Magic: A Ladies in Love Romance Pt. 01

Magic

A Ladies in Love Romance

By Magda McKune

Part One

CHAPTER 1

I stood on stage, third from the right in the second row of about thirty girls trying out for a musical production number. They only needed six of us. Monday at noon was a crazy time for tryouts for an off-Broadway musical show.

And to think I was actually using up my lunch time for this.

I was hoping they were looking for a tall blonde with big boobs. My high and firm natural 38-inch bust was not the best asset for a dancer, but my wild mane of flowing blonde tresses should have gotten me noticed. Particularly if they were trying to fill the part of a Farah Fawcett Charlie's Angel look-alike.

I tried to act like a dancer in my black pleated knee-length skirt and a plum short-sleeve top with the tails tied over my navel. I had never been cast in a musical before, but at the ripe old age of twenty-six, one could only hope. A gal over twenty-three starting out in show business was really taking her chances.

I suppose I've always been interested in show business. I thought a gal with a fabulous figure like mine, I was sure to get noticed. I got noticed, all right. I quickly learned that folks will remember your body, but not your face or your name. I ended up taking whatever public modeling job I could get just for the exposure, hoping my face and body would boost my fledgling career.

I believe the high point of my attempt to make it in show business was sitting on the hood of a white Trans Am in a pink string bikini at a car show. Those attendees certainly remembered my body all right, but I suspected few could recall my name.

I tried my hand at acting, but had difficulty learning all those lines. Not to mention stage direction and pretending to be somebody I wasn't. I think that is the hardest aspect of acting; being convincing at not being yourself. I simply wanted to be plain old Carla Monroe -- the pretty blonde with the great figure.

Which is why I was now trying my hand at performing in stage musicals. I mean, how hard could it be? You learn a few dance steps and prance around the stage behind the real actors. Piece of cake.

After nearly a half hour of learning dance steps and practicing group choreography, the director allowed is to take a break from our dance practice. I chatted with the other girls as the director and choreographer conferred several rows back in the darkened auditorium seats.

They began calling the names of some of the other girls and asked them to remain on the stage.

"You, in the purple top," the man called. "Are you Miss Carla Monroe?"

My heart leaped in my chest. "Yes, that's me."

"You are a very pretty woman and an adequate dancer, but we don't think we can use you for this production."

I shaded my eyes from the bright stage lights with my hand on my forehead and tried to peer out into the darkened theater. "Did I do something wrong?"

There was a hesitation from the darkness. "No. You just aren't a proper fit for this show."

"I see." It was probably my big boobs that lost me this gig. Most musical productions don't want to have a single dancer stand out and steal the spotlight from the main stars. Big chested blondes might do well in a Las Vegas show or a burlesque review, but mainstream theater has no use for ample assets such as mine.

I forced a smile and tried not to cry. "Thank you for allowing me to audition for you."

"You did very well. Please come back if we have another open audition."

Not bloody likely, I thought. I doubted I could handle rejection twice from the same production company. "Thank you. I will."

I picked up my purse and descended the stairs from the stage into the auditorium.

A slender woman with shoulder length golden blonde hair approached me from my left and touched me on the arm. "Miss Monroe?" she asked. "May I have a word with you?"

I paused and didn't respond. I was still too choked up from having my hopes of being a star shattered once again. I turned toward her as she moved even closer to me. She was less than a foot away from me in the dark theater aisle, and as the lights from the stage caught her face, I was instantly taken aback at how beautiful she was. The woman must have been in her early thirties, but she looked absolutely stunning.

"Do you want to get into show business?" she asked pointedly.

"I've been trying, but I guess it was not meant to be."

"How old are you?"

"Twenty-six."

"Have you any experience in show business?"

I tilted my head and regarded her curiously. This gal didn't strike me as a reporter, and a story about a failed would-be actress is not exactly big news in the Big Apple. "Some school shows and community theater, but nothing professional as yet."

"Well, maybe they don't need you in this show, but perhaps you might be interested in being in mine."

I frowned with a puzzled expression. "Yours?"

The woman offered her hand. "Jennifer Prescott. Otherwise known as The Amazing Jennifer."

I accepted her shake. "Other than being amazingly gorgeous, is there some other reason for your 'Amazing' title?"

Miss Prescott tilted her head and studied my face to scrutinize the honesty of my statement. She could tell I was sincere in claiming she was beautiful. "Thank you for the compliment. But the truth is, that's my stage title. I'm a magician."

I regarded her thoughtfully. "What an original profession."

Jennifer smiled warmly. "Usually, this is where people generally start laughing."

"Why?"

"I suppose they think it's a rather silly occupation for a grown woman to have."

I shrugged a shoulder apathetically. "You have to do what your heart and soul tells you what to do."

"Is that why you want to get into show business?"

I sighed dolefully and began walking up the aisle toward the exit. "I suppose so. I've been a receptionist at a pharmaceutical firm for three years now. I have a college Associate's Degree in business management, but never went past two years of college. I suppose I didn't know then what I wanted to do with my life. Suddenly one night, it came to me in a flash of inspiration. I wanted to be on the stage. I got into some small productions here and there, and thought it was fun, but I never really considered acting to be a viable profession until recently. I know I could be good at it, and it's what I want to do more than anything. I realize I'm not much of a singer or dancer, but I got lots and lots of gumption and enthusiasm."

"And you're also very pretty."

"Thanks." We passed through the doors of the auditorium to the lobby. "So... tell me about this show of yours."

"Well, as I said I'm a magician. An illusionist to be more precise. I'm in need of an assistant and I was wondering if you would be interested in filling the role."

I paused and thought about it a moment. It wasn't exactly the big time, but it was an opportunity to get my feet up on a stage. "A magician's assistant?"

"To help with my illusions."

"What do I have to do? Get sawed in half? Have swords thrust into me?"

Miss Prescott laughed as she removed a business card from her purse. "Why don't you come over to my apartment tonight? We can discuss it in more detail over a glass of wine."

I glanced at the card. It had her home address and telephone number. "Sounds good. What time?"

Jennifer glanced at her wrist watch. "How about eight o'clock?"

"Perfect." I offered her my hand. "I look forward to seeing you then."

The woman accepted my shake and smiled warmly. "I look forward to finding out more about you, Miss Monroe."

"Please, call me Carla."

"Of course. See you tonight, Carla."

I went back to my office. I was twenty minutes late, but nobody complained. In fact, nobody was there at all. That was another reason I wanted to get out of my current job and into show business. It was a dull and tedious occupation and I longed to experience a little more adventure in my life.

I sat at my desk and ate my sack lunch. It didn't bother me to have a sandwich there all by myself. I spent enough time behind the desk already. I didn't need to take my breaks there as well.

Quite honestly, I didn't hate my job. I didn't particularly like my job either. Frankly, I had no feelings about it either way. That was the problem. It was merely a job; an income, a paycheck. Something to do to fill up an eight-hour day.

In a word -- boring.

I was the secretarial half of a two-person office. My boss, Stan Willoughby, was a sales rep for a pharmaceutical firm. He had been in the business longer than I had been alive. His client list was solidly established and his route was the same as it had been for years. Stan would visit his clients and present any new products that the company was promoting, or he would take the client to lunch or golfing to schmooze them.

I held down the fort by answering the phone, taking messages, and filing paperwork. The most challenging aspect of my job was composing emails to the home office that didn't betray the utter boredom that I felt.

That was why I aspired so desperately to get into show business. I longed for some excitement, some drama in my life, even if it was only pretend. I had to believe that there was something more to this world than a blah, mundane existence.

Stan Willoughby was a nice enough guy to work for. He would come into the office twice or perhaps three times a week merely to make his presence known, to remind me that we were a team. Other than those infrequent visits, I felt less of a team member and more like a voice on the phone, a sender of text messages, and a name at the bottom of an email.

I decided to do a little research and looked up Jennifer Prescott on the internet. I found a web page of her doing some magic tricks in promotional shots. Jennifer wore a black sequined leotard under a sparkly silver tuxedo jacket with tails. Her long bare legs ended into stiletto black heels. Very stylish and quite sexy. She was even more gorgeous in costume under the stage lights than in real life.

I also noticed a dark-haired woman in some of the pictures with her. She must have been Jennifer's previous assistant. Thus, the need for finding a replacement. I wondered why the girl left the act. I hoped it wasn't from an accident incurred from a magic trick gone wrong. I seriously doubted it. A disaster like that could ruin a performer's career forever. The young girl probably went on to greener pastures. I assumed there wasn't a lot of career growth opportunity for a magician's assistant.

I studied the photos some more. Jennifer's face practically glowed with excitement as she performed her illusions. I could tell she truly loved her work. I found myself looking forward to getting to know her better and possibly working with her. Jennifer Prescott was a woman who took great pride in her profession and obviously relished her moment in the spotlight. The lady must have some tips to pass on to a gal who yearned to be on the big stage.

If Jennifer Prescott could make it in show business, then perhaps there was hope for me yet.

At precisely eight o'clock, I knocked on the door to Jennifer's apartment. I got off work at five and went home to change clothes. Miss Prescott had already seen me in my audition outfit, but I wanted to make a better impression on her than that. At work, I usually wore a conservative white long sleeve blouse and calf-length maroon skirt. That was much too businesslike for an interview with a professional entertainer. I selected a light blue sleeveless lace top with a deep V-neck and a short, pleated Navy skirt falling a few inches above the knee. Casual, yet relaxed and fun. Serious with a touch of perky playfulness. And it showcased my voluptuous figure quite nicely. From what I could surmise about magician's assistants, I assumed Miss Prescott wanted me to look pretty for her on stage. That was undoubtedly one of the reasons she approached me at the theater. She most likely wasn't drawn to me by my acting skills alone.

