I hardly know you
Teegan could never have imagined how a property sale would lead to a whirlwind romance, the limelight, a family and a high-profile business. Life couldn't be any better with Craig and their three lovely girls. So why was Teegan unfaithful? Craig wanted Teegan to have counselling, even discovering The Practice. Doctor Love's therapy was as exciting as it was enlightening in answering the question.
I'll make earlier appointments in future. Teegan 😊
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I couldn't keep up the facade, the deceit and betrayal. Sex was mundane and routine and the magic of our first time a fading memory. But I'd hurt Craig enough. It meant nothing and just a whimsical moment was all I offered for my infidelity. Not entirely honest, the person I hardly knew wasn't the only one scratching that itch for a one-night-stand.
For my sins, Craig insisted I had counselling. I was relieved he was so forgiving. It could have been so much worse. We have school-age children, a beautiful home and a successful business that supports a very comfortable lifestyle. I'd been faithful since Craig and I met over 15 years ago. What was I thinking? I must have been crazy. Maybe I did need to see someone.
I was working as a property consultant when I met Craig. He was interested in purchasing a property in Parkville. The prestigious inner suburb had the most sought-after historic homes in the city. It wasn't just Craig's expensive taste in real estate that impressed me. He was handsome with a tall and athletic build. His gorgeous smile and eyes that lit up when he looked at me excited me the most. I was the envy of all the girls back at the office.
I was use to that look back then and enjoyed the attention. My untamed blonde curls, some cleavage and a skirt in high heels certainly helped my sales figures. Now on the wrong side of mid-forties, I recently rediscovered my flair for dressing in something that hardly hides anything and that a mother of three can still turn heads. I'd forgotten how exciting it was.
Craig fell in love with a gorgeous apartment in an old mansion redevelopment on The Avenue. He invited me out for dinner to celebrate purchasing the property. I hardly knew the guy and was hesitant. Socialising with clients wasn't permitted. I couldn't recall Craig mentioning a partner or children was more of a concern. Why else would he be buying a four-bedroom apartment? But I succumbed to that smile and the glint in his eye.
Someone at the office mentioned I'd sold the property to one of our Olympic athletes. Can you imagine my surprise? I had little interest in any type of sports, let alone international swimming. A quick Goggle search discovered Craig had several National titles and even competed at the last Olympics! No wonder he had a body to die for! I was busting to tell the girls he was taking me out for dinner but kept that little secret to myself.
I was amazed to hear Craig was single, more surprising was how we celebrated all night long. The girls would be shocked or maybe envious. The sex was unbridled lust! Hardly promiscuous, it was so unlike me. I'd only had a couple of serious boyfriends and the sex was vanilla flavoured in comparison. One-night-stands really hadn't interest me and I thought that's what it was. I really didn't expect to see Craig again.
Craig had other ideas. I was surprised, even a little embarrassed, when he rang and asked if I'd like to go to the National Swimming Trials to see him compete. One invite led to another and we started dating. I moved into the apartment eight months later. We married the following year and The Avenue eventually became a family home to our gorgeous girls, Olivia, Mia and Ella. I've never even looked at another guy until almost a year ago.
Craig noticed an exclusive medical centre while looking for counselling. The Practice specialised in women's health and relationship guidance. It was also conveniently located on Park Crescent on the other side of the park opposite our apartment. The road is lined with lovely double-story terrace buildings, most converted to professional suites. Our agency handled some rentals when I was working for them but sales rarely came onto the market.
The Practice Manager, Maddisyn, provided me with a tour and explained the facilities and services. The building was beautiful with ornate plaster and woodwork, amazing arches and doorways. Every room was furnished with period furniture and lovely furnishings. The review with Maddisyn was a pleasant distraction from the counselling. I registered as a Guest anticipating The Practice would be much more exciting than your usual medical clinic.
I checked my emails and organiser but there was nothing that needed attention. We started a sports agent business from home when Craig retired from swimming. He manages professional athletes and I look after the office side of things. Craig was interstate on another business trip and school pick-up wasn't until later in the afternoon. Today's counselling really was the highlight of my day. I just moped around the apartment filling in several hours until getting ready for the appointment.
