Charlie was frowning now. “Now that you mention it, there was something strange.”
“What?”
“Last weekend he drove me to PAL, and when I discovered I forgot my security badge, he used his to get in. Security is very tight at PAL and only people with special clearance get in during off hours.” She told her friends. “He’s only been here for a few months and his position certainly wouldn’t give him that kind of clearance. But he was able to get through without any problems.”
“Hmm…that is strange.” Mandy murmured thoughtfully.
“Like I said, he probably has powerful friends inside the company.” Becky said.
The next day, Charlie went to Ryle’s place after work. Her discussion with her friends was uppermost on her mind for most of the day. As soon as she was alone with Ryle, she had to ask him.
“By the way, Becky wanted to thank you for getting the tickets to Saturday’s hockey game. It’s really nice of you.” Charlie said as they left the plant together in his car.
“No problem; glad I could help.” He answered easily.
“How did you manage to get the tickets?”
He shrugged. “A friend had some extras he couldn’t use.”
“A friend?”
“Hmm. Did you want to go too?” He asked her.
“No.” She answered. “But those are really good tickets; why didn’t you use them for yourself?”
He turned to look at her. “I wanted to spend Saturday night with you. I didn’t think you wanted to go to a hockey game twice in a row.”
“Oh.” She couldn’t find any objections to that. She wanted to spend time with him. And being alone with him would be a lot more enjoyable.
They ended up spending Saturday at Ryle’s place. Between sessions of lovemaking, they managed to get some work done. She brought her laptop with her and set up shop on the dining table where she worked on some reports. Ryle sat across from her with his own laptop. He seemed to have all the latest technological gadgets. Other than his cell phone and iPad, his laptop computer was a tablet pc with a swivel screen which he was using with the stylus when he wasn’t typing.
Charlie was curious what kind of work Ryle was doing, but she didn’t feel she had the right to pry. When he was working, he was so focused, he didn’t even notice when she got up to make coffee. She didn’t want to interrupt him, even to offer him coffee.
They went out for a late lunch, and then bought a few groceries for the evening.
“Frozen pizza?” Ryle teased her as she paused in front of the freezer section, perusing the selection of frozen pizza. He stopped behind her, sliding an arm around her mid-section and pulling her back against him. She closed her eyes for a long moment, enjoying the closeness.
“Well, you have two choices. I can make frozen pizza or TV dinners.” She told him, slanting a glance back at him.
“Or we can order in.”
“Is that your solution to every meal?”
He grinned. “Yeah.”
“Ordering in every night is a little excessive.” She murmured. Not to mention pricy. She added silently. It bothered her that Ryle still did most of the paying. She was the one with the big salary; she didn’t mind if she paid for all their dates. But somehow, he annoyingly managed to stay one step ahead of her on it.
“How is it that your mom is such a great cook and you arn't?” He asked, giving her a little kiss on her ear as he talked.
“Because I’m a disaster in a kitchen.”
“What did you eat when you were living on your own?”
Charlie thought back to her college days. “Well, for the first few years, I lived in the dorms and I took most of my meals in the cafeteria. And then when I was living with…”
“You were living with…?” Ryle prompted lightly after a few moments when she didn’t continue.
“When I was living with my boyfriend, Brian, he did all the cooking.”
Ryle was silent for a long moment after her answer. His arm had tightened around her, but he didn’t make any comments. She wished she could see his face and what he was thinking.
“I guess frozen pizza it is.” Ryle finally said lightly, dropping a kiss on the top of her head and released her.
She felt suddenly bereft without his arm around her. Trying not to show that it bothered her, she picked up a couple of boxes. “Do you have any preference?”
“Anything’s good.” He said carelessly.
She baked the frozen pizza later that evening, standing watch over it to make sure it didn’t burn as it sometimes did. When she was cooking, any disaster was possible.
“You don’t have to stand there and watch it; it’s not going anywhere.” Ryle teased her when he walked into the kitchen to see her once again peeking into the glass window.
