The Old Man & The Beach--Part 1 free porn video

CHAPTER 1

I took a spin around the oval parking area, finding it to be as crowded as I had expected with all fifty spots filled. The island portion of Sunset Beach has one of the best and most accessible beaches in North Carolina—it’s one of the few that face south--and it has the best of facilities, too with several showers on the boardwalk and real toilets nearby. Finishing the loop I realized that I had two choices—find a spot to park up the road as far as three or four blocks away or go next door to the fishing pier and pay to park. I chose to pay. I could afford it.

My Tommy Bahama beach chair has shoulder straps so it was on my back. My cooler with soft drinks, ice, and a big sub for my dinner was in my right hand and my umbrella was over my shoulder as I began my walk up the beach. I was looking for just the right spot and I walked almost a half mile before I found it. The beach was crowded, but not that crowded. I was looking for a special spot—one near the dunes and close enough to a woman I could tempt to sleep with me.

I found her alone wearing a sexy coral-colored bikini as she lounged on a towel spread on the sand. I guessed her age to be about forty, but she was in very good shape, what one might expect from daily workouts at the gym. Plenty of women who shouldn’t expose their flabby bellies wear a bikini, but she was the exception. Her light brown hair was tied up in a ponytail. Her breasts weren’t huge—either a big B or a small C in my estimation—and her abdomen was surprisingly flat. Her ass? Well, just let me say I’d fuck it. I was actually pretty particular when it came to sticking my cock into a woman’s rear. Facially she looked like a woman of thirty at most.

Me? I’m older at 61 and retired from one of those financial giants considered too big to fail. I’d been an extremely successful executive in bond trading and I had retired last year after my beloved wife passed away following a long illness. After her death I couldn’t see the point of working my ass off any longer. Why would I want to do it? Who would I be doing it for? I took early retirement and moved south. At six feet two inches and 190 pounds I was also in extremely good shape. I have brown hair partially bleached by the sun with more than a touch of gray, a straight nose, and piercing blue eyes. I may have looked harmless, but I could be a very successful predator; more about that later.

I smiled as I walked past, stopping to drop my cooler about ten feet beyond her blanket. There weren’t many people on this area of the beach so far from the parking. Those who were had come across one of the boardwalks from the many houses that faced the beach about 100 yards away over the dunes or on the streets beyond. She had to have come from one of them. I had my umbrella up and my chair set into the sand a few minutes later and was reading my book when she moved into her chair.

One of the things I like about the beach is that there are always people walking back and forth. I watched a few of the women, not finding them too interesting. Either they were much too young or they were too fat. I was silent until I saw her turn her head as a young stud in his twenties strolled by in a tight suit. That was exactly what I had been waiting for. I chuckled just loud enough for her to hear. She did it again when he walked back a few minutes later. I laughed even louder.

She turned in her seat to look at me. “What’s so funny?”

“You are; he is so NOT RIGHT for you.”

“I wasn’t….”

“Of course you were, but he would be so wrong for any woman like you.” I returned to my book.

“I really wasn’t, you know.”

I dropped my book. I have a tablet, but I never take it to the beach. Anyone could steal it when I go into the water. Speaking of the water, two kids were bitten by sharks early in the season touching off what seemed to be a frenzy of attacks up the coast. By July Fourth they were ancient history. “You were looking,” I told her firmly, “and you were thinking…’I wonder how he’d be in bed.’ There’s no reason to deny it. I’m sure I’d think the same if I saw you walking by.”

“Yeah…right! I’m an old married woman. Besides, what’s wrong with him?”

”You may be married, but you’re hardly old. You can’t be more than thirty-five. But that’s not the problem. The problem is him and the thousands like him. He’s the kind that would bang you hard, cum quickly, and walk away leaving you frustrated. He has no idea how to treat a woman.”

“And, you would know that…how?”

I raised my eyebrows for emphasis. “I’m a guy…been there, done that…too many times. You’d need to find someone who’d appreciate you and place your needs first, probably someone older and more experienced.”

“What you really mean is like you.”

“Sure…and why not? I was married for more than thirty years before my wife passed last year. I’ve cum enough over those years that it’s no longer that much of a priority. I’ve understood for ages how to best see to my wife’s needs.”

“Well, it’s an interesting discussion, but as I said—I am married.”

“So…where’s hubby?”

“Well…he’s supposed to be at work.”

“Supposed? That’s not good; sounds like you have suspicions. How long are you supposed to be here?”

“Two months…July and August; he’s supposed to come on the weekends.”

“Okay, today’s the 16th so you’ve been here just over two weeks. Did he come both weekends as planned?”

“He came for the first one, but claimed he had to work last weekend.”

“We don’t know each other…uh.”

“Cindy.”

“I’m John. Anyway, that doesn’t look good. Does he often work weekends?”

She hung her head and her reply was barely audible. “No.”

I pulled myself up from my chair and walked the twelve feet to her. Taking her hands in mine I pulled her up. “What are you doing, John?”

“I’m just going to move you over here under my umbrella. This is a very personal conversation and you don’t need to broadcast it all over the beach. It’s nobody’s business but yours. Here, you take the chair.” She followed me blindly. I doubted she could see through the tears in her eyes.

“As I see things you have several choices. You could ignore your suspicions and go through life never knowing, but probably never trusting him again. Or you could try to learn the truth and then you’d have some other options.”

“How could I find out the truth, especially if he’s cheating on me?”

“Hire a private investigator. Have them shadow him. If he’s playing around you’d know pretty soon.”

“I don’t have that kind of money, unfortunately.”

“Don’t sweat it—I do. In fact, I can call now. Where do you live?”

“Charlotte.”

“Okay.” I pulled my cell from a pocket behind the chair, but before I could dial she asked, “Why are you doing this?”

“Well, I’m sure you realize I’d love a shot at you. That alone should tell you that I’m an honest man, but I hate men who take advantage of their wives to cheat. I had plenty of opportunities when I was working for one of the top brokerage firms in Manhattan. We had hundreds of hot young women and I was a senior vice president with an office and a couch and my own bathroom with a shower. There’s always some dumb blonde or brunette with big tits thinking they can sleep their way to the top. More than likely they’d get their asses fired, but only after fucking or sucking a few times.”

Sitting in the shade next to her I dialed a firm I’d used in the past. When dealing with billions of investor dollars it’s important to know as much about a company and its management as possible. You’d be surprised how many deals have been quashed by pending sexual harassment suits or other skeletons in a firm’s closet. The phone rang twice before it was answered. “Hi, Manny.”

