Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

Gwen and Steve were up early the next morning. Gwen was going to attend school while Steve planned to take the rest of the week off to recuperate. He expected to return the following Monday. He hoped that his face would be back to normal by then.

As she gently washed his back, Steve heard Gwen begin to sob. He turned and asked, "What's wrong, Gwen? Why the tears?"

"Seeing these awful bruises makes me realize how bad your ordeal must have been. Look at these marks, and these stitches in your cute little butt. I don't know how you managed to stay alive and come back to me, but I'm so glad that you did. Have I mentioned that I love you a lot?"

"You have. Then add the fact that you're standing naked in the shower with me makes me realize how much you love me. You're extremely beautiful and I couldn't possibly love you any more than I do."

"That's sweet, but you may love me even more after you start feeling better and I let you take liberties with me. I want you to enjoy and use every inch of me any way you want, as long as you don't do anything that could get me pregnant and piss my folks off, of course."

"That's leaves a lot of room to practice and experiment. Did you say I could do anything as long as you couldn't get pregnant from it, or did I misunderstand?" questioned Steve.

"You understood me correctly but now I'm beginning to wonder just what your perverted mind is thinking. But a promise is a promise and I'll never break a promise to you, even if it bites me in the butt," assured Gwen.

"So you can read my mind? That wonderful smooth, heart shaped ass of yours holds a tremendous attraction for me. The good part is that it's a part of you that can't get pregnant, so your mom should approve."

"I wouldn't go that far, but you can ask for her approval if you'd like. My suggestion is to just use me as you want and skip asking Mom's permission. There're some things parents don't need to know and don't want to know, and probably won't approve. I trust you, Steve. You'd never hurt me or embarrass me. Mom knows that, too. That's why I'm able to be naked in the shower with you right now. I'll do anything you ask, anything at all, and it's because I love you so much and trust you implicitly."

"When you put it that way, I think I'll forgo asking your mom. It's a real burden to be loved and trusted by a beautiful woman. I feel like I have to live up to everyone's expectations," admitted Steve.

"As if that's a problem for you! Look how everyone, even my grandmother, thinks the sun rises and sets on you. We trust you because you've proven so many times that we can trust and depend on you. My dad sure wouldn't have agreed to you staying with me if he didn't hold you in very high regard. You know that."

"Yes, I do and that's why I feel so strongly that I can't disappoint him. He's been super to me and I respect him a lot. He's a great dad and takes super care of his family. He's a great role model."

"Steve, I'm standing in front of you naked and you're talking about my dad! That would seem a little weird to a lot of girls. I understand that you hold Dad in high esteem, but how about holding 'the girls' in some high steam from the shower?"

When Steve and Gwen sat down at the breakfast table, Paula placed a large plate of food in front of Steve. Then she placed several large pills next to his plate. "After you eat, take all of these pills. That's doctor's orders. We're trying to kill the infection and build up your strength, although I wonder if that's a good idea with my daughter sleeping in the same bed as you," stated Paula as she turned and went back to the stove.

"Mom! How can you talk like that? You know very well that we want Steve to get his strength back for a lot of very good reasons. The one you mentioned just happens to be the best of the bunch."

Paula smiled to herself as she considered her daughter's metamorphosis from a conservative dressing, reclusive A student to an outgoing, confident, courageous woman. Paula had to admit that the term 'sexy' also applied to her daughter. She understood that while Steve didn't make Gwen that way, he had drawn it out into the open. He had been the catalyst for her transformation.

Steve spent most of Thursday and Friday napping and gaining his strength while Gwen was at school. Paula refused to allow him to help her with any of the household chores. She was emphatic that his recovery was the first priority.

By Monday morning, Steve was feeling much better. His face showed some discoloration but was healed for the most part. The bruises on his torso were fading and the areas that had been stitched up after removing the metal were healing nicely.

Gwen had been washing Steve's back when she asked him to turn around. To his surprise, he found her kneeling when he turned to face her. "I've been building up the courage to try this. I hope I do it right. Tell me if I hurt you, or it doesn't feel good," stated Gwen as she took Steve's cock into her mouth and began bobbing her head on it.

Steve watched her for a little over a minute when he warned her, "I'm going to cum! I'm getting close!" as Gwen maintained her pace and tightened her grip on his buttocks.

Unable to do anything else, Steve emptied his seed into Gwen's mouth. By the time he was completely drained, his knees were shaky and he had to grip the faucets to remain standing. Gwen stood up in front of him, smiled, and then opened her mouth to show there was nothing left.

"I've heard other girls talk about that in the lockers all through high school. I always thought it sounded gross, until I fell in love with you. Did you like it? If you did, I think we'll be doing that a lot!"

Steve wanted to pick Gwen up and carry her to the bed, but didn't dare test his cracked ribs. Instead, he grabbed her hand and pulled her to the bed and pushed her down on it.

