Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Steve felt his face get heat up as he listened to Paula admonish Gwen for not having her phone close at hand. She all but stated that she suspected what he and Gwen had been doing. He struggled for words to relieve the tension he felt. Before he could speak, Paula came around the pool table and stood before him.

"Don't get so nervous, Steve. I'm not accusing anyone of anything. I'm sure you two had a wonderful time, playing pool," stated Paula with a smile. "Please consider the consequences of your 'games' in the future and place Gwen's welfare before your own. Gwen's 18, and I remember being that age. I understand more than you may think. I'm asking you as a mother, and as your friend, to be cautious and go slow. I think the world of you. You know that."

After Paula left the room, Steve managed to begin breathing again. "Your mom knows! What do we do to now?"

"Yes, I think she has an idea. That's why she texted me and then Kate. She was worried about what she and Dad might walk in on. He'd be forced to thrash you again," smiled Gwen. "How cool is my Mom?"

Steve hung around to play a couple games of pool, but his mind wasn't on the game and he lost both games badly. "I think I'd better go. It's after nine and I'm a little nervous about your Dad. I'll see you in school tomorrow. Do you dare walk me to the door?"

Gwen grabbed his hand and led him to the front door. Ted and Paula were sitting in the living room watching TV as the couple walked past them. "I'm walking Steve to the door and kissing him good night, okay?"

Paula and Ted both looked up. Paula smiled and Ted shrugged as Gwen stepped outside with Steve. "Tonight was wonderful. I hope you haven't lost respect for me or think you can do those things anytime you feel like it. I reserve the right to decide how much we do and when we do it. Maybe that isn't fair, but that's the way it has to be."

"Gwen, if I respected you any more, or held you in any higher esteem, I'd explode. You're the most beautiful girl I've ever known and I'm fine with you calling the shots in our romantic activities. I do reserve the right to be an equal in everything else, okay?"

Gwen nodded as Steve pulled her to him and gave her a long kiss. "I think you're working out to be a very good boyfriend. I'm going to do my best to keep you around."

"You couldn't drive me away," declared Steve as he turned and headed for his car.

Gwen found Kate sitting on the bed in Gwen's room. "I didn't mean to interrupt you guys, but I knew Dad was coming home. I don't know what would have happened if he found you like I did. Are you and Steve lovers now? Are you on the pill? How does it feel to have a lover, especially one like Steve? I bet he's awesome!"

"Kate, I want to thank you for saving me earlier. I appreciate that you realized the need to let me know that Dad was coming home. Steve and I are not 'lovers' but I think I'm in love with the guy. We did do some serious petting tonight, but nothing below the waist. I am not on the pill, and I'm sure he'd be an incredible lover.

"Now that I answered your questions, I want to ask you one? Will you promise to never ask me about my personal love life again? I will never lie to you, but I won't answer questions like that again. That was pretty embarrassing for Steve and for me. You're a great sister, but they're some things a girl tries to keep private. It was my fault for doing it in the living room where you have every right to go. Don't mention what you saw to anyone."

"Okay, you know I won't. Mom must have suspected something because she wanted me to hurry home to tell you that she and Dad were on their way. You looked beautiful sitting on Steve's lap with him holding your breasts. I'm sorry, but I watched for a little while. He really loves you a lot. I could see it in how he held you and kissed you. I hope I find a guy like him pretty soon."

"Now, that is really embarrassing! I was almost 18 when I finally got a boyfriend, and I've been with him for over four months. These things don't happen fast. I wasn't looking for a boyfriend when I met Steve. You should just look to make friends and see what develops. I'm scared to death that I'll do something wrong with him. I'm falling in love with him. I know that, but I don't want our relationship to be about sex. I want him to love me for the person I am, but the physical part is so exciting. He's got me in his web. I just hope it all works out."

"It looks to me like you have him in your web. He's jelly in your hands, Sis. I see how he looks at you. I saw it that first day at the mall. When he looks at you his eyes get all soft and he glows. If you keep loving him, he'll never leave you. You guys are amazing when you're together. He told me that he'd love me like a sister and that makes me feel special, and obligated to never let him down. I can't imagine what it must be like for you."

Christmas Day once again saw Steve and his Uncle Joe dining at the Anderson home. Steve was pleased that his uncle had been much more receptive to visiting the Andersons this time around than he had been for Thanksgiving.

Steve sat next to Gwen on the couch as gifts were passed around. He enjoyed watching the girls open his gifts to them. It took him back to when his mother was alive and how much he had enjoyed the holiday season. His father and he had always made the effort to celebrate Christmas, but since the death of his mother, it just didn't seem the same.

