Part VII - No So Innocent

Chapter 1 -- Friday's On My Mind

The week dragged by at an excruciatingly slow pace. Each day seemed somehow a couple of hours longer than usual, as if Friday had decided to take its sweet time getting there. Tuesday's shoot was boring, with none of his favorite performers present. Harry, true to form, declared it a masterpiece, but Mike found it bland and uninspired. On Wednesday there was no shoot, but Mike caught up on some editing. Not his favorite activity, but at his insistence, Starlight Studios had invested in some decent computers and software, so at least he could do some pretty nifty things that were impossible on the old equipment.

Today was Thursday, and while Mike still had his mind on personal matters, not work, at least he got to work with Cory Hunt, one of the nicest women he knew.

He'd overslept, so when he arrived the studio was already busy. Liza was in full swing at her station, three actresses getting ready at the same time. In addition to Cory, Jade Juggs and Bambi Licious were sitting in comfortable chairs, waiting their turn.

While neither really resembled Cory, they were all in the same general category. All were curvy women in their early forties, the kind favored to star as "stepmoms", "hot divorcees" and "cougar Tinder dates". Cory was, in Mike's mind, the most beautiful and also the most normal-looking of them. She looked like the kind of woman all the boys in the neighbourhood had a crush on when they were kids, with a beautiful face, medium-length blonde hair and large, natural boobs. She looked like someone who could actually exist in the real world.

Jade, with the aptly chosen stage name "Jade Juggs," had ridiculously large tits, stretching her thin sweater to the breaking point. They were obviously fake; breasts that massive simply didn't exist on slender bodies like hers. Jade mostly did dominatrix films; her short, spiky blonde hair, icy blue eyes and strong face made her ideal for dominant roles.

Bambi Licious, with her large, round eyes and pouty lips, had perfected the 'helpless housewife' look, and usually starred as a woman who needed help with some ridiculous task. While the tasks were something even a child could do, she always had to ask some guy for help, and would be very grateful when the task was completed.

"Hello, ladies," he said as he walked over to greet them all. "Nice seeing you all again." He was greeted with a chorus of female voices, all variations on the same theme. Liza was applying lipstick to Jade, so Jade just made a grunt, which actually suited her face and figure very well.

Cory, the only one of the trio Liza had finished with, rose and gave him a hug. "Hi there, sweetie. I always look forward to my gigs at Starlight Studios." She let him go and smiled at him. "They have my favorite cameraman."

He smiled back at her. "Thanks, Cory. And I must say, my days always brighten when you grace us with your presence."

Cory laughed, waving a finger at him. "Now, stop that. That's Harry's voice you're stealing."

Mike grinned. "Well, you've worked with Harry long enough. I thought I'd make you feel at home."

Cory smiled. "Well, that's real sweet, Mike. And I appreciate it, but I think I'd appreciate it even more if you let Harry be Harry, and you be you."

"I do declare, I'll take that advice to heart," Mike said, and gave her a little bow.

All three actresses laughed, and Liza looked up from Jade's lips. "Mike, one more wisecrack like that, and Jade's gonna lose it. I'll smear lipstick all over her face. Are you sure you want to face my wrath?" She arched an eyebrow at him, trying to look stern.

Mike smiled back. "No, Liza," he said meekly. "I'll be good."

She nodded, turning her attention back to Jade. "You better." Bambi chuckled beside them as she returned to her magazine, waiting her turn at Liza's.

Cory took Mike by the arm and walked him over to the lounge area, with its coffee table, couch and comfortable chairs. "Liza's telling me you had a date. Good for you! Are you gonna see her again?" she asked as she sat down.

Mike grinned. "Actually, we're going out again tomorrow."

"Mike, that's wonderful. I hope you'll have a real good time. Where are you taking her?"

"I've made reservations at Le Chef, a fancy French restaurant over in Sherman Oaks. I've got this friend, Jake, who's into fine dining, and he says it's very good."

