Lisa's Comeback (Part 2)

The weeks since Lisa Marvell had last anchored Channel 4's 6:00 and 11:00 news broadcasts had flown by for the star reporter. She had negotiated a leave of absence partly to give herself some time to come up with fresh ideas for a new series of feature reports for the local television station where she had served as co-anchor for several years. But she also desperately needed a break after working virtually nonstop for months.

It had all started the previous winter when Lisa decided to boost her station's declining ratings by appearing braless at the end of a late night Friday newscast. The stunt worked, viewership increased, and each week Lisa (with the support of her producer Bill Reinhart) devised ways to appear at the end of the week during the 11:00 broadcast in progressively revealing outfits. This gave rise to a series of stories on women who "dare to bare," with Lisa reporting on ladies engaged in activities that called on them to wear little or no clothing. And, as part of each feature, the reporter joined in the activity. Over the weeks, Lisa appeared in a see-through gown, modeled in the buff for an art class, visited a nudist colony, posed for racy photographs (along with her colleague and weather reporter, Natalie Johnson), and performed a striptease at a local club. Lisa retained tight control over the series, including just how much of her body would be revealed in each report. Then, as the demands on her time became overwhelming, Lisa struck an agreement with Bill allowing her to take a well-earned leave, but not before performing an on-air strip during her farewell broadcast that left her wearing nothing by a c-string and pasties. And then she disappeared.

Bill received an occasional text saying she was well, but she never told him where she was or what she was doing. Finally, one afternoon, the station manager Ken Barber surprised Bill by revealing that Lisa had just signed a new contract that involved some significant changes. Lisa would be returning to the station primarily to co-anchor the 11:00 Friday Night newscasts and to report on stories with a more mature theme (or, in the language of the contract, "adult-oriented news items"), including segments focusing on Lisa herself. "And not to worry," Ken had explained to Bill, "this won't mean extra work for you. It's still all under your control, but we've asked Natalie Johnson to serve as associate producer for Lisa's segments on the Friday Night Specials. So she'll be in charge of all of the details."

In addition, Bill learned that Lisa had agreed that an announcement could be made on that night's 11:00 news saying that she would returning to Channel 4 for the series of special late night reports. Those segments would allow her to explore daring ideas and challenges, many of them provided by the audience, who were encouraged to email their suggestions to [email protected]. It seemed like Lisa was no longer content to simply report on a story; during her time off, she had decided that she wanted to be the story. And, with Natalie designated as her producer, it was implied that the young, dark-haired anchorwoman was going to be in control of Lisa's performances.

The next Monday, when Bill arrived at the studio, he was startled to see a very relaxed Lisa sitting in his office, thumbing through a fashion magazine with one leg draped casually over the arm of the only comfortable chair in the room. With a stunning tan that showed off her long blonde hair and natural good looks, she was dressed in jeans and a tee shirt. Whatever she had been doing during her time away, it was clear she had been staying in great shape. Her jeans clung to her long legs, and Bill was reasonably sure that she wasn't wearing a bra under her top. At 5' 8", she was still under 130 lbs, and her svelte 34-25-34 figure had never looked better.

"Lisa," Bill began, trying to recover from the surprise of seeing her again, "it's wonderful to have you back." She let the magazine slip back into her bag and stood up and hugged him briefly. Bill took a step back and made a point of scanning her from head to toe. "The time off must have agreed with you. You look great."

"Thanks, Bill. I can't remember when I've felt this good. And I owe it all to you for allowing me to take a break. I promise you won't regret it."

"I haven't regretted going along with any of your ideas so far, and I can't imagine why that would change." He continued, "We announced your return last week, and the suggestions are already pouring in for you."

"Are they?" Lisa said, with a gleam in her eye. "I guess there are still a few people out there who remember me." She paused, then added with just a little edge in her voice, "Even though you've got Natalie anchoring the broadcasts now."

Bill had wondered how much of a sore spot this would be with the reporter. He suspected that Lisa, in spite of the fact that she had asked to give up the news desk, hadn't anticipated that her colleague and former weather girl, Natalie Johnson, would take over the position. Bill knew that experienced on-air talent could grow resentful when a younger coworker was given a break or offered a promotion that had taken them longer to attain. But in the view of station management, Natalie was the logical choice to step in. Her participation in some of Lisa's reports, including her willingness to pose for sexy lingerie photos in one of the "dare-to-bare" reports, had made her a hit with viewers. And no one wanted to lose the audience that had been tuning in to see Lisa, so who better to hold their attention than Natalie.

"Natalie's doing a great job," Bill responded. "She's been continuing in the spirit of the Friday night special reports, and no one's been more supportive of your return to the news team than she has. In fact, she's insisting on reviewing all of the ideas coming in from viewers and wants to sit in on all our meetings with the writers when we kick around the suggestions."

The reporter stretched back out in the chair and looked at Bill. What he didn't know was that Natalie had initiated a romantic relationship with Lisa that had continued even after Natalie took over the anchor slot. And having agreed that they wanted to pursue an open relationship, they had also decided that the chance to work together again could be used to push their boundaries and allow Lisa to explore her burgeoning sexual and exhibitionist desires.

"That doesn't surprise me at all. I'm sure she's very eager to have me try some of these dares," Lisa replied, just the trace of a smile forming at the corners of her mouth. "And you know, I am, too," she said. "One thing I've realized about myself is that I find it exciting to try new things, even if I occasionally need a bit of a push. I'm open to just about anything, especially if it makes for compelling television. And if this turns out the way I think it might, we could end up with something that's really new and different and maybe shakes things up a bit."

"Like you haven't shaken things up already?" Bill said with a huge grin. "You know, we hired a new weather forecaster and a young reporter, and on occasion Natalie has encouraged them to compete to see who can wear the sexiest outfit on Friday night."

"I'd heard about that and seen some of the clips. Very daring, Bill," Lisa added with just a touch of irony in her voice. "In fact, I'm counting on the fact that I'll be able to recruit some of my colleagues for these Friday Night Special reports," she replied, raising her eyebrows as if to say "just wait until you see what I have in mind."

"That would be fantastic for our ratings, so you'll get no objections from me," Bill assured her. "But you do understand that the dares themselves will be given to you by the news anchor?"

"Which, of course, I realize is Natalie." Lisa glanced around as if deciding just what else to say and then looked back at Bill with just the hint of a laugh. "Let's just say that was something that was discussed at length and I thought it was essential to what we're going to do. I realize I'll be too busy filming the segments for Friday, so I'll have to trust the editing of my reports to others, I guess," she continued as if confessing some deep, dark secret to Bill.

