Chapter 12 - the Proposition

Darrell was away on his field camp. During the two weeks between the party and Darrell's departure, Meredith had not figured out how to spring their proposal for a partner swap on Darrell, or even if she should. Crystal had been over often, and they usually worked out in the yard. They seemed to be great together most of the time, but she had seen them argue. After what must have been a particularly bad argument, Meredith had been surprised to see Crystal back the next day. Given that she was often not around when Crystal was over and did not see what went on in the cottage, she wondered how often they bickered. Yet they were still together, and the fights did not seem to last long. Still, the quarrels did not make for a healthy relationship. Hopefully, they stayed together long enough for her to implement the swap.

Crystal continued to work out in the yard every other day after Darrell left for his geology camp. Meredith and Crystal had a few short conversations about mundane things during that time. Then one day, Meredith took a full afternoon off and made sure she was sunning naked in the yard when Crystal showed up to work out. She waved to Meredith and stripped to begin warming up. Meredith had decided to address the partner swap proposal by first planting a seed with Crystal. She had the beginnings of a plan, and with buy-in from Crystal, she might have the nerve to approach Darrell. She casually walked over to Crystal, enjoying the feel of her nakedness as she walked across the yard.

"Crystal -- can we talk?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Let's go sit on the porch."

They walked over and sat down at the table under the shade of the umbrella.

"Want some water or iced tea?" Meredith asked.

"No, I'm fine, thanks. What do you want to talk about?" Crystal asked, somewhat concerned that it might be related to her using the yard while Darrell was away.

"It is none of my business, but I have my reasons for asking. Ryan and I are fond of both you and Darrell. Darrell has done wonders for me. He has helped make me comfortable in my own skin, and you have helped with that, too. I just want to ask, how are you guys doing? I've seen you fight."

"Yeah, sorry about that. We've had some real whoppers. They start small, but neither of us likes to admit we are wrong, and things escalate."

"Has he ever been violent with you?"

"Darrell? No, I don't think he would ever do that. Sometimes I wonder about myself, however. I have been so angry that I've almost punched him a couple of times."

"What usually starts the fights?"

"Dumb things usually. We are great ninety-nine percent of the time. As a matter of fact, awesome. We enjoy each other's company, we love doing things together, and the sex is fantastic."

"So, what is the problem?"

"I'm not sure," she said with wetness starting to show in her eyes. This was a subject that weighed on her because such fighting was not her nature.

"I have an idea that might help. You can tell me if it is complete bull. It has been my observation that you are a strong-willed, empowered young woman. I admire that in you; please don't change. I, however, have noticed that Darrell can be a pig-headed chauvinist. I can see where you two might clash. After you first met, he mentioned that you were a bit overbearing for a woman. And believe me, my hackles rose when I heard that. Is it possible that's part of the problem?"

"I very much want to be with him. He is the first guy I have seriously connected with since I started school here, but I'm afraid you are right. It seems obvious now that you mention it. I can watch myself and try not to be overbearing, I guess." She had tears starting to run down her cheeks.

"No," Meredith said forcefully, "I just said don't change. It's not you who needs to change their behavior; it's him. His attitude towards women is wrong. I would hate you to bend to his misguided prehistoric mindset."

"Okay, so what should I do? Seems like it would be a real challenge to change him."

"Do you love him?"

"I don't know; love is a pretty strong word. And then there is Katherine. Darrell feels pretty strongly about her."

"You said you don't want to be without him."

"Yes, if I lost him, that would hurt, a lot, but I just don't know about love."

Meredith was a little frustrated. It was plain as day that she was in love with him, and she was pretty sure Darrell was in love with Crystal. Yet they refuse to see it. That is probably part of their problem. If they just told each other how they felt. Oh well, that is a problem for another day. It does not change the issue with Darrell's attitude flaw.

She had to move on and said, "Nonetheless--would you like my help? As you know, this is the type of thing I deal with professionally."

"Sure, that would be awesome, please, but what can you do?"

"First--how's the sex between you guys, and is sex important to you?" This was a calculated turn in the conversation.

