The drive had been long, and dry, and I was relieved to pull into the driveway of my sister's house, turn off the engine, and just sit there for a minute. I pulled my thoughts together, and opened the car door to a heatwave. Trudging to the rear of the car, I hoisted my bag over my shoulder, and looked up to see a familiar face smiling at me from the doorway.

"Hey Josh, about time you got here."

I walked up, and gave her a hug. "Sarah, it was a long way. Don't start with me."

"Come on inside. It's too hot out here. Hey, what's all that stuff? Your car's nearly full."

The house was cool and spacious inside, and I breathed a sigh of relief. "I sold what I couldn't fit, and packed the rest in as tight as I could. Ten years of working, and everything is in that vehicle."

"You could have had your stuff shipped, silly. Or got a trailer."

"Fresh start."

"Yeah, I understand. Well, welcome home."

"Not my home, Sis. This is yours. Wow, it's nice though."

"We just rent it, remember?"

"Yeah, well I appreciate the offer to stay a few days."

"No sweat. I wanted you to be comfortable while you look for a place."

"Well, thanks."

We had reached the lounge, and just as I collapsed on the sofa, a girl in a towel went running past me, grinning. "Sarah, you could have told me! Hi Josh. Back soon."

I smiled at Sarah. "This place is getting better all the time."

Her reprimand was softened with a smile, and her waggling finger just amused me. "She's taken, and she doesn't normally run around like that. Linda's a nice girl. Leave her alone."

"Oh, I will. I'm staying away from girls."

"What, forever?"

"No, no. But for a while."

"Still hurts, huh?"

"A bit. Change subject."

"Sorry Josh. Okay, get up again, and let me see if I can find any more girls in towels for you."

"No need. That dose should keep me going for a while."

"Good. This is your room."

Sarah was gesturing at a nice bedroom just off the lounge. "Sis, how can there not be anyone living in this room? It's really nice."

"Yeah, I know, but Tina left in a hurry, and we haven't got someone else in yet. It's yours. Relax."

"Okay. Listen, could I throw this bag in here, and go have a quick shower? I'm travel smelly."

"Yeah, no prob. Towels in the cupboard next to the bathroom. Oh, also one on Linda, but you need a dry one! Bathroom is back the way Linda came running from. Anything else?"

"Nope. You got any plans I should know about?"

"Yep. Dinner. You, me, Linda, and an old friend."

"We going out?"

"Nope."

"Casual?"

"Of course."

"Okay. Oh, Sarah? Who's the old friend?"

"You'll see. Shower, smelly!"

"Kay. Thanks again for the roof."

"Nothing. Go!"

===

By the time I'd organised the bag of things I'd dragged in from the car, and found both the towels and the bathroom, I could smell dinner cooking. Sarah was a good cook when she could be bothered, and it smelled like today was one of those days. Sarah's whole attitude had changed after I left home, and after ten years, we were the best of friends.

I headed back to the lounge eventually, to find Mexican beers on the coffee table, and spicy finger food of all different sorts. This was going to be good. I sat on the sofa, and grabbed a beer.

I didn't know Linda very well, but she had apologised for the towel business a couple of times already. She also made it clear that her partner was just temporarily off the scene, and that she wasn't available. I had insisted that I wasn't interested anyway and handed her another beer. We were comfortable friends by the time I gave her a third one.

Sarah relaxed after she brought in yet another dish of food, and started to tell me all the gossip. I hadn't seen her for a few months, and she wanted to tell me all about her friends, and what they had been up to. Because she had stayed in our hometown, she knew a whole lot of people that I should have kept in touch with but didn't, including old girlfriends, and buddies from school. I relied on her to keep me updated.

Just when she got into the middle of a story about how one of our mutual friends got pulled up by the cops, she was interrupted by the phone ringing. She took the call, and another beer, and headed back to the kitchen, leaving me to chat with Linda. She returned a few minutes later, still downing the beer.

"Our special guest has been held up."

Linda piped up then. "I didn't know anyone else was coming, Sarah."

"I didn't tell you, Linda, because you blab when you drink."

"I do not!"

"You do. What about that night at Steve's?"

The conversation wound around happily for a few more beers, the two of them telling stories about familiar places and people. It was very relaxing, and I was quite comfortable on the sofa when the doorbell rang, and Sarah jumped up to get it.

"Keep talking, you two," she called out over her shoulder. "Won't be a minute."

She wasn't, either, and soon Sarah was standing in the middle of the room with the old friend she'd promised. I hadn't given this any thought at all, after asking initially, and was really surprised to see Sam standing there. She looked great, and had a big smile plastered on her face. She even brought me a bottle of beer with a ribbon on it!

