I finished snugging my tie and checked myself in the mirror. My dark gray suit had been cleaned and pressed in preparation for the wedding I was attending. Two old high school friends were getting married that afternoon. Once I was satisfied, I went to my great room to relax until it was time to leave.

At five o’clock, I went to the garage and got into my SUV. The church was about a forty-minute drive from my country home, and I didn’t want to arrive late. When I got to the church, I sat in the parking lot until it was time to head into the building.

An usher met me at the door and asked who I was there for. Tim Franklin and Lisa Adams were both friends, but I knew Tim better.

“I’m here for Tim,” I said.

The usher led me to a pew, and I sat down to wait for the proceedings to begin. While waiting, I looked at the others gathered for the wedding to see if there were any familiar faces. It had been ten years since I graduated, and I had lost touch with most of my classmates. I recognized several people, but couldn’t remember their names.

A few minutes later, one of the ushers led a woman down the aisle. He pointed to a vacant seat on the bride’s side and stepped away. When the woman turned to look around, I smiled. It was Kelly Logen, a girl I dated a few times in high school. Kelly scanned the other guests, pausing when our eyes met. She gave me a subtle wave and took her seat.

Kelly was one of the popular girls in school and hung around with a different crowd than I did. She associated with the athletes while I was a bit of a nerd and stayed with others like me. One day, I gathered my courage and asked Kelly out. Our first date was a football game. I felt out of place sitting in the bleachers with her group of friends. To Kelly’s credit, she didn’t shun me or treat me any differently than her friends.

After the game, we went to one of the local hangouts for burgers and milkshakes. She was attentive and talked to me while we ate. Before the end of the night, I asked her out again, and she agreed. On our third date, we went to a movie. While sitting in the back of the theater, we kissed for the first time.

Kelly was well endowed, and I wanted to touch her large breasts, but I didn’t. Through the school’s rumor mill, I had heard she wasn’t frigid. Several boys she dated had gotten to first base and felt her up. When we left the theater to get sodas, she held my hand. We talked about our friends, our classes, and other things while sitting in a booth. When I dropped her off at her house, Kelly kissed me and thanked me for the evening.

Over the next month, we had several dates. I knew I wasn’t the only guy she dated, but it didn’t bother me. One day, while we were at lunch, I asked her out and she told me no. I didn’t ask Kelly why and moved on.

I learned that Bob Hughes, one of our school’s football players, asked Kelly to go steady, and she agreed. I knew better than to interfere with another guy’s girlfriend, so I limited my interaction with her.

After Kelly, I dated several other girls. I asked April Bishop to the senior prom after dating her for a few months. Unlike Kelly, April hung around with the same group of kids I did. April wasn’t one of the skinny girls, but she carried her curvy figure well. Before the prom, I told April I didn’t know how to dance. She invited me to her house and taught me. Our dance lessons were combined with make-out sessions. Her parents worked, and we had a few hours alone in her house. One afternoon, after we worked on my dance steps, we sat on the couch making out.

While we had made out before, I hadn’t done any more than kiss her. Things changed that afternoon when she took my wrist and placed my hand on her breast. I hadn’t tried before out of fear and a lack of knowledge. The minute my hand covered her ample breast, she moaned and pressed it against her. From then on, I felt her breasts when we made out. After about a week, she removed her top and bra, letting me touch and kiss her bare breasts.

One day, when I went to her house, she wore a skirt rather than jeans. As she had done when she put my hand on her breast, April guided my hand under her skirt. I rubbed her thigh until she grabbed my arm and pulled it against her crotch. I rubbed her through her panties, making her come. As our make-out sessions progressed, she would remove her panties and teach me how to finger her. April wasn’t one-sided. She opened my pants and played with my dick.

It seemed that every time we got together, we did more, not only at her house, but in the car when we went out. Fooling around in the car was okay, but we liked it better when we were at her house. One afternoon, April not only played with my cock, she took it into her mouth and gave me my first blow job. After I came, she pulled her skirt up, removed her panties, and asked me to lick her pussy. She held my head against her crotch while instructing me on what she liked. A week before the prom, we screwed for the first time. While I didn’t last long, and filled the condom shortly after she guided my cock into her pussy, she seemed happy.

Over the next months, we continued our sexual mating. I realized I wasn’t the first guy to fuck her, but I didn’t care. April’s and my relationship ended when she went away for college. I wanted to continue, but she wasn’t interested in a long-distance relationship. We screwed the day before she left for school. It was the last time I saw or heard from her.

I went to a local college and majored in business. I wanted to do something in the finance area, but hadn’t decided what.

Music started, pulling me out of my reverie. The groomsmen stood at the altar as the bridesmaids followed the flower girl down the aisle. When the wedding march played, all eyes were on the back of the church. Lisa Adams held her father’s arm as they walked to the altar. He kissed his daughter and took his seat. The ceremony was short, but moving. When the minister announced Tim and Lisa, husband and wife, the guests clapped.

We filed out of the church, receiving small bags of birdseed before standing outside to await the new bride and groom. When they exited the building and walked along the sidewalk to an awaiting limo, we tossed the birdseed at them. Once they were safely in the limo, the crowd dispersed. We headed to the parking lot to drive to the venue for the reception. As I walked away, Kelly called my name.

“Hey, Andy,” Kelly said as she approached me.

“Hi, Kelly. How have you been? I haven’t seen you since we graduated,” I said.

“I’ve been okay. It’s a long story. Anyway, I was wondering if I could catch a ride to the reception. I took a ride share because I didn’t want to drive if I had a few drinks,” Kelly said.

