Chapter 4

“So, what’s your budget?” Anne asked when I parked at the specialty store.

“I haven’t thought about it, Anne.” Remembering my grandfather’s statement about buying the best I could afford, I said, “I want the best.”

When we entered the store, Anne and I grabbed carts, went to the bedding department, and looked at the sheets. She picked out three sets of sheets and pillowcases and put them in the basket.

“I have six bedrooms. You only got three sets,” I said.

“These are for the green room.”

“Why do we need three sets?”

“So you don’t have to do laundry when changing the beds. I plan to get five sets for your room.”

Shaking my head, I decided to let Anne do what she wanted to do.

I spent the next few hours following Anne around the store. She picked out the bedding, towels, and other things she felt I needed. We took two carts, but I had to pay for the first batch and load them in the truck to make room for round two. We picked out a dozen white towels and robes for the cabana.

At our next stop, Anne selected items for the bathrooms. She bought toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, bar soap, men's and women’s disposable razors, and several other things for the five guest rooms. Anne asked what I liked when we picked the stuff for my bathroom. She also bought things a woman would prefer.

On the way home, we stopped to eat because I still didn’t have food in the house. After dinner, Anne asked me to stop at an adult store. She chuckled when I asked why.

“You may never use the toys, but you can’t if you don’t have them,” Anne said.

“Are you planning to equip all the bedrooms with sex toys?”

“Nope, just yours. If you have guests, they can bring their own.”

While I felt embarrassed, Anne seemed comfortable selecting what she wanted. She placed vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, anal beads, several flavors of lube, and condoms on the counter. When Anne pointed out a set of restraints, I shook my head.

“Why not? You may find a girl who likes to be tied up. Jeff, you can’t always base your thinking on what you like. Don’t forget. You never know until you try.” Anne leaned close to whisper. “Did you think you’d like having your ass fingered?”

Laughing, I added the restraint set to the pile of things on the counter. When I handed the girl my credit card, she smiled and asked if we were planning a party.

It took almost half an hour to unload the SUV. Anne had me place the sheets, towels, and other things she wanted to wash in the laundry room. When I reminded her there was a laundry room on the second floor, Anne asked me to take the things upstairs for the four guest bedrooms.

“Where is the laundry detergent?” Anne asked as I passed through the laundry room.

“Um, I don’t think I have any.”

Anne laughed. “Back to the store.”

We went to a grocery store for detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets. I grabbed a couple of boxes of cereal, milk, cheese, crackers, and a few other snacks to put in the cart, along with beer, soda, and bottled water. Before heading home, we stopped at a liquor store for whiskey, scotch, vodka, gin, and other things.

When we returned to the house, Anne removed her dress, started the laundry on the first floor, and went upstairs to load the machine. When I asked what she wanted to drink, Anne asked for a beer.

When the dryer's first load of sheets was finished, I learned how to fold a fitted sheet. Anne laughed as I tried to figure it out.

“I have a housekeeper who does this, Anne. The cleaning company changes the beds and does the laundry once a week.”

“So? It doesn’t hurt to know how to do it, does it? You may entertain a girl and have to change the bed.”

Anne and I sat in the sunroom while waiting for a load of laundry to finish. I got up to get us cold beers, then sat next to her on the couch.

“Why are you doing all of this for me? You don’t have to.”

“I know. I’m doing it because I want to, Jeff. Because you’re my friend.”

“I thought I was your fuck buddy.”

“You’re my fuck buddy, but you’re my friend too. It’s nice to be able to do things other than have sex. Wouldn’t you help a friend if they needed it?”

“Anne, I don’t have any friends other than you. Since graduating from high school, I’ve gone to school, worked, and cared for my grandfather. I’ve done more socially in the past few weeks than I have since you moved to California.”

Anne put her hand on my arm. “You will, Jeff. You’re a great guy. Someday you’ll meet a girl or a man and become friends. There’s a big difference between friendship and sex. I have a lot of friends I don’t fuck.”

I laughed and nodded. It was uncanny how Anne could separate sex and friendship as quickly as she did. Anne’s casual attitude is the insulation she uses to protect her feelings for Jodie. As a result, she could have sex with me without jeopardizing her relationship with her lover.

As I thought about my feelings for Anne, I realized my love for her differed from when we were in high school. The love was more like a person has for a parent or sibling, not a mate. The sex we shared was out of lust, not love.

“I hope to meet someone someday, Anne. When I do, I hope they’re half the person you are.”

“As I said, you’ll meet people, and hopefully, they’ll become friends. It won’t happen if you stay hidden in your house. You have to get out in the world. Go back to school, join a club, take a few classes, and try to meet people. If you do, take something fun.”

I nodded while thinking about what Anne had said. She went to attend to the laundry, leaving me alone. If nothing else, Anne had shown me I didn’t want to be alone.

Anne and I worked on the laundry until ten, when we turned off the lights, went to my bedroom, and got into bed. She snuggled against me and kissed me.

“I’m wiped out, Anne. Let’s snuggle tonight.”