I was a little stunned though. I mean, she'd basically never spoken to me after that night ten years ago. How did she qualify as an old friend? She sure seemed friendly now though, giving me a quick hug, pushing me back onto the sofa, and then plopping down beside me.

"Beer!" she demanded, grinning. I passed her a bottle, and grabbed another one for myself.

"Yes, brother, I know. You haven't seen Sam in a while. We have though. She stays here some nights, because her place is too far from work. Just in case we're not clear here, she apologises for being such a bitch, and not talking to you all this time. I do too, for that matter. I wasn't the nicest sister back then."

"No need for apologies Sarah. Or you, Sam. No, Linda, you don't need to either. Not even for the towel. Change subject." I steered them away from discussion about Sam. I didn't want to think about this just now, maybe I could talk to her later.

The beer flowed, as did the stories, and within a few hours, we were all pretty giggly. Linda had given up, and headed up the back of the house to her room. Sarah was just doing the same thing, after we insisted that she couldn't clean up the dishes, and that we would do it.

As soon as she wandered off, we started to pick up dishes, and take them into the kitchen. Sam knew her way around much better than I did, and soon we were laughing at my silly questions. It didn't take us long to deal with the mess, and then we made some coffee, and headed back to the lounge.

I tried to apologise to Sam, but she got in first.

"Listen Josh, I think I need to explain..."

"You don't have to."

"I think I do. I've learned a lot since then, and I behaved badly."

"I don't think so."

"I did. No denying it. You were nothing but sweet, and kind. Oh, and sexy."

"I was sexy?"

"God, yes. I felt things that night that I've never felt since, even though we never actually... you know... fucked."

"It wasn't just you, you know. I've been in some nice situations since, but none of them have come close to that, in a lot of ways."

"I heard from Sarah, about the break up."

"Yeah."

"You'd rather not talk about that?"

"Not much to say. I was dumbfounded that she was leaving. I had no idea. No, I'd rather talk about something else. Tell me what you've been doing."

"Well, you knew I was training as a nurse, right?"

"Yes, Sam, you were talking about that from when you were eight."

"That was just to get you to play doctors with me."

"Was not! You liar, Sam."

"Could have been. Anyway, I finished the training, and I've been working ever since."

"So you like it?"

"Umm... well, I do, but I suspect I'm not going to do it for life."

"Oh, why not?"

"It's draining. The patients suck everything from you. Let's not discuss that either."

"Sorry Sam. Umm... want to tell me about boyfriends, or not?"

"Not a lot to tell, Josh. I've had a few. I learnt a few things since we last talked." This last was with a blush.

"I'd hope so. Anyone special?"

"Well, there have been, but not lately. I've sworn off men."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, they were all too much trouble, or they were creeps, and I seemed to only ever meet hospital people, and that's just a little too weird."

"Oh. I've sworn off women, as well."

"Sarah said."

"That sister of mine has a big mouth."

"She does. You know she engineered this dinner?"

"How do you mean?"

"She and I had a big conversation a while ago, about men, and all that. She hasn't exactly had a smooth run at it herself, you know."

"You told her about us? What do you mean, smooth run?"

"I didn't tell her any specifics. Just that I thought you were cute."

"Cute?"

"Yeah, cute. Deal with it. The smooth running thing... Umm... I don't know if I can say..."

"Something about Sarah?"

"Yeah, Josh."

"She's queer, right?"

"Are you joking?"

"No. Not this time, Sam."

"How did you know?"

"I'd guessed. I don't mind. Dad would have kittens though, you can bet."

"Yeah, that's one reason she hasn't said. Maybe you could back her up?"

"She has to tell me first."

"Yeah. Umm... I'll talk to her about it, okay?"

"Yep. Sam, are you...?"

"Huh?"

"Gay. Are you gay too?"

"Oh! No way. Not a bit. Why did you think that?"

"I just... well, it thought that might be why you never spoke to me again...after... you know, our... thing."

"Oh. No, that's not it. Sorry Josh, but no, not that."

"So you're straight then, right?"

"Yes Josh. I'm sweet on boys. Got it?"

"Yup. Sorry."

"No, it's funny."

"It is?"

"Yeah. Me and Sarah. No Josh, no. I love her like a sister, that's all."

"Okay. Umm... before. You said something about cute..."

"Oh, you want to hear it again?"

"No, no. I just wanted to tell you. You are too."

"Huh?"

"Cute."

"Oh." This one got me a peck on the cheek, and a couple of tears.

"Don't cry Sam. I didn't mean to upset you."

