Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

As Steve struggled to make sense of his situation, his hands reached out to gently push Ashley away from his face. He felt the soft skin of her toned stomach as he increased the pressure he was applying. The hand holding his head tensed up and pulled him with greater force.

"Ms. Summers?" mumbled Steve around a very hard nipple. "We can't be doing this. You could lose your job!"

"Don't think I haven't considered that. Now, stop talking with your mouth full! Suck my nipple!"

Steve reached up and took the hand that cradled his head in his hand. He pulled it out and away from his head. Then he carefully pulled his face off the very firm breast that was pushed into his face. He felt more than a little guilty at how quickly his cock had responded to the situation.

"Talk to me, Ms. Summers. Why are you risking your career like this? Have I done something, or said something, to cause you to take this huge risk? What about your future?"

"You're going to be leaving school when you pass the exams in the next couple days. I won't see you anymore and that really bothers me. I thought we'd make memories to last a lifetime. I heard the girls talking about how good you are and what you do to please Gwen, and what she does for you. I'll do all of that, and more!" promised Ashley. "I know you're a gentleman and they couldn't make you tell on me even if they tortured you. I'm yours for the night, and much longer if we can work out the details."

"This is way out of character for you. You've always been concerned about propriety, and appearances. Now you're tossing caution out the window for some sex?" questioned Steve as he noticed Ashley looked a bit strange. "This doesn't make sense to me. Are you taking drugs? Have you been drinking a lot?"

"I've taking some prescribed medication, but that has nothing to do with this. I fell in love with you the first day of class and you've done nothing to lessen those feelings. You saved everyone in the school, including me. I've been watching you on TV and listening to your music. My girlfriends from college can't believe you're my student and they especially can't believe that I haven't seduced you, if you are."

"What about Gwen? She really looks up to you. She admires you, and thinks of you as a friend. This would hurt her a lot, don't you think?"

"Not if she never knows! I realize I can't compete with Gwen, but you seemed to be pretty happy with my breasts when they were in your face. Admit it, Steve. You like what you see and would love to go to bed with me. Imagine the rush when you slide that big cock into your English teacher," suggested Ashley provocatively. "Think how tight I'll feel. You can come inside my pussy, my mouth, or even my ass. Let's stop wasting time and get into bed!"

Steve's head was spinning as he tried to wrap his mind around the situation. Why would Ashley Summers change her personality so drastically? Something had to be wrong! She was a very sexy, desirable woman and he knew he was playing with fire as long as he was alone with her, especially when all she was wearing was a very small thong. He had learned one thing about women, and that was that he knew almost nothing about them. He had to find a way to extricate himself!

"You sure make a strong argument," admitted Steve as he stood and headed across the room. "Would you mind if I used the bathroom first? I'd like to freshen up a little before we get started."

As soon as he closed and locked the door, Steve took his cell phone out and texted Gwen. Then he sat on the toilet and waited for her response. It took less than minute for Gwen to answer. After a few minutes, Ashley knocked on the bathroom door.

"Come on, Steve. You're burning valuable time," complained Ashley as Steve remained seated while he waited for Gwen. Then he heard a 'click' and realized that Ashley had unlocked the bathroom door with a small tool of some kind. He quickly stood and was almost to the door when it swung open.

Ashley made a small squealing noise as she rushed toward him. Once again, Steve felt surprise and dismay as Ashley misjudged the door opening and banged into the side of the doorway and fell backward to the kitchen floor. Steve rushed to her side, dropped to his knees, and looked into her eyes. He became more concerned when they appeared to flutter and then roll up concealing her pupils.

"What happened? Why's she naked?" demanded Gwen as she walked into the kitchen and knelt by the prone Ashley Summers. "Tell me what's going on here."

"I'm still trying to figure that out," admitted Steve. "I was finishing up my test when I felt something on my cheek. I turned to look and it was Ashley's nipple! She took advantage of my shock to slide it into my mouth. She talked all kinds of crazy stuff about having sex with me.

"That's when I excused myself to the bathroom and texted you to come over. I was in there a few minutes when she unlocked the door from her side with that screwdriver on the table. When she saw me, she got excited and pretty much ran into the doorjamb. She went over backwards and her eyes fluttered for a few seconds and then she went unconscious!"