I felt Anne’s arms tighten around my neck. She kissed me again, rolled onto her side, scooted her back against my chest, took my hand, and placed it on her stomach.

“Goodnight, Jeff,” Anne whispered.

“Goodnight. Thanks for all your help.”

“No problem. It’s been fun. I like spending your money.”

“Don’t forget Mom and Walt are coming over tomorrow. Mom is going to help stock the kitchen.”

“I know. I’m going with you.” Anne chuckled as she pulled my hand to her breast. “After getting the linens today, I realized that Jodie and I need to save money. Those things are expensive. Although we won’t buy the same quality.”

“I think I’m all set with the bedrooms and the cabana. If we have time before you leave, maybe you can help with some decorations. This place looks bland. I have some of my grandfather's things, but I think a fresh start is better.”

“Sure, but I wouldn’t buy too much. If you meet someone, they may want to put their personal touch on it.”

“If I ever do, they can add to my things.”

“That’s true. I’m going to get some sleep. If you get horny during the night, wake me up and have at it.”

Chuckling, I said, “Are you serious?”

“You bet I am. What are fuck buddies for?”

I gently massaged Anne’s breast, closed my eyes, and relaxed. She rubbed the back of my hand, pressing it against her chest. Anne’s statement regarding fuck buddies reminded me we weren’t in a relationship. Instead, we were friends with benefits. Anne showed her friendship by helping me set up my house. The benefit was the hot sex we shared. It had become easier for me to accept because of her constant reminders about Jodie.

I woke up just after six on Wednesday morning. I was usually up early every morning when my grandfather was alive, so I was used to it. Glancing at Anne, I smiled. She stretched out on her back, sound asleep. I slipped out of bed, used the bathroom, and returned.

Being as careful as I could, I got onto the bed. Straddling Anne’s body, I pushed her legs apart and pressed my face into her crotch. She started moaning as her hips undulated. A moment later, Anne guided my soft cock into her mouth and held my shaft as I slowly humped my dick into her sucking mouth. She moaned and wiggled her crotch against my tongue. Using our mouths and hands, we brought each other off.

When I moved away from Anne, she sat up. Moving closer, she hugged me, and we shared a kiss.

“That’s how Jodie and I like to wake each other up. We don’t do it every day, but I love it when we do.” Anne gave me another peck on the lips. “I have to pee.”

When Anne returned, we went out to the swimming pool, dived into the water, and swam a few lengths before going to the house to prepare for the day.

Anne and I got into the shower stall. While standing in the warm spray, she rubbed her crotch, then mine. She grabbed a razor and a can of shaving gel from the shelf, smiled, and told me to sit on the bench.

“We need our crotches shaved. We’re getting stubble,” Anne said.

Anne shaved me, rinsed away the gel, and we traded places. While I removed her hair, she told me she and Jodie enjoyed shaving each other. When we finished, we used two new fluffy towels to dry ourselves.

Standing at the counter, I shaved my face while Anne dried her hair. After brushing our teeth, we went to the kitchen to make coffee.

“I love walking around naked,” Anne said while starting the coffee.

“I’m getting used to it. Don’t forget, Mom and Walt will be here at nine to go shopping.”

“I know. We’ll get dressed after breakfast. You should have something installed by the road to let you know when someone pulls into your driveway.”

“That’s a great idea. I’ll talk to the security company to find out what they can do.”

While we sat at the island counter eating cereal, I realized it was where I’d eat most of my meals.

When we finished breakfast, I took care of the dishes while Anne finished the laundry. At eight thirty, we headed to the bedroom to dress. I smiled while watching Anne put on her tank top and shorts sans underwear.

Mom and Walt arrived a few minutes before nine. I offered them coffee, and we sat in the kitchen. When Mom asked, I took Walt on a tour of the house. Anne came with us as we went from room to room.

Upstairs, I told my mom and Walt how Anne picked out the towels and bedding for each bedroom. Mom commented on how nice everything looked.

“Your house is beautiful, Jeff. I hope you’re happy with the furniture,” Walt said.

“Thanks, Walt. The new furniture is great. But, as you can tell, I still need a few pieces.”

“How are your wedding plans coming, Mrs. Henderson? I’m sorry I can’t be here for it,” Anne said.

“The wedding is on a fast track, Anne. Walt and I are going to be married in a few weeks. We will have a small service and reception at Walt’s Country Club. After the wedding, we’re heading to Alaska for a three-week cruise. We understand you have to go back to school, Anne. And please call me Marge.”

“Thanks. I leave this Sunday.”

“Jeff said you two have been having fun while you’re here for the summer.”

“I’ve had a blast! I’m so happy we got together. Most of my friends aren’t around, so hanging around with Jeff has been great. As much fun as we’ve had, I look forward to returning to school. I miss my girlfriend, Jodie.”

It surprised me when Anne mentioned Jodie, but I understood after thinking about it.

Mom nodded and smiled. “Are we ready to get started? Jeff, do you know what you need and want?”

