Hello and I am certainly glad to be back writing again. What did you all think of the last Chapter? Now, we continue with Robbie and Tommy and what happened when Robbie opened the door to the suite, for Tommy. Seems things are going well with Daryl and Sam. So, let's get started with the new Chapter!
Robbie slid in the card key to open the door to the suite and had Tommy step in. He was totally gob-smacked. The living room in the suite was beautifully lit by votive candles everywhere, and a trail of multi-colored rose petals led into the bedroom. He was speechless and a big smile appeared. "So, this is what you did when you went to the "Bathroom!" I couldn't be more surprised and delighted!" He took Robbie in his arms and gazed into his husband's eyes that were full of love.
"I just wanted a little something special for you tonight as we have been working so hard to get the restaurant up and running again and you have been such a huge help. I love you more than I can ever express!!" He leaned into Tommy and the men kissed deeply with great passion.
They broke the kiss and Robbie took hold of Tommy's hand as they walked on the rose petals into the Master Bedroom. There were more candles and the room was lite in a soft glow. The bed had been turned down and totally covered rose petals. There were chocolates on the pillows and more petals led into the large marble bathroom. Where a steaming hot bubble bath awaited them. The bathroom shimmered with even more votive candles. It was all so sensuous!!
Robbie started to take off Tommy's clothes, unbuttoning his shirt and stroking his hairy muscled chest. He reached up and kissed Tommy firmly. He then reached down and undid Tommy's slacks and let them fall to the floor.
Tommy kicked off his shoes and Robbie removed the slacks puddled at his feet. He then leaned up and started to lick Tommy's rock-hard cock that was encased and straining in his bikini underwear. He pulled the underwear down with his teeth and licked the underside of his husband's huge 10" cock, causing Tommy to moan. Robbie took the flared head of Tommy's cock into his mouth and sucked and licked the pre-cum that oozed there. It, as always, tasted like heaven. He took most of the cock into his throat and bobbed up and down. Tommy almost screamed. "STOP lover or you will make me cum and I haven't had a taste of you yet!!" Robbie released Tommy's cock and stood up, quickly undressed. Tommy took off his shirt and it joined the other clothes on the floor.
Robbie led Tommy over to the steaming bubble bath that smelled of Lavender and they both eased into the fragrant hot bathwater. Tommy was behind and Robbie moved so his back was against Tommy's hairy chest. Tommy wrapped his arms around his lover and kissed the back of his neck.
"This, my darling one, has been a great surprise and I thank you so much baby. We both have worked hard this week and we are almost done. With the new opening on Saturday night, we should be back on track and then return to the ranch for a day or two before we head down to the desert!!"
Tommy reached down and grabbed Robbie hard 9" cock and started to stroke it in the bath. Robbie whispered, "Please don't or I will come as I am sooo turned on right nowÉand it has been a couple of days since we made love baby. I want to finish this in bed, and I want to flip- fuck each other and fill each other with cum and love!!!" Tommy moaned and said, "Then go to bed baby. First I want your hard dripping cock in my mouth and need to taste your cock!!"
They got out of the tub and rinsed quickly in the shower, dried each other, walked into the bedroom where Robbie laid back onto the rose petals and Tommy crawled on top so they could rub their cocks together. Tommy slid down and licked each nipple on Robbie's muscular, hairy chest and then slid further down, teasing his belly button on Robbie's rock-hard six-pack abs. He licked Robbie's dripping cock and took the whole thing down his throat, causing Robbie to let out a great moan. Please lover, I need it inside me. please play with my hungry ass with your fingers. I want your tongue deep inside me and then replace it with your ragingly hard cock. Fuck me nicely and then fuck me harder and kiss me deeply while you ravage my hungry manhole!!"
Tommy raised Robbie's legs and spread them wide, then lifted his ass in the air and started to lick the hole he so loved. Prodding with his tongue, he went deeper driving Robbie insane with desire. "Deeper lover. Make me beg for your huge cock. OHHHH, that's it! Get me wet and hungrier. OH GOD!!!! Shove that huge cock deep inside me and fuck me blind, lover."
Tommy raised up and inserted the head of his raging hard 10" bareback cock into Robbie's hungry and wanting hole. After the head was in, he leaned down and kissed Robbie deeply as he slid the rest of his cock deep inside his lover and bottomed out.
