What Emma Craves - Amanda Abbott

WHAT EMMA CRAVES Pushing the Boundaries: Book Three

AMANDA ABBOTT

It took a lot for Pete Slater to convince his wife, Emma, to move to the suburbs. But once she arrived, she found it had a deliciously steamy underbelly. Her neighborhood is filled with hook-ups, affairs, and scandal. It’s better than any reality TV show. But Emma isn’t satisfied anymore. After watching her friends Piper and Michael Collins become adventurous in their marriage again, it’s made Emma realize that’s what she wants in her own life. She craves to be noticed again. In order to try and find what’s missing, she and Pete decide to book a vacation. Their destination is a super exclusive resort situated on a tiny island where anything and everything can happen. When they meet a young couple at the airport, who end up in the suite next to theirs, things go from fun to incredibly steamy fast. Emma drives Pete crazy flirting, and it pays off. For the first time in their marriage her husband is jealous of another man. What Pete does to win her back turns out to be exactly what Emma craves. *This book is off the charts hot. It contains: explicit sex, group sex, and voyeurism. **There is no cheating in any of my books, everything is consensual between all participants.

WHAT EMMA CRAVES Pushing the Boundaries: Book Three

Copyright © 2015 Amanda Abbott All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems—except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews—without permission in writing from the author. This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

ISBN: 978-0-9903928-6-6 Email: [email protected] Be sure to sign up for my Newsletter! It’s where you’ll get all the news about what I’m up to, as well as info on new books, release dates, freebies, and more! Newsletter Sign-up

For Billy.

1 __________________________ ____________

Emma ducked down into the bushes as the car drove down the street. She peeked out of her hiding spot and saw it was the Dwyers, an elderly couple who lived three doors down from her and Pete, driving their dated black Cadillac. They were coming home from church, as usual. Emma was crouched in a very unladylike position, but the wait would be well worth it. She was situated directly under the McCrays’ garage window, waiting for the show to begin. It happened without fail every Wednesday night at ten thirty-seven, when Candace arrived home after her weekly hot yoga class. When she could, Emma always snagged a front-row seat. Another car came down the street, like clockwork. A second later the McCray garage door engaged, rolling up smoothly, the vibrations shaking Emma’s shoulder where she leaned against the siding. Emma stood and watched as Candace pulled her leased Audi RS 5 into the spot right next to the window. Emma knew it was leased, because Candace was an

avid talker. Candace was a forty-one-year-old unhappily married stepmother to three older children. She enjoyed her boxed Chardonnay, and over the years she’d filled Emma’s ears with more than Emma had ever needed to know about her, including how stretched she and her husband were financially to maintain the lifestyle they felt they deserved. The “lifestyle,” according to Candace, was expensive cars, lavish vacations, and diamond jewelry glittering around her neck. The unhappiness that accompanied it was considered a typical side effect and had become an accepted sacrifice. To Emma, however, living the lifestyle were nights like this, when Candace stole a moment of pleasure all to herself. Candace just didn’t realize that she was actually involved in a different kind of “lifestyle” altogether—the sexual kind. Most people didn’t. Instead, they refused to name it, because that would make it real. So they engaged in affairs and sneaked around instead of choosing to be open with their sexual desires. Emma never begrudged Candace for stealing a tiny slice of happiness where she could. If this was the only place she could get it, so be it. Plus, it was entertaining as hell to watch. Candace was a beautiful woman, tall, curvy, with long blonde hair. She had to be gorgeous, since she was Kyle McCray’s trophy wife. Kyle was a fifty-fiveyear-old misogynistic asshole who traveled more than he

