Chapter 53

The next two days of work were busy for Ed as Mr. Drakos had him involved with working with the Klein group on the new development they'd agreed to engage their services for. Ed hadn't seen Mr. Drakos so happy before and had to endure a few more cheek pinches.

Wednesday night Ed got home at 8PM and walked into the kitchen to find Angie sitting with Rachel and Grace who leapt up to give him his favorite greeting. Head spinning from her wonderful kiss he followed Grace over to the table and gave Rachel and Angie a kiss and sat down with a thump.

"Does that man have you jumping through hoops again?" Rachel asked. She thought Mr. Drakos was a little too demanding on his favorite employee.

"We have another project and the Klein Group is eager to get started." Ed smiled.

Rachel scowled and Ed smiled at her over protectiveness.

She served dinner which tonight was spaghetti and meat sauce with garlic bread. Ed sighed with rapture at the scent and kissed Rachel's hand after she placed his plate in front of him.

Between bites they learned the reason for Angie's visit. She was invited to New York City to accept a special award for her late husband's contribution to the music industry. Many of the big names from both sides of the mic would be there and it was being held in one of the most elegant venues.

"That's awesome!" Ed exclaimed.

Angie frowned.

"It isn't awesome?" he asked.

"No, it is a big honor but Isabelle was supposed to attend and accept the award for her father. She's come down with the flu so I'll have to go instead." Angie lamented.

"Why don't you want to go?" Grace asked.

"The other members of the band are going to be there. I have- there's some history between me and one of the other members," she squirmed.

"Can one of them accept the award for him?" Ed suggested.

Angie's eyes flared with anger. "Greg would but he'd keep it for himself. He's always considered himself the most important member of the band. Jealous prick!"

"This is the man you have history with?" Rachel said carefully.

Angie dropped her eyes in shame and nodded.

"Can you tell us what happened?" Rachel continued softly.

The blond shook her head. "Let's leave it at we were young and stupid, drugs were involved, sexual liberties were taken and my marriage was almost destroyed. But Danny's love for me was stronger than I deserved and we survived."

"I'm sorry. I wish there was something I could do." Ed said.

Angie smiled at him and looked a little embarrassed. "Actually Ed, that was my reason for coming over. I need to attend to make sure this tribute to my husband is accepted properly. I was wondering if you could attend with me as my date. Greg will leave me alone if I have a date."

"Uh, it sounds like a pretty fancy award show. You sure you want me along?" Ed asked.

"I definitely want you at my side when I have to face that egotistical asshole!" Angie growled. "Someone has to be there to keep me from killing him."

Ed's eyes went wide and he reached out to hold Angie's hand. "You'd go to jail!"

Angie started then looked fondly at Ed. "I'm sorry Ed. I didn't mean to say I would. He makes me angry enough to feel like killing him but I never would."

"OK, well… when is this award ceremony?"

"Not until Saturday. We'd fly up Friday night and return Sunday afternoon," she explained.

"Oh!" Ed looked at Rachel and Grace and both nodded. "I could do that."

Angie's face lit up with a smile and she kissed Ed's hand. He blushed.

"You're going to miss Dale and Tristan's visit on Saturday but if you don't mind I'll invite them to join us at your place on Christmas day so you can meet them then." Rachel said and Angie nodded with a smile. They all returned to enjoying the meal.

As the flight was at 5PM Ed managed to get out of the office by 2PM on Friday as Mr. Drakos felt a little guilty about making him work so many late nights.

A second reason for leaving early was that Grace's car was ready for pick up. He'd gotten the call first thing in the morning and arranged to meet Grace at the dealership at 2:30PM. The salesman had Ed sign the receipt indicating he'd received the vehicle then handed the keys to Grace. She squealed and leapt into Ed's arms. She drove the sporty little red car back to school to get back to her next class. She left her old car in the University's back parking lot as she was donating the clunker to their physics department who planned on blowing it up. For Science, of course.