“Of course. Are you here alone?”

“Yup. No plus one for me tonight.”

I smiled. “Same here. Would you like to sit together? We can catch up on our lives over the last ten years.”

“Yes, Andy. I’d like that very much.”

I led Kelly to my SUV, opened the passenger door, and held it as she got in. She smoothed her dark blue dress over her fishnet-covered legs while I closed the door. I walked around the vehicle, got in, and started it.

“Are you still living in the area?” I asked to make small talk.

“Yes. I have an apartment downtown. How about you?” Kelly said.

“I live outside the city. I’ve been there for about four years now,” I said.

As I drove, Kelly told me she worked in an office as the receptionist. I told her I worked at home, but didn’t say what I did. It was a short drive between the church and the hall. I parked, opened Kelly’s door, and we went inside. Kelly spotted someone she knew, hooked her arm in mine, and led me to a table.

“Hi, Bill, how’s it going?” Kelly said.

“Hi, Kelly, hi Andy. Things are great. I’d like you to meet my wife, Janet,” Bill said.

Janet greeted us while her husband told her we’d gone to high school together.

“Where are you sitting?” Bill asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t know, Kelly and I just got here.”

“Join us. These seats aren’t taken,” Bill said as he pointed at two empty chairs.

I glanced at Kelly. She nodded and said, “Thank you, Bill.”

Kelly and I sat beside each other. The conversation was what you’d expect. We shared what had been going on during the last ten years.

“How long have you and Andy been together?” Janet asked.

Kelly chuckled. “We’re not together, Janet. I asked him for a ride from the church, and he agreed. Because neither of us had a date, we decided to sit together.”

“I thought you two dated in high school,” Bill said.

“We did, but briefly,” I said.

“That’s right. You started dating Bob Hughes, didn’t you?” Bill said.

“Yes. Bob and I got married after graduation. He went to one of the colleges that recruited him for football. I went to the same school. We married two years later,” Kelly said.

“What happened to Bob? Did he ever go pro?” I asked.

“No, Bob wasn’t drafted. After college, we found jobs in the city,” Kelly said. “How did you and Janet meet?”

It seemed Kelly was uncomfortable talking about Bob, and she changed the subject.

“A mutual friend introduced us. We started dating and got married four years ago,” Janet said.

“I’m surprised that Tim and Lisa waited so long to get married. They were high school sweethearts,” Bill said.

Kelly laughed. “Tim and Lisa got married right after they turned eighteen. She wanted a formal wedding, so they decided to do it again. Lisa and I are good friends and have stayed in touch.”

“I didn’t know that. I guess not many people did,” I said.

Kelly shook her head. “Their parents and a few close friends knew, but they didn’t make it public knowledge.”

“I’m going to get Janet and me drinks. Would you two like something?” Bill said.

“I’ll have a light rum and cola,” Kelly said.

“I need a drink, too. I’ll go with you, Bill,” I said.

Bill and I went to the bar and got our drinks. We returned to the table and gave the girls theirs. Kelly and Janet thanked us as we took our seats.

A few old friends came by the table and we chatted for a few minutes. When the bridal party arrived, they formed a receiving line. Kelly headed over, waiting our turn to greet and congratulate the couple. When Kelly got to Lisa, they hugged.

“Congratulations again, Lisa,” Kelly said as the two girls held each other.

I shook hands and offered my congratulations. As Kelly and I returned to the table, I said, “It’s weird they got married again. I’ve never heard of anyone doing it. I wonder why they got married in high school.”

Kelly smiled and stopped walking. She glanced around and said, “Lisa was raised in a very religious family. She wanted to have sex, but wouldn’t because she wasn’t married. When she told Tom why she wouldn’t do more than kiss, he asked her to marry him.”

“That’s wild!” I said.

“Love does strange things to people, Andy. I always respected Lisa for her feelings. A lot of girls did it in high school, but she wouldn’t,” Kelly said.

Nodding, I said. “You have to respect someone who’s firm in their beliefs.”

We sat down and waited for the reception line to end and dinner to be served. The staff set up the buffet tables and started moving from table to table, inviting the guests to get in line. When they came to our table, I followed Kelly. We filled our plates with the normal wedding fare of chicken, beef, vegetables, and potatoes. We grabbed salads and rolls before returning to our seats.

While we ate, Bill said, “Did you ever get married, Andy?”

I knew the question would come up at some point.

“Yes. I met Kathy in college, and we married two years later.” I took a deep breath. “She passed away about four years ago.”

The table became silent. Kelly put her hand on my arm, looked into my eyes, and said, “I’m sorry for your loss, Andy.”

I nodded. I’d heard those words many times since Kathy passed. I was thankful no one asked what happened. Even though it had been four years, it still hurt to think about it. It may have been easier to move on if it hadn’t been so tragic. Kathy didn’t die from an illness. She was killed in a traffic accident. Her car was broadsided when a semi truck ran a red light.

The days following the accident were a whirlwind. It was impossible for me to accept her death. What made it even more devastating, Kathy was three months pregnant with our first child. Because the truck hit her so hard, I chose to have her cremated. It took a year before I could have a memorial service for her.

I wanted to move on and grieve, but my father convinced me that I should sue and hold the truck driver accountable. At his insistence, I retained a law firm to handle it. During the firm’s investigation, they discovered that the driver was four hours over the limit of the number of hours he was legally allowed to drive. They found he had speed in his system, kept two log books, and was texting when he ran the red light.

Through discovery and interviews with drivers who used to work for the trucking company, they found the company demanded the drivers break the law or risk being fired. The company’s insurance carrier offered twenty-five million dollars as compensation. My lawyers refused the offer and several subsequent offers, each larger than the last one.