was ever at home. And when he was around, he was trying to screw everything he could get his meaty hands on. He’d come on to Emma several times over the years, but she’d always fobbed him off like a pro, insulting him so intelligently he never quite knew how brutally he was getting the brush-off. Emma watched as Candace emerged from her car. The woman carefully set her purse and keys on a small shelf by the door and went to stand in front of the fender of her car. A moment later, there was a small noise as the side door opened and closed. Justin walked toward Candace like he was in need of a meal and hadn’t eaten for weeks. It was the same every single Wednesday. They didn’t embrace or touch each other affectionately. They never did. Justin had his dick out before he reached Candace, who had leaned over the hood of the Audi, bracing her palms on the hood. Emma always pondered whether the car hood was hot or not, but it didn’t bother Candace in the least. Justin came up behind her and peeled her yoga pants down with one hand. Emma could see that Candace was still sweaty. Most of the time she was—she must prefer it that way. Justin pushed his cock into her with little preamble and began a pounding rhythm that sent the Audi rocking in tandem to his thrusts. Candace tried to keep her moans quiet, but Emma

could hear them through the glass. Emma knew Candace loved every minute of this and craved it like nothing else in her life. Emma knew the feeling. Every time Emma’s husband, Pete, touched her, she felt a rush like that. She couldn’t get enough. Justin was a twentysomething friend of Candace’s oldest stepson. He worked as a waiter at a restaurant nearby. Although he was on the skinny side, he was tall and knew how to use his cock. Emma knew where he worked only because she’d spotted him at the restaurant on a few occasions. Candace had mentioned Justin once in passing about a year ago, and Emma had gotten the drift that Candace knew Justin’s mother—and that they might even be bridge partners. Oh, the scandal of it all! That’s what Emma adored the most. There was titillation in watching these acts, no doubt about it, but it was the naughtiness and the secrets that gave her the ultimate enjoyment. The suburbs—a place she’d never, ever thought she’d live—were absolutely teeming with adultery, scandal, and sexual mayhem! It was better than any reality TV she’d ever watched. Probably because it was all live. But still. It’d become a weekly ritual to find out what naughty activities were going on in the neighborhood and seek them out. She’d watched as married wives sought each other

out, as well as coeds bored on summer break with nothing better to do than to try to seduce wayward husbands. Emma watched as Justin continued his relentless pounding until Candace’s voice broke on a stifled cry. As she came, her fingers curled into the car hood, her ass bobbing back to press onto Justin’s cock to hold him steady for a few precious moments. That was the only touching she allowed. A few seconds later, Justin pulled out and jutted his come all over Candace’s bare ass. That must be their agreement. It always played out the same way. Emma had been watching for a few months now, and Candace would switch it up on occasion—but only as far as bending over something else in the garage, like the worktable. Once he was done, Justin tucked himself back in his pants and walked over to a shelf that held a stack of towels. He brought one back for Candace, which she took readily, and he immediately headed toward the door. Once there, he glanced over his shoulder and winked at Emma. Justin knew she watched. Candace she wasn’t sure about. That was Emma’s cue to skedaddle. Justin often tried to catch Emma to talk—he’d even tried to convince her to join them in a threesome. She dodged him as quickly as she could. She found it was easier to disappear before he could make his way around

the garage, and since she lived next door, that was an easy thing to do. Emma sprinted back into her yard, heading around the back of her house. None of her neighbors knew she and Pete were in the lifestyle. And that’s how she wanted to keep it. She’d hung around with Candace enough to know that if Candace knew Emma was watching her and Justin, she wouldn’t care. She would only want Emma to assure her she looked awesome as the twentysomething fucked her from behind. * * * Pete glanced up as his wife entered the kitchen from the sliding glass doors off the deck. He was stretched out on the sofa. “Did Candace come big tonight?” he joked. “Yep,” Emma answered as she slid the doors closed and walked over to the cupboard. She took out a bag of potato chips and a glass, then hit the fridge for water. Pete smiled. His wife had a penchant for junk food. “Come sit by me.” He patted the couch next to him. “I was just about to go to bed, but I haven’t seen you much today.” Emma kicked off her shoes and padded over, settling in next to him. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. He thought it was cute that she snooped on their crazy neighbors once in a while. He’d gone with her a few times, but it wasn’t his thing. He liked to participate when he