"Hello, Laura? Steve and I have a sensitive situation and need your medical expertise. We're okay, but you remember Ashley Summers from the New Year's party? Yeah, she was there with that dumb ass. Can you come over to 319 Grove Street, apartment 2B? She has a medical problem and it's rather unusual. She's our English teacher and we don't want her to get into any trouble."

Gwen directed Steve to find a blanket for Ashley as she watched over her sleeping form. Gwen covered Ashley with the blanket Steve found and then spent time taking her pulse and checking her respirations while waiting for Laura. Steve opened the door before Laura finished knocking and ushered her into the room.

"Tell me what you know, and tell me that nothing illegal has transpired. I can't risk my medical license for a favor. Why is she naked? Just what happened here?" demanded Laura as she quickly checked Ashley's eyes and scanned her body for any signs of trauma.

"I was taking an English final here at the kitchen table. Gwen, Jordan and I are leaving school early to start our movie, as long as we pass our finals. Anyway, I was almost finished with the exam when I felt something on my cheek. I turned to see what it was and there was Ms. Summers, naked except for a thong, with her nipple against my cheek! When I turned she slid it into my mouth, and yeah, I know how bad that sounds.

"I asked her what she was doing and told her she was risking her job. She told me that she knew that and still urged me to make love to her. I asked if she had been drinking or taking drugs. She admitted that she took some prescription medication, but she was in love with me and has been since she first saw me. This just isn't like her!

"I stalled her by asking to use the bathroom. I sent a text to Gwen and thought I'd wait until Gwen arrived. Ashley, used that small screwdriver to unlock the bathroom door, but when she tried to come into the room, she bumped into the doorjamb and fell backward to where she is now," finished Steve.

"Did she hit the doorway hard, or did she crack her head when she fell to the floor? Gwen, look in the bathroom and her bedroom for any prescription drugs. Steve, I have to be brutally frank with you. If you had sex with her, tell me now. If it turns out that you did and deny it, you could be in some very deep shit!"

"I understand your concern. I didn't have sex with her, or even come close. I had a nipple in my mouth for less than a minute and that's as far as it went. Can you examine her to see that she didn't have sex?"

"That's one of the things I intend to do once you go into the other room. She appears to be breathing okay. Her vitals are good, but she seems to be under the influence of drugs/and or alcohol. She's not waking up. I smell some alcohol on her breath," observed Laura as Steve quickly fled into the bedroom and closed the door while Laura quickly examined Ashley, before calling for Steve to return.

Steve and Gwen approached Laura at the same time. "What did you find, Gwen?"

"This container is for a prescription filled a couple days ago. There was a nearly empty bottle of wine on the end table near her bed, and these over the counter cold tablets were next to the wine bottle."

Laura read the prescription and nodded knowingly. "She was taking a very strong antidepressant with alcohol, and over the counter drugs. That's a dangerous cocktail. We probably should take her to the hospital, but the report would be pretty damning for her and it may not help Steve any either. There's no bruise on her head, so I'd guess that she passed out, rather than banged her head hard enough to be knocked out.

"Let's get her into bed and let her sleep for a few hours. I have to be at work at midnight at the hospital, so I can't stay too much longer. You two have to keep a close eye on her. As long as she's breathing regularly, let her sleep a couple hours, then dry waking her up. If anything unusual happens call me and bring her into the hospital. Her health is far more important that her job."

"So she said all of those things because she was practically stoned on wine and pharmaceuticals?" asked a relieved Steve.

Laura looked at Steve and then at Gwen. "My opinion is that she said those things because that's how she really feels. The drugs and wine just removed her inhibitions and judgment. This young woman has succumbed to the charms of our resident hero. I don't blame her, but she could lose her job over this. She'll be mortified when she wakes up, so you guys need to placate and reassure her. The fact that she's been prescribed a strong antidepressant indicates that she's very fragile right now. She'll need you both to understand and forgive her. Can you do that?"

"Of course! I don't blame her for falling for Steve. She's a young, beautiful woman," pointed out Gwen. "We think the world of her and we'll do everything we can to help her get over this, won't we Steve?"

