Incest/Taboo Lady in Red

"It's already been ordered. It'll be as high as the ceiling in the main room, and they'll have it set up and decorated at least a week before the show," replied a beaming Stephanie. "The music will be supplied by an orchestra, so you guys had better be ready to really sing well. This'll be live, so there won't be any do-overs.

"Then you're doing a New Year's show on CBC. It'll be live with the band, and broadcast from Key West. The thing that will be different with this show will that Jordan and Gwen will be in bikinis a lot of the time, while Charlie and Steve will work the whole night sans shirts. All the other count-down shows have people in parkas, freezing their butts off. The network wants a lot of beautiful people there, so this entire group is invited and will have lodging supplied, as well as travel expenses."

"That includes you, Steph," pointed out Steve. "Be sure you pack a couple of tiny bikinis. I'm thinking the ratings will be through the roof with these ladies dancing and partying in swim wear."

"I've never performed in a swim suit before," worried Gwen. "I don't want anything slipping out while I'm doing one of our more active numbers. That would be embarrassing."

"And a ratings bonanza!" quipped Charlotte. "Every guy watching you and Jordan on TV will be hoping and praying for a wardrobe malfunction. Then if Naomi, Kate, Ashley, Becky, Lisa, Stephanie, and Diane and Paula have any slippage, we'll corner the viewing market. Toss in these guys running around with no shirts and it'll be a huge success!"

"That pretty well sums up how I sold the idea to the network, and why they're paying so much money for five hours of prime time performances," admitted Stephanie with a laugh. "They're getting some prime eye candy of both genders for their money.

"As long as I have your attention," continued Stephanie. "Next summer we'll be making two movies. Charlie and Jordan are starring in one and Gwen and Steve will be in the other. Both couples will also appear in the other's movie, but not in a big role. That will allow the fans to get their Jordan and Gwen 'fix' in both movies.

"Gwen and Steve will be in a romantic comedy about a guy that's a construction worker and former military man that gets in a little trouble with the law in a small town. He's sentenced to participate in a dance contest. His partner is a spoiled bitch that was picked up by the police with some recreational drugs in her possession. Her parents are one of the leading families in the community and are fed up with their spoiled daughter's antics. They pressure the judge to sentence her to something difficult or demanding, to teach her some discipline. You can probably see where this will go.

"I've managed to hire a renowned local dance instructor to choreograph the movie, as well as to play the part of the dance instructor in the movie. Why be in such a cool job if I can't practice nepotism? I'll have to insist that Steve doesn't put any moves on my Mom, and that Mom keeps her top on, most of the time, at least," grinned Stephanie as the table erupted in laughter.

"Jordan and Charlie will be making an action movie. It'll feature a tough lady cop and an Army officer that have to work together on a case involving the mur*er of an enlisted man's wife. It'll have a lot of twists, and a real surprise ending. Any questions?"

"How come I have to keep my top on?" asked Diane as the group once again broke into peals of laughter.

Once the laughter died down, Stephanie brought up the final item on her agenda. "Gwen is going to be sworn on the first day Congress is in session. That's Thursday, January 3. The company has arranged for a big celebration to be held at our hotel in Washington. We'll have a small orchestra and tons of food and drink. I've spoken to Steve and Gwen and they've insisted that everyone in the district be invited. I'll take out a few ads in the local newspapers.

"I'm sure that some VIP's from Hollywood and Washington will show up, but this party is for the people that put their trust in Gwen, and by extension, Steve. The really cool thing is that the following evening, we're having the premier of our new film, 'Diana', in Washington with another party at the hotel! I wasn't in this film since I was starting a stupid job, but I did view it last week. People that think it's going to be a corny spoof will be really surprised. Then on Saturday night, we're having another premier here in Sparta! It's the first movie ever made here and we're going to celebrate it right. That party will be at the Center.

"The movie was written very well. Gwen is incredible as Wonder Woman. She's all smart, strong, and beautiful, but she's got no clue about men. She only knows what she's heard from her mother and the other women in her world. Men were considered pretty much worthless. Guess what? When she meets Steve, all of her predetermined notions about men are out the window. It's a very romantic movie, but has lots of action and a lot of big chested Amazons. I predict that posters, especially of Naomi, will be selling like hotcakes. I don't know how she got into that outfit, or how she kept it up!"

