Cowboy Passing Through

By Bea

Let’s face it.  You don’t expect women to be out on the highways looking for a ride in the middle of nowhere, do you?  Especially with clouds full of snow lurking just up on the horizon. Especially with darkness falling.

I didn’t think it was a woman. Honest to god!  If I had?  I’d never have thought about it twice – I’d have stopped and offered her a ride.  As it was?  I ruminated for a bit.  Too many damn stories about small guys like me being nice enough to offer someone a ride – and getting offed.

But there “He” was. Standing at the side of the road. Denim pants and denim jacket, Stetson laying low over the face. Scuffed high heeled boots (cowboy style) with one resting on a dusty, beat up looking duffel bag.  Hardly paying any attention to what traffic was on the road – and there wasn’t much of that, I can tell you – I’d passed one car going in the opposite direction about ten minutes back – and in the flat ground stretching away up ahead, couldn’t see any signs of anybody else.

I pulled up and stopped about twenty yards past him, fully expecting him to make his way to my car. I knew he saw me because his hat twitched in my direction, but other than that, he didn’t move.  So I backed up, lowering my passenger window as I did so. “Hey cowboy?  Where you headin’?” (I’m no kind of cowboy myself, but out where I live?  It’s kinda expected of you to talk that way).

A female version of Brad Pitt looked at me,   Oval face with a squared off chin, bright blue eyes with a luminous quality about them. Absolutely no makeup.  Nice full lips – sensual lips, parted to show a slight smile.  “Away from here, I guess. Where you headin’?”

“Oh shit!”  I said, then apologized. “I’m sorry ma’am.  Thought you were a guy.  No offense.”

She nodded.  “None taken.  But are you offering me a ride? I sure am getting awful damn fed up just standing here.”

I laughed.  “Hop in.  We’ll figure where to take you once we get moving.”

“Thanks mister,” she said, opening my rear passenger door and throwing her bag in there, then joined me in the front, closing both doors firmly behind her.  “Ah!” she sighed.  “Thank Christ!  That was getting awful damn boring out there!  Sure as hell looks like snow, too.”

“Guess it would get boring at that,” I laughed.  “But how come you didn’t walk to the car when I stopped?  Not that I minded, or anything.  Just curious.”

She gave me a level look. “Just didn’t want to look like I was beggin’ for a favor.  Know what I mean?”

“I guess so,” I answered, though if the positions had been reserved, knew that I’d have run like a rabbit up to anybody that stopped for me.  “Texas?”  I asked, having caught a taste of her accent.

She shrugged.  “Close.  Army brat, so I stayed in a lot of places – but Texas was one of the longest stays I had. You’re not from around here either, are you?”  She asked.

“No.  Seattle originally.”

“And you came out here to get away from all that rain?  Rather have snow?”

“Something like that.  My wife – Janine – she’s from around here. Just dropped her off at the airport. She’s doing a book tour.  When we started making money, I found that I liked the idea of privacy and nicer weather so we built out here.”

“Your wife a writer?”

I smiled. “Well, it’s a long story.  In a manner of speaking. Let’s just say that she’s the business head of the family – much better at doing the book tours and setting up the arrangements that I’d ever be.  Not only that?  She enjoys them.  I’m Luke by the way.  What’s your name?”

“Folks call me Andy?” she said.

“Annie?”

“Close enough – but I prefer Andy,” she said.

“Okay – Andy it is! Where’re you heading Andy?”

“Next place up the road – wherever that is.”

I looked at her.  “The cut off to my place is twenty seven miles away, and there’s nothing between here and there.  After that?  Next Place is Kingston – and that’s about thirty five miles.  You’d probably be better off if I took you back to Fillston – it’s only fourteen miles or so – and there’s a motel there.”

She shook her head.  “Mighty nice of you to offer, but it’s taken me quite a while to get this far from Fillston.  Not much sense in me having to do it again.  Don’t worry about it mister.  Just take me along as far as you can, then you can drop me off and I’ll wait for the next car to come along.”

I sighed.  “Look.  I’m married.  Happily married.  My wife’s gone for a while, I’ve told you that already – so please don’t think I’m putting a move on you.  But if you want to come and stay at my place for the night?”

She grinned.  “You thinkin’ I might be scared that you’ll ravish me?”

“Well, not in that many words. I just don’t want you thinking I was trying to take advantage, that’s all.”

“Wouldn’t git yourself all shook up on my account,” she drawled laconically.

“Okay then!  Let’s head for the barn,” I said in my best cowboy fashion and put my foot on the accelerator.

It didn’t take long to get home and we chatted some while I drove – though I did most of the talking. To be quite honest?  She made me nervous and I tend to talk more than I should when I get that way.  Don’t get me wrong.  She wasn’t threatening or anything like that, but I found that she was giving me more and more bemused looks as we – or I should say “I” talked.  I actually felt relieved when I finally drew into the driveway

Okay.  I’m house proud.  I’ll admit it.  Take a great deal of pleasure from the lovely house that Janine and I designed and had built.  Not huge by any means but, as Janine points out – who needs a lot of housework to do, huh?  So, I was a little put out when Andy simply dumped her bag in the hallway and looked around.  “Nice place,” was all she said.

“Like a drink?”  I offered.  “Have a fully stocked bar.”

She gave me a strange look. “I’ll pass, thanks.  Could use a bite to eat though – if you could stretch to that?  But don’t be puttin’ yourself out though.  Cold leftovers would go down as well as anything else.  Did your wife leave you stocked up when she left?”

“Stocked up?”

“Yeah.  Cook you up a mess of meals and put them in the freezer. That kind of stocking up.”

I laughed.  “Janine?   No ma’am. Can’t cook worth a lick.  I do most of the cooking around here. How would a nice fat steak sound?  Maybe a baked potato?  A salad on the side?”

She nodded her head. “I wouldn’t say no, Luke – if it’s no trouble.”

“No trouble at all!”  I said grandly. “Why don’t I show you to your room. If you want you can freshen up and change if you’ve a mind to. You look hungry so I was thinking of doing the potato in the microwave – but if you give me a half hour or so?  I could do a little better job of it.”

