Amber smiled, showing her sparkling white teeth. “Caroline, I’m glad I caught you. How are you this morning?”

  “Morning, Amber.” She shifted slightly, but kept her hand on my chest. “Have you met Ryan?”

  Amber turned her brown eyes onto me. For a second, she faltered, a slight flush coming into her cheeks. “Not yet, but I think I’ve seen you around. It’s nice to meet you, Ryan.” She extended her hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Amber,” I said politely.

  Her handshake was firm and professional, but her eyes lingered on me for a beat too long before she turned back to Caroline.

  “I wanted to let you know— the development group I told you about? They’re increasing their offer significantly.”

  Caroline maintained her smile, but there was an edge to her words. “That doesn’t change anything, Amber. I told you, I have no interest in selling my home.”

  “I know. Your house has a lot of sentimental value. I get that. But they’re making a really good offer.”

  Caroline shook her head emphatically, whipping her ponytail back and forth. “It doesn’t matter. It makes no difference. I love my home and I’m not selling it.”

  Amber shifted her weight and tilted her head, swinging her own ponytail. “Well, I just thought you should know.”

  “Change is coming, whether we’re ready or not,” Amber continued, adjusting her stance and gaining confidence. “I’m not sure if you’re aware, but the rezoning bylaw is already scheduled for second reading.”

  Caroline’s eyes widened with shock. “What? You can’t be serious.”

  “Yes,” Amber said firmly. “The public hearing was last night.”

  Caroline shook her head. “I can’t believe this. Why didn’t I hear about it? They’re supposed to notify everyone.”

  “They did. There was a notice in the paper a couple weeks ago, and they posted it on the town website.” Amber’s expression was carefully neutral.

  “If I’m on the beautification committee and I didn’t hear about it, the town is clearly not trying very hard. It was never mentioned in our meetings.”

  Amber shrugged. “The hearing was well attended—lots of stakeholders, developers, and local business owners.”

  “Stakeholders!” Caroline grumbled under breath. I could tell she hated that jargon as much as I did. “Why didn’t I get a letter about it?”

  “They’re required to send notices to properties within 50 feet of the zones they’re changing. Our houses aren’t quite in that radius.”

  Caroline shifted her weight, sighing slowly. She was probably trying hard not to lose her temper.

  “Anyway, change isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” Amber rattled on. “The council’s development plan is going to bring a lot of economic growth. However, the group’s offer won’t stay so high forever. Something to keep in mind.”

  Caroline’s eyes smoldered with all the ferocity of a mother bear protecting her den.

  But Amber was already backing away with a wave and a smile. “Well, I’ll let you get back to your day. Nice meeting you, Ryan.”

  Caroline stared at the ground, frowning. “I can’t believe it.”

  Chapter twenty-six

  “What’s this all about?” I asked, gently putting a hand on Caroline’s shoulder.

  She turned back towards the house. “Come on, let’s check the newspaper.”

  Fishing through a recycling basket by her front door, Caroline found the two-week-old edition of The Weekly Bulletin.

  It was a small, free publication that probably few people actually read.

  The leading story on the front page was something about the goldfish that lived in the pond at the public library.

  Caroline flipped the pages, but there was nothing written up about the important town development plans.

  Finally, in the advertisement section in the back pages, we found a small notice about the public hearing. It was very easy to miss.

  Caroline grunted in frustration. “They totally did this on purpose! They’re just doing the bare minimum of what’s required.”

  “Yeah, and nobody even reads the paper anymore.”

  Caroline nodded rapidly. “Yup. And the paper is colluding with them. They’re deliberately not reporting it to help the council sneak the bylaw through before anyone notices.”

  “You think so?”

  She huffed in exasperation. “I know so. But… shit. It’s my fault, too. I’ve been asleep at the wheel. I mean, I knew they were talking about some big developments that were a terrible idea, but… I didn’t know it was going to move ahead so fast.”

  “Don’t blame yourself.” I rubbed her back.