"I haven't properly introduced Pete Walker to everyone. He's the guy sitting next to Becky and acting all goofy," joked Steve as he pointed to Pete. "I hired him for security for the girls, especially Ashley, and he came through for her. I'm afraid I wasn't quite as alert as I should have been and if Pete hadn't stepped in, we wouldn't be here having a good time tonight.

"He's an Army veteran, has a degree in computer science, and handles a gun with the best of them. As you all know, people that work for us are our friends. We treat them like family and not like employees. Becky may carry that philosophy too far with Pete, but that's going to be his problem. He's supposed to protect the girls, but no one's going to protect him from the girls."

"Hey, I'm not breaking any rules," insisted Becky. "I just happen to appreciate it when a man saves my life. We may have to find someone else to take care of Ashley, so Pete can look after me."

"He was looking after you pretty darn hard when you walked over to chat with Kate," observed Billy. "Personally, I'm not too keen on having a guy around that ogles the ladies."

"Are you afraid he'll take your place as the number one pervert?" teased Jordan. "I can feel your eyes on my ass every time I turn my back to you. I'm not even going to mention what I can feel them when I'm facing you. Don't worry, Pete. All of these guys look at our asses and boobs all of the time. We wouldn't have it any other way. They're men and that's what men do. At least it's what we ladies seem to prefer in our men. There's so much testosterone at this table, you can almost feel it."

"Were you watching my little butt when I went over to see Kate?" demanded Becky as Pete turned a bright red. "It looks like we've got another one of those testosterone laden guys, doesn't it, Jordan? Why are we attracted to guys like this?"

"I think the fact that we're vain, insecure, proud, well built, sexy, secure, and exhibitionists at heart might have something to do with it," guessed Jordan.

"That could be it. We're insecure, but secure at the same time. That sums it up. We know they look, and we like it. We also need to know that we have what it takes to get a man's attention," agreed Becky.

"I'll vouch that you have everything needed to get a guy's attention," chuckled Jared as Naomi gave him an elbow. "I'm just saying that Becky has a very nice set of, don't elbow me again! She has nice eyes, and we gentlemen always look at a lady's eyes first."

"Steve, would you come with me to greet some of our friends and neighbors while we're waiting for dessert, once I thank this brave man," asked Gwen as she carefully sat down in Pete's lap and hugged him. "I knew the day I met you that you'd be important in my life. Saving Ashley and Becky has made your position with us permanent. You're our friend now and we all take care of our friends. Thanks, Pete!"

Gwen then stood up, took Steve's hand, and led him into the dining area. The conversation in the room stopped immediately as everyone watched the famous couple walk up to the first table and chat with the occupants. It took a few minutes, but they visited every table, frequently posing for pictures, shaking hands, and often giving hugs.

Gwen made a point of inviting everyone to the Christmas party and television show Lady in Red was producing two days before Christmas.

"It'll be live and I hope you'll enjoy the show," finished Gwen. "We'll have lot of gifts for children and clothing for anyone that needs some warm clothes. Please tell everyone you see that they're invited."

"I know that we'll love it," responded a lady Gwen had known since childhood. "To think we get to be part of a major TV production and bring our families. Since you two have become so successful, our town has flourished. People have good jobs. We have a new hospital that accepts all children regardless of ability to pay. Tourism has increased by thousands. Now you've been elected to congress and Steve's a SEAL and a national hero. Everyone in town is so proud of you both that we can hardly stand it!"

"Thanks, Mrs. Williams. We appreciate the kind words, but it's been a team effort. A lot of people have worked very hard to make all of this come together. We can't take the credit for all of the good things that have happened here."

"That modesty is very becoming, but everyone knows that you two, along with Jordan Quick, are the entire reason for our prosperity. I just want you both to know that we all appreciate the things you've done for this community and its residents."

"Watch how Gwen and Steve are with each other," whispered Ashley to Pete. "If you do, you'll see that you have no reason to be jealous of Steve as far as Becky is concerned. Sure, she loves the guy. We all do, but we love Gwen, too. We all know that those two are destined to be together and we'd never do anything to change that, even if we could. Watch their eyes when they look at each other. That's what real love is."