I dined on a small chef's salad I picked up on the way home. I didn't want to ruin my interview with Miss Prescott by having my stomach growling with hunger. Jennifer mentioned we would be having wine. Not a good idea to drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

Miss Prescott answered the door wearing cherry red slacks and a white silk long sleeve blouse. I could easily see the outline of her brassiere through the sheer fabric. The woman looked even more beautiful and sexy than she was that afternoon.

I caught myself wondering why I considered the lady to be sexy. I never thought about women that way before. Perhaps it was part of the whole stage presence persona that entertainers naturally assume. They like to be noticed. Good thing, because I definitely noticed. This gal was strikingly beautiful and I didn't mind taking a moment or two to soak in the full effect.

"Right on time!" Jennifer smiled brightly. "Come on in!"

I entered the apartment and glanced around as she closed the door behind me. It was a cheery and roomy flat decorated in mostly whites and subtle hues of blue and lavender. "Nice place you have here," I observed candidly. "I like it."

"Thank you." She moved to my side and gestured to the living area. "Come in and make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you."

"Would you like a drink, Carla?"

I sat on the sofa. "You mentioned something about a glass of wine this afternoon."

Jennifer smiled and nodded. "Is Pino Grigio okay with you?"

"Sounds perfect."

The woman disappeared into the kitchen.

"Nice place you have here," I observed as I relaxed into the couch.

"Thank you."

She returned with a glass of wine in each hand. I was cautious about drinking alcohol at a job interview, at least until I knew if it was acceptable behavior or not. The last thing I needed was for my prospective employer to think I was a boozer. These were big, half quart stemmed glasses filled more than halfway full. The lady obviously had no qualms about us sharing a glass of vino while we talked. I accepted the glass with a gracious smile. "Thank you." I took a sip. "Tell me more about this magic show assistant gig."

Miss Prescott sat in the chair across from me and crossed her legs at the knee. "You'll find that this job is unlike any other theatrical job you'll ever encounter," she explained. "It involves a lot of privacy, you understand. I have to be sure you won't reveal my magic secrets to anyone."

I raised my hand as though I was taking a solemn oath in a court of law. "I promise, on my honor, to be the very soul of discretion."

The woman smiled with amusement and took a hefty gulp of her wine. "As you might have guessed, my current assistant left me in a lurch and I can't properly do a show without one. I don't have the time to interview new candidates. That's why I was at the theater today."

I set my drink down on a side table and leaned back on the sofa. "I don't get it."

"I went to that show's audition looking for someone with theatrical experience," Jennifer stated candidly. "Someone with the right look and stage presence." She casually shrugged a shoulder and sipped her wine. "Why advertise for my own auditions when I can take advantage of somebody else's?"

"Very clever," I smiled.

"I take it you are somewhat familiar with the stage?"

"I have had some acting experience. Mostly high school drama productions and some college theater. I've also done community theater -- musicals and big production numbers. Nothing where I showcased my talents, as it were." I cupped my big breasts in my palms. "These babies are nice to look at, but they can be a hindrance and a distraction on stage."

"Which is one of the reasons why I selected you," she stated evenly. "The most important component of a great illusion is misdirection." Jennifer smiled playfully at me. "Your bosom should help hold the audiences' attention while I work my magic."

I laughed. "I'm glad they're actually good for something!"

Jennifer tilted her head and regarded me thoughtfully. "I take it, you've never been a part of a magic show before."

"No. I hope that doesn't count against me."

"Not at all. I just don't want to get your hopes up in thinking this is going to be a big, lavish production. Your role is mostly posing, making grand gestures with your arms, and smiling a lot. More of a fashion model than an actress, I'm afraid."

"I think I can handle that."

"And you also have to promise that you will never reveal the secrets of my illusions to anyone."

I crossed my finger over my heart and held up three fingers in a scout pledge. "I promise not to reveal your magic tricks to anyone."

"Well, what we do isn't really magic per se," she explained. "It's merely illusion and a lot of hocus-pocus. Smoke and mirrors."

I picked up my glass and took a sip, grinning at my hostess over the rim. "So why do you bill yourself as a magician?"

"Because magician sounds more mystical and supernatural than illusionist. If we call ourselves illusionists, people spend the entire show trying to figure out how we do what we do. But if they think we can actually perform magic, they sit back and prepare to be amazed." Jennifer shrugged a shoulder. "Escape artists like Houdini wow their audience by freeing themselves from locks and chains. It's what the audience expects. Magicians have to come up with bigger and greater illusions to keep the crowds coming back. Walking through walls, making people and objects disappear, shoving swords into boxes without harming you -- "

My eyebrows shot up. "Shoving swords into me?"

Jennifer laughed and flapped a hand dismissively. "It's just an illusion, Carla! If I used real swords on you without inflicting serious bodily harm, now that would be real magic."

I took a gulp of my drink and offered the woman a wry smile. "So, you are saying you don't believe in magic, is that it?"

"On the contrary. I see it happening all the time. It's called love. When you fall in love with someone your whole world changes, and it's not just an illusion. It's very real. Love is the only true magic."

I gave her a warm smile. "It's nice to know you believe in the real thing. I'd hate to work for someone who's whole career is based on duping people."

My hostess nodded soberly. "I do believe in magic, Carla. The falling in love kind, for sure. I know it exists. Only, I haven't experienced that kind of magic for myself yet."

I couldn't prevent my eyebrows from leaping up. "You're kidding! A stunning woman like you, never falling in love?"

"I spend a lot of time devoted to my work. I don't have much time left over for romance. Though I have seen it many times in others. I've seen the magic work for other people. I just haven't experienced it for myself yet."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. Believing in love is half the magic."

Jennifer tilted her head and regarded me curiously. "You called me sweetheart."

"I suppose I did." I took a drink and shrugged a shoulder. "Does it bother you?"

"No. I like that we can have a casual familiarity together. You and I will be working very closely, Carla. It's good to know we can be informal when we want to be."

"I'm an informal kind of gal," I grinned. "An occasional sweetheart or darling or honey might slip out from time to time."

My host nodded and sipped her drink. "For me as well."

I smiled. "I'd like that."

"Getting back to the subject of magic, how do you feel about the world of illusion? Are you ready and willing to step through the looking glass and enter into the realm of legerdemain?"

"I suppose that depends on what it is you want me to do."

Jennifer leaned back in her seat and eyed me thoughtfully. "Stand up, please."

"Okay." I set my drink aside and rose to my feet before her.

The woman regarded me without emotion. "Remove your top."

I gave her a puzzled expression. "I beg your pardon?"

"Remove your top, if you don't mind."

I thought it to be a rather strange request, but not totally unacceptable. I peeled my sleeveless blouse up over my head and set it aside on the couch. I didn't wear a bra. Since my bust was naturally high and firm, I rarely needed one.

"Wow," she breathed reverently.

I smiled. "Thank you."

"The skirt as well."

I frowned with bewilderment, but obeyed her request. It certainly was an unusual job interview, having to strip naked in front of my potential employer. I removed my skirt and placed it on top of my blouse. I shed my red silk panties as well, assuming the gal wanted to get the entire unobscured view of my feminine physique. Good thing I trimmed my pussy hair recently. It would not be proper to reveal an unruly muff to a strange woman during a job interview.

"You are quite lovely, Miss Monroe."

"Thank you." I stood in front of her with my arms hanging loosely at my sides, wondering what this weird exhibition was all about.

The woman set her drink aside and studied my body. "Please, turn around for me. Very slowly."

I did as she requested. "Forgive me for asking, Miss Prescott, but why are you having me do this?"

I stopped turning to face her. Jennifer gave a pleased smile. "I have a glittery costume for you to wear. It looks kind of like a playboy bunny outfit without the ears and tail. I wanted to see how you might look in it."

I grinned at her and struck a pose with a hand on my hip. "And what do you think?"

"I think you will look absolutely fantastic." She nodded to the sofa. "You can sit down now if you like."

I sat and casually crossed my long legs at the knee. I tried to appear cavalier about posing naked in front of this stranger in the privacy of her home.

"I also wanted to check to see if you had any piercings or tattoos," Jennifer continued. "I'd hate to have to invest a lot of time and energy into a woman who doesn't come across as sexy as possible."

I sipped my drink and eyed her across the rim of my glass. "And just how sexy am I?"

Miss Prescott gave me a wry smile. "Extremely."

"I happen to think you are very beautiful as well," I commented honestly. "What kind of costume do you get to wear?"

"Nothing near as fancy or flashy as yours. I wear a black leotard, white vest, and long sleeve jacket. It adds to the illusion and mystery. You are the eye candy and I am the artist."

"The distraction for the illusion," I chuckled.

"Exactly."

"Hopefully not too distracting," I stated honestly, taking a drink from my glass. "After all, I'm the one having the swords thrust into her. I'd hate to have you looking at my legs and stabbing me in the chest."

"Touché," she chuckled. Jennifer reclined in her seat and crossed her legs. "Tell me, Carla; are you in a relationship right now?"

"Nope. Why?"

"Because we may be working late many nights together in rehearsals and long weekends at performances. Plus, we'll be traveling a lot. Our busy schedule can wreak havoc on a woman's romantic life."

"Nobody in the wings waiting for me," I sighed ruefully. "No boyfriends, lovers... not even friends with benefits."

"That's good. Not in the relationship sense, but in a working capacity capability."

"Of course." I relaxed into the sofa, feeling more comfortable in my blatant nudity. It no longer bothered me that I was baring myself to a gal I had only met a short time earlier. After all, I was a professional and this was merely a job interview. "I take it you are not seeing anyone either," I guessed.

