Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 {ASS} YOU BET YOUR WIFE {Hungry Guy} (M/F Mpov cons rom cuck) By: Hungry
Guy

   It took Cian a long time to save up for it, and put him in debt for the
next ten years, but he finally did it.  He finally bought a brand new
Jaguar XJ6--a car that was worth what he made in a year as a junior
computer programmer for Megatelco in New York City.  At least, being
single, he had no other major expenses.

   He arrived home from work Friday night to his flat overlooking the river
Hudson, and began to nuke his dinner.  Then, as he sat down to eat, his
phone rang.

   "Hello?"

   "Oh, hi Piaras!"

   "Oh not much, just about to chow down, maybe head downtown later in my
new Jag!  How about you?"

   "Yeah, you heard me right!  I got it!"

   "Yeah, sure, I'll stop by.  Want me to pick up a flick on the way?"

   "Sure, you pick up a thriller, and I'll stop at my local on the way and
pick up some Guinness."

   "Yeah, sure...  Okay, see ya' later Piaras.  Bye."

   Cian often hung out with his best friend Piaras and Piaras' wife Eithne,
both whom he knew from work.  Sometimes they went out drinking together,
but they weren't really barflies, so very often they just hung out at each
other's place and watched rented movies, or played poker for small change.

   Cian arrived at Piaras and Eithne's place and parked in their driveway.
They had a little row house in one of those new planned developments. 
Eithne and Piaras came out of the house as he parked in their driveway and
was getting out of his new white Jaguar.

   "Oooh, it's beautiful," said Eithne!

   "Sure, and I got it loaded too!  Air...  Five speed...  Two hundred watt
stereo...  And power everything!"

   "You're gonna get the babes now, old man," said Piaras poking Cian in
the ribs with his elbow.  Actually, Cian had never had any luck picking up
women, and was still a virgin at 35.  Cian wasn't bad looking, he was tall
and slim, and women had actually come on to him on occasion back in
college, but he was such a klutz that he always spoiled such opportunities.
Eithne had even tried to set Cian up with some of her girlfriends a few
times, but nothing ever came of it.  Now that he was out of college and
working, and surer of himself, he was secretly hoping that this car would
restore some of those missed opportunities.

   Once inside, Cian put the movie in the DVD player while Piaras brought
out the beer, and Eithne brought out some fish and chips.  The movie
started and they all settled down to watch.  It was one of those sexy
slasher-thrillers where the woman usually ends up murdering the men she
sleeps with.  "Watch this, watch this," urged Piaras, "she ties him up and
pokes his eyes out with the ice pick while she's screwing 'im!"

   "Ewwwwwwww," added Eithne!

   Cian added, "How do they do that to make it look so real?"

   The snacks started to run out halfway through the movie.  "How about
more chips, guys?"

   "Sounds good," answered Piaras.

   "Sure, Eithne," added Cian.

   The movie had gone along its way, and the temptress was about to strike
down her next victim.  Suddenly, "Oh gross," exclaimed Piaras, "how can he
touch his mouth to her privates like that?"

   "Hey, keep watching, lover.  Maybe you'll learn something!" replied
Eithne.

   Cian just kept quiet.

   After the movie, Cian asked, "well, you guys wanna' go for a ride in my
car?  Maybe head downtown?"

   Eithne interrupted, "Slow down guys, why don't we just stay home, I
don't feel like getting wasted tonight.  And I'm sure Cian doesn't want to
get high and wrap his brand new car around a phone pole!"

   Cian added, "Sure Eithne, maybe its time for me to head home anyway."

   "I didn't mean to say you have to go, it's still early.  I'm just not in
the mood to go out now, that's all," said Eithne.

   "Hey, we have this old Candyland game," kidded Piaras.

   "Yeah, right..." added Eithne!

   "Okay, how about a game of poker?" asked Piaras.

   "Fine with me," said Eithne.

   "Sure, I'm game," added Cian.

   "But let's up the stakes this once," urged Piaras.

   "What kind of stakes?" asked Cian.

   "Well, how about your Jaguar?"

   "My Jaguar!  No way, Piaras!"

   "Aw, c'mon!  You're not chicken are you?  B'caw, b'caw, b'caw!"

   "Hey!  Do you know how long it took me to save up for a car like that?
And you want me to bet it on a card game!"

   "Hey En!  Cian's chicken!  Cian's chicken!"

   "Okay, Piaras!  If I bet my car, what do you want to bet?  You should
put up something really outrageous to make it worth betting my car!"

   "What do you want me to bet against your car then," asked Piaras?

   "Oh I don't know...  How about your house?"

   "Wait a second!" interrupted Eithne.  "As nice as your car is, our house
is worth a lot more.  That's not an even bet!"

   "She's right Cian, we can't bet our home," added Piaras.

   "Well, if you want me to bet something that means a lot to me like my
car, you should be willing to bet something that means a lot to you!  What
else do you have that's really excellent?"

   "Nothing else, really," said Piaras.

   "Yeah, we don't have much else," added Eithne.

   "I don't know then," said Cian.  "I can't bet my car if you don't have
anything really neat to offer too."

   "Well, do you have any ideas En?" asked her husband.

   "I don't know," replied Eithne, "unless Cian can think of something that
can match his car, except our townhouse."

   "Any ideas Cian?" added Piaras.

   Cian thought and pondered for a while, looking around the room for
anything that Piaras and Eithne might be able to put up against his car. 
Then he noticed Eithne standing, watching him think.  Eithne wasn't
beautiful, but she was attractive--a tall handsome woman.  Cian looked away
and closed his eyes for a moment longer, then finally spoke up.  "I know
what you can bet against my car, Piaras!  You can bet your wife!"