"Oh, Steve! This is too much! I can't believe you gave me an I Pad! This is so cool. You're the best big brother ever!" proclaimed Kate as she forced herself onto Steve's lap and gave him kisses all over his face. "Sorry, Sis, but I've just got to thank this hunk of yours."

Ted was touched when he opened his gift and found a monogrammed pen set. He thanked Steve as he shook his hand. Paula was next. She slowly unwrapped her present to find a small box. Inside the box was an elegant silver necklace.

"Oh! This is beautiful. Lisa, help me put it on so I can see how it looks. I'm probably going to be the only Anderson woman that doesn't wind up on your lap today, Steve. Thanks so much for the beautiful necklace!"

"You have more will power than I do, Mom!" laughed Lisa as she opened her gift. "I'm kissing that guy regardless of what he gives me. Oh my! These earrings are perfect!"

Lisa threw herself at Steve and he had to reach up to catch her as she flew through the air. Somehow he let Lisa settle into his lap so she could reach up and kiss him hard on the lips.

"Thanks! And thank you, Gwen, for letting me enjoy your boyfriend so much. He's a great guy!"

Steve was nervous as he watched Gwen open her gift. It was much larger than the gifts he had given the others and he held his breath as Gwen tore the wrapping away.

"Now we'll see if bigger is better," laughed Gwen as she uncovered a large box and lifted the lid. "I'm speechless! Mom, girls, look at this! Have you ever seen anything like it? It's amazing!"

As she spoke Gwen lifted a framed oil painting and held it so the others could view it. It was a painting of Gwen from her first date as she danced in Steve's arms. His back was three-quarters toward the viewer and Gwen was facing foreward. She was the obvious focus of the painting and it was incredibly beautiful. Her mother and sisters let out the appropriate gasps as they admired the work. Gwen had tears in her eyes as she dropped down on Steve's lap and gave him a lingering kiss.

"That painting has to be the best gift I've ever received! It's so thoughtful, so personal, yet so beautiful. Whoever painted it made me look better than I really do. It's perfect, Steve. I know this took a long time to do and you must have planned this a while ago. You're the best boyfriend ever!"

Then the family watched as Steve opened his gifts. He thanked Kate with a hug when he opened her gift to find several designer shirts. "They're made of stretchy material and they'll look awesome on your muscles!"

Paula and Ted gave him a monogrammed billfold and he shook Ted's hand and gave Paula a hug. Lisa's gift was a very nice black leather jacket that fit perfectly. Steve slipped it on and then tried to hug Lisa.

"That jacket's worth another kiss!" insisted Lisa as he once again gave Steve a smoldering kiss. "Sis, we'll make this guy a clothes horse yet. Look how that jacket looks on him. If he had one of the shirts Kate gave him on under it, he'd be even more amazing."

Finally, Gwen handed Steve a small box and he looked around the room at every one as he unwrapped it. All eyes were on him. Even Uncle Joe seemed interested. Inside was a small box and Steve opened it and pulled out a heavy silver locket on a silver chain. Curious, Steve opened the locket to see a picture of him with The Lady in Red in his arms.

Suddenly Steve felt very emotional. The prior Christmas he had been alone in Germany as the Navy searched for his relatives because he was 17 and recently orphaned. He remembered the Christmases with his mother and father and other family members. Once again he felt like he was part of a real family. Unable to speak, Steve mumbled something and hurried from the room as his eyes began to water.

Gwen watched in shock as Steve quickly left the room with no acknowledgement of her gift. Stunned, she turned to her mother with an unspoken question in her eyes.

"Go to him, Gwen. I think he's overcome with emotion. He's been alone a lot and being with a loving family at Christmas may have dredged up some memories," suggested Paula.

Gwen found him on the back deck. He was staring out over the yard but didn't appear to be looking at anything. She walked up beside Steve, wrapped her arm around his waist, and laid her head against his shoulder. She waited as Steve wiped his eyes and slowed his breathing.

"I guess I made a bit of an ass of myself. I love your gift, Gwen. Almost as much as the ones I unwrapped the other night. I think I love you. Everyone in your family has been so good to me that I can't begin to express how I feel. I was totally alone last Christmas. It was a bad time. Now I'm with the most wonderful family I've ever known and I just feel so humbled. I'm afraid it'll end and I don't know if I could stand being alone again. I have all these fears and no idea how to handle them."

"You're the strongest, bravest, sweetest boy I've ever met. You aren't alone now and I hope to never let you be alone again. You have to look to the future. You've got to trust me not to ever leave you alone, even when we're apart. You're stuck with me, at least until you tell me differently."

"I'll never let you go!" insisted Steve as he pulled Gwen into his arms and kissed her gently on the lips as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I don't know what the problem was," reported Kate to the family as she hurried back into the room and took her seat. "But Gwen seems to have found the cure for whatever it was. They'll be in pretty soon. We still have to give Uncle Joe his gift!"

