Read Online Szot, JC - The South Window (Siren Publishing Ménage and More) by JC Szot - Free Book Online Page B

she’s beautiful,” Allie admitted humbly.
    “Yeah, but you know what?” Marty faced her, his voice edgy. “She has no depth. I need some depth, Allie. We better get out of here.” Marty started the truck. He didn’t turn on the headlights until they were back out on the road. The drive back through the rural darkness was hushed. Allie let the images of their surveillance and the contents of their conversation sink in.
    When they pulled into Marty’s driveway, he turned off the engine, staring out the windshield with a blank look on his face.
    “Well, Allie, now you know where your friend is investing most of her time.” Marty opened his door, then stepped down from the truck, defeat in his gait. Allie met him halfway around the hood, the heat from the engine wafting on her skin.
    “What did you tell Tess?” Allie was interested if he’d cut the string completely.
    “I told her swinging just wasn’t my thing. If she wanted to go there for a few drinks and to socialize, keep in touch with her friends, then that was fine, but the third floor has seen the last of me.” Marty laughed at his choice of words, his hand raking through his hair.
    “What d’you think she’ll do?”
    “You know what, Allie?” His eyes narrowed, his tone bitter. “I sort of don’t care. Like you said, she is gorgeous, but I need a little depth.”
    “Well,” Allie walked up to him, resting her hands on his tense shoulders, “now I know what she’s given you up for. Even before we left, I knew sacrificing you wouldn’t be worth it.” She turned and walked away from him, leaving him with the impact of her words.

    * * * *

    Allie was sitting in the dark kitchen, sipping a glass of wine, when she saw Marty come out of his house and go into his workshop. She wondered how he would drown his sorrows over his loss. Allie was determined to distract him from that loss. She would show him that losing a woman like Tess was not as tragic as he thought. She’d lost Dan to money and survived. It was Dan’s love for money that was driving them apart. Allie gave Marty credit, though, putting his wants and desires before Tess’s sensual body and her endless appetite for play. Allie wondered if Dan would ever put her before his lavish salary. Her bitter thoughts bubbled in the back of her throat. It was beneath her to ask him. Why should she have too?
    Allie would go see Marty tomorrow and discuss the sketch, which they never got to. He needed to come over and choose his colors for the mural.
    Dan had called while she was out. Allie laughed at the thought of telling him she’d gone to a swing club. Tess’s club membership wouldn’t be a surprise to Dan in the least. She called him back, leaving a message, telling him she’d try back again later, uncertain of the time difference.
    Allie lay in bed, the dark smothering. She soaked up her loneliness like a sponge. She would be watching Tess very carefully, seeing if Marty’s refusal affected her. Would Tess tell her anything? Would she be honest? Losing Marty was admitting defeat. Tess didn’t like to be defeated. Tess probably just figured Allie wouldn’t condone her swinging. Not that she was a prude. What people did was their own business, but if you’re forcing your lifestyle on others? That, to her, was wrong.

    * * * *

    Allie was outside in the greenhouse the next day when Tess strolled in. She had on her short-shorts and her gold bikini top, the scent of coconuts hovering over her like a cloud.
    “Hey there, Ms. Kramer, whatcha doin’?” Tess strutted over, running her fingers over the leaves of Allie’s ferns.
    “A little gardening. What’s your game been lately?” Allie laughed. She tried to see through Tess’s dark sunglasses. With those eyes of hers hidden, one could never be sure.
    “I’m taking a trip.” She grinned, sitting down on the narrow wooden bench that lined the wall.
    “Really?” She had gotten Allie’s attention quickly. “Where are you going?”