   "What!" exclaimed Piaras and Eithne together.

   "That's right!  If I win, Eithne comes home with me and spends the
night. No!  The weekend with me, and I'll return her home Monday morning on
my way to work."

   "No way!" screeched Eithne.

   "So now you're chicken?  You wanted high stakes?  There's high stakes!"

   "Well," considered Piaras, "that's high stakes alright!" Piaras though
for a moment and added, "How about it Eithne?  We could win a Jaguar!"

   "You're kidding, right?" asked Eithne.

   "I'm serious if Cian is!  Are you, Cian?"

   "Yes, I'm serious!  I'll bet my Jaguar against Eithne spending the
weekend with me."

   "C'mon En, be a sport!" urged Piaras.

   "You guys are crazy!  You know that!" added Eithne.

   "Oh, c'mon En!  We'll have a Jaguar if we win!  But you'll only have to
spend a little time with Cian if we lose, and I'm not going to lose!"

   "Well," squeaked Eithne, "if Cian thinks spending time with me is worth
his car, I guess I'll go along with the bet--but you better not lose, dear!
"

   Piaras got up and set up the card table before Eithne could entertain
more doubts.  "We'll make this quick, okay?  Best two hands out of three.
Winner takes all.  Agree?"

   "Sure."

   Piaras shuffled the deck and dealt both of them five cards.

   Picking up his hand, Cian held an Ace and Jack of hearts, a 4 and 5 of
clubs, and a 6 of diamonds.  Crap.  He discarded the Jack.

   Piaras dealt him a new card.  He turned it over.  It was a King of
spades.  Rot!  At least he had an Ace high hand if Piaras didn't get any
pairs.

   Piaras then also discarded one card.  That's a good sign.  Piaras looked
at his new card, then up at Cian in his show-nothing poker face.  Cian
wiped the sweat from his forehead and threw his Ace high hand on the table.

   Piaras groaned and threw his hand down.  Piaras showed a King, 10, 9 and
8 of diamonds, and a 6 of hearts.

   "I won the first hand!" proclaimed Cian.

   Piaras shuffled and dealt again.

   Eyeing his hand, Cian held a Jack and 9 of hearts, a 9 and 7 of spades,
and a Jack of clubs.  "Not bad," he thought to himself.  He kept his pair
of Jacks and his pair of 9's, and discarded the 7.

   Piaras discarded two cards.

   Cian was dealt 6 of hearts, useless.

   Piaras dealt himself two cards and looked up at Cian.

   Grinning, Cian showed his hand with his two pairs.

   Also grinning, Piaras slammed his hand down showing a pair of Queens and
a pair of 3's.  "Well, old man," announced Piaras!  "The next hand
decides."

   Piaras shuffled and dealt once more.

   Cian slowly picked up and unfolded his cards.  He held a Queen of
diamonds, a 10 and 6 of hearts, and a 9 and 5 of clubs.  All garbage! 
Keeping his two highest cards, he discarded the 6, the 9, and the 5.

   Piaras also discarded three cards.

   Cian was dealt a 10 of diamonds, a 9 of spades, and a 2 of clubs,
leaving him with a pair of 10's.

   Cian waited until Piaras showed his hand revealing a pair of 8's amid
other trash.

   "I won!" shouted Cian, showing his pair of 10's!

   Piaras sat still for a moment, then spoke up, "Well, congratulations,
old man!"

   "Thanks Piaras!  But I'm glad that game's over!  I never sweated so much
in my life!"

   "Say, where'd Eithne go?" asked Cian.  "She was just standing here just
a second ago."

   "She probably thinks you're going to hold her to our bet!" laughed
Piaras.

   "But I am going to hold her to the bet!  Be honest, wouldn't you have
held me to it if you won?"

   "Honestly," asked Piaras?  "I guess I would have taken your car."

   Eithne walked into the living room at this moment, carrying a small bag.
She spoke coldly, "Yes Cian, Piaras definitely would have expected you to
honor your bet." Then set down the bag.

   "What are you doing with that bag, En?" asked Piaras.

   "I'm going to need some clothes and things!"

   "Wait a second!  You're not serious!  You can't really go home with
Cian, Eithne!"

   "He won the bet.  If he still wants me to go with him, I will."

   "Cian..." moaned Piaras.

   "Yes, Piaras, I'm taking her!"

   It seemed like seconds before Piaras spoke again.  "Well Cian, I don't
know if I should offer one last beer to the guy who's going to screw my
wife tonight..."

   "And tomorrow night, and the night after that," added Cian.

   "Don't rub it in!"

   Cian took Eithne's bag.  "Okay, I won't.  It's getting late anyway. 
Shall we leave, Eithne?"

   "Sure..."

   Eithne followed Cian out to his car, and they drove back to Cian's
place.

   When they arrived back at Cian's flat, he brought Eithne's bag into the
living room, and set it on the coffee table.

   "I guess you can sleep on the sofa, Eithne.  I have a spare pillow and
some extra blankets.  I'll get them." Then Cian disappeared into his
bedroom for a moment, and returned with an armload of blankets and a
pillow. "I hope you'll be comfortable.  Anyway, I'm beat, so I'm going to
take a bath and go right to bed.  G'night!"

   "You mean you don't want me to--uh--you know?"

   "Don't worry Eithne, I don't expect you to do anything with me.  But! 
You have to promise me that you'll tell Piaras that we did sleep together
and that we screwed our brains out the whole time!"

   "Okay, I'll tell him that _giggle_ It'll serve him right to think that
we did it all weekend long!"

   "Anyway _yawn_ G'night Eithne.  Is there anything else you'll need?"

   "No thanks.  This is fine.  Night', Cian."

