Move

May24

Emotions swirl so fast through my mind, I can’t grasp even one. Let alone sort them all out. They twist making me restless and weighing me down at the same time so that I have this painful urge to move, but am unable to.

So I do nothing.

I sit on my new couch surrounded by unpacked boxes. In my hand sits a tiny silver capsule. I should have taken it a month ago when I first arrived here in suburbia. Right after the accident that had killed my whole crew and destroyed my only way off this world, back to my own.

Everyone gone. Accept me. Left here with one last directive. Leave no trace. No evidence of us that could affect the natural evolution of these people.

And everything is gone. The ship, the data, all our advanced technology. All that’s left is me. And this pill.

I stare at its metallic gleam, hoping another option will present itself. But nothing does. Even though I can’t let go of the life I had – the dead people and purpose that defined me – I want to live.

A wave of bitter pain washes through me, hunching me over. I do want to live. But I have a duty.

Idly, I aim the electric remote at the television. Is this what people do on this world to distract themselves? The flat screen comes alive with the cheery face of a news commentator. The picture is crisp and clear, the flecks of grey in his hazel eyes evident.

I miss our visual dishes. In one of those, the concave screen would disappear beneath the three dimensional image of this man sitting in his studio. The graphics would be so well textures that I’d feel like he was in the room with me, talking about the latest tax cuts from Washington.

But this TV isn’t so bad. Maybe I could get use to it. Maybe I could learn to care about taxes and basketball and the price of gas. Maybe I could pretend to be one of them.

I stand up, pacing, thinking it through. There’s no need to sacrifice myself. And could continue the mission, on a smaller scale, learning so much about this planet. I just wouldn’t be able to share knowledge about mine. I could do that.

Smiling, I run a hand over boxes of new things that aren’t mine, thinking of unpacking them.

The gray-eyed man has moved on to medical news. Diseases and half-effective treatments that I know the cure for. Or at least could help them piece together. My smile fades. Environmental news. A field of grass in the Antarctic.

Could I withhold knowledge that would save lives? I grip the edge of the couch. The wood is unyielding beneath my hands.

The last directive is meant to protect them. The unknown effects of helping are the danger. A sudden increase in population due less people dying from disease. That would tax the already overpopulated planet in ways I couldn’t even guess at. And fixing the ozone layer is a noble idea. But if I remove the consequences of bad resource management, would they learn from their mistakes?

“I’m not a god. I have no right to take such risks.”

But would I really just stand by and allow them to discover on their own, things I take for granted? Could I let a loved one die of a disease knowing I could give the medical authorities knowledge leading to a cure? I don’t believe I could live with myself if I did.

Feeling queasy, I plop back down on the couch.

I glance at the clock sitting near the television. Ten thirty-two. I hear nothing but the ticking of the second hand and a bird or two chirping outside. Time seems endless, but my options are not.

I sigh.

I can’t live in this world, alienated. And I can’t be myself.

I drag my trembling body up from the couch and trudge to the bathroom. In the mirror, I don’t look like me. Grief has started the job. I lift the pill and swallow it down, so it can do the rest.

A chill runs through me, chased by spasms of panic. I don’t want to lose myself.

I grapple with my consciousness, trying to hold on, even though the decision to let go has already been made.

My thoughts break up, interrupted by a foreign, mental voice going on about bills, and work, and going out on Friday night. Mundane thoughts. The pill remakes me to fix this world, and I fade. I try to tell this new person there is so much more to the universe. But…

Dark Angels Part II: Fallen Angels

May21

Demons are angels who have fallen from grace. But what could tempt an angel into such an undesirable state? This week, I’m looking at themes in the movie Gabriel, a 2007 Australian film starring Andy Whitfield in the title role.

First, a brief summary. God sends the archangel Gabriel into purgatory to battle fallen angels over the fate of the human souls trapped there. The other six archangels have gone before him and failed.

Gabriel’s blue eyes indicate his divinity. Something he struggles to hold onto.

