True Nature (2 page)

Chapter 2 HER

Opening my eyes to the sun just spreading across the brick wall next door. Must be about 6:30 then. I love getting up early on my days off. Have the whole day to myself with no plans. Well, plans, but nothing stressful. And, bonus, no hangover! Guess not drinking bourbon paid off. This makes me smile thinking about Max again.

I think he was in a dream I had....something about pirates in an office building and him sweeping in on a vine to the rescue. In my dream, he was shirtless, the muscles that stretched his black t-shirt last night clearly on display. Wouldn't mind getting to see that in real life. The middle finger of my left hand absently rubbing my pussy through my sleep shorts. Laughing out loud kills the mood though...he's probably a hairy monkey! Yep, that's how I'll picture him if he doesn't call. 

Lazy bones…get up...running through my plans today. Gotta clean, do some laundry and head to the beach.

.....

It's early, but Tracy already has a throng around her blanket. For a redhead, she's able to get a good tan and always wears a tiny red suit of some sort to show it off. Today, it's red and white polka dots.  I'm more conservative in a black bikini that definitely covers my ass a whole lot more. And I keep my t-shirt on while playing volleyball. I'm not exactly self-conscious of my large chest, but I've learned that guys will purposely spike the ball my way to see me jump and slide around if I don't cover up. I'm just not that into sports that I want to try that hard or risk a sand burn from a face-flop.

I know most of the people here...all friends of Tracy and a few folks from work, mostly from marketing.  I'm the token human resources friend.

I walk over to Kalli, Steve, and two guys I don't know. "Hey, Lucy. Cute shorts. Maybe you can settle a bet for us. Steve says that there's going to be a corporate picnic this year at the CEO's Lake Michigan manse. Do you know anything about it?"

Kalli is actually only an intern, still finishing her marketing degree from DePaul. So I don't have the heart to tell her that she probably won't be invited. And I already know from Tracy that Steve is thinking of breaking it off long before we get to the annual summer party next month. "I haven't heard any specifics yet."

Steve introduces me to the other guys, "This is Tad and Bullet. My old Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers. Bullet is interviewing for a spot in acquisitions Monday. Is he scheduled with you, Luce?"

Bullet is tall, at least 6'5 and lanky, with sandy blond hair and light brown eyes. He looks like he's spent the summer as a lifeguard so far. "Um, is Bullet your last name?"

"Nah, it's a stupid nickname that I can't shake," his laugh is cute, sort of stoner-ish and higher pitched than I'd expect.  "Name's Billy MacIntosh." 

"Right…you'll be interviewing with Brenda. She's a sweetheart, but she always asks the craziest questions to try to through off her candidates."

"Uh-oh. Can you give me any pointers or is that considered insider trading in HR?" 

I smile and laugh, taking off my white eyelet shorts and setting my bag down on Tracy's world map blanket. I can already feel sweat trickling between my tits. "I think we're cool.  Let's see...One of her favorites is to ask what kind of animal in a zoo you'd like to be and why." Stoner laugh again. "Or if you could go back in time, when would you like to live and why? Really, I think it's because she's bored with the standard stuff. She's been doing this
forever
."

"Cool, thanks. Can I get you a beer...we have a cooler on the other side of the net?"  He points beyond the game ending. Tracy is being grabbed and tackled to the sand by Josh, her on-off boyfriend.

"I don't really like beer, but thanks."

"How bout a swim then to cool off?" Is he flirting with me?

"Sure. I just rode my bike here, so I'm already melting." We pass Tracy and Josh as we walk to the edge of the water. Tracy's eyes are big and questioning. I roll mine at her.

The water at Oak Street beach feels great...super cold and only a hint of Lake Michigan filth today. We wade out to my waist, the water only darkening the bottom of Bullet's boardshorts. "You are a shortie." He says.

"Good things…small packages," my patented response, with a squinty smile looking up at him.

"And cute," he says.

"Why Billy MacIntosh, are you flirting with me to get more insider info?" I try for a southern belle and splash a little water up onto his stomach.

"No, ma'am, a true southern gent would never take advantage of a lady." He grabs me around my stomach and throws me over his shoulder, heading into deeper water.

"Let me down," play pounding on his back. He doesn't throw me into the water, but gently puts me down and holds me steady as a wave splashes water from just below my chest to my chin, sand shifting underfoot. "I'm going to tell Brenda to throw every stupid question she can think of at you!" But I'm laughing.

I move a little away from him, though, making him drop his hands from my waist finally. He's nice looking and I certainly like how he can pick me up like it's nothing, but I don't like when guys think they can get hands-on so quickly. Not to mention that he's obviously had a few beers, so I'd rather not have him leaning all over me in an hour.

Tracy and Josh join us, making a circle in the water. She forces more flirting between Bullet and me, even making crude jokes about his nickname hopefully not meaning something sexual. I'm blushing and laughing more than flirting, but Bullet is being a good sport.

