- Ri-ick! - that melodious female voice Castle would have recognized from a thousand, and he was immediately picked up under his arm. - How are we doing?
- Business?! - almost choking on his whiskey, Castle stared in amazement at the sexy brown-haired woman who sat down next to him. And she looked chic: a smoky tight-fitting designer sweater, blue skinny jeans and a black leather branded reticule. Her hair was arranged in an elegant business ponytail, her makeup was flawless and bright, and the persistent citrus of expensive perfume confidently dominated the other scents of the bar. Snapping her fingers at the bartender and letting go of Castle's hand, the lady (and that was Paula Haas, his constant literary agent) gestured for a whiskey.
- Paula?! I'm, uh...uh... in progress!
- In what stage of it: initial or final? - with a grateful nod Paula accepted the glass and dashingly, masculine way, poured it into himself. - Or maybe it was terminal?
Castle's body immediately spasmed, Rick swallowed involuntarily, and his hollowed-out gaze was fixed on the speck of whiskey in the bottom of his own glass.
- Well... you know you can trust me! And my obligations to the publisher... ...is still there! I'm a rock! I'm a force, and no emotion snatchers can bring me down! Even the whole universe for me! I can do anything, and when I look in the mirror in the morning, I feel elated!
- Oh, no! - shoving a glass to the bartender for a new drink, Haas shook her head incredulously. - You egocentrists are such liars! You think you are the center of the world and almost the almighty messenger of God, but without a thought-provoking kick in your authoring process sometimes not even move! When was the last time you looked at the schedule, huh? Castle?! Almost a month overdue, and still no chapter! Bosses are already getting pissed off! And isn't it about time I went through your secret collection, huh? Why didn't you say something?! Castle!
- Я... I think, - Rick grudgingly realized that he had nothing to say: he and Paula had cooperated so long and successfully that she had seen right through him. And being a strong-willed, moderately stubborn and uncompromising, she often acted as a writer's counselor and advocate. She defended him against the attacks of critics and the press, drank whiskey without obligation or pretension after his breakup with Gina, and even, after reading some of his drafts, gave very valuable advice on women's whims. Often, when deadlines were not met, she covered for publishing bosses, but now there was no time to delay: "Falling Storm" was going to shut up the naysayers and bring them all success, if... Unless a key figure failed... And Rick sighed heavily, and Paula looked at him intently, with sympathy in her eyes, knowing full well that she had hit the point, and she had nothing to do but to extend a friendly hand again.
- Okay, Castle, - she gave her partner a gentle nudge on the shoulder. - We're so dependent on each other, I thought I'd help you out.
- Help?
— - Yes, your chapter isn't going, which means it needs a push.
- What do you want to do?
- Well, there is one way, and it's an old-fashioned way. And if you want, we can keep things the same between us. And in complete secrecy to the others, of course.
- Are you serious? - Castle even put the glass back on the counter.
- We're not kids, Castle, and transient relationships never scare me. You know I know how to stop, Rick, and getting hysterical afterwards is not my style. Especially since our mutual obligations are primarily related to your unfinished book. And you know what that does to us... Hmm?
She spoke slowly, weightily, emphasizing key words, as if to give time to think, and Castle almost agreed that the idea is not so bad. To avoid financial ruin, all means are good, and together with pleasure - even more so. And Castle readily held out his palm, but Haas, instead of shaking hands, with a smooth movement under her arm, suddenly drew Castle to herself, so that, fleetingly touching her lips, she imprinted a clear carmine mark on her cheek.
- Good! - retreated, dumbfounded Castle looked at her, absently running his fingers over her cheekbone, and then glancing at her soiled hand. - What's the plan?
- I'll rent a bungalow in a place you know. All you have to do is a couple of days off, your phone off, your laptop, and no complexes. It's a business proposition, Rick! You in?
- Oh, yes, Paula, we're partners.
