We Need to Have a Tal -

It was going to be a lousy day. It had been a lousy night. In fact, since I'd received the text from Nick with its damned attachment, my whole life had been turned upside down. It was going to be wretched. I had no idea that he had been recording us. My most terrifying nightmare had materialized.

He'd been clever. The message wasn't an explicit threat, just implied. I had wrestled with it all night, but what were my choices? I could give in to his demands and continue to be used in his perverted games. If I did, I knew he would only push the boundaries even further. Or, I could ignore it and hope that he wouldn't forward the video to my husband Ian. But I would be forever on tenterhooks. Besides, I knew now that Nick had that malicious streak in him. Alternatively, I could confess to my faithful husband of eight years that I had been cheating on him.

I say faithful, but who knows what he'd been up to on the nights out with his rugby mates. He seemed very open and honest, but then I don't think anyone would suspect this mousey little wife of being the type to commit adultery. Perhaps if he had cheated, he'd be more understanding of my infidelity. However, I'd never seen any sign of it, and knowing Ian, I would put money on him still being faithful. Perhaps he'd noticed changes in my behaviour and already suspected something. Maybe it wouldn't come as such a big shock to him. But I guess not. It's probably only those that are two-timing that look for the signs in others.

It was still dark when Ian's alarm went off at six. I feigned sleep as he quietly snuck out of bed and slipped through to shower and dress in the bathroom. Minutes later I heard his stockinged feet tiptoeing down the stairs and the faint snick of the front door latch closing behind him. He'd always been able to move around stealthily when he wanted.

I lay there, fretting alone in the darkness, until the first glimmer of daylight began to creep above the curtains and along the high Edwardian ceiling. My eyes traced the oblique crack in the plaster which still came back no matter how many times we papered over it. I sighed wondering how things might have turned out differently. What if we'd started a family as soon as we got married? What if I hadn't taken that job? I never realised how easy my life was until now. But there was no point lying there, concocting alternative scenarios and feeling sorry for myself.

I had decided to take the day off. I'd have been too distracted to work anyway. Jane would be able to deputise for me at the Friday sales meeting. The last thing I wanted was to sit opposite Nick's smug face all afternoon. I had determined to do everything I could to keep my marriage afloat. Ian was that important to me. I needed to make it up to him, to put on a show in the hope that he would still want me enough to forgive my indiscretion. I sat up, pushed the duvet aside and padded through to the bathroom.

I rang my mum to ask how she was, but really to check that she'd be around this weekend if worst came to the worst. I had decided that I wanted a complete makeover. I partly blamed my long blonde hair for my present predicament. After some pleading, my salon managed to find me a slot that afternoon. I then set about cleaning the house. I wanted everything to be perfect when Ian arrived home. I walked down to the shops to pick up a fillet steak and a cheesecake for his favourite meal. I got it all ready and even set the table with candles, polished wine glasses and cutlery. Everything was there for a romantic evening meal together. I grabbed a sandwich and drove to the salon as it was now looking as if it might rain.

I actually arrived early for my appointment so I sat in the foyer with a coffee and a glossy book of hairstyles. I wanted to look stunning and feel confident about myself. I had picked out a few that I liked before Adele came over and sat with me on the couch. We had a long chat but I finally opted for a wavy lob with honey highlights to add warmth to my natural blonde colour. She led me through to the salon, warning me that it would take a couple of hours, but I was happy with that.

Adele maintained a continuous flow of patter as she washed and blow-dried my mane. I fended off her questions about my plans for the evening, just saying a romantic evening in, which was true, in part. My hair required quite a lot of trimming and needed brushing out before introducing the curls. It took her quite a while to get the volume looking right but, once I was satisfied, she started to apply the highlights. When I looked in the mirror as the foils were removed, I was delighted. Although the highlights were subtle, they emphasized my new curls. She got me another cup of coffee while I waited on the couch again for the cosmetologist.

I had gone without any make-up. When Chloe waved me over, I told her I was happy to leave the decision to her, whatever would complement my new hairstyle. She regarded me for a few moments before announcing that a nude make-up look would be best. I thought that was what I already had, but apparently not. I leant back in the reclining chair, closed my eyes and tried not to doze off. I need not have worried.

