Chapter 7

The weather clouded up overnight, bringing in rain and some light thunderstorms on Sunday. Monday was a holiday, but we knew that at least Toni had to leave in the morning, Molly would have to as well, which meant Stephanie and Tracy would probably take off, too. In order to make the most of a bad day, with no chance for a makeup day afterwards, I decided to make waffles and sausage for everyone with scrambled eggs on the side, if anyone wanted. Before that operation, though, I pulled out a big stock pot and threw together a pot of chili. No one was complaining about hunger pangs, or their belly buttons chewing on their backbones, so I took my time, browning the small, thin strips of flank steak and getting all the other components together.

Needless to say, I was told not to even think about trying to clean up either mess and was complimented vigorously for my efforts. I try.

After more Hallmark movies, this time with my head in Toni’s lap and Tiffany curled up spooning in front of me, everyone broke for bed. The pairings, or groupings, were different than I would have thought, but after the assignments were made, Amy told us that she was going to have Tiffany and Wendy start shopping for a bigger bed and bedding starting Tuesday. Three was company. Four was a full bed. Five was pushing overload. Six was nearing the realm of improbability. She then sent Wendy and Tiffany to the back guestroom after goodnight kisses and promises of making it up to them.

“No need, Ames. We’re fine,” Tiffany said.

Wendy seconded. “What she said, hon. You don’t have to be sorry for making the right decision, even if you don’t want to have to make it. You do realize that Tiffany and I love each other, too, right? It’s not like we’re going to go back there and be lonely or anything.” At that, she and Tiffany both started laughing.

Amy nodded and smiled. So much for any thought of turmoil. I love my life.

I laid back on the headboard, sipping what was left of my drink, and listened to the three remaining women talking about the weekend. Carly was sitting next to my hip, her hand running up and down my abdomen. She was wearing a cute little teddy again, same style, but in pink. Amy was sitting next to me, in just one of my T-shirts, holding my arm and my hand in hers, and Toni was sitting facing them, and me, in a satin tap pants and button up sleep set, her legs crossed in front of her. Their conversation was about all the positive feelings that were developing, and both Carly and Toni sharing that neither of them had felt this way about a man or any women before. No one knew then that falling asleep listening to them would be the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

What I heard when I woke up was, “I know, but is he even interested?” That voice, I’m sure, was Carly’s.

“Of course he is. What do you want him to do, chase you down the hallway, grab you by the hair, then hold you down and fuck the snot out of you? Sorry, not his style. Charlie thinks you are both hotter than the sun, and he is welcoming both of you into his heart. I’m sorry, ladies, but he’s not a sex addled teenager that is hard twenty-four seven and needs to screw every woman sitting on his bed before he goes to sleep.” Amy made me proud when I heard that explanation.

“I, for one, am glad. He’s proven exactly what I needed to know over the last three days. He’s not trying to get some strange. I have a hard time believing that he didn’t try to pressure Carly after she asked if she could sleep with you all. Then last night, while she was rubbing his tummy, he just enjoyed it and fell asleep. Did you see that cute little smile on his face when he started breathing heavy? Adorable. If a man can be adorable,” Toni offered.

“It’s the way he is. He’s not shy. He’s measured? I don’t know. My first day here, I just knew I had to have him, and he wasn’t going to make the first move, so I did. I’m so glad I did, too. Now I feel like I’ve left an arm behind when I’m not around him. It’s weird.” Tiffany is so damned cute. Hearing that made my chest flutter.

I had to let them know I was awake, so I did it the macho way. “Carly, I need coffee and would love to have a beautiful face wrapped around my throbbing erection. A blow job, if you will. Can you have Wendy bring me some coffee and tell Tiffany I’m awake? She’s usually up for a little ‘make Charlie happy’ time.”

“What the fuck, Charlie? Is there something wrong with me?” Carly yelled back.

“Not at all. Feel free to trade places with either one of them. No problem,” I hollered, then started laughing.

She came back into the suite. “You’ve been listening, haven’t you?”