Gwen led Steve back into the room and made him sit back down on the sofa. Then she sat next to him and smiled. "We're fine now. Let's give Uncle Joe his gift and then eat dinner!"

After dinner, there was a constant parade of family and friends stopping in to visit the Andersons. Gwen grandparents along with Diane's family arrived in the afternoon. Steve was once again sitting on the couch holding Gwen's hand when Stephanie came into the room. She looked at Gwen questioningly and Gwen nodded. Smiling, Stephanie dropped into Steve's lap and hugged him.

"I have something for you, Steve. It isn't much, but I wanted you to know that I was thinking of you," stated Stephanie as she handed a small wrapped box to him.

Steve wrapped his arms around Stephanie and took the box in his hands as she giggled at being trapped on his lap. Her grandmother beamed at Diane as they both watched Steve and Stephanie interact.

"A sports watch? Thanks, Steph! Now I get to hug you," laughed Steve as he pulled Stephanie tight to his chest.

To his surprise, Stephanie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him quickly on the lips. Then she looked around at her mother and grandmother with a smile. "It's okay. Gwen doesn't mind, and I don't think Steve does either. Do you, Steve?"

"Well, I'm a little worried about Gwen getting jealous when I have her beautiful cousin on my lap kissing me. I'd be even more worried if Gwen wasn't around because then your dad would be after me. Pretty girls like you can be dangerous to the average guy. It isn't easy to control myself. Fear is the only thing that stops me from kissing you a lot more, Steph," admitted Steve as he released Stephanie.

"See how he calls me 'Steph', Grandma?" asked Stephanie as she remained perched on Steve's lap. "He's the only person that does. I like it that way."

"You've done a wonderful job drawing Stephanie out," praised Gwen's grandmother when she managed to be alone with Steve in the kitchen. "On the down side, I have another granddaughter in love with you, but so far that doesn't seem to be a problem for any of them. Gwen has really grown and matured into an amazing woman and part of that is to your credit. She's a very happy young woman and I'm sure you're doing your best to keep her that way.

"Paula told me about that dreadful incident in the parking lot. I can't tell you how relieved I am to know that the girls, and Paula, have such a capable protector around. It's a real comfort. You're aces high in this family!"

Monday morning saw the Anderson women, along with Steve, driving back to Amber O'Leary's home. They were using the Christmas break to try their new wardrobes. They were scheduled to spend the afternoon in a photo shoot for the line of gowns and swim suits Amber had designed.

"I'm going to be marketing this idea to a national department store chain later this week," stated Amber. "I know that they often break their markets down and feature different products in different areas, depending on what is popular in that area. I'm going to try to convince them the 'Lady in Red' line will be very popular in this area. If we can generate enough interest in a few states close to us, it may expand. At least, that's my goal.

"Right now, I want everyone to try on the swimsuits and formal wear to be sure we have everything is fitted properly. Ann will be able to make any minor adjustments immediately, and there shouldn't be any major changes needed."

Steve was shown a bedroom where his outfits were hanging. It required very little time for him to put on a swimsuit or even a tuxedo and show Amber and Ann how they fit. There was a small adjustment needed in the chest of one jacket, but other than that, his clothes fit like they were made for him. He settled in watch TV in the living room while the girls spent a couple hours getting their clothes perfect.

After a late lunch, Amber took them to a very large old home that looked more like a mansion.

"This is the home of a friend of Dad's. He gave his okay for us to use it for our photographs today. One reason we want to use it is his indoor pool. It's incredible and will make a great backdrop for the swimsuit pictures. It also has an amazing foyer with two stairways. Naomi is probably setting her equipment up there now, so let's go meet her," suggested Amber.

Naomi was an unusual looking woman about Amber's age. She had tattoos on her arms and legs. She wore her hair very short and colored it a dull orange. If it weren't for her obvious breasts, Steve felt she could pass for a man, at least from the back. He soon gained respect for her knowledge of her craft as she was a no nonsense, do as I say, sort of person. She gave instructions with the expectation that they would be followed.

She started everyone out in the evening wear that Amber had designed. "I want to get the glamour shots before we go by the pool and somebody gets wet or their hair comes undone."

Naomi told everyone what they needed to wear for the first pictures and where to get changed. Steve had his tux on and was back by Naomi in a few minutes, waiting for the girls. "Damn, Amber! You're making this too easy. I don't think I could get a bad picture of this guy. With all those pretty sisters, this should be one hell of a shoot!" declared Naomi.