Ed rushed home, got changed, grabbed the suitcase Rachel packed for him, grabbed Rachel for some hot kisses, then drove to Angie's to pick her up. She looked beautiful in her long leather winter jacket with fur trim around the hood. Traffic was light so they made it to the airport with time to spare. Angie had booked them first class so they got to wait in a lounge with free drinks and cookies. She exchanged texts with two of the other wives of the band members and asked Ed to pose with her for a photo she wanted to share with them. Angie was all grins when she received the responses to the picture.

Soon they were on the plane and Ed enjoyed the extra wide seat. He refrained from the champagne though. Flying in over the city Ed's eyes got wider and wider as the city seemed to stretch out to the horizon.

"This city is enormous!" Ed turned to Angie to say. She smiled and nodded.

"It's easy to get lost in such a big place so stay close," she teased.

He rolled his eyes with a smile and went back to looking out the window.

As they took a cab to the hotel Angie received a few more text messages from the same ladies she'd sent the picture to. She laughed aloud and turned to Ed. "Would you mind very much if we had company for dinner tonight?"

"Not at all. This is your weekend." Ed replied.

Angie kissed his cheek and quickly responded to the funny text. "OK, we are going to walk over to visit Times Square after we check in to our hotel. That's a must see. There's a restaurant close by where we have reservations for dinner with two of my oldest friends. They're wives of two of the band members. Their husbands hate each other so they won't be joining us but Lakshmi and Taj are inseparable and wonderful people. Ed grinned at Angie's excitement.

Ed caught sight of Times Square as they drove past on their way to the hotel and the lights dazzled him. He was trying not to look like a total country bumpkin for Angie's sake but she didn't seem to mind his appreciation of the visual wonders.

They walked into the hotel and Ed was impressed with how modern and clean the design was. They got their room and went upstairs to drop off their bags. Angie assured him he was dressed nice enough for the restaurant they were going to. He looked at the single queen sized bed and back at Angie.

"Hotel rooms were exceptionally difficult to find on short notice. I hope you don't mind my presumption," she said with a slight grin.

He stepped closer and she looked up into his eyes. Her gorgeous straight white blond hair framed her lovely face, her silver and crystal chandelier earrings catching the light, and his heart jumped a beat. He dipped his face down to hers and gently took her lower lip between his and caressed it. She moaned and pressed her large breasts against his chest. He moaned as well then she gently pushed him back.

"PHEW! Ok, that answers my question! We should get going if we are going to see the lights and get to the hotel for our reservation on time." She looked at his mouth again and he saw her battling with her desire to kiss him again. He leaned in and she swayed forward. He turned and headed for the door. He smiled as he heard her chuckling at his teasing.

"Such a tease," she muttered with a grin when they got into the elevator. As they were alone Ed suddenly turned and took her mouth in a deep kiss, pressing her against the elevator wall with his large body. She squealed then clung to his coat as she returned his kiss. Her nimble tongue was dancing with his and she began to breathe heavily as the kiss went on. Ed pulled back as the elevator slowed and led the dazed woman from the lift. She came to her senses just before they left the lobby and went back into the washroom to reapply her lipstick. Ed wiped his mouth clean with a tissue while he waited. The kiss had his blood pumping but he was also excited about seeing the sights.

Angie returned and wagged a finger at him for being naughty but her eyes were twinkling with happiness.

The walk to Time Square wasn't very long and soon they were standing in the glow of the massive screens and billboards and so many people! Ed gave up trying to appear cool and sophisticated and just allowed himself to gawk and grin. Angie was enjoying his pure enjoyment but kept an eye on him as well. His attention was obviously elsewhere flagging him as an easy mark.

Once he'd had his fill of the scenery she led him up Broadway to the restaurant. Lakshmi and Taj were already seated and much squealing ensued when they spotted and jumped up to hug Angie. The blond turned to Ed.

"Lakshmi, Taj, I'd like to introduce Ed Walters. Ed this is Lakshmi Dumas and Taj Saxon."

Both women were stunning! Lakshmi had caramel brown skin, with long wavy ebony hair to her mid-back, slim expressive brows over large, almond shaped hazel eyes and a perpetual smile on her lips. She was the slimmer of the two and wore a gorgeous red and gold sari, multiple gold bangles on her wrists which quietly chimed whenever she moved her expressive hands, and dangling gold earrings that almost reached her shoulders.