"Steve! I'm all wet. We'll make a mess of the bed. Don't you try getting on me! Remember my promise to my Mom and Dad! Ooh! I guess that's okay!" relented Gwen as Steve kissed his way down her body.

Steve had seen a few x-rated movies and listened to a lot of stories from servicemen about their sexual exploits. He knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish with Gwen. He settled his face between her legs and slowly ran his tongue around her labia. He forced himself to go slow and to be very thorough as he gradually began to work his tongue inside Gwen, and around her clit. He knew he was getting the desired results when her thighs locked around his head. Still he kept on as Gwen began to thrash and squirm, requiring him to use both hands on her ass to hold her still enough to maintain contact. When she finally went limp, he kissed his way back up to her ample breasts and suckled them for a few minutes.

Eventually Gwen showed signs of life and pulled his face to hers and kissed him deeply. They held each other for a few minutes before Gwen released Steve and told him to get back in the shower. After a quick rinse, they dressed and headed for the breakfast table.

They were stunned to see Charlotte and Billy sitting with Kate and Paula at the kitchen table. The four of them were red faced as they stared at Gwen and Steve. Charlotte stood and hugged Gwen.

"Now Billy's going to expect me to nurse him back to health using your special techniques! Are you okay? We were wondering if we should dial 911."

"Did I make a lot of noise? Were you here then? Did you hear me?" blushed Gwen as understanding swept over her.

"I've told you two that you had to use some common sense," stated Paula sternly. "Your two friends, as well as your sister and mother, were sitting at the kitchen table listening to the loudest, most erotic moaning and caterwauling I've ever heard. All we could do was sit here and blush."

"I'm sorry, Mom. It was all Steve's fault, anyway. You wouldn't believe what he just did to me. I couldn't help it. I'm still weak in the knees. I'll wear a gag or something next time. Steve, you need to apologize to these people for what you did to me, and how you made me scream."

Steve was a deep red as he looked at his friends and Kate and Paula. "We seem to keep messing up, Paula. I'm really sorry about that. Kate, you shouldn't have had to listen to that and I apologize to you. I'm feeling a lot better. I should go back home with Uncle Joe."

"No one would argue that you're feeling better. I just wish I felt as good as Gwen does now. Look at her glow," observed Kate. "That was totally awesome! I knew you'd be good, but that was unbelievable!"

"Now you see why we need some discipline and restraint," interjected Paula. "Kate turned 16 a couple months ago and shouldn't be hearing what she just heard, what the neighbors just heard, and what the people on the next street probably heard. Now she's eager to enjoy something that's she's too young to experience. Poor Charlotte and Billy had to sit through it, too."

"No problem here!" laughed Billy. "It was an honor to hear the maestro at work as he conducted the symphony through a rousing crescendo!"

"There's another reason to regret your actions," stated Paula with a straight face. "We get all these double entendres from hormonal young men trying to make jokes. I'm going to have to ask Ted to speak with you when he gets home tonight, Steve."

"I have it coming. I'll pack my stuff and be ready to move out, although he'll probably throw me out first. I'll apologize to him, too."

"You seem to misunderstand me. I want you to explain exactly what you did to Gwen so Ted and I can try it," deadpanned Paula.

"Mom! I'm sleeping upstairs now!" cried Kate. "I won't be able to have friends stay over if you start screaming at night like Gwen just did. How embarrassing would that be? I have an idea. Steve can show me so I can tell my future husband how to do whatever it is that he does."

"Let's not make a big deal out of this, everyone," warned Paula. "Steve, you'll be staying here until your meds are gone, which will be next weekend. I insist that you two do not repeat that performance in this house. That was just too intense. Someone might call the police. Now sit down and have a good breakfast. I shudder to think what it'll be like around here when Steve gets his strength back!"

"Steve, you will take the time to explain to Billy exactly what you did to Gwen. You will do it in graphic detail. If he doesn't manage to get the same results, you will show him, using me as your teaching aid. So Billy, you had best be a good student and a fast learner," warned Charlotte as she hugged her boyfriend.

"Now I know how urban myths get started," whined Billy.

"Billy, what Steve did to me was certainly no myth! You'd better be a quick study or Steve will forever ruin Charlotte for other men!" teased Gwen.

Billy and Charlotte razzed Steve and Gwen on the ride to school. Steve was embarrassed but Gwen was ebullient. "There's nothing you two can say that's going to ruin my mood. I've just had the best start to a day possible and nothing's going to change that. Tease all you want, but you're looking at one very well satisfied girl, and I don't think Steve's complaining any, either."

"You've got to tell me all about it later," stated Charlotte excitedly. "That was the most incredible rush, listening to you moan louder and louder and then scream. At first Kate asked your mom if you needed help. Your mom is so cool. She laughed and told Kate that you already had everything that you needed."

