The Crimson Z

by Robert Cloud, Lee Rush, Richard Savage

  "If you change your mind, drop over.” Deb waved good-bye.

  "Thanks,” Anne answered. As soon as she climbed in the car, she turned to Virginia. “Look, if you want to go out with me again, you'll have to be quiet. I can't carry on two conversations at once."

  "Party pooper.” Virginia pouted, then grinned. “I bet you still want to know more about Greg and his talents."

  "Maybe a bit ... it's pretty hard to imagine Mr-family-man Greg as a stud."

  "Well, to help you with that, I want to try something when we get home."

  "I just hope I won't regret it,” Anne muttered under her breath.

  "You won't. I promise."

  Anne parked the car wondering what Virginia had in mind. As she climbed out of her car, Anne looked at her home. For so long she'd loved the place, walking by it on her way to school, never imagining it would one day be hers. Now, she couldn't imagine living anywhere else.

  Virginia floated to the middle of the living room. “Lay down on the couch and relax."

  Anne sat down, kicked off her shoes then laid back, resting her head on a plump cushion. “I hope you know what you're doing."

  "Take the medallion in one hand, and then put your hand against mine.” Virginia lifted her hand with her palm facing Anne. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” she added when Anne hesitated.

  Anne turned her head on the cushion, looked at Virginia, then followed her instructions. Where their hands met, her palm tingled.

  "Close your eyes."

  She closed her eyes, suspecting whatever Virginia had in mind would probably have an orgasmic ending.

  "Okay ... travel back with me."

  Even though she knew she wasn't moving, she felt as if the room was spinning. Images flashed in Anne's head: Her house was new, the elms circling the house saplings. The Coffee Stop, like her house, was fresh and new. Vintage cars parked in front of the building. In her mind's eye, she looked around. The trees on the boulevard in front of the shop were small compared to the mature trees surrounding the building today.

  The sun had almost disappeared below the horizon. Golden fingers of color streaked the sky. She knew she was looking through Virginia's eyes, moving in Virginia's body, feeling through Virginia senses, yet not in control of her body. It was following a course of actions already set in time.

  Together, they strode up the steps. Anne could feel Virginia's heart racing in anticipation and the pulse pounding between her legs. She could hear her thoughts, her wonderings if this would be anything like when she'd masturbated. In a few minutes, the Coffee Shop would be closing for the night. Anne knew because the youthful Virginia knew. She wasn't sure how this worked, but somehow it did.

  Greg, a much younger leaner Greg with riotous black curls, was occupied bussing tables, clearing the dishes and wiping the circular tops with a damp rag. Virginia was right. He was definitely a stud muffin. His new jeans stretched taut over a trim butt and emphasized his slim hips. He turned and grinned as she moved closer a rich green apron covering his package.

  "Hi, Virginia,” he said quietly. “You're a bit late, we're closing, but I could probably rustle up a cup of coffee for you."

  "I'm not interested in anything on the menu,” she answered directly. Anne marveled that she could feel Virginia's heart throbbing so hard it seemed to tap against her ribs. It was like it was happening to her.

  "Really?” He might have asked the question, but the lusty look in his eyes was rife with expectation. “What did you have in mind?"

  She leaned closer, inhaling the mix of his cologne and coffee, then said in a low voice, “I was hoping to you'd pop my cherry tonight."

  He blinked in surprise and laughed, shaking his head. “God, Virginia, don't hold anything back. Tell me what you really want."

  Inwardly, Anne smiled. Years, even death, hadn't changed her much. Her lusty love of life and sex were constants.

  "If I'm going to have my cherry popped, I want it done by the best,” Virginia said. For all her bold words, Anne felt the tremor of nervousness and the chill of apprehension washing slowly over Virginia's body. “And you come highly recommended."

  "I do?” He gave a soft laugh of surprise. Ruddy color stained his cheeks. “Give me a few minutes to close up and then we'll discuss it."