"Yes, it's important to me. Sex is important to me; I'm a very horny person, which I worry isn't healthy, especially if I don't have a boyfriend. I've had a couple here, but they were just about the sex, and they weren't healthy relationships. I also needed to make a rule about no one-night stands a long time ago. I need to be in a relationship with someone, and that is another reason why I don't want to lose Darrell. He knows how to satisfy me. He might be the first one that can consistently do that for me, but it's also about more than just the sex. We're good together except for the fights."

"This one-night stand rule. No exceptions?"

"I suppose there are. If it is someone I already know. The rule mostly applies to people I just meet, like in a bar. I want to be assured that there is some kind of connection other than just sex. With Darrell, it was obvious. I might have gone to bed with him on the first night, but that was never an issue. Katherine set us up and told us to have sex."

"Does his I have to be in charge attitude carry over to when you are having sex?"

"Yep. He likes to be in charge. Just between us, I kind of tied him up the first time we had sex. It excited him, but you could tell he didn't like giving up control."

"Hmm--that might work for you. Tell you what, I have an idea, but you need to trust me. If I can get Darrell to agree to something, we have a chance of making an attitude adjustment. I don't want to say anything now, but you'll know it if he agrees. He will need to come to you to discuss it."

"I'm curious as hell," said Crystal.

"I will say this--how do you feel about using sex as a tool."

"I'm likely against it. Especially with Darrell. It wouldn't be right."

"You ever hear of sex therapy?" This was a stretch, and Meredith knew it, felt bad about playing the therapy card, but it could get her on board.

"Okay--yes. So, you're saying that you might be able to use sex to affect a man's attitude and make him respect a woman? I'm not sure I understand how that would work. I mean, I've no clue how you would do that using sex."

"I have a feeling sex therapy can result in a sort of cure in Darrell's case. If it's okay with you, I'd like to help, and we can do it together. You won't have to do anything with Darrell that you are not comfortable with. But keep an open mind, and I'll handle most of it. It's what I do."

"I'm still curious, but I'm nothing if not open-minded."

"You don't have to worry about it for now. We have two weeks before he is back--that's correct--right?" Meredith asked.

"Yep."

"It might not happen immediately. I will need the right moment to talk with him."

"Just let me know what I can do."

"You'll obviously have a big part to play, but that part may not be what you expect. For now, go do your workout. I might need to start joining you. At least on the weekends."

"That would be fun. Thanks so much, Meredith. You have made me feel better. I wasn't sure if my relationship with Darrell was going to last. It is good to have someone in my court and some path forward. I do wish you would be more specific."

"I'm sorry, but I want this to come together naturally for you guys. I want you to let me steer for now. If it comes from you, even unintentionally, Darrell might get defensive."

"Okay. Makes sense. I guess I can wait and see."

"That'll work much better. And Crystal?"

"Yes?"

"This might be really fun for you."

"I like the sound of that."

Crystal walked away pleased and feeling much better about her future with Darrell. Meredith had put her finger on something. Darrell did have an I'm a man, and you are a woman, let me do that for you attitude, and that was often where things went wrong, and she hated that. She cherished her relationship with Darrell, but his domineering attitude did bother her. Love? Possibly, if he loved her.

For Meredith's part, she had laid the groundwork for her plan. She planned on helping their relationship out, but in a way that was going to be great fun for her, as well as being professionally interesting. Could she use sex to affect someone's character and make them a better person? It seemed possible in this case. Who was she kidding? Getting Darrell in the bedroom offered her a chance to do a few things that she would never be able to do with Ryan, and it would be fun to see if she could crush his dominating macho psyche. All her plotting over the past few weeks always made her very horny. Ryan had his role, but she did not much care about that. It was mostly just to distract Crystal. Although, she hoped Ryan and Crystal would have fun together. Now, if Darrell would just get back from his field trip.

Later that night, after masturbating in the bath before bed, she did some self-analysis. She wondered if she was not seeing the situation between Darrell and Crystal clearly because of her sexual cravings and lust for Darrell specifically. Was he really that bad of a sexist, or was she making him out that way so she had an excuse to insert herself into their relationship and get him into bed? Before she fell asleep, she convinced herself that even if he wasn't that bad, he still had an issue, and a little correction would help the two young lover's relationship. She didn't think these two had any issues with a little kinky fun anyway. Her moment of doubt passed.