She surprised me then. Wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a hug.  “That’s mighty homely of you Luke, and I don’t want to put you out, but it’s sorta nice to be fussed over, so if that makes you happy?  Well I guess I wouldn’t say no.”

She really wasn’t much bigger than me, but I was made suddenly aware of the whipcord strength in her arm and hand as she pulled me into her lean body.  At the same time, I wasabsurdly happy at having someone to fuss over – although I sensed that she considered me feminine in some abstract way, which made me blush.  When she saw, and smiled, at my embarrassment, this made me blush even more. “Come on then!” I said, tying to recover some level of masculinity.  “Let’s get you into your room young lady!”

She made a tutting sound when I went to get her bag and a sort of shocked expression appeared on her face. “What are you doing Luke?  That’s far too heavy for you!  Put it down, please!”

It was surprisingly heavy but let’s face it, I could have managed.  Her face showed a level of discomfort that puzzled me though and there was a tone in her voice that brooked no argument, so I put it down promptly.  “That’s better!”  She said briskly and once I’d put it down, picked it up then followed me to the guest room.  I left her there and made my way back to the kitchen where I started getting a meal ready for both of us.  Put a couple of potatoes into the microwave for a few minutes, then wrapped them in foil and threw them into the toaster oven.  Got a couple of steaks out and made slices in the fat at the edges. Threw them in a quick marinade of Italian dressing.  Heated up the grill in the center of the cooking island and started slicing and dicing the veggies for the salad.

I’d gotten engrossed in my cooking, so jumped a little in fright when she appeared suddenly at my elbow. She looked more like a boy than ever, slim and scrubbed looking in a white shirt and denim jeans.  “Smells good!” she said, taking an appreciative sniff. Then she looked at the steaks sputtering on the grill, shooting off little spurts of hot fat. “Shouldn’t you be wearing an apron?” she said.  “Getting your clothes all messed up.”

“Not that important.  I’ll be doing a wash tomorrow, and a little bit of spatter won’t do them any harm,” I said.

She gave me another one of her ‘bemused’ looks and started looking around the kitchen.  Then she saw some of Janine’s aprons hanging on hooks at the back of the door.

Now my wife is a very feminine woman.  Not into cooking as I’ve indicated – but when she works in the kitchen or around the house, she likes to wear an apron.  Naturally, they’re of a style  that is functional enough I guess, but certainly feminine.  Kinda flimsy and diaphanous.  To tell the truth? I’ve worn one now and then when she wasn’t around. Felt funny doing it, mind you – but who’s going to know?

Somehow, I knew what Andy had in mind the second she started walking towards the aprons.  Felt a peculiar tight feeling in my chest and had an instinctive, instantaneous, desire to escape.  But how can a grown man run away from someone in his own kitchen. So stood there, pretending to be busy although totally helpless, as she walked back towards me, the froth of an apron in her hand.

“Don’t want you to be doing any extra washing on my account,” she said.  “Let’s get this on you, okay?”

That particular apron was of the wrap-around type – they used to call them ‘Hoover style’ I believe - but whatever it was called, I stood there submissively, even helping to fit my arms in through the openings as she wrapped me in it, then pulled the sashes around my waist and fastened me into it with a neat bow.  “There!” she said, nodding in approval.  “Much better!”

She took a half step back, then gently fluffed up the frilled collars.  “Much better!” she repeated.  “Looks nice on you.”  Then she patted my cheek gently.  “You look cute when you blush. Know that?”

Flustered, and well aware of her amusement, I stammered something then went back to my cooking. “Mind setting the table?”  I asked her over my shoulder.

She surprised me again by coming up to my back and putting her arms around my waist. “Would I seem ungrateful if I passed on that?” she whispered. “You’re the one that’s dressed for that kind of work, and I’m awful clumsy around a kitchen.”

I knew I shouldn’t say what I was going to – but said it anyway.  “What kind of work would that be?”

I felt her pull me in a lot closer to her and nuzzle into the back of my neck.  “Why, woman’s work, sweetie.  Woman’s work.”

“I’m not a woman,” I said. “Or hadn’t you noticed?”

“Didn’t say you wuz now, did I?” She was openly teasing me now. “Just said you wuz dressed for it – and you’re not gonna stand there in that pretty apron of yours and tell me that you’re not, are you?”  Then she patted me, none to gently, on the rump. “Now you gonna get my food on the table or stand there fussin’ and grumpin’?”

I had to giggle.  Everything she was saying and the tone she was using, was making me out to be like the typical ‘Little woman’, but I seemed to have no argument against her.  She let me go and I went and set the table, then got the food on the table.  By that time, she’d did a cursory check of our living room and found some of my books.  “This one of your wife’s books?” she asked, thumbing through it.

“In a manner of speaking,” I said. “Come and get your meal while it’s hot.”

“Ain’t gonna argue with you none about that,” she said and sat down at the table.

She’d requested a big glass of milk and I’d poured myself a glass of Cabernet.  “Cheers!” I said, lifting my glass to clink against hers.

“D’you mind if I say grace first?” she asked.

“No problem,” I answered. “Sorry.  I’m just not used to it.”

She nodded then said a quiet prayer, her eyes downcast – I tried not to listen, but she gave thanks for me and my kindness and asked that I be blessed.  Once she’d said her ‘Amen’ she looked up, smiled, and got torn into the meal. She was not a sloppy eater by any means, but I was amazed at the speed with which a large steak, potato, and salad disappeared.

She’d put the book beside her on the table while she ate.  Once she finished, however, she put her hand on it.  “Thought you said her name was Janine?” she said.  “This says her first name is Lucille.  How come?”

“Never heard of pen names?”

“Course I have.  But you never answered my question.  “Is this HER pen name?”

“In a manner of speaking, yes.” I answered.

She picked the book up and started reading some of the blurbs from the back:  “Lucille Henderson’s done it again – another romance that’ll delight her ever growing number of readers..”  Then she thumbed her way into the center of the book.  Read from the text this time . .  “I couldn’t figure out what dress to wear.  Shona had been SO jealous of me the last time we met – and as the wife of Jeffrey’s new boss, I felt I couldn’t afford to alienate her.  I opted for the coral chiffon. It was a pretty dress, but I’d learned soon after I’d bought it that it did nothing for my complexion so decided to wear it as I was pretty sure she’d feel superior once she saw me in it.”

