First Love Pt. 02

First Love Part 2

(Written in September 2026)

RT: I bet Greg is onto us. He kept giving me dirty looks in the team meeting.

DN: I highly doubt it. He's not that astute.

RT: It doesn't help you keep holding my hand under the table when we're sitting together.

DN: I'm telling you, I'm discreet! :)

RT: Yes, veeeeery discreet...

DN: Can't help it. You're too irresistible. Even your hands :)

RT: Maybe you shouldn't keep describing what you find irresistible about me in the Equilibria Teams chat : P

DN: It's hard... You're too irresistible ;)

DN: Would you want to come over tonight? I can cook...

RT: I'd love to Dany boy. But I may be staying until 7 or so to prepare some slides for the transit project. Greg told me earlier I need to do a presentation in a couple of days.

RT: And I also want to go to the gym after work. Haven't been able to for the last few days. Too much Daniel time.

RT: You want me to be able to work out, don't you cutie? :)

DN: Of course! I wouldn't want to stand between you and very heavy barbells!

RT: But maybe we can do it tomorrow if you're still free...

RT: ; D

DN: I certainly can be for you. There's this thing going on right now called the "World Cup," and I wanted to watch a Portugal game...

RT: I know what the World Cup is, Daniel.

DN: But I can make dinner and we can watch a little bit together? Maybe at least the end?

RT: Maybe... If the dinner is tasty I could consider it... At least the penalties if you're good : D

DN: Sounds like a deal! ;)

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"I always avoid going for brunch in nice restaurants I want to try out. Especially seafood restaurants. They use it as an opportunity to hawk us eggs and pancakes instead of serving fresh grilled fish."

He's so cute when he gets passionate like this.

"Hadn't thought about it like that. I do enjoy brunch food, though."

"Nothing against it. I know the perfect brunch place if you'd like."

He brings the roasted rabbit to the dining table. First time he's making it. It smells delicious -- a recipe from his mom.

"It tastes so good," I say, chewing on the first bite. "I've never had rabbit before, but it's amazing. I don't think I'll ever see the cute furballs the same way again."

"I'm glad to expand your culinary horizons!"

"You sure do! Always well fed when I'm with you," I say, holding his hand for a moment. "Sofi invited me to come salsa dancing with her on Friday. I asked if you could come too, and she said, 'Sure, why not.' Would you like to?"

"Does Sofi know about us?"

"Sorta... not all the details, but she may have guessed I was into you and you were into me and I may have confirmed it, and at another lunch I may have said we were sort of dating."

He blushes.

"That cat is out of the bag then!" he says, his gaze happy on mine. "She's not the most discreet. But I sure don't mind everyone at work learning I've won the dating jackpot."

"Aww, Daniel... So, but what about the salsa?"

"Would it be ok if I skipped? I think you probably want to hang with Sofi, and I'm not a good dancer."

"I'm not either. That's why the lessons are fun!"

"I also kinda want to watch Argentina -- Brazil on Friday night with Patrick. If it was an evening of just the two of us, I'd totally drop it. But given you'll have your own fun thing, maybe I could still do it. Would you mind?"

"No, it's ok, Dany. You can go watch your soccer. But don't be surprised if I find another handsome Latino," I say, tease in my voice.

"Hope you don't," he replies, appearing to take it seriously.

My hand touches his cheek.

"I was just joking, Daniel. You're the only cute Portuguese I like."

"Sorry for being insecure sometimes. I find you so amazing; I feel like I may wake up from this dream sometimes."

"I'm not a dream, sweetie. And if you dream of me, you'll wake up and I'll be right there."

We scarf down the expertly roasted potatoes for half a minute.

"I have to say, I'm still surprised about your... preferences. I expected you to find me overly muscular or manly. In the past, I've been afraid of intimidating guys I've dated. Especially cuties like you."

"It's so sexy that you're so muscular and strong. Growing up, I was always attracted to girls with some 'substance.' Never into thin girls. But I had never met someone like you in person. You blow my mind a little."

"Never thought I'd meet a guy who would appreciate these," I say, flexing my right biceps. He reverently reaches out to touch my peak.

"You certainly have now. I should say, I'm the one who should be surprised. Plenty of guys are into strong, athletic women. But almost all women like taller men, stronger men, men that can protect them. Even female athletes always seem to date bigger guys."

"I'm not all women," I say before washing down a mouthful of rabbit with Moscatel wine. "I like you as you are. Cute, kind."

"I'm so happy that's how you feel, but do you know why?"

"Now you're fishing for compliments," I say with a soft laugh. "You're the smartest guy at Equilibria. I like that you care so much about things. And you're so earnest in how you care, in how you like me. No games." I pause before continuing. "And it's not just that I "don't mind" you're slim. I do find it sexy."

"Explain a little more..."

"I guess I never psychoanalyzed the whole thing. I think you're really cute, and that's part of it. But I also enjoy how your body feels against mine. I'm strong and you're soft. It's very hot to think about it."

My eyes survey his reaction. I can hear the dry swallow.

"I have a question for you... Do you usually look up strong women online?"

He looks at me, unsure how to answer. Probably wondering what's okay to say. I keep my smirk.

"I mean, I guess sometimes..."

"Sometimes like once a year? Once a month? A little more?"

"Maybe a little more..." He seems so embarrassed now. I decide I have teased him enough.

"It's ok, cutie," I say, holding his hand again. "I know how hot those ladies can be."

He looks so relieved.

"Who are your favorites? Athletes?"

"Some..."

"Do you like bodybuilders too?"

"Some, but not when they get too, too big."

"Hmm... what would be too big?"

"Honestly, the bigger issue is when it becomes clear they are taking steroids. The voice change... I also don't like the very cut look they get for the shows."

"I agree. I don't ever want to go on those stupid diets they do for the shows. That's why I like CrossFit and powerlifting better."

"You're amazing, Rita," he says, smiling like a little boy opening up a PlayStation under the Christmas tree.

"I know, Dany, I know. Maybe you can show me some of your favorites at some point," I say with a wink.

"Maybe." I can tell he's still shy about the topic. Probably thinking I'll be mad to see he finds other women attractive. I don't think I would.

I continue, "Was there any specific moment when you were growing up where you realized you liked strong girls?"

"I can't quite remember when it was the first time I realized it consciously. I think I was into it from very young. But I do remember something that blew my mind when I was a teenager: The American Gladiators show."

"I loved that show too!"

"From what I understand now, we got the first seasons back in Portugal a few years after they premiered in the US. So the show started there when I was around 13, 14... prime age, let's say."

"That's so cool. I remember watching the show too when I was little! I looked up to the female gladiators!"

"I also liked the female gladiators..."

"Did you have any favorites?"

"I think I liked Ice and Siren best. They looked so strong, but I remember them also being quite attractive."

"Dany was into the blonde babes... I preferred Zap. She was the fiercest. Contestants never had a chance against her."

"She was fierce. I liked Zap too. But she wasn't quite as pretty -- to me -- as the other two, so teenage-me was a little less into her."

"Well, maybe we can watch some reruns together sometime. Or the new season on Prime."

We finish the watermelon Daniel sliced and move to sit in the living room with our drinks. My arm wraps around his shoulders. We start to make out.

Portugal -- Netherlands never plays on his TV that night.

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The club is cozy -- dimly lit, a little hot. I'm not sure if they have an AC running. It will get sweaty in here. There are five guys and more than ten women. I guess we'll have to share. Or adapt.

Everyone is dressed for the occasion. Short skirts, lots of cleavage, so many hot Latinas. But none of them holds a candle to Sofi. Her cheeks are rosy, just a little blush. The liner around her eyes brings out her deep blue. Her breasts perk up against her dress. Maybe it's good Daniel is not here to see this. Ah! I'm no slouch either, but more understated in my white top and black skirt, falling below my knees. Proper, demure for a night out without my boyfriend.

She leads in the first dance, her right hand on my back. It feels right. She's taller than me in her stilettos -- it's amazing she can dance in those things. I don't want to fall on my ass on my first time, so I've brought my flat, strappy sandals. Sofi knows what she's doing. I try to follow her steps without stepping on her pretty toes. She brings me close, then twirls me -- I let go, following her hand.

"Switch," the instructor announces loudly.

She lets go of me. A handsome, dark guy leads me now, holding my hand, spinning me around. He's enjoying this. In another time, another place, maybe. His eyes are conquering, ravishing. Not earnest and sweet like Daniel's. I'd rather be dancing with you, my beautiful. No matter how much this guy makes me move, makes me sweat.

The lesson goes on for another hour. I dance with every guy in the club and with many of the girls. It's been a blast. Sofi takes back my hand when the instructor announces the last dance.

"Can I lead this time?" I say, in the zone from all the movement.

"Sure... if you think you can handle me," she teases. She kicks off her shoes. "It will be better this way. I like to look up to my partner." I slip out of my sandals too, wanting to feel the floorboard.

I lead her, quick, quick, slow, quick, quick, slow. I'm getting the hang of it, but my feet still step on hers a couple of times. She smiles.

"You're a natural, Rits," she says with a smirk. Such a pretty smirk.

"Had good teachers today."