  “There’s a lot of apathy in this town, and I guess I’m guilty of it too. Most people have no idea about the changes that are coming. Or they do know but they actually think it’ll be good.

  “Ugh! Sorry, but I just don’t want apartment buildings and low-rent housing springing up on my block. That’s the kind of stuff they were talking about.”

  I shook my head sympathetically. “That would completely change the neighborhood—for the worse.”

  She checked her watch. “I’m late for my class. I gotta run.”

  “We’ll talk more later.”

  “Okay. Bye.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed me on the lips, then hurried out the door.

  Through the living room window, I watched Caroline’s car disappear down the street, then headed to the kitchen.

  I wolfed down my cold breakfast then headed outside in my boxer-briefs. I didn’t have swimming trunks, so I was just going to go in my underwear.

  Walking across Caroline’s lawn, I smelled the coolness of the river as it sparkled in the late morning sun.

  Descending the staircase I’d just repaired, I stopped and studied the clear water, then gazed across the short distance to the other side of the river.

  The opposite bank sloped up to the long grass stirring under the blue sky, the mountains looking both distant but also near enough to reach out and touch.

  It was an incredibly beautiful and wholesome picture. In fact— as corny as it might have sounded — this town felt like the classic, more innocent America. I almost expected to see Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn come trudging down to the water with fishing rods over their shoulders.

  It would be a shame if this peaceful scene were transformed by whatever the council was planning.

  I put those thoughts aside. For now, I just wanted to enjoy this moment.

  I dove in. The water was pleasantly cold—surprisingly so. It shocked my system, washing away the morning’s tension. Swimming against the gentle current, I could see small fish darting beneath me, their silver bodies glimmering.

  This was exactly the kind of simple pleasure I’d come here for. No traffic noise, no sirens, just the sound of water and birds.

  After treading water for a while, submerging myself under the surface a few times, I climbed the ladder onto the dock, letting the sun dry my skin.

  The memory of Caroline’s delicious body, and all the comforts it had to offer, came to me. Then I thought about Sofia. How voracious her appetites appeared to be—maybe even more insatiable than Caroline’s.

  My wet underpants suddenly got very tight, and I decided I’d better get inside in case Bill or someone appeared. That could be slightly embarrassing.

  Jogging back across the lawn, the memory of Sofia trembling against me was vivid. The heat of her body, the way she’d moaned in Spanish…

  I toweled off in the downstairs bathroom, took my clothes, and headed upstairs.

  Maybe I’d take a nap, try to save up some energy. Given the libidos of these mature women, I felt like I was going to need it.

  But I couldn’t sleep, even though I felt tired. The afternoon crawled by.

  I tried reading Henry VIII but couldn’t focus. Young Henry’s marital problems with Catherine of Aragon seemed far less interesting than my own adventures with two hot, 40-something women.

  Around half-past six, Caroline messaged me:

  I’m still at the market. It was a busy day. But Sofia’s home already!!

  She’s been texting me all day about you.

  I replied, really?

  Yes. Get over there. NOW. She wants you bad. That woman is IN HEAT

  She followed with several squirt emojis, and the face with heart eyes.

  I smiled at my phone. Another message appeared:

  Are you going??? Don’t make her wait. She’s driving me crazy.

  I laughed. Okay! On my way.

  I didn’t bother getting changed.

  I walked out to the porch barefoot, wearing running pants and a sporty gym shirt. With Sofia’s grass under my feet, I took a deep breath.

  Time to finally claim what I knew was already mine.

  Chapter twenty-seven

  The evening air was heavy and warm as I crossed Sofia’s lawn. Light spilled from her kitchen window.

  Latin American music was playing, driven by exotic percussion instruments. A powerful tenor crooned, shouted, and wailed over those wild rhythms, seemingly pouring out his deepest passions.

  My heart beat faster as I approached her door. After this morning’s tension, after the whole day of anticipation, it felt like electricity was buzzing under my skin.

