After a restless night with little sleep, I struggled through my day at school on autopilot. Using Randy’s terminology, I was totally wasted. What I really wanted to do was go into a coma and sleep for a week, but I knew I had to go get ready for tonight. No matter how tired I was, bailing out on my first “free-night” was not an option. He wasn’t getting off that easy.

I walked through the front door almost two hours later than usual, completely exhausted. Randy attempted to give me a kiss, but I turned my head away. I was angry.

“You look beat, Hun,” he said, stating the obvious.

“Why wouldn’t I be? You had the audacity to schedule a last-minute parent conference for me? That was bull and you know it! You were well aware of what tonight was.”

Randy put his finger to his lips and whispered, “Shhhh. Lower your voice. Billy is in the next room. Just so you know, Mrs. Harding called late in the day demanding a parent teacher meeting. As you know, she was irate about her son’s test scores and I had no choice but to squeeze her in. Part of my job as a principal is to try and accommodate the parents' needs.”

In an angry voice I replied, “You already knew all about her son. I’ve submitted several reports. There is a simple reason why her son does poorly on his tests—he has the intelligence quotient of a bag of rocks. I was forced to endure her verbal abuse for an hour about what a crappy teacher I was. It took all my self-control to not stick a pencil in her eye. When I suggested special education classes for her darling little Davy, she went ballistic and threatened to sue me and the school.”

“Well, I know you handled her like the pro you are. What do you say I take you and Billy out to dinner and I give you a great massage later?”

“Yes, I dealt with her professionally. What I can’t deal with is you deliberately trying to sabotage my night-out tonight.”

Randy looked intently in my face and replied, “So, are you really going to go through with this craziness?”

I kicked off my shoes, dropped my bag on the entry table and walked past him to the kitchen. I poured a cup of black coffee, took a sip and answered, “What do you think?”

“What do I think? I think you should stay home with your family,” he replied in a slightly raised voice.

“You’re not someone that has the right to say that. Our family wasn’t high on your priority list when you were sneaking around with Miss Fake Tits. Look, buster, it was you that caused all this and pushed our marriage to the edge of a cliff. If you don’t like my solution, take option two and get the hell out of here!” I shouted back.

Billy looked up at us arguing with distress on his face. Now it was my turn to put a finger over my lips signaling for us to lower our voices.

“But… you told me… we can put that behind us,” he said in a barely audible tone.

“We can never put this completely behind us. It’s not going to be easy to salvage our marriage. You put it on life support.”

“Please don’t do this. I promise I will be—”

“You’ve made that promise before, remember? Forsaking all others… till death do us part?”

He winced as my words cut to his core. Randy had no snappy comeback for that.

“I have to get ready for tonight and don’t have time for this now.” I walked past him up the stairs.

-oOo-

As I stood in the shower, I recalled the events of the last few months. I still couldn’t understand why Randy would cheat on me. Despite his infidelity, I knew beyond a doubt he loved me. So, why? It was not like he was sex-starved. To my recollection there wasn’t a single time I refused him. While our opportunities were somewhat diminished with a small child, I always considered our love life to be vibrant and fulfilling. For some reason, Randy must have felt differently. I know I’m not a movie star, but I’m attractive by anyone’s standard—certainly prettier than that slut I caught him with.

The hot water cascaded over me and soothed my aching neck and shoulders. Some of the tension in my muscles subsided but I knew it was going to take more than a shower to comfort my wounded soul.

I was aware of my own flaws. One of them was that I tended to overanalyze things. It seemed anytime we had a confrontation I’d automatically assume a portion of the blame. But not this time. This was totally on him.

I can’t say I didn’t question the wisdom of my solution. Randy needed to understand his actions had consequences. My plan for a free-night once a month allowed me to inflict on him some of what he put me through. The difference being, I could do this without actually crossing the line into adultery—but he wouldn’t know that.

Some people might have considered Randy’s secretary to be sexy with her plastic boobs and bleached blond hair, but as I stood naked in front of the foggy mirror, it was obvious to me that whore wasn’t close to being in my league. I shook my head and started the long, arduous process of drying and combing out the tangles from my thick hair.

I thought about how everyone gets tempted at one time or another. Lord knows, after we married I didn’t suddenly go blind to the opposite sex. Over the years, I’ve been hit on more times than a tennis ball. The difference between Randy and me was that I knew how to say no. Admittedly, there have been many times I’d been tempted and even had a few close calls. Maybe my mom and dad got it right about monogamy when they opened their marriage, but I wasn’t willing to go there… at least not yet.

I finished my makeup and needed to pick an outfit. The dress that caught my eye was the one I’d bought for our fifth anniversary; the one I never got to wear because Billy got sick that night.

I slipped the dress over my head and thankfully it still fit. The material alluringly clung to my belly, hips, and thighs, accentuating my breasts. The hemline was just short enough to show off my long athletic legs. In all honesty, I’d say my look was sexy, bordering on slutty. A bra wasn’t possible because of the plunging back. As I walked, my unrestrained breasts swayed in their minimal confinement. I felt sexier than I had in years.