"No, I'm not."

"It must be a very lonely existence."

"Sometimes." Jennifer gave a wry grin. "That's what I have you for, Carla."

I chuckled and uncrossed my legs, baring myself even more to the woman. "So that's it, eh? I'm to be eye candy for you too?"

"If you so desire. You may find yourself feeling lonely from time to time as well. The road goes both ways, as it were."

I regarded the woman curiously. I wasn't quite sure if she was coming on to me or if she was merely making an offer of her services should I feel desperate. I never considered such a thing before, but obviously this lovely lady had. Perhaps that was one of the responsibilities that her assistant was required to do. Not that I would mind all that much. This gal was beautiful and sexy as hell. I was sure she was more experienced in those types of relationships than I was.

"Are you offering yourself to me?"

"In a way," she responded soberly. "I have to ask you not to date anyone for a while."

"Oh? Why is that?"

"I don't want you to be distracted. I need your full attention during certain parts of my act. If you do not have your mind on the game, the trick may fail. Or worse, one of us could be seriously injured."

"One of us? I thought it was the assistant who takes all the risks."

"Not so. You and I are like a perfectly choreographed team on the stage. I rely on you to be where I need you to be and do what I need you to do at all times. If either of us hesitates for even a moment, it could have serious consequences."

I nodded with understanding. "I see your point." I took a sip of my drink and set my glass aside. "So I imagine sex is out of the question as well."

"Not entirely. If you are feeling frustrated, I can help you with that."

"I beg your pardon?"

Jennifer smiled at me. "I can help relieve sexual tension if need be. I don't expect you to be chaste and celibate the entire time you're working for me. I have had intimate relationships with women before. I can take care of you if you want me to."

My face betrayed my undisguised astonishment. "I can't say I've ever heard a woman speak so frankly about lesbian love before."

"It isn't love, it's sex. Merely a means to relieve tension and frustration."

"Even so -- "

"Have you ever tried it?"

"No."

Jennifer casually shrugged. "It isn't so very terrible to have sex with a woman. I happen to think you are an extremely beautiful woman and I hope you find me attractive as well."

"Well, yes, you are. I find you incredibly sexy and drop dead gorgeous. But that isn't the point. I mean, I never considered having sex with a woman before. Okay, I admit I may have thought about it, but I never actually considered doing it." I crossed my legs at the knees. "Not that I wouldn't mind having sex with you. I mean, you are a very beautiful and sexy woman and if I were inclined to do that with someone -- with you, I mean -- I'm sure it would be a very nice experience." I awkwardly cleared my throat and looked at my hostess. "I'll shut up now."

Jennifer smiled playfully. "I didn't mean to fluster you or make you feel uncomfortable."

"No, no, you didn't. I'm just a little bit surprised that you can speak so candidly about such a thing."

"It's only sex," she shrugged with indifference. "Haven't you ever had sex with a man solely for the purpose of getting off?"

"Well... yeah..."

"It's the same thing with a woman. I don't expect you to fall madly in love with me. I am merely offering myself to satisfy your sexual needs, nothing more."

I regarded her thoughtfully. "I guess I never really thought about making love simply for that reason. I always believed in romantic love with that knight on a white horse who comes to whisk me away to his castle on a mountain. A fairy tale kind of romance that accompanies the act of making love."

"There's nothing wrong with that. I want the same thing for myself, to tell the honest truth. Every woman does to some extent, I suppose." She gave me a wry smile. "But until your white knight arrives on his gallant steed, I am available, willing and able."

I laughed and began to relax a little. This woman wasn't hitting on me, merely offering to take care of me in a way I had never expected. She was open and honest and real with me and simply suggested a way to help curb my sexual needs. Seeing as we would be working long and odd hours together, neither of us would have the chance to meet eligible guys. So what if my cravings for companionship were met by a woman rather than a man? Who knows? It may be turn out even better than I imagined.

"Tell me what happened to your last assistant," I said. "Did you saw her in half or something?"

Jennifer's face took on a stony expression. "I truly wish I had. Amanda was seduced by another magician. She ended up giving away all of my secrets to him. I had to come up with a whole new batch of illusions."

"I'm sorry."

"So am I. He used her and discarded the girl when he was done with her. It ruined her life and nearly destroyed my career. That's why I am so protective of my secrets."

"Was she your lover?"

The woman shrugged with indifference. "Sometimes." She stared at me without expression. "This job I am offering you should not be taken lightly, Carla. My livelihood and yours depends upon secrecy and total trust. My life will quite literally be in your hands. A mistake on your part could have grave consequences. And the secrets of my illusions have to be kept strictly between us. Losing my previous assistant set me back not only financially, but all the time lost in having to come up with a whole new act. I don't want to go through that again. I don't think I can handle it. I have to trust you implicitly, Carla. That's why I know I can be intimate with you. And I feel that you can be intimate with me. In order for us to make it in this industry, there cannot be any secrets between us. I want us to be a team in every sense of the word."

I nodded soberly. "I understand."

Jennifer visibly relaxed and released a deep sigh. "I like you, Carla, and I feel that I can trust you. The job is yours if you want it."

"I want it!" I blurted hurriedly. "This is my chance to finally get into show business! You can't imagine how long I've wanted that!"

She smiled and nodded in understanding. "Being up on stage in front of an audience can be quite addictive. It gets in your blood. I wouldn't give up show business for anything either."

"I would love to be your assistant, Miss Prescott."

"Not only am I offering you a job as my assistant, but I would also like for you to move in with me. You can have the second bedroom across from mine. Since we will be working odd hours and traveling quite a bit, you may as well be staying here with me. It will make things much more convenient for the both of us."

"When you say traveling --?"

"Las Vegas, London, Paris..."

"You're joking."

"No, I'm not."

"Wow!" I shifted up to sit on the front edge of the sofa cushion. "Not that it really matters at all, but since you are offering to pay me to be your assistant..."

She chuckled. "You're curious as to how much this job pays?"

"Well, yeah."

Miss Prescott gave a wry smile. "How does sixty thousand a year sound to you?"

My jaw dropped. "Sixty thousand?" I gaped in shock. "As in, dollars?"

"Yes."

I stared at her incredulous. "I can't believe it. Sixty grand and I get to travel the world too?"

Jennifer chuckled. "Don't forget your big chance to get into show biz."

"And I get to have sex with a gorgeous sexy boss too! Wow!"

My hostess smiled with humor. "If you like."

I grinned and nodded eagerly. "Miss Prescott, you just hired yourself an assistant!"

CHAPTER 2

Miss Prescott offered her hand to me. "Welcome to the wonderful world of magic, Miss Monroe."

I scolded her playfully and rose to my feet. "What's with the handshake?" I spread my arms to the woman. "Give me a big hug already!"

My boss laughed and stood, taking me into a warm embrace. "I have the feeling that we will get along just fine."

"I certainly hope so."

I felt the lady's hands warm and soft against my bare back. Her fingers lightly caressed my naked waist and spine. It was strange and unusual to have a woman touch me in that manner, but not unpleasant in the least. In fact, it was pretty sensual and erotic.

I suddenly felt curious about what it would be like to make love with a lady. I was quite sure Miss Prescott was well-versed in the art of lovemaking to another female, seeing as her last assistant was also her lover. I never contemplated such a thing before that moment. Well, okay -- maybe I contemplated it plenty of times but never had the guts or the opportunity to do anything about it. Maybe I was too chicken to even try, or maybe I was afraid I would end up liking it too much.

Then again, what was I afraid of? It wasn't like any of my heterosexual relationships had ever gone anywhere. My longest relationship with a guy lasted exactly four months to the day. And even then, it wasn't overly fulfilling -- romantically or sexually. Perhaps it was time to try something new. Hell, I was about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Why not explore what possibilities a relationship with a woman may offer? And I had to admit, my new boss did have a very sexy body.

Jennifer broke her embrace and smiled at me. "You can get dressed now if you like."

I shrugged apathetically. "I'm in no hurry. Besides, I want to check out my new bedroom."

My boss grinned happily. "I take it you're moving in with me, then?"

"Not just yet. I want to scope out the place first, if that's okay with you."

"Of course. Follow me." Jennifer led the way down a hallway to our left. There was a bathroom on our right and a closet on the left. The hall ended into two bedrooms, one on the right and one on the left. "This is my room," Jennifer said, gesturing to the room on the left. "And that one is yours."

We stepped inside what was to me my room. It was a nice and lightly-colored with a queen size bed, four-drawer dresser and vanity and a spacious closet. "Very nice," I nodded in acceptance. "When can I move in?"

"As soon as you want. This room is officially yours."

"I pay my landlord a month's rent at a time so I am able to leave it anytime. Plus, I'll have to give notice at my job. At least offer to work for the rest of the week. I can work nights with you until then."

"Sounds fair."

I moved closer to the woman. "You say that you'll need to trust me completely. I will have to do the same for you. This is a big step for me, my leaving everything behind to be your assistant."

"More like my partner, Carla."

I moved closer and rested my hands on her slender waist. "I want to be a good partner to you -- in every sense of the word. In your business... and in your life."

Jennifer looked at me questioningly. "What do you mean, exactly?"

"I intend to take Amanda's place on the stage. Why not take her place as your lover as well?"

Miss Prescott regarded me soberly. "Are you absolutely sure about this?"

I gave her a timid smile. "It may be the wine talking, or having me strip naked in front of you, but you got me feeling a tad naughty and adventurous." I slid my hands up to her breasts in the sheer blouse. "Besides, I'm already naked. And you say you've done this sort of thing before."

"Is this really something you want?"

