Gray Days and Wicked Ways, page 26
part #4 of Layton Shayne Mystery Series
“Is he the shorts and flip-flops wearing type of billionaire?” I said, and smiled.
“On second thought we could always have dressed Alex up to rendezvous with him.”
“What, you don’t think I can dress up and behave well with the upper crust?” I said. “I’m wearing a suit and tie.”
“But you don’t really enjoy wearing it, do you?”
“Does anyone? Does Quinie?”
Sassy laughed loudly. “I’ve never heard anyone refer to the billionaire as Quinie. Enough about him. I wonder how Ronnie is getting along with Alex and Forrest back at the inn.”
Chapter 43
Neighborly Love
SASSY WAS SPENDING the night at the inn, since we were leaving for Shiloh Key early the next morning. She parked, and I walked upstairs to my room to change. When I got in the room, I found a note Alex had left, saying they’d be down by the pool. The last line was ‘love, Alex and Forrest’. They’d both signed it, and that was sweet. But not unusually nice to the point of my wanting to cry. As I stripped and changed into my bathing suit and flip-flops, I thought about how grateful I was that my emotions were back in check and there was no more Diony shit to worry about. I grabbed a towel but didn’t bother putting on a shirt. When I closed the room door behind me I was surprised to hear giggling from the half-open door of the neighbor to the left.
“Hi there,” I said to the door. “Sorry if we were a bit noisy, I didn’t realize we had neighbors.”
“It’s cool, man,” a skinny, bare chested, and barefoot guy dressed in boxers said as he got out from behind the door. “I’m Trevor. My wife Judy and I are newlyweds.”
“Hi,” Judy said. An equally as skinny girl with long black hair and big brown eyes came out and stood next to Trevor. She was barefoot in a long T-shirt.
“I’m Layton.”
“It sounds like you’re on a wild honeymoon yourself, Layton,” Trevor said.
“Something like that,” I said, then remembered something Forrest had uttered the day before. “Christ was I drunk last night.”
“Maybe so, but you definitely sounded like you were enjoying yourself,” Trevor said and chuckled.
“I thought those guys Alex and Forrest sounded hot,” Judy said, and giggled. “But my God, you and Forrest had me so riled up—”
“Hearing you guys got my girl so turned on we had the best sex ever,” Trevor said. “I’m not gay or anything, but seeing her turned on kind of did it for me. I have to admit the three of you together were… wow.” He smiled. “Are you three… I mean are—?”
“Trevor, don’t ask that,” Judy said, looking bashful.
“The three of us are a family unit,” I said. “It’s all kind of new to me, and to them but I think we’re managing.”
“I’ll say,” Judy said. “We met Alex and Forrest earlier. And they tried to blame the noise on having food poisoning. Trevor and I look young but we’re in our mid-twenties and not dumb.”
“Yeah,” Trevor said.
“Well, we did have food poisoning in between all the really intense sex,” I said. “But we’re better now.”
“Ugh,” Judy said. “You didn’t get food poisoning from something you ate here, did you?”
“No,” I said. “It was from something we brought with us. You two enjoy your honeymoon.”
“We will, thanks,” Trevor said.
A very mischievous thought popped in my mind. Trevor was being a good guy about everything, and his girl was clearly turned on by the thought of men together, so I said what I had just been thinking.
“Trevor you’re a lucky guy,” I said.
“I sure am,” Trevor said.
“Judy, I’m jealous,” I said. “Trevor’s looking pretty fine in just those boxers. If you weren’t here I’d definitely try to seduce him into joining my boys and me for some hot fun. The things we would do with him are just—well, I’ll leave that to your imagination.”
Trevor’s jaw hung open. Judy grabbed him and planted a huge kiss on his lips. Before he closed the door, Trevor gave me a thumbs up. He’d understood what I’d done and appreciated it.
WHEN I GOT DOWNSTAIRS to the pool, Forrest, Alex, and Ronnie were splashing around with Chip and Brandon. Watching them from a lounge chair was Lacey in a bikini top, and shorts. There was a large bandage on her leg. I walked over to her.