I pick up the pace. She follows me easily, practice making perfect. Her skirt swirls in the air, her shapely thighs shining under the disco ball. I clutch her close. A little too close. Her chest presses below mine, her face nestles by my neck. She loosens under my grip and looks me in the eye, lips parted. I look back.

And then I keep moving. I twirl her. The music stops.

"That was so intense, Rits. You need to come back with me next week!" She's excited, her arms wrapped around me. I hug her back, controlling myself.

This was intense. Too intense.

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I move quickly. Wipe the tub, the toilet, the sink. Put away the trash, vacuum everything. Bedroom, bathroom, and living room are done. Been moving really fast, breaking a sweat. It's like a homely HIIT workout.

But I haven't gotten to the kitchen and he's ringing the doorbell. It's already 7 -- he's always so punctual. I'll put away the dishes while I make the pasta.

"Hi, Dany! Come on in!"

We hug and kiss. He cut his hair; it makes him look younger.

"Today's my turn to take care of you. Sit down and relax. You can turn on the TV if there's a game you want to watch."

I hand him a seltzer water as he puts on some classical music on YouTube. Beethoven.

"What you making?"

"I'm cooking you my Chicken Piccata recipe. And making a side of Mancini pasta with Carbone sauce. You won't be disappointed!"

I look at my pantry.

"Shoot... I don't have the sauce. Thought I had bought it last week. I'll run to the Italian market by 23rd, and I'll be back in a jiffy."

"Do you want me to drive you there?"

"No, stay here relaxing, enjoying your Ludwig Van. It will be faster for me to bike there anyway. There isn't much parking."

I kiss him and off I go. It takes me just a couple of minutes to get to the store, but it is closed. Should have known it was too late. I'm not giving up, so I bike to Whole Foods. It's 10 minutes each way, but I'll make this pasta damnit.

I text to warn him it will take me a bit longer. They do have the sauce -- small favors -- but there's a long line at checkout. Biking back in the heat, thirty minutes after I left. Such a great hostess I am, making my cutie wait and all drenched.

"Hi, Dany! Sorry for the delay. Had to go through a little odyssey to secure the Carbone. But I got us some Mint Talenti as a bonus. Hope it didn't melt."

He's lounging on my couch, looking all comfy, watching a track and field competition on ESPN. I turn to the kitchen, and I'm shocked. No dishes in the sink. Pots washed and draining on the rack. Dishwasher running. All the counters sparkly. I step on the pedal and pop open the trash can -- it's empty too. Even the tiny crumbs by the oven are gone (I'm sure they were there an hour ago).

"Daniel... did you just clean my whole kitchen? While I was away?"

"Maybe. Or maybe it was the kitchen fairy," he says with a sheepish smile.

"You didn't have to, honey. You're my guest tonight. I wanted you to relax, not do my dishes."

"You were out and about getting us food, and I wanted to help. Hope you're not mad."

I step close and hug him tight. My sweat dampens his blue Ralph Lauren polo.

"Of course I'm not mad. Thank you, Dany. I just want you to have a good time," I whisper in his ear.

"I do. Always, when I'm with you."

He's so sweet. So devoted. How far does it go?

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I should get that black bikini. It will be so hot on Sunday, and I bet Dany will want to go to the beach. We should try the one next to the cape. Not a lot going on today; is August always slower here?

My Teams pings.

Greg: Rita, please come to my office. I have something important to talk with you about.

He never micromanages, so what could this be? I'm surprised he's even in the office at all today.

"Rita, what I have to say does not in any way reflect on your performance," he begins as I sit down.

I brace myself.

"The last few months have been tough for Equilibria. When we made you the offer, we still believed we could weather the new political environment. We probably shouldn't have been so optimistic... But with the new administration, we've been losing a lot of contracts. The type of socially conscious work we do isn't really the direction now."

"Greg, please, cut to the chase," I say, a lump in my throat.

"Yes, sorry, Rita. You deserve me to be direct. They cancelled the transit project yesterday. We're going to have to let you go."

The floor crumbles beneath my feet.

"As I said, it's not about your performance. Unfortunately, we'll be laying off another 20 people in the next few days, 30 percent of all staff."

Worry moves faster than propriety. "Is Daniel going to be ok?"

"Yes. He's one of our most senior consultants and well regarded. The funding for his project is getting cut, but not fully. We'll be keeping Daniel." He pauses. "Again, I want to reinforce... your work here was great. I'll be happy to be your reference whenever you need me. And I'm so sorry."

He explains the bureaucratic details. I have until the end of the week to clear my desk. Severance is just two months. Equilibria is short on cash. I'm short on cash...

I don't feel up to telling the news to Daniel or Sofi, and leave without taking any of my stuff. I run home in my work shoes and business suit. Something I can do, I can control.

When I get home, I head straight to bed and bury my face in the pillow. I've been reading about how difficult it is to get a job now, particularly doing what we do. They're really fucking things up.

I have no energy. Just want to fall asleep.

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Daniel's been texting me since 11. He already knows what happened. He tried to call, but I didn't pick up, needed a little time. I hope this doesn't change things between us. He asks if he can take me out to cheer me up. I reply I'd rather stay home. Not hungry.

He comes over after work. Prepared to make me soup, chicken soup. I lie in bed while he makes it. He brings it to me on a tray.

"I'm so sorry, Rita. You were doing so well."

"Thank you, Dany. I loved it there," I say between sniffles and take a spoonful of the soup. "Thanks for making this. It's the best chicken soup I've had in years."

"Of course, my darling." He caresses my face before continuing, "These budget cuts are so nonsensical. It's all so unfair." He pauses and says, somberly, "We shouldn't have hired you from McKinsey."

"Oh, Daniel... Then I wouldn't have met you," I say, hugging him, kissing him. "I'm glad for my time at Equilibria. I just hope I can find another job soon. There are only two months of severance, and unemployment is so little."

He looks me in the eye, determined, comforting. "You can stay with me, if you'd like. For as long as you need or want to. I'd take care of you."

"Dany... I can't accept that. We've only been dating for a few weeks. It wouldn't be fair on you. I won't be able to pay my half of your apartment."

"It wouldn't be a problem... But I'm not pressuring you. Just keep it in mind as an option. I'm happy to help."

"Thank you," I say in a low voice before kissing him.

I finish the soup, but I'm still feeling down. I lie on my side, facing away from Daniel. He takes the bowl and tray to the kitchen, then comes back to bed. His arms and legs wrap around me, spooning me. He kisses me softly on my neck, while I clutch his arm.

"Rest, my beautiful. I'll hold you."

I finally relax; my eyes are heavy...

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I wake up around nine. Daniel is gone. No alarm. I didn't hear him leave at all.

There's a small bowl on the kitchen table. Oatmeal, with blueberries on it. He must have brought it all with him yesterday and cooked it this morning. For me.

A small note next to it:

"For my beautiful. You're the strongest person I know. You'll turn this around. Enjoy a healthy and tasty start to the new day. I'll always be here for you!"

I almost cry. He's so tender, so caring. The oatmeal is very good. Tastes like he added cinnamon and honey.

I update my LinkedIn page and create a profile on Glassdoor and Indeed. There are so few jobs in our area, government or private sector. Only three seem promising. I revise my resume and prepare cover letters. I'll have Daniel look it over before I submit the applications.

Two months of severance won't last me very long. Almost no savings. I'm glad I don't have a lease and can leave at any time, go somewhere cheaper, maybe a bedroom in the suburbs. But the darn student loans are still there. Shouldn't have lived in the city center, should have saved more, like my mom always told me.

Should I accept Daniel's offer? He's so kind; I know he means well. But we've only been dating for a little over a month. And I won't have much money. This completely goes against being an independent woman.

But he's so genuine, so devoted. There's no way he'll try to take advantage of me. And I like him so much. I can't imagine wanting to break up. But if I do, I guess I'll just have to leave. Doesn't seem worse than the situation I'm in now. My uncle would help me move into Daniel's and would help me take my stuff out if I need to.

But I don't want to ask. I'll only go if he truly wants me there. I'll wait for him to say it again, or I'll find somewhere else.

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He comes to pick me up. Taking me to a Portuguese restaurant in the suburbs. Says they're good, but he makes the superior branzino. I dressed up a bit -- for him, for me.

"Hi, beautiful! Hope you're feeling better today. I bet you'll love the cod cakes they make."

"I am. Can't stay a lump, need to get back out there. I found a few jobs to apply to. Maybe you can take a look at my cover letters later."

"I'll be happy to... I'll also call Patrick and Rob to see if they know of any jobs at Ernst or Deloitte. Have you thought more about my offer?"

"Living with you?"

"Yes, living with me. I'd like you to. Until you're back on your feet. Or more, if you want," he says in a calm voice, keeping his eyes on the road.

"Are you sure, Dany? You have your place so organized. Do you really want to bring all of this mess in there?" I say with a faint smirk.

"Never been more sure of anything!" His hand holds mine over the central panel.

"Ok, you've convinced me! When can I move?"

"How about tomorrow?" he says brightly, an open smile on his face.