   ###

   When Cian woke the next morning and was heading for the loo, Eithne was
already drawing a bath.  She emerged about an hour later with her hair
wrapped in a towel.

   "Morning Eithne!  Took a bath?"

   "Hi, Cian.  Yes."

   "Yeah.  I need one too."

   "If you'd like, I'll make some breakfast while you're in the tub?"

   "Okay, thanks."

   When Cian finished his bath, Eithne was in the kitchen.  He went into
the bedroom and got dressed in a pair of jeans and a blue tee shirt.

   When he entered the kitchen, Eithne was there with her hair combed in
its usual way and wearing jeans and a dark blue sweatshirt, making
pancakes. "I found some pancake mix in the cabinet," she said.

   Eithne poured them two glasses of orange juice and also put the pot on
for coffee.

   They ate their pancakes together amid an awkward silence.  As they were
finishing, Cian broke the silence, "Okay, Eithne, I've just planned an
outing for us today!"

   "Oh?  Where?"

   "You'll see.  Go get your bag ready again!" Eithne looked at Cian
quizzically for a moment, while he just grinned back at her and went in the
bedroom.  Cian put their dishes in the dishwasher and she came out of the
bedroom with her bag.  Cian went over to her, took her bag, and led her out
to his car.

   "Don't you need a bag too?" asked Eithne.

   "I always keep an overnight bag in my boot in case I want to go
somewhere on the spur of the moment," answered Cian.

   Cian's bright white Jaguar had left New York and had been heading west
into New Jersey on the I22.  About an hour into the drive, he entered New
Jersey's most notorious roundabout, known as the Somerville Circle.  He
turned southbound onto the I206 when Eithne asked again, "Where are we
going Cian?  Please tell me!"

   "Just up ahead," he said with a grin.

   About an hour later, he turned right onto a winding secondary road,
which snaked up into the hills.  About a kilometer from the exit, he turned
into a wide driveway through a heart shaped wooden archway that read,
"Lover's Hideout."

   "I had always planned to take a girlfriend to this place, if I could
have ever got a girlfriend."

   "This isn't a nudist camp, Cian, is it?" asked Eithne.

   "Oh no!  Nothing like that!  It's a nice place.  A bed-and-breakfast
surrounded by a garden, forest paths, and several small ponds.  Some
out-of-the-way areas are 'clothing optional,' but you don't have to go
there unless you want to."

   Cian thought that Eithne was still a little suspicious, so he decided to
wait until she saw for herself.  They drove up the winding wooded driveway
for several hundred meters until they came to a clearing.  There was a
small car park big enough for, at most, twenty cars.  There was only about
five other cars.

   They could see a building just up beyond a brick path that led from the
car park.  Cian got their bags out of the boot and led her up the path. 
The building, they saw, was a large two story stone cottage with lots of
storybook gingerbread ornamentation.  "Cute," remarked Eithne, as they
entered.

   Once inside, they were in a cozy little lobby area with oriental throw
rugs scattered here and there, and antiques used as lobby furniture.  Cian
led Eithne up to the registration counter, and the woman standing there
greeted them in a Slavic accent, "Welcome to Lovers' Hideout, I'm Ingrid.
How can I help the two of you," she said with a genuinely warm smile?

   "I'm Cian, and this is Eithne.  We'd like a room, please."

   "Certainly," answered Ingrid.  "It'll be two hundred and fifty American
dollars per night, which includes the room, all meals, and recreational
facilities and entertainment."

   Eithne pulled Cian away from the counter.  "Cian," Eithne quickly
whispered, "please don't spend that much money on me!  I'm not really your
girl, you know!"

   "Eithne," Cian whispered back, "I'm not spending it on you!  Honestly,
I'm spending it on me.  I want to have a romantic night.  I've played this
weekend through my head so many times already.  I just didn't expect it to
happen quite this way."

   Cian returned to the counter and said, "One night please." He handed
Ingrid his Virgin Atlantic card, and handed Cian a room key.  "You're in
room seven.  Just up those stairs.  Checkout time is anytime you want. 
Enjoy your stay!"

   "Thank you," answered Cian.  Eithne merely nodded.

   Again, Cian took their bags, left the lobby into a small anteroom and up
a narrow stone stairway.  At the top of the stairway a wooden 'cupid'
pointed to rooms 1 to 5 to the left, and another to rooms 6 to 20 to the
right.  They turned right and went past several doors until they came to
the one with the number 7 emblazoned on a wooden heart on the door.

   Cian set the bags down, unlocked the door with the key, and opened it.
Eithne moved to enter the room as Cian said, "Wait!  Maybe you're not my
wife, but the way things are going, I'm never going to have one of my own,
I really want to do this." And before Eithne could speak, Cian picked her
up and carried her through the doorway.

   He carried her into the room and sat on the bed setting her on his lap.
Eithne put her hand on his shoulder, "You really are a romantic guy Cian,
it's a shame you aren't doing this with your own girlfriend."

   "Honestly Eithne, I'd rather be here with a friend than not be doing it
at all!"

   Eithne smiled and started to get off Cian's lap.

   "Wait!  Kiss me, Eithne."

   "What?  Cian!  I..."

   "Eithne, I just want a kiss."

   " "Uhm.  Shouldn't we get our bags out of the hallway Cian?"

   "Oh, sure..."

   Eithne got off Cian's lap and he brought their bags into the room. 
Noticing the room for the first time, it was a quaint little room.  The
most noticeable feature was a four poster king size bed covered with a
seemingly handmade quilt.  On one table was a marble stylized sculpture of
a man and woman embracing, but not otherwise erotic.  On one of the
night-stands was a small bowl of green M&Ms.  Noticeably absent was a telly
or phone.  Eithne looked around, "How sweet!  A bouquet of fresh flowers,"
which was standing in a vase on a table by the window.

