On the Wild Side

By A. N. Drew

Steed popped in to visit his Mum at the home as he did every weekend. He spotted a beautiful woman climbing into a flashy red sports car as he climbed out of his van. He had never seen her visiting before. When he walked in and sat down Mavis wanted to talk about her friend. He wasn’t really interested in her elderly friends. When the nurse asked about Jenna he started to wonder who she was. They were talking about her two year old nephew. As he was about to leave he spotted the cell phone lying beneath Mavis’ chair. He picked it up and took the call as it started to ring. Even though he was a total stranger he felt he needed to help. He almost flew out of the door to go and collect a young lady in need. One little favor and a show of kindness would change his whole life. The leaves in the tea cup were true. If only he had listened to Mavis. He was in for a whirlwind romance. School holidays would never be the same again. And neither would his life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: May 25, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312181373

Book preview

On the Wild Side

ON THE WILD SIDE

By

A. N. DREW

Published by

A. N. DREW

ON THE WILD SIDE

Copyright © 2013 A. N. DREW

ISBN 978-1-312-18137-3

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold or given away to other people.  If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient.  If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please purchase your own copy.  Your support and respect for the property of this author is appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or locations is purely coincidental.  The characters are a production of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously.

*e*r *o *t *i *c*a*

ON THE WILD SIDE

* e*r *o *t *i *c*a*

CHAPTER 1

Steed drove up the driveway to the home for the aged and parked his van.  He watched as a beautiful young woman walked out smiling and climbed in to her little red sports car and slowly drove out.  He climbed out of his van and watched her as she drove off.  He wondered who she was visiting.  He had never seen her before.

He walked along the path and walked in through the front doors.  His Mom’s eyes lit up as she watched him walk through.

Oh this is a nice surprise Steed.  I wish you were five minutes earlier and you could have met Jenna.  He kissed her on the cheek and smiled.

And how are you?

Oh I have had a lovely afternoon.  We always have a roast on a Sunday.  Steed nodded and smiled.  He had heard the same story for such a long time.

And then Jenna happened along.  Just popped in for a quick visit.  He nodded and smiled.  He didn’t know who Jenna could be.  Probably one of her old friends.

How are you feeling Mom?

Oh I am feeling fine. A whole lot better.  But I see you can do with a little pep up.  Steed smiled and shook his head.

I haven’t seen Lola and Pierre for a while.  I guess they have been busy.  Steed nodded.

I haven’t seen Lola and Pierre either.

I guess your sister likes to keep busy.

Which is no excuse.  She held his hand.

If they don’t want to visit I don’t mind.  I know it is a little boring here.

It isn’t about the boring.  The purpose would be to visit you and just say hi.

Oh they can’t be forced.  Steed nodded.

I have seen Desmond.  He popped in.  Brought me a box of choccies.  Steed smiled.  She gurgled with laughter.

Now I don’t expect choccies from you.  Steed chuckled.

Mavis looked at Steed.

I so wish you could meet Jenna.  Steed nodded.  He didn’t need to have a discussion about another one of her school friends.  When Mavis spoke about them she went into such great detail.

How is Diane doing in the boarding school?

No change Mom.  He looked at his feet and shook his head.

I know teenagers can be difficult.  But she is about the worst.  I seem to be on the phone to the school day in and day out.

You can blame her mother for that.  Steed nodded. 

I am so glad you had the sense to get out of that relationship.  Steed sighed and nodded.

Long ago.  Mavis nodded.

But good things are coming your way.

Have you been reading the cards again?  Mavis shook her head and smiled.  The tea trolley was brought around and Steed took the two cups.

Thank you.  The young lady smiled.

Jenna already left?  Mavis smiled and nodded.

She had to go.  Her nephew’s birthday today.  They all nodded.

She bought him a lovely little pair of denim dungarees with a navy blue golf shirt.  So sweet.

And how old is he then?