Gabriel struggles with his new human emotions as he looks for the others, and finds them fallen, beaten more by their inab

ility to handle the feelings and desires of the mortal world than by their enemies.

Gabriel falls in lust, experiences grief, anger, and hate. But overcomes them and goes after Sammael, the leader of the fallen angels. Only to discover that archangel Michael, the strongest of them, defeated Sammael but, seduced by the human desire for power, took the fallen’s place. Michael and Gabriel battle, and in the end Michael turns from the dark side. Right before he dies.

Devastated by the death of his friend, and losing his divinity by giving in to human emotions, Gabriel challenges God. ‘Is this what you wanted?’

The best part about the end, for me, was that God did not respond. Because God’s will just is. And you can go with the flow or jump off a roof and try to understand the unknowable. I admire Gabriel’s choice though I think he’s hitting his head against a wall.

I also love the notion of angels having a difficult time controlling human emotions and desires. That inner fight is the one that ultimately destroys them, leading to their fall. In the movie, before Michael’s identity is revealed, Gabriel finds a letter Michael left for him:

‘Gabriel, if you are reading this, then I have failed. We are far from grace, further than I could ever imagine. You will feel things that will cloud your judgment. This enemy within is strong and unpredictable. Control these emotions or the fight cannot be won. The others have failed, learn from them, but do not follow. You are the last. Michael.’

So angels cannot maintain their heavenly state while in the human world, but must deal with the same feelings we do. And unprepared for them, they don’t do as well as they think they should. It’s like the hermit who shuts herself off from others to attain a state of peace. If she cannot find that peace when she returns to the company of other people, was it ever hers in the first place? Or just a reflection of her environment?

And with angels, the movie Gabriel asks, are they heavenly because they abide in Heaven, or because it is an innate state?

It’s a fascinating question, even for us humans. Are we innately good, or bad, or just products of our environment. I think true goodness is making the decision to be loving when you are very tempted not to be. That’s a tough thing to do, but we’re all cable of it.

And it should be easier for angels. In my mind, they do have some innate goodness that would help them resist the darker pulls of human desire. However, Gabriel does make a compelling counterpoint. From the mouth of Michael at the end of the movie when he is explaining his fall to Gabriel:

Michael/Sammael

“Freedom… is the ability to challenge yourself far beyond the constraints of traditional rule and order. We draw strength from our passions… we’re driven by desire… even hatred can be a worthy ally when used against an enemy… and yet, we are told to turn our backs on these things… the very feelings, emotions… that make us all… human.”

So what do you think? Are angels innately good? Or are they lying, drinking, philanders outside of Heaven’s influence?

Dark Angels Part I: Demonic Angels?

May10

One thing I’ve always found interesting about angels is that they are the same species as demons – fallen angels. Even so, they are vastly different. Or should be. Today, I’ll be picking apart Legion, the 2009 film staring the yummy Paul Bettany.

What’s it about? God is sick of our crap and sends hordes of angels, lead by archangel Gabriel, to destroy us. Archangel Michael still has faith in us, so defies God and comes down to save us. Well, to save a waitress’ unborn child who, when born, can save us.

Why did God decide to destroy us, then allow a savior to be conceived? No good explanation is given. And it really should have been. But I’m going to be sticking to the story points about angels for this rant.

Let’s start with the best thing about the movie, the creepy special effects:

Even before her gruesome transformation, this lady is a heartless witch. She could have just gone in and politely completed her assassination but no, she’s got to suck the girl in with pleasantries before threatening her baby’s life. That’s unnecessary intimidation. Cruelty. Not what I associate with heavenly beings Even though, I must admit, I love this scene! The contrast of nice, smiling old lady one minute, ceiling crawling demon – ur – angel the next, was chilling and rather awesome.