   Eithne walked over to the flowers to smell them, and then she opened the
door by the window that led out to a secluded balcony enclosed on three
sides, and also an arch on the outer wall.  A grove of trees stood just
beyond the wrought iron balcony railing, allowing a view onto the grounds,
but obscuring the view of the balcony from below.  Cian followed her out
onto the balcony.

   "This is lovely Cian!  How did you ever find a place like this?"

   "I've always been on the lookout for places like this to take a
girlfriend.  This place was listed in a book of local day trips.  So
anyway, here we are.  Now, kiss me Eithne!"

   "But Cian, what if someone sees us?  We can go inside--to kiss..."

   "Eithne, I'm sure that anyone spying on these balconies has seen a lot
worse than kissing!"

   "But what if someone recognizes me?  Maybe we should have stayed at your
place."

   "Don't worry, not a whole lot of people know about this place.  The
owners like to keep it that way too.  That's why I brought you here."

   "Now, are you going to honor your bet and kiss me, or not!" She
approached him and stood stiffly with her arms to her side.  He embraced
her and gave her a long passionate kiss.

   Eithne pulled away after about a second.  Still embracing her, Cian
said, "Come Eithne, let's take a walk around?"

   Cian took Eithne's hand as they left the room.  Back in the anteroom,
besides the lobby, one passageway led into a dimly lit dining room, another
into a tiny lounge, and another into a small game room.  A short corridor
also led out to the back of the building, which is where Cian led Eithne.

   They exited into a thin grove of trees, where a number of brick paths
led off in different directions.  A large heart shaped sign hanging on a
tree there read:

   _The way leading back to the Inn will always be marked_

   _wherever you are.  But the trails leading away from_

   _the Inn are deliberately left unmapped because we want_

   _every journey through our woods to be a romantic surprise._

   "Well, let's go this way," said Cian.  They walked up a path and around
a hill and came into a hanging garden.  For a hot summer day, it felt quite
cool standing here among the shady trees.  Here, paths branched in all
different directions and they ambled down one at random.

   "Ohhh, these flowers are so pretty!  This is just beautiful, Cian!"

   "Yes, I didn't know they had a hanging garden here!  This is nice!"

   They continued walking through the garden, hand in hand.  They
eventually passed through an archway in a stone wall, which led out into a
heavily wooded area.  The brick path split in two and they continued down
one of the branches.

   Another couple approached from the other direction, and as they came
near, Eithne jerked her hand out of Cian's.  Cian said nothing, and both
couples nodded to each other as they passed.  When the other couple passed
from sight, Cian said, "Eithne, why did you pull your hand away?  Until
this weekend is over, you are _my_ main squeeze!"

   "I'm sorry Cian, I just got nervous."

   "Well, okay.  But listen.  I want some PDA!"

   "PDA?"

   "Yeah, It's an Americanism I picked up.  Means 'Public Display of
Affection.' The very next time we are about to pass another couple on the
path.  I want you to stop, put your arms around me, and plant a long wet
one on the kisser!"

   "Cian--I..."

   Smiling, Cian urged, "No 'Cian, I,' that's what you're going to do when
we hear another couple coming down the path!"

   "I'll try."

   Cian took her hand again and they continued walking along the path, but
they passed no other couples.  They soon came to a hilly spring meadow. 
They walked on and noticed another couple having a picnic under a tree off
in the distance.

   "Let's not disturb them," said Eithne, and they turned another way. 
They walked over to another tree, which happened to be along the bank of a
babbling brook.  Cian sat down on a rock and pulled Eithne onto his lap and
gave her another long passionate kiss.  To his surprise, she didn't try to
pull away.

   As they kissed, Cian began massaging Eithne's back with his hands.  She
didn't seem to mind, and they sat there necking for close to a minute. 
Eithne finally pulled away saying, "Phew!  I'm starting to get a little
hungry, Cian, aren't you?"

   "Only for you Eithne!  But sure, c'mon." Eithne got off Cian's lap and
they walked back to the path that led into the meadow.  They found the path
and started walking along it back the way they came.  Just as the sign
said, they found the signs leading back to the Inn and returned with no
problem.

   They arrived just past noon and entered the dining room, which had just
opened for lunch.  The host escorted them to a tiny table, which, like all
the other tables, had a small vase that contained a single pink rose.  All
the tables in the room had only two chairs each.

   A moment later, the vintner appeared and poured them each two glasses of
red wine.  Eithne, this time, took her glass and clinked it to Cian's, "to
friendship."

   "To friendship, Eithne."

   "Cian?"

   "Yes Eithne?"

   "Uh--oh, nothing--I mean, this is such a wonderful place, I wonder why
more people don't know about it?"

   "Well, it wouldn't be so wonderful if they advertised it like a major
resort and there were huge crowds, would it?"

   "No.  It wouldn't."

   The waiter appeared and handed them their menus and as he left, the
vintner returned and refilled their glasses.

   "This is delicious wine, Cian."

   "Yes, it's very sweet I noticed."

   "I wonder what it is?"

   "I don't know, but I wonder how they make any money?  There's hardly
anybody else here?"

   At that point, another couple was escorted in by the host.  Though the
dining room was small, there was a wide distance between tables that
afforded a good degree of privacy.  And he sat that other couple at the far
end of the room.

   "Anyway Eithne, what do you think you'll have?  It's all included with
our room, so have whatever you want." Cian and Eithne then studied their
menus for a while until the waiter returned.  "Have you decided," he asked?

   Eithne looked at Cian then up at the waiter; "I'll have the shrimp and
clam chowder?"

   "Excellent choice, madam?  And you sir?"

