Miller's Bluff

"Oh God, Mel!" Alan gripped the steering wheel tightly as the pleasant sensations of his release overwhelmed him. He spotted a gas station and quickly exited the highway. He was still breathing rapidly as he brought the rental car to a screeching halt. He looked down between his arms into his lap as Melissa turned her head up and smiled.

"What's wrong Alan? Need to clean up a bit?" She asked as she sat up and wiped her lips with a tissue.

Alan looked down at the creamy white fluid as it pooled around the end of his shrinking shaft. He could still see Melissa bright red lipstick on his thighs and balls. He heard her laugh as she watched him sitting there still too shocked to speak. "I've never seen you so speechless." She tossed a towel in his direction then reached into her overnight bag for her toothbrush. "You can clean up with this while I'm gone."

"Where are you going?" He said as he wiped himself with the towel.

'To brush my teeth, you don't expect me to kiss my daddy with the same mouth that did that." She coyly pointed to the towel.

Melissa closed the door of the sedan and headed into the gas station. She turned and winked at Alan as she walked inside. Alan cleaned up the mess and pulled his pants back up. He had to laugh at the situation. She had invited him to go with her to her parent's ranch for Thanksgiving. The ranch, known as Miller's Bluff, had once been owned by her maternal grandparents. Susan Thompson was an only child and she inherited the ranch after her father death. After Dr. Thompson retired, Melissa's parents made it their permanent residence. It was located deep in the Hill Country of Central Texas. It was also a two-hour drive from the Austin airport and Melissa decided to make good use of their time. Alan watched her as she breezed out the door of the gas station. Dressed more conservative than normal, he mused. Even John would have a difficult time figuring out if she was Melissa or Helena.

As she settled into the seat next to him, he noticed she had bought a new pack of cigarettes. He told her that he didn't mind her smoking but deep down he preferred that she not smoke. "I think I need to go inside, myself, to clean up a little." He said favoring her with a slight smile. "Need anything, gum perhaps," he motioned to the pack of cigarettes.

Melissa caught his drift and pulled a lighter out of her purse. "Alan, there's one thing you should know, my daddy makes me nervous. So don't ask me not to smoke. I need it to calm my nerves." She lit her cigarette and cracked the passenger window.

He shook his head reluctantly and kissed her cheek. As he walked from the car to the gas station, he wondered just what the weekend would bring. If she was nervous, should he be?

An hour later, Melissa directed Alan on to a paved road that would take them up to Miller's Bluff. They drove up to a black gate nestled between two brick pillars. An intercom system was by the gate and Melissa indicated that Alan should push the button. A booming voice came from the box, "Yes?"

"It's me, Daddy." Melissa called from her side of the car. The gate in front of them slowly opened. The hair on the back of Alan's neck stood at attention as the booming voice sounded again, "Okay Missy come on up." He looked over at Melissa as she lit her third cigarette. "That's your father?"

She favored him with a slight smile. "That's dear old dad."

"Sounds scary. Maybe I should have one of those." He teased

"Alan, stop the car for a second. There's something I need to talk to you about."

Alan did as she asked and turned to take her hand. "What is it?"

"I told you my father doesn't like astronauts. He hasn't liked them since Lee disappeared. He might not like you. Can you tell him you do something else for a living?"

"Mel, why didn't you tell me this before?" He shifted uneasily in the car.

"I...I didn't think you would come. And...I was afraid you wouldn't come if I told you."

They drove down the fence-lined road until they reached the main house. The house was a white two story with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a riding stable. It was surround by acres and acres of rolling hills. Alan could see cattle feeding in the distance. There was smoke coming out of two of the house's three chimneys. Alan smiled as he walked around the car to Mel's door. He took a deep breath and inhaled the fresh county air. Time seems to slow down as they returned to a simpler way of life without the hustle and bustle of the big city. Melissa directed him to a side door under a covered patio. She opened the door to an outer room and they removed their coats, placing them on a nearby hook. Alan reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze as she moved toward the door that would take them inside the house.

As soon as the door opened, Alan could feel the warmth from inside the house radiate over his body. A blonde woman opened her arms to her daughter and hugged her tightly. The woman looked to be in her early sixties, her gray blonde hair shimmered as she moved her head. He watched Melissa hold tightly to the woman as if she was trying to regain some lost connection. A warm feeling washed over him as he took in the rest of the room. The dark paneled covered walls gave the room a cozy feeling. There was a baker's rack nestled in a corner, attired with a Christmas cactus in full bloom covered with bright red flowers. The smell of cookies hung in the room enticing them further inside.

