UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 5

 

          It was one hell of a hot day. Charlie was so glad they’d gotten the roof done and the windows in, but she wished the air-conditioning had been installed. Even with the windows open, and the house mostly in the shade of the big trees, it was hot. They were all sweating and muttering about the heat. Charlie had had more than enough for the day.

          “Okay guys, let’s call it a day. There’s a beer at the pub with my name on it, maybe more than one. Let’s close it up and move out.”

          Everyone pretty much cheered and Tom said, “Thank God it’s Friday because it’s supposed to be even hotter on the weekend. I think I’m going to spend both days on my deck or in my boat or in the water. If this keeps up, you think maybe we could stop work until it cools down?”

          “Boy, don’t I wish, but that’s not going to happen. Instead, I’ll see if we can get the air conditioner installed sooner rather than later.”

          There were more cheers for that idea and one of the men offered to see the guy and make sure he knew it was an emergency to which everyone laughed because Brad was definitely not a fighter.

          At the pub, Charlie had one beer before paying the bill and wishing everyone a nice, cool weekend. They all thought she was headed home, but she was headed back to the job site. She’d been thinking about skinny dipping for some time now and today seemed like the perfect day to indulge herself. She’d even packed a couple of beach towels and a change of clothes in her truck that morning once she’d heard the expected high temperature.

          On the way back, she stopped at a little market and bought a six-pack of beer which she put into the cooler in her truck. Then, she stopped at the local hamburger joint and ordered a bacon-cheeseburger and onion rings. She hadn’t had much for lunch and could feel her belly grumbling.

          The house didn’t yet have any furniture of course, but Charlie liked the front steps just fine. She opened one of the beers and practically gobbled the hamburger. The onion rings were perfect, crisp and thick. They were going to give her really bad breath, but she didn’t care.

She finished her beer, stood up and began to pull her dirty and sticky clothes off. Naked, she removed her cap and released her hair from its pony tail. Then, she walked to the end of the dock and dove into the water. Oh. My. God. She thought, this feels wonderful. The water was actually fairly cold, but she’d been so hot for so long, it felt sublime. She swam back and forth for a while until she was warm again, then turned over and floated on her back.

          This is the life she thought. Once my house is finished and I’m living here, I can do this any time I want to. Thank heavens the lake’s too small for lots of cabins or houses, plus all the lots are pretty big and private.

Charlie smiled as she remembered her grandfather for whom she was named. His name was Charles so her mother named her Charlotte, but her grandpa had always, from the very beginning, called her Charlie. They’d had such fun out here together. He’d had a little fishing shack without running water or electricity and an outhouse, all of which Charlie had found remarkable when she was a child. They’d all been demolished in order to build her crazy house. She knew he would have approved of her design and decision to not take out any of the trees. She could almost see him sitting on her porch. He’d been gone for years now, so he hadn’t seen her become what she was. Somehow, she also knew he would have approved of her choices.

Adam had finally managed to discourage Rebecca from showing up every single day and staying until late at night. He knew he needed to end the relationship because of all the hints Rebecca was tossing at him. He wasn’t ever going to marry a woman like her because her brain was just so very empty. He actually felt guilty he’d allowed the relationship to continue for so long. Of course, the eight months he’d spent writing had kept her away during that time, but now she was back more eager than ever. Perhaps he needed to tell her he was beginning a new book. That would be the coward’s way out, but he just knew Rebecca would turn his farewell into a horrible and uncomfortable scene.

Almost at Charlie’s house, he shook his head and those thoughts away. He was looking forward to seeing the boss lady and hoped she was there. He also hoped Rebecca’s visit hadn’t caused her to change her opinion, whatever it was before that visit, of him. He hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the zing he received when they touched. He was going to find some way to touch her again this evening, if she was there, and see if he felt the way he had before.

Adam stopped just short of leaving the woods to look around. He was amazed at what had been accomplished and judging by the stuff on the porch steps, Charlie was here, but he didn’t see her anywhere. Maybe she was inside. Just as he started to step forward, he glanced at the lake and there she was, floating on her back, eyes closed and unless his eyes were using his imagination, she appeared to be stark naked. Adam stepped back a bit further into the trees and stared. He couldn’t see all of her and wished she’d decide to climb out on the dock.

Charlie suddenly felt a chill and it wasn’t from the cold lake water. She felt like someone was looking at her. She rolled over and ducked beneath the water. When she came back to the surface, only her head showed and she turned in a careful circle looking for whoever was intruding on her private space. There were no kayaks or rowboats in sight and a careful survey of the lake’s shore didn’t show another person. She appeared to be completely alone, but still felt as though eyes were crawling over her. She heaved a big sigh and began to swim toward the dock. Time to get out. She wished she’d thought to bring her towel to the dock. Now, she’d have to walk to the steps naked before she could wrap it around herself.

At the dock, she still felt a presence and decided to give the voyeur a show. She reached up and placed her forearms on the dock and then heaved herself up. She rolled onto her back and lay there for a moment. Then, she langorously stood up, pulled her matted hair forward and squeezed the water out so it ran down her torso. Then, she flung it back over her shoulder and slowly and methodically, ran her hands down each arm, her upper body and finally her legs. Finished, she walked slowly toward the stairs and her towel. She hoped whoever was watching had enjoyed the show.

Adam couldn’t take his eyes off Charlie. She was absolutely gorgeous, but he’d known that before. Naked, she was tall and lean with hair that hung almost down to her ass. Her tanned face, arms and neck offset the alabaster white of the rest of her body which was all muscle and beautifully shaped. Her breasts were very white in contrast to the skin above, with what were probably large rosy nipples but that were now crinkled into small and dark tight buds from the cold water. Charlie’s breasts weren’t overly-large like Rebecca’s, but looked pert and very firm. There wasn’t a bit of sag to them at all. Adam wished he could jump out of the trees and join her on the dock.

As he watched Charlie walk toward the house, he wasn’t sure what he should do. He couldn’t just suddenly burst out of the woods, especially with the biggest hard-on he’d had in forever. He was both embarrassed and ashamed of himself for watching like some dirty pervert. At the same time, he wouldn’t change one single second of the opportunity Charlie had just provided. Adam wondered if he could silently back away and return, making a lot of noise in the process. He decided he’d give it a try and hope like hell his swollen cock returned to normal in the process.

Wrapped in a big towel Charlie sat on the stairs and cracked open a second beer. The feeling of being watched had left and she knew somehow she was alone. That was fine with her, although she guessed she was going to have to give up skinny dipping until she figured out who had been observing her in the lake and on the dock. As she contemplated getting dressed, she heard someone whistling in the woods. She looked to her left and Adam appeared out of the trees and the melodic whistling ceased.