Only two.  They all nodded.  Steed couldn’t quite weigh up who Jenna was.  If the nephew was two then how old was she.  Steed drank his tea and put the tea cup down.  Mavis finished her tea and picked his cup up and smiled.

Mom please don’t.  She smiled.

I see a whirlwind romance happening.  I see Diane here too.  But there is such a big change in her.  But I see a love blossoming.  She looked at Steed.

Are you seeing someone?

Not in nineteen years.  I think I was rather put off.

Don’t be.  This is very soon.  I can’t tell who she is.  But I see a quick romance.  I see marriage.  A baby too.  Steed roared with laughter and looked at Mavis.

Thanks Mom.  I needed that.  She looked at Steed and smiled. 

What is the name of the school that Diane goes to?

Eden High.  Mavis nodded and was just about to say something but kept quiet.  She nodded instead.  She patted Steed’s hand.

Go on sweetheart.  You don’t have to stay.  He smiled and nodded and leaned over and kissed her on the cheek and hugged her.

I love you Mom.

I love you too.

See you next week.  She smiled and nodded.

Steed looked under the chair and bent down and picked up the cell phone.

Mom?  Mavis gasped.

Oh my!  That must belong to Jenna.  How on earth is she going to work?  The phone suddenly started to ring.  Steed grinned at the ring tone.  It was one of the current tunes from the radio.  He answered.

Steed Dwight speaking.

Oh!  I was looking for Aunty Jenna.  Is she there?

No sweetheart but how can I help?

My train arrived half an hour early.  And she was going to pick me up.  She almost whispered.

There is almost no one here.

I am on my way.  He pecked Mavis on the cheek and ran.

Don’t hang up sweetheart.  Just carry on talking to me.  He could hear she was petrified standing there all on her own.

I am driving, okay.  I won’t even be ten minutes.

Okay.

Now when I get there do you know where to go?

Yes Sir I do.

Now sweetheart I am putting you on to my speakerphone in the van.  Don’t let me lose you.

I won’t.

And who am I speaking to?

Danielle.

Danielle I am almost there.  I am driving a silver four by four.  I am going to drive right up to you and almost park on your toes.  She giggled.

What are you wearing?

Jeans and my red Billabong jacket.

I see you.  Steed pulled up right in front of her.  He looked around.  The train station was a very dodgy place to be if you were on your own.  He climbed out and opened the back door and smiled.

I am Steed Dwight.  Nice to meet you Danielle.  She stood rooted to the spot.

I am a friend of Aunty Jenna.  My Mom is Mavis.  Danielle smiled and nodded.  He opened the door for her and she hopped in.  He put her bags on the back seat of the van.

Steed hopped back in the van.

Now where to?  She gave him the address and he nodded.  He drove straight there.  There were cars everywhere.

Is Aunty Jenna’s car here?  She nodded and smiled.

The red sports car.

Oh.  Well then there won’t be a problem.  He handed Jenna’s phone to Danielle.  She smiled and looked at the phone.

Is this Aunty Jenna’s phone?  He nodded and smiled.  He opened the van and took the bags out and walked her to the front door.

The door flew open even before they got halfway up the path.

Danielle!  Dawn pulled her in to her arms.

We were frantic.  I kept calling and calling and got the engaged tone.  Gosh you are so early!  Aunty Jenna is hunting high and low for her phone.  Danielle smiled and handed the phone to Dawn.

This man.  Mister Steed Dwight.  He picked Aunty Jenna’s phone up.  And he came to fetch me.

Oh my goodness!  Steed Dwight!  Mavis!  Mavis is your Mom.  He smiled and nodded.

Jenna dropped her phone at the home.

Oh she is going to be ecstatic!  She smiled and looked at the phone.

Come on in you two.  Steed carried the bags and followed.

I don’t mean to intrude.

Heavens alive.  You saved our baby girl!  Faith and Ned flew through the door.  Danielle smiled.  They pulled her into their arms.

