Anthony headed off to the bedroom that Stacey had shown him too. He was amused to see they had placed an empty bedroom between their room and his. He could only guess why they had done that. He hoped they wouldn’t be too noisy but he didn’t blame Jade one bit for not wanting to keep her hands off of Stacey.
Though he was gay he could appreciate female sexuality and beauty. Stacey had both in abundance. Plus she was genuinely nice. He didn’t get the sense she was with Jade only for the money. He could feel the connection the two of them had.
Jade was finishing up in the bathroom thinking about the events of the day. It had turned out better with him than she could have expected and she gave a sigh of relief. When he had started questioning Stacey about her past she had felt a twinge of uneasiness. Stacey had handled herself well until Jade had been able to distract Anthony away from this treacherous territory.
She decided to let Stacey get some sleep as it was late, but when she thought about the delectable delight between her legs her tongue wanted to lick it. Running her fingers through her hair she turned off the light and opened the door.
The bedside lamp was on and Stacey was lying there nude propped up on her arms facing the bathroom door with her legs spread wide open for Jade.
“I’m horny.” It was all she had to say and Jade was between her legs licking and sucking. She could almost feel her eyes rolling back in delight as she tasted her.
Man this could almost be a religion, Jade thought as she sucked on her clit. Stacey’s back arched as she climaxed under Jade’s tongue. Licking her pussy juices up, she felt absolute contentment flow through her. Not only did she enjoy this beautiful woman’s body but also the intense emotional closeness they had as well.
Kissing Stacey’s vulva for several minutes, she felt Stacey’s hand come down softly stroking her hair before intertwining her fingers with her hand that was resting on her thigh. Thinking about Anthony two rooms over, she hoped it was an effective sound barrier.
Getting up on the bed she gathered Stacey up in her arms and held her close. Sighing she nuzzled her neck delighting in the smooth soft scented texture of her skin.
Stacey looked up at her with soft, luminous eyes. “It’s your turn”
She looked down at this perfect woman in her arms. Kissing her several times deeply before she released her, Jade said, “I just want to hold you in my arms tonight. That’s my lovemaking wish.”
Stacey’s lips curled up into a smile. “Then that’s what you shall have.”
Chapter Sixteen
The next two days were spent at the animal shelter refining the arrangements for the charity event and making phone calls.
Every woman there was very taken with Anthony and his charm, each one secretly fantasizing they could bring him back to the fold. They all loved his idea of spring in the park to be created in the old red barn several miles out of town.
People were volunteering en mass and had to be turned away. The quota has been quickly filled. Sworn to secrecy about Amber Tate, Tannis was in awe that Amber would be there along with the well-known celebrity chef Tip Rodriguez. He had sent them several menus for review and they had narrowed it down to the final three.
Tomorrow, on Monday, Jade was going on their local television station to announce the event. It would then be picked up by the bigger news stations. It would be only a matter of time before word got out about this anyhow so she might as well get the jump on it.
“After this event,” Anthony said, “I promise you that you’ll never have to worry about the shelter again.” Tannis felt a thrill at his touch as he laid his hand on her shoulder. Anthony was so good looking it was hard not to get a little flustered.
It was funny how one simple occurrence could change everything. If Jade and Stacey hadn’t come in that day to see Reilly none of this would be happening.
And Reilly, oh my God! What a changed dog he was already! Tannis was certain this was due to Jade more than Stacey. Regardless, he was becoming such a happy, well behaved little dog. All in all things were coming up roses.
Anthony had taken Reilly for a stroll around the town. The rental of the red barn had been arranged. It was the perfect venue with the right amount of old world charm and chic sophistication.
The flowers and decorations had been chosen. The only thing left was the menu that had been narrowed down to three. If Tannis hadn’t picked it by tomorrow, he would make the choice. It was crunch time. The flowers would come the night before the gala event on Friday with special handling due to the chilly weather. This would mean a long night and part of the next day arranging them.
Security had been hired. Anthony had also paid for a couple of his friends who were bouncers at a bar in Manhattan who had dogs trained in Schultzhund. They would be bringing the dogs with them. This was costing Jade a lot, but he didn’t want some stupid vandals flushing the whole thing down the toilet.
Looking at his watch, he saw he had been gone for just over an hour with Reilly. The brisk walking had kept him warm. Standing there looking out at the snow covered school yard the cold was beginning to seep into his bones.
He had seen the way Jade was looking at Stacey and knew what she had on her mind. Now he was wondering if they would mind if he joined in with their warm, wet bodies to help take the edge off his chill.
Probably not but it would make things awkward in the future. Pushing the thought firmly out of his mind he started walking again to warm up. He could only hope he didn’t hear any ecstatic moaning back at the house because if he did all bets were off.
Stopping he turned to look down at Reilly. “Hard to believe I’m gay with these thoughts running through my head.”
Reilly tilted his head and wagged his tail sympathetically. He laughed, stooped down and gave him a pet. “You’re a very good listener Reilly. I know my secret’s safe with you.”
