Meet Me At Midnight

Chapter Two: Ambrose

***Lisa's POV ***

I pulled up into the clean driveway, double-checking my GPS. Yup, this is the house. Well, it was a small two-story mansion. I couldn't help but sit with my jaw hanging open. This mansion was like a house you would see in the movies!

I saw photos of it online, but they didn't do it justice! A gorgeous blue house with white trim sat before me. The richest green grass I had ever seen was laid before me, as hardy palm trees gently swayed in the ocean breeze. Tan colored boulders lined the driveway as shrubbery grew symmetrically around them.

Imagine being this rich.

My cell phone vibrated in my pocket, so I pulled it out to see who would be calling. Seeing who it was, I became nauseous. Finally, I let out an annoyed groan.

"Hey, I'm just seeing how you are doing. You haven't talked to me in such a long time."

It was Bitchface, aka Darrin. It has been two years since I left him. We’ve had no contact for the most part, yet for some reason, he still felt the need to reach out and bother me with his bullshit. The messages would start innocently, but as soon as I set my boundaries, his ugly side would rage. Of course, it would be all my fault, and he did nothing wrong.

"Believe what you want! I'll find a woman who values me and doesn't stress me out."

“Well, good, go for it,” I would think to myself. He would only message me because he couldn't find a new local supply to feed his ego. What was there not to believe? I'd seen his d**k in a hundred or more photos. How f*****g stupid did he think I was?

I got tired of it and just stopped replying. I would have better luck arguing with a cold pile of dog s**t that has sat in the rain for days.

I never bothered with a restraining order because it wouldn't have done much. It was just a piece of paper, and the laws were so inconsistent it was pointless. Plus, I didn't need the added stress on my health. My editor let me take a leave of absence to find my roots and get a new story figured out. I could live comfortably on my sales, but that wouldn't last forever. So, I did the next best thing to help motivate my imagination. I signed up as a house sitter for a famous adult entertainer in the Florida Keys.

Fuck Wisconsin and it's cold-ass bullshit. My body couldn't handle the bitter cold. But six months of hot sun, beautiful white sand, and clear waters?! Hell yea! The pay was phenomenal, and she provided all my special diet needs. It all sounded too good to be accurate, but I genuinely believe dumping the toxic weight has brought amazing things to me.

I deserve this. Maybe I'll even see some hot, tanned young men who will motivate my next male lead character. My ideas would all come together. I know it. I could also focus on myself, my health, and no one else. Just me.

I opened my door and gingerly jumped out of my truck. The hot asphalt of the driveway had an excellent warm breeze, swimming up and wrapping around my legs as it ruffled the hem of my sundress. I covered my eyes to let them adjust to the bright sun. The sky was so clear. I took a deep breath, soaking in all of this tropical beauty.

I will be one substantial tanned pile of freckles in no time. I did a happy little jump. My excitement was too much to hold on to.

I heard a funny sneeze off to the side of me. I turned to look to see what the sound was. A large pitch-black German Shepherd sat on the grass under a palm tree. Its eyes were bright blue—what a fascinating color.

"Are you friendly?" I asked in a gentle voice.

I didn't want to walk too close, just in case it felt threatened. His body language was relaxed though. He laid down with his bushy tail thumping. His black fur against the rich green grass was beautiful.

"Hey, Lisa! You made it here safely. I'm so glad," said the familiar accent I had come to love on Facetime.

Tania Ready, one of the most famous adult entertainers of her time, came running out to greet me in a tight hug. She was gorgeous. She wasn't wearing one ounce of makeup. Her beauty was rare because it was all-natural. Who had skin that smooth and perfect?

Her blond highlighted hair was cut in a short bob. The front was slightly longer, and it framed her face beautifully against her high, round cheekbones. Her face lit up and her chocolate-brown eyes glistened with excitement.

Tania wasn't your typical Adult Entertainer. She was curvy, firm, and beautiful. Compared to Tania, my taste in women seemed dull in comparison. She was a walking goddess in a baby blue sundress.

"Hello, Tania. It is so nice to meet you finally! Your place is amazing," I said, gushing over her property as we hugged. I cringed slightly, as touch sometimes could be painful.

"Oh Gosh, I am so sorry! I forgot about your tummy. Yes, it is a beautiful spot, and there are no bad people around here. Very quiet. You will get plenty of rest, fresh air, and, hopefully, a steamy story idea. Yes?" Tania asked, tenderly rubbing my stomach.

