested they take one last walk around the garden. They eventually sat on the bench beneath the trees. He gazed around the area. ‘This is so typically English,’ he said. ‘I’ll carry this scene with me when I get back to France.’

  Jenny took his hand. ‘You take great care. I want you back in one piece.’

  He looked at her with a quizzical expression. ‘Are you sure you want me back at all?’

  His question shook her. ‘Whatever do you mean?’

  He shrugged. ‘I don’t know. It’s just that I feel we have drifted so far apart. I seem to have come home to a very different woman from the one that I married.’

  What could she say? She was different. She felt different. She also knew that although she loved Adam, she was no longer in love with him. She didn’t want to return to the old days, to be at his beck and call. As Chad had said, she wanted much more, and that didn’t include her husband . . . but she couldn’t tell him that, not today of all days.

  ‘It’s the war, Adam. Things change, people change, the world changes. When it’s all over then everything changes yet again.’

  He looked at his watch. ‘My driver will be here any moment now.’ As he said this, they could hear the sound of a car’s engine. They walked into the house and collected Adam’s suitcase. At the front door, the driver saluted and picking up the case took it to the car.

  Adam put his arms around his wife and kissed her. ‘Take care, darling. I’ll write when I can.’ He hesitated, as if he was going to say more, then he smiled at her and walked to the car.

  She watched until the vehicle was driven on to the road. Jenny felt sad. After all, she’d spent so many years with this man, but during the three weeks he’d been home it had been a strain. She’d found it hard to tolerate his dictatorial ways, yet for many years it had been a way of life. She felt confused. What was the future to hold for them, she wondered. Could she continue in this marriage when Adam eventually returned home for good? She didn’t think that she could.

  Rusty Dobbs was weary. It seemed to her that the troops of all nationalities, waiting to be shipped abroad, had only one thing on their minds – and that was to get laid! During the past two weeks she’d catered for the Americans, the French and a couple of Poles. Language had no barrier when it came to sex. It was: take the money, get your clothes off and get fucked! It was as cold-blooded as that. But Rusty was used to that by now. She knew that to become involved further with a punter was a dead loss. A couple of her mates had done so, and the men concerned then wanted their services exclusively – and for free. That was not for her; she was on the game strictly to make as much money as she could, and when the war was over she’d retire from prostitution.

  But also during these past two weeks she’d been able to meet with Brad Jackson a few of times. They’d been to the cinema, out to lunch and dinner, and they’d once driven to the New Forest to a local pub for a drink. She felt completely at ease with him and enjoyed his company; thankfully, he reciprocated these feelings. They just seemed so well matched, although they came from such different backgrounds. With the exception of having to lie about her family and job, she was able to be herself with him. Apart from liking him as a man, she found him physically very attractive, which was not usual for her, and she was delighted when his kisses became increasingly ardent. The last time they’d met, Brad had told her he had a weekend pass – and would she like to spend it with him in Bournemouth?

  He had been so sweet when he’d asked her; he had taken her into his arms. ‘At home if I met a girl, I would court her, bring her flowers, candy, spend time getting to know her, but Rusty, in wartime that’s not possible. I could be shipped out tomorrow, so I’m being very forward – would you like to spend the weekend with me? I have a weekend pass and would love to take you with me to a nice hotel in Bournemouth. What do you say?’

  She smiled as she thought of the concerned expression on his face. He’d been worried that she’d be outraged at such a proposal. ‘Why, Captain Jackson,’ she had teased, ‘are you trying to seduce me?’

  ‘I guess I am. Does that offend you?’

  ‘Not one bit! I told you when first we met, life is for living. I’d love to come with you.’

  He looked delighted. ‘We’ll have to take the train, I’m afraid.’

  ‘That’s fine! Let me know which train and I’ll meet you at the station.’

  Rusty packed her prettiest underwear and a frilly nightgown with growing excitement. She was going to be made love to by a man she desired and who desired her for herself and not as a prostitute. How marvellous! And to be staying in a hotel, where she would be waited on and cosseted. She could hardly wait.

  They managed to sit together, although the trains were busy, not only with civilian passengers but also with so many troops. They chatted away as they passed through the stations, with Brad holding her hand. Rusty didn’t give a hoot for the odd glance cast her way by the civilian passengers, who seeing the American uniform were obviously making judgements about her. Whenever she caught one su
ch glance she would smile at the person concerned, who would then look quickly away.

  They arrived and took a taxi to a large hotel near the front. Brad signed the register and was given the key to their room on the first floor. In the lift he put his arm around her. ‘Hello, Mrs Jackson.’

  She grinned broadly at him. ‘I am going to enjoy my wifely duties, I think.’

  Brad roared with laughter. ‘Rusty, you are outrageous.’

  The lift stopped, and stepping out, they found their room. It was spacious, and walking over to the window, Rusty looked out to the sea. Opening the French windows, she cried, ‘Brad, we have a balcony!’

  He stood behind her, looking at the view, then, putting his arms round her waist, nuzzled her neck. ‘About these wifely duties . . . Now or later?’

  She turned within his embrace and gently ran her finger across his mouth. ‘Now – and later,’ she said as she kissed him.

  Brad picked her up in his arms and carried her over to the bed. He put her down and removed his jacket and tie, then he lay beside her, took her into his arms and kissed her, gently exploring her mouth.

  Rusty returned his kisses, running her fingers through his hair, then she unbuttoned his shirt. ‘You are wearing far too many clothes, Captain.’

  They undressed one another and made love. For Rusty it was like a rebirth. Brad was gentle and thoughtful . . . and accomplished. She lay in his arms and for once let her senses run free. She was with a man of her choosing for all the right reasons. Her need for him grew as he explored her body until she cried out for him to take her. He paused only to take precautions, and then he entered her.

  Rusty lay back against the pillows, at peace with the world. Her orgasm took her by surprise. She had wondered, as she lay in Brad’s arms, if it was possible after so long. She had never done so with a punter and had wondered if she would ever have another. Well, today she had – and it was wonderful.

  Brad leaned across her and fondled her breast. ‘Let’s get dressed and go and find a place to eat. I’m ravenous.’

  ‘Do we have to?’ she pleaded, putting an arm round his neck and kissing him.