  I knocked on the glass door. The music lowered, and I saw her approaching.

  Sofia was wearing a satin robe, like she was ready to crawl into bed. Her hair fell loose around her shoulders.

  She opened the door and immediately pervaded my senses. “Hola.” Her feminine voice hummed in my ears as she brushed her fingers over my arm.

  Her scent, sweet and refreshing, drew me towards her.

  “Hey,” I said gruffly.

  She stepped back to let me in, and I could see she was excited, her chest already rising and falling. The robe gaped open just enough to show she was wearing something lacy underneath.

  The music throbbed through the kitchen, passionate and rhythmic.

  “Come on,” she beamed, tugging my wrist and sashaying towards the kitchen.

  I took in the sight of her ass swaying beneath the material of the robe.

  “You want something to drink?” she asked, turning towards me in the kitchen.

  I gazed at her for a moment, then slowly moved into her space. Her eyes shone with excitement and expectation as I pushed lightly on her hips, backing her against the counter.

  “I’ve been thinking about you all day. How much I wanted to get my hands on you again.”

  My hands squeezed her waist through the silk.

  She gasped, her pupils dilating. “Oyyy, Ryan... I like the way you touch me.”

  Slowly, I untied her robe, letting it fall open. The black lace bodysuit underneath cupped her full breasts, barely containing them.

  “Oh my god,” she moaned as I kissed her neck.

  “You like that?” I rumbled against her ear, squeezing her thick thighs. She whimpered, pawing at my shirt.

  My hands slid up her body, taking in every curve. When I cupped her breasts through the lace, she threw her head back with a gasp.

  “Ay, papito…” Her fingers twisted in my shirt. I pulled it off, tossing it on the floor. She got more frantic, running her hands over my chest.

  The music’s wild rhythm seemed to pulse through us both as I pushed her up onto the counter. Her legs spread for me. She was trembling, her breath coming in little pants as I pushed the lace aside and touched her. She was already soaking wet.

  “Dios mío,” she moaned, her accent thickening. Her thighs squeezed together around my hand.

  I gripped her hair, pulling her head back to expose her throat. “You’re mine now, Sofia.”

  “Oh, yes, papito. I’m yours… I’m yours.”

  I knew she’d like that. Her nails dug into my shoulders as I kissed down her neck, her cleavage. The lace bra was barely holding her in. I pulled it down, and her breasts spilled out into my hands.

  “Oh, mi amor…” she gasped as I took one nipple in my mouth. Her legs wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer.

  I opened the robe, exposing her skimpy see-through panties. Everything was shaved clean.

  She was shaking with need, speaking rapid Spanish I couldn’t understand.

  Pulling the panties aside, I pushed a finger inside her, making her cry out, arching her back.

  “You make me so wet, baby,” she whimpered.

  “You want me to fuck you right now,” I growled against her ear.

  “Sí, sí… I want it.” She was fumbling with my pants, desperate to get them off.

  I lifted her off the counter, carrying her to the couch. She squealed with delight, clinging to me. I let her feet down beside the couch. She stood shakily, her eyes seeking direction from me.

  I kneeled, slowly moving my hands up her thighs and hooking my fingers under the band of her panties.

  She opened her robe as I pulled down her panties slowly, luxuriously, as if I was peeling some rare and exquisite fruit.

  The robe came off, and she unhooked her bra, letting it fall away. I lay her down, naked and trembling beneath me.

  “Oh my god,” she breathed as I shed my remaining clothes. Her eyes widened at the sight of my cock. “You’re so big…”

  Her hands reached for me eagerly as I covered her body with mine.

  I positioned myself at her entrance, teasing her. She was dripping wet, her hips moving restlessly.

  When I finally entered her, she cried out, her nails raking down my back. “Oyyy!”

  “Does it hurt?”

  “No, it feels good,” she mewled, opening her legs wider.