watched sex. To him, watching wasn’t exciting if there was no return. “Don’t forget,” she reminded him, “the girls are coming over here next Thursday for the block party. After, we’re hanging out here. They’re throwing me a ‘travel shower’ to celebrate our trip to the Bahamas. It’s so sweet of them.” He and Emma were leaving on a much-needed vacation in less than two weeks. Pete was pumped. They hadn’t been on a trip in a long time. They’d booked a villa on a super-exclusive island where open sex was encouraged. He’d heard stories about these kinds of sexy resorts and had always wanted to try one, but they’d never had a chance—or enough money—before now. He was hoping it was going to be a wild ride. “Do you want me to find something else to do while they’re here? Or can I stay upstairs? I have no desire to attend the block party.” “You never want to go.” She elbowed him, smiling. “I adore seeing everyone out of their fishbowls and love trying to figure out what’s going on behind closed doors. But it doesn’t matter.” She uncurled the bag of chips. “Whatever you want to do is fine.” He draped his arm around the back of the couch. “How was work today? Have fun teaching little girls how to dance?” “Little girls and boys. I’m so happy to see more boys enrolled. And it was good,” she said, popping a chip into her mouth. “Same as usual.”

“Are you looking forward to our vacation?” “I am,” she replied. Pete sighed. These short, clipped answers were what he’d been dealing with for the past few weeks. They were unlike his wife—who was normally sweet and bubbly, always ready to talk. He couldn’t figure out what was bothering her. He thought maybe it was because he’d pressed the idea of going to a sexy resort when she’d originally wanted to go to a nice, upscale resort where the two of them could “re-couple,” as she’d put it. He had no idea what “re-coupling” meant and had argued for the exclusive resort instead. If they were going to go on a spendy trip, he wanted to go all-out. Why not? They’d ended up debating it for a few days, but eventually she’d given in. Just like that. Like a switch had been flipped. Pete had been puzzled, but satisfied. Now, he wasn’t so sure. He tried again. “We haven’t chatted much this week. What’s going on with you?” She angled her head up. “Nothing much. Same old stuff. But don’t worry, the vacation is going to be great. I’m really excited. The Bahamas look wonderful.” “I’ve tried to do a little research on the resort, but it’s really secretive. I can’t find much.” He wrapped an arm around Emma’s shoulder and nuzzled the top of her head. “But from what Jim said, it should be right up our alley. I trust him.” “Yep, I saw the e-mail he sent, and the pictures. Like I

said, it all looks amazing. I’m sold. I’m sure we’ll find lots to do. And people to do it with.” Pete detected a hint of something in her voice he couldn’t identify. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?” He frowned. “I don’t want to go if you’re upset. We can book something else. We can probably get our deposit back, or at least some of it, if we back out now.” She sighed. Pete heard it clearly. “No, I told you. I want to go. I’m excited to visit the Bahamas. It wasn’t my first choice, but I’m fine with it now. We’re paying so much for it, I can’t imagine it will be anything less than amazing.” She patted his leg and popped another chip into her mouth. “You need to relax. I’m fine.” Pete hated that Emma was obviously bothered about something, but he decided to let it go. She would talk to him when she was ready. Emma rolled up the top of the chip bag and stood. “I’m going to head up to bed. I’ll see you when you get up there.” Pete watched his wife put away the food and walk out of the kitchen. He tried to think back to a time when Emma had ever been this withdrawn, and he couldn’t think of a single one. He loved his wife more than anything. Pete had fallen for her the first moment he’d ever laid eyes on her. But she was a people pleaser. It was in her nature to be soothing and affectionate. That’s why she excelled at teaching children. So her attitude now baffled him. He rose off the couch and turned off the TV, then locked