Gwen and Steve were surprised to see Ms. Walker sitting at her desk for homeroom. "Steve! Gwen! Please come up here!"

Ms. Walker looked thinner and paler than usual, but she still had a twinkle in her eye. She stood and met the couple as they approached. She hugged Gwen and then Steve. Steve let out an involuntary grunt as his ribs were squeezed.

"Oh, Steve! I didn't think about what you've been through. I'm sorry that I hurt you. That must have been a pretty bad week for you if an old lady like me can make you wince so easily. You two saved my life, along with about a thousand others. I just want you both to know that I'll never forget it and I certainly appreciate the risks you took for the rest of us. I've been watching a lot of TV while recuperating and you kids are all over it. I had no idea you could sing so well, or play the piano. You've been holding back on me. I heard that you donated everything from the songs to the hospital fund. Words fail me."

It was later that day that Gwen repeated to Steve what Amber O'Leary told her over the phone. "Macy's wants us to do another promotion Saturday. This time it's at the state capital. That should work great for Lisa since she's already there. We can ride up the night before and rent a room. She told me that Macy's is considering expanding the line to all of their stores and not just this area. Sales have been extremely strong in and near Sparta, and pretty good in all of their stores in the tri-state area."

After school, Gwen fielded another call while Steve rested. He woke to find her very excited. "Clyde Davis called while you were resting! He's been working to promote us. He told me he's actually arranged for us to tape four variety shows for summer replacements! He's got some big names lined up to guest star. In return, we'll be appearing with them in concerts, videos and/or TV shows."

"That's hard to believe. We don't know anything about TV shows, or concerts for that matter. When's this all supposed to start?" asked a skeptical Steve.

"That's the scary part. He's arranged for me to appear as a guest of Jack Timberline's Friday night when he performs at Lisa's college! I'm supposed to sing a couple songs with him! I'll have to go up Thursday night and stay with Lisa so he and I can rehearse on Friday. I told Clyde that I'd have to get back to him on that. How do you feel about me performing with such a hot guy? Does that upset you?"

"I think we need to reach an understanding, Gwen. I love you so much it hurts, but I don't own you and I can't control you. I don't want you to do things, or not do things, because you worry that I'll be jealous. We have to trust each other or there's no chance for us as a couple. I think we should promise that we'll not be romantically involved with someone else without first showing proper respect to the other by ending the relationship we have. I won't cheat on you and I won't share you, Gwen. I know that men will always be trying to seduce you. You are an extremely beautiful woman. It would have been easier to fall for an ugly girl. Not many guys try to steal them."

"That's what I was hoping you'd say! I know girls are after you all the time and it's only lately that I've actually come to believe that you love me and won't be stolen away. You're gorgeous in a manly way. You're heroic to a fault, smart, athletic, a great singer and dancer, and a pretty nice guy. And you have a wonderful penis and an amazing tongue!" added Gwen with a smile. "I swear to you that I'll never be romantically involved with another man before ending it with you first. That would have to be some amazing guy, because I don't ever plan on letting you go!

"We won't believe rumors, or outright lies. We'll believe each other above all others. If twenty girls tell me that you screwed their brains out and you tell me that you didn't, I'll take you word for it. You'll take mine when I swear, or promise something."

"Good! Because screwing a girl's brains out is something I'll always deny and feel safe about it. I don't even know how to do that," admitted Steve.

"With that big thing you're packing, you could do it. You were tickling my throat pretty good this morning. I think you'll screw my brains out a lot over the next few decades.

"Getting back to the subject at hand, Clyde has investors ready to foot the bill to produce four TV shows. We'll video them and he'll shop them around. He may want us to do a Christmas show, too! He said if he sells one show, he'll break even. If he sells two, he'll have a profit and if he sells them all, well, it'll be great. Then he'll do the Christmas show for sure."

"I hate to seem cynical, but why would anyone think we could star in a TV show? You're beautiful and a wonderful singer, but there's a lot of very talented people out there. Why us?"

"That's almost exactly what I asked Clyde, except I said you were beautiful and had a great voice. He said that he believes we have 'captivated the hearts of America'. That's his words and not mine. He thinks we have the right combination of talent and charisma to make it work. He also said it's what he does for a living, so trust him. He wants to make a CD from the music we record for the shows. It's all pretty exciting, if quite daunting. But it's safer than diving into an icy river and then swimming into a sunken SUV, or walking into a room with four terrorists with guns and bombs. Even if we fail miserably, at least we can tell our kids that we tried. And failure at this will be a lot less painful than being tied and beaten by a maniac with a club!

"Jack Timberline will be on our first show in return for me appearing with him Friday and again in LA where we'll tape the TV show next month. I get the feeling he doesn't quite have the professional balls to appear next to you. Not many guys will want to be seen side by side with you, so he just wants little old me."

