Ashley 3 - The Club And After

Ashley couldn't quite believe what she had done even if that didn't necessarily mean she regretted it. Up to now from her old suburban life only her husband knew much of what had been going on. Yet she had sent a provocative video, a video where she flashed her panties and a boob, to a man. Not to just any man either.

She hadn't been drunk and she hadn't been stupidly horny. At the moment it had simply seemed just a fun thing to do. Shaking off that safe reputation of hers. Helping out Red - just as she helped him in many other ways - shopping, cleaning, etc.

Except it wasn't quite the same was it! Sending a provocative video in the full knowledge that a man pretty much old enough to be your grand-pa would be using it for the purposes of sexual arousal. Just as he had tried to masturbate to his memory of her after she had left his house last time.

Catching him like that should have disgusted her. Shouldn't it? She knew that it should! But he hadn't done anything in front of her. Only when he thought she had left, when he'd closed the curtains. In his private time. It was Ashley who had intruded into his privacy by peeping through that little gap he had left.

Attraction didn't pay much heed to convenience. It wasn't exactly convenient that thrown back into the whole wide world by her husband's stupidity and neglect she had discovered her main attraction was to dark-skinned African-American men. Being honest with herself she didn't seem to find any other men attractive in the slightest any more. Quite apart from physical attraction in her experience Black men were so much better in bed. Now her experience wasn't exactly huge but it was her experience and so she had to go with it.

Red was what they would have called a rake in the old days. He had a formidable reputation as a ladies' man, a womanizer, a seducer, a wolf, there were lots of terms for it. Maybe not a skirt-chaser. Most of the skirts seemed to have chased him back in the day. She'd had a glimpse of one reason for that through the gap in the curtains. Red was well equipped down there.

It had to be very tough for him now to be almost an invalid, waiting for that knee of his to heal. He couldn't go meet his friends, he couldn't go help out at Barkley Tooling and there was something else that had to be much worse for a man like Red. For a man who had lived his sort of a life, who had that sort of a reputation, it had to be so difficult. She had seen that too - through the gap in the curtain.

So sending Red a video of herself like that had been an altruistic gesture? She might have lived with that explanation but it wasn't true. She had sent it because she had wanted to. Because it was a blow against the idea of her as a safe, boring, unexciting woman - as whitebread.

'Whitebread'. She had only known two people in her life to use that term. First had been Sammi in their regular clashes before her younger sister had left home for the West Coast. Sammi had always been a little wild and she had been furious when Ashley had often taken her parents' side in certain things. Ashley had always been sure she had only done what was best - to preserve the family name and for her sister's good too. Now she found herself looking back on those events rather differently.

The other person in her life who used 'whitebread' was, of course, Red. He hadn't hidden the fact he thought Ashley was just that. Something which had reignited all those old regrets about how things had gone with her sister.

It shouldn't have mattered. It still did.

Now, however, she was rather self-concious, embarrassed. How did you look a man in the face after you had sent him something like that? The wisest thing would be just to call him and say that something had come up and that she couldn't help him out any more. She could perhaps find him a professional cleaner, maybe even pay for the service. A professional would almost certainly do a better job for him anyway.

Such thoughts had swirled through her mind all of yesterday and since getting up this morning. Against that, however, she had been researching and she just knew that a little light yoga in the right positions could really help Red with that knee. She was an enthusiast herself - finding that a day in the gym accompanied by a yoga regimen and a few specific daily exercises were perfect for her physical and mental well-being. Letting her feel toned and also flexible.

She had gone over for her now weekly meeting with Omar at Barkley Tooling. Theoretically she still hadn't made up her mind about Red but she had put her yoga mat in the vehicle.

Their business was pulling itself out of the hole that her husband Grant had dug for it. They were covering the essentials like payroll and servicing their debts. In fact they had cleared a couple of the smaller loans. They also paid Grant just enough to keep the bookie off his back. Soon they would be able to pay off the last of two month's money they owed to Omar.

In the meantime she was servicing the loan in her own way. The improving weather meant she could wear a rather lovely sundress. With the light in a certain direction it allowed the curves and form of her body to be seen almost as if she were naked. Especially when, as now, she wore nothing underneath it.

