The Changing Charissa

I waited eagerly for Charissa to come home with the kids, not entirely sure what our next step might be but my imagination running wild. I had lots of ideas but also knew that I'd need to respond to cues and opportunities as they arose. I didn't want to spoil things by rushing, but I also didn't want to lose momentum.

When the crew finally returned, my kids were wiped out. Charissa had shown them a terrific time, and they were clearly totally exhausted and completely satisfied. Having had an enriching day of museums and other outings, I happily plopped them in front of the TV to veg for a bit before dinner.

Charissa and I chatted in the dining room, and I enjoyed hearing her boast about my kids - how smart they are and how easygoing. She clearly really enjoys spending time with them, and I felt a wash of gratitude for my own personal life that she was in it. "You must be doing something right," she said, "to raise such awesome tykes."

"Well, thanks," I said, grudgingly accepting some credit. "And thanks for being here to help them so much this summer. They really love you."

"The feeling's mutual!" she said. Then, "I'm going to take it easy downstairs for a while. Mkay?"

"Yeah, of course. I'll get dinner ready," I said.

"OK, Seth!"

I diddled around a bit, indulging in the ease of having the kids on screens, and then I summoned the strength to think about dinner. Chicken or tacos? Maybe tacos today. Does Charissa like them spicy? I don't remember. Maybe I should ask...

I went into the basement, noticing her wide-open bedroom door. I walked purposefully across the basement, and as I reached her door I said, "Hey, Charissa, question for you." I heard a little squeak as I reached the threshold, and my eyes beheld my babysitter's panty-clad ass and bra-enclosed boobs in the flesh.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry," I said, turning away.

And then, much to my surprise, she replied, "Um, no, it's OK. Did you need something?"

I edged back to her bedroom door, and there she was, facing me shyly but without hiding, in her underwear.

"Yeah," I said, trying to stay cool. "I was thinking of making tacos, and I couldn't remember if you liked them spicy."

She giggled, smiling broadly, and I struggled to keep my eyes from lingering too long on her features. "Yeah, I love spicy," she said. "Thanks for asking!"

"Yeah," I said, not wanting to leave but not having a reason to stay.

"Was there anything else?"

"No, that's it," I said. I broke into a smile myself, hoping it was charming. "I'm just glad to see you're feeling comfortable around me."

She laughed and turned away, striking a sexy pose.

"Well, you've already seen me once," she said. "And like I said before, I really do feel more comfortable like this."

"No complaints from me!" We both laughed. "OK, I guess I'll go get started on those spicy tacos."

"Thanks, Seth!" she said with a wink.

As I reluctantly returned to the kitchen, I considered the big changes I'd already seen in Charissa's behavior, and my mind swam with what might be to come.