Barstow - Net Violations 02

Steve, Debbie, and Emily are lingering over their coffee this morning mostly yucking it up over their sexual acrobatics the previous night.

"You guys can be real nutcases sometimes," Debbie grumbles.

Steve tries to defend his honor, "Hey! Ellie started it!"

"Oh she did, but you certainly did nothing to stop 'er!"

He just laughs. Emily shakes her head at both of them in an attempt to deflect her own guilt in the rough sex play.

"And how's your back, sweetie?" she chuckles.

"Oh, I'm fine. A bit sore. Nothing a little Flexeril can't fix."

The story here is that Steve was on Debbie in doggie, and little Ellie thought it would be fun to climb on Steve's back for a "bucking bronco" ride during their energetic coitus, pressing her pubes into his coccyx. Em was egging her on and helping her keep her balance while Steve pumped into Deb. After laughing at the scene sharing the bed with them, Cyan and Jackson decided it would be prudent to move to Jax and Em's bedroom before they were caught-up in the zaniness... or Ellie fell down on top of 'em.

Steve recounted, "Ellie was still laughing when she left for school this morning."

Emily let's out a deep sigh, "I continue to be amazed that we always manage to find new ways to play."

"Yeah," Steve wistfully muses. Debbie reaches down to tweak his cock. "Hey!" he laughingly protests.

"Anything on our agenda?" Deb ponders. "I'm remote today. I have my big laptop and figure on camping out at the table here. One of our reinsurers is pushing back on some rate proposals and the boss wants a little more justification for the increases."

"I'm working from home, too," Emily confirms. "Stevie?"

"I have nothing urgent. Need to call the pool place and check-in with Alex about that special-order pump for Ashley. Deb?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't forget to have something like a T-shirt handy to put on for any Zoom meetings."

"In my computer bag."

"And warn us, please. We don't want to accidentally flash somebody walking through the kitchen."

She laughs.

=====

"T-ville Pool and Spa. This is Alexandra. How may I help you?"

"Hi, Alex!"

"Hi, Steve! I'll bet you're calling about that pump Ashley ordered."

"Yep. She probably told you it's getting worse."

"She did. Our supplier is still trying to hunt one down. That particular model has been discontinued."

"No drop-in replacement?"

"Nope. Sucks, doesn't it?"

"Uh. It's supposed to. That's how pumps work."

Alex laughs. "You're always full of it, aren't you?"

"It's an incurable condition. What's our backup?"

"I suspect formulating a Plan B is keeping Ashley up at nights. It seems like she's not been getting enough sleep lately."

"Oh? I certainly know she's dedicated to her job. I, for one, appreciate it. I'm going to put you on hold for a second here. Hang on."

Steve can't hold his laughter, knowing the real reason Ash is sleep-deprived. A couple of deep inhales, and he's calmed down enough to continue their conversation.

"I'm back. What is she suggesting at this point?"

"Rebuilding the manifold for a currently available pump. The new designs are a lot more efficient, so there's that."

"So in essence, coupla' thousand to rebuild, and the new pump will save... what?... two bucks a month in electricity?"

Alex laughs again. "Yeah. You got it. We'll keep looking. She thinks the leaky pump is good for about three more weeks, and we'll have to do something serious after that."

"Keep me informed, will you?"

"Sure will, Steve. If I haven't said it recently, thank you for your business, and I especially want to thank you again for referring us to your friends in Decatur. That was a really nice project."

"Well y'all did a great job. Enjoyed it last week, as a matter of fact. Tell Ashley I said 'hi'."

"Will do. You have yourself a great day."

"You too."

He ends the call, and now that it's ended, Debbie and Emily, both within earshot, are bent over their computers in guffawing laughter.

"If she only knew!" Debbie laughs.

"Oh, I think she suspects," Emily chuckles back. "Do recall she was pimping-out Logan."

"I dunno," Steve counters. "Ash seems really adept at keeping a firewall between work and her life. She only tipped her hand with us when I startled her by revealing we were literally from the same neighborhood out in California."

"Yeah. Where is Cyan?" Em asks. "Seems odd she's not here."

"City. Shopping."

"Oh? Where? Early start for her."

"Uh huh. Marshall's, and Target. Marshall's had some leggings on sale she really likes."

"Don't blame 'er. She rocks leggings!"

"No argument here."

Steve phone rings.

"That's an odd ring tone, Stevie. Haven't heard it before."

"Somebody really special. I need to take this outside."

"Oooooo, Stevie. Somebody I know about?"

"Yep."

She shakes her head, grinning that it's one of his loves. He steps out onto the patio.

"Hi, wonderful lady," he answers.

"How are you, Steven?"

"Super! How are you?"

"Can't complain. Remember last year?"

"You think I'd forget the fabulous time we had? Shame on you!" he chuckles.

"The alumni are pressing me to do it again. Cassandra is leading the charge with the varsity girls, and especially wants to invite you. You made quite the impression with her."

"She still her saucy self?"

"Mostly. She's settling down a little, though. Her academics were lagging and we had to have a come-to-Jesus moment. Doing much better now."

"Well, good. Smart girl, and a really quick wit. What's your thinking?"

"Similar deal, actually. Saturday casual tourney, pajama party, no men. 'Cept you, of course."

"When?"

"Only open weekend I had for the gym was at the end of spring break, on April 12th."

"Checking calendar here... well I'm in luck, at least. Not a party weekend. So I'm free. Count me in if you get enough responses to make it work."

"Will do. Steven?"

"Suzanne?"

"You can sleep with me if you want. Gonna bring Emily?"

"Of course I want, and Em, Deb, and Ellie will be at our sides just like last time. You aren't serious with anybody?"

"No, sadly. Both situations I was working on last time didn't pan out."

"That's a shame. You are too beautiful of a person to not have somebody."

"Thank you, Steven. Dating at my age is challenging, to say the least. Oh... you're welcome to tell Debbie we're working on this even though nothing is final."

"I will. She's in our kitchen right now."

"Why am I not surprised?" Suzanne chuckles. "I'll call when we have something."

"Standing by, Suze. Looking forward to it."

"Me too. G'bye, Steve."

"G'bye, Suzanne."

Steve ends the call, steps inside and sets the phone down on the charging pad in the kitchen. He leans into the counter, wistful in the memories of last year's reunion tournament, smiling in the recollection of many friends made.

Debbie interrupts his brief daydream. "I heard some of that, Steven. Are you and Coach Winston planning something?"

"She is. A bunch of alums are wanting to reprise last year's reunion tournament, and are requesting my presence."

"Oh, that's not a surprise!" she laughs. "Any date yet?"

"Saturday, April 12th seems to be where she's going with it."

"Spring break. Makes sense. Probably won't have the dorms this time."

"She didn't say, but I suspect you're right. She'll let us know."

"Okay. Interested in some tub time? My head needs a breather."

"Gather Em and we'll do it."