"I'll bet he does! Can you get tickets for the rest of us? Your folks will want to go, as will Kate and probably Stephanie. Maybe Diane and Will would make the trip, too."

"Clyde promised me a dozen tickets, so I'm going to ask Laura and Coach if they want to go. Lisa, Charlotte and Billy would use the last three and give me some support in the audience. This is very exciting to me! A few months ago, I hardly dared sing in the shower. Now I'm willing to sing in a concert, and go down on my boyfriend in the shower. That's quite a change, wouldn't you say?"

"As long as you don't get the two of them confused, you'll be fine!" laughed Steve.

"You mean sing in the shower and go down on you in concert?" grinned Gwen. "I bet that would grab some headlines! But not with Mom and Dad in the audience. Otherwise, I'd consider it. Or did you mean go down on Jake Timberline? You are jealous!"

Friday afternoon saw Steve riding with Charlotte and Billy to the Jack Timberline concert. They had agreed to meet Ted and Paula at the same hotel they stayed at for the inauguration.

"So what are your sleeping arrangements, Steve? Are you sleeping with Gwen, or is she staying with that stud Timberline?" teased Billy.

"That's not funny, Billy!" complained Charlotte immediately. "Gwen doesn't sleep around, even with really good looking movie and recording stars. After what she told me about the other morning, you couldn't keep her out of Steve's bed!"

"Maybe Billy couldn't, but her father can. He explained to both of us that our conduct in public, which includes hotels, has to be exemplary or Gwen would be grounded until she finished med school, and he'd kick my ass all over town."

"Her dad threatened to kick your ass?" repeated Billy. "He wouldn't dare try that. You've killed men, at least one, with your bare hands. I don't think Ted will be trying you anytime soon."

"Ted knows I'd never raise a hand against Gwen's dad, or any of her family. He could pound me into a pulp and I wouldn't try to stop him. I respect his authority and judgment."

"I guess I can understand that. I would too if he'd let me sleep with one of his daughters," retorted Billy.

"I was thinking you might get lucky pretty soon, Billy, but it's not looking so good now," warned Charlotte. "You're going to have to decide if you want to dream about an Anderson girl or settle for having me for real."

"Really, Billy. You know you've got a good looking, smart bombshell right here in the car. Don't mess it up. If word gets out that Charlotte's back on the open market, there'll be a path beaten to her door."

"See how smooth Steve is? You should listen and learn. If you were just a little more attentive, you'd have me screaming like Gwen was the other morning. That was so hot I almost jumped on Billy right in front of Paula and Kate! Gwen hasn't stopped smiling since."

The twelve ticketholders met up at the hotel. They enjoyed a quick meal and then headed for the show. During dinner, Lisa passed out the tickets Gwen had been given.

"What seat do you have, Steve? I bet it's next to Lisa's. We should have had a lottery or something to select our seats."

"Actually, Steve is sitting between you and me, but I'm sure that Stephanie will trade with you if you're unhappy with the arrangements," chided Lisa to her sister.

"I'm sorry, Lisa! I should have known better. I'll even swap seats with Stephanie before it's all over so she can sit next to Steve for awhile, unless Steve's taking advantage of my youth and inexperience while everyone's watching the concert."

"There's no chance of that," assured Lisa. "He'll be way to busy taking advantage of my age and experience to be sidetracked by a teenager."

When they all took their seats, Paula had to smile when both Kate and Lisa took one of Steve's hands and held it. His eyes met hers as he shrugged and smiled.

The concert opened with Timberline singing some of his hits. His backup singers were exceptional and his musicians played flawlessly. Steve found himself enjoying the concert tremendously. Finally, Timberline announced that he had a special guest that was going to perform with him. When he introduced Gwen, applause echoed through the arena.

Gwen looked incredible in a short red dress as she walked to the front of the stage with a microphone in her hand. She waved and smiled to the crowd. Then she and Jack exchanged hugs and the band began playing. They sang 'Time of My Life' from 'Dirty Dancing' and the crowd loved it! Steve was unable to take his eyes off the big screen on the side of the arena. It featured a close up of the couple as they sang. Gwen was incredibly beautiful. But more than that, she demonstrated an amazing range and tone. It seemed as though the song had been written to allow Gwen the opportunity to showcase her talent. Steve actually felt bad for Jack Timberline! He was an okay singer but lacked Gwen's power and emotion. The crowd stood and cheered wildly as the performers ended the song.

Steve clapped his hands and whistled as he looked at the folks sitting near him. Paula, Kate and Lisa all had tears on their cheeks as they applauded the performance. Charlotte, Billy, Stephanie and Diane were all smiling, while Ted was beaming. The applause began to die down as the band started playing a new tune. This time Gwen joined Jack to sing one of his lesser hits. This song showcased Jack much more than Gwen. Steve doubted that it was a coincidence. Jack may regret singing the first song with Gwen since she so obviously out shone him.