Both men let out a huge sigh of total contentment as Tommy pulled almost all the way out and plunged back in fully and really started to fuck his Robbie deeply. Robbie was panting and begging for more, moving his head from side to side on the pillow. "Cum inside me lover now! I can't hold back. It's making me cum so hard." With one final push deep inside Robbie's now totally ravaged ass, Tommy came and shot seven shots of cum deep inside his husband's ass. As he came, Robbie shot six shots of cum off like a cannon, hitting the headboard and covering them both with cum and that was without touching his cock! Tommy leaned forward and the men kissed deeply. "GOD baby, every time we make love it's like the first time and it fills me with such joy and rapture. I love you beyond words and will till I take my last breath.
Both men were completely done in, and Tommy collapsed next to Robbie while they held each other close and kissed over and over. Robbie wanted to get up and get a wet towel to cleanup but didn't have the strength. "My darling, I am sorry I came so quickly, but it's your total fault for fucking me so beautifully and completely. I couldn't help it and if you noticed, I didn't even touch myself at all! I love you beyond words as well. If we wake up early enough, I will return the favor, plow your hot hole and fill you up. Would you like that??"
Robbie kissed Tommy yet again and they dueled tongues. They both loved to kiss and did it often. Robbie finally got the strength to go into the bathroom and returned with a warm washcloth and a hand towel. He gently cleaned Tommy of the cum and sweat that was all over him. He also wiped himself down and then crawled back into bed and covered them both up. They snuggled close and fell into a peaceful and contented sleep, in the now wilted, but still fragrant rose petals.
Sam and Daryl reached Sam's house and the men went inside. They were both still in shock that Robbie and Tommy had paid for their dinner, and they would talk on the phone in the morning. Both men got undressed and crawled into bed and held each other close. They started with a tender, sweet kiss that morphed into a full lusty and deeper kiss. "Sam, I don't know what else to say, but I have fallen totally in love with you, it feels so very right and that it is meant to be. They say when the right love happens, it comes out of nowhere and slaps you upside the head when you least expect it and that is what happened here with us. Neither was looking for it and BAM there it was. You make me so incredibly happy, and I feel so at peace with you!!!
Sam had tears running down his face as he was thinking the same thing. This was the last thing he expected to happen and there Daryl was. "Babe, when I am with you it feels like I am walking on air and I am the happiest I have ever been in my life! I feel like I might explode with happiness. The men kissed hungerly and each reached for each other's hard dripping cock.
Sam scooted down and took Daryl's cock into his mouth and sucked all 8" down his throat, sliding up and down while sucking the cock with gusto. "Lover you need to stop, or I will cum too soon and I need your hard 9" cock in my mouth and then up my hot and waiting ass. I need you to fuck me hard and deep and fill me with cum. Make me cum all over us while you fill me and we kiss!!"
Sam did what was asked and got Daryl's ass up in the air, where he spread his lightly hairy cheeks, put his tongue in the hairy hole he so loved while proceeding to tongue-fuck Daryl's hungry, hairy, hole. Daryl was moaning and begging for more. Sam lowered him a bit and took Daryl's 8" cock down his throat, sucking up and down and while pushing up, he placed the head of his cock at the entrance of Daryl's ass. As he shoved gently into Daryl's hole, he leaned down and kissed his lover softlywane. Daryl was moaning as he accepted the kiss and said it felt so good to have Sam inside.
"Fuck me lover, hard and deep please! I need your love deep inside me. So, Sam did just that as he almost slid his cock out of Daryl's ass and then plowed back in harder and deeper. Sam kept thrusting in and out until he couldn't hold it anymore and moaned and lightly screamed as he released his load deep inside his lover's ravaged hole. He then grabbed Daryl's cock and pumped just three times and Daryl shot a huge load all over them both.
Daryl reached up and pulled Sam's face close. He gently said, "I love you Sam, so fucking much. PLEASE don't, ever let me go!!! With a tear running down Sam face he said in reply, "I love you even more baby and we will make it a lifetime commitment!!!" The men kissed lovingly and Sam's now softening cock slid out of Daryl's well fucked hole. Sam laid down on top of Daryl and the men stroked each other's bodies as they held each other close, all while kissing and licking each other!!