"It's OK, and I just appreciate that you don't make me feel horrible about myself because of these illnesses. You are so easy to talk to about anything. It's like we have known each other forever," I replied to Tania with a smile to let her know I was okay.

"Yes, it seems that way, doesn't it?" she chuckled while touching my hair. "Your haircut looks wonderful on you. New look, new you! I love it."

I blushed slightly. I had cut about ten inches off before coming here. Tania was right. I just wanted a fresh start.

"Lynn and Paul will be here soon. They said they were on the way. Paul said he would help you with your bags and laptops. No heavy lifting for you. The housekeeper comes around on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. So, if you need any food for your diet or your taste changes, please let her know. I have already given her the rundown," Tania explained, moving over to a more shaded spot.

"You are so wonderful, Tania. I look forward to all of this," I said.

Not to be ignored, the German Shepherd made another sound to announce that he was still there.

"Is he your dog? I don't remember you saying anything about a dog?" I asked.

"Oh, that’s my brother's dog, his name is Ambrose. He comes around to protect the property now and then," Tania explained.

Behind me, there was the sound of another vehicle pulling into the driveway next to my truck. We turned around to see a black Hummer. The ignition went off before two people jumped out. An older man who must have been in his late 50s was the first to greet me. He was a handsome gentleman, tall with blond hair that was so sun-bleached it was white and eyebrows to match. His eyes were dark green like malachite's. He was physically fit. The people out here sure as hell did take care of themselves, that's for sure. He was wearing a loose button-up white dress shirt that was open in the front and white shorts. The flip-flops were kind of odd, in my opinion, but whatever.

"You must be the little cutie Tania has been raving about so much and I can see why. You are stunning, my dear. Baby got lucky with this one. By the way, my name is Paul," introducing himself to me.

"Very nice to meet you, Paul. I'm Lisa," I responded politely with my hand outstretched to shake his hand. But a large, heavy black paw smacked down onto my hand.

Ambrose had walked up next to us at some point and stopped me from shaking hands with this man. I guess he was friendly.

"Oh, Ambrose, you are such a pain in the ass when you aren't doing your duty. Or are you just jealous because I touched the pretty lady?" Paul asked with a chuckle as he placed both hands into his pockets.

I looked down at Ambrose, who had his eyes fixed on mine. He lowered his paw down before sitting again. I gently ran the tips of my long fingernails on his head. He seemed to enjoy that as his hind leg was kicking aggressively.

"Weird, I have never seen Ambrose so affectionate to anyone before," Tania said. "Oh, well, at least you know he is on your side should anything happen."

"Paul, please carry Lisa's luggage indoors. Lisa stays in the room with a beautiful view of the beach. If it rains here, sit out there; it

will help you calm down," Tania explained.

I saw photos, but the images did not do this place justice. I can't wait to explore it since I have open access to the whole house.

A soft voice could be heard on the other side of the Hummer. "Tania, baby, we need to get going here soon. Pauly is bringing your bags out for you, right?" mumbled Lynn, who didn't look thrilled about anything in particular.

"What's with your sour puss attitude, missy?" Tania asked as she walked around to the other side of the Hummer passenger door.

"Ugh, I was hoping my cycle would be over by now, but no, it's hanging on for another day," sighed Lynn.

I couldn't help but notice how miserable Lynn looked. So, I walked over to introduce myself to her.

"Hello," I waved gently, smiling at her. She gave me a half-hearted smile. I could tell she wasn't feeling very well.

Lynn was a woman about my height, lean build, smaller breasts, curly red hair, and green eyes that pulled you past the millions of dark freckles peppering her face.

"I'm so sorry, Lisa. I wanted to meet you, but not like this. I think the stress of traveling is what's doing this to me. I will be okay when we get up and start doing things. So please don't think ill of me," Lynn apologized, reaching out her hand as her other one clung to her pelvic region.

"I don't. I know all about pain and suffering," I chuckled nervously.

"Hahaha, yeah, I guess you are right," Lynn laughed.

We stood around the Hummer while Paul got Tania's luggage after bringing mine in. My skin was feeling hot from the sun, and I needed to get fluids into me soon. The Hummer's trunk door slammed shut, startling us. Paul jumped into the driver's seat, putting his seatbelt on.

"You ready, babies? We need to catch our flight. Lisa, it was nice to meet you. Tania had nothing but lovely things to say about you," Paul said enthusiastically. "Maybe next time you could come on an adventure with us!"