(“John, is that really you? Aren’t you retired?”)

“Hell yeah, and I plan to stay retired. Manny, you guys have an office in Charlotte, North Carolina, don’t you?”

(“Yeah, why?”)

“I’m at the beach with a friend and she’s concerned that her hubby is having too much fun at home without her.”

(“Shit! That sucks.”)

“Yeah, it does. Hold on and she’ll give you the information.” Handing her the phone I told her to answer all Manny’s questions as completely as possible. She nodded before speaking. She gave her name and address, husband’s name, where he worked and what he did. She also told about the country club and gym where he worked out regularly. Ten minutes later she handed the phone back to me.

“Manny, send me the bill. I don’t want any of this to get back to her.” I finished by giving him my fax number. I still needed one to manage my investments. He already had my cell number.

“I can’t believe you did that for me.”

“It’s not that big a deal, but if you want to pay me back you can have dinner with me tonight.” I saw the hesitation in her face. “And, no, that doesn’t mean sex although I think you’d be a great partner. If you agree I’ll pick you up around 7:00 at the line of cars parked along the causeway, not at your house. Your husband may be acting the idiot, but you don’t have to join him. I was going to eat here—a sub from the deli—but I could make a reservation for Chianti South if you like. It’s high-end Italian down in Little River and very nice.” Checking my watch I saw it was just past 3:00, giving us plenty of time.

“Okay…just as long as it’s just dinner. If we have any dessert it will be at the restaurant. How will I know your car?”

“Know what a Lamborghini looks like?”

“No.”

“Don’t worry. Wait at the back of your car. You’ll recognize it when you see it.” I opened my cooler and asked, “Pepsi or ginger ale?”

“Ginger ale, please. Are you always so nice to strange women?”

“I am if I think they’re hot, but even if they’re not I’m still never rude.” I handed her the can, we toasted as best one can with two soda cans and relaxed. I could see a lot of the stress leave her face. We chatted for a while until I felt hot and sweaty. “I don’t know about you, but I need a swim. Care to join me?” I stood and held my hand out for her. She took it so I could help her out of the chair then we walked together down to the water.

Sunset Beach is broad, more than a hundred yards at low tide from the waterline to the dunes. The bottom is all sand with a very gradual slope that enables me to walk out almost a quarter mile before the water reaches my neck. However, I’d never seen anyone go anywhere near that far unless they were on a surfboard. This is the ocean and the waves, although not as rough as they are in New York or New Jersey, are enough to discourage such stupidity. We walked out about seventy yards until the water was waist high. I floated and ducked underwater, noticing how closely she was to me throughout. We touched several times and I was pleased to see that she was neither offended nor did she pull away.

We swam--although there wasn’t much real swimming involved--for about twenty minutes when she complained that she was getting cold. Once back at my umbrella I pulled her towel from the sand, shook it several times, and wrapped it around her shoulders. I pulled mine from a large pocket built into the back of my chair. “I assume you’re staying at one of the houses back here.”

“Yeah, on the second street; we kind of have a view of the ocean if you look between houses. It was a lot cheaper than the ones on the ocean. I don’t mind the walk. It’s not all that far, besides I usually walk every day. Where are you staying?”

“I moved here permanently almost a year ago. I have a house on the intra-coastal waterway.”

“You have a house for just one person?”

“Yeah, I’m accustomed to having a lot of room and I enjoy the privacy. I’ve heard some real horror stories about living in condos. Sometimes they rent out to groups of golfers who drink and party all night, urinate off the balcony, and worse. No thanks—not for me.”

We chatted for a while, but avoided both her fears about her husband and any possibility of sex between us. We left at five and I was back in my house by 5:30. I phoned for a reservation at 7:30 asking for a table in the rear and by the window. Then I went in for a shave, shower, and a quick nap. I was up and awake by 6:30 and dressed by 6:45. It was only ten minutes to the causeway, less in my Aventador because it handled corners better than most cars handled straightaway’s.

I pulled in behind the line of cars parked along the causeway, pleased to see Cindy standing behind a dark blue minivan wearing a short-sleeved yellow floral top and a pair of tight navy Capri’s that accented her trim body. I coasted down to her, stopping and opening my door so I could walk around and open hers. “Wow…this is some car. Is it fast?”

“Yeah, it is…faster than anything you’ve ever been in—zero to 60 in less than three seconds, although I’ve never gone that fast. I assume one would have to be on a straight track several miles long to do that and there’s no road even close to that around here.” I made sure she was buckled in and off we went. There was no traffic in front of us on the causeway leading to the bridge over the waterway so I opened it up a bit, hitting 100 less than halfway there then I eased off the accelerator and coasted over and down the bridge.

“I hesitate to ask, John, but what kind of gas mileage does this thing get?”

“Well…it’s a V-12 and it takes premium gas so it’s not for economy. I figure I get about ten…maybe as much as twelve, but you don’t buy this if you don’t have money. Thank God it doesn’t need much in the way of service.”

We were on Beach Road—NC 179—the road that parallels the ICW here in the mainland portion of Sunset Beach. I had just turned around a curve when I pointed to a large house with a high wrought iron fence and gate just ahead. “That’s my place.”

Cindy turned her head in disbelief. “I still can’t believe you have a big house like that just for yourself.”

“It’s pretty much what I’m used to. I enjoy having a lot of room and privacy, plus I have a dock and a boat I use occasionally for fishing. Maybe you’d like to go with me sometime.”

“I haven’t been fishing in ages…not since I was a kid.”

“It’s one of the few things that hasn’t changed over the years except for all the rules, and needing a license, and not as many fish to catch. Otherwise, fishing is basically the same as it was hundreds of years ago.” I stopped at the light and turned left through the little village of Calabash, the self-named “Seafood Capital of the World.” There was traffic here and plenty of it as one might expect during the height of the tourist season. Calabash had more restaurants along its mile length than any other place I’d ever known.

Once we were through it was just a short run across the border into Little River, South Carolina. Less than a mile later I took a right turn into Chianti South’s parking area. “I hope you don’t mind if I park in the back. I hate the idea of getting the car scratched. People here are more considerate than up in New York, but sometimes they can be careless.” We were seated in the restaurant three minutes later.

