UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 9

 

        Charlie had spent her last night at her parents’ house. All the furniture and necessary items had been installed in her home over the last three days. That included the bulk of her clothes, but she’d held back what she planned to wear to complete getting everything ready for the housewarming. She was so grateful to her mamma for taking the lead on the party. Charlie didn’t know how she would have fit the party preparations into her workload.

Her mamma got her up early. No sleeping in this Saturday. “Now c’mon Charlotte, get that behind of yours outa that bed. I expect you to strip the bed and at least get the sheets into the washer before we leave here in about an hour. You don’t have to do any other cleaning because I’ll have Millie give your room an in-depth cleaning next week when she comes.”

Charlie stretched, moaned and replied, “Sheesh mamma, but you make it sound like I’m a kid again, hiding cheeseburgers under my bed and I only did that once. I think my bottom hurt for a couple of days after you found all that moldy food hidden away.”

“I’m not worried about moldy food being in your room these days. I just want Millie to give it a good clean. I’m thinking about redecorating and turning this into a true guest room.”

“Like you and daddy need another guest room in this big house. What you should do is sell it and move into something small, you know a pied-a-terre for when you are in town. If you and daddy keep travelling, it’s going to sit empty for weeks at a time unless you get someone to house-sit while you’re gone.”

“There’s an idea I hadn’t thought of. Maybe I’ll redecorate for the house-sitter. Now, c’mon scoot. We’ve got to get busy.”

In barely more than an hour, they reached Charlie’s new house. Shortly after, the caterers arrived and began to set up. There would be a small bar on the back porch, a larger one on the side porch accompanied by bins of ice filled with beer and soda. Food would be found on various trays of hor d’oeuvres placed around the house, both inside and out. Her kitchen would be used by the caterer for staging and replenishing the various food and drink. Charlie hadn’t wanted waiters moving among the guests with trays, her house was simply too small to allow for that. She wanted her housewarming to be simple and casual and her mamma had worked with the caterer to make it so. Charlie was so happy with the way everything looked as party time approached.

Her mamma had brought her dress and went to change in the spare bedroom. Charlie retired to what was her room, removed her shorts and tank-top and laid down in the middle of her big bed in her underwear. She absolutely loved this room and expected to be very happy there. She stretched and thought about Bradley staying over after the party. Charlie was sure she’d be more than ready for some great hot sex once the last invitee had left. Bradley hadn’t seen the inside of the house and she wondered what his reaction would be, especially to this, her very personal space.

Charlie looked around the room from her viewpoint on the bed. The various odd-shaped windows along the top of the outside wall were, in her opinion, adorable, as if someone had simply flung pieces of colored glass at the siding. The skylight over her bed was stained glass made with lightly colored and plain glass that during the day showed an abstract design but would allow her to moon and star-watch at night.

Her eyes flowed from wall to wall and appreciated the various black and white sketches she’d found at different antique stores. They were of women and men, done in the style of the early 20^th century. All were rendered as nudes with some of the bodies facing front, others reclining, others showing the backside of the figure. She’d had them framed according to their size in plain black wood. Some of the frames had no carving or ornamentation and others did, but in each case, the frame complimented the interior sketch. Charlie had looked up the various artists, and hadn’t found any mentioned online, but it was obvious they had been admirers of Picasso and Barrington.

A lover of bright colors, the wall behind Charlie’s bed was a deep emerald green. A small rug beside her bed carried the same color while her duvet cover and pillows were a riot of colorful flowers. The furniture, and there wasn’t much beyond a small rocker, a large dresser and small vanity as well as the headboard, was made of reclaimed wood, pained a glossy white. The cushion on the chair in front of the vanity matched the material on the bed. The various knick-knacks placed around were glass odds and ends she had found in the various antique stores she’d visited over her life or received as gifts. She knew where each and every item in the room came from. It was truly a woman’s room, truly Charlie’s room.

As in all the rooms in the house, there was a temporary sign on the wall that provided information about everything Charlie had used to create her bedroom. The signage mentioned the kind of wallboard, a magnesium oxide board that was not only noncombustible but was nutritional waste. This meant if her house was torn down, all the wallboards could be ground up and used as a soil nutrient. The sign also detailed the various suppliers of all the items in the room. Bamboo floors, sheep’s wool insulation, replenishable cotton in the fabrics, reclaimed glass, etc. There wasn’t a thing in her bedroom that could be considered newly manufactured.

Charlie got up and pulled the dress she planned to wear from the closet. It was very simple, a calm blue without decoration made of some kind of cotton with a bit of stretch to it. The bodice fit like a tank top and didn’t require a bra, then flowed down and over her hips to mid-thigh. Simple flip-flops completed her attire. And even though it was fairly hot, Charlie chose to let her hair hang down her back, pulling a blue ribbon through her hair to hold it away from her face. A bit of lip-gloss and she was ready to party.

Adam hadn’t decided just when he’d walk over to Charlie’s. He didn’t want to go too early and was actually hoping he’d be able to stay until the last guest had gone. Of course, that meant the man he’d seen Charlie with had to either not attend or leave as well. Adam fully intended to pursue some sort of relationship with Charlie beginning that very day.

It was going on six by the time Adam headed out. When he reached the edge of the woods, he stopped to admire Charlie’s house. It looked as though it had grown from the very earth, its rounded foundation, now planted with low-growing shrubs looked so natural he was amazed. She’d chosen a color for the foundation that matched the earth on which it rested. The siding had been painted a green, taken from the trees through which the house nestled. He thought that in certain light, it was possible the entire structure would disappear into the landscape.

The porch which went along the front and down one side was also painted the earth color. The furniture and porch swing were bright pops of coral and yellow and the various cushions also reflected those colors. It was the windows that really caught Adam’s eye. He’d been here after their installation, but he hadn’t really stopped to actually look and appreciate the beauty of the various sizes and shapes. He would have bet money not one window was the same as another. He was quite intrigued by the five small windows, placed high up the back side of the house. They were all odd shapes and appeared to contain colored glass. He really wanted to see those from the inside.