Under the watchful eye of Paula, Steve and the girls posed for hundreds of shots. Usually, Steve's wardrobe would somehow blend with, or match the clothes that Gwen wore. Now and then, he would match up with Kate or Lisa. His poses with Kate were carefully planned to be age appropriate. They were directed through various activities to prevent the pictures from looking stiff or posed.

Then everyone changed in swimsuits. Again, Steve's poses with Kate were always age appropriate, which caused Kate to grumble a few times. In the situations where Steve's trunks matched with Lisa's suits, Naomi was much more sexual and suggestive. She took a lot of pictures of Steve with Lisa standing by him, leaning against him and quite a few with Steve holding Lisa in some way. Near the end, Naomi had Lisa stand behind a seated Steve and lean over his back so her breasts were pressed against him and her ample cleavage was on display. Naomi experimented with numerous poses where Lisa was draped over Steve with her breasts against some part of his body.

There was a short break while Steve changed for his session with Gwen only. These started out pretty intimate and Naomi pushed for more. "We don't know when we'll be able to do this again, so let's get some pictures for round two. We'll need them if this takes off like we think it will."

Gwen and Steve changed suits numerous times, and each time, Gwen appeared in a smaller, sexier suit. Steve was going over the Periodic Table in his mind to avoid another embarrassing erection. Even that failed to be effective when Naomi pulled Steve and Gwen to the side and revealed her next request.

"I want to get some pictures of you guys together, but with Gwen topless. At no time will I take any photos showing any nipple, but I want her tits pressed against your chest and arms. You'll be covering her most private parts, but the viewer will know she's topless. These may never be used, but if we ever go international, they'll be needed. France, Italy, and Germany in particular lack our hang-ups about topless beaches and sunbathing."

Steve couldn't even form a response. Gwen looked at him, and then at her mother. "I'll have to talk to Mom. She needs to see every picture you take. I don't want to find out later on that there are topless pictures of me floating around the internet. If Mom will go along with it, we'll do it."

Paula was summoned over and Gwen explained what Naomi wanted and how Gwen wanted Paula to oversee the actual photography. "So, what do you think, Mom? Will you keep an eye on the camera for me and be sure I'm not compromising myself or my future?"

Paula was more than a little uncomfortable with the situation. Gwen had always been so conservative and now she was willing to do a topless photo shoot with a boy! How did it come to this?

Paula remembered how she felt when Steve saved her from the thugs intent of robbing and raping her. She thought about the river rescue that Gwen and Steve pulled off. She thought about Diane remarking about the amazing and special things that happen when Steve and Gwen are together. Paula recognized that she had total confidence in Gwen and Steve. To try to prevent these things from occurring was like trying to stop the "cosmic force" to which Diane had alluded.

"A few months ago I was worried that you'd never have a date. Now you're going to take your top off for pictures with a boy? I don't know which extreme is worse. Do you really feel comfortable with this? What about Steve?"

"Mom! Do you think Steve will complain about posing with me topless? He'll love it!"

Steve heard the last comment and interjected. "I might complain. I don't want explicit pictures of you floating around. You mean too much to me to do something exciting now that I'll regret later. At the very least, I want to see all the shots while they're on the disc and have the right to delete any I don't like. You're perfect, Gwen. People admire you and consider you a role model. I think you're really sexy and beautiful. You don't have to show your breasts to look great, or be noticed. I'll go along with this as long as your mom and I both have the power to delete any pictures we feel are over the line."

"You surprise me, Steve, but in a good way," admitted Gwen. "I'm really happy that you care about my reputation and honor. However, I don't get to model very often and I know darn well that a lot of models would be topless in your arms if that's what the photographer asked. Heck, they'd do it whether she asked or not. I feel safe with you and mom involved. I'm over 18 and may be out of college by the time these pictures come out. As long as my nipples are not showing, I want to try this. I've always been so careful and proper. I want to take advantage of opportunities and not regret what I was afraid to do."

"If you're certain, I guess it'll be okay. I'm worried about your father's reaction. We've got to be sure that all pictures on that chip are good ones and we leave nothing that can come back and bite us later," stated Paula. "These have to be high quality shots and not porn."

Kate and Lisa had been lounging by the pool but sat up when they saw the others in a small conference. When Gwen reached behind her back and unhooked her top, the sisters jumped to their feet and headed for Paula.

"What's going on, Mom?" demanded Kate. "Why is Gwen topless? Are we going to do x-rated stuff now?"

"No. 'we' are not, young lady. Naomi has asked Gwen to pose for some tasteful topless pictures with Steve. We're going to be very careful to keep her nipples from being in any pictures. And before you ask, the answer is 'no', you cannot pose that way with Steve."