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McKinsey submitted. Mathematica submitted. Deloitte submitted. I need to think of other options. Maybe Capital One? They don't need a consultant, but maybe I can apply to be some sort of manager? Maybe Lockheed? Ugh, this isn't what I wanted from life, but I need to make some money. Can't be sponging off my sweet Daniel.

He's been so quiet in the living room. It's Saturday and I'm sure he'd like to turn the TV on; there must be some game in the English League or the Spanish League or something. But he knows what I'm doing isn't fun, and I'll likely end up procrastinating if he makes too much noise, and he's right. He's so focused on his origami. It's a big one, so many little folds. He hasn't told me what it's going to be in the end, but I think it's some kind of animal. So cute.

I think I've done enough for today. It takes a lot mentally to trawl through these job websites. Never thought I'd consider defense contractors. What next -- Big Tobacco?

I walk to the living room.

"Dany, is there any gym near your place? Since I moved here on Wednesday, I haven't exercised. I got so much unspent energy."

"Yes. There's an LA Fitness a couple blocks away."

"That's perfect! I already have their membership. I think I'll go for a quick workout. And, when I'm back, I have a few ideas on how to spend any energy I have left," I say with a grin.

Daniel gets up and hugs me.

"Have fun. It'll be good for you to move a little, not just jobs, jobs, jobs all the time."

His warm gaze makes me smile.

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So good to feel the hot water after a hard workout. So relaxed, ready for some dinner and snuggling on the couch. But I still need to make it. Maybe I can quickly throw together a tuna salad. Not a Daniel-quality meal, but I'm sure he'd understand.

Our bedroom's so dark. The sun must have set as I was showering. My sweaty t-shirt, shorts, and underwear are gone. I had left them by the bed... didn't hear him get in. I'm not sure why he feels the need to pick up my dirty clothes -- I'm not an invalid -- but I certainly won't complain.

It smells so good. He must already be cooking. Oh, Daniel... you spoil me so. I can hear something frying on the stove.

I enter the living room with a towel wrapped around my chest.

"Daniel... why are you making dinner? Today was my turn..."

"It's not a problem. I came in and you were in the shower and I knew you'd probably been working out for a long time and must be tired, so I decided to get things started. I'm making quail. You'll see -- it's delicious! I was searching all the details of the recipe earlier at work."

"It does smell amazing. But I haven't made dinner in over a week. Starting to think you don't like my cooking..."

"It's not that at all," he replies with an open smile. "I just like doing nice things for you."

"I know... you're the best!" I say, hugging him from behind while he holds his big, manly spatula.

"Go sit for a little, and let me finish. I'm almost done with something else you'll like."

"Oh, I love surprises."

I sit on the couch, feet on the ottoman, my hair still drying.

"So, how was your day, beautiful?"

"I couldn't get myself to work on more applications," I say, downcast. "Haven't heard from anyone since that remote interview with Mathematica last week."

"Don't feel sad, Rita. It's not your fault. The job market is terrible right now. How about the gym?"

"I got there at 2 and stayed until almost 6. It's so easy to let myself go, lift, run, bike, and forget about my collapsing career."

He approaches me with a colorful cocktail.

"What is it? It looks very tempting."

"It's a piña colada. I bet you'll like it. I didn't put too much rum because I know you need to recover after your workout."

"So thoughtful, sweetie. Come sit here with me for a bit," I say, tapping the cushion next to me.

"Ok, I think the boiled potatoes will take a few more minutes."

He sits down, and I place my arm around his shoulders while I sip my cocktail. His head nestles on my shoulder.

"It's delicious. Didn't realize you're also a barman."

His face reddens.

"I set a new bench PR today. 210 lbs!"

"You lifted what??"

"You heard me, little man... 210 pounds. Could press you over my chest with some room to spare."

Daniel sprays little kisses on me, beginning on my neck until he reaches my hand.

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"How much are your student loans every month?" he asks as we lie in bed and I'm big-spooning him.

They're due in a couple of days, right after Labor Day. Hurray for us workers.

"They're down to about $1k a month. I've done some prepaying and cut them from 15 hundred. I'm glad, or my money would run out even faster."

"I can help with them," he says softly.

"Daniel... you don't need to. I can still handle them for a few months, and you're already paying for everything else."

"It's ok, Rita. I want to take care of you. There's no need to let your account go to zero. You never know; if something happens to me, I want you to be ok."

"Don't be silly. Nothing's going to happen to you, not while I have you like this," I say, clutching him tighter against my chest.

"I know... but please, let me do this for you. It would make me feel better."

I relent. A few minutes later, I give him my bank account information.

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He's sitting on the couch, watching the Wheel of Fortune when I enter the apartment.

"Hey there, handsome! What do you think? Like what you see?"

"Hi, Rita... Wow, love your haircut!"

I wanted to feel fresh and fierce, so I got my hair cut quite short.

"It's a pixie cut. I was hoping you wouldn't mind... Been wanting a change of look!"

"Mind? You're more beautiful than ever. Ok, you're always beautiful," he says, standing up. "Sorry I haven't started making dinner. I got home a little tired, sat down, and lost track of time a bit."

"It's ok. I'm not as hungry as when I get home from the gym. But I could eat something," I say with a smirk.

"I'll whip up some scrambled eggs real fast."

I sit down and check my email out of habit, hoping for some response to my applications, not that I've done any in over a week. A message from my bank says I received a transfer. $2000.

"I got your transfer... why did you send me $2000?"

"I just wanted you to have a little more money."

"You didn't have to, Daniel," I say, walking close to him in the kitchen.

"Don't worry about it... I want you to focus on being happy. While we're together, you shouldn't need to have me around to do nice things."

I consider protesting, saying I'm an independent woman, I can earn my own money. But he's looking at me so sincerely, so lovingly; it soothes my feminism. Instead, I pull him close and hug him strong, like my arms can, and whisper in his ear, "Thank you, cutie."

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Things have been getting more expensive. I know; I could not shop at Whole Foods. But then how would I find morsels like these small frozen pieces of Chilean sea bass? I need to look for the Miami tickets before they go up too much.

I grab the porterhouse. It's not Kansas City quality; I hope she'll enjoy it. She says she doesn't eat a lot of beef, but her plate is always empty after dinner. I get a 6-ounce filet for myself. It looks juicy and marbly and closer to my appetite right now.

She's been guzzling the creatine shakes. I'm happy she likes them. Need to take some berries and bananas to make more. It sucks the cooking class is moving to Wednesdays. Been loving to pick up new recipes. I can't miss tomorrow's; definitely need to learn how to make tikka-masala. I'll skip the basketball. I won't tell Rita. Wish she hadn't stopped coming to the games after the layoff, but I understand it was too much to be seeing the Equilibria people after that. Maybe I can find a different class that doesn't overlap with bball...

$300 for the whole thing. It certainly costs to shop for two. Especially when one is a growing, beautiful woman. It's all worth it. There are some things money can't buy... like a goddess living in your house.

Maybe I can work on the tax fairness essay after dinner, if I still feel up to it.

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Barely a spot to set a towel in South Beach. So hot and muggy in Miami. I've never been here with less than 85 degrees. Daniel looks so happy. He misses going to the beach often like he did back in Portugal. I bet there weren't so many babes there. Portuguese women are very pretty, but there are tons of fit women here. He knows better than to look too much, though. He already has me by his side.

I'm happy about this trip too. Routine was getting a bit repetitive back home. Thank you, Columbus! Maybe you weren't the best guy, but I'm not complaining about Dany's time off.

He applies sunblock to my back as I lie on my stomach. Every spot covered at least twice, tenderly.

"You can go harder, big guy. I won't break."

"Ok, beautiful. I was just trying to sunblock you."

"Well, I was enjoying the quasi massage. Give it to me."

He does. He goes harder; I can feel his fingers shaking a little. It's very relaxing. My turn...

"Lie down now. I know your Portuguese skin protects you more, but I still don't want you red later."

He takes position, and I begin digging in. I start soft, spreading the sunblock, but as I get excited with handling his sexy body, I press deeper into his muscles. He trembles, letting out small sighs, almost moans. Maybe I should take it a little easier. There are children in here.

Daniel lies on his back and I'm on my stomach, catching some rays. Feels so good. Haven't been to the beach all summer. He's absorbed by a new book he's reading, The Night Circus. He offers to read it to me if I'd like. I say maybe when we're cozy in bed at home.

A couple of guys pass a few yards from our towels. Tall, fit, but not brawny. One of them looks me in the eye and smirks. I do not reciprocate. When they think they're out of my earshot, the smirker tells his friend, "What's that hottie doing with that twink?" and they chuckle. Hope Dany didn't hear it. I feel the urge to get up and confront the guys, but nothing good would come out of causing a scene. Instead, I turn to my side and place my arm over his chest. Showing those brutes what my Dany has that they never will.

"Want to go on the water?" he asks.

He runs to the ocean ahead of me and dives in. The water is so nice. Maybe we should move to Miami one day. If it weren't for all the hurricanes. We swim around a bit. I take it easy, don't want to smoke him too much, need him fresh for after dinner. He convinces me to stand with my legs apart so he can swim between them. The second time he goes under me, he grabs my legs and starts to lift me on top of his shoulders. My feet leave the ocean floor as the water helps him, but we collapse as I reach the open air. I'm not a dainty girl.

