It Only Too Twenty Years

Chapter 10: July 21 (Late Morning)

Dawn sat tensely on the arm of the couch. She wouldn't make eye contact.

"What?

Why

?" I asked as I tried to remain calm.

"I was fired for cause, Will. No severance. Ben told me the legal department made him notify Bethany Welsley, too. I might not have a job

anywhere

now."

"What the hell is going on?" I said aloud, but mostly to myself.

"Apparently, some security guard making rounds the other day, quote, observed William Richards and an unidentified female employee engaging in grossly inappropriate workplace conduct in the campus parking structure. Said conduct included physical bodily contact in conflict with established policy and is incompatible with continued employment. Unquote. I guess they reviewed surveillance video and somehow identified me.

"For all I know, you may be having the same discussion with Ben when you get back to the office on Monday," she said as she stared blankly at the muted television.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I'd gone almost numb.

"Wait just a freaking minute," I almost barked.

I pulled out my phone and called Ben Hodges. It went straight to his voicemail. I then remembered he was on an airplane. I next called Andrew. It rang twice and then went to

his

voicemail. I immediately tried again with the same results.

"What the hell? Andrew is declining my calls! So who was this security guard? Do you remember his name?" I demanded as I brought up the corporate directory in the contacts app.

"Wasn't a

him

. It was some really tall woman named Gina Nelson."

"Jean Delsin?"

"Yeah, something like that. After taking my badge and escorting me out of the building, she told me to tell you 'all the best.'"

"Jean saw us in the garage?" I felt a sudden sense of betrayal. "She sai⁠— Wait."

I paused, thinking. Jean's trademark farewell seemed out of place considering the circumstances Dawn had described, as did an instruction to relate it to me. How would

she

have known where Dawn was going?

"What did she say?" I asked, suspiciously, because I suddenly felt a chain being yanked, especially when Dawn's dour expression began to falter.

My phone bleeped.

I'll call you in a few

said the text from Drew.

Dawn hadn't answered my question.

"Hmm. I texted you an hour ago, which was

after

your meeting with Ben. According to your story, you had just been fired when you sent a reply telling me you might be free for lunch?"

"Um … yeah?"

Her solemn expression cracked almost imperceptibly. She watched me evaluating her body language for almost ten seconds before she fell backward onto the couch and laughed. She laughed

hard

. She was kicking her feet up in the air and everything.

I still felt betrayed, but sensed Brutus was either laughing on my couch or sitting in an airplane seat. I stepped around the arm of the couch and swatted one side of Dawn's vulnerable rump quite firmly with my open palm.

"

Ouch

!" she shrieked. "Don't blame me! It was Ben's idea!" she yelled between laughs, so I spanked the other side, too.

"That wasn't funny, Devo. What the hell is going on?" I argued, even though I was laughing, as well. She'd gotten me good.

When Dawn had finally composed herself, she sat properly on the couch and told me what had transpired that morning.

"I am now, as a matter of fact, officially unemployed. I have been 'voluntarily terminated.'" She gestured the quotes. "It feels so weird. I keep finding myself, out of habit, reaching up to make sure my Extecha employee badge is on my lapel and being startled because it's not there.

"Anyway, Ben told me this morning that, since the majority of the training for the new folks is done, the local staffing and training department wants to take over the remainder. And, since I have nothing new on my plate as I am leaving the company in two weeks anyway, he asked HR to simply pay me out my last two weeks plus my unused vacation and personal days.

"Funny how quick it happens. I went to human resources and this young gal entered a few things into the system, had me sign an updated non-disclosure agreement, and

beep-bop-boop

, she turned me into a

former

employee.

"I guess the campus security staff is a little sensitive given what happened in your office yesterday, so that Jean lady escorted me from the building. She's a cool gal. She asked me who I worked with, and I said I was coming over here. Probably shouldn't have said that, huh? I guess there's no harm now. That's when she told me to tell you what I said.

"Ben said the board approved an acceleration of my unvested stock options and RSUs, as well as an extension of the exercise date for the whole lot until the end of this year. Do you know what that means?" she asked as she watched me.

"Holy crap. I can count on my fingers how many times that's happened."

She nodded.