Andy looked up from the book and stared at me. “You keep saying that.”

“What?”

“In a manner of speaking. Does your wife write under the name of Lucille Henderson?”

I could feel the sickly grin on my face.  Sighed, but could hear the slight tinge of boast in my voice though I spoke as lightly as I could. “Caught me!  I’m the writer in the family.”

“So?  You’re Lucille, huh?”

Andy laughed when I responded. “In a manner of speaking? Yes.”  Then she asked.  “So that’s why there’s no picture of you on the dust cover?  That’s why Janine goes and does the book tours?”

“Well – don’t think I’d do as good a job of passing as Lucille as she does.”  I said.

She looked at me and squinted her eyes.  “My momma owned a beauty parlor. Wanted me to be an operator SO bad. Trained me and everything, but I just wasn’t interested.  Know what I mean?”

I nodded.

“And looking at you?  A little work?  You could make one real nice looking woman.”  Then she laughed heartily.  “Would you just go and look in a mirror and see how red you are?  I swear.  I’ve always been boyish – and I’ve been told it many times – and I can accept it.  But tell a man he’s girlish?  Good grief! It’s red faces all over the place!” She looked up at me.  “Want a hand with the dishes?”

“Sure!”  I said, grateful for the change in subject.  “Grab an apron.”

She looked at me.  “I’m not thatgirlish!” she said.

“Neither am I!”  I said stoutly.  “So how come . .”

She interrupted firmly. “Lucille?  Wasn’t it youpicked that name?  You like to cook.  Even do laundry?  I don’t know what else you do that’s girlish, but you’re more girlish than I am right now.  So why don’t you just go and make me a pot of coffee honey – and stop all this fussin’, eh?  I’ll clear off the table.”

Her word was good.  She cleared off the table, then sat reading through the book.  Sometimes reading excerpts out loud.  Other times commenting.  “You ever been laced into a corset honey?  Truthfully?”  Or. “You had a bikini wax?  You describe it reeeaaally well!”  Or  “You really think you’d look good in buttercup yellow undies?”

And I stood there, in my gossamer apron, alternately blushing and trying to project some semblance of masculinity – something that got more and more difficult to do.  Finally, the dishes all rinsed and into the dishwasher, we sat at the kitchen table and sipped from mugs of coffee.  She didn’t say anything as I added lots of cream and lots of sugar, but she didn’t have to.  Just looked slightly askance at me over her mug of black.

The weather outside had unloaded snow.  Just looking out the window made one feel cold.  She pulled the drapes aside once and looked out.  “Want me to leave in the mornin’?” she asked.

There was an undercurrent there. I knew, perfectly well, that if I’d answered in the affirmative, she’d have been gone the next day.  She was giving me one last chance to escape.

“Don’t be silly Andy!”  Was all I thought to say.

“On your own head be it,” she replied, grinning,  – and I knew what she meant.

We’d gone to bed early – about 10.00 a.m. I think.  Me to my bedroom, her to hers.  I woke up, sometime in the dark of the morning, with her standing over me. She was shaking her head ruefully. “Looks like you’re NOT gonna ravish me, honey? In that case . . .?”  And she was kneeling on top of my bed – and taking me into her arms!

It doesn’t show me in a good light to admit that I was scared.  But, you know?  It was dark, and I’d been awakened out of a sound sleep.  On top of that, I love Janine – so I protested.  Okay, not much – but it’s hard to say anything when someone stronger than you is on top of you – and has their lips pressed – so I struggled some physically.  This gave Andy a laugh. “Oh, behave Lucille!”  she muttered, “I can tell this is what you want!”

And she was right. Janine and I love each other, but sexually we’re both inexperienced – mostly my fault as I have a very low sex drive I guess and, with her being very shy in bed, it didn’t lead to too much rousing sex.

But lying there, basically helpless, all need for me to be the aggressor stripped away, I found myself reacting to Andy as she over-rode my weak attempts to fight her off – and finally became Lucille, giving up my lips to her.  Twining my arms around her and letting out happy little moans of excitement as she worked me to a pitch of excitement I’d never reached before. Then she slid her moist cavity onto my erection and, speaking softly and gently into my ear, slowly rode me to ejaculation.  “Whoa Lucille!” she laughed as I bucked underneath her and shot my load in quantities I’d never known I had.

We cleaned ourselves off, and it seemed like the most natural thing for her to come back to my bed and let me lie there, with my head laying on her arm.

“But Andy?”  I asked softly.

“Yeah honey?”

“Aren’t you taking a chance on getting pregnant?  You on anything?”

“Don’t worry honey.  I can’t.  Long story – but to keep it short?  One of the reasons I don’t like men?  I was raped a long time ago.  By the time I was cleaned out?  So was my chances of having kids.  Not that I wanted any to tell the truth – they just raped me because I was too much of a tomboy, I guess.  Wanted to show me that I could never be a realman.”

“But?  You like me, don’t you Andy?” I protested.

I felt her smile in the darkness. “No offense honey,” she said.  “But you ain’t a real man either.  But just hush up now d’you hear?  Go to sleep.”

I huffed a little bit  about my manhood being questioned, but shut my eyes – and was asleep in seconds.

I was up first. Just put a robe on over my pajamas, and was in the kitchen when I heard the shower run, so started making breakfast as I’d already made a pot of coffee.  Was in the process of squeezing some oranges for juice when she appeared, bright and shining in the kitchen.  “Mornin’ Lucille,” she said, bringing me another apron, then added. “C’mon now!  Don’t be getting silly on me!” as I opened my mouth to protest.

Blushing, I put it on and tied the bow. Pouted my lips for a kiss when she took me in her arms.  “That’s better!” she said after the kiss. Patted me possessively on my backside. “Smells good honey!  Think I could eat a dead hoss!”