Gosh we were so worried.  Are you all right?  No one tried anything did they?  Danielle smiled and shook her head.

I am fine.  Mom.  Dad.  I am really fine.  She smiled.

This kind gentleman.  Oh let me introduce.  This is Mister Steed Dwight.  He fetched me and brought me home.  Ned looked at him.

Thank you!  Steed smiled and nodded.

Oh let me get those.  He took some of the bags and shook Steed’s hand.

Come inside!  Steed smiled as he carried on walking.  Pat shot out the door and Steed grinned.  They hadn’t even reached the door and people kept on appearing.

Danielle!  Danielle giggled.

Hey Granddaddy!  He picked her up and swung her up in the air.

Granddad!

You liked it when you were little.

But not now!  Put me down.  Steed grinned.

Who is this young man?  I told you Danielle.  Thirty is a good age.  You are far too young to bring men home!  Steed grinned.

Daddy this is Mister Steed Dwight.  Pat smiled and shook his hand.

Are you dating?  Danielle roared with laughter.

Granddad!

Phew!  Wipe the sweat off my brow! 

This man.  Mister Steed Dwight.  Found Aunty Jenna’s phone.  And I phoned her.  And Mister Dwight came to fetch me.

Ohhhhh!  Steed smiled.

Well come on in.  They all walked inside.  Steed looked down at the gorgeous little bottom which was in the air.

Jenna.

Dad it had to fall out of my bag.  I have looked everywhere. It might be under the couch.  She stretched.

Dad are you looking for your remote?

No I bought a new one because the old one was missing.

Well I found it.

The new remote?

No the old one!

Well thank you.

Dad I need my phone!  Danielle is going to arrive any second now and I have to have my phone! 

You can get off your knees.  We have a guest.  Matthew walked over and she looked up at him.  He gurgled with laughter.

What is so funny Mister Matthew?  She looked up.  She had her bottom in the air and was still lying on her stomach looking up at Matthew.

Not a pretty sight Jenna.

Dad.  She lay on her stomach.

I might cry in the next five minutes.  Danielle dialed Jenna’s phone.  The phone came alive and Jenna almost flew from the floor.

Danielle!  She pulled her to her body and hugged her.

You have the same ring tone!

No Aunty Jenna.  We found your phone.  Jenna pulled away and smiled.

Where?  They all looked at Steed who was standing with everyone. 

Steed was lost for words.  She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.  He looked at Jenna and their eyes met.  It felt as if they had been looking at each other for hours.

This is Steed Dwight.  Mavis’ son.  You dropped your phone at the home when you went to go and visit.

Oh my gosh!  Is that where I dropped it?  Steed smiled and nodded.  Jenna smiled and looked at Steed.

Oh thank you.  She smiled and looked at Danielle.

But you are so early sweetheart!  Danielle smiled.

Mister Dwight came to fetch me.

Oh that was so kind!  Thank you Mister Dwight.

Steed.  Jenna smiled and nodded.

Dennis walked through.

The fire is ready.  Merle put all the meat in a roasting dish.  What are you all doing at the front door?  Hey Steed.  How you doing bud!  He walked up and bear hugged Steed.

You’ve met?

Of course we have met!  Don’t you remember Steed?

Uhm.  No.

Oh right.  Because you were never home.

Boarding school remember.  Campus remember.  Life.  Remember.  Steed chuckled.

We used to study together.

Mmmmhhhh.  Dennis looked at Jenna.

Some people studied.

Yeah, yeah.

Steed this is my sister Faith and her husband Ned.  Danielle is their daughter.  And Matthew over there is their son.  Then you get Merle who is outside.

And who is inside.  Hey Steed!  Steed smiled and waved.

And then you get Jenna.  Jenna is the kid sister.  Steed smiled and nodded.  He was so quiet he was scared that if he did say something it would come out sounding like a stutter.

Faith smiled.