Sam finally rolled off and headed to the bathroom for a wet cloth to clean them up so they could sleep and dream of their day together. Once clean, Sam crawled into bed, pulled Daryl close and they kissed once more. Each said sweet dreams and once covered up, they fell into a very contented sleep holding each other.
Morning came and Tommy and Robbie woke up as usual, holding each other and kissing even with morning breath. Tommy pulled back and exclaimed, "I need a piss, want to join me in the shower lover?"
Robbie smiled agreeing so both men got out of bed, and still covered in rose petals and headed to the large bathroom with raging hard-ons leading the way. They stepped into the shower where Robbie pulled Tommy close, and they kissed as Robbie let loose with a torrent of hot morning piss all over Tommy's abs and cock. Not to be outdone, Tommy stepped back and did the same all over Robbie, thoroughly coating him with his hot piss. They didn't do it often but when the did, it was a bit on the nasty side, and they loved it.
The piss started to wane, so Tommy got down on his knees and took Robbie's still piss dripping cock into his mouth and savored the flavor. Then he started to suck his husband's cock down his throat. Robbie was moaning and said, "Baby, I need a taste too, let me at your piss dripping cock!"
Robbie went down on his knees and tasted Tommy's cock. He swallowed all 10"s down his throat and began to suck it hard as he went up and down. Tommy groaned and said, "Baby, I need you to fuck me hard and deep and fill me like I did to you last night. Please lover, FUCK ME NOW!!"
Robbie turned Tommy around spread his hairy cheeks and started to tongue fuck his husband's tight, hungry, hairy hole making it loser with each lick and probe of Robbie's tongue. Robbie stood up and caressed Tommy's piss covered, hairy chest. He teased his rock-hard nipples and slid his cock inside his hungry husband waiting hole.
As the cock went in, Tommy begged for more and when Robbie bottomed out, he bit the back of Tommy's neck gently. "Fuck me lover and fill me with cum, PLEASE!!!" Robbie did just that and started to fuck Tommy with gusto, fucking harder, faster, and deeper until he screamed he was CUMMING!! He reached around and grabbed Tommy's hard cock and started to jack it, but it didn't take long before both men came in buckets - Robbie deep inside Tommy's hole and Tommy blasting all over the marble shower wall. Both men were sated and almost done in. They held each other up as Robbie reached around and turned on the shower. Both guys relished the warm water cascading down their spent bodies!!
They washed and shampooed each other, as was their custom. They both needed fuel when finished so they dried each other off and put on the terry robes that hung in the bathroom closet. They brushed their teeth, shaved for the day, and went in search of coffee. Robbie pushed a button and summoned Bradley requesting coffee and a breakfast menu since both men decided they were starving after their morning workout. The dining table was set for two and there was fresh orange juice poured in crystal glasses. Menus were at each place, and they could smell fresh French Roast coffee. The morning paper was also on the table as the men sat down, and Bradley greeted them. "Good morning! I trust you both slept well during the night?" They replied, "Very well indeed."
They each decided on omelets this morning, Robbie's favorite: Mushrooms, cheese and spinach, and Tommy went for Spanish with cheese, salsa, and avocado on the side, topped with sour cream. Tommy asked for tortillas as well and Robbie got sourdough toast with extra butter and fresh strawberry jam. Breakfast was extremely good and the much-needed coffee was fabulous!! Breakfast was soon finished.
While they drank the last of their coffee, Robbie thought he would call his dad with an update. Tommy thought that was a great idea and he called his father at the office as well.
Daniel was pleased to hear from his son and was excited about the news of what was happening with the restaurant and that everything was working out. He was delighted so much money had been recovered (so far, just over $16,000 and they were hoping to find more) and that the re-opening was to happen on Saturday night. Robbie thought a substantial buffet and bar would be welcome. That way they could accommodate many more of their regular quests for the evening. It was to start on Saturday evening at 6:00 and run until about 10:00. Business attire would be appropriate for the evening. Daniel seemed pleased with all of Robbie's plans.
Things with the office were fine. The other restaurants were doing very well, and profits were up. (THANK GOD!!)
Tommy was glad to chat with his father too and things at his law office were going normally as well!! A couple of clients were asking for Tommy. They were told he would be back from his vacation in about 10 days. It was nothing urgently needed, and his clients were pleased to wait.