"Yes. I want to do this. I must tell you, though, it scares me a little. But it also excites me. Not just the job, but being with you. I want to be a good assistant for your act, but also want to be a good bed partner for you. And maybe we can become good friends too. You say you don't want to keep anything from me. Well, I don't want to keep anything from you either." I stepped closer and encircled my arms around her waist. "I want you to teach me all that you know, Jennifer," I said. "I want you to teach me everything."

The woman placed her hands on my bare shoulder blades and I shivered slightly to her touch. I wasn't sure if it was from fear or from excitement. "You are very beautiful," she murmured softly. "But I don't want you to jump into something before you are ready to handle it." She leaned closer and touched her lips to mine in a lingering tender kiss. It was so delicate and caring, yet also sensual and erotic. "There will be plenty of time for me to show and teach you what I know." She leaned back and smiled into my eyes. "Plenty of time for everything."

In that instant, I realized with perfect clarity that I wanted to make mad passionate love with this woman. I never craved sex so badly in my life. I pulled her body tight to mine, my mouth crushed to hers in a hot passionate kiss. My tongue snaked into her mouth as my entire being felt like it was on fire. I couldn't believe how turned on I was at the moment. Perhaps it was my being naked in this bedroom, or her being so damn beautiful. Perhaps it was that single intimate kiss we shared that started the avalanche of emotion within me. All I knew was that I didn't want to wait for her to tell me when I was ready. I was ready now.

My fiery kiss gradually relaxed into a tender loving embrace. I melted into her arms and felt the warmth of her body against my skin. I sighed into her mouth as I kissed and savored her lips. It was strange kissing another woman and yet it felt so natural. Jennifer's lips were soft and full, not like a man's lips at all. I found myself stimulated and sexually aroused by her.

Jennifer slid one hand down my back to grope the cheek of my ass. I sighed with contentment and savored the soft sensation of her warm flesh against my bare skin. I felt my body trembling. I wasn't sure if it was from fear of breaking a personal taboo or from sexual excitement. I was about to have sex with a woman! In that single moment of unmistakable clarity, I knew that I wanted to make love to her and have her make love to me, but I didn't know how. I didn't want to ruin our first time together by being too eager to please her or too awkward to satisfy her.

Jennifer leaned back and smiled warmly into my eyes. "Perhaps after you move in, I can give you your first lesson in how to please a woman."

My eyed belied a pained expression. "But what if I want to make love to you now?"

She raised a finger and touched my lips. "I want to make love to you too, Carla. But I want it to be something that you want, not something you jump into because you are curious about it. However, I will promise you, when it's right, it will be wonderful for both of us."

I gave her a playful scowl. "You are such an awful tease."

Jennifer chuckled and smoothed her hands up my back and over my bare shoulders. "I want us to be a team, Carla. Partners in every sense of the word. You don't have to do everything at once to prove yourself to me. Let us take it nice and slow. That's one thing I've learned about this business; you can't force the magic."

I sighed and shook my head. "This is the first time I've found myself naked in a person's bedroom, throwing myself at someone and getting turned down. It's never happened to me before."

Jennifer held my arms and leaned closer to lightly touch her lips to mine. "I promise you, Carla, I will never turn you down again."

She kissed me and I felt my heart flutter and my loins tingle. I don't recall ever having that sensation before with a man. This woman was really turning me on! I knew that if I were to get her alone in my bedroom once again, she would not be leaving without teaching me a thing or two about how to make love to a lady.

"I like it when you kiss me," I said. "I've never felt anything like it before."

"What do you feel?"

I sighed dreamily and gazed deeply into her eyes. "Pure magic!"

Jennifer smiled warmly. "I felt it too."

I leaned back and caressed my hands over her waist. "I know you said you wanted to wait until I was ready, but I want to kiss you some more. Is that okay?"

"Of course." Jennifer rested her hands on my arms and kissed me on the mouth. It was so soft and delicate and warm. I found myself melting against her. I wrapped my arms tighter around her and pulled her body against my chest. I kissed her hungrily, my tongue probing her mouth. I wasn't sure if it was from undressing in front of her, or the suggestion of lesbian love with this beautiful sensuous woman, but I felt my loins tingling with arousal. "Oh yes," I exhaled into her mouth. "You are so sexy." Jennifer slid her hands down my bare arms and caressed my back. "Oh baby," I moaned softly. "What you do to me."

Jennifer continued to kiss me, her fingers stroking the naked flesh of my back. "You are so incredibly beautiful, Carla."

I eased back and stared lustfully into her eyes. "I know you want us to wait until it's right, but you can't send me home all hot and bothered like this. At least give me a little sample for the road. Please?"

Jennifer smiled demurely and eased me to lie back atop the bed. "All right. Just a small sample." She leaned over me and began tenderly kissing along my cleavage and over my full naked mounds. Her long blonde hair swept across my chest, tickling my breasts and nipples. Jennifer lightly kissed and licked one nipple and then the other. It was so intimate and erotic.

"Oh, yes," I purred with contentment. "I like that."

Jenny kissed around my breasts and dragged her hair over my skin. Never had I believed that a woman could be so arousing. I always thought that a heterosexual relationship was the only way for me to go. But after only a few moments with this gorgeous and alluring woman, I was ready to explore what sex between women was all about.

Jennifer rose above me and smiled down as she caressed my naked chest with her fingers. "You have a magnificent body," she murmured dreamily.

"So do you," I sighed, relishing her tender caress.

Jenny licked the third finger of her free hand and reached down to stroke the digit along my vagina. I writhed atop the mattress with sensual stimulation. "Oh yes," I exhaled lustily. "Honey, if this is only a small sample, you can give me a full dose anytime!"

Jenny smiled down at me as she traced her fingers in and around my pussy. Her other hand gently massaged my bare chest. I closed my eyes and savored the sensations. It was exquisite. She lowered her mouth to suck one of my nipples into her full soft lips. At the same instant, she shoved her third finger deep inside my vagina and rubbed my clitoris with her thumb. My body trembled and my breath escaped my lips with a sharp gasp. I could tell my pussy was already dripping wet. My parading naked and anticipation of her sample of female sex must have made me more aroused than I realized. I was damp and horny and it wouldn't take much more stimulation to push me over the edge. I permitted a little smile on my lips in knowing I had absolutely no intention of stopping this woman until she got me off. If I drove home before she finished what we started, I'd only have to masturbate myself anyway. This lady had me hot and ready. I may as well let her see it through to the end.

Every inch of my flesh tingled with sensual stimulation. This was far better than anything any man had ever done for me. Jennifer moved her mouth to my other nipple as her finger sawed in and out of my seeping snatch. I raised my hand and groped her breast in her blouse. I had never touched a woman like that before. Jennifer's breast was full and firm and I liked the way it felt in my hand. I gently squeezed and massaged her tit, visualizing what the girl would look like in the buff. More than anything, I wanted Jenny to get naked with me so I could feel her soft delicate skin and her warm body pressed against mine.

Her finger pumped in and out of my wet pussy and her thumb rubbed the sensitive nub of my clit. My loins sparked with electricity and I knew I wouldn't be able to hold back much longer. Jenny sucked my nipple into her mouth and lightly bit the tip with her teeth. That extra stimulation sent me over the edge. I jerked and shook as my cunt released a flow of nookie juice onto her fingers. Jennifer's hand did not stop. She continued to finger fuck me until I gasped and came once more. She straightened and grinned down at me. "Feel better?" she cooed softly.

I realized I still had my hand on her breast. "Not yet," I growled lustfully. I gripped the front of her blouse in my fingers and pulled her mouth down to meet mine. I kissed her hungrily. After a long while I let her up for air and grinned. "Now I do."

Jennifer smiled warmly into my eyes. "Me too."

I dressed and gathered up my things. Jennifer met me at the front door of her apartment. "I have to give notice at work tomorrow," I explained. "I'll give my boss until the end of the week. My job is not so hard that it shouldn't be difficult to find a replacement pretty quickly."

"Sounds reasonable."

"I also need to pack some of my things if I plan to be staying with you here."

Jennifer gave me a genuine smile. "I'm looking forward to it."

I moved closer to her. "So am I." I rested my hand on her waist and leaned in to give her a lingering kiss on the mouth. "Thank you for hiring me. I'm certain you and I will get along just fine."

"I'm sure we will," she smiled. "See you tomorrow." Jennifer caressed my cheek with her fingers and softly touched her lips to mine. "Good night, Carla."

I smiled warmly and nodded. "Good night to you too, Jennifer."

I drove home to my apartment building. Delmore Apartments, number 3 of 8 units. My apartment never felt like home to me. It always gave me a feeling of gloom and depression whenever I went there. The place wasn't exactly situated in a rough part of town, more like the shabby, neglected part. I doubted the area had ever been a truly thriving community. The buildings were constructed more out of necessity than for esthetic quality. Thrown up in a hurry to provide inexpensive housing for low-income families. Very little consideration was put into the design, and even less care was spent on its upkeep.

The building was a straight brown brick structure that reminded me of a cheap 'rent by the hour' motel. It actually may have been a motel at one time. The rooms were small and economical. No frills, that was for sure. One square room with a twin-size bed, kitchenette, and small bathroom with a shower. Since I was the only one living there, the accommodations were adequate enough.

I unlocked the door and stepped inside. Even though I had been living there for nearly a year and a half, it still felt like my lodgings were only temporary. Perhaps in the back of my mind that was what I believed. I knew someday I would make it big in show business and have a beautiful luxury place to call my own. This neglected one-room residence was merely a brief stopover on my way to stardom.