As if on cue, just as Steve and Gwen finished visiting with the last table of diners, 'Lady in Red' began playing over the restaurant's sound system. Years ago, Steve and Gwen had accepted the fact that Billy's father would occasionally play the song, hoping that the couple would dance. The patrons always reacted positively. In fact, it was the very possibility of seeing the two lovers perform their signature dance that drew many of the tourists, as well as locals to the restaurant.

Gwen smiled as she turned to Steve and stepped into his arms. "Billy's dad is at it again. It's a good thing I never get tired of dancing to this song with you. Who would've thought that you winning the bid on a dance with me would have started such a series of events? I'm just lucky it was me that you selected that day at the mall."

"If I hadn't picked you, none of this would have happened," insisted Steve as he held Gwen close and moved to the music. "No one else could have done all the things that you've accomplished. You're the driving force in our success."

"I refuse to get into that discussion with you again," beamed Gwen. "I'm convinced that you feel that to be true, but I'm even more certain that you're the amazing half of our little partnership."

As the song ended, all the diners rose from their seats. They cheered and clapped for over a minute as Gwen and Steve waved and bowed several times. Billy's dad rushed up to them and hugged Gwen and shook Steve's hand as he thanked them for being such good sports.

The next day saw a very large gathering at Lisa and Jason's home. They had a huge kitchen/dining area and it was a good thing. The parents of Billy, Naomi, Charley, and Pete along with the mothers of Jordan, Charlotte, Becky and Ashley had accepted invitations. Chip's parents arrived shortly before dinner was to be served.

Chip greeted his mother with a hug and then briefly shook his father's hand. "These are my parents, Marian and Chester Martin. This is..."

"The mother of your future grandchildren!" blurted Kate as she wrapped her arms around Chip's father and hugged him tightly. "I can see where Chip got his good looks and muscles. Should I call you Chester, Mr. Martin, or Dad?"

Chip's father flushed a bright red as Kate continued to hug him. Everyone else broke into gales of laughter at the man's predicament. "I, I guess you can call me any of those things. Probably Chester would be best. Are you telling me that you're pregnant?"

"Not yet," replied Kate as she released Chip's father. "I have to finish law school, he has to make amends with you, and we need to be married before we have any children. I'll be done with school in about two and a half years. You need to patch things up by then. Do you see any problem with that?"

Once again, Chester Martin turned red as he listened to the beautiful girlfriend of his son. And once more, everyone listening broke into laughter. Chip's mother held her hand over her mouth as she tried to contain her merriment.

"No, I guess not," responded Chester deliberately. "I can run the business for another twenty years and then the grandkids can take over."

"Maybe you need to consider moving your headquarters to Sparta so Chip and I will be able to help you," suggested Kate. "Chip told me you have a couple dozen tire stores in five states. Build one here and include room for your headquarters. You might even be able to get our tire business."

"How many tires do you think that you and Chip will be using?" questioned Chip's father with a slight smirk. "Even if you have two cars and drive them a lot, you'd only buy tires every couple of years."

That's true," agreed Kate. "I guess I was thinking about Lady in Red Productions. We're always increasing our fleet of cars, trucks and tractor trailers. Those vehicles use tires, don't they Stephanie?"

"Last year, we purchased about nine hundred tires, but that includes tires for our jet and the machinery we own," allowed Stephanie as she studied her tablet. "I expect that number will increase every year as we add more vehicles to our fleet and more machinery. I guess that isn't enough to make much difference to a big company like Mr. Martin's."

"I never said that!" protested Chip's father. "You girls purchase the tires for Lady in Red Productions? I didn't know that. Do you work in the office?"

"Actually, I'm sort of a vice-president in charge of all kinds of things. Kate doesn't work for the company. She's one of the owners. She's really quite wealthy," revealed Stephanie with a smirk of her own.

"It looks like I've been set up," groaned Chester Martin. "I'm sorry about my misunderstanding of your position in the company. It seems like someone would have told me what was going on before I arrived here and made a fool of myself."

"Well, if two 'someones' weren't all pig-headed about talking to each other, you'd know the score," replied Kate as she grabbed Chip's hand. "Now that we've settled this little family squabble, let's go in and eat!"