Taj had skin the color of rich coffee and a big head of curly black hair that almost reached her shoulders. Three gold hoops, small, medium, and large, hung from each ear but were connected where they met her ear. She was also 'gifted' with large breasts and a curvy ass stylishly clothed in a charcoal silk blouse and black leather pants. Her full, sensual lips gleamed from her black lipstick and she wore a grin as she took in Ed's dazed look.

"You're love- I- I mean, it's really lovely… to meet you both!" Ed stumbled with his words.

Lakshmi swept forward and hugged Ed, kissing him on both cheeks catching him by surprise. She squeezed his biceps as she stepped back and raised her eyebrows at Angie with a smile.

Taj was right there before Ed had a chance to recover from the first hug. She squeezed her body against his firmly and Ed thought her body felt a lot like Grace's, soft and substantial.

Ed was in full blush mode as both ladies stepped back. They gestured to the table and everyone took their seats. The waitress arrived and took their drink order. When Ed asked for a particular brand of scotch smiles appeared on the faces of the ladies.

Angie placed her hand on Ed's arm and got his attention. "Lakshmi and Taj have been my close friends ever since our teens. Our boyfriends started up this crazy band and we were pulled along for the ride. We bonded over the ups and downs of the career of the band, we were each other's bridesmaids at our weddings, paced the halls of the hospitals as the other's had children, and we keep in touch. Lakshmi's husband is Thierry Dumas, the band's keyboardist. Taj's husband is Reg Saxon, the band's drummer. They don't see eye to eye."

Taj's laugh was a soft cough of sound. "Angie, always the diplomat. Reg and Thierry barely tolerate each other these days. Too much bad blood from the past and both are too stubborn to just let it go!"

Lakshmi was smiling and nodding at Taj. She started and looked sharply at Angie. "You didn't bump into Jillian at the airport did you?"

Angie's expression showed her relief. "No, thankfully."

"Apparently she was waiting for Greg all day at the airport. He missed his flight, no explanation. I got a text from her this afternoon. She wanted to join us for dinner but Greg insisted she wait for him and then he didn't show."

Angie struggled to keep her anger off her face. Lakshmi shared a look with Taj. "Sorry Angie. I shouldn't have mentioned him."

"No, it's just that we've seen his abusive behavior again and again and Jillian just keeps pretending she doesn't see it and that it's ok. The woman is a caricature of an abuse victim at this point." She sighed. "I've tried to help her and you saw how that went. I'm just going to avoid her as best I can this weekend." Her friends just nodded to her.

The drinks arrived and they asked the waitress for a few more minutes to review the menus.

Ed gasped when he saw the prices in the menu and Angie caught his reaction. She leaned over to whisper in his ear.

"Ed, this weekend is on me. You are doing me a major favor by coming as my date and in the case of Greg, bodyguard. This is the least I can do. Please order whatever you like."

He felt a little off about letting her pay but he didn't bring enough cash so he nodded. They couldn't be eating in expensive places like this for every meal. He was sure he'd get to pay for a meal at some point this weekend.

The waitress returned and they placed their orders. All three ordered one of their signature salads. He was about to do the same when Angie stopped him and pointed to the ribs. "Ed, order the ribs. They make them really well here. You'll love them!"

He was going to protest but gave in and ordered the ribs. He asked the waitress for an extra order of the sweet potato fries. He knew how Grace snuck food from his plate when he had fries and she ordered a salad.

He took a sip of his scotch and let it slide across his tongue and down his throat. It was good!

"So Ed, how did you meet Angie?" Taj asked, grinning at Angie.

"I serviced her furnace and air conditioner," he replied with a smile.

Taj began to laugh as she thought he was using a double entendre. She looked at Ed who was looking back curiously and her laugh choked to a halt.

"Tell them what you do Ed." Angie smiled.

"I work for Drakos Heating and Cooling. I do installations and maintenance for single family dwelling units to industrial and commercial units," he said with a smile.

"He's very good at his job." Angie said with pride patting his arm.