"What are you doing, little man? Don't hurt yourself," I say in a mock stern tone.

He smiles, pure happiness.

After a few more minutes of in-water snuggling, he gets cold and leaves for the towel. I stay a little more -- want to do some laps, a small substitute for my regular gym day. He's so cute sunbathing, all relaxed. I like his slender legs, just a touch of definition. He could have been a marathon runner if he applied himself. A twink... my sexy twink!

A curvy Latina settles a couple of yards from Daniel's. Voluptuous really. The beach is packed, but there are emptier areas. He's not raising his eyes from the book. I swim 50 yards away and back, and the Latina is saying something to him. Giggling. What a devious vixen. He's talking to her but not looking at her directly. I follow them from the corner of my eye, so he doesn't know I'm watching. She's spreading lotion on her legs now, smiling at him. What a flirt. Time to get out of the water. This will be fun.

I walk up to them and pick up my towel to dry off. Her eyes scan me, top to bottom. I set the towel back, sit down, and place my arm around Daniel's shoulders.

"Rita, this is Alejandra. She was telling me about good places to dance in Miami."

"That's so helpful, Alejandra," I say, pulling Daniel close and kissing his cheek.

"Great to meet you, Rita. Daniel's so friendly. How long are you guys staying?"

"Unfortunately, only until Monday. Dany has to go back to work."

"What do you guys do?"

"Daniel's a consultant. One of the best ones. He's working on improving school lunches in our area." His cheeks flush with my praise. "I'm a bit between jobs. Job market is tough right now. Been using the time to work on my body a little."

We chat for a while. Alejandra turns out to be very nice. She tells us about where to find the best Cuban food and the best mojitos. Maybe we'll go out with her tomorrow. All this talking about ropa vieja and lechón assado is making me hungry, and Daniel goes for a last dip before we leave.

"Your boyfriend is so cute and kind."

"I know. I'm totally falling for him. He's been so supportive since I lost my job."

"But he is a bit light..."

"Yeah, he's slim. But I still find him so sexy. Beautiful eyes, open smile."

"I know, girl. But you're a lot of woman. You must be in charge at home, no?"

I blush.

------------------------------------------

"If we had a house next to the metro, I'd definitely still vote for allowing them to build apartment buildings..." he says, stopping to look at me.

"I agree in principle. But don't you think all the extra traffic and people trying to park in front of our future, hypothetical home would be annoying? You'd need to wake up earlier to get to Equilibria."

"It would. But doing the right thing is difficult. Especially when it's in your backyard."

He smiles, happy with his argument. I love when he gets so excited in our small debates. And I like that he got all dressed up to take me out to dinner in this fancy Cuban restaurant. Full suit and tie. Glad for air conditioning!

I take another bite of the ropa vieja.

"So... Rita. I was wondering something..."

"Yes..."

"Were you jealous of me?"

"Jealous? When?"

"You know when... earlier, when I was speaking with Alejandra," he says, looking sheepish.

"No, not really..."

"But you came out of the water and put your arm around me and kissed me. I thought you might have been jealous."

"It wasn't that, Dany," I say and stuff a big tostone in my mouth. I continue, still chewing, "I wasn't jealous. I know you wouldn't think of being with another woman. But seeing her chatting with you, acting all sultry, made me want to mark my territory..."

He's completely focused on me, fork unmoving, mouth a little agape.

"Show her you're already spoken for. It felt good."

He gulps, but his mouth is dry.

I keep eating and change the subject.

"I've been doing well on my macros. With all those shakes you're making, I'm getting at least 180g of protein every day."

We discuss my diet for a while. He enjoys the topic as much as I do.

"Wow, you really like that salmon. I've never seen you eat so much," I say.

"The mojo is very good, and you know I like my fish. It's creatine for Portuguesers."

He did eat an inordinate amount of fish for such a slender guy.

"There's something else I want to tell you. I've made a decision regarding contraception."

He makes his serious face -- which is still soft and cute.

"I'm going to get an IUD. I don't want us to have to use condoms. I know your little guy will enjoy being free," I say with a grin and hold his hand over the table. "But I don't want any accidents, and I won't go on the pill. I don't like having to take it every day and, more importantly, it may affect my ability to gain muscle and be stronger."

His eyes signal support.

"Are there any risks?"

"The main one is there may be some pain if it's not properly placed. But I'd obviously take care of that immediately."

My bare arm wraps around his shoulders, pulling him close in the corner booth.

"Now you'll get to come inside me all the time," I whisper in his ear. "Or, better yet, I can milk you whenever I want."

His brown eyes meet mine, wide open, surprised but yearning.

"You'd like that, wouldn't you, little man?"

He nods, shyly.

I'm so wet.

------------------------------------------

Salad is ready. Bolognese will be in a few. Wonder if she'll think it's too many carbs and not enough protein. I'll ask her. I can always prep an after-dinner bonus shake.

The door opens.

"Hello, my beautiful man. It smells so good," she says, walking to the kitchen to kiss me.

She goes to the living room and settles into the recliner sofa.

"Are you almost done with dinner?"

"Yeah. Salad is done. Bolognese only needs a couple of minutes."

"Great... put it to a simmer and come here."

I walk to the living room and stand by the sofa.

"I did a lot of jumping today and squats and leg press. My feet are so sore. Massage them for me."

I kneel down. She still has her shoes on, so I untie the laces and slip them off. Rita is looking at me with a teasing smile. It reminds me of when she told me to try to stop her. My hands hold her socked feet.

"Would you prefer I take off your socks?"

"Of course, Dany. I think it would feel better, don't you?"

I slip them off. Her feet give off a strong smell of sweat. Intense, not unpleasant. I get busy digging across her left sole. She stretches back, eyes closed, arms crossed behind her head, savoring it.

"You know, I was reading an article about foot shapes. Specifically about how the length of the toes aligns. Did you know the configurations have specific names of countries?"

"No," I say, my thumbs pressing near her heel. "But I'm curious to hear about it."

"Well, it seems that when the big toe is bigger and then the second toe is a little smaller and the third toe a little smaller, and so on, it's called an Egyptian foot. But when the first three toes are about the same length, it's a Roman foot. I'm not sure how they came up with this; it must have to do with some archaeological study of sandals," she says with a laugh.

"Interesting."

"There are also other types of foot shapes when the second toe is the longest or when the third toe is the longest. Greek or Celtic or something. Those all look quite funky to me."

"I agree. Your feet are so pretty."

"What shape do you think they have?"

-----------

He's being such a good boy. Can't stop now. I lift my right foot close to his face and wiggle my toes.

"So, what do you say, Daniel? Important research question -- Egyptian or Roman?"

Just a couple of inches away. The smell must be strong.

"Roman," he says, voice breaking.

"I think I agree. Very observant, sweetie."

I hold my foot up for ten, twenty seconds. His eyes jump back and forth from it to my face. I can hear him breathe.

"Kiss it," I whisper.

He closes his eyes, tilts his head, and kisses the bottom of my right foot softly. Then he kisses it again, and again. His hands keep massaging my left foot.

"That was nice, Daniel. Now lick it."

His tongue comes out and laps my sole, up and down, over and over. It gives me the tingles. I cup his nose with my toes for a second. He takes my toe play as a cue to begin licking around them, between them. Such a dirty boy. He lifts my left foot with his hands and gives it the same treatment.

"My feet are getting all wet with your saliva, but feel so clean. Didn't realize you were such a foot fetishist..."

"I don't think I am," he says between slurps. "I'm a you-fetishist."

"Good answer," I say and tap his cheek with my right sole.

I let him lick my feet for a few more minutes. But I'm getting all hot-and-bothered, and start to press my fingers over my lycra panties. I can't help the little moans.

"That was a good job, little man. Now make your way up here," I say, hand over my pussy. "I want you to clean my legs too."

His tongue runs over every inch of my calves, then my thighs. Daniel's so diligent. He pulls down my undies and buries his head in me.

"Probably a little more ripe than usual," I say, panting. "I know you don't mind, ahh, ahh."

He doesn't let go, determined. He's an expert in pleasuring me by now. It only takes me a couple of minutes to come.

His head rests over my tummy. I dig my fingers into his hair, so nice, soft. Still so horny.

"More, little man," I say, pushing his head down and pressing his face back into my snatch.

He gives it all to me. It takes me longer now. He's bent a bit weird. I'm sure his neck is hurting. But I need him to continue. This feels so good.

I come again. Then again and again. Never had four in a row before. He ate me out for over half an hour.

My baby looks exhausted.

"Lie down on the ground, sweetie. Stomach up. You've made me very happy."

His movements are labored, but he gets in position.

"You've been such a good boy you've earned a reward. And now that I know how much you love my footsies, I know just what it should be," I say, standing up and raising my foot, letting it hover above his crotch.

He looks up at me in anticipation. I feel so powerful.

"Would you like to take off your shorts and undies, or would you prefer to go just like this and soil them?" I say in a sultry voice.