"Do you have to ask? If something happens to her, it'll be my fault. I knew she was acting strange, but had no idea she'd been drinking wine and taking medications at the same time. She should know better. We'll stay with her as long as it takes."

Laura left a short while later. Ashley was sleeping soundly, so Gwen took the opportunity to call her mother. "Mom, I won't be coming home tonight. No, I'm fine. It's a friend and she needs my help. Yes, Steve is with me and he'll stay with me, so I'll be safe. I'd rather not tell you who she is, especially over the phone, but I will if you insist. Thanks, Mom! We'll be careful."

"Mom said to be careful and to call her if we needed anything, and to take good care of our friend," repeated Gwen to Steve.

"Your mom's amazing! She didn't press you. She believed everything you told her and was comfortable that your judgment was good. You've got some family!"

"Yeah, she was pretty cool. The funny thing was when she asked if you were with me. She was relieved to hear that you were. In the 'normal' family, the daughter calling to say she had to help a friend all night and her boyfriend was going to be with her would cause all sorts of problems.

"Let's take turns sitting up with Ashley. I'll do it as long as I can stay awake. You try to get some sleep on the couch. If I get too drowsy, I'll wake you up, and I'll sleep on the couch," proposed Gwen.

It was almost three AM when Gwen shook Steve awake. "She's still sleeping. I tried to wake her a while ago, but no luck. I'm dead on my feet, so you've got to watch over her for a few hours. I think it would be better if you didn't touch her or try to wake her up. We don't know how she's going to react when she comes around."

"Don't worry about that! I'll just watch her to be sure she's breathing okay. Get some sleep and we'll see how she's doing in the morning.

Ashley finally opened her eyes a few minutes after six AM. She immediately saw Steve sitting in a kitchen chair in her small bedroom. Her face registered her confusion.

"Steve! You shouldn't be here! How'd you get in? Did you stay all night? How come I'm almost naked? Did you take advantage of me?" asked Ashley in little more than a whisper.

"I did stay all night, but Gwen's here, too. You were ill, so we took turns watching you. Do you feel okay?"

"Gwen's here? Why don't I have any pajamas on? What happened last night. Did I pass out or something?"

"Yeah, you did pass out shortly after I finished my exam, so I called Gwen. She didn't feel comfortable dressing you, so she let you sleep with what you have on. Do you feel okay?"

"My head hurts like I was on a bender. You really shouldn't be in my bedroom. We both could get into a lot of trouble over this. You'd better leave so I can get dressed. Then you and Gwen can answer some questions I have."

Steve quickly left the room. He found Gwen sleeping on the small couch and he watched her for a few minutes before she opened her eyes. "You're supposed to be watching Ashley, not me. I guess my allure is just too great for you to resist."

"Actually, it is, but I'm here because Ashley woke up and insisted I leave her room. I don't think she remembers anything that happened last night. We may get out of this mess without too much damage. You need to think of a reason why she's practically naked. She asked about that," reported Steve.

"Really? Maybe we can minimize the embarrassment for her. We won't lie, but we can omit some information. There's no reason to humiliate her."

Just then the bedroom door opened. Ashley approached the couple before they could discuss the situation further. "Tell me what happened last night. I just woke up almost naked with your boyfriend sitting by my bed. I know you two wouldn't do anything to hurt me, but I really need to know what happened. I can't remember anything after giving Steve his exam."

"Ms. Summers, Ashley, do you remember taking prescription medicine last night? How about cold medicine? Did you drink any wine?" questioned Gwen forcefully to place Ashley on the defensive.

"Oh, no! Is that what happened? I did take my prescription as well as some cold medicine, but I don't remember drinking any wine. Where's the bottle?" asked Ashley as her eyes wandered the apartment until she saw the nearly empty bottle where Gwen had placed it on the kitchen counter. "Did you kids drink any of my wine, or did I drink it all?"

"We never touched it. Steve found you passed out and sent me a text. We found prescription pills, over the counter cold medicine, and an almost dead bottle of wine. You have to know that's a dangerous combination."

"Did you take my clothes off me? I woke up almost naked with your boyfriend looking at me. That's unnerving," admitted Ashley.