I removed a partial bottle of Chardonnay from the tiny fridge and unscrewed the cap. Nothing but the best for this gal. I dropped into the armchair in the corner of the room and took a heavy pull from the bottle. What a strange turn of events had taken place that day. After being turned down for a nothing part in a musical stage production, I get offered the role of a magician's assistant to a lady illusionist. Not exactly my grand plan to achieve stardom, but at least it put me in the spotlight. Maybe I can parlay this gig into a more lucrative role somewhere down the line. I may be discovered as Miss Prescott's assistant and get offered bigger and better opportunities. Maybe a part in some TV sitcom where I play a busty beauty like Suzanne Somers in Three's Company or Loni Anderson on WKRP. Or maybe become one of those eye candy gals who wear fancy gowns and pose prettily beside cars and boats on a game show. Perhaps I might even land a movie role in an action film where I play the love interest to a Hollywood hunk.

I took another swig of the wine and glanced around the room. Miss Prescott was awfully sweet to invite me to stay with her in her apartment. It sure would be nice to get out of this dump, even if it was short-term. If she let me stay with her rent-free, I could get caught up on my bills and set some cash aside for some nice clothes and jewelry. The real stuff, not fake imitation.

I drank some more wine from the bottle. That Jennifer Prescott certainly was an interesting lady. She didn't know me from Adam's third cousin, and yet she offered me a job right on the spot. A job and a place to stay, to a complete stranger. Unusual behavior, to say the least. I took a hefty gulp of wine and thought about her. Jennifer was one beautiful gal. Very friendly, too. She had kissed me, right on the mouth. No woman had ever done that to me before. I liked it. To be perfectly honest, I never thought about kissing a woman before tonight.

I drank some more wine and smiled at how she touched my body and made me feel things I never experienced with a man. I grinned and rubbed my fingers along my crotch. Heck of a great perk to this new gig. Perhaps Jennifer would like to satisfy this horny lady every now and then. What an awesome job that would be! A shot at stardom on the big stage, a nice apartment to live in, and a gorgeous blonde to take care of my sexual needs whenever I felt the urge for some nookie action. I'd be a complete and utter fool to turn this deal down.

I finished off the bottle and set it on the floor beside my chair. An absolute fool to turn it down, I mused. Turn down the job or the offer of sex? Undoubtedly both. Here was my chance to leave a dead-end job and get onto the stage. And as for entering into a lesbian relationship, it wasn't like I had a lot of men lined up ready to satisfy my sexual needs. In fact, it had been forever since I had gotten any bedroom action. Jennifer Prescott was the perfect partner -- beautiful, willing, and no doubt experienced in rendering female pleasure.

I closed my eyes and smiled to myself. I had to admit I was looking forward to the possibility of having sex with the pretty blonde entertainer. Possibility? Make that inevitability. I grinned and rubbed my fingers between my legs. Tomorrow night I would move into Jennifer's place and I would get some much-needed and greatly-appreciated girl-on-girl sex.

I was debating whether to take a shower before bed or wait until morning when I heard my cell phone rang. I picked it up and saw that it was my cousin Madeline making a video call to me. Usually we talk every Sunday night, but I had forgotten once again. I sometimes got engrossed in a book or old movie and forget to call her.

I pressed the button on my phone and saw a young beautiful brunette smiling back at me. "Hey, Cuz!" I grinned. "What's happening?"

Madeline wrinkled her brow with an accusing glare. "Have you been drinking?"

"Yep. Not a lot, though. Just enough to catch a buzz."

"Cheap wine?"

"You guessed it." I raised the bottle from the floor and showed her the label. "Four bucks a bottle."

"Big spender."

"So, what's new in your world?"

"Nothing much. George and I have been looking at houses lately. We've had enough of apartment living and want to get a place of our own."

"I hear ya'. I can't wait to get out of this dump." I paused a moment as I set the bottle on the floor beside my chair, debating whether or not to tell my cousin about Jennifer Prescott. I didn't want to jinx my job with her by talking about it. The booze in my system won out. "I have something shocking to tell you, but you have to promise not to tell a soul."

My cousin expelled her breath in a huff. "Who am I going to tell? The supermarket tabloids?"

"All right." I took in and released a long deep breath. "I've been having thoughts about women. Physical thoughts, I mean."

Madeline shrugged a shoulder with indifference. "So what? We all do it. We compare ourselves to other women all the time. Is my figure nicer? Is my face prettier? It's perfectly natural to think about other women in a physical sense."

"I was talking more about physical attraction."

The girl flapped a hand dismissively. "That's simply raging hormones, honey. You tell me every week how you haven't discovered any men worth being interested in. Your brain is shifting to other possibilities as a defense mechanism to keep you from feeling inferior. Like it is your fault that the men you meet are a bunch of losers! You get more comfort and support from the female gender; therefore, your affection leans that way. It's just a phase. We all go through it."

"Even you?"

Madeline nodded in admission. "I think of the feminine physique from time to time, usually after I look in the mirror and notice I've gained a few pounds." She narrowed her eyes and pointed her finger at me. "Having a gorgeous cousin with an amazing figure doesn't help my ego any."

"Sorry about that."

"Don't be. You are perfect in every way."

"You're sweet."

"So, is this infatuation with the feminine gender toward any one lady in particular?"

"Not really. I met this gal today and for some reason, she piqued my interest. I wouldn't exactly say I was drooling over her, but I felt my heart flutter in my chest all the same."

"Uh oh," Madeline warned. "The old heart flutter. You're a goner, girlfriend."

I furrowed my brow and contemplated her words for a moment. "I'm going to see her again tomorrow. I'll see if I get the same reaction a second time."

Madeline's face lit up in surprise. "Wait! You're dating her?"

"No. It's strictly business." I hesitated. "Would it be too weird if I did decide to date a girl?"

"Nah. Female relationships are pretty common these days. As I always say, if you meet someone who makes your heart flutter, go for it."

I laughed. "Is that what you always say?"

"Yes, indeed!" Madeline glanced over her shoulder and then back at me. "I have to go. The baby is making a fuss. Call me next week and give me all the sordid details about you and your hot lady lover."

I laughed and shook my head. "I didn't say she was hot."

"Well? Is she?"

"Yes. Very. Smoking hot. Blast furnace hot."

Madeline giggled with glee. "Ooohh, baby! Call me Sunday with all the details."

"I promise to call you next time." I blew a kiss to the phone. "Love you, Mads."

"Love you, too, honey. Take care."

I hung up and smiled to myself. Perhaps by next week, I would have some sordid details to relate to my cousin after all.

CHAPTER 3

The next morning, I spent extra time and attention on my appearance. Not that I had to impress anyone at work, because I hardly ever encountered anyone beside my boss. I was going to give notice and I wanted to soften the blow by looking as nice as I could. Men rarely give a dressing down to women when they are at their prettiest. Maybe they are afraid it will make us cry, or they would feel like a bully. Regardless of the reason, I wanted to make it easier in George when I delivered the news.

I also wanted to look my best for when I met with Jennifer Prescott that evening. I know she already offered me the job as her magician's assistant, but I still wanted to make a good impression. Dressing as nicely as I could and taking extra care of my appearance showed that I was taking this new assignment seriously. Plus, having her respond to me in a physical and sexual way would be an extra bonus.

Surprisingly, Stan Willoughby was already there when I came into the office at eight o'clock that morning. I walked up to him, stood in front of his desk and announced, "Mister Willoughby, we have to talk."

The man visibly stiffened and his eyebrows shot up like he had been jolted by a cattle prod. "What! What have I done?" he exclaimed with dread.

"I'm giving you my notice," I stated firmly. "I'll find a replacement for my position and be gone by the end of the week."

His expression never changed. The man still looked like somebody goosed him in the ass. "Are you upset about something?" he stammered. "Have I offended you in any way? Please don't say it was because of sexual harassment."

I raised my palms to calm him down. "No, Stan. Nothing like that. I found another job."

Willoughby stared at me for a long time. He looked like a deer that had been caught in a car's headlights. Apparently, it didn't have to be earth-shattering news to disrupt his world. Stan blinked twice and asked, "Another job?"

"Yes. I'm going into show business."

Stan stared at me again. He blinked twice again. "You say you'll find your replacement?"

"Yes, Stan. I'll find someone from a temp agency and train them to take my place by the end of the week." I didn't want to tell him it wouldn't take more than a few hours to teach his new Gal Friday all she needed to know about my tedious and uneventful job.

Willoughby finally exhaled in relief and visibly relaxed. "Very well, then." He forced a smile and nodded once. "Carry on."

That was it. No mention of me going into show business, no congratulations on finding other employment. All the boss was concerned about was keeping his office running smoothly and efficiently. No bumps in the road. No sudden upsets. The dull and boring routine would continue without interruptions. Halleluiah. Now, get back to work.

The first thing I did when I returned to my desk was to call my best friend Sandy Fulton in the accounting firm downstairs. Sandy Fulton was a petite black girl with light coffee complexion. The girl was a couple inches over five feet tall and probably didn't weight a hundred pounds. Because Sandy had such light skin for a black girl, I suspected she had some Caucasian blood in her somewhere along her family tree, but it would be indelicate for me to ask her about it.

"I have a few things to tell you," I said, forcing my voice to remain calm and not give away the excitement I felt inside. "How about we do lunch? My treat."

"Your treat!" Sandy exclaimed over the phone. "This must be really big news!"

"Don't get ahead of yourself girl," I warned. "My treat is at the diner down on 8th Street."

"Hey, food is food, and it tastes even better when somebody else is buying. I'm in!"

"Great! See you at eleven!"

I met up with my friend Sandy Fulton in the lobby of our building at exactly eleven that morning. She and I often went to lunch together. Our offices were located on separate floors of the same high-rise office building beside the highway. Sandy and I would stroll to a nearby sandwich shop on our lunch hour. The four-block walk would be our exercise for the day.

