Carry That Weight: Beast Of Burden

I told Allen to hang back since his presence could be awkward. Bridgette and I approached the table. When we were only ten feet away, I noticed Stan and the rest of his party sitting off to the side.

When Amber saw me she squealed my name. Getting up, she shook off one of the women's hands. She staggered into my arms.

"Tom, I'm sooo... sorry," she slurred. "I just... I just got scared."

"It's okay, sweetheart, there's nothing to be sorry about. Let's get you up to the room."

"But I don't wanna go to bed Daddy!" she giggled loudly collapsing into my arms.

"Come on, Cinderella, the clock is striking midnight."

As we turned to go Stan and his three buddies blocked our path.

"Where are you going?" Stan said smiling. "She was having a good time until she got a little bout of cold feet. She'll be okay, we'll take care of her."

"Nah," I said matching his fake smile. "I think the party's over for Cinderella here."

"But is that what Amber wants? She's an adult so why don't you let her choose who she wants to leave with?"

I felt a presence beside me and realized Allen was there making the odds a little more even.

"Well considering she's drunk, it's probably a good idea to let her sleep it off. Now if you'll move."

"No, I don't think so. Not unless Amber tells us to."

"Really?" I sneered. "You really want to do this? You want to chance that Agnes Winters' cousin won't feel used or taken advantage by you when she wakes up tomorrow? And that Agnes won't then be looking for a little bit of payback at you and your friends' expense?"

"She's a Connor?" Bridgette gasped.

"Yeah, Timothy and Rose's granddaughter."

"That means your wife?"

"Yeah another granddaughter."

"Damn, that means," Allen said laughing, "you're the one who killed that kidnapper and saved that little girl from that pedophile?"

"Yep!" Amber slurred loudly now apparently fully awake. "POW! Hit the mother fucker... right in the head! Killed the shithead dead... right there! Even had a knife in his chest! Tom's me and my daughter's... garden angel."

Whatever Stan and his party had planned must've evaporated into thin air just like they did. That left the four of us standing there with everyone in the bar's eyes on us.

"So you're her garden angel?" Bridgette said smiling. "Well that explains the close bond between you two."

"Well, I didn't bring my Super Garden Gnome outfit, so who knew?"

All three of us laughed while Amber tried to focus on her surroundings.

"Seriously Allen," I said, "thank you. I'll be sure to let her know her know who it was that was watching out for her. But now it's time to take her back to her room."

I said my goodnights and thanked Bridgette for the enjoyable evening. Then I guided a drowsy Amber towards the hotel elevators.

"Tom," Amber said holding on to me so she wouldn't fall as the elevator began moving. "I'm sorry."

"Nothing to be sorry for Amber."

"Uh huh... I was so fucking stupid! Should've known... they were swingers. We kept changing... dance partners."

"Tom?" she said trying to look me in the face. Her bloodshot eyes couldn't quite focus on my grin. "I'm not like that... promise."

The elevator stopped and I wrapped my arm around her waist and guided her out into the hallway.

"Amber," I said softly, "it wouldn't change the way I feel about you if you were."

She gave me a sleepy smile.

We barely got back into the room before she fell face first into the bed. I think she was trying to get up but her arms apparently weren't working and were flailing at her sides. All she succeeded in doing was to get to her knees, with her butt high in the air and her face and arms flat on the bed.

With a groan I had to look away. I flushed any thoughts of taking advantage of her right then because I knew I'd never do that to her. Besides she'd been offering her hot body to me all during the trip. Why would I want a partially comatose Amber when I could have a fully awake and heavily turned on one?

I shook my head.

You better stop that train of thought right there, dumbshit! I scolded myself. Or you'll end up crossing a line and sleeping with her for certain.

"I knew... you'd come," she slurred, "for me...again. My knight in shining..."

Then she went eerily silent. I wasn't sure she was still breathing until I heard the first muffled snore.

I undressed her down to her panties and found a t-shirt of mine she could wear. When it was accomplished, which was no small feat; I rolled her into bed and under the covers. I undressed and got ready for bed and slid in next to her without even thinking. As I held her it dawned on me this was becoming all too comfortable. I probably would've spent some time self-analyzing the situation but my train of thought was interrupted by Cinderella's snoring. With a contented smile on my face I closed my eyes.

