“How do you think I responded?”

“Let me put it another way—on each occasion, who seemed to enjoy it most?”

“On both occasions, the women seemed to enjoy it most.”

“Enjoyed each other, you mean?”

“Well, yes.”

“At your expense?”

“You might put it that way.”

“That’s unfortunate. It shows a lack of courtesy on their part. You were, after all, the host.”

“I suppose so.”

“Well, let me make you a promise. Should we, you and I, decide, both of us together, to invite another woman into our bed, you will not go unattended. By either of us.”

“How can you speak for the other woman?”

“It’s a matter of judgment. Felicity, for example, is more interested in you than in me—although she is certainly interested in me. She demonstrated that to my satisfaction tonight.”

“You amaze me.”

“I assure you, should we decide to extend the invitation, Felicity and I will both amaze you.”

“How does one extend such an invitation?”

“You leave that to me.”

“Now that I’ve answered your questions, how much experience have you had in this area?”

“Five or six times, starting in college.”

“With what result?”

“After some initial fumbling, very satisfactory.”

At that point, the phone rang, and Stone picked it up. “Hello?”

“It’s Felicity.”

“Hello, there.” He held the phone away from his ear, so that Gala could listen in.

“I’m down at your dock, and my boat won’t start. Neither Geoffrey nor I can make it work.”

Stone looked at Gala, who was smiling and nodding. “In that case, I think Geoffrey should return you to the house, and Gala and I will make you comfortable here. The boat can wait until tomorrow.”

“What a lovely invitation.”

Gala leaned in. “We will both look forward to receiving you. Just come up to the master suite.”

“How delightful. See you shortly.” She hung up, and so did Stone.

“See how easy that was?” Gala said.

“I am astonished,” Stone replied.

“Now, you move over to the center of the bed, and leave room for her on the other side of you.”

Stone complied.

Shortly, there was a soft knock on the door.

“Come in,” Gala called.

Felicity entered the room, came over to the bed, and kissed, first Stone, then Gala.

“Use my dressing room,” Gala said, pointing. “There’s a dressing gown, if you need one.”

“I don’t think I will need it,” Felicity said, heading for the dressing room. She emerged shortly and got into bed next to Stone. Everyone kissed, then, as if by plan, the two women concentrated on Stone, who received the attention with alacrity.

Then they turned their attention to each other, while Stone watched and offered the occasional caress.

When they had satisfied each other and given Stone time to recover, they received him in turn, while the other watched and helped.

Then, exhausted, they all fell asleep.

—