As soon as I walked down the steps, Randy whistled and said, “Holy crap!” He mockingly grabbed at his chest. “Call 9-1-1. You’re going to cause me a heart attack!”

“In this old thing?” I grinned, bending over to give Billy a kiss goodnight.

He looked at me with sleepy eyes and said, “You smell good, Mommy. Where you goin’?”

Randy answered for me, “Mommy is going out to play with some friends.”

I frowned at him for that sarcastic remark.

Billy’s face lit up with a smile at the word “play,” and he asked, “Can I go?”

“No, sweetheart. It’s just for big people.”

As I opened the door, ready to leave, Randy surprised me with a kiss. Then, he took my hand in his and placed a couple condoms in my palm.

I looked at them and back at him, whispering, “You can’t be serious?”

“You never can be too careful.”

What the hell is he doing?  

This was totally out of character for Randy

“You’re nuts!” I said.

“Hey, remember this whole free-night thing was your idea, not mine.”

I thought about it and said, “You’re right. Don’t wait up.”

-oOo-

Once behind the wheel, I had no plan of where I was going or what I was going to do. I hadn’t thought that far ahead. Randy had totally surprised me last night with his whole hot-wife fantasy. I didn’t know if I believed him. I thought it was strange that he never once had given me even a hint about such a fetish. In the past, he couldn’t even handle me talking to another man. In fact, his jealousy had brought him close to fisticuffs on several occasions.

But now he fantasizes about sharing me with other men? Unbelievable!

After I drove around aimlessly for what seemed like forever, I saw a flashing neon sign up ahead that read, Stagecoach Bar and Grill. I thought the animated stagecoach sign could easily be mistaken for a Wells Fargo bank. There were only a few cars in the parking lot. I guessed this was still too early for the bar crowd.

I knew nothing was going to happen, but the mere possibility excited me. I felt like a school girl going out on her first date. My nerves were a wreck as I checked myself in the mirror and added a bit more lip gloss. It was a warm evening. When I stepped out of my car, a gust of wind caught my dress and lifted it up like the scene with Marilyn Monroe.

There were a few people outside smoking by the dimly lit entrance. As I approached, one of the men opened the door for me. This was the first time I could recall going to a bar unescorted. Once inside, I checked my wrap at the coat room and looked around.

The place looked like a typical eighties-style yuppy lounge with brightly colored upholstered booths along the walls and circular tables placed at random. It also had a large dance floor and a horseshoe shaped lacquered bar in the middle. The western theme was consistent around the room with wagon wheels, branding irons and such on the walls. I decided to sit at the bar rather than a booth.

“What can I get you?” asked the bartender. She was tall, blonde, and attractive.

“Just a glass of cranberry juice. It’s still too early for alcohol,” I replied, crossing my legs.

She poured me a tumbler of juice and said, “I haven’t seen you before. First time?” She looked me over carefully.

“Yes, first time here. I saw your sign and thought I would check it out.”

She looked me over once more and said, “Just so you know, we don’t allow working girls in here.”

It took me a second to adsorb what she was suggesting. I laughed and replied, “You think I’m a hooker? That’s priceless!”

“Sorry, no offense. Most girls dressed as hot as you aren’t giving it away for free.”

“Well, that’s good to know. I was wondering if this dress was too much… or too little. By the way, what’s the going price these days?” I laughed.

“For you, honey, the sky is the limit. I’d say at least a grand a pop, maybe more—depends how horny they are. Give it a few minutes and they’ll be on you like white on rice.”

“A thousand dollars? Damn, that beats the hell out of teaching.”

“You’re a teacher?” she asked, looking at my wedding set. “Your husband must be a total dimwit to let you go out looking like that.”

“It’s a long story.”

“I got time, sweetie. I really can’t wait to hear this one. I’m a great listener. It’s part of the job.”

“Okay, but if I do, I think my next drink should be more potent. How about a vodka sour? My name is Beth, by the way.”

“I’m Kimber, and I’m all ears.”

In between her waiting on customers, I commenced to give this total stranger the condensed version of my situation. By the time I finished my story, the live band was tuning up and the place was starting to fill.

“Damn!” Kimber said. “That is quite a story. So, this is your first free night?”

“Yep. I hope I don’t look as nervous as I feel.”

“Hun, you look fine. I tell you what… If I wasn’t as straight as a ruler, I’d give you a shot myself.” She grinned.

“I really only wanted to give my husband a taste of his own medicine. I thought I will probably kill a few more hours before I go home and leave the rest up to his imagination.”

“That sounds like a devious plan, hun, but if you want to be a bit more adventurous, that gentleman across from you in the leather jacket wants to buy you a drink. His name is Jimmy. He comes here at least three nights a week and he seldom leaves alone.”

I looked his way. He grinned and raised his glass to toast me.

