Temptation at Wor - Chad's Story

This is the last in this series, finally giving Chad's view. I think it's obvious at this point what the opinion of this series will be, but it'll be interesting for me none the less. For those that read through all three, I appreciate your time, especially since some either didn't like, or couldn't relate. Once again, just to be clear since some people didn't seem to realize when I posted the first one, this is a cuck story.

This is part of a multistory series. Each story is designed to work as a standalone, but is also told from the perspective of each of the three characters. With that in mind, they each have a slightly different feel to try and account for each character's feelings and personality. The woman's is the longest. The last to be uploaded will be the shortest, having cut out a lot of the timeframe that didn't really involve him anyways. That one also fills in some gaps that were intentionally left out from the other stories. I'm curious if there's any interest in a series where it's told from multiple perspectives. It's a lot of work to line up timelines and conversations for continuity, so I'd love to hear feedback in the comments. Enjoy! Hopefully :)

Chad sat on the couch watching the game when he heard Lucy's car finally pull up in front of the house. She had stayed late at work with Mike, preparing for a big presentation the next day. His chest tightened as he thought about how much it seemed like she enjoyed working with him.

As Lucy strode in, her heels clicked on the wood floor. She wore a white blouse and a black pencil skirt, the fabric tight against her curves, and as always, looked stunning, even in work attire, making the fact she was with Mike all the more prominent in his mind.

"Hey, honey," he said, turning down the volume on the TV. "How'd your day go? Feeling ready for tomorrow?"

She offered him a weak smile. "Yeah, everything's taken care of. It was just a long day."

Chad stood up, pushing the coffee table away with his foot as if inviting her to sit down next to him. "Do you want something to eat? I could make you a sandwich or something."

Lucy shook her head, "No, I'm really not hungry. I just want to get out of these clothes and get some sleep. It's been a day." She turned and began walking toward their bedroom, leaving Chad to watch her go.

He called after her, "Are you sure you don't want something? I could bring you up a cup of tea."

Without turning around, she replied, "No, really, I'm fine. I just need to clean up and get out of these clothes. See you in a bit."

Chad sighed and turned back to the TV, though he couldn't concentrate on the game. He heard the shower start up in the bedroom and tried to keep his mind off the idea of her having stayed late at work yet again. There was no denying that she was a beautiful woman and that Chad was lucky to have her, but over the last year or so, they seemed to be drifting apart.

Chad knew he played a part in that. He wasn't happy at work and it was just a job to him. Combine that with her drive and his feeling like he was letting her down, just made him feel like less than the man he was when they married.

He looked around the living room, his eyes landing on a framed photo of them from a vacation a few years back. They were laughing, arms wrapped around each other, with the ocean waves crashing behind them. He remembered that trip vividly, the way her eyes sparkled when she was happy. Her laugh had always been infectious. He loved her deeply, he just wasn't feeling the chemistry he used to. Her dominant personality tended to overpower him, making him feel like he was being bossed around, as if he were still at work.

Chad knew he should be more proactive with her. He tried to be supportive and loving in every way, always aiming to make her laugh, but he couldn't seem to find the that old spark. His sex drive just wasn't what it was these days.

Their sex life used to be quite active, but now it felt like a rare occurrence that he could barely muster the energy for. He knew she was frustrated, and he felt it too, he just didn't know how to spark that fire again for himself.

After a while, the shower stopped, and Lucy coming down the stairs. She wore a t-shirt and shorts, her makeup wiped clean, and even then there was no denying how naturally beautiful she was.

Chad looked up from the couch as he took her in. "You look better," he said, trying to keep his voice light.

She smiled and flopped down next to him on the couch. "I feel better. What is it about a good shower?" Lucy said, running her fingers through her damp hair. "God, today was rough. Mike and I were in the office until just after you called, getting everything ready."

Chad raised an eyebrow. "Mike, huh? You two seem to be spending a lot of time together lately." He didn't naturally distrust his wife, and he honestly liked Mike, but there just seemed to be something different about her on the days she was working with him.