The next few weeks went quickly for everyone. Gwen and Charlotte were working hard in medical school. Steve and Naomi were traveling with their respective senators. Kate was wrapping up her first semester at law school, while everyone else was preparing for the holidays. Chip was enjoying his new position as Kate's security while Pete remained very close to Ashley and Becky as they worked to set up Gwen's congressional office. The furor over the splinter group in the CIA that had set up Steve's exchange for the children hostages and Ashley's abduction peaked. There were investigations by independent councils, congressional committees, and various law enforcement agencies. Steve, Ashley, Becky, and Pete were interviewed numerous times. There were no further arrests as all of the participants in the group were either dead, or in hiding. Reports by the various investigating entities were expected to be released well after the holidays.

When the day finally arrived for the live Christmas program from the Lady in Red Center, Sparta was buzzing with excitement. Video crews followed Gwen, Jordan, Steve, and Charlie as they window shopped along the festively decorated sidewalks and storefronts. It was going to be used as fill between musical numbers that evening.

The town was teeming with tourists and the local merchants were enjoying banner sales. Crowds followed the foursome as they were videoed enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas season in Sparta.

Two hours before the show was to begin, the center was filled with excited kids and adults. Caterers made certain that there was plenty of food and drinks available for everyone. By the time the curtain went up, the kids were squirming as they waited for the festivities to begin.

Jordan sang silent night to open the show and performed it flawlessly. That set the tone for the entire evening. Every song was perfect and the kids' joy was obvious to viewers as they watched the gifts passed out to the children who immediately ripped them open.

At the end of the show, Steve and Gwen joined to sing 'Baby, It's Cold Outside!' and the audience loved it. It was apparent that the couple had a very special connection as they gazed at each other as they sang. The singing was excellent, but the heat generated by the two was quite substantial and very obvious to everyone that watched.

"That is so hot!" exclaimed Stephanie to Paula as they watched from the wings. "I've never heard this song seem so sexy before. I bet radio stations will be playing it tomorrow. I'm glad we're recording everything and making it available to download. Gwen is so beautiful, and Steve isn't too shabby."

The next day, the network expressed its pleasure with the ratings the show garnered. Stephanie had little doubt they would be bidding on future efforts from Lady in Red Productions.

Christmas was a festive occasion, with friends and family constantly dropping in at Jordan and Charlie's new home. It was a large home and it was filled with happy people. Jordan's mother was staying with her for the week, and Jordan was a bit concerned about how she and Steve would interact. Her worries were quickly put to rest.

"Hey, Mrs. Quick! I caught you under the mistletoe," grinned Steve as he gently wrapped his arms around Jordan's mom soon after he arrived. "You look great. Would it be okay if I gave you a kiss for the holiday?"

"Of course! I was afraid you wouldn't want to have anything to do with me since I made that blunder a few years back. I hardly saw you at Jordan's wedding and again at Thanksgiving a few weeks ago. And please call me Cindy."

"I was a bit uncomfortable being with you after that little experience by the pool. Gwen's mother and aunt saw and heard the whole thing. I may have been a little harsh on you and my language was not appropriate. You've been such a great mom to Jordan lately that I feel much more comfortable with you now," replied Steve as he still held Cindy Quick in his arms.

"I'm the one that needs to apologize," responded Cindy. "I was wrong to show you my breasts, wrong to call them tits, wrong to ask you to compare them to my daughter's, and very wrong to suggest that you might assault me. You did me a great favor when you set me straight that day.

"I can also promise you that you didn't upset Paula at all when you described her perfect 'tits' to me. She still had a smile on her face when I went inside after we had our little chat. I don't think I'd be telling you any secrets when I say that she loves you dearly and not always like a mother. The great thing is that you feel the same way about her. I envy that and I've been doing my best to be a good mother and person. Jordan and I get along better than we ever have before and a lot of it is because of you. So, if you'd like to give this old lady a kiss, I'd be very pleased."

Steve smiled as he leaned down and kissed Cindy on the lips. Her hands slid behind his neck and she held him a little longer than he intended, but not enough to upset him.

"So, you're getting along okay with Mom now?" came Jordan's voice from the doorway. "I was wondering if you two would avoid each other forever. I heard about your little stunt with Steve back when we graduated, Mom. It seems like his little talk made an impression on you."

"It really did. I've stopped drinking and doing recreational drugs. I joined a gym and worked back into shape," revealed Cindy. "I've been way more selective in my dating. If I had been as lucky as you were to meet a guy like Steve when I was your age, my life would have turned out a lot better. Look what he did for you, Sweetheart."