We had just ordered drinks—margarita on the rocks for me, white wine for her—and were checking out the menu. I don’t know why; I always ordered the same thing—veal parm. Cindy opted for the lasagna. “So, tell me about yourself, other than you suspect your husband of cheating.”

“My name is Cindy Hopewell. My husband is Brian. I’m forty, not thirty-five, but thank you. We attended UNC, met there and were married after graduation. I worked for a year until our daughter, Leia, was born. She’s eighteen now and she attends UNC, too. I stayed home to care for her. Brian got a job in real estate development and did well. Now he’s a manager in the firm so money isn’t really a problem for us. I thought we had a great marriage in most respects, but now I’m not so sure.”

“Where’s your daughter now?”

“At UNC, taking some extra classes; she’s pre-med so her class load is heavy. I’m just glad she’s not home. God, I hope he’s not cheating on me.”

“I do, too. We should know pretty soon. It’s Tuesday so I’m guessing you’ll have an idea by Friday if not sooner.” She seemed about to cry so I reached across the table to take her hand in mine. Sure, I wanted to fuck her badly, but I hated to see people be cruel to their spouses—people they were supposed to love. I changed the subject, talking instead about the weather and when she’d like to go fishing.


CHAPTER 2

We were into our entrees when my phone vibrated. I took a quick peek and placed it back into my pocket. “Not going to answer it,” she asked.

“No, it’s just a text. I can deal with it later. How’s the lasagna?”

“It’s delicious. I love lasagna, but it’s so much work to make it. I’m okay in the kitchen, but not great. How’s the veal?” In response I sliced off a small piece and held it up to her. She sucked it off my fork. It was one of the most sensual things I’d ever seen. ‘Good…nice and thin. Someone must spend hours every day just pounding this with one of those mallets.

“I’m pretty sure you’re asking yourself why Brian would want to cheat on me. I’m forty, but I do work hard at keeping myself in shape. We still have sex at least three times a week although I’d prefer it more often. Looking back though, I’d say mostly it’s been sex rather than making love over the past couple of months. He seems less interested in cuddling or even going twice. He just does it and goes to sleep. God, I sound pathetic.”

“No…you sound like someone who cares for your husband and your marriage. I’m sure you love your husband. I hope it works out for you.”

“Do you really?”

“Yes, as funny as that may sound, I do. I worked in a field where greed and cheating are commonplace, but I rose to the top by being a straight shooter. I’ll tell you something few people believe. In finance the cheaters rarely win. I sold billions and billions in bonds so it was important that my clients knew they could trust me; buy when I say ‘buy,’ sell when I say ‘sell’” We finished dinner—no dessert—and were back into the car by 8:10. I took a deep breath before taking the phone out of my pocket. I had seen that the text was from Pinkerton’s, the private investigators I had engaged.

I read the text: SUBJECT LEFT WORK @ 16:30 WITH TALL RDHD. DROVE HOME. ENTERED @ 16:40. STAYD UNTIL 18:10 THEN WENT TO REST. RETURNED @ 19:30. STILL THERE. NO LIGHTS ON IN HOUSE. WILL GET A/V IF POSS. AMY. It ended with a phone number.

“I saw that this was from the investigator. I didn’t want to ruin dinner.” Cindy broke down once she had read the text. I took the phone back and pulled up the attached photo. “Know her?”

Cindy gasped. “It’s Brian’s secretary.” Then she laughed. “Talk about a cliché—the secretary; I’ve met her several times. I’d be surprised if her IQ was any higher than her bra size. Well…now I know why she was hired.”

“I’m sorry. I was going to suggest a club down in Myrtle Beach, but maybe I should just take you home.”

She sat for a moment and seemed to gather herself. “No, I’d like to see your house.” Her eyes were pleading with me when she added, ”Please!” I put the car into gear and we were on the highway seconds later. There was traffic, especially through Calabash where the road is narrow and there are several lights. That’s when I was first sure that we were being followed. I turned right toward the harbor then left and another left just to be sure. It was a gray Chevy sedan, a good car if you just wanted to blend in, but there would be plenty of daylight until almost 9:00 and there wasn’t THAT much traffic. This was not Manhattan, after all.

I drove quickly, but not too quickly. Two could play this game. All I needed to do was get him onto my property. Once there I’d have no trouble getting to the bottom of his actions. I pulled in to the gate and fingered the remote to open it. Normally, I’d close it immediately, but not tonight. “I want you to stay in the car once I pull into the garage. You see, I’m not alone here. I need to introduce you to my dog. By the way, we were followed from the restaurant.”

“Is that why you made those turns back in Calabash?”

“Very good; that’s also why I left the gate open. I’ll explain and show you once we’re in the house.” The car was parked by the time I had finished. “I’ll be right back with Max.” Cindy sat in the dark car while I walked to the door. A few seconds later I was back with a huge German Shepherd at heel. “Hold your hand out for him to smell, Cindy.” She did and after a few seconds I gave the command: “PROTECT, MAX.” He looked up at me as I repeated then he licked Cindy’s hand.

“Okay…let’s go in.” I took her hand and led her into the family room. We sat and I turned on the TV, but instead of a commercial channel there were four views of the house exterior. I could see a shadow moving at the rear of one screen. Using the universal remote I closed the gate. “Stay here for a minute. I’ll be right back.” Max stayed with Cindy while I retired to my study and my gun safe. I was back with my replica M1 Carbine and a laser sight.

“What are you doing, John? I don’t want you to be hurt.”

“Don’t worry…I just want to be prepared if he’s armed. Max is the real weapon. C’mon, boy.” Max was at my side in an instant. Leading him to the rear sliding door I gave the command: “SEEK, MAX.” I let him out and turned to exit through the front door. I was gone less than a minute when I heard Max bark. “Stand right there,” I yelled. “Put your hands on your head and keep them there. HOLD, MAX! In case you think I’m playing games here just check out your chest.”
He looked down, finding the laser’s red dot almost instantly. “Please don’t shoot me. Please!”

“Stand still unless you want him to attack.” I was at his side a few seconds later, holding the rifle barrel at his neck while I patted him down. I was very thorough until I was completely sure he was unarmed. “Okay, what didn’t you understand about ‘No Trespassing.’ I could shoot you now and nobody would say shit. What are you doing here?”

“Please, I’m just doing my job. Honest. Please, I have a wife and three kids. I’m a private investigator checking on the woman.” Good God! This was getting better and better.