Melissa released her mother and turned to Alan. "Mom, this is Alan Carter."

Alan expected Susan to reach out her hand but instead she moved toward him and gave him a gentle hug. "Hi. Alan. Helena's told us all about you." She glanced in the direction of Melissa. "More than Missy. She's been unusually quiet."

Alan smiled slightly, "Well Missy," he emphasized the last word and winked at Melissa. " Has talked non-stop about her beautiful Mother and I can see that she didn't exaggerate. It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Thompson..."

"No, no, call me Susan, Please." She corrected as she took one of his hands and reached for Melissa's with the other. "You two must be starving...What'd you say we whip up something to eat, Missy?"

Before they could move, a loud booming voice could be heard from just outside the kitchen.

"Missy? Is that you?" The voice grew closer and louder. Susan's husband entered the room and immediately reached over and bear hugged his daughter. "Hi Daddy." She said as she returned the hug.

"You've been smoking again." He said as he released her. "I can smell it on your clothes."

"Oh Daddy, I'm 35 years old. I think I'm old enough to smoke." She pulled away from him.

Alan stood watching the exchange. Robert Thompson was a big man, over 6 feet tall with a massive chest. His hands were as big as baseball mitts and he towered over his wife. Alan suddenly grew nervous as Dr. Thompson looked in his direction. He was determined to make a good impression and he drew himself up to full height as Thompson moved forward.

"I'm Missy's father." His voice seemed to rattle the windows as he spoke.

"Daddy, this is my friend, Alan Carter." Mel eased up to his side and slipped her hand into his.

"Nice to meet you, sir." Alan held out his free hand to Dr. Thompson.

"My daughter, Helena tells us you are an astronaut. I'll be straight with you Mr. Carter. I don't like astronauts. Nor am I pleased that both my daughters seem hell bent on taking up with one."

Alan stood there quietly not sure how to respond to him. Susan eased up behind her husband and laughed. "Don't be scared Alan, he's just kidding." She poked her husband's arm with her finger. But Dr. Thompson didn't appear to be kidding. He stared down at the entwined hands of Alan and Melissa.

"Robert," Susan called as she easily moved the big giant to face her. "Why don't you and Missy get their things out of the car. I'll show Alan upstairs. I'm sure he might want to clean up."

Thompson reluctantly agreed with his wife and moved to stand by his daughter. Alan squeezed Melissa's hand in support before he disengaged his hand with hers. As he opened the door, Dr. Thompson turned back to face his wife. "Susan, they aren't married you know. Make sure you put them in separate rooms."

"Oh Dad!" Melissa protested.

"You may be 35 years old, but I'm still your father. This is my house and what I say goes." He closed the door behind him.

Alan looked in Susan's direction a bit embarrassed. She reached for Alan's elbow and gently guided him out of the kitchen and through the dinning room. She led him to a circular staircase and they began to climb the stairs.

"Don't let him get to you, Alan. He really is a sweet sweet man. He's just a little overprotective of his daughters." She led him into a guest bedroom decorated in navy and dark green. The large queen size bed was covered with a flannel bedspread that looked as warm as Susan's kitchen.

"Through this door is the bathroom." Alan followed Susan into the room. She gave him a smile that held a bit of mischief as she indicated another door at the back wall. "And this door leads into the room where Missy will be staying."

He returned Susan's smile as he opened the door and peered into the connecting room. It was white and airy with wicker furniture. It reminded him of Mel's condo. It dawned on him that his room reminded him of Helena's home. He understood the connection. He favored Susan with another smile. She took his arm and led him back his room.

"These were the girl's rooms when they were younger. My parents used to keep them during the summer and each insisted on having their own bedroom. Funny, every morning my mother would find them in the same bed. I guess they just couldn't stay away from one another. That's why when Melissa moved to Florida to be with Helena we weren't surprised. Did Missy tell you that she's named after my mother?"

Alan listened to the soft comfortable sounds of Susan's voice. He wondered how such a sweet woman had ended up with such a hard ass like Robert Thompson. "Helena is named after Robert's mother." He heard Susan continue.

She suddenly stopped, "I'm sorry to be rambling on like this. I brought you up here to rest."

"That's okay Mrs. T. I'm not really tired. Can I help you with lunch?" He offered.

"That's very sweet of you but I think I have things under control."

"Alan?" Melissa called from the hallway.

"In here, Love."

Melissa stepped into the doorway with two of their bags. "Here, let me." Alan rushed to her side and moved the bags over to the bed.

Susan kissed her daughter's cheek and politely dismissed herself from the room. "I'll go check with dad."