Adam smiled and wandered her way. “Hi there boss lady. I thought I’d pop over and look at how your fantastical house is progressing. Wasn’t sure if you’d be here or not since it’s so danged hot.”

“Hi yourself. You weren’t here earlier were you?”

“No, why do you ask?” Adam seemed to realize she was wearing a towel as he reached the porch. “Were you swimming? It’s a perfect day for it. I jumped in a couple of times this afternoon to cool off.”

“Yes, I went swimming in my altogether and at first I was very comfortable, but then I felt like someone was watching, but I never saw anyone. Are there other people living on the lake besides you?”

“Actually, there are a couple more cabins people live in full-time, but they are pretty much on the other side of the lake. And, okay, the lake isn’t that big, so someone could have watched you with a telescope or binocs.”

“So, who lives there? Do you know?”

Adam silently asked the neighbors across the lake for forgiveness just in case Charlie decided that’s who’d been watching her. “There’s an old married couple, the Fosters, Mary and Glen. Then, there’s crotchety Phil. Don’t know his last name, but he’s never very friendly, even when I run into him in town. I met them kayaking when I first came to stay here. Mary and Glen are pretty nice people and the laughter and yelling comes from their grandkids when they visit. Before you and your building began making noise, that was the only noise that ever disturbed the lake. I imagine the grandkids will be coming to stay for a couple of weeks soon.”

“Hmmm. Do you think crotchety Phil owns binoculars or a telescope? Or, what about Glenn? Could either of them be a dirty old man who likes looking at naked women?”

Adam laughed. “I don’t know about dirty old men, but I seriously doubt there’s a man in all of the world, maybe the universe who doesn’t like looking at naked women. In any case, if one of them, or even me, were watching, you don’t have a thing to worry about. We’d all just be enjoying the view.”

“So, was it you being a voyeur?” Charlie asked, letting her towel creep downward so the white tops of her breasts showed. “I promise I won’t be pissed if it was you. Knowing would just make me feel a lot better and especially more safe, so you can fess up if it was you.”

Adam rolled his eyes, but the blush that rose up from beneath his tank top made it impossible for him to tell her a lie. “Okay, it was me. I was coming to see you and your house and just before I stepped out of the trees, I saw you in the water. I could tell you were naked and wasn’t sure what to do. Then, you swam over and climbed out and I couldn’t have left no matter how many admonishments I offered myself. I guess you could say I was frozen in place.”

Charlie stood up and wrapped her towel more firmly around her body. “Well, knowing it was you does make me feel much better.”

“I have to tell you Charlie, I certainly did enjoy the show you put on on the dock.”

“Sure doesn’t to be seem any evidence you enjoyed it all that much.” Charlie responded with a smirk and glance at his crotch.

“Yeah, well, think again.”

“Maybe I could just drop this towel and see what happens.” Charlie said and took hold of the towel’s corner.

“No, don’t go doing that. I couldn’t be responsible for my response and I know exactly what it would be. You might not like it at all. Why don’t you get yourself dressed and offer me a beer and a tour?”

Charlie laughed and turned to enter the house. A few minutes later, she returned clad in shorts and a tank top with two beers. Her limit was usually two, but she was feeling a bit daring and it was Friday.

As they drank their beers, Charlie took Adam through the house. He was impressed by how the foundation had turned out and didn’t have a problem visualizing what the inside would look like. He was a much more interesting and appreciative visitor than Rebecca had been. He was also surprised to see the second floor was just large enough to fit over the porch and even more surprised when Charlie told him when finished it would be a cupola with windows all around and serve as her studio and office.

They sat on the porch stairs and talked of various things and Charlie finally brought up Adam’s books. “I’ve read every single one and was simply amazed. I haven’t had such an active sex life with myself for years. My best friend read them too and her husband wanted me to extend his appreciation for the benefits his wife provided while reading. All three of us are waiting impatiently for the next one. When’s it going to be published?”

Again, Charlie didn’t seem to have any sense of propriety and it made Adam very uncomfortable. He didn’t want to hear about her active sex life, no matter who it was with, unless it was him he realized. “It should be available the end of September. I’m glad you and your friend enjoyed them.”

“Sandi and I have talked about whether or not you write all that erotic stuff based on your own experiences. Do you?”

“Look Charlie, this kind of talk makes me really uncomfortable. It’s one reason I don’t post a photo of myself on my web site or tell people the name under which I write. It's also why I try very hard to not do very many book-signings. I seriously doubt I could write eroticism if I weren’t completely alone and I doubt I would have shared that personal information if I hadn’t had way too much to drink.”

Adam stood up and did look very uncomfortable. “Thanks for the beer and the tour, but I think I’d best head for my cabin. I’ll visit again one day soon and if you’re skinny dipping, I’ll be sure to yell or whistle or something. You have a good night.”

Charlie was nonplussed. He wrote shit like that and it made him uncomfortable. As he’d spoken, he’d been backing up and as soon as he wished her a good night, he turned and loped into the woods. It certainly wasn’t what she’d been expecting. And, damn it, they hadn’t touched once, so she didn’t know if the feeling he gave her was real. Next time, even if she had to knock him down and straddle him, she was going to find out if they had a connection or not.

Humming whatever tune Adam had been whistling, Charlie gathered up her belongings, locked up and left for home. She was going to have to spend the weekend getting her parent’s house tidied up. They’d be home the following week. Maybe she could figure out a way to stay here in her unfinished house. She’d have to think about that.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 4

 

          A couple of weeks went by and Adam didn’t show up at the job site, but that was fine with Charlie since she barely gave him a thought. Her house was coming right along and before long, they’d put on the roof and install the windows. Since it was an odd little house, she’d had to special order the windows, but she’d planned ahead, so the installation could happen almost as soon as the windows were delivered.

          Charlie would be glad to move the work inside the house because the weather was heating up. Today hadn’t been bad, but she was still contemplating a skinny dip in the lake. She’d filled up her huge ice tea mug and added a dash of bourbon and was sitting on the steps to the front door, enjoying the peace and quiet and shade when seemingly out of no where she heard, “Well hello there, neighbor. Hope you don’t mind my dropping by, but Adam’s talked so much about your building I simply had to come see for myself.”

          A blond woman had emerged from the woods to Charlie’s left. She spoke with a sweet southern drawl that almost made Charlie’s teeth ache. She just bet the woman used, “Well, bless your heart.” a lot. She also figured this was the blond woman that had been at the pub a couple weeks before.

          “Hello yourself,” Charlie responded. “You’re welcome to come see what we’ve been up to. Would you like some sweet tea?”