Lucy rolled her eyes dismissively. "Come on, Chad, you know it's just work. He's been a great help with this presentation."

Chad leaned back into the couch, trying to hide the insecurities that wanted to creep into his voice. "Yeah, I know. It's just... he seems to bring out a different side of you, you know?" He wasn't trying to accuse her, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

Lucy looked at him with a serious expression. "What do you mean, 'a different side'?"

Chad hesitated, not wanting to come across as jealous or accusatory. "I don't know, it's hard to explain. You just seem... energized around him," he finally said. "More alive, I guess."

Lucy sighed, leaning back against the couch with her arms crossed. "I don't know what you want me to say, Chad. I've worked with Mike for years, and he's been really helpful with this presentation. That's it. There's nothing more to it."

Chad nodded. "I know, I know. It's just... I feel like there's something you're not telling me." He was trying to be careful to not push to hard, but he couldn't let go of the notion she wasn't being entirely honest with him. He could see the hesitation in Lucy's eyes.

She looked away, her fingers playing with the hem of her t-shirt. "Chad..." she started, and he could hear the unease in her voice, causing his own stomach to sink. "We've been... flirty, Mike and I. But that's all it is, flirting. Nothing's happened, I promise."

Chad's heart clenched, but he tried to keep his voice steady. "Flirting. What does that mean? Since when?" He had suspected something, but had nothing to go off of, other than the change in her attitude recently.

Lucy took a deep breath, her eyes meeting his. "The last few weeks, I guess. But we used to always flirt in the past too and nothing ever came of it then, and nothing has now. It's harmless, really. It's just... he makes me feel alive, Chad. Lately, I feel like you don't even notice me. It's not even about him, it's just the way it makes me feel attractive when he looks at me. I want to feel that with you, but I don't, because I can barely even get you to kiss me."

Regardless of the quiver he could hear in her voice, her words stung. Chad also knew she was right about him being distant. He could understand her for seeking attention elsewhere, but that didn't make it any easier to hear. It's usually the guy that's using that line though, and to hear it said to him made him feel like shit. He also believed Lucy though when she told him nothing had happened.

"I'm sorry, Lucy," he said, barely above a whisper. "I've been so caught up in my own head lately. I haven't been the husband I should be. I want to fix that, I just don't know how at this point."

Lucy looked at him, and he could see the tears welling in her eyes. "I don't want to be flirting with Mike, Chad. I want to be here with you, but you need to meet me halfway."

Chad nodded. "I know. I promise I'll work on trying to figure something out." He reached out, taking her hand in his. "I promise, Lucy. I'll try harder. I just need to figure out how to, you know, get back to where we were."

Lucy returned the hold on his hand, and shook her head as though it would make the forming tears go away. "I know you will, Chad. I know you're a good man. And I do love you. Maybe we should consider counseling or something," she offered.

Chad had been waiting for her to bring that idea up, and it wasn't one he was particularly fond of. "We don't need counseling, honey, this is just a me problem. I just need to try harder."

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension between them stagnant with no resolve. Chad's mind raced with thoughts of Mike flirting with his wife. He couldn't help but wonder how far that flirting had gone. Was it just harmless chatting, or was there something more? She insisted it wasn't physical, but just how far had it reached? Did she want it to be physical? What had they said to each other? Each question played a movie in his head, swirling with images he couldn't shake. A jumble of jealousy, insecurity, and an unsettling spark of curiosity churned within him.

----------

Chad had never been one to entertain the idea of sharing his wife with another man, not even in his wildest fantasies. But the recent thoughts over the last couple of weeks, of her time spent with Mike had his mind racing of what could've been happening without his knowledge. The idea of Lucy with someone else sent a surge of conflicting emotions through him as the days passed. It was an unsettling feeling, demanding his attention. Their marriage had always been good, but in the last year or so, intimacy had faltered, overshadowed by the growing discontent he felt at work and Lucy's strong, dominant personality.