The audience was slightly less enthusiastic after Gwen's second song. Jack thanked her, and Gwen exited as Timberline prepared to finish the show with his biggest hit.

"Can you believe how great Gwen was?" raved Kate as the group was leaving the arena. "I don't think that Timberline realized how she would out sing him. She was really, really good!"

As he headed out the exit, Steve received a text from Gwen. Jack had invited her to a post concert dinner and she felt that she should attend. She promised to slip away as soon as she could. Steve passed the message along to Paula and Ted. Paula seemed surprised and watched Steve for any indication he was upset.

When the group returned to the hotel, a band was playing in the lounge. Kate and Lisa insisted that Steve dance with them at least once, so the entire entourage found a large table and sat down. Steve fulfilled his obligations to Lisa and Kate. The other patrons soon realized that they were especially good and gave them room in the center of the floor. Steve explained to the girls that his ribs were feeling a lot better, but he was not going to do any lifts. Lisa settled for a nice slow song while Kate enjoyed a fast dance with Steve.

When the next slow song started, Steve took Stephanie's hand and led the smiling girl out to the floor. "I'm so glad you're dancing with me! Look at Mom grin. Lisa is motioning for me to get closer and Kate's trying to convince me to move away from you.

"I still think about that day and how quickly you decided to kill that guy and how easily you did it. You made such hard decisions so fast, and you were right with all of them. Mom asked me if I was nervous to be around you now. I told her that I've never felt safer than when I'm with you. You know what? She said that she felt the same way. All the women in our family are sold on you. Gwen is so lucky.

"Look at all the other girls and women here watching us. They're jealous of me! That feels so cool. I'm dancing with the strongest, best looking boy in the world. They wish they were me," stated Stephanie with certainty.

"Steph, you're getting a little carried away. It looks to me like all the men here are wishing you were in their arms. You're a beautiful girl and a brave one. You were there when I needed you and you did what needed to be done. I'll never forget that."

After the dance with Stephanie, the drummer in the band approached Steve. "You're Steve Hammer, right? Would you consider singing a song or two with us? We're trying to get some recognition and more gigs. We're just filling in tonight for the regular band. They were offered big bucks to play at some rich guy's wedding. We'd really appreciate any time you could give us. We can play almost any song. We're not very well known, but we're good musicians."

It sounded like fun, so Steve agreed to play and sing a few songs with the band. He joined the four band members and conferred with them for a few minutes. Soon they were nodding their heads in agreement. Steve picked up a guitar and stepped to the microphone.

"Hello everyone! The guys have asked me to join them for a few songs. I hope they don't regret it later. This first song's for all the pretty women here tonight. But that's enough talk. Let's get back to the music!"

Steve played a few rifts on the guitar and everyone started smiling and clapping. Soon he was delivering a rousing vocal for 'Pretty Woman'. Kate, Lisa, and Stephanie all ran out to dance. Soon they were joined by their parents.

The hotel was a bit upscale for college kids. It was used more by parents of students, friends of faculty, and travelers that wanted to stay in a good hotel. Paula noticed that the few college kids that were there were using their cell phones a lot. A short time later, as Steve finished a solid rendition of 'Proud Mary', more college kids began filtering in.

While he had been performing with the band, Steve noticed that Kate, Lisa, and Stephanie were quite popular with the college age males. They were on the floor for every dance. As he finished a song, Steve saw two guys that were dancing with Kate and Stephanie look at each other and nod. Then they slid their hands down to rest on the girls' asses. Both girls reacted by trying to escape, but the boys laughed and held them tight. Soon a couple of their buddies joined them and Kate and Stephanie were lost from sight.

Steve dropped off the stage and hurried toward the girls. Before he reached them, he saw that Ted and Will were already speaking to the jerks, and quite heatedly. Steve stopped a few steps behind the girls' fathers. The four guys had spread out a bit and faced the two men, but Kate and Stephanie were still pinned between them. The apparent leader had adopted a sneer and appeared to be considering actually fighting with Ted and Will. It was obvious that the four young men had been drinking.

As the leader went from laughing at Ted and Will to cursing them, the friend to his left noticed Steve. Recognition washed over his face as he turned and whispered to his buddy. The guy turned his gaze to Steve and apparently didn't like what he saw. He released Kate and motioned for his friends to head for the exit with him. Steve felt relief as the girls hurried to their fathers. He drifted back toward the stage. Before he reached it, Paula grabbed his arm and swung him around.

"I saw what happened there. Thanks so much, Steve. I appreciate that you were so willing to back Ted and Will. Those kids didn't want any part of what you offered, but Ted and Will are feeling pretty good right now. You handled that perfectly. The men kept their pride and saved face with their daughters. But we both know it was your presence that made the difference. That was something to watch!"

