Memoirs of a Swinger Ep. 41

This is the forty-first episode of my unreliable memoirs recounting sexual encounters in the nineteen eighties. Each episode is self-contained, so you can read them without having read the previous ones.

This is the second of a few tales set in America. In this one, Steven and Lesley take a vacation in Colorado, courtesy of Paul and Astrid Walmsley, which leads to unexpected opportunities.

I hope you enjoy the tale.

M4bloke

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Opportunity Knocks

Nobody was going to be exercising on Sunday morning. We all needed some rest after a busy couple of days.

Lesley, was still sleeping when I woke. She was a hugger and tended to lie on her side with her arm draped over me. I liked to watch her sleep. She did it with a happy, almost mischievous look on her face. As I gazed at her, I couldn't help feeling how lucky I was that she'd chosen me.

I remained as still as I could but, by some strange telepathy, Lesley began to stir. Seeing that I was awake, she draped her leg over my hip and pushed her naked body up against me then gave me a hug.

"Morning," I said, softly.

"Morning," she replied, sleepily. "Did you know you're my favourite person in the whole wide world to wake up to?"

"That's reassuring," I told her.

I put my arms around her then ran my hand down her back as we kissed, letting it come to rest on her bottom.

"Did you enjoy last night?" Lesley asked.

The night before we'd been to a swinging party in Aspen, Colorado with Paul and Astrid Walmsley and met some friends of theirs who had introduced us to a young but inexperienced couple called Dan and Emily.

"I did. I wasn't sure how it was going to go at first, but Emily was a lot of fun," I laughed.

"She was pretty, wasn't she?"

"Not as pretty as you."

Lesley appreciated the compliment and, lifting her head up off the pillow, kissed me.

"How was Dan?" I asked when we'd finished.

"Full of youthful enthusiasm," Lesley responded. "He reminded me a bit of you when we first met. Keen, but unsophisticated."

"We saw the two of you in one of the bedrooms but thought it better to give you some space. It's a shame because I'd have liked to have watched."

"You weren't the only ones."

"What do you mean?"

"This couple came in and asked if they could use the bed too. He was ok but she was stunningly attractive, obviously a second wife," Lesley began. "We told them that they were welcome and they started to kiss and make out next to us. After a while, as Dan and I were getting down to it, I felt the woman's hand on me then the guy's. It was nice. I reached out and touched them and we began to kiss."

"Lucky you."

"But when Dan tried to touch the woman she almost jumped out of her skin. She let out a small shriek and left Dan in no doubt that she didn't want his hands on her. It didn't seem fair. Dan had to share me with another couple but keep his hands to himself.

"So what did you do?"

"I told the couple as politely as I could that they were welcome to play with both of us, but not just with me. The woman started to get a bit defensive but the guy apologised and said that they liked watching but weren't really ready to join in. I said they could watch if they wanted but I'd prefer if they didn't touch in that case. Then the woman got up and went off in a strop followed by the guy."

"Good for you."

"I thought so too, although I had enjoyed them touching me."

The story had given me an erection and Lesley wasn't the sort to let it go to waste.

"You can fuck me in the shower if you like?" she said, knowing the answer already...

We didn't have breakfast until ten thirty. It was a beautiful sunny day so we sat outside on the deck with a simple coffee, fruit and muesli. Apparently, Astrid had managed to wean Paul off big fried breakfasts although I'm not sure he was entirely grateful for it.

As we sat chatting, the phone rang indoors.

"I'll get it," Astrid said, jumping up out of her seat, keen to make sure Paul didn't beat her to it.

She was gone a couple of minutes then came back.

"There's a General Buchan on the line..."

"I'm sorry darling," Paul said getting up from the table, "but I'm going to have to take this."

"It's not for you," Astrid explained. "He wants to talk to Steven. It's about something called Iris."

I got up, looked apologetic and walked inside.

"Hello," I offered, picking up the phone. "This is Stephen Carter."

"Hello Mr. Carter. This is General Robert Buchan, Director of Technology and Acquisition for the Department of Defense. I'm sorry to disturb you on the Sabbath and on your vacation too."

I'd not heard of Sunday described as the Sabbath too often.

"It's not a problem General. You wanted to talk about Iris?"

"That's right. I understand that you're its CEO."

"I am."