  Thoughts of awe tripped through their joined minds—Virginia's thoughts—youthful anticipation that in a few minutes she would no longer be a virgin, and questions about what it would be like. Sure she'd masturbated, but would it hurt much? Jen had said it had been excruciating, but then an impatient jock had impaled her on the beach. Greg had been Leigh's first, and she had talked about the experience for days.

  "Hey, Pop,” he called over his shoulder to his father, a man who looked very much like he did today. “I'll close up if you want to turn in. Virginia will give me a hand with the chores."

  The older man's lips twitched. Anne felt chagrin even though Virginia didn't. The twinkle in his eye and the suppressed smile signaled he had a pretty could idea what he'd be doing as part of the closing routine.

  Virginia swept while he counted the cash and made up the deposit.

  "Are you sure you want to have sex?” he asked. “I mean we're friends. And, we're not even going steady. Don't you want to have special feelings for the man who you make love to for the first time?"

  Virginia paused then leaned the broom against the wall. “I don't want to wait until I fall in love to have sex. That's a long way in the future—if ever. Who better to have the first experience with than a friend who's good at it?” She grinned, and Anne grinned with her. The young Virginia's logic was flawless.

  "You're certainly good for my ego. I just hope you won't be disappointed. The first time can be uncomfortable for some girls, and the digs are pretty simple.” He untied his apron and dropped it over the back of a chair, then leaned over and brushed his lips over hers. “Come on.” He slid his arm around her waist and guided her to a back room with a cot. “Sometimes when I have to get up early to do the baking, I sleep here."

  An initial wash of arousal, washed through Virginia's body. Anne felt it even though it was happening to the youthful Virginia.

  "Well, first,” he said. “Let's just kiss a bit, and if you change your mind, then we can stop. No harm done."

  He slid his hand around the nape of her neck, then brushed his lips over hers. Anne recognized his experience behind the light, but not tentative, touch of his lips against the young Virginia's. He slid his other hand around her waist, drawing her body against his, just enough so she could feel his growing arousal without pressing it into her abdomen.

  Virginia linked her hands behind his neck. She'd kissed before and opened, so he could dip deeper. He didn't hesitate, slipping his tongue into her mouth, stroking hers. Slowly, she became aware that his large hands bracketing her waist were under her blouse. He hands were warm against her eager flesh. When had they moved? She didn't care. Now she'd started on this path, she just wanted to move forward.

  His hands inched higher until they reached her bra. Somehow, Anne heard Virginia's thoughts. She heard her wishing she'd remembered to take her bra off in the car and that his hands creeping to the closure of the lacy undergarment. With an ease that bespoke practice, he unhooked the lacy garment and it relaxed.

  "Do you mind if I touch your breasts? I'll stop if you're having second thoughts."

  From the bulge in his pants, Anne thought with wry humor, he was probably hoping she wouldn't have second thoughts, but he was wise to offer these assurances. She could feel some of the tension in Virginia's body ease away.

  "Go ahead,” Virginia said, holding her arms above her head.

  Greg grasped the ribbed hem of her sweatshirt, pulled it over her head, and then tossed it on a chair. He dragged the elastic straps of her bra over her shoulders and down her arms.

  Anne felt Virginia fight the urge to cover herself. Sure, she'd necked before and a few fellows had touched her breasts, but he was the first
to see her naked breasts.

  "They are so beautiful,” he murmured then circled them with his fingertip.

  Virginia's breath trembled, but she didn't tell him to stop. “Did you want me to take your shirt off?” she offered.

  "Not tonight. I'll do that. Tonight will be totally for you and your pleasure. You won't get this night back."

  Admiration grew for the randy, but wise, youth Greg had been. He pulled off his shirt and shucked off his jeans, only briefs covered his swollen shaft. He helped her out of her jeans, and led her to the cot. The wool blanket felt rough and warm under her skin. Anne marveled at how the thoughts and sensations Virginia had experienced, echoed in her body.

  For the first time, Anne felt Virginia's determination waver, yet she didn't bolt when he sat beside her. He leaned over and took a youthful nipple into his mouth, circling his tongue around the taut bud.