Chloe was a bubbly character and kept up a constant stream of gossip as she applied a myriad of creams, powders, serums, moisturizers, primers, foundations and blushers, explaining the advantages of each one. She then leant in closer to attack my blue eyes with shadow, liner and mascara. Finally, she applied a lip gloss and stood back to look at the effect. I sat up and looked in the mirror. I didn't recognise the woman staring back. She was attractive and stylish. This was just the effect I wanted. I thanked her profusely and slipped her a large tip.

It was dark by the time I got back. It was just as well that I'd prepared it all earlier. I was nervous. I still had half an hour before Ian was due home. I checked everything over again and opened a bottle of Malbec to let it breathe. I slipped up to the bedroom to change into my burgundy midi dress. I was still upstairs when I heard the front door open. Ian was in the hall, standing in profile, hanging up his coat. He had always had a solid frame, but recently he'd let himself go a little and put some weight on.

'Hi, honey,' I greeted him as I came down the stairs.

He turned and did a double-take. 'Wow, Em!' he declared. 'Your hair looks great. I didn't know you were going to the salon today. And have you changed your make-up? You look fantastic.'

I simply smiled in reply and gave him a peck on the cheek. 'Go up and get changed. Dinner will be half an hour.' I went through to the kitchen and donned a navy striped apron. Stopping myself from starting on the wine, I lit the gas under the vegetables.

'So, what's the occasion?' Ian asked, leaning against the doorframe as I was about to fry the steak. 'I've checked for anniversaries and birthdays, but there's nothing coming up.'

'None,' I said. 'I just thought we would have a romantic evening in.' I switched the extractor fan on to avoid any further conversation. 'Help yourself to wine,' I called after him.'

The meal was a great success. I managed to bring it all together at the same time and the steak was juicy and full of flavour. He was very complimentary and his eyes widened even further when I brought out the cheesecake. He'd had a good day and he rattled on about his work through both courses. I finally asked him to make the coffee as I cleared the table.

'Shall we watch a film?' Ian asked as I followed him through to the lounge.

'We need to have a talk,' I said, setting the mugs down on the coffee table and taking the armchair opposite.

'I thought we'd chatted over dinner.'

'No darling, you were talking, but you need to listen as well,' I said firmly.

'OK,' he grinned, turning his palms face upwards. 'I'm all ears.'

I fidgeted, clenching my knees together and gripping the handle of my coffee mug more tightly. This was the moment I had been dreading. I stared down at the murky brown liquid and swallowed. 'I've been having an affair,' I whispered.

His jaw didn't quite drop, but his face fell. 'What?' he asked, his brow creased as if not taking my words in.

I repeated it more loudly. He stared at me dumbfounded. He clearly hadn't had the slightest inkling. I felt I had to fill the silence. 'I'm sorry,' I breathed. I was expecting him to be furious, perhaps even violent, but he still didn't respond and that made me feel even worse.

'Who with?' he asked.

I was reluctant to tell him, but if Nick followed through with his threat, he was going to find out anyway. 'Nick. One of the sales reps at work.'

'You mean that lanky dago who goes round fawning over all the women in your office?'

I wouldn't have put it in quite those terms, but I nodded and let it pass.

'Didn't his wife divorce him recently after she found him cheating? Was that because of you?'

I shook my head. 'No. No, that was a few years ago.'

'And he's at it again? How could you, Em? With a serial womanizer.'

There was another long pause. He looked heartbroken more than angry. I hated seeing how much I had hurt him.

'Are you still seeing him?'

I shook my head. 'No. I've told him we're finished.'

He took some deep breaths to calm himself. 'So why are you telling me now?'

'Because,' I paused, 'because when I told him we were finished, he threatened to tell you and I didn't want you to find out from him.'

'I bet you didn't.' Ian slumped back in his chair.

'I'm so sorry,' I repeated.

'Why?'

'It was a mistake,' I offered.

'Obviously,' he grunted. 'But why did you do it?'

'I don't know. I was stupid.'

'How did it start?'

'Does it matter?' I really didn't want to rake over all the sordid details.

'Well, since you've finally decided to come clean with me, I want to know what happened.'