I moved away and pointed him to the door. Max growled as we walked in. “Sit here,” I told him. “Let’s see some ID, like a PI license.” If he had any funny ideas he dropped them in a hurry when Max sat not more than three feet in front of him. I took the leather folder from his hand and opened it. “Paul Wilson, Licensed Private Investigator”—that’s what it said. I already knew the answers, but I wanted Cindy to hear them for herself.

“Tell me again why you’re on my property.”

“I was hired to watch her.”

“Who hired you?”

“Some guy named Brian Hopewell. He wanted to get the goods on the wife. He told me he was sure she was screwin’ around on him.”

“So you’ve been following her…anything else?” He hesitated just long enough to tell me there was. “Let me explain something to you. This is my house. I own it. If I want to I can feed you to Max. Who would ever know? I could take your car and drive it into the waterway. There’s a good place right down the road. So…I’ll ask you just one more time—anything else.”

“Please…my family.” That plea was met with a stony glare. “Okay…there’s video cameras in the house.” I sat next to Cindy who was understandably shocked. I closed my eyes to think. I knew that Wilson would think it was his chance. Unfortunately, I knew Max had him dead to rights. He had barely lifted his body when I heard Max snarl.

“Okay, here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to phone hubby and tell him you’re closing the case or whatever it is you do. You’re tired of sitting on some nun. Nothing ever happens. You’ll do that tonight right after we take the devices from the house. Then you’re taking the family to Disney World. If I find that you double crossed us I’ll get you. I know where you live. I’ll send Max after you and he’ll rip your throat from your body.”

“No…I’ll do it. You can trust me. I love my family.”

“You’ll be okay if you do what I tell you. Sit here and wait for me.” I disappeared into my office where I unloaded the carbine and replaced it with my Sig Sauer 9mm pistol although I doubted I’d need it. Max would keep Wilson under control. I opened my safe, removed $4,000 and stuffed it into my pocket. It would be worth that much and more to get Wilson out of the way.

We got into the SUV, the car I used most every day—Wilson and Max in the rear; Cindy and I up front. Wilson spent less than five minutes retrieving his equipment then called the chief asshole, Cindy’s husband Brian. I must say, Wilson gave an inspired performance. I gave him the money and dropped him off outside my house. I wasn’t sorry to see him leave in his car.

It was after ten and I could see the toll the day had had on Cindy. “I think you should stay here overnight. You can use either of the spare rooms.”

“I thought you wanted to…you know.”

I walked over to her and kissed her tenderly. “Believe me…I do, but this has been a tough day for you. I don’t know what I’d do if I found out that my spouse—(a) was cheating on me and (b) wanted to catch me cheating. That only makes sense if he’s planning to divorce you and he wants to have an edge in the proceedings so he can screw you over.”

“I think that’s exactly why I need you. I need to know that someone wants me even if it’s just for sex.” She gave me that look all women seem to perfect at an early age and I caved, showing it by pulling her into a tight embrace and a searing kiss. “Wow,” she whispered when I broke it. “I feel better already.” I turned to let Max out. Five minutes later I had set the house alarm and was leading Cindy up the stairs to my bedroom. The four-poster queen bed dominated with its paisley comforter in strong contrast to the thick silver-grey carpet. There was an armoire on one wall to the left of the door and a triple dresser with a matching mirror to the right facing the bed. Opposite the armoire the entire wall was covered by drapes that matched the comforter. Two walk-in closets were near the bed and the entry to the bathroom was next to the dresser. I loved this room and apparently Cindy did, too. It was big—fifteen by eighteen with a big tray-ceiling and a ceiling fan.

I sat her in the only chair and kneeled to remove her sandals. Still kneeling I leaned forward for a kiss, my tongue lightly teasing hers. My hands went to the neck of her blouse to open the buttons. Seconds later I had laid it on the chair back and was working to remove her bra. I pulled her up to drop her Capri’s. I left her lacy panties in place for now. Her nipples betrayed her excitement.

I pulled my clothes from my body in less than a minute. When my boxers hit the floor my arousal was obvious. Instead of being embarrassed, Cindy was thrilled. “That’s the best compliment I’ve had in ages and it looks to be just the right size for me.” I led her to the shower as soon as her panties hit the floor.
One of the things I loved about this house was the shower. It was the new type with multiple spray heads on three walls and no door. It was just the right size for two. I set the thermostat for 105 degrees, just over body temperature and turned it on. I went first, running the frothy soap over her back and butt while nuzzling her neck. I washed her legs on my knees so, of course, my mouth was at just the right level when she turned around. First a kiss and then my tongue deep inside her caused her to groan. “If you keep that up I’ll never make it to the bed. Why don’t you finish with me so I can wash you?”

I stood and finished with her shoulders, tummy, and breasts then handed her the soap. I stood stock still while she washed my entire body although she spent only about twenty-five percent on my body and seventy-five percent on my cock and balls. At least, that was how it seemed at the time. I turned off the water and led her out, wrapping a heated towel around her body. “Umm…nice; you do think of everything, don’t you?”

“I try,” I answered hurriedly and I ran the towel over my hair and head. We dumped the towels on the floor and I led her to the bed. Once I had pulled the blanket down she reclined and I knelt between her legs. I didn’t know what she was thinking—was I going to kiss her again? Was I going to just fuck her? No way! I began with her feet. Taking one in my hands, I kneaded and massaged each toe before moving farther down to rub the insole with my thumbs. I finished with gentle kisses to each toe then moved to the other foot.

She had a look of total relaxation on her face when I crept up her body licking and kissing, exactly as I had intended. I bypassed her puss, stopping to kiss her navel and suckle each perfect breast. I nuzzled her neck giving her tiny and gentle nibbles. This was no time to leave marks. She needed to be in perfect condition if hubby came for the weekend.

I was completely on top of her when she gripped my head to force our lips together in a desperate kiss. Using my strength I rolled over so she was atop of me. She gripped my cock and pulled in into her hot moist tunnel. She felt like velvet and was much tighter than I thought possible. I couldn’t understand why her asshole husband would even think of cheating. Cindy was a sexual animal as she began a rocking rhythm. Her eyes were closed and her back arched as she drove her hard clit into my abdomen.

I massaged her breasts and rolled her nipples as I met her every rock with a thrust of my own. It was only by some miracle that I asked, “Safe to cum in you?”