All right.  Matthew Benson are you ready for that very big cake?  Matthew almost beamed as he nodded.  Faith walked through and lit the two candles.  She walked through with the cake.  Everyone started to sing happy birthday to Matthew.  He smiled as he blew out the two candles.  Danielle clapped her hands.

Now for presents!  Steed almost groaned.  He didn’t have a present to give the youngster.  He had his hands behind his back as he stood.  He suddenly felt someone put a little package in to his hand.  Matthew stood in front of everyone.  They slowly handed him his gifts.  Steed took the little parcel from behind his back and handed it to Matthew.  He smiled and looked up and Jenna winked.

Go on then!  Open them up!  Matthew sat down and opened all his gifts.  Every time he opened a gift he would show everyone.  They all made the noises as he showed them. 

Steed kept on looking at Jenna.  He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.  As he looked she looked.  Jenna felt the little blush creeping up her neck.  She could not take her eyes off of Steed.  Steed looked at his watch and groaned.

Train station!  Diane!  Danielle stared.

Diane Dwight?

My daughter!  He ran out of the house.  Pat ran out after him.

You bring her straight here!  Steed roared with laughter.

You have to!  You are the even numbers!  Steed roared with laughter and nodded.  He almost flew to the train station.  He pulled up and spotted Diane walking out of the station.

CHAPTER 2

He hopped out of the van.

Hello sweetheart.

Dad.  She threw her things in the van.  She climbed in the van and kept quiet.  Steed smiled.

How are you?

Dandy.  Steed nodded.

Happy to be home for the holidays?

Ecstatic.

The sarcasm blows my mind.  She grunted.

I hate that crappy school.  Steed kept quiet.

Where are we going?  You are going the wrong way.

We have an invitation to a birthday party.  He stopped at the shop and sprinted in.  He quickly bought two bottles of wine, a bottle of soda, and a few packets of chips.  He loaded them in the van.  He hopped in and drove straight back to the Carter residence. 

Danielle flew out the door.

Diane!  Diane smiled.

Danielle!  What are you doing here?

This is my Gran’s house!

Neat!  Danielle helped to carry and suddenly Diane had things in her arms.

Hey did you only just get in now?

Yeah.  You?  Danielle nodded.

Next time we must travel together.  Diane nodded.  They walked inside and Steed shook the lucky dip which he had bought.  Matthew ran over and squealed with delight.

Happy birthday Matthew.  He smiled and put his arms up and Steed leaned down so that Matthew could kiss him.

Diane smiled.

Dad!  Is that the birthday boy?

Sure is.  She smiled and followed Danielle.  He heard the howls of laughter.  They all walked out of the lounge through the sliding door.  Jenna was on her stomach lying on the grass and she had her hands and feet bound with a huge rope and she was laughing her head off.  Diane stared.

Take these things off of me Ned!

No because you are bad!

Steed!  Help!  Steed grinned and walked over.

Steed Dwight.  If you let her loose you take responsibility.  She cannot behave!  Steed grinned and let her loose and slowly pulled her up.

Oh thank you kind Sir.  Faith shook her head.

And who have we here?  Danielle smiled.

This is Diane.  Steed smiled.

My daughter Diane.  Jenna smiled. 

Welcome to the Carter residence Diane.  I would introduce but we don’t know who these strange folk are.  They dress funny.  And they don’t look so hot either.  Diane grinned.  Dawn shook her head.

That is Faith and Ned.  Danielle and Matthews folks.  And that is Dennis and Merle.  And I am Dawn and this is Pat.  Diane smiled and nodded.

And that is Jenna.  The youngest.

Who is going to end up with a wholloping.

I didn’t do nuttin’!

You hi jacked a chop!

One teeny weeny little lamb chop!  Who bought those things anyhow?  Faith nodded.

I did.

Well it was a lovely chop.  All praise to chop land!  Faith grinned.

What did you donate to this party?

My enormous old man rump steak.  Which.  By the way.  Is mine!  Dennis roared with laughter.

In your dreams sweet cheeks.  Already dabsed.