Cory nodded. "I've been there. It's amazing." She made a little grimace. "Really expensive, though. Hope she's worth it."

Mike smiled. "I think so. She was nice, but I've only met her once. And there were four of us that time. Now it's just gonna be me and her. But hey, it's a fancy place. If the date's a disaster, at least the food's gonna be good."

Cory smiled back. "That's the spirit. I'm sure you'll have a spectacular date." She winked at him. "If not, I've been known to date younger guys from time to time."

Mike laughed, appreciating her little joke. "A tempting offer! Should my fortunes fail tomorrow, I will indeed return with haste and take you up on it," he said, and gave her another bow.

She snorted and picked up a magazine, settling in while Liza finished with Jade.

Mike turned around and went over to his corner to ready his gear. He had accumulated an impressive collection of cameras and lenses during his time at Starlight, and today he was gonna need most of it. Starlight Studios was respected in the industry for its high production quality and for making films that were, compared to most of the competition at least, plot- and dialogue-driven. They mainly did couple scenes, but today they were shooting a 'reverse gangbang'. One male performer would have the pleasant task of satisfying all three of the women Mike had greeted, a task many would welcome but few could handle. As Mike mounted his cameras on tripods, pointing them at the stage, the studio door opened and the final participant in today's scene walked in.

"Mike," he said as he approached, offering his hand.

John Bradley was a regular at Starlight Studios, a tall, well-built man in his early forties. Mike had worked with him on several films, and while they didn't socialize outside the studio, Mike considered him a friend.

Mike stood up and smiled at the new arrival. "John," he said, shaking his hand. "Good seeing you. I hope you're well rested and hydrated. You'll need it to take on the busty bunch." He glanced over to the corner where Jade had joined Cory. Bambi was still sitting at Liza's station, the finishing touches being applied. He lowered his voice to a theatrical whisper. "Especially Jade Juggs. That woman scares me."

John laughed. "Hah! She is formidable-looking, but don't be fooled. I've worked with her several times. She's as sweet as anyone you could hope to meet." He glanced curiously over at Bambi as she rose from her chair. Liza had just finished the last actress. "But that's Bambi Licious, isn't it? I've seen her, but never met her. Have you worked with her?"

Mike nodded. "Just once. Did a scene here a couple of months back. She's alright." He grinned. "She's not that different from the roles she often plays," he said. "Not stupid, not at all, but..." he hesitated, searching for the right words. "Well, let's just say she finds the world a confusing place sometimes."

John laughed. "Okay, I'll try not to be too subtle during the scene." He grinned and winked at Mike. "And since my job here usually consists of supplying a hard cock, subtlety is not what I'm known for." Mike laughed and continued with his work as John headed over to the trio.

Chapter 2 -- The Busty Bunch

Mike finished setting up his gear and stood back, checking the last details. The stage had been turned into a typical gym, with some stationary bikes, a rowing machine and a weight bench. Yoga mats on the floor and a punching bag hanging from the ceiling completed the illusion. With careful camerawork, it should be believable enough. He nodded, satisfied, and headed over to the rest area, where the performers were chatting amiably. Harry would be out shortly, presenting his vision for today's scene.

"Nice setup," John said, looking over at the stage. He had changed into his 'gym instructor' outfit, a Y-back tank top and compression shorts.

"Thanks," Mike answered. He looked over at the 'busty bunch' and nodded appreciatively. They were all dressed in similar outfits: yoga pants, tight tank tops and knee-high socks. Jade wore a cap, the other two had their hair in tight ponytails. "You girls look great." He smiled at them. "We'd be hard-pressed to find a guy in America who wouldn't want to switch places with John."

Harry emerged from his office and joined them, a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. "Fabulous," he said, looking at the actresses. "You all look stunning. Liza!" he called. "Remind me that you deserve a raise."