And then there is this guy:

Again, very cool. But God sent this guy? Surely, God must realize that ice cream truck music is creepy and daddy long legs are among the scariest creatures in existence. Okay, well, I think so. Why terrorize the poor bastards before killing them? I’d rather drown in a nice humane flood.

Another interesting aspect of this story is the ending. God changes his mind about destroying the human race and rewards Gabriel for going rogue. When the obedient Gabriel is like WTF?, Michael says, ‘You gave him what he asked for. I gave him what he needed.’

Even the gravis lent to the statement by Paul Bettany and his sexy British accent couldn’t keep me from laughing. God sees the error of his ways through the rebel actions of one his archangels? I remember another rebel who wasn’t so lucky. What was his name? Oh yeah, Satan.

My real issue with this is the notion of God as some petulant dictator who can be wrong, very wrong, and shown up by one of his underlings. I know God was all ‘eye for an eye’ in the Old Testament days, but since Jesus hit the scene, he’s been all about love and compassion. So what gives?

This story overthrows two core tenants in angel mythology – angels are good and God is all-knowing – without creating a storyworld or backstory to support the major change. It’s like the writers are saying ‘These are the Christian angels and God you know except, we made them evil.’

If these angels are cruel, what does it mean to be heavenly? If God is fallible, can he really be God?

What did you think of the angels in Legion? Are monstrous angels believable?

YA Fiction Demands Attention

Apr19

There was a time when I ignored Young Adult fiction. I got bored with Judy Blume by the time I was thirteen, and moved on to works like Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Sword and Sorceress series. Since I read adult fiction as a teenager, I never thought to check out the YA section of my library, bookstore, or Audible account.

I’d heard the hype about Harry Potter and thought I might, eventually, take a break from Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, or Octavia Butler’s Xenogenesis series (both are fantastic by the way) to check it out. After all, it was a children’s book and probably wouldn’t take that long to get through.

I put it off until a friend thrust the first three books in my hands, demanding, “You’ve got to read them!” Encouraged by the thickness of the books, I obeyed. And instantly forgot I was reading a book meant for kids.

Young Adult fiction has changed since I was a teenager. Though marketed to teens twelve to eighteen, the genre is gaining popularity because of the many adult readers who are also fans. With the success of series like Twilight and The Hunger Games, I’m wondering, why is YA the hottest genre out there right now?

After musing this over, and scouring the internet for various opinions, I’ve come up with three reasons that ring true to me. One, it’s getting a boost from Hollywood movies. Two, readers get to relive an empowered childhood through YA books. And three, it’s just good fiction.

My first thought is, “It’s Hollywood hype.” I don’t mean this in a bad way, just that when a book is made into a high-budget movie, it’s going to get a sales boost. The movie, especially a good one, will introduce people to the book who never heard of it previously. I loved Golden Compass with its magic dust, warrior bears, and people’s souls living outside their bodies in the form of animal familiars. So, I bought the book, but didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the movie. Had I discovered the book by browsing through a bookstore rather than seeing the movie, I probably wouldn’t have purchased it.

I’d heard of the Hunger Games before the movie, but didn’t think it would be something I’d like. The idea of kids killing kids didn’t appeal. When the movie came out, with such great reviews, I broke down and saw it, and liked it enough to buy the book. Which I have not finished. If enough people say something is good, it’s hard to not at least take a look.

However, there are many adults, as well as youth, who love these books, and perhaps that’s why they have been made into movies. And, I do have some favorite books that are YA. What is it about them that I like? Well, there is the element of being drawn in and taken back to my youth through the adventures of the main character. Experiencing her journey as a kickass heroine allows me to re-experience my youth as a more confident, empowered me. Stories like Maria V. Snyder’s Inside Out show us that the heroine isn’t always the cool, popular kid, but she succeeds brilliantly by being exactly who she is, as only she can. Harry Potter, and Rose Hathaway from Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series, demonstrate how kids who think they’re nothing special can rise above life challenges (even if those challenges are Dark Lords and evil vampires) and succeed were even some adults fail.