"So what's this big news?" Sandy asked excitedly as she selected a small round table by the window.

"It's just plain news, is all," I responded evenly, sitting across from her. "Nobody said it was big news."

"You're buying lunch, so it has to be pretty big."

An aging waitress with her graying dark hair pinned up in a bun handed us cardboard menus. Sandy and I ordered iced tea and the waitress withdrew. "I gave my notice at work today," I said.

"What? You're quitting?"

"Yes. I got another job."

Miss Fulton's eyes scanned the two-page menu. "Since when?"

"Since last night."

"I didn't know you were looking."

"I wasn't really looking for another job. This one sort of fell into my lap."

Her eyes lifted from the menu and met mine. "How did this happen?"

I suppressed a smile and pretended to study the lunch options. "Just lucky, I guess. I was auditioning for a part in a musical and this person ushered me aside and offered me a job."

"In a musical?"

"No. I didn't get that part." I shrugged with indifference. "Too old, too tall, too busty, too blonde... who knows. After I saw how many young girls were trying out for a part, I didn't get my hopes up."

The waitress returned with our teas. I ordered a club sandwich. Sandy chose the chicken Caesar salad. "What was this person doing at the audition if they weren't involved with the show?"

"Looking for talent. That's how she found me."

"Oh! So you are finally going to get up on the stage?"

"That was the second thing I wanted to tell you. I'm finally getting into show business."

"That's great! In a Broadway show?"

"Not exactly. More like performance art."

Miss Fulton furrowed her brow with confusion. "What do you mean?"

"As an assistant to a lady magician."

Sandy laughed aloud. "That's hilarious!"

"I'm serious. I know it sounds like I'm running away to join the circus, but this job is completely legit. The pay is good and I get to travel with her."

"Travel? Travel where?"

"Everywhere. Maybe even Europe."

My friend regarded me soberly. "Wait, you're really serious about this."

"Yep. Friday is my last day."

Sandy furrowed her brow with a look of concern as the waitress delivered our lunch order. "I don't believe it. I mean, I know you wanted to get into show business and all, but this sounds downright nutso."

"At first, I thought that way too, but Jennifer is so sweet and thoughtful and dedicated to her craft. I really want to do this. I'm sure I can learn a lot from her."

"Jennifer?"

I took a bite of my sandwich. "Jennifer Prescott. Her act is called 'The Amazing Jennifer'."

My companion's eyes grew wide. "I saw that woman in a show downtown once. She really is amazing! And she's heart-stopping gorgeous too."

"Very much so."

"You said there were a few things you wanted to tell me," Sandy said, stirring her salad with her fork. "So far, you told me two things. That is a couple. A couple is not a few. More than two is a few. What else do you have to tell me?"

I chewed my lower lip and awkwardly cleared my throat. "I... uh... got to find out just how amazing the Amazing Jennifer really is."

"Oh? In what way?"

I felt my face redden slightly. "She and I got to know each other pretty well last night. Up close and personal, so to speak. All very professional, you understand."

"Uh huh."

"And as I'm going to be her assistant, she had to check out my body to make sure I had no tattoos or weird piercings."

Sandy took a bite of her salad. "Check out how?"

"She had me parading around her apartment in the buff."

My companion snorted with delight. "That must have been some show!"

I shrugged and took a bite of my sandwich. "I was a little nervous at first, but I could understand her concern. I'm supposed to be the eye candy for her act. She wouldn't want me to be too much of a distraction."

"With a body like yours, how could you be anything but?"

I chuckled. "You may be right about that!"

Sandy smiled. "Do you get to wear a skimpy circus performer costume with sequins and feathers on it?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen what I have to wear yet. I'll probably find out when I go over to her place tonight."

"Another strip tease and fashion show tonight?" Sandy grinned with amusement. "Lucky lady, this magician friend of yours."

I hesitated. "Well, as a matter of fact, Jennifer wants me to move in with her."

The woman gaped in surprise. "What!"

"Not in the same bedroom of course. Though I am very tempted to find out what it's like, if you know what I mean."

"What what is like?"

I lowered my eyes and murmured under my breath. "You know..."

Sandy furrowed her brow and studied me with a quizzical expression. "Wait a second. Are you telling me you are interested in this lady in a physical... and intimate capacity?"

"Hey, a gal like me who has no prospects for male companionship can do a whole lot worse than have a sexy female partner, I can tell you that."

Sandy shook her head and took a bite of her salad. "You really are nuts."

"Perhaps you're right." My face took on a dreamy, faraway expression. "I don't know what it is about her," I mused almost to myself. "Before yesterday I never even thought about women as being sexy and attractive. Sure, I often compared my figure and my face to other girls. I mean, who doesn't? Not in a competitive way, but in a comparison sort of way. Am I prettier than her? Do I have a have a nicer body than her? That sort of thing. But until I met Jennifer, I didn't think I would ever be interested in another woman in a physical way. Not like I'm interested in her."

Sandy studied me and asked, "So you're telling me you are interested in her?"

"I suppose I am in a way. She's charming and mysterious and so freakin' beautiful." I took a bite of my sandwich. "It was so totally weird. I kissed plenty of guys before, but none of them ever did anything for me. Not like Jennifer did."

My friend held up her hand to stop me. "Whoa, back up the bus. You kissed her?"

"Quite a few times, actually." I smiled to myself at the recollection of our intimate bedroom encounter. "Talk about magic! That gal made me feel tingles in places I never knew existed!"

Sandy's eyes grew wide. "My GOD! Are you telling me you made out with this Jennifer Prescott gal on the very first date?"

"It wasn't a date, per se," I clarified. "It was a job interview."

"Some interview," Sandy huffed with skepticism. She took a bite of her salad. "You two hot blondes making out on the couch, no doubt."

I returned an enigmatic grin. "Well, it wasn't on the couch."

Sandy paused, then set her fork down. "My God! Not in the bedroom!"

I shrugged a shoulder and felt my face turning red. "Maybe."

"Are you telling me you got it on with that hot honey in her bedroom last night?"

"I couldn't help myself. Since I was already naked -- "

"She got you naked so she could check you all over for tattoos? Did she need to examine your body with her hands?"

"She needed to look everywhere because of the costume she wants me to wear."

"You tear off your clothes in some strange gal's apartment and naturally you end up in her bedroom doing the nasty."

"There was nothing nasty about it. And I already explained to you that I was already naked because Jennifer wanted to check out my body."

"I'll bet she did, and then some." Sandy giggled and shook her head. "Measure your body for a costume. There's a pickup line I haven't heard yet."

"It wasn't a line. Jennifer's offer is genuine. I was the one who suggested we move into the bedroom."

"Since you were already naked," she remarked dryly.

"Exactly." I sipped my tea. "I suppose I will have to have my costume altered to fit my ample measurements."

My friend's eyes dropped to my endowed bust. "No doubt." Sandy went back to eating her salad. "Your new boss will have to examine your body up close and personal once again to be sure her measurements are correct."

I grinned knowingly. "I certainly hope so!"

Sandy shook her head in disbelief. "I was right before; you are nutso, girl. You go to this gal's apartment for a job interview, you tear off all your clothes -- "

"Not so much tearing as it was like a strip-tease performance."

"You end up naked in her bedroom so she can examine your body more closely, and the situation naturally gravitated to sex."

"Not exactly sex in the strictest sense of the word. Just some kissing and heavy petting. I didn't know anything about doing it with a woman, so I let Jennifer take the lead."

My friend casually shrugged a shoulder. "I can't say as I blame her. Hell, just visualizing you naked is enough to get me aroused, and I'm not even a dyke."

I looked at her evenly. "Really?"

Sandy returned my gaze without expression. "Yes, really."

"That's so sweet of you to say."

"Hell, if I had a figure like yours, I wouldn't waste it on losers any old gal can pick up in a bar. I'd go for a classier level of companions." She shrugged a shoulder and sipped her iced tea. "Though, if I had a hot chick like your Amazing Jennifer alone with me in her bedroom, I might be tempted to do the old mattress mambo with her myself."

"You don't think it's too weird for me to want to see what it's like with a girl?"

"I think your self-imposed abstinence is what's weird." Miss Fulton dolefully shook her head. "You have really lost it, girl. You quit your job to join a magic show and turn lesbo, all in the same day."

"Jennifer and I haven't done anything serious yet, so I haven't officially turned lesbo. I have to admit I'm intrigued by the concept though. I mean, you yourself admitted the woman is beautiful. And my mother always said, don't knock it 'til you try it."

Sandy snorted with amusement. "I doubt she was referring to a gay relationship."

I took a sip of my drink. "Have you ever done it with a girl?"

"What! Me? Hell no!"

"Why not? Does it disgust you?"

"No. It's just too bizarre for me to even think about. I mean, I don't criticize or judge girls who are that way, I just don't want to be one myself."

"Well, maybe tomorrow I can give you a full rundown on what it's like."

Sandy gaped at me incredulous. "You're going to screw her tonight?"

I casually shrugged a shoulder. "There is a distinct possibility."

"Girl, you have definitely gone completely crazy."

"What's crazy is me waiting for Mister Wonderful to come riding up on his white stallion and whisk me away to his castle in the clouds. It isn't going to happen, not even to a gal with a nice face and body like mine. I imagined back in high school that being pretty and well-endowed would get me places. The only places it got me was the back seat of boys' cars. And in the job market? Wearing a skimpy bikini sitting on the hood of a Camaro at a car show, or as the receptionist at an insurance company. Not exactly the dream life I imagined for myself." I drew in and expelled a long doleful sigh. "To be truthful, I haven't had much luck with men, you know? None of my relationships ever worked out. They always treat me like some kind of prize. Maybe it's me, I don't know. I just think I should give this lady a chance at romance."