The girls laughed as Paul gave an over-excited wink.

Ambrose let out a loud deep bark, scaring the s**t out of me. I don't know when he got so close, but it helped ease the awkward conversation that was going on.

"Is he allowed in the house?" I asked before they took off.

"It's up to you, Hun. As I said, it's my brother's dog technically. Oh, by the way, before we leave, there is a movie den with many adult movies if you need some ideas for your next erotic book or just to let off some stress. If you know what I mean," Tania said teasingly with a wink.

I could feel my face heating up with a blush. It had been a very long time since s*x was even on my mind. I just nodded my head politely in understanding.

"OK, we are off. Have fun. Remember, my brother will be here every so often. Don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself," Tania shouted as they backed up and drove off.

"What's his name?" I shouted to them, but it was too late; the music was too loud.

I sighed and did a little stretch. I hope Tania's brother is not a pervert. I looked down at Ambrose, who had his head c****d to the side before getting up to walk me to the door. Opening the door, I noticed the inside of the house was much cooler.

I turned around to let Ambrose in, but I guess he had left and was back under his tree. I think Ambrose was an outside dog.

"OK, well, if you wanna come inside at any point, just come to the door and bark. I will let you in," I offered, feeling a little silly talking to a dog loudly out in the open.

All this travel and excitement left me tired. I needed to take a shower and a nap. But first, I needed something to drink.

The house was large and spacious, I thought to myself as I kicked off my sneakers. A set of white stairs were in the middle of the house, leading up to the bedrooms. To my right was the living room. To my left was a dining room with a huge bay window. Rainbow cling wrap covered the windows, making the living room light up with dancing colors.

I had a feeling Tania didn’t use this room for anything other than their social events.

I walked to the soft, gray-painted kitchen. It was my dream kitchen, no doubt! Beautiful solid white granite tops with swirls of gold and pink. Black stained wood cabinets with crystal knobs hung above the kitchen counter. The stove was massive with two ovens. A stainless-steel farmer sink. The island had a vase of beautiful pink and white tulips.

I guess she ate at the counter as there were five comfy-looking chairs to sit on. I looked out through the small kitchen window over the sink. I could see the grassy dunes but no ocean. I would have to go upstairs to get a better look. But first, food and fluids.

I opened the two-door fridge. I couldn't help but stumble back, clasping my hands over my mouth from shock. Tears started to swell in my eyes. They had all my meals pre-planned, and all I had to do with most of them was blend them. There were already two dozen eggs boiled, cucumbers sliced, different flavored cheese sticks, shredded rotisserie chicken, and probiotic drinks in the flavors I love.

On the counter sat a giant Ninja blender and a new bag of biodegradable paper straws next to a little note.

"There's chocolate in the cupboard above this note. I got a little of everything you like just in case."

I opened the beautifully stained cabinets to see bubble chocolate and coffee crisps. I couldn't help but squeal slightly from the excitement.

I quickly grabbed two boiled eggs and made a strawberry and peach smoothie with a scoop of the protein powder I needed to add. I could take my time and find my limits.

I wandered around, looking at the artwork on the walls while sipping my shake. I had no problem pounding down my two eggs, which still had soft yolk. The house was straightforward but elegant—soft neutral colors of browns, grays, blues, and nudes.

I saw a hallway further back, but I would check it out later. I needed a nap. I cleaned up my mess and walked upstairs to my room.

Climbing these stairs was going to take some getting used to. Finally, I got upstairs, and luckily my room was the first one in front of me. The double doors and the patio glass door were wide open to let the ocean breeze in. The long sheer white curtains gently danced in the soft wind.

To the right of me was a massive bed with the most expensive bedding I had ever seen. I ran to it, turned around, and jumped back onto the bed, landing on what felt like a cloud. I let out a loud moan of pleasurable comfort.

"I could get used to this!" I giggled. These blankets are so cool to the touch, fluffy, and soft.

I made a bed angel before grabbing some lovely memory foam pillows. One pillow between my knees, one for a snuggle, and one for my head. I curled up into the fetal position. It was early afternoon, but who cares? I was here for myself. My eyes started to feel heavy, and sleep quickly took over me as I enjoyed the comfort around me. A shower could wait.

There was just so much to look forward to. I could feel it in my bones. That or it was arthritis. Who the hell knows? I'll remain optimistic.