A year after the accident, the case went to trial. My lawyers laid out the case, step by step, telling the jury all the details. Once again, the insurance company offered a settlement that my lawyers refused. After three days of testimony and rebuttal from the insurance company, the judge turned the case over to the jury.

It only took the jury an hour to return their verdict. They found the driver guilty and the trucking company responsible. After the foreman read the verdict, the judge gave them instructions on determining the compensation award. The jury went to the jury room, returning two hours later.

The foreman stood and read the results. “We, the jury in the aforementioned case, award the plaintiff the sum of three hundred million dollars. The settlement will be paid in cash with no structured payments. The company will also pay all associated court costs,” the woman foreman read.

The judge thanked the jury and entered the judgment. I left the courtroom with Steve Levinson, my attorney. He stopped in the hallway to talk to me.

“I know it’s of little consolation, but congratulations. My office will be in contact with you shortly, Andy,” Steve said.

“Thanks for everything, Steve,” I said while shaking his hand.

A week later, Steve’s office called me and asked me to come to the office. His secretary gave me the time and date. I agreed and thanked her. A few days later, I went to the law firm’s office. The receptionist led me to a conference room and offered coffee, soft drinks, and water. I asked for black coffee.

Steve and one of his associates joined me in the large conference room. They sat at the table, placing a thick folder in front of them. After we greeted each other, Steve opened the folder and removed a sheet of paper.

“Andy, this is the breakdown of the award and expenses. The firm receives one hundred million, one-third of the award, as we explained when you retained us. There is also a breakdown of our expenses,” Steve said as he handed me the paper.

Steve took a cashier's check for one hundred ninety-nine million, seven hundred sixty-five thousand dollars and handed it to me. I looked at the check, trying to comprehend the amount.

“When there’s an award of this size, the insurance company usually files an appeal. In your case, they decided it was better to pay the award for fear that an appeal could cost more. I was also surprised they didn’t contest the all-cash settlement. Awards of this size are normally paid with a structured settlement,” Steve said.

After reviewing everything, I left Steve’s office and drove to the brokerage firm I used. I met with my broker and had him deposit the check into my account. My brokerage account, as well as my other assets, were held in a trust Kathy and I established when we married.

The others at our table offered their condolences. I thanked them and said, “It’s been a rough four years.” I didn’t mention the lawsuit or award.

After dinner, the disc jockey began playing dance music. When I asked Kelly to dance, she accepted. I stood, took her hand, and led her to the dance floor. Taking Kelly in a classic stance, I led her, moving to the music.

“I’m so sorry to hear about your wife, Andy,” Kelly said softly.

“Thank you. I’m doing better now,” I replied.

“I hope she didn’t suffer.”

“She didn’t. Kathy was killed in a traffic accident. The medical examiner said she died instantly.”

Kelly nodded as we danced. She looked into my eyes and smiled. “I wish we had dated longer and you had taken me to the prom. Bob couldn’t dance worth a damn. The few times we danced at the prom, he just held me and swayed.”

I just shrugged. “When I told the girl I was dating, I didn’t know how to dance, she taught me. We’d go to her house after school and practice.”

“I have to ask you why you never did anything more than kiss me when we dated?”

Holding Kelly, I made a turn. “Fear of upsetting you and not having experience with a girl, I guess.”

“You were always so shy and sweet. I wondered if you liked me.”

Kelly grinned, put her hands on my shoulders, and pulled me against her. I held her hips as we continued dancing.

“As I said, I was inexperienced and didn’t want to upset you. When you said you didn’t want to date me any longer and started going steady with Bob, it hurt,” I said.

Kelly nodded and rested her head against my shoulder. The song changed, and another slow number followed. Kelly and I kept dancing as we held each other.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, Andy. I was stupid and listened to a few girlfriends who said I should date Bob because he was a football player, instead of you and a couple of other boys I went out with. I thought I was in love with him, and when we were in college, he asked me to marry him.

“I said yes, and we married when I was twenty-one. Things we okay at first. After we graduated, and he didn’t receive any offers from a pro team, things went downhill. He moved from job to job, but couldn’t hold one long. Bob was a drunk and called off too often because he was hungover.

“When I’d had enough, we separated. I rented the apartment where I live now, and he continued drinking. A year later, we divorced. It was three years ago, and I haven’t looked back. The last I heard, he moved to another state and married a girl he met in a bar.”

“Should I be sorry to hear about Bob?”

“No, not in the least. He chose his life, and I’ve moved on with mine. I have a job I enjoy and earn enough to pay my rent and bills.”

“I’m surprised that you didn’t have a date for today,” I said.

I felt Kelly shake her head as she chuckled. “No. After Bob and I separated, I decided I needed a break. I’d been in a relationship since high school, and needed time alone to find myself. I was asked out a few times, but never went. I’ve been happy with my life since my separation and divorce. That’s enough about me. What do you do? Why didn’t you bring someone to the wedding?”

“I went to work for a money management firm when I graduated. After Kathy died, I had trouble working. I did my best for a year, but finally quit and went out on my own. I work from home helping people reach their investment goals. As far as having a date for the wedding, I haven’t dated anyone since losing Kathy,” I said.

The disk jockey put on a fast song. Kelly and I decided to take a break and have a drink. We went to the bar where she ordered rum and cola, and I asked for tonic and lime. Kelly glanced at my drink, then at me.

“I’m taking it easy. I have to drive and don’t want to drink too much,” I said.