          Charlie watched as the woman approached. She wasn’t terribly tall, but had shapely legs although her hips were a mite wide. Short shorts displayed the tan beautifully. A small waist was emphasized by the huge boobs, also accentuated by the low-cut top that flaunted a lot of cleavage. Charlie wondered if she was as tan all over as the rest of her indicated.

          “I’d dearly love some sweet tea if it’s not too much trouble. It’s hot out even walking in the shady woods. I’m a bit parched.”

          Charlie got up, invited the woman to sit, found a glass and asked if she would like a taste of bourbon in with the tea. A full glass in hand, bourbon included, Charlie returned to the steps. “My name is Charlie,” she said as she offered the glass.

          “Oh my, how rude of me. My name’s Rebecca and I’m a good friend of Adam’s. I’m afraid I wore him completely to a nubbin this afternoon. He’s in bed sound asleep and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he didn’t wake up until tomorrow morning. Well, cheers.”  Rebecca winked and giggled as she said that and clinked her glass to Charlie’s mug.

          Charlie was tempted to ask if Adam was as good a lover as the hunk in his books, but bit her tongue before the words could escape. “Depending on what kind of work one does, it can be quite tiring. I know when I crawl in bed the end of the day, I’m asleep almost before my head hits the pillow.”

          “Adam told me you own the construction company that’s building your house. He also said you work right alongside your crew. I simply cannot imagine doing that kind of labor. In fact, I’m kinda surprised to see your pretty nails. You must not work too hard to keep them so nice.”

          “A sturdy pair of gloves, a good manicurist and lots of lotion is all it takes,” Charlie responded.

          “Well, bless your heart.”

          Charlie turned her head away and rolled her eyes. This was the type of woman her mamma had wanted her to become and had tried to make her that way with a variety of classes for young girls and young women. Charlie had had to attend, and she worked hard to perfect the lessons taught, but she never ever used them. If anything, she’d worked so her diction didn’t flow like molasses in mid-winter. She was sure Rebecca had taken all the same classes and religiously practiced what she’d been taught until it was second nature.

          “Yes, well it’s work I enjoy. I like to see my vision slowly become reality and knowing the result is a product of my efforts and that of a great crew makes it all worthwhile. So, did you want a tour?”

          “Why, yes, that would be so nice of you, that is if it’s not too much trouble.”

          “Well, come on then,” Charlie said, and led the way off the stairs and around the side of the house. The foundations were complete and appeared to simply rise up out of the ground.

          “Oh, my goodness. It looks like your house just growed right in place. However did you do that?”

          Charlie started to explain, but quickly saw Rebecca’s eyes begin to glaze over, so she stopped and just continued around to the back door.

          Inside, some of the framing was in place and Charlie pointed out where the kitchen, master bedroom, and bathrooms would be located. A huge open space, which took up almost half the floorplan would be her living room. At the left side of the room by the front door, was a small spiral staircase which would eventually lead up to her office and studio the only place there would be a second floor because she wanted a cupola.

          “It’s so hard for me to imagine what you’re telling me. It just looks like wood sticks on a wood floor.”

          “You’ll have to come back when I have my open house. I’m hoping to have it pretty much finished and furnished by the end of summer.”

          “Oh, I’d love that. You just tell Adam when and we’ll be there.”

          Charlie offered to freshen Rebecca’s sweet tea, but she declined, saying she wanted to be able to walk back through the woods without stumbling. “Afraid I get tipsy so easy when I have something to drink. If Adam wakes up, I wouldn’t want him to think I was a bad girl and into his Glenfiddich. You know that stuff’s nasty.”

          “I think it’s an acquired taste,” Charlie responded. “I don’t much care for it myself. Kentucky bourbon’s always been my liquor of choice.”

          While Rebecca finished her sweet tea, Charlie steered the conversation to Rebecca’s background. Sure enough, she had attended many of the same classes as Charlie, just a couple of years after her. It was almost as if Charlie could see inside Rebecca’s head as her oh-so-feminine brain wondered how on earth a woman who’d gone to all those required classes as a member of their city’s high society could have ended up in dirty jeans, boots, and a smelly, sweaty tank top.

          Without even trying, Charlie also got Rebecca to talk about Adam. They’d met at a book signing and Rebecca had hung around and boldly offered to buy him a drink after.

          “Don’t you go telling my mamma I did that. Ladies don’t offer to buy strange men drinks, but I simply loved his books so much I just had to get to know him. He was real nice and wouldn’t even let me pay for the drinks. I gave him my phone number and he called and invited me to dinner. We’ve been together since, although I don’t ever stay long at his cabin. My mamma would have a cow if she knew what I do with Adam. Course, my mamma’s never read one of his books, so I don’t think she has any idea the kind of sex we have. I think my mamma’s probably only ever had sex three times cause she and daddy only have three kids.”

          Charlie nodded and made little sounds of agreement as Rebecca continued to talk about her family and what she expected out of life.

          “Course, mamma’s gonna have a cow when Adam and I get married, but that’s simply too bad. He’s such a real man compared to all the boys I’ve dated.”

          “So, you two are engaged?”

          “Well, no, he hasn’t asked me yet, but it’s only a matter of time. We’ve been together for almost a year now, but he was busy writing his last book, so some of that may not count. He has to be on his very own when he’s creating. Now that it’s gone off to the publisher and we’re together more, I just know he’s going to ask me to marry him real soon.”

          Charlie felt her heart sort of cringe at the marriage news, but figured it was mainly because she was so hungry. And, she’d had enough of sweet Rebecca and all the topics Rebecca found interesting and she didn’t. Well, maybe except for Adam.

          Charlie picked up her glass, drained it, added Rebecca’s empty glass and stood up. “Well, it’s time I headed out and had some dinner. I’ve stayed longer than I usually do, but surely did enjoy talking with you Rebecca. Feel free to stop by any time.” But, please don’t. Charlie added under her breath.

          On the way home, Charlie stopped by the rib joint and bought her dinner. There was nothing like spicy ribs, collard greens, corn bread, and an ice-cold beer for dinner. She sat at the kitchen table and ate like she was starving. By the time she finished, she had barbeque sauce almost to her elbows and all over her chin. It made her think of the scene in a very old movie about someone named Tom Jones. It was set far back in time and the way Tom and his lady friend ate their food, throwing the bones over their shoulders for the dogs, was extremely erotic. They appeared to go right from the table to the bedroom, grease, sauce and all even though the movie didn’t show that part.