   "I'll have the corned beef and a baked potato, please?"

   "Very good sir, anything else to drink?"

   "I'll have a cup of tea--Earl Grey," said Eithne.

   "Me too," added Cian.

   "Very well, it'll be about ten minutes." The waiter then left.

   "So, Eithne.  I hope you're enjoying our weekend together so far."

   "It's okay," Eithne answered softly.

   "Just okay?"

   "Okay means okay."

   Cian stopped pressing the issue, and a few seconds later, their meal
arrived.

   "How's the shrimp, Eithne?"

   "It's really good!  Try one?"

   "Thanks.  Mmmm.  It is good."

   "How's your beef?"

   "Excellent.  Uh, want a bite?"

   "No thanks, this is enough for me."

   After dinner, Cian took Eithne's hand again as they left the dining
room. They walked back outside and up a different brick path than before.
The woods grew gradually thicker, though the path was well maintained and
the bricks were solidly in place.  They kept walking and eventually came to
a clearing.  Eithne looked at Cian, "Ooooh!  A wishing well!"

   There in the center of the clearing where the path made a circle around
it, was a stone well--a real one with a wooden roof and an old fashioned
iron crank and bucket.  Cian took a ten cent piece out of his pocket and
tossed it in the well.  The coin clinked as it hit the side of the well,
and it was several seconds before they heard the plop echo up the well.

   Eithne grinned and also took a coin from her purse and tossed it in.

   "What did you wish for Eithne?"

   "I can't tell you!  The wish won't come true, then!"

   They started walking along the path again as they each reached to take
the other's hand.

   The path continued winding through the woods, over a wooden bridge that
crossed a small stream, and then down a slight grade.  The path became
level again and then they came to another fork.  "Which way, Cian?"

   "Oh I don't know--this way I guess."

   They walked a little while longer along the brick path through the shade
of the trees.  "Ohhhhhhh, how beautiful, Cian!" They came out in another
clearing at the base of a tall waterfall that fell into a small rocky
lagoon.  The edge of the lagoon was covered by a rainbow of tropical
flowers.

   The path continued along the lagoon and over a stone bridge where the
lagoon emptied into a narrow brook.  Coming to another fork in the path,
one sign pointing the way back to the Inn pointed up one path, a larger
sign pointing the way of the other path read,

   _Clothing optional_

   _beyond this point_

   "Which way, Eithne?" asked Cian with a sly grin.

   "Oh, okay, Cian, let's go see what's there; but I'm not taking my
clothes off!" They walked down the path a little while, and came out onto a
tiny beach surrounding another small lagoon.  There on the beach was one
other couple, completely nude, making love, completely oblivious to Cian
and Eithne's presence.  Another couple was sitting on a rock in the lagoon
with only their heads above the water, laughing together.

   They walked up to the water and Cian reached down into it.  "Hey, this
water's really hot!"

   Eithne reached into the water also, "Yeah, there must be a natural hot
spring here."

   "I don't know.  Hot springs are supposed to smell like sulfur.  I don't
smell anything.  Hmmm, the water tastes perfectly clear."

   "Well, I can't believe they would be heating a pond!  This place would
cost a lot more than US$250 a day!"

   "Let's ask when we get back?"

   "Sure."

   Cian took Eithne's hand and walked up the beach a little way and sat
down.  Eithne sat next to him and Cian put his arm around her and kissed
her again.  She even kissed back, but Cian could tell that she was forcing
herself.  Cian gently pulled her onto her side lying next to him as they
kissed, then pulled her tightly to him.

   "Wait, Cian," Eithne pulled away!  "Please don't expect me to make love
with you--here.  We can go back to the room if you want..."

   "Who said anything about making love?  Let's just cuddle for a while? 
That's all I want to do right now!" Cian resumed kissing Eithne, and she
seemed to warm up again.  Cian again began massaging her back with his
hands, and they continued necking long into the afternoon there on the
beach.

   Eventually, the setting sun finally caught their attention.  "Oooh, I
guess we better head back, Eithne."

   "Yes, Cian, that seems a good idea!" They pecked a few more kisses and
got up and returned to the path.  Walking along, the evening gradually
became darker, but then they noticed that small lights along the edge of
the path starting to glow dimly then brighter.  They also found that those
signs leading back to the Inn were also lit.

   They found their way back to the Inn without mishap.  "Oooh, that's
strange!  I smell firewood burning." remarked Eithne, "But why would anyone
be burning a fire?  It's 90F degrees in the shade!" From the anteroom, they
entered the dimly lit lounge where there were a few other couples sitting
around a 3-way open fireplace popping and crackling.  While they could hear
the air conditioning straining against the heat generated by the roaring
fire, and despite the blistering heat outside, it was a pleasant 70F
degrees inside.  There were no chairs, but rather, many large throw pillows
scattered around the thick plush carpeted room.

   The other couples in the room were lounging arm-in-arm around the fire
laughing and talking.  Walking through the room, Cian took two glasses of
wine from a shelf labeled "help yourself," and handed one to Eithne.  They
found some pillows for themselves and lounged arm in arm watching the fire
and sipping their wine.  "I can't get over how wonderful this place is
Cian."

   "Yes, and there are still so many of those paths we haven't explored!"

   "I wonder what else they could possibly have!"

   "Well, we'll find out tomorrow!" With that, they just sat there for an
hour or so, just watching the fire, sipping wine, and exchanging an
occasional kiss.

   Cian was starting to get hungry again.  "C'mon Eithne, want to go for
dinner?"

   "Sure, let's go."

   They left the lounge and, once again, visited the dining room.  There
were many more people there this time as they entered.  "Good evening,"
welcomed the host, "this way please." He seated them at a table over in an
alcove.  The rose, this time, was red.