Kelly smiled and nodded. “I guess some people can control their drinking and some can’t. Bob used to drink too much and drive. It’s a wonder he never got caught.”

“I don’t mind having a few drinks, but I don’t like getting drunk. When I’m out, I pace myself,” I said.

Kelly returned to our table and sat down. We watched the people moving around the room and dancing. The disk jockey announced the bouquet and garter toss. When the single girls gathered, I asked Kelly if she was going to join them. She laughed and shook her head. After Lisa tossed the flowers, and a girl caught them, she sat in a chair. Tim knelt on the floor in front of her, pushed her wedding dress up past her knees, and reached under it. While he stroked Lisa’s leg, the disk jockey played The Stripper.

Tim slipped the garter over Lisa’s foot, stood up, and twirled it around his finger. A group of single men stood a few feet away, waiting for Tim to throw it over his shoulder. When he tossed the garter, the men scrambled to catch it. One of the men, someone I didn’t know, cheered while holding the garter over his head. The woman who caught the bouquet sat on the chair and wiggled her leg, and giggled. It appeared she’d had plenty to drink.

The man with the garter knelt on the floor and put the lacy thing over the woman’s foot. She lifted her leg, giving him and anyone standing behind him a view under her dress. He pushed the garter up her leg to her thigh before removing his hand. She stood, hiked her dress, and showed the crowd the garter on her leg. She sat down so the man could remove it, laughing the entire time.

“Some women have no class, do they?” Janet said.

Kelly shrugged. "I guess she was just having fun. No harm, no foul,” Kelly said.

The DJ called the wedding party to the dance floor for the bridal dance. Tim and Lisa began dancing, and the others in the bridal party joined them when their names were called. The father-daughter dance followed. After the festivities were over, the disk jockey played a slow song.

“Would you like to dance, Kelly?” I said.

Kelly smiled and nodded. I stood, took her hand, and led her to the dance floor. She faced me and put her hands on my shoulders. I placed my hands on her back and we started moving.

“It’s too bad you’re not dating, Kelly. I’d take you out if you were,” I said.

Kelly pulled her head from my shoulder, smiled, and said, “I’d like that. If you ask me out, I’ll go. I’m enjoying myself tonight. It’s been a long time since anyone treated me like a lady, and I like it.”

“I’m having a good time, too, Kelly. I enjoy talking to you, even though this isn’t the best place to do it. Give me your phone number. I’ll call you and we’ll go out for dinner. Just let me know when,” I said.

“Soon, Andy. Spending this evening with you has made me realize how much I miss interacting with someone outside of work.”

“Are you available next Saturday?”

Smiling, Kelly nodded. She returned her head to my shoulder. As we danced, she moved her hands to my wrists and put them behind her. I held her, moving my fingers against her back, and she put her arms around my neck.

I don’t know what it was, but it felt good to hold a woman in my arms. It had been over four years, and I missed it. I guessed Kelly felt the same by the way she hugged me and pressed her body against mine. We danced to a few songs and decided to rest. While we sat at the table, Tim and Lisa stopped to thank us for coming. I took an envelope from my suit coat pocket and put it into the satin bag she carried. Kelly removed an envelope from her purse and added it to the bag. Tim and Lisa thanked us and moved to another table.

Kelly asked for another drink, so I went to the bar to get it for her. It had been a couple of hours since my last drink, and I asked for whiskey and water. I placed Kelly’s drink on the table and sat beside her. She held her glass, turning it slowly while staring into it.

“Is everything okay, Kelly?” I asked.

Kelly nodded. “Yeah, I’m just enjoying the best evening I’ve had in a long time, Andy.” She looked at me and smiled. “I can’t remember the last time someone has treated me like you’re treating me, or felt safe and secure in a man’s arms. Bob was never physically abusive, but emotionally, he kicked the crap out of me.”

I saw a tear in the corner of Kelly’s eye. She sipped her drink as I glanced around. One other couple was seated at our large round table. They were on the opposite side, engaged in their own conversation. I moved my hand to Kell’s back and gently stroked her.

“When I separated and eventually divorced Bob, I crawled into my shell. I didn’t want to interact with people, preferring to work and spend my time at home alone. A few friends and coworkers tried to get me out and fix me up with a date, but I always refused. The longer I remained reclusive, the deeper into myself I got and became content with my books and private lifestyle.

“To be honest, I don’t know why I decided to attend this wedding. When I received my invitation, I was going to send my regrets, but Lisa called me and talked me into coming.” Kelly smiled at me. “I can’t tell you how glad I am that I agreed.”

I nodded as I stroked Kelly’s back. It was strange how her story was much like mine. After losing Kathy, I withdrew and became introverted. My work suffered, and so did my clients. Unable to concentrate and provide the services my clients expected, I quit my job eight months after her death, and lived off the proceeds from a life insurance policy Kathy had.

My attorney assured me there would be a settlement to the lawsuit we filed, and to be patient. He was so confident that he offered me an advance and said I wouldn’t be responsible for repaying it if the suit wasn’t successful. The life insurance, investments, and savings were sufficient, and I refused his offer. The year during the lawsuit helped me with my grief, but didn’t eliminate it.

When I received my settlement, I had to decide what to do. I spent the better part of a week mulling over my options. With almost two hundred million, the possibilities were almost limitless. My years as a money manager and telling my clients how to invest and obtain wealth helped with my decisions. I found a real estate agent, and he helped me find and purchase twenty-five acres just outside of town. After closing on the property, I hired a firm to help me design and build a house. A year later, I packed my apartment and memories and moved into my new home.