Liza chuckled from her station and rubbed her thumb against her fingertips in the universal money gesture.

Harry turned to John. "Can you handle this, John?"

John gave a relaxed grin. "No sweat. There's just three of them, right?"

Harry grinned back. "Indeed. No big deal. Okay, let's get going. We have a great script today, with each role specifically tailored to utilize that particular actor's unique qualities. John, obviously, is the gym instructor, whose passion is to help women reach their full physical potential. Bambi will play the newcomer who doesn't understand all the complex machines and requires a man's aid. Jade, you're the consummate athlete. Competent, strong, powerful: your only weakness is your own urges. Cory, you're the recently divorced housewife, trying to build a new life from the ruins of a failed marriage. No stranger to love, it has been too many years since last you knew it."

Harry looked up from the script in his hand, glancing at each of them in turn. They nodded, confirming they knew their parts. Cory's lip twitched a little, but she didn't comment. Bambi was the only one with a question. "What machine will I use? I know how to use the weights, but the rowing machine is hard." She paused, then giggled. "Hard," she repeated, putting a hand over her mouth with a little blush.

"Let's go through the story," Harry continued. "Cory, you're on the bike. You are lost in thought, oblivious to the others. The bike is symbolic of a life that stands still despite your attempts to move on. Jade, you mean business. You pump iron, not stopping for anyone or anything. Bambi and John, you'll be the main focus of the first segment. Bambi enters, new to this world. John, you welcome her and get her warmed up and stretched out. As you bend her body, you also bend her to your will. You start easy: a soft touch, a gentle caress, but soon she's more eager than you. Bambi, when you enter, you are insecure and timid, but John's body calls out to you, and you yield to your desires."

Harry looked pleased with the script as the performers nodded along. Mike covered his mouth with his hand, a small grin forming. "Bambi, look into his eyes as you drop to your knees in front of him. Pull his shorts down, letting his cock spring free. I want you to give a little gasp, then moan and take him in your mouth. John, after Bambi has sucked your cock for a while, place her over the weight bench and start doing her from behind. At this point, Jade will notice the ruckus." He shifted his focus to Jade. "You approach them, your eyes revealing your lust. You lay your head on Bambi's back, allowing John to pull out and put his cock in your mouth. He will switch between you for a while, dividing his attention between you." He looked at John, raising his eyebrow.

"No problem," John said. "Two or three thrusts into Bambi, then switch. I use Jade's mouth for a while before switching back. Should I fuck Jade, too?"

"Yes, but be sure to allow enough time for Bambi to climax. After that, place Jade on the mat and take her in the missionary position. Bambi, when they are in position, stand over Jade's head, then slowly kneel down. Jade, look up at her in anticipation as she lowers herself onto your face."

"How long will I be on the bike?" Cory asked. "I mean, sure, I need my cardio, but there are limits."

"You're up next," Harry said. "As you get off the bike, you see the others. Surprised at first, you quickly regain your composure. You enter the fray, starting by licking Jade's clitoris as John fucks her. The only one not to have had John's cock, you look up at him, an invitation in your eyes. He pulls out of Jade, and you give him a couple of quick sucks before pushing him down on his back. You straddle him and start riding him." He looked over at Bambi and Jade. "You two allow them a little room while you pleasure each other. Try to stay in view of the camera, but this will be Cory and John's segment." He looked back to his script. "Let's see. Hm, yes. Cory, as you ride John, lift your boobs to your mouth and lick your nipples. After a while, move one hand down and rub your clitoris to reach climax." He paused, reading ahead. "After that, we'll do a standing facial finish. John, you stand up while the girls get on their knees in front of you. Try to hit them all with about the same amount. Bambi, you will handle the aftercare once John's finished. Suck out the last drops, while Cory and Jade will focus on each other. Kiss his cum off the other's face, and remember to smile. Okay, any questions?"

Chapter 3 - The Longest Thursday

"Jesus," Cory exclaimed as she hobbled off the stage. "My legs are killing me."