“Hello, hero girl,” I said. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, thanks,” Lacey said. “I am sort of a heroine in these parts now.”
“Deservingly so,” I said, looking at her eyeballing me. “What?”
“You’re the best looking guy out of the whole group, in my opinion. Alex is pretty, Forrest is hunky and so is Ronnie… but you are just outright sexy.” She giggled. “Did I mention they gave me some pain meds to take?”
“No, you didn’t,” I said, then hugged her and whispered in her ear. “You’re sexy yourself… if only I was straight.”
She laughed and voices coming from the pool told me I’d been discovered.
“Daddy!” Chip shouted, then swam to the edge of the pool and hopped out, followed by Brandon.
They both ran my way and gave me very wet hugs.
“Hi, Mr. Detective Man,” Brandon said.
“Did I earn every penny of that quarter, Brandon?” I said.
“Yes!” Brandon said at the top of his lungs and laughed.
“You have definitely made some new fans, Layton,” Lacey said.
“And I know just what to do with them,” I said, then picked Brandon up in one arm and Chip in the other. After taking off my flip-flops I went to the edge of the pool. “Who wants to catch one of these little fish out of water?” I swung both giggling boys toward the pool and Alex and Forrest, then pulled them back close. “Make way, we’re coming in.”
Holding both boys tightly, I jumped into the deep end of the pool. Everyone was all giggles when we popped back up. Forrest and Alex were by my side, and Chip jumped over to Alex who swung him around in the water. Brandon went to Ronnie who did the same with him.
“I heard you met our neighbors,” I said to Forrest.
“They’re a cute young couple,” Forrest said. “But I don’t think they bought Alex’s story about all the noise in our room being due to our having food poisoning.”
“They didn’t,” I said. “But I set them straight. I told them most of the noise was from all the wild sex we were having.”
“You didn’t?” Forrest said, then looked at me. “You did?”
“I did indeed, and young Trevor is currently enjoying the end product of our conversation. His new wife got extremely turned on listening to the goings-on in our room yesterday.”
“Oh,” Forrest said. “Well I can understand that.” He got close enough that we were wet crotch to wet crotch, then rubbed against me discreetly. “Your friends Frankie and Jimmy are catering tonight’s dinner.”
“Yummy,” I said, then swam toward Ronnie, who’d been abandoned by Brandon when he’d swum to Alex. “Hi, Ronnie.”
“You are one lucky son of a bitch,” Ronnie said. “Some harem you’ve got.”
“I’ve got no complaints,” I said.
“I should think not,” Ronnie said. “But I think you’ll still be checking my ass when I get out of this pool.”
“That’s a given,” I said.
True to my word, when Ronnie got out of the pool I checked not only his ass but all of him. His short spandex bathing suit hugged his ample backside perfectly. The man had a nice chest too with a light sprinkling of hair—and great feet. He wiggled his ass my way then looked back at me and smiled.
WHEN WE LEFT to get ready for dinner, Forrest went with Chip to Leticia’s room and Alex and I walked back up to our room. The minute we were behind closed doors I was on him, kissing his lips. We walked and stripped at the same time, then jumped on the bed. We were kissing when Forrest walked in, stripped naked, and joined us.
“Why don’t we give the folks next door a small wedding gift?” Forrest said.
“Who you calling small?” Alex said, then sat up and pushed out his large erection.
“Certainly not you… or that,” I said, then wrapped my mouth around his cock.
When we’d finished, the three of us lay quietly in each others arms with our legs and arms interlocked in one huddled mass of flesh. Later we forced ourselves from bed in order to get ready for dinner.
“Layton,” Alex said, while pulling on his navy slacks. “Do you think Natasha would come with us to Shiloh Key?”
“Not now that Dewey’s left the aftercare facility,” I said. “He needs her around.”
“Why would Layton want Natasha to go to the key?” Forrest said, and pulled a black T-shirt on over the denim jeans he wore.
“Because there may be more Russian things to read like a codebook or something,” Alex said.
“You have a point there, Alex,” I said, then kissed him and helped him button up his shirt. “But I still can’t ask Natasha to come with us, it wouldn’t be right.”