"You called me 'Sweetheart'? You haven't done that since I was a little girl," observed Jordan with a big smile. "Yeah, I was lucky that I met Steve and Gwen and that they're the kind of people they are. I had a crush on him from the first time I met him, but I couldn't let him know, so I acted all tough and slutty to get his attention. It got my mouth washed out and some tense moments, but they never gave up on me.

"Why don't you move into Asgard with us, Mom? Would that be okay, Steve? I should have asked you before I said anything to Mom," worried Jordan.

"Are you kidding? All of us consider you family, Jordan. You've done so much for us, and you never ask for anything back. We're all about family. Would you like an addition on your house for your mom, or should we build her a place of her own?" asked Steve.

"I haven't agreed to moving, but if I did, and if it's okay, I'd prefer a place of my own. I'd want to be close enough to visit Jordan and Charlie when they're home, but not be underfoot. They're still newlyweds!" chuckled Cindy.

"I understand how you feel. We'd be pleased to have you in our little community, but it's up to you. If you decide to join us, let Stephanie know and she'll hook you up with an architect," promised Steve. "I should warn you that there'll be a lot of virile men running around and they're going to be trying to catch glimpses of your impressive figure. If that sort of thing bothers you, then you might want to live somewhere else."

"I've heard all about Billy and how he's unapologetic about his appreciation of the female form," grinned Cindy. "I think I can handle him. Maybe I will move here."

"Mom, the biggest perv here is Steve! He acts all polite and gentlemanly, but he looks over every inch of every female he comes into contact with. Then when he and a friend are all beat up and shot to ribbons, they discuss our bodies like we're prized heifers or something," stated Jordan.

"Really? Steve's the one I have to worry about? I guess I'd better be sure to stay covered up when he's around," responded Cindy with a smile.

"If you do, we may ask you to move out. We didn't discuss the hot tub yet. Billy's in charge of writing up the rules, but the rest of us guys will back him on it. We all know he'll represent our wishes quite well," chuckled Steve.

"You sound almost the total opposite of the way you were that day by the pool," pointed out a confused Cindy.

"That's because you've done a one-eighty in your behavior. I told you that you had a killer body, but you needed to adjust your attitude to have really great, ah, breasts. It sure looks like you've made the needed changes," admitted Steve. "You'll be fodder for more than a few fantasies when you move in."

"You really know how to make a woman feel good. I felt really terrible after that incident by the pool, but now I'm looking forward to living near Jordan and everyone else. You took me down a few pegs, but you've just rebuilt my self esteem. Now I understand the difference between teasing, flirting, and being an old slut. Can I get another kiss?"

"After I get one from the guy!" insisted Jordan as she flew into Steve's arms. "You've given my mother back to me. I can't wait until she has her own home here. We'll be like Paula and her daughters, great friends as well as mother and daughter. Thanks, Steve. You're tops!"

Christmas Day was barely over when everyone began preparing for Key West. They all looked forward to the sunshine and the beaches. It was decided that everyone would fly to Florida on the weekend between Christmas and New Years and relax for a day or two before the show. Everyone except Jordan, Gwen, Charlie, Steve and the band were going to relax. They spent a lot of their time preparing for the show.

"Billy, could you arrange for a few body painters to come to our compound to paint all of our chests," asked Naomi as everyone took a break by the pool the day before the show. "I always wanted to try that, and so do the other girls. We're too shy to ask, but I thought you might be willing to help us out."

Billy stood up and pulled his car keys from his pocket. "I'll go downtown right now and start hiring them! What time do you want them here?"

"That didn't take long," laughed Becky. "I don't know about this. It would be pretty expensive to paint all of us."

"I'll pick up the bill," replied Billy immediately. "If that's your only objection, I'll go hire a few artists right now."

"Charlotte has to do it, too," insisted Ashley. "How would you feel if she walked around with only a thin coat of paint concealing her charms?"

"I still haven't heard any reasons to not go hire some artists," retorted Billy.

"We need to include Paula, Diane, Cindy, and Julia in this," suggested Steve as he looked over at the four women he mentioned and wiggled his eyebrows.