"Oh, you didn't Josh. It's just I was scared."

"Scared of what?"

"Scared that you might hate me, Josh. Just that."

"I don't hate you. I think you are wonderful. I just wish we hadn't lost contact."

"Oh, good. God, this beer must be making me weepy. Listen Josh, I gotta go to bed, and you're sitting on it."

"I.. what? No, where do you normally sleep?"

"Just here is fine, really."

"Oh, I'm in your bedroom, aren't I?"

"No, no, it's not mine. I just use it sometimes."

"That's why Sarah didn't get another person in. She's keeping the room for you."

"No, no. Listen, tell you what. How about a deal?"

"What's that? You were always sneaky with deals."

"Not me. That was Sarah. Oh, and that bitchface Abby."

"Don't talk about her."

"She's the one, you know."

"Huh?"

"She and Sarah. Oh, I shouldn't say."

"They? Oh. Really? But they're not still together, right?"

"You really are dense sometimes, you know?"

"How is that?"

"Linda."

"Huh?"

"Down the hallway. There is only one bedroom."

"There... Oh. Linda?"

"Yeah. She was misleading you. Under instructions."

"Oh. Shit. Wow!"

"Yeah. You still want to know about the deal?"

"Yeah, alright. What?"

"If you and I are both here tomorrow, we can swap. I can have the bed, and you can sleep on the sofa."

"That's it?"

"I've been drinking."

"Yeah, alright, I guess."

"Good. Now get out of here."

"Okay. Sam? It's very nice to be talking to you again."

"And you. Out! Out!"

===

It was bizarrely familiar. Warm, quiet, dark room, with Sam outside somewhere.

I was again naked, again lying awake, again thinking. But this time, I wasn't jerking off. I wouldn't have minded, for sure, but somehow it didn't seem right.

I'd read my book for a bit, when I got into bed, but I was too distracted, thinking about Sam, and how much fun she was, and that evening ten years ago...

I lay there awake for a very long time, trying to sort it all out in my head, and getting nowhere. I tossed and turned, but just couldn't get to sleep.

Eventually, the beer got the better of me, and I realised I was going to have to get up, and find the bathroom. I was pretty sure everyone must be asleep by now, but I'd been caught before, so I put my underpants on, dashed down to the bathroom, emptied the beer out, and strolled back. I'd just got rid of the undies, and climbed back into bed when there was a quiet knock at the door.

"Come in. That you, Sam?"

She opened the door and stood there. I was struck by the similarity between this and the memory I'd just been analysing. The same dark hair, deep eyes, and cheeky smile. The same tight tee-shirt, and the same gorgeous legs. The only thing missing was the skirt. Brief black panties were plainly visible this time.

"I take it you couldn't sleep, Josh?"

"Yeah. Well, that and the bladder. You filled me up with beer."

"You didn't take much encouragement."

"No, admittedly. You okay?"

"Yeah. Umm... I was going to tell you I want to talk to you..."

"Any time Sam."

"...but that would be a lie."

"Oh."

"Because what I really want is to climb in the bed with you."

"Oh."

"But you've sworn off girls."

"And you, off boys."

"But I think, given the history here, Josh, that we would..."

"... make an exception?"

"Exactly."

"I like the pretence of talking, Sam. Climb up here and talk to me. Like last time."

"You sure?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm sure."

"You naked in there?"

"Uh huh."

"I watched you, you know. To and from the bathroom."

"Did you just?"

"Yeah. I was right. Cute."

"Come here."

"Wouldn't be the first time, Josh."

"You comfortable there?"

"Mmmm... You have no idea the number of times I've gone to sleep remembering this."

"Not just you, Sam."

"Oh, good. Ummm.... can I ask you something?"

"Sam, you're sitting on my stomach, in your panties, how could I possibly say no?"

"I just wondered if you jerked off yet."

"Oh. No. I thought about it."

"Mmhmm. So that's what that thing is, poking me in the bum?"

"Uh huh. You'll make a mess if you keep rubbing like that, you know."

"That a promise, Josh? Ooh, forgot something."

"Hey, don't climb off. You'll... ooh."

"They're just panties Josh."

"No, no. Remember, they played a big part in out last encounter. You look gorgeous without them though."

"Thanks. Now, where was I?"

"Ooh, about there. God."

"Josh, would you mind terribly if I didn't let you make a mess?"

"Oh, I... what do you mean?"

She leaned her face down to mine, and whispered. "I want you in me Josh."

"God, I want to be in you too, Sam. I always wanted to be."