   The vintner arrived shortly with the wine, followed thereafter by the
waiter who handed them their menus again.

   "Well, Eithne, what'll you have for dinner?"

   "Oh, I don't know.  Let's see.  Those clams were pretty filling.  I
think I just have the chef's salad.  How about you?"

   "Well, in that case, I think I'll have something light too.  I guess
I'll have a grilled cheese sandwich."

   The waiter came back and took their order.

   Their dinner passed uneventfully.

   They took each other's hand as they left the dining room.  It made Cian
feel very warm inside now that Eithne seemed to be taking their physical
affection as a given.

   From the anteroom, they walked down the corridor in another direction.
There were a number of small shops along one wall, and they entered a
florist shop tended by an older woman.  "Hi!  I'm Caitlin, what can I do
for two young lovers today?"

   "Ah, we're just-browsing," said Eithne.

   "Actually," spoke Cian, "I'll take four roses, please.  One of each
color."

   "Okay, here you are," as she handed him the roses, "they're one American
dollar each including VAT.  Charge them to your room?"

   "Sure, room seven," said Cian.  Then turning to Eithne, "here, Eithne
these are for you!"

   "Oh, how sweet," said Caitlin!  "Hold on to this one, Eithne!"

   Eithne took the roses, then Cian's hand, then led him out of the shop,
"Cian..."

   Eithne was interrupted by a kiss.  Cian then took her into the next
shop, which was a chocolate shop.  "Greetings, said the man behind the
counter!  I'm running a special on green M&Ms!"

   "Oh we have plenty up in our room," said Eithne.

   "How much for two caramels," asked Cian?

   "Just two caramels?" he asked.  He handed them two caramels.  "Here's
two caramels, on the house!"

   "Thank you," said Cian and Eithne together.

   They exited, eating their caramels.

   They walked past a gift shop, a shop selling sexy underwear, a shop
selling sex toys, and a shop selling sundries and toiletries.  At the end
of the corridor, they came to another stairway, with one flight going up
and another going down.

   Hearing music coming from below, Cian led Eithne down the stairs and
came to a foyer of two passageways.  On the left was visible a cozy little
pub and on the right was a small Parisian discotheque where people seated
around a dance floor with a few couples slow-dancing to _Neha's_ latest
ballad.

   "Your preference," said Cian.

   "This way," said Eithne as she entered the pub.

   They found a table, which wasn't too difficult, as the pub was
relatively empty.

   It was dark and quite inside.  A few other couples were sitting at some
of the other tables.

   In a moment, a waitress came over to their table, "Hi.  I'm Bevan.  What
are you having to drink?"

   Cian looked over at Eithne, "A couple of pints of Guinness, dear?"

   "Care to try something unique, Cian?"

   "Sure," Cian answered.

   "We'll have two sombreros," Eithne told the waitress.

   "Okay, they'll be right up." She walked away.

   "What's a sombrero?" asked Cian.

   "Oh, they're good!  It's Kahluah and heavy cream.  It tastes almost like
chocolate milk.  You'll love it, really!"

   Their drinks came shortly and Cian took a sip of his.

   "You're right, En.  It does taste like chocolate milk!  It's delicious!"

   "Well, don't let it sneak up on you.  They're still pretty potent."

   They stayed there chatting until late.  Cian looked at his watch and saw
that it was almost 23.30, but he was still feeling warm from their earlier
sombreros.  He reached over and took Eithne's hand.  "It's almost midnight,
shall we return to our room for the night?"

   "Yes, sure," replied Eithne.

   They stood and went up the two flights of stairs and found their room.
Having entered and closed the door behind them, Cian asked, "Did you enjoy
your day, Eithne?"

   "Yes Cian, very much."

   "Well, do you want to get washed up first or me?"

   "You can go first, Cian."

   Cian opened his bag and took out a smaller tote bag and pajamas, took
them into the toilet, and took a bath.  He finished his bath quickly, put
on his pajamas and came out.  "Okay Eithne, your turn."

   Eithne then went into the toilet with some things she had taken out of
her bag.  Cian stepped out onto the balcony and sat looking at the moon in
the night sky.

   Eithne startled him as she shot out onto the balcony some time later. 
"Oh, here you are!  I thought, maybe, you went and left me here."

   "Eithne, I wouldn't do that!" He stood, looking at her in her blue
terry-cloth bathrobe.  He put his arms around her and kissed her, and then
led her back inside.

   He led her into the bed and got in after her and turned out the light.

   He rolled over and snuggled next to her draping his arm around her.  He
thought he heard a whimper.

   "Eithne?"

   "I'm scared, Cian!"

   "Eithne, all I want to do is snuggle.  Okay?"

   "Oh?"

   "Sure.  Now good night, Eithne." He gave her one last kiss before dozing
off for the night.

   ###

   When Cian woke the next morning, Eithne had draped an arm and a leg over
his body.  She was still sleeping and Cian lay there quietly so as not to
wake her.

   Cian was about to doze off again when he caught her eyes gazing back at
him.  He smiled, with a "Good morning, Eithne." Then gave her a kiss.

   "Good morning, Cian!" She gave his kiss back to him.

   "What do you want to do today?"

   "I don't know.  What do you want to do?"

   "Well, let's get ready and go get some breakfast.  Okay?"

   "Sure."

   Eithne got out of bed and entered the toilet.

   Cian made himself ready for the day next, and they both went down to the
dining room together for breakfast.

   "Still scared of me, Eithne?"

   Eithne didn't answer and they finished their breakfast without another
word.