Steve could see Gwen struggle with an answer that would be true, but not overly embarrassing. "Don't worry, Steve never saw your clothes come off. He was in the kitchen at the time. It just didn't seem right to let you sleep in street clothes and I wasn't comfortable dressing you in sleep wear. I sat with you until almost three. I got so sleepy I couldn't stay awake, so I woke Steve up and asked him to watch you while I caught a couple hours sleep."

"This is very embarrassing," confessed Ashley. "I owe you both an apology for even thinking that you would have done anything inappropriate. Please don't tell anyone about this."

"Let's make a deal," suggested Gwen. "Tell us why you're on such a strong antidepressant and we'll never say a word about last night. I think we need to be certain this won't happen again."

Ashley looked from Gwen to Steve and back to Gwen. "My younger sister was in a four-wheeler accident last fall. She crashed into a barb wire fence going pretty fast. She hardly had a scratch, except her left hand was severed by the wire. Another rider applied pressure and called 911. She almost bled to death. She recovered from it, but a few weeks ago, she tried to take her own life with sleeping pills.

"We've always been really close, but she won't listen to me. She keeps saying she's a freak now and her life isn't worth living. I've been going home to visit most weekends when the weather's good, but instead of cheering her up, I've become depressed. Last week, my doctor put me on the medication. She told me not to use alcohol or other medicines with it, but I was way too smart. I didn't think a couple cold pills would make any difference, and I always have some wine in the evening before I go to bed. I won't do it again, so don't worry about me."

"How old is your sister? How is she doing now? I'm so sorry to learn of your sister's tragedy, but she can still enjoy an amazing life. She can't give up!"

"Becky's a senior. She'll graduate in a few weeks. This Saturday's her senior formal and no one's asked her. She used to date a lot. She believes that boys are repulsed by her now. In reality, they are, but it's her attitude that turns them off. She's bitter and unhappy."

"Didn't you live in Sherman? That's less than an hour from the airport, isn't it? We could be there in a few hours," mused Gwen.

"Why would 'we' want to be there?" asked Ashley. "What're you thinking?"

"We're trying to wrap everything up here so we can fly to L.A. on Sunday. Clyde told me last night that he'll need a few days to assemble even a skeleton crew to start filming the movie. I was thinking that you could invite Steve, Jordan, Charlotte, and me to your parents' home for the weekend. I know a handsome guy that's a great dancer that would love to take your sister to the formal," stated Gwen as she looked directly at Steve.

"You'd let Steve take my sister to the formal? That would be so cool! If that doesn't help cure her depression, nothing will," enthused Ashley as Steve stared at Gwen in disbelief.

"What? You wouldn't like to take a pretty girl to a dance? That's not what your past indicates. I know firsthand what a date with you can do for a girl's esteem and reputation. You show her the best time possible, except for any sex, of course. She'll be a lot happier the next morning than she's been since her accident.

"Let's plan on going to your folks' place before we fly to L.A., if it's okay with your parents. Tell them that Steve wants to take Becky to the formal. If she gets her measurements to us, we'll even bring a gown for her to wear," promised Gwen.

"You'd do that for my sister, for me?" sobbed Ashley. "You're two of the best people I've ever known. Mom will be thrilled when I tell her that Jordan Quick, Gwen Anderson, and Steve Hammer would like to spend the weekend. Dad died in a car wreck years ago.

"And we don't need to get Becky's measurements. She's exactly the same size as I am. If the dress fits me, it'll fit her perfectly."

"Her measurements are the same as yours?" repeated Gwen as she looked at Steve. "If she's anywhere near as attractive as you, and has your figure, Steve'll be a very happy camper. You have a great body."

"Thanks," replied Ashley as she blushed deeply. "I guess I don't have many secrets from you after last night. I'm just glad that Steve didn't see me like that, and unconscious to boot."

"Believe me; you'd want to be conscious when Steve saw you like that. He's got a wonderful way of showing his appreciation for the female form, especially the hourglass types. He's convinced me that he isn't into the anorexic supermodel types. I'll never be that way and he's fine with that."