Bill paused and leaned over his desk. "I have to say I was surprised to see that in the agreement you signed with the station. But I'm glad to know that you're okay with doing whatever is asked of you for these dares."

"Don't worry, Bill, I am. And I'm sure Natalie will have fun giving me orders," she said with an edge to her voice. "I'm a big girl and I know what I'm opening myself up to. Like I said, I think I'm going to enjoy it."

"You know, I'm sure you are," Bill grinned, shaking his head in admiration at the spirit and nerve of the stunning reporter.

"Oh, and one more thing be before I go," Lisa added. "You probably know that my new associate producer has already cooked up the first segment for this Friday and wants to coordinate it with some of the things the marketing people have been planning to announce my return. We're meeting with them in a couple of hours so I can learn more and I'm hoping you'll be there."

"Definitely," Bill said, "In fact, I was just reviewing a special budget request from Natalie related to those promotional pieces, and I'll be getting together with her and a freelancer just before we meet with marketing. So I'll see you later."

"That sounds good," Lisa said. "But right now," she continued as she rose from the chair, "I think I'm going to track down Natalie to see what suggestions are coming in for my 'daring' performances. It feels strange not having to get ready for the broadcasts each day, so I might as well get to work on Friday's report," she said, leaning over his desk to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.

The bemused news producer gently shook his head back and forth with a broad smile on this face. "It really is great to have you back."

Lisa casually waved goodbye over her shoulders as she exited Bill's office, then walked down the hallway toward the anchorwoman's office. She knocked quickly on the door, eager to see if she could figure out exactly what Natalie was planning.

Without waiting for a reply, she opened the door and saw Natalie sitting at her desk. The dark-haired reporter stood up and took a few steps toward her. "What a pleasant surprise," she exclaimed, with a slight blush overspreading her cheeks. "I didn't expect to see you until the meeting this afternoon."

With the door still open and people moving up and down the corridor, Lisa decided to simply give Natalie a big hug, then took a few steps back. "I thought I'd come in a little early so I could see Bill," she said.

"I hope that went well," the anchorwoman replied, trying to get a sense of how Bill had reacted to Lisa's return and the changes in the Friday night broadcast.

"He completely understands how this can continue to boost the ratings," she answered her colleague. "His only concern was to make sure I was comfortable with it," she said, pausing for emphasis, "which I totally am."

Natalie smiled, pleased and excited that Lisa was accepting without question the fact that the dares would be determined by Natalie and that the blonde reporter's role was simply to do whatever was asked of her. "It's going to be fun, isn't it?" she responded in a low whisper, like a schoolgirl sharing a secret. "I've already been going over the plans for this week's segment with Bryan and the rest of the writers and we've got some great ideas about how we can tie it into the teasers that marketing wants to do to announce your return to the station." She paused and decided to stop there. "He's working up a full treatment now and we'll go over it this afternoon."

"Hmmm. So the dare actually involves the promotional pieces," Lisa said in a low voice, thinking through the implications of what Natalie was saying. "That means that whatever we do might not just show up on the late night broadcast. That could be a little different."

"And exciting," Natalie added knowingly as she lightly touched her colleague's hand.

Lisa felt a shiver run down her spine; she could tell that Natalie was working on some idea that would push her limits, and the thought thrilled her to the core. Lowering her eyes, she said, "I guess I'll just have to wait for the meeting to learn more. But, if you're approving the plans, then I'm sure I'll enjoy the assignment."

Just the hint of a smile spread across Natalie's face as she replied, "Trust me, you will."

*****

It was a little past two when Lisa returned to the building and headed into the main conference room of the Channel 4 station. To her surprise, Bryan, the lead writer for the newscasts, was at the head of the table assembling some sheets of paper apparently prepared to play a major role in the discussions. Lisa said hello to him, and then went immediately over to Tim Willis, the station's lead sportscaster and colleague of Lisa's, and gave him a warm hug.

One by one, the other members of the news department arrived, giving Lisa a chance to say hello to each of them. By the time Natalie and Bill entered, the entire team - the new weather person Nicole Lewis, weekend anchor Kim Washington, and feature reporters Jim Simpson, Ashley Miller, and Sue Thomson - had assembled.

Natalie was accompanied by a man that Lisa didn't recognize. Standing a little over six feet tall with a muscular build, his dark stubble beard and casual dress style definitely marked him as an outsider who wasn't from the corporate offices or the usual pool of marketing freelancers. The attractive stranger gave a warm greeting to Bryan and then sat down next to Bill.

"Thanks to everyone for coming in," the news producer began as Bryan distributed copies of the pages. "As you know, we've asked the team to get together to plan for Lisa's return to the station." He paused while the assembled group spontaneously gave a round of applause. "I know," Bill said acknowledging the recognition being shown to Lisa, "that we couldn't be more delighted to have her back." He chuckled momentarily, and then continued. "In fact, to promote her return, we've been planning a promotional campaign built around the tag line of 'Lisa's back.' We're here to discuss shooting a couple of videos that will fit in with the work that marketing has been doing," and he held up a sketch of a print piece that was attached to the copies Bryan had handed out.

"Now," the producer continued, "we're expanding our Friday Night Special newscasts to include a segment in which Lisa will resume some of her, shall we say, 'daring' activities," he added with a smile. "In a minute, I'm going to turn it over to Bryan and Natalie to explain how they plan to tie the promotional pieces into this week's dare. But first," Bill said turning to his left, "let me introduce you to Manuel Barreda," as the stranger gave a brief wave of the hand. "Manny is one of the best in the business, and we're very fortunate that he has agreed to be direct the short teasers as well as the Friday night video for Lisa's segment."

Throughout his remarks, Bill had noticed that the blonde reporter appeared deep in thought, intently studying the newcomer in the room. And as soon as he had mentioned his name, he could see the light go off in her head.

"Nice to meet you," Lisa said as soon as Bill had introduced the videographer. And then she added, barely missing a beat, "How did we lure you back from the coast?"

"I'm impressed that you know that much about me, Miss Marvell," Manuel replied with a flash in his eyes. "But when Bryan called me late last week and mentioned your name, well, I signed on for the job immediately."

"I've known Manuel for years," the writer chimed in, "back when he was a struggling artist here in town and I was a graduate student working odd jobs. That was before he did his first music video."

Lisa quickly recalled the history of Manuel's success. Establishing himself on the basis of several videos he made for local bands, he followed the money and the opportunities first to New York and then to L.A. The last she had heard he was working chiefly on commercials, commanding hefty fees for his services.