XXXXXXXXXXX

Darrell had been back for about a week. He still had another week of field problems to complete locally before the field camp was over. It was hard, hot work. They were mapping sedimentary formations to the south of town in the hot lowlands near the river. Next week, they would move up into the mountains, which would be much more pleasant. Either way, he did not mind; the fieldwork was one of the things he liked about geology.

The Professor knew that it had been a grueling week and made sure they finished up by noon on Friday. He came straight back to the cottage and was stretched out naked, face down on the lounge on the Anderson's back patio with a large glass of ice water, unwinding and enjoying the quiet and sun. Being rid of his confining clothes was a great relief.

It was about 1:30 in the early afternoon. He thought he was alone and was lightly dozing. There was the slightest rustling as someone sat down next to him. He slowly opened his eyes to see a nude Meredith lying on the lounge chair next to him. He enjoyed seeing her naked and was not tiring of it in the least. After his affair with Jacqueline last year, experienced women were very attractive to him, and for an early 40-something, she was very sexy.

He had three women in his life now that he was spending naked time with. He was having wonderful sex with two of them, at least once Katherine got back. Still, he could not help but think about Meredith from time to time. The affair with Jacqueline taught him sexual skills most guys his age did not have. He was using many of those now to wow the two coeds in his life. Meredith was obviously experienced; what could he learn from her? He suspected a lot. With the object of this desire naked next to him, the thought caused a slight swelling in his crotch.

She seemed a bit antsy. He asked, "Your home?"

"Yeah, as are you. I'm just taking the day to do some things around the house; Ryan is off playing golf. Right now, I just need to sit here in the sun."

"I agree," he said. "It's been a long week, and I'm kind of whipped. Laying here feels a whole lot better than working out. If you want to play croquet, it will have to wait."

Meredith thought, Interesting. I wonder if I can get what I want with a bet. I'm sure I can beat him again. No--I'll see how this plays out.

"Crystal's a wonderful and unique girl, and so is Katherine. I've been wanting to ask, will they really be okay sharing you when Katherine gets back?"

"Like you said, they're unique; it's a special relationship. They don't share me; we share each other as a group of good friends who just happen to have awesome sex together. The sex is a lot about fun, but we're also close outside of that, so there is more to it. It's kind of hard to explain."

"When is Katherine back from New Mexico?" she asked.

"In about seven more weeks, right before the semester begins."

Their conversation paused, and there was no reason for it, but she still seemed fidgety. He continued the small talk, "You and Ryan really interested in a naked hike with your friends and Crystal and me?"

"Yes--I'm nervous about it, but excited too. I hope the weather is good next weekend."

"Ha, we are pulling you further into our naked world," he said.

"That's not hard, actually; I've always had it in me. You have just helped bring it out. Ryan is coming around, too. What about your sexual world?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, a bit surprised.

"Have you thought about pulling us into that too?" she asked.

"Would you, really? I mean, we.....well, have different lifestyles."

"To start with, Ryan is turned on by Crystal. Who wouldn't be? I am, and I have no real inclination towards women. And well--you do the same for me. To be honest, we caught the little show you put on for Martell and Jasmine. That was very kinky and tipped the scale. That got us really hot. We discussed it and agreed that we need to get you guys to let us join in some of your sexual fun."

"So, you are thinking of a foursome?" he responded. "I guess that's an orgy. With Katherine back, it would certainly qualify."

"Actually, we're thinking about just partner-switching for a night to start."

She visibly relaxed, having gotten the teaser out; he was a little stunned but very turned on. He had thought about this, but not with any hope that it would happen. Now that it was out there, he wanted nothing more. His cock was growing rigid, and he had to shift to let it expand against the lounge. He was glad to be lying face down at that moment. All this caused him to pause, and she was getting bolder now that she had gotten it out and said, "Well?" she asked.

"I'd obviously have to check with Crystal, but knowing her, she would be all about the experience."

"And you?"

It was uncomfortable to be lying on his hard cock. She was asking him if he wanted to have sex with her. He needed to move; he couldn't just lay there, so he dared himself and tested her by rolling on his side facing her. "Here's your answer."

"Ahhh--nice. I've wanted to ask you about the shaving. All three of you have shaved at various times when I've seen you. Now seems like a good time to ask. I mean, women shave. In bikini season, it is even practical. I have several times, but I'm not used to guys shaving there. Seeing you hard, well, I really like it. I mean--I really like that."

"It was for some fun we were having. Once shaved, it is just easier to keep it that way," he told her.

"I like it--smooth and large. I'll shave for you if you agree to our proposition?"

"Sure--I'd like that. Like it a lot."

"What do you like about it?" she asked.

"Oh, the look, but I also love eating pussy. If it were a profession, I would be happily employed and wouldn't even need any pay for it. A shaved slick pussy just adds to the fun."

The turn this conversation had taken was killing him. If he did not at least touch his cock, he was going to go crazy.

"I understand," she said. "Your shaved cock and balls look delicious."

He broke. "I'm not sure when you want to do this. Neither Crystal nor Ryan is here now, but I have to do something about my hard-on. If I don't, I'm going to have the worst case of blue balls ever. I've got to go jerk off unless you want to help." The conversation had gotten incredibly frank once she got past those first sentences. He had been living next to this for six months--who knew? It helped that there had been sexual insinuations popping up in their conversations since Jasmine's party.

"Before you run off and jerk off, you have to let me touch you; I just really want to feel what shaved balls feel like."

She did not wait for an answer. She moved over next to him, pushed him down on his back, and began to lightly run her fingers along his shaft, then down across his balls to his crotch and back. This further aroused him, and he realized he had been wanting her a bit more than he admitted. He had been sleeping with two young sexual machines, but this beautiful, more mature woman had some serious pull on him. After her third pass, she boldly grabbed him firmly around the base of his cock and balls. With her other hand, she closed it lightly on his cock and ran it up and down.

"You need to let me taste you. Actually, it looks to me like I can pretty much do whatever I want. But I'm not going to go any further than sucking on this delicious tool. I want you to eat my pussy and screw me when we get together Saturday night. That will happen, won't it? You will get Crystal to agree--won't you?"

"Oh god, yes!"

"Good." Holding his cock tightly around the base, it was purpling and swelling with the restricted blood flow.

"You want me to suck your cock now?"

"Yes, please. Although I'll probably cum really fast, you are making me over-the-top horny, and when I'm this horny, I lack control. It's something I'm working on, but orgasming once or twice doesn't slow me down; I usually stay hard. Just so you know."

"Oh, yes. The curse or blessing of youth. Orgasming often but being able to stay hard--we'll have to test it out this weekend. Can you perform daily?"

"Yeah--usually do," he choked out, "If I don't, my urges distract me."

"Tell me more," she said, teasing the tip of his cock with her fingers.

"Ugh. With Crystal and Katherine, I pretty much get to put out daily, but even before that, masturbation was a daily ritual."

"Good, but starting this Wednesday, I want you and Crystal to abstain from any orgasms until you have sex with us. We want you guys very, very horny. Can you do that?"

"Yes." Like he had no choice but to agree at that moment.

"Say it like you mean it."

"Yes. Yes, no sex with Crystal until you and Ryan."

"And no sneaking in a quick jerk-off."

"No, not that neither."

"Let's see if we can take care of your current problem."

With that, she lightly placed her lips on the tip of his cock, working slowly down it until she was on the shaft, then she slowly reversed. The whole time keeping her grip around the base of his cock but releasing some of the pressure.

"I do like the feel of these naked balls. Make sure you are freshly shaven next weekend."

Now her tongue was circling the end of his cock, and this was getting him close to the release he wanted but at the same time did not. She sensed his tension and moved her tongue along the shaft to less sensitive parts, then to his balls. She licked and nibbled on his balls. The sensation was electric. He felt like cuming but needed the up and down motion on his shaft to trigger it, or at least some attention to the head of his cock. But she showed no intention of releasing him yet.