Omar's employees loved it and weren't shy about telling her so. They weren't strangers to her and she enjoyed their appreciation. A woman liked to know that she was desirable, that she was hot. Their compliments were delivered and accepted in a certain spirit.

Omar enjoyed her dress too. Looking down at her on her knees as she sucked his cock in his office. Omar might not have turned out to be quite the dream man she had hoped for but he did, undeniably, have a beautiful Big Black Cock. Besides, until that debt was paid off she owed him a date-night every week. This, of course, was in addition to that date. She did this because she enjoyed it. More specifically because she enjoyed seeing in his handsome dark face just how much he was enjoying it. Evidence that her skills were developing.

She completed her twice weekly shopping run for Red's necessities and then she was there. She felt her heart beating in her chest. A feeling of anticipation somehow greater than she had felt when getting on her knees in front of Omar She had known what Omar's response would be.

She was surprised to find Red outside his little house leaning on his crutch. He was talking to an African-American man in his fifties. The man's eyes drank her in but he tried to hide it. Ashley felt a little thrill at that.

"Jake - this is Ashley who's helping me out while I got this." Red tapped his metal crutch. "See girl I got myself out to find some fresh air. Doctor's changed my medication and says I can exercise now."

She'd been thinking herself in circles for the last twenty-four hours but now, seeing Red's genuine joy at getting himself out of the house, that all seemed nonsense. "Did you ask about yoga? I have my mat in the car."

"Got me a yoga instructor as well as all her other talents."

Jake was trying desperately not to be too obvious as he admired her breasts through her thin dress. It wasn't working. Probably that was made more certain by the fact Ashley's body was reacting to his attention. Hard nipples obvious through that thin, thin, fabric.

"Damn I never thought of doing yoga. Maybe I could benefit from some instruction." Jake laughed but his eyes hadn't moved and Ashley felt like saying, 'I'm up here!'

"Bet you would but Ashley's a good girl and besides I saw her first! Don't pay no attention to this horn-dog girl. Dunno what this poor weak old man would do without her. I'll see you around because I've got to get inside and I ain't moving so fast just yet."

Red's crutch clicked on the cracked cement as he went back inside.

Jake tore his eyes away from Ashley's breasts and actually managed to look at her face. "I'm sorry about that - I hope you didn't take no offense." Her smile reassured him - she'd been around Red for weeks and so such things were hardly likely to shock her! Jake hesitated and then continued. "Word to the wise. Red is a good guy at heart but don't be believing that 'poor old man' shit. Just ask him about his last cleaner! Anyway I'll let you go look after the lucky old bastard!"

Ashley dropped off the shopping and then went back for her bag and the mat. It was an older portable one but it was well up to the job. The bag had her change of clothing, well two in fact.

Her sexy outfits for the men at Barkley Tooling weren't exactly perfect for cleaning. So she'd got into a routine of coming to Red's and letting him see her in all her finery. Then into Red's bedroom, close the door and change into something more suitable for cleaning.

The shopping wasn't too much of an issue once a few buttons were done up or perhaps a coat worn over the top. Though she'd have to find a work-around now the weather was getting hotter. Ashley didn't pause to recall that perhaps two hours ago she had almost decided never to come here again.

Ashley put on her T-shirt and sweats but really she only had to vacuum and put the kitchen and bathroom into order. It was a simple matter of maintenance now. In a small house like this it didn't take long. That suited her because she really wanted to get onto the next part of the program.

Ashley moved the table in the center of Red's room to one side and that left plenty of room to lay the yoga mat down. "I printed these off for you. Have a look while I get ready." She handed him three sheets of suggested yoga exercises for people with problem knees.

Then she went into Red's bedroom and she very carefully failed to close the door properly. Just a crack - exactly as Red's curtains had been left open just a crack last time.

There was always a click when she closed the door and of course there wasn't a click this time. She stood a little back from the door so that she could see out but nobody looking in could see her.