It was Tuesday afternoon when Gwen dropped some surprising news on Steve. "Charlotte is testing out early, too. She's agreed to be my personal assistant when we film the movie. I've learned it's quite common for the 'stars' to have at least one P.A. to keep track of all their duties and appointments. She'll get paid well and I know she'll have my back. I trust her completely.

"I discussed it with Jordan and she's asked that Charlie be her personal assistant. He's going to be in a few scenes with the band, but now he'll make some extra money as well as take care of Jordan. She has complete faith in him. I think that'll work pretty well. He's very detail oriented. You've seen how he is about his music."

"Who should I get to be mine?" wondered Steve. "Billy or Jared would be glad to have the money, but I wonder if they'd be much help?"

"I've already solved that for you," smiled Gwen. "Billy and Jared would be gawking at all the girls. I love them both, but they wouldn't do a good job for you. I have the perfect person in mind."

"Okay, who is he?" asked Steve. "Is he one of your smart friends? I guess that would work. I get along with them alright."

"I'll give you a few hints. She's very bright, attractive, organized and in love with you!"

"Is it Kate? Is she organized, and isn't she too young? Stephanie? She's too young, too. Maybe Lisa? But she's busy with modeling and school. Jordan's in the movie already, so it's not her. Your mom? Would your dad go along with that? Aunt Diane. I can't see Will agreeing to it."

"Okay! Being attractive and in love with you didn't narrow it down very much!" admitted Gwen with a laugh. "It's Ashley Summers. She'd be perfect. She's really smart, very organized, and she absolutely loves you. I know she'd always have your back."

"Ashley? You didn't see her when she came after me last night. She'd have my front more than my back! What gives with you? First you pimp me out on a date with her sister and now you're trying to put her in close proximity with me on a steady basis. You didn't hear her tell me I could have her mouth, pussy, and ass; but she said it! And she meant it! Even if she was flying high on medications, she still seemed to know what she wanted. Are you trying to get rid of me or something? Most girls don't set up their boyfriends with beautiful women."

"Get rid of you? Never! You're stuck with me, Big Guy! I've learned a few things over the past several months. These facts seem contradictory, but I'm convinced that they're accurate.

"First, women and girls fall in love with you all the time. Every woman in my family, including Jordan, would sleep with you in a heartbeat if they could do it without hurting anyone, which of course they can't. Lisa fell hard for you and couldn't take her clothes off fast enough for you. She wasn't underhanded or sneaky, but she loved you seeing her naked. I was okay with it because I knew neither of you would betray me and I love her so much. I want her to be happy.

"The surprising thing that happened was that she saw what a good guy you are and she raised her standards. She dated a lot of questionable guys in the past, like that jackass, Governs, before she met you. After being around you, she turned down several guys that I know of, until she met Jason. She told me that she asked you what you thought of him. Your opinion was important to her. She saw a lot of your finer traits in him. Now she has a really good guy. I've decided that being around you a lot, even naked, was really good for her. She learned how to tell a good man from a poser.

"Then there's Jordan. She was naked in your arms and very willing to have sex with you. She's excited about doing the love scenes with you. I think some of it's because it's her job, so she won't betray Charlie or me by doing it. But she gets to be in your arms and almost make love with you. Back to my theory, Jordan's been around you a lot, although not naked as much as Lisa, and she's learned what to look for in a man. Her relationships were disasters before she met you. Now she has a very mature, kind, handsome boyfriend. He has many of your qualities."

"So you're giving me credit for Lisa and Jordan finding great guys? Don't you think that the fact that they're incredibly beautiful, talented, and intelligent might have something to do with it?"

"Sure, all of that helps, but they were smart, pretty, and talented before they met you, but they still kept going out with jerks. Knowing you has really helped them. I'm certain of that. I think you'll help Ashley and her sister both learn to distinguish between losers and the real deal."

"It may sound conceited, but I worry about these girls falling in love with me and having their hearts broken. Plus, is it a good idea to keep throwing temptation my way? If Ashley's sister looks anything like her, she'll be a stone cold fox. Why wave girls like that under my nose?" questioned Steve.

