Mia Parker excused herself from the man who was trying to impress her with stories of his athletic prowess on the football field and got off the sofa and went to the kitchen to pour herself another glass of Chardonnay.
The party at the Rolstads was only getting started, with about a dozen people in attendance and another dozen expected to arrive. Mia stared at the wine swilling into her glass as she poured and thought about her targets. Julia Rolstad had been smoking B.C. bud most of the afternoon. Coupled with the wine she was drinking, Mia knew Julia was feeling the effects before the party began. Tonight will be the night.
By the curious and lingering look that Max Rolstad had given her from across the room moments before, she knew that Julia had said something to him. What an idiot. You would think he would be a little suspicious …
Mia placed the bottle down and turned with the glass in her hand and saw Max approach. He had a goofy grin on his face to hide his embarrassment and she gave him a friendly smile.
“Hey you,” he said, lowering his voice while wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close to his side. “What’s this you were telling Julia about giving us some hands-on tips to rekindle our love life.”
“Oh, simply a few things I learned when I worked at a psychologist’s office while taking my master’s,” Mia said with a shrug.
“But ‘hands-on,’ you said? A little ménage à trois?”
Mia giggled and playfully pushed Max back. “Not exactly, but I consider you both my friends, which is why I am willing to bend the rules. The physical and sensual stimulation techniques I would employ would be far more therapeutic than simply talking about them. I am willing to assist each of you to rekindle the fire, but leave before things get too hot.” Mia paused, then gripped Max’s hand and earnestly added, “Believe me, even that would have to stay between the three of us. I’d be mortified if anyone found out.”
“I see,” replied Max. His face blushed and he dropped the charade of making fun of the offer and pulled his hand away. “Actually, uh, I appreciate that you are trying to help us, but I find it a rather personal issue. I’m embarrassed that Julia told you about our, uh, problems. I think it is simply stress-related. We need some time to relax, but that has been hard to do lately, what with flying back and forth to Ottawa.”
“Oh, please,” said Mia, reaching out as if she was not conscious that she was using her fingertips to gently stroke up and down his index finger. “I really like … and trust the both of you. Don’t be upset with Julia. She feels abandoned and needed someone to turn to. I let her know that I am available and have worked in couples’ therapy. I think she was afraid you wouldn’t go along with it.”
“She’s willing? I wasn’t sure when she told me. I thought she had some doubts.”
“She loves you and will say whatever she thinks will please you. Personally I don’t see what it would hurt to try. It would only be a one-time session.” Mia studied Max’s face for a response. She had used the same lines on Julia, but there was no indication that he knew.
“I’ll need to think about it,” said Max.
Mia let go of his hand. “By all means. Rome wasn’t built in a night. You both need to be comfortable. It is intended as a fun, erotic adventure. You have to be in the right mindset.”
Max nodded. “You know, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try. Guess if I feel uncomfortable, we could always stop.”
“Exactly,” replied Mia, giving a fake smile. Believe me, once I get started, you won’t stop until that little brain between your legs is totally spent …
The doorbell rang and the conversation came to an end when Max went to answer.
Mia caught a glimpse of the taxi limousine driving away, but it was the passenger who had been dropped off that caught her attention. From photographs she had studied, she recognized him as an important client of Max’s company.
Mia searched her memory for what she knew of him. Sterling Wolfenden. Married … one … no, two children … once suspected of having an affair with a young woman on staff who abruptly left the company later….
Mia judged him to be in his late forties. His hair was black with contrasting grey over the ears. Portly, with chubby fingers, one of which was adorned with a gold wedding ring. She sucked in her breath at the thought that one of the benefactor’s most valued targets was standing in front of her.
She heard Wolfenden tell Max that he could only stay for a couple of hours. She knew she would have to work fast.
Mia smiled and walked over for an introduction.
“Hi, Mia,” said Max. “We have an important guest. Seeing as you are taking political science, you may be interested to know that this —”
“Is Mr. Sterling Wolfenden,” said Mia, extending her hand. “Member of Parliament and someone I have been personally admiring for a long time,” she added, pursing her lips and glancing down as though blushing.