“Tell him thanks but no thanks. I’m not interested.” He looked like a character right out of Saturday Night Fever with his slicked back hair and patterned shirt.

All he’s lacking is a leisure suit. I chuckled to myself.

“Good choice.” Kimber smiled. “You can do better. He thinks he’s God’s gift to women.”

She relayed my answer to him, but he didn’t look like the type that gave up easily. He walked around the bar and took the stool next to me without being invited. I swiveled away, ignoring him. I might have been out of circulation for a while, but I knew his type. He persisted in trying to engage me in conversation. Men like him can’t accept rejection well. Male egos are as fragile as eggshells.

“Look, honey,” he began. “I’m just trying to be friendly. Just give me one dance.”

“I already told you I’m not interested. My husband should be here soon.” I lied.

“All I’m doing is asking you for a dance, not a lifetime commitment.” He laughed. “Come on, just one dance.”

Reluctantly, I agreed to one dance in hopes he might leave me alone afterward. That was a big mistake. We started to dance a slow number and within seconds he was groping me. Plus, he danced like a high school kid and smelled like an ashtray. I slapped his wandering hands off me a few times and then finally pushed him away.

“That’s enough! Leave me alone. I told you, I’m not interested.”

When I walked back to my stool, I knew he’d follow.

“Come on, Babe. We both know what you’re here for. Let’s finish our dance and go back to my place where we can do the horizontal Mambo.”

“I’m telling you for the last time, leave me alone! No, I’m not dancing with you, talking with you or anything else with you! Beat it, creep!” I forcefully said before I turned around.

Kimber looked like she was ready to intervene.

Just as I was about to walk away, he grabbed my shoulder roughly and pulled me around, knocking a drink off the bar. It splashed all over the front of my dress. Then, in a rage he shouted, “Look, bitch! Who the hell do you think…”

Remembering my self-defense training, I planted my knee firmly in his groin, knocking the wind out of him. He doubled over, whining like a baby. I opened my clutch-bag, taking out forty dollars to pay my bill. Kimber pushed the money away saying, “It’s on the house, sweetie. That show was worth more than a few drinks.”

“Thanks. I guess I might see you next month.” I walked out with all eyes on me.

This wasn’t exactly the beginning I was expecting.

“You fucking cunt!” Jimmy screamed as the door shut behind me. Since I still had time to kill, I decided to see a late-night movie at the Roxy.

So much for my first adventure.   

-oOo-

About one in the morning, I quietly entered the house with my heels off, not wanting to disturb anyone.

“Have fun?” Randy asked, sitting in his recliner, waiting for me in the dark.

“I thought you’d be asleep.”

“Are you serious? You think I could sleep while my wife is out doing God knows what?”

“Randy, I’m really tired and don’t want to get into this with you. We’ll talk in the morning. I’m going to shower and get some sleep.” I walked up the stairs and he followed.

Once in the bedroom, I dropped my shoes and pulled off my dress, tossing it in the hamper.

As I stood there naked in the bathroom waiting for the shower to get hot, Randy came up behind me and asked, “Where did these bruises come from?”  

I looked in the mirror.

That asshole Jimmy left his fingerprints on my shoulder when he grabbed me.

I wanted to tell the truth, but I elected to keep it to myself. If Randy knew what had really happened, he would have probably killed the bastard and ended up in prison.

“It’s nothing,” I casually said. “I must have bumped into something.”

“Bullshit! You have bruises on your shoulder and you smell like a fucking distillery. Tell me what the hell happened tonight. Who bruised you?”

I needed to deflect his question. “No. You don’t get to know. I went through months wondering about you and struggling with my fears. Payback is a bitch, isn’t it?” I pushed past him to the shower, feeling vindicated.

-oOo-

When I finally got out and dried off, Randy was still awake waiting for me. Not bothering with a nightgown, I slipped under the covers. The cool silk sheets felt wonderful. Randy scooted up against my back, pulled me tight and cupped my breast.

“Beth, I’m sorry I upset you. I love you. You know that, don’t you?” he whispered.

“You better... I love you too.”

My husband was not to be denied. He continued to caress me and push my buttons, until he got me revved up. It didn’t seem to matter if I was dog tired. He was showing me passion I hadn’t seen in a very long time. He slapped my butt and bit my nipple.

“Ow!” I yelped. “That hurt! What are you doing? “

“I thought you liked it rough now. Tell me, who was it that bruised you?”

I could see how much his imagination excited him over the possibilities, so I decided to answer, “Just some guy I met tonight.” 

Randy gasped at that admission and I felt him grow as he became steel hard. The mere thought of me being with another man kicked him into a sexual frenzy.

“Tell me about him.” He panted as he probed my opening.

“He was a real asshole that thought he was God’s gift to women. A real player.”