The snow had lessened but had laid down a few feet overnight.  It looked cold outside, and I felt warm and comfortable.  When I went to sit beside Andy at the table, I went to take my apron off.  She just shook her head. “I like you in that.  Now behave!” she said firmly.  Meekly, and strangely content, I obeyed her.

“I was looking around back there. How come you have two bedrooms side by side like that?”  she asked after she’d pushed her (empty) plate away and was enjoying her third cup of coffee.

“Well?  Janine wanted her own bedroom – and felt I should be able to furnish my own.  We both like our own beds too.”

“Well, her room is purty, I’ll give you that.  But why don’t you have a nice one too?”  Andy asked this, then seeing my blush, apologized immediately.  “Aw, I’m sorry honey!  You mean to tell me that Janine doesn’t know that you’re really Lucille?”

“Well, I’m not, really” I answered.

“Mmmm.  Tell me.  You and her about the same size?”

“Pretty much.  She might be a tad bigger than me, but we’re about the same weight.”

“Ever worn her clothes?”

“No.  Not really.”  I looked away.

“Lucille!  Tell the truth now!”

“Well, it was just once!  A Halloween party.”

Andy smiled encouragingly. “A dress?”

“Yes.”  Grudgingly.

“A pretty dress?”

“Oh, I guess you could say that.”

“A party dress?”

“Well, it was an evening dress if you must know!”  I knew I was starting to pout, but couldn’t help it.

“Wear her lingerie too?” She was starting to smile.

“Well – it would have looked stupid if I hadn’t, don’t you think?”

“Of course!” Andy said soothingly. “What color was the dresss?”

“A sort of peach.”

“Like pink? A pink party dress?”

I didn’t answer, seeing full well, the implications in her question.  She put a hand on my arm and surprised me with the calloused feel of it. “Lucille?  I’m just teasing you, that’s all.  Don’t get mad at me.  Now, did Janine make you up?  Do your hair?”

“She made me up, but I wore a wig.”

“How come?  It’s long enough to have been styled nicely.”

“It was a lot shorter then.”

“Ah!  That makes sense.  Still got it?”

“What?  The wig?”

“Nah.  The dress.”

I shrugged.  “Think so.  Janine doesn’t throw much out – she can be a real pack rat at times.”

Andy pushed back from the table. “You look a little flushed darlin’. Why don’t you do your dishes. Maybe that’ll cool you down?”

I tried not to show my relief. “Sure Andy.  Why don’t you go and take it easy.  I’ll tidy up everything!”

She nodded.  “Okay.  See yah.”

I was just wiping down the kitchen counters when I heard a faint swishing noise behind me.  Turned to find Andy standing behind me, holding the peach evening dress with the layered tulle skirts half-draped around her. “This the one?”  She asked.  “Was the only pink one I could find in Janine’s closet.”

Dumbly, I nodded.

“Want to put it on for old Andy, Lucille?  Let me see how nice you’d look?”

I actually felt faint.  “Aw Andy.  Please don’t ask me that!”

She took a few steps towards me. “But I’ve already askedyou, Lucille.  So come on.  Say you’ll put the dress on.”

I could only stand and shake my head weakly.  Then she took a few more steps and held the dress up against me.  “Come on.  You know you want to.  And anyway, it’s not like you haven’t worn it before.  Come on now – let’s go back to your room and we’ll get you dressed, huh?”

She wasn’t bullying me, just gently persisting.  Nevertheless, I found myself back in Janine’s room, with Andy gradually helping me to pick the lingerie I ‘wanted’ and that would go underneath ‘my’ dress best. Somehow my robe was off, along with my pajama jacket (Andy was pleasantly surprised to find out how hairless I was) and she was cajoling me “Come on now – that’s a girl.  Put your arm through that loop.  That’s it – and now this one.  There!  That’s a pretty bra on you!  Let’s get these forms in then we’ll close you all up!  There, doesn’t that feel all nice and comfy?  Now, let’s get your slip on!”

And inexorably, she dressed me in the slip, then removed my pajama bottoms – then I had to step into matching panties, then she helped me put on the garter belt and stood over me as I gently rolled the nylons up my legs and fastened them to the tabs on the garter straps – all the while complimenting me and gently urging me onto the next step of my transformation.

I’d thought she’d put me in the dress, but then remembered the routine that Janine had put me through that Halloween – I had to get my makeup on first.

I was surprised at Andy’s expertise.  Maybe I’d started thinking of her as a guy?  But she made me up slowly, taking her time at picking the various hues and shades she felt suited me best.  “I’m doing this for you just now, but I hope you realize that you’ll have to learn how to do this yourself?” she said.

“Aw c’mon Andy!  I’m not going to do this once you leave?  C’mon for god’s sake!” I blustered, but weakly in the face of her calm assurance.

“We’ll see.”  Is all she said, turning me every so often to see myself segue into prettiness in the mirror every so often..

And then it was time to step into the full-skirted evening dress.  In a matter of minutes, I was enclosed in the strapless cocoon of satin, tulle, and chiffon, my skirts billowing about me as she fastened me in at the back.  “Coming along nicely!” she said. “But we’ll have to do something with that hair!”

As I said?  I looked on Andy as a guy now – at least she was that in our relationship.  Yet, as she worked on my hair, she gently steered the conversation from one feminine topic to another – training me to talk ‘properly’ as she did so. She was never mean nor threatening, but after an hour or so, my hair was up in rollers and had setting lotion applied, then wrapped in a turban made from one of Janine’s chiffon scarves.

When she’d finished, she gave me a light kiss on the cheek. “You’re gonna be as purty as a picture when I’m done with you Lucille.  D’you know that?  What do you say?”

“Thank you Andy.  It was nice of you to spend all this time on me,” I answered softly in my new voice, blushing and looking demurely at the ground.

“You’re welcome honey,” she said, then took my chin in her right hand and lifted my head until I was looking in her eyes.  “You want to have sex with me right now, don’t you?” she asked.

I nodded.

“Ain’t gonna happen dear. You’re gonna spend the day as a girl, so you may as well get used to it – and I call the shots when we have sex..”

“Spending the day doin’ what?” I mewled, disappointed.