"Just because you strike out with guys doesn't mean you should switch genders. I mean, come on."

I gave her a wry smile. "Admit it, you are as curious about it as I am."

"Curious, yes. But not interested enough to actually do it. Eew! Doing it with a girl! Not for me. No way."

I pointed an accusing finger at her. "That was exactly what we said about boys when we were kids, remember? We thought doing it with a boy was gross and disgusting. When we hit puberty, it was all we could think about."

Sandy casually shrugged. "You may be right about that."

"I just want to try it to see what it's like, San. Maybe I'll like it, maybe I won't. But if I was to experiment with girl-on-girl sex, I could certainly do a whole lot worse than trying it out with a hot honey like Jennifer Prescott."

My friend stared at the remains of her salad on the table. "I suppose so. I can't blame you for wanting to find out about it." She raised her eyes to me with a knowing smile. "You will definitely have to tell me all the juicy details tomorrow!"

I expelled my breath in a loud guffaw. "What a naughty woman you are!"

Sandy grinned and sipped her drink. "As long as you are going to experiment and see what it's like, you may as well share the results with your dear friend, right?"

"You are as curious about it as I am! Admit it!"

"Curious, but also chicken. I'm not saying I'm interested at all, but I would like to hear about it."

"What if it turns out to be the best experience of my life?"

Sandy chuckled. "Then I will be very happy for you. And jealous as hell."

After lunch, I phoned a temp agency and arranged for someone to come take my place. The company promised to send a girl to my office the following morning.

It was hard to keep my mind on my job with all the thoughts and images dancing about in my head. I was finally going to get into show business and get out of that flea trap I call an apartment. Best of all, I get to be with a lovely and talented lady who was willing to show me the ropes.

I grinned knowingly to myself as I arranged a pile of purchase orders, correspondences and invoices on my desk. Jennifer Prescott was going to show me the ropes, all right.

On the stage and in the bedroom.

CHAPTER 4

At precisely seven pm, Jennifer opened the front door of her apartment to my knock. "Carla!" she smiled warmly.

"Honey, I'm home!" I called cheerily as I stepped inside and gave her a quick smooch on the cheek. I gestured to the carry-on suitcase at my side. "I hope you don't mind me moving in a little at a time. It's easier for me to throw a handful of clothes in a suitcase than to haul all of my stuff over at once."

"No, that's fine. Whichever way you want to do it." She closed the door behind me. "You timed it perfectly. I was just about to make us some dinner."

I set my suitcase aside and smiled at her. "And she cooks too! Wow! I do believe I'm getting the best part of this arrangement!"

Jennifer laughed. "Don't count your blessings until you've tasted one of my home cooked meals." She walked past me toward the kitchen. "I've gotten rather used to cooking for one. Plus, we tend to eat out a lot while performing on the road, so having a decent home cooked meal is a real treat."

"I'm sure it will be absolutely wonderful."

My boss stopped and smiled back at me. "You are so sweet."

"Hey, if somebody wants to cook dinner for me, they are number one in my book."

As Jennifer puttered about the kitchen, I carried my bag to the room that was to be mine. I set the suitcase on the bed and glanced around at the room. My bedroom. I grinned happily and rested my hands on my waist. It felt mighty nice to have a bedroom of my own once again. Of course, I had been living in an apartment since I moved out of my parents' house when I turned 18, but it wasn't the same. Having an empty apartment all to yourself is different than sharing a place with someone. Living with Jennifer gave me a sense of belonging, like I was part of a family again. I seriously doubted I would miss that seedy old apartment of mine. This new arrangement was far better.

Jennifer made us some shrimp and pasta in a creamy garlic sauce. I smiled at her across the cozy round dining room table. "Thanks for making dinner," I said. "This is delicious."

My hostess returned a warm smile. "I'm so glad you like it."

"How's about I take care of dinner tomorrow night?"

The woman regarded me curiously. "Do you cook?"

"Not very often. I was thinking about picking up some Chinese takeout."

Jennifer laughed. "Sounds perfect." She stirred her pasta with her fork. "I'll have a key made for you tomorrow so you can come and go as you please."

"That's fine. Although I doubt I'll be going anywhere without you for a while. Except to bring more stuff over from my old apartment." I gave her a half-smile and took a bite of garlic bread. "It was nice having a smiling face greet me at the door when I come here tonight."

Jennifer smiled sweetly. "I was genuinely glad to see you." Her face took on a thoughtful expression. "Actually, I found myself looking forward to seeing you again tonight."

"Me too," I said honestly.

Jennifer set her fork aside. "So, are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of magic?"

I grinned happily at my new boss. "I am so ready, baby!"

"Good. After we finish dinner, we'll go over to a warehouse I have rented on the East side of town. I have all my equipment stored there. It gives us plenty of room and privacy to practice our act without prying eyes or interruptions. I have your costumes stored there, so you can try a few on and see how they fit."

"Oh great," I winced, placing my hand over my tummy. "You should have told me about that before I ate so much of your delicious pasta."

Jennifer chuckled. "Relax. You're going to have to make some alterations to your wardrobe anyway. My previous assistant was not as well-endowed in the upper torso as you are."

I smiled seductively and waggled my eyebrows at her. "So it was my big boobs that attracted you to me, girlfriend?"

The lady regarded me thoughtfully. "It wasn't only your body, Carla. It was your smile, your face, how you handled yourself on the stage." She picked up her wine glass and allowed a demure smile. "Though I must admit, you do have an incredible figure."

"Thank you."

"You have a certain look on your face. Sweet and innocent, and yet serious and intense. I could tell you took that audition very seriously, but you also had that look of hope and optimism as well. I knew the instant I saw you that you were the girl I needed to have in my act. You're sweet and beautiful, but have the look of a true professional."

"Aww," I mewed sweetly. "Thanks boss." I rose to my feet and picked up our plates. "That compliment deserves the reward of me cleaning up the dishes."

"You don't have to do that."

"Yes, I do. We're partners, remember? I need to carry my share of the responsibilities." I bent down and gave her a quick smooch on the cheek. "You made dinner and I get to clean up."

My roommate patted me affectionately on the butt. "Whatever makes you happy."

I carried the plates to the sink. "Besides, I have to work off those calories so I can remain sexy and sensuous for you. I mean, your eye-candy girl has to maintain a slim and trim figure if she can expect to make you look good."

"You are plenty sexy enough."

"Thanks, J. P."

Jennifer laughed. "Nobody ever called me that before."

I returned to her side to fetch the silverware and the glasses. "Is it all right if I call you that?"

"Yes. It's like a cute term of affection you have for me. I like it."

"It is a term of affection, that's for sure." I bent down and met her lips in a tender lingering kiss. "And I'll be sure to shout it out when we make love together later."

Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh?"

"You gave me a sample last night of what lady love is like. You can't blame me for wanting more." I straightened and nudged her shoulder with my hip. "Consider it one more way to burn off calories in order to keep this body slim and trim."

Miss Prescott chuckled as I sauntered over to the sink. "Whatever makes you happy."

I glanced seductively over my shoulder at my partner. "I would hope it makes both of us happy, dearie."

The woman grinned. "Oh, I'm thinking it would make us very happy indeed!"

Jennifer retired to relax in the living room as I loaded the dishwasher and set it to run. "I should probably unpack some of my things," I said. "If I'm going to spend the night."

"Before you get settled in, I want to show you something."

I crossed to her with a puzzled expression. "What is it?"

The woman set aside the newspaper and smiled up at me from the couch. "You might say, the tricks of the trade."

"Oh?"

She rose to her feet and picked up her purse. "It's only about four miles from here. We can ride there in my car."

I joined her at the door. "Lead on, boss!"

We drove in her car to the East side of town to a two-story red brick building that looked like it used to be some kind of automotive repair shop. The front had one big overhead garage door on the side. Sheets of plywood covered the lower windows and the upstairs windows were dark. "Looks abandoned," I observed under my breath as we stepped from the vehicle and moved to the side door. A single naked bulb illuminated over the doorway.

Jennifer grinned over her shoulder at me as she unlocked the deadbolt. "That's what you are supposed to think." She opened the door and grinned playfully at me. "The art of illusion, remember?"

We entered the building and Jennifer switched on the lights. It did appear to be some sort of auto shop at one time. The room was open to the loft. Long heavy chains hung from pullies attached to the metal beams overhead. I glanced around. There were all sorts of magic gadgetry scattered about. Magic boxes where you saw a woman in half, cabinets to make a person disappear, and a wooden support with manacles attached. To the side was a table with swords, axes, saws, and other sharp dangerous objects. The warehouse looked like a torture chamber from the Spanish Inquisition. "What is this place?" I murmured quietly.

"It's my workshop," Jennifer explained proudly. "It's where I store my equipment and work on new illusions."

"It's a little creepy," I scowled, picking up a long saber from the table. "It's a good thing you didn't show this to me earlier, or I may not have been so eager to join the act."

"Be careful," Jennifer quickly cautioned. "That one is real."

I turned to her with the sword in my hands. "This is real?"

She moved to my side. "Some of the tools are the genuine article that we use to show to the audience to prove we are using are the real thing. Convince them that the trick we're about to perform is dangerous. I have other props that we use in the act that aren't so sharp and deadly."

"Good thing," I huffed, setting the weapon down. "I'm a tad squeamish at the sight of blood. Particularly when it's mine."

