“Fair enough. So definitely nobody from our place then?”
“No, of course not. Why?”
“Well, I was thinking…”
“About? Come on, spit it out.”
“Well, you know what the guy in the hotel said, about…entertainment.”
“What about it?”
“Come on. When you walked back onto the terrace, I could tell you were thinking about that.”
“I was not.”
“So why were your nipples hard little pebbles under your blouse?”
“They were not.”
“They were, girlfriend. And I’m sure that flush wasn’t just from embarrassment.”
Julia frowned at her best friend, but after a moment she nodded agreement. She’d actually walked outside to hide her momentary arousal. In Josie’s case, it hadn’t worked.
“Well, how about if we provided the entertainment?”
“We…? As in you and me, pretending to be strippers…?”
Heads at the nearby table came up and people looked around. Julia realized she’d spoken too loudly. She waited until the people around them lost interest, most of them, hopefully, thinking they’d misheard.
“Stripping?”
Josie grinned. “Why not? It’s not as if Max hasn’t seen me naked. Watching you get naked in front of a group of his friends would turn him on big time.”
Julia licked her lips. Max’s reaction was a given, especially after the last few adventures. She inclined her head toward Josie as her friend lowered her voice.
“This is my thinking…”
* * * *
It had been complex to set up, but eventually the hotel had agreed to cough up ten pass cards for the suite, and she’d given the guys instructions to ask for the key card as they arrived, but to make sure they went upstairs to the suite no later than seven-thirty. Max was due to pick up his key at eight, and although he knew she’d booked a room at the Continental, he didn’t know anything more. As usual, it had been child’s play to get him to indulge his wife in her little surprise, and she’d managed to get away with giving him no other clues.
The hotel had even been good enough to let them have an otherwise unused room on the ninth floor to get ready in. Julia met Josie there at seven and the two conspirators grinned at each other.
“Too late to back out now, girlfriend.”
“I know. Don’t worry. I’m not going to let you down.”
“Get your frock on quickly. You need to be upstairs to meet them in twenty minutes.”
“I know. You don’t think this dress is too much?” She held the little silk black dress up. Once on, it would cover her all the way down to her thighs, enabling her to wear some of her later costume underneath.
“No, it’s perfect. You’ll look fabulous like that and nobody will have a clue, not even Max.”
“Max will, he’ll recognize you.”
“But I’m going to walk in and announce myself as the entertainment. He’ll have enough about him to keep quiet. This is going to be fun. So, get dressed, and get upstairs, then come back down here so we can watch the game in peace.”
Julia rolled her eyes. Neither of them liked football, but Josie was the half-time entertainment, so they had to have the game on the screen so they would know when it was half-time.
Julia stripped off her thin summer dress. She’d nipped home and got changed and then out again before Max got home. All he knew was to present himself at the reception desk at eight and ask for a key in his name. Nothing more.
She was wearing one of her best underwear sets, a very expensive taupe lace set with black and red trim. The bra was a long-line one, lace panels stretching down below her bust line, with three snaps at the front.
“Fuck! That’s stunning, girl.”
“Thank you. It’s new.”
Josie peeled off her own dress, revealing an equally nice set, although hers was black, and in most places transparent. Her bra was more conventional, but still front fastening.
“Not bad, sweetie. Not bad.”
Josie mimed preening and gave a twirl. “You really like it?”
“Yeah. Very much. It suits you—easy on, easy off.”
“Cheek!”
They both giggled and Josie asked a slightly different question.
“Do you think they’ll like it?”
Julia looked at her friend. Josie seemed a little unsure of herself all of a sudden. She’d been really into it throughout the planning. Indeed, today at work she’d seemed almost wired, fizzing with suppressed energy. Several people had noticed but Josie hadn’t enlightened anyone. Julia had found it hard to stay in control during the day. Not as bad as Josie, though. Now, Josie seemed to be doubting herself.
“You having second thoughts, sweetie?”
Josie shook herself and smiled. “No, not really. Just nerves. I’ve never…”
“Never what?”
“Been naked in front of eight guys before, not at the same time.”
“Ah, so those stories about you pulling a couple of trains in college weren’t true then?”
“What stories?”
Julia giggled. “Got you.”
“Bitch!”
“You’re only saying that to make me feel better.” Josie stuck her tongue out at her and Julia knew her friend’s doubts were only on the surface. Josie wouldn’t chicken out.
She pulled her dress over her head and went to the mirror to check how she looked and teased her hair straight. It was almost twenty-five past, so it was time for her to do the hostess job.
“I’ll be back shortly.”
“No worries, girlfriend. I’m going to get my face done, then you can do yours while I watch the game.” Josie rolled her eyes, mimicking Julia’s earlier reaction to the idea of watching football.
* * * *
As luck would have it, as the elevator car opened to whisk her six floors up, one of Max’s friends was standing at the back, behind an older couple who seemed annoyed to have to shuffle to one side to let her in.
“We’re going up.”
Julia smiled at them. “So am I. Fifteen, please.”