She shrugged.  “Whatever girls do. Beds need making?  I could use a few clean clothes.  Lunch pretty soon.  And isn’t it time you got down to doin’ some writing?  I’d imagine that writing as a woman now would be a lot easier?”

“I never thought of that!” I said thoughtfully.

“Well, when you gave me a lift yesterday, I was thinking that your car engine sounded a little rough. Thought I’d have a look see.”

I looked at her admiringly. “You know how to fix cars?”

“Yup.”

“I don’t know a thing about cars!”

She put an arm around my shoulder and gave me a hug. “A honey like you?  Shouldn’t even think about it!  Get your dresses all dirty!”  Then she pulled me forward and into my bedroom.  “Got any old sweaters in here Lucille?  Gonna be cold out there in the garage.  I promise I won’t get it dirty.”

“Oh that’s okay,” I said, thrilled at the idea of her wearing myclothes for some reason.

“You don’t mind me using your sweater?”

“No.  I kinda like it as a matter of fact,” I admitted.

She beamed.  “That’s good.  See, I was kinda thinking?”

“What, Andy?”

“Well, I really like this room, so think I’ll move my stuff in here.”

“Beside me?”  I cooed.

“No sweetie – I want you in Janine’s bedroom while I’m here.  It’s a more suitable room for you.”

I pouted.  “But I’ll have to come in here to get my clothes – and I’d be very shy about dressing and undressing in front of you.”

“Won’t be a problem Lucille. I want you in Janine’s clothes for as long as I’m here – and they’re all in your new room, so you can have all the privacy you want when you’re changing your clothes..”

“Ha Ha!  You’re joking, right?”

She shook her head.  “No honey, I’m not. For the next few days? You’ll dress like a girl, talk like a girl – and you’d better start thinking of peeing like a girl. You’ll put nice clothes on in the morning, and pretty nightgowns at night.  You’ll put on your makeup in the morning – and cream it off at night. Your name is Lucille – and I expect you to act like a Lucille.  Got it?”

“But they’re Janine’s clothes! I can’t be walking around in her stuff all the time!”

Andy exhaled through her nose noisily.  “Lucy!  You telling me – for sure – that Janine wouldn’t let you wear her clothes if you asked her nicely?”

“Well . .  I don’t know.  Couldn’t say for sure . .” I started to falter.

“Didn’t she loan you that pretty dress you’re wearing before?  The undies too?”

“Yes, but ---“

“And wouldn’t you say that it’s probably a lot more expensive than most of her clothes in the closet ?”

“Probably . . I don’t know. But ----“

“LUCY!”  She was glaring at me now.

“I’m sorry,” I said meekly.

“That’s better!  Now off with you!  Get some shoes on! ” And quickly, she lifted my skirts at the back and gave me a sharp spank on my panties.  I let out a little squeal of protest and hurried away into my new room to get a pair of Janine’s shoes. 

“I’ll brush out your hair this afternoon – so don’t be fiddling with it!” she called after me.

I put on the pair I’d worn to the party, knowing full well that they’d fit me.  As a matter of fact, both Janine and I had been impressed at how quickly I’d adapted to wearing them on that night.  Okay, they were only about a two inch heel, but they were, after all, a woman’s evening shoe – a sort of strappy shoe, silver in color. (I hadn’t told Andy – but they matched the silver evening bag I’d carried – and the stole I’d worn around my shoulders that night).  As I buckled the dainty straps, I couldn’t help but admire my feet – they looked SO nice in the nylons.

I felt rather silly making beds while wearing an evening dress, but after a while I got used to it. Was consistently surprised if I saw my reflection in a window or a mirror – I just wasn’t attuned to seeing an ethereal young girl there, I guess.  I made Andy a hot lunch and took it out to her. She hadn’t finished with the car, but told me something about the fuel mix being a lot better, then laughed at my blank expression.  She wouldn’t let me hang around in case I got my dress dirty, so I went back into the house and had my own lunch, then after I’d cleaned up, sat down to write.

Now, to be perfectly honest, I’d always been quite facile in writing as a woman in the first person. But there was a definite difference as I sat there, encased in the layers of femininity that surrounded me – and although the words still came easier – there was a perceptible change in the paragraph and sentence structure.

Andy came in about three o’clock, well satisfied with what she’d done on the car then, after she cleaned herself up, brushed my hair out – then she made love to me.  Courted me the way a man does a woman – soft and courteous, but imparting a confidence that I couldn’t resist as her hands caressed me and she whispered compliments in my ears – with her tongue exploring there, and in my mouth as well.  I responded properly. Kissed her eagerly.  Twined my soft arms around her neck. Sighed as her hands slowly worked their way up under my skirts and stroked and caressed me until I was undulating wildly under her hand.  Wasn’t surprised when she lifted me effortlessly and carried me into the bedroom and deposited me onto Janine’s bed.

When she knelt up on the bed, I asked if I could undress her, and she nodded and kicked off her boots so that they fell by the side of the bed.   I reached forward to her and started to undress her, slowly. 

She made a lovely nude. Slim waist tapering to fairly wide shoulders. Not heavy in the hips at all.  Sinewy arms, and straight legs.  She didn’t undress me.  Simply worked my skirts up, layer by layer – then my slip.  Pulled my panties down then, smiling down like the conqueror she was, simply mounted me.  Rode me expertly and completely until I came with a little yowl.

We lay for a while then she propped herself up on one elbow.  “Okay Lucille.  No sense in getting that nice dress dirtied.  After you’ve cleaned yourself off, you’d better change into something else.”

“Of Janine’s?” I asked quietly.

“What else?” she replied.

She continued to lie on the bed and watch me as I removed my evening dress, hang it up, then start looking in Janine’s closet for another outfit.  I felt strange, walking about dressed only in lingerie, but at least the slip was long enough to cover me up pretty well and I became extremely conscious of the feel of the embroidered lace hem caressing my nylons as I moved around, feeling like a new bride in front of her admiring husband.