Robbie and Tommy traded phones so they could chat with their fathers in law. The boys were relieved that everything was running smoothly, and they would have the restaurant up and running quickly. The SOB that tried to cheat them would be behind bars for a very long time to come.
No date for the trial had been set as they were still gathering evidence. BUT, they had him dead to rights and he would be punished! Everyone hung up and both men decided they needed to get dressed and head to the restaurant and another day of hard work.. They dressed and departed for the restaurant.
When they arrived, they found the parking lot half full but they had passes as they were staff for the restaurant. They walked in and the place was hopping. The painters had just finished with the painting and the rugs were to be cleaned that evening. The bar sparkled and so did the serving stations.
Robbie walked into the kitchen and was amazed at what had been done so far. It was spotless! The stainless steel gleamed and the floors looked brand new. Carlos and Raoul had done a fabulous job. Robbie was very pleased. Dishes were stacked neatly and the silverware had been put away in appropriate areas.
John, the head chef, and been working with two new guys, Bentley, the new Soux Chef and Dennis, the new pantry Chef were there, and Susan was coming in as the new Pastry Chef. She would start tomorrow getting herself organized and things ordered. Both Bentley and Dennis had great resumes and were both 35ish and very good looking.
Robbie called John into the office and was told what great work he had done and because of all the organizing he had accomplished getting everything up and running, he was going to get a substantial raise. John smiled and said it was a pleasure to work with/for a great boss!!
"Well, John, we couldn't have done this without all your help!!" Robbie reached over and gave John a huge hug!!
"Enough of this crap, we have work to do!!" Robbie and Tommy walked into the office where Dean was working on the computer to see how much damage was done there by the IDIOT, Ralph!!! Dean said things were not too messed up as he never really had the password and couldn't do much damage on that front. Dean was cleaning up what little mess he had made and said he had found some invoices to several supply companies that were bogus. Dean had already contacted all their suppliers and everything was great again, as they all understood what went on and all bills were now current.
Tommy leaned over and kissed Robbie and said he was glad all that was cleared up!! They had heard from Sgt. Tyler again and the idiot was still screaming he was innocent and had done nothing wrong! A public defender was brought in to question him since he had no money to pay for a regular attorney. The public defender didn't like the idiot any better, than the rest!!But he had a job to do, and from what he knew it was an open and shut case!!
The men walked out to the main part of the restaurant and also were pleased. The painting was completed and the carpet people were coming later in the day to shampoo the carpets so they could set the tables up and bring in the chairs. New lines were ordered and would arrive in the morning. Colorful flower arrangements were to be delivered on Saturday morning: Roses for each table; A large arrangement for the entry; Several smaller arrangements for the buffet tables; Two arrangements for the bar as well.
It was nearing noon, so Robbie clapped his hands and called for attention from everyone! "May I have everyone's attention please. I first want to thank everyone for your hard work preparing our restaurant to reopen. I have ordered lunch from up the street, and we have pasta dishes and pizzas coming in a few minutes as a thank you to everyone. So go wash up and pull some tables and chairs out so we can eat!!" Everyone hustled and got things set up and then went to clean up.
Lunch was delivered and soon everyone dug in and were enjoying the meal. The crew were laughing at jokes being told and having a great time. Robbie stood and again thanked everyone for their hard work and the opening party on Saturday evening was going to be fun.
"As far as uniforms, I would like everyone in black pants/slacks, black shirts and white ties. The aprons will be black as well. We have a new POS computer system coming tomorrow for sending orders to the kitchen directly from the tables a customer orders. That will streamline things. We will also have two expediters on the line to help with service. Training for the new system will be tomorrow morning and it should be fairly easy to learn. Connecting and testing for all of this will be done tonight. Your ordering tablets will be wireless so you can easily take orders at the tables. It's a digital system and much more efficient and accurate for everyone!"
"The carpets will be cleaned tonight and ready for set up after you learn the new computer system tomorrow," Robbie continued. Everyone clapped and THANKED them for the great lunch and support. The old servers who came back and then the new servers were also glad that the asshole Ralph was in jail and would be prosecuted and sent to prison.