Gwen climbed out of the cab and entered her hotel. She had a wonderful time singing with Jack Timberline and the dinner party after the gig had been fantastic. Everyone had treated her like a star, but by eleven PM Gwen had begun to wonder what her family and Steve were doing. She felt a little guilty enjoying herself while the rest of her family was probably watching TV in their hotel rooms. She found herself wondering if her parents would object to her visiting Steve's room for a few hours.

As she entered the hotel shortly before midnight, she noticed an overflow crowd in the hotel lounge. Curious, she wandered over to the doorway to look in. The place was jammed with college age kids, which was unusual. They usually hit the trendier places near the school. The hotel catered more to the parents and families of the college crowd.

Gwen was about to ask a girl near the door about the reason for the crowd when a cheer went up as a figure stepped up to the microphone on the small stage. Just as Gwen recognized Steve, he began a song. By the time he reached the second verse of 'Hotel California' it was obvious to Gwen that he was an excellent guitar player and he had a real feeling for the older rock and roll. The part of the crowd that wasn't dancing was singing along. It was apparent that everyone was enjoying the music. Gwen felt someone tug at her elbow and was surprised to see Lisa.

"Come on over to our table. We're having a great time! Did you know Steve could play guitar like that? He has the crowd eating out of his hand. He's really, really good!" shouted Lisa over the music as she pulled Gwen toward her family's table.

Gwen was greeted by her family and friends as she approached their table. The song ended just as Gwen took a seat. "Your boyfriend is bringing down the house tonight! Look at the size of the crowd here. I knew he could sing, but man, can he play that guitar!" enthused Billy.

"Do you want some pizza or wings, Sis?" asked Kate. "The hotel's giving us free snacks and drinks as long as Steve plays. Look how much business he's bringing in. Who knew he was so good at old rock and roll?"

Gwen was still trying to assimilate all that she had just learned when she heard her name and swung to listen to Steve. "Gwen Anderson sang on stage with Jack Timberline earlier this evening. She was just incredible. She's saved my life a few times and has stolen my heart. I'd like to play this next song for her."

Steve stepped to the side and picked up an acoustic guitar and started playing. After a few bars, he began singing, "I give her all my love, that's all I do, and if you saw my love, you'd love her, too."

Gwen blushed and smiled as the crowd started clapping and cheering. Paula watched her daughter look over at Steve. She was certain that she had made the right decision when she allowed Gwen to go on the pill and sleep with Steve in her room. Could two people be any better matched, or destined for greater things? It seemed very unlikely.

Gwen stood and started making her way to Steve as he sang. The dancers parted to allow her easy passage to the small stage. As Steve finished the song, Gwen wrapped her arms around him and gave him a resounding kiss while the onlookers cheered her on.

Steve spoke to Gwen briefly and then turned to the crowd. "That's it for me tonight, folks! The band was supposed to finish at eleven! Thanks for being so kind toward our efforts and being such a great crowd. Remember this group, 'The Rising Tide' the next time you need a band. They're a great band and a great bunch of guys.

"Tomorrow Gwen, her sisters, and I will be doing a promotion for 'Lady in Red' swimsuits and formal wear at Macy's at the Riverside Mall on Fourth Street. We'd love to see all of you stop in. The profits from this venture go toward a new wing on the local hospital in Sparta. I've spent a fair amount of time there lately and they're very good, but short on rooms. We'd appreciate any support you can give us."

The crowd began to leave as Steve introduced Gwen to the members of the band and thanked them for letting him jam with them. They insisted that they should be thanking him.

"Where and when did you get so good with the guitar and with the classic rock and roll?" asked Gwen as they headed toward her parents.

"That was my mother's influence. She taught me piano and guitar. She told me that if I liked the piano and guitar I needed to learn to play Creedence, The Eagles, Elvis, and lots of other classic performers. They were the songs that she knew and she taught them to me."

"I really wish I could have met your mom. She sounds like she was such a great mother and a super person. She had to be, to raise a son like you," praised Gwen.

A few minutes later, Gwen had managed to separate her mother from the group for a few minutes. "Mom, can I stay with Steve tonight? It seems like a really great chance for us to, well, get a little closer."

"I'm sure it does, but the answer is 'no'. Your father told you what he expected from you and we don't want any arguments. We want to maintain your reputation, as well as our own. How would your father feel if guys he works with hear that his daughter is sleeping with some boy? He's known as a straight arrow and would be embarrassed if people thought he was allowing his daughter such freedom under his roof. Think of him, if you find this arrangement too difficult. He can make it a lot tougher. You know that Steve won't go against Ted's decision. You have a lot of time, and we've been extremely liberal in your relationship with Steve. Don't push it,"

"Okay, Mom. You've been great and I'll follow the rules. I do appreciate how much you treat me like an adult. Would it be okay if we went down to the hot tub for a while?"