Nah ah!  That thing has been sitting in my fridge waiting to be consumed.

And it will.

Yes.  By me.  So don’t even think of putting it in that roasting dish.  Slap it straight on my plate.

We do not slap meat on to plates.  Dawn looked at Jenna.

Darling.  Spear the rump and serve it to me. 

Steed wanted to howl with laughter.  He looked at Diane and he saw the little smile creeping in.  Dennis put a little piece of meat on a plate and handed it to Jenna.  It was the size of a matchbox.  She looked at her plate.

What did you do to it!  Dennis roared with laughter.

Since when do you have a rump and we settle for chops?  Jenna shook her head.

There was a nice piece of fat on there.

Was.  We focus on the little word was.  Jenna groaned.

You ate it!  Ned looked over.

We can confirm that it was there.

This is not even funny.

You stole a chop.  Naughty girls get punished.

Oh you know!  Dawn handed everyone a plate. 

Faith stood with the roasting dish and the prongs and everyone was almost queued.

Steak?  Chop?  Sausage?  Dennis nodded as he was given a bit of each.  Faith looked at Diane.

Steak?  Chop?  Sausage?  Diane grinned.  Faith had said it about five times.

Yes thank you.  Faith smiled and dished up for Diane.  Jenna stood behind everyone.

Steak?  Oh I see you have.  Chop?  Oh you had one.  Sausage?  Jenna grinned.

Faith slap it on my plate!

Jenna!

Dish doll dish!  Steed smiled and he dished salads on to his plate.  They all sat down. 

Danielle looked over at Jenna.  She took her roll and put potato salad on the roll.  She put her chop on the roll.  She added her little bits of cheese and lifted her roll.

Jenna Carter!  She looked up.

You know I almost missed my mouth.

Impossible!

Jenna put that thing down and eat it like a lady.

Mom.  You were not supposed to see.

How could I not see?  Have you seen the size of that thing?  Now put it down and eat properly.  She lowered her roll and Dawn leaned forward.  Jenna quickly took a bite.  Ned roared with laughter.  Jenna put her roll down.  Dawn looked over.

Jenna do you have a knife and fork?

I do.

Use it.

Oooh. 

Dawn smiled and looked at Diane.

We found her.

On the doorstep?  In a little basket?  Dennis shook his head.

Nope.  In a cardboard box.  Sealed.  With no air holes.  Diane roared with laughter.  Faith nodded.

But not on the doorstep.  She was in the middle of the road.  Steed roared with laughter.

Not very funny you know.  They are talking about me.  Steed grinned.  Diane giggled.  Faith nodded.

We brought it in hoping for a kitten.  A puppy would have been just as good.  And look what we found!  Dennis grinned.  Jenna shook her head.

I thought I was a lovely child. 

Pat nodded.

Yes.  Why are we best friends with Kennedy?  Can you explain that to me?

Because he liked you so much.

No.  Because I was there so often he thought I was staff.

Oh Dad I was not that bad.  Pat looked at Jenna.

You do realize Kennedy prays every night.  Jenna roared with laughter.

That was not my doing.

He was desperate.  He had to turn to something.  Jenna giggled.

He always prayed.

Not to that extent.  When he climbed out of bed.  When he had his breakfast.  When he had his lunch.  Supper.  And then when he climbed in to bed.

What can I say?  He is a man of the cloth.

We do not go there Jenna.  That was not nice either.  Jenna roared with laughter.

The sheets were all piled on my bed.  I thought they were left there for me.

To knot together and create a tube so that you could super tube out the window.  I don’t think so Jenna.  Jenna roared with laughter.

Oh Dad.  He loved having me there.  Pat grinned.

That man went grey overnight.

Jenna roared with laughter.  Dawn started to giggle.  She shook her head as the tears started she laughed so hard.  Faith grinned and shook her head.

That was a rotten thing to do.  Jenna smiled.