Once I settled in, I resumed my trade as a money manager, except I was my only client. I spent my days in front of my computers, researching and investing.

“It’s almost eerie how much your story mimics mine, Kelly,” I said.

I went on, giving Kelly an abridged version of my life since Kathy’s untimely death. I didn’t give her any details of the settlement or my wealth, but I did let her know that, like her, I had become reclusive and content to be alone. Kelly’s subtle nods told me she understood.

“Dance with me,” I said as I stood and offered Kelly my hand.

We went to the dance floor, came together, and began moving to the slow music. As we danced, Kelly held me tighter than before, and I did the same. It seemed we were oblivious to the other couples dancing near us. Holding Kelly against me, I felt her body quiver and her arms tighten around my neck. For the first time since losing my wife, I felt a need for companionship. After spending the past few hours with Kelly, sharing our stories, dancing, and having a good time, I realized it was time for me to move on with my life. I’d asked Kelly to go out with me, and she agreed. I wondered if she felt the same about moving on.

Kelly held me close as we seemed lost in our thoughts. Her fingers moved through the hair on the back of my head, and I became increasingly aware of her body against mine. Her breasts pressed into my chest, and our lower bodies melded. She kept her head on my shoulder, her warm breath bathing my neck.

In the dim light, Kelly pulled her head back, gazed into my eyes, and kissed me. Our tender kiss lingered for a moment before she returned her head to my shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Andy.”

I tightened my arms around Kelly. “Do be.”

“I don’t know what came over me, or why I kissed you. Being in your arms, dancing with you, and spending time together got the best of me, and I couldn’t help it,” Kelly whispered in my ear.

I nodded, my face moving against hers. “I understand, Kelly.” I pulled my head back and looked into her blue-gray eyes. “If you’re feeling the way I am.”

“How are you feeling, Andy? What do you feel?” Kelly asked.

“After spending our time together tonight, I’ve realized I’m tired of being alone, and I need to move on. You said you’d given up dating, but agreed to go out with me. The more we dance and talk, I would like to move on with you, if you feel the same.” I kissed Kelly to convey my feelings.

Kelly smiled and nodded. “I think you can read my mind. Andy, I’m ready too, and can’t think of anyone I’d rather test the water with. I want, no, I need to get out of myself, put the past behind me, and start living in the moment, not the past.”

It was uncanny how closely our needs seemed to be, two lost souls that came together and found common ground. After moving into my new home, I used to think about getting out, but they were fleeting thoughts. For the most part, my grief had diminished to the point it was bearable, but it had been replaced with loneliness. Fear of the unknown prevented me from venturing into life again. Now, I found myself in the arms of Kelly, a girl I knew and briefly dated ten years ago. She wasn’t a stranger, and there was a comfort level with her.

Kelly kissed me again. “A penny for your thoughts.”

“I’m trying to understand how my thinking and feelings could have changed so quickly. When I decided to attend Tim and Lisa’s wedding, I thought I’d go to the church, have something to eat at the reception, and visit with a few old friends. I planned to leave after a couple of hours.” I smiled and turned Kelly as we danced.

“When I saw you at the church, memories of our high school days flooded my mind. It was almost impossible for me to pay attention to the ceremony as I relived happier days, the carefree days of my youth. Then, as if it were divine intervention, you asked for a ride to the reception and asked me to sit with you. In the blink of an eye, I went from being stag to having a plus one.

“The more we talked and shared, the more I realized how much in common we had, and how much I missed the company of a beautiful woman. Kelly, I have no idea what the future holds, but if you’re willing, I’d like to see where it goes with you.”

Kelly chuckled, kissed me, and said, “I can’t think of anything I’d like better. When you asked me to dance the first time, I felt wanted for the first time in years. As I said, men had asked me out, but I refused because I wasn’t interested in dating or the posturing that goes with getting to know a stranger. You’re not a stranger, Andy. You’re someone I’ve known for over ten years.

“I know things didn’t work out for us when we were in high school. I was persuaded to date Bob by my so-called friends for all the wrong reasons. Everything wasn’t bad with Bob, and I had fun with him. At some point, I fell in love and married Bob. I was happy until things changed and went downhill.

“One of the things I’m grateful for is that we never had children. I wanted a family, but I discovered I was unable. When I suggested adopting, Bob went off and said he wouldn’t raise someone else’s kid. That, along with his excessive drinking, made my decision to leave him easy. The fear of being alone was outweighed by the fear of living with him.”

Kelly’s mentioning children caused me to stiffen. She noticed and looked into my eyes.

“Kathy and I wanted a family. She was three months pregnant with our first child when she was killed. Losing both was almost more than I could bear. My first year without her was a combination of unsettled grief and depression, but I managed to overcome the depression, but the grief lingered.

“Kelly, this is the first time since I lost Kathy that I’ve been able to talk about her this much with feeling I’d cry. I’ll never forget her, but I have to reclaim my life and sanity. If you’re willing, I want to see where things go with you.” I knew I was repeating myself. It was as if I needed to convince myself that I was heading in the right direction.

“Andy, do you believe in fate? Do you think that sometimes things happen because they’re meant to be?”

I shrugged. Did I believe that some outside force could change the course of someone’s life? How was it that while at a wedding, I wasn’t originally planning to attend, that I’d meet and reconnect with Kelly? Was it fate that our past lives had turned out the way they had? Although different circumstances caused us to be single, our reclusiveness was unexplainable.

I kissed Kelly. “Kelly, over the past few hours, my thinking and desires have changed in ways I can’t comprehend or fathom. I don’t know if I believe in fate, but something has brought us together again. When I first saw you at the church, it rekindled memories of our time in high school. I looked forward to talking to you again, but never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d end up spending the evening together.”