Jennifer chuckled and patted my upper arm. "I assure you; everything here is quite safe. I always go over the illusions many times with my assistant before we put it in a show. You and I must have our movements down to a science before we agree that we're ready." Jennifer picked up another sword and showed me that it was nothing but a flimsy, plastic blade. "I would never do anything to intentionally harm you, Carla, you know that?"

"I know you wouldn't. I guess it's my job to make sure you get the right tools at the right time. That includes the dangerous ones too,"

"Exactly." Jennifer set the fake sword on the table and turned to me. "Are you having second thoughts about being my assistant?"

"Nope. Hey, it's only show biz, right?"

"It's a little more than that," she mused, wandering through the room. "Some entertainers can perform the same act year after year. Not so with magicians. You're only as good as your latest illusion. That's why this business is so competitive. You have to come up with new tricks all the time."

"Tricks?"

"It's what we call illusions. Magicians are very protective and secretive when it comes to their craft." She stopped to rest her hand on a tall black cabinet. "They routinely try to steal each other's work, not just to add fresh material to their acts, but to keep others from getting ahead." She looked at me with a serious expression. "Sometimes I may come across as being overly suspicious of people. I have to be extremely careful with whom I share my illusions with. My last assistant was seduced into working for a competitor and she took all my secrets along with her. It nearly destroyed me. I don't want that to happen to me ever again."

I moved to her and rested my hand on her shoulder. "I promise I will never do anything to hurt you, Jenny. Just as long as you do the same for me." I grinned and slid my hand down her arm to take her hand in mine. "You be sure to use the pretend swords on me and not the real ones."

Jennifer smiled and gave my fingers a gentle squeeze. "I will." Miss Prescott broke away and moved to a rack of frilly fancy garments. "I have a variety of costumes for you to choose from. My last assistant was not so endowed in the chest as you are, so they will have to be altered to fit you."

"Not a problem." I crossed to her and selected a sheer blue and silver sequined garment from the rack. "Wow! Looks more suited for burlesque than for Carnegie Hall."

Jennifer chuckled with humor. "You said you wanted to be in show business."

I held the costume up to my chest and glanced down my body. "A gal could get arrested for wearing something like this."

"All part of the illusion, my dear," Jennifer grinned, crossing her arms over her chest. "The audience will be watching you and not concentrating on me."

"Sneaky." I removed what appeared to be an emerald green one-piece bathing suit with dark green feathers attached. "I should probably have a couple costumes altered at the same time. One wardrobe malfunction with these big hooters of mine and we'd really cause a stir in the magic world."

Jennifer nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea."

I turned to her. "Do you want me to sign some kind of contract with you? A non-disclosure agreement or something? So that you won't worry about me revealing any of your secrets?"

The woman smiled warmly and placed her hand on my arm. "I don't think that would be necessary. I happen to think I'm a pretty good judge of character. The very first time you kissed me; I knew you were a person I could trust implicitly."

I grinned and said, "As I recall, you were the one who kissed me." I moved closer to the woman. "In any event, let's seal this agreement in the same way."

Jennifer offered a wry smile. "Sounds good to me." She leaned closer and met my lips in a tender kiss.

I sighed with contentment and knew in that instant that I was making the right decision. Working with The Amazing Jennifer was going to be a wonderful experience, hopefully for us both. I leaned back and gave her a warm smile. "This is a whole lot better way of sealing our agreement than merely shaking hands."

The woman laughed. "Welcome to the Jennifer Prescott Magic Show, Carla Monroe."

I grinned happily and nodded in agreement. "I know I'm really going to love working with you!"

Her face took on a serious expression. "You know that I am trusting you with my life and my livelihood, Carla."

"So am I. It would be foolish of me to betray you when I'm locked in a box and you are the one shoving swords into it."

"Good point." Jennifer led me to the back of the warehouse. "What I am now going to show you, you have to promise me, you will never reveal to another soul."

"Okay."

"Promise me."

I spit into my right palm and held my hand out for her to shake. "Sister pact," I stated authoritatively.

Jennifer scowled at my hand and looked at my face. "That's disgusting."

"All right, then." I wiped my palm on my jeans and offered my right hand to her with my little pinkie finger extended. "Pinkie swear."

My companion gave me a disparaging smirk. "Seriously? What are we, twelve?"

"There is nothing more legally and morally binding than a pinkie swear."

Jennifer expelled her breath in a huff of irritation. "If you insist."

We hooked our pinkie fingers together and I gave a solemn oath. "I swear to never reveal to anyone what I see in this warehouse."

She nodded in acceptance. "Fair enough." Jennifer led me to a large apparatus in the far corner. It consisted of a huge metal hoop about eight feet in diameter standing on edge with a low platform mounted on either side of it. "What is it?" I frowned, puzzled.

"This is my latest and greatest illusion," she announced proudly. "I call it Firebird."

I was still completely baffled. "What's it supposed to do?"

"Simple. I stand on this platform over here. Then you light the flaming hoop in the middle, and I float through the air into the flames and arrive safely on the other side."

I stared at her, not fully comprehending the enormity of the stunt. "Let me get this straight; you step up onto the platform on this side, I light the hoop on fire, then you fly through a blazing ring of fire and land on the platform on the other side."

Jennifer crossed her arms over her chest and nodded. "You got it."

"You have got to be out of your friggin' mind!"

The woman laughed. "That's what makes the illusion so incredible."

I moved closer to examine the deadly contraption. "This ring looks like it's pretty solid."

"Yep. Solid steel."

"And you said I light it on fire?" I glanced at her. "Is that for real?"

"Yes. Two propane tanks hidden in the base create a spectacular raging inferno."

"And you simply fly right through it."

"Well, more like slowly walk through it. It's more dramatic that way."

I gaped at the device. "Woman, you are totally nuts!" I touched the deadly metal ring. "What kind of crazy person comes up with life-threatening stunts like this?"

"We have to do something memorable and spectacular if we want to win the competition in Las Vegas."

I glanced at her. "Competition?"

"The Master Illusionist Competition. You and I are already registered to perform."

"In Las Vegas?"

"You betcha!"

"Tell me more about this competition."

"Illusionists from all around the world come to compete for the title of Master Illusionist and a grand prize of fifty thousand dollars."

I let out my breath in a low whistle. "Wow. That's some serious coin."

"Fifty thousand bucks can go a long way in financing some new illusions."

I winced sheepishly. "I'm glad you have enough confidence in my abilities to assist you."

Jenny moved to my side and slipped an arm around my back. "You wanted to be in show business, honey. After we perform Firebird, the Amazing Jennifer will be world famous!"

I furrowed my brow with worry and doubt. This trick will certainly make Jennifer famous. But if something went wrong with such an incredibly dangerous illusion, this fiery death trap will make Jennifer Prescott famous for all the wrong reasons.

"We have to learn this trick forward and backward," Jennifer explained. "We have to be able to perform it with our eyes closed. I want you to do the trick as well so that we can get our timing down pat."

"Not with the flames, I hope," I grimaced.

Jennifer laughed. "No, you don't have to do it with the flames."

"How much time do we have?"

"About two months. We can rehearse the trick in between putting on local shows to practice our timing and other illusions."

I nodded with approval. "Two months should be enough time."

"That's when the competition takes place. We will have less time than that to prepare."

"What do you mean?"

"We have to allow at least a week to ship the Firebird gear to Las Vegas for the competition. Because the apparatus is so big, we have to transport it there by truck. Plus, we have to allow at least a day or two for assembly once it gets there."

"Sounds like a lot of work."

"It is. But the hardest part is that we can't practice the trick the day before the competition. If anyone sees us rehearsing beforehand, they might steal the trick or reveal its secrets before we can do the show. Either way, we're sunk. We can't risk anyone seeing the trick until we perform it at the competition."

"I can see that. It would totally suck if somebody saw us practicing the trick and revealed its secrets before the competition. Or worse, blab how it works on social media."

"Exactly."

We locked up the warehouse and climbed into Jennifer's car. She drove us back to her place. Jennifer opened the door and led the way inside. "You said earlier that you were planning to spend the night here tonight?" she asked.

I carried an armload of costumes into her apartment. I had selected the blue one and the green one, plus a canary yellow and a bright cherry red outfit as well. If I was going to have them altered to fit my curvaceous figure, I may as well have several done at once. "Yes. Quite frankly, your place is a whole lot nicer than mine and I can't wait to sleep on a real bed and not that lumpy old cot I'm used to."

She closed the door behind us. "It's getting rather late," Jennifer commented. "Would you care for a glass of wine and relax with me in the living room for a short while before bed?"

"I'd like that," I said. "Let me hang these costumes up so they don't get wrinkled, and then change into something more comfortable." I headed for my bedroom. "Open up a bottle and I'll join you in a few minutes."

"Okay."

I stowed the costumes in my bedroom closet. Tomorrow I would take them to a dress shop and have them altered.

I opened my suitcase on the bed and selected some appropriate sleepwear. I smiled knowingly as I removed a very sexy lingerie item. This skimpy little next-to-nothing was guaranteed to make my new employer's eyes pop right out of their sockets. I began to undress, entertaining various possible scenarios in my mind, all of them naughty and erotic.

Jennifer Prescott was the one who had offered for me to move in with her. It would be only natural that she would catch me wearing tantalizing garments from time to time. Best to get her used to the idea as quickly as possible. She had also offered to take care of my sexual cravings when needed. It would be in my best interest to discover as soon as possible how effective she would be in that department.

I recalled Sandy's accusation at lunch. "You're going to screw her?" the girl asked.

"There is that distinct possibility," I replied.

I grinned mischievously as I stripped naked and slipped into the sensuous apparel. Jennifer Prescott may have invited me to be her housemate, but she was about to get a whole lot more in a partner than she had ever bargained for.