Shyly at first, but with increasing confidence I started pulling outfits from the closet and though they’d still be on their hangers, I’d hold them up against myself, turn around and show them to Andy – getting a thrill of pleasure when she smiled acceptance but making little mews of disappointment when she’d give a slight frown at something I’d like.  I finally opted for a long sleeved, shirtwaist dress with a full skirt.  It was a floral patterned light blue over a white background and felt very comfortable on.  Showing off a little, I closed the buttons at the front, cinched the waist with the belt, slid my feet into a pair of white flats, walked as gracefully as I could over to the dressing table, where I sat down and ran a comb through my hair, then touched up (very carefully) my lipstick.

Then, flouncing a little, I crossed over to where Andy was lying and gave her a light kiss, then straightened up. “Some people can’t be lying around all day!” I said saucily. “You’ll be wanting dinner sooner or later, I assume?”

She grinned up at me and nodded though she didn’t speak.  “Why don’t you take a little nap?” I suggested.  “and I’ll go and make you a nice meal.”

Getting a big smile as a reward, I happily left the room and started dinner.

That night, I had just changed into a nightdress and negligee set that I’d always admired on Janine.  Was in the process of applying a tiny dab of scent behind my ears when Janine called on the telephone.

I felt SO strange, sitting there talking to my wife on the speaker phone in her bedroom, while dressed in her personal finery.

“Something wrong?” she asked after we’d said our hellos.

“No.  Why?” I replied, stoppering the perfume bottle

“Dunno.  You just sound different,” she said.

I knew what it was immediately. I was talking softly and girlishly – but I could NOT stop it!

She was quite excited – and I guess that I should have been too, but as she described a possible movie deal for one of my books, I found myself more interested in checking my lipstick in the mirror.  I think she was disappointed when I accepted the possibility that she’d have to extend her trip by a few days with equanimity.

“You sure you’re not sick?” she asked before we parted.

“Well?  Now that you mention it?  I may have been a little bit off color since you left – but nothing to worry about,” I answered, applying a light dusting of powder to my nose – it did look kinda shiny.

“Well sweetie? I can’t say as I care for you being all by yourself out there and coming down with something,” she said.  “Sure you don’t want me to come home?”

“Oh no, Janine!  I’m okay.  Don’t worry!”  As I said this, I turned my lips up to Andy for a kiss.  She’d come up behind me and was standing there, looking down on me, her hands resting on my shoulders.  She granted my unspoken request by kissing me firmly on the lips as Janine bade me goodbye, saying she’d call me again when she had some news.  I thanked her, said goodbye, then disconnected, then pouted my lips for another kiss – and wasn’t disappointed.  Don’t think that either one of us was disappointed in the lovemaking that followed either.

I spent the next week learning how to become Andy’s wife and, if she was to be believed, I was a very apt pupil.  I took great pains in making myself look attractive as possible – both with my makeup and dress.  Worked happily around the house making meals, doing housework – and making sure that our little nest was as comfortable as could be.  My writing was moving along at an incredible pace.  I only wrote for about three hours every day – but I was doing as much in that time as I usually did in six.

Yes, I should have been ashamed of myself.  You want to press that point?  I won’t argue.  I did have moments where the knowledge that I’d given up my masculinity without any decent level of struggle made me blush, even though I was as often by myself when the thought crossed my mind.  After a second or two of  self-recrimination, however, I’d find myself snuggling happily into the female cocoon I was building around me and my mind would slither off down some other path – usually one associated with housework, makeup, or some other fascinating facet of femininity.

During that period of time I learned a bit more about Andy.  She’d been orphaned just a few short years ago but was honest enough to admit that there had been trouble looming on the horizon of her family.  Her father had taken to drinking heavily, and her mother had been trying to force Andy away from her masculine tendencies into being a beauty shop operator.  “I didn’t mind it too much,” Andy admitted.  “But it was kinda boring, really.”  It turned out that her main dream was to own a dude ranch. When I told her that there was one on the far side of  Fillston, she told me that she knew of it.  “Yeah – the Lazy J.  I was there looking for a job, but they laughed at the idea of takin’ on a woman for one thing – and they weren’t making a go of it and were lookin’ for a buyer, so they had nothing for me.”

I was lying in the crook of her arm at the time, and I felt her tense with the memory. “I could see why they’re not making a go of it.  Place looked run down. . .” she said, sighing.

“Hey, upkeep takes time and money,” I said.

“Yeah, I know.  But the name was pretty accurate though – at least the Lazy part of it.  There were a few cowboys standing around with their thumbs up their ass –  with a bedraggled lookin’ bit of a fence right beside them that could have been fixed in ten minutes.  Papers blowing across the yard, and a lick of paint wouldn’t have cost that much.  Any potential customers had driven up?  They’d have been put right off.  That’s’ NO way to run a business!”

“How did they look? Like real cowboys?”  I asked.

“I guess,” she answered Then she fondled my breasts lightly. “That reminds me?  You still embarrassed about wearing Janine’s clothes all the time?”

I sighed.  “Well, it doesn’t seem right – though I don’t know what else I could do.  You’re not going to let me put pants on as long as you’re around, are you?”

“Mmmm.” Was all she said.

The following morning she seemed more interested in what I was wearing than usual.  Came sauntering into my bedroom as I was choosing an outfit. I got that little thrill I always got when she watched me – and a little nervous.  I ended up choosing a sheath in a white over green polka dot.  She seemed happy enough with it, then came and fastened me in at the back. 

She sat on a chair while I put my makeup on and nodded approvingly.  “Lookin’ good!” she said, as I finished and ran a comb through my hair. Then she surprised me. “No.  Put heels on, no flats this morning.”

“Eh?  What for?” I asked.  “Flats are a lot more comfortable.”

“Yes.  Think I don’t know that?  But I want you in proper shoes when we go out.  About time –“

“OUT?  Out where?” I squealed

“Honey?  You know I don’t like it when you interrupt me. Gonna take you out so’s you can buy you some clothes.  So just hush up and go and get breakfast going.”