Adam stepped from the woods and approached the porch, now filled with people holding drinks and napkins. There was some kind of music in the background, but voices and words pretty much drowned it out. Charlie was standing just outside her front door, welcoming people, talking, encouraging everyone to wander around and see her new home. She greeted Adam with a hug and the faint gardenia smell that always seemed to cling to her filled his nose and caused every cell in his body to sit up and take notice. He gave her a more intimate hug than he’d intended and as he stepped back, she looked at him questioningly. He wanted to hug her again because the one he’d just had hadn’t been long enough. Before he could pull her back or she could say anything the man he'd seen Charlie with in the lake came up behind her from the interior of the house.

“Wow, Charlie, you really knocked the ball out of the park this time.” the man said, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the side of her neck. “I cannot tell you how impressed I am with what you created here. One of these days, you’re going to build one hell of a family home.”

Adam’s heart sank just a bit at those words, but he chose to remain undaunted. Unless they were engaged or planning a future together, as far as he was concerned, Charlie was available. May as well find out now.

“Family home?” Adam said with a raised eyebrow. “Charlie is there some news you’ve forgotten to share. And, I’m Adam, Charlie’s next-door neighbor.” He added, holding out his hand for the man to shake.

As the two men shook, Charlie laughed. “Oh, sorry Adam, this is Bradley. And, no, no news to share Adam. I haven’t spent even one night here, so I won’t be planning a family home any time soon. I’ll leave you two to get acquainted. I need to do hostessing or my mamma’s gonna be after me with a switch.”

“So, you live next door?” Bradley asked. “You lived there long? I don’t think Charlie’s ever mentioned her neighbors.”

“I moved down here a few years ago and loved the peace and quiet which has finally returned. Charlie’s building just about drove me nuts. Have you known Charlie long?”

“Her mom introduced us a couple months ago. Ruth Ann knows my Aunt Isabelle and invited us both to dinner. We’ve been hanging since then, not as often as I’d like, but Charlie has priorities and I’m not always one of those.” Bradley laughed and added, “But, she’s definitely worth the wait. Now her house is finished, I plan to make sure we spend more time together.”

“Charlie definitely seems very interesting. I find just her career and the way she interacts with her crew fascinating. Of course, we’ve only had a few conversations so I don’t know all that much about her. Probably wouldn’t even be here tonight if I weren’t a neighbor.”

The two men talked about their work. Bradley was an investment banker and Adam managed to avoid giving an actual answer that would out him as an author of bodice rippers. He’d rather Bradley think he was independently wealthy. Eventually, Adam excused himself to find a drink and Bradley directed him toward the bar on the side deck.

Drink in hand, Adam went inside the house to wander from room to room, although there were really only five actual rooms. The master bedroom which held those odd-shaped glass windows and its adjoining bathroom. Another smaller bedroom with a bathroom that served that room and was accessible from the huge open space that comprised kitchen, dining and living. True, there was an additional room at the back that served as laundry and mud room. Adam was seriously intrigued by the staircase that wound up to the only second floor and which was covered by the cupola. Up there, he went from window to window and was amazed at everything he was able to see. Even his cabin was visible, but just barely. He also liked the way the tassel of ribbons brought color and movement into the room.

Throughout, Charlie had utilized earth colors ranging from deep green to a deep brown. They served as the backdrop for the colorful paintings and fabric weavings that adorned the walls. The furniture was rather modern with soft cushions and any framework that showed was a very dark wood. Eclectic pieces of glass and other knick-knacks, none of them recently manufactured, occupied tables, bookcases and other flat areas around the rooms. As she’d told him, each room held signage which explained the various products used to develop her home. Adam wondered where the camera man from the magazine was since he’d not seen anyone taking photos.

When he decided to freshen his drink, he again found Charlie at the door. “I absolutely love your house.” Adam told her, reaching out to touch her shoulder and feel the zing he knew he'd get. “You’ve done wonders, but I’m wondering where the magazine guy is. I expected he’d be here too.”

Charlie laughed and leaned into his hand because she liked the feel of it on her shoulder. Why couldn’t Bradley make all her hairs come to attention? “She, not he was here late yesterday afternoon and came back this morning before the festivities began. I invited her to return for the party, but she had to get back. I can’t wait to see how the article and photos turn out.”

“I particularly liked the signage. I learned a lot from reading the information and didn’t realize there were so many environmentally friendly choices to be had these days. If I ever decide to update my cabin, you’ll be the first person I call for advice.”

Charlie, emboldened by the wine she’d imbibed leaned toward Adam, her mouth so close to his he could feel her breath and told him, “Well Adam, you surely don’t have to wait until you’re ready for construction on your cabin. You can call me any time. For that matter, you can stop by here any old time. I know I’d be real happy to see you.”

Charlie sort of lost her balance and her lips came against Adam’s. It was all he could do to simply steady her as opposed to yanking her into his arms and kissing her senseless, providing he was capable of making her senseless, but he thought just maybe he, to use her words, surely was. “Oops, sorry, or to quote that peanut butter candy motto, Not Sorry. I think you might be a good kisser. I’d surely like to find out Adam.”

Adam hung around the party, talking to this person and that person, hoping to see Bradley lope off into the far distance, but finally, it was obvious Bradley wasn’t going anywhere. As the caterers began tidying up, Adam found Charlie, now laying on the porch swing propped up by pillows. She smiled as Adam approached.

“Charlie, I want to thank you for inviting me and tell you again what a wonderful creation you made in this space.”

She held out her hand and Adam took it in both of his. She stared into his eyes and whispered, “Feel that. Tell me you feel that Adam.”

He released her hand and didn’t respond other than to say good night, turn and walk off the porch and into the woods.