Reilly looked up at him and panted happily. “Come on boy. Let’s go.”
When he got back to the house both girls were freshly showered and dressed. He didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.
A pasta supper was on the go... Jade asked him to help flavor the sauce which he gladly did. There was a wide variety of fresh herbs and spices to choose from.
After supper, they all took Reilly out for one last walk, when they got back they played a game of crib, it was a very companionable evening. The more Anthony got to know Stacey the more he liked her as a person. Despite those phenomenal looks she was nice and easy to talk to.
Lying in bed later on that evening, he glanced at the curtained window and noticed how light it seemed to be. Getting up he pulled the curtains back and saw it was snowing. Huge beautiful flakes were floating gently to the ground. Even though it was late, some of the houses still had their Christmas lights on and the effect was magical. At times like this with everything so peaceful and serene, Anthony could almost believe there was an artistic God out there somewhere.
Lying back down in his bed with the curtains open, he continued to watch the snow as it floated down from the sky. The magic was working on him. Gradually he drifted off to sleep.
Next morning the smell of coffee woke him up. Looking out the window he saw a fair amount of snow had fallen. He wanted to be up and out with Reilly walking through the pristine snow. But that would have to wait until after Jade’s interview promoting the charity fundraiser.
They were also going to sit down to discuss the layout for the ‘Spring in the Park’ theme.
Opening the bedroom door he could hear the two women chatting companionably in the kitchen as they made breakfast.
Walking in both women looked at him and smiled. Jade handed him a cup of black coffee which was the way he liked it. Her look this morning was very polished for in front of the cameras. Still despite the very straight glossy black hair and startling maquillage of black eyeliner and scarlet red lipstick (Fire Song – her brand) with very porcelain skin, she still look soft and luminous. She truly is someone in love, he tho
ught.
“I’m making a healthy breakfast of protein shakes. I don’t want to eat too heavy before I go on television.
“I was just about to come in and wake you up because we need to leave in about an hour. The television cameras will be at the shelter. They told me they’ll air it on the noon and evening news.”
He took a sip of his coffee and yawned. “I’ll finished this up and then head into the shower. And don’t worry about the protein shake.” Smiling at her he said, “You know how I feel about those.”
She laughed. “Yah, I do know you hate them unless they’re laden with honey or sugar. All the things we’re trying to avoid.
“By the way, look at Reilly.”
Reilly was lying in his dog bed listening to the sound of human voices around him. Feeling Anthony’s gaze on him he thumped his tail on the floor.
He could immediately see that Reilly had gotten the salon treatment this morning. His coat was all silky smooth and glossy. His great plumy tail was tangle free. Sporting a jaunty scarf around his neck he looked great. “Wow, Reilly, you look fantastic! You guys must have been up early to get this done.”
“We were but looking at the results it was well worth it.”
“I’m surprised I didn’t hear you showering up a storm with Reilly.”
“Well we shut the bedroom and the bathroom doors. In hindsight that was a good thing because old Mr. Reilly there made several escape attempts. He really did not appreciate our efforts in the least.”
Anthony smiled. Squatting down he patted Reilly on his head. “You should be grateful old boy because you look like a million bucks.”
Reilly rolled his eyes and licked his hands all the while wagging his tail furiously.
Downing the last of his coffee he headed to the bathroom to get ready. So far he had really been enjoying himself in Kalispell and was looking forward to planning the layout for the barn. Already in his mind’s eyes he could see a lush springtime scene that people would walk into from the chilled winter air. It would be like entering another world for a few hours.
Jade gave her interview for the local news that morning and now at noon they were waiting to watch it. By the evening news it should be picked up by the big network syndicates because Jade Tanner did not make public appearances. The last one had been at Holly’s funeral. So it was big news when she did. Sitting in the living room they had graph paper scattered all over as they worked out the floor plan for the springtime theme.
Watching the news cast they were pleased with how it turned out. Holding Reilly’s leash as she gave the details of the Charity event had been genius. Reilly himself was so incredibly well behaved and cute that he was a good doggy mascot for the shelter.
Now working on getting all the final details completed before the day of the big event was a mammoth task as they struggled with the logistics of arranging the decor along with seating for two hundred people. Every table had to feel like it was ensconced in spring plus have an unobstructed view of the models wearing LeCq fashions as they walked the runway. Tannis had called them to say they were already receiving calls from local people wanting to purchase tickets which were going for a thousand dollars per person or nine thousand for a table of ten. Once the major news networks picked up the story, the tickets wouldn’t last long.
****
Back in L.A. Colin was sitting at his office desk working on a new story. The one on Jade Tanner hadn’t panned out so far and he needed the money. It was about another young star with too much time and money on her hands that had gotten out of rehab a few days ago. Already she had been seen partying at a well-known local night club. They all seemed hell bent on destroying themselves and had the money to do it which was the problem.
His cell phone rang and he picked it up. It was George calling. George told him to turn on the channel five news. Clicking on the television. Colin almost passed out right then and there.
