Lit the fireplace for the first time on my own, and very proud that I could do it. I poured a glass of red wine to celebrate my newfound independence....I was sitting on the overstuffed couch, in my favorite corner, under the afghan when I heard a car pull up in the driveway. Then the pounding on the front door started. And then the sound of Jeff’s angry voice. I was so scared, still healing from the last beating. Then all the noise stopped. I was sure the sight of the neighbor’s had run him off,. ”“Kid you got game on the court, no need to dress it up by showing off those beautiful women. Some of those women are closer to my age than yours; you are now my hero, I want to be you when I grow up.” My Uncle William was standing near enough to hear him, as was Bill.“Wilt take it from me who has tried to hit on a few of them, they are with my nephew believe it or not. I know what you’re thinking, just trust me on this.I called to my crew; they all came to stand around us. So I introduced all. "I showed her where Sally used to keep all the needles and threads then said, "I'm going out to split some more logs."As I popped in and out to keep an eye on the Aga Kelly was working her way down the mending pile and Kirsty was 'helping' by salvaging buttons off the no-good stuff.The meal was eventually cooked and we sat down to lamb stew. Kelly and Kirsty both ate as if they hadn't seen decent food for a week but even after seconds all round there was still enough left for my tea the. “Am I interrupting?”My brain whirls. Fuck, what to do? I grin at Ashleigh and turn to look straight at Joanne.“Not at all. If you have time, I’d love you to stay and help.”I slide my fingertips under Joanne’s chin and tilt her head up. I bend my head and kiss her, pressing my mouth against her lips. From the corner of my eye, I can see Ashleigh, who is also naked, walking behind Joanne and sliding her fingers over Joanne’s shoulders.My fingers drop and begin to unbutton Joanne’s blouse. As I.