But, all that’s too deep. I think the simplest explanation for the popularity of the Young Adult genre is that it’s just awesome fiction. It delivers the tight plotting and fascinating characters all entertaining books do, with fun, imaginative worlds thrown in to boot. I don’t think fanciful words like ‘muggle’, ‘avada kedavra’, or ‘deluminator’ would work quite so well in an adult novel.

Whatever the reason, looks like YA will continue to be a popular genre. What do you think? What is your favorite YA title, and why?

Tage’s Underwater Apartment

Apr12

Hydropolis. A luxury hotel designed in 2006 by Joachim Hauser to be built in the coastal waters of Dubai. Guests would be able to enjoy the stunning Dubai skyline from under the retractable roof of the hotel’s ballroom. Below, immersed under sixty-six feet of crystal blue Persian Gulf water, guests would snuggle in their private oceanarium hotel room.

This is good stuff. I was determined to fit this into my sci-fi story ‘All Systems Optimal’ as soon as I saw that first picture. I was googling futuristic living spaces, because I couldn’t visualize the apartment of the main character, Tage. It is the setting for the whole story, but its description was just a tidbit initially. Then I found Hydropolis.

I had to use it. Of course, the needs of the story changed the concept. The luxury hotel room became a leaky, low-rent apartment. Why underwater? Over-population has forced the society to build in strange places. Which is one reason Tage is being forced off-world.

But the exotic setting also affected the story in subtle ways. I think the sense of the ocean pressing in, mirrors the tension the characters feel about their impending separation. And, I got to throw in a bursting pip, which happily resulted in wet, half-naked men!

Unfortunately, Hydropolis is in limbo right now. Not that many of us would be able to afford it at an estimated $5,500 a day! But, you can pick up ‘All Systems Optimal’ for a mere $2.99. Like how I worked that in?

For those of you who have already read it, what did you think of Tage’s apartment and its use in the story?

Prissam’s Seduction

Apr9

Dread gnawed at Prissam’s usual calm as the girl continued to dance enticingly around him. She laughed gaily while her silk robe and long curly hair flared in her wake.

He had no intention of ending up at the wrong end of a whip for inappropriate conduct with a noble woman. Even speaking to her was prohibited for a warrior. Best to ignore the foolish little brat until she tired of her game.

She abruptly ended her dance, and stood in front of him, her round bronze face glowing as she smiled. The Princess Camilla certainly was beautiful. He realized his eyes drifted over her and returned them to staring straight ahead. “Warrior, what is your name?”

His lips twitched wanting to smirk. He liked bold women. She had to know that she too would be severely punished if discovered here. Bold, but imprudent. He was not a fool, so he remained silent. Yet, he was fascinated.

What did the beautiful enchantress who stood before him, smiling sweetly and gazing seductively into his eyes, hope to accomplish? Was this a dare from her ladies in waiting? He hoped not. He shifted uneasily at the thought of a bunch of silly young noblewomen giggling with one another about this adventure in front of servants. He’d be done for.

“You do not answer?” She arched an eyebrow. Her tone held surprise, but he didn’t believe it. He could tell by the gleam in her eyes that she was enjoying herself. She wouldn’t want the game to be over too quickly. “I know the penalties you fear if discovered speaking to me. But I promise you no one knows I’m here. My nurse believes I’m secluded with my needlework.”

Some of Prissam’s apprehension eased. Someone could still chance upon them, but that was unlikely as they were on the top most tier of the castle. No one had reason to come here except his relief, and him not for another two hours. Still, there was a chance. He continued to play the stoic warrior.

She sighed, sounding more contented than annoyed, and brought her smooth hands slowly up to the closure of her over-robe. He grunted in protest as she undid the clasps and flung the garment behind her.

All thought stopped as he stared open-mouthed. This was beyond bold, it was dangerous. His reluctant eyes surveyed her slender body. A light slip clung to her hips before falling loosely to mid-thigh. Below, her long, sienna-toned legs were bare to his gaze.