My mind was racing. I couldn't bring myself to tell him everything, but I wasn't sure how much I could leave out. 'It began at the office summer social at the Managing Director's place. I mean, Nick was always flattering and flirting with all the girls in the office, but it was just a bit of frivolous fun until then, when... Well, you know...'

'But I went to your summer party. Did he fuck you while I was there!'

I sighed. 'You'd fallen asleep in the garden.'

He looked shocked. 'So, it was all my fault?'

'No, of course not. I'm not trying to justify what I did. But you did ask how it happened.'

'Go on, then.'

'It was Friday and you'd had a bad day at work or something. Anyway, when you came home, I just mentioned that you still hadn't got round to sorting out the garage. You immediately flew off the handle and we had a bit of a row. You were still in a sour mood when we arrived at the do. It was a warm sunny evening, but you started drinking hard and frankly made a bit of a scene. You insulted just about everyone there, including the MD. You eventually collapsed on to a garden bench and dozed off.'

'So, what did you do?'

'Well, I realised you were in no fit state to drive home. I was at the kitchen sink getting myself a glass of water to sober up a little when Nick entered.'

I didn't mention that Nick and I had already exchanged glances across the garden. It was difficult not to notice him. He'd arrived fashionably late with his broad smile, looking silkily suave in pressed chinos and an off-white linen shirt. He always took a lot of effort with his appearance.

'He was his usual charming self, asking how his favourite accountant was. I put on a brave smile and replied that I was good. He told me I was looking absolutely stunning in my China blue sundress. He said it matched the colour of my eyes. I knew it wasn't true but I thanked him anyway. I tried to deflect the discussion, asking how the custody arrangement for his kids was working out. He said that it wasn't. His ex always seemed to have a reason why he couldn't have them when it was his turn.

He turned the conversation back saying he was sorry to see you in such a state. He asked if I was sure I was all right. I assured him that I was fine. He stepped closer, causing my heart to flutter. He said he'd only been having soft drinks. He'd be able to give us a lift if we needed help getting home. I thanked him, but said we'd be okay.'

Nick had also said that I deserved better than this, nodding his head in the direction of Ian's recumbent form. I didn't respond. There was a palpable tension hanging in the air between us. Nervously, I checked my bra strap was hidden by my dress. He leaned in even closer and whispered in my ear that he'd always found me seductive, but today I was looking simply divine. He had an alluring deep baritone voice. His breath was warm and moist on my face and the musky scent of his cologne was heavenly. He took my hands and placed them on the edge of the sink. His fingertips glided up my bare arms and over my shoulders. My milky white skin tingled under his touch. He gently lifted my hair to his nose and inhaled the scent. I was quivering.

'He said he wanted me. I was shocked. I had never been propositioned so directly before. I said I couldn't, I was married. He said he knew that but, you were asleep and snoring your head off. I looked out of the window and saw that you had now slumped sideways and were lying full length across the garden bench. He said that you'd never know.

He said he couldn't get me out of his head. He pressed his body up to me, trapping me against the sink. I tensed, my mouth dry. I could feel the stiffness and heat of his erection. He started to lift the hem of my dress and told me to relax and just enjoy myself a little.'

Despite Ian's description, Nick was tall and slim, standing a full head above me in my flat sandals. He was around ten years older, about forty but still in good shape. Apparently, he'd got his confidence and bronzed good looks from his Spanish father, but he also had a self-deprecating sense of humour which I'd always found amusing. He was irresistible.

I never dreamt he might find me attractive. And that, in itself, was arousing. It had been a while since I had felt so desired, a long time since I hadn't simply been treated as a domestic cook and cleaner. He said that he knew I wanted him, and slipped his hand under my skirt to squeeze my backside. My breath was getting shallower and more rapid. I blushed, realising my nipples were beginning to harden. I was melting inside but my conscience was still fighting.

'I told him we can't, it was wrong. I brushed his hand away but he caught my wrist and pulled me across the room. He said there was something I ought to see. I thought, naively, that he wanted to show me a work of art or a special feature of the house. He led me into a short passage and through a door at the far end.'

'So, he dragged you off into another room?' Ian interrupted, suddenly sitting upright.

I hesitated while recalling that first time. 'It would be unfair to describe it as being dragged. I could have broken his hold if I had really wished. I suppose I had an inkling of what he wanted to do. He pulled me into a bedroom and pushed me up against the wall, closing the door behind us with his foot. I told him we can't do this here, but he silenced me, holding the back of my neck and clamping his mouth over mine.'