“Yes, oh God—I want to feel it in me. You fill me up so well…so completely. Oh God, you’re so big.” Actually, I wasn’t. Not that my cock was small because it wasn’t. I’d read that the average erection is a bit over five inches long. If true then I was substantially above average. My hands are big and when I grip my erection there’s still about two inches sticking up above so, how big is that? Seven inches? Who knows and who cares? I always thought all that jazz about length was nonsense. What can you do with a ten-inch cock? Almost half of it will be out in the cold air doing nothing and I’d always thought it could make rubbing your partner’s clit with your abdomen difficult if not impossible. All the same, it was great to know that she was satisfied.

Satisfied? She was ecstatic. A woman who moved like Cindy was a rarity. She was all over me when she came the first time. Her scream pierced the night. I was glad my house was almost soundproof. She was about to fall to my chest, but still I kept pumping away. I was close, but I still had enough left to grant her a second. My hand found her clit bulging out from its hood. A pinch and a twist hurtled her toward the edge once again. Now I was pounding her sweet pussy without mercy. A final squeeze of that tender tissue threw her into the abyss. My mouth swallowed her scream as she came so hard she squirted, only the third time I’d ever experienced it. As promised I flooded her vault with my hot slick crème.

Cindy was out of it as I wrapped my arms around her. We still had time before sleep. It was barely 10:30. I lay quietly on the bed, one hand in her hair, the other gently stroking her back and butt. Sometime in the next twenty minutes my cock softened and slipped from her body. She had barely moved when I heard her tell me, “You were right. You were much better than that kid would have been. Thank you.”

“There’s no reason to thank me. I had a blast, too you know. You were incredible. I hope this doesn’t upset you, but if you were mine I’d never dream of cheating. How could I possibly find anyone better?”

“You haven’t upset me. I’ve been asking myself the same thing. I’ve worked just as hard with Brian as I did with you tonight. Maybe he’s just bored with me.” I couldn’t believe what I’d just heard. How could anyone ever get bored with what I just experienced? I pulled the blanket up and excused myself for a minute so I could pull Max’s bed out from under ours.

We snuggled against each other once I was back in bed. “Expect Max to take attendance before he retires.”

“Huh?” Just then Max pushed his cold nose into Cindy’s cheek. “Oh…I get it. Does he do that every night?”

“Every night, except by now I know to expect it so I just pet him like I’m doing now. Good night Max.” I finished petting him and spooned, placing my hand over Cindy’s stomach. She moved it to her breast as she pushed her ass even tighter into me. Damn if I didn’t fall asleep immediately.


CHAPTER 3

I was up early; old habits die hard, I guess. I put Max out and was working on the coffee when I heard the toilet flush. Cindy walked in as naked as she was last night. I wore a pair of denim shorts and sandals. “Want a robe?”

“Why? Don’t you want to see me?”

“You must be kidding. I plan to look at you all day and all night, too if you’ll let me.” I leaned over and planted a quick kiss on her lips.

“I guess that answers my question.”

“What question is that?”

“Whether last night was a one-timer.”

“I’d say that was more up to you than to me, but you have to be careful if hubby comes. One slip could give him what he seems to want—something he can use against you. Be especially careful with alcohol.”

“I will be. Truthfully, I don’t drink all that often.”

I made breakfast—French toast and sausage patties—and was just cleaning up when I heard the fax line ring. Five minutes later I checked and saw a message from Pinkerton’s in Charlotte. Passing the sheet to Cindy I phoned the number provided.

“Is this Amy? John Hayden here. Don’t you ever sleep?”

(“Sometimes, but working like this keeps me excited and on my toes plus all the coffee makes me wired.”)

“I have Cindy Hopewell here and I’m putting you on speaker.”

(“Great…Cindy who owns your home? Is your name on the deed?”)

“Yes, it was a joint purchase even though Brian is paying for it. That was his choice.”

(“If you fax me permission I can get into the house and plant cameras. Is there a hidden key I can use? It would be a good idea to have the permission notarized in case the signature is questioned.”)

“There’s a key hidden behind one of the fence posts where we keep the trash cans. We don’t have an alarm. I think John can take me to a bank or lawyer’s office sometime this morning.”

(“That will be great. I got some video from outside last night, but it’s not very clear. The audio is better. He’s trying to catch you cheating so he can divorce you and get away with the cheating he’s done. I also heard him talk about having to work again over the weekend. They found that hilarious. I’m sorry.”)

“Amy,” I interrupted. I need to give you my credit card number. Will $5,000 be enough? Also, can you recommend a good divorce attorney?”

(“Yes, John…$5,000 will be more than okay. We can refund any overage. Personally, I’d suggest Linda Moran. She did mine and she’s a real shark. Just tell her Amy Rodriguez told you to call.”) I gave her the card information and rung off. Sitting at my computer I typed a brief permission form while Cindy dressed. I walked in just in time to find a toothbrush and comb for her. I spent ten minutes shaving and brushing my teeth.

Cindy put Max out again while I finished dressing. A few minutes later we were back in the Lamborghini heading toward Calabash where I knew there was an attorney. The faxed permission was done less than thirty minutes after I had phoned Amy. Then I placed a call to Ms. Moran, mentioning that Amy Rodriguez had told us to call. I explained that I was calling on Cindy’s behalf and agreed to send a check in the mail as a retainer. I returned Cindy to her car in Sunset Beach and continued to the beach, parking this time in the free lot. We agreed to meet on the beach before noon.

It was hard to sit on the beach so close, but unable to touch and kiss, however who knew if there was another “spy” so better safe than sorry. We actually got the goods on hubby before dinner. Cindy phoned the attorney and told her to proceed. Brian, the secretary Rachel, and the firm they worked for would be served by Friday at noon. No need for Brian to come all the way to the beach—Cindy wouldn’t be there anyway. She’d be with me. Max and I would guarantee her safety. I asked Pinkerton’s to keep tabs on him just to be sure. I liked Cindy—maybe more—so I wanted to be sure she’d be safe.

Thursday morning I had an idea. I shared it with Cindy when we met at the beach. She agreed and phoned her daughter, telling her she was coming to visit tomorrow. Cindy would take her for lunch; she had important news to share. We went to dinner again, returning to my house. We were in bed early, but not to sleep. Damn, but Cindy could be insatiable. She rode me the first time then we switched to missionary for her second orgasm and my first. We turned in at 10:15 after Max had checked on us. I set the alarm for six.