Gold trim, sown across the bodice, outlined her high, round breasts and the delectable nipples that showed through the flimsy material. He felt himself swell as he drank in the sight.

The urge to take what she foolishly flaunted was strong. Prissam gritted his teeth and glared at the little minx. He was a man with not so honorable a reputation with women. She dared trifle with him?

“Do find me beautiful?” She twirled on tiptoe and her short slip caught in the air. Gods help him, she was bare underneath.

She giggled. “I find you beautiful. Especially your eyes, grey like mist. If my maids are to be believed, your beauty is accentuated by a musical voice that speaks with eloquence of the most charming things.”

Biting her lip, she glanced away. “I’m told your mouth is talented at other things as well.”

He grunted. Shocking the Princess would listen to those kinds of tales. Saucy minx.

“Come, speak to me. May I not hear your name from your own tongue?”

He stilled the urge to lick his lips, but could do nothing about the eager twitch of his manhood against his breaches. He searched her eyes. Did he dare give in?

As he considered, she pressed her advantage. Hands clasped behind her back, she began a casual walk around him. She did not touch him, but strolled close enough to let her presence be known. She paused behind him, and her tone became wicked as she leaned forward to speak softly into his ear.

“No one will know what happens between us here less we tell them.” A heated quiver passed through him. His prick strained against its confines, and his breath came fast.

Perhaps no harm would come from indulging her whim. For the small price of a kiss. As she said, no one would know.

Her breathe tickled his neck as she slipped around to face him again. She stared into his eyes. Feeling her warm, rose scented breath on his naked skin was too much. He felt the resolve he had left, crumbling to dust.

“Prissam, Lady.” He returned her penetrating gaze as he pulled her close. Her breath caught and her eyes filled with triumph. He gave her a heated smile. “I think my name would sound sweeter coming from your tongue.”

“I agree.” Her features stretched and shifted around her smirk.

His smile faded as his eyes tried to follow the lines of her face as they reformed into ethereal perfection. The natural glow of her skin grew to a painful blinding brilliance so that he could barely see her ears as they elongated into elegant, delicate things.

His heart pounded as adrenaline rushed. One hand released her waist and went to his sword. With it halfway out of its sheaf, she whispered, “Prissam.” And it was too late.

Magic curled around him carried by the sound of the fey woman’s voice speaking his name. Invisible tendrils felt like cool mist underneath his skin, tying him to her. The world shifted. Colors became sharper and edges distinctive. Her beauty faded back to a tolerable level.

Prissam fell to his knees and took in a great gasp of air. His eyes wide, he stared at the mythical creature. He cursed himself a fool as he knelt at her mercy. She stroked his face and placed a light kiss on the tip of his nose.

“I love capturing new pleasure slaves.” She flicked a hand and they fell through mist leaving the human world behind.

Fun Sci-Fi Sex Part III: Barbarella’s Sex Pill

Mar29

Now this is the ultimate safe sex. Only point of contact is your sex hand. And, I love how Dildano’s is gloved. Happenstance? I think not. I love this scene as a campy reference to birth control. His gloved hand is a reference to condoms, and the sex pill to The Pill. Birth control pills were no doubt still controversial at the time. Barbarella came out in 1968; the birth control pill eight years earlier, in 1960.

Of course, Barb’s pill has some major advantages. Sensation without physical contact. A real guarantee against STDs and surprise pregnancies. And injuries. The latter are quite possible for the more adventurous. I can’t say it looks as fun as the ‘savage’ traditional way, but hell, you don’t even have to worry about what you look like naked. Yet, you still get the full sensory ride. Plus some.

 I mean, this is psychic sex, right? Your mind creating sensations in the body of your partner. Or partners. But you don’t even need an extra person to get awesome dual simulation. All it takes is a thought, and your lover can give you the experience of double penetration. Just for kicks. No extra messy lube, no preparation, no acrobatics, or relationship-threatening third party.