At that point, Randy was insane with lust and commenced to plummet into me roughly. His usual slow and methodical technique morphed into raw passion. What started out as foreplay quickly became noisy sex. I bit the pillow to muffle my screams of ecstasy, but I couldn’t stop our headboard banging on the wall. Finally, Randy reached his peak and announced his pending orgasm. He flooded me as he ejaculated over and over.

“What’s the matter, Mommy?” Billy’s voice came through the door.

The doorknob rattled. In a panic I scrambled to cover myself. Randy quickly slipped on his boxers and went to the door. He opened it and Billy stood there looking confused and rubbing his eyes.

As Randy took him back to bed, I took the opportunity to grab a washcloth and stop the flow of cum pouring from me. I felt full. I put on my nightgown, prepared to rebuff any further attempt for him to continue. My nipple hurt from where Randy gave me a hicky.

What are we, back in high school? 

As I considered what happened, a chill came over me. I was faced with the fact that Randy’s hyper sexual activity wasn’t just about me, but the thought of me with another man.

I finally drifted off to sleep in the warmth of my husband's arms.

-oOo-

I woke alone feeling rested with memories of last night. I wished it was just a blurry nightmare, but I knew something unforeseen had been introduced in our relationship.

When I went down to get coffee, I was greeted by a breakfast prepared by my husband and son. I wasn’t usually a breakfast person but what could I say to such special treatment? Especially when my three-year-old was trying so hard to butter my toast.

“Wow! This looks fantastic. Thank you!”

Billy grinned from ear to ear as I kissed him on the forehead.

“Hey, what about me?” Randy pouted.

I walked over to him and planted a kiss on him that would knock his slippers off. Randy gasped, and Billy said, “Ewww, gross!”

Gawd, I love this family.

For the next several months our life returned to normal, except for Randy’s hot-wife obsession. It seemed to grow with each one of my free nights. I couldn’t complain because his imagination seemed to fuel his sex drive and we were making love like a couple newlyweds. He couldn’t keep his hands off me. I liked the attention so much, I made the mistake of telling him about fictitious encounters, thus making him believe I was doing more than I was—which was nothing.

While this was nothing but a game to me, it was very real to him. He actually believed I was having sex with other men. I should have stopped this lunacy then and told him the truth. In reality, I wasn’t doing anything more than dancing or taking in a late-night movie. I had dug myself a hole that was going to be hard to get out of.

If I continue this, he’ll believe I’m a slut wife. If I tell him the truth, how will he react to me deceiving him?

I felt like I had no way out.

-oOo-

Several more months passed with Randy hooked on this fantasy. All the while I was making friends at the Stagecoach. I became a popular dance partner at the club, even though I was there only once a month. Kimber and I also became good friends.

There wasn’t a night that I wasn’t propositioned multiple times; it did wonders for my ego. I found it humorous all the inventive ways men tried to seduce me.

There were the cocky ones that acted like they wanted to do me a favor; the sad story ones that wanted me to give them a mercy fuck; the Don Juan types that said they felt some “special connection.” Then there was my personal favorite: the rich guys that wanted to take me away from it all and fulfill my wildest dreams. The more I said no, the more determined they became. Men were so predictable.

I sat at the bar to take a break and talk with Kimber. It was an unusually busy night. I’d been dancing almost nonstop for over an hour and needed to rest my feet.

“Whew!” I sighed. “What a night!”

“Honey, you’re great for business. We should give you a percentage.”

“So, what’s the pool up to now?” I asked with a grin.

“Well, let’s see…” She pulled out a pad and flipped a page. “After that guy in the sports jacket signed up…around four grand—give or take a hundred.”

“That’s it? I thought more.” I laughed. “Tony offered me a Mediterranean cruise last month.”

“You must have a golden pussy, girl. The most I’m ever offered is dinner and a flick.”

“It’s all about the packaging, sweetie,” I said, crossing my legs with my hem sliding up, exposing the top of my stockings. We both laughed.

There was an older black couple, probably in their late fifties that frequented the Stagecoach. Marcus and Hattie were possibly the most skilled amateur dancers I’d ever witnessed. Marcus moved like a ballroom instructor. Over the past several months he taught me new steps almost every time we danced. He was always impeccably dressed and acted like a total gentleman. Hattie said they had been married over thirty years.

“Congratulations!” I said to her. “That’s a long time to be married. A long time to be with just one guy.”

Hattie laughed. “Yes, that is a long time to be married, but who said I was with only one guy?”

I looked at her in confusion and said, “I don’t understand... Oh…you mean...”

“That’s right, Hun. Marcus moves well on the dance floor, but you should see him in the sack. If you’re curious, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind giving you a few lessons. You probably figured out that’s not a flashlight he’s packing in his trousers.”

I laughed and replied, “I appreciate the offer, but nice try. Winning the pool isn’t going to be that easy.”

“Come on, Beth! You can’t blame a girl for trying.”

Kimber reminded me I only had one more month of free-nights left to complete my two years.