We were out the door by 6:40, planning to stop somewhere along I-40 for breakfast en route to Chapel Hill. I drove the SUV, a new Toyota Highlander, because I wanted to take Max for safety and the Lamborghini only had seats for two. We stopped around 8:30, ate quickly and were back on the road once I had given Max water and taken him for a short walk.

The trip to Chapel Hill should take about three and a half hours—add another half hour or so for breakfast—so we planned to arrive around 11:00. I pulled into the dorm parking lot at 10:52 and watched as Cindy walked into the dorm. Cindy’s daughter, Leia, looked like a lower-case of her mother—trim and very cute, tempting if only I was forty years younger. Max and I waited by the car for them to approach.

“Leia, I want to introduce my friend John. We met on the beach. He’s been a huge help with this whole mess and this is Max. Hold your hand out so he can smell you.”

She did and I gave Max the “protect” command. “Mom, what is this mess you spoke about.”

“There’s no easy way to say this, honey. I’m divorcing your father.”

I thought Leia took the news well. “Let me guess…he’s been fucking that bitch secretary of his.”

“How?”

“Remember I wanted to say good-bye before coming back for summer session and I had missed him that morning? I drove to his office and I was pretty sure I heard them in his office between kisses. I didn’t say anything because I wasn’t completely sure, but I guess you are.”

“Yes, unfortunately—with John’s help I was able to hire a private investigator. I became suspicious when your father failed to come to Sunset Beach last weekend. John took me to dinner that evening and he received a text that pretty much proved it that evening. I gave them permission to place cameras in the house the following morning and we didn’t have to wait long. I haven’t seen the video and I don’t want to. My attorney has it. Your father will be served in less than an hour and so will she and so will the CEO of the company.

“Oh…coming back from dinner John noticed that we were being followed. John and Max trapped the man in his yard. There’s a high fence and once the gate was closed the man was stuck. Max is a guard dog. The man was a private investigator your father hired in the hope of catching me playing around. He even had cameras planted in our rental. Max scared the shit out of the investigator and John bought him off. Then our PI overheard him and Rachel talking about him divorcing me and screwing me by catching me doing what he was doing. Does that make sense? I never dreamed that he could be such a ….”

“Louse? Bastard? Asshole? Take your choice, Mom. I think they all fit.”

We were interrupted by Cindy’s phone. She looked at it and shook her head. “Guess who. I guess he was served.”

“Hello.”

(“Hello bullshit! What is this crap? You’re serving me with divorce? And you served my secretary and my boss? What are you, crazy?”)

“I would be if I put up with your crap. Listen, Brian—I know everything. A friend of mine caught your investigator. Paul Wilson, if I recall correctly. He confessed his role in everything so I hired a PI of my own. I have you and that bimbo on video and audio so spare me your lies. Now…so far as I’m concerned we’re done. You are free to fuck your bimbo and, if I’m lucky enough to find someone, I’m free to do as I please, too. Any further communications are to go through my attorney. Oh yeah, I’m not stupid enough to stay at the rental. I’ll be staying with a friend. He has a big guard dog so stay away. Do yourself a favor and sign. Then maybe I’ll tell the attorney not to go after your job. Don’t call me again.”

(“Have you given any thought to what this will do to Leia?)

“Good question—that’s why I’m with her right now and don’t be such a hypocrite. What would you have said to her if you had set me up to cheat? Hmmm? Good-bye, Brian. I thought we had a good marriage, but I guess I was wrong. Enjoy Rachel assuming she can even carry on an intelligent conversation.” Cindy ended the conversation and broke down. Leia tried to comfort her, but she came to me.

I held her and allowed her to cry herself out. “Who exactly are you, John and how did you meet my mom?”

“Good questions both, Leia. Why don’t we go someplace quiet for lunch and I’ll explain. I hope you don’t mind sitting in back with Max. Just pet him occasionally.”

“Uh…is he really a guard dog? I don’t want to get bitten.”

“Yes, he is and no, he won’t. He won’t bite you because he already knows you’re special to me. He’ll protect you just as he’ll protect me or your mom. Let’s go. I’m sure you know someplace decent.” I led Cindy to her seat and opened the door for Leia and Max.

We wound up at Buns, a burger joint where the food was actually pretty good. Best of all we got a booth near the back where we had a bit of privacy. I explained to Leia how I had met Cindy and how our discussion turned to her suspicions about her husband. I volunteered to hire a PI and how everything went from there.

“But…why would you do that?”

“You do have good questions, Leia. Fact is I was hoping to get your mother into bed.”

“And he was successful, but that was my idea. He told me to use a guest room rather than go home because he could see how upset I was. He consented when I all but begged him. It’s kind of funny—your father wanted to trap me fooling around on him, but it was his affair that resulted in me meeting and getting involved with John. Kind of ironic, wouldn’t you say?”

“Bizarre, actually, but that doesn’t ever excuse Daddy. I don’t know if I can ever excuse him of cheating on you with that bimbo and playing around at work doesn’t show much judgment.”

We changed the conversation to what Leia was doing in her studies and that led somehow to my college experiences. “I graduated from Penn and stayed there to attend Wharton…their renowned and highly-regarded business school, graduating with an MBA.” I continued when Leia asked what I did for a living. “I’m retired now, but I worked for one of the huge brokerage firms. I began as an assistant bond trader and worked my way up once I had my license. Buying and selling bonds is a bit different from selling stocks. Stocks are riskier, but the profits can be greater and more people are involved in stock purchases. Most bonds are sold to institutions like banks or even large companies or mutual funds. Trust is critical in the field so my integrity was a huge help. I finished as the Senior Vice President for the division—the number one position.”

“Sounds profitable, John.”

“I suppose you could say that, but there are always people who make more. No matter how much you make there’s always someone who’s richer, but I did okay.”

“John, I think okay is a bit modest. Leia, you should see John’s house. It’s not only big and beautiful, but it’s on the Intra-coastal waterway. He also has another car, a Lambo-something.”

“A Lamborghini? Really?”

“Yeah, but it’s the cheapest Aventador available.”

Leia laughed. “Like there’s a cheap Lamborghini. Can I drive it?”

“We’ll see. Your mother and I haven’t even decided if we are going to have a relationship. We’ve only known each other four days. Right now I’m mostly here to protect her. This is a stressful situation and there’s no way to predict what your father might do. That’s why I’ll be armed at home and why Max will be on guard. He can hear things that we’d never hear and see things in the dark that would just be shadows to us. I’m sure you know why.”