Mike smiled in sympathy, handing her a towel. "John took his sweet time fucking Jade," he said. "I don't think he realized how long he kept you on the bike."

"Men!" Cory snorted as she wiped cum off her face. "As soon as their cocks are buried in some woman's mouth or pussy, the world stops existing."

"You may be right. I apologize on our behalf."

Cory smiled at him. "Mike, you know I don't include all guys in my generalizations. I suspect you're not all that selfish." She grinned. "And I don't really think John's that selfish either. In this case, Jade's just as much to blame. She's quite the slut, you know."

Mike laughed. "I'll take your word for it."

Jade and Bambi followed, wiping their faces. "I heard you," Jade said. "Do you really want to keep slut score? Remember when we started out? You with Roy and Stephan?" She turned to Mike, grinning. "Mike, I know you think she's a sweet old gal, but let me tell you. You've never met a more depraved milf in your life."

Mike laughed louder. "Again, I'll just have to take your word for it."

Bambi looked a little confused, eyes jumping from Jade to Cory to Mike. "I thought it was fun," she said. She paused, then giggled. "I'm happy Harry let me do the aftercare. That's my favorite part."

Mike rummaged through his closet. Le Chef was a classy place. He couldn't show up in jeans and a hoodie. He had some nice clothes for special occasions, but he didn't wear them that often. He was most comfortable in jeans and a T-shirt or hoodie. He selected a pair of slacks and a dark blue button-down.

He didn't believe Carla was very concerned about fashion. The dress she'd worn last Saturday was beautiful, but something about it made him think a competent saleswoman at a nice but not outrageously expensive clothing store had selected it, not Carla herself. He also guessed that while it wasn't the only dress she owned, it was one of three or four, not one of forty.

He held up the shirt he'd selected, inspecting it. It was clean and ironed.

He ironed it again.

Friday finally arrived. There was no shoot today, and Liza wasn't at work. When there was no makeup to apply and no costumes to adjust, she usually had the day off. He spent the first three or four hours editing yesterday's film, marveling at Jade's breasts. My God. How was the woman able to stand without assistance? He moved on to the prop room, where the 'monthly' check was at least a year overdue. As Mike emerged from the prop room, he ran into Harry, who looked at him in surprise.

"Still here?" he asked.

Mike looked back, a little puzzled. "It's only three o'clock. I usually stay until five, often a bit longer."

"I'm aware, but according to both Liza and Cory, you have a date tonight. Have I been misled?"

Mike smiled. "Nope, that's right."

"So, that begs the question: Are you some kind of simpleton?"

Mike looked puzzled. "No, at least I don't think so."

Harry looked disappointed. "If I were to have a date with a beautiful young woman on a Friday night, I wouldn't be seen at work a minute after two o'clock." He shook his head sadly. "The world is falling to pieces around me."

Mike laughed. "Alright, Harry. Thanks. I'll see you Monday."

Chapter 4 - A Classy Date

"Wow," Mike said, looking at Carla. "You look beautiful."

He rose from his table in the bar, his half-empty drink forgotten.

She looked at him, smiling. "Thank you. You don't look so bad yourself." She smiled as he pulled out a chair for her, then sat down.

Mike sat down and looked at her some more. Sarah had described her as "cute as Jennifer Connelly, but with larger boobs." Pretty spot on, he thought. "Good choice," she said, looking around the room. "Classy." She paused, and grinned at him. "I mentioned our first date at lunch at the hospital. Your job came up, too. I don't think 'classy' was the first word that came to their minds."

Mike gave a half laugh. "Maybe this date will make them change their minds," he said. "Keep me posted."

She smiled. "I'll lay it on thick. The one thing that really matters to me is what my coworkers think of the guys I'm dating."

Mike chuckled. "Well, I told my colleagues I was going on a date with a doctor tonight. They don't approve at all. Don't date above your station, Mike, they said. You'll get burned, they said."