up the house and made his way upstairs. By the time he got to their bedroom, the lights were out and Emma was already curled up in their bed. He knew she wasn’t asleep yet. Pete headed into the bathroom and brushed his teeth, dropping his clothes on the floor. He always slept naked. He crawled under the covers and immediately gathered Emma into his arms, tugging her gently to his chest. Then he licked the column of her neck. She shuddered in his arms. His wife loved sex, possibly even more than he did. Plus, she had to be turned on from seeing Candace and Justin fucking in the garage. Silently, Emma turned in his arms, facing him, her hand sliding down to stroke his cock as her lips met his chest. She didn’t speak as she spread her legs, draping one leg high over his thigh, easing his already hard dick inside of her. She undulated her hips, moaning softly into his neck as she fucked him. Pete was struck by the emotion he felt. Just like everything else this week, this wasn’t their typical interaction. He closed his eyes, reveling in her body, warm and sweet, as it rocked against his. Most of their sexual interactions involved time and planning, even when they were alone. They preferred to make it explosive if they could and almost always used the basement because there

was so much stimulation and things to choose from down there. Spontaneous sex was rare. Pete felt a need for her like he never had before. It was like Emma was trying to tell him something he couldn’t quite grasp. His chest felt tight. He rose up, rolling her onto her back, taking her mouth, and began to thrust deeply. He pumped hard. After a moment he broke the kiss and flexed his arms so he hovered above her, spreading her legs wider so his cock fit tightly against her core with every thrust. He wanted every part of himself inside her. She moaned beneath him, her nails biting into his ass, forcing him to go faster. But she didn’t say a word, her face angled away from his. Her silence affected him. She was always tender during their lovemaking, whispering sweet words in his ear. “I love you,” he told her. “You know that, don’t you?” In answer, she threaded her fingers through his hair and cried out his name as she came.

2 __________________________ ____________

“That’s fantastic, Miranda! If you keep practicing that, you’ll be ready for the show in no time. I’ll see you next week.” Emma waved to the last child as the little girl left the studio with her mother. Emma was tired, but she felt invigorated. Teaching always made her feel that way. Dancing was her life, and Emma loved her job. Being able to teach grade-school children had become her passion. She walked toward a door on the other side of the studio and entered her office, which doubled as the wardrobe room when they had performances, among other things. She sat down on a bench and began to unlace her dance shoes so she could change into her street clothes. She glanced at the clock on the wall. She was on time to meet Piper for a drink. Emma had texted her this weekend and asked her to meet ahead of the block party happy hour, which was in two days. Piper had graciously agreed. Emma readied herself quickly and slung her purse over her shoulder. As she locked up, she thought about all the things she wanted to talk to Piper about. Emma needed her advice. She’d been happy when Piper had agreed to meet

her without the other girls. Emma wanted to talk privately first, before she shared her issues with the group. She absolutely loved being included in Piper’s inner circle. The STD happy hours, which stood for Sexual Therapy for Deviants, were the absolute best. The girls got together regularly and discussed sex, and subsequently laughed until their sides hurt. These meetings were one of the best things to happen to Emma in a long time. They were a blessing, really. She knew Caroline and Gillian would be eager to contribute their own advice, and Emma was looking forward to it. When you chose to live in the “lifestyle,” it was isolating. The topic never came up in casual conversation with anyone. For obvious reasons. If parents of her students ever found out she was a “swinger,” for lack of a better term, she could lose her business in a heartbeat. This lifestyle, to lots of folks, was considered perverted. Many would think that Emma’s “sexual deviation” would somehow trickle down to their children through some kind of unseen osmosis. It was a completely uneducated view of sex, and love as a whole, but there was nothing Emma could do about it except keep quiet around anyone but her friends. Emma had embraced herself and her choices long ago, and had lived in the lifestyle happily until recently. Being able to talk to Piper, Caroline, and Gillian about her new indecisions was like breathing in new air.