...with his laptop in his hands, in his polo shirt and shorts, Rick nestled under the tent of a beach chair. The outline of the chapter had been born on the ferry, revealing its essence most fully. And while lively thoughts wandered in his head, it was all worth putting into text. Castle had barely had time to write a couple of paragraphs when a dainty hand rested on his shoulder to ruffle his naughty curls.
- I ordered us dinner and champagne, Castle. I propose we celebrate our media project together,- and Castle looked up, but before he could say anything, a bikini top was plopped on his face.
- Watch it, Ricky, these waves are so tantalizing to me...
And when Castle neatly folded the cups of the bodice on the keyboard, Paula was already twenty yards away from him. Ducking into the sand with her little feet, she balanced her arms, looking back with a smile, and the warm breeze occasionally brought scraps of phrase to Castle's , Paula Haas was good-looking, charming and perfect: narrow springy hips, graceful line of the back, graceful and artistic movements of the hands and a light tan all over the body - such women are born to be liked. And in love she was skillful and amusing, not letting herself be forgotten...
Here Paula entered knee-deep, stood, "tasting" the sea water to the touch: the breeze tangled in her hair, and the playful waves caressed around her, washing her skin with foamy caps. It was going to be a productive weekend, and Paula bent over slightly, running her hands in circles over the water and grouping before she jumped. Seizing her moment, she threw herself into the swooping ridge with a strong, springy thrust. In a few deft strokes the girl swam away from the shore, came up out of the water, waved her arms in greeting, seeing people staring at her. He, Castle, was clearly being bribed, which meant that whatever happened next was sure to be inserted into the chapter. Well, and embellish, as usual.
It took no more than five minutes to put the laptop in a cool place and change clothes, and Castle, bracing his chest, wandered to the surf line. It was evening, but the bright yellow disk of the sun still let its hot rays on the turquoise smooth surface. And somewhere there, among the foam "lambs", Paula's head appeared and disappeared: what can I say, she swam well, but Castle was not going to concede anyone. His character was partly copied from the author himself, and Castle considered the support of the writer's reputation as the most important task. And as a man and as a suitor, he seemed to have succeeded. He was able to talk colorfully, to joke subtly and unobtrusively, to pause when necessary, and to retreat into the shadows if circumstances demanded it. In Paula's case, it was a little different: he didn't have to win her over again, didn't have to talk her into his ears, and didn't have to take her on dates or to clubs and restaurants. And it wasn't the first time they'd met like this, it was just that, with the events surrounding the wedding and his subsequent divorce from Gina, his relationship with his agent had become emphatically businesslike. No, he was not lonely as a monk: he was not deprived of attention and affection of ladies; he even had a steady girlfriend who wanted to like him very much, and whom he did not even intend to introduce to his family. And even now he wasn't thinking about her, that commonplace Ursula, he was attracted to Paula. Adrenaline from the author's time pressure, uncertainty with the subject of the chapter and Haas's open desire to help should eventually give birth to a real writing "bomb".
And in the sea itself Castle did not go in, but ran in, with big jumps, lifting his legs higher, and swift breaststroke, cutting through the crests of waves, swam to Paula: she was frolicking not far from the buoys. She was diving, splashing in one place, waving to her partner, and when Castle swam closer, she lay on her back, her chest exposed to the disappearing over the horizon sun. And Castle still remembered how cool her girlfriend's breasts were: inviting, firm, with neat areolas and small buttons of nipples. Which were so nice and easy to bite and suck on. And Rick rowed up to Paula, and she flipped over in the water, clutching her nose, and ducked under Castle so that she was face to face with him. And they embraced, each with one arm, helping themselves with the other, and kissed inventively and playfully, and the kisses were sweet with growing passion and bitter with seawater.
...It was getting dark when the lovers "for an hour" piled into the bungalow. They had already had a quick and impulsive fuck in the water, and then crouched in their arms on the cooling sand, chatting on distracted topics. When it got chilly, they held hands and wandered to the bungalow, where a hot shower, champagne, and plenty of creature comforts awaited them.