Carla laughed out loud. "Okay, point taken. We don't care what 'they' say. 'They' can go to hell."

Not entirely sure what he'd ordered, but not wanting to seem ignorant, Mike was relieved the Onglet à l'Échalote turned out to be a steak. And a pretty good one at that. Carla, knowing some basic French, was less surprised but equally satisfied with her meal. She groaned as she took her first bite. "Really good choice, Mike. I'll let you pick the restaurant for all my future dates."

He smiled. "So, you're already saying there will be another date?"

"I didn't say it would be with you, just that you'd pick the restaurant."

He chuckled. "Okay, fair enough. But for now, I'll take it as a sign that I'm classy enough."

She smiled, but he thought he detected a little mischief in her eyes. "You know, a guy shouldn't be classy all the time."

He wasn't quite sure how to interpret that. Was she sending a signal? He decided not to take any chances just yet. "Just trying to make a good impression." He paused, then moved on to a safer topic. "So, how was your day?"

"Oh, you know. It was fine. Right now, we don't have any really sick kids. That's always a bonus. I mean, some kid coming in with a broken arm isn't fun, but I don't lose sleep over it." She paused. "Telling a parent there's nothing you can do for their child, that's really hard." She looked down for a moment. When she looked back up, she smiled again. "And that's one of the reasons I don't talk too much about my job. It's a very different reason than yours, but at least we have that thing in common."

Mike chuckled. "Yeah. It's scary how alike we are."

"How about you? Another day of debauchery?"

He snorted. "Less debauchery than usual. I did some editing, and cleaned out the prop room."

"So no new scene?" Did she look a little disappointed?

"No, we don't shoot every day. Two or three films a week, maybe?"

"Oh." She paused. "How 'bout yesterday?"

He definitely saw something there. Curiosity? Eagerness? "Yeah, we did a scene yesterday."

She leaned forward. "Really? What was it about?"

"Hm, you mean the plot?" He grinned. "Somewhat flimsy, but it served its purpose."

"Tell me."

He didn't have any more doubts. She did want to hear details. She wasn't Jake--far from it--but this was more than just polite interest. "Okay. Let's see. I think I mentioned Cory Hunt on Saturday?"

She nodded.

"She was in it. And two other women named Bambi Licious and Jade Juggs."

Carla snorted. "Yeah, right!"

"No, I'm serious." He smiled. "It's a trope in the business. Lots of the female leads have names like that. Puns and double entendres, you know. The guys go with more normal but 'strong' names. Plenty of Johns and Marks, not that many Barneys."

She giggled. "Okay. With a name like that, I guess Jade was quite top-heavy?"

He laughed. "It's a miracle she doesn't fall over. Actually, all three of them are quite top-heavy, but yeah, she most of all." He took a sip of his wine. "Anyway, the girls were at a gym, and a guy called John Bradley was the gym instructor. John's actually a really great guy. He was the first male star I worked with."

"I've heard of him. He's been doing porn for ages, right?"

"Yeah, almost twenty years, I think. Anyway, Bambi was new to the gym, and John started warming her up. They started having sex, and the others joined. The end."

Carla frowned. "Sounds like you skipped a part there."

Mike looked slightly surprised. "Uh, yeah, but nothing important. Just sex, you know."

"Nothing important? Mike, you work in porn. I hope I don't sound naive, but I'd think the sex was rather important?"

"Uh, yeah, I suppose, but I didn't think you wanted..."

"Mike," she interrupted. "Listen. I know Jake was the one pushing for details on Saturday, but he wasn't the only one who wanted to hear it." She smiled. "I'm not a kid, you know."

He hesitated, then laughed. "Okay, I'm sorry." He cleared his throat. "Alright, details. Hm. Okay, these 'girls' aren't really girls, they're all in their forties. Milfs, you know?"

She nodded.