"Because that nose of yours is going to be offered prime pussy for the next fifty years. If it isn't one of my friends or relatives, it'll be someone else, but it will happen often. Do you think any guys will be working to get into my little panties over the next few years?" quizzed Gwen. "You bet that tight little ass of yours they will. But they won't make it because I love you, and I always will. We have to trust each other and believe in each other. We're blessed with good looks, good bodies, and now we can add fame to the mix. That sets us up as romantic targets for a good share of the population.

"I have to trust you, Steve. If I don't, then we'll have to break up because I know what you do to women. They melt when they see you. Listening to my own family talk about you last week made me realize that most women that see you, lust after you. You're one of the few men on the planet that could walk into a club and say you're available for sex and have most of the women present try to take you up on it.

"Ashley has some issues. You remember the jerk she brought to the party. You had to teach him some manners, if you recall. Ashley needs to see the kind of man you are and to learn what to look for and demand in a man of her own. Her father died in an automobile accident when she was in grade school. She needs a strong male in her life. I know she'll flirt and maybe try to seduce you, but that just makes her normal. How you react to her and the respect you show her will be new and different for her. It worked for Lisa and Jordan and I'm betting it'll help Ashley, and her sister. I'm telling you this now so you won't be surprised when I broach the subject with her tomorrow morning."

"This sounds like a lot of conjecture and guesswork to me, but I've learned to trust your knowledge of relationships. I'll give it a try, and I won't have sex with them, but it remains to be seen if your off-the-wall theory is correct. I hope it is."

"You want me to be Steve's assistant for the movie?" asked an incredulous Ashley the following morning. Steve and Gwen had asked to meet with her before school started. "There's a million things I'd have to do. I'd need complete access to Steve, his schedule, his script, wardrobe, everything. If you're serious about this, I'd love to do it! I've been thinking of taking some time off school because of my depression. This would be the perfect thing to help me get over everything, especially if Steve can cheer up Becky this weekend."

Ashley suddenly blushed and looked worried. "Gwen, could I talk to you in private about this offer. No offense, Steve, but I really need to discuss some girl stuff with Gwen."

After Steve strolled away from them, Ashley took Gwen's hands in hers. "Gwen, you may not want me for the job after I tell you something that I'd hoped to keep secret."

"You mean about how you're in love with my guy?" asked Gwen before Ashley could reveal her secret.

"You know about that? I guess I'm not the actress I thought I was. I tried to keep it bottled up so no one would know? What gave me away?"

"The other night when Steve was working on his exam, you had that wine/antidepressant/cold pill cocktail and you came on to him. You pretty much told him that you loved him since the first time you saw him," responded Gwen.

"Oh! Did we, did he, what was the final result? Was that why I was naked? I'm not on birth control!" moaned Ashley.

"You were naked, except for your thong, when you came out of your bedroom and rubbed your breasts in his face."

"I'm so sorry, Gwen! I was afraid there was more to that story. I haven't been able to remember anything after giving the exam to Steve. Thanks for not telling the principal and board what a slut I am. I owe you an apology. I don't know what to say to Steve. He's eighteen, so it wasn't sexual assault, but he's a student and I'm a teacher. Are you going to report me to the principal?"

"There's nothing to tell as far as Steve and I are concerned. He managed to elude you and get into the bathroom and text me for help. You eventually unlocked the door and then bumped into the doorjamb and passed out. You were unconscious on the floor when I got there. Steve was pretty worried about the entire situation. He never had sex with you, unless having your breasts in his face and slipping a nipple into his mouth counts as penetration," grinned Gwen. "I'm making light of it because it's no big deal as far as Steve and I are concerned."

"I don't know whether to be relieved or upset. I was afraid that Steve and I had been intimate. If I ever did make that mistake, I'd really want to be conscious for it. This is very embarrassing for me. How does Steve feel about it? Has he lost all respect for me?"

"He determined pretty quickly that you were not acting normally. He's always held you in high regard and after seeing you almost naked, I suspect he has an even greater appreciation for his English teacher," kidded Gwen.

"I've got to tell you that I'm confused at how well you're taking this whole incident. If he were my boyfriend and you were rubbing your amazing breasts in his face, I'd be very upset. Is it that I'm older and don't pose a threat to you, or are you two some kind of swingers?"