          Charlie thought it was too bad she didn’t have a boyfriend she could jump on the kitchen floor, but her last relationship had ended more than a year before. Ben had been a really nice guy, but he wanted the usual sweet southern woman for a wife and there was no way Charlie was going to take on a role like that. Of course, if she didn’t get out there and try to meet an eligible man or men, she was likely to end up an old southern maid.

          As she tidied up the kitchen and moved toward the shower, Charlie thought it would be right nice if there were brothels that provided men for the discerning woman. Course that would never happen, or if it did, it wouldn’t last. She’d heard someone had tried to start a place like that in Nevada, but there weren’t enough women interested to keep it in business. Charlie really didn’t understand how women could not be interested in sex with a handsome, built man. She knew she’d certainly be willing to pay for an evening or night filled with skin-to-skin orgasmic experiences.

          Ah well, she told herself as she stripped and climbed into the warm shower, at least you know how to satisfy yourself. Actually, when she thought about it, she couldn’t remember ever not knowing what an orgasm was. She didn’t know the name for the feeling way back then. All she knew was that it felt so good to touch herself there. She also knew it was something private although it was possible her mamma had caught her and told her that. She didn’t think so though because she’d never felt ashamed and surely if her mamma had talked to her about that, there would have been shame involved.

          Charlie spread lotion all over every single inch of her skin, dried her hair, brushed and flossed and pulled on her nightie and climbed in bed. Squeaky clean, tummy full, she tried not to think about her future and how it was entirely possible she’d be climbing into a bed all by herself for most of her life. She sighed and turned over to her belly and hugged her pillow. Her mamma would be home soon and perhaps this time when she wanted to match-make, Charlie would be way more cooperative than she had in the past. There had to be a man out there that would accept and love her as she was. Songs, movies, books all claimed there was someone for everyone. Her last thought as she fell asleep was that she was ready for her someone and it was too bad it wouldn’t be Adam.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 3

 

          Charlie was as good as her word and stopped at the bookstore on the way home. It was owned by a close friend she didn’t get to see as often as she would like because of their schedules.

“Hey, bless me, lookee here whose dropped in. You must be after the latest book on the environment or construction or business planning.” Sandi laughed as she greeted Charlie and gave her a big hug.

“Actually, I’m looking for books by the author A.G. Foster. Do you have any of those?”

“Oh, my Lord,” Sandi drawled, “What’s with you and erotic fiction or bodice rippers all of a sudden? Remember when we used to read those when we were in middle school? Our mothers would have had a conniption fit if they’d ever found us with one of those. You needing a little fantasy to help your libido?”

“You know I’m building my house out at the lake on the property Grandpa gave me? Well, I found out tonight the guy living next door is that author. I’m curious.”

“Y’all just met tonight? And A.G. Foster is a man?”

“Well, no and yes. Yes, he’s a man and we met a couple of weeks ago when he showed up at the building site. He announced himself by pulling out the main extension cord so everything came to a complete stop. Then he had a hissy fit about the noise. He was a writer. He needed quiet. He demanded quiet.”

“I’ll bet you didn’t let him get away with that.”

“Nope, I gave him a hard time and intimated he was so old he couldn’t change his schedule. Anyway, he left in a huff, but apparently he finished his book because he showed up tonight after the noise stopped to see what we’d done.”

“So, tell me, is he an old guy. One of those old nasty guys?”

“No, he’s quite attractive. Tall, thin, blond curly hair. I think he’d tan well if he got outside. Nice smile.”

“Oh, what’s that look on your face for? C’mon, share, you have to share with this old married lady, especially if it’s about sex.”

“Sandi, just get me one of his books, please.”

“C’mon with me.” Sandi said, taking Charlie’s arm.

In the proper section, Sandi pulled out several books and suggested, “Take your pick…or take them all. I’ve read a couple and my, oh, my, Len loves it when I read those because they make me get busy chasing him around the house until I catch him. I think he wishes I’d read one a day.”

“That good huh?”

“Yep, that good. Now are you going to tell me anything else?”

“Well, I’m sure it’s nothing. We shook hands when we met up tonight and I couldn’t believe the electricity that seemed to flow from him to me. Then, when he was leaving, we shook again, and I swear, every single hair on my body was standing at attention.”

“How about your lady parts? Were they participating or ignoring?”

“Lord almighty, but my nipples were hard and my lady parts tingling like they haven’t for a very long time.”

“It’s about time you found a man that makes you feel that way. All the ones you’ve ever been involved with have been so blah. I never said much, but I really felt you were seeing each one just to pacify your mom.”

“Pretty much, but what happens if Adam….”

“So that’s his real name, Adam?”

“Yes, but what if Adam doesn’t feel anything like I feel?”

“Only one way to find out, don’t you think?”

“We’ll see. I’m not going to chase after him based on my personal reaction, but I’d certainly be happy to see him again if he shows up.”

Together they headed for the front of the store where Sandi rang up every Foster book she’d pulled from the shelf. Bagged, she handed them to Charlie and said, “I’m so glad you stopped in. I think I’m going to take one of Adam’s books home myself. Len will be delighted you stopped in for more than one reason. And, you’d better not be a stranger. I expect to hear everything, and I mean everything about you and Adam.”

Charlie laughed and replied, “If there’s ever anything to report, I’ll take you out and buy you a drink…or two…or more.”

When Charlie arrived home, she removed her sweaty and dirty clothing in the mud room and added them to the pile waiting for her to do laundry. That would be tomorrow. Showered and dressed in jammies, she threw a frozen lasagna in the microwave and made salad from a bag.

While the microwave did its magic, Charlie pulled out her laptop and put it on the counter by her placemat. She googled A. M. Foster and discovered he had a web page. She had to laugh when she saw the photo because it looked an awful lot like the hunk that illustrated the cover of every book she’d bought. Adam didn’t look a thing like the hunk because while the hunk’s hair color and clothes changed from book cover to book cover, the eyes were almost always green. Plus, Adam certainly didn’t seem to have the muscle definition the hunk displayed. Well, at least he didn’t appear to have the same musculature. Charlie guessed maybe he didn’t want to post a real photo because every woman who read his books would chase after him, that is if they were as erotic as Sandi indicated they might be.

Lasagna, salad and a glass of wine in place, Charlie opened the bag of books and sorted them by publication date. Yep, the hunk on the cover did, indeed, look quite a bit like Adam’s photo on his web page. She giggled again and opened the one titled, Savage Surrender.

Whoa, the author didn’t waste any time getting down to business. The hunk, or at least the cover indicated he was a hunk, and his voluptuous lady friend were having wild mad sex before she’d gotten to page three. As Charlie continued to read, she barely tasted her food and she refilled her glass without even considering whether or not she should have a second glass. She left her dinner dishes on the counter and moved to the couch and the nest of pillows she’d made a couple of weeks before when her parents left.