We manoeuvred around a little, tilting things to just the right angles, and as I lay there scared to move too much, she gradually lowered herself over me, and my cock squeezed its way slowly inside her, tight and hot, wet and slippery. She sat up again, once I was in there, and pulled her shirt over her head.

"I wanted you to touch my breasts last time, Josh and I was too shy to tell you. I'm not now. Help yourself."

I took her breasts into my hands, kneading them gently all over, letting my skin slide over her erect nipples, my thumbs taking the opportunity to tweak them just a little. Sam started to sway above me, rocking a little, like she had the first time, but not moving too much where we contacted.

"Sam, be careful honey. Maybe I should have jerked off after all. You are very sexy. I don't want to come too fast."

"You'll be fine, stud. Just relax. God, you're big, you know that? I never would have known, if we'd done it the first time, but you feel very nice in there."

"Stop talking like that. You think that's helping?"

She took my hands from her breasts then, and moved them both behind her back. I ran my fingertips down her spine as best I could, concentrating on her lower back.

"Oh, Josh, you've had lessons, haven't you? That's heavenly. What was her name? I have to thank her."

"Don't recall. I'm busy." I moved my hands down further, feeling the curve of her ass, just as she started to move a little more, lifting herself up off me slowly, until I was just about separated from her, and slowly sliding back down, the slippery heat over a briefly cool cock. I held her butt cheeks and encouraged her, trying desperately all the while to maintain a little distance. "Your ass is divine, you know."

"Ooh, Josh, this isn't going to last long. One more... ooh... confession though."

"Uh huh. What's that?"

"You know before, when I asked about if you were jerking off earlier?"

"Uh huh."

"I was."

"Huh?"

"Can't you think while you do that? I was masturbating, on the sofa, thinking that you must have been doing the same in here."

"Oh, God!"

"I thought you'd like that."

"Yeah, but... hey, Sam?"

"Uh huh. Ooh, easy there."

"Sam, would you... would you come for me?"

"What, now?"

"Yes, now!"

"Ooh, uh... umm... Jesus... yeah, okay."

I stopped talking at that point. My attention was taken up by the groaning above me, as she pressed down on me one last time, and started to shake. Her body went rigid then, just like the other time, and I could see the strain in her face as she sucked in air through clenched teeth. I'd held out for as long as I could, and as her muscles constricted fiercely around my cock, I orgasmed, pumping furiously, deep inside her. I'm sure my face looked as strained as hers, as we both shuddered to a halt.

Scared to move again, we sat there, grinning at each other. Eventually, Sam managed to lift herself a little, and her muscles reacted with another contraction. That rippled through to my clogged brain, and my cock gave another lurch. Aftershocks shuttled between us, delightful and awful at the same time. Slowly we calmed down, and as my erection dwindled a little, Sam collapsed on top of me, her breath warm on my shoulder, her sweaty breasts pressed hard against my chest.

"Josh, wanna know something?" she whispered hoarsely.

"Of course," I whispered back. "What?"

"You know, that one was better than the one on the sofa."

"It should have been."

"A lot."

"Ooh, you're still contracting down there."

"That's your fault."

"Sorry."

"Don't be. Ever. Hey, you got any tissues?"

"You sleep here, not me. Don't you know?"

"Third drawer. Can you reach Josh?"

"Can you wiggle that way?"

"If you can, I can. We're joined at the hip, in case you didn't notice."

"Got them, Sam."

"Hand them here. I need to catch something."

"Help yourself."

Sam popped herself off my now deflated cock, and skilfully cleaned up the spill. Throwing the used tissues and the box to the floor, she climbed off me, and tucked herself in, spoon fashion, in front of me, just like the last time.

This time though, I didn't waste my time thinking about unanswered questions. I wrapped my arm over her ribs, took her breast into my hand, and fell asleep, snug and happy.

===

The summer sun shone through the window, directly onto my face, and woke me. I could hear birds singing outside, and smell those summer perfumes. I turned on my back, spread my arms out, and just felt great.

That was, until I realised. She'd done it again. No real reason this time, that I could think of. Sarah knew what was likely to happen. No parents to worry about. We were too old for that now. My mind started down that path again. Why did she keep doing this to me?

I was still trying to answer that question for myself when the door opened, and a bright cheery girl in shirt and panties strolled in with a tray, two coffee mugs, and a big smile.

"Move over lover boy. I hope you didn't think I had gone. Pancakes?"

"Listen, who ever said it was more than a one night stand?"

"You want me to leave?"

"You crazy? Besides, you've got food. Snuggle in here. But listen, next time, could you wake me before you get up? I'm paranoid."

"Next time?"

"I'll cook."

"Deal."