Mel moved into Alan's arms, hugging him tightly around the waist. "I'm sorry about all this."

"About what? Being in this room? Don't be." He said lowering his mouth to rest beside her ear.

"I thought he might react this way." She looked up into his eyes.

"It's okay. I'll figure out some way to handle him." He kissed the top of her head. "Your mother, on the other hand, is a remarkable woman. I find it hard to believe that she's married to him."

Mel laughed against Alan's chest. "You haven't been around long enough to realize it but she actually does control him some what."

"Yes, I can see that. She pointed out the connecting door."

"Did she?" Mel laughed. "She is a very remarkable woman."

"That she is." Alan agreed. "She reminds me of my mother, warm and caring."

"Really? You've hardly mentioned your family."

"Remind me to tell you about them sometime." He leaned down and kissed her soft lips.

"Missy." The loud booming voice caused them both to jump.

"Yes, Dad?"

"I moved your other bags to the top of the stairs. Put them in your rooms and come on down. I think Mom has lunch ready."

"Okay. Be right there." She shrugged her shoulders slight disengaging herself from him. "Shall we?"

They broke apart and gathered their bags. Alan had the distinct feeling that Robert Thompson didn't like to be kept waiting.

Lunch was wonderful, warm fresh bread, thick slices of roast beef and a thick rich gravy. There was a wide variety of cookies for desert. Susan pointed out which ones were Melissa's favorites and which ones were Helena's. It was obvious she was extremely fond of her twin daughters. Melissa asked if she had sent Helena any cookies and Susan laughingly assured her that Robert had whisked them off to the post office fresh from the oven and overnighted them to Helena. She was probably eating some herself right now. That seemed to satisfy Melissa.

Alan had noticed Robert stayed quiet, carefully watching his two women chat together and keeping an eye on Alan. Alan remained quiet too, enjoying the wonderful food and the warm friendly atmosphere. Melissa shot his several warm smiles as the meal progressed and moved to brush her leg against him under the dinner table. Alan tried to remain relaxed. He would be here all weekend and there would certainly be plenty of time to get Melissa alone. Somehow he wasn't surprised when Susan was the one who arranged it.

"Missy, why don't you show Alan around. I know the first thing you always like to do is get reacquainted with the place and visit your favorite haunts. Alan, do you ride?"

"I can stay on a horse, if that's what you mean, Susan. I haven't done much riding since I was a teen. My grandfather had horses and we used to spend summer breaks with him in Australia. Then my sisters and I practically lived in the saddle."

"Well, you'll feel right at home here, then," Susan said with a smile, and he did. "Missy, I just had the farrier out, and Cilla is so tenderfooted. If you want to ride, Jack and Jill are both willing and able."

"I think we'll just walk around this afternoon. Maybe we'll go for a ride in the morning. Okay, Alan?"

"That suits me fine, but maybe we could take a couple of carrots out this afternoon and let me meet Jack and Jill first."

Alan began stacking his dishes and Melissa's, but Susan stopped him. "You two go on. Dad will help me." She made shooing motions with her hands so Alan complimented her on the meal while Melissa raided the refrigerator for carrots. They donned their jackets and headed outdoors.

Melissa sighed and breathed in the fresh air. "Come on, I'll show you the barn." She locked arms with him and led him down a path and past a screen of trees to a neat white wooden barn with several paddocks around it. As they approached the first paddock a palimino stallion pranced up to the fence expectantly.

"Hello, Jack. We brought you a bit of a treat." Melissa reached up to stroke the large horse's forehead. She handed Alan a carrot and he held it out in his hand, palm flat. The animal brushed Alan's palm with his lips then accepted the carrot. He jerked his head away from them and stepped back to chew in peace. "Jack is a champion thoroughbred. He commands an impressive stud fee. Mama has shown him for years."

"And Jill?"

"Jack's half sister and a good brood mare. She's not breeding this year, so she won't be quite as fat and lazy as usual. They're really the reigning king and queen around here. My mother lavishes all the attention she always paid to Cake and me on them." Melissa chuckled softly. "Dad's allergic to horses. So this is my mother's private hobby. She's been showing since she was a girl, took time out to raise us, then went right back to showing as soon as we were off to college. I think she would have moved back down here without Daddy if he hadn't agreed to retire when she was ready to come home."

"So your dad doesn't ever come down here?" He put his hand on the small of her back and rubbed in a circle.

She cut her eyes at him, knowing what he was thinking. "Let me give you the rest of the tour." She led him into the barn, pointing out the stalls of the various horses. Her mother's office, a small paneled room covered with ribbons, plaques and trophies. She led him further into the barn which was lighted with natural lights from skylights between the rafters.