"Jade was working the weights. She's scary looking." He grinned. "She's tall, got short, spiky blonde hair, and absolutely massive tits. Silicone, of course. Okay, so she stood there lifting the weights. Cory was on a bike, with headphones on. When Bambi came in, the other two just kept doing their thing, while John started stretching Bambi. He had her on the floor, stretching her legs, bending her back, right?"

She nodded again, looking intently at him. Was her breathing getting a bit quicker? He continued.

"He makes her do some yoga poses. She's on all fours, and he makes her bend, then arch her back. He's got his hands on her ass, like he's guiding her moves." Yes, her breathing was definitely getting quicker. "He pulls her up, doing that weird thing where they lift one foot and put it on the inside of the other leg, keeping their hands clasped over their heads, you know?"

"Yes." Just a quick response. Get on with it.

He smiled. "Standing like that, her boobs were very prominent. John had his hands on her waist, supporting her. He then moved them up to her boobs, touching them without being too obvious, you know?"

Carla swallowed, but didn't respond. Mike continued. "He started getting more obvious. He stood behind her and felt her breasts, massaging them. She turned and they kissed, then she got down on her knees, pulled down his shorts and started giving him a blowjob."

"Was she any good?"

Mike looked a little surprised at her interruption. "Yeah, I guess." He chuckled. "John didn't seem to mind. Anyway, she did that to him for a while, then..."

"How deep did she take him?"

"Uh, quite deep."

"Did she deepthroat him?"

Mike looked closer at her. Carla really seemed interested in this. "Uh, no, not really. Not many women can do that, you know. I did a film with Nicky Knockers recently, she can do it. Some others, too, but many of the guys have quite large penises."

"Does John have a large cock?"

"Uh, yes, pretty large, I guess. Not the biggest, but quite long and very thick."

She nodded. "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt so much. Go on."

He hesitated, then continued. "Yeah, okay. So, she sucked him for a while, then he put her on a bench and started doing her from behind."

"Started fucking her from behind." She grinned. "Don't talk like it's a children's book."

He laughed. "Okay, sorry. Right. John started fucking her from behind." He grinned, continuing. "He drove his cock into her cunt. He fucked her like a bitch, pumping like a bull."

She grinned. "That's more like it. Continue."

"Okay, okay, have some patience. Alright, he fucked her from behind for a while, that's when Jade noticed them. She came over, and she put her head on Bambi's back. John started this thing where he'd give Bambi a few thrusts in her pussy, then put it in Jade's mouth. He went back and forth like that for a while, until Jade decided she wanted to be fucked."

Carla smiled. "Must be very practical working in porn, just deciding you want to be fucked."

"Yeah, guess so." He smiled. "Anyway, she lay down on some yoga mats, and John started fucking her. Bambi stood over Jade, and lowered her pussy to Jade's face so she could lick her."

"I'm definitely in the wrong business."

He laughed. "You'll have to send Harry an application. We're always looking for new talent. Shall I continue?"

She smiled. "Yes, go on."

"Okay. So, John was fucking Jade, while Jade was licking Bambi. Cory had been on her bike all the time, cycling like a champ." He grinned. "She was so exhausted after the shoot. Anyway, she saw them fucking, so she went over and then she started licking Jade."

"While John was still fucking her?"

"Yes, while he was fucking her. Then, of course, she wanted to try his cock, so Jade and Bambi moved over to give Cory some room. Cory pushed John down on the floor and started riding him, while Jade and Bambi were kissing and touching each other off to the side. They kept doing this for a while before Harry told them to wrap it up."

"How did they 'wrap it up'?"

"They did a standing facial. Pretty common when one guy has sex with several women. John stood, while the women knelt before him. He jerked off on their faces. A pretty decent amount, too."

"Did they swallow?"

Wow, Carla really wanted to get all the details. "Well, yes, some of it. Bambi handled the aftercare, so she got most of it. The two others licked each other's faces." He paused. "And that pretty much sums it up."