"You can forget that!" protested Paula. "Diane, Julia, and I are married. Our husbands would never stand for it."

"I wouldn't exactly say that," interjected Will before taking a sip of his Corona. "I can't speak for Ted or Jeff, but Diane has my blessing to get painted with the other ladies."

Diane blushed slightly, and then flashed her husband a big smile. "You're so predictable. You'd love to see me walking around in front of all these young men topless, not to mention seeing these goddesses topless. You wouldn't leave me alone for months. Little Billy and Stephanie would have another brother or sister by this time next year!"

"Mom! That's a little too much information. Besides, I can't do that in front of Dad and Uncle Ted. It would be embarrassing," blushed Stephanie.

"You could always go watch TV or something," laughed Will. "I like this casual atmosphere these young folks enjoy. And your mom will look as good as anyone here."

"Dad, you haven't said anything. Should Mom let loose and get painted up with the rest of us?" quizzed Lisa.

"I can't believe I'm admitting this, but it would be pretty amazing. I'm just coming around to the fact that my daughters are beautiful adult women with amazing figures, like their mother. I've seen you and Gwen without clothes in some photos and movies. I can honestly say that I feel proud of how great you look. I'm also proud that you're in monogamous relationships with really good guys.

"When I grew up, being naked meant having sex, or at least trying like hell. Your group is able to separate the two without jealousy or inappropriate behavior. I admire that and think it's quite a healthy attitude. To answer your question, I'd love to see your mother painted up with the rest of the lovely women here. It's just too bad that Stephanie won't participate. She's really very attractive."

"You do know that we were just teasing Billy, don't you?" asked a concerned Naomi. "Dad is sitting right there and he would never go for his wife and daughter running around almost naked in front of a bunch of horny white boys!"

"As a horny, healthy man, I'm willing to make that trade," laughed Jeff Wilson. "I'm trying to imagine seeing all of these beautiful women topless. Don't worry about your mom. We went to more than a few topless beaches in Cuba and men of every color and nationality approved of what they saw. It was pretty obvious, especially on the nude beaches."

"Billy, don't you think I'm too old to join these ladies in this venture?" asked Julia Wilson.

"With all due respect, Ma'am, I think you'd be playing right into the hands of these degenerates sitting around the pool. They may seem like placid, flaccid, wimpy little boys, but if you were to release those beauties in this crowd, I could not guarantee your safety," responded Billy in a very serious tone.

"Mom, listen to him! These guys have all kinds of 'mommy' issues, and he's the worst one of the bunch, although Steve seems to be a close second. You should hear them talk about all the mothers, including you, or should I say, especially you? They're all strongly attracted to beautiful, mature women with curves."

"Oh, dear! That sounds just awful," replied Julia with a big smile. "You're telling me that these virile young men find us slightly older women appealing on some level? Who would have guessed it?"

"Dad! Talk some sense into Mom before it's too late," pled Naomi as she dropped to her knees and pretended to literally beg.

"It's already too late. You sealed it when you told her how all these horny young guys want to see her big old melons. I'm just going to insist that my wife isn't the only lady getting painted up," added Jeff.

"Okay, Diane will do it, won't you dear?" asked Will as he ducked the ice cubes Diane threw at him.

"Paula? You're not going to let your sister go into this without your support, are you?" asked Ted as Paula blushed a bright red.

"I said we were just teasing Billy!" laughed Naomi. "Mom, Diane and Paula can leave their swimsuits on, as will the rest of us. We have a Congresswoman here, for heaven's sake. She can't do things like that, or be seen with people that do."

"I can't?" questioned Gwen in her best little girl voice as she sat on Steve's lap. "I feel a sleeping giant beginning to stir. It seems that the Congresswoman's boyfriend is kind of excited about this body painting scenario."

"I noticed the same thing!" agreed Lisa as she fidgeted on Jason's lap.

"Is that what that is?" asked Kate in an attempt to act surprised. "I'm afraid that I'm involved with a very sick individual. He may be even worse than Billy and Steve."

"I'm just glad my mom and Billy's folks didn't make the trip," quipped Charlotte. "That visual is not something I want to remember."

"I was thinking the same thing about our mom," added Becky. "She's been single a long time. If she's anything like Ashley and me, she'd be the first to get painted, even if she's almost fifty and a little chunky."