Sometime in the night I was wakened by the frantic movements of Amber racing for the bathroom. I didn't get there quickly enough to keep her hair completely out of it as she purged the night's alcohol out of her system. When she was done, she looked up at me through half slit eyes and weakly smiled.

"Need shower," she mumbled.

I stood up and started the shower. Turning around I almost swallowed my tongue. Amber had somehow stood and stripped naked in less than three seconds. I couldn't help but stare at her beautiful breasts, her small landing strip of curly black hair and that wondrous ass as she pushed her way pass me and into the shower. I struggled with not to suggesting she might need some help washing her back as I watched the water cascaded down her body.

"I'm okay now," she said softly, "I'll be back in bed shortly. Go back and get some sleep."

I crawled back into bed but found falling asleep quickly was impossible since I had visions of naked Ambers dancing in my head! Somehow... mercifully I fell asleep.

I vaguely remember waking to the soft gentle kisses on my neck. Her heated breath made each one tingle after they were placed. I was still half asleep and dreamed it was Ashley trying to win back a place in my heart.

I could almost feel her soft breasts press into my chest and her long golden hair try to envelope us like a cloak hiding a pair of lovers. Her fingers kept running across my chest, drawing circles around the small scar that the kidnapper's knife had left.

My cock hardened as I felt the moist warmth of her pussy as it pressed it into my leg. I let out a small groan as I felt her fingers slide under the waistband of my boxers and gently trace my manhood from head to base. I let out a much louder moan as I felt her soft hand grip my cock like a velvet iron vise. Her low sultry voice brought me out of my dream state.

"Make love to me," Amber whispered.

I reached over and turned on the bedside lamp. Turning I looked into the face that had been at the center of my most recent erotic fantasies. I could see the want, desire and love in her eyes.

There are times in each person's life when they know they're standing at a crossroad. I was pretty sure having a raven-haired beauty, lying naked beside you, offering you both her heart and body, while she kept your cock in her deathlike grip is one of those moments. I was also sure whatever choice I made would affect the rest of my life.

It's funny when you hear someone say time seemed to stand still, but that's what happened. All the old arguments I'd been struggling with for the past ten months all collided with the new possibilities I was now facing. And the result was a surprising clarity.

I started by asking myself the hard questions. First would I rather be lying here with Ashley instead of Amber? Not the Ashley who had cheated on me but the one I'd loved for over fifteen years before that. Unfortunately the answer was yes even though that Ashley was gone. So what did that say about my feelings for Amber? So now I had to question if I wanted the new damaged Ashley or a possible relationship with the new Amber?

The problem with that was Amber. Regardless of what she felt for me now, this was still a rebound affair for her. I know she loves me as a friend and is, surprisingly, sexually attracted to me, but how much of what she's feeling right now is love for me and how much of this is from the hurt of being rejected and her need for security? She'd said she 'wasn't even ready to think like that' when talking about long term commitments with someone other than Jeff. And since this wasn't a long term commitment, we'd be using each other. I wasn't sure I could do that to someone I truly cared about.

I realized I needed the possibility of a long term commitment and Amber wasn't ready for that yet. She and I couldn't have a real relationship until our marriages were finished and even then divorces change people. It was possible her feelings would be altered somewhat after going through the nightmare of a divorce.

In the end, I had to admit what we had could someday be the kind of love I was searching for, but not yet. That left me with another uncomfortable question. Even if I believed Amber and I could make it as a couple, would I chance poisoning our relationship by cheating on our spouses? I'd need to file for divorce before I could ever fully enjoy the promises of Amber's passion and love.

To add to the convoluted mess of Amber and I would be the children. I'm not sure how Arlene and Jeffrey would handle it but they were at least teenagers. Amy would be torn in half, something no child should have to go through. Then there was eight-month-old TJ. Having an infant in the mix certainly made things messier.

Shit, I groaned internally as my decision became clearer.