She made the quick drive over to The Brick House, a local bar that served specialty pizza. Piper had suggested it, and Emma had readily agreed. Pizza was one of her faves. When she pulled in she spotted Piper’s car already parked in the lot and smiled. Emma got out, locking her car as she went with the handy fob, and headed toward the entrance. Piper was seated at a high table in the bar with two drinks already in front of her. She slid off her stool, giving Emma a quick hug. “Dude, it’s two-for-one for the next fifteen minutes. You have to get your order in.” Piper effortlessly hopped back on her barstool. “Beer and rails. I took the liberty of ordering us a small deep-dish pizza and some cheesy garlic bread. They were both on the happyhour menu, and the waitress said the pizza was killer.” “Anything is fine with me. That sounds perfect.” Emma took her seat, looping her purse around the hook on the wall next to her. “I’m so glad you could meet me tonight. Thanks for coming on such short notice.” “Of course,” Piper answered, her face happy and radiant as usual. “You sounded kind of distressed, so I made it a top priority.” “You picked that up over texts?” Emma chuckled. “That’s fairly intuitive of you.” “It wasn’t that hard. You must’ve said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ four different times in as many texts. What’s up?” Piper asked as she picked up her glass.

“Nothing and everything,” Emma said, trying not to sound too miserable. “It’s probably just me going through some PMS thing, but I’m feeling unhappy and uncertain in my sex life. Seeing you so utterly transform your relationship with Michael has been an amazing thing to witness, and subsequently it’s caused me to do a lot of soul searching in my own marriage—in a good way. It’s highlighted the positives, but also the negatives.” “So we’re here to discuss those negatives?” Piper set her glass down. “You’ve hinted at being unhappy before. And I was right there with you, not so long ago. I understand where you’re at, even without hearing all the details, and I can tell you right now, I’m advocating for you to change things up. If you can, the payoff will be sweeter than you know. This lifestyle is a hard act to balance, and we don’t always want the status quo, and it’s okay to change our minds. Sometimes we’re just searching for a different flavor. Or a cookie instead of a cracker. That’s my favorite analogy to date. A big, fat Double Stuf Oreo instead of a dry wheat cracker.” “That’s just it.” Emma leaned forward, her hands gripping the edge of the table. “I don’t know what I want or how to shake things up. That’s why I’m here. I’m kind of in this wallowing stage. I know I’m unhappy, but I don’t exactly know why. Pete and I have been doing the same things for years, and it’s never bothered me before—” “Can I ask you something?” Piper interrupted. “Do you love Pete?”

“Yes! Of course I do!” Emma felt almost taken aback by the question. “He’s my person, there’s no question about it. He’s my tall, blond surfer boy. I salivate every time I see him. That’s why this is so hard! I love him with all my heart and I want to stay married. I enjoy our life together— yet lately there’s something lacking. But it’s that something I can’t put my finger on. That’s why I wanted to talk to you about it first, before I share it with everyone else. I know the other girls are going to be eager to help, and I’m sure they’ll give me great advice. But when I can’t even articulate what I need, it doesn’t make sense to share it with the group. I’d just sound like a bigger bumbling idiot than I do right now.” “You’re not an idiot.” Piper picked up her drink and swirled it. “From what you just said, decision number one is an easy one: Stay married to Pete at all costs. That helps the direction you need to head in. If you weren’t happy with Pete, and wanted to explore other avenues, this would be a much different conversation. And I totally get wanting to talk to me alone. You’re a private person, Emma. There’s nothing wrong with that. But in order for you to figure out what you need, you’re going to have to step out of your comfort zone a little bit and do some more soul searching. I predict you’re not going to love everything you find. Do you think you’re ready for that?” “Yes, I’m very ready.” Emma arched her brow. “But how are you so sure I won’t like what I find?” Piper rested her elbows on the table. “It’s not so much

that you won’t like it, but you might have to go outside what’s normal and comfortable for you to fix it, which can be scary. I know that firsthand. You gave me great insight not too long ago. You saw Michael and me from an outside perspective, and because of that, you were able to break things down, including the shocker that my husband wasn’t really into our previous swap gatherings. Well, I can do the same for you now. It’s much easier to analyze someone else rather than take a good look at yourself, don’t you think?” Emma nodded. “I totally agree. So what do you see?” Emma was eager to hear. “Before I start, I have to tell you that I believe you’re totally Pete’s person, too. So don’t be worried about that. Every time we’ve ever been with you guys, the way he looks at you, and brings up your dancing, and touches you, and everything else—I can clearly see he’s totally in love with you. Let’s get that out of the way first.” “It’s good to know that our love is apparent.” Emma smiled. She already knew Pete loved her. “The interesting thing about you has always been your willingness to please him and everyone else around you. You go out of your way to make sure everyone is comfortable and fully satisfied when they leave.” Piper winked. “I don’t have to go into detail about how you do that, because you already know, but you’re extremely talented at giving and making sure everyone is always happy.”