Kelly chuckled. “Right? Andy, I don’t know or care how we got together tonight, but I couldn’t be happier that we did. Not only am I willing to see where things go for us, but I’m looking forward to it.”

We finished dancing, returned to our table, and sat down. Kelly sipped her drink, saying no when I asked if she wanted another. At midnight, Tim and Lisa used the dick jockey’s sound system to thank their guests and let them know they were leaving. The room was filled with applause as they waved and left. The disk jockey informed us that the reception would end at one. He started playing music, and I asked Kelly to dance again.

As we moved on the dance floor, Kelly and I kissed like two teenagers at a school dance. Our brief pecks grew into longer kisses while we held each other and attempted to maintain our dancing. When Kelly pressed her tongue against my lips, I parted them and we kissed open-mouthed for a moment.

Kelly removed her mouth from mine. “Andy, can I get a ride from you, or should I contact Uber?”

“I’ll be happy to drive you home, Kelly.” I smiled at her. “It will give me more time with you tonight.”

Kelly grinned, kissed me, and said, “Thank you.” She hugged me as we swayed to the music.

It was twelve thirty when Kelly said she was ready to go if I was. I nodded, and we said goodbye to our tablemates. As we left the venue, Kelly put her arm around me. When we got to my SUV, she turned to me, put her arms around my neck, and we kissed. Our tongues met as the kiss gained passion. After several moments, we broke the kiss and I opened the door for her.

I went to the driver’s side, opened the door, and looked at Kelly. “You can tell me how to get to your apartment, or give me the address, and I’ll use the navigation system.”

Kelly shifted in her seat, reached out, and took my right hand in both of hers. She gazed into my eyes and smiled.

“This night has been magical, Andy. I can’t remember when I’ve had a better time,” Kelly said.

“I assure you that the feeling is mutual. It’s been great reconnecting with you. I’m sorry to see it come to an end, but I look forward to seeing you again.”

Kelly smiled, released her seatbelt, and knelt on the seat. She leaned over the console, put her hand behind my head, and pulled our mouths together. Her kiss was filled with passion as our tongues met and tangled. I put an arm around her, holding her as close as we could in the vehicle. She broke the kiss and stroked my cheek.

“I don’t want it to end either. I want to continue feeling what I feel right now.” Kelly paused and took a deep breath. “How would you feel if I asked you to take me home, to your home?”

I smiled at Kelly, kissed her, and said, “Privileged.”

Kelly nodded, returned to her seat, and refastened her seatbelt. I started the SUV, backed out of the parking space, and headed for my house. Taking my hand, she held it, resting our hands on the console.

“I’m coming on too strong, aren’t I, Andy? I don’t know what’s come over me, but I know I want to be with you tonight.”

“You’re not coming on too strong as far as I’m concerned. We’re two friends who reconnected by whatever force there was. As you know, this is the first time in a long time I’ve been in this position or experienced the feelings I have.”

“Does that mean you won’t disrespect me if I want you to make love to me tonight? If you’re more comfortable dating and seeing where things go, I understand.” Kelly chuckled and squeezed my hand. “You have to believe me when I tell you that going to bed with a man tonight wasn’t something I remotely thought about.”

“It wasn’t on my mind either, Kelly. If you have a change of heart when we get to my house, I’ll understand. While technically this isn’t our first date, I want to make love to you, too. Let’s play it by ear and see where things go.”

Kelly nodded and smiled. As I drove, it seemed both of us were lost in our thoughts. I had no idea what was going through Kelly’s mind, but I remembered meeting Kathy for the first time.

We were at a college party, drinking and having fun. I was barely nineteen and living away from home for the first time. While we talked, Kathy told me she was there alone. When I said I was alone, too, she smiled and said, “Not anymore.”

Kathy spent a few hours talking and drinking beer from red plastic cups. I don’t think either of us was drunk, but the beer affected us. When she kissed me, I didn’t resist. Our shared kisses turned into a full-out make-out session. We sat in the corner of a dark room in an overstuffed chair, swapping spit and running our hands over each other. Neither of us cared that there were others close, as I put my hand under her top and she put her hand between my legs.

Smiling inwardly, I remembered Kathy leading me to a bedroom, lowering my pants, and taking my cock in her mouth. I watched her blow me for a few minutes, pulled her up, and began undressing each other. As soon as we were naked, we got onto the bed and began kissing. It was the second time I had sex, and the second time the girl was the aggressor. Before we passed out, I ate her, she blew me, and we fucked. Kathy and began dating, and she became exclusive with me. We fell in love and married before we graduated.

Kathy and I spent the next three years living together and having sex. She was passionate, adventurous, and willing. When Kathy got the urge, she didn’t care where we were.

I pulled into the long driveway leading to my house. When I parked in the attached garage, I got out to open Kelly’s door. She wasn’t as cautious getting out of the SUV as she had been, and her dress rose, exposing her legs to her knees. I took her hand, led her to the door, and unlocked it. We went into the combination mudroom and laundry. I used a touch screen on the wall to turn on the lights in the house. When I removed my shoes, she removed hers.

“Would you like something to drink?” I asked when we entered the kitchen.

“Sure, what do you have?” Kelly replied.

“I have most anything. I’m having whiskey.”

When Kelly scrunched her face, I smiled. “I enjoy having a drink or two, but I’m not a drunk. The last time I got loaded was in my first year of college.”

Kelly asked for whiskey, and I poured two fingers into rocks glasses. Taking our drinks, I said, “Would you like to see my humble abode?”