Initially, it was easy to attribute the shift in their relationship to the pressures of his job. Work had become a relentless grind, filled with long hours and unmet expectations. Each day, he felt increasingly trapped and less like himself, and that weariness was seeping into his marriage. The spark they once had faded, replaced by a sense of obligation rather than passion. Meanwhile, Lucy's assertiveness, which he had once admired, began to feel more like a barrier than a anything else. He couldn't shake the sensation of feeling like she wore the pants in their relationship, leaving him feeling emasculated and powerless. He never considered himself to be that guy, but then again, he'd never been in a position where it was an issue before now either.

His mind was relentless, pondering the idea of her with another man. He started to wonder if this fascination ran deeper than mere fantasy. Could watching Lucy share her body with someone else jumpstart that passion he used to have for her? The thought was becoming more of a fantasy, whether he wanted to admit it to himself or not. In those imagined scenarios, he envisioned her pleasure, the kind that he longed to see more of in their own life.

The jealousy flickering within him was unexpected since he wasn't generally a jealous guy. He had always prided himself on being secure in his relationship, but this idea left him feeling something more raw. Perhaps this would help him articulate his feelings, giving him the courage to open up about the longing that had been suppressed by his own self-doubt, or dissatisfaction with his job.

The more he considered all of it, the more he found himself drawn to the idea of voyeurism. A chance to experience his wife in a new way. Watching Lucy connect with another man could be a mirror reflecting both their needs and desires. He couldn't believe how fast this idea took root in him.

With newfound clarity at her admission, he realized he needed to broach this subject with Lucy, to have an honest conversation about their feelings. What began as an unsettling thought might pave the way back to what they once shared. He recognized that by delving into this, he could open doors to vulnerability, understanding, and perhaps even rekindle the passion that had been overshadowed by work and emotional distance. He breathed deeply, ready to explore the possibilities that lay ahead. Together. If she was willing.

----------

Chad glanced over at Lucy as she sat staring at him uncomfortably. As uncomfortable it may be to bring up his idea, when was there ever going to be a good time? They were already both uncomfortable, and they were speaking honestly, he hoped, about her relationship with Mike. Was there going to be a better time than this?

"Look, Lucy, I promised to be better about sex, to you before. I don't want us to be in a place where we're skirting around flirting with someone else, or where that could lead. I want us to reignite what we have instead of letting it fade away."

She leaned against the arm of couch as she faced him with her body, uncertainty crossing her face. "What are you suggesting, Chad? I feel like I'm already doing my best to stay connected."

His heart raced as he searched for the right words. "What if we tried something different? Something that could shake up our routine and bring us closer?"

Lucy lifted an eyebrow, with a look as though she didn't understand. "Different how?"

Chad took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to propose. "What if we invited Mike to join us... for an experience? You could explore that connection with him, and I'd... watch."

The silence that followed felt heavy, almost taut. "Chad, are you serious? That's a really bad idea. It could complicate everything. What if things go wrong?"

He leaned in closer, trying to convey that he'd thought this through. "I know it sounds wild, but hear me out. It's not just about the act itself. It's about really exploring and confronting what we're both feeling. I want you to feel desired, to feel pleasure, all of the things I haven't been giving you lately."

Lucy shook her head slowly, her arms crossing defensively. "But what if I can't handle it? Or if you get jealous? What if it makes things worse? I mean, you'd be watching me with someone else. How could that possibly work?"

"Because it could give us both a chance to confront our emotions head-on," Chad replied passionately. "I believe watching you with someone else could actually help. I've been doing research on this and why couples do it. We could talk about our feelings afterward and really dig deep. It might actually bring us back together."

Lucy searched his eyes for certainty, for assurance that this wasn't just some reckless whim. "And you think Mike would even be okay with this? What if it ruins our friendship? Or, more importantly, my job?"

"I wouldn't suggest it if I didn't believe it could work," Chad said, a hint of pleading in his tone. "You and I can talk about what we're comfortable with, set clear boundaries for what's ok and not ok if it happens. It doesn't have to be rushed. If it doesn't feel right, we can walk away. But I want you to consider it. Really think about it."

