This story is about adultery and succumbing to temptation. It is also a story about friendship and love.
The woman involved does not get punished. She does not get kicked out by an incredibly calm, wise and insufferably smug husband with a black belt in karate and no sense of humour or self knowledge. She does not beg in vain to be taken back. She does not end up destitute, destroyed and on drugs. In fact, she has rather a nice time.
This is just a story. A fantasy really.
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ANGELA
We have got a bit of time. Let me tell you a story. It all took place fairly recently. Comfortable? Good.
First, let me tell you a little more about John and me. We met at a party when we were in our early 20's. John and I clicked and, pretty soon, getting married seemed inevitable. It has worked well, extremely well actually. I can honestly say that John is my best friend. Our sex life is good, more than good. I think we've tried all the orifices that seem feasible. I've leafed through the manuals and we have tried anything that didn't seem totally ridiculous, disgusting or dangerous.
I do remember that I was quite disappointed with the Kama Sutra. It seemed to consist largely of dozens and dozens of variations, where the woman gets on all fours and makes different farmyard or zoo noises, while being poked from behind. Unfairly, the man is not required to make any noise at all. One day, as I was being taken in that position, I thought I would try it - I think I bleated like a sheep - without any warning. The result was the end of sex and we both collapsed laughing. It was ages before we could get back to fucking. So much for ancient erotic wisdom. Anyway, enough of that. Let me get back to my story.
John had met Brian about seven years back when they were both in the same company. We met his wife Kate shortly after and soon we all four became friends. They have stood by us when things have been bad. Brian has a superb sense of humour and Kate is extremely nice, one of my closest friends. I think I would best describe them both as being charismatic. People are attracted to them -- I am not talking of sex -- they are just likable. Actually, they are both pretty good looking. Kate has a stunning figure and Brian has nice eyes. For some reason they also seem to like us. We had dinner at each other's houses quite often. We have been skiing together once, to a small place in Austria and had a marvellous time.
Sadly, six or seven months ago, they had to move to Birmingham, because of Brian changing his job. We were quite upset, though pleased for him. I was afraid the friendship would wither like so many - to the annual Christmas card with 'we really must get together this year'.
As luck had it, John started on a project up near Birmingham. Brian and Kate were effusive in their demands that he should stay with them. Certainly it would be much nicer for him than staying in a dreary hotel each week. Of course, we had some trepidation, as it is not necessarily the same to be virtually living with a couple. Nonetheless, thanking them both, John tried it out and it went fine. It was nice for me too - much better than ringing up at a hotel. I probably spent as much time talking to Brian and Kate as I did John. John was usually up there just a couple of nights each week, though I remember one weekend he stayed over, as he needed to do some work.
After a month or so, John rang to say that Brian was down in London all the next week, while John himself was only due up in Birmingham for the Tuesday night. "Would it be OK if Brian stayed with us that week?" Well of course, I was delighted. It would be so good to see him again and to repay some of their hospitality.
I got home early that Monday and put a lot of effort into ensuring we had a nice meal. John and Brian arrived together. It was so good to see Brian again. He was looking as fit as ever and we greeted each other with a big hug and kisses. He brought a very expensive bottle of Burgundy, which helped the meal down. It was just like old times, as we cracked jokes and remembered things we had done and mutual acquaintances. John was a little quiet, but then he is not as outgoing as Brian.
Towards the end of the meal, Brian complimented me on the dinner I had prepared and suggested that the next evening, while John was away, he took me to a really nice restaurant. I demurred, saying that it was not necessary after all they had done for John. Brian insisted, saying it was basically just his expenses and John had taken them out to several meals. John thought it was a good idea too, so I felt I had no choice but to give in gracefully. Actually, I was delighted. He'd suggested a really swish place I had always wanted to try and besides I'd always found Brian great company. Brian said he'd sort out the arrangements and ring me at work the next day.
Just before lunch, Brian rang to say that everything was fine, he'd booked a table. He suggested I meet him at the restaurant, as he had to work quite late. We should both use taxis, so neither of us had to miss out on the evening. I got home early, had a shower and, feeling quite excited, got into one of my best dresses, complete with all the make up and jewellery. It was fun. I called a minicab and it deposited me at the restaurant within five minutes of the agreed time.
Brian was already there, he stood up, gave me a big hug and kiss as usual and complimented me on how 'delicious' I looked. I felt chuffed. The food was divine, as was the wine. We had a fair bit to drink, without getting plastered. All in all, it was marvellous. It was super with just the two of us, we must have spent nigh on half the time laughing - when we weren't stuffing ourselves, that is. Eventually, the time came to leave. Brian wouldn't let me see the bill but it must have been hefty. The restaurant called a cab and we piled in, with Brian's arm round my shoulder. We drove back with my head resting against him and I was feeling so relaxed and dreamy. What a lovely evening.