"And this is where we store all the extra hay for the winter." Inside the thick wooden door were bales of hay stacked in neat rows. Mel pulled Alan into the stall and closed the door behind her. Grabbing the lapel of his jacket, she pulled him against her and kissed him deeply. Alan slipped is hands underneath her jacket and around her waist. They kissed until they were both breathless, then Alan pulled away. He looked around, more than a bit nervous.

"He won't find us here." She said as she reached to rub her hands up and down the front of his pants.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." She turned around and pressed her back against his chest and moved his hands from around her waist up to her breasts. "Alan?" She asked seductively.

"Yes, Missy." He replied as he fondled her breast.

"Ugh! Please don't call me that. It makes me feel like I'm seven years old."

"Mel?" His hands removed her coat. "Think it's too cold in here?"

"It won't be for long." Her hands returned to his crotch and she smiled as she felt his growing attraction.

She stopped her movements long enough to make them a bed with the loose hay scattered around the stall. She reached just outside the door and removed a warm-up blanket from a hook and brought it inside, spreading it down on top of the hay.

Alan slipped off his coat and tossed it on one of the hay bales. "Mel, take off your shirt."

She complied. Slowly she pulled her shirt over her head. She wasn't wearing a bra and her nipples stood erect with excitement. Without breaking eye contact with him, she reached up and squeezed her breasts. He reached down and stroked himself as he watched her.

Wiggling out of her jeans, she relaxed on the hay and stared up at him.

He stripped off his top and it joined his coat on a nearby hay bale. Slowly, Alan unbuttons his jeans, one button at a time. Mel licked her lips as each button popped from its assigned slot. "Alan?"

"Yeah?" He answered as he stepped out of his clothes.

"I don't want you to touch me, I don't want you to kiss me, I don't want foreplay. I want you to do me. "

"Are you sure, little girl?" he asked seductively.

"Yes." She mouthed up to him

"Open your legs," He ordered. She complied quickly. "Wider." He said.

He could see her desire. He dropped to his knees and entered her without hesitation.

"Oh Alan, I'm so wet and you are so hard." She moaned against his ear. Her moaning caused him to move faster and soon they both tumbled into a world ecstasy.

He kissed her when it was over. "You are wonderful. I've never had a woman tell me that before."

She laughed. "Well, I was a little caught up in the moment."

"As far as I'm concerned, Love you can get caught up like that anytime."

"We'd better get dressed before someone comes looking for us."

Later while the women prepared dinner, Susan suggested that Robert and Alan drive into town and pick up some wine for Thanksgiving. Alan shot Mel a nervous look but before she could intervene, Robert had already picked up his keys. "Let's go, Alan." He ordered.

In reality, it was only a 30-minute drive back into town. To Alan, it felt longer.

"So tell me, Alan. What is it you do for the space program, specifically." Robert asks as they pulled from the paved road on to the highway.

"Well, right now I'm the Deputy Chief Pilot." He said cautiously.

"Deputy, huh?" Robert said as he set the cruise control.

"Yes sir, I've applied for the Chief Pilot's position but that hasn't come through yet. Political stuff being what it is."

"I see. How often do you get up to the moon?"

"Pretty frequently. I guess it's just as well that I'm not the Chief pilot. If I was then I'd be on the moon permanently. Then I wouldn't have met your daughter. She is quite wonderful you know." Alan smiled.

Robert glanced at him and Alan felt like the man had x-ray vision. He wondered if a trained physician could tell how recently a person had had sex by just looking.

"I see. The Chief has to live on Alpha." Robert considered as he drove. "Tell me about this Koenig that Helena is involved with. What's he like?"

Alan relaxed a little when Robert moved on to John. "He's an engineer and pilot. Quite good at both. John's actually working on some new technology that's still considered to be so secret that some of the Space Commission brass don't even know about it."

"Is he also on the moon?"

Alan watched the old man out of the corner of his eye. Why was he suddenly so interested where everyone worked and lived?

"No, he does most of his work in Houston and New York."

"I see. Helena has applied for a position on Alpha as CMO. Do you think she'd be safe up there?"

"Probably safer than she is down here."

"Yes, especially if Koenig is down here and she's up there."

Alan shifted uneasily. "No that's not what I meant. I mean things are controlled up there. Unlike down here there's no threat of bomb blasts, car crashes, tornadoes..."

Robert looked over at Alan and smiled, "I know what you meant, Alan."