Charlie leaned back against the pillows disappointed Adam hadn’t told her he felt what she did. Then again, it was quite trampy of her to do something like that when she was dating Bradley. While she was ruminating over Adam and her reaction, Bradley sat down on the edge of the swing. “The caterers and everyone else had left. It’s just you and me now. How about you head for the bedroom. I’ll join you after I blow out all the candles and lock up. How does that sound.”

Charlie sighed and bit back the first word that popped into her wine-drowned head which was disappointing. Instead, she said, “That would be so good of you Bradley. I’ll do my best to stay awake until you get there. I may have had one too many glasses of wine.”

“I know babe,” he replied as he helped her stand up from the swing. “You need some help getting there or will you be fine now you’re upright?”

“I’ll be fine,” Charlie responded and moved to the door muttering to herself, “But not as fine as I’d surely be if you were Adam.”

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 8

 

          Charlie didn’t hear anything from either Adam or Rebecca, but that was just fine. She was concentrating on getting her little house completed so she could live there instead of at her parents. They’d decided not to go off again until after she had her housewarming party and she desperately wanted to get that on the calendar. It wasn’t that she didn’t like her parents, she loved them, but her mamma kept trying to get her to meet this or that man who would “…be absolutely perfect for you my dearest.”

Actually, the last man her mamma had invited to dinner hadn’t been too terribly bad. He was tall with dark hair he kept clipped very short which emphasized the five-o’clock dark shadow on his face that he seemed to have no matter what time of day. He was also slim and athletic, hated golf as much as she did, and was even more interested in environmental causes than Charlie. He had a job with a nonprofit that worked on projects that removed dams from rivers around the world.

His name was Bradly, not Brad, and he had a wicked sense of humor that complimented Charlie’s own. She saw him when she could and because she really liked sex and he was very available, she visited his condo after their second date. The sex was okay, he was tender and considerate, asking what she did and didn’t like and made sure she orgasmed each time. Still, there was no zing to the relationship and Charlie knew she’d eventually become bored. Still, he was fun and interesting for now.

Adam had indeed gone north to visit family. He’d even given serious thought to staying and had looked up some of the women who’d interested him at one time. Unfortunately, with the exception of one, they’d all found their soul-mates and weren’t interested in him any longer. Susan, the now divorced one was available, but after having dinner with her twice, he was so bored with their conversation, it was all he could do to keep from yawning. Not only that, but he kept comparing her to Charlie and the comparison wasn’t good. Charlie was vibrant, interesting, fun, opinionated, and knowledgeable about a lot of stuff while Susan wasn’t. Her favorite topic of conversation seemed to be the latest fashions.

His parents and Susan weren’t happy when he announced he was returning to his cabin on the lake. He also used the excuse that if he didn’t go back, he lose his job and he actually like what he did down there. They all thought he was some kind of salesman, a terribly poor occupation in their opinion. Adam sometimes laughed at the idea of sending everyone in the north autographed copies of his books.

Once Adam settled in, he decided he’d walk over to Charlie’s place and see how it was progressing. He’d decided he was going to see what kind of a relationship they could have. Charlie had been right when she said he felt something just like she did. A bit before he reached the edge of the woods, he heard voices and laughter. It was Charlie and a man and Adam assumed it was probably one of the crew. Just before he stepped out from behind the huge tree he had to pass to stay on the pathway, he looked toward Charlie’s dock and there she was, almost naked and with an almost naked man.

Adam felt like a voyeur standing there, but he couldn’t look away from the two figures. He watched as the man reached out, unbuttoned and unzipped her jeans and knelt to yank them down, leaving her standing there in a very brief pair of panties. When the man stood up, Charlie performed the same ritual for him, except he was commando, so his cock sprang up like it was on a spring. Charlie stood up, reached out and grasped the hard member while the man used both his hands on her breasts.

Suddenly, Charlie let go and gave the man a huge push. He fell backward off the dock into the water while Charlie first grinned and then laughed delightedly. When he rose from beneath the water, Charlie gave a little bow and then did a cannonball right beside him. When she came up, she put her arms around the man’s neck and placed her mouth over his. It was obvious where this was going to go and Adam was torn. He wanted to stay and watch, but he also felt like a real shit standing there hidden from view.

Adam decided he’d feel much better about himself if he left, so he very quietly turned and made his way back over the path to his cabin. That’s what happens, he told himself, you just had to ignore the signals and the feelings and now Charlie’s with someone else. He pulled down his bottle of Glenfiddich, retired to the porch and decided he’d maybe drink one too many and have a serious discussion with himself about his total and complete stupidity.

 Charlie didn’t know Adam had returned and he didn’t try to visit again for several weeks. When he did go over, he did it during the day, figuring the crew would be on hand. When he stepped into the clearing, his heart almost stopped. Charlie was high up in the air on one of those man lift things. She was leaning over the edge of the platform, far too much of her extended as far as Adam was concerned. She had something in her hand and once she finished whatever it was she was doing, her crew cheered and clapped.

There hadn’t been much wind, but as if Charlie had summoned it, a breeze sprang up and took the various long colored ribbons she’d put at the very top of her cupola and made them dance. Charlie herself clapped and bowed, then stood back so the lift could be lowered. It was at this point she saw Adam and she smiled and waved, calling out “Welcome back stranger. You got here just in time for the finishing touch.” And she pointed to the streamers flying and lifting in the air.

On the ground, Charlie addressed her crew. “Thank you all for coming out here today just to see my freedom flag installed. You know you’re all invited to my housewarming this coming Saturday. There’ll be food and drink. Come early and stay late. Bring your wives, husbands, kids, whoever. I really want to christen the home you’ve all helped me create. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Then, Charlie went from man to man and the one woman Adam had never noticed before, giving them each a hug, saying something that either made them laugh or at least grin, and providing pats on some of their butts.

Todd began to button up the man lift so he could transport it back to town. A couple of the other staff assisted and it was soon rolling out of the yard. Charlie told them to be sure to stop at the pub for their last beer for this project and added that she’d join them in a bit.

As everyone drifted away, Charlie walked over to where Adam was standing out of the way. “So, do you want a tour or would you rather wait until Saturday when everything is perfect and all the signage is up?”

