Chapter 6
Charmaine started the new phase of her life with uncertainty but liked the idea of living as a single woman when the possibility of having sexual liaisons appealed to her. She liked the idea of romance, of finding someone new and the fun of "falling in love" knowing she would never divorce Bill unless he insisted. She didn't want to be indiscrete or resort to indiscriminate sexual encounters unless she found the circumstances were right. She wanted the men she planned to bed to know she was married ahead of time and that she wasn't looking for anyone to start a relationship with, though she realized affairs were relationships too.
She was an attractive woman and in the best of shape. Men always took notice of her since she commanded attention with her mere presence. Once she had their attention it was simply a matter of finding out if there was a connection to go on; a connection that could lead to something more. She knew how to drop "pieces of candy" along her path of seduction, never failing to be amused at how so many would pick up piece after piece until she maneuvered them into the inevitable act of intimacy with her.
It was her plan but she discovered most of the attractive men she was interested in were happily married. She didn't mind if a man was married if he was on the prowl since she thought adultery only added to the thrill and excitement. However, she would never do anything to entice a happily married man, feeling it was beneath her dignity to do so. Still, the emptiness between her legs festered making her feel unfulfilled when she began to consider going to the local lounges once again on the prowl. The sensual music and dancing in her studio only served as a constant reminder of the attraction and allure between the sexes; gnawing at her.
And then one day her friend Joyce Miller invited her to a luncheon at the country club followed by an afternoon of card playing. She liked the game of bridge finding it challenging but found herself fidgeting when a handsome young man walked by. He was one of the waiters tending to wine glasses as they played cards. Though bridge required a lot of attention she was unable to concentrate when one of the ladies at the table saw her distraction and asked her how she was doing,
"Fine, except I'm not getting enough at home...if you know what I mean."
Joyce laughed saying, "Maybe you could go with Margaret and Kathy to the 'dude ranch' they're going to next week."
Charmaine looked at their two opponents wondering if they knew what Joyce was talking about. She didn't want to offend anyone by talking about sex, thinking it could wait until later. After the session was over she pulled Joyce aside asking her what she meant about a "dude ranch". Joyce asked her if she knew Margaret or Kathy. Charmaine said she had met them once or twice but that was all. Joyce said,
"Margaret married an older man about 12 years her senior and he has no interest in sex anymore; health problems. But she's still a young woman in her sexual prime; about 43 I think. She doesn't broadcast she has a sexual addiction but won't deny it either. Apparently her husband doesn't know about her trips to the ranch, other than they are for the ladies where they swim, play tennis, golf and go horseback riding. Really I think he is indifferent to what she does and just turns a blind eye to her activities.
On the other hand Kathy has her husband's permission to have extramarital relations and he even encourages her to do it. He likes hearing about her exploits in detail and it arouses him enough so they have good sex together. Weird huh, but that is how some guys are I guess. Margaret and Kathy are playing together and I think we play against them in the last session. I can introduce you to them then and you can ask about the place if you'd like."
Charmaine asked Joyce if she ever went when she shamefaced admitted she had. She said,
"I thought the activities would be fun. My curiosity about the place got the better of me thinking I wouldn't do anything until I met a young guy I really liked. I have a weak spot for the younger ones I guess. I mean we had a chemistry going on making me question my feelings about things until I talked to someone when they told me it's just sex; it doesn't have to turn your world upside down and it doesn't mean you don't love your husband. I guess the temptation was too much for me when one night I found myself outside his tent pacing back in forth. He must've seen me and when he came out to see if I was alright, I went into his arms and well...if my husband knew; he'd kill me."
When Margaret and Kathy joined them at their table Charmaine made a point to pay closer attention to them than in the past. Joyce told them I might be interested in joining them on their trip to the ranch. They both looked at Charmaine with surprise when Margaret said,
"There's always room for one more. It's just for a week and we usually have 4 or 5 with us. Some love it and go every 3 months with me, while others just want to try it, to see what it's like opting not to repeat the experience like Joyce. I used to go once a year at first, then it became twice a year. Now it's 4 times a year and is a part of my lifestyle now. It's really quite therapeutic and a great way to keep in shape, if you know what I mean? I'll answer any of your questions after we're done, if you want."
They played the hands to get them out of the way quickly when Charmaine noted her palms beginning to sweat since her imagination was running wild with what went on, knowing it was about having sex with some "dude"; whatever that meant. She smiled as she practiced saying, "Hey dude," in her mind as they played cards fearing she'd gone mad.
After playing their session Joyce took their results to the front desk so they could be tabulated when Charmaine took the opportunity to ask about the place. Margaret said,
"It's a place for relaxation and recreation mostly but with a twist for open-minded women of course. If you just want to get away for a week and are forewarned of the unique purpose of the place; it can be very rewarding. There are about 36-40 men; 'dudes' if you prefer ranging in the ages of 18-50. They're the outdoor type for the most part. When they're not called upon to perform their 'manly duties', they tend to the grounds in whatever way needed. Usually there are around 12-14 women from various backgrounds in life. One thing which is very important is that they screen the men for STDs when the only concern is pregnancy. The women concerned about it use contraception of one sort or another. Surprisingly enough there are a few that come hoping to be inseminated being unable to do so in their current relationships for various reasons. Some are unmarried wanting a child; they want motherhood and a family and the thought of artificial insemination or adoption doesn't carry the same incentive as the old tried and true method. The men are beautiful; they look like 'chip-n-dale' dancers possessing great genetic material no doubt. It's expensive but in my opinion worth it."
Margaret wrote down her phone number handing it to Charmaine telling her to think about it and to get back to her in the next few days since they would be leaving in a week. Margaret excused herself saying she had to leave when Kathy explained,
"The week starts with a dance on Saturday night when the women ask the men to dance. After talking and dancing with them you usually have a good idea who you'd like to get to know more, maybe even intimately during the week. It's kinda like 'speed-dating' I guess. Some women are shy and are happy to meet a nice guy to hookup with the entire week, as though they were a married couple. I think that's weird but to each their own I guess. You'll have a good time with all the activities and fresh air. The food is great and there is a cookout every night, or you can use the restaurant for seafood and other cuisine. No one will judge you and all options are on the table, if you know what I mean. Just don't be at all surprised when it happens. The guys are all nice and they aren't at all pushy. I've seen the most adamant and stalwart of women succumb when they felt the need to conceal their activities presumably to protect their reputations from others. Once the opportunity of having inconsequential sex with a handsome fun-loving man arises; they usually give into temptation. Anyway, that's a big reason why we go to the dude-ranch in the first place."
Charmaine couldn't help but notice the broad grin on Kathy's face knowing what they had in common. She wanted to know more about Kathy wondering if they will have the chance to talk more. She wondered how and why she had chosen to engage in what most would consider being questionable behavior. She wondered if her husband knew and what kind of relationship they had that would prompt her to engage in sex with other men; even considering if her husband might be like her own.
On her way home her excitement grew as she pretty much knew she wanted to go. She didn't know if it was her curiosity or the tingling between her legs as she considered the idea of the place. The whole idea of the ranch and meeting "dudes" with the idea of having sex was way overdue in her mind. "Besides, women like sex too. Just as much as men do and for some women probably more then men," she consoled herself.
After asking Kevin if he could do without her for a week and discovering he actually welcomed the chance to be alone; with sweaty palms she called Margaret. She told her she wanted "to see what it was like," when neither of them felt convinced it was the truth. Like most women, they feel a sense of embarrassment in allowing other women to know they have sexual desires. But with Margaret it was different and she felt certain she would've laughed at her for daring to feign innocence.
She found out when their group would be meeting at the airport Saturday and as it turned out she was sitting with Kathy when she asked the questions she was most interested in.
Kathy's story...
Once they were seated and began to taxi the runway Charmaine turned to Kathy asking,
"Does your husband know about the nature of this place or do you tell him it's just a week getaway with other women?"
Kathy looked at Charmaine as though she was prying at first and then her expression changed to one of acquiescence; as though it was no big deal and what better way to use the time together as she felt the straps against her chest. They reminded her of the confinement she once felt in her marriage and didn't like it at all; not anymore.