Now it was Natalie's turn to complete the explanation. "You see, marketing had been planning to do a set of routine promotional pieces announcing Lisa's return to the 11:00 news. But Bill and I feel this deserves something special. Then, as we looked through the suggestions for dares that were coming in from viewers, Bryan found something that could be tied into those pieces. Viewers want to see Lisa in an extended video, so we've decided to integrate that into the marketing campaign. We'll use the video on the Friday Night Special report and then have it up on our website for our audience to see whenever they want. Of course," she continued, "we'll put it behind some sort of sign-in where viewers verify that they're over eighteen."

"Oh, and why is that?" Lisa asked with just a touch of sarcasm in her voice.

"Well, we want it to be edgy and, shall we say, representative of the work you're doing on the Friday Night specials. That's when we thought of Manuel as someone who could take it to a level beyond what we do typically around here."

"Marketing is thrilled with the idea that viewers will sign in because that gives us their contact information for future use," Bill said. "And we are extremely fortunate that Manuel has agreed to help us."

"At something significantly less than my usual rate," Manuel added good naturedly. "But I like to stay in touch with what's going on in my home town. I still have family and friends here, and I've been intrigued by what you're doing, Lisa. You're pushing the boundaries of the medium, and that's very much what I like to do so as well. And so," he said with a modest shrug of his shoulders, "here I am."

"Do we still go ahead with shooting the promotional pieces that marketing outlined?" Lisa asked, now clearly intrigued by the possibilities.

That was Bryan's cue to speak. "The pages I've just handed out provide a quick sketch of what we'll be doing. But to answer you directly, Lisa, yes, we'll proceed with those short pieces. In fact, we'll start with that tomorrow afternoon by getting shots of you with the news team and stage crew."

Manny now chimed in. "The spot brings the entire crew together to welcome Lisa back. First we'll show small groups of you, each saying something. Then we'll get a group shot with everyone delivering the tag line."

"We've been able to block out the use of the studio tomorrow for a couple of hours after the midday news," Bryan continued. "I know it's an inconvenience for some of you to come in at that time, but it really is the best we could arrange on short notice. So, please consult with wardrobe before you leave and be back here by 1:00 tomorrow."

There was some grumbling from the assembled group, and Bryan fielded a few questions. Bill then stood up to signal that the meeting had ended. "The last thing we want to do is take any more of your time than needed. So that's it for now. A few of you will be needed tomorrow night as well, but one of the assistants can go over all of that with you as you're checking in with wardrobe." He nodded graciously at the team, and added, "Thank you all very much."

Everyone seemed pleased to have things wrapped up so quickly. As people filed out of the room, Jim and Tim lingered just a few minutes to talk with Lisa. Then, after they too had left, Manny asked Lisa to join him, Bill, Bryan, and Natalie to go over the details of the rest of the shoot.

"Tomorrow afternoon we'll take care of the videos that your advertising group wants," the videographer began.

"Those are the pieces that match the sketches Bryan just handed out to us?" Lisa asked.

"Precisely," Bill affirmed. "With all twenty of us shouting out 'Lisa's back' and you waving to the camera. That's the script that ties into their overall campaign."

"And, we should also be able to shoot an alternate ending while the group is still altogether," he said, looking directly at the blonde reporter. "And after that, we'll want you here for the next couple of evenings to shoot the extended video."

"You see," Bryan explained, "Manuel will need at least four or five hours of uninterrupted time on the news set. The only way we can do that is to start shooting right after the 11:00 broadcast and go through the night. As long as you're finished by 5:00 AM, the stage hands can prepare things for the early morning news."

"I hope you are well rested," the videographer said looking at Lisa. "Bryan's script calls for creating a type of dream sequence, so we'll have fans and a fog machine and we'll be setting up for some special lighting effects. That will take time and patience."

"You can count on me, Manuel" the reporter said with just the hint of a smile. "I'm intrigued by this all, to say the least." Then, turning to Natalie she continued, "Now, tell me exactly about the additional shooting we're doing that's going to involve some daring activity."

"Ah, yes, that's where it gets interesting," Bryan jumped in. "We want to get an alternate take where you're sitting on the desk, back to the camera, kind of looking over your shoulder as you wave. Everyone's around you and we all deliver the line 'Lisa's back.' Only in this version, we'll actually see your back."

Lisa arched her eyebrows with a quizzical look on her face and glancing down, quickly skimmed the last page of the written description Bryan had supplied. Nodding, she looked up and continued. "And they'll see my back because in this version I'm not wearing a top, right?"

"Actually," Bryan said haltingly, beginning to fear that perhaps Lisa was going to reject the basic premise of his script, "you're wearing nothing" He paused and looked around at Bill and Natalie with a bit of panic in his eyes. "That's not a deal-breaker, is it?" he asked.

Lisa was barely able to suppress a smile. Although she hadn't quite counted on stripping down in front of all her co-workers, she knew when she agreed to resume doing her segments on the Friday night broadcasts that she would usually end up being naked in front of the camera. Still, she couldn't resist the chance to make Bryan suffer just a bit for coming up with the idea. "I'm not sure," she continued as she looked around the room and held up the sheets of paper. "At the very least I would have expected you to consult with me before wasting Manuel's time by giving him a script that hadn't been approved."

"Honestly I didn't think there would be any problem, Lisa," he said desperately looking to Natalie to help him out. Instead, she simply joined in the teasing.

"I believe there is a problem here, Bryan," the anchorwoman said. "You see, it is my role, not yours, to determine which dares Lisa will perform on our broadcasts."

At this point, Bill and Manuel both pushed back in their chairs, clearly amused by Bryan's discomfort.

"But we discussed the whole concept so I just assumed it had your approval," he stammered.

"And what exactly is it that Natalie supposedly approved?" Lisa asked with a sweet smile.

"This script," he said haltingly. "You know, the whole concept for the video"

Bill decided to interrupt to put the writer out of his misery. "Bryan," he said, "why not summarize the idea now the same way you pitched it to me. Natalie can then tell us if she approves."

Bryan gulped and took a deep breath. Turning to Lisa he said, "The alternate ending has you sitting naked on the news table so we can see your back. Everyone delivers the tag line, you wave, and we go to those words on the screen with the station logo."

"That seems clear," Lisa said with a slight smile. "And Natalie," she continued as she turned directly to look at her colleague, "is that what you want for this segment?"

"Yes," the dark-haired reporter replied, "that's precisely what I want. I believe the exact request from the viewer was 'I dare Lisa to get naked again at the news desk,' so I think Bryan's script delivers on that dare." She paused, and then added, "with an interesting twist."