=====

It did turn out that the football team luxury dorms were not available like they were last year, so Suzanne booked a block of rooms at a hotel near the school for the alumni volleyball girls, this time for both Friday and Saturday nights.

No problem reserving the small gymnasium for the Saturday event. Suzanne is in charge of that facility, anyway.

Steve and Emily just stepped up to the registration counter at the hotel, each carrying a light duffle.

"How may I assist?" asks the pleasant young man at the desk. Name tag says, "Kurt".

"Hi. Reservation for Albertson. It should be with a team block."

The clerk presses a few keys and a puzzled expression washes across his face. He riffles through three stapled-together sheets that appear to be a group list.

"Uh. Mr. Albertson? I see you here in the system and found you on the list, but I see here you were upgraded to our executive two-bedroom suite on the fifth floor, for both nights. Is that right?"

Emily starts to chuckle. "Suzanne. Gotta be."

"No, I didn't make that change, but the event manager is a close friend and is either playing a joke on us, or maybe has... oh... okay. That's fine. Is the rest of the team on the same floor?"

"They are."

Emily giggles. Kurt looks at her with that "... something is going on here..." smirk, but quickly restores his professional expression.

"Two keys?" he asks.

"Four, while we're here."

Another "oh, geez" look. Kurt runs the cards and hands Steve the little envelope.

"Thank you, sir, for staying with us. Hope you and your friends have a good event. Please don't hesitate to call the front desk if you need anything at all."

"Thank you, Kurt."

Steve and Em step away and head toward the elevator lobby.

"He was sorta cute, Stevie."

Steve sighs, "Don't start that shit here, Em. At least not with staff."

"Awwww..." as she reaches for a side hug. "You think...?"

"That you can cruise the bar? I don't see why not. You bring anything to wear for that?"

"Uh huh. The blue..."

"Ohgawd. That blue cotton dress? Damn, Em. It's what started all the trouble with Nick."

"I know! It works! Thank you for getting it for me!"

He sighs, stares at the floor, and shakes his head.

Steve presses the 'up' button. A car is waiting and they step in. Doors start to close and a slender and cute young lady comes barreling into the lobby, hollering "Hold the door!", just squeezing through but not making eye contact with the two already in the car.

"Gawd," Steve mumbles, smiling and anticipating at least a hug.

The girl glances up. "Huh? Oh! OH! Coach! Ohmygawd!"

Emily laughs as the sweet young thing takes a flying leap into a big hug with Steven.

"Hi, Cassie. Nice to see you. Sooner than I expected, however."

"Emily? Do you mind?"

"Of course not!"

Cassie goes for a big, sloppy kiss, backs off, and goes in for another one. "Coach? Are we going to do what we did last time? Please?"

The elevator doors open, Cassie jumps off, and the three step out. Steve glances at the room direction sign and leads them down the hall to his and Emily's suite.

"'Coach' is for the gym and court, sweetie. You can call me 'Stevie' when it's just you and me and my lovers. And I was thinking special time for us was a possibility if you were here. Up to you, mostly. You staying at the hotel with everybody, I guess?"

"Yeah. Didn't want to miss out on any partying. Now that you're here, there's certainly going to be a lot of that!"

"Not my intent, but if it happens, it happens. Anybody you know of sneaking in boyfriends?"

"Maybe a couple. Don't tell Coach Winston."

"Won't need to. She'll know. Coaches are that way."

"Oh, you're so right. Emily? Do you really not mind that I will be taking your man?"

"I don't. I thought you knew we shared our lovers."

"It didn't make a lot of sense then. Uh... don't know how to ask this... but would you... you know..."

Emily grins. "Go to bed with you, too?"

Cassandra's face turns bright red.

"Cassie?" Steve chuckles. "You're a pistol most of the time. Why does that embarrass you?"

"I dunno. You guys are different, I guess. Not just one of the girls."

Steve has a key out and is opening the door to their suite.

"Cass? Come on in."

"Fancy!"

"Apparently Suzanne got this for me and the ladies." He closes the door.

Cassie's face flushes again. "And you and her. You guys were totally up-front about what was going on between you two. Something about love lost and then found again."

"Yes, you remember. Have a seat. Em? You never really answered Cassie's inquiry."

Emily sits next to Cassie and leans into her for a kiss, "Here." Cass is at first surprised by the unexpected offer, then reflex kicks-in and she kisses back.

They break. "There's your answer," Emily purrs. "We need to save it for later, however."

Cassandra says nothing as she lifts her sweatshirt over her head.

"Cassie?" Steve interrupts. "She's right. We need to save this for after the tournament. Focus that energy on your play. This time you girls need to show the rocking-chair crowd you know what you're doing. Besides..."

Cass and Emily laugh at that. Cass pulls her top back on. "Okay, Stevie. Besides what?"

"Lover's afterglow. Coach Winston and the other girls would see it all over you and how you and I interact during the tourney. Hard to hide."

"But Stevie! About all I'll be thinking about is having you!"

"Oh, sweetheart. Tamp it down. Like I said, focus. This is 'Coach' talking here. I know how you play. Libero's a tough spot, but you have the strength and reflexes for it when you focus. Like your studies."

"Aww. Coach Winston told you about that."

"She did. She said you're doing better."

"I'm trying."

"That's all we ask. Okay, you! You need to scoot out of here and let us get settled. Who you staying with?"

"Terrie, Mel, and Andrea."

"It's okay to tell them that you saw me and that I said 'hi'. Leave the rest out, okay?"

"They'll be all over me about that. Everybody saw you and me gettin' it on in the showers."

"That was the moment, sweetheart. Yes, you and I certainly clicked. That's a good thing. But do the best you can, and we'll see you at the gym tomorrow."

"Okay. Another kiss? One for both of you?"

He and Emily smile, and enthusiastically take her up on the offer, with hugs thrown in for good measure. Steve shows her out the door, her glancing back wistfully as she steps down the corridor.

"Another one, Stevie," Emily moans.

"You feeling left out?"

"Not at all. You have really good taste. It does puzzle me though."

"What's that?"

"With the exception of those two women you do at the hotel..."

"Julia and Rachel?"

"Yeah. Them. All the rest of 'em are bi, and you share them with me. You ever figure out why you attract that?"

"Never dwelled on it. My feminine and empathetic side, I guess."

"I can see that. You certainly relate at our level. That's really attractive."

"Thanks, sweetie. What are our plans?"

"Snack and drinks at the bar okay?"

"You gonna?"

"Absolutely. Pussy-fest tomorrow and probably tomorrow night. Since we're on the road, if I'm going to get any strange cock it'll have to be tonight. You okay with that?"

"Have at it."

=====

Emily muses to Steven, "Haven't seen the girls yet."

"Nuh uh. I figured they'd be here by now. You ready?"

Freshly showered, the pair are heading toward the elevators to catch a light meal at the bar.