Red was looking at the information she had given him. Then he stopped and seemed to be thinking. His head turned and he was looking straight at the door. He paused and then looked a little more carefully. She was in no doubt that he knew the door was open.

She had decided that Red taking an interest in her when she dressed, or did other things, specifically for him was OK. If he was trying to sneak a peak at her changing then he really was a dirty old man and she definitely should not encourage that.

She watched as Red looked at the door. Did she imagine that she heard a little whistle? Anyway as she watched he sent his attention back to the sheets of information.

Well - that decided it! It was much better doing her yoga in the proper kit rather than these sloppy old cleaning clothes. So she stripped down and changed again. Yoga pants did come in loose varieties but she had never got on well with them. Her nice tight Lululemons in green were what made her feel good. Made her look good too showing off the form of her legs and the curves of her hips and her booty. The matching top kept everything in position but left a distinct cleavage on show. She knew that she looked good in this work-out outfit even if her husband hadn't seemed to notice. Anyway she had never had any other audience for her exercises - until now.

She finished up and used the mirror on Red's wall to check that her hair and make-up still looked OK. Force of habit she supposed and she moved out and back into the main room.

Red was still reading the sheets of information she had given him. Noticing she was back in the room he glanced up. Glanced up and then smiled. "Damn girl but you do look fine in that!"

Now would that have been so hard for her husband to say at least once? She gave Red the 'behave yourself' look that she needed rather a lot around him. "I don't know why I picked the green one. My Irish roots I guess even if wearing green is supposed to be unlucky."

"Fucking lucky for me girl!"

He was incorrigible. "Perhaps I can show you a few of the positions I normally do and then we can try and see how you do!"

"Sounds good." The information sheets were on the floor now. She had his full attention.

She wasn't going to go overboard. Just a few flexibility poses. A side stretch for left and right followed by a head to knee while seated on the mat. Then she lay down for a couple of bow poses. She was feeling the stress and self-doubt flow out of her. The adrenaline levels dropping and the endorphins taking over. A forward bend and a plow pose before concluding with a cow-face pose and then the cat-cow position. That left her with just the right level of fatigue and a wonderful feeling of calm and flexibility.

Red's eyes hadn't left her. Clearly not all of the exercises would be suitable for him but he was paying extremely close attention none the less. The thought did strike her that the exercises weren't what really had his attention but now he would have to pay the piper if he expected to hear that particular tune again.

She kept it nice and simple and low-key. Demonstrating simple poses that would help strengthen his core and the muscles supporting that difficult knee. They would start very light and gradually build up. Red was a surprisingly good pupil. No smart remarks, no messing around, just following her motions with his own. Allowing her to adjust his position now and then.

It wasn't particularly strenuous but Red had been in that chair too long. When they finished he was sweating and blowing a little. She got him a damp cloth to wipe his face.

"It didn't look like it's such hard work but when you getting down to it you soon find out. But it does feel good. This has been a real good day! I'm going to celebrate with a drink - you gonna join me?"

She looked at him.

"Seriously," he said, "just a half a glass to be friendly. Not that you weren't fun after a few more!" He chuckled and that mischievous twinkle was in his eye again. It was good to see - even if it did usually mean trouble!

It was very much only half a glass and even then she would drink it very slowly. He poured for them both. "I enjoyed that movie you sent me - just exactly what I needed at that moment. I appreciate that and all you do for me."

It was a shock to realise that the video had gone completely out of her mind. "I hope it helped," she said lamely.

"It was a beautiful thing and I gotta confess I've watched it more than a few times. All my life I was more a doer than a watcher but, well, let's just say the camera loves you girl!"

Once again Ashley felt a familiar sensation and knew there was blood in her cheeks. It wasn't the flush from her exercise exertions and she knew Red would know that too. It was ridiculous. How could she make a video like that and then be embarrassed when he complimented her on it? Still it let her raise what had been worrying her all morning.

"I hope that you haven't, you know, shared it around."

Red snorted. "Fuck that! The lifestyle might be all about sharing but I've just got the tiniest little piece of that sweetness," he demonstrated holding two of his fingers very close together, "and I ain't sharing that with no-one. It was damn near perfect except for one thing."