Emma blushed as the waitress came up to the table. “Can I get you anything? It’s last call for happy hour.” “Whatever light beer you have on tap is fine,” Emma told her. “Got it,” the waitress said. “Do you guys want to order any more food before the happy-hour menu ends?” “No, we’re good,” Piper answered. The waitress left, and Piper picked up where she left off. “What you have is a natural gift for people pleasing, and that’s likely utterly gorgeous.” “Oh, please,” Emma said, swishing her hand. “You guys are the beautiful ones. Well, Pete is gorgeous, at least to me, with his blue eyes and dimpled smile. But I’m average.” “Dude, have you looked in the mirror lately?” Piper gasped. “You can’t seriously think you’re average. That creamy, perfect skin coupled with that hair? You’re a finelooking woman. But, honestly”—her voice dropped as the waitress passed by—“I’ve never seen you use what you’ve got. Not in all the times we’ve been with you.” “What do you mean?” Emma said. “I mean you don’t strut,” Piper said, her voice firm. “Strut?” “Yes. Strut. Like, show off, wiggle your ass, flaunt what you’ve got. You’re always very demure and put together. You’re never cocky. You never put on the ‘I know you want to fuck me’ airs. Why is that? You’re totally beautiful. You could if you wanted to.”

Emma was genuinely puzzled. “Um, I have no idea? I guess it’s just not my personality.” She gave a noncommittal shrug. “It’s not you, or not Pete?” Piper cocked her head. Emma thought about it as the waitress set down her two beers. She picked one up and took a long swallow, going over it in her mind. Piper scooted her chair closer, the legs scraping the floor, her face animated. “Tell me this. How old were you when you met Pete?” “Twenty-one.” “Was he your first love?” “Oh, yes,” Emma answered readily. “I’d had other relationships before him, but when I met Pete it was like worlds collided and I saw stars. It was love at first sight for me. I know how corny that sounds, but that’s how I felt.” Piper nodded. “That makes so much sense. And you were so young. How old are you now, twenty-six?” “Just turned twenty-seven.” “Before Pete, did you ever strut?” Emma thought back on it. “Yes, I guess I did. I definitely strutted to try to catch Pete’s eye. I totally remember that!” She giggled. “I must’ve walked by him a million times tossing my hair and wiggling my ass. The very first time I saw him was in a bar, and there were girls all over him. I had to work hard to get him to notice me.” “And how else did you get his attention, besides

tossing your hair and wiggling your ass?” “Honestly, I did everything I could think of,” Emma replied. “I had no shame. I basically clawed my way through the other girls to stand next to him. I bought him drinks. I wore the skimpiest clothes I could find. I wasn’t above trying anything.” “See?” Piper said excitedly. “Now we’re getting somewhere. Why do you think Pete ultimately chose you over the other girls?” “Because I was persistent?” “Bullshit.” Piper chortled. “Excuse my French, but I’d bet my house you were more genuine and sweeter than any of his usual hangers-on. He picked you because you’re you! Beautiful and kind.” Emma looked skeptical. “Maybe, or maybe because he knew I wouldn’t give up until he asked me out, so he finally gave in?” “Yeah, right. On a related note, why did you stop being that girl? The one who would stop at nothing to get a man to look at her? Most women keep preening, especially for their girlfriends—which is why most of us still dress up once we’re married.” Emma glanced around, surveying the other women in the room, then glanced down at her simple outfit of jeans and a white T-shirt. “I guess I hadn’t realized I’d stopped.” She met Piper’s gaze. “Damn, you should charge by the hour. This is intense.” She picked up her beer. “Well, you’re the one who wanted to get to the bottom