"Gawd, Em," as they pause to wait for the lift. Steve has glanced at themselves in the mirror across from the doors. "I got that dress for you for obvious reasons, but... damn... it certainly is short. Turn around."

She softly giggles while she slowly pirouettes for her man.

"Shit. Just doing that I can see cheekage."

"I know. I thought that was the intent."

"Not by that much."

"You want me to go back and change?"

"No. How many you figurin' on tonight?"

"I really don't know, especially if I have to share with Deb and El."

"Assuming they're up for it."

"Trust me. They are."

"You guys talked about it?"

"Of course, you silly person!"

The doors open. Steve presses '1' after stepping in, and Em leans into him for a hug. He teases her by lifting her skirt and giving her bare butt a good two-handed squeeze.

"Somebody might see us!" she chuckles.

"Fine with me!" is Steve's retort.

Alas, their short journey is not interrupted.

The doors open, and after rounding the corner toward the registration desk, who should they run into? Ellie and Debbie. They're having a hard time convincing Kurt, the cute desk clerk, they have a room.

"Hi!" "Hi" "Owgawd, Hi!" There is a slightly chaotic exchange of hugs and kisses.

"Sweeties!" Steve glows. He reaches into his pocket. "Perfect timing." He hands them the little envelope with the room number on it containing the two remaining key cards.

Debbie asks, "Where are you two going?"

"Bar," Em quickly answers. "Snack and drinks."

Ellie snickers. "And by the looks of that dress, picking up guys."

"Wasn't that our plan?"

Debbie softly shoves Emily for saying that out loud.

Steve chuckles. "She told me."

"And you'd figure it out immediately, anyway!"

"Got that right! I get to watch."

"While you're fuckin' some volleyball cutie, no doubt."

Emily softly laughs, "He just turned one down."

Debbie guesses, "Cassie, right?"

"Asked her to wait, to concentrate on her game."

"That 'coach' thing of yours is only skin deep, it seems. She calling you 'Stevie', yet?"

"In private."

"Oooo. Boundary already crossed," Debbie smirks.

"Last year."

"Yeah, you two were animals in the locker room."

Kurt overheard some of that and is subtly shaking his head as he feigns looking at his computer screen.

Steve sighs. "You guys go change into bar clothes and meet us down there, okay?"

Debbie retorts, "We competing with Em?"

"Don't think there's any competition. Plenty to go around."

Debbie and Ellie step around the corner to the elevator lobby, softly laughing in anticipation of evening antics.

Steve and Emily locate the bar and take the two remaining adjacent empty barstools. Lady bartender glances to Steve, "Food menus?"

"Yes, please. Lemme ask you something. Dim lighting, your sexy outfit. Is this bar known for hookups?"

"This close to a big college? You bet. You? Never mind. Your friend. She's certainly dressed for it. Name's Lydia."

"Her idea. Steve, and Emily."

"Nice to meet you. Something?"

"Blue Moon for me, Stella for her. Tall."

Lydia hands Steve menus for both, starts pouring, and looks to Steve. "Have to ask. Cute and young and clearly with you. I see the way you two look to each other. Yet she's dressed for pickups. And you're a biscuit. Do you... uh... mess around?"

"We do. We're swingers. Two more of our gang will be down here shortly."

"I get off at 10:30."

"No, you'll be getting off around 11:00 or so."

Emily is chuckling to herself knowing that was "classic Steve," and Lydia laughs, immediately getting the joke, and the gist of the joke.

"He always like this?" she asks Em.

"Uh huh. Just wait until the others get here."

"Both women?"

Emily just grins.

"Gawd. What have just I walked into?"

"A fun time," Steve deadpans.

"Do they?"

"All three, and both. Yes."

"Orgy."

"Yes."

"Fuck."

"Yes. As often and as many as possible."

Lydia laughs, "You are something else! Do you have a party room?"

"527."

Emily is cracking up.

"Uh huh. You planned this."

"Nope. Friend we are sharing the room with swapped our reservation around. It was a surprise when we got here."

"Friend?"

"Old flame. Long story."

"I can imagine you are full of 'em." Emily raises her eyebrows and nods. "You guys ready to order?"

Lydia takes their requests, smiling and shaking her head at the whole scene the entire time. She steps away to put in the food order.

Ellie and Debbie walk up behind Steve and Em.

"Holy smokes you guys!" Steve is startled. "You serious?"

Both are showing entirely too much skin, especially more leg than would be legal out on the street. Steve reaches to caress a thigh on Debbie. It's a loving touch, but his intent is to "check". Uh huh. Thought so.

Ellie giggles. Acknowledging Steve's little "inspection", Debbie responds with a cool, "Yes we are, Steven."

"Deb? Do you actually realize how short that skirt is?"

"I do, sweetie. If you were sitting in a regular chair you'd see everything. Got it at Patricia's store."

"Stevie?" Ellie sort of pouts. "We don't get to play like this very often. Hotel bar pickups are Emily and Cyan's thing."

"El? Aren't you afraid somebody you know from school is going to see you here?"

"So? I have a rep. May as well live up to it."

Steve sighs and rolls his eyes in resignation.

Both are leaning into Steve as Lydia returns to her post behind the counter.

"Wow. Steve, your lady friends are a little out there. Even the schoolgirls don't put that much on display. You pimping them?"

He sighs again, "No. They seem to be competing with Emily here."

All three laugh.

"Competing for your attention?"

"Yes, and no."

"Does anybody win?"

"Everybody wins."

The ladies chuckle and fawn a little bit over Steve. Lydia smiles at this, then steps away to attend to another customer.

Steve muses, "You know none of you are going to land anybody if you keep on clinging to me. The guys over at that table keep leering at how much skin y'all are showing. I suggest you say 'hi'."

"What about Emily?" Ellie asks.

"I'll be fine! We have food coming, anyway. Go have fun!"

El and Deb give their lovers a soft touch before sauntering over to the table where there are four young men, probably college students, but over 21 since they have beers. Steve and Emily are suppressing laughs upon hearing an excited yet puzzled, "Dr. Peterman?" from one of the guys at the table. Oops. Steve had just warned her.

Apparently it's not a problem. Friendly conversation around the table seems to have quickly progressed to invitations. Deb casually unties her unbuttoned blouse raising the ante. There are now fingers gently exploring thighs as the two women stand bracketing the seated men. One guy is a little bolder in his touching Debbie. He's licked two fingers, apparently probes her pussy, and she presses down into his hand. Bad Deb. Bad.

Okay... he's nodding to the others. The young men rise from their chairs, one with his arm around Ellie, "Mr. Fingers" cupping Debbie's butt cheek.

The girls and their entourage slowly move toward the elevator lobby. Debbie breaks away for a word with Steve and Em.

"Steve? Taking 'em up to our room, right?"

"Right. You tell 'em Em and I will be up there after we eat? Nice with the blouse, girlie. At least close it when you pass the front desk."