"Seriously? That's how you met?" Taj asked, surprised.

"What were you expecting?" Angie grinned.

"None of the technicians who show up to do service on our homes look like you, Ed." Lakshmi said with a smile.

"That's a very good thing for our marriages!" Taj said.

Ed smiled and ducked his head in embarrassment. Lakshmi and Taj just grinned at Angie who glowed with happiness.

The food arrived and as Ed predicted all three women ended up raiding the basket of sweet potato fries. This did have the beneficial effect of distracting them from eating the fries from his plate.

Angie was right, the ribs were very good and there were a lot of them! He made a bit of a mess of himself so once he was done he excused himself to wash his hands and mouth.

The moment he was out of earshot Lakshmi leaned over the table. "Angie, seriously, are you sleeping with him?"

Taj grinned and leaned forward as well. "Dish girl! You know we're living vicariously through you! We need details!"

Angie saw Ed step out of sight and smiled mischievously at her friends. "I don't know… he might not like it if I was indiscreet."

"Don't you dare hold out on us!" Taj growled playfully.

"OK, yes, we're lovers."

"And?" Lakshmi pushed.

"He's incredible!" Angie sighed and her friends moaned. "For all his brutish size and strength, he has such a gentle heart and soft touch."

Lakshmi blinked. "Gentle heart? Are you falling in love with him or is he just a great lay?"

It was Angie's turn to blink in surprise. "I- I guess I am falling for him."

"Oh love, that's not such a good idea. I don't want you to get hurt." Taj said to her gently.

Angie's smile returned. "Ed won't hurt me. It's not in him."

The two friends exchanged looks and shrugged. They knew Angie would not be swayed from her course.

"So, you're saying he's good in bed?" Lakshmi got them back on topic.

"Intensely good in bed!" Angie grinned.

"Danny good?" Taj asked having heard so many stories from Angie about her husband's prowess. She knew this might offend Angie but dammit, she was tired of hearing about how good Danny had been.

Angie bit her lip and felt guilty about what she was about to say. "Better."

Taj's eyes went wide. Angie worshipped her husband and for good reason. The man had loved her beyond all measure and had apparently been a master between the sheets, not that Taj had firsthand knowledge. For Angie to say Ed was better?

"Is he big?" Lakshmi grinned wickedly.

Angie looked her straight in the eye. "Ed is very large but better yet he knows how to use it." She made some discrete hand gestures to indicate his measurements and both women gasped.

"I'm calling bullshit," Taj announced and Lakshmi giggled.

"I'm not about to ask him to whip it out and slam it down on the table for you two to ogle. Ed is very shy about his… endowment. He took a lot of abuse about it when he was younger and it's left him a little sensitive on the subject."

"SHHH! He's coming!" Lakshmi announced a little too loudly and waved her hands, bangles jangling. Subtlety was not her forte.

When Ed got back to the table all of the ladies were smiling oddly and Taj seemed to be trying to see through his pants. He quickly placed his napkin over his lap and sat down. His eyes glanced over to Angie. He'd seen Lakshmi's waving.

"Is everything ok?" he asked with concern.

"Everything's fine, Ed. We were thinking about going out dancing. Would that be ok with you?" Angie said with a smile, changing the subject.

Ed's face lit up. He recalled the dancing he'd done with Rachel and Tristan in Barbados. "Sure! I love dancing!" he grinned and they all returned his smile.

The waitress appeared once more and Angie asked for the cheque but Taj got to it first and insisted on paying. She looked at Ed with a grin. "That means I get the first dance!"

He smiled nervously at her hungry look. Angie put him at ease by taking his hand in hers. Her diamond ring glittered in the light of the restaurant and his eyes spotted the rings on her friend's hands too. All three were wearing significantly large stones in their rings. Their husbands must really love them, Ed mused to himself.

They put on their coats and headed outside. Ed shivered as the temperature had dropped dramatically since they'd entered the restaurant. Angie noticed though her coat kept her nice and toasty.

"Ed, we have to get you a better coat! You're going to freeze to death!" she said.

Lakshmi brightened up. "Ooo! I know exactly the place!"