"Hardly!" chuckled Gwen. "We're committed to a totally monogamous relationship. You're beautiful, have a great body, and you're intelligent. When Steve first asked me out, I thought it had to be a joke, or some kind of bet. You know how I was. Why would a super stud like Steve ask out a nerd like me?

"After being with him for awhile, it became pretty obvious that one of my big fears was well founded. Women simply fall all over the guy. Who can blame them? All the women in my family are crazy about him, including my mother, aunt, and grandmother. Lisa fell for him really bad. You know how beautiful she is. Well, she kept finding reasons to be topless around him, always when I was present, I think. She loved the way he looked at her, but never made any advances. It became a bit of a game for her. She could see that he loved how she looked and it made her feel great, but she also knew he wouldn't pursue her. She was able to tease him, and kiss him without being attacked or groped.

"How many guys would have that sort of self-control with a girl like Lisa? Eventually, they established an understanding. He loves her. She loves him. They will always love each other, but they'll never have sex. It would ruin the love they have because it transcends sex. They're two people that care about each other deeply, like the best friends you could ever imagine. It's different with Steve and me. We're lovers and best friends. The two kinds of love are different, but both are amazing.

"Jordan was come to have pretty much the same arrangement with Steve. She loves him. He loves her, but they won't be having sex. Their respect for each other, and for me, simply makes it impossible. My sister Kate has it bad for Steve. So does my cousin, Stephanie. My mom and aunt have to rein themselves in around him.

"Now for the interesting part of my theory. The women that become like very close to Steve go on to date and fall in love with great guys. I believe it's because they raise their standards, and because Steve attracts loyal male friends with strong character. You know Lisa has become very serious about a West Point cadet? Jordan has fallen for a band mate that we think the world of and who treats her like a queen."

"Jordan and Lisa are two of the most beautiful women in the world. They can get any man they want, except for Steve. It's natural for them to find great guys," reasoned Ashley.

"Yes, except they didn't before they knew Steve. Lisa dated a couple decent guys and a few losers. Jordan was promiscuous and slept with real jerks. I really think that being around a man like Steve helped them refine their standards and realize that there are good men, but they had to learn what they wanted in a man."

"I guess you think I'm pretty pathetic as far as romance goes, especially after that absolute disaster I had at New Year's. I seem to date losers. That's one of the reasons that Steve made such an impression on me. He's everything a woman could ever want in a man," admitted Ashley before she realized that she may have exposed too much of her feelings about Steve and turned a bright red.

"What Steve and I think is, that you're beautiful, smart, and very capable, but need better friends, as well as male role models. We see this as a mutually beneficial situation. Steve really needs someone to have his back during the filming. It has to be someone we trust implicitly and has the brains and ability to get the job done. You'll get a nice pay check and be around Steve all the time. I'm convinced that it'll be good for you."

"What about my feelings for him? He knows how I feel. So do you. How do I look him in the eye now? What if I become lust crazed and try to seduce him again? I don't trust myself around Steve, so I know you shouldn't trust me," revealed Ashley.

"I think you'll do fine. Steve really likes you a lot. I can tell. He won't go to bed with you, but he won't complain if you jump into a hot tub with him and forget your top. How you behave around him is up to you, but Lisa, Jordan, and Kate love teasing him. He enjoys it, too, and watch his eyes if you need any proof that he appreciates your beauty. He's very expressive with them. You're already in love with what you know of him, but when you're around him a lot, you'll be in even deeper. At some point, that love will allow you to realize how special your friendship with him is, and how you'll want it forever. Your husband will understand that Steve is special to you, but he'll have me, Jordan, Lisa, Kate, Stephanie, and who knows who else in his life and treating him special. It'll be worth it to him!"

"Somehow, I believe you. The school's aware of my health issues and how my sister's problems have affected me. They suggested a few weeks ago that I take some time off to heal, so I know they'll let me take off the last couple of weeks of school. If you're willing to take a chance on me, I'll pack my bags. It's so exciting being with you two! I can't wait to see you guys make the movie."

Friday afternoon saw Steve, Ashley, Gwen, Jordan, and Charlotte pull into Ashley's mother's driveway. "We moved into this house when Dad died and my mother got the insurance money. It's pretty big, so we'll all fit. Gwen and Steve can have the pink room on the end, while Jordan and Charlotte can have the other spare bedroom."