Naomi was directing Steve and Gwen as she shot picture after picture. She had Gwen just touch Steve's chest with her nipples and look into his eyes, She had Steve wrap an arm around her smashing her breasts out so they bulged above and below Steve's forearm. Then Gwen stood behind a seated Steve and leaned over him, pressing her nipples into his shoulder, but showing the rest of her breasts.

"Oh, my!" exclaimed Paula as she watched the proceedings. "They're certainly provocative poses. I hope she's about done."

Naomi turned to the group watching and asked, "Lisa, would you be interested in being in some of these pictures?"

"Since you twisted my arm!" laughed Lisa as she hurried over to join her sister. As she walked, she worked on removing her halter. By the time she reached Steve and Gwen, she was topless.

Steve groaned and Lisa and Gwen laughed. "I'd think you feel pretty darn proud of yourself, Steve," teased Lisa. "Don't I look good enough to pose with you and Gwen? Am I too fat, of flat-chested? Are my girls too small after seeing Gwen's?"

Naomi didn't give Steve a chance to respond as she directed the three in numerous poses. She had Steve hold a girl in each arm with their chests against his shoulders. She even had him stand facing the camera with his legs spread the sisters sat at his feet with their arms wrapped around his thighs and their boobs pressed against his legs.

"Gwen! It looks like there's something alive in Steve's trunks," observed Lisa with a straight face. "It may not be safe for us to be so close. We don't know what it is, or how big it'll get!"

Steve had hoped that the jock would help keep his cock under control, or at least from being obviously out of control. When the sisters tag teamed him, that idea went out the window. When Naomi finally told him she was finished, Steve scooped up a girl in each arm and jumped into the pool. When they surfaced, Lisa and Gwen piled on Steve in an attempt to dunk him. Steve dropped under the surface. Suddenly Lisa screamed as she rose out of the water and was launched toward the deep end. Gwen turned and ran for the shallow end, but Steve dove and tackled her before she made two steps. He made a big production of lifting her over his head and tossing her in the general direction of Lisa. Then he turned and climbed out of the pool.

Naomi had not expected the horse play in the pool, but quickly took advantage of it. She constantly snapped photos during the water battle. She also photographed each of the combatants as they climbed from the pool.

Steve walked over and sat down near Paula and Kate. "You've seen Gwen, Lisa, and even Mom. I bet you're dying to see how I look topless, aren't you, Steve," asked Kate with barely concealed excitement.

"Kate, you're a stunning girl, but you'd get me arrested and jailed for a long time, so please don't even think about it," responded Steve to an obviously disappointed Kate. "Until you're eighteen, okay?"

Kate's eyes lit up and she gave Steve a huge smile as she turned and strutted away. The group spent over half an hour going over the topless pictures.

The women were surprised that Steve deleted three photos they were going to leave. "I know how guys think and those three were just too suggestive. I don't want anyone saying this was some sort of orgy or something."

Satisfied with the day's work, the group went to get dressed for the trip back to Sparta. Meanwhile, in a rented house a few miles away from the house with the pool, six men gathered around an old wooden table. "We have almost all of the pieces in place. Soon you will change the course of history. We have only to select a target and determine the best day to strike. These Americans are lazy and soft. We shall have no obstacles in attaining our goals. You will be famous for all time, My Brothers."

"Fame is not my goal," replied a large man with a swarthy beard and dark complexion. "I only hope to do my share in destroying this country. These people are godless; flaunting their bodies and respecting nothing. Death is no more than they deserve."

"Nevertheless," replied the first man in his native Farsi, "you shall be famous and your family will be well rewarded. Soon these infidels will know fear whenever your name is mentioned. Rest assured that the cable news channels will mention it often! Within the week, I will determine our target. Vengeance will be ours. Justice will be ours!"

The rest of the week passed quickly. Steve and the girls spent hours working on the dances that Diane had chosen for them. Amber reported that she had an appointment with a large retail store to present her "Lady in Red" line. She had all the dresses and swimsuits completed and she and Naomi had put together a portfolio of photographs to use in the presentation.

"I have to tell you that the photos are incredible. You Andersons even made Steve look good," laughed Amber over the speaker phone as she chatted with Gwen, Paula, and Steve. "Being the governor's daughter may help get me in the door, but my designs and the attractive models wearing them will determine if we have any success. That and the fame you two have generated from the river rescue, the dance, and the state football title. I feel really good about our chances!"

Two days later Steve was at the mall with Tyler Smith and Jared White. As they approached the food court, Steve saw Stephanie and one of her friends standing on the other side of the food court. He noticed that both girls seemed agitated as several boys stood near them, pointing and laughing. It didn't look like anything very serious, but it gave Steve an idea.