  I pushed in deeper, and Sofia whined even louder. “OOYYYY!” She looked at me, eyes as widening almost with shock.

  Her walls clenched around me as I sank even deeper. Her legs opened wider to accommodate me. “Is so deep… Oh my god.”

  “Your pussy feels amazing,” I groaned, starting to move. Her big breasts bounced with each thrust.

  She wrapped her legs around me, pulling me deeper. She was moaning constantly now, a stream of Spanish mixed with gasps and cries of pleasure.

  I picked up the pace, driving into her harder. Her whole body shuddered beneath me.

  “You’re mine now,” I growled, gripping her hips. “Say it.”

  “Sí, sí, I’m yours,” she moaned.

  I drove into her harder, making her tits bounce wildly. Her nails raked down my back as she met each thrust, taking me deeper.

  “Oh god, Ryan!” She was getting close. I could feel her walls starting to pulse around me. “Mi amor, mi amor...”

  I gripped her hips harder, pounding into her. “Come for me, Sofia.”

  Her whole body convulsed as she cried out my name. Her pussy clamped down on me rhythmically, milking my cock until I couldn’t hold back anymore.

  The intense pleasure made my eyes roll back as I exploded inside her with a grunt, filling her up.

  Sofia moaned at the sensation, her arms and legs wrapped tight around me.

  We lay there panting, our bodies slick with sweat. Sofia trembled beneath me, still coming down from her high.

  Chapter twenty-eight

  “Oh my god,” Sofia whispered, fanning herself.

  I relaxed beside her as we caught our breath. Her skin was dewy with sweat, and she still trembled occasionally with aftershocks.

  “You’re shaking,” I murmured, brushing my fingers over the contour of her hips.

  “Mmm. Is because I haven’t been with anyone for so long.”

  Her lipstick was slightly smeared, her expression dreamy. “Carolina was right about you.”

  “What did she say?”

  The flush in Sofia’s cheeks deepened. “She say you would make me feel special. She talked about how good you are with your hands. And not just fixing things.” She let out a giggle and stretched luxuriously.

  I traced my fingers on her soft skin. “And what else did she tell you?”

  She pressed closer, her full breasts crushed against my chest. “Like we talked about before. She say you want both of us. Together.”

  “That I want both of you?”

  “Yes. Is no true?” She leaned even closer, peering at my face, a knowing smile on her lips.

  I suddenly realized why Caroline wouldn’t have mentioned it was actually her idea. Sofia would be more open to a threesome if she thought of it as a demand of my raging cave-man sex drive.

  “Yeah, it’s true,” I said gruffly, gripping her thick thigh.

  Sofia fell on my chest, giggling. Then she looked at me, rolling her eyes. “You are just like Colombian guys. All men are the same.”

  “But I can actually back it up,” I said jokingly. “I’ve got enough money to take care of you both.”

  “I don’t care about your money. I make my own money.”

  “I know you do.” I stroked her hair. “And I have a lot of respect for what you do. I’m just saying, I’m capable of taking care of two women, if I need to.”

  Her eyes gleamed, and she rested her head on my shoulder. “I know… you like to take care of us.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  She lifted herself up, almost crawling onto my chest. “And we like taking care of you.”

  I grinned. “That’s why you should both be my women.”

  Sofia frowned, pouting her lips. “Ryan, what are you talking about? Are you gonna stay here?”

  “Well, I don’t know yet. I don’t plan too far ahead. But I did book another week with Caroline.”

  “So you’re gonna stay one more week.”

  “Oh, I’m pretty sure I’ll be staying longer than that. If not at Caroline’s, then at least here in town.”

  “You can stay here with me.”

  I hugged her as she rested her face on my chest. “So, you’re open to it? You’d let Caroline watch me make love to you?”

  Sofia raised herself up. She put her thumb between her teeth, looking away dramatically. “Maybe... I think about it.”

  She started kissing my chest, circling her tongue over me. “But you know… I have to confess. When Carolina told me about how you make love to her…”