“Signage? What are you talking about?”

“I’m proud to announce that the Environment Design and Construction Magazine heard about this project and asked if they could feature it in their magazine. I, of course, told them that was a terrific idea. So, I’m making signs that will be installed throughout the in- and outside of the house identifying the various products used and why I chose them. I’m quite excited about this recognition.”

“Congratulations. Another wonderful project to illustrate your and Terrance’s hard work on your web sites. I think I’ll wait until Saturday and see the entire finished product.”

“Suit yourself. Care for a beer? I eventually have to hit the pub, but I wouldn’t mind having a beer in the peace and quiet first.”

“Sure, I’ll wait out here on the porch which, by the way, looks a thousand percent better than the last time I was here. The paint and furniture really set off the entrance.”

“Thanks, be right back.”

When Charlie returned with two beers, Adam was sitting in one of the chairs. She set his beer on the little table and took the other chair. “I thought you might be on the porch swing when I got back. It’s the absolute best place to lay and watch the lake, clouds and any birds and animals that come visit. It’s probably my favorite place of them all. You’re going to have to give it a try.”

“It looks tempting and perhaps I’ll return one of the afternoons when I could really use a break or a nap, assuming you’re going to be off at work on another project some place. I really do love the fact the noise was pretty much gone when I got back.”

“So, how was the home visit. Did you confess and tell your family what you actually do down here? And, since you came alone, I gather you didn’t marry an old girlfriend and bring her back.” Charlie said with a laugh.

“The visit was fine. The girls I knew are all married women now and I found I really missed being here. As for telling my folks what I do, everyone thinks I’m some kind of salesman and deplore the fact I’m doing such menial, way beneath my education job. If I’d only come back home, my dad and brother would welcome me into their company and I’d finally be doing something worthwhile, not to mention something I would absolutely hate.”

“Will you be bringing Rebecca on Saturday?”

“Um, no. Your little announcement about my heading north at the end of your mother’s party pretty much took care of that problem for me. If you’ve invited her and she’s here Saturday night, she probably won’t even speak to me, but that’s okay. I feel bad she felt hurt, but I did actually try more than once to get the point I wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship across. You pissed me off at the time, but I have to say thank you because you actually helped me.”

“I don’t know if Rebecca will be here or not. As usual, my mamma pretty much took on the housewarming. I did give her a list of people I wanted to invite, but I don’t think I included you or Rebecca. Now, of course, that I know you’re back you are indeed invited.”

“Well thank you so much. I look forward to it.” Adam sat there and tried to figure out how he could ask if she was involved with anyone. He really wanted to know about the man he’d seen her with, but it looked like he’d have to wait until Saturday and she if she had a date.

“So, you going to start another book, or have you started another book?”

“I’ve been toying with an idea for a while, but haven’t actually put any words into the computer. It’s not going to be the kind of stuff I’ve written before so I’m just a bit unsure of myself and the topic.”

“What is the topic?”

“I’m sorry, but I’m not quite ready to talk about it. I’ve found I have to let the words and ideas stew away in my brain for a while. Then, at some point, I sit down and the words flow from my fingers into the keyboard. Doesn’t mean I don’t revise or get stuck or decide I’m not happy with my creation, but that’s how it’s pretty much been with the books I have written. And, then sometimes, my characters have their own ideas about where they want to go and what they want to do and I simply follow along.”

“Wow, you make it sound pretty easy. Maybe I could try writing a book and see what I come up with. And, is it really true that your fictional characters come alive for you and take over, so to speak. I’ve heard that said by other authors, but wasn’t sure I actually believed it.”

“Yes, at least for me. When it happened with the first book, I was so annoyed I stopped writing for a couple of weeks. I hadn’t intended to write a bodice ripper. I was working on a historical fiction novel set in the wild west. I hadn’t planned on my female protagonist becoming involved with a Native American. I hadn’t even planned on calling it Savage Surrender, but when it was finished, there it all was.”

Seriously, I enjoyed that book and one of the reasons was because it was obvious you’d researched the wild west and Native American history. It didn’t seem like you were making a lot of it up as you went along. And, to be perfectly honest, I had to simple had to Google some of the information and found what you wrote was based on an actual historical happening. I was impressed.”

“Well, thank you. I did and do try to write fiction that’s not all just erotic sex and more sex, so I do a bit of research, depending on the time and location.”

Charlie glanced at her watch and exclaimed, “Oh my gosh, I didn’t realize so much time had passed. I’d better get into town and to the pub or I may have to drive most of the crew home.”

“Thanks for the beer and I’ll see you Saturday. Oh, by the way, what time are the festivities set to begin?”

“The invitations say it starts at 3:00 pm and it will go until the last person leaves. You’re welcome to come whenever you wish and stay as long as you wish. Oh yes, no housewarming gifts either. That was in the invitations as well. I am in need of absolutely nothing. Having people attend and enjoy is all the gift I want.”

Adam went down the stairs and headed for the path while Charlie gathered up the empty beer bottles, took them inside, locked up and got read to head for town. She still had a lot to do in the next three days, but she’d get it done. Outside, she stood for a second and watched her colorful ribbons wave about in the breeze. The sight made her heart swell and her brain happy.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 7

 

          The evening Charlie had dreaded passed by quickly and by the time she made it to the dance floor, it was mostly the younger crowd gyrating to the rock music. She saw Rebecca on the floor with Ricky, but didn’t see Adam. She walked around and found him as far away from the band as he could get. He was sitting in a chair at a table. Charlie walked over and occupied the chair next to him.

          “Well, hello there Adam. You certainly don’t look like you’re having much fun at all. I take it you don’t dance.” Charlie said.

          “Nope, not to this crap. I’ve always felt like a fool trying to bounce around in time to the music. It just feels so, so, so….”

          “Mortifying, embarrassing, humiliating, uncomfortable, awkward.”

          “Yes, all of those and more.”