“I do…dogs only have rods in their retinas. That’s why they don’t see color like we do, but color vision requires a lot of light. Black and white vision is much better if you have to hunt in dim light like dogs did before becoming domesticated. Is he really a guard dog? He seems so loveable—huge, but loveable.”

“Be glad you’re on his good side. Max cost me $30,000. He has been trained to take down a 240-pound man. He’s incredibly strong, but he loves me. I’m sure you know that dogs are pack animals. They find security in a pack and it doesn’t matter if it’s with other dogs or human beings. He’s five now and I bought him when he was just over a year old when he was very impressionable. It would be impossible to bond with him now. He’s too big and too strong. If I died he would have to be put down—sad, but true.”

We finished our lunch and Leia asked if she could visit once the summer semester was done in another ten days. Cindy looked to me and I agreed. Damn—four days and I was already pussy-whipped. We said our good-byes around three and drove home, arriving around seven. Then we were off to Calabash for pizza, returning with some extras I’d give to Max tomorrow.

Now that the divorce was underway and she had told her husband she considered both of them free to pursue others there was no reason for us not to be together. I thought several times how my life had changed in less than a week. I had seven notches on my umbrella—okay, seven lines drawn in permanent magic marker, one for each woman I had met and bedded. That had been a big-time boost to my ego, but was it what I really wanted? I disliked the uncertainty and a few had been married. What would I do if the husband came after me? Well…that was actually a joke. I cringed at the thought of what Max might do even if the man was armed. I doubted any two bullets could stop him.

Cindy and I walked into the shower touching and teasing each other. We’d agreed that we would go to the rental tomorrow morning for her clothes. Maybe Brian would like to use it. If he did we wouldn’t go to Sunset Beach. Ocean Isle or even North Myrtle Beach were good options and then there was my boat. Like many others I’d anchored off Bird Island once or twice to use the beaches there.

Bird Island was once a small island in the Little River Inlet, but over the years the tiny span between it and the island of Sunset Beach had silted in and the two had become one. Bird Island would give us the option of ocean or inlet swimming. There was plenty of sandy beach to accommodate the dozen or so families that might use it on any given day. Tonight, though, was not for thinking. It was for making love to my soon-to-be-single lover.

Cindy pulled me into a long tongue-laden kiss as we stood under the hot spray. “I haven’t thanked you for everything…today and every other day. I could never have done all of this without you. You were wonderful with Leia, too. I’ll tell you more, but later—you know—after.”

Our mating was even better, if possible, than it had been earlier in the week. I suspected at the time that it was due to the release of all the tension that had built up. I knew that sex was a marvelous stress reliever, but dealing with Brian’s treachery had to be overwhelming. I couldn’t see the future either for us or for anything else, but I was just glad I had been able to help.

We were lying together, her head on my left shoulder and her pussy leaking all over my thigh, just before falling asleep when she spoke again. “Were your ears burning when Leia and I went to the ladies’ room? She had a million questions that she wouldn’t ask in front of you.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, indeed. She was curious about why you helped me.”

“Didn’t I answer that?”

“Yeah, you did, but she wanted to be sure. She also asked about my sleeping with you. I explained that you were a gentleman and were only interested in caring for and protecting me, but that I felt I needed you—remember what I said?”

“Sure…that you needed to know that someone wanted you even if it was just for sex.”

“We didn’t have sex, did we? I told Leia that we made love and that it was exactly what I needed. I wasn’t completely truthful.”

“Oh?”

“No, I didn’t tell her it was the best night of my life. Sure, getting married and having Leia were highlights as they would be for anyone, but I felt worthless after reading that text and seeing Brian with that whore. You gave me reason to believe in myself.” She tightened her grip on me and I did the same. She fell asleep almost instantly. I lay there for a while smiling. Max could tell I was awake just by listening to my breathing; he came over to me so I could scratch his ears and rub his chest. Finally, I told him to go. The next thing I knew it was morning.


CHAPTER 4

My morning began with a kiss and a lick—the first from Cindy, the second from Max. Oh well, at least it started well. We cleaned up the bed and Cindy put Max out while I shaved and dressed. Then we piled into the SUV and I drove us—Max included—into Calabash for breakfast at the deli. Their fried eggs and bacon on roll were almost as good as I used to get in New York. I left Max with the commands to SIT and STAY in the shade just outside the door. I already knew from long experience that he would be in the exact same place when we returned. We finished, saving some greasy pieces of roll and egg to add to Max’s dinner, and I drove to Sunset Beach where Cindy directed me to the rental where she had lived for the past three weeks. I’d driven here a few nights ago, but it was dark and I really wasn’t paying much attention.

I was a little surprised to find Brian waiting there for Cindy, but on reflection, maybe not. He was sitting on the stoop and rose angrily when we approached. I kept Max at heel, but ready. “Great, Cindy—you accuse me of cheating while you’re off fucking some local asshole. You fucking hypocrite.”

“Apparently, you weren’t paying attention when you phoned yesterday. After shooting your stupid mouth off I told you that so far as I was concerned we were done and that we were both free to pursue other interests. John has been a huge help to me through this ordeal including hiring the private detective who got the goods on you and the lawyer who’s going to destroy you if you don’t leave me alone. This is all on you—sending me down here and having someone try to trap me in infidelity so you could sue me for divorce and destroy me. Don’t you dare accuse me of being a hypocrite, you bastard!”

“Don’t you understand? All this asshole wants is to get into your pants and you fell for his bullshit hook line and sinker. I have half a mind to break his face into a million pieces.”

“I wouldn’t if I were you. HOLD, MAX.” Max stepped forward and growled. It was low and menacing. “If you make a move against either Cindy or me I guarantee you that Max will tear your arm off at the shoulder.”

“You really picked a loser, Cindy—what a candy ass.”

“Hardly; not only are you bigger than me, but you’re also more than twenty years younger. I’m in good physical condition, but why take the chance? You might call it cowardice, but I call it intelligence. Now I suggest you get out of Cindy’s way so she can collect her clothes.”

Either Brian Hopewell was hard of hearing or his head was as thick as concrete. Not only didn’t he move aside, he lunged at Cindy to grab and twist her arm. Actually, he tried to twist it, but that’s hard to do when you’re flat on your ass courtesy of a 125-pound dog. Luckily I had given Max the HOLD command in which he jumps into the assailant’s chest and holds him with his mouth and fangs around his neck. Had I given Max the GUARD command Brian would probably be bleeding out on the grass.

“You didn’t listen to me before, but, hopefully, you’ll listen now that Max has your attention. You can stay perfectly still and live or struggle and have him rip your throat apart. I suggest the former while I phone the police.” I placed my arm protectively around Cindy while I pulled the phone from my pocket. I spoke almost as soon as I had pressed 9-1-1. “My name is John Hayden. I live at 3762 Beach Road in Sunset Beach. I’m at 1481 Second Avenue, also in Sunset Beach with a friend who was just attacked by her soon-to-be ex-husband. What’s that? No, there’s no danger now. My dog has him completely under control. Will you send an officer? Okay…great.”

We were like a painting—an old master painted by some Flemish artist centuries ago. Neither Cindy nor I moved and, luckily for him, neither did Brian. Max wouldn’t until I released him. We were still in position when the black and white cruiser pulled up. I could barely suppress a chuckle when I saw the extremely overweight chief of police emerge from the car. “Hi, Chief…didn’t know you responded to calls these days.”

“Hayden, when I heard your name and the word ‘dog’ on the call I knew I had to come. So, what’s up?” I returned to the beginning and over the next five minutes brought Chief Matthews up to date. I found it interesting that he had not yet asked me to remove Max from Mr. Hopewell’s neck.

“Don’t believe that bullshit. None of it is true. I was just standing here and this wild animal attacked me without provocation. I want him arrested and this beast killed.” Chief Matthews stubbed out his cigarette with his shoe and turned to me.

I was always able to take a hint. “BACK, MAX, BACK.” He returned to my side immediately.

Hopewell jumped up. “You saw what that rabid animal did. Arrest him. Everything he said was a lie.”

“Well, mister…I know someone is lying and I know who. Turn around and put your hands behind your back. You’re under arrest.” Hopewell obviously thought about resisting, but when Matthews pulled his pistol he thought better of it. He was cuffed seconds later.

“You see, Mr. Hopewell, this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered this dog. There’s this little bagel shop I like to go to up on Highway 904. Must have been two months ago, maybe more, I pull up and see this here dog sittin’ out front so I walk in and ask if anyone owns it. Mr. Hayden here tells me it’s his. ‘Don’t you know we have a leash law?’ I ask. What did you tell me, John?”

“Leashes are for dogs that aren’t under control or are hard to control. Tell you what, Chief—go outside and see if you can get Max to move. Do anything you want other than hurt him. If he moves in any way I’ll gladly accept the summons and I’ll give a thousand dollars to your department’s charity.”

“I swear…I ain’t never heard anything like that in my life. So, I know dogs…got a couple of my own so I figure I can’t lose. I tried everything—a stick, a ball I had in the car, even another dog that was passing by. This doggone dog never moved an inch. Then when John walked out and sat at another table I figured for sure he was going. Nope…not until John called him. I ran into them two more times and all with the same result. Hell, last time I tried some fresh ground beef, even put it on his nose. So, now you want me to believe that he up and attacked you for no reason. That doesn’t wash. Ms. Hopewell, I’ll need you to come to the station and sign a few forms.”

“Okay if we get her clothes first? I don’t think we’ll be too long.”

“Sure…gonna take an hour or so to process him anyway.” Chief Matthews and Mr. Hopewell were gone a minute later.

I pulled Cindy to me. “Are you okay? That must have been horrible for you to endure.”

“It was, John. I still can’t believe that Brian would try to hurt me. Thank God for you and Max. Can we give him a treat when we get home?”

I leaned down to kiss her, whispering, “Exactly what I had in mind. I’m thinking you deserve one, too.”

Cindy smiled. “Funny…that’s exactly what I was thinking, too.” She took my hand and led me into the house. It was quite nice and bigger than it looked from the street even though it was an impractical rental for one couple. There were four bedrooms, three with partial views of the ocean and three bathrooms. We found Cindy’s suitcase and packed everything away. I carried it to my SUV and returned to help with some incidentals, mostly beach equipment. I was surprised at how fair she was, taking only half the beach towels and one of the two chairs. We were done in less than thirty minutes and locked the door leaving the key inside.

Sunset Beach is a small town so the police station was just a wing of Town Hall with a counter, a few desks, the Chief’s office, and a single holding area for prisoners. Rarely did anyone spend more than a few hours before being transported by one of the sheriff’s deputies up to the county facility in Bolivia about thirty miles away. Cindy signed the complaint. By then the bruising on her bicep was apparent, however she was willing to allow Brian out on his own recognizance meaning essentially no bail. I asked Chief Matthews if he could send a copy to Linda Moran so we could get an order of protection although I doubted Cindy would need one after her husband’s encounter with Max. We felt we had put in an entire day when we left for the house. It was almost 11:00.

We spent a decent part of the day—a few hours at most--organizing Cindy’s clothes in my (our) bedroom then we spent the afternoon sitting on the end of the dock, watching the boat traffic on the waterway and relaxing in the hot sun. The dock was fairly large, almost 100 square feet, with my boat—a Robalo 20-foot center console and Yahama 200 HP engine--on a lift off to the left. At the left rear was a large locker in which I kept my rods and reels along with my fillet knife and assorted other equipment and supplies for cleaning and waxing the boat. I usually cleaned and filleted my fish using a special board on the boat, cleaning it once I was done with water from a faucet I’d had installed. At the rear right was the swing in which Cindy and I sat. It was Wal-Mart’s best, something from a big box that had taken me almost three hours to assemble and almost that long to get the box all the way to the dock. It was comfortable and--best of all--it had a canopy so we could sit in the shade.

My arm was around Cindy’s shoulder and her head was on mine when she spoke. “Does it get any better than this? I don’t think so. I hate to spoil the mood, but may I ask a question?”

“Ask away, fair lady.”

“You met me in an effort to bed me, right?”

“Absolutely.”

“May I ask if you had been successful before me?”

”Yes, you may ask,” I replied with a giggle.

“I thought I just did.”

“Oh…okay…yes.”

“You’re not exactly making it easy for me, are you?”

“Let’s just say more than three and less than ten. Is that okay?”

“I suppose. And where do I rate?”

“You should already know the answer to that. None of them stayed the night or lasted more than once. Happier now?” She must have been—she reached up to kiss my cheek and snuggled her body even closer to mine. We sat that way all afternoon until I broke out the afternoon’s surprise??