She saw the baited hook and identified it but she couldn't resist. "What was that?"

"Every time that damned phone pings with a message I'm all excited and shit. Just turns out to be a friend asking how I am!" He laughed. "Nah - I ain't sharing that video unless you wants me to?"

"No, no..." The words were out of her mouth quickly and vehemently and she saw Red smile his little smile of recognition. His trap, more likely his test, had caught her. Whatever she might believe so far as this man was concerned she was still whitebread. From his perspective, she understood, she probably was.

"I can delete it if you want. That's not what I want but it's your call. Another big word in the lifestyle done right is trust, that what's done is to mutual satisfaction. So what's it to be?"

She knew what she should say. Delete it. Somehow, however, she didn't want to say it. It had been exciting to make and she hadn't sent it as a present to Red by mistake. Those were all justifications but the truth was, at heart, she knew she liked the idea of him watching it. Red had a lot of experience in such things and if he found her hot...

But...

He reached for a draw behind him and pulled out a deck of cards. "Tell you what - we'll let the cards decide." He shuffled them dextrously and laid the deck on the small table. "Just a simple cut of the cards. You first."

Letting the fates decide had a certain attraction. Ashley reached out and split the pack. The eight of hearts. She reunited the pack.

"Now you shuffle it," said Red. After she had done so he reached out with his long dark fingers and cut the pack himself. The nine of spades.

"Close," said Red with a smile apparently of relief. "Now that's settled you can tell me. Did you enjoy making that movie for me?"

She could lie of course. Except that she had watched that clip later herself. She saw the truth in her face and in every movement she made on screen. She just wasn't that good an actress. "Yes I enjoyed it - it was exciting."

"Gonna make me another?" There it was. Give a man an inch and you knew what happened! Red smiled. "Maybe we let the cards decide?"

"OK." It wasn't like it was a contract written in blood. Besides she wanted to see if she would win and how she would feel about that.

Ashley drew the ten of hearts. "Looks like you've got a good chance this time," said Red and then he drew his card. The Ace of Spades.

"Are aces high?" she asked him.

"Oh yes," said Red with that little sly smile of his.

She found that she had no problem with that, no problem at all.

***

She wasn't sure what she had been expecting. A little hole-in-the-wall dive bar perhaps. This was nothing like that. It was an impressive night-club with a big bar, a stage, all of the lighting and sound systems that you would expect. Most of the time it was apparently just that - one of the leading places of entertainment in the city. On this night, however, the owner Antwan was running one of his private parties.

Omar had driven her there and had squired her up to the main door where two imposing doormen flanked the entrance.

The older and larger one looked at them and his serious dark face was transformed by a delighted smile.

"Well fuck me sideways if it ain't Omar Barkley! Damn nigga I ain't seen you in fuck knows how long."

Ashley stifled her wince at hearing that word out front like that. She understood they were reclaiming the word but she still didn't like it. She'd heard it used too often in a much less friendly way.

Omar hadn't noticed anyway. "It has been a while. Good to see you too my man. My membership still good?"

"Shit - Antwan would kick my ass if I turned you away. Besides," he looked at Ashley for a moment, "I think your friend here would get you in no problem."

Omar laughed. "This is Ashley and Ashley this is Tyrone. You ever have a problem here you come to Tyrone."

He was the larger of the two doormen. His colleague was only built like a dump truck. Tyrone had to be six feet six and he was big with it. Filling out his doorman's suit with a lot of man, most of it hard muscle. She had to wonder what Antwan was like if he was supposed to be able to kick this guy's ass!

"Antwan will want to see you man," Tyrone said to Omar. Then he addressed her. "Like Omar said if you need anything you come to me girl. Anything at all." There was something about the way he said those last three words...

She felt Omar's hand on her back as he gently guided her through the door and into the club. The persistent beat became louder and once into the main club it was really loud and dark. The flashing and shifting lights illuminating an area for a moment and then moving on. It took her a few moments to acclimatise her eyes to the near-darkness and for the noise level to seem to settle. That was an amazing thing about humans. After a time, sometimes only a short time, anything could become the new normal.