Charlie’s mother said she’d taught herself to read before she’d ever started school and had been a voracious reader ever since, but she hadn’t read any books like this since she was a teenager. During summers before she first went to work, she would read a book a day. She sped-read, but always retained what her eyes input to her brain. By the time she was 100 pages into the few hundred-page book, she desperately wanted to meet Gerald, the handsome lover with the huge cock who left a bevy of breathless babes in his wake. He loved them and then left them because each one lacked something he desperately needed that would make him stay and be happy.  It wasn’t really clear what Gerald wanted from the perfect woman of his dreams.

It was after midnight by the time Charlie finished the first book and while Gerald finally found the woman he desperately desired, she still didn’t know exactly what he’d been searching for. Not only that, but her panties were very damp, her nipples hard and she desperately wanted sex. If a real Gerald had walked through the door, she would have tackled him to the floor right then and there. Alas, it wasn’t meant to be and Charlie definitely understood why Len loved it when Sandi read erotic fiction.

It was tempting to open the next one, but she had to be at work the next morning. So, Charlie put her dirty dishes in the sink to soak, changed her damp undies, brushed her teeth and climbed into bed. It didn’t take long before she was able to bring herself to orgasm, and even less time before she was sound asleep and dreaming.

In her dream, the hunk was Adam, and he knew every single thing about sex, foreplay and satisfaction that Gerald did. Charlie moaned in her sleep and moved about as though responding to a lover. She barely woke when Adam, her dream lover brought her to orgasm. He was simply amazing.

When Charlie woke the next morning, she was astonished by the memory of her dream and the fact she thought she’d had an orgasm while dreaming and sleeping. It certainly seemed and felt that way. She stretched, yawned and forced herself out of bed. There was no time to lay back and think about Adam and her dream or his writing and whether or not he could possibly be as good a lover in real life as he was at writing about his male protagonists.

For the next couple of weeks, Charlie continued to read Adam’s books, satisfy herself sexually, have such erotic dreams that sometimes they woke her up, and waited for Adam to come visit again. Every day, after the crew left, Charlie sat and waited, but Adam never showed up. She wondered if he was even at his place. Maybe he had to go to see his publisher. Maybe he was busy writing another book. Maybe she should go visit him. Maybe she could offer to read his rough drafts. Hell, maybe she could offer to be one of his temptresses.

On Fridays, Charlie usually treated the crew to a beer at the local tavern. They always stopped work an hour or so before quitting time so they could have a beer or two before heading home to their families. That particular Friday, they made their usual wise-cracking, noisy way into the pub. The bartender was used to them by now and began pulling a couple pitchers of beer which he would bring to the table with glasses.

Charlie was laughing at something Todd had said about his little girl’s inability to yet say some of her words correctly when she glanced toward the back of the establishment. There, in a back booth was Adam and he wasn’t alone. She couldn’t see the front of the woman, but it was definitely a woman and they appeared to be having a serious discussion. Charlie was surprised at how annoyed she felt and chose a chair so her back was to them. She didn’t want to watch whatever was happening there.

For once Charlie was the most silent member of the crew. Usually, she joked and kidded the guys and acted as though she were one of them. Gordy, who usually didn’t notice much of anything mentioned her silence and withdrawal before any of the other guys.

“So, what’s up boss lady. You’re awful quiet over there. You thinking serious thoughts? You planning to fire one of us?”

His comment caused Charlie to start just a bit, but she was quick to respond, “Wasn’t sure I’d be able to get a word in the way you hens were cackling and carrying on. Certainly have no intention of firing anyone, although if I did, I guess I’d have to start with you Gordy for picking on me.”

“Hey I wasn’t pickin’. I was just wondrin’. You’ve seemed a bit off fer a while now.”

“I have? I can’t imagine why or how, unless it’s knowing my folks will be back the end of the month and mamma will be wanting to know if I’ve found Mr. Right yet. Hey, one of you want to volunteer for that job, just to help get her off my back?”

Her crew all knew her mamma and as one, shook their heads negatively.

“Aw, c’mon, we don’t have to really get married, just act like it’s gonna happen one of these years.”

Todd, who’d known her mamma longer than any of the others said, “Hah. If your mamma thought you had an actual live fish on the line, she’d have the church reserved, the minister prepped and the unlucky groom in a tux and saying I do before the sun went down. Your mamma wants grandbabies. Besides, we’re all married or promised, so we couldn’t help you out anyway.”

“Okay, you’re right, but do any of you know of any live male person, age doesn’t matter, who wouldn’t mind making a bit of cash while mamma’s home for a month or so.”

Again, Todd responded while the others all laughed, “Nope, we don’t know a soul that’s single. And if we did, your mamma’s month at home would become however long it would take to get a ring on that finger and a bun in that oven.”

Charlie laughed with her crew and admitted her mamma could be fierce when it came to wanting those grandbabies. She finished her beer, stood up and said, “Well, just for that, I’m outa here. Y’all have a good weekend because I’m gonna work your butts off come Monday.”

Charlie went to the bar and gave the bartender her card. She purposely kept her head turned away from the back of the room. As she headed for the door, she detoured by her crew and flipped a couple of hats over faces, laughing and saying goodbye.

In her truck, Charlie took a deep breath and blew it out. What was that all about, she asked herself. It was like you were back in high school, determined not to let the popular guy know you might like him just a bit. I can’t believe you acted that way. You should have gone over and said hi. It’s not like you’ve dated Adam except in your dreams. Seriously, girl, you’ve only met him once, well twice, but the first time doesn’t count.

Charlie started her truck and headed for home as she continued to castigate herself for acting like a teenager interested in a boy. She told herself she was lucky she’d now read every single one of Adam’s books. There wouldn’t be any more titillating paragraphs to make her panties wet and her lady parts interested. Just because Adam had come to occupy her dreams on a nightly basis didn’t mean a thing. Besides no matter what he wrote in his books, he was probably a really bad lover with a seriously poor personality. She told herself she was only interested in Adam because of what he wrote. She didn’t have to give it another thought because her interest in eroticism was over, done, finished.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 2

 

          The book was finally finished and had been electronically sent off to the publisher. He was so grateful to have it done and decided he wasn’t going to wait until later to have his whiskey reward. As a matter of fact, he was going to celebrate and have more than his usual one shot, but it was going to be the good stuff tonight. He grabbed a glass and took the bottle out to the front porch. He loved to sit there and watch the lake and the varied wildlife it supported.