  "This feels odd.” Virginia looked at Greg's loose curls tumbling over his forehead. So many firsts were happening within a few minutes. It was the first time she'd felt a man's mouth on her tits, and she loved the sensations blossoming between her legs.

  He lifted his head, then grinned. “Let me try something else.” This time when he took her nipple into his mouth, he sucked, tugging on her breast. Awe spread through her as fast as the swelling of her labial lips. Of their own accord, her legs relaxed.

  "This is amazing,” she murmured, raking her fingers through his hair. Then, she guided his head to the other breast. She protested when he lifted his head.

  "If you think this is amazing, I'll show you something else in a bit that will blow you away.” He pushed her legs apart then crawled into the v.

  Anne felt her mouth go dry as Virginia realized she was only minutes away from losing her cherry. No one, no male, had ever seen her like this. Granted, Stan had shoved his hands inside her pants at a party, cupping her pubis, but she'd pushed him away. She hadn't been ready then, now she was and any apprehension was normal.

  He grazed her clit with his fingertip then circled the little nub, and she exhaled slowly. Having him touch her between her legs felt so different than when she had brought herself to climax. He separated the folds, then bent over. He slid his tongue in between the slick folds.

  "God, you taste good,” he murmured against the swollen lips of her sex.

  If having him suck her breasts had felt strange, then his mouth against her crack, and his head between her legs was embarrassing. Instinctively, she tried to bring her legs together, but his shoulders held them apart.

  He continued to tease her clit, circling and rubbing until she felt her hips rise off the bed of their own accord, and primitive hunger rose. He slipped a finger inside her. The penetration felt strange and good at the same time as he inserted another finger, stretching untried muscles.

  Anne frowned. If only Mark had been so thoughtful. He'd taken very little time to prepare her for the moment he drove his cock inside her. A few kisses were followed by some heavy petting.

  He worked her clit until a climax rocked her body, her hips arched and vaginal muscles closed around his fingers.

  "Aren't you? Didn't you?” Virginia's voice was husky in the aftermath of her climax.

  "Oh, yes, but first I wanted to give you an idea of what is to come."

  He rose onto his knees then slid his briefs down, giving Virginia a moment of pause. The pictures she'd seen never really did a man's penis justice. How on earth would he fit all of that in her? The helmet shaped head, purplish pink, fascinated her. He moved forward, then took her hand and curled it around the shaft. “Touch it, get used to it."

  "It's soft and hard all at the same time.” The skin stretched over his erection was soft, yet in places bumpy. A clear liquid leaked from the top. Curiosity momentarily displaced her nerves. She touched the drop, then rubbed it between her thumb and first finger. It was warm and sticky.

  "So that's pre-cum,” she said.

  Anne was awed by the young Greg's control as a youthful and curious Virginia, stroked him, exploring his swollen sac and rigid shaft with her fingers and her eyes. “Will that really fit inside me?"

  He grinned. “One size fits all.” He covered her body with his, returning to her breasts. This time, however, Virginia felt the length of his shaft between her legs, each slight stroke separated the lips a bit more until they wrapped around him, and her juices covered the length of him. Anne moved with Virginia, following his strokes, her body acting from an age-old instinct. Her body arched with Virginia's, passion lifting her hips.

  Then, his hand traveled to his shaft, and he slid the head into her tight opening. It stretched her. How could she take more of him into her body? She stilled, and so did he.

  "It would be hard to stop now, but I can.” His voice was ragged as he made the offer. Anne couldn't believe his offer. Admiration grew for both the youth and the man.

  "Don't stop,” Virginia returned.

  "This is the point of no return,” he warned.

  She nodded. He inched in giving her time to adjust as he pushed further and further into her body, pausing when their bodies met. Virginia thought about Greg and knew she would never be able to look at him in quite the same way again. Granted, a typical horny youth, he'd snatched an opportunity to get laid but not without some concern for Virginia.

  When he hit resistance, he pushed by the virginal barrier with a slight thrust of his hips. The pain was brief, and the discomfort made Virginia wonder why everyone was so hyped about sex. He started to pull back, and Virginia was relieved that he would soon be out of her body. Empathy washed through Anne. Her first experience had left her impaled and in pain.