She chuckles. "Yeah. We told 'em you might wanna watch. No problem."

"Gangbang, or two-on-one?"

"Still negotiating. The kid who knows Ellie is conflicted."

"Not surprising. Good luck."

"Stevie? You going to pick up anybody?"

"Already have."

"Huh? Okay."

She runs back to catch up with the group. Hoots and whistles can be heard as the elevator annunciator dings and the doors open.

Emily smirks to Steve, sighing, "One or both stripped off."

"Gawd that's risky. I hadn't checked for cameras yet. Didn't think to discourage that."

"Your wife can be such a bad influence sometimes."

"You have no room to talk."

Em chuckles a bemused, "Yeah."

A server from the restaurant side has just brought their dinners.

"Who gets the mac and cheese?"

"He does," Emily answers. Reaching between her and Steve, the server sets down Steve's plate, turns to Emily for her plate while making lingering eye contact that's a lot more than just a confirmation of presence. Em spreads her legs. The server smiles.

"What time you off?" she asks.

"Nine. Where?"

"527."

"(What about him?)" the fella whispers.

"Lydia."

"Ah."

The server touches her shoulder as he steps away. Steve looks at Em trying his darnedest to not break out laughing.

She slaps his shoulder, "Just like you and Cat!"

"I know! That's why it's so funny!"

"Well, he's cute. Those tight pants he was wearing showed-off his instant boner when I asked when he was off."

"Like Cat with her panties."

"'Bout right!"

They chuckle to each other, and pause to enjoy their meals.

Lydia has been pretty busy with other customers, but returns to Steve and Em.

"Everything okay?"

Steve has a mouthful, so nods in response. So does Emily.

"Where are your friends?"

Steve swallows. "Up in our room, we expect."

"Oh? I thought they were here with you guys to cruise."

Emily tries not to choke while laughing after just taking a bite.

Steve chuckles, "Look over at that empty table." He nods in its direction.

"Yeah? So? They paid their tab."

"I shouldn't have to spell it out for you."

"Gawd. That was quick. All four?"

"Yep. We still on?"

"Uh huh."

"Another question."

"Shoot."

"Your low cut blouse and short skirt."

"So? Pretty much your standard barmaid costume."

"You know what I mean."

"You are the nasty one!" Lydia chuckles. She fishes a braless boob out of her boatneck top, and flips up her skirt to flash a hairless pussy. Not even a landing strip.

"Uh huh. So you come-on to customers frequently."

"Not really. Just prepared in case somebody wanders in who has the right vibe."

"So I'm 'it' for tonight?"

"You're 'it' for the entire month. Gawd you guys ooze sex. Really fun sex, too!"

Emily is obviously laughing though her mouth is full, Steve just smiles as he forks another bite of mac'n'cheese.

=====

Breakfast is leisurely given the tournament start time is 10:00 and it's a five-minute drive from the hotel. Steve, Emily, Ellie, and Debbie are at a table for four, smirking and grinning to each other in unspoken recollections of the previous night's extreme carnality.

"Five. All five," Steve mumbles, looking to each, soliciting "Who, moi?" glances. And giggles from El and Em.

Debbie glares back at him. "You certainly can't talk. You and Lydia were all over that fuckin' bed the entire time. By the way, it was six!"

He shakes his head. "Forgot about Kurt. How'd you guys swing that?"

"Andrew," Emily admits. "He called 'im. Didn't you overhear that?"

"I guess I did. 'We could use a little assistance in 527,' as I recall. Lyd and I were catching our breath at the time. Gawd. But you guys. Splooge everywhere."

They laugh.

Em asks Steve, "You tell Lydia she can't see you tonight?"

"Didn't have to. She's off."

"Well she sure 'got off' last night," Ellie snarks. "Gawd she was loud. How many?"

"Didn't count."

"I did," Deb snickers. Five, if you include one with Em and one with me."

Ellie giggles again.

Steve leans back in his chair arms crossed, wearing a big, satisfied, smirking smile. Em reaches across the table to smack his shoulder.

"Hey!" he protests back. "You guys were nuckin' futs!"

El teases back, "Yep. Six hard young cocks? You bet!"

Soft laughter at that.

Steve waxes serious, "But after everyone left, it was so great to have you guys in the bed with me. It may be our normal, but I live for our normal, y'all."

Debbie sort of grumbles, albeit teasingly, "Your bed was the only one with dry sheets, Steven. Had to."

She sticks her tongue out at him, making the other two chuckle.

"It was. Lydia and I made sure there was always a towel beneath us. Anyway..." He reaches for his phone. "9:17, guys. We ready to wander over to the gym? Deb? You going to change here or there?"

"Coach Winston said we'll all change into game kits there."

"Good enough. Nobody needs to go back upstairs, right?"

Confirming nods, and they rise to make their way to Steve's SUV.

=====

"We almost could have walked here, Stevie," Debbie muses on getting out of the car.

"True. But it's unseasonably warm and muggy. Didn't want to show-up needing a shower already."

"Like you'd object, Stevie-poo!" Emily chuckles.

Their hike to the usual side entrance finds it locked. Steve tries the latch a couple of more times to no avail.

"We at the right gym?" he asks Debbie.

"We are. I don't understand."

An adorable face suddenly appears in the small door window. She smiles really big on the realization that Steve and his troupe have arrived. The door swings open for them, the person tending to the door hiding behind. The four step in, and the young woman holding the door closes it and reveals herself... to be nude, save for kneepads and game shoes. She leaps to a big hug with Steven, followed by a friendly kiss.

"Hi, Coach! Oh we're so glad you are here!"

"Hi, Doreen! Very nice to see you! Uh... you're tending to the door naked. Is there something we need to know?"

"Coach Winston has a little surprise for you guys. Come this way."

"No doubt," Steve mumbles.

Debbie is grinning like she knows something.

Dory leads the four to the locker room to be met by a smiling Suzanne Winston, wearing the same game uniform as Doreen.

"Hello, you!" Steve greets as he goes in for the big hug and kiss. "Okay. Big surprise. What's going on?"

She laughs and leans back out of their embrace. "Blame it on the girls, Steven. It's a smaller group this year, and several of them said, 'Let's continue where we left off!'" Turning to Debbie, Emily, and Ellie, "Hi, you guys!"

"Who was the instigator? I have a notion."

"You're right."

"You know she visited with us a little bit last night."

"Yes, I do. And she told me you said to wait until today, and concentrate on her game."

"I did."

"Thank you. You really impressed her -- again -- with that little bit of discipline. Now, for you guys, go find a locker for your stuff and strip off."

"Oh?"

"Like I said, the ladies agreed that this entire tournament was to be in the nude. It's why the door was locked."

"There had to have been some hold-outs."

"A handful. But the others pressured 'em with, 'Like you weren't last time?' and other persuasions. Slightly surprised all of them relented. I get the first naked hug with you, however."

