One false move would send him tumbling into financial ruin.One false move would send him tumbling into financial ruin. "Relax," she said, and took his arm in hers. "This isn't Sachs. I won't hold you liable if you knock something over." "That's nice to know," he said, his head craning for a better view of a Dali original. They stopped as a maid walked in from an adjacent hallway, heels clacking on the tiled floor. She was a frosted blonde, wearing a short servant girl skirt and black hose. Her fair hair and bright blue eyes were offset by a perfect tan. "You're back," she said, and looked at Tom; he evaluated her delicate features and well-curved physique, and pronounced her Ava's equal. Looking him up and down with a sly smile, she asked, "Is this the man you were talking about?" "Yes. Tom, this is Anna, my maid. She's the only permanent staff I have here." He took her hand, and gave her fingers a light kiss. "Charmed." Anna giggled. "Will you be going straight to the gymnasium?" "That depends on Mr. Bradley." Ava looked at him, and said, "Are you tired after you match? I can put you up for the evening if you'd like." Tom considered her offer, but decided that the sooner they were rolling around together, the better. And if Anna were to join in.... "Nah, I've had plenty of time to rest. I might need something fresh to wrestle in, though." "Not to worry," said Anna. "We've fresh togs for you to wear. You're a size twelve boot, aren't you?" "That's right." "Then follow me," said Ava. "I'm anxious to begin." The boots, kneepads, and tights were a perfect fit. After changing, he was led to the east wing, where he found a two-story complex equipped with free weights, resistance machines, aerobic devices--a private training facility of unsurpassed quality. Behind the weights was a half-court for basketball, and adjacent to that was a wrestling ring. |