A/N -- I'd uploaded Chapter 8 before receiving most of the comments for Chapter 7. Seems a comment I posted left a few noses out of joint regarding the eventual reduction of how many lovers Mark is going to have. I said it was 'in the future'. A harem of lovers will remain at the end of this story but, yes, it will be smaller. I will be ending this story when children are born. Though this story has been nothing but pure fantasy, I do anchor most of my stories with at least some realism. And, let's be honest, the introduction of children does change a relationship, and will certainly change the dynamic of the household I'm writing about. Having nine lovers was almost too much to write about at some stages, but I've had a lot of fun writing about these characters and hope you've enjoyed it just as much. At the end of the day, this is simply a hobby and I get enjoyment just from crafting and writing a story, even if it is nothing but silly fun.
At the time of posting this, I'm in the middle of Chapter 17. The harem still remains in full, though other relationships are starting to form. If you don't like lesbian sex, oooh, you're gonna be in for a bad time. Otherwise, I aim to finish this off by Chapter 20 unless there is a loud clamour for this to continue further on. But I do have other projects I'd like to finish, or even start, should I find the time.
I'm not going to spoil anything otherwise.
*****
Katie
Katie would admit that, when she'd started her role as a physiotherapist, when she was working on a certain type of man who was obviously fit, looked after himself, and was rather attractive, it was difficult to remain entirely professional at times. She never did anything untoward to put herself in danger of losing her job or of at least being accused, even something harmless like a little flirting, but more than one patient had offered to meet up for drinks afterwards. She declined each and every time, not wanting to be considered unprofessional, nor was she actually interested.
She was in the middle of updating a patient file when her colleague wandered in, stating there was something at reception for her. "What is it?" she wondered.
"Just come and see, Katie."
Saving the patient file, she followed her colleague out to the reception to find an enormous bouquet of flowers. Before she could ask, the receptionist said they were her. "For me?" she asked, "Who the hell is sending me flowers?"
She couldn't help smile, though, as they were her favourite flowers. In fact, it was a mixed bouquet. Colourful. Delightful scents. And all the flowers she either loved or simply found pretty. She looked for a card and did find a small one. Opening it, there was a simple message inside.
You're a special young woman and I'm glad you're part of my life.
"Any idea who?" her colleague asked.
She had to scratch her head. "No idea. Maybe one of my patients who has hit on me before?"
"It's your birthday in a couple of days, right? Maybe someone is making their intentions known."
"True about the birthday, but would I really be interested in someone hitting on me while doing my job? I'm a professional just doing what I've been taught and trained to do."
She wasn't going to complain about receiving flowers, though, so happily took them back to the office she shared with another colleague. Immediate questions followed, and it was the talk of the office for the rest of the day, many trying to figure out who her secret admirer was. Thankfully, it was only a couple of hours until she could clock off for the day, carrying her flowers out to her car. Getting behind the wheel, she couldn't help grin slightly. She might not know from who, but it was still a nice surprise.
Walking in the house with them upon arriving home, Amy noticed them in her hand and she was inundated with a million questions as to who they were from. Showing her the card that came with them, Amy giggled, wondering who it could possibly be. "Anyone you know?" her sister wondered.
"I wouldn't have a clue, to be honest," she admitted.
"Well, they're beautiful, Katie. Maybe an early birthday present?"
"That's what the girls at work thought too."
Her twin sister thought it rather funny that she received flowers. She thought that typical. Her twin would probably like flowers herself, but it didn't exactly fit her personality. Their mother thought it was a delightful gesture, though joined in with herself and Amy in wondering who it was. Cousins and aunts wandered in while Amy and Caroline prepared dinner. Mark was the last to walk in as he was doing long days at his job, trying to make as much money as possible for all the things he had planned.
"Nice flowers," he said, "Whose are they?"
"Mine," Katie replied, "Someone sent them to where I work."
He immediately glanced at her twin. "Was it you?" he asked Deborah.
"Why the fuck would I send her flowers?"
"Well, it is your birthday in a couple of days. And she is your twin sister. You know her best."
"No, it wasn't me. Was it you?"
That made him snort. "Me? What the fuck would I know about flowers?"
"Hmmm. I have to agree with him there," Caroline said, "Never seen him show any interest in flowers."
"Only when you're bent over tending to your flowers outside, Mum, though that's more about that fine arse of yours and not the flowers."
She threw a tea-towel at his face, laughing away. "You are incorrigible at times, Mark, but thank you, sweetie."
"I know. Anyway, nice flowers, Katie. I'm going for a quick shower before dinner."
She moved the flowers during dinner so everyone could see each other while they were eating, ensuring the conversation flowed as always. Deborah continued to tease her about the secret admiring, left thinking it was probably one of her clients. If she thought about it honestly, that was probable. If they'd been waiting for her at home, that would have been concerning. Even though she was nothing but professional whenever with someone, she knew being an attractive young woman would still garner attention.
Heading to bed later that night, her twin sister did poke her head through the door. "Wasn't too much?"