"It's a deal."

Suzanne directs to a row of available lockers and returns to her responsibilities in the gymnasium.

"Hey, Deb." Steve asks, "Why didn't you warn me about this?"

"She said she had doubts, but after Cassie came to her about how wonderful you were with us last time, it was her surprise 'thank you' gift to you."

"I'm touched. Truly. Now was that why Doreen answered the door for us?"

"A little. You two had your own moment in the showers after you gave Cassie her Big O."

"Makes sense."

"You know you're going to be swamped when we step out into the gym."

"I'll deal with it."

"I'm sure you will."

Ellie and Emily are smiling and shaking their heads at this while they stash their clothes in the lockers.

Debbie informs them, "I need to check-in. You guys can take your time."

"Almost ready. You go on ahead," Steve confirms while draping his slacks on a hanger.

Emily is wearing a concerned expression. "You going to be okay?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Deb is right. They're going to be all over you."

There's a roar of women's voices from the gym, seemingly timed to Debbie's appearance on the court. "Where's Stevie?" can be heard from several.

"Ohgawd," Ellie snickers. "You are sooooo in trouble."

Suzanne's voice can be heard above the gleeful throng, "Ladies? Ladies! Soon enough! Let's get these teams organized!"

"Coach?" one can be heard asking. "Is he here?"

Suzanne answers with a laugh, "Elvis is in the building!" which draws screams of giddy laughter.

There's a shouted, "Will he be naked like us?"

"Soon enough, Jennifer! Looks like enough for four teams, three are alumni, and do we have seven varsity here?"

"Eight!" Doreen confirms.

"Okay! Then everybody to the tables here to build the rosters."

"Stevie?" Ellie inquires, "We ready?"

"Yes, but not yet. Let them tend to business before we disrupt everything."

Emily quips, "'We', Steven? You mean 'you'!"

He lets loose with a big sigh.

"Stevie? What's wrong?" El sidles up to him.

"Whaddaya mean?"

"You're soft. I mean really soft. Thirty naked women out there, tall, svelte, firm... and naked! Gawd. Exactly as you like us. You'd normally be risking poking an eye out with that thing."

Emily giggles. "She's right. You okay?"

Another sigh. "Between 'Coach' and just trying to be a civilized nudist, I'm working at it."

"They're going to want to see you desire them, Stevie," Ellie suggests.

Em warns, "There are several who will have no compunction about stroking you up. You know that."

"Yeah. I guess. Alrighty. Let's do this."

With Ellie on his left and Emily on his right, they step arm-in-arm out of the locker room and into the gym.

They are spotted. "Coach on the floor!" somebody shouts.

"Ladies! Be nice!" Suzanne shouts to the gathering as it swells to greet their hero. She steps forward with arms outstretched to signal the players that they are to remain behind her.

Suze steps to Steve for their promised greeting in front of the troops. "Hi."

"Hi, yourself." He lets go of El and Em.

They hug and lightly kiss.

"(How do you do this?)"

"(Do what?)"

"(Press our naked bodies together yet you have no natural reaction.)"

"('Coach Mode'. Sort of a zen state of mind. Like the old days.)"

"(So that's how you did it.)"

"(Had to.)"

Emily and Ellie overhear all of this and are chuckling to themselves.

Suzanne breaks their hug and faces the ladies. "I know many of you want to greet Coach Albertson this way, but save it for later. Varsity and Alum 1? Take the court, please."

"Awww," from the gathered players.

"Coach?" one girl calls.

"Cindi? You have a question?"

"Would it be okay if I wore a bra? Uh. You know."

Steve whispers to Suzanne, "(I see the problem. It would be safer for her if she dives out of reflex.)" Cindi is blessed with large breasts.

"Sure. Go ahead. We'll hold until you get back."

"I have a question, too!" another shouts from the stands.

"Lara? What you got?"

"For Coach Albee."

"Okay?" Steve responds.

"Can you please ask Debbie to back off with the kills? My nipples hurt for a week after last year!"

There are chuckling murmurs and a soft "yeah" from several on the the court.

"Deb?" Steve directs to where she's sitting in the bleachers. "What do you think?"

"You know the answer to that, Stevie!"

More chuckles.

"Sorry, ladies. She's a tough competitor. Concentrate on your blocking!"

"(Oh you're so mean!)" Suzanne chuckles to Steve. "(But thank you!)"

She redirects to the women on the court. "Everybody ready? Then server up!"

=====

First serve is from the varsity team... hard, and right into the net.

Suzanne calls, "That's okay, Jenny! Don't let it get to you!"

As the alumni team serves and starts the volley, Suze suggests to Steve that they take a seat on the first row of bleachers. Emily and Ellie are already there, and have spread towels out for Steve and Suzanne.

As they watch the game, Suzanne elbows Steven. "Hey. A little birdie told me you guys turned the hotel upside down last night."

"Fake news," Steve snickers. Em and El are giggling.

"Who told you?" Ellie asks.

"One of the girls. You know those guys you picked up?"

"Yeah. They were fun. Milked 'em dry."

"Oh, I can imagine. Two of 'em were player boyfriends. The one who told me wasn't particularly pleased, but she did admit that according to her boyfriend, you guys 'got game.'"

Steven is sitting there with pursed lips suppressing outright laughter.

"And you, Mr. Albertson! The bartender?"

"What can I say? She was on me almost the moment Em and I took our seats."

Emily's eyebrows are raised and she's nodding vigorously.

"Steven, for all the discipline you showed me and the ladies back then while the rest of our league was crumbling around all the sex scandals, you have turned into one randy son-of-a-bitch. Your little black book has to be three inches thick."

Emily answers, "Yeah. About a dozen regulars including the eight in the polycule, maybe another dozen less often."

"Yet he hasn't worn it into a pencil. Amazing."

"Foot fault!" Steve shouts to the court. "Varsity? You should have seen that! Side out!" There is a grumbling but respectful, "Okay, Coach."

"And here he is actually watching the play. You are amazing, Mr. A."

He shrugs his shoulders. "17 15, Varsity. You worked on your girls this past season. I'm seeing tighter play."

"Steven? Your time with us last year highlighted a couple of weak areas. I really appreciate that."

"You flatter me, Suze. It was hardly work for me, and we all had an incredible amount of fun. So I'm truly happy that whatever it was improved their game. Hang on. Cassie? Nice dig!"

Cassandra smiles back to her lover.

"She's really improved since last year, Steve. Her game even for this casual get-together is sharper than usual. What did you say to her last night?"

"Nothing profound. Told her to focus, to get her mind right about her play, and not to be distracted by my being here. Uh oh. We have to referee this. Did you see that?"

"I did. No, that was out, Stephanie!"

"But Coach!"

"Nope. Coach Albee saw it, too. He agrees. Out."

Emily muses to both, "You guys are something else. We're all here naked as jaybirds, you two have this whole simmering thing going on, yet both of you... sheesh. I can't for a moment understand how you do it."