It wasn't that late, so I got us both a brandy and we settled down on the sofa. Brian took hold of my hand, very matter-of-factly. He said "You and John have been friends of mine now for several years. I like each of you enormously and I respect each of you just as much. Your friendship is something I want to keep at any cost. I am going to say something now that may deeply offend you but I must say it." I wondered what could possibly be wrong, had something gone amiss with John staying with them?
"I would very, very much like to make love with you and I am asking you to do so." I was shell shocked. I know it sounds naïve, but I had not expected that at all. I just must have stammered "That's not possible" or something like it. "Why not" he said, with that smile of his. "You know why not. There's Kate and there's John. It's not right". "It wouldn't be hurting either of them. It's something to do with just the two of us. Look, I know it sounds like all the clichés in the book. But I love you very much. I think it would be very special and very wonderful for both of us. All I ask is that you think about it. The offer will stand. I am not going to push you or force myself on you. It must be your decision."
I said nothing. I just felt so low. "I am not going to push you" he said "but there is one thing I must do". He reached across, held my face in his hand and kissed me very softly and tenderly on the mouth. That did something to me. I think if he had persisted then I might have succumbed. But he didn't. He sat back and looked at me, again smiling, "Well?"
I must have gone through all the usual things, 'How could we?', 'We must think of the others' 'How are we going to face them anyway?' and all the other things I could think to say. He didn't argue. He just repeated the things he had said and told me how much he cared for me. Suddenly, I realised I had been holding his hand all this time and quickly I let go of it.
Eventually we had to go to bed. We were both working the next day. We said good night very politely and I thanked him for the lovely meal. He suddenly burst out laughing and said how British we were being. I had to grin.
That night I was in turmoil. I kept wondering how I could face John the next evening with Brian there. But I couldn't ask Brian to leave. It would be impossible to explain without it all coming out. He had kept his word, he hadn't pushed me. I couldn't bust everything up, throw everyone's friendship into the bin, just because he'd gone potty, probably with the wine. I kept worrying that he would come into my room and kept thinking how I could react. I kept imagining noises and thinking it was him. To make matters worse I was wet as hell. It would be so much easier if I didn't find him so attractive. I could not sleep. To help, I tried imagining John was there and I was just drifting off with a lovely fantasy, when I realised with a shock that it was Brian's face and body I was imagining not John's.
I was dreadful the next morning. Brian seemed little better. I would have been so cross if he'd been as fresh as a daisy, the bastard. Before we both had to go, he spoke very quietly to me. He said he realised that it had been very difficult for me and he was sorry for causing me that upset. He meant every word he had said (damn and blast) but that in no way was he going to cause me or John embarrassment that evening. "Trust me a little, please" he said. The odd thing is that I did.
We went off to work. I was getting quite reconciled to the situation and with coping with the rest of the week (very British again) when the phone rang. It was John. "How was dinner?" "Fine". John had to stay up there the rest of the week and would be back on Friday. I was aghast. How could I cope with just me and Brian? John kept on burbling about underwear and shirts and buying them or getting Kate to wash them. I was a damn sight less worried about his underwear than I was about the contents of mine and Brian's - especially Brian's. What could I do? "Fine, that's OK. Look after yourself". Sodding British.
I arrived home, dreading Brian being there - we'd given him a key. He wasn't there. I felt relieved, sort of. I had a shower and got dressed in very simple clothes, plain blouse and long skirt. I was just applying a little make up, when I realised Brian was there behind me, looking at me. I smeared my lipstick and had to wipe it off, cursing. He smiled and held out his hand, offering a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. I had already decided it was best for me to behave as though his 'aberration' had never happened. So I thanked him and gave him an awkward hug and a kiss on the cheek. I went down, put the flowers in water and prepared some supper. We sat down to eat, making small talk. I rather expected him to say something but he just talked away as he always did, making jokes and being his usual good company. We put away the dishes and I tidied.
I was just congratulating myself on handling it all rather well, when I felt him behind me. He put his arms round me and buried his face in my neck. His left hand, wrapped right round me, held me just below the hip. His forearm was pressed against my belly, sending out slithers of fire all over me. His other hand held my left breast. I groaned and, without thinking, arched my back, my bum pressing against him, my head thrown back. I turned my head, our lips met and I turned into his arms. Feeling his whole body against me, my tummy felt for that prick, that I had being trying so hard to ignore, found it and pressed against it.
After some moments of sweet, sweet kissing he disengaged, stepped back and looked into my eyes. I felt unreal with a weird kind of warmth spreading through me. He reached forward and, still looking into my eyes, undid the buttons of my blouse. He undressed me, while I didn't move a muscle, except to step out of my skirt and panties. He stopped, waiting.