"Then we're all set," Lisa said, with a slight bow of her head to Natalie. Turning to Manuel, she added, "I can't wait to get started. "

At that, Manuel and Bill both burst out laughing, and Bryan rose from the table and stomped out of the room.

"Don't you think you went a little overboard with him, Lisa?" Bill asked.

She took a few seconds to respond. "Actually, no. He seemed to be having way too much fun pretending he's running the show. I wanted to remind him who's in charge and," she paused momentarily, "maybe make him squirm a little."

At this, Manuel smiled. "I will be careful not to let you see me having too much fun. But I very much enjoyed your performance just now, and I will do my best to capture that side of Lisa Marvell in our video."

"It sounds like you'll be capturing just about every side of me, Manuel," she retorted good-naturedly.

"Please, call me Manny. Given what the script calls for," he said pointing to the pages in front of him, "I think we can be a little less formal."

"I'll be happy to, Manny," the reporter said with an intriguing smile. She glanced at Natalie, and then turned back to the videographer. "I have my assignment now, so I'm in your very capable hands. Let's get to work."

With that, the group disbanded and Manny came over to sit next to Lisa, spending the next half hour going through Bryan's script and mapping out how they would approach the shoot over the next several days.

******

A few minutes before two on the following afternoon, Lisa strolled through the entrance of the Channel 4 building looking more like she was on her way to the beach rather than reporting to work. She was wearing a pair of dark blue shorts that barely seemed to cover her ass, along with an off-the-shoulder pale blue tee that called into question whether or not the reporter was wearing a bra. She was carrying a garment bag that she quickly deposited in the dressing room before heading into the studio.

As she approached, she noted that the entire team - reporters, stage hands, wardrobe and make-up artists, writers, and even Bill Reinhart—were already assembled on the soundstage that contained the set for the Channel 4 News. Manuel and his two assistants were leading them through a series of shots that captured small groups of three or four people at a time. The floor manager approached Lisa to confirm that they'd be taking a short break soon and should be ready for her in about a half hour, so she quickly headed backstage to change and get her make-up and hair done.

By the time she rejoined her colleagues, they were ready to be positioned for the team shot. Lisa, now wearing a knee length short-sleeve black dress with a modest V-neck that stopped just short of revealing any cleavage, wandered over to the left side of the anchor desk to chat with Sue and Tim while others were directed to their positions.

"Okay," Manuel spoke out in a commanding voice after the floor manager had signaled that everyone was in place. "Thank you all for a great job so far. We'll pick up with a wide shot that keeps everyone in frame as the camera sweeps down and in. On my signal, I want you to all shout out the tag line, 'Lisa's back.' We'll then do it a second time with the longer line, 'Lisa's back on Channel 4.' We're recording audio at the same time, and I'll be standing next to the camera when I give you the cue. So please let's all face the lens and be ready to give a loud, enthusiastic welcome to your colleague."

With that, he gestured toward Lisa and continued. "We'll want you directly in front of the desk and centered. Let's put Natalie and Bill on your right and Sue and Tim on your left. Gentlemen, I want you at the ends."

The team assembled as instructed while the rest of the small groups made minor adjustments in their positions in order to all fit in the shot. Manuel was working with his own crew, and they responded effortlessly to his directions. Within twenty minutes, multiple takes had been achieved with the two different lines, and the director called the station's advertising manager over to review the clips.

Sensing that their work was done, various members of the crew started to drift away when Manuel looked up from the monitor where he had been watching the footage. "Ladies and gentlemen," the director said sharply. "We are not finished, so please don't leave your positions. We'll want to have you in the same places for the alternate take."

"I thought we had just done both lines," one of the stage hands said with a note of resentment in his voice. Bill quickly stepped forward to address the crew.

"I guess there's been a little confusion. We wanted to have the choice of final lines for the version that we'll start airing tomorrow. That's the scene we've just finished. But we are also doing an extended version for the Friday Night broadcast, and that's going to have a different ending."

A bit of a murmur went through the group at the mention of Friday night; for some of them this was the first time they had heard about the connection to the late night broadcast, and most immediately assumed that this was going to involve some daring action on Lisa's part. All eyes turned to the reporter.

Sensing that the group was now focused on her and not Bill, Lisa took a step forward and nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. "It seems I've been dared to appear naked at the news desk for my first night back. So we're going to need your help in shooting part of that now. I believe, Manuel," she continued as she looked toward the director, "that you'll need me positioned seated on the anchor desk and with my back clearly visible to the camera."

"Precisely, Lisa, I couldn't have stated it better myself," Manuel said, nodding with admiration at the reporter's poise as she strode past Sue and Tim stood behind the desk.

"Time for me to get into my next outfit then," she said calmly and began unzipping her dress as the room grew silent. The zipper ran to the top of her ass, low enough to reveal to her colleagues that she was in fact not wearing any bra or panties. As she started to slip her first arm out of the sleeve, she looked around and chuckled at the stares she was getting. "I guess some of haven't been watching our Friday night specials. I just assumed everyone had already seen this side of me." And with that she pushed her dress down to her waist, her firm, perky B-cup breasts popping into view. "Now, can we all get to work?" she added a laugh that seemed to break the tension in the room.

Cast and crew returned to their marks on the floor, although many still managed to steal a glance sideways at Lisa as she stepped out of her dress and handed it to the wardrobe assistant. With the anchor desk at waist height, most could only catch a fleeting glimpse of the light color tufts of neatly trimmed hair that covered her pubic mound. Bill and Tim, always the gentlemen, made certain to keep their eyes raised but Natalie appeared to feel no such compunction.

Leaning in close to her colleague, she whispered, "You look as beautiful as ever, Lisa." The soft tone of her voice sent a tingle down her spine, and she was certain she felt Natalie's fingertips brush against her ass as she moved toward the anchor desk.

"Can I give you a lift up?" Natalie said almost purring.

"Not today, thanks," Lisa replied in a teasing tone. "Maybe some other time."

As the blonde reporter got into position on the anchor desk, Manuel peered through the camera and motioned her slightly to the left and forward. "That's good, but we'll need to kill the overhead spotlight and add lighting from the side."

The crew responded to his direction, and within a few minutes they were ready to take the shot. "Okay, everyone, same line as before. And when I signal, everyone shout 'Lisa's back!'"

Lisa's position on the anchor desk provided the camera with an unobstructed view of her back with the top of her ass cheeks proudly displayed against the surface of the desktop. "Good thing it's not transparent," Lisa thought to herself, "or Natalie would probably suggest they take a shot from below." She giggled quietly to herself, as Manuel called for another take. She turned to look over her left shoulder at the camera, raising her right arm to wave and keeping her left arm in place to block any view of her breasts.

