Page 3 of Just the Three of Us
"Shannon, why are you poking me? Stop that."
I take a sip of my wine and roll my eyes.
"She's probably signaling it's the right time to tell me your business proposition."
"Wha… how do you know about that?" John’s eyebrows raise.
"I've known you for twenty years, my friend." He looks expectantly at us.
"Well, I guess if the cat's out of the bag already, I better just come out with it. Yes, I have something in mind for us, business-wise."
"What is it?"
"I want you to partner up with me at my security firm."
"So it'll be divided into three parts?"
I jump in at that. "Dear God, no. It'll be you guys 50-50. I want out."
"You don't want to be a part of it?" Sean asks, a frown on his forehead.
"I don't know anything about security or running that type of business. I don't want that responsibility, and I might just want to start a business of my own someday, and I want to be free to do that."
"You could always get a 2% and be the tiebreaker."
"I'll always side with John, so you might as well give him 51%."
"Enough talk about percentages. Fifty-fifty is good for me, and we are reasonable men who can work disagreements out if anything ever comes up." John says.
"Is there even enough work for two of us?" Sean asks.
"I want to expand into a new market. Once I tell you about it, you'll be itching to get started."
"Okay, I like the sound of that. So let's drink to new partnerships." Sean lifts his glass, and we join him.
I'm really happy for John. His friend is back, and now they are partnering up. The next few months will be intense, but he needs that in his life. He's getting bored and needs this new adventure. Now I'm just worried about the post-dinner celebration John will want to have. I'm a screamer, and we’re not used to having guests. But hopefully, it will incentivize Sean to look for a place to live—pronto.
Chapter 3
Shannon
Icome home from a supermarket run and find myself itching to do some sunbathing outside near the pool. I never thought I'd like having a pool. There's maintenance, after all. But honestly, there's something about the sun on my skin and the water teasing me that always turns me on a little bit. So, I put away the groceries quickly and changed into my bikini.
Fixing some homemade lemonade in the kitchen helps me relax slightly, and then I bring it with my book and my sunglasses outside. It's beautiful out here, and I spread my towel over the lounge chair to protect my skin. I already put on some sunscreen so that the rays won't be too harsh against my skin. I lay down and give a big sigh of satisfaction. This is the life. I used to feel guilty about doing fun things like this and not having to work until John gave me a talking-to and a spanking that he enjoyed a little bit too much.
Feeling a little slutty I take off my bikini top and put it on the table beside me. Let's see what my husband has to say about there being no tan lines on my shoulders. I try to read some of my book, but the heat, though bearable, is making me drowsy. So I just close my eyes for a moment. I don't know how much time has passed when I hear the scraping of a chair moving.
I open my eyes to find Sean, wide-eyed and speechless, looking down at me.
"Hey, I thought you boys were at work."
Sean clears his throat like something is caught there, and he stutters. "Um, I'm working from home today."
"Oh, okay." I try to locate my book and then realize my breasts are on full display. "Shit! I'm sorry." I hurry and splay the bikini top on my breasts to hide them from sight. "I thought I was alone."
"I can see that. You're a very beautiful woman, Shannon. You shouldn't need to cover up in your own home. Maybe I…"
"Look, Sean, don't overthink it. Stay here until things are more organized at the company, and then find somewhere nice to rent or buy. No rush. I'll be more diligent in finding out whether I'm alone or not if I want to sunbathe nude."