Steve tries to reassure her that everything is okay. "You were never a jock, Em. It's a mindset that comes out when the play is on."

"It's really sexy, Stevie. Ellie and I are sitting here getting our towels wet."

"Go get each other off in the locker room, okay?"

"Steven?" Ellie interrupts. "We need to wait here. We're standing by for Car and Sarah to join us."

"Oh? This is the first I've heard of it! Wow! Oh, it would be so great to see Sarah!"

"We love you, Stevie. We do."

"Who are they, Steve?" Suzanne asks.

"Two of the poly ladies. They live closer to the school than Em and I do and my guess is they're taking advantage of our being up here. Oh. You probably know who Caroline is. Caroline Hester."

"Mygawd, Steven! I do! I may be giving you a rough time about your womanizing, but I do have to admit you are seriously top-shelf when it comes to your ladies. Who's this Sarah person?"

Ellie breaks in, "Dr. Meadows. Research scientist at Northwestern. Her department is endowed."

"Steven C. Albertson!" Suze sighs, deeply. "Like I said. You certainly have an eye for quality."

"Present company included, Suzanne. Damn. Lizbeth? Fault on that serve!"

"What did I do?"

"You didn't feel it? You struck the ball late. Your right foot was touching in-bounds as you came down before striking the ball. You're a Junior, right?"

"Yes, Coach."

"Coach Winston will be working with you next season on that timing. Good form, lots of power, just needs adjustment."

"Thank you, Coach Albee."

"Steven?" Suzanne is amused. "You're certainly in good form yourself. And how do you remember the girls' names like that? I see 'em nearly every day. But you?"

Ellie and Emily are laughing. Ellie points out, "Suzanne? He loves them. All the ladies out there. Why are you surprised? From what we all talked about last year, he apparently was the same way when he was coaching in that league."

Suze just shakes her head. "I think I need to do my job here and watch the play rather than being distracted by you, Steven."

"I distract you?" he chuckles.

"You certainly do."

"Thanks."

She smiles and slowly shakes her head again.

=====

First set ends 28-26, Varsity prevailing in the close contest. Cassandra comes running across the court to catch-up with Steve and Suzanne. She is glistening from perspiration given how hard she worked in that first game.

Steve chuckles, "You know, young lady, if you were trying to impress me with that performance, you succeeded. You been doing anything different since last year?"

Suzanne breaks in to answer. "One-on-one coaching, Steve. A little more detail than we could get in normal practice."

"Thanks, Coach. Stevie... uh... I mean Coach Albee. You saw me take several dolphin dives. They're a little sore. I could sure use some first aid from you."

"What do you mean?"

"Suck on 'em!" she giggles.

"Cassie!"

She laughs. "I'm going to get you sooner or later! I know it! Oo! I already am!"

Suzanne purses her lips in a half-smile and shakes her head. Em, Deb, and El are cracking up at Steve's full-mast erection in reaction to Cassandra's open invitation.

"Cassie?" he sighs. "Leave him out of it for the time being, okay? We talked about that last night."

"Aww!" she teasingly chuckles. "(I'm getting it later, right?)" she whispers in his ear.

"(Yes. But until then concentrate on the match, okay?)"

"Yes, Coach Albee," she giggles with a smirk, and skitters off to join the varsity girls gathered on the bleachers. They laugh and softly scream on Cassie's arrival, everybody obviously knowing the nature of her relationship with Steven and that she was toying with him.

Suzanne takes a deep breath to reset from that little display. "Alum 2 and 3!" she announces. "Go ahead and take the court."

She redirects to the varsity group, "Cindi, you going to be okay? You landed hard on a couple of those dives."

"Yes, Coach. I'm fine. I'm sorry, guys."

"We understand," Andrea offers.

Steve asides to Suze, "She's a real trouper, playing as hard as she does with what she's dealing with."

"It's why she doesn't play net positions any more, and avoids blocking. She took so many direct hits to her breasts last year she was crying from the pain."

"Sounds like volleyball really shouldn't be her game."

"Trying to steer her to tennis for next year. She has the coordination, strength, and reflexes, just the normal play of the sport isn't compatible with her physique. Hang on. Guys? That was out! And Judy?"

"Yes, Coach?"

"We talked about that last year. That didn't work when you were on the team, and it still doesn't work. Pay attention to the plane of the net."

"Sorry, Coach."

Steve muses to Suzanne, "Where'd she come up with that knee slide under the net thing? Once or twice I'd chalk it up to intensity of play, but you're right, it looks deliberate."

"It is. I think it's a bad habit from high school having figured-out it knocks the other side off-balance rushing the net for blocks."

"It seems to work, though."

"It does. Obviously I was discouraging it here, but she didn't heed my warnings until its frequency was noticed by referees and she was benched for the rest of a match."

"Tough love."

"Uh huh."

The ladies in the stands scream for a well-executed play.

"Hey, Deb!" Suzanne shouts. "Fantastic kill! You still got it!"

"Thanks, Coach!"

"Steve? She's practically your wife, isn't she?"

"We're married in spirit if that's what you're asking. All of us in the polycule are that way."

"That's right, Suze," Ellie asides.

"Yep," Emily confirms.

"Alright. He's got to have a favorite. El? Em?"

Emily chuckles, "Depends on the time of day and phase of the moon."

Ellie laughs. "True, that!"

"But he must have a primary go-to. I'll bet it's you, Emily. I've seen the way you two interact."

"It is," Ellie answers. "Second in command moves around, though."

"Guys. I love you all," Steve mildly protests. "Without reservation."

Ellie snickers, "Even when we fuck around, Suze. And Emily's the worst!"

"Hey. I resemble that remark!"

They laugh to each other. Steve rolls his eyes.

=====

Thanks to Debbie's mojo in the second set, Alum 2 wiped the court with Alum 3. At 25-18, it wasn't supposed to be that lopsided.

"Coach?" calls Juliette, the captain of Alum 3.

"Yes?" both Steve and Suzanne respond.

Everybody laughs.

"Coach Winston?"

"Yes, Juliette?"

"Any chance of better balancing the teams? That was brutal."

"You have a suggestion?"

"Can we trade for Debbie?"

"Aww, Coach!" several on Alum 2 protest.

"Guys, that's a reasonable request. Juliette? Who do you guys think your strongest player is today?"

There's some mumbling between the players on Alum 3.

"We seem to think it's Chrissy," Juliette answers

"I agree. Do the swap, Chrissy for Debbie. And let's take a break here. Alum 3 and Varsity are up next, so give everybody a chance to catch their breath and hydrate. Fifteen minutes!"

"Rats. Not enough time to get in trouble," Emily jokingly complains. "El? You hear anything from Sarah or Caroline?"

"Yeah. Got a text about ten minutes ago. Sarah's train was really late. They're about 45 minutes away."