"I'm in Montana right now. Could I come and visit you tomorrow morning."

"I guess. Can you give me a moment to ask my hosts?"

"You're staying with Paul Walmsley, right?"

"That's correct. But can I ask how you know?"

"You work for Blackfinch, Mr. Carter, you can't get into a bar fight without someone finding out," he chuckled. "Anyway, Mr Walmsley and his colleagues have been trying to talk to me for a while. You know how it is, swanky restaurants, days on the golf course. Tell him I'd be happy to talk with him while I'm there."

I went back out onto the deck and everyone looked at me curiously.

"General Buchan would like to meet to talk about a company Durolitum owns. He's in Montana at the moment but would it be ok if he paid us a visit tomorrow morning?" I asked.

I realised that I sounded a bit like a child enquiring whether he could have a friend round for tea.

"He said he'd be happy to talk with you while he's here," I told Paul.

Paul laughed

"Well, we're hardly going to refuse," he chuckled.

I went back and confirmed the details with General Buchan. When I walked onto the deck again, all eyes were on me.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I honestly had no idea that was going to happen."

"Do you know anything about General Buchan?" Paul asked.

"Nothing," I told him.

"The guy is a living legend, a real soldier," Paul began. "He took part in the D-Day landings as a teenager and he's fought in virtually every major conflict since. Korea, Vietnam, you name it, he was there."

"Sounds like quite a guy," I agreed.

"He's one of the few top-brass who started at the bottom and worked his way to the top. Well, almost. His wife became ill a few years ago and so he took the job in the Department of Defense to spend more time with her. Sadly she passed a while back."

"I guess you're interested in him because of Government contracts?" I said to Paul.

"That's right. Defence spend is huge here. It can make or break a company. So it's good to be in with people like him. The bank has people whose job it is to get people like General Buchan 'on-side', but we've had no luck, he's not a man to be wined and dined. Can I ask why he wants to see you?"

"Iris is the first Durolitum investment that I've been responsible for," I explained. "It's a university spin-off. Not much more than a bunch of intellectual property really, but it has the potential to impact a range of communication systems. A battlefield system communications is our current focus. We don't actually make anything. We're partnering with the Obermann Corporation for that side of things."

"I see," Paul said.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion, Astrid," I said, apologising to her. "I know this was meant to be a work free holiday."

"It's not a problem Steven," Astrid replied.

"I promise, not another word about work today."

General Buchan

General Buchan turned up on time on Monday morning. He stepped out of the car wearing standard issue combat uniform. Daywear for a man who'd spent a lifetime in the army I guess.

"General Buchan, I'm Steven Carter, pleased to meet you." I told him.

"Likewise, Mr. Carter," he replied, shaking my hand firmly. "Sorry to interrupt your vacation."

"It's not a problem. Please, come in."

I ushered the General into the big open plan living room where everyone else was waiting.

"Please let me introduce my wife Lesley, and Paul and Astrid Walmsley," I said.

The General greeted each one in turn but when he got to Astrid, he couldn't help but ask.

"Forgive me Ma'am but you're Astrid Olsen aren't you?"

"I was," Astrid replied laughing. "I'm Astrid Walmsley these days."

The General was clearly smitten.

"Well, we'll give you some space," Paul offered. "Can we get you a tea or coffee, General?"

"I wouldn't kick a man out of his own living room, Mr. Walmsley. Besides, what I've got to say can be said in front of everyone, but a coffee would great," the General replied.

"In that case I'll make a fresh pot," Astrid offered.

"I'll help you," Lesley added.

The General, Paul and I sat down on the Walmsley's spacious leather sofas.

"I'll come straight to the point," the General began. "There's a lot of interest in your company at the moment, Mr. Carter. I don't know if you're aware but a year ago we tried to upgrade our field communications across the board. We ran a tender but came up blank. Nothing met our requirements. Your Iris system could be a game-changer for us. But only if it can really can do what your company claims."

"We're not in full production yet," I replied, "but we have pre-production units available. We'd be happy for you to put us to the test," I offered.

"Good, because we need to see Iris in action."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Something low key," the General continued. "A day taking my guys through the technology and the supply and support situation, followed by a day in the field should be enough."

"What timescales are you looking at?" I asked.

"How about this week," the General shot back.