They flagged down a cab and squeezed into the back seat on both sides of Ed and Lakshmi gave the driver the address. It didn't take long to get there and Lakshmi paid the driver.

Ed didn't want to get out of the cab as he'd been so warm pressed between Angie and Taj. Their full breasts had been so soft against him. He'd gotten a little hard in the taxi but it was worth it.

Lakshmi pulled her friends into the shop and the scent of warm leather reached Ed's nose. He looked around and saw all kinds of different styles of leather jackets. They also had wool and synthetics but the majority was leather.

After a few minutes of browsing Lakshmi hustled over with a black leather duster. There was a lot of hardware on this one, buckles and straps. Ed didn't know what half of them were for. Maybe it was designed for SWAT team members. "This one has a warm and removable liner and you would look most imposing in it!" she said with an almost maniacal grin. Angie wanted to see him in it so she nodded with a grin. He pulled off his old coat to slip on the duster. It was warmer and heavy!

"Oh my god, Ed! Oh. My. God! Zoe would melt seeing you in this coat! You look so… masculine and dangerous! We must get it!" Angie gushed. Lakshmi was chewing on her lower lip and her eyes were a little dreamy as she stared at Ed.

Taj wandered back with a jacket for herself in her hands. "Wow! You look… delicious!" she said, devouring him with her eyes.

"Don't you think it's a little too… busy?" Ed said looking down at himself. He liked it but it wasn't something he would have picked. Then he saw the price tag. "WHAT? Two thousand dollars?!? That's almost what I paid for my truck!"

Angie saw her fun with Zoe disappearing. She had to nip his protest in the bud. She stepped up to Ed and placed her hands on his chest, feeling the soft leather over his muscles. She got a little tingly but she pushed that aside as she looked up into his troubled eyes. She poured on the puppy dog eyes. She knew how to get what she wanted.

"Please Ed, I really want to buy the coat for you. You look so incredible in it and it's so much warmer than your old jacket! Zoe… she's going to… she'll be so impressed!" she said with a small pout and pressed her tits against him. Zoe was going to cum in her panties, Angie thought but kept it to herself.

Ed was torn. He was really uncomfortable about someone spending this much money on him. He'd grown up scrimping and saving every penny to put towards essential expenses. Then when Grace lost her education fund to take care of her mother, he'd increased his cost cutting to put money aside for her. His entire wardrobe before he came to live with Rachel maybe cost $200. He was earning good money at his job and was still putting money aside for Grace's education. Spending on himself seemed… wrong.

"Maybe there's something less expensive?" he hedged.

"Please Ed! Please!" Angie said quietly, rubbing herself against him. Taj and Lakshmi were watching their friend with knowing grins. While they hadn't seen it in a long time they recognized the game she'd played with Danny frequently. He'd always caved.

Ed was getting really hard from feeling her body against his and he could tell she was feeling the evidence as her eyelashes had begun to flutter. He was starting to lose focus on anything beyond the heat of their bodies and the delicious friction. He suddenly took her head between his hands and kissed her fiercely. She squeaked in surprise then purred as she kissed him back. His tongue was boldly exploring her mouth and she was trying to suck it deeper.

"Ahem."

Ed pulled back from Angie's plump, soft mouth and blinked at the salesman standing next to them a short distance away.

"Are you interested in that coat or might I show you something in a lower price range?" the man said with just a hint of condescension.

Ed was struggling to get blood back up to his brain and blinked again.

"We'll take it!" Angie gasped clinging to Ed's chest. Ed scowled but eventually nodded when his eyes went back to Angie's lips.

Lakshmi and Taj were staring at the couple with barely disguised longing in their eyes. "When was the last time Reg kissed you like that?" Lakshmi whispered to her friend.

Taj shook her head. "Never."

Lakshmi pouted. "The same can be said of Thierry and me."

Ed pulled the coat from his shoulders, handed it to the salesman and turned to find his old coat. Taj gasped when she saw the result of Angie's rubbing and kiss straining against the inside of Ed's pant leg. Lakshmi grabbed her arm as she saw it as well. They shared a look and looked over to Angie who still appeared a little dazed but was reapplying her lipstick with her compact. Ed pulled a tissue from his pocket and wiped his lips. Lakshmi watched his mouth as Taj made her way to Angie's side.