“What’s going to happen when the time's up?” she said. “You can’t stop coming. We’re like family now.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be coming back. I hope with Randy eventually, and hopefully more than once a month.”

“Girlfriend, I have a ton of respect for you for not cashing out on your free-night for real. In the last eight years I’ve seen girls before in your situation revenge fuck almost every guy in this joint. But you seem above that.”

“Don’t count your chickens. Did it occur to you that the right guy just hasn’t come in yet?”

She laughed. “I don’t believe you, hun.”

-oOo-

My final free-night was looming a few days away. I was conflicted whether or not to continue this little charade or end it and tell Randy the truth. There was also a third option that was on my mind a lot lately. I could always make this fantasy a reality. As Friday approached, I was conflicted.

Randy hovered around me while I dressed for my last free-night. Tonight felt different to me. I think Randy sensed it too. He was being a pest. I had to slap his hands away so many times that I finally said, “Stop it! Go downstairs and wait until I’m done.”

After I finished my makeup, I looked myself over with approval.

If I were a guy, I’d definitely think I’m hot.

When I got down stairs, Randy wasn’t there. I surmised that he was putting Billy to bed, so I just grabbed my shawl and shouted, “Bye! I’m leaving! Don’t stay up!”

Not waiting for a reply, I went out to my waiting Uber.

-oOo-

It was still early when I walked in the Stagecoach. There were a handful of people scattered about. None were dancing but that would change after the band finished tuning up.

One absolutely drop-dead gorgeous guy was sitting at the bar by himself. I had never seen him before. I waved at Kimber and sat a couple stools away. This guy had movie star looks, but I could tell he was depressed. He glanced at me and politely said, “Hi.”

“Hello,” I replied. “Troubles?”

“Yeah.” He frowned.

“Sorry to hear, but that’s what bars are for.”

He turned his head to check me out. I leaned slightly forward giving him a view.

“Buy a girl a drink?” I asked.

“Maybe your husband should buy you one.” He pointed at my wedding band.

“My husband isn’t here. This is my free-night.”

After thinking about what I said, he turned toward me and asked, “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s a free night?”

“Well, once a month I get one free night out. Tonight’s my night. It’s kind of like a hall pass of sorts,” I explained.

“Well, that’s pretty magnanimous of your husband. Good luck to you. But why pick me?”

I laughed and replied, “You serious? Are you telling me you don’t know how attractive you are?”

“Thanks for the compliment but I’m not in the mood to be with anyone but Bud Light. My mission tonight is to drink myself into oblivion.”

I motioned to Kimber and told her to give me the usual.

“I’m a great listener if you want to share your story.”

He told Kimber to put my drink on his tab. I smiled and said, “Thanks. I’m Beth, by the way.”

“Kevin.”

“Girl problem?” I asked.

“You might say that.”

I swiveled my stool towards him and said, “Go ahead, as long as you buy my drinks, I’m a great listener.”

He moved over to the stool next to me. For the next half hour, he poured out his heart and soul to me, a total stranger. I listened intently to his whole saga and never once offered my advice. Apparently, his girlfriend of three years suddenly said it was over and had asked him to leave. I’ve never witnessed such a broken man, ever.

When he finished, all I could say was, “Wow, you must really love her. I wish my husband had half the passion for me as you do for Gail.”

“Talking about your husband, what brought about your ‘free night’ arrangement, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Well, since you’ve been kind enough to buy my drinks and share your story with me, I’ll share mine.”

I motioned Kimber for a refill.

“It started two years ago when I caught my husband cheating on me with his secretary. I know that’s such a cliché, but it’s true. A friend at work clued me in about what was happening. At first, I didn’t believe it. I couldn’t rely on hearsay. I needed evidence. So, I came up with a plan. I told my husband I was going to visit my mom for a few days. I dropped my son off at my mother's house and drove her car back home with the excuse that mine had the car seat. I parked across the street and waited. A few hours later, he pulled into the garage and helped out this thin blonde. They kissed before the garage door shut. I was fuming mad. He actually had the audacity to bring that slut to our house!

“I waited patiently across the street and when the bedroom light went on I made my move. After I entered the house through the patio door, I snuck up the stairs in my stocking feet. The sounds of moaning told me all I needed to know. I caught them in the act. When that slut saw my gun, she ran down the stairs and out of the house naked. It was actually my son’s toy gun I’d picked up on the stairs.”

“Damn. That’s absolutely hilarious! Why don’t you just divorce him? You’re a stunningly beautiful woman. I guarantee you’d have no trouble finding another man.”

“Well, thank you. I considered it, but we have a three-year-old child. As bad as Randy is as a husband, he’s great as a father. Plus, he keeps insisting he loves me and will do anything to keep us together. That’s when I came up with the ‘free-night’ idea for retribution. He watches our son while I go out on my own the first Friday of each month.”

“So, you pick up guys and sleep with them for revenge?”