Kelly chuckled as she nodded. “Yeah, right. Humble abode?”

“I had the house designed and built a couple of years ago. It’s probably more than I need, but I wanted something I’d be comfortable in.”

I led Kelly into the great room. She looked at the high vaulted ceiling, the stone fireplace, and the leather furniture. Kelly walked to the double French doors and gazed into the darkness. I used a touch panel to turn on the yard light so she could see the built-in pool. I opened the doors and led her to the deck. The house was built into the side of a hill, so the deck was a story above the yard.

We stayed on the deck for a few moments before returning to the house. I put my hand on Kelly’s back and guided her down a hallway to my office. She glanced inside, seeing the large desk with multiple monitors. After the office, I showed her the master bedroom. She smiled when she saw the four-post king-size bed. I showed her the en-suite and the large shower.

When we returned to the bedroom, Kelly placed her glass on a nightstand, took my drink, and put it next to hers. Facing me, she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled my head to hers.

“Can we continue the tour later?” Kelly asked.

“Of course.” I kissed Kelly.

She pulled back, smiled, and said, “Do you remember when you took me to the movie and we made out? Do you remember you telling me you were afraid to feel me up?”

I chuckled and nodded.

“Don’t be afraid, Andy.” Kelly grabbed my wrists and pulled my hands to her breasts.

I kissed Kelly as my fingers flexed, massaging her full breasts. She ran her hand down my back to my butt and pulled our crotches together. I wiggled my hips, feeling my cock swell. Our kissing and touching became frantic. I moved a hand to her back and lowered the zipper of her dress. As I pulled it down, she removed my suit coat and tossed it on the bed. She loosened my tie, removed it, and began unbuttoning my shirt. I put my hands on her shoulders and slipped her dress down her body. She let her arms hang as the dress cascaded to the floor.

I finished removing my shirt while Kelly undid my belt, opened my slacks, lowered my zipper, and pushed my pants down my legs. As I stepped out of my pants, I gazed at Kelly and the black lingerie she wore. Her bra could barely contain her large breasts. Her garter’s suspenders held up the black fishnet stockings covering her legs. The small panties covered her mons, but her ass was completely exposed. I ran my fingertips over her body, touching the small bobble in her pierced navel. She gripped the waistband of my snug boxer briefs and tugged them down my legs.

When my underwear reached my knees, Kelly knelt and removed them, and my socks, as I lifted my feet. She wrapped her hand around my erection, looked up, and smiled as she stroked me. Leaning forward, Kelly opened her mouth and took me into her mouth. She held my balls as she moved her head, sliding her soft lips over my rigid shaft. My cock, at just under seven inches, isn’t huge. None of the women I’d been with ever complained. Kelly bobbed her head, taking me into her throat. She moved her head, moaning around my cock. As much as I wanted her to blow me until I came, I moved back and pulled her to her feet.

Reaching around Kelly, I released her bra. She let it glide down her arms to the floor while I moved my hands to her ass and gripped her firm cheeks. I located the hooks holding her garter, undid them, and pulled it and her tiny panties down. I knelt as her shaved moms came into view and rolled her fishnet stockings down. Leaning closer, I kissed her mons and pushed my tongue between her legs. As I rose, I wrapped my arms around her, holding her ass as I moved us to my bed. Kelly managed to pull the covers back before I placed her on the mattress.

We came together in a heated kiss and rubbed each other. Lifting my head, I looked at Kelly and said, “You’re beautiful.”

“Thank you. You make me feel beautiful and sexy.” Kelly rolled onto her back, pulling me on top of her. She reached between us and gripped my cock. “I don’t mean to sound needy, but I want you in me. This entire night has been the most enjoyable foreplay I’ve ever had, and I’m ready.”

Kelly placed the head of my cock against her opening, moaning as I slid into her wet pussy. She removed her hand from my shaft, gripped my arms, and wiggled. I pushed my dick into her pussy until our pubic bones met. After kissing Kelly, I pressed my chest against hers and began moving. Her legs widened, and she hooked them around my thighs. Lifting myself on my extended arms, I watched Kelly’s breasts oscillate as I increased the speed and intensity of my steady thrusting. Kelly flipped her head from side to side as I relished the feeling of having sex in four years.

I slowed down, lowered my head, and kissed Kelly. “Are you okay?”

“I’m so far above okay, it isn’t funny, Andy. This is not only needed, it’s wonderful.”

I nodded and resumed my movements. As I slid my cock in and out of Kelly’s pussy, I relived feelings that had long abandoned me. For the past few years, I used masturbation to quell my sexual needs. Jacking off would no longer be satisfying enough. I need to enjoy sex with another person, not myself.

Because of my long hiatus, I didn’t think I’d last long. I was pleasantly surprised that my staying power was as strong as it was when I was with Kathy. When we fucked, I could last long enough for her to come. I hoped I could do the same for Kelly. While our coupling lacked the love I shared with my late wife, it was no less pleasurable. Deciding it was time for a change, I wrapped my arms around Kelly and rolled onto my back. She didn’t miss a beat as she began riding my cock. I moved a hand to her breasts, rubbing one then the other while using the fingers of my other hand to tease her clit.

Kelly placed her hands on my chest and bounced on my cock, causing her breasts to flop and wobble. As I rubbed her clit, she rocked her hips and moved up and down. We continued for another fifteen minutes before we changed positions again. She lay on her stomach, and I reentered her from behind. The sound of my hips meeting her ass echoed in the room. She put her arms under her and gripped her breasts.