She straightened and turned to make a face at him. “Just leave the cooking to me.”
“Okay.” He laughed and left the kitchen.
When the timer went off, she found oven mitts and took the pizza out.
“Dinner is served.” She called, setting the pizza down onto the dining table.
Ryle walked up to the table, carrying a bottle of chilled beer and a can of Coke for her. “Nice.” He teased, coming up behind her to look over her shoulder at the pizza.
“And to think you could be in a VIP box having catered food right now.” She said teasingly. “Instead, you have to suffer my inferior cooking.”
“True. But I can’t do this in a VIP box,” He said, dropping off the drinks and pulling her back against him. One arm slipped around her waist, while the other hand reached down into the V-neckline of her T-shirt to cup a breast.
“Mmm.” She moaned, closing her eyes and tipping her head back.
He pulled her to the sofa and proceeded to show her everything he couldn’t do to her in a VIP box.
The pizza was very cold by the time they got around to it. But she didn’t care. She was still lethargic and sated in the afterglow of Ryle’s lovemaking. She barely tasted what she ate.
After dinner, they sat down in the living room to watch the hockey game. It must have been a great game because Ryle really got into it and barely paid her any attention. She sat on the sofa while he sat on the floor near her. Once in a while, he would reach back to caress her legs, but other than that, his attention was completely on the game. She sat patiently, watching his profile more than the game. After awhile, she got up and went to take a shower. When she came back, dressed in her pajamas of cotton T-shirt and matching pants, Ryle was exactly where she left him, still deep into the game.
Being near him like this, watching him, it was hard for her to resist touching him. She started caressing his hair, lightly, and watching her fingers run through the black strands of his hair, so soft and thick. When he didn’t have any reaction to that, she ran her fingertips over his scalp, rubbing gently. But once she started, she couldn’t stop. She ran her fingers down his neck and over his chest. His chest felt hard while the long sleeved T-shirt he wore was cashmere soft.
Ryle lifted a hand to cover hers against his chest, caressing the back of her hand absently as he continued to watch the game. She let him hold her hand for a while before reaching over with her other hand to caress him. She slipped her free hand inside the neckline of his T-shirt to caress his bare skin. It was intoxicating touching him, and her fingertips tingled as they skimmed over his skin. She was getting aroused just from touching him and her breathing was starting to catch.
Ryle released her hand and turned around abruptly to face her. He knelt on the floor near her feet, looming over her as he pressed her back against the sofa and kissed her deeply. She moaned, her fingers caressing his hair and his neck and his shoulders. He removed her pajamas swiftly and efficiently, pinning her against the sofa as he leaned over her, kissing her deeply, his tongue plundering the inner recess of her mouth.
Charlie moaned, her hands reached for his belt and zipper, but he grabbed her hands and pinned them down on the seat of
the sofa with his, holding them immobile. She squirmed, trying to use her body to convey her need. He ignored her silent plead for several minutes as he ran rough kisses down her throat toward her breasts. She cried out as he bit her nipple a little too hard. Then he was using his tongue to gently lick it until the pain subsided.
“Ryle, please,” She gasped.
He ignored her pleads and gave her other nipple the same treatment. He bit down on it until she cried out and then he was licking it softly. She was aroused to a fever pitch and she could barely think straight.
In one swift and rough movement, he spread her thighs and pulled her out to the edge of the soft seat. He had released her hands and his hands were holding her inner thighs. She squirmed, feeling embarrassed by his view of her. But he didn’t let her move, pinning her on the seat, his long fingers fanned out around her thighs and his thumbs were rubbing her wet pussy, watching it respond.
“Ryle, no,” She choked.
He didn’t stop. He bent and started pressing light kisses on her wet pussy, and then he was licking it and sucking it. He sucked the soft flesh into his mouth, his tongue rubbing her clit insistently. She moaned, throwing her head back as pleasure washed over her, starting from the very center of her desire. His mouth and tongue was doing the most amazing things to her and she moaned loudly, her whole body was taut with pleasure. She could feel it building higher and higher, and then as he flicked his tongue hard against her clit a few more times, she burst open, screaming as she did. She grasped his hair, unconsciously holding him there as intense pleasure racked her body.