of it, and dude, I think we’re almost there. Seriously, why did you stop wanting people to notice you?” Emma shook her head. “I think I stopped because once we were a pair I didn’t want Pete to get jealous if other men noticed me. I am a pleaser at heart. Pete and our relationship became my top priority very quickly, so even without his asking I must’ve toned it down. But on the flip side, it never bothered me, nor was I really aware I was doing it. I just wanted us both to be blissfully happy together.” “Pete couldn’t really be the jealous type if you guys ultimately decided to share your bed with others.” “We did decide to share it,” Emma admitted, “but it’s always been in controlled situations with firm rules in place, so there was no real room for jealousy.” “Controlled by who? By Pete?” “In the beginning, I think.” She hesitated, setting her drink down. “It’s hard to remember exactly. But what we do now is completely mutual. I wouldn’t stay with someone who tried to control or manipulate me. He loves me, and we are in this as a team.” “I’m not saying you would. You have a very strong backbone.” Piper smiled. “Maybe ‘controlled’ is the wrong word. I don’t mean to imply that Pete is abusive in any way. Let’s try this a different way. Whose idea was it to invite another person into your bedroom the first time?” Emma bit her lip. “It was Pete.” “And you were fine with it?”

“I was hesitant at first, but once we did it, I thought it was great. Everyone had such a good time, and the haze of really good sex lasted for days. I know you know what I’m talking about. We were blissed out for days, horny and satisfied all at the same time. We couldn’t get enough of each other.” “I do know that feeling, and I’m sure everyone had a blast. I’m also sure it was because you helped facilitate it by being your nice, generous self.” Piper chuckled. “I can almost imagine the scene. Two young, nubile twenty-oneyear-olds in the quest for extreme pleasure.” “That might be true. I might’ve kept the balance and made everyone feel good. But that’s also when I realized my sexual trigger was the art of sex. The sex act is so sensual and beautiful. I adore seeing it performed on everyone, and watching everyone enjoy the stark pleasure of it all gives me goose bumps.” She rubbed her arms. “It’s my thing.” “I know it is, but,” Piper pointed out, “you guys don’t attend orgies. From my now intimate experience”—she cocked an eyebrow and whistled out of the side of her mouth, making Emma giggle—“that’s the height of witnessing the sex act. Everyone is there to seek ultimate pleasure. Why haven’t you guys ever gone to one?” Emma was at a loss. “I don’t know.” She thought back to discussions she’d had with Pete and came up short. “We’ve always liked being in control, so orgies have never been our thing.”

“Aha!” Piper announced in a mock sardonic tone, holding up her finger. “We’re back to the control issue again. But you’re about to change all that. You realize that, right?” “How so?” “This is the comfort-zone thing I was talking about. Your trip to the Bahamas is the perfect place to start. The timing couldn’t be better.” “I’m not getting it. What do you mean?” “Emma, you’re going to learn to strut again. You’re going to wiggle that beautiful ass and move those incredible hips until everyone there—including random folks who might stroll by on the beach—want to fuck you three ways from Saturday.” “Okay.” Emma hesitated, suppressing a giggle that was bubbling up. “And why am I going to do that?” Piper leaned forward. “Because you’re going to shake Pete up for all he’s worth.” Emma nodded along. “Okay, I can see where you’re heading. You want me to start making my husband jealous.” “Yes, exactly. Because a jealous Pete will be a doting Pete. Your man is going to rediscover the amazing prize he has right in front of him—the one he’s inadvertently taken for granted for too long. That’s what you’re missing, Emma.” She set her hands on the table. “You’re missing your self-worth.”