Before we leave, Tracy asks if I got his number. "No, he's interviewing tomorrow. I think it would be awkward. If he gets the job, I'll see him later. If he doesn't, then maybe I'll see him with Steve sometime. No big deal." I'm shrugging.

She is rolling her eyes at me, "It's a wonder you ever get a date without me! I asked Josh to see if he wants to join us Wednesday night at Romona's." 

"Tracy!" We're walking our bikes to the corner. I bump her hip with mine, "What did he say?"

"Knew you liked him! He said he'd love to." She's very satisfied with herself now.

Shaking my head, I get on my bike, "You should be in recruiting…you're very good at picking out people for others!"

"You're welcome." I stick my tongue out at her and smile as we head in opposite directions.

.....

My cell is ringing just as I am unlocking my front door. Unknown local caller. Excited, I pick up, trying to get my shoes off at the same time to wipe off sand. I almost fall over, barely getting "Hello" out while catching my shoulder on the doorframe.

"Hi, Lucy. This is Max Traeger." His voice sounds even deeper over the phone. I like that he doesn't feel the need to add 'from the bar last night.’ "Did I catch you at a bad time? You sound out of breath."

No just a klutz. "No, I just got home from the beach. Still trying to get sand off of me."

"Wish I could lend a hand." I'm blushing all the way to my ears. "I'm glad you changed your mind and left your number for me. I would hate to have had to track you down on my own." How does his voice sound both sexy and laughing at me at the same time?!

"Well, you do know my full name already, so I figured any good detective could figure out the rest." How did flirting become suddenly so easy? "Besides, it's really more my friend's rule about not giving out numbers."

"You always follow rules." He says it not quite as a question.

"Tracy can be pretty...stubborn. But it was the least I could do since you so nicely took care of dinner for us. Thank you again."

"Sweet and good manners...a perfect package. You're welcome." I'm smiling too big to trust saying anything in return.  He fills in the void, "I know this is short notice, but I have an event to go to tonight, and wonder if you'd like to go with me and have a late dinner…are you free?"

I had plans for an early night to prepare for an earlier start to a stressful week.  "Um, yeah, that sounds nice."

“Great. I'll pick you up at 7:00 then. What's your address? Or is that against the rules to give out too?"

"Haha. Yes it is, but you now have my name and number, so I may as well save your private dick the extra leg work." Did I just say dick?! I quickly give him my Lincoln Park address.

"Oh…it's cocktail attire," he adds just after saying bye.

"Uh, O...K...I think I have something that will work...hopefully."

"I'll see you soon, Lucy." I already like hearing my name from him...sounds softer with extra vowels or something.

Chapter 3 HIM

I arrive a little early. Jeff, my driver, made good time around the park and there isn't much traffic on Sundays at this time.  She lives in a slender three floor building, first floor. Her door is directly off the street, behind a wood gate. Hmm...not very safe, girl.

It sounds like the neighbor's dog is big at least. I can hear barking from upstairs before I close the gate. No doorbell. I knock and wait. The door to my right opens, a small elderly woman looks out. I give her a smile and adjust my tie. She pushes a large German Shepherd head back behind her leg and closes her door. The neighbor makes a good watchdog anyway.

I can hear Lucy behind the door. I try not to smile before she opens. Wow. That's some dress. Not like last night. Tonight everything is on display...
little
black dress, tight, high, with ample view of the tits I only saw bouncing yesterday. Hourglass doesn't begin to describe this girl.

"Hi, come on in. I'm still figuring out jewelry and shoes. I'll only be a minute." Her smile makes up for the dress, and no caked-on makeup. 

"No problem. I'm a little early." I whistle. "
Some
dress." She blushes a little and smooths her hands over the sides of the short dress.

"Oh, thanks...I wasn't really sure about it...ya know, not knowing your event and all." She keeps fidgeting.

As we walk further into her place, I can see that it's a studio. The front is a small seating area, loveseat and chair, two small windows look out on the front walkway and sidewalk. I can see her bed tucked around the corner. On the bed is another dress. I walk straight towards it. 

She follows right behind, uncertain, "That was my other choice. It's a bit more sparkly." And better...a little longer, with short sleeves, small black beads, a higher neck, and open back.

Holding it up to her, "I like this one."

Her eyes get a little bigger, face frozen with a smile before slowly saying, "Oh…ok. I can quickly change." Good girl. She takes the dress from me and starts to head through an opening towards the kitchen and I'm assuming bathroom. She turns around quickly, and instead goes to a bedside dresser. Blocking my view, she fishes something out of the dresser and hides it behind the dress. "I'll be right back." I stop a chuckle. She didn't want me to see her underwear change obviously. 

Her closet is open to my right. There are several shoes lining the floor, typical girl. I see a pair of black heels, tall stilettos, my favorite. She returns quickly, but stops under my appraising her up and down with an intense stare. "You're stunning.” That she blushes so easily makes my pants stretch in the front a little. “I picked these for you."

Taking the shoes from me, "Thank you!" she keeps looking down.