"As long as you realize that it's a public place and they probably have security cameras all over the place. Don't do anything you wouldn't want showing up on YouTube."

A short while later, Gwen, Charlotte, Billy and Steve were soaking in the hot tub. "Crap! I can see where the bruises are fading on your back and stomach!" blurted Billy. "That had to hurt like hell. I don't know how you survived that ordeal."

"Never mind that. How are you going to survive sharing a room with Steve. Gwen said her mom put the kibosh on her sleeping with Steve. That means that she'll be with me and you'll be with Steve, just like we promised my mom," stated Charlotte. "We're being forced to keep our word."

"I could stay with Kate and Stephanie so you guys could have the room all to yourselves," volunteered Gwen. "I just can't go against my mom after she's been so good to me. Besides, Steve's a regular Boy Scout when it comes to keeping his word to my folks. I could crawl all over him naked and he'd honor his word to them. I think that just might be one of the things I find most appealing about him. You can take his promise to the bank,"

"Since you put it that way, it won't hurt us to honor our word to our folks either," responded Charlotte. "I've been thinking about how you let your mom and dad know what you wanted to do and actually received their permission, if not their blessing. The more I think about it, the more I'd like Mom to know I was going to sleep with this guy and have her be fine with it. I just need to work up the nerve to let her know."

Early the next day, the Anderson sisters and Steve were preparing for another promotion of the 'Lady in Red' line at Macy's. Paula, Ted, Diane, Will, and Stephanie stopped in before the general public was allowed access.

Amber O'Leary was checking the schedule and deciding when the outfits should be changed. She heard Stephanie talking to Kate and looked up from her work.

"I know you don't have any more sisters, but this girl bears a strong resemblance to you. Is she a relative of yours, Kate?" asked Amber.

"Amber, this is my cousin, Stephanie. Stephanie, I'd like you to meet Amber O'Leary, the brains behind the 'Lady in Red' clothing line and the only daughter of the governor of this great state."

"Stephanie, would you be interested in working with Kate and modeling clothes for us? We're doing well enough that Macy's is willing to pay travel expenses and a small stipend for every promotion you do, besides all the money that the hospital fund will be receiving. I think we'll be looking for another model pretty soon. Are you parents available?"

Stephanie was speechless as she listened to Amber. She had dreamed of modeling, but never thought that she'd be pretty enough, curvy enough, or sexy enough to ever be able to do it. She nodded to Amber and hurried over to her mother.

Meantime, Amber took Lisa aside and spoke with her for a few minutes. When they finished talking, Lisa hurried over to her mother's side.

Soon, Paula and Diane approached Amber with their husbands standing behind them. Steve was curious as to what Amber had in mind, so he strolled over to stand near Amber.

"I've received a few inquiries about Lisa. A large agency wants her to fly to Chicago for some test shots and interviews. They would like to see her at Lisa's earliest convenience. It's no surprise to any of us here that Lisa would be sought after. I think she should do it if she has any interest in modeling, but that will be a decision for Lisa, and her family, to make.

"That would leave us a bit light on pretty girls to model the 'Lady in Red' line at these promotions. Macy's has informed me that they want these kids to travel to several large cities to promote the line and will cover travel expenses and pay them for their time. If Lisa moves up to big time modeling, we could use Stephanie to fill in for her with our line."

"But Lisa has bigger, bigger, you know. I won't look like her in a swim suit or a gown," worried Stephanie. "I look like a boy next to my cousins."

"Steph! You're starting to irritate me," stated Steve firmly. "Your beauty and worth are not proportional to your bra size. You're a gorgeous girl, but if you persist in running yourself down, Amber will have to select a less pretty girl, but with better self esteem. Are you drop-dead gorgeous and ready to model Amber's line, or are you a girl that wants to spend her life as a beautiful wallflower."

"Now that you ask, I'm the best looking girl you ever saw!" declared Stephanie with a smile. "It's about time my good looks were appreciated. The boys will forget Gwen and Kate when they see me. Don't worry about Steve, though, Gwen. I'll find my own hunk."

"It seems that we have made some decisions. Lisa and her folks will meet with me later to go over the contract from the modeling agency. One of Dad's lawyers has agreed to be there to look it over. Stephanie and her parents will have to sign the same agreement that the rest of you signed when we started this venture. Now let's get Stephanie some outfits and get started."

By the time the doors opened, kids were lined up to meet Gwen and Steve and the rest of the group. Stephanie was nervous for the first hour, but soon relaxed and began to enjoy all the attention. The crowd was larger than at the first promotion event. Quite a few parents seemed anxious to meet Steve and Gwen. The store sold out of swimsuits by noon and gowns a few hours later. Clerks were busy taking orders and promising quick delivery.

Not surprisingly, there was a piano located nearby and Gwen and Steve were prevailed upon to perform a few songs. Somehow, an acoustic guitar was found and Steve was pressed into singing 'And I Love Her'. Many of the girls in attendance had seen the YouTube video of Steve singing the song the previous night and were quite vocal in asking him to perform it again.