The bungalow itself was separate from the main recreation area and was a compact house, with a bedroom, a shower room, a living room-kitchen, and a veranda, on which Castle roasted during the day. The air conditioner worked softly, and soft, bluish lighting turned on as people entered.
Rick let go of Paula's cold fingers and, bowing gallantly, sent the girl into the shower, and himself, throwing his robe over his cold shoulders, began to manage. He made the temperature in the room more comfortable, moved the table and chairs closer to the window and opened the blinds to admire the night sea. Castle didn't need to be taught how to set the table, and when Paula, steaming in her robe and towel over her head, emerged from the bathroom, the meal was ready. Two large plates of lasagna, an assortment of fruit and chocolate, red wine and champagne in a bucket, a slide of trout steaks, and lemon slices on a platter. And by the time Castle went to shower, Paula was already slumped in her chair, smiling contentedly. Slightly heated from the hot water face, unmistakably open on the chest robe and invitingly sparkling eyes encouraged Castle even more, inspiring hope for a successful outcome of their event ...
When Castle left the shower room, something had already changed in the bungalow. The air conditioner had been turned off, the lights had diminished manifold, and Paula was standing by the open window, holding her hand against the slope, listening to the sound of the surf. The girl took the towel off her head and spread her damp hair over her shoulders as best she could. She didn't hear Castle's footsteps - he crept toward the window like a cat - but she didn't flinch or cry out when they put their arms around her shoulders.
- What do you hear, Paula? - and Rick grinned as his friend's supple arm came around his waist. - Doesn't it say anything about Storm in the sky?
- To such an author... like you, Castle, doesn't need anyone else's... Paula was still staring into the distance, her mind wandering. - And if you... if you don't mind, I could use some... champagne- the salt made my throat dry...
- Oh, yes, yes, sorry! - Rick said, mentally reproaching himself. - Please sit down and let me buy you a drink.
Paula nodded, and realized how hungry she had been when she sat down to eat. And it was a good thing Castle hadn't noticed, but she'd been on edge all day: the conversation with the boss the night before the weekend had really worn her out. In fact, Castle had been given an ultimatum, and only her fervent assurances that in four or five days everything would be done had put off the imminent sanctions. And now she looked into Castle's shining face, listened to his near-cookery chatter, and felt the clamp slowly subside. In any case, Rick could say nothing for now, especially if his thought process rose to appropriate heights...
And so, the hunger was finally satisfied. The champagne clinked softly, the glasses clinked subtly.
- To success, Rick,- Paula emptied hers. - Let's not let the talent wither away.
- To success, Paula,-and Castle put his hand to his chest in gratitude. - Though I am a master of eloquence, it is not necessary to use words in this business, is it not?
- Holy truth,- Haas put the unfinished glass aside. - It's time for passion.
With a gentle nudge she slid out of her chair, untangled her robe, turned out the light, leaving a tiny night-light by the bed.
And went to the table: Castle was already waiting for her, naked and beautiful, and Paula spread her arms toward her. The robe hindered her and was ruthlessly dropped, and Castle stepped toward her brutally, beastly, clutched her in his arms. He kissed her hastily, as if he feared he would not make it in time, and Paula had already wrapped her arms around the trembling trunk and by the neck, dancing, pulled Castle toward him, and he...With joy and lust Rick gave in to her impulse, swooning to himself from the intense tactile sensations: how good and plastic she was!
...Rick literally pressed Paula into the wall of the bungalow, and she braided her arms and legs around him like a spider to a victim, pulling up on her forearms in the rhythm of her friction. And with her friend against the wall, Rick worked and worked himself to the point of exhaustion and devastation, and not at all inventively, but primal and lips came together again, and the partners kissed madly, unconsciously, giving themselves no respite, and when Paula cried out and breathed rapidly, the overstretched Castle barely had enough strength to drag the girl to the bed. Even as they sank down on the bed, they did not separate, and by the time Castle fell into oblivion, Paula was asleep peacefully on his chest.