She watched the woman’s eyes rake over her from head to toe, taking in the form-fitting thin silk dress, and sniffed. She caught Clive’s eye in the mirrored door and she could see he was trying hard not to laugh. Luckily, the couple got out at eleven, and as the door slid closed, Julia sagged back against the rail at the side of the car giggling.
“Good evening to you, Julia.”
“Clive, sorry. That was priceless.”
“You know what they thought, don’t you?”
She nodded. “Yeah. In their world a woman getting on at nine and riding up to fifteen, could only be one thing…” The laughter took hold again and Clive joined her. They were both still laughing as they exited the lift.
Standing outside the suite were Paul and Bean. She knew his real name was Charles, but he’d been rechristened Bean by his high school buddies and it had stuck through into later life. At six foot six he towered over her by more than a foot. Paul was nearer her own height and stepped forward, sweeping her into a bear hug that left her gasping for air.
“Not so tight. You’ll crease the dress.”
“Oh, so it’s okay to touch the hostess, but not wrinkle her dress.” She could see the gleam in his eyes.
“Stop it, you oaf. Good to see you too. Bean, how do you put up with these guys?”
In contrast, Bean, with a twinkle in his eye, gave her a perfect imitation of a Prussian heel tap, and bowed over her hand, rubbing the back of it with his lips.
She felt a slight blush rise to her cheeks at the old-fashioned courtesy. “See, guys, that’s how you treat a lady.”
“Are you a lady, Julia?”
“Ask that in front of my husband, Clive, and I suspect you’d find out if you can fly.”
“Well, there was this couple in the elevator who thought she was a who—”
“I’d leave it
there if I was you.” She knew damn well the story would be repeated the second she was out of sight. She just didn’t want to hear it again. She knew full well it would be repeated in front of Max, and bit her lip. That might give the game away a bit, but she couldn’t ask them to be quiet without giving the game away to them too.
“Why didn’t you go in, guys?”
Bean shrugged. “We kinda wanted to make sure the others were coming too.”
“You thought it was a set-up rather than a surprise party?”
“No…”
“Don’t lie to me, Paul.”
They both had the good manners to look sheepish as she pulled her key card from her purse and opened the door. Walking inside, she gestured for the three guys to follow.
All of them made suitable noises while Clive made a beeline for the terrace.
“Guys, you should see this view.”
Paul was looking straight at Julia. “I think I’ve already got the best view.”
This time she colored up. She knew one or two of his friends had been jealous of Max when he’d started going steady with her, and when he’d proposed, they’d all said about time. She hadn’t thought any of them would still carry a candle for her and, if they did, they were going to get one hell of a shock. Paul’s face split into a lazy grin that said, Gotcha!
A moment later there was a knock on the door, and immediately afterward the door opened. They’d obviously used their staff card. Two waiters wheeled a huge trolley in through the door, and a moment later one of them held the door open, allowing two more to follow, with yet another trolley.
“On the terrace, I believe, madam?”
“Yes, please. I’m sure these bozos can look after themselves.”
Despite her words, the waiting staff removed the covers, revealing an amazing buffet.
“Anything else, madam?”
“No, thank you, that’s fantastic. Please give my compliments to the chef.” She fished out a couple of twenties and, stuffing them in his hand, showed them out. Just as they left, Vince and Malcolm arrived, followed a couple of minutes later by the final two, Jim and Hank.
They all said hello, and she collected another four hugs, as well as cheek kisses from the men, and then as they greeted each other she clapped her hands.
“Right, guys. I have to go. This is a men-only party, so I have no intention of being here. Booze is as you see it, food is outside, the guest of honor will be here in ten minutes, and trust me he knows nothing about it—only to get the key card downstairs. Please help him enjoy the party, and since I know you all like football, the big game is pre-programmed into the big screen.”
“You’re not staying?”
“No, I told you. Give my darling husband back a taste of what he’s not allowed at home—a football party. No women allowed.”
“And what are you going to do?”
“I am going to go and have a gorgeous five-star meal in the restaurant downstairs. When you leave, tell Max to text me. I’ll be right up.” She chuckled. “That’s what the dress is for. Capiche?”
The guys all laughed with her and she waved as she headed for the door. She didn’t expect Max to be early, but she wanted to make sure she couldn’t run into him.
* * * *
The whistle for the end of the second quarter blew and Josie looked over at her.
“Showtime, girlfriend.”
“I guess. You ready?”
“Yeah. More than ready. I’m surprised you couldn’t tell.”
“You do look a little flushed.”
“Come on.”
“You’re coming up now?”
“If I stay in here, I’ll climb the walls.”
“But…”
“Don’t worry. I’ll dodge round the corner as you open the door.” Julia grinned. “Besides I want to hear their whoop of approval when they see that outfit.”
“Enough, already. You’ll make me blush.” Josie, though, was grinning too. Her caricature of a cheerleader outfit had been too good to not pick when they’d selected their costumes. Julia’s matching top and skirt, and both women’s day clothes, were in the bag Josie picked up as they both headed for the door. Julia gave the room one last look around, to make sure they hadn’t left anything, then followed. Josie would drop the bag just inside the door as she arrived in the suite.