I laughed and said, “I haven’t slept with anyone… yet. So far, I just go out dancing or to a movie. I let him believe I’m sleeping around, but I don’t. If I did, that would bring me down to his level and make me a cheater also.”

Kevin grinned. “You’re devious.”

“There’s more. About three months into this charade he wanted me to tell him about my hookups. It was bizarre. He was actually getting off at the whole idea, so I started making up stories of fictitious encounters. He would go nuts and make love to me like a man possessed.”

“Incredible! I think your story is actually weirder than my story. I’ve heard about guys with that fetish. If you were my woman, there is no way I’d let any man touch you.”

“Thanks for saying that. So… who do I need to fuck around here to get a dance?” I asked, pulling at his arm.

“Sorry, I’m not in the dancing mood tonight.”

“Well, I am—and from what you told me, I think you could use some cheering up, sweetie.”

He relented and followed me to the dance floor. I found out very quickly he was a skilled dancer. We moved well together, and he was one of the few men I’d met that could really dance the Salsa. When the band changed tempo to a slow dance, the lights dimmed, and he pulled me close. We swayed together like practiced partners. When his cheek rubbed against mine, I felt his tears. I sensed his thoughts were elsewhere.

“Do you want to stop? Does our dancing remind you of her?”

“I’m sorry, I’m ruining your night.”

“Are you kidding? I’m having a wonderful time. I love making a new friend.”

He escorted me off the floor and said, “Thanks for your understanding, but I think I need to go back to my hotel room.”

“You’re not going to leave me this soon. God knows I could use the company as much as you do.”

“I’m not ready to be with another woman yet. This is all too fresh to me.”

I looked intently in his face and said, “Kevin, I’m not that easy. I wasn’t talking about sex. I was suggesting you could use a friend tonight. Not every woman is a slut, you know.”

“I’m sorry. Yes, I could use the company, if you don’t mind hanging out with a sorrowful wounded soul.”

“I’ve been there before,” I said. “I took an Uber here, so I can ride with you. Lead the way.”

I retrieved my purse and wrap while he paid the bar tab. Kimber grinned at me and gave me the thumbs up, thinking she had a winner, but that remained to be seen. For the first time since this started, I felt vulnerable.

Kevin helped me into his Mustang and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

“Thank you.” I smiled.

His Mustang roared to life before we headed for his hotel.

-oOo-

After about ten minutes of driving, Kevin parked in an assigned spot and killed the engine.

We sat quietly for a while before he asked, “Are you sure about this? I can drive you home, you know.”

“Yes, you can drive me home… after breakfast tomorrow morning.” I grinned.

He seemed to reflect over my proposal before he replied, “Okay, you’ve got a deal.” Kevin rushed around to my side and opened the door for me.

Entering the room, I immediately noticed the lone king-size bed, and said, “Hmmm, I get the right side and the bath first.”

“Of course. Ladies' choice.” He nervously walked over to the mini-cooler and looked at the alcoholic beverages. “Can I offer you a drink? There appears to be quite a selection.”

“Those things are a rip-off. I’ll tell you what, let me get cleaned up while you go across the street to the liquor store and buy us a bottle of Moscato. Okay with you?”

“All right, but how about some rum and Coke instead? I need something stronger than wine tonight.”

“I think… you’re just trying to get me drunk and take advantage of me.” I grinned.

When Kevin left, I turned on the bath and stripped. I had not yet considered all the possibilities, but for the first time, I considered more. How much more remained to be seen. The bubble bath was inviting. I slipped in. The hot water was soothing.

I laid back, thinking about Kevin and how attracted I was to him. Here I was, naked in his hotel room. In some ways I guess I had already crossed the line. When I first suggested to Kevin we spend the night together, I had no intention of seducing him… but now I wasn’t sure. It had been so many years since I was with a man other than Randy.

“Hey, where’d you go to?” he called out as the door slammed shut.

“I’m in the tub! Make me a drink!”

“Okay, but remember our agreement?”

“I remember! I’m just washing the stink off. I promise I’ll be a good girl. You’re safe with me!” I giggled.

My phone started to ring and I hollered, “That must be my husband. Hand me the phone, please? It’s in the side pocket in my purse.”

It rang several more times before Kevin entered the bath and handed it to me. His eyes scanned over me in the tub, and his face flushed. My breasts were poking through the bubbles. He smiled as he handed me the phone.

“Hi, Randy…When will I be home? I guess sometime tomorrow morning… Yeah, I’m spending the night… Yes, I’ll tell you everything… Okay, I’ll send you a picture.”

Without ending the call, I handed the phone to Kevin and said loudly for Randy’s benefit, “Here, lover. Take a pic of me in the tub.”

He hesitated but clicked a couple pictures and handed the phone back to me. I sent the pictures to my husband.

“You’re evil,” Kevin said with a grin.

“Oh, yes, I am. But he loves it.”

“That’s so weird,” he said, leaving the bathroom.

“Just so you know, I usually sleep in the buff!” I called out. “Where’s my drink, big boy?”