"Do they know about the attire situation?"

"Uh huh. Got a 'LOL it figures!' from Car."

"Hey, Steve. How you doin' there?" Suzanne poses. "This has got to be a whole bunch of pressure on a guy. 'Specially a guy like you."

"Okay, I think. What do you mean by that?"

"You're a horndog, Steven, and you're surrounded by naked women who you know want you."

"Doing my best to keep it in check, Suzanne. Like we explained to Emily earlier."

"You know, it is so sad L. A. didn't work out for us. Now that the sport is getting national attention with the recent coverage from the streaming sports channels, we could've made careers out of it."

"I know. Since you're thinking that way, and this is sort of a fantasy of mine, do you think Debbie had potential to be on the U. S. team?"

"Yes, she did. At either outside or opposite."

"No kidding. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of all that power."

"She keeps in shape. She has a regimen, I take it."

"Gym in town."

"You go with her? You're at least keeping a little firm yourself."

"Every so often. Caroline keeps up, too, although she's active in her sport nearly every day."

"And I'm about to meet 'er."

"Yep."

"Athletes at her level are usually pretty good in other disciplines. What do you think about us inviting her to play?"

"I'm guessing she'd get a kick out of it. You know, I have an idea."

"Oh?"

"Let's build competing teams for a bonus set. My girls versus your girls."

Suzanne laughs! "You know what? That sounds like a hoot! Who would be 'your girls?'"

"Deb, Caroline, Cassie, and Doreen to start. I'll pick up a couple more. Like Britney."

"Gawd, Steve. Ladies you have been with, plus my power players, huh?"

"You know my rep for building an effective team."

"And ladies who are in love with you. Uh huh. You're so bad, you know."

"Putting it out there on the court."

"You, sir, are on!"

=====

Having just arrived with Sarah, "Hey, guys!" Caroline calls to her lovers enjoying the tail end of the third set.

It's 24-24 and the player exchange evened things out considerably. There were several seriously impressive saves from the alumni match-up. The blocking was astounding from players who haven't been in team play for several years.

"Come! Sit!" Suzanne invites. "We are so honored to have you here, Ms. Hester! You too, Dr. Meadows."

"Caroline! Please! Just think of me as another one of Steve's lovers and we'll be good, okay? You are one of his, too, I take it. You are his style, for sure!"

Sarah chuckles. Steve's face is turning red with embarrassment. The ladies laugh.

Play stops.

"Excuse me, Caroline." Suzanne calls out to the court, "What's the matter? Is something wrong?"

One of the ladies responds, "Is that the famous golfer from Decatur? Why is she here?"

"Coach Albertson's friend."

"Oooooo," is heard from the court. "Figures..." is somebody's sarcastic outburst.

Steve rises to greet his lovers. Caroline goes for a big hug and kiss, and passes him to Sarah for the same. There are "oohs" and "ahhs" from the gathering. Debbie steps down from the bleachers to greet her lovers, too. There are hugs and kisses all around.

"Steven?" Suze muses, "How do you do it?"

"Very well," Caroline chuckles as she takes a seat after somebody threw towels to her and Sarah.

Suzanne addresses Car, "We were just talking about Debbie's workout regimen, and your name came up."

"We go together sometimes. We'll put up with Steve tagging along on rare occasion. He doesn't like our gym because they make everybody wear clothes."

Suzanne laughs. "He's doing really great today, considering."

"This nude thing here is novel, Suzanne."

"Team building strategy."

"Yeah. Group suffering," she chuckles. "We did something similar back when I was in school."

"Stanford, if I recall from your bio."

"Uh huh."

"You play?"

"A couple of years on varsity, before it became necessary to focus on golf."

"International rules?"

"Uh huh. Why do you ask?"

"Steve and I had an idea."

Car glares at Steve, "Okay, Stevie. What have you gotten me into now?"

Suze snickers at that. "'Stevie.' You're one of his, alright."

The group chuckles.

Steve lets her know, "We're going to build for-fun teams, Suze versus me. Since I suspected you played, you're on my team. You up for it? It's going to be the last set of the day."

"Bring it on, Mr. A!"

Sarah shakes her head. "You guys are nuts."

=====

By the end of the regular rotation, Varsity took 3 sets of the four games played, losing in a squeaker to Alum 3. Last set was intended to be the top-two finishers, but the trade between Alum 2 and Alum 3 in the middle of the tourney muddied the waters as to the "best" alumni team.

Perfect opportunity to drop in the match play between the two coaches.

"Guys?" Suzanne announces. "Coach Albertson and I are going to pick respective all-star teams to close the day's events."

Steve breaks in, "All of you are great players, but Coach Winston and I are going for style and strength each representing our view of the world. I'm going to pick first, and I suspect she is going to pit the remaining varsity ladies against my choices. You all okay with that?"

The din is joyous and amusing, and one of the varsity girls volunteers, "That sounds like fun, Coach Albee!"

"It's intended to be! My first pick is the obvious one, Debbie."

"In more ways than one!" one of the ladies on the court laughs.

"Oh, it gets better! Caroline here is next."

"Gawd! A ringer! Guys, we're about to be had!" one of the varsity girls moans.

Steve laughs, "Oh, you'll be okay. You can go right ahead and complain about my next choice, one of your own."

"Geez, Coach!" somebody gripes. "I'll bet it's Cassie!"

"Anybody you haven't fucked, Coach?" one wag interrupts.

Steve laughs again, "You got it. Doreen, too. Come on up, Dory."

The laughter from the gathered young women is giddy. They're amused.

"Next is one I haven't, ladies. Britney."

"You going to?"

"Up to her, of course. But no, you guys get the benefit of being on the business side of her serve."

"Awwwww," they moan.

Britney runs up to the front to hug and kiss Steven, reaching down to cop a feel. "The answer is 'yes', Coach. You're a hunk."

"(Later. We have work to do.)"

She giggles.

"Last for Team Albee is Andrea for her awesome defense play."

"Gosh!" Andrea reacts. "I didn't think you noticed."

"Oh, I noticed! Coach Winston? All yours!"

She grumbles with a smile, "(Steven? You poached my best. Gawd. You've still got it.) Okay, varsity ladies. Sandra, you join us. Let's gather and see what we can do about the machine Coach Albee just assembled."

Steve pulls his six ladies aside for their own huddle.

"The assignments should be readily apparent to all of you. Car, you're center."

"Where I was before. How'd you know?"

"Good guess. Debbie?"

"Opposite. Andrea on outside?"

"Yep. Dory, Brit, and Cass in the back. Everybody cool?"

"Coach?" Cassie requests.

"Cassie?"

"We're gonna kill 'em."

"I know. But don't get cocky just yet. Overconfidence loses sets."

"Yeah. 'Cocky' comes later in the showers."

"Cassie!"

Britney and Dory giggle. Deb and Car smirk and slowly shake their heads.