          “I saw Rebecca out there with Ricky dancing away. You’re such a good date to let her go off with someone else and dance.”

          “Being a good date has nothing to do with it. In fact, it is my most sincere wish Rebecca would turn her attentions to that young man and leave me be.”

          “Really? I received the distinct impression from your date that she expects a more permanent relationship by the end of the year.”

          Adam turned a frowning face to Charlie and heaved a huge sigh. “I’ve received the same impression many times now and no matter what I say or do, Rebecca doesn’t seem to hear my words.”

          “Maybe you need to try some different words or a different way of saying them.” Charlie suggested.

          “Actually, I’ve been thinking seriously of heading back north to visit family. Maybe by the time I come back, if I come back, she’ll have gotten over her infatuation.”

          Charlie felt her chest tighten. Adam couldn’t really go back north and stay there. Not until she found out what or if there was anything to the feeling she had when they touched or the way she felt just sitting next to him. “Your family lives up north? I don’t think you’ve ever said much about them beyond your sister and brother provided grandkids, but we haven’t had all that many conversations.”

          Adam finished his drink and responded. “Yep, raised in Massachusetts, a descendent of a very old, probably arrived on the Mayflower, family. Summers on the Cape, winters at the local private school, having your life totally and completely planned out for you by your parents and grandparents. I think I’m the first one in generations to break away from all the family held expectations. But then, I’m the middle child and you know what they say about middle children?”

          “Actually,” Charlie broke in, realizing that Adam may have had one too many glasses of whatever he was drinking. “I’m an only child, so I know nothing about middle children, but I can certainly identify with parental expectations.”

          At that point, the music stopped and a breathless and sweaty Ricky and Rebecca returned to the table.

“Oh my gosh. Dancing is just so much fun. And, I’m afraid it’s made me all dewy. Thanks so much for partnering with me Ricky. This old fuddy-duddy here says he doesn’t dance.” Rebecca said, poking Adam in the chest and then caressing his abdomen.

“Your welcome Rebecca. You’ve got some great moves out there and I hope you’ll dance with me some more when the band returns. It will return, won’t it?” Ricky asked turning to Charlie.

Charlie took Adam’s hand and looked at his watch. Again, with the sizzle. “My mamma hired them until midnight, so they should be doing one more set before quitting for the night. You’ll be able to watch and enjoy Rebeca’s moves a few more times.”

“Great. How about something to drink Rebecca? I’d be happy to get it for you.”

“Why sure Ricky, I’d love some ice water and another glass of champagne. It will surely help with my dancing.”

While Ricky went off to procure drinks for all of them, since he’d politely asked if Adam and Charlie wanted anything as well, Charlie watched Rebecca touch and fondle and try to kiss Adam. She did everything she possibly could and Charlie was a bit surprised Rebecca didn’t straddle Adam’s lap and hump away. True, Adam did try to deflect some of Rebecca’s attentions, but he’d had that one drink too many.

When Ricky returned, they all drank and talked about the party and how wonderful it was of Charlie’s mamma to hold it and invite them. Rebecca alluded to the possibility of an even bigger party in the fall and Charlie and Adam just happened to look at each other when she did. Adam frowned and Charlie had to manufacture a cough to keep from laughing out loud. Poor Rebecca. Poor Adam.

When the band returned, they began the set with a slow tune. Charlie stood up and pulled on Adam’s hand, telling Rebecca, “This is my one dance with your date. Promise I’ll return him in good condition and try to refrain from stepping all over his feet.”

Adam tried to demur, but Charlie just clasped his hand tighter and pulled. On the dance floor, Charlie put her left arm up around Adam’s neck and tried to place his left hand in the small of her back. She was snuggled right up against him and could feel her body’s immediate response. And, before Adam pushed her away, she felt his against her tummy as well.

“For God’s sake, Charlie, hasn’t anyone ever taught you about personal space? Ever since the first time I met you, you’ve invaded my personal space. I don’t like it. You need to respect and provide a decent distance between us.” Adam said as he used his right hand on her left hip to push her away. He clasped her right hand with his left and tried to push her into a waltz or foxtrot or whatever.

“Well for God’s sake yourself Adam. It is a slow dance and couples are supposed to touch when they do that. What is your problem anyway? You certainly didn’t seem to mind Rebecca pawing you not too long ago.” Charlie retorted, allowing Adam to lead and hold her almost as far away as his arms would reach.

Adam didn’t respond, so Charlie continued. “You know what I think Adam? You want to know what I feel. Well, even if you don't, I'm gonna tell you. The first time we shook hands, I felt something, some kind of current from you and I know you felt something too. It seems like you want to avoid getting close to me. I thought maybe it was because of Rebecca, but after tonight’s talk, I don’t believe that. To be perfectly honest, I’d like to get closer to you and see what this feeling I have is all about.” Charlie leaned back and tried to catch Adam’s eye.

There was no response to what she had to say and Adam wouldn’t look at her. Instead, he stared stonily off into the distance and continued to more or less push her around the dance floor. It reminded Charlie of the required dance lessons of her youth when she had to dance with some boy with sweaty hands. She hadn’t like it then and she didn’t like it now.

“Okay, fine. I received your message loud and clear. Enjoy Rebecca or run away to the north. It’s not like I’ve got a lot of time and interested invested in you Adam. Thanks for the dance.” Having said that, Charlie removed her hand from Adam’s shoulder, spun around and walked off the dance floor. As far as she was concerned, the party was over. She went into the house and decided she was hungry. After a visit to the buffet, Charlie took her full plate and another glass of champagne to where her mother was sitting with her two closest friends.

In response to Charlie asking if they minded if she joined them, they all responded it would be delightful and while Charlie stuffed her face in a lady-like manner, she listened to these older but still attractive and sexy women talk. She was sure they’d already covered whose daughters had given birth or gotten married or divorced, so she found the topics they were discussing of interest since they dealt with a variety of items that were of interest to her.  