I felt his tongue pushing through my soft lips. It tasted of fresh orange. It explored my mouth and swirled against my tongue. His hands were all over me, caressing my breasts and teasing the nipples through the thin cotton fabric. I tried to push him away but he clung to me, his tongue following my mouth wherever I tried to turn.

I paused, thinking I had told Ian enough.

'Go on,' he urged.

'What?' I asked. 'You want all the grubby details?'

He nodded.

I hadn't anticipated having to recount every salacious act. Some, I would never disclose, I was so ashamed of them. Reluctantly, I continued.

'I was gasping for breath and trembling before he finally pulled away. He brushed my hair back over my shoulder, nuzzling my neck and nibbling at my earlobe. He knew I fancied him, he whispered, stroking my cheek. He'd seen my furtive glances when I thought he wouldn't notice; my lingering looks while he'd been engrossed at the office. I protested but he simply smiled and said that I had no idea how long he'd been waiting for this. He ran his finger around the neckline of my dress and started unbuttoning the front. I was paralysed. A cocktail of confusion, fear and excitement ran through my veins. I gazed with curiosity as if it was happening to someone else.'

I glanced down as Nick exposed my bra. Although only a plain white cotton garment, it supported my ample bosom and accentuated its cleavage. However, it couldn't hide my erect nipples which were clearly protruding through the material. I peered up at him. Below his black brows, his eyes were alight with desire.

He slipped his hand inside my bra and scooped out my breast. 'Beautiful. Your nipple looks like a pink rose bud,' he murmured. He leaned across me to kiss it. His tongue curled around my areola and flicked at my already sensitive teat. He sucked as much of my breast into his mouth as he could. I bit my lip and closed my eyes. He slipped the straps of my dress and bra down and tugged them both to my waist, pinning my arms. He lifted my breast slightly as if weighing it in his hand. Still suckling at my left one, he started to pinch and twist the newly exposed nipple.

'I felt his free hand on my leg, slowly hiking my dress up. His hand slid up the inside of my leg until I could feel it through my panties.'

He slid his fingers repeatedly between my thighs, pushing the damp cotton into my crack. I moaned faintly.

'Nick stood back, removing his shirt while admiring his handiwork. I knew this was my last chance to backtrack. If I didn't stop him now, he was going to have me. My vows flashed through my mind but then I saw his bare muscular chest. I itched to feel that body against my skin.

Taking my hands, he guided me towards the bed, spun me around and pushed me backwards. My calves caught on the edge and I toppled into the duvet cover. I tried to sit up but he gently eased me back down and started to suck on my breasts again. He pushed the hem of my dress higher. I felt his fingers grip the sides of my knickers. I arched my back and raised my hips to allow him to slip them down. The anticipation was overwhelming. He began to stimulate me orally.'

He studied me, naked and vulnerable, before burying his face between my legs. He lightly licked my vulva with slow deliberate strokes, searching out my clitoris with his tongue. I was running my fingers through his dark curly hair and moaning. He inserted a well-manicured finger into my vagina and started to slide it back and forth. I had to bite two knuckles to stifle a scream. He introduced a second and twisted them as he slid them in and out. I was bucking and writhing. I sensed my orgasm building when, without warning, he withdrew.

'He took me right to the brink and then stopped. He just stood there, towering over me and asked if I wanted to go all the way. He knew that I was too far gone to say no, but he got a kick out of hearing me ask for it.'

He had teased me incessantly, asking repeatedly if I wanted it, until eventually, I capitulated. Yes, I pleaded with him to take me. I begged him to fuck me. He'd won. He smiled down at his prize splayed wantonly across the bed. My breasts were still heaving and my lady parts glistening with his saliva and my own moisture.

'So, you ask him to fuck you?' Ian asked.

'Yes,' I admitted.

'Did he use a condom?'

'No.'

Ian didn't reply. He didn't criticise me, although he must have thought it.

'Nick slowly unfastened his trousers and let them drop. He was in no hurry now. He wanted to savour the moment. He eased his underpants over his erection and pushed them down. Holding his manhood, he sidled up between my open legs and entered me.'