"I'm sorry. I take back the 'bullshit'. We're so jealous, you bitch!" she said softly to Angie with a grin.

"Thank you." Angie responded just as softly.

The salesman was looking a little friendlier now that a sale had been confirmed.

"We also need a formal winter coat. A cashmere wool overcoat in a dark charcoal grey or black please." Angie said to the man who moved away quickly to find the item.

"I don't need more than one coat!" Ed complained.

"The leather one is wonderful for more casual wear but with the ceremony tomorrow you'll be wearing your tuxedo. A formal winter coat is required for that. Don't worry, it won't be as expensive."

Ed looked flustered and pulled Angie aside.

"I really appreciate the gesture but spending this kind of money on me is… wrong."

Angie looked at him in surprise. "Wrong? Why is it wrong?"

"There are more worthy people and purposes to spend your money on. I can make due," he said quietly.

She was a little worried at his attitude. "Oh Ed, where did you get the idea that you're not worthy? You are one of the kindest, most generous and loving people I know. If that doesn't make you worthy of a little appreciation I can't imagine what else could!" She reached up and placed her palm on his cheek and he leaned into her touch. She gasped a little as her heart ached at his gentle smile of happiness from her touch.

The salesman returned with a gorgeous double breasted black cashmere wool overcoat. He also brought a suit jacket so Ed could properly gauge the overcoat's fit. The sleeves on the jacket were a little short but the overcoat fit him beautifully. Angie's eyes were twinkling with joy as she saw how handsome he looked in it. Taj and Lakshmi made appreciative sounds as well.

"I wish Thierry would pay more attention to current fashions. He could look so amazing with an updated wardrobe." Lakshmi sighed.

"Reg thinks clothes are a waste of money. He'd have worn his track pants to tomorrow's ceremony if I hadn't threatened to divorce him if he did." Taj growled.

Ed smiled then looked at the price tag. His face went grey. $1000 for the overcoat. The two coats would now be worth more than his truck. He looked up at Angie but she looked so happy. Taj and Lakshmi also looked happy and all three were admiring the coat. Angie nodded to the salesman and he nodded back to her. Ed took off the coat and jacket and handed both over to the salesman. Ed began to pull his old coat back on. Angie frowned.

"Ed, I think you should leave that one behind and wear the leather one tonight."

He sighed and nodded. It really wasn't warm enough and was definitely due for replacement. The group walked to the cash desk where the salesman was ringing up their purchases. Angie stopped Ed by the rack of gloves and found a pair of black leather gloves that would look good with either jacket. Ed was grateful he didn't have to get two different pairs. She grabbed a soft scarf which was dark grey with black stripes that would also look nice with either coat.

"He'll wear the leather jacket, gloves and scarf out," Angie informed the salesman who nodded politely.

"Shall I dispose of the old coat?" the man suggested. Angie smiled and nodded.

Ed emptied his pockets and handed his coat to the man. It immediately went into a large garbage can behind the cash desk.

While Angie paid for the clothes Ed put on the scarf with Lakshmi's help. She seemed to think the scarf needed to be flattened against his chest because she kept making small adjustments and running her hands down the fabric over his chest. Finally she pulled back and he slipped the leather duster on. Again, Lakshmi was there to fuss with the buttons and straps to make sure everything was in place. He grew concerned that the coat required this much finessing considering how much the woman was running her hands over it. He pulled on the gloves last and with his black leather boots he made for a very intimidating sight.

Taj stepped forward and popped up the back of his collar to shield him from the wind. "Oh Ed, you look very badass!" Her own winter jacket was black leather as well so they made a very attractive couple.

Angie turned back from the cash desk and saw Ed's complete outfit and Taj the leather goddess standing beside him.