They rode in silence the remainder of the trip. When they arrived back at the ranch, Mel met Alan at the door. "How'd it go?" She said keeping her voice low.

"He's up to something. I just don't know what."

Much later after they'd eaten and the kitchen had been cleaned, Susan and Robert excused themselves and went to bed. Melissa and Alan moved into the den where a roaring fire was burning in the fireplace. They sat down on the comfortable rug with a glass of wine. Facing each other, Alan looked deeply into her eyes. They seemed more beautiful tonight. Alan reached over and touched her cheek. "Mel?"

"Yes?" Her voice was soft.

Melissa sighed and settled into Alan's arms. He rubbed the back of her neck, feeling the tension that had been building ever since they arrived at the ranch.

"You OK?"

"Mmmhmm. And very glad you're here. What a day."

"Parts of it weren't all that bad, were they?" he said softly into her ear.

She reached up and caressed his cheek. "Parts of it were quite wonderful. And I really do love being here. It's just my father..."

"Well, I can see that he's pretty intimidating. But then, he obviously hates me because I'm an astronaut and I'm with you. What's up with the two of you?"

Melissa shifted, trying to make maximum contact between their bodies. She took a sip of wine and stared at the fire. "Mama says that I'm too much like my father. He wants to be in control of everything. And the more he tries to control me, the more I resist. We have a long history of pushing against each other. He even had me arrested once."

"Arrested?"

"I wanted to go to a party. I was sixteen and my father told me I couldn't go. So I took the keys, crawled out the bedroom window and took the car. My father watched me go, then called the cops and told them the car was being stolen. They stopped me just blocks away from the house. When they called my father he said he wanted to press charges to teach me a lesson. Mama was down here visiting my grandparents. Helena called her a couple of days later when Dad wouldn't tell her where I was. Mama came home and bailed me out."

Melissa chuckled. "That's when I took up smoking."

"Good God!"

"He's so manipulative. He thinks he rules everyone, and I won't let him rule me. It also didn't help when I caught him with one of his mistresses while I was in high school," she added bitterly.

Alan's mouth went dry. This was more than he really wanted to know about the estimable Dr. Thompson. "Look, honey--"

"I'll stop, I'll stop. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be involving you. He just steams me so, and Mama thinks the sun rises and sets for him, so does Helena."

"Your mom seems nice." Alan wondered why Robert Thompson would possibly want to cheat on someone as lovely as Susan.

"She is, she's wonderful. Saintly, almost. And goodness knows I'm the one who's given her all that gray. If it weren't for her, I'd never come home at all anymore." She turned around and looked at him. "You don't mind that I haven't told them much about you? I don't really talk to them all that much, I call dutifully and let them chatter away and tell them as little as possible about my life."

"It's all right. Like you said I haven't told you much about my family either."

Melissa smiled. "When we're together, we usually have other things on our mind." She leaned forward and kissed him gently.

His arm went around her waist and he pulled her into a deeper kiss. "We'll get around to talking about all sorts of things. I intend to hang around with you as often as you'll let me," he said when they came up for air.

"Alan, when I introduce you to everyone tomorrow, they're likely to have us all married off with five children by Christmas."

Alan stroked her hair back. "Don't worry about it. That's the way all parents are, I think. Expect a payback when I take you to meet my folks. And we won't take it personally, ok?"

"Deal." She shivered. "He just makes me so mad."

"Let it roll off and let's enjoy as much of the weekend as we can. Your mom suggested we go riding in the morning. That sounded great."

"Yes, it would be nice. I can show you more of the ranch. Alan?" she asked. "Will you hold me tonight. It helps to have you near."

"Of course I will." Alan pulled her head down onto his shoulder and they watched the fire together. He could clearly see the mind games Melissa and her father were playing with each other; and knew he was the pawn for the weekend, but the woman in his arms was worth a few mind games, and she had been completely honest and up front with him, even if she hadn't given him much warning about the situation.

They went upstairs to Melissa room and Alan held her all night. He watched her as she slept peacefully tucked in his arms until he too fell asleep. The following day was Thanksgiving and Alan woke before dawn. The Thompsons were expecting twenty of their friends for dinner He could hear voices down the hall. He slipped from Mel's bed and stumbled to the bathroom without turning on the light. Alan figured he'd better return to his own bed, in the event Dr. Thompson did a bed check.

At Susan's insistence, Melissa took Alan riding. They rode for hours enjoying each other's company. They stopped by a small creek that dissected the most northern tip of the property.

"I used to come here when I was a teen to escape my parents." Mel said after a long silence.

"I can see why. It's certainly is peaceful here."