She sighed deeply, the tension she let go of in her shower seemingly coming back. "It's a lot to take in, Chad. I appreciate that you want to explore our connection, but this... this is extreme. It's not just about intimacy, it's about trust, and the possibility of ruining what we have. I want you, not Mike. And we're already on shaky ground."

"Trust me to support you through it," he said softly, reaching over to take her hand again. "I need to do this for us, for me. And if you're open to it, I believe it could be freeing. Not just for me, but for you too."

"Okay, I'll think about it. But I'm not promising anything. I need time to process this," she said. Chad could see the tension in her shoulders from the conversation.

He nodded, relief washing over him. "That's all I'm asking, just to consider it. We can talk about it again later."

As Lucy squeezed his hand, he thought he could see a look of curiosity in her face. In that moment, a fragile hope took root. A tentative step into uncharted territory that might lead them back to the place they used to be.

Chad watched her walk back to the bedroom, feeling a mix of relief and unease. He knew he needed to step up, to show Lucy that he still wanted her, and that he still found her attractive. This crazy idea was the only idea he had come up with, and hadn't been able to try.

He wasn't tired, but he decided he should head to bed as well, hoping to find some semblance of sleep. Mainly, he didn't want Lucy to think he was upset, especially not before her important meeting. The last thing he needed after a conversation like this out of left field, was to come across like he was upset or sulking, and distract her and jeopardize her deal. That would turn into one more thing he did wrong, separating them even further.

The next morning, seemed a little distant. She acted as though his suggestion last night never happened, and he supposed that may be normal. She needed time to process it and she had an important meeting this morning. He couldn't expect anything more, with that in mind, he was as sweet as he could be that morning and he wished her luck on her way out the door.

When Chad got home, the first thing that hit him was the incredible smell wafting through the air. His stomach rumbled in response as he stepped inside. He immediately noticed the kitchen bustling with activity, as Lucy moved about with an energy that sparked his curiosity.

"What's going on here?" he asked.

"Guess!" she replied, smiling a big toothy smile.

Chad leaned in for a kiss, before continuing, "Did you finally get that big client you were working on?"

"Not yet, but my meeting this morning went amazing!" she exclaimed. Her enthusiasm was evident as she leapt into his arms.

He chuckled, spinning her around, honestly feeling happy for her. "That's fantastic, babe. I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks, honey," she said as she continued to nuzzle into him. "I have a little surprise for you," she whispered into his ear. "But you can't see it until later."

Her affectionate attitude urged him to suggest this as an opportunity to see if she'd given it any thought. He knew it was only a day, but he hadn't been able to think about anything else, so maybe she'd thought about it too. Ignoring her comments about a surprise, he pushed forward with his agenda.

Chad pulled back slightly, still smiling. "I knew you'd get it. Maybe we should invite Mike over to celebrate, he helped, after all! We could have a little dinner this weekend. It'll be fun!"

As he made the suggestion, Chad could see Lucy's discomfort wash over her face. "Chad, I--" Her voice faltered. "I thought we agreed to take some time to think about things. I didn't expect you to bring him up so soon. I was hoping you'd let it go," she said hoping down and moving into the living room to sit.

He was slightly surprised by her comment of him letting it go. That didn't sound like she was actually considering it like she promised. "I understand, but this is a great opportunity to celebrate your success!"

"Or it might complicate things even more," Lucy replied, her voice shaky. "I'm still not comfortable with the idea of inviting him over. Especially with how strained our relationship already is."

Chad's expression softened in an attempt to make the conversation a little less heavy. "I thought maybe this could help us celebrate your achievement while also maybe exploring that idea. We don't have to focus on that though, we can keep it friendly and relaxed, and just see what happens. Just a dinner to celebrate the hard work."

He watched Lucy rub her temples, a clear sign that she wasn't really receptive to the idea right now. "Chad, I appreciate that you want to celebrate with me, but can we please push that idea aside? I need more time to think before jumping into something like that. It feels like you're rushing me."