Note: This story takes place over several chapters. Some are faster to the action than others. If speed is your thing, this story isn't really for you. Otherwise, enjoy.
*****
"You can have your own glass of wine, Jan," I said as I approached the refreshment table where she was chatting with Joann and stealing nips from the cup that my boss was holding.
They were clearly having a fine old time, so I hated to interrupt, but mingling is a host's job. And besides, I needed to get a read on how this meet-up was going as my work and home worlds rubbed up against one another, figuratively at least. Especially since my family and dating world was on the way home from their day out, which would complicate the whole thing.
"Oh, I know sweetie, but Joann is generously sharing," she smiled at me before adding, "Besides, if I get a drink in me I might be brazen or forward."
"Shocking to hear such a thing, oh naked-in-my-yard neighbor," I said.
"I know!" she mock-gasped.
Joann interjected, "Don't mock, Gil. There's a flirty, naked woman here that lives just across the street apparently. That means I can liquor her up and not worry about her driving home."
"Jan, you should know that Jo is a merciless corporate sort. She'll take advantage of you if you aren't careful," I stage-whispered.
"Oh dear. And here I thought I was safe. Darn," she leaned over and said, "Re-fill her cup. Safety is overrated."
"If you insist, neighbor," I answered as I filled Jo's cup and filled a second cup for Kate, who didn't seem to have a drink. I popped the cap off of a bottle of beer and brought both over to the side of the pool. Squatting down, I placed them on the pool edge nearest Don and Jo's mom.
"Well, thank you, son. That's awfully nice of you," Don said.
Kate seemed a bit surprised that I was there. She was clearly enjoying Don's conversation. And perhaps the fact that she was naked with a strange man who was awfully chatty with her.
"Gil, you don't have to play waiter," she said. "Why don't you join us?"
"I will, Katie. Just getting everyone settled. The girls will be here shortly and who knows if they'll think to set out refreshments. Michelle will likely just teach everyone Beer Pong."
"True. But, with a smile on her face," Kate said grinning.
"And probably not a stitch on otherwise," I replied.
"That would be our girl," she said nodding.
Don seemed to be looking off to the side a little unfocused. Glancing down through the water I could see that perhaps he was actually focused. Just in imagining Michelle. The man has decent taste, apparently.
"Besides, I think you two might not want the company," I winked.
Don chuckled, "Son, I've always said there's room for one more. Er, I- really shouldn't have started this second beer."
"Now, Don, I am definitely keeping the beer flowing for you. And making sure that Jan gets an extra glass of wine. I'll ply you with booze and get all your secrets."
He laughed a bit and said, "Well, I suppose I just get talkative with booze and naked people. I guess it's a curse."
"Or a gift," I added.
"Yeah, the Johnsons always had us wobbly when we had to walk back after a swim party. I guess it's a tradition. Though, since the kids have moved away you'll have to be the one to cut us off when we get silly," Don replied.
"I don't know if I can be trusted with that my friend. I tend to say, 'Want another?' rather than 'Think you've had enough?'" I lightly slapped him on the back. Which was a little unusual given that he was naked. I mean, not super unusual, but my Dad and I never had a lot of naked back slapping in our lives. "You'll have to invite your kids over if you want a booze cop. And if they don't mind the shameless dress code, of course."
"Oh they're used to it. Their parents can't shock them anymore. Hopefully, they'll be by at the holidays and I'm sure they'd like to meet you."
"Well, that's something to look forward to. You two have fun," I winked at Kate, who true to form blushed a bit more.
I stood up and walked towards the patio door. As I stepped inside, I heard giggling coming from further in the house. I saw Joann being half dragged further into my house. I admit, I was a little confused. Then I saw that Jan had her by the hand. They were headed towards the downstairs guest bathroom. I must have made enough noise to intrude because Jo turned and looked at me, grinning.
She said, "Uh, Jan was going to show me where the bathroom was. Bit too hydrated."
"Well, that's nice of her. It hasn't moved since the Johnsons lived here, so you are in good hands," I said.
I heard a sputter laugh from Jan who, I guessed had had more of the wine in Joann's cup than Joann had.
"Are you sure, Gil?" Jan tittered. "You could help us out, you know."
Hmm. "Sure, it's the first door on the right."
"The right?" she asked, almost convincingly sincerely.
"Okay, I imagine you're messing with me, but let me show you. Right this way ladies."
I stepped around them and walked over to the guest bathroom. It was a walkthrough sort of space with doors on either end. I opened the door on one side, turned on the lights and walked through to the other side. I turned around and with something of a sarcastic flourish said, "As you can see, one guest ba-" Only to be interrupted by the image of Jan sitting on the toilet while still holding Joann by one hand. "-throom. Uh, Ladies. I imagine you'd like some time to take care of whatever business you need to."
Jan looked up and said, "Oh, don't rush away on my account. Joann, dear, I know you need to take care of business."
Joann was blushing about six shades deeper red than I expected. I was surprised. Very little in my experience of Joann showed that she could even be embarrassed. She was always glad to put me on the back foot. Clothed or Naked. But, to see her a bit put out was surprising. And, I have to admit, a little arousing.
"Oh, really. Boss lady, it seems you have business with my neighbor. You minx you."
"Uh, shut it, new guy. I-"
Jan said, "Now, Joann. That's no way to speak to our host. Come here, dear. Have a seat. Take care of your business."
"Oh," I said. "I see." I reached out and grabbed Joann at the shoulders. She wasn't resistant, but I could tell that she was torn between terror and arousal. She could deal with me connected to Michelle. That was dangerous because Michelle might tell me all of her college secrets, but she could manage that. And she could skinny dip in my pool because while that was unusual, there were boundaries around it. I would only know what she looked like naked and that she was comfortable swimming that way. But, now, she was a bit scared. She knew that I'd found a part of her sexuality that she wasn't sure she could explain in a corporate interview.
I said, "It's okay, Jo. You're safe here. I love Michelle and she loves you. And, you know..." I gently nudged her to center her body over Jan. "I'm pretty enamored of you too." I nipped in from behind her and kissed her on the cheek.
"So, have a seat, entertain my neighbor who is much naughtier than I would have guessed, and don't worry about me. I just want you to-" I nudged her down onto Jan's lap and whispered into her ear, "relax."
The two of them wrapped one another in a surprisingly sweet kiss given the circumstances. I mean, they'd just met. They'd been chatting, flirting, and within an hour were together in a way that made me slightly uncomfortable and quite aroused. All this while I still had my clothes on.