Let’s face it, I didn’t want to leave the house dressed in women’s clothes, yet I was so used to doing what Andy wanted that I couldn’t think of any way to argue.  I did try, but she simply pointed out that I looked like a woman, so what had I to worry about?   And?  She was right. At her suggestion, I put on a double stranded gold chain, clip on earrings and bracelet to match. Then, after breakfast, A shorty swagger jacket over my dress, a Hermes scarf, and a handbag to match my shoes? I was a woman.

She drove to a town on the other side of Fillston by over forty miles. “Seemed to have an upscale sort of shopping center there when I passed through,” she said.  “Gotta be a boutique there.”

“But Andy!  I can’t pass as a woman in a dress store!”  I wailed.

“Of course you won’t,” she said agreeably.  “But you’ll pass all the way there – and all the way home after you leave?  Inside there?  Think they’ll refuse to let you spend your money?”

And she was absolutely right. I never drew a second glance from any shoppers in that mall.  And, although the snow had all cleared away, there was enough bite in the air to keep shopping just for the sheer hell of it down to a minimum, so we didn’t have to pass a lot of people anyway.  Inside the boutique, they ‘made’ me the minute I opened my mouth to speak – but after a few minutes of total embarrassment on my part, I realized that the old adage “Money Talks” was as true there as anywhere else.  Frankly? I started getting the feeling that the girls serving me thought that it was about time that men started making themselves prettier – at least there were a few comments made that indicated they felt that way- and it was amazing how the smiles broke out as the pile of clothes I bought grew.  “Ah Hell! You can afford it,”  Andy laughed at my excited protestations.

It was late afternoon by the time we were heading back – she was driving of course.  She suggested that we stop off for a drink – and maybe an early dinner.  “Save you from cookin’ when we get back – and you’ll have more time to try on your new pretties again.”

Delighted, although I blushed, I agreed whole heartedly.  She pulled into a roadside tavern. 

I was nervous, but she assured me that it was a dark place, served a good steak, and nobody would bother us – unless we stayed until the drinking crowd came in – usually stating about eight or nine o’clock.  “There’s guys  that would be making a play for a pretty little thing like you,” she teased.  “But I’ll get you home safe and sound.  Trust me.”

The thought of a guy making a play for me did nothing for me at all – but the concept of being pretty enough for someone – maybe another girl doing the same thing?  Did.

The barmaid was pleasant. Took our orders for drinks, then gave us menus and tried to remember the specials for the night, but Andy cut her off. I’ll just have a steak – rare – French fried potatoes and a salad on the side.  My friend here’ll have the same.  Okay Lucy?”

I nodded enthusiastically.  The shopping had emotionally drained me – but I’d suddenly realized I was starving. The girl brought the drinks which we sipped on for a while.  There was a juke box and a tiny dance area so, while we waited for our meal Andy dropped some change then took me into her arms for a couple of nice slow dances – it was dreamy.

We didn’t speak much while devouring our meals.  Andy opted for a slab of pie and ice cream, but I was too stuffed.  Suddenly, a very pretty young woman was standing at our table.. “Excuse me?” she said shyly to Andy. “But weren’t you out at the Lazy J a while back?  I saw you talking to Bud, the lead hand?”

“Yeah, I was, miss.” Andy said politely and stood.  “Anything I can do for you?”

“Oh no!” the girl blushed. “I thought I recognized you dancing a while back. Just wanted to apologize for the way those assholes out there sniggered at you.  Ignorant, macho, creeps.  Need a good kick in the ass!”

“Oh, I’m used to that honey,” Andy said. “Used to it.  Cowboys are okay once they get to know you. Just takes a while is all.”  She pointed at me. “This is my friend Lucille.”

The girl introduced herself as Debbie and a few minutes later, her friend Nell and she joined us at our table. Nell was stocky and funny – obviously had a crush on Debbie – which seemed to be reciprocated.  It didn’t take them long to ‘make’ me though.  As they just accepted this without any stupid reactions, I soon relaxed and enjoyed their company.  Even danced with both of them as the evening wore on – though as the crowd started growing we started thinking of getting out of there when we started getting some hard stares from some of the guys.  Kissed all around as we parted in the parking lot.  Promised to keep in touch.

We’d learned quite a lot about our new friends.  I’d picked some stuff up as had Andy, and we pieced it all together as we drove home. Turned out that Debbie was working on a Bus Ad degree but had run out of money.  Was working as a cook and general housekeeper at the Lazy J (Her brother was a cowboy there and was tough enough that nobody messed with her.) Nell worked at a local Home Depot in some sort of supervisory job.  One look at her muscles led me to believe that a whole lot of guys wouldn’t want to mess with her either.

Janine was due back in less than a week, so I knew that my time with Andy was dwindling fast.  I was in a terrible state.  I loved Andy – as a woman loves a man I guess.  At the same time, I knew I loved Janine as well – but wondered – could I ever love her as a man again?  Had I become something more like a sister to her?  Let’s face it – I loved the little ceremonies of dressing and making myself up.  Adored the feel of the clothes, and the smells of the cosmetics.  Still got flustered when Andy would tell me I was pretty, but was starting to accept that kind of compliment as my due.

I’d invited Nell and Debbie out for dinner.  Knowing in my heart it was a sort of farewell to Andy, I wanted to make it something special – so wore the first dress she’d had me wear – Janine’s peach evening dress.  I took great care with my makeup.  Had on a string of Janine’s pearls and clip on earrings to match.  Wore my own lingerie and a pair of shoes I’d bought.

Debbie and Nell were confused by my outfit but I whispered that there was a reason and they relaxed. Andy saw, and seemed to understand my thinking.  Just gave me a kiss and apologized for not being more formal herself.  I served up some munchies I’d prepared along with drinks and we all settled down for a fun chat.

Later on, the guys were watching a basketball game on TV and Debbie and I were readying dinner in the kitchen. It was probably the clatter of the pots and pans and the loud TV commercials that blanketed out the sound of Janine’s car in the driveway or hear her drive the car into the garage.  Because suddenly, my wife is standing in the kitchen doorway, a suitcase in her hand – staring.  “Who ARE you people?” she asked sternly.  “And what have you done with my husband?”  She stared at me.  “And what are you doing in MY dress!”