When I stepped into the bedroom, I was wrapped in a towel. His eyes were glued on me.

“Here’s your drink. I got you a sandwich, too.” He bought me a convenience store ham and cheese.

“Wow! You really know how to treat a girl in this fine establishment. Gourmet dining as well.” I chuckled.

I sat on the bed and opened the sandwich. After taking a sip of my drink, I remarked how I hadn’t drunk rum since I was in college. That spurred a conversation about my college days and how I met Randy in the school library. I talked about how I’d been so hesitant to marry him because I knew Randy was a notorious womanizer. After two years of dating, we married.

“What about you, Kevin? What’s your occupation?”

“I’m a computer programmer. A graphic programmer.”

“You mean like—for games?”

“I have done that, but I mostly work for movie productions—special effects and such.”

“That sounds exciting.”

“Actually, it’s tedious and time consuming. But it does have its moments.”

“What is it you do?” he asked.

“I’ve been a junior high school teacher for the last ten years. My husband Randy is the principle of my school.”

He burst out laughing. “A hot-wife teacher and the cuckold principal. It sounds like the plot of a porn movie.”

I pulled off my towel and said, “I’m ready for my screen test.” His eyes nearly popped out of his head.

“Holy shit! You’re beautiful!” He gasped.

I slipped under the covers, pulling the sheet up modestly under my chin. “Come on, strip,” I commanded.

I watched intently as he unbuttoned and removed his shirt. His abs were well defined. I gave him the thumbs-up sign and said, “Good start. Gimme more.”

He paused like he was trying to decide if he was going to continue.

I grew impatient and said, “Hurry up!”

He took off his shoes and socks and placed them neatly at the side of the bed. Then he shyly turned away from me and undid his belt and zipper. I had never seen such methodical undressing in my life. Kevin removed his trousers and carefully hung them in the closet.

“Quit teasing me and show me the goodies!” I giggled. God, his body was amazing.

“You sleep naked and I sleep in my boxers.” He slipped under the covers and switched off the lights.

“That’s not fair,” I whined.

We lay quietly for a while, but no matter how hard we both tried, there was no pretending we weren’t naked in bed together.

“Kevin?”

“Yeah?”

“Could you hold me and talk for a bit?”

“We can talk, but holding you isn’t a good idea.”

“Why? Holding me isn’t having sex, is it?” I asked.

“Technically… no.”

“Then hold me. Please?”

He scooted over to me and spooned against my back. He put his arm over me, but I could tell he was avoiding touching my breasts. I wiggled my butt against his crotch. After feeling his hardness against me, there was no need pretending he wasn’t interested.

I took his hand and placed it on my breast. He didn’t resist.

“That’s better. It feels nice,” I said. “Can we talk about your girlfriend. Is that okay?”

“You mean ex-girlfriend. Go ahead.”

“Did you ever tell her about your feelings and how much you love her?”

“Why is everyone suddenly an authority on how much I love her? We had an arrangement and love wasn’t part of it.”

“After what had transpired, you can’t seriously believe that, can you?”

“Love, love, love. That's just a fantasy. It is just another temporary emotion.”

“Kevin, I think someone in your past must have hurt you really badly.”

“Beth, you don’t know me well enough to psycho-analyze me.”

“That might be true, but I can see it all very clearly.”

“All women seem to believe they have a gift.” He sighed. “Okay, what is it that you see?”

“I see an amazing man that somehow thinks he’s not worthy of love. I believe that someone did something that made you believe love is just an empty platitude. I also think the original agreement you had with Gail allowed you both to coexist without real commitment or love. It gave you a safe zone and now she wants more. She needs your love.”

“I think that’s just a bunch of psycho-babble.”

“Oh yeah? Then answer me this: can you name just one person you love… just one?”

“If I could, there would be only one.”

“If you care, go tell her you will fight for her. Don’t be such a coward. That’s all any woman wants—hat and your enduring passion.”

He said he didn’t buy my theory, but we talked for hours. I have never been so turned on and intimate without actually having sex. He squeezed my tits, kissed my neck and nibbled at my ear. He was definitely warming up but sometime during our discussion we both drifted off to sleep.

-oOo-

I woke when the sun broke through a crack in the curtains. Kevin’s morning wood was poking me in the butt. I couldn’t resist myself as I slowly stroked him in his sleep. He suddenly woke, realizing what I was doing and pulled my hand away.

 I gave him a sexy look and said, “If you want to, you know we can.”

“I’m not ready for that yet, but when I am, you’re at the top of my list.”

I hopped up out of bed and seductively squeezed my tits together and said, “Last chance, sailor.”

He threw a pillow at me. I’ve never witnessed such a display of faithfulness in my whole life. He must have truly loved Gail. I realized that by default I had remained faithful also. Kevin was a great guy and I sincerely hoped he would work things out with Gail.