It was after three when Steve was waiting for the girls to return from the changing room when he saw Clyde Davis approach him. He was chatting easily with a familiar looking blonde girl as he walked up to Steve.

"I want you to meet Jordan Quick. Jordan, this is Steve Hammer. Now tell me what you think. Did I exaggerate even a little bit? Will he do?" asked Clyde of the blonde girl.

"He looks hot enough, but I need him to be able to sing and act. I'm not going to let some amateur ruin my video, or my song," stated the petite blonde as she looked Steve over.

"Well, there's a piano over there, so take him for a test ride," offered Clyde. "Steve, I'm working on having Jordan appear on our TV show, but she's driving a hard bargain. She has to be convinced that you'll be able to carry your end of the deal. She brought some music with her. I want you to convince her that you'll fit the bill."

Steve followed the girl over to the piano and sat down next to her. He began to arrange the music when she snapped at him. "I'll play the goddamn piano! You just try to keep up with me. I've never seen a pretty boy that was worth a shit."

Steve never batted an eye as he looked at the girl's face. It redden a little as she turned away to concentrate on preparing to play. A murmur ran through the crowd as people realized that Jordan Quick was preparing to sing.

"Have you ever even listened to Country music?" demanded the blonde. "This is a great old standard, but if you've never heard it, you won't have any idea how it needs to be sung."

"Don't get your panties in a bunch. Oh, wait! I remember now. You don't wear any. I read the papers and listen to Country music, so don't worry about me," retorted Steve with emotion. "I'll keep up my end. You just worry about yours, especially if you're going commando in that short skirt."

"Aren't you the clever one? I bet you've never even seen anything like what I've got between my legs," laughed the blonde.

"I think everyone's seen it. It's been all over the internet when you were getting out of your limo at an awards ceremony. It loses its allure when every guy with a camera or cell phone can get a shot of it."

"I want you kids to stop arguing and start playing!' interjected Clyde. "Let's see if this dog can hunt."

Jordan glared at Steve as she began playing the song. Lisa, Stephanie, Kate and Gwen were laughing as they came out of the dressing room and headed for the promotion area when they suddenly heard a woman singing. Then they heard Steve join in!

Clyde had to congratulate himself as he watched and listened to Jordan and Steve sing. He knew they'd sound great, and that they were polar opposites. Jordan was a wild child. Her career had peaked when she was sixteen and now at nineteen, she was trying to resurrect it. Her bad choices in men, drugs, songs, and managers had almost ruined her career. What she still had was an incredible voice, a beautiful face, and an amazing figure. That hadn't been enough to overcome her legal and public relations miscues. Her career was pretty much on life support.

The audience had gone quiet as Jordan and Steve sang 'You and I'. Gwen and her group stood off to the side and listened as the two sang the duet. Gwen couldn't help but wonder how well Steve knew the famous Jordan Quick. They sang as if they were in love, and it caused Gwen concern.

When they finished singing, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Clyde smiled as he joined the couple at the piano. "Now tell me what you think, Jordan. Is he perfect, or what? That was an incredible rendition of that song.! You two fit together perfectly."

"Okay, he's pretty and he can sing. I'll take a chance on him since you think it'll work. I know you've had a lot of success in the industry, but it still seems funny to have a black man managing a Country singer."

"You've got a lot to learn about music, Young Lady. When you have an ear for music, color makes no difference. You just know what sounds good and what doesn't. I have an ear for tone and pitch. I can hear a song once and play it on the piano. I don't have to convince anyone about my abilities to discover and develop talent. You have the talent, but I wonder if you have the guts to climb out of that pit you've put yourself in and get back on top.

"Gwen, come on over here and meet Jordan Quick. You must've heard of her. She's had three number ones on Billboard's Country charts. She's just auditioned your boyfriend for a chance to record with her and be in her video. I think he may have passed."

"You're his girlfriend?" asked Jordan. "He likes them tall and beautiful. I've been in rehab and only got out a few days ago. We could watch some old movies but no TV. It's a bad influence when you're trying to sober up. That means I didn't see all that wild shit you guys did with those terrorists until yesterday. Somehow I missed that you're his girlfriend.

"Will you be able to stand your Ken doll boyfriend working with me? It's pretty well known that I have a habit of sleeping with the men I work with," stated Jordan matter-of-factly.

"And a lot of men you don't work with," added Gwen as she extended her hand to a surprised Jordan. "Steve has a habit of keeping his word to the ladies he's in love with, so I'm fine with it."

"That's really good, Gwen, because your folks have agreed to put Jordan up for a couple weeks. She'll be staying with you. I just know that you two will be best friends before long," chuckled Clyde as Gwen's jaw hit the floor.​