"You guys see those two girls over there? Stephanie is Gwen's cousin and Jade is her friend. I think it would be extremely cool if you two sort of rescued them from those little punks that are teasing them," suggested Steve.

"I know Stephanie," admitted Tyler. "She's really good looking and I'd be glad to act the tough guy to impress her, but what do you think we should do once we chase those clowns away?

"Good question. Not to brag, but if you tell them you're on your way to meet me and ask them if they want to come along, Stephanie will join you. I imagine Jade will stick with her friend and agree to come with you," reasoned Steve.

"We're not just reeling in more hot babes for the Hammer stable, are we?" demanded Jared. "I'm not going to put any effort in getting you more girls to add to your collection."

"It's about time you added some 'hot babes' to your own collection," laughed Steve. "Stephanie has a bit of a crush on me, but that's mostly because no decent guys have treated her right. I don't know much about Jade, except she's way too good looking for an ugly guy like you, but I'm willing to do my best to help you get a girlfriend. Just bring the girls over to the food court and let me work my magic for your benefit."

The two friends agreed and took off on the direction of the girls while Steve found an empty table at the food court and sat down. He was studying the menu at the sandwich shop when someone suddenly dropped into his lap.

"This is my lucky day!" grinned Stephanie. "First these football studs rescue us from those dumb ass boys and then they bring us over to find you here without Gwen. Have you met my girlfriend, Jade?"

Steve stood with Stephanie clinging to him. He gently placed her on her feet and turned to Jade. "I've seen you around and always wondered who that pretty girl with Stephanie was. Now I know. Hi, Jade."

"Come on, Hammer! Knock off the smooth talk. You've got enough girls already," complained Jared.

"How do you think you get nice girls to like you?" countered Steve. "You notice how pretty they look and you tell them. Let's all sit down and get something to eat. You girls eat free, just for sitting with us and making everyone else in the mall jealous."

"Stephanie, I see why you're always talking about Steve," laughed Jade. "He really does treat a girl right. I hope his manners rub off on these other two."

Once everyone had their food, Steve moved to the next part of his plan. "Steph, these two clods want to learn how to dance like we do. Do you think you're mom could work them into her schedule. The other problem they have is that they're socially dysfunctional and can't find any girls to partner with them when they learn. I was thinking as a Christmas gift to them, I'd hire you and Jade to work as their dance partners while they learned.

"I know it doesn't sound very appealing. These guys are pretty good on the gridiron, but are about as graceful as a couple of bulls in a china shop. How much would you need to subject yourselves to the misery of dancing with these two left-footed freaks?"

Tyler and Jared both showed their surprise at Steve's request. Their jaws dropped and eyes seemed to bulge. Stephanie and Jade swung their attention to the two friends for a few seconds.

"I'd be willing to work with Tyler, if Jade's up to risking her life working with the big guy. I don't want any money, but you have to do something nice for us. You can surprise us; that is if Jade is willing to go along with it."

"I don't know how much you weigh, Jared, but you'd better not stomp on my feet!" declared Jade. "It'll be like helping the underprivileged or doing charity work. Count me in, and that surprise had better be a good one!"

Jared and Tyler were dumfounded. Somehow they were suddenly obligated to learn to dance with two very attractive girls! They were embarrassed that they knew virtually nothing about dancing, but excited about the prospects of holding a pretty girl in their arms

Before Steve and Gwen began their practice that evening, Diane made a point of asking Steve about Jared and Tyler. "Stephanie told me that you tried to hire her and Jade to dance with two of your friends. What was that all about?"

"Did she tell you that she told me they'd do it for free? I saw an opportunity to draw Stephanie out of her shell a little more. Tyler is a great guy. His dad runs the bank. Jared is one of my best friends, too. But both of the guys are surprisingly shy around girls. They talk a good talk but they're as pathetic as I was before I met Gwen. They've mentioned how they're jealous of me when I dance with Gwen or Lisa.

"I was thinking this might be a great opportunity to get you some business, help the guys gain confidence, and get the girls a little experience with boys, but under your supervision. They both know that they have to pay for the lessons and they're fine with that. I think that some others may want to learn when they find out that two tough football players are doing it."

"Stephanie was pretty excited about dancing with Tyler. She mentioned several times that he was a senior on the football team and she was just a sophomore. It seems that she feels like she's climbing socially. I hope I do get more students. I'll give a discount and donate part of my fee to your hospital fund, if you two help me once a week. You can help show the steps to the slower learners and help sharpen the better dancers. If everyone knows they'll get some practice time with 'The Lady in Red' and the studly architect of 'The Drive', classes will be full before long."

"That sounds like a great idea! We can help you one day a week without too much trouble," reasoned Gwen with a smile. "We'll be helping kids learn to interact socially a little better and make money for the hospital fund at the same time. That was a darn good idea, for a jock."