"Wow. So the board is doing all of that even though it was your choice, not Extecha's?"

She nodded again with a big smile.

Those modifications made for a sizable bonus package. It bore witness to just how valued Dawn was to the company and built a sturdy goodwill bridge should she ever consider returning. I was immeasurably proud of her.

"That means that you're financially pretty flush now, so you're not only going to pay for the groceries, you're in charge of making dinner tonight."

I embraced Dawn and gave her a well-deserved congratulatory embrace.

"You clean up afterwards?" she asked.

"Deal."

My phone rang.

"Hey, Drew," I answered.

"What's up? I saw you call a couple of times. You caught me in the restroom, but I'm not one of those morons who answer while I'm doing my business."

I laughed. "Yeah, thanks for that. I had a question but found what I was looking for in ESFS," I lied in order to avoid a long conversation.

I declined his invitation to go grab a beer after he was done with work, and we hung up. I returned to the discussion with Dawn.

"You said all this foofaraw was Ben's idea?"

"Yeah. He knows," she answered.

"He knows what?"

"He

knows

, Will. I don't know how, but he said he suspected you and I were walking a very fine line for as long as he's known us. He said he's glad he doesn't have to worry about it anymore. But it's more than that. It dawned on me as I was driving here. Think about it. Don't you think he would have waited to do all of this when I got back to HQ next week?

"I'm sure he's been discussing my exit with senior leadership for several weeks now to get those accelerations approved. He knew my time was coming to an end. Don't you think he would've canceled my trip back here yesterday, or even last week's just to turn around and let me loose the day after I got here?

"He knows where you are. He allowed this trip knowing it'd become a boondoggle. He probably would've given me the exit yesterday if it weren't for the business in your office.

"Also, think about this. Why did he tell you to take vacation instead of having you work out of Drew's office or even from this condo for a few days?"

I saw where she was going.

She continued. "Buddy, we've got a great boss. He'll never admit it, I'm sure, but I'm certain he allowed this

business

trip so you and I can spend time together. He suggested I scare the crap out of you at his expense. He's

playing

you, while basically sanctioning us. He

knows

!"

I traced the logical path Dawn described in my mind. It was unassailable logic.

"Wow. You're totally right," I acknowledged.

I imagined Ben and I would discuss it over a beer at some point in the near future.

Dawn stood from the couch. "So, on to dinner plans. With what can I work my culinary magic?"

I escorted her to the kitchen where she meticulously scanned the selection of cookware, cutlery, appliances, pantry stock, and all the goods in the fridge and freezer.

"How's comfort food sound?"

"Always great," I answered.

"Something spicy?"

"You know I love food that bites back."

I knew she was only testing my mood. We both loved heat, and the thought of it made my mouth water.

"We'll need a few things from a megamart. Let me put on some streets."

I beckoned her to follow me to the bedroom where she could change. Her bag was on the bed where I'd left it. As she unpacked a few things, she removed her undies from the end pocket and held them up.

"What'd you think?" she asked.

I took her bra from her and had another sniff of the inside of a cup.

"This smells of you. It's yummy."

She playfully snatched it back and sat on the end of the bed, preparing to remove her shoes. I couldn't help but look. The chevrons became straight lines in the perfect spot. She, of course, caught my gaze.

"Why are men so interested when women sit like this?"

"Because it's so seldom seen. Dudes man-spread all the time, but it's the very antithesis of ladylike. Even when fully clothed, you sitting there with your legs open is beyond hot. I mean,

look

!" I gesticulated wildly toward her open thighs.

"Your pants are so snug and form-fitting. When you do that, you're showing off the shape of your lady-bits."

"It makes me feel good that you enjoy what I look like. It makes me feel confident. Assured. Accepted. And when my appearance arouses you, that's like a very high but silent compliment, but only if it's you."

I lowered myself to my knees and held my lady's ass, pulling her crotch to my face.

Her feminine scent was a little stronger and richer than the prior night's delight. I nuzzled her warmth, filling my lungs with her aroma. The most bizarre confluence of stimuli and emotions intermingled as she stroked my scalp with her fingertips. There I was, with my head resting against the inner thigh of the most complex, beautiful woman I had ever known. My nose was millimeters away from her fully clothed genitals. She was not only permitting but encouraging me to explore her with my senses.