And hey, you can also experience impossible sensations. Ever wish your honey’s tongue was just a bit longer? With a vivid imagination, they can touch you in places no human tongue has gone before. And let’s not forget about all the money you’ll save on sex toys. Why buy them when you can simulate their effects with psychic imitations? I knew there was a reason Barb’s beau in this scene is named Dildano.

But, of course, the sex pill must have its negative side. Top of the list for me is, where’s the visual stimulation? Feeling your lover do wonderful things to you is cake, but it wouldn’t be complete without the icing of watching it happen. On a more practical note, what do you hold onto? By the way, I’m not talking about your hands, ladies.

It sounds like a fun thing to try, but I think I’m a traditional girl. How about you all? Would you trade in your birth control pill for the sex pill?

 

Fun Sci-Fi Sex Part II: Zero Gravity Sex

Mar22


Don’t you just love the blissfully floating couples in zero gravity love scenes? Like in this scene from a great movie called ‘Supernova’. It’s looks dreamy and romantic. And who wouldn’t want to have sex with the sultry James Spader, or sensuous Angela Bassett in this scene?

Turns out that in zero gravity, having sex suspended in the middle of a room isn’t just a lovely affectation that looks good on the big screen. It’s a necessity. Space sex has some challenges, and the main one is staying together. If you try to do it near a surface, like a bed, all your bumping and grinding is going to bounce you right out of your lover’s embrace and against the ceiling and walls.

So, a solution for this is floating with your sweetie, or sweeties (lucky you), as far away from everything else in your quarters as you can get. Baring an attack on your battlestar by an alien ship, you should be able to romp unencumbered by the annoyance of ratcheting off the furniture.

But, alas, it’s not so simple. How do you get into the middle of the room? Pushing off a surface in zero gravity will send you floating…all the way to the other side of the room. With no gravity to stop your momentum, you’ll keep going until you encounter another object. And that, folks, is our solution. You get yourself and your partner into mid-air bliss by launching off opposite walls and colliding in the middle. Kind of cool, uh?

I love this for writing a sex scene in space. Like the scene in ‘Supernova’ having my characters drift around in a roomy space with the stars as their backdrop sounds like fun to write. They could get up to all kinds of positions not possible with gravity smashing them against a surface.

For myself, I wouldn’t have faith in my ability to coordinate it correctly. Seems like it would take some practice in real life. I’d worry we’d just end up bouncing around together, or would accidently get separated and be suck in the middle of the room with no leverage to escape to the nearest surface.

I think I’d prefer a sex sack. You know, a multi-person sleeping bag strapped to a wall or something. Cozy, intimate. Does leave room for much gravity-less gymnastics, but I could put in a suction pump to drain the sweat droplets.

Which would you go for? Mid-air collision or sex sack?

Fun Sci-Fi Sex Part I: Pon Farr

Mar15


I had to do post on Star Trek, one of the sci-fi worlds I grew up with. A friend suggested that I write about Klingon mating rituals, but I must admit I find Klingons among the least appealing sentient beings in the universe. So sorry Worf. But you and Deanna Troy? Really? The exception would be B’Elanna Torres, the sexy Klingon/human half breed rebel on Voyager. I always appreciated her attitude and barely contained fire. Though I liked Paris, I thought he was a bit too mellow for her. Chakotay would have been my choice. So hot!

As far as sci-fi sex practices go, the Pon Farr has always fascinated me. Vulcans are so contained and emotionless, that the idea of them going into a violently sexual heat every seven years is thrilling. And the sexy part is they must mate with someone they are empathically bonded to or they die! Oh yeah, they can also purge the Pon Farr in ritual combat, but that’s no fun.

One of my favorite episodes is Blood Fever. It demonstrates the Pon Farr well and involves my girl, B’Elanna. A Vulcan junior officer, Vorik, is going threw his first Pon Farr and chooses B’Elanna for his mate. Presumptuous. Don’t worry, she puts him straight. But not before he accidentally transfers the Pon Farr to her via plak tow, the telepathic mating bond. God I love Star Trek! Then, fortunately she and Paris become trapped in a cave together.