It was agreed that Diane would make some flyers and Steve and Gwen would help circulate them around school, as well as around town. They decided to build a simple web page to provide a source for schedules, fees, location, and contact information.

New Year's Eve was a subdued event. Paula insisted that there had been enough excitement the past year and her family would bring in the New Year at home. The kids were allowed to have friends over, but there would be no alcohol for minors and not a whole lot for the adults. Then Diane suggested that her family host the party and they would have dancing in her studio. Everyone was still allowed to have friends attend.

Gwen invited Laura, who immediately asked if she could bring Coach Watkins. Angela Walker was delighted to accept an invitation. Steve coaxed Jared and Tyler into going. It wasn't too hard once he mentioned that Stephanie and Jade would be there. Charlotte and Billy readily accepted an invitation. Lisa surprised everyone by asking Mike Boone to stop in. He was a local contractor a couple years out of trade school and two years older than Lisa.

Everyone but Gwen was surprised when Ms. Summers arrived with a date. His name was Larry Donner. The guy was as big as Ashley Summers was petite. He was the stereotypical body builder with an amazing physique surpassed only by his vanity. Steve took an immediate dislike to the guy. When they were introduced, Donner tried to squeeze Steve's hand into pulp. Steve reaction was to look at his hand and back at Donner.

"If you're looking for a guy to hold hands with, keep on looking," smiled Steve as Donner suddenly released his hand. "A simple hand shake shouldn't be that difficult, but you seem to be lacking in that social skill. Don't try that with me again."

Steve had spent the last couple years pretty much in the exclusive company of men, very tough men. He had learned from them. He had little patience for posers, and Donner was definitely a poser. Real men didn't try to belittle or diminish others to improve their own image.

Gwen saw Steve's tight smile but barely heard his voice. She knew something had passed between the two men. She watched Donner grin back at Steve and then move on to meet the other guests. She paid close attention when he shook hands with Jared. She saw Jared flinch as Donner maintained contact longer than normal in a handshake. Again, Donner walked away with a big grin as Jared rubbed his hand.

Gwen was concerned that a man with an attitude like Donner's could easily annoy other men and she knew she had several alpha males at the party. She decided to keep a close eye on Ashley Summer's date.

Steve and Gwen's friends enjoyed the music and dancing. They weren't allowed any alcohol, but they had lots to eat and had a great time. That was until Donner began hanging around the students and making disparaging remarks about any male that danced. He questioned the testosterone supply and manhood of anyone that acted like a "fag". Steve did his best to ignore him, until Ashley Summers asked Donner to leave the kids alone.

Before anyone could guess his intentions, Donner delivered a nasty backhand to her face. She fell backward and the group suddenly went silent. Everyone saw Steve step up to Donner and say something quietly into his ear. Donner grinned and headed for the back door. Steve asked Jared to close the door behind them and not to allow anyone out.

Jared nodded his head in understanding and took up a guard position in front of the closed door. When he refused to let Gwen by, she called for her father and her Aunt Diane's husband. The two men had heard the gasps and screams caused by Donner's blow to Ashley Summers and were entering the studio when Gwen called for them.

"Dad, Uncle Will! That brute, Donner, just backhanded Ms. Summers hard. He knocked her down and Steve said something to him. They both went out the backdoor and Jared won't let anyone by! Steve may be in trouble. You men have to go out there and put a stop to whatever's going on."

Lisa and her date had just helped Ashley to a chair when there was a knock on the back door. Jared opened the door and Steve walked in. He went to Ashley and spoke gently to her.

"Donner asked me to offer his apologies for his earlier behavior and for having to leave so quickly, Ms. Summers. He just remembered an important appointment he had back at the gym. I promised that we'd be sure that you had a safe ride home and that he didn't have to worry about you."

"Really?" asked the disbelieving teacher as she accepted a small towel wrapped around some ice and placed it on her face. "He just suddenly realized he was an abusive ass and apologized? Then he remembered an appointment at nine on New Year's Eve? You're an amazing young man. You try to protect everyone and anyone in trouble, including a teacher that should have known better than to take up with a narcissistic moron. He just looked so darn good."

"Don't worry about him, Ms. Summers. As beautiful as you are, you can have almost any guy you want. You just need to judge the next one on more than strength and looks," suggested Gwen.

"If I didn't know Steve as well as I do, I'd be laughing in your face for that statement. Are you suggesting that looks and strength aren't important to you? It was just a coincidence that you wound up with Steve? I know what you say is true, but let's be honest. Your boyfriend practically cornered the market on good looks and muscles, so when you say that shouldn't be part of the criteria for a boyfriend, it sounds ironic coming from you, at the very least."