I gently traced her soft skin from her neck, down the gentle curve of her spine until I reached her wondrous ass. Taking a handful of soft satiny skin I squeezed and pulled her up towards me. Our mouths found each other like two long lost lovers trying desperately to make up for years of neglect. It was a kiss which held more meaning than a kiss should. It was full of the desire, passion, and love we had for each other but it also held thoughts of fear, uncertainty, promise and regret. All of that wrapped up within her minty mouthwash. When we were forced to break due to lack of oxygen we both softly gasped and then Amber let out a soft passionate sigh.

"Sweetheart," I whispered, "I can't. I can't before ending my marriage with Ashley."

"I know," she replied softly, "I figured as much. I also know you're not ready to do that as well."

"No," I sighed.

She laid her head on my shoulder and began tracing my chest with her other hand.

"Tom, you're something very special to me and not only because of this," she said gently tapping my scar.

"It's not only because you rescued my daughter or that you saved my unborn son and me. It's because you're always looking out for me, making me feel protected, desired... loved. You always make me feel like I'm important, like I'm something special."

"Of course, the fact you're a good looking guy with a cute ass doesn't hurt, either," she giggled.

She stared up at me with a look that had me in awe. There was no shadow of deceit or hint of manipulation, only pure open honesty.

"You know I love you don't you?" she whispered. "Even with all the teasing and flirting, what I feel is so much deeper than that."

"I know," I nodded and said gently, "And you know I love you, too?"

She nodded then reached up and gave me a warm soft kiss before she laid her head on my chest.

"You know if our marriages don't work out I'm going to come looking for you?"

"If that happens, Amber, you won't have to look hard for me because I'll be on your front doorstep begging you to give me a chance."

"Sweetie," she chuckled softly, "you won't have to beg."

We lay there quietly for a few moments before I felt her slightly shake her head.

"My backstabbing bitch of a cousin better realize how damn lucky she is."

I gently stroked her hair as she snuggled deeper into my chest.

"Umm... Amber?" I said quietly.

"Hmm?"

"Amber?"

She sighed deeply.

"Yes?"

"Sweetheart, you've got to let go of my cock. If you don't... things could get very, very messy."

She was completely still, frozen like a statue.

"Amber?"

I heard her giggle softly.

"Spoilsport," she finally whispered and released her grip.

I laid there for a few minutes before I knew I was in trouble. I was still rock hard and my balls were probably turning a bright shade of blue. A week of teasing and sexual flirting had finally crossed a line.

Trying to get up without being too obvious I told Amber I needed a shower. Her muffled laugh told me I hadn't been discreet enough.

Climbing into the shower I let the hot water run over my body as my mind ran wild with visions of Amber. Thoughts of those lush lips and soft breasts had my manhood throbbing. I thought of her large dark nipples and smiled realizing they were three times larger than before her pregnancy but still hardened like pebbles when she was excited.

As I began to stroke myself I imagined her supple ass pressed hard into me as I clung onto her hips and drove myself deep into her. I could almost hear her moans of pleasure as I filled her searing hot pussy with my girth. I could... I could...

I paused for a moment and leaving the water running stepped out of the shower. Quietly I cracked open the bathroom door and realized I wasn't imaging everything.

I heard Amber's low groans as she obviously was seeking relief like I was. Her sharp gasps and throaty moans began to draw me into the room. But before I did I saw her reflection in the mirror.

She was laying on her back with her legs spread apart and her knees bent as she worked her fingers in and out of her incredibly wet pussy. The expression on her face was one of strain and ecstasy as she threw her head back and pressed her eyes shut.

"Oh Tom... oh Tom... yes... yes right there," she quietly moaned.

I began stroking in rhythm to her hips as they thrust against her hand. Her soft low moaning was getting louder and louder as she began rubbing herself towards her climax.

The sight of this incredible creature in her own self-inflicted rapture was more than I could take and it pushed me over the edge. Shutting the door, I barely turned back towards the shower before I exploded, again and again. Amber had had me so pent up over the past few days that when I finally came it was painful!

I quickly cleaned up and then finished my shower. When I got out Amber was beyond being discrete. I could hear her moans of pleasure even through the closed door. I opened the bathroom door as quietly as possible and I heard her crying out.

"Yes! Yes! Oh god... yes!

With a loud, high pitched squeal she climaxed. I waited in the bathroom as I heard her catch her breath on each little wave that followed. I few minutes later, I heard a softly mumbled "god I needed that" followed by a low laugh.