“I don’t have a clue, Mom. There isn’t anything other than snack foods and cereal in the house. Oh, I think I have salt and pepper.”

The four of us headed to the grocery store. On the way, Mom suggested I get my meat from a meat market and produce from a fruit and vegetable market.

“How are you set for pots, pans, and other things?” Anne asked.

“I think I have what I need. Grandpa had top-of-the-line pots and pans. I kept the dishes, knives, and other utensils.”

“Knowing your grandfather, everything is the best. Do you have a good cookbook?”

“I have the one you gave me when I moved in with Grandpa. It’s good for what I plan to make,” I said, then turned to Anne. “Mom used to come over to help with my grandfather’s meals. She taught me a lot about cooking.”

“Do you like to cook?” Anne asked.

“It’s okay, Anne. I’m still learning.”

“Maybe you could find a cooking class. You might meet a woman there.”

Mom laughed. “That’s a wonderful idea, Anne. Jeff needs to get out and meet people.”

“You sound like Grandpa. He was always telling me I should get out. I said I’d have time someday. I’ve been busy for the last few years.”

We entered the store, grabbed carts, and started up and down the aisles. Mom and Anne selected items from the shelves, while Walt and I pushed the carts. As we shopped, Mom suggested I get the necessary spices and buy what I need when a recipe calls for something I don’t have.

Anne loaded a cart with toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, and napkins in the paper products area.

“Why do I need so many packages of toilet paper?” I said.

“Because you have so many bathrooms, Jeff. You have to have at least one spare roll in each bathroom,” Anne replied, causing Mom to laugh.

We finished at the grocery store, paid for everything, and loaded the bags into the back of my SUV. Our next stop was a meat market. I bought steaks, chicken, pork chops, ground beef, lunch meat, cheese, and other things.

We left and went to the produce store for fresh vegetables. Anne and I decided to have steaks, baked potatoes, and a salad for dinner. We invited Mom and Walt to join us.

We spent a couple of hours putting everything away. I helped so I’d know where everything was. Once we finished, I offered everyone a drink. We took our beverages to the deck and relaxed, enjoying the hot afternoon.

“I’ve always loved it here. I should have remembered my bathing suit. The pool looks inviting,” Mom said.

Anne looked at me, then burst out laughing. I just shook my head.

“What’s so funny, Anne?” Mom said.

Once again, Anne looked at me and laughed. Turning to Mom, she said, “I don’t have a suit either. I didn’t need one when we went swimming.”

I snapped my head toward Mom and Walt. She shook her head and laughed.

Walt put his hand on Mom’s arm and said, “We don’t need them when we swim at our house either.”

I guessed Mom could see the shocked look on my face. Finally, she chuckled. “What’s the matter, Jeff? Do you think I’ve never been skinny-dipping? Or do you think I’m too old?”

“I never thought about you skinny-dipping. And no, I don’t think you’re old.” I chuckled. “If you want to, go for it.”

I didn’t know whether Mom considered my statement a challenge or wanted to go swimming. But she stood up and began unbuttoning her blouse. Anne laughed as she pulled her top off, then shucked her shorts while I tried to divert my eyes, but couldn’t help watching Mom strip.

When Mom removed her bra, I saw her large breasts wobble. She pushed her shorts and underwear down, took Anne’s hand, and walked to the pool. They jumped into the water while I stared, and Walt laughed.

“What the hell? I’m going to join them. Jeff, your mother, is one of the most carefree women I’ve ever met. I never had as much fun as I’m having since we started dating,” Walt said as he undressed.

Not wanting to be the odd man out, I stripped and jumped into the pool but stayed away from my mom. Anne came over and hugged me. “Remember. Don’t knock it until you try it.”

“I’m not used to seeing my mom naked, Anne.”

“Jeff, there’s nothing wrong with nudity. Many people refer to it as naturism. I’m sure you’ve heard it referred to as nudism. Try not to confuse the human body in its natural state with sex,” Mom said.

“Jodie and I are naturists, Jeff. When we’re in our apartment, we hardly ever wear clothes. We go to a clothing-optional beach near our school when we have time.”

Standing in the waist-deep water, I grinned, thinking about my decision to live naked when I was home. While I was comfortable alone or with Anne, seeing Mom and Walt was different.

“How long have you been a naturist, Mom?”

“I’ve been practicing it for several years. Walt and I met at a party at a mutual friend’s house. After getting to know one another, we decided to date.”

“How about you, Walt?” Anne said.

“I’ve been a naturist my entire life. My whole family practices the lifestyle.”

“That’s so cool! I wish my parents weren’t so uptight,” Anne said as she began swimming.

We spent another half-hour in the pool before Anne went to the cabana to get us towels. I watched Mom to see what she was going to do. When she put her towel on a lounge chair and sat down, I did, too.

It didn’t take long for me to become comfortable seeing my mom naked. By the time we were ready to fix dinner, I’d almost forgotten I wasn’t wearing clothes. When I got up to light the grill,...