3 __________________________ ____________

Pete arrived home to an empty house. He’d been looking forward to seeing Emma and having a nice dinner together. He was still reeling a little from their sexual encounter last week. He couldn’t stop thinking about it. But Emma had texted him that she was meeting Piper for dinner. So instead he’d worked late and picked up Chinese takeout on the way home. It was nine forty-five. He set the food on the counter and took a plate out of the cupboard, along with some spoons from the drawer to dish everything out. Before he could dig in, there was a knock on the sliding glass doors. He glanced up and saw Candace standing on the deck. She gave him a small wave. Pete gestured to her. “Come on in,” he called. “It’s open.” Over the years, Candace had stopped by on a few occasions, but usually only when Emma was home. “Hi there,” she chirped as she came in. “I hope I’m not disturbing you. I just saw you drive up and thought I’d come by and say hi.” Pete tried to keep his puzzlement to himself. “I’m just about to eat dinner. Chinese takeout. Would you care for

any? I have more than enough.” “No.” She shook her head. “I’m stuffed. I ate a late dinner myself.” She strolled to the island and perched on a stool. For the first time, Pete saw she held a glass of wine in her hand. She must think Emma was home. “Emma’s not here at the moment. I’m not sure when she’ll be back,” Pete said. “But you’re welcome to wait for her.” “Oh, that’s okay,” she answered smoothly. “I’m not here for her.” She gave him a saucy smile and took a long swallow of her wine. This time it was surprise Pete tried to keep off his face. This was so out of the blue. Candace was a good-looking fortysomething, but no one he’d ever consider inviting into his and Emma’s bedroom. Pete knew Emma felt the same way. He was positive Emma had never shared their lifestyle choice with Candace either, so it would be almost impossible for her to have figured out what they did behind closed doors. Pete decided not to touch the insinuation. Instead, he asked, “How are Kyle and the kids? I haven’t seen them around in a while.” Candace took another long drink of her wine. “Kyle’s been gone for almost three weeks.” She set the glass down slowly. “He’s supposed to be coming home Thursday, in time for the block party, but we’ll see if he shows. The kids have been spending most of the time at their mother’s. She just moved back into the neighborhood, after winning

another lawsuit for more spousal support.” She mumbled the next bit under her breath. “Because now the bitch can afford it.” She glanced up at Pete and plastered a smile back on her face. “She says it’s so the kids can easily get to our house and school from her house, but I know her, she relishes the fact she took Kyle for more money and won. She celebrates with a big party every time she wins.” Pete cleared his throat and tried to look busy scooping food onto his plate and putting the food containers in the fridge, wishing that Candace was anywhere but in his kitchen. He couldn’t care less about any of them—not Kyle, nor his first wife, or their legal struggles. How had this woman gotten into his house again? When Pete turned back after shutting the fridge, Candace was grinning at him seductively, pressing her now empty wine glass into her bottom lip. Before he could think of anything to say, she said, “I know your wife watches us have sex.” Without hesitation, Pete replied, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Oh, I think you do,” she suggested coyly, setting her glass on the island and tracing the bottom with a single finger. “I know you guys experiment, so don’t play me for a fool. I had a hunch she was watching, but after Justin finished fucking me last week, I found him hanging around my garage like a lost puppy. Since no one is home at my house except me, I went outside to ask him what the hell he was doing, and he told me he was hoping your wife would

come back out.” She cocked her head toward Pete, and a cascade of chemically treated hair fell over her shoulder. “I think you deserve to know that your wife might be heading into an affair. Justin is certainly ready and willing to oblige. He even told me he’s asked her to join us.” Candace slowly got off the stool and eased around the island. “It’s a little perverted that she likes to watch, wouldn’t you agree?” Pete wanted to back up as she moved toward him, but he held his ground. He couldn’t show fear in a situation like this or The Cougar would strike. “Candace, I can assure you no one is cheating or thinking about cheating. And, yes, Emma has watched you a few times for fun, but she found out about your little trysts very innocently. You were moaning loudly, and we both heard you from our deck. Emma went to investigate to make sure you were okay.” Candace set an open palm, her fingernails painted bright red, on his chest. “How very noble of her.” She leaned in to openly scent him, her nostrils flaring. “I bