The partnership had been a resounding success. The three of us had bought the land, developed the subdivision and sold off the entire project at a very good profit, and in doing so had become firm friends. Ken had taken on the operations and project management, Marcel knew sales and marketing, and as for me, Rex, I handled the finance and administration. We made a very tight and effective team.
We had organised tonight's dinner to celebrate our success, and to officially end the partnership now that the project was over. Julie and I had decided to host the night at our home rather than going out to a restaurant, so that we could all relax without worrying about how much we could drink, but I did call in caterers to provide a sumptuous meal and pour the wines. I knew Julie was looking forward to the night because she had gone out and bought a new outfit for the occasion - "complete with frilly underwear" I heard her confide on the phone to both Rose and Nicolette, the other two wives who would make up the party of six.
"Why the underwear?" I had asked her. "Expecting to get lucky tonight, are you? Show me what you bought." It was Saturday morning, and the evening was due to kick off at 6.30 that night.
Julie just laughed, and then said "You'll see them at the party tonight."
"At the party?" I queried.
"Oops! I meant after the party." she replied.
"I think I just caught you in a Freudian slip, my girl, what's your cunning plan for tonight?" This conversation was starting to get interesting.
Julie smiled at me, knowing she'd been caught out, and said "Remember six weeks ago, when we had that weekend away with Ken and Rose, how we had a few drinks after dinner and played cards? You and Ken tried to get Rose and me to play strip poker. If that happens tonight, and the other girls give in to the boys' suggestions, I'm not going to be the one wearing granny's knickers!" Then she blushed, and those beautiful blue eyes couldn't hold my gaze, as she realised that she had just implied she was prepared to strip naked in front of our friends.
I laughed at her fears and reminded her that there would be caterers present, and that it was a more formal sort of dinner, but throughout the afternoon, my mind kept returning to the thought of Julie stripping down to her sexy undies, removing her bra, peeling off her panties. It was one of my strongest fantasies.
Mid-afternoon, Julie ran herself a hot bath to give herself what she always called her "shave and a haircut" - the legs, armpits, and I guess the bikini line, as she always kept her full blond bush neatly shaped. I popped my head in to the bathroom, hoping to catch a peek at her gorgeous big tits that I love so much, and found her sitting on the side of the bath, her pubic area completely covered in shaving cream, and looking at herself down there with a small shaving mirror. I quickly retreated, not realizing that a simple trim job was so complicated.
At about five thirty, I poured us both a scotch and soda, and started to get ready myself. By five past six, I was dressed, casual but with a jacket, and sipping my second scotch. Julie was still working on her preparations, and I knew she'd be down soon. At precisely six thirty, she descended the stairs an absolute vision, her blond hair swept back, and wearing a sheer, black, two-piece outfit, the top caressing her breasts softly, and the full-length skirt accentuating and defining the gentle curve of her hips. Stocking and heels completed the elegant ensemble and left me feeling shabby and underdressed. But what the hell, I've never been known for my dress sense.
Sensing that my timing would be right, I went to the front door and opened it to find Marcel and Nicolette, just about to ring the bell, with Ken and Rose following them up the path. I shook hands with Marcel and hugged Nicki. She gave me a kiss on both cheeks in her very French manner, which I must say I enjoyed very much. She was dressed in a hip hugging, skin tight pair of black jeans that left nothing to the imagination except the faint outline of a skimpy g-string running up from her buttocks, while her top was a black and silver, swirly thing that accentuated her small breasts, making them look decidedly perky, then stopped short at the midriff. Her outfit perfectly complemented her black hair and tanned olive skin.
Shaking hands with Ken, I looked over at Rose, and fell in love all over again. Every time I see her, I wonder at the perfect, flawless skin, auburn hair and fine facial features that her English heritage has blessed her with. Dressed in a light grey tartan skirt and jersey top, she simply smiled and took my breath away. Pulling myself together, I offered drinks and everyone settled down for a chat.
As the easy conversation filled the room, I enjoyed musing on the differences and similarities that made these people my friends. The stark differences between Ken, Marcel and me. Ken is a bull of a man, both physically and in the way he applies himself to his work, letting nothing and no one get in the way of what he wants to achieve. Marcel, on the other hand is a handsome but slightly built man who relies on his charm and a persuasive manner to achieve his ends. As for me, I often call myself Mr Average - average good looks, medium build, steady temperament, but with one advantage that sets me apart. I'm good at working with people, planning, directing, steering them. There may be a little bit of a control freak in my makeup.
I think the thing that made us all close friends in spite of these differences was the comfortable confidence each of felt in ourselves and in each other - enough so that we could accept and enjoy our differences. Ken and Rose held hands as they listened to Marcel explain the intricacies of the European soccer rules, while Nicki tousled his hair, and Julie and Rose discussed how men's conversation always seemed to revolve around balls. I laughed as Nicki picked up a cushion and threw it at me, saying "You're staring at my tits again!" and I realised I had been. They all laughed at my embarrassment.
Night had just fallen as dinner was served. The meal began with the shell of a blue swimmer crab loaded with crabmeat, avocado, and a crumbling of Stilton cheese over the top. Over a bottle of crisp Semillon, I made a little speech of welcome and expressed my appreciation for the dedication of my partners, the understanding and patience of our wives, and the true friendships that we had developed. I was touched by the applause that broke out as I sat down, and Julie's kiss on the cheek that followed.