   A little while later, they were walking along a new garden path, holding
hands.  Cian was lost in his own thoughts looking through trees when Eithne
suddenly stopped, stepped in front of him, put her arms around his neck,
and mashed her mouth against his.  Cian put his arms around her waist and
pulled her even tighter against him as they kissed.  A moment later,
another couple walked past them arm in arm, and disappeared around the
bend.

   Eithne broke the kiss, but continued holding him, "Is that what you
wanted Cian?"

   "Oh yes, Eithne!  But don't stop just because the other couple walked
away." And they resumed the kiss, which lasted for uncounted more seconds.

   They finally broke apart and continued on their way.  As they walked,
Cian released Eithne's hand and slipped his arm around her waist, she then
put hers around his, and they walked along arm in arm.

   "You know, Cian, it's funny how different you and Piaras are.  Piaras
won't even hold my hand in public; he says it's vulgar."

   "Well, Eithne, I don't think there's anything vulgar about caring for
someone."

   They kissed again, then continued on their way.  They meandered up this
path and down that path, taking random routes at the forks until they came
to a shore of a large lake filled with geese.  Another couple was sitting
on one of the benches feeding bread to the large brown birds.  Cian walked
over and they sat themselves down at another bench, and they were
immediately surrounded by hungry geese.  "These geese must be used to being
fed," commented Cian.

   "Probably, but I have nothing for them, Cian.  Do you?"

   "No, 'fraid not."

   _HONK!_

   "Sorry fella," Cian answered the goose.

   The geese finally gave up and left them alone.  Cian took the
opportunity to put his arm around Eithne and snuggle closer, taking her
hand in his other free hand.

   Eithne put her free arm around Cian and they sat like that for some time
just watching the wind blow the trees and the geese swim around the pond.
"Well, Eithne," Cian said, "I guess it's getting time to head back home."

   "You're taking me home now?"

   Cian thought he heard a sob in her voice.  "No, I'm still keeping you
until tomorrow morning Eithne.  But we should check out soon, don't you
think."

   They stood and followed the paths back to the inn, where they packed
their bags, checked out, and left.

   ###

   The long drive brought them back to Cian's flat.

   "What would you like for dinner, Eithne?"

   "What do you have?"

   "Hmmmm--let's see--I have this package of hot-dogs...  and this box of
rice.  How's that?"

   "That sounds like an interesting combination, Cian!"

   Their hot-dog and rice dinner was on the table in short order.

   "Cian," Eithne offered, "I want you to know I really enjoyed our weekend
together."

   "Honest?"

   "Honest!  You were so sweet.  Piaras could learn a few things from you."

   "Thanks, but the weekend's not over yet, Eithne."

   "I know."

   They finished their dinner and spent the rest of the evening in front of
the telly snuggling and kissing.  The latest episode of _Absolutely
Fabulous_ was on, but they hardly paid it any mind.  Then, near the end of
_Fawlty Towers,_ Cian let out a yawn and stood, "Well, guess it's time for
bed.  We gotta get up early tomorrow."

   "Cian?"

   "Yes, Eithne?"

   "Where am I sleeping tonight?"

   "What do you mean--do you want to go home now?"

   "Not unless you want to take me home now.  I mean--do you want me to
sleep on the sofa, or..."

   "Where do you want to sleep?"

   "It's up to you, Cian."

   Cian reached out and took Eithne's hand and led her into the bedroom,
and gave her a kiss.

   "Cian?  Are you going to?  This time?"

   "Of course not," Cian said, but added with a laugh, "unless you want me
to!"

   "Cian, all weekend, every time I thought you were going to--you said
'no.' You're too nice for your own good, Cian!"

   Cian stood there for a moment lost in thought, while Eithne stood there
watching him.

   Standing there facing her, he began to undress himself.  He removed his
shirt.  Then his trousers.  He looked up at her standing motionless
watching him undress himself.  Lastly, he pulled his briefs off and stood
facing her.

   They stood there like that for several moments until she hesitantly
reached down and pulled her sweatshirt up and off.  She next, ever so
slowly, unfastened her jeans and let them drop to the floor.

   Cian took a step toward her, but she took a step back.

   She turned away from him, then reached behind her and unfastened her bra
dropped it on the floor.  She lastly pulled her panties off and let them
fall to the floor.

   She stood there with her back to him.  Her nude body was beautiful and
slender.

   Again, Cian took a cautious step toward her.

   "Wait," she said in barely a whisper.  She slowly turned to face him. 
She stood there with her legs slightly bent and crossed, with her arms
covering her chest.

   Cian took another step toward her.

   "Cian!"

   He paused.  "Yes?  Eithne?"

   "I don't love you, Cian!  I'm only doing this because of the bet!  I
want you to know that!  Okay!"

   "Yes, Eithne." He took one more step and then he was standing face to
face with her.  He took hold of her wrists and gently pulled her arms down.
Seeing her fully exposed to him for the first time, he saw how beautiful
she was.

   She closed her eyes and he put her face in his hands and started kissing
her in a way he hadn't kissed her before.  He opened his mouth and gently
licked her lips.

   She pulled away, "Cian.  Please.  Wait."

   Cian backed away slightly, "Are you refusing to honor your bet Eithne?"
Eithne looked at him and put her hand on his shoulder, "No.  Just go
slowly, Cian.  Okay?"

   "Okay, I'll go slowly if you'll, at least, act interested in me?"

   "Please, Cian!  Just go slowly, and I'll try to put out."

   "Eithne!  Don't you get it yet?  I don't want you to 'put out'!  I want
us to make love together!"

   "Cian!  I just told you that I don't love you!  Now, if you want to
screw, we'll screw.  But I'm only doing this because of that bloody bet, so
stop pretending that we're lovers on a honeymoon or something!"