He slips off his shorts and boxers quickly and gets back in position.

I press my foot down on his dick, which is already close to erect. A little friction and it's hard like a rock.

"What if I just squished it..." I say, stopping the friction and stepping harder.

He sighs, eyes wanting more.

"What about if I stepped here?" I move my foot down, resting it over his balls. I press down just a little. "Imagine what I could do now if I wanted to."

His hand reaches my foot, but he doesn't try to move it.

"Lucky for you, I don't want to crush the family jewels."

He closes his eyes and begins humping my foot.

"That's right. Feel my big foot over your precious goods. Think what it could do if you weren't good."

He starts to convulse. Large jets, all over his chest, all the way to his face.

I sit back on the couch, right leg crossed over my left, wiggling my foot. He's on the floor, prostrate.

"Daniel... I'm thirsty. Get me a cup of cold water."

He's spent and looks at me with surprise. But he understands what I want. He holds onto the sofa arm to get up and stumbles to the kitchen.

"Tomorrow for dinner, I want beef stew. Like the one from our first lunch together."

"Yes, Rita."

I drink the water. He serves me dinner. He tells me about his day at Equilibria. I tell him about the gym.

As Daniel is getting ready for bed, I go to the fridge to grab a pear. There's a little note on the door, held by a magnet from my trip to Niagara Falls, with the schedule for our chores. I haven't bothered to update it in a month, haven't even looked at it for the last couple of weeks. I pick it up, crumple it, and toss it in the trash can.

------------------------------------------

He's leading the way, map in hand, compass on his phone. We've been walking for an hour and a half at a fast pace. His idea. I can tell from his breathing he's getting a bit tired, but he's not slowing down. Probably wants to show me he can keep up. I like that.

We're heading to a summit that is supposed to have the best view of the plains. I've never been here because it takes a lot of hiking, and I heard there are some challenging climbs at the end. But Daniel was so excited when he read about it and the cabin you can rent near the top. Of course, that's where we are spending tonight.

So many maple trees, oak trees. Beautiful foliage, a mix of yellow and red. Feels so good to be outside, breathing the fall air, trekking with my handsome.

Ok, so this was what worried me. A tall wall ahead of us. At least nine feet. Zach from the gym had told me about it. I should have listened. Dany looks up at the ledge. He seems concerned, but not defeated.

"Everyone I've heard do this climb is at least six feet tall," I say.

"Let me try. Maybe I can grab the top and lift myself."

He lays down his backpack and stands by the wall.

A squat and a vertical jump. His fingers touch the edge but can't get a grip.

"I'll try again."

This time his fingers get a hold of the top of the wall. His arms are flexing, straining. But he can't pull himself up. He lets go, massages his fingers; they look swollen. I place my hand on his shoulder, trying to comfort him. He looks down.

"Well, at least we had a good hike. Sorry, Rita."

I'm not done with this wall.

"Let's not give up. I will try it too."

"Go ahead. But I'm taller and could barely get a grip."

Daniel is about two inches taller than me. And a lot lighter. But I've been working my legs so hard, maybe I can do it.

I settle next to the wall and crouch, getting ready. It is so high.

I jump. My fingers get ahold of the edge, just barely.

"Wow, go, Rita! You can do it!"

The muscles in my forearms are on fire as I hold myself by my fingertips. But I manage to dig in a little, inch my fingers forward, get a better grip. Now I need to lift myself. My lats, back, and biceps burn. Everything hurts. But I pull myself. My elbows are over the top. I'm over the top.

"I made it," I say, smiling, on my knees by the edge, looking down toward him, barely believing what I just did.

"That was amazing," he says, looking up at me, happy for a moment. "But how can I get up there with you? I wish we had brought rope." He's crestfallen.

"How about you jump and I grab your hands and pull you up?"

"That's crazy, Rita. You may end up hurting yourself and falling down with me. What if you jumped back down and put me on your shoulders, so I could get a better grip on the top of the wall and hoist myself?"

My plan is crazy, but I'm so pumped and want to do it.

"That's not going to work. On my shoulders, you won't be able to reach much higher than with your jump, and you probably still wouldn't be able to pull yourself up. Let's try it my way."

"Ok, Rita, if you're sure."

He tosses the backpacks up to me. Then he gets in position next to the wall, and I kneel on the floor, trying to ground myself. I lay my elbows by the edge, hands ready to catch him.

"I'm ready, Dany. Jump as high as you can with your hands up. I'll be grabbing your forearms."

"Here goes nothing."

He jumps and I grab his wrists. A strong hold. Not letting you fall, Dany. I can't quite pull yet, need to curl him just a little first. 140 lbs of beautiful man.

"I'm going to lift you. Press your feet against the wall." The words come out fast, in between grunts.

I pull him, my heaviest row ever, and he's above the wall. He falls on top of me. I hug him tight.

"You're incredible. Unbelievably strong." He looks at me like I'm the most precious thing in the whole world. My heart is racing. I kiss him.

"I wasn't sure I could do it. But I'm so happy I did." I pause, take a deep breath. "Now we can see the summit and stay in the nice cabin you got us."

He smiles, radiant.

From the wall, it's only another twenty minutes. The hike is easier now. We do most of it holding hands.

We get to the top around 5:45. It's the last day before the clock falls back, so we have about half an hour until sunset. It's amazing here. Changing trees and green fields as far as the eye can see, no clouds, a light breeze on my face. And my Daniel by my side.

We stand, taking in the beautiful nature for a few minutes, my arm wrapped around his back, his around my shoulders. There's only one place to sit near the overlook, a small cube-shaped stone. He settles onto it.

"Sit with me," he says, patting his lap. I hesitate, not wanting to squish him. "Come on. I won't break. Want to hold you in my arms, looking down the valley."

I ease down carefully. But then I relax into his embrace.

"Earlier, the way you pulled me up... I still can't believe it."

"I know. I'm surprised too. It's like I don't know my limits. But it's all because of you..." I look him in the eye, my hand playing with his hair slowly. "I'm able to explore this side of me, my full potential, because of all the support you're giving me."

"I'm glad I can, Rita." He kisses my cheek. "I adore you."

"And it's not just allowing me to spend so much time at the gym. It's how I feel about myself. I used to be so shy about my body." I pause. "Afraid of what others might think. Now I'm free to be strong. Because of you. Of how you look at me." I kiss him.

"You're an amazing woman. You always were. I'm happy I can help you become more yourself."

We sit for a few minutes, hugging, kissing, feeling the breeze.

I notice him wincing, very softly, trying to shuffle his legs a little. Time to change. I get up.

"My turn to hold you, baby. Don't want you all squished."

He stands up gingerly, and I take his place. He sits on my lap, his soft butt on my hard quads, and my arms wrap around him. I hold him close, so close I can feel his heartbeat.

The sun is low, about to reach the horizon. The cardinals whistle sweetly around us. His hand touches my cheek, turning my face to him.

"I love you, Rita."

"I love you too, Daniel."

I wish we never had to leave this moment. There's nowhere else I'd rather be.

------------------------------------------

We've been going back and forth for a few weeks. Sofi's social schedule is so busy. And we've had quite a bit going on too. I'm excited to finally see her place and reconnect with my friend. We haven't met up since the salsa. My phone buzzes.

Daniel: I'm still working on the dossier for the county. It may take me until 10. Can't miss the deadline. I'm sorry, Rita.

Rita: No worries. I know you're working so hard. I understand. But Sofi will be sad we're canceling again.

Daniel: You should still go! I saw her earlier today. She was very excited to hang out with you.

Rita: Ok, love! I'll see you at home. Don't work too late!

I uber to Sofi's. Wonder how she's been doing. Bet she has a new boyfriend.

Her apartment is near downtown, close to all the restaurants. The building is not as fancy as Daniel's but is modern and neat, not like my old place.

I knock on her door.

"Hey, girl!" she says, a smile on her face. We hug.

"Been missing you, Sofi. We can't go so long without hanging out," I say before we release each other.

"I know. Missed our chats too," she says, stepping back a little, looking me in the eye.

She's so beautiful. Foxy as usual in her tight top and short skirt. Wonder if this is how she'd have dressed if Daniel had come over too. Her feet are bare, so I take off my sandals. Comfy carpet everywhere.

She grabs my hand and walks me to the kitchen.

"Would you like anything to drink? We could have some prosecco before dinner."

"I'd love that."

Sofi opens the bottle and fills up two flutes. We toast.

As I'm praising her kitchen decor, she grabs my forearm and gives me a once-over.

"Wow, girl. You're even more jacked now. I can't believe these arms. How much have you been working out?"

"Quite a bit... It has helped me deal with my job situation. Exercising makes me feel like I'm still improving myself. That I'm not just an unemployed loser."

"You're not a loser, Rits," she says, touching my hand. "I have a few friends looking for work too. Things are terrible out there."

"I know... I tried hard for a while. I'm still trying, but I'm not sure it will work out. Maybe I need a career change. Become a lumberjack."

Sofi laughs warmly.

"And how's it been with Daniel?"

"He's been the best. So sweet, so supportive. He takes such good care of me. I love him, Sofi."

"Aww, you guys are so cute together... Wonder Woman and her sweet Portuguese companion."

I smile and take another sip of wine.

"So, what's for dinner? I have to admit, I'm very hungry. Usually Daniel has made dinner by now."

"I have a lasagna going. My secret recipe. I made a large tray. Making sure I can feed a bulking woman."

I laugh openly.

The lasagna is delicious. We catch up about everyone at Equilibria. Sofi has an encyclopedic memory for gossip. I tell her about my workouts, my diet, my new max lifts, and how I'm planning to participate in a CrossFit competition in a few months. She has tons of follow-up questions, like she really enjoys hearing about my athletic feats.

After dinner, we move to her long couch, sipping mojitos.

"So, Sofi, what about you? Any new boyfriend?"

"No. Men have been disappointing me. All the hot ones think they're God's gift to humanity."

"There were quite a few cute ones at salsa. Surprised no one has put a move on you."

She sits on the opposite side of the couch, knees up, bare feet on the cushion. Facing me.

"Yeah. There are a few I fancy. But maybe they're intimidated. Or maybe I'm not giving the right vibes."

She stretches her legs a little. My hand rests close to her feet.

"Honestly, I haven't been putting myself out there much recently. Not a lot of Daniels to go around. And work has been exhausting," she says. Her toes wiggle absentmindedly.

A thought becomes an offer before I think too much...

"Would you like me to massage your feet for a bit? I've been learning from Daniel. He's quite the expert."

She looks surprised for a second, then settles back with a smirk and inches her feet closer to my leg.

"That sounds wonderful, Rita. I bet you give a great massage with your strong hands."

We exchange a playful smile. I grab her ankles and lift her legs, plopping her feet on my lap. My thumbs dig into her soles.

"Oh... I didn't realize how much tension I had there. Haven't gotten a good massage in years," she says, sighing.

"I know. It's really relaxing after a long day at the gym."

Her toenails are perfectly trimmed, painted purple, shiny.

"So, Daniel does this for you a lot?"

Her foot is on the smaller side, nicely rounded. Definitely Egyptian.

"He does. He's a very handy man."

She laughs softly and lets her head fall back on the arm cushion. She's fully lying across the couch now.

I continue for five, ten minutes. Our conversation slows down. She lets out little sighs of pleasure when I press the right spot.

"I could have you massage me all night, Rita. That was so good," she says, taking her feet off my lap and sitting next to me. "But I don't want to take advantage of you."

Her arm goes around my shoulders.

"It's not a problem. I like the practice. And you made me such a tasty dinner."

Her face turns to mine. Her blue eyes on mine. She bites her lip.

"Is there anything I could do in return? I could massage you too if you want..."

Her voice is so soft. Like a purr. Her lips are so close.

Shit. What am I doing, what am I doing, what am I doing...

"Ah... maybe not today, Sofi. It's getting very late," I say and gently push her arm from my shoulders.

"Is everything ok?"

"Yeah... I just remembered Daniel will be coming home around 11, and I promised him I'd fold all the laundry before he arrives."

"Oh, I see," she says, looking disappointed.

"Sorry, Sofi. I need to go."

I walk to the door. She doesn't get up from the couch, but her eyes follow me on my way out, peering above her knees.

------------------------------------------

Daniel's back from the concierge with a package in his hands. He wastes no time tearing it open.

"Finally! I know you wanted this for Christmas, but they were sold out. It finally arrived!" he says, holding up a sleek scale.

"Is that the Garmin scale I had on my wish list?"

"Yep! Your wish is my command, love..."

"I want to try it! Come to the bathroom."

He follows me and sets the scale down between the bathtub and the sink. I immediately get down to my sports bra and underwear (heavy workout earlier) and step on it. It's cold under my bare feet.

181 pounds.

"181... not a number a lady would normally like to see. The NIH says I'm overweight," I say, before hitting a double biceps pose. "Do I look overweight to you, Daniel?"

He stammers, "No..." clearly affected by my display.

I smirk at him and switch to a side chest pose.

"What do you think? Do I look as good as that girl Vladislava?"

He seems a little bewildered.

"Oh, come on, Dany. I know you know who I'm talking about," I say to him with a wink.

"You look much better than her, Rita," he says after a brief pause. His eyes survey my body. "Your muscles are just as big, but much more functional. And you're still soft in all the right places."

Such a perfect answer... I know he's exaggerating -- that girl is amazing; the volume and definition of her upper body are phenomenal. But it feels good to be praised by my love. And he's probably right. I should be stronger than most bodybuilders my size. These guns lift heavy iron.

"Take a pic of me with my phone."

He runs to the living room and comes back holding my Samsung. He takes one with me in a front double biceps pose, another in a side pose, and another where I flex my quads.

"Thanks, Dany. I'll let you have some of them later if you're a good boy," I say, taking the phone back. "Now it's your turn to try the scale."

"Ok," he says and undresses to his black boxers.

"Let's do it in a fun way," I say, lifting him into my arms. I step back on the scale, cradling my Dany.

318 pounds.

"318... that means you weigh 137 lbs." I remember he told me he was 140 lbs in the past. "Have you been losing weight?"

"Maybe... I haven't checked recently," he says, his arm wrapped around my neck.

"You need to eat better, love... Don't want you getting all weak." Another realization hits me. "You haven't been doing the basketball game in a while, have you?"

"No... You stopped coming, and then the cooking classes moved to Wednesdays..."

"Oh, Dany... you must prioritize yourself a little."

"I do... I enjoy cooking."

He smiles openly, his eyes on mine.

"I want to see our reflection together. Your sexy body next to mine."

I set him down, and we step, side by side, in front of the large wall mirror our apartment's bathroom has (for reasons). My frame dwarfs his.

"How about some biceps poses?" I ask.

We flex. My big biceps bulge under my skin. His smaller ones are defined, tight. No mistaking who's stronger, though. Then we flex our legs. An oak tree next to a bamboo shoot.

He gets so excited... he's on his knees, rubbing my thighs, calling me his goddess. The contrast between our bare bodies is so hot.

"Let's take a few pictures now."

He lights up, positions the phone over the sink, and sets up the timer. We take one next to each other, flexing, then another with me in front of Daniel. You can only see the top of his head peeking over mine.

"That was fun... It's getting me all worked up," I say and pick him back up into my arms. He kisses me as I walk us to our bedroom.

I set him on the side of the bed and lie down myself.

"Come here, Dany," I say, pulling him closer till he settles over me.

He unhooks my bra, and his tongue licks around my areola. My boobs have shrunk since I became even more serious about working out, but they're still so sensitive. His lips nibble me harder.

"Ah... that hurts so good..." I whisper.

My hands push him down; I want him to lick me.

He works his magic -- tongue, fingers. Soft licks, strong licks, rubbing, penetrating. All his energy, giving me pleasure. He has earned a PhD in making me come by now.

I'm so close. I keep thinking of us in front of the mirror. My muscles next to his softness. I want to get off on him, make him mine.

I hold his head and pull him away, maneuver him onto his back, lying across the bed. I climb on top, straddling his chest, my pussy pressing against his face. My shins pin his arms -- he can't move.

"Lick me, Daniel. Lick me while I have my way with you."

His tongue is out and I rub against it. I rub against his tongue, against his nose, against his forehead. Wish we had a mirror in the bedroom, so I could see myself sitting on his cute face.

I grind faster and faster. A good one is coming...

I growl. I slow down.

"That was so good, little man. Clean my juices while I take a breath."

He does as I tell him, licking everywhere around my snatch, so hairy today. He rubs his tongue on his lips, trying to dry it, so he can dry me. He never stops serving, even when his face is drenched in my wetness.

I'm ready for more. Something different. Something he hasn't given me yet. I turn around and sit my ass on his chest.

"I want you to lick it, Dany..."

He doesn't say anything, but his little guy is not softening. I inch back until my cheeks cover his face.

"I want the tongue out, little man... Don't have all day."

I grind my butt all over his face. Then I pause, settling my ass crack over his mouth. Is he going to do it?

Five, ten seconds pass. His tongue comes out. Good boy.

It licks around my crevice for a while, teasing me, making me hornier, until it finally enters me. Once, twice, three times. Fucking my ass with his tongue.

Ah... ahh... ahhh...

------------------------------------------

We shower together before dinner; need to clean up after all that debauchery. He soaps my back, I soap his. The hot water feels so good. I shampoo my hair. Got it shaped into a bob last week.

"Do you like my hair, love?"

"You know I do. I love the dark brown shade, how soft it feels."

"You don't think keeping it short makes me less feminine?"

"No, nothing can make you less feminine. You're the feminine force incarnate," he says with a grin, scrubbing my arm.

"Does it bother you that sometimes I go for a couple of weeks without shaving my legs and my pits?"

"No, of course not..."

"Sometimes it irritates my skin and haven't been wearing shorts to the gym anyway, too cold." I bend to touch my shins, rub over the little hairs. "You sure it doesn't turn you off? Dating a monkey woman?"

"You know by now it doesn't, Rita."

"Well, I want to have fresh legs for you today. Would you help me shave?"

"Ok," he says, looking down at them.

He gets on one knee, and I step on his thigh. His hands run over my leg hair. Then his cheek. I hand him my razor.

"I like how you're so smooth, Dany. Hairless chest, little hair on your arms. It's so nice to touch your skin," I say, holding up his chin. He kisses my fingers and gets back to work.

I rinse my hair while he finishes, all cute, running the razor carefully so he doesn't cut me. Much more carefully than I'd do myself. I love him so much I could eat him.

He stands up, and I let him get under the hot water.

"What about my pits? Would you like to shave them too? They're so stubbly," I say, raising my right arm, running my left hand over my underarm.

"Would it be ok not to do it today? I kinda like them..." he says in his shy voice.

"Ok..." I say with a smirk. My head turns from him to my pit. "Do you want to kiss it?"

He nods, all puppy eyes.

------------------------------------------

Like most days, he gets home around seven. No Rita yet. She often stays later at the gym, practicing the whole CrossFit workout for her competition. It's unbelievable how agile she can be while being so strong. She's pushing herself so hard... He does what he can to support her, taking care of the home front. There's work to do.

Step one: the bathroom. He hasn't cleaned it in a week. Needed to windex the mirrors, scrub the tub (he hated it), scrub the toilet. It isn't too bad yet; it only takes him half an hour.

Step two: prepare the soup. A couple of days ago, she'd mentioned when he made her chicken soup after she got laid off. She remembered it so fondly. It's going to be a nice surprise.

Chicken, bouillon, rice, garlic, everything is boiling. 7:50. Maybe he can lie down on the couch and rest a little until she gets home. Too many days in a row waking up at 6:30. His eyes are so heavy...

"Hi, Dany! Getting some shuteye, I see."

He wakes up startled, hearing her voice and the closing door. How long had he been out? Not very long; it's only 8:15.

"Had a great workout today," she says from the bedroom. Her backpack thuds as it hits the floor.

"Daniel," she says loudly.

"What is it, love?"

"Why are all the clothes still in the laundry basket?"

Oh shit...

"Sorry, love. I got home, cleaned the bathroom, and then started dinner. I was so wiped out I dozed off on the couch for a bit. I forgot about the laundry. I'll fold it tomorrow."

"The laundry's been sitting here since yesterday," she says. It sounds like she's taking off her clothes. "You'd already said yesterday you'd do it today. I want you to do it now."

"I'm tired, Rita. I'll do it later."

She walks to the bedroom door in her black sports bra and underwear. Her hands are on her hips.

"Daniel... Am I not making myself clear? Do it now." Her voice is a mix of authority and tease.

"I really don't want to... Dinner is ready, and I don't feel like it."

Her lips curl into a smirk as she lunges in his direction. What was she going to do?

"Funny, little man... you seem to think you can choose not to do things I tell you to do," she says, grabbing his forearms.

"Stop, Rita. I'm tired," he says, trying to shake her loose.

"You keep saying you're tired, but I'm seeing a lot of energy in this resistance," she says, driving him back against the couch.

He's completely immobilized. His legs flail, but he can't push her off.

She presses her knee onto his stomach, pinning both his arms beneath it. Then, she slips a hand under his back, another under his thighs. Before he can wriggle free, she picks him up into a cradle, secure in her arms.

To stop his thrashing, she compresses him with a bear hug, knees against his chest, folded like an accordion. He pushes her away with his hands; she's unmoving. He tries to extend his legs, break free, but his lower back can't generate enough force.

She stands still for a few seconds, holding him.

"Are you done with all this nonsense? It will be easier if I don't have to keep smooshing you."

His muscles are exhausted. He lets go, relaxes, exhales.

"Perfect," she says, loosening her grip. She carries him gently now, like after he gave her the scale, as she walks to their bedroom. He wraps his arm around her neck.

She sets him down on the bed.

"Laundry, now..." she says, pointing at the basket, a grin on her face.

He picks up a pair of her pants and begins folding. She sits beside him at the edge of the bed, her arm draped around his shoulders, her thigh pressing against his.

"This way our clothes won't have wrinkles. Isn't it better, love?" she says, kissing him on the cheek. He can't help but close his eyes when she does it. His lips curl a little. He sighs.

After a few minutes, she moves away and lies in the middle of the bed. He keeps folding.

She grabs her phone and starts playing some game. He knows that noise. It's the watermelon game. She's absorbed, tapping her foot on the mattress. He still has half a basket to go.

-----------

Daniel seems to be done with the laundry. Better make sure the chicken doesn't get overboiled.

"Go put the soup to a simmer and come back to massage my feet," I say, my foot pointing at the bedroom door, eyes on my phone. He gets up and leaves for the kitchen. "It smells so good, Dany," I say loudly so he can hear me.

He comes back, picks my gym clothes from the floor, and puts them in the hamper. He sits cross-legged at the bottom of the bed. My right foot's on his hand, and he goes to work.

Darn pineapples. Always so awkward. They're my downfall; so close to getting a watermelon. I put the phone away and close my eyes. Dany digs meticulously across all the pressure points. Wonder if he could have earned a good living as a masseur.

After a few minutes of relaxation, I decide we need to talk about what's been going on.

"Dany, do you like when I tell you to do things?"

"Yes, most of the time. You know I like to take care of you."

"I do like when you do... You've made me very spoiled."

"I enjoy making your life easier, supporting you. I love to cook for you. I was already doing what I could before you started to tell me what to do more explicitly."

"Do you like when I boss you around... explicitly?"

His rubbing intensifies.

"I do. It feels good to do what I think will please you and see you happy to receive it, even when you don't ask for it. But when you tell me, directly, to do something... it adds an extra kick. I'm no longer cleaning the bathroom because it needs doing and it makes you happy; I'm cleaning it because my goddess is commanding me..."

"So kinky, Daniel," I say, bouncing my feet up and down, pretending I'm trying to free them from his hands. He doesn't let go. "Telling you what to do makes me feel powerful, worshipped. It gives me the tingles sometimes. Sometimes, I'm just feeling lazy. It's nice to have my loving, personal assistant."

He raises my foot to his lips to kiss it.

"That was so good, love. You're the best," I say, pulling my knees to my chest in a stretch. "I know you're tired. Let me massage you now."

He lies on the bed, face down, a pillow under his chest, another under his head. I straddle his bum-bum and begin kneading his shoulder blades.

I love digging into his soft, sexy body. Who says men have to be all buff? What if I want to take, rather than be taken? He makes such cute noises as my fingers sink deeper, pain mixed with release.

"Feeling good so far?" I say, slowing down for a moment.

"It's unbelievable, Rita. I didn't know my back was so tight."

"I'll keep going..."

"Can I ask you something?" he says in his tentative voice.

"Of course, sweetie."

"Earlier, when you asked me to fold the laundry... I really didn't want to do it."

"I know, Dany, but I wanted you to," I say, pressing his tender traps.

He swallows before continuing.

"There have been other times before when you asked me to do something, and I didn't, and you didn't make me."

"But today I felt like making you do it," I say. I'm massaging the nape of his neck, my fingers threading through his hair. "It felt good to pick you up, bring you to the bedroom with me..."

"I was really trying to push you off," he says, his voice a little sharper.

"That's what made it so hot. I pinned you and grabbed you and you tried to stop me with your little muscles, but you couldn't. So I brought you where I wanted you, and you did what I told you to." My heart is beating faster. "And I know you liked it too... Being taken by your Amazon girlfriend."

I scuttle down, kneeling below his feet now. My fingers press into his calves. The groans are immediate.

"So much tension, little man."

I work them for a couple of minutes, digging deeper and deeper. His hands tap the mattress, but he doesn't ask me to stop.

"Would you like to be able to tell me to stop at any time? Or is it better that I can do whatever I want?" I ask, kneading the middle of the muscle. His leg jumps involuntarily.

I slow down; his calves have taken enough of a beating.

"Does it feel better, baby?"

"Yes," he replies, voice breaking. "But what are the limits?"

I move up again, lie on top of him, my chest against his back, my pelvis against his buttocks.

"The limits are my judgment," I whisper in his ear. "I don't want to hurt you, sweetie. I love you."

"What if there's something I really don't want to do?" he whispers back.

I grab his hands and stretch our arms out. My clit presses against the small of his back through the fabric.

"You'll have to trust me. And sometimes go a little beyond what you think you can do," I say. A soft moan escapes my lips.

I fold his arms in against his sides and wrap my arms around them, around his torso, enveloping him. My weight bears on him.

"Or, if you want, you can have a safeword..." I say, nibbling his neck. "Would you like that, Dany?"

"Can I think about it?" he says with a whimper.

"Yes, love. Think about it..."

My arms tighten around him; my quads press his hammies. My clit is rubbing and rubbing. Think about it, gorgeous.

------------------------------------------

I take my dark blue bodycon dress from the closet. Bought it last summer, when I still had a job, but haven't felt like wearing it. Not looking forward to seeing everyone from Equilibria. Wonder what they'll think of me, unemployed, living off Daniel. At least I'll show them what I've been up to. It will be funny to see Greg's face when he lays eyes on me.

I'll also put on my three-inch platforms. Haven't worn heels in forever. I'll be a bit taller than Daniel in them. I'm sure it will just make him hornier.

He's so handsome in his black suit. I'm happy for him, winning Employee of the Year. He always works so hard. All the counties in the metro adopted his plan. Hopefully children will be eating better. More veggies and protein so they can grow strong and healthy.

I didn't remember how short the ride was. Feels like ages since I've been here. Building still looks the same. The security guy is still nice to me.

Our table is at the center of the room, the table of the award winners. I feel the eyes on me as I walk by on his arm. I don't judge them; I'm a lot of woman. But Jack better close his mouth before his girlfriend notices where he's looking.

No one's sitting on the stage side of the table. I'm at a corner, Daniel by my side, then an older guy whose name I don't remember and his wife or partner. He must be winning Manager of the Year. One more seat on the other end, still empty. I'm not sure which other award there was.

There she is. Her stilettos clicking rhythmically. She keeps walking in our direction.

"Hi Daniel! Hi Rita! Long time, no see, girl!"

"Hi Sofi!" We hug. Her chest pushes against mine. "I know. Been busy lately."

"We should hang out together soon!" Daniel says. "Now that you've seen Sofi's place, maybe she can come visit us. I can make roast duck!"

"That sounds lovely, Daniel. Whenever you and Rita have time."

Greg's boss is the master of ceremonies today. He starts speaking, and everyone goes back to their seats. I whisper in Daniel's ear, "What award is Sofi winning?"

"She's getting a special achievement award," he whispers back. "She closed the biggest contract of the company's last five years. I wouldn't bet against her being my boss at some point."

I steal glances at her a few times when Daniel is distracted. Her eyes shine under the bright lights. They're so beautiful, blue like the ocean. Love her curly blonde hair, too.

The MC calls on Daniel. He hugs me before walking up to the stage. Applause echoes for my beautiful. I turn to see who is clapping, and she winks at me. A knowing wink. An "I still remember what we almost did last time you visited" wink. I turn back to the stage and listen to Daniel's speech. Focus Rita.

It's her turn. The crowd chants "Sofi, Sofi, Sofi!" I join in at the top of my lungs. I know she deserves it all. Even though I barely worked with her.

After the awards, everyone mills around the tables with the hors d'oeuvres. Dinner won't be for another half an hour. They'd better not be playing. This girl doesn't run on tiny salmon blinis -- which, granted, are delicious.

He's absorbed in his conversation with Patrick about the Ukraine war as I sip a mojito. Second one, getting all rosy-cheeked. She walks toward us with her purse on her shoulder.

"Have to leave, can't stay for dinner," she announces to Daniel and Patrick, waving at them. She walks up to me and opens her arms to hug me goodbye.

"I miss you, Rits. You should come over again," she whispers in my ear.

"I miss you too, Sofi," I say, holding onto her a moment longer.

She walks out of the room, heels clicking away.

------------------------------------------

Later, we're watching A Quiet Place at home, but my mind isn't quiet at all. Can't stop thinking about her wink, her body spinning under my hand, her lips parted in the dim light. I need to tell him.

"Daniel, can you pause the movie? I have to talk with you about something."

"Ok, love," he says and looks at me. I can't hide how I'm feeling. "Is everything ok?"

"Yes, Dany. There's something I've been avoiding talking to you about, but I can't hold it in anymore..."

His face is serious, concerned.

"Last couple of times I've hung out with Sofi, there's been kind of a vibe."

"What kind of vibe?" he asks, sounding puzzled.

My cheeks flush, and I can't hold his gaze. I reach for his hand. His expression shifts; he seems to understand.

"Oh, that kinda vibe," he says.

"Nothing has happened. I love you, Daniel."

"Is this a new thing?" he asks tenderly, hand on my arm. "I didn't realize you also liked girls."

"I'm not sure myself. I've found women attractive in the past. But I've never felt anything for one before."

"Do you like Sofi?" he says, voice tight like he's bracing himself.

"No, not like I like you. Not like I love you," I say quickly. "I mean, I find her very attractive, and she stirs something in me."

"She is very attractive," he says, his kind eyes searching for mine.

We hug. I kiss his neck.

"You're not mad?"

"No. I trust you, Rita. I understand you have these feelings. But I know you love me. And I love you so much."

I kiss him, kiss him, kiss him.

"Thank you, Daniel," I say, touching his face. He smiles.

He's taking it all so well. I can't ask this of him. God...

"Can I ask you something, love? You're completely free to say no. I'd totally understand."

"Of course."

The words are stuck in my throat. But I know I'll keep thinking about it if I don't say it.

"Would it be ok if I were with Sofi? Just once..."

His eyes widen. He looks like he needs a moment to catch his breath.

"Ah... I guess it would be ok."

I hug him immediately and kiss his cheek. "Thank you, Daniel. This means a lot." I pull back and look him in the eye with a soft smile.

"Promise me you'll always love me, Rita," he says, wistful.

"I'll always love you, Daniel Silva! You're the only man in the world for me," I reply, squeezing him tight against my chest. He hugs me back.

I big-spoon him in bed. My mind is racing, and I can't fall asleep. He's finally snoozing. I'm glad he said yes. I had to try, couldn't keep holding it in. Is he really ok with it, though? Almost felt like he was trembling a little afterward while we hugged.

I lie on my back, arms crossed behind my head, looking at the ceiling.

This was quite ballsy, Rita. What would you have said if he had asked you if he could "be" with Sofi or some other tramp? You'd probably have smacked him. And would have certainly said no. But I know that won't ever be a problem. He's so sweet, so devoted. He only has eyes for me.

------------------------------------------

Maybe the hot shower will cool off my ideas, relax me. Haven't stopped thinking about what to do since last Friday, when I told Dany about Sofi and he said yes. He said yes, but I wonder how he'll feel if I really do it. How I'll feel if I do it.

My body is fresh, smelling like lilies, a gift from Daniel. I leave the gym and start walking, walking where my legs will take me. I never thought I liked women. In college, a few girls on the weightlifting team had amazing bodies. But it never crossed my mind to date them. There was Alex in high school. We were such good friends. She was so bubbly, outgoing. I liked hanging out with her so much. I did think of her a few times when I touched myself. But it didn't mean anything.

Could this really be ok? Will I hurt Daniel? He loves me so much. I love him so much. He always wants to please me. Is that why he said yes? Because he wanted to make me happy? Did he think he didn't have a choice? That I'd wrestle him down until he said yes? He must know this is different. Oh Dany. It will be only once. I just need to get this out of my system. I know I'll always go back to you.

I can't think about her without my heart racing a little. Even now, walking across town, I feel a heat down there remembering her in the salsa club. She's all the hot women I thought were better than me, who got all the men. But she's better than them. Her eyes disarm me. I want to touch her, feel her in my arms. All those sweet curves. Those juicy lips.

What am I doing... He was so cute baking me branzino on our first date, so full of love already, his eyes so happy on mine. Everything I do is like I hung the moon for him. All the hugs, all the kisses. The note by the oatmeal, showing me there was happiness even without a job. Because he loved me. Him sitting on my lap at the summit, the sun going down, the wind on my face...

I'm at her building. Someone left the door open; I walk in. It's Friday night. There's no way she's home. Probably having dinner with some hunk. I'll just knock on her door and leave.

Her voice answers from the other side. She looks at me, surprised, happy. She's in her sweats, no makeup, hair down.

"I didn't think you'd be home," I say.

"Been tired. Didn't feel like going out tonight," she says and holds my hand. "Come in, Rita."

I step inside and hold her in my arms. I kiss her. We both exhale.

------------------------------------------

I arrive home at 10:30. Daniel is watching a YouTube video about Spider-Man.

"Hey Rita! Did you already have dinner? You didn't say in your text."

"I was at Sofi's," I say, sitting on the couch next to him. We don't kiss or hug right away.

"Oh..." he says. It takes him a few seconds to process. "How was it?" There's a bit of fear in his voice.

"It was good," I say, honestly.

"Did you do... go all the way?"

"Yes," I say, looking down at my hands.

I raise my head to face him. "This doesn't change anything between us." His eyes are on mine. "I still love you. And I still want to be with you."

His shoulders relax a little. I open my arms and he comes to me. I clutch him close, kissing his forehead.

"But Daniel... I think I'll do it again."

His face turns up to mine. He's surprised, but doesn't pull back. His head rests back against my chest.

"Ok," he says, voice small.

"I love you, Dany," I say, holding him tighter.

------------------------------------------

She left for the gym an hour ago. They're going hiking that afternoon, and she's getting her daily workout out of the way. He's still lying in bed. Thinking. Thinking about Rita and Sofi. When she asked him about it, he couldn't help but imagine how hot they'd be together. But he's afraid of what it means. And he can't get himself to say no to her. Not when it makes her happy. She makes him so happy.

He thinks of them, kissing, hugging naked, Rita on top of Sofi, Sofi on top of Rita, but he doesn't feel aroused. Is he enough? Will she like her better? What if she slowly stops loving him? His chest aches. He shivers.

The tears come, sudden, unstoppable. He lets go, cries, holding her pillow.

End of Part 2

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