When she slowly slid back down to earth, she noticed he was gently caressing her, his hands strangely tender. She was too weak to move. He knelt up gave her a soft kiss and she could taste herself on his lips.
On Sunday her parents were planning another big dinner. This time, even Mandy and Rob were coming. Normally, on Sunday evenings, Mandy and Rob had dinner with either set of their in-laws. But this weekend, Megan was staying over at Mandy’s parents, and Rob’s parents were away on holiday, so Mandy and Rob had the evening free. It was natural that they would join Charlie and her parents for dinner. Becky and Sean were also coming. And two more couples, friends of her parents, would also be there.
Charlie had slept over at Ryle’s on Saturday night. But on Sunday afternoon, she went home to help her mom prepare dinner. As usual, she helped with all the washing and peeling, while her mom did the real cooking. Her mom even talked her into making her chocolate cheesecake.
By six o’clock, guests were starting to arrive. Her parents’ friends arrived early, Mr. and Mrs. Hamlin, and Mrs. and Mr. Holton, and their daughter Julia. Julia was a year older than Charlie. Mandy and Rob also arrived early; Mandy went into the kitchen to help while Rob chatted with the others.
At ten to seven, the door bell rang again. Charlie was standing closest to the door, and she went to answer it.
“Hey Charlie,”
“Hey guys,” Charlie exchanged a hug and kiss with Becky and Sean.
“Guess who we bumped into.” Becky asked brightly.
Charlie was about to guess Ryle, when Jeff stepped into the porch light. “Jeff!” She smiled despite her confusion.
“Hi Charlie,” Jeff murmured, walking closer.
“It’s nice to see you.” She said.
“Er…yeah. I hope it’s not too presumptuous of me.” Jeff said a little awkwardly. “When I called your mom to thank her for the pie, she insisted I come to dinner tonight. She seemed offended that I haven’t been to her Sunday dinners for awhile.”
Oh, God. Charlie knew she was to blame for that. She didn’t get a chance again to tell her mom about Jeff and now it was a mess. She didn’t mind Jeff coming to dinner; far from it. She meant it when she extended her parents invitation that he was always welcome. But she didn’t want to put him in this awkward position without at least talking with him first.
Charlie smiled as warmly as she could. “Like I said, Jeff, you’re always welcome. And my mom can be a very persistent lady.”
“That she is.” Becky murmured.
“Please, come in.” Charlie let them walked past her into the front hallway. She was about to close the door when she saw Ryle walking up to the porch.
“Hey,”
“Hey,” She said. “Glad you could make it.”
“Er, yeah.” Ryle murmured, puzzled by her formality. His bafflement cleared as he stepped inside to find Becky, Sean and Jeff taking off their coats in the small confines of the front hallway. “Hey everyone,”
“Hey Ryle.”
“Hey,”
Charlie closed the front door firmly and turned to face them. “Jeff, you know Ryle from PAL.”
“Yes. We’ve worked at the same bay a couple of times.” Jeff said politely. “How’s it going?”
“I’m good, how are you?” Ryle replied easily.
“Good, thanks.”
They were both tall men, and they looked almost eye to eye with a slight advantage in Ryle’s favor. Of similar frame, both men were lean and powerful from their various fitness routines. Although Jeff being an avid cyclist had thicker legs, whereas Ryle was well toned all over, and he moved with a loose-limbed fluidness of a sleek panther, compared to Jeff’s liken of a lion.
Ryle took in the situation quietly, and she could see in his eyes that he had already guessed what might have happened. Jeff was obviously left in the dark as to what was happening. Although being a shrewd man, Jeff would probably figure it out soon enough.
“Can I take your jackets?” Charlie offered politely, stopping in front of the closet.