"Yes. Alan? Thanks for last night."

He reached over and took her hand. "Anytime."

Mel looked at her watch. "We'd better get back the guests will be arriving soon."

The guests began to arrive midafternoon and soon the Thompson's house was filled with conversation and fellowship. Alan noticed that Robert had his arm around his wife as they moved around the rooms greeting their guests. He moved over by Melissa as she stood talking with one of Susan's friends.

"Mrs. Swartz, this is Alan Carter."

"How are you?" Alan smiled at the woman and gently took her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Carter. He's quite handsome, Missy. You should hang on to him."

Mel's face turned a light shade of red. "I think so too, Mrs. Swartz."

"And it looks like you might just give Melissa a little competition." Alan winked.

"Oh, I don't think I'd be much competition. The way you look at Missy, I'd say you're already off the market."

Mel felt her face redden a little more.

Across the room, Robert shook hands with an old friend then pulled him into the a nearby study. The room was empty except for the two men.

"Neil, it's good to see you. How are things in DC?"

"They're good. How are things here? How's Susan? She still as beautiful as ever."

"Yes. I'm a lucky man." Robert moved over to the bar to make them a drink.

"Neil, What do you know about a couple of astronauts named Koenig and Carter."

Senator Harris considered. "Nothing really. Why?"

Thompson handed him a drink, "Because it seems both of my daughters have taken up with these clowns. You know how I feel about astronauts, especially after Lee Russell."

"Yes, Robert, you've made it clear that you dislike them."

"Neil, Helena has applied for the position of CMO on Alpha. If I can get her up there and keep Koenig down here then they'd have a difficult time seeing one another."

"And Missy?"

"Carter told me today that he wants to become Chief Eagle Pilot. If he gets that appointment, then he'd be up there permanently and out of Missy's life."

Harris considered, "Are you asking me to use my influence to get Helena and Carter assigned to Alpha?"

"Yes." Robert answered.

"It'll cost you." Harris took a sip of his drink

"How much?"

"Ten grand to get Carter up there."

"And Helena?"

"A lot more." Harris put down his drink and turned to face Thompson.

"Don't bull shit me, Neil. How much?" He demanded to know.

"Fifty."

"Fifty?" Robert slammed down his glass.

Harris watched as Thompson walked around the bar and stood chest to chest with him.

"So you want to play hard ball do you? You forget Neil. I used to be your doctor. The news of your mistress and her condition might just slip out. Isn't this an election year?"

Harris moved away moving to a nearby window. "Robert, you know that would probably ruin my marriage and my career."

"And you know what we went through with Helena when Lee disappeared. What'll be Neil?"

Harris had no choice but to agree. He had known Robert Thompson a long time and knew that he didn't make idle threats. "Okay, put the ten grand in my campaign fund and I'll see that Carter gets appointed Chief Eagle Pilot."

"And?"

"The position of CMO doesn't come open until after the first of the year. I'll try and make sure that Helena gets tapped for it. At least she's qualified. I can't help you with Koenig. Maybe, I can make sure he stays tied up on the Meta project."

"We have a deal." Robert offered his hand and Harris took it. The men left the room having sealed their deal with a handshake and a drink.

After dinner, several guests lingered in the den talking with Dr. and Mrs. Thompson. Mel grabbed Alan's hand and pulled him into the study. "I need a drink. I don't think I can take another walk down memory lane." She reached behind the bar and pulled out a bottle of bourbon. "Join me?"

"You know I will." Alan closed the doors to the den and they were alone. "You know, I've watched your father with your mother most of the evening and for the life of me I can't figure out why he could cheat on a woman like Susan."

She handed him a drink and pointed to the couch. "Why is that so hard to believe. Lee did it to Helena."

Alan stoked the fire and joined her on the couch. He put his arm around her and shook his head. "I just don't understand it."

Melissa turned so she could look at him. "Oh come on Alan, don't sit here and tell me that guys don't cheat on women every chance you get." She took a sip of the bourbon and relaxed against the back of the couch.

"It just seems to me when you've found the right girl, you shouldn't need to cheat. I woudn't."

"Nonsense. You're all just like that stud out in the barn. A beautiful girl comes along and you get all woody and ready to perform. She gives you the signal and you're inside her pants."

"Really, Mel, we're not all horny bastards ready to jump every skirt in sight."

"Please, I know how men work. You boys probably sit around the locker room and talk about all your conquests."

Alan sat up slightly offended. "We do not." Then he cracked a smile, "Okay maybe sometimes."