So we have B’Elanna, a fiery Klingon in a Vulcan sexual frenzy trapped with charming but not so alpha Tom Paris. I though his protestations of taking advantage of her in horny state were cute. But I wasn’t fooled. Mistress B’Elanna was in complete control of the situation. She’s physical and emotionally stronger than he is, and it didn’t ring true when she backed down and angrily accepted his refusal.

The last bit of the episode was perfect, however, showing that B’Elanna is definitely the dom in that relationship. Vorik challenges Paris for the right to mate with her, and B’Elanna says screw that, I’ll fight you myself. And of course, she proceeds to kick his ass. You go girl!

So Star Trek fans, what are your favorite Pon Farr moments? Or any favorite Star Trek couples?

Next week:
Fun Sci-Fi Sex Part II:  Zero Gravity Sex

‘All Systems Optimal’ Excerpt

Nov28

“Leave it to you to see luxury in what everyone else considers a hovel.” She looked up to the glass dome that covered the short length of the module acting as ceiling and walls. “It is beautiful, but a bit oppressive.”

He followed her gaze. A coral garden in infinite colors of teal, yellow, and purple stretched up jaggedly some distance from the front of the dome. Beyond was endless blue. “I have lived here since the overcrowding laws required me to leave topside. Three years and I am not tired of the view.”

Lolly shuddered. “So much water. And the damn seals always leaking. I worry that I’ll see a newsflash on the vid: ‘Hydro Terrace apartment building implodes under weight of a napping jelly fish.’” She waved her hands in front of her face in mock terror.

Tage laughed, pleased that humor was within his parameters. She was so vibrant and gregarious that it would be difficult to relate to her otherwise. He enjoyed their interactions. He gave into an impulse to touch her and playfully flicked her earlobe. “It is not as fragile as that. And anyway droids cannot drown, remember?”

She pursed full, shapely lips colored with a rich cinnamon gloss. He stared a moment, wondering if she would taste like cinnamon if he kissed her.

Her eyes twinkled as she gave him a slow inviting smile, as if she knew what he was thinking. His heartbeat quickened and his control over his body functions slipped enough that his shaft thickened. He turned back to the fruit on the counter and ran a hand through his tousled brown hair before he resumed slicing.

Lolly, incurable flirt that she was, would perhaps let him satisfy his curiosity, but he had good reason to hesitate. That reason pinged the door hatch as Tage struggle to calm down his erection.

Lolly skipped the three steps to the hatch and flung it open. From the doorway, Ian gave her a small smile which accentuated the perfection of his face. A gently squared jaw and high cheekbones gave him a rugged look, while wide sky blue eyes under shaggy chocolate eyebrows suggested sensitivity.

He wore his usual-a simply cut light cotton shirt with short sleeves, and baggy tan work pants. The snug shirt stretched across his toned chest, and was a light blue that made his eyes stand out. Tage’s throat tightened at the sight of him, accompanied by a pleasant lightness in his chest. Ian had always been beautiful to him, but lately, as with Lolly, his body’s reactions were intense and off program.

Ian moaned in appreciation and pulled her closer, one hand running over her short white dress and tight, round ass. “I love your way of being upset with me.” He gave Tage a teasing grin over her head. “And you mate? You upset too?”

Tage tilted his head as he attempted to decipher his friend’s meaning. Though sure Ian was making a joke rather than an invitation, Tage imagined walking over, squashing Lolly between them, and sliding his tongue between Ian’s lips. As the image burned in his mind, desire flared in his belly.

This is too much. Tage instructed the operating system of his postironic central nervous system to send out the necessary signals to calm the excited parts of his anatomy. His throat and erection relaxed immediately, but the feeling of lightness in his chest remained.