"OH MY GOD! I have to get a picture of you two!" she gasped with a huge grin. She pulled out her phone and Ed and Taj began to pose like action heroes and super spies. Angie and Lakshmi were in stitches as Taj and Ed looked so serious and dangerous. When he scooped Taj up in his arms she squealed and clung to him but he was stable as a rock and seemed to have no trouble carrying her. She relaxed in his arms and they did a few more poses.

Ed gently set Taj back on her feet and she gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek for being such a good sport. He smiled and ducked his head shyly.

"Now I wish I'd worn leather!" Lakshmi sighed.

Ed grinned at Angie and surprised Lakshmi by scooping her up in his arms as he'd done for Taj. Unlike Taj, Lakshmi immediately cuddled into Ed's chest.

"Ooo! The red of your coat looks amazing against Ed's black leather!" Angie said as she took a few more pictures. Ed set Lakshmi down and got a hug and kiss on the cheek from her as well. He nodded to her with another shy smile and the group left the store. Ed carried the bag with his formal winter coat in it.

"We need to find a good club to do some dancing!" Taj exclaimed.

"How about Ten Four Two!" Lakshmi gasped, recalling the piece she'd seen on the latest hot and trendy nightspot.

"We'd never get in!" Angie moaned.

"Are you three not Rock & Roll Goddesses?" Ed asked with a smile.

Taj's eyes lit up. "That's right! We are! Let's go!"

Ed was much warmer in his new coat. He hugged Angie as they watched Taj and Lakshmi try to flag down a cab. "Thank you very much for my new coats. I'm much warmer."

Angie smiled up at him and gave him a tender but quick kiss on the lips. Any longer and she'd never stop.

They finally managed to get a cab and took a ride across Manhattan. This time it was Lakshmi's turn to press herself up against Ed's side. Ed had to put his arms up along the back of the seat to make enough room for everyone in the back seat. The Indian beauty snuggled in beside Ed, seeming to enjoy the tight quarters and the feel of his large, hard body.

They finally reached the club and this time Angie paid as the others left the taxi. Ed helped her out and they made their way to the front of the line where Taj had a few words with the doorman. He smiled and kissed both cheeks gesturing for her to enter. She gestured to the rest to follow her in.

They left their coats with the coat check, Ed's parcel securely stored inside his jacket. As they made their way into the club they felt the driving beat all the way through their bodies. A hostess wearing an earpiece approached and led them to a reserved table. They sat and looked out over the crowd. It was impossible to talk quietly so Ed had to lean over to speak directly next to Taj's ear.

"What did you tell the doorman to get us in and get us a reserved table?" he asked.

Taj pulled back and grinned at Ed. Then she leaned forward to speak into his ear. "That's a Rock & Roll Goddess secret." She kissed his cheek and stood up. She crooked her finger at Ed and he recalled that he owed her the first dance.

They slipped out onto the dance floor and began to move with the other dancers. Taj was an amazing dancer and Ed had difficulty looking away as she swayed and bounced to the music. From her smile she was enjoying his rapt attention.

Ed wasn't a great dancer but he did have rhythm and could move his big body to the beat. The dancefloor was busy but not so crowded that Taj needed to press against him as she was. He smiled shyly as he felt her tits rubbing against his chest and her pelvis bumping against his. The beat sped up as the music changed and she had to move back from him to keep up.

They danced through the faster piece then Lakshmi joined them signalling it was her turn. Taj grinned at Ed and made her way back to the table.

Lakshmi smiled at Ed and swirled around him as the music began to change again. The beat slowed and she moved in to sway before him. Ed found her movements to be rather hypnotic and struggled not to stare. Again, his dance partner seemed to be enjoying his attention and her movements became all the more sinuous. Her smile was subtle yet showed her pleasure at mesmerizing him.

When the beat began to change again Ed indicated he needed to take a break so they made their way back to the table. Lakshmi had to stop abruptly to avoid another couple and Ed pressed himself against her back for a moment until she was able to move forward again. He was so embarrassed as he was quite stiff in his pants and that had just been pressed against her ass. They returned to the table and Angie saw his red face. She tugged him down beside her and kissed his cheek. She patted his leg under the table and felt the heat coming from his body. Then she felt the bulge. She turned her eyes to him and he looked sheepish. He moved his mouth close to her ear.