The bizarre conflict that surprised me was that I was totally and completely relaxed and satisfied. I felt no urge to rip her clothes off and mount her. Her carriage and her tender encouragements simply tamed me, and I liked that.

"What are you thinking, baby?" she asked in a relaxed tone.

"That I've died and gone to heaven. I smell my Devo."

She smiled at me with the sweetest affection.

"God. I could sit here all day. But time is getting away," I advised.

I watched her doff her business attire and change into casual shorts and a t-shirt then simple flip-flops on her feet. I was already wearing a pair of cargo shorts and a tee that read "I'm in IT. Thank me later."

She studied my bed. "Decorative pillows? Seriously?"

"Yeah." I smirked. "I was trying to impress you."

"You're a goofball, and I love it," she said with a wink.

We walked out to my car and headed to a store a mile away where she selected a carton of vegetable broth, a bundle of green onions, a small package of hot peppers, some fresh fruit, and a small bottle of sesame oil. At the seafood counter, she requested a half pound of peeled and deveined fresh shrimp. Heading to the registers, she added a twenty-four-can carton of Diet Coke and a case of bottled water.

Because of Kentucky's weird laws, we needed to walk next door to another location (but with the same name) to buy a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.

We returned to the condo, unpacked the groceries, and stashed the various sundries. She spooned a dollop of crunchy peanut butter and peeled a perfectly spotted banana, leaning against the pantry door and looking at me while enjoying her light lunch.

"Wanna go for a swim?" I asked right after she took the last bite of fruit and peanut butter.

"

Oorh! Yeahr

!" she said while trying to clear her mouth.

I laughed at her, so she stuck her tongue out at me.

I walked closer to her and said, "What was that, young lady?"

She did it again. I took her tongue into my mouth and enjoyed the flavor of peanut butter, banana, and Devo.

I took her empty spoon and banana peel from her hands. I trashed the latter then washed the former in the sink as she trotted back to the bedroom and started rooting through her travel bag, finally pulling out a bright orange bikini.

She held the bottom in front of her hips and asked, "You know, I travel with swimwear everywhere I go even though I hardly ever go swimming. I've never even worn this suit. Is it okay?"

"Of course."

I couldn't imagine why it wouldn't be. Hell, I'd have proposed we go skinny-dipping if it were a private backyard pool, but, alas, it would be occupied with other residents of the complex. She changed into her two-piece and slipped one of my oversized t-shirts over it while I simply shucked my lower half and put on some green Hawaiian-print trunks.

Before heading out the door, I grabbed the reusable shopping bag we'd just unloaded and put two towels and a spray can of sunscreen inside it. I also grabbed two big bottles of water from the fridge plus two identical, but frozen ones from the freezer. I stashed all four between the towels so they'd stay cold.

She examined the bag, looking for a place to hide her iPhone.

"Just leave it here. You don't have a job," I suggested.

She looked at the screen, and, indeed, it already read "No Service" in the status bar. The mobile telecommunications team had already terminated her line. She was on her own.

"You can use mine here, but there's no public Wi-Fi out at the clubhouse."

We headed out the door for the short walk to the clubhouse three buildings away. Given it was a mid-day Thursday, there weren't many people around, maybe a dozen in total. Two kiddos were wrapping up from enjoying the splash pads while hanging out with their dad as the latter collected their belongings.

Dawn selected two chaise lounges in the corner away from the clubhouse in full sun. I pulled the SPF50 from the tote and hosed myself down with it. Dawn helped me out by spraying and rubbing in the sunscreen on my back and shoulders.

She pulled her t-shirt over her head, and my breath caught when I saw how physically fit she was. Clothes cover details, but when I saw her in her swimsuit, I was stunned by her tummy and legs. I simply hadn't noticed at all the prior night in the hotel. I was too focused on the events to pay attention to her physique.

I couldn't help but notice in my peripheral vision how every man in the area shot at least a short stare. One guy poked his buddy on the shoulder and pointed. Even one of the ladies took more than a casual glance.