"Steve and I can't sleep together! He's taking your sister to the dance. He can't come home and jump into bed with a different woman after romancing your sister. I'll sleep with Becky. That way she won't dare stay out too late, or try too hard to steal Steve away. How's that for planning?" asked Gwen to the group.

"You've slept with me a few times, but you never let me go on a date with Steve," complained Charlotte. "I hope Becky realizes how lucky she is!"

"Mom didn't tell Becky who my friends were. She just knows that I have some visiting. She's moping around her bedroom right now, according to a text from Mom. I bet this surprise will get her out of her funk!" laughed Ashley as she led the way up the drive.

Ashley's mother was an attractive blonde woman with a few extra pounds and a huge smile. "I can't believe you're staying with us this weekend! When Ashley told me that you were going to visit and take Becky to the formal, I cried. You saved Ashley's life that day the terrorists attacked your school, and now you're going to do the same for Becky. I can't thank you kids enough!"

"Mom! Don't put too much pressure on Steve, Gwen, and Jordan. They're here to help, but it's going to require some effort from Becky. I'm going to go get her and bring her down."

The group kept chatting with Mrs. Summers until they heard Ashley descending the stairs. She led a lovely blonde girl into the kitchen.

"This is my sister, Becky. Becky, these are some friends of mine. There's Charlotte, Jordan, Gwen, and...."

"Steve Hammer!" exclaimed Becky. "I've watched your TV show, the concert one, too. I don't know how many times I watched that 'Lady in Red' video on YouTube. I can't believe you're staying with us!"

Gwen and Jordan exchanged smiles as Becky seemed unfazed that Steve brought his co-stars with him. Steve had been coached for days about treating Becky extremely well, so he began immediately.

"I've heard so much about you from your sister, but I think she might be a bit jealous of you because she didn't begin to tell me how pretty you are," complimented Steve as he stepped close to Becky and hugged her to his chest. "I've got a few things to talk to you about, so would you walk with me for a little while?"

Becky couldn't conceal her surprise as Steve took her hand and led her out the door. "My God!" exclaimed Mrs. Summers. "That boy oozes charm. If he doesn't cheer Becky up, nothing will!"

"I don't know why you want to talk to me. I'm just Ashley's sister, her freak sister with one hand," began Becky. "Guys are repulsed by me."

Steve stopped and turned to face the girl. "Let's get a few things clear right now. I know you lost a hand. I know it bothers you far more than it should. When you had your left hand, did boys spend a lot of time looking at it and complimenting you on it? Ashley said you've dated quite a lot. What did the boys like about you that made you popular?"

"I don't know. My smile, my hair, my figure, and my personality all entered into it," admitted Becky.

"That's right. You're beautiful. You're a beautiful, intelligent, personable girl that lost a hand in an accident. How much do you honestly think that affects your desirability?" asked Steve.

"Well, it has to make a difference. I'm handicapped now. I can't do all the things I used to do to take care of myself."

"You're not handicapped very much. You're selfish and self centered. I was in Afghanistan with my father. I saw guys that lost arms and legs, and they still played football and baseball! They never asked for special treatment or consideration, except to be treated like men.

"Did you know that your sister was so depressed after all of your problems that she's on a very strong antidepressant? Did you even consider her feelings, or your mom's? Do you think they didn't suffer when you were hurt? They suffered a lot, but what hurts them more is your lack of guts and responsibility. You want to quit. Where would that leave them?

"I'm not good at this. We came here to see you and to see if we can help get you back on an even keel. I'm taking you to that formal tomorrow night and I expect you to show me a good time. I want to meet your friends and hear stories about the things you did growing up. I want you to reward me for my effort by being as beautiful, charming, and personable as I think you're able to be."

"You're taking me to the formal? You think you can waltz in here and declare that you're taking me out whether I agree, or not? Maybe I don't want to go, and maybe you aren't God's gift to women like you seem to think! Besides, I don't have a dress to wear and it's too late to get a nice one. You'd better stick with your gorgeous girlfriend."​