Thankfully, this time the elevator was empty and they were whisked upstairs in silence.
Josie went first, stepping out into the corridor, making sure the coast was clear. She motioned for Julia to follow. “How do I look?”
“Fucking sensational, babe, although I don’t think any college ever let their cheerleaders perform in that kind of lacy underwear.”
Josie shivered. “I know, but I’m so hot at this moment.”
“Go for it, sweetie.”
“Ten minutes?”
“Ten minutes, so don’t go too quickly.”
Walking down the short corridor, Josie swung her hips from side to side, making her butt sway. Julia moved to the other side of the elevator and hid from the doorway so nobody looking out would see her.
Josie gave her a thumbs-up, and Julia watched as her friend took a deep breath then rapped sharply on the door. She waited for a few seconds then used her key card to open it, letting the door swing wide.
“Gentlemen, good evening. My name is Josie, and I’m here to dance for the birthday boy.”
There’d been a hush in the room already, which was why Josie had knocked rather than just used her card. It was replaced by a sudden roar as the eight men reacted. She knew Max would recognize her friend, but she didn’t think anyone else would. Josie had looked very different at their wedding. Indeed, she’d had a blond bob as a bridesmaid at the time, rather than her natural brunette hair she now wore much longer.
The door closed, cutting off Julia’s ability to hear, let alone see, the reactions inside the room. She shivered as she watched her watch, counting down the ten minutes they’d agreed on. She couldn’t help imagining what was going on inside the room.
Josie dropped the bag just inside the door, and walked between two of the couches, stepping down into the sunken area of the floor and turning around, her little cheerleader skirt flaring out, revealing her stocking tops and suspenders. Every eye in the room would be glued to her.
“Which one is the birthday boy?”
Max wouldn’t have to say anything. The others would have all turned to look at him. He would stare at Josie, who would shiver, as she knew Max would not only recognize her but his mind would be whirling, working out what Julia was planning.
“Happy birthday, Max. I hope you’re enjoying your surprise party, and I hope you’re going to enjoy your surprise present.” They would all laugh and Josie would raise her arms above her head, every eye drawn to the hem of her skirt as her movements raised it. She’d start to sway from side to side, and at the same time start to clap.
“Anyone interested in what’s on the TV?”
They’d all chorus no, and none of them would take their eyes off her. Josie would be in her element, the center of attention, her nerves dissipated, enjoying every second.
“Someone mute the sound then, and the rest of you pick up the beat. Don’t lose it. Let’s face it, you don’t want music to distract you from watching me, do you?”
Another chorus of nos and they’d start clapping too. They’d designed that into her routine, to provide an additional cover for Julia slipping into the room unobserved.
The guys would be clapping now, as Josie started to increase the range of movement of her hips, keeping her upper body still. Still clapping, still swaying, she’d dance around to face the huge screen TV then, bringing her hands down to her side, she’d spread her legs a little and bend over at the waist, her hips jerking in all directions as she flipped the skirt up onto her back. Only for a second, but long enough for the guys to see she was wearing the kind of underwear the stockings and garters promised.
Straighten
ing back up and turning to face them again, her movements would be more sensuous, as she started to use her fingers to tease at the bottom edge of her cheerleading top which would already expose a couple of inches of stomach, now she started to ease it up. All the men would be craning forward, wanting to get a better view, but still maintaining the staccato clapping. If they faltered, Josie would stop and get them to start again before she’d continue.
She’d turn her back again, and then whisk the top off, exposing the black back-strap of her lacy bra. No doubt the guys would be cheering and whistling now, and Josie would encourage them too. She’d turn around to face them, holding her top in front of her breasts.
“Should I drop this, guys?”
A thunderous yes would follow, and she’d drop the top to her feet, careful to make sure it stayed away from any of the guys. The guys would redouble their efforts as they saw how sheer her bra was. By now Josie’s nipples would be stiff inside it, and that would be very evident to them.
“Let me guess. You’d really like me to continue, wouldn’t you?”
Another thunderous yes would fill the room, but the guys wouldn’t stop clapping. Josie would unclick the catch between her breasts and then turn away from her audience. The guys would lean forward in anticipation of Josie losing the bra. She‘d flick the shoulder straps down one at a time, and then, making sure to keep one arm across her chest, so as not to show herself in the reflection on the TV set, she’d lose the straps completely.
Turning around, she’d dance in place, holding the bra to her chest, a sensuous smile playing on her lips.
Julia took a deep breath. Showtime! Inserting the key card in the lock, she pushed the door open and stepped inside.
* * * *
The scene was almost as she’d imagined it, although she’d possibly mistimed it by being twenty seconds early. Josie was still dancing with her back to her audience and was just slipping the second of her bra straps down. Nobody had noticed Julia and she licked her lips, trying hard to summon up her sternest face.
Julia's Second Collection Page 19