   Cian just softly said, "okay," and again brought his lips to hers.  She
responded in kind and they soon fell onto the bed where passion flared.

   He probed here and there with his fingers as she moaned, "Oh yes!  That
feels so good!  Keep doing that!" Their bodies writhed in synchronization
until they were both satisfied.  Spent and exhausted, and heart pounding,
Cian continued kissing and caressing her.  At once, Eithne seemed surprised
for a moment, but then she smiled back at Cian and resumed kissing him back
eagerly, and rubbing his back as he lay there on top of her.

   "Do you know, Eithne," spoke Cian, "you're the first woman I've ever had
sex with?"

   "Oh--uh--I don't know what to say Cian.  I'm honored.  I'm just sorry
your first time couldn't have been with someone who loved you."

   Cian gave Eithne a quick kiss, "Oh, Eithne!  I'm glad I did it with a
friend instead of someone I picked up in a club or with some hooker. 
Really!"

   Eithne gave his kiss back, "Well, I hope you weren't disappointed!  My
first time was really a disaster!"

   And Cian gave that kiss back again, "Oh!  Believe me Eithne, I wasn't
disappointed at all.  You were great!  But what about your first time?"

   "Oh, it was with my first boyfriend back when.  He took me to the prom.
Then afterward, he expected me to do it with him.  I was really scared, but
I did it with him anyway."

   "And?"

   "And, it was terrible, we were parked in his car, and as soon as I said
'yes,' he started pulling and tearing my clothes off.  He ripped my
beautiful prom dress that I saved up all year for!  I lay down on the seat
so he could get to me without tearing my dress anymore, and then he just
jumped on top of me.  Oh, the pain!  He just pushed himself inside me
without turning me on or anything!  Then, it was over just like that! 
Then, after I finally did get turned on, he just got off me and drove me
home.  He didn't say a single word to me the whole way either."

   "Oh that's terrible!  You must have felt awful!"

   "Yes, I did, Cian!  I don't know why I continued seeing him, but I did.
We kept going together, but we broke up when we got out of school."

   "Did you find another boyfriend after that?"

   "No, I dated a few times while attending university, but, no, I didn't
sleep with anyone.  I never got serious about anyone again until I met
Piaras at work.  You know the rest.  Pretty boring, huh?"

   "Sounds pretty typical to me, unless you really believe those stories
you read in _Playboy_ and _Penthouse_.  And, speaking of _Playboy,_ kiss me
again, Eithne."

   "Oh Cian," Eithne cooed, "it's hard to believe you're a virgin!  Where
did you learn to do it like that?"

   "It's funny Eithne.  That's just how I always fantasized it should be
like.  Not the way you read about in porno magazines."

   "Oh?  I've never read a porno magazine.  What do they say about it?"

   Cian's face turned red.  "Oh--lots of stuff.  Mostly it seems like the
guy attacks the girl rather than them making love to each other.

   "And other stuff too..."

   "Cian?"

   "Yes, Eithne?"

   "Could you..."

   "Could I what, Eithne?"

   "Do something that Piaras never does for me..."

   "Sure!  What?"

   "Oh, uhm, nothing..."

   With that, Cian began stroking her has he had done during their previous
lovemaking.  Eithne, however, took the initiative this time by rolling over
on top of Cian.  She started sliding down his body.  Lower and lower she
went.

   "Ohhh, Eithne, that feels so good!"

   "Oh, I'm not finished yet!"

   She moved down once more.  Cian was staring down at her as she was using
her mouth on him.  The pressure was building in him until he couldn't take
it anymore.

   And then, having spent himself again the second time this evening, he
rolled the both of them over.  He slid down her body, and did for her what
she had just done for him.  Her body was writhing and quaking as Cian
brought her to tears of pleasure.

   Finally, he crawled back up on her and did enter her the conventional
way, as they moaned in mutual pleasure to the pounding of both of their
hearts.

   Multiply spent, the both of them, and continuing to kiss and caress each
other, they slid under the covers.

   He leaned over and closed the light, and then they continued gently
kissing and snuggling until both of them gradually fell asleep with their
arms and legs entwined.

   ###

   The alarm clock woke them the next morning still tangled in each other.

   Cian whispered, "Good morning lover!"

   "Good morning lover!" she replied.

   "Well, our weekend is just about over.  I hate to take you back, but I
guess we should get ready to go back to our normal lives..."

   "I guess we should, Cian."

   "Oh, and Cian!  Do you still want to know what I wished for at that
wishing well?"

   "Sure!"

   "Well, I wished that Piaras would become as romantic as you are!"

   "Awwwww, Eithne." And Cian kissed her again.

   "Oh Cian!  Look at the time!  We better start getting ready!"

   Cian reached up and pulled her down to him and they snuggled for a
moment before answering.  "Okay, let's get ready."

   Eithne packed up her bag and looked sheepishly at Cian.  "Well, Cian, I
really did enjoy our weekend together.  I never knew you were such a
romantic guy Cian, and I'm--well--I feel funny saying this, but I'm sorry
that it's over."

   Cian took Eithne's hand and her bag, and they went down to his car.

   Little was said on the way to Eithne's house.  When they arrived, she
looked away from Cian.  "You know we can't ever see each other anymore,
Cian.  Piaras and I can't be your friends any more." "

   Cian thought for a moment and asked.  "Why can't we still be friends? 
Talk to Piaras, Eithne.  I bet we'll all laugh about it together in a few
months."

   Eithne looked at Cian for a moment then looked away.  "We can't be
friends because I fell in love with you this weekend, Cian."

   Then, without facing him again, she jumped out of the car, quickly
grabbed her bag, and ran into her house.

   Cian waited several seconds after she disappeared into her house until
he drove off to work in his new Jaguar.

   * END *