She returned his smile and moved over to sit in his lap. Mel shifted her bottom against his crotch as she put her arms around his neck. With her lips against his ear she whispered, "So what are you going to tell the boys about us? Gonna tell them about that little drive here? Or perhaps that our little roll in the hay?"

Alan fidgeted slightly nervously, "Mel, what are you planning?"

Melissa laughed, "What's wrong? Scared?"

Alan huffed, "Scared? Not me sweetheart. I just know the way you work. I also know that your father doesn't particularly care for me. And I know that forty of more of your parents' closest friends are right outside that door."

"Alan, I have a fantasy and I want you to help me make it reality."

"What it is?" A grin crossed his face. She could feel his interest against her hips.

"I want to have sex with you in my father's den while forty of his friends are right outside that door."

"What?" He was clearly shocked by her suggestion.

"My way of getting back at him. Plus it's a little more than dangerous. Don't you like danger, fly boy?" He felt her tongue roll around the outside of his ear.

"Mel, I don't think this is good idea." Alan wanted her so badly and was well aware that he couldn't hide it from her.

"You are scared." She crawled out of his lap and moved to stand in front of the fire. "Wonderful another person scared of the great Robert Thompson."

Alan quickly moved to stand beside her. "I'm not scared of him." He said firmly. "I just don't think this is the right place. Besides, I have a feeling he's up to something and I'm not sure what it is. I don't want to go around aggravating him until I figure it out."

She turned and looked at him concerned. "What do you mean? "

"When we were out yesterday, he kept asking me questions. They made me suspicious that's all. " He brought his arms around her waist and kissed her gently. " Don't be mad."

"Oh Alan, I can't be mad at you."

"It's okay, We'll work through it together. You're worth the trouble." He hugged her tightly. They stood silently enjoying the feeling of their bodies pressed close together.

"We'd better get back." She said as she pulled away.

"Hey what's this? A tear?" Alan crooked his index finger and wiped it off her cheek. "You're not going soft on me are you?"

She looked deeply into his eyes and he could see a storm of emotions. "Talk to me Mel."

She molded her body against his and tried hard not to cry. "Alan, I've been through a lot of men in my life but not one has ever made me feel like you do. You make me feel like more than just a..."

'Don't say it. You aren't that. You are more than that. " He tilted her head up. "Melissa Thompson, you are special." He kissed her soundly. "Don't you doubt that for one minute, Missy." A smiled crossed her face and she poked him in the chest. "Don't ever call me that!" They both shared a good laugh before they returned to the party.

The rest of the evening, Alan kept one eye on Melissa and the other on Robert. He noticed Robert talking to a man by the door. He moved closer to see if he could overhear their conversation. He watched as Robert pulled a small piece of paper from his coat pocket and handed it to the man. Alan caught their parting words.

"I'll take care of things, Robert."

"I know you will." Thompson shook the man's hand and led him to the door.

He was so engrossed that he didn't feel Susan approach behind him He jumped when she spoke. "Alan? Did you enjoy dinner?"

"Yes. It was very good. " He smiled at Mrs. Thompson. "Susan, may I ask the name of that man that Dr. Thompson is speaking with? I don't remember his name."

Susan looked pass Alan. "Oh that's Neil Harris, Senator Neil Harris. You probably know him because he heads the committee that funds the space program. Oh I see some of the guests are leaving, excuse me Alan." She moved away leaving Alan standing there watching the doctor and the Senator.

Alan pondered, "what's that all about?"

The next morning Alan woke at sunrise to Melissa sweet breath in his ear. He smiled without opening his eyes. She was dragging her nails up and down his chest as her tongue played in his ear. He rolled toward to and kissed her.

"Good morning." She said.

"Yes, so far so good. Let's see just how good a morning." He rolled her onto her back and kissed her again. He discovered she was still wearing her nightshirt. He pulled back and teased her. "You're still dressed."

"I thought you might want to undress me." She cut her eyes as she looked up at him.

He ducked his head down and kissed her again with a fiery passion. He hands moved from her hip up to her breast and he felt her nipple become erect under the thin material of her nightshirt. He moved his lips to her neck as he continued to stroke her breast. A slight moan escaped Melissa's lips encouraging him to move faster. Alan found the bottom of her shirt and moved his hand underneath until he felt her bare breast.

"Oh, Alan..." She moaned.

Suddenly the door of Melissa bedroom opened and it slammed against the wall.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING TO MY DAUGHTER?!" Dr. Thompson screamed from the hallway.

"DADDY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN HERE!" Melissa screamed back as Alan struggled to pull the covers back over them.