There in the flesh looking very glamorous and exotic was Jade Tanner in Kalispell talking about hosting a celebrity charity event for the local animal shelter. Colin watched for a few seconds more before turning the television off.
Picking up the phone, he said, “George…I love you.”
“No one else knows about the story, right?”
“No one but me and my editor. He’s the next call I’m making. Again, I really appreciate this.”
“Anytime, my friend, anytime.”
Calling his editor, Colin gave him a quick rundown on what he had seen on the local news. Giving him the green light to pursue it his next phone call was to Sal to make sure he had kept his big dumb mouth shut.
Carefully choosing his words, he said, “I think I got a bead on where Jade is.” He wanted to know if Sal had watched the news...he didn’t think Sal’s loyalties ran deep and he may give the story to another journalist if he knew where Jade was.
Sal grunted. “Oh yeah, where?”
Colin lied. “I’ve heard she’s in Detroit right now.”
“Why the hell would she want to go there?”
He shrugged into the phone. “Who knows buddy. Maybe she figures it’s a place where no one would expect her to go so she can have a few more rounds with her porn star escort.”
Sal chuckled when he said this. “Wouldn’t mind having a few rounds with both of them myself.”
Colin shuddered at this horrible nightmarish image but keep his voice light. “Who wouldn’t? When I think about what those two bitches are doing to each other it makes me downright horny.”
Sal grunted into the phone. “Don’t forget about my payday.”
Colin grimaced. He’d like nothing better than to forget about paying this loser any money at all. “Don’t worry. It’ll be a certified check from the magazine payable to you.”
“Seventy-five thou, right?”
“If the story flies, that’s what you’ll get.” It hurt his jaw to saw those words to this pathetic excuse of a human being but still, a story this big, he’d say it again no matter how much it hurt.
Throwing a few things into a bag, he got into his little car and headed over to George’s place. He had an SUV and he needed it to make the trip up north.
****
The next few days went by in a whirlwind. Working his magic by using his charismatic charm, Anthony got the barn polished and gleaming in record time. The silk trees looked so real with genuine fresh green and natural looking imperfections it took people a few minutes to realize they were fake.
The waterfalls had been set up and the hushed murmur of water cascading over artificial rocks was soothing to the ears. Soft ambient lighting glowed and reflected in the gleaming wood surfaces creating the perception of depth and space. Right now electricians were on site making sure nothing shorted during the extravaganza.
The flowers were coming by air from a high end greenhouse in Seattle late Friday afternoon. Volunteers were pulling an all-nighter on Friday and into Saturday to arrange the flowers. Floral designers would be heading the gigantic undertaking. Candles would array every table each covered with a pristine white linen table cloth. A whitewashed basket made up of pink mini carnations, orange lilies, purple iris, white daisies and yellow solidago would adorn the centre.
The entrance of the barn and strewn throughout would be cascades of tulips, daffodils, cornflowers, lilies, dahlia and a multitude of other flowers all costing Jade.
Anthony shrugged. She could well afford it and more.
At the final hour, Tannis decided on the menu for the evening with Canadian smoked salmon, chipotle onion dip with garlic pita chips, stuffed mushrooms with pecans and last but not least marinated mozzarella as appetizers. The actual dinner menu was an exquisite choice with market salad of fresh greens (again from Seattle), fillet mignon and tiger shrimp served with garlic bread and gruyere cheese with red and white wine at each table. Dessert was a decadent Chocolate Amaretto Torte garnished with toasted almonds, tea and coffee served with it.
Cocktails and appetizers would be
from six till seven and then seven to nine would be dinner. The gala fashion show would be held during dinner with the clothes auctioned off, all proceeds going to the shelter.
The highlight of the evening was that Jade had somehow gotten Amber Tate ‘as the mystery guest’. She had agreed to a date with the highest bidder. Anthony could only imagine how high that would go if people realized it was Amber they were bidding on. He realized why Jade was keeping it so hush hush. If it ever got out that this extremely beautiful and sought after celebrity was in town it would stop being about the animal shelter and be all about Amber.
Due to her high end connections, myriads of private donations were already pouring in and he didn’t think the shelter would have anything to worry about for a very long time.
He had talked to the Chef who told him he would organize the catering equipment in the huge kitchen of the red barn according to his specifications.
Taking one last glance back at the barn, it was already looking beautiful. He was sure people would be talking about this event for years to come.
****
Calling up her celebrity friends, Jade had been busy hounding them for items for the silent auction. The items were stacking up. She could sense the event was going to be a great success. Stretching she reveled in the fact that the house for once was empty of people traipsing through it but that wouldn’t last for long. This was an unusual but welcome lull.
Deciding to take a break she went out back to the sun room where Stacey was sitting with Reilly. The winter sun was streaming through the windows and Reilly was looking out it watching something with keen interest. On the couch Stacey was bent over something working diligently away at it.
Walking up behind her, Jade was astounded to see the picture emerging underneath her fingers.
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