There is no greater feeling than finally getting something (or someone) you want after years of longing. For more than twenty years, I had wanted Brad. I tried not to love him—I tried to forget him. Now I lay in his bed, in his arms, basking in the afterglow of our lovemaking. I was not prepared for, nor was I expecting, my world to be turned upside down yet again.

The sound of knocking, followed by a female voice calling out, made me freeze. “Brad? Are you home? Your car is in the driveway!”

Brad froze, swore under his breath, pulled on his pants, and left me lying in his bed with an apologetic glance.

As the door closed behind him, I could have screamed. What the hell just happened? Who was that at the door? My mind was racing, various scenarios played out in my mind. None of them good.

How could I have been so foolish? I knew Brad had a reputation of being a playboy. I should have expected he wouldn’t suddenly change.

So what was I going to do now? Part of me wanted to throw on his shirt and wander out to claim him. The other part wanted to get dressed and get out of here as fast as I could, and never look back. That part won.

I gathered my clothes and got dressed. Damn it! My shoes and purse were by the front door. I couldn’t leave without them, and that is where Brad and the mystery woman were. I quietly opened the bedroom door a crack, trying to figure out what was going on.

My eyes filled with tears as I watched what was happening. This mysterious blonde woman (who was she?) with long curly hair obscuring her face and a tight dress that clung to every curve, held a bottle of champagne in her hand. She was pinning Brad against the kitchen Island, and was kissing him. Admittedly, his arms weren’t around her, but he wasn’t putting up much of a fight.

She set the bottle on the counter and ran her hands up his naked chest. I watched her circle a finger around his nipple and giggle, whispering some I couldn’t hear. Her hand sank down to rub his still hard cock through his jeans… I couldn’t watch any more of this.

Closing the door silently, I sat on the edge of the bed, my head in my hands. This was not how I envisioned our night ending. After a few minutes of muffled voices, I heard the front door close. Then, what seemed like an eternity later, (but was probably merely a few seconds), Brad reappeared in front of me.

“I’m so sorry, Jill…” he stammered.

I couldn’t even bring myself to look at him.

“Jill. Look at me,“ he pleaded.

I still couldn’t raise my eyes to meet his.

Brad reached out to tilt my chin upwards. I jumped at this touch and pulled away. “Please don’t. You don’t owe me anything. I’ll walk home,”

I brushed past him, heading to the door without even looking at him. I grabbed my purse, pulled on my shoes, and closed the front door behind me. I never looked back.

It had been a couple of weeks since that night. I was hoping that time would make it easier, but the pit in my stomach just continued to grow. My heart was broken again. Brad had sent me a text the next day wanting to explain, but I really wasn’t interested. It was better to cut things off now before they went any farther.

Deciding it was time to get out and move on, I took advantage of a warm early summer day. It was a perfect day for a walk around the lake and a maybe a cold treat. I was sitting under the shade of an oak tree, enjoying my chocolate ice cream cone, when someone caught my eye. It was Brad. She was with him, clinging to his arm as they strolled.

There was something familiar about her. Why did I know her? My head was spinning, trying to figure it out as I observed them. They made their way to the snack bar - I stayed hidden against the tree trunk. They got their ice cream and sat at a picnic table to eat. I could hear their soft laughs, see them holding hands. If I wasn’t mistaken, her foot was rubbing his leg under the table. Quite a cozy couple.

I couldn’t take it anymore. I got up and headed to the ladies room to splash cold water on my face and regain my composure. I was staring into the mirror when she walked in and stood at the sink beside mine. She looked at me, and then recognition lit up her eyes.

“Jill!” she exclaimed.

I looked at her blankly, trying to place her, with no luck. I heard myself say, “I’m sorry—have we met?”

“Renate. Renate White. We went to high school together,” she explained.

Of course! That’s why she was so familiar. She was a real estate agent now - I’d seen her face on signs all over town.

Renate was that girl in high school that every boy loved, and every girl hated. Justifiably so - Renate loved to steal everybody’s boyfriend. She had dated Brad for a few months back then.

“Hi Renate,” I managed to squeak out. “It’s nice to see you again.” I hoped she didn’t hear the contempt in my voice.

“I’m so glad I ran into you,” she continued. “I think I owe you an apology.”

“Whatever for?” I asked.

“I think I interrupted your date a couple of weeks ago. Brad was too polite to tell me when I showed up drunk at his door. I closed a big deal and wanted someone to celebrate with. I thought Brad could use a little company, he was home on a Friday night after all…. Well, he quickly told me wasn’t interested and offered to walk me home. I only live five doors down. I saw your shoes and purse, along with the scratches on his chest. Even drunk, I could add up the pieces! I walked myself home.”

I was stunned. “What makes you think it was me?” I asked.

“Come on, Jill! Brad has loved you since high school. It’s plain to see,” she replied with a wink. “Plus, he didn’t deny it was you when I asked him!”

“Then why are you dating him?” I asked boldly.