"The equipment's in the UK presently," I explained. "It could take a few days to fly it out. Where did you have in mind?"

"Well, we could do it at one of our sites in Arizona, or," he paused for a moment, "we could do it here."

"You mean right here?"

"Yes, we'd need some land to set up camp but, other than that you wouldn't know we were here,"

I looked at Paul.

"Why not," he said. "Sounds like fun."

"I'll need to make a couple of calls," I said looking at Paul.

"Sure," he replied.

"Mr. Walmsley and I can talk while you're gone," the General added.

My first call was to Lynne. I explained what was happening and told her what needed to be done. I knew I could trust Lynne to coordinate things.

My second call was to Sam at the comic book store. Lynne had told me he wasn't working that day, so I knew he'd be there. When the phone picked up, it was Carly who answered however.

"He's a bit down in the dumps," Carly warned me. "The bank won't lend us the money for the new store."

When Sam came to the phone, he sounded disappointed but not desperate.

"Carly told you?" he said.

"Yes, I'm sorry."

"Perhaps it wasn't meant to be," he said philosophically.

"I've got something that might brighten your day up," I said, trying to sound cheerful. "How do you fancy a trip to America?"

I explained to Sam what I needed. I knew I was springing it on him and I also knew that without him I'd be in trouble.

"I'll do it if Carly can come."

"Of course," I told him. "Lesley would love to see her. We both would. And thanks mate, I really appreciate it."

The final phone call was to Ferdi Obermann. I knew that the chances of getting to speak with him were slim but his secretary put me on hold for a moment and I was surprised when Ferdi's voice was the next thing I heard.

"Hello Steven. How is your holiday going?" he asked.

"Great," I told him. "But we've been thrown an unexpected opportunity..."

I explained the situation to Ferdi and I could sense he was excited by the prospect.

"Would you like me to join you?" Ferdi asked.

"That's what I was hoping."

"I can do that. It will give Ursula and me a chance to visit the twins at Yale while we're there. Who else have you got coming?"

"General Buchan wants it low key, so it will be just be you, me and Sam. You remember him."

"The genius?"

"That's the one."

"Does he want a lift?"

"You mean to Colorado?"

"Yes. We'll need to refuel before we cross the Atlantic so we can stop at Northolt. We can also bring the equipment with us if you'd like?"

"Would you be able to take Sam's partner Carly with you too?"

"Of course," Ferdi chuckled.

I finished the call with Ferdi and had another short call with Lynne to update her, then went back to the living room. When I got back, they were no longer talking about business but instead Paul was showing General Buchan, General Patton's gun.

"We're all set," I told them, interrupting slightly.

"Excellent," General Buchan responded. "In that case I won't take up any more of your time."

The General got up from the sofa and the rest of us got up after him

"I'll meet you here at 0900 on Thursday if that's alright," he told us and we agreed that it would be.

"Mrs Walmsley, thank you for your hospitality. If I may say so, you look as beautiful as ever."

"Thank you, General," Astrid replied, smiling at the compliment.

"Mrs Carter, it was a pleasure meeting you."

"And you, General," Lesley replied.

"Mr Walmsley, thank you for your hospitality. We can talk more on Thursday. I'll bring one of my deputy directors with me. He's more from your world than I am."

"Thank you General. Are you sure we can't put you up at the house?"

"That's very generous of you, but I prefer to be with the men. Old habits die hard and besides, I don't get many opportunities to spend time under canvas these days."

I walked the General out to the taxi, which was still waiting for him.

"I'll see you on Thursday then, General," I said.

"I'm looking forward to it. But please, no sales pitch, I just want to see it working."

"I understand. It will just be me, my best technical guy and Mr Obermann."

"Mr. Obermann eh! He must be keen."

"He is. I assure you."

After the taxi had disappeared from view I went back into the house.

"That seemed to go well," Paul said.

"I can't thank you enough for letting us do the demo here," I told him.

"A day with one of General Buchan's deputy directors is more than fair reward," Paul replied.

"So we have Sam, our best technical guy, coming out to give the demo," I said.

"Sam's a genius," Lesley told Paul and Astrid. "He's got a double first from Cambridge, he speaks seven languages and he owns a comic book store."

"Oh and Carly's coming too," I added.

Lesley almost squealed with delight at this news.