"That's very good," Manuel pronounced at the end of the scene. "If you'll wait for just a few more minutes, I want to talk to Lisa about some other poses."

He approached the anchor desk to confer with the reporter as her colleagues stepped away. "I'd like to have several options available here. It will then depend on what we're able to get with our shooting tonight. You've read the script?" he asked.

Lisa nodded.

"Good," the director continued. "Then you know that we're basing this on the familiar anxiety dream that a person is naked in front of a crowd but then wakes up to find they are in fact fully clothed. We'll reverse that sequence by showing you dressed in the dream and then waking up nude. So I'd like to try a couple of shots where you're lying on the desk as you wake up." He paused, then continued. "You are much more poised than many so-called professional actors I've worked with. But I know these are your colleagues and I want to be respectful. We need them to still be present, and you will be rather exposed when you're stretched out on the desk."

Lisa thought for a moment. Just in their short time working together today, Lisa had sensed Manuel's talent and creativity. She felt confident in his instincts and decided she could trust him. "I always want what's best for the story," she said. "Let's go for the shots you want and keep our options open."

"Thank you," he nodded and stepped back to confer with his cameraman. Sheila, the lighting director, came over with a light meter and asked Lisa to stretch out face down on the table.

"As if in your bed," she explained, motioning to her colleague to kill one of the overhead spots. "Skin, you see, reflects the light differently than the desktop. And different from clothes as well. But we'll make sure it looks perfect."

After some adjustments, Sheila signaled that everything was set. "Now," Manuel explained to the people still gathered on the set, "we are doing a somewhat lengthier shot. In this sequence, our heroine," he said pointing to Lisa, "is waking from a dream. She will lift her head slowly, looking around and trying to comprehend what she is seeing. I want you all to be talking slowly, in low voices. Make comments to one another about Lisa, but as she raises her head, stop talking."

"Lisa," he continued, moving over to stand next to the naked reporter stretched out on the anchor desk, "for this first shot, I want you to slowly prop yourself up on your elbows, look at the camera, and smile That's when I'll cue your colleagues to deliver their line. Then we'll try another version, with you lying on your back. You'll slowly stretch, sit up, and turn to face away from the camera."

"Now people," Manuel said turning to the assembled cast and crew, "remember you'll gradually stop talking. Once I see Lisa look into the camera, I'll signal and you deliver the line, Lisa's back.'"

He walked back behind the camera and gave one final instruction to his crew. "Good, then I think we're all set. Lisa, feel free to improvise. You're waking from a dream so you may be confused. But ultimately, I want to see that you are happy to be back with your colleagues. And reporters, come in closer to the anchor desk. You should be standing right behind Lisa, just as you'd be positioned for broadcast."

Lisa stretched out on the table, shifting her arms slightly as she tried to get more comfortable on the hard surface. As her colleagues drew closer to the desk, she realized that for the second sequence, she had been asked to turn her back to the camera. "Whoever heard of a reporter looking away from the lens," she thought to herself as a wicked thought popped into her head. And she smiled, realizing how much she was enjoying the experience of being exposed like this to her colleagues. A warm glow began to flow through her body as she heard the director say, "And we're rolling."

There were several false starts to the scene. At first the conversation from the crew and cast was too loud, then too soft. On the next take, Lisa started moving before the camera had finished zooming closer, but finally they got one shot that worked. The twenty or so people were gathered around the naked reporter, who was stretched out on the anchor desk with her ass completely visible from the higher angle of the camera. Then, the shot pulled in lower and closer to the desk. Lisa slowly raised her head, turning to look directly ahead. As she began to prop herself higher with her elbows, she made sure to keep her arm positioned to block any view of her nipples while still allowing the sides of her breasts to be seen. But she could feel her sensitive tips grazing the desk top and stiffening in response to the motion. She turned her head toward the lens and smiled as the assembled crowd proclaimed "Lisa's back."

Manuel asked for one more take, and on this one Lisa elevated her hips slightly as the camera started to move, pushing her ass upward before bringing it back down and propping herself up on her arms. This rocking motion had the unintended effect of sliding her pussy against the surface of desk as she lowered her hips. The tingling feeling radiated through her lower body, her eyes half closing as she turned to the camera.

"I think we've got what we needed for that shot," the director said looking directly at the blonde reporter. "We're getting some great footage here, so let's go for the final sequence. Lisa," he said coming closer to her, "do you need a few minutes before we continue?"

The reporter had turned and sat up on the desk to face Manuel, her breasts fully exposed and the top of her neatly trimmed pubic landing strip visible between her crossed legs. She could feel her pulse quickening as he approached. "Let's keep going," she said. "I feel like I'm kind of getting in the groove."

Manuel smiled at her. "That seems an appropriate way of putting it. It's definitely working; the camera loves you."

A look of satisfaction came over her face. "You really do think it's going well?"

"Lisa," the director replied, "it's fantastic. I couldn't be more pleased."

"Then neither could I," Lisa said.

"Okay, ladies and gentleman, our leading lady is ready for the next scene. Very much like the last shot, only this time Lisa will be lying on her back. For obvious reasons, the editing will be a lot trickier on this one, but that will give me a chance to dub in the dialog that's we've just captured. So you don't need to worry about your exact lines; please just engage in low conversation so we'll see your mouths moving." He paused to look through the camera lens. "Okay, let's check the lighting and start."

Lisa took a deep breath and then quickly stretched out on the desk face up as Sheila approached. "Is it getting too cold in here for you?" the assistant whispered as she checked the light meter readings near the reporter's legs, then her stomach, and finally her face.

The naked anchorwoman smiled as she realized that her prominent nipples had prompted the question. "No, not really."

Sheila chuckled and replied, "I didn't think so. And from what you've given Manny so far, I'd say you're perfectly capable of turning up the heat here all by yourself."

Both women now laughed, and Sheila patted her arm. "You're doing great. Just show us more of the same."

Something about Sheila's comment reinforced the idea that she had been considering. For this take, she decided, she would try to ignore the presence of her colleagues and focus just on Manny. And, perhaps she'd give him something he wasn't quite expecting.

A stage hand counted down from five and the camera began filming. Lisa was lying flat on the anchor desk top, her head to the right and her left side exposed to the camera. Sue, Natalie and Tim were positioned directly behind her, but for now, she blocked out their presence and kept her eyes closed as she simulated waking up from a deep sleep, thinking only of the good-looking director.