"I call for a show of hands," declared Billy. "Is there any guy here that wouldn't like to see Becky's mom get painted up? No hands? I thought so. Bring your mom next time. She's pretty hot!"

"Not my mother, too!" cried Ashley. "What is wrong with you guys? You all have beautiful wives and girlfriends. Why would you want to look at other women? Why would you want other guys to see your lady topless and painted?"

"I think the quick answer would be that it makes us really horny," offered Jared as he looked around at his friends. "Is there any disagreement on that? No? Then we'll go with that answer, Ashley. But, I have to admit, I'm really glad that my parents didn't come. I can't imagine my mom naked!"

"Mom, how did you stay married to such a pervert for so many years? Was he as bad when he was younger?" asked Naomi.

"Yes, he was as bad or worse. I stayed married to him because he was always horny. That isn't a bad thing, at least it wasn't for me," grinned Julia as she patted her husband's hand.

The New Year's show was a huge ratings success as Gwen and Jordan performed in bikinis and changed to different ones quite often. Charlie and Steve were shirtless the entire show. The director was forced to be very careful of the camera angles as many of the ladies in the crowd in front of the stage were topless before the night was half over. They were very demonstrative about how much they enjoyed Charlie and Steve as they performed. The viewers at home were easily able to determine that many of the fans were topless; although the director went to great pains to be sure no nipples were shown.

Everyone rested the next day before heading back north the following morning. Many in the group flew to Washington with Gwen and Steve to see her sworn in a member of Congress and to attend the big premier the following evening.

Steve sat in the gallery with Ted, Paula, Lisa, and Kate and beamed with pride as the new Congress was sworn in. Gwen looked very professional but incredibly beautiful in a simple dress and jacket. Steve was lucky that Senator Chatham had wrangled a ticket for him as there weren't enough seats available for all of the members to invite more than very immediately family members. Jason and Chip and all of their friends waited outside and watched the proceedings on monitors.

Once the ceremony was complete and all of the speeches were given, Congress adjourned. Many of the members then headed to their office to take PR photos for their local papers. They would be featured with a spouse, sibling, or child holding a bible as they took their oath. It was for show only, but many members felt it was important PR for them. Gwen decided against the charade and joined her friends outside the Capitol Building.

"We'll meet you back at the hotel after we meet with our staff," instructed Gwen. "Ashley has them all waiting at my new office and she wants to introduce me. Steve is going with me, but there won't be room for anyone else. Maybe it'll be less crowded tomorrow and I'll be able to get you all in."

Gwen spent another hour speaking with her new staff and learning their names and jobs. "There's one thing I need all of you to understand. Ashley is my top aide. She's in charge when I'm not here. Listen to her like you would me. Then I want you to meet my boyfriend, Steve Hammer. Some of you may have heard of him?"

The group laughed at Gwen's remark. Everyone knew who Steve Hammer was, and that he was Gwen's boyfriend. "He's much more than a boyfriend. He's my top advisor and my personal security. If he asks for something, I would expect all of you to comply as quickly as possible, or have a very good reason if you don't. Thanks, all of you. I look forward to working with you. You're all invited to our hotel for a little bash we're having this evening to celebrate. Please come."

It was approaching dusk when Ashley, Gwen, and Steve climbed into a limo to return to their hotel. It was not a long ride and even with traffic, they expected it to take no more than half an hour.

Because some of the roads around the Capitol Building were closed for the ceremonies, they wound up traveling along the Potomac River. That was when the limo driver suddenly slammed on his brakes and muttered a curse.

Gwen and Ashley turned to face the direction the driver was looking. They were appalled to see a helicopter smack into the river on its side. The logo on the CBC network was clearly visible, although sideways to how it normally was displayed. Water rushed in through numerous broken windows. Within a matter of seconds, it became obvious that the chopper was rapidly sinking.

Then Gwen noticed that Steve was no longer in the limo. She turned her head to look toward the rear of the vehicle see him stripping his dress uniform off and tossing it on the trunk of the limo.

"Oh, no! He's doing it again!" was all she could think as she swung the door open with one hand while unzipping her coat with the other. By the time she had removed her coat, Steve was racing for the river, clad only in his boxers. Shaking her head at the thought of entering the frigid waters of the Potomac, Gwen reached behind her back and unzipped her dress.​