I put out my arm as she wobbles into the second shoe. Her small hand creates a barely-there pressure that I can feel down to my cock again. She grabs a pair of earrings sitting on the same dresser. "I'm ready then." 

Chapter 3 HER

Shit. He's early. I'm still running around trying to finish. I didn't clean my place before heading to the beach earlier, so I spent too long straightening up before getting ready.

I finish dropping my keys and lipstick in a satiny black wristlet, leaving it on a side table by the door. The neighbor dog is already barking before I can answer his knock. I sneak a peek through the hole. He looks good...dark suit, nice tie, dark hair shining. Every first date should be like this.

"Hi, Come on in." I move out of the way to let him in. Before closing the door, I glance outside. Is that a town car with a driver waiting?! He went all out.

He's holding up my other black dress, the one I wore to a wedding last year. One of Tracy's cousins...the bride insisted everyone wear black so she really shined. Tracy wore lace with not much underneath. I think she told me they're divorced already.

"I like this one." I'm speechless for a second. He actually wants me to wear the dress that shows less of me? Wow. "OK, I can quickly change." Oops. I need a different bra though. Excuse me while I just sidestep ya and dig through my special undies pile to find the uber-uncomfy-push-up-convertible-bra, aka torture device.

Returning to him, I’m still adjusting the dress in the back, making sure the low bra strap doesn’t show. I see he's holding shoes. And of course, they’re the most uncomfortable and high pair I own. At least I won't be as short next to him now.

He calls me stunning…never been called that before! He holds out his arm for me...yep, his arms are as strong as I thought. I stop a giggle from starting. Calm down, dammit. “I’m ready.”

He closes the gate behind us. “You didn’t have to get a car…a cab would’ve been fine.” I feel lady-like as the driver opens the door for me.

“I don’t like to wait for cabs. And Jeff here has been my driver for…what’s it been, Jeff…3 years now?” He’s walking around the other side already. I hear the driver respond, “Almost 4 years, Sir.” Max holds my left hand on my knee for the whole ride, a constant reminder of the heat I feel being near him. My palm feels sweaty but his is nice and dry, his touch gentle.

“So what event are we going to?”

“It’s a silent auction and dinner, proceeds go to several charities. I just have to stop by for a little work…shake and hold a few hands.” What kind of work does a bartender have to do outside a bar? Am I going to be sitting by myself while he serves trays of drinks? “We’re not staying long. I’ve made reservations for us at my favorite steak place in River North,” he lightly squeezes my hand, “Hope my girl has a big appetite.”

“I’m starving. Haven’t eaten anything except a hotdog earlier.” I smile at being called his girl…maybe if you play your cards right, mister.

…..

We pull up to the hotel. Max stops me from opening the door with a little squeeze of my hand, “Let Jeff do that.”

Max got out on his side before me and a very short, blond elderly woman in a full-length fur is calling to him from the curb, “Yoo-hoo. Max. Over here.” He goes to her side and takes her bejeweled hand in both of his. I come over to stand slightly off to the side of them, feeling awkward. 

“Robbie is frantic. Do you have what he needs?” She’s loudly whispering up to him. Max pats her hand, then pats his left breast pocket, “Right here.”

“Good, I won’t have to talk him off the ledge tonight. That boy!” She's shaking her head.

“You have fun tonight, Mrs. Standosh…don’t spend all your time at the auction tables.” She’s giggling like a young girl as he gives her a kiss on the cheek.

Turning towards me, he puts his hand on my lower back and directs me towards the doors. I squirm away from him. Just inside, I turn on him, “Are you selling drugs?! Is that the ‘work’ you have to do tonight?! I won’t be any part of it…so just tell me and I’ll go.” I’m pissed. Can’t believe I fell for this guy.

He’s laughing at me though, “No,” more laughter, “I swear to you,” still laughing. His eyes are crinkling, I can see that they are a bright green, with the tiniest flecks of gold around the pupils, his lips are switching between a small smile and a crooked grin.

A large, balding man claps his hand on Max’s back, extending his hand in between us. “Max! How are you? Mother says you brought my paperwork? Please tell me you did…Stella is inside and I need to give her good news tonight!” What is going on?!

Max is still smiling at me, but turns his body towards the other man, shaking his hand. He pulls out a folded bunch of papers from his inside pocket. “Lucy, please excuse us for a moment. I’ll be right back.” There’s the wink again.

I watch as Max directs the man towards a long table on the outskirts of the lobby. Their progress interrupted a few times by various groups, Max quickly saying hi and herding the man on before they can be stopped. I’m actually shaking my head a little watching.

All the dressed up people are walking up a flight of stairs to my left.  I follow along slowly trying to fit in, but stop at the bottom of the stairs. Looking over my shoulder, I see Max shaking hands with the man again, putting the papers back in his pocket.

He’s smiling at me through the distance, not the small or crooked smile, but a full teeth-showing smile this time. How can he exert this feeling from so far away even…like I’m the only one he sees? My knees actually feel wobbly, my hand on the stair rail steadying. Should’ve eaten more today.