If he hadn’t conditioned it would never have happened.  And who leaves conditioner on for a whole five minutes anyhow?  Faith grinned.

Jenna replaced his conditioner bottle with a bottle of Veet.  It was the same shape bottle.  Kennedy applied his conditioner.  Well when he washed it off he was kind of bald.  Everyone was in stitches as they laughed.  Diane wiped her tears as she laughed. 

Jenna sighed.

He always blamed me.  Why is it that he did that do you think?  Steed took his serviette and wiped his eyes.  He shook his head.

Those were his favorite words.  Miss Carter.  If I could see you in my office.  And he never said please.  He kind of barked.  Pat grinned.

Yes he used that line on me too.  Mister Carter.  Any chance you can pop over some time today.  I can schedule you in for twelve.  Would that suite?  Dawn grinned and nodded.

Eventually I saw him every Wednesday at twelve.  Without fail.

Oh so that is where he was.  Playing golf on a Wednesday at twelve.

It was his only outlet.

I bet it was a marvelous round of golf.

Yes if you are aiming at the eighteenth hole from teeing off.  The poor man Jenna.  Is there anything that you didn’t do to him? 

Can’t say Dad.  There were so many things happening those days.

Yes.  I would love to know the things we never were told about.  Jenna smiled.

He really did look nice in his three quarter suite pants.  And I am not saying I did it.

That was cruel.

No.  He needed to have the hems taken up about one inch.  Every time he walked down the passage you could hear those trousers being dragged.  They were screaming help.

And you did.  Jenna looked at her plate and didn’t answer.

Not nice Jenna.  You picked on the man.

The man picked on me.  I was a mere fifteen.  Pat nodded.

He aged overnight.  Jenna chuckled.

He was the Principal.  He should have known better.  Dawn shook her head.

You know when he hears the surname Carter he probably dreads the thought.

Well he never really called me that.  Only when he said Miss Carter.  Every other time it was Jen Na!  I thought my surname was Na!  Faith shook her head.

You were and still are a hooligan Jenna Carter.

Never was.  There is no proof that it was me.  But I was always blamed.  Always.  Even when he suddenly piddled blue.  My fault.  The man had a faulty cistern!  Ned roared with laughter.

Jenna how could you?  Jenna grinned.

Oh he misses me so much.  And now he has Danielle.  Diane gasped.

Mister Rogers!  Our Mister Rogers!  Jenna roared with laughter and nodded.

But he isn’t grey at all.  He has pitch black hair.  Jenna smiled and nodded.

My monthly contribution.  His little pamper session at the salon.  Diane giggled and shook her head.

Are you forced?  Jenna nodded and sighed.

I am.  He has a list of so called things that I have done.  And for each one I pay the fee of the pamper session.

How long is the list?

I don’t know.  He has this black book that he carries in his briefcase.  He hauls it out and turns to the middle and marks something off every time he goes to the salon.

A little black book?

No.  Jenna sighed.

An A4 black hardcover.  Diane roared with laughter and shook her head. 

So if you are thinking of doing anything.  Consult Aunty Jenna first.  If it has been done he has it listed in his black book.  Next to the initial JC.  Diane grinned and looked at Danielle.  She chuckled.

He watches me like a hawk you know.  Ned nodded.

He thinks you are part of the underground Carter movement.  Danielle giggled and nodded.

But he is awfully sweet.  He always greets.  Jenna nodded.

He has been advised.  Danielle chuckled. 

Did you really do all those things Aunty Jenna?

Good heavens no!  They all looked at Jenna.  She chuckled.

I would like to get my hands on that black book of his.  One fine day.  I told Rosie at the salon to try and nick it from him.  But she says it is in his briefcase all the time.  She can’t even get to see what he has written down.  It is probably his hit list you know.  Dennis grinned.

I can imagine.  Jenna Carter from the first page to the last.  Jenna giggled. 

CHAPTER 3

They all heard the car.  Pat got up and wiped his hands and his mouth and walked through to the lounge.  He opened the door and smiled.