Her legs were slightly bent with knees up. She first raised the right leg as she lowered her left knee, providing the camera lens with just the briefest glimpse of her blonde landing strip. Then she lifted her left leg quickly, crossing it over the right one while her arms stretched upward. Her eyes now half opened and looking toward the camera, she moved her left arm across her breasts while her right hand brushed the strands of her hair away from her face and came to rest behind her head.

Lisa now began to extend both legs upwards, slowly moving them as if pedaling a bicycle on her back. She could feel her thighs rubbing together, and she wondered whether or not her pussy lips could be seen from where Manny stood. At the same time, she found it exciting to realize that her colleagues were getting quite a show. "You've turned into such a naughty girl," she thought to herself, and almost involuntarily, she started to remove her left arm from her breasts.

As her hand glided first across her right breast, then the left, she let it linger for just a few seconds as she gently caressed each nipple. A couple of low gasps from the crew made her realize that her gesture had not gone unnoticed, and she found herself wanting all eyes to stay focused on her. She lowered her feet back to the desktop with her knees still bent and legs crossed. But now she slowly slid her ass first to the left, then to the right, as if daring the camera to catch a glimpse of her pussy lips.

Finally, she arched her back slightly, thrusting her breasts upward as she moved both hands down the sides of her body, across her tummy, and joined them together in the fulcrum between her thighs. Her hands lingered there for several seconds, then she moved her arms back to her sides, pushed herself upward, not turning away from the camera as directed but toward it instead. Propped on one elbow, her breasts fully exposed, she slowly allowed her right leg to cross over and cover her intimate triangle, but not before she was sure that the camera had captured at least a couple of seconds of her full frontal nudity.

"Cut," Manuel shouted, seemingly a little hoarse. Taking a quick gulp of water, he then added. "And we are finished for this afternoon." A wardrobe assistant appeared from behind the camera and brought a silk robe to Lisa, who slipped into it while the director continued. "A very productive session, so thanks to you all. I've already talked to several of you about coming back tonight. We'll be shooting the majority of the video with just a few people, so the rest of you can look forward to seeing the final cut in a few days."

Bill now stepped forward to say. "In case you've all forgotten by now, we were here to film a G-rated promo piece." His comment elicited some chuckles from the crowd and seemed to break the tension created by the last shot. "That clip will start airing tomorrow, so you can all look for yourselves in that. Thanks everybody."

Lisa had just finished wrapping the robe around herself and stood up when she felt Natalie's hand on her shoulder. "You were amazing, Lisa," her co-anchor said as a slight blush spread across her face. "I think Manny's been able to get something out of you that I couldn't inspire."

"I wouldn't say that," the blond replied to her dark-haired colleague. "After all, these crazy dares were your idea."

"Crazy?" Natalie asked. "I think they're kind of hot," she added and teasingly stuck her tongue out as Manny approached.

"Sorry if I'm interrupting you two ladies," he said.

"To be continued," Lisa said to Natalie.

"Oh, you can count on that," her co-anchor said and playfully blew her a kiss as she walked toward the dressing rooms with Tim and Sue.

"Looks like I might have been intruding on something," the director said with a knowing smile.

"Not at all," Lisa reassured him. "If I know our anchorwoman, she's extremely pleased with the way things are going." And then it was her turn to smile. "You see, we've learned to completely trust one another."

"I hope I can earn your trust, Lisa," the director said in a lower voice.

"I believe that you already have, or I wouldn't have been able to do what I just did. I hope you didn't mind my little improvisation."

"Not at all," he said with a look of genuine admiration. "I thought it was inspired. Of course, we won't be able to use any of that footage in Friday's video. But 'm glad you feel you're in good hands; we've got a lot of filming to do tonight and tomorrow and it's important that you have confidence in me."

Lisa took a couple of steps closer to him as she replied, "I most definitely do. I'm looking forward to the next few days."

Manny smiled. "Good, then my crew and I will be back here after the 11:00 broadcast. We'll position things on the set and should be ready to go by 1:00."

Lisa leaned closer and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "See you tonight," she said turning and heading off to rejoin her colleagues.

*****

Despite an all-night video shoot on Tuesday, the videographer delivered the fifteen-second promotional piece to the station as promised on Wednesday in its "family-friendly" version. Drawing entirely on the footage shot during the first hour, it featured the various members of the news team and stage crew commenting on Lisa's return. It opened with Natalie and Tim along, followed by the new weather girl Nicole Lewis and segment reporter Sue Thomson, looking up at the camera and saying "Welcome back, Lisa." Some of the stage hands were shown next saying "Good to see you again." Then the camera panned to the writers, one of whom asked, "Is it her?" as the wardrobe team and stylist responded, "yes, it's Lisa Marvell." This was followed by a shot showing the entire news set, the first scene that Manuel had filmed the previous afternoon. Lisa, wearing her simple black dress, stood in front of the desk with the news team while the rest of the crew was grouped in the background. Lisa waved to the camera as everyone shouted "Lisa's back. Over the sound of collegial laughter and applause, the scene faded to type - "Lisa's back. Friday at 11:00 on Channel 4."

Bill was delighted with the results, and he scheduled it to run before each news broadcast as well as in a half dozen other slots throughout the day. Manuel assured him that the first night's shooting had gone well and that they needed only one more night with Lisa on the set to finish the work. All sequences involving other members of the stage crew and news team had been shot, and after tonight's session, he would have plenty of time to complete the editing of the full-length video as well as prepare a revised teaser that could be used after the Friday night show had aired.

For the final shoot, Manuel explained, Lisa had requested a completely closed set. He would be using a reduced crew of two, and he asked Bill's help in ensuring that the studio was cleared by midnight and that the security team lock up the building. None of this presented any difficulties, and when Lisa arrived a little after 12:00, the parking lot was completely empty. A taxi cab stood idling by the front entrance, the driver talking to the guard on duty.

Using her pass to enter the building , she immediately noticed Manny's two crew members coming towards her down the hallway that led from the studio set. "Oh hey, Lisa," Sheila called out as the approached one another. "Manny asked us to tell you he's in the editing suite. He's working on a rough cut of yesterday's session."

"Aren't we shooting tonight?" Lisa asked, trying to hide her disappointment.

"Absolutely," the assistant assured her. We just finished setting everything up and Manny decided he could handle the actual filming himself. So, guess what?" she asked with a gleeful look on her face. "He said we could take the rest of the night off. We're going to find a late-night diner and grab something to eat. Sorry you can't join us!"

