When I began furthering this story a few years ago, I had no idea that it would take this long. There have been a lot of things that have happened across that time span and it was hard to find the time to continue. I do take this seriously and it does bother me that some may think that I don't. By the same token it is very satisfying to see that the vast majority have enjoyed this series.
So, after writing a little here and a little there, it amounts to three, maybe four chapters, if I can shortly sew up the fourth and am comfortable with its release. I hope to finish this set out before the New Year, but that isn't a guarantee. This submission is the third of that set. I dedicate this chapter to the true fans of the series.
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The traffic was as horrible, as I figured it would be. I was exhausted when I pulled in the driveway having already practically put in a full day. It was 11:15am, Meaning that I had just gotten back from a 4 hour trip and driven more than 100 miles in heavy traffic. I was ready to just go and relax.
I entered the house and went to the living room; cutting the TV on and sitting in the recliner, I kicked up the foot stool and laid back ready to doze off.
Even though I was very tired, I really enjoyed not having to go to class. The days at school had been long. The full schedule could be very hectic. At home there were no tests to take... no homework to be done. Some days at school, I was up at dawn and still doing school work at midnight. On days when I didn't have school, I would get up around 10am, but now that I was going to have to help my grandfather that was going to be nixed. I was going to have to get up by 8am at the latest over the next four days.
I was pretty much wiped out, so I just laid down in the recliner and drifted off losing consciousness. I don't know how long I had been asleep, but something startled me and when I looked up I saw Ashley bounding into the room. I don't know why, but she was there. "Jimmy... Jim... Are you awake?`" she chimed.
I shook my head and the cob webs, "I am now." I slowly opened my tired eyes taking notice of what she was wearing. Ash can make a burlap sack look sexy and the silky red chiffon nightie and robe she was wearing were no exception. It hung at above mid thigh level and fully displayed her smooth legs. This sight had most assuredly woke me up, causing me to shiver from the visual stimulation.
Since Thanksgiving, her hair was nearly back to its natural color, just a little lighter blond than usual and she looked like she had put some weight back on, which certainly made her look more healthy than she had just a month earlier.
Just looking at her, she seemed to be wide awake and full of energy. I was surprised when she asked, "Jimmy are we good with everything?"
"I'm the one that should be asking you that, not the other way around.... Of course we're cool Ash. You know I love you. I never ever wanted to hurt you," I responded as I lowered the recliner and thought about getting up and heading to my room, "Why are you asking?"
(Ashley) -- " I don't know... I'd just like to put all the bad stuff behind us. You're my best friend and I need my big brother."
Nodding my head in the affirmative, I replied, "OK."
(Ashley) -- "Now that she's not here... I'd like to tell you that I really do like Jill.. She's very pretty and sweet and attentive. I can see that she's really into you. You have done well for yourself there. And I'm very happy for you. I'm truly sorry about the other night. I ruined things for y'all on Christmas Eve."
I can't help but admit that seeing her in her nightgown turned me on a little. Looking back, over the earlier part of the week she had been wearing flannel pajamas, which hid her femininity, but now what she had on did nothing to conceal her beauty.
She looked at me with a glint of satisfaction in her eyes and then extended a full grin? Here I was with the woman I had always adored most in the world. I didn't want to affirm her confidence in Jill as my partner. I searched her eyes quickly trying to sense her intent before looking away.
Ashley then interrupted my awkward thoughts, "Will you go shopping with me. I got some of these gift cards and I'd like to exchange a few things and I don't want to go alone."
I curiously expressed, "When I got back here, I thought you were going to be gone. On Christmas Day, you said you were going shopping and maybe out of town with Amber. What happened with all of that?"
(Ashley) -- "She called me earlier and said that something had come up with her family... her grandparents expected them to visit and her parents insisted she come with them, so she was going to have to hang out with them for the day."
Grousing I responded, "I was just gonna hang out here and watch some ball games. I'm not much in the mood for getting out in that day after Christmas circus. I was already in that traffic this morning on that trip to the airport... and remember I have to work in the morning."
(Ashley) - "Oh come on now, that is the reason why I need you to go with me, I'm sure there might be some things you'd like out there at those sales. Besides, I need someone to help keep me company and you know Big Daddy isn't gonna put a heavy load on you. He just wants you to keep him company too."
I didn't want to say anything, because the one thing that I'd want out there wasn't on sale. For what she had been through with the recent apparent break up with that boyfriend and with what had happened with me, it sure did seem like she was turning the corner and ready to head forward with her life. I sensed that she had found confidence in herself.
I was measured, not really sure what to say. Ashley just shrugged, looking at me with a perplexed insistence - a standoff that seemed endless with an expectant outcome.
I felt a certain anxiety come over me. All I could think was 'God she looks delicious in that little red babydoll nightgown.' I couldn't help but eventually break down, "Ok. I'll go, but this better not take up the whole day."
Ash clapped and clasped her hands and seemed thrilled by my acquiescence, "Good. I'll go get ready.... I'll be ready as soon as possible. .. Might be 45 minutes. " My heart fluttered as she bounced from the room. Something told me that I would be hanging out with Ashley all day.