Oh come on in!  Kennedy and Grace walked through.

Fancy a beer or a glass of wine?  Kennedy smiled and nodded.

Beer for me thanks.  Gracie?

Love some wine thanks.  Pat quickly fetched the glass of wine and the beer and handed it to them.

Come through.  They followed Pat.

Jenna let out a loud groan.  Kennedy grinned.

Very nice Miss Carter.  Very nice!  Grace and Kennedy sat down.  Diane stared at them.  She looked at Steed with huge eyes.  He looked at her.

Oh you haven’t met our guests.  Kennedy looked over and smiled.

Nice to see you Mister Dwight.  Miss Dwight.  Steed smiled.  Kennedy pointed at Jenna.

So this is the husband.  And that has to be your little one.  I can tell.  Diane chuckled and looked at Jenna.  Jenna got up.

Don’t even think of moving.  What can we get you?  Jenna grinned.

A glass of wine would be nice.

Help yourself.  But move where I can see you.  They all roared with laughter.  Kennedy grinned.  Steed got up and took a few glasses and followed Jenna.  They walked in to the kitchen.

Jenna smiled and looked at Steed.

Your daughter?

Yes.

So where is Mrs. Dwight?

She left me after having Diane.  We got divorced.

I’m sorry.

No.  Gosh.  We got married when I was eighteen.  It lasted a year.  She upped and left.

Were you in love with her?

I wasn’t.  I think I was the escape route.  Getting out of the house.  She fell pregnant.  We got married.  We didn’t have a real relationship.  Then she left.  Jenna nodded.

I know.

My mother told you.  Jenna nodded.

So I don’t have to go in to detail.  Jenna shook her head and smiled.  Steed looked at Jenna.  He leaned forward and gave her a quick little kiss.

And what was that for?

Making me laugh.  I haven’t laughed like that for years and years.  Jenna smiled.  She looked at Steed and smiled.  She stepped closer and kissed him.

And what was that for?

My phone.  Steed smiled and looked at her.  He pulled her closer and kissed her properly.  Jenna responded as he kissed her passionately.  They slowly pulled apart.  Steed looked at her with huge eyes.  He pulled her closer for another kiss.  They slowly pulled apart.

I want to see you.  She nodded.  He kissed her again and whispered.

Because I can’t get enough of you.  They slowly pulled apart.

Wine.

Huh?

Wine.  Steed nodded and smiled. 

He whispered.

You pour.  I am shaking.  Jenna took the bottle and poured.  Her hands were shaking.  He looked at Jenna.

I want to date you.  I need your number.  She nodded.

I want yours.  Steed smiled and nodded.  They walked back carrying the glasses of wine.  They both handed everyone their wine and took a seat.

So school holidays Kennedy.  Kennedy nodded.

So good to be home you know.  Oh I am home on a weekend.  But it is nice to be able to relax in my own lounge for a change.  Put the feet up and not hear a sound.  Pat chuckled.

We on for Wednesday?

We are.  This time we are playing down the road.  Pat nodded.

A nice course that you know.  Kennedy nodded.

And what are you doing during the holidays?

Got a few things lined up.  A few things that I need to fix for Grace.  The weekends are really so short.  Pat nodded.

And I need to paint the house.  But these things take time.  They all nodded.

Steed smiled as he held his beer in his hand.  He was listening to the conversation but he wasn’t hearing much.  He kept thinking back to the kisses that he had shared with Jenna.  And he wanted more.  He was ravenous for love and affection.  He felt a strange feeling in his stomach.  He felt excited.  He looked up at Jenna and she quickly looked away.  She held her fingers on her lips.  She could feel they were a little swollen after their last kiss. 

And you Steed.  Are you taking a spot of leave while Diane is on holiday?  Steed shook his head.

No but I have arranged my days so that I am home from lunch time.  Diane smiled and looked at Steed.  He smiled and took her hand in his.