I loudly opened the bathroom door and heard her scramble to get under the covers. Walking in, I looked at her beautiful flushed face and couldn't help but grin.

"So was it good for you, too?" I said calmly.

Her face turned bright red and her mouth opened but no words came out.

"Well that was educational," I said continuing my teasing. "I would've never guessed you were a screamer, Amber."

"Asshole!" Amber laughed and threw a pillow at me. Her embarrassment gave way to some other thought.

"Now get over here and hold me," she commanded. "And don't roll over and fall asleep, I don't want to feel like I was just used for sex!"

I laughed and accommodated.

It was our last day in Miami and we were lying out by the pool when Allen and Bridgette came over and asked to join us.

I looked up and saw Bridgette had on a sapphire blue, skin tight one piece swimming suit which clung to her long lean athletic body and did little to hide her pert small breasts. I realized I was staring when I heard Amber giggle and Bridgette laugh.

"You like?" Bridgette said smiling.

"Wow," I said indicating I still had the ability to talk.

"He's a master of the English language, aren't you, Sweetie?" Amber laughed.

"Umm... what?" I said not immediately realizing what she'd said.

"See?" Amber replied and all three of them had a little laugh at my expense.

Allen and Bridgette joined us and the four of us relaxed and talked. Of course the pool scene at the Fontainebleau is basically like all hotel pool scenes in the area, a pool party 24 hours a day, so Amber and Bridgette were constantly fending off the advances of interested guys even with Allen and me there. The fact they both looked so damn good had a lot to do with that!

Finally Allen asked Amber to go with him up to the bar. They were gone only a few minutes before Bridgette smiled and peered at me over her Ray-Bans.

"They'll be gone only for a few minutes," she calmly explained, "and I'd like to ask you a personal question before they return."

I looked at her and nodded.

"Of course, although I may choose not to answer it regardless of how incredible you look."

She gave me a look which said she'd heard that line about a thousand times before.

"Bridgette, telling you you're beautiful isn't difficult because you are. You're also intelligent and very sexy, that's a very unique combination."

She actually blushed.

"Amber sure was right," she laughed. "She said you were good for a girl's ego and she wasn't kidding."

"Now, what was it you were going to ask?" I said smiling.

"Well, I doubt Allen will be staying long after they get back. He needs to say a few things to Amber and I think he'll feel uncomfortable afterwards. Whether I stay will depend on your answer to my question. Have you made a decision?"

I looked at her for a moment before she grinned at my confusion.

"No it wasn't a loaded question," she explained. "I was wondering if you'd made any decisions concerning your marriage."

I sighed and nodded.

"Even with what she did to me, I still love her," I said softly. "I feel like I need to at least make the effort to see if it can be salvaged."

"Both Amber and I thought that would be the case," she smiled warmly.

Amber and Allen were coming back when Bridgette spotted them. Allen nodded to her and she began gathering their things. I stood as we all made our farewells.

I went to give Bridgette a hug but she had other ideas. She gave me a warm passionate kiss and then whispered in my ear.

"You're a good man, Tom King. Don't let this change you."

They left and Amber and I gathered our things and began walking back to our rooms. We walked in silence both of us processing what had been said to us minutes earlier.

Back in my hotel room, I fixed us a couple of drinks. Amber went and changed clothes and came back into the room wearing shorts and a t-shirt. I chuckled to myself noting she even made those look good.

She plopped onto the bed and let her black hair spread out like a fan as she stared up at the ceiling. She let out a deep sigh.

"Want to tell me about it?" I said gently.

"I'm not really sure what to say. I thanked him for what he did last night and said you'd told me everything he'd done. I don't know why but I felt like I had to tell him that even if I didn't think it would work, I had to try and save my marriage. He responded exactly like I would've hoped he would. He said he understood and he truly hoped I succeeded in saving my marriage.

"I replied 'really?'" Amber chuckled, "How's that for smooth?"

We both laughed.

"He then told me that although he hadn't known me very long it wasn't hard to tell I was special. He really did want to see me happy. He said I wouldn't be at peace if I couldn't look my children in the eyes and tell them I'd done my best.