And then, before either Debbie or I had a chance to react, her eyes widened.  She put the suitcase on the floor and took a step towards me.  “Is that YOU Luke?  Good god!  What in Heaven’s name are you up to?”  She sat down heavily on a kitchen chair.

“Oh shit!”  I said.  “Janine dear?  I’m sorry.  I know it looks funny – but there IS an explanation.”

I said and started walking across the kitchen towards her, suddenly very conscious of how I walked, with my dress floating about me – and saw her eyes taking this in as well.

“You look much better in it now than the last time you wore it,” she said calmly, much to my surprise. “Put on your own makeup?”

I stopped dead in my tracks. She wasn’t being judgmental at all! Just then, Andy came into the kitchen from the living room. “Hi” she said quietly.  “You must be Janine?  I don’t think Lucille was expecting you.  I’m sorry ma’am. Hope we didn’t scare you none – and that you’re not upset.”

“Lucille?”  Then to my amazement, she grinned!  “Seems appropriate now when I see him” – then she said “Oh I’m sorry Luke – do you prefer it if I refer to you as a ‘her’ now?”

Then she spoke to Andy – and I got another surprise – Janine was attracted to Andy too! Saw it in the way she touched the back of her hair and widened her eyes. “I guess I AM surprised – but no, I’m not that upset.” She said getting up from her chair and moving towards Andy.  “Well you know my name.  Going to tell me yours?”

This broke the ice and soon everyone was sitting around talking.  Andy moved Janine’s luggage into what was now my bedroom while I poured Janine a drink and she met Debbie and Nell.  Later on, the five of us sat down to dinner together, me and Debbie doing the serving – in my prettiest aprons of course.  Janine nodded approvingly when she saw them being used. “I think I’ll give you that dress Lucille,” she commented – “But I’m glad to see that you’re not taking any chances on messing it up.”

Believe it or not, I had a sudden flash of resentment at Janine.  She was taking things too damn calmly, I thought.  Had accepted my change in gender appearance with practically no surprise.  If this wasn’t a slur on my manhood, I couldn’t think of what else it could be. Then I had to smile to myself.  Who was I kidding?  Her reaction had surprised me, true.  But wasn’t it a helluva lot better than the shock and hysterics I’d feared?  My manhood?  Everybody looked at me when I giggled out loud at the absurdity of my thinking.

Debbie and Nell left early. The three of us left were a little embarrassed I think, but Andy spoke first. “Janine?  Ma’am?  Yes, Lucille and I have had sex.  But I know she thinks very highly of you.”  She turned to me.  “Lucille? It was my intention to be long gone before this charmin’ wife of yours got back.  I was just too slow, I guess.  But I don’t see much sense in beatin’ about the bush now.  If I’m an embarrassment to either of you?  I can leave right now.”

Janine spoke first. “Andy? Thanks for your honesty.  I’m not mad at either one of you.  Luke – Lucille – and I never did have what would be called good sex, so I can’t blame him for finding somebody new – and Andy? You seem to have worked a change in him all right – and I’m getting the feeling that I might learn to enjoy that aspect of him too.  Just one thing?”

“Yes ma’am?”  Andy said.

“Lucille’s mine. You and she are done.”

“I get your point ma’am,” Andy said with a rueful grin.

“Fine!”  Janine said then turned to me. “I’ve no problem with Andy staying around.  You going to behave?”

“Start behaving like a man, you mean?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No. I’m not going to have you mooning around making sheep eyes at Andy here.  You’re my husband – wife – I don’t know.  But you’re MINE!”

I couldn’t believe the surge of sexuality that coursed through my body at her words.  I’d never seen her so aggressive before.  Felt all weak and submissive. “Yes dear,”  I said happily.

She had a few more surprises for me before sleep claimed me that night.  She wasn’t put out by finding that I’d be sharing her bed with her. Seemed very pleased when she discovered that I’d bought lingerie, shoes and some dresses for myself.  Was adamant that I wear a nightdress to bed “Lucille? Until Andy leaves you’ll keep on dressing the way you have been.  Once she goes?  Then we can talk about it.  Put on that light blue one – I’ll bet it looks nice on.”

She didn’t want sex. “I’ve got to get used to this idea Lucille.  But give me a nice kiss and a cuddle, huh?  I’ve got something to tell you.”

It felt strange cuddling into someone just as soft and sweet smelling as I was myself, but it was nice. I took her in my arms for a while, but then she reversed the position and held me.  We both giggled some, then lay face to face, just kissing gently and caressing each other gently.  It was lovely.

Finally she spoke. “Not interested in what brought me home early?”

“I just figured that you’d finished the book tour and that your hand was numb from signing ALL of those books?”

“Wrong.  I just wanted to tell you, in person, that I signed a movie deal.”  She said this so unemotionally and so quietly that it didn’t impact on me too much.

“Gonna make us any money?” I asked.  “Would be nice.”

“A little,” she said in the same deadpan delivery.  “There’s a check for seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars in my purse – and that’s just an advance!  There’s also a bidding war going on for your last book.  I figured I’d play disinterested and take off.  As far as I know – you’re rich dear – filthy damned rich!”  With her last words, she threw off the bedclothes, then jumped up onto her feet and started bouncing up and down wildly.  I wasn’t far behind her.

We put our negligees on then danced into Andy’s room – and demanded that she come help us celebrate.  She was nice – you know it is when a friend strikes it rich?  You’re happy for them – but just a teensy bit jealous?  She got over that though when I made my suggestion. 

I’d done some discreet questioning of Debbie and gotten a fair idea of what the Lazy J would sell for.  She was of the same opinion as Andy – the place could be a money maker if managed properly.  At that time, I’d felt Janine and I could swing it – but it might strain us a little.  Now? NO problem!

So when I suggested that Janine and I buy the place – and let Andy manage it for a decent wage – and a share in the profits?  She couldn’t believe it!  Then she was dancing just as happily as Janine and I were.

Janine and I are happily married – although most people take us for sisters.  We sometimes get a little tetchy with each other when Andy comes to visit for a night or so, but she hauls both of us into bed at the same time – and then it’s fun all round.

Whoooopppeeee! (As Andy would say!)

The end.