So that we can spend some time together.  The weekends are really short.  Diane smiled.  Danielle smiled.

Oh that is awesome.  If you want to come over just say.  We can have sleep overs.  If you are allowed.  Danielle looked at Faith and she nodded.  Danielle looked over at Steed.

Mister Dwight. Is Diane allowed to sleep over?  Steed nodded.

Sure.  I don’t see a problem with that.  Diane smiled the biggest smile ever.

Thanks Dad.  Steed smiled and nodded.  He finished his beer.

I think. 

You up for a game of darts Steed?  Steed smiled and looked at Diane.

Go on Dad.

Sure.  He smiled to himself.  He had almost thought it home time.  The men all got up and walked through to the garage.

Can you play pool?  Diane nodded.  Danielle and Diane got up and walked to the garage.

I am going to sort Matthew out.  Lunch time rolled straight in to dinner.  Faith got up.  Jenna sat and looked at her Mom and smiled.  Merle looked at Jenna.

He is nice isn’t he?  Jenna nodded.

You mean Steed?  Merle smiled and nodded.

Took your time in the kitchen.

And I think I am going to make a round of coffee.  Jenna got up and Merle followed.  Jenna made coffee for everyone. 

When are you going to start dating Jenna?

Oh I don’t know.  Why?

Well you are twenty five.

What has age got to do with dating?

Time ticks on Jenna.  We only have up to a certain age that we can have children.

You don’t date with the goal to have children.

Yes but you date with the goal of meeting the right man.  Getting married.  Then having a family.

Steed walked into the lounge to go to the bathroom.  He listened to the conversation.

I think I have met the right man Merle.  Someone who flips my stomach.  Gets the little hormones dancing.  Makes me shake and feel all nervous.  I think I have.

When!

Can’t kiss and tell.

Do we know him?

You might.

But who is he then?

The most gorgeous creature you have ever set your eyes on.  He has it all.  Gorgeous eyes.  A lovely build.  Sexy bum.  Nice hands.  And when he kisses me.  Oh I go in to a dreamy state.  Merle gasped.

So where is he?

Going to the bathroom. Can you carry the tray through?  I will bring the milk and sugar and everything else.

Sure.  Steed walked down the passage.  He stopped and turned and smiled.  Jenna walked down the passage and looked over her shoulder.  Steed pulled her in to the bathroom.  He held her in his arms and slowly kissed her.  She put her hands on his shoulders and looked at Steed.

I don’t know what it is about you.  I want more and more.  I don’t date.  I never have.  There hasn’t been any time.  But I am prepared to try.  But please don’t try and change me.  Steed smiled and nodded.

I am too old to change.  You are making my body come alive.  I have never felt like this.  I want to ravage your body.  I want to push you up against this wall and make love to you.  But I won’t.  Jenna smiled and looked at Steed.

I have a daughter.

I noticed.

A very difficult child.  A handful.  Jenna smiled and nodded.

Would you still consider dating me?

Yes.  Steed pulled her in to his arms and kissed her.  She smiled as they pulled apart.

Coffee.

Huh?  She chuckled.

Coffee.  He smiled as she walked out of the bathroom and closed the door.

Steed stood in the bathroom.  He could almost hear his breathing as he stood.  He dragged in his breath and tried to breathe normally.  He could feel his sweaty palms.  He opened the tap and splashed water in his face.  He wiped his hands and his face on the towel.  He fixed his hair in the mirror.  He slowly walked out of the bathroom. 

Steed walked in to the garage and smiled.  He took his cup of coffee and sipped.

Hey Dad!

Sweetheart.  How you doing there?  She smiled and nodded.

Aunty Jenna is helping.  Danielle giggled.  Diane chuckled.  Steed looked over and smiled.  Jenna smiled.

Getting there.  He smiled as he slowly looked away. 

They finished their darts game.  They played a few more games and everyone walked inside the house.

I think a last cup of coffee.  Dawn smiled and took the tray.

"I’ll get