"We need to get down to business. Brit? You know who the players are and how they respond to serves, right?"

"Oh, yeah!"

"Aces are good, but watch the back line! Deb?"

"Stevie?"

"Don't hold back."

"Wasn't planning on it, sweetie."

"How was your blocking, Car?"

"Pretty good. Why?"

"Watch for dinks. Suze uses that as a strategy when facing a strong front line."

"You are certainly into this, Steven."

"Reflexive. My concern at the moment is not having a chance to rehearse this. I think most of our plays are going to wind-up as Cassie-Doreen-Debbie, but Dory?"

"Yes?"

"Don't hesitate to setup Andrea for kills when it looks like they're expecting Deb. When they appear to be split on where the power is going to come from, go to Caroline. Her strength will surprise you... and them! Car, don't be afraid to go for dinks to the side. Knocks 'em off-balance. Everybody good?"

Nods and "Oh, yeah!" from the team.

"Coach Winston?" Steve calls. "We're ready."

"Ladies?" Suzanne addresses her team, "Let's go get 'em!"

Everybody scatters to their positions on the court.

"Coin toss?"

"You're the visiting team here, Steven. You serve."

"Good enough. Britney? Server up!"

=====

Ohgawd. Britney aces the first serve. Nothing but parquet.

"Steven?" Suzanne mutters. "You are fuckin' evil!"

"Thank ya', ma'am." He fakes tipping his hat. They chuckle to each other, and exchange a quick buss.

"We saw that!" hollers a disapproving voice from the court.

"Yeah! Consorting with the enemy!" yells another.

Everybody cracks up. They're having fun, yet the play is serious.

"One zip!" announces Britney. She jumps for the serve and hammers it. It's intercepted this time, and starts a nice volley.

"You know, Steven. This was a great idea. Your thinking is pro, I'm thinking college play. Gives the girls a really good sense of high-level play."

"To a certain degree, Suze. I couldn't do this with a real team. I'd burn them out by the third set. They'd be too fatigued by the tiebreaker to be effective. Saw it at the Olympics last year."

"I see what you're saying. You're talking about Annie, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"You given any thought at all about returning? It's obvious you still know your stuff."

"No. Life is too busy. Besides."

"Besides, what?"

"My preference for naked play would be frowned upon. Sure would be popular, though."

She reaches down to yank on his cock. It reacts appropriately.

"You're insufferable, Steven. Horndog. Like I said."

He grins. "They're doing great out there, Suze. Oo. Wow!"

"Ohgawd. You were absolutely right. Great solo block! Caroline really delivered on that one! But isn't she...?"

"Older than the others. Yes. Car is 35."

"Something to be said for the conditioning needed for pro-level play, Steven."

"Regardless of sport."

"Yeah. Speaking of horndog, Mr. Coach Albertson, am I going to get you tonight?"

"You sure are."

"After the ladies are done with you? You up for that? I know you have a lineup in mind for the showers after they're done here."

"Caught me. I already told Cassie we'd have our fun if we refrained until after the tourney, so I owe her. Britney requested, and it would be gentlemanly to reward her for her performance today."

"'Gentlemanly?' You crack me up sometimes, Steven."

"What can I say?"

"Any others on your short list?"

"I dunno. I have five poly ladies here, and there are reasons we cling to each other. They need to be my priority. Sarah, especially. I don't get to see her as often as we'd like. She goes back to the beginning of the polycule."

"That's sweet, Steven."

Steve jumps up in his seat. "WHAT A KILL! You do me proud, Deb! Damn!"

The ladies on both sides pause to applaud in agreement.

"I'll admit it to you but not to my ladies, Steve. That's a phenomenal team you put together on the fly. The varsity girls are mostly holding their own, but your gathering of sheer strength, concentration, and agility have them scrambling. And without them not ever played together before. What is the magic sauce here?"

"Desire to do their best for their lover as a unit."

"Seriously?"

"Yep. The ladies figured it out right away. My first four choices were lovers, then one wanna be, and Andrea glowing in my surprise appreciation of her skills. Didn't you ever notice that when you were playing for me?"

"None of us were having sex with you, Steven."

"But all of you wanted to."

"The party in the locker room after winning that final. We practically gang-raped you."

"Uh huh."

"Too bad I can't duplicate that formula."

"Not unless you grow one."

Suzanne laughs hard and slaps his shoulder, equally hard.

Emily leans in. "What just happened?"

"Steve was being a guy."

"He does that from time to time. Annoying, isn't it?"

Suze, Em, and Ellie laugh together, Steve just grins.

"Coach?" Britney calls from the court. She has the ball.

"Which one?" Suzanne asks.

"Both! Set point."

"Huh? That's gone by fast!"

Emily breaks in. "You guys obviously haven't been paying attention. 24 16."

"Shit! I'm sorry, ladies." Suzanne is paying for her distractedness. "Hang on, Britney. Varsity women? What did you learn from this?"

Sandra, an alum, replies, "With all due respect, Coach Winston, that Coach Albee is one helluva coach."

"No, Sandra." Steve stands up to counter. "Let's talk about the play."

"Your side had a lot of power at the net. Debbie and Andrea made us eat the ball several times."

"But that comes down to effective blocking. What else?"

"Caroline surprised us."

"Good. That shows you the value of conditioning. Ladies, she's fifteen years older than all of you."

"But she's a pro!"

"And with that comes attention to physical condition. It's not an accident."

"Yeah. She's really ripped, guys. I'd do 'er," somebody up in the bleachers blurts. It draws laughs.

"Car?" Steve calls out to the court. "Wadda ya' think?"

"Whoever said that, stand up. Oh, yeah. Locker room, babe."

The entire gathering roars. Steve smiles and slowly shakes his head knowing he set that up. Emily laughs and punches his shoulder. Sarah rolls her eyes, and Ellie is sitting there laughing at her lovers.

Suzanne stands up and tells her players, "Keep this game in mind for when we reconvene in August. There are a number of things we learned in Coach Albertson's approach to team building. Britney? Let's close 'er out!"

"24 16, set point!" She jumps and smacks the ball hard. No mercy, even with the scoring advantage. It grazes the top of the net, goes off in an unexpected direction but still in-bounds. Jennifer dives for the save and... no luck. Rolls off her fingertips.

Set, and match.

=====

Joyous cheers and group hugs mark the end of the day's play.

Giggling and jiggling, Cassandra and Britney run off the court aimed squarely at Steve. They find their mark and press their game-sweaty bodies into his.

"You promised!" Cassie reminds him, wearing a big grin.

"I did!" He lowers his head to tender a kiss.

Brit looks to him with brightened eyes in anticipation. "We gonna?"

"We are. You did great out there. You two okay with sharing a shower head?"

"Among other things," Cassie laughs, reaching down for a soft stroke or two.

But enough standing around. The girls each grab a hand, pulling him into the happy throng making their way to the locker room.

+=+=+=+=+