I excitedly searched through the walk-in robe for something special to wear. I soon realised The Practice was that sort of place. I selected a lovely button-down blouse and a mid-thigh skirt with a matching jacket and smiled at my reflection in the mirror. I did my hair and makeup and left the apartment for the short walk through the park to The Practice.
There was a spring in my step, high-heels striking the footpath that roamed through the beautiful gardens. I loved the exclusiveness of The Practice, getting dressed up and being treated as a Guest rather than a patient. I smiled to myself recalling meeting Doctor Love. A charming older man with a gorgeous smile, handsome for his age and exquisitely dressed in a tailored three-piece suite. There was an instant attraction.
I entered the wrought iron gate and rang the bell on the large stained-glass door. 'Hello Teegan,' Maddisyn's infectious smile greeting me. 'How was your walk?'
Maddisyn had become more like a friend and wonderful at turning an appointment into a lovely visit. The tall and attractive brunette would be mid-20s, just a little younger than when I met Craig, and with loosely curled hair cascading to her shoulders. She reminds me of what I was like at her age.
'Lovely, thank you,' I smiled as we made our way into the Sitting Room. 'I really should walk more and help fill in the days.'
I fell in love with the room as soon as I saw it during the review. It was certainly a woman's room with pastel colours, soft cushions and velvet drapes framing the bay window that was filled with fine lace. A pretty chandelier hung from a colourfully decorated ceiling rosette and lovely table lamps added to the cosy atmosphere. The Sitting Room was among the many things I loved about The Practice.
I sat on one of the matching couches in front of the white marble fireplace. 'Would you like any refreshments?' Maddisyn offered as I melted into the luxurious fabric.
'The Pino Grigio I had last time was lovely,' I grinned appreciatively.
Maddisyn soon returned with a selection of cheese and fruit. 'I thought you might like something with the drink,' she smiled placing the silver tray on the coffee table.
'Thank you. It looks lovely!' I said a little excitedly, enjoying the pampering.
I began reflecting on the counselling as I relaxed with my wine and soaked up the ambience. The three sessions have been wonderful, liberating me of the emotional burden of my infidelity. I'm surprised how easy it was discussing the affairs. Even a little arousing as we explored my craving for sex with someone I hardly knew. It's amazing what intimate details you're prepared to reveal when lost in your therapist's dreamy blue eyes. I'm sure Craig never imagined I'd enjoy counselling so much!
I stood to catch Maddisyn's attention as she sat at her desk. 'I'm going to get ready.'
'Would you like help with your makeup and hair?' Maddisyn kindly offered.
Madisyn always asks but, on this occasion, I couldn't resist the indulgence. 'Thank you. I want to look my best for Doctor Love,' I grinned a little suggestively.
'I wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard that,' she chuckled knowingly.
The Guest Lounge is lovely for getting ready for a session. An antique white dressing table with an ornate mirror has a selection of perfumes and cosmetics. There's even a gorgeous spa in a wrap-around window with a stunning private garden view.
I sat at the dressing table and Maddisyn started on my makeup. 'Isn't it silly wanting to look good to see your doctor?' I smiled, enjoying the attention.
'Doctor Love's certainly popular with the laaadieees,' Maddisyn replied, the extended word and raised eyebrows causing me to giggle.
Maddisyn's normally innocent demeanour was almost angelic. Her suggestive humour surprised me. 'And he likes the company of younger women. I've noticed his roaming eye,' I grinned.
A smile filled Maddisyn's face as she lowered her gaze. 'I'm not surprised with those legs in heels,' she teased.
'Maddisyn!' I exclaimed jovially.
'You love it,' she smirked before going behind me to do my hair.
I was enjoying Maddisyn's new found playfulness. 'Okay, the thought had crossed my mind when I chose the skirt,' I confessed to her reflection. 'What about you and the silver fox?'