Forrest walked up to us, hugged us both, and kissed me, then Alex. “I may be able to help in the language translating,” he said.
I put one hand on his ass, my other on Alex’s. “Do you read Russian, Forrest?” I said.
He kissed me then replied. “No, but I know someone who does, and I’ll make a call before we head down to dinner.”
After pushing Forrest and Alex together I kissed them both at the same time. We were over the Diony effect, but not each other. I was really starting to like the number three—a lot. We finally separated, and I put on my socks and black dress shoes. Alex was wearing a similar pair of shoes, but Forrest had slip-on black shoes.
“Sexy,” I said, looking at Forrest’s shoes.
“They do look nice… and comfortable too,” Alex said, standing in front of me to look at Forrest. I grabbed Alex around the waist, squatted, and kissed his cute small ass several times. “Do we have to stay long at dinner?”
“He’s just being his normal horny self not Diony horny,” Alex said to Forrest.
“Is it just me, or does it seem like there might be some sort of surprise at dinner?” Forrest said.
“Oh please,” I said, “no more surprises.”
Chapter 44
Dinner with Friends
WHEN WE GOT TO the porch of the main building, Frankie was there to greet us dressed in a button-down shirt, jacket, and slacks.
“You three look wonderful,” Frankie said. “But you’re the last to arrive.”
“Sorry,” I said. “We didn’t know we had to be prompt.”
Tantalizing food smells hit my nose as soon as I entered the breakfast slash private party room. Melinda stood by the door with Callum, who was dressed in a suit, by her side
“Welcome,” Melinda said, then gave me, Forrest, and Alex hugs. Callum also hugged us.
“Impressive,” I said, as I looked around. There was a large buffet set up against the right wall and next to it was a carving station with a succulent looking roast beef. I noticed Chip talking to Brandon and Rocky in the far right corner, and Leticia and Sassy sitting at a table next to them chatting. But I didn’t see Natasha and Dewey.
“Everyone, please take a seat,” Melinda said.
“We just need your attention for a few minutes then we can chow down,” Callum said, and smiled.
Alex and Forrest followed me to the table where Leticia was seated next to Sassy and we sat down.
“First, I want to say I consider all of the people here family after what we’ve been through,” Callum said, after getting everyone’s attention. “Some people called me a hero when I came back from the field, but I know that there are real heroes here at home too. Two of those heroes took bullets protecting my boy Brandon. And I just want to formally thank them.” He looked at the open doorway. “Come in Chef Brogna and Lacey.”
Chef Brogna walked in with Michael by his side. Both were dressed in suits but had no ties on. Lacey walked in escorted by Ronnie. She looked pretty in an ankle-length, strapless, aqua dress. Everyone in the room cheered, then Callum escorted the four to a table. When they sat down, Callum walked back to his wife at the head of the room.
“There is also a bit of news to share here at the inn,” Callum said.
“Melinda’s pregnant,” Michael said.
Callum laughed loudly. “No, but that’s not a bad idea. I’ll work on that right away when my family and I go on a two week vacation starting next week.”
I clapped loudly and was joined by everyone else in the room.
“In order to do that, we’ve hired a new manager for the inn—a permanent manager, and a temporary assistant manager,” Melinda said. “I’ll be going back to my former position as head of guest relations.”
“You’re not replacing me too, are you? Chef Brogna said. “I just need a few days off.”
“No, baby,” Melinda said. “You’re irreplaceable. We just hired Frankie and Jimmy for tonight and maybe they’ll help us with some events in the future.”
Chef clapped in approval.
“I’m getting hungry, Mel,” Callum said and everyone laughed.
“Well then I’d better announce our temporary assistant manager: Natasha,” Melinda said.
Natasha walked out in a slim blue skirt and blue ruffled blouse. She was escorted by Dimitri who wore a suit and a tie.
“And the new manager of The Mt. Ore Inn, our friend Dewey,” Melinda said.