Robert looked at Alan's red face. "I KNEW THIS WOULD HAPPEN! DAMN IT!" Susan appeared at the doorway in time to hear Robert's last words. She pulled Dr. Thompson back into the hall and closed the bedroom door.

"Robert, I want to see you downstairs NOW!" Alan heard Susan shout when the door was shut.

Melissa scrambled out of bed and began searching for her robe. "How dare he invade my privacy like that! How could he?!"

Alan crawled out of bed and reached for his shirt. She walked pass him as he sat on the end of the bed to pull on some sweat pants. Reaching for her hand, he stopped her. "Hey, come and sit down. " She sat next to him in a huff. Smiling he touched her arm. "Well this isn't the first impression I was hoping to make. "

She calmed down enough to laugh at him. "Alan, how can you joke at a time like this? This isn't funny."

"I know it's not funny. What do you think will happen?"

"I really don't know. What time is it?"

"Why?"

"I need to call Helena, she always knows how to handle Dad." Melissa reached for the telephone. "Why don't you jump in the shower?" Alan could tell that she wanted to talk to Helena alone.

"Sure you'll be alright?" He saw Melissa shake her head as she continued to dial Helena's number. "I won't be long then." She blew him a kiss as he closed the bathroom door.

As the warm water of the shower cleansed his body, Alan relaxed slightly. He had to make things right with Dr. Thompson before he left but he wasn't sure. Then he remembered something that John had once said about Commissioner Simmonds. "Let them have their say. Agree with them. Let them win." John's words floated around in Alan's mind. 'Yes that's it. Let him win, he's used to winning. Take what he dishes out. You'll be gone by early afternoon and probably won't have to see him again for a long time.' When Alan finished his shower, he knew what he had to do.

He returned to his room and dressed quickly. As he approached Mel's door he heard her talking with Susan. He knocked softly.

"Come on in, Alan." Mel called from the other side of the door.

Inside the room he found a smiling Susan and a relieved Melissa.

"It's okay, Alan." Susan indicated it was okay for him to sit on the bed. "I've talked to Robert and he's calmed down a bit. He really is a very kind gentleman. You can ask all his patients. It's just he's very passionate about the well-being of his daughters, especially, Missy. He worries about her so. The choices she's made in life well...."

"They haven't exactly been up to his standards." Melissa finished her mother's sentence.

Alan fully understood what the women were saying, "So where do we go from here?"

"I talked to Helena. She's volunteered to talk to him after we leave. But for right now she suggests just letting him have his say and go from there."

"Well that's exactly what we'll do, Love."

"We?" She said curiously

"You don't I'm going to let you face him alone do you?"

"Alan I appreciate you wanting to be my hero but this is my battle."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." She kissed him on the cheek.

"I'll be right here waiting when you get back."

"I knew you would be. " She stood to leave. As she reached the door she turned around and winked at him.

Susan watched the exchange from across the room. She liked this Alan Carter. He was good for Melissa. She made a mental note to talk to Robert after the children left. Alan Carter seemed to ground Missy and Susan hoped he'd be around for a long time.

The ride back to Austin was a quiet one. Melissa had listened to her father's ranting and by the time he was finished he was no longer upset. After a simple lunch, Melissa and Alan had bid good bye to Miller's Buff and her occupants. Now as he watched her out of the corner of his eye wondering how she was feeling.

"Hey, you okay over there?" He reached for her hand.

She favored him with a smile and laced her fingers with his. "I'm fine. You?"

He eased the car over to the side of the road and put it in park. "Come here you." He said as he pulled over across the seat to sit next to him. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed the side of her head. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't glad it was over. But I did enjoy meeting your mother and being with you."

Melissa laughed. "Oh, I bet you did. That stable adventure was probably your favorite part."

Alan shook his head slightly "Nope, not by a long shot."

"The car ride then?"

"Nope."

Melissa sat upright so she could face him; "Well surely it wasn't the part where my father bursts into the bedroom screaming at the top of his lungs?"

Alan cringed, "Certainly not that part."

"Then what?" She asked intrigued.

"I just enjoyed being with you. You are an incredible woman, Melissa Thompson. You are bright and witty, beautiful and mysterious. "

"Oh Alan..."

"And I'll endure any amount of grief from your father if that what it takes to be with you..." He felt her lips on his before he could finish his sentence.

Suddenly, she pulled back and looked at him curiously. "So what did my dad say to you while mom and I were preparing lunch?"

"That's between me and him, Love."

"Alan?"

"Mel, do you want to sit here and talk about him or snog?" He saw a slight smiled cross her face and had his answer.

Dorothy & Maureen

March 6, 2000