Chapter 23: Home Decor

Feeling better after our romp on the floor, Renée and I got dressed. I retrieved a different pair of shorts and my only shirt. The rest of my new wardrobe was still in the trunk of Renée's car. Renée wore a light summer dress, cyan with blue lines running through the blouse that enhanced her curves. Snug around her midriff and relaxed around her breasts and hips, it reminded me of the dress she had worn in the dream we shared the night before. However, I could tell that she had on blue sandals below the flowing skirt.

She had her back to me while packing up her laptop. I stepped up and wrapped my arms around her waist. Renée leaned into my embrace and I watched her close up the carrying case with power cord, network cable and a couple of CD jewel cases. I had to ask about the dress, "Does this come with a leather bodice?"

I could see her smile at the edge of my vision. "No. Why do you ask?" I told her about the dream and how she reminded me of it. "Mmm, I'd like to find one," she returned while rubbing my cheek with hers. Then she pulled away and held up the carrying case to me.

I was astonished. I knew she was giving me the program, but I didn't expect the laptop to come with it. "Won't you need the computer for school?"

"Don't worry about it. I've got enough money saved up for a new one."

I had never owned a computer. Having it for Master PC would be necessary, but it would also be helpful for school. "Thank you."

"Thank me by putting it to good use."

I knew what she meant. It wasn't just my growing ... abilities that I was putting to use as her protector; I would use the program that had made us what we were to help ensure none of my women would fall to some malevolent intent. I nodded and we headed out.

Though summer was waning, Texas didn't like giving up being hot. The sun was low but hadn't set and a healthy breeze made the air a bit more hospitable. Outside my front door sat Nadia and Erin, around them were stacks of furniture, boxes and a few plants. They both wore a light sheen of sweat and it made every bit of their clothing stick to them. "I hope you two haven't been sitting out here too long."

They looked my way and grinned. I figured the shorts I wore were the reason. Erin replied first, "I'd be a lobster if I did."

"I don't care much for the heat," added Nadia. She licked her lips lightly as she watched me approach. I had bags of clothing in each hand. To get to my key and open the door, they had to be set down. The girls continued to watch me as I moved. It wasn't the beginning of watchful eyes, and I knew it wouldn't be the end. I had always thought that only guys looked at girls like that. Either I had been right up until that day or women had perfected the art of doing it without being noticed. Who knows?

I got the door unlocked and opened it wide. Turning to the two cooked girls I offered, "Why don't you two get some water and I'll bring this in?"

Not only did I get a kiss as each girl passed me for the A/C, but both did a bit of groping in the process. Renée grinned at me as she followed them, carrying some of my clothes. I arranged my shorts again, and then got to work with the stack of furniture.

By the time I got all the boxes and smaller stuff into the living room, Tabitha showed up. I began to lift the table to maneuver it through the front door and she offered to help. Each of the girls could hold my attention and Tabitha wasn't a disappointment. As she lifted her end of the table, her breasts bulged against her "Laid by the best" t-shirt. I started to get excited at the memory of the afternoon frolic we had shared.

After the table was in place, she gave me a kiss while feeling for more, and then began helping Erin in the kitchen. I noticed piles of more utensils and cookware than I could possibly ever find a need for.

Nadia returned from her car again with a rolled up rug in tow. I hadn't seen her step out, but she looked like she could use some help. Grabbing one end of the rug I asked, "What's this for? I've got carpeting."

"It's for decoration. We're going to hang it in your bedroom."

Once we got it to my room, Renée helped us put it up. We all sat on the bed for a momentary breather and to view our work. The "mural" as Nadia referred to it was an abstract of several tigers piled together. I wondered if it was supposed to reference something, but I didn't bother asking. I knew what it meant to me.

Nadia set to work hanging candle holders and putting away other things I was sure I would find out about later. I went back out and started bringing in the plants. As I passed from heat to cold, I thought I was seeing things. A moving van stopped in front of the apartment, and one of the guys got out asking where apartment 106 was.

"That's this one." I told him, wondering what was going on.

He approached with a clipboard and asked me to sign for the delivery. His partner had opened the back of the truck and was pulling on what looked like a couch that matched my love seat. After signing the paper, I helped to get the new piece inside and in place. The girls stood back as we worked and after the movers left, I had to ask, "Who got this?"