Dewey walked out on his crutches with a big smile on his face. He looked every bit a manager in his suit and tie. Natasha walked to his side and I stood and clapped. Soon everyone was standing and clapping. Dewey, Natasha, and Dimitri joined Chef Brogna’s table and Callum turned to look at me. Oh shit, I thought. Callum beckoned me with a wave of his hand and I went to him.
He embraced me and kissed my cheek as he whispered in my ear.
“I love you, man—always will.” Callum patted my back then his wife hugged me and kissed my cheek.
“Thanks isn’t enough to tell this guy,” Callum said. “He’s a born leader and a Marine. God sent a true brother my way when he brought Layton Shayne here to the inn.” We embraced again and received a standing ovation.
I put my arm around Callum’s shoulder and looked at him. “Can we eat now?” I said.
Everybody laughed and soon we had plates in hand and were getting our food. Jimmy had outdone himself. Besides the roast beef, there was roast chicken, rice, corn on the cob, garlic bread, and a separate table with all sort of petit-fours, two cakes, and my favorite dessert.
I took a break from eating and went to visit Dimitri while Alex and Forrest talked to Leticia.
“How goes it Dimitri?” I said. “How’s Tara?”
“Tara spent some time at her Grandmother’s house and she’ll be back to work to help with the redesign.”
“Redesign?” I said.
“I’d seen those angels that were at Natasha’s house years ago, when I was a little boy living in Russia,” Dimitri said. “Being lucky enough to witness them again, and then seeing Tara’s face and how ashamed she was of her work made me decide it was time for a change.”
“What sort of change?” I said.
“Well, the adult entertainment business isn’t as strong as it once was here,” Dimitri said. “Everything’s now geared toward family entertainment. So, I’m turning Boobies into a family themed restaurant.”
“With my help,” Natasha said as she walked past us carrying a plate of dessert. “Since there’s already so much bird decor in the club, we’re converting Boobies into a sort of jungle themed restaurant focusing on birds.” She sat down next to her uncle.
“The name will get changed of course,” Dimitri said. “There will be live birds, animal acts, mechanical birds, and a family-friendly show. The waitresses will get more covered up, bird-inspired costumes. Tara’s very excited about it and so are the rest of the girls. Lola’s going to work on the choreography of the show along with a friend of hers.”
“That’s great, Dimitri,” I said and patted his back.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help Mandy,” Dimitri said.
“You’re helping the other girls now,” I said. “You can only do what you can do. Maybe you can name a bird in her honor.”
“I’ll do that,” Dimitri said, and smiled.
I walked back to my table after getting some dessert.
“Layton, is Natasha not coming with us to Shiloh Key?” Sassy said.
“She has other things on her plate, so I didn’t ask her,” I said. “I thought maybe you might have some clues for us after viewing your pictures.”
“Nothing very helpful,” Sassy said.
Jimmy came into the room and started greeting people. When he got to our table we told him how much we were enjoying everything. After Jimmy had moved on and was checking the food, Forrest spoke.
“I found us a Russian translator.”
“That’s fantastic,” Alex said. “By the way, how are we all going to get to Shiloh Key? It doesn’t make sense to go in separate vehicles.”
“I’d have to move my camping gear over from my car to… hang on,” Forrest said, “let me check on something. I’m done eating, so I’ll go outside and make a quick call. Can you keep an eye on Chip?”
“Not a problem,” Alex said, as Leticia walked by with her dessert.
“I’m still here for two more days,” Leticia said. “Chip can stay with me again tonight.”
“I appreciate that,” Forrest said. “Chip likes you… he thinks you’re pretty. I’ll go by your room later and make sure he’s packed for tomorrow.” After telling everyone good night and thanking our hosts, Forrest went outside.
WHEN ALEX, SASSY, and I stepped outside onto the porch, Forrest was still on the phone and sitting in a rocker. I sat down next to him and relaxed while Alex and Sassy talked by the entrance.
“Thanks again,” Forrest said to the person on his cell phone. “Bye.” He turned and waved Alex and Sassy over. “Listen up, folks. We’ve all got a ride to Shiloh Key and the mystery person will be here at four in the a.m. to pick us up.”