"Sorry, Taj and Lakshmi are really good dancers and I got a little excited," he apologized.

She kissed him then moved her mouth to his ear. "It's fine Ed! I know what flirts these girls can be. I would have been shocked if they hadn't tried to get you excited."

Drinks arrived and Ed was pleased to see a tumbler of scotch. He sipped at it and smiled as the heat slipped down his throat to his stomach.

The ladies were drinking wine and everyone raised a toast. He couldn't hear what the toast was for but he joined in all the same.

When he'd finished his drink he went back out on the floor with Angie this time and they danced close for several songs. Ed was really charged up by that point and the scotch had loosened him up a little. They returned and Ed spotted another scotch waiting for him. He drank that then it was back out with Taj who was even more aggressive. The booze lowered his inhibitions so he gave as good as he got and her smile showed how much she appreciated that. Back to the table, another scotch and Lakshmi pulled him to the dancefloor to entrance him once again with her sensual moves. The floor was getting really busy so they were pressed together for most of one song and Lakshmi's face was getting really flushed. Even through the buzz of his scotch Ed became concerned when she clutched at his chest. He led her back to the table. Angie saw Ed's concerned expression and Lakshmi's dazed and confused one and spoke into Taj's ear. They stood up and gestured that they were leaving. Taj headed to the bar to settle up and the rest went to get their coats.

Out on the street Angie put her arm around Lakshmi and they found a taxi. Taj gave the driver an address and a short time later they were sitting in a private booth of a quaint little restaurant ordering dessert.

Angie sat with Ed across from Lakshmi who was leaning on Taj who had her arm around her friend.

"What happened Shmi?" Angie asked using her pet name for her friend. She held the woman's hand across the table.

Hazel eyes found hers and Ed saw the love she had for her friend.

"I- I was unfaithful to my husband tonight!" Lakshmi said in a quiet, strained voice.

"What? With who? I didn't see you leave the dancefloor!" Angie gasped.

The hazel eyes darted to Ed and away guiltily.

"With Ed, on the dancefloor." Lakshmi whispered.

Ed looked at her incredulously and Angie's glance at him confirmed for her that he was innocent of any hanky panky with her excited friend. She still needed to get to the bottom of this.

"How…" Taj asked with a confused look on her face. She'd done her fair share of bumping and grinding against the big man on the dancefloor and even she couldn't think of how they could have had sex without everyone knowing. The thought did take her mind to nice places though.

"I would never ruin a marriage by- by having se- sex with a married woman!" Ed gasped finally. The booze was still making his brain float.

Angie raised her eyebrows questioningly at Lakshmi who blushed furiously.

"I… came!" she hissed.

"Ohhhhh!" Angie and Taj said simultaneously.

"I've never had an orgasm without Thierry!" Lakshmi continued.

"What? Never had a little solo play?" Taj asked.

"Solo… OH! NO! I don't do that!" Lakshmi gasped and looked at Ed in embarrassment.

He thought she was asking him a question. "I don't do that either," he said seriously.

Angie and Taj began to laugh and he looked at them curiously.

The desserts arrived and Ed smiled at the hot apple pie and vanilla ice cream on his plate. The others had opted for cheesecake. He dug in and sighed with happiness.

"I'm not so sure if what happened could be equated with cheating. Wouldn't both participants have to share the same intent? Ed was just dancing." Angie explained.

Lakshmi looked pensive. "So… just a happy accident?"

Taj giggled. "I like that! I wish I'd had 'a happy accident'!"

They ate their desserts and decided to call it a night.

Ed kissed Lakshmi's cheeks and gave her a hug. The woman realized she'd overreacted before as he was just being sweetly affectionate.

Taj kissed him on the lips and laughed at his look of surprise. Angie swatted her shoulder with a grin and after more hugs Taj and Lakshmi grabbed a taxi back to their hotel. Ed and Angie took another taxi back to theirs and made their way upstairs. Both were tired from the dancing, the booze, and the hour so they agreed that sleep was more important than having sex. Besides they had all the next day to enjoy themselves.