  Instead of leaving, he thrust again, their pubis met and a wash of pleasure ebbed out from her clit. Slowly at first, and then gaining momentum, he thrust and retreated, the discomfort eased and waves of pleasure shot through her body. Then, it burst over her, her second climax of the day, but the first was pale in comparison. This exploded over her body like fireworks. She arched upward, pressing into him as he gave his final thrust and cried out as he reached release.

  Anne landed back in her body abruptly, her hips arched and gently rocking, her body throbbing. The climax had broken her connection with Virginia. Her ragged breaths were loud in the silent room.

  "So, what did you think?"

  "I wish that my first lover had been as considerate and good,” Anne said honestly, her breathing ragged and her body pulsing with aftershocks of climax. “But perhaps if Mark had been, I wouldn't appreciate Jason as much."

  "And there's plenty about your stud muffin to appreciate.” Virginia floated to the horizontal position. “Definitely a keeper."

  The phone rang, and Anne slid to one end of the couch, then picked up the receiver.

  Virginia pressed her ear to the other side of the receiver, an unabashed eavesdropper.

  "Hello?” Anne tried to shoo her away with her hand, but Virginia just grinned. Having an irrepressible spirit as a roommate meant a profound lack of privacy, but she couldn't work up any real resentment. Deep down inside, she really liked the spirited ghost and enjoyed her company.

  "Hi, Beautiful."

  A smile touched her lips at the sound of Jason's voice. “Hello yourself."

  "We're going to be here for a while. It's an international teleconference, and we're trying to span several time zones, so I was wondering if I could pick you up and take you out for breakfast. I cleared my schedule for tomorrow morning."

  "I'd love it.” As much as she liked Virginia, she was wondering how her resident spirit would take it if she left the necklace behind, but then she'd always made herself scarce when they made love, so perhaps she would bring her along.

  "Oh, yes. You can tell Virginia that I have a call in for Clay to set up a meeting. It might take a couple days. He's a busy man."

  Virginia's expression sobered and a lavender hue washed through her luminescent form.

  "She heard.” Her heart went out to Virginia. Anne me
ntally crossed her fingers that they not only found her murderer, but that she would have a chance to resolve things with Clay Montgomery.

  "Coffee break's over,” Jason said. “I have to get back, but I'd rather be there with you.” He paused, and when he spoke again his voice was barely more than a whisper, “and in you."

  "I wish you were here, too.” Anne winced at her trite response. Why couldn't she think of something witty? The words, no matter how corny, were true. When he was gone, it felt like a piece was missing from her life.

  "See you at ten,” he added.

  "See you then."

  Her life was changing faster than she'd ever thought it could, and she was enjoying every second. She dropped the receiver in its cradle and yawned. No matter how much excitement having a lusty ghost in her house injected into her life, her lack of sleep and mega doses of sex had worn her out.

  "Come on, Virginia. It's time for bed.” And how she wished Jason was there to share it with her, and not just because he provided mind-bending sex. He'd stormed into her life and provided a missing piece that she hadn't even known was missing.

  "You go on ahead,” the luminescent figure said. “I'm going to hang out upstairs for a bit."

  "See you in the morning."

  After a lengthy, hot shower, Anne crawled into bed, relaxed and warm from the shower. “What will tomorrow bring?” she murmured.

  "More hot sex with your hunky banker, I hope.” Virginia's voice popped into her head in response. “G'night!"

  "Goodnight.” Anne grinned, suspecting and hoping that Virginia was right. Never had she looked forward to a Monday morning more.

  Chapter Ten

  When Anne woke up golden fingers of light streaked across the sky. It would be at least three hours before Jason would be making his appearance. She pulled on some sweats and strolled downstairs to the kitchen and put on the coffee pot.

  "Virginia?” Anne said softly as she pulled a mug from the cupboard.

  "Good morning!” she answered, then appeared seated at the table. “I thought you were going to sleep forever."