He sipped the excellent Glenfiddich and let the taste fill his mouth and the odor rise into his nose. If he weren’t so cheap, he’d drink it every single day, but it was so expensive, his Yankee ancestors would roll over in their graves. The way he was raised, it was anathema first to drink, but to spend lots of good money on such an item was unheard of. Of course, his ancestors had been parsimonious when it came to anything that could possibly be considered fun.

The glass seemed to almost empty itself, so he added a bit more. He didn’t want to get shit-faced because he’d decided he’d visit the building site once the noise ceased and he was sure they were all gone. It had been two weeks or more since he’d made his visit. He wanted to see what had been accomplished in that time, but he wanted to do it without running into the boss lady.

By the time he started for the construction site, he’d had a bit more to drink than he planned. Still, he could walk just fine and he wouldn’t have to interact with anyone who might think he was a bit tipsy. He laughed to himself at the word tipsy only because his foot had found a hole and he almost tipped. Ah, yes, he was a funny man.

He loved the peace and quiet of the forest now that the noise and the people were gone. At the construction site, he was amazed at how much had been completed, but even more amazing was how it was completed. It was undoubtedly going to be the oddest house he’d ever seen if the foundation was any indication. Rather than cut any of the trees down, the foundation flowed around them so there didn’t appear to be any real square corners. It kind of reminded him of a hobbit house.

As he meandered along the foundation, he found himself amazed at how it wove through the grove of trees. In some places, it appeared as though the eventual room would be large and in others, whatever was to be built on top had to be the size of a small closet. He rather hoped he’d be invited over for a preview once it was done.

“You do realize you’re trespassing yet again?” Charlie’s voice said quietly just behind him and he almost jumped out of his skin. He turned around and there she was, invading his space again. Didn’t this woman know anything about personal space?

He stepped back yet again. “Yes, well, but I jus….” Oh shit, he thought, it came out jus instead of just. I’d better not breathe on her. “What I’m trying to say is that I wanted to see how your project was coming. I didn’t expect to find anyone here.”

“Oh my, you smell like you’ve been imbibing.”

“Yes, well, I had a couple drinks because I finished my book today, Celebrating, you know. Anyway, I’ll be on my way.”

“That’s okay, you don’t have to rush off. Because of our first meeting, you’ll probably be surprised to hear this, but once the crew is gone, I always stay a bit to enjoy the quiet and wait for all the animal and bird sounds to return.” Charlie responded with a small smile.

“You said you’re building your house? You plan to live here?”

“Yes, I want to live here. I need to be out of the city, away from all the noise and pollution and everything that constitutes a city. It’s hard for me to think there. This is going to be perfect and I think that’s probably why my grandfather left it to me.”

“Your grandfather you say? My great grandfather built my cabin. I wonder if our grandparents knew each other?”

“I’ve no idea, in fact, I don’t even know your name. I know you sent letters, but I tossed those and can’t remember how you signed them.”

“Oh, apologies. I’m Adam Ferguson. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” And Adam held out his hand.

Charlie proffered hers and when their hands clasped, there was such a strong punch of feeling she felt as though he’d offered the raw end of the extension cord he’d held the first time she’d met him. She took her hand back and rubbed it against her thigh. She wondered if he’d felt what she’d felt. She wondered what the hell it was all about.

She cleared her throat and suggested they sit on the edge of the foundation. “I could hear you muttering to yourself as you inspected my work. Do you have any questions?”

“Actually, I do, but first, let me say how much I admire the fact you’re building to incorporate the trees instead of eliminate them. But I don’t understand how you’re going to change the foundation outline so it’s not all two feet this way and four feet that way and a foot or so the other way. It looks extremely odd. And, I noticed there’s chicken wire wrapped on some of it.”

“Have you ever heard of shotcrete?” As Adam shook his head, Charlie continued, “It’s a concrete product that’s shot through a hose. It’s used for all kinds of construction like tunnels, retention walls, things like that. It’s not usually used in the building of a home. The foundations I’ve laid aren’t as wide as normal plans would require. Instead, over the thinner foundation, we’re putting chicken wire, and in some places, some reinforcing rod. Once it’s ready, I’ll have the entire foundation shotcreted and smoothed. Eventually, it will be painted to match or closely match the surroundings it touches. Plantings will also help it disappear into the landscape.”

“So, it will be sort of a hobbit house, yes? I can kinda visualize what it will look like when it’s completed. Your design I take it?”

“Yes, and yes. I actually designed it a long time ago when I read the hobbit books and saw the movies, but never had the time or opportunity to actually try to build it. It’s kind of my pet project and I’m hoping the company doesn’t get so busy I have to take my crew someplace else without getting it done.”

“I have to admit I looked you and your company up on the internet. I gather your father retired completely after his heart attack? He doesn’t pop in and try to advise you on your projects?”

“Well, maybe in the beginning, but between my mom and I, we got him interested in seeing more of the world. They’ve been travelling pretty much full time for the last few years. They come home for holidays and my birthday, but otherwise, their house sits empty for the most part. I stay there most nights, but aside from that, I’m not there unless they come home.”

“I loved the tagline for your company. And, judging by the photos and explanations, you’re in high demand and keep a lot of folks in the area employed. I also noticed Terrance somebody is your chief architect most of the time.”

“Terry and I met at Georgia Tech and we’ve been friends since then. He understands what I want and how I want to do it. He’s as fanatical about environmentally safe products as I am. He married my best friend and they made me Godmother to their children. It’s my most sincere hope nothing ever happens to them because I really don’t know what I’d do with children.”

“You don’t want kids someday? I would think you’d want a passel of girls so you could raise them to be as smart and independent as you are.”

“Sheesh, you don’t waste any time getting personal, do you? As for kids, I think my mom has finally given up, at least the last time they were home, she wasn’t pestering me about a boyfriend or becoming a mom. I don’t know if I’ll ever meet the right man and if I did, maybe neither of us would want children.”

“Well, to share right back, my mom’s been waiting for me to marry and have kids for years now. Thank heavens my brother and sister gave her two each, so the pressure isn’t quite as bad. And, living down here now, she can’t invite me to dinner and spring her latest single find on me. I don’t miss that at all.”

Charlie laughed. “My mom tried that a few times and we had a little chat. Anyway, you said at our first meeting you’re a writer. What kind of scholarly books do you write?”

Adam, shifted uncomfortably and tried to change the subject, but Charlie didn’t let him ignore her question.

“It’s always a little embarrassing when people ask me what I write because I write what some folks call bodice rippers or erotic fiction.”

She gasped and said, “You mean those paperbacks I see all over the place with some big-chested woman practically exposing herself to the best-looking guy ever?”