When Charlie finished eating, one of her mother’s friends, Dottie, looked at her and said, “Your mamma says you’re building yourself a house out on that lake property your granddaddy used to own. How’s it coming?”

Charlie gave them all a big smile and patted her lips one more time with her napkin, hoping she didn’t have food in her teeth. “It’s coming Ms. Dottie, it’s coming. So far, I’ve been lucky that company projects can be handled by the other crews and I just need to check in now and then. Thank you for asking.”

Ms. Louisa, another friend inquired, “Your mamma also said you’re using different kinds of building materials and that your house is going to look very odd. I surely do hope you’ll invite us all out for a housewarming when it’s finished.”

“Well, it’s something I drew up when I was a kid, not real professional or anything, but my architect was able to take that childish drawing and draw up the best plans. And, of course, you’re all invited to the housewarming. Mamma would most likely make my life a misery if I tried to do it when she’s out of town or didn’t invite y’all.”

It wasn’t long before her mamma’s friends decided to find their husbands and go home. They laughingly talked about how they used to be up when the sun rose and now, they all had to be in bed before midnight. Those were the last of the older attendees and Ruth Ann told Charlie, “The ones still here are in your age group. I’m gonna take your daddy off to bed. We haven’t been up this late in forever and I have to say I’m sorely tired.”

Charlie’s dad had joined her mom in saying good night to their friends. He gave Charlie a big hug and she turned to her mamma. “It was a very nice party mamma. I did enjoy myself, especially seeing some folks I haven’t seen in a long time. The band should stop playing pretty soon and then I think everyone else will be off. If not, I’ll simply kick them out.”

“Now Charlie, you don’t go doing anything rude. You promised to be nice tonight and that promise holds until the door closes behind the last guest.”

“I know that mamma. I just funnin’ you. Now, you and daddy go on off to bed. I’ll make sure everything is taken care of and locked up before I head for bed.”

As Charlie predicted, when the band stopped playing and thanked those on the dance floor for their appreciation, folks began to head for the door. Charlie was there to say farewell and thank them for coming. When Rebecca and Adam came up, Charlie was just as polite to them as she was to everyone else, but she had to stir the muddy water just a bit. “Well, Adam, you be sure and have a wonderful time up north. I surely do hope that you’ll come on back down, at least when the weather up there gets really cold.”

Charlie was smiling in a very sincere and kind way when Rebecca turned to Adam and almost yelled as her eyes filled with tears, “You’re leavin’? You were just gonna leave and not say a thing to me? Adam Foster you are the most hateful man I know. Here I thought we had something precious.”

“Thanks a lot,” Adam said rather nastily before he took off after Rebecca who most likely had had too many glasses of champagne.

“You’re most welcome Adam. I always do my very best to be helpful.”

Adam turned back and glared at Charlie before he took the stairs two at a time.

Charlie kept laughing off and on as the last few guests left. Then, she met with the band members and thanked them for their hard work that evening. Following that, she finished up the evening when the caterers had tidied up and loaded their equipment into their vans. Doors locked, windows checked, unnecessary lights extinguished, she finally headed for her own bedroom. It was almost 2:00 am and Charlie didn’t understand how her mother had thrown affairs like this on an almost weekly or biweekly basis when she was younger. Charlie hadn’t had to do a lot of the work, but still, she too was tired.

Ready for bed, Charlie hoped the cleaning crew as well as the crew that would dismantle the bandstand and dance floor wouldn’t be too loud in the morning. It would be the only day she’d have a chance to sleep in and she was really looking forward to being a lazy bee the next day. Just check on some materials she’d thought about ordering and perhaps visit to a couple of antique stores. Maybe her mamma would like to join her because she planned to furnish her little house with older items or refurbished stuff and her mother had excellent taste.

Charlie snuggled down on her pillow, yawned and chuckled one more time when she thought about how Adam’s evening might have ended. Served him right, stringing poor Rebecca, bless her little heart, along as though he really were interested in a special relationship that would lead to marriage. Rather than face the problem head on, he was going to run away and hope it solved itself before or if he came back. Charlie was glad she’d learned that about him, because regardless of her reaction to him, she couldn’t abide a coward. Still, her last thought before sleep claimed her was that it was too bad she’d never know how they’d be together skin to skin.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 6

 

          “Couldn’t one of you just hit me in the head with a hammer?” Charlie asked plaintively. She and her crew had finished for the week and were indulging in their usual Friday afternoon beers at the pub. “Tomorrow’s that damn fucking party my mamma’s planned and I haven’t been able to find a way to get out of being there. If one of you would put me in the hospital, I’d have a damn fucking excuse.”

          Her crew members laughed and Todd refilled her glass. It had to be her third one, maybe fourth. “Now, honeychile, you jes know yur jes gonna have the time of yur life. Wearin’ a pretty dress, all fancied up for whatever stud yur mamma’s invited.” Todd’s elaborate drawl even made Charlie laugh, but it really wasn’t funny.

          “Go ahead and laugh you guys. You’re not gonna have to get all gussied up and make nice with a bunch of my mamma’s old friends as well as, like Todd said, whatever stud or studs she’s invited. I haven’t seen the guest list, but I think I’m gonna need a shot or two of bourbon before I meander down those steps, on display once again for whatever society members attend.”

          “Well boss lady, be sure and have someone get some photos so we can see what you look like when you’re all cleaned up.” Gordy advised her and the rest of the crew nodded in agreement.

          “It would serve ya all right if I fell for whoever mamma’s invited and gave up being the boss lady to stay home barefoot in the kitchen with a bun in the oven most all the time.”

          They all hooted and Todd responded, “Like that would ever happen. Don’t care who the guy is that you finally hook up with, but he won’t be keeping you barefoot and pregnant and off a job site. Knowing you as long as I have, you’ll be on the job until the labor pains are so bad you have to stop. And, after the birth, you’ll be right back with the kid on your back or in a sling on your front.”

          Gordy added, “And, when you do find Mr. Right, I think we all need to take him aside and make him understand what he’s getting himself into.”