She looked at him for a while without saying anything, her face slightly red. Then, "Did it turn you on?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Did it turn you on? Did you get horny?"

"Uh, maybe a little. But not very much. I told you about my first shoot, right? That was brutal, but, you know, we get used to it. It's a job."

"Sure, but... I mean, it's the same with me and the really sick kids. It's my job, and you can't let every tragic case bring you down, but you get sad, you know?"

"Yes, I get it. And yes, I do get turned on sometimes. But I've gotten better at controlling it."

She nodded. "I told you I had some thinking to do, remember?"

"Yes, I remember. One of the last things you said to me."

"I don't know much about the porn industry, but, you know, certain images keep popping up."

"Like?"

"Yeah, like, when you're shooting, it's easy to think that everyone would get all super horny, and start fucking, you know? Or at least that some porn star would take pity on the poor cameraman and throw him a bone."

He chuckled. "Ah, right. Yeah, I get it. No, it's not really like that. Can't really speak for the other studios, and maybe it was common back in the day, but at Starlight, that doesn't happen."

"Never?"

He hesitated. It really wasn't like that, but there had been a couple of... incidents.

She noticed his hesitation and pressed on. "You've never been so horny that you just went for it? Never had some porn star just throw herself at you?"

"Uh," he started. He thought back. He didn't want to lie to her, but he wasn't sure exactly how much to tell her either. He didn't want to tell her about Liza. That wasn't just his secret to share. And Katie? That wasn't really a work thing, per se. It was more like a date, actually. Other than those, there had only been that one time with Nicky, and Nicky probably wouldn't mind him telling Carla. "Uh, well. There was this one time."

She leaned forward, a slight smile on her face. Good. At least she didn't seem angry. "Just one time? That doesn't seem too bad. Tell me about it."

"Uh, you sure?"

"Oh, I'm sure."

He looked at her, still a little doubtful. "You won't get mad or anything?"

She laughed. "Mike, this is our second date. Why should I get mad? Do you think I've never been horny? Never fucked a guy? Listen, Mike, I'm curious, that's all. You know, I didn't really think you were fucking porn stars left and right, and it was good to hear you say it. But when you let it slip that something happened one time, I'm dying to hear about it. So spill it."

He smiled at her. "Alright, if you insist. But remember, this was an exception, okay? I don't fuck porn stars 'left and right'."

She smiled back. "I'll remember, I promise. Now, quit stalling."

He laughed. "Okay, you asked for it."

Chapter 5 -- So... Paintball?

"I really had a great time," Carla said as they waited for her Uber. "Don't think me slutty, but if you'd bought me just one more drink, I'd be taking you home right now."

Mike laughed. They had ordered two Ubers. Neither of them had exactly decided to go their separate ways. It had just... happened. "I'm gonna kick myself for that when I get home."

She grinned. "Don't worry. When I crush you at paintball, you'll probably lose all interest anyway."

"Girl, for real? You think you stand a chance against me?" He sighed theatrically. "Nah, who am I kidding. Of course you're gonna crush me."

She laughed. "We'll see." She took a step closer, looking up at him, a sly grin on her face. "There might be a prize if you win."

"Oh really? And if you win?"

She smiled. "Then I hope there'll be a prize for me."

Before he had time to answer, she stretched up and kissed him. She'd done that last time, but that was a soft, gentle kiss. This time, there was hunger. Just as she pulled away, her Uber arrived. Couldn't you have waited just a minute? Mike thought, cursing the car.

Carla glanced at it and sighed. "Well, there's my cue." She looked back at him, smiling. "I'll set up the paintball. You just worry about bringing your A game."

"I'll do my best."

"You'd better," she said as she opened the car door. "There's a prize at stake, remember?"

Mike watched the Uber drive off. He scratched his head. There must be some YouTube tutorials on paintball?