"And Ferdi and Ursula are coming as well," I told her. "In fact they're all coming in the Obermann jet along with the equipment. Which makes things a lot easier."

"When you say Ferdi, you mean Ferdinand Obermann?"

"Yes that's right."

Paul chuckled.

"And all these people are your friends?" Astrid asked.

"Very much so," Lesley replied.

"Then they should stay here with us, shouldn't they Paul?" she said looking at her husband.

"They're very welcome to darling," Paul told her. "I don't know about Sam and Carly but Ferdinand Obermann is probably one of the wealthiest men in Europe however. He and his wife might not want to stay with us."

"Oh," Astrid responded. "I didn't realise."

"I'm sure they'd love to stay here," Lesley reassured them. "They're both really nice people and Ursula loves horses too."

"Then that's settled. Will you let them know that they are all welcome to stay here if they want?"

"I'll do it right now," Lesley replied excitedly.

But then her face changed.

"They're not going to let me extend my holiday, are they?" she said.

We had been due to fly back on Wednesday morning and Lesley needed to be back at work on Thursday.

"Are you sure?" I asked her.

"You know the problems I had getting the time off in the first place. If they made an exception for me then they'd have to do it for everyone."

"I can take you to the airport if you want," I offered.

"I don't want to go Steven. My place is supporting you," she said. "Like Astrid supports Paul."

"But you've worked hard for that job, you can't just throw it away," I countered.

"But it's not our future is it?"

"Then tell them to stick it," I told her, "If that's what you want to do."

Lesley hugged me.

"It is. I'll go and call them now. Then I'll call Ursula."

Lesley almost skipped out of the room and Paul chuckled to himself again.

"What's so funny?" Astrid asked her husband.

"When you suggested that Lesley and Steven came to visit, I was a bit worried we might run out of things to do," he said ironically.

When Lesley came back, it looked as if reality had hit her.

"Ursula and Ferdi would love to stay," she told Astrid. "They asked me to thank you for inviting them."

"And your job?" I asked.

"They agreed I should leave. They didn't even try to stop me, just told me not to bother coming back."

At this point Lesley burst into tears. She reached out to hug me and nestled her head into my shoulder.

"I didn't even want the stupid job. But after five years I thought I meant more to them than that."

"It's done now," I told her.

"It is," she said. Then wiping her eyes and pulling herself together she added, "Stuff 'em, they're not worth crying over."

Lesley picked up the gun that Paul had been showing General Buchan and examined it.

"Did you say you had a collection?" she asked.

"Would you like to see it?" he replied.

Paul took us down to the basement where a thick steel door blocked the way to whatever was behind it.

"Looking back, I don't know why we had this built," he explained typing a code into a keypad. "But it makes an excellent den."

The locking mechanism whirred and when he pulled open the door you could see that we were standing at the entrance to what had presumably been designed as an underground shelter. Lesley and I followed Paul and Astrid in, not sure what to expect.

Inside, Paul had created his own Edwardian drawing room, complete with billiard table, dark leather sofas and a bar. Along one wall were an assortment of muskets and rifles in a display case that ran the length of the wall. Along the adjacent wall there was another display case containing pistols and handguns.

"Bloody hell," was all Lesley could manage.

"I think that's about right," Astrid agreed.

"They go from the Napoleonic wars all the way to the present day," Paul said proudly.

"And they all work?" Lesley asked.

"In theory," he replied. "Although I'm not sure you'd want to try some of the older ones. They were a bit unpredictable, even in their day."

"Do you have ammunition?

"For most," Paul said, indicating the cabinets beneath where the guns were displayed.

"Fancy a shoot off?" she asked.

"I guess I shouldn't be surprised you can handle a gun," he laughed.

"We can start off with something modern then we'll have a go with your Smith and Wesson, if you like," she told him.

"I would," he told her.

Lesley made straight for a Glock 17 and lifted it from the display case. With the air of someone who had done it many times before she disassembled the gun, placing the components on the top of the cabinet before reassembling it. Then she opened the cabinet and rummaged around looking for the right ammunition.

"Right, let's go and make some noise," she told a slightly bewildered Paul.

Paul followed Lesley out of the room holding a box of ammunition and his Smith and Wesson. You could see that Lesley had her confidence back and her cheekiness with it.