          “That’s if’n he hasn’t already figured it out and run for the hills.” Sam, the youngest crew member was brave enough to add. When he’d first come on the crew, he’d had a pretty big crush on Charlie, but he’d gotten over it once he found the young woman he was going to marry in the fall. Usually, Sam didn’t have much to say.

          “Damn it, you’d think I’d get a lot more sympathy and a lot less aggravation from you guys since I’m such a fucking good boss lady. Y’all just disgust me. I’m going home and finish drowning my sorrows in the comfort of my own room, that’s unless mamma’s waiting and wants to talk a whole bunch more about tomorrow night. Maybe I’ll just stay here and drown my sorrows, or go back to my house and simply drown. Fuck, but I can’t wait until Monday comes.”

          Charlie sort of wove her way to the bar and handed over her card. “Thanks for putting up with us every Friday Bubba. The boys and I really appreciate it.”

          Back at the table, Todd took one arm and Gordy took the other. “It’s not safe for you to be driving, so Gordy’s gonna drive your truck. Since he rides with Sam, Sam will follow and take Gordy home from there.”

          Charlie tried to argue with them, but they didn’t release her until they had her keys and she’d been plopped into the passenger seat. Even then, she tried by telling them, “You should let me do this myself. If I got stopped, I’d have to go to jail and I wouldn’t use my phone call until Sunday. C’mon guys, that’s how desperate I am to avoid tomorrow night. Perfect excuse, that’s what I say.”

          Todd shut the passenger door as Gordy fired up the truck. “That may be true, but you’re not getting a DWI on our watch. Be a man, or woman, Charlie and you’ll be just fine tomorrow night. It’s only gonna be a few hours and thank about how happy your momma will be.” He chucked her under the chin and stepped back, saying, “Y’all have a great weekend.” With a lot of emphasis on the great.

          As Gordy pulled away, Charlie gave Todd the finger and slumped down in the seat. “God, I hate some parts of my life. Why couldn’t I have been a boy?”

          Gordy didn’t respond and Charlie fell asleep as he drove her to her house.

          “Hey boss lady, we’re here. Time to wakey-wake and act like you only had one beer instead of four. If you’re quick, maybe your mamma won’t look out the window and see you had to be driven home.” Gordy said with a chuckle as he handed her the keys and climbed out of her truck to get into Sam’s.

          Charlie heaved a big sigh and got out of the truck. In the mudroom, she took off her dirty sweaty clothes and yanked on a chenille bathrobe. When she entered the kitchen, she said, “Mamma, I’m just so hot and dirty, I’m gonna get right in the shower.”

          She rushed through the kitchen to the back stairs, her mother’s voice following, “Well, don’t be taking too long. I’ve almost got dinner ready and me and your dad are hungry. If you’re not back here in ten minutes, I’m gonna come up there and drag you down by your hair.”

          Charlie muttered a very inappropriate comment, but was back downstairs fresh and clean with almost a whole minute to spare. They were eating in the kitchen because of the next night’s party and, of course, that’s exactly what her mamma wanted to discuss. Charlie listened as she stuffed her face, in a lady-like manner, with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, fresh green beans and garden salad.

          “Momma, I don’t know how you make such perfect fried chicken every single time. I know you’ve tried to teach me, but it never ever, no matter what, comes out so crispy and tasty like yours. And, it was a good idea to have gardener Glen put in your garden because these beans and the salad are so fresh and yummy.”

          Charlie was given a very solemn look by her mother. “Don’t be thinking if you compliment me enough about anything at all that I’ll let you skip tomorrow night. If you’d look at the guest list, you’d see I invited some younger folks, so it won’t all be us fuddy duddies. I just know you’ll have a wonderful time.”

          Ruth Ann continued to talk about the party and her expectations for her daughter. Charlie’s father nodded every now and then and added, “You listen to your mamma, now y’hear.” a couple of times. Charlie also listened and nodded and tried to smile now and then even though her teeth were clenched. It finally became almost too much when her mother said, “I bought you a new dress and shoes for tomorrow night. You’re just going to love them and the color is almost exactly the same shade as your eyes.”

          Mamma, I didn’t need a new dress or shoes. My closet is stuffed with clothes you’ve bought and I seldom wear.”

          “Well, daughter, a mamma can live in hope. For me, it’s the hope you’ll discover your more womanly side and spend more time in dresses and heels. Of course, if you were to fall in love with a perfect man, you’d have no trouble dressing up then.”

          “Mamma, we’ve had this conversation over and over. If this perfect man ever shows up, he’s gonna have to like me as I am. If it takes a fancy dress and fuck me shoes….”

          Ruth Ann’s eyebrows were almost at her hairline at Charlie’s language.

          “Oh mamma, I’m sorry, please excuse my French. I meant to say six-inch heels.”

          “That’s what happens when you spend more time with men, especially men that aren’t gentlemen. You forget your lady-like ways and mouth. Now, get these dishes cleaned up. I’m gonna go sit in the garden.”

          As her mamma left, Charlie glanced at her dad. He was trying hard not to laugh and just shrugged his shoulders. She got up and began to clean up the table and kitchen. Finished, she found her mother in the garden. “Mamma, I’m so sorry for my language and I promise I’ll be a good southern girl tomorrow night. I’m going to bed now so I’ll be fresh in the morning and can help with whatever you need.”

          Charlie bent to give her mamma a kiss. “It’s okay darlin’ I forgive you. And, I’m not giving this party just to put you on display like you think. I want the chance to see some of the friends I’ve been missing with all the traveling your dad and I have been doing.”

          “I’m sure it will be a lot of fun. Good night mamma.”

          There really wasn’t much to do the following day. Her mamma had lined up the caterers, florists, wait staff and had the house and grounds cleaned and tidied up so everything sparkled and looked fresh. It surely wasn't the first party she'd ever hosted. Charlie was grateful it wasn’t going to be a sit-down dinner, but wine, champagne and a huge buffet of heavy hor d’oeuvres. The pool had been covered so there was a dance floor and a small stage erected at one end for the band Ruth Ann had also hired.