“Thanks, Charlie.” Becky said, handing her jacket.
Charlie hung up Becky and Sean’s jackets, and turned to the other two men.
“Thanks, I got it.” Ryle said lightly. He was standing closer to the closet. She stepped to the side to let him hang up his own jacket.
Jeff followed suit and hung up his own jacket as well.
“Let’s not stand around here.” Charlie said brightly as she led the way down the hall into the living room.
“I see everyone’s arrived.” Eva said, smiling as she walked up to greet the new arrivals, smiling at each of them
“Hello Mrs. Brison.” Everyone greeted her.
“Becky, my dear, so nice to see you again. And this young man is...?” Eva asked.
“Mrs. Brison, this is my date Sean Edwards.” Becky introduced.
“How do you do, Mrs. Brison.”
“Fine thank you.” She smiled warmly at Sean before turning to direct the same smile at Ryle. “And it’s nice to see you again, Ryle.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Brison. It’s nice to see you.” Ryle said politely.
“And Jeff, I’m so glad you could come this evening.” Eva said, her smile brightened even more. “We have really missed you these last several weeks.”
“Thanks for inviting me, Mrs. Brison.” Jeff said politely, returning her smile.
“Nonsense, you know you’re always welcome.” Eva said, going up to him and taking his arm. “Let me introduce everyone.”
When Eva introduced Jeff as Charlie’s boyfriend to the Holtons, Jeff was surprised, but he managed to cover it and continued to smile politely.
Charlie bit her lower lip, horrified at the mess she had caused by not telling her parents the truth about herself and Jeff. She met Jeff’s eyes with an apologetic look. And glanced toward Ryle to do the same, only Julia seemed to have attached herself to Ryle’s side and was monopolizing his attention.
Unable to correct the situation right now, Charlie went to help her dad get drinks for everyone.
“Jeff,” She finally found a moment alone with him as she handed him his drink. “I’m so sorry; I’ll explain later.”
“It’s all right,” Jeff said, “I…”
“It’s so nice to see you two together again.” Eva said warmly, coming up to stand with them.
“Mom, can I talk to you for a moment?” Charlie ask
ed. If this continued, it would be too embarrassing for Jeff.
“We’re starting dinner now, darling, can we talk later?” Eva asked.
Charlie smiled, giving Jeff another apologetic smile. “Sure, Mom.”
Fourteen people for a sit-down dinner was not an undoable feat when her mom arranged it. Her parents used the largest room as the dining room, setting up a long oblong table. It was cozy and everyone was so relaxed and looking forward to Eva's delicious food that they didn't mind a little overcrowding.
“Eva, everything looks so delightful.” Mrs. Hamlin said.
Mrs. Holton was smiling as she looked around the table at all the food. “I’ve been looking forward to your pork roast all week.”
Eva laughed. “Then let’s all sit down. It’s a little tight; we’ll all just be a little cozier.”
“The cozier the better the food tastes.” Mr. Holton chuckled.
“So true.” Mrs. Hamlin smiled.
Her parents and their friends sat together at one end of the table; Charlie and her friends sat together at the other end. It was a tight fit, but no one minded. Except Charlie found herself seated beside Jeff, and Ryle seated next to Julia across the table.
Julia was telling Ryle and those around her about her time spent living in Paris. She had just come back from a trip to the French capital where she worked for a year, and she was very excited about her experience there.
“Paris sounds beautiful,” Mandy sighed a little wistfully. “I’ve always wanted to go there. You’re so lucky to get to live there for your job.”
“Yes, I am.” Julia agreed. “We were wined and dined almost every evening at some of the best restaurants in Paris.”
“That sounds like such a glamorous job, Julia.” Eva smiled. “You’re a very lucky girl.”
“Julia does get to travel to many glamorous places because of her job.” Mrs. Holton said proudly. “She often mingles with the rich and famous.”
“My, that is very impressive.” Mrs. Hamlin said.
“Paris was one of her longer assignments.” Mr. Holton added.
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