Using her legs and arms, Kelly pushed up until she was on all fours. I gripped her hip with one hand and diddled her clitoris with the other. She rocked her body, meeting my thrusts. Her moaning and incoherent babble mixed with my grunts and our slapping flesh. When I felt her pussy contract around my cock, I knew she was reaching her climax. I managed to hold off as her body quivered and her vagina spasmed. As she came down, I emptied my semen into her pussy. Holding her hips, I shoved into Kelly and stopped moving as my cock throbbed and shot cum into her. When I finished, I pressed my chest against her back. She flattened herself on the mattress and gasped for breath.

After a moment, I rolled off Kelly and lay beside her. She moved her body over mine and kissed me. We squirmed, rubbing our sweaty bodies together while sharing pecking kisses.

“What the hell, Andy! That was the best sex I’ve ever had,” Kelly said.

“I’m glad I pleased you.”

Kelly chuckled. “Pleased me? I’ve never had an orgasm from fucking. I don’t mean to talk about my past, but Bob couldn’t last very long. If I wanted to get off, I had to do it myself when he finished. As much as I like cuddling with you, I have to get up before I leak all over the bed.”

I grinned and kissed Kelly. When I was with Kathy, she convinced me to do something I didn’t think I could. Moving lower, I massaged and kissed her breasts. I took a nipple into my mouth and sucked it while pinching it with my teeth. She held my head and moaned as I moved from one mound to the other. After leaving her breasts, I kissed down her body, pausing at her navel. I flicked my tongue against her piercing as she squirmed. When I grabbed her legs, spread them, and pressed my mouth against her pussy, Kelly screeched.

She tried to scoot away, but I held her tightly and continued to lap at her pussy, tasting our combined fluids. After a few moments, Kelly stopped trying to escape, grabbed my head, and held it against her crotch. I used my tongue and mouth on her labia and clit. It didn’t take long before she began chanting and came.

I removed my head, moved up, and gazed at Kelly. She caught her breath, grabbed my head, and kissed me.

“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you. In the course of the night, I reconnected with you, got fucked like never before, and found out what it was like to have my pussy licked. To top it off, you ate me after coming in me.”

“You’ve never had anyone go down on you?” I said in disbelief.

Kelly shook her head. “Bob said it was sick, but didn’t think that me blowing him was. Andy, you’re the second man I’ve ever had sex with. I have to say that you did things to me I’ve only dreamed of.”

I chuckled and sang, “Baby, you ain't seen nothing yet!”

“If you want to continue seeing each other and have sex, I’ll be happy to show you what I know and like. I learned sex can and should be fun. It’s a way for two people can express their feelings in the most intimate way. If we do continue, I’ll stop if I’m doing something you don’t like.” I kissed Kelly. “Have you ever shared a shower?”

Kelly giggled and shook her head. “No, but I have a feeling I’m about to.”

We got up, went into the bathroom, and I led her into the large shower. The way it was designed, it didn’t need a door to prevent water from getting on the floor. I turned the valves, causing the multiple showerheads to spray us. Hugging Kelly, I moved us around, wetting our bodies. I grabbed a bottle of body wash, squirted it onto a puff, and began coating her body. Kelly held my shoulders as I washed her. When I reached her breasts, I handed her the puff and used my bare hands. Kelly and I playfully washed one another, spending extra time on each other's genitals. We kissed and hugged, rubbing our soapy bodies together.

Kelly and I rinsed, and I shut off the water. We stepped out of the stall, and I handed her a towel. We watched each other rub the towels over our bodies, grinning and sharing smiles. She wrapped a towel around her wet hair, and we returned to the bedroom. We sat on the bed, sipped our drinks, and leaned against each other. After sitting silently for a few minutes, I turned to Kelly.

“Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you or do anything to upset you, did I?” I asked.

Kelly put her drink down and put her arms around me. I put my glass on the nightstand and hugged her.

“Andy, you haven’t done anything to upset me. If anything, you may have ruined me for any other man. I know everything is sudden, but you’ve stirred feelings I’ve forgotten. I never knew sex could be like it was with you tonight.”

I put my hand on her leg, moved it to her crotch, and rubbed Kelly’s pussy. She opened her legs and moaned as I worked my fingers against her. “We’re not finished, are we?”

“Not by a long shot.”

Kelly and I spent the better part of the next hour engaged in a very active sexual romp. We kissed, touched, sucked, and fucked each other, pausing to rest before resuming. Unlike the first time, we became vocal, telling one another what we liked and wanted.

“I never knew sex could be this good,” Kelly said during one of our breaks.

“It’s great with you. You have a talented mouth and a tasty pussy. So, what’s your favorite way to fuck?”

Kelly stroked my cock and smiled. “Until tonight, I’d only done it missionary style. My ex would climb on, pump away for about five minutes before he came. When he finished, he’d roll over and fall asleep. You’ve shown me several positions and I love them all. So far, I think doggy style is my favorite, but that remains to be seen.”

I flipped Kelly onto her hands and knees. Kneeling behind her, I gripped her butt cheeks and buried my face in her crotch. Using my mouth and fingers, I brought her to an orgasm before mounting her and shoving my cock into her pussy. She slammed back against me, telling me to fuck her harder. After I came, I rolled onto my back and pulled her over me. She squealed as I pulled her crotch to my mouth and probed her pussy with my tongue.

Pushing her off my face, I said, “Suck my cock.”

Kelly took my slick dick in her mouth while I went back to eating her pussy. Exhausted, we lay beside each other and recovered. When we regained our composure, we kissed.

Before falling asleep, we agreed we wanted to continue and see where our reconnection took us.