          When the party staff began to arrive, Charlie retreated to her room and bathroom. She filled her bathtub and added her favorite gardenia bath oil. She rarely used it or the scented lotion in the cupboard, but she was determined to keep her promise to her mother and smelling wonderful was something a southern girl learned early-on. She read a book while adding hot water as needed and emerged from her bath all pruney, but the wrinkles would go away before she had to join the festivities.

          Charlie took her time, coating herself with the gardenia lotion, brushing and coiling her hair into a soft mound at the back of her head. She knew as she moved, a few tendrils would escape and curl around her face and neck. She took her time applying make-up. Her eyebrows were already dark, but a bit of eyeliner and several coats of mascara made her eyes look huge. A little frosting of a peachy powder made her skin glimmer. Lips usually bare were extremely noticeable once she’d lined them and applied the lipstick and gloss.

          It was time to don her underthings and she found her mamma had purchased new panties and a barely there bra in the same color as the dress. Thigh-high stockings in a very pale tan slid easily up her legs and hugged her upper thighs. Finally, Charlie pulled up the dress and pushed her feet into the heels. From her jewelry box she added the requisite strand of pearls and a slim gold chain that nestled a diamond at the top of her minimal cleavage. Diamond and pearl earrings, pearl bracelet on one wrist and diamond tennis on the other, she was ready.

          Charlie walked across the room to the full-length mirror and had to admit she looked damn good. Her mother was right about the color of the dress. That and the dark eyeliner and mascaraed lashes made the turquoise of her eyes pop right out of her face. Charlie’s phone buzzed and when she checked, there was a text from her mamma, “Be downstairs in 10 minutes or else…please.” First, though, she went back to the mirror and took a selfie, well actually a couple of selfies. She’d be ready to show them what they'd missed come Monday when the crew teased her about the party.

          Downstairs, Charlie joined her mother and father in the entry way. A couple of guests had already arrived, so she’d missed saying hello, but she’d make her way to them later. “Darling, don’t you look simply divine. Robert, doesn’t our girl look wonderful.”

          Charlie gave her mother a soft hug and air kiss, then turned to her dad for a hug. “You do look absolutely beautiful Charlie-girl. Sometimes I can’t believe you came from my loins.”

          “Now Robert, you stop that. Charlie is a Charlotte tonight. If it weren’t for you and her granddad, she’d be married with a bunch of babies by now.”

          “Now Ruth Ann,” her dad gave right back, “if Charlie had wanted a man and children, nothing would have stood in her way and you know that. Now, let’s stop all this and have us some fun.” To make his point, he gave Ruth Ann a little swat on her behind. She blushed and pushed his hand away.

          That’s really why I’ve never found the right man because I want a relationship like theirs. They’re still in love after so many years and the disappointment of only one child and a girl at that. Charlie also knew they still had a healthy sex life even though her mother would die of embarrassment if she ever brought up the topic. She could just tell when she was around the following morning, or even the odd afternoon. They both always looked so relaxed and happy and so more like one individual than two. She envied them that and hoped that someday she’d have a very similar relationship.

          Charlie’s reverie was interrupted with the next guests. For the next hour or more, she stood with her parents, greeting the invitees, answering questions, promising to catch up later in the evening or over lunch or some social event at some point in time. Of course, most of those promises were empty and she probably wouldn’t see most of the people again until the next party.

          Charlie was attempting to get the old roué Mr. Desmond to move on into the other room. He was attempting to hug her yet again so he could pat her bottom and hopefully, look down the top of her dress. Mr. Desmond had always been like this even when his wife was alive. Every teenage female learned early it was best to say, “Why hi there Mr. Desmond. I’ll see you later.” And escape before he could grab hold and give the unlucky girl a big shmushy kiss. His lips seemed to have no tone and were always very wet. Charlie had always needed to brush her teeth or rinse her mouth if she was the unlucky one and she’d only been that a couple of times.

          So it was with relief and surprise she heard a familiar voice, “Well, bless your heart, but you clean up right good now doncha?”

          “I’ll talk to you later Mr. Desmond. Oh, hello Rebecca. Welcome and how nice to see you again.” Charlie said, giving the normal hug and air kiss.

          “It’s really nice to see you looking like a real southern girl that benefited from all those classes we took. And, you know Adam, your neighbor and my date.”

          Charlie let go of Rebecca and extended her hand to Adam. A true southern girl didn’t hug men she barely knew. Adam took her hand in his and Charlie was positive he had to feel the same electrifying impulses she was feeling. Again, every hair on her body was standing at attention and if her nipples got any harder, they were going to poke through the fabric. Since she was looking directly at Adam this time, she knew he felt something because his eyebrows drew together and he looked a little bewildered. He practically snatched his hand back.

          Adam cleared his throat and said, “Hi Charlie. Nice to see you again. You’ll have to find Rebecca and me later and tell us how the house is coming, I mean progressing.”

          Charlie actually laughed at Adam’s discomfort over his word usage. She made a mental note to tease him about it later. “Rebecca, hope you don’t mind if I steal a dance from your date? Promise it will only be just one. And, did you know my mamma invited Ricky Simmonds tonight as well. Maybe you could partner him one time.”

          Rebecca put her arm through Adam’s and responded, “Well, we’ll just have to see who you end up with tonight. If it’s someone as handsome and fun as Adam, I wouldn’t mind sharing one dance.”

          Charlie was watching Adam and saw him almost roll his eyes. “Yes, well, y’all go on in and make yourselves at home. I’ll be along later after I’ve finished my hostess duty.”

          Well, well, she thought to herself as she greeted the next couple. I wonder if Adam has any idea Rebecca expects to be his bride by fall. I think I’ll just have to find out, but more than that, I have to know why his touch is so shocking. Would the feeling be entirely astonishing if we were naked and skin-to-skin? Charlie was dying to know the answer.

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.