After we dressed, he took me to IHOP for breakfast. We talked about his options and mine. We both seemed grateful for our time together. We exchanged numbers before we left and agreed to stay in touch. But I knew I’d probably never see him again.

When Kevin dropped me off at my house, I asked him to help me keep up the charade with my husband. I knew Randy was watching. We kissed on the front steps as planned… except this time I could tell Kevin wasn’t acting. As he roared away in his Mustang, I unlocked the door and walked in. Randy was waiting for me. Without a word, he pulled me toward the bedroom.

-oOo-

For the next month Randy’s fantasy was in hyperdrive. He was proposing all sorts of erotic scenarios, including lovers of all ethnicities and group sex. When he started telling me about his gang-bang fantasy, I was done. He was out of control. I felt responsible for creating this monster and I knew the only solution was to tell him the truth. But I was scared how he would react after being lied to for so long.

I suggested my mother watch Billy while we go away for the weekend. I booked a room at a bed and breakfast in Cambria. My plan was to take the weekend to reverse what I had selfishly created.

I didn’t know how to broach the subject. Ultimately, I decided it would be best if I told him after a few drinks in a public place. I suggested we go to a lounge in town after dinner. I planned to tell him then, not realizing he had plans of his own.

We decided on a place within walking distance. It wasn’t a huge bar, but it was lively. We sat at a small table and had a couple drinks. As soon as I mustered up the courage to talk to him, a guy came to our table, asking Randy if he could dance with me. Before I could say no, Randy smiled and enthusiastically accepted on my behalf.

The guy practically yanked me to my feet. I frowned at my husband. The guy was not my type, but I was polite. He told me his name, though I couldn’t decipher much of what he said through the blaring jukebox. When the music changed tempo, he pulled me tight and attempted to slow dance. It was like dancing with an octopus. I pushed him away and came close to slapping him.

When I returned to the table, Randy was talking with a huge black guy wearing a LeBron James jersey. As I approached the table, he stood to greet me and said, “Hi, I’m John.”

“He bought us drinks,” said Randy.

“Thank you, John. I’m Beth. But I was planning on spending some private time with just my husband.”

“I understand. I really wasn’t trying to interrupt, Beth. You can’t blame a guy for trying to dance with such a beautiful woman, can you?”

“That’s sweet. I’m really not that rude. Thank you for the Margaritas.”

“My pleasure. How about just one dance?”

I looked at Randy and frowned. Then I looked at John and said, “Just one dance.”

I took a sip of my drink and whispered in my husband's ear, “It ain’t gonna happen.”

Our one dance turned into three. John was a fairly accomplished dancer and I was feeling more relaxed around him. I couldn’t tell if there was much attraction between us, but he was pleasant. We were dancing to a slow tune and I could feel his arousal pressing against me.

“You are a very beautiful woman.”

“Thank you, John, but I’m also a very married woman.”

“I’m sorry if that was forward. I believe every beautiful woman needs to be told.”

“So, that is your mission in life, seeking out all the beautiful women?” I chuckled.

“I can’t think of a better mission. It certainly has its rewards.” He whispered in my ear and kissed my neck. “Your husband says good things about you.”

“Is that so? What things did he tell you?” I was abrupt.

He put his hands up and said, “Whoa, nothing but good things, like what a great dancer you are and how much you like to entertain.”

“I’m sorry but I need to go to the lady’s room and then back to our suite. Thanks for the drinks and dance.”

I took my time in the restroom. When I returned to our table, John and Randy were having a discussion. I walked up to them and took Randy’s arm, saying it was time to leave. John wished us an enjoyable evening and hoped to see us soon.

We walked in silence back to our suite. The evening air was nippy and Randy offered me his jacket. I was miffed, and he knew it.

Finally, I said, “What the hell was that back there?”

“What are you talking about?” He acted ignorant.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. You were trying to set me up!”

“You’re imagining things, but what if I was? By my count, you’ve screwed more guys than a street walker.”

I slapped him on the cheek. “You bastard! Don’t talk about cheating to me! We are going to talk tonight and straighten things out.”

When we got to the room, I immediately went to take a bath and thought about how I was going to tell him the truth. I soaked about fifteen minutes in solitude.

Why did I lie? How can I repair this? I knew there was going to be consequences for my deception.

Randy tapped on the locked door and said, “If you stay in there any longer you’ll turn into a prune.”

“I’ll be right out! Hold your horses!”

I gargled and ran a brush through my hair. I figured we needed make-up sex before we talked because I knew a well fucked husband would be much easier to talk to. I opened the door and noticed all the lights were out. I guess Randy had the same thought I had because he was already under the sheets.

I sat on the edge of the bed and softly said, “I’m sorry about slapping you earlier. What can I do to make it up to you?”

Randy replied from the other side of the room, “Oh, I’ll think of something.”

A sudden panic gripped me. I ripped the sheet away and gasped when I realized it was a dark-skinned man in our bed, totally nude with a massive erection. He was grinning at me.

“Oh my God!... John?!”