"That's okay," the blonde reporter replied with a smile that was just as sincere as Sheila's. She watched them jump in the cab and waved goodbye as the car pulled away. "In fact, it's perfect," she said in a low whisper to herself.

Lisa made her way to the dressing rooms at the far end of the building where she quickly got out of her street clothes and slipped into a robe. Proceeding down the hall, she knocked on the closed door of the editing room and entered when she heard his voice respond. Manny, seated with his back towards her, was staring at a monitor going through a sequence frame-by-frame of her lying naked on the news desk, moving her arms across her breasts.

"Who's that naughty girl?" she asked with a big grin.

"Our daring reporter Lisa Marvell," he replied as he turned to face her. "And I regret to say," he said, "that she did such a spectacular job yesterday that there's not much more for us to do tonight."

"Oh," Lisa responded with a slight pout. "And I've been thinking all day about some other things we could try."

"I didn't say we were completely finished," Manny replied with just the trace of a smile. "There are one or two short sequences I'd like to shoot." He paused and then continued. "And of course I'm completely open to any ideas you might have."

Lisa said nothing; instead she stepped forward and, taking hold of his hands, drew him out of his seat and kissed him on the lips.

"There, now we've gotten past that awkward first kiss," she said smiling, noticing that the videographer had displayed no objections to her embrace. "Maybe we can rehearse whatever it is you had in mind right now before we head out and shoot it on the set." She brushed against him as she walked over in front of the monitor, which was still displaying the freeze frame of her nude body.

"Besides," Lisa continued as she turned to face him and with one fluid motion untied her robe and let it fall from her shoulders, "I had this little fantasy last night after we finished shooting." She now stood completely nude in front of the videographer, blocking his view of the monitor.

"You know, I was getting tired of staring at that screen. I like this view much better," Manny said as he reached out to run his fingers across her cheek and neck and down her shoulders. "So tell me," he continued as his hand came to rest on her hip, "what exactly is this fantasy of yours?"

"I thought it would be fun add some extra footage." She reached up and put her hands on his shoulders to draw him even closer. "You know, kind of a director's cut," she said with a smile.

Manny inhaled sharply, his breathing growing shallow. "Based on your performance last night," he said as he lightly kissed her cheek, "my professional opinion is that there are a few alternate scenes that would be perfect for you."

Lisa felt the warmth of the blood in her face. "I'm glad to hear that. But don't you think you give me some idea of exactly what you plan to insert in that final cut?" she said reaching down and running her fingers along the zipper on his jeans.

"With pleasure," he replied as the blonde reporter slowly sank to her knees.

*****

Neither Manny nor Lisa were seen at the studio on Thursday, and Bill began to grow concerned that the video would in fact be completed in time for the Friday Night Special broadcast. But Natalie assured him that she had heard from both of them and that Manny wanted to complete his work that night when he could have the studio's editing facilities to himself. Somewhat puzzled by the delay, the producer realized that he simply had to trust his team. Still, it was with a great sense of relief that shortly after he arrived Friday morning, Natalie appeared in his office and pulled a DVD out of her shoulder bag.

"All set, Bill," the raven-haired anchorwoman said to her boss. "Lisa's taking Manny to the airport right now for his flight back to the coast, and they left the videos with me. The full-length one's ready for broadcast tonight and then for posting on our website. And, Manny's included an updated promotional piece that we can use for late night viewing."

"Oh, not fit for prime time?" Bill asked with an amused smile on his face.

"Probably not," Natalie said. "In this one, when we're all shouting 'Lisa's back,' we decided it was appropriate to let our viewers see her back."

"You mean Manny added that shot where she's naked on the desk?" he said with a startled look.

"Oh, it's not that bad. After all, he used the one where she's facing a way from the camera sitting on the desk, so all you see is the top of that big fat butt of hers," she added with a chuckle. "Nothing that our audience hasn't already seen," she concluded.

"Or won't be seeing again, I'm sure," Bill said with a shake of his head. "I thought Lisa was daring enough by herself, but now with the two of you working together, I can't imagine the trouble you'll cause for us."

"The point," Natalie reminded him, "is not what you can imagine but what our viewers can think up. The dares keep coming," she said as she headed out the door, "so I better get busy selecting the one we'll use next week." In the hallway, she glanced back into her bag where her copy of the DVD rested along with a second disc labeled "For Natalie - the director's cut."

******

Tim Willis had just completed the sports report as the broadcast neared its conclusion. The camera was back on the news desk, with Natalie and Lisa standing side by side. "And now," Natalie began, "it's time to see if Lisa has lived up to the dare we gave her this week. Let's see, Miss Marvell," she said turning to her colleague, "you've been dared to appear naked at this news desk. And so far," she said pointedly, "you've kept your clothes on all evening. But I understand you've put together a special video for us."

"That's right, Natalie," the stunning blonde responded. "I invite our viewers to see it now and decide for themselves if it meets the conditions of the dare. And if they happen to miss any part of it, we'll be posting it on the station's website immediately after this broadcast."

"Well, let's take a look," and with that, the studio lights dimmed.

The video began with a dark screen and the title "Welcome Back, Lisa" appearing in white type that then seemed to dissolve into a light mist. Slowly as the picture brightened, the shapes and shadows of the Channel 4 news set could be discerned on a dimly lit, empty TV stage. Dreamlike music played and Lisa Marvell, dressed in a form-fitting black dress could be seen walking from the back of the set toward the anchor desk. The stage manager crossed in front of her and said "It's great to see you, Lisa," and the reporter smiled in return. Then from the shadows on the left, Lisa's personal assistant Kelli emerged. Two soft spotlights picked up each woman, but the fog that had been continually flooding across the stage continued to diffuse the light, creating an overall impression that this was a dream.

"Can I take your dress and get it ready for tonight's broadcast, Miss Marvell?" Kelli asked. Lisa paused, and a series of quick edits showed her hand tugging the zipper on the back down to reveal her bare skin and the narrow strap of a dark-colored bra. Then, another shot displayed lace-top black stockings and garters now visible as the dress slid downward. Kelly's outstretched arm could be seen receiving the dress as she moved closer to the camera and then exited to the right.

Lisa emerged from the swirling mist, a white light focused on her. She seemed to be in a trance, with her hair gently moving in response to the fans that had been placed at key points off camera. All of it - the lighting, the fog, the fans - heightened the sense of a dream. Two stage hands crossed in front of Lisa and they could be heard saying "good to have you back." The newscaster nodded her head, seemingly oblivious to the fact that she stood before them in her underwear.