Jill laughed. “You’re kidding, right? Brad and I are just friends. Despite years of trying, he always turns me down. I’m just not you. Of course, that doesn’t stop me from trying, especially when I’m drunk!”

Could she really be telling the truth? Did I really overreact? I wasn’t so sure…

“Well, anyway, my apologies for interrupting your night. I hope you’ll give Brad another chance. He really does love you, you know.” With that said, Renate turned and walked out the door..

He loves me. Brad loves me. Could it possibly be true? Or was Renate just reading more into it? After all, I doubt Brad had actually confided in her.

I waited in the bathroom a few minutes to give Renate and Brad time to clear out. I didn’t want to face either of them. Checking to make sure they were gone, I made my way back down to the lake path to continue my walk.

Finding a secluded bench in the trees overlooking the lake, I sat down to take a break from my walk, and got lost in my own thoughts. I was startled by a familiar voice.

“Mind if I join you? Brad asked.

“Go right ahead,“ I said, not wanting to look into his eyes.

We sat in awkward silence for a while, neither of sure what to say. Finally, Brad started “Jill, I am sorry about the other night. I had no idea Renate was going to show up at my door…”

“It’s okay. I talked to her today. She told me everything.”

“Everything? So you believe there’s nothing going on with us?” he asked hopefully.

I looked at him for a few moments, staring deep into his eyes. Did I really believe her? A smile crept across my face as I nodded “yes”.

Brad closed the distance between us and took me into his arms, holding me tight. I could hear his heart beating loudly in his chest - or was that mine? It really didn’t matter….they were beating as one. I looked up at him, and instantly felt his lips capture mine in a tender kiss.

We were soon overcome with passion…desire…relief. Our hunger was growing as our hands explored each other. I could feel his erection growing under my hand, as his hand cupped and fondled my breast, finding its way up underneath my shirt. I reached for the button and zipper on his shorts, slowly undoing them.

In a brief moment of clarity, Brad grabbed my hand. “What if someone comes?”

I smiled a devilish smile. “Then they would get to watch the show! I have no intention of stopping. Nobody has passed here in the past hour. I think we’re safe!”

Brad didn’t look quite convinced, but he didn’t waste any time in sliding his fingers up my thigh and finding my wet panties. He pulled them aside and began stroking up and down my labia with his fingers. Feeling me shiver, he plunged a finger deep inside of me, while his thumb worked my swollen clit.

Passion was now overwhelming us. We didn’t care where we were, or who might see us. I took his hard, throbbing cock and angled it into me as I climbed up on his lap. As I slid down on him, I was sure that he had been made specifically for me. He was a perfect fit.

Brad’s hands were holding my hips, guiding my thrusts, controlling our rhythm. I was just on the edge of orgasm when he froze.

“There’s someone coming!” he said with panic in his voice.

“Relax! Kiss me. My skirt is hiding us. We just look like we’re kissing,” I whispered in his ear, as I squeezed his cock deep inside of me.

With our hips still now, we continued kissing while my muscles contracted around him. Soon two ladies appeared on the trail. They gave us a knowing glance, before continuing on their way. My heart was going to pound out of my chest!

“Do you think they knew?” I asked.

“Definitely. Did you see the blonde blushing? She knew,” Brad answered. We both giggled guiltily.

As soon as they were a safe distance away, Brad grabbed my hips and started thrusting harder again. It took no time to bring me right back to that edge again. But this time, I let myself fall over. My body began to quiver and shake, and I contracted so tightly around his cock, Brad erupted with me. I could feel very pulse of his release as we surrendered to each other.

Staying on his lap while our breathing returned to normal and our hearts calmed, I kissed him deeply.

Brad looked deep into my eyes and looked like he was struggling with something. I froze, panic once again setting in.

“Jill…” he began. ‘I….um…well… I love you.”

The breath I had been holding escaped my lips. A smile crept across my face, and I began to giggle. “I know.”

“How did you know?” he asked.

“Renate told me,” I replied.

He swore under his breath. “I should have known!”

“She told me you’ve loved me since high school. Is that true?”

Brad eventually met my eyes and nodded his head.

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” I asked, frustrated that we’d lost so much time.

“I guess it just wasn’t the right time,” he said thoughtfully. “I wasn’t ready then to be what you needed. What you deserved.”

“But you are now?” I asked hopefully.

Again, he nodded his head.

That nod sent shivers down my spine. Brad felt me quiver in his arms and gave me another tender kiss. I didn’t want that kiss to end! But we needed to put ourselves back together and find someplace more private. It was time to go.

We made our way back around the trail, holding hands as we strolled. When we reached the parking lot, I was disappointed that Brad gave me a brief kiss and headed to his car. I had foolishly expected more, and couldn’t believe that after everything that had just happened, he would just leave.

Feeling the tears starting to well up in my eyes, as I got in my car, I heard my phone notification ding. I reluctantly checked the message.

It was from Brad. “Free tonight?”

Relief flooded over me and I smiled as I typed my response. “Yes.”