I wasn't one of them. I was allowed long stares. Her nearly bare form was truly magnificent. The bikini she'd chosen fit her as though it was made for her. The back-seamed bottom had a little line of stitching down the seat that molded and contoured her perfect tush. The bright orange color almost seemed inflamed by the sun, contrasting perfectly against her shiny black hair and tawny complexion.

It was already baking hot. The forecasted high temperature for the day was ninety-seven degrees with a high chance of thunderstorms later in the evening through the morning. Both of us had cause to pull a bottle of water from the tote and guzzle from them. It was barely two o'clock, and the high temperature wasn't far away.

I sprayed Dawn's shoulders and back with sunscreen and rubbed it in. As she covered the remaining territory of her arms, legs, and tummy, I watched her rump's muscles twitch. I quickly needed to jump into the pool before it became obvious to everyone nearby what the beautiful woman was doing to me.

We lounged, basked, and languidly swam for two or three hours, fully relaxed in our un-rushed existence. Discussions of my or her future work were met with objections because we simply enjoyed ourselves. We enjoyed reminiscing about "the good old days," though.

The atmosphere was slightly different compared to the general "outside" world. Everyone there was away from somewhere, and most were away from someone. When a reunion happened to occur, the inevitable was more common. When there weren't children around, it wasn't rare to witness displays of deep affection, and few people gave it a second thought.

When we were in the pool sharing laughs and splashes, we clutched and pawed playfully at each other. We swam to a portion of the pool where the surface of the water was perturbed by a nearby cascading water feature. The water felt cooler there because of the partial shade and the evaporative effect of the droplets created by the falls.

When just a handful of folks were still around, Dawn swam up to me and wrapped her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck. I supported her buoyant weightlessness with both hands on her backside, softly stroking her bikini-clad bottom and tracing the elastic from place to place, or following that seam from top to bottom. My motions were slow and unhurried.

"I know no one can see under the surface here, but what you're doing feels naughty since we're so out in the open. Especially when the woman on that bench over there stares at me like she is right now."

She kissed me tenderly, sliding her lips over mine. She offered me the tip of her tongue which I happily accepted. She moved her face cheek to cheek with mine.

"Keep still. Please don't freak out," she whispered into my ear.

I barely had time to process her words when the cool water between us warmed quickly. I leaned back from her relaxed grip to look in her face. She wore a broad grin. I slid my palm toward her center and could feel the heat and slight turbulence of her release as she peed through her bikini. I traced her slit through the crotch of the taught spandex with my fingers until I found the apparent origin of the warmth. I pressed into her body gently but firmly, slowing and disturbing her flow. Release. Repeat.

"What … are you … doing?" she hissed in my ear.

"Same as you. Playing."

I kissed her shoulder. I moved my fingers away but kept my palm cupping her. The realization that the woman was pushing away boundaries and testing my limits made me realize that, if any other woman I'd ever been with did what Dawn was doing, I'd have been humiliated if not angered, but Devo's wickedly playful nature thrilled me.

"You are a naughty, naughty woman," I whispered into her ear. My hand remained in place, softly stroking her puffiness.

"I love you, too, baby," she cooed into my ear, paraphrasing my statement wickedly.

She rested her head on my shoulder. I slowly moved us through the water until the cooler temperature returned, diluting all evidence. We'd both consumed large quantities of water. There was no chance that anyone might "see," but I would have been embarrassed to think someone might jump in and swim through a warm spot. Dawn leaned back with her upper half floating level in the pool and wrapped her legs higher up on my submerged chest, affording me a stare-as-you-care view of the spandex-clad crotch through which I'd just received her surprise. I cared, so I stared. I stared a lot. I was glad to be wearing sunglasses so observers wouldn't be able to tell my eyes were riveted to the orange cloth passing between my lover's legs, displaying to my hungry gaze a hint of her female features hidden underneath.

A few black strands had escaped the encasing spandex and contrasted against the untanned skin between her legs. Scanning the surroundings, she slid her hand down behind her and into the front of my trunks to feel my hardness.

There were two guys chatting up two attractive younger ladies in the far corner of the pool. All four had beverages nearby, which were probably potent. The expressions on the ladies' faces and the rapt attention the men were giving them convinced me they weren't paying us any mind.