Adam shrugged and said, “Yep, those are the kind of books I write. When I began, I planned on becoming the next Steinbeck or Hemingway, but it’s like they sometimes say, the characters took over and the next thing I knew, my first book was finished, I found an agent and the agent found a publisher and here I am about eight years later.”

Charlie was grinning and nodding her head. I gather you need all that peace and quiet in order to make sure the poor little dear can be saved by the swashbuckling hero.”

“Well, it ain’t literary fiction, but it does provide me with a nice living.”  Adam replied, trying his best not to be affronted by her reaction and laughter.

“Now Adam, don’t go being embarrassed or upset by me. I’ve read my share of those kind of books. As a matter of fact, I think I read the first one when I was barely in my teens. I couldn’t believe what I was feeling as I read some of those erotic passages. I think whoever wrote that particular book was responsible for me learning the proper term for the feelings I gave myself. I didn't realize until that book that what was happening to my body was an orgasm. Oops, bet that was TMI...apologies.”

It was Sam’s turn to laugh and be very uncomfortable. He’d never talked about orgasms, even with the closest girlfriend he’d ever had. This Charlie didn’t seem to have any barriers when it came to saying whatever came into her head or invading personal space. He wondered about her and her lack of personal space and private thoughts.

“So, do you write under the name Adam Ferguson. If I go to the bookstore, is that the name I should ask for?”

“God no,” Sam replied. “My mother has no idea I write books like that. I’ve never told her about my writing career, nor my father neither. They’d probably suffer simultaneous strokes if I handed them each one of my books with those eloquent covers.”

“Okay, what’s your, what do they call it, your….”

“Pen name. My pen name is Anne Gabriel Foster.”

“Wow, you even went with a female name.”

“In most cases, my name is printed as A. G. Foster, but there are times when there is a need for a full name, so that’s what my agent and I came up with.”

“On my way home, I’m going to stop at the bookstore and pick up a copy of one of your books. I hope it doesn’t keep me up all night if you know what I mean?” Charlie nudged Adam with her shoulder and laughed again.

“Ah, come on, Adam, don’t be embarrassed. Surely if you can write erotic prose, you can take a little kidding. And, it’s not going to be long before it becomes completely dark. You want a ride to your cabin since I’m going to head out now?”

“Thanks, but no. I’d rather walk back.” Adam responded, standing up. “And, thank you for the tour and the information about your home. I look forward to seeing your progress.”

“Stop by any time Adam, as long as you don’t unplug everything. I’ve enjoyed our chat tonight. And, if you don’t want to come during working hours, you’re always welcome after the noise stops. As I said before, I almost always stay for a bit.”

“I just might do that and maybe I’ll even bring some food and drink. Now the book is done, I can spend a lot more time on my other passion which is cooking. I love to cook and if it weren’t for the months I spend writing that keeps me out of the kitchen, I’d probably be the size of a sumo wrestler.”

“That would be so nice. I can’t cook worth a lick. Make a sandwich, pour a bowl of cereal, or put something from the freezer in the microwave, but that’s about it. My mom despaired when I was growing up because I wanted to be outside doing guy stuff instead of inside learning how to be a young lady.”

Adam held out his hand again and Charlie once again clasped his. This time she was ready for the instant flash and sure enough, it was instantaneous. She felt like every single hair on her body was standing at attention. She wondered if Adam felt anything.

He pulled his hand back and wished her a good night before turning away and heading for the woods. He heard her wish him a lovely evening and he smiled over his shoulder and waved. He needed to get away from her and think. The first time he’d touched her, he’d been instantly aroused and he’d had to concentrate hard to keep his cock from bulging in his pants. That was the reason he’d held his hand out again. He wanted to see if it would happen a second time. It had and was even stronger after spending time with her. He wasn’t sure if he’d come back or not. He’d never had such a reaction to a woman before. It was just like something he’d written in one of his books. He seriously hoped she didn’t bother to stop and pick up a book. He didn’t want to see her again and know she’d read his words, words that now could have been about his reaction to her.

He stopped walking and took a deep breath. He hadn’t thought of it until now, but he wondered if Charlie had had some kind of reaction to him. He wondered what it would be like to hold and kiss her if her body had reacted as explosively and immediately as his own. He shrugged and started walking again, telling himself that kind of stuff only happened in the books he wrote.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 1

 

          Electric tools and a radio turned up high filled what had once been a very quiet and peaceful plot of land on the edge of the lake with noise, loud noise. The sound of human voices added to the cacophony that filled the air and spread out over the lake.

Suddenly, the sound of tools and music stopped. Everyone in the clearing looked toward the power pole that provided electricity. Standing there, the end of the extension cord in his hand was a stranger. He was tall and slim, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt with a head full of riotous blond curls. He wore sandals covered in mud that had splashed up his calves. The look on his face was grim and she initially wondered if he’d suffered an electric shock.

Into the silence, he began to shout and wave his arms about. “I demand to talk to Charlie Ridgeway. Of course, he’s probably not here, being the big boss and all, and if he isn’t, then I want to talk to the foreman. This has to stop. This unceasing noise has to end. Now, Today. Immediately. Now, where’s Charlie Ridgeway?”

One of the taller individuals moved toward him and came to a stop within his personal space. “I’m Charlie Ridgeway. Exactly what the fuck’s your problem?”

Shocked and surprised, the man stepped back. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. It was a woman wearing boots and jeans that looked as though they had been painted on. The tank top she wore, barely tucked in was wet with sweat. She wore sunglasses and a ballcap with a pony tail that fell out the opening in the back. He couldn’t think of what to say.

“So, what’s the problem. I thought you wanted to talk to me? Oh, I get it now, you thought I was a man. That must be why your fists are clenched. What were you going to do, belt me one if I’d had a pecker? Well, go ahead and belt me one. You’ll find yourself flat out on the ground before you can pull your hand back. I may be a woman, but you don’t want to fuck with me. Got it? Now, time’s money so What. Do. You. Want?” Charlie spaced the last four words out for emphasis.

“Oh, well, um, well. Now, I sent you several letters asking to purchase this property and you never responded. Now you’re here, probably planning to cut down the entire grove of these lovely trees and build some monstrosity. Why can’t you just sell me the property and move on somewhere else?”

“I got your letters and I didn’t respond because I don’t want to sell this land. I’m building my home here and it will not be a monstrosity. Of course, I have no idea what you think a monstrosity would be, but that’s what’s happening.” She turned away and called, “Okay Tom, go ahead and plug back in. I want to get those forms finished today.”