"She has a point," laughed Lisa. "You're the poster child for girls that go for good looking guys with big muscles."

"If I had been allowed to finish, I would have mentioned that character, loyalty, courage, kindness, and dependability are as important. Does anyone here feel that I picked a guy that lacked those qualities?" asked Gwen as she looked around the room.

"Now you're just bragging!" quipped Laura. "Ashley, let me look at your face. I think you're probably going to be okay, but I have to recommend that you go to the hospital. That's standard protocol. If you choose to not go, avoid alcohol and stay a few more hours with us so I can watch you for any signs of a concussion. Not a great way to welcome in the New Year, but you'll be safe here."

"I'm sorry for all the fuss I caused. I didn't know what a jerk Larry was. He seemed like a nice guy at the gym, so I invited him to come with me tonight. It was our first date and it'll be the last."

"I suspect your friend may be into steroids pretty heavily. His muscle mass was way too great and his rather strange behavior was text book 'roid rage'. It's best you switch gyms and avoid him totally. He's headed down a bad road," predicted Laura.

I never thought about that," admitted Ashley as she looked in Steve's direction. "He looked so rugged and so handsome. Are most muscular men on steroids?"

"No, not necessarily," responded Laura as she followed Ashley's gaze. "I can assure you that Steve is not taking steroids, and it's unlikely any of the football players on any team coached by Mr. Watkins would be. He doesn't tolerate illegal, unethical, or unhealthy behavior by his players. These young men gained their strength the old fashioned way; genetics and hard work.

A little later, Steve found himself alone with Lisa's date. "I've to tell you that I was prepared to not like you, Steve. Lisa keeps saying all these great things about you, and it gets to me after a while. I really like her and want to date her, but she keeps talking about some other guy. This other guy is everything you could ever want in a man, and he isn't me.'

"I'll let you in on something I finally figured out about the Anderson family. You may find it hard to accept. If you want to get in good with Lisa, be good to me. That'll help. Be very good to Gwen and Kate and her parents. Be polite and respectful to her aunts and uncles and grandparents," advised Steve.

"Why would I have to be good to you to get Lisa to like me better? Do you have control over her or something, or are you just an egotistical asshole?"

"I thought it might be hard to understand, but I'll try to explain it better. Lisa loves her family. Because Gwen and I are close, Lisa loves me, but like a brother. There will never be any sex between us for a few reasons. Lisa will never betray her sister. I will never betray Gwen. That makes me safe for Lisa to flirt with and tease. She knows that I understand and she loves me for it. The same goes for Kate. They love me mostly because Gwen does. That's how close the sisters are.

"If you and Lisa get close, Kate and Gwen will treat you special, once they decide that you're good enough for their sister. They'll love you like Lisa and Kate love me. You have to tease and flirt back with them, but never make any sort of inappropriate advance that could make them think you would be unfaithful to their sister, regardless of how seductive and flirty they behave. They expect you to be safe to tease. Never break that trust.

"I know this is unusual, but I'll repeat myself. That's how close these sisters are. Watch Gwen when I dance with Kate. She'll beam that we get along so well. It makes her happy to know we're close. Jealousy seldom enters into their thoughts because they trust each other and love each other," concluded Steve as he walked over to Diane and spoke quietly to her.

"Okay, everyone. I've just received a suggestion that Steve and Kate give a preview of the dance they'll be performing at the Inaugural Ball next week. Of course they'll be dressed to kill, but here's the dance they'll do. Kate actually selected the music, which will be no surprise to anyone. Dancing to 'Little Sister' by Elvis, here's Kate and Steve!"

Kate smiled brightly as she stepped into the center of the studio to join Steve as the music began. It was a fast paced, energetic dance with Steve and Kate gyrating in unison at times and then coming together and dancing in perfect harmony the rest of the time. The steps were quick and appeared very complicated, but Steve and Kate never faltered. When it finished, Kate threw herself into Steve's arms and kissed him soundly.

Gwen was the first person to reach them as everyone whistled and clapped. "Kate! That was fantastic! You two were perfect. I'm so proud of you."

Steve turned to Mike and nodded knowingly to him as Gwen hugged Kate. When Gwen wrapped her arms around Steve, he again looked at Mike and gave him a big smile as he hugged Gwen back.

As midnight approached, Steve found himself enjoying a slow dance with Gwen. The TV on the wall was muted, but showed the countdown to the New Year. As the clock struck midnight, Steve pulled Gwen close and gave her a long, lingering kiss.

When he finally released Gwen, Kate was beside him. "That was nice, Steve, but there's a lot more girls here that need a kiss from you. Let's get the year started right!"​