The cups of her bra emphasized the full swell of the inner curves of Lisa's luscious breasts. The transparent lace did little to conceal the charms beneath the cloth, and a quick close-up revealed that her pointed nipples were straining against the fabric, their shape discernible beneath the lacy cups as the camera panned up to a mysterious smile on Lisa's face.

The editing created a sense of constant motion, alternating shots of Lisa as she continued to walk across the set with close ups of the reporter. One shot lingered on her garter belt, also made of black lace, showing it stretched across Lisa's swaying hips. The belt extended downward four or five inches, just enough to cover most her panties but transparent enough to reveal the small triangles at the front and back held in place by narrow ties across each hip.

Next, a man's shoes appeared from the swirling mist, stopping several feet in front of a pair of black high heel shoes worn by the reporter. "It's wonderful to have you back, Lisa," the voice could be heard saying. "Remember, no dark stockings allowed."

The disembodied voice drifted away, and the camera panned back to show Lisa now seated on a chair at the anchor desk and reaching down to unsnap her garter belt. Again, a series of quick edits that served to compress time as the reporter's hands were seen rolling a black stocking down the length of one leg. A shoe kicked off, and the stocking turned inside out, catching momentarily on her toes, and then springing lose to reveal the soft white flesh of Lisa's foot and leg. Then, a second stocking was seen being draped over the chair, followed by a full length view of Lisa from behind, revealing the curves of her body silhouetted against the soft lights in front of her.

The pacing and editing had created a remarkable effect - in less than two minutes, the reporter had stripped down to the briefest pair of bra and panties in what clearly appeared to be a dreamlike vision of her return to the darkly lit studio set. Until now, all had been achieved in shades of black and gray in the subdued lights and fog. But suddenly a single red glowing light was seen; it came from a floor camera standing alone in the middle of the set with no operator in sight but clearly aimed at Lisa as she stood at the anchor desk.

Now a wardrobe assistant appeared from behind Lisa, saying, "We're so excited to have you back. Five minutes to air time," and extended her hand toward the reporter. In response to that gesture, Lisa turned away from the camera and undid the hook on the back of her bra with one hand while the other guided it off her shoulders. She held the flimsy garment out to the assistant, who took it and disappeared into the mist. Wrapping her arm across the front of her body, Lisa turned and looked directly into the camera with a confident grin, her nipples concealed but the generous curves of her breasts on view both above and below her arm.

She then turned sideways, sitting on the news desk as the fog grew in density and seemed to engulf the top of the desk. Her breasts still covered, she could be seen climbing onto the desk, the surface of which was now shrouded in mist. A beam of light traveled the length of Lisa's body, highlighting first her long legs, then the enticing curve of her hips still covered by the narrow ties of the bikini briefs, then reflecting off her arms and hair, and finally plunging her body into darkness.

Another light shone across her as Lisa slowly reclined with knees bent, her back and head now resting on the surface of the news desk. She stretched out one leg, then another, as the camera again moved up her body. She had teasingly positioned her arms so her breasts were cupped by her hands, fingers slightly apart as if daring her nipples to stick up between them. Whether it was an illusion caused by the movement of the light or the actual motion of her hands, it appeared that she was gently caressing herself while her hips slowly moved back and forth on the desktop.

Now another voice could be heard: "Thirty seconds, Miss Marvell," and a devilish grin crept across her face. The brightness of the light increased as a single spotlight moved rapidly across the scene like a strobe. The effect was to provide glimpses of the reporter each lasting only a second or two followed by darkness. During this, Lisa could be seen rolling away from the camera, then pausing halfway through the roll. Her hand reached down to the tie on her hips and her panties were seen sliding down to reveal most of one cheek and the top of her ass crack. The light dimmed and when she could be seen again, she was on her stomach, sliding the shapeless bit of fabric that had been her panties out from under her as she arched her hips upward. The panties seem to vanish with a flick of her hand as the light again moved away from her reclining form.

Then she could be seen again, this time the light lingering a bit longer. The full length of Lisa's naked body was visible stretched out on the anchor desk. She was propped up on her elbows, the sides of her breasts seen in profile with the nipples barely concealed by her forearm. The camera also revealed the full curve of her right butt cheek with the hint of her ass crack visible. She slowly lowered her head to the desk, folding her arms beneath her head as if they were a pillow, and the lights faded.

Throughout soft music had played, but now with the fade to black, the music stopped. Manuel had made a bold decision to insert five seconds of total blackness and silence, trusting that the video would hold the viewer's attention during the pause. Suddenly, glaring white lights were seen, as if Lisa were awakening from a dream. As the light grew less intense, various shapes began to take form.

What emerged was the scene from the first afternoon shoot with the assembled cast and crew on the fully lit news set. Two floor cameras with their operators were positioned to the left and right, and just behind them stood five of the stage hands and floor directors. To the right at the back of the set, Kelli and the wardrobe assistant, along with the stylist and two interns were standing. In the left rear, the team of three writers along with Bill could be seen. Behind the news desk, were all of the regular broadcasters - sports reporter Tim Willis, weather girl Nicole Lewis, special segments reporter Sue Thomson, and of course co-anchor Natalie Johnson.

And lying on the news desk was Lisa Marvell just as she had been before the lights came on - fully nude, stretched out for all to see, and with an overhead camera angle that now gave the Channel 4 audience a lingering view of her spectacular ass.

"Welcome back, Lisa," the crowd erupted as the scene dissolved to the final title screen that featured the tag line for the entire advertising campaign, "Lisa's back!" As the camera switched back live to Natalie and Lisa in the studio, the stage hands and camera operators spontaneously burst into applause.

"Well," Natalie commented as Lisa politely nodded in response to the reaction in the studio, "it looks like the Channel 4 team here approves. And I have to say that you did follow through on the dare. I trust that our viewers will be happy."

"I hope so," Lisa said with a broad smile. "I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed making the video."

"It certainly looked that way," her co-anchor said. "And we here on the news team are all extremely grateful to Manuel Barreda, who directed this video."

"That's right, Natalie," Lisa continued. "Our regular viewers may know that Manuel grew up on this area and did his earliest work right here in town. He's one of the most sought off after videographers in the business and his music videos and commercials have won a number of awards. I was very fortunate to have the chance to work with him."

Natalie turned to face Lisa and, with just the slightest trace of a smile, added, "Judging by what we've seen tonight, you two work extremely well together. Who knows, maybe we'll be seeing more of you in the future."

"I'm sure you will," Lisa said with a laugh, "especially if our viewers keep coming up with dares for me to do."

"That's right. So don't forget to email us with your suggestions at [email protected]. And for now, from all of us at Channel 4, good night, and have a great weekend."