Immediately, the radio began to blare and her visitor moved over and yanked the plug again. “Look, you have to be a lot quieter if you’re going to work here. I’m a writer. I have a deadline and I can’t work with all this noise.”

“Well, that’s too fucking bad. Hey Tom, plug back in and give this guy a packet of earplugs.”

Once again, the plug went in only to be yanked back out. “Look, I only need another week or two of silence. Why can’t you leave and come back then?”

“Look, I’m not leaving. As I said, time is money. I have deadlines too. We’re here only eight hours a day, so why can’t you write the other 16 hours when it’s calm and quiet.”

“That’s not my schedule.”

“Really, you don’t look as though you’re so ancient and so set in your ways you simply can’t change.”

“That’s not the point. I write mornings, break for lunch and spend another four hours in the afternoon. I need quiet to do that.”

“Well, sorry, but there’s nothing I can do besides suggest you change your schedule. I simply cannot change mine because I have all these employees whose schedules are set for every day, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Majority rules.”

The man ran his fingers through his already mussed hair and tried again, “Look, I have to have quiet….”

“Look yourself. You’ve taken enough of our time. Now either leave, or I’ll call the sheriff and have you escorted back to wherever you came from.” Charlie pulled her phone out of her back pocket and held it up, poised to dial 911. “Well, are you going or not?”

Tom plugged the cord in again as the man turned and stomped away. His hands were again clenched and his back so straight and rigid, Charlie was sure if she had been a man, he might have decided to take a chance and punch it out. She glanced at him one more time before turning back to the project. She did have to admit that he was extremely attractive, but so full of himself. Like the world should just stop because he was writing. She wondered what kind of stuff he wrote, but since she didn’t even know his name, it didn’t really matter. She shrugged, smiled at Tom and Doug and picked up her hammer. Time for her to add to the noise she thought with a wicked grin.

Stomping wasn’t actually the best way to walk through the woods at the edge of the lake. He was so pissed off on his way over he hadn’t paid any attention, but, now, on the way back, the first time his foot landed in a pool of water, the resultant splash soaked his thighs and shorts all over the front. He looked down and was grateful it hadn’t happened on the way there. It appeared he had peed himself.

Back at his cabin which was small and old, originally built by his great-grandfather and updated by himself, he stripped by the back door as his outdoor shower water heated up. By the time he’d soaped and rinsed and grabbed a towel, he wasn’t quite as pissed off as he had been, but he was curious, very curious.

Dressed, he filled a big container with water from his very own well. It was always so cold that sometimes his teeth ached if he took a huge mouthful. Then, he sat at his computer, thankful once again he’d been able to pay for having a great connection to the outer world and in particular to the internet.

He opened his browser and typed in Charlie Ridgeway.  He wondered why he hadn’t done that before and then realized why. He’d thought it was a man and finding a woman, his curiosity was aroused. What came up first had nothing to do with construction for the most part. She was apparently tied into every social media app possible. He clicked on the one he thought would give him the most personal information and choked on his water when the photo filled his screen.

He wouldn’t have mistaken her for a man ever. It was a full-body shot that showed every single thing about her. The dress was red and fit like the proverbial glove with small spaghetti straps over her shoulders. He didn’t understand how such small strings could possibly hold up the bosom displayed. The dress ended just above her knees with a side slit that almost reached her hip. The heels she wore were red too and must have added another three or four inches to her height and she was already tall. Her dark hair fell in waves and curls over one shoulder and must have reached the middle of her back. Her mouth held a wicked little smile, as though she had a secret she was dying to share. And her eyes, good God, her eyes. He hadn’t seen them earlier, but here, they were beautifully made up with long dark lashes surrounding eyeballs the color of good turquoise. They were so unusual, he wondered if she was wearing colored contacts.

The photo held his attention for a time and then he paged down to the written information. He wondered if she’d written it herself or if someone else had.

“Charlotte (Charlie) Marie Ridgeway was born in Atlanta Georgia, the only child of Simon and Althea Ridgeway. Her father was a contractor and her mother a homemaker. Ms. Ridgeway excelled throughout her school career both academically as well as socially. She attended Georgia State College for one year before transferring to the Georgia Institute of Technology where she majored in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Business and Social Sciences. She graduated with honors and was preparing to study for her Masters in Industrial Engineering when her father suffered a serious heart attack.

“It was at this point Ms. Ridgeway gave up her studies and took over her father’s construction company, The Ridgeway Construction Company: Only one way to do it right, the Ridgeway Way. Over the last seven years, she has brought the company into the 21^st Century with the utilization of environmentally friendly designs and construction products as well as providing the company’s employees with a very beneficial pay structure, health and pension plan and the opportunity to become a shareholder in this family-owned business.”

There was more information about the various organizations she belonged to, projects she supported and the usual variety of information found in a report like the one he’d chosen to view. Next, he turned to Facebook, then Instagram and finally Twitter. Charlie posted something almost every single day on one or all of those sites. Usually, her post dealt with her company’s current construction project. Many times, the posts contained information about the products she was using and/or endorsing.

Finally, he looked up the company itself and was amazed by the wide variety of projects she and her company undertook. The photos of homes and business buildings were stunning and he found he could click on the photo and obtain information about the design and the products. The same architect, a Terrance Field, appeared to be Charlie’s favorite choice, and in most cases, she herself was listed as the designer.

No where could he find any information about Charlie’s marital status or personal life. Everything he’d found was related in some way to the company. He wondered if she had a personal life. He wondered what it would be like to take her to dinner. Would she talk construction the entire evening? Would she dress up and look more like the photo he’d first seen? Except for that one photo, most of the shots he’d seen showed her as she’d been dressed that day.

He drained his water bottle and pushed away from the computer. Here he’d wasted hours trying to obtain quiet and then ended up devoting time to finding out about his neighbor. He’d just have to suck it up and try writing after the noise ceased. He wasn’t so old he couldn’t change his habits. He’d just have to put off his whiskey reward until he’d gotten some writing done. And sure, he’d be eating and drinking late, but he could always sleep late. At least if the noise didn’t wake him, but he’d always been a good sleeper. His mother used to say the world could end and he wouldn’t wake up. He guessed he’d see if that was true come the morning. The world wouldn’t end, but the interesting Charlie and her crew would be back and fill the air with the same racket he was hearing right now.

As he refilled his water container, he gazed out the window and wondered what kind of a house she was building herself. He seriously hoped she wouldn’t be cutting down any of the gorgeous trees. He didn’t know anything about construction, but he kind of thought if any trees were coming down, they’d be taken down before any construction began. Maybe once he’d finished his latest book, he could make a little surreptitious trip over there in the evening to see exactly what she was doing.