The lunch things were cleared away and work continued with their duties. The morning went quickly, and Robbie, Tommy and Dean were beat. Tommy offered to take them all to dinner that night. Robbie suggested that they eat at the restaurant in the hotel. It was, of course, a highly respected eating establishment. It was named `Robbie Bs' and was for fine dining. Dean said he would go home get cleaned up and come back to the hotel about 7:00. Tommy said they would have a drink in their suite first and then go down to dinner about 7:30. Robbie told Dean to bring a jacket, but no tie was required. Dean bid them farewell and was off to shower and change for the evening. Dinner was going to be fun, and Dean was looking forward to managing the wonderful restaurant for Robbie once again.
Sam and Daryl woke up slowly about 6:00 AM and both had to pee badly. They kissed lightly and quickly went to the bathroom. Both stood in front of the toilet and started to piss and crossed streams. They shook their dripping cocks and headed for a nice warm shower where they shampooed each other and washed with a little (but great cock play) and they jacked each other off releasing in each other's mouths. It was satisfying to say the least. Both needed coffee while they dressed for the day. Sam had to work in the horse barn and Daryl was going to help his lover. They headed up to the house where they found Elsa sitting on the patio drinking a large cup of coffee and glancing at the paper. There was a large pitcher of fresh orange juice on ice for them as well.
"Well, good morning to you both and may I say there is a glow about you, so you must have a had a great day off yesterday. Daryl gave his other Grandmother a huge hug and kiss. Sam sat and poured them each coffee and juice. Sam then said, "Oh Elsa, we had the best time. I took Daryl on a tour, including the old mission, and then to the old wharf followed by lunch. It was a spectacular day!
We came back here, changed, and went to the most fabulous restaurant for dinner last night. Daryl called Robbie and Tommy for any suggestions and Robbie told us about `Intermezzo at Wine Cask'. We went there and had a fabulous meal with wine and then were surprised that Robbie and Tommy paid for dinner. Evidently the Chef was a great friend of Robbie's. Then we came back here, collapsed, and went to bed.
We also have to tell you that we have become a couple and are partners now. We love each other very much and hope you approve of this??" We told Robbie and Tommy last night and I will call Gamma today and tell her. We have to work out the where and when's, but most likely I am going to move here to be with Sam and find a job somewhere.
Elsa looked shocked at first, then smiled a huge smile and standing grabbed both men and hugged them tight. "I am so excited for you both. Although I must say we are going to miss you greatly at the houses and now I'll have to break in someone new to help out. We will do it and I know Alma will be pleased, as pleased as I am!!! I love you both and I have a feeling this will be a lifetime commitment. They both hugged Elsa while Miss Ellie returned, bringing out a platter of eggs, bacon, and homemade raspberry muffins. It looked and smelled wonderful. Miss Ellie saw the sheepish looks on both men. She smiled and said, "Iz do declare, lukin at yuz both like the cat done got the cream. I see love here and Iz happy for yuz both. Tis Gods will! Halleluiah!!! God's blessing on yuz both." Still laughing, Miss Ellie walked back to the kitchen.
Elsa, Sam and Daryl had a delightful breakfast, although Sam had to hurry as he had work to do with the horses. Sam got up to leave, kissed Elsa on the cheek, then gave Daryl a loving kiss as well.
"See you in a bit, Mr. Man." Daryl was beaming and looked over at a smiling Elsa.
"I am really glad you found each other and I have a great feeling about this, just like when Robbie met Tommy. It feels just the same!!! I'm sure Alma will be pleased as well!! Do you have any idea what you want to do for work when you move down here?" she asked.
"I haven't really thought about it yet. We will have to discuss this with Robbie and Tommy when they come back and whether they want me to go to the desert with y'all?"
"Well, I am sure the family can find something for you to do here at the ranch. It is so large it should be easy for you to work here. I can see the wheels turning. Things will work out in the end. Are you going to call Alma and tell her the news?"
"I was going to call her now. I hope she will be happy for us. That's all she has ever wanted for me!!"
Daryl picked up his cell phone and called his Gamma. "HELLO darling boy." she said when she answered the phone. "I was hoping you would call and let me know what is going on with you on your trip. Is everything alright and is Elsa having a good time?"
"She is just fine and things here are fabulous. I have some great news! I have found the love of my life. He works here at the ranch and is in charge of the horse barn. His name is Sam. He is super good looking, smart and gets on with everyone. He is 26 and we have fallen totally in love. I will be moving down here in a while when I get things settled with Robbie and Tommy. They are down in Beverley Hills at Robbie's restaurant. They had a major problem with the management there, but things are getting better, and they are going to re-open with a huge party on Saturday night. They both know about Sam and me and are thrilled, and so is Elsa. You want to chat with her? She is right here."
Daryl handed the phone to Elsa and the ladies were glad to chat with each other. They did it often, as they were best friends and had been forever. "So, Alma, what do you think about the news of our Grandson?? I am thrilled and you should see them together!! They are so suited for each other. They are so cute together and I am sure you will love Sam. He really is a great and wonderful young man. Oh, and sooo good looking and very well mannered."
"I am sure I will and can't wait to meet him. I just want Daryl to be safe and happy, as he has been through so much, and am glad he found someone to love and take care of him. I hope they will take care of each other!!" Elsa replied.
"You are so right, my dear. Robbie and Tommy are in Santa Barbara. They had a major mess to clean up as a fake manager showed up, walked in with forged papers, and took over the restaurant. He fired a bunch of people and embezzled tens of thousands of dollars. This lousy guy has his ASS in jail and will have a trial eventfully. He will be put away for a long time!! They had to close the restaurant for the week for some major clean up, repairing, painting and hiring some new staff. They are having a Grand Reopening on Saturday evening. It should go well. Wish you could come down. It would be great to spend time with you here!
Maybe I can arrange something for you, would that be ok with you?"
"That would be great, but please don't go to any trouble. I would love to see everyone. Anyway darling, I've got to go and get some shopping and laundry done. It doesn't do itself!!" The ladies were laughing as they hung up after saying a fond goodbye!!
Daryl then called Robbie. "Hey Boss, hope things are going well. How are things shaping up??"
"Hey there Daryl. Are you and Sam getting on well???"
"Pure love and lush. I am so in love and know Sam feels the same way. We want to be together. I want to move down here to make that happen. But I don't know what I can do for a job and I hate the thought of leaving you guys in the lurch when I move!!"
"Don't ever worry about that Daryl, as long as you are happy, we will work it out. But if and when you do move South we will have to get someone to help Elsa!! I am sure the family will find you a job. Let me chat with Dad and see what we come up with. We want you both to come down for the opening on Saturday night and we will get you and Sam a room here at our hotel while Elsa can stay with us in our suite.
You can drive down on Sat. morning. It's only about a hour (maybe a bit longer) just a coat and tie, business attire and a cocktail dress for Elsa. We can talk later with more details and now, dear boy, I have got work to do. Give Sam a hug and kiss from us and we'll see you Saturday in the early afternoon. Love you too, kiddo!!!"
"Love you both too!!!" Daryl ended the call..
Sam had to do some work in the barn and Daryl and Elsa talked about them going down to Beverly Hills for the party on Saturday at the restaurant. They could stay at the hotel - Elsa with Robbie and Tommy in their suite. Sam and I will have our own room just down the hall. The dinner party should be fun, especially to see what the men have done to return it back to its formal elegance, now that the idiot is gone.
Daryl walked over to the barn and Sam formally introduced him to the men working there as his partner. Daryl would be moving down here soon. The men seemed glad for them both and there were hugs and hearty handshakes all around. Daryl helped out around the barn and lunch time grew near, so they washed up, kissed discreetly and walked back to the house. On the patio table was a spread of sandwiches, potato salad, sweet tea and a big chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. It was, as it turned out, both men's favorite cake. Everyone dug in and they chatted about the weekend party and staying in Beverley Hills. It all sounded like fun. Lunch was finished so Daryl and Sam helped Miss Ellie clear the table. Sam had to get back to work since they had a new shipment of horses coming on Friday morning. Sam said goodbye to Elsa as he kissed Daryl and went back to the huge horse barn. "See you in a while, crocodile!!" They started to laugh as he walked. Daryl just smiled and shook his head.
So dear friends, here ends Chapter 22!! Many more things to come: The party at the restaurant, the trial, Daryl's move South to be with Sam, Daryl's new job? Lots to look forward to. As always, please be safe, get vaccinated if you're not already, be kind and help others less fortunate and above all, always be yourself!!!
Thanks to my darling Allen for his hard work in posting this little saga for you all to enjoy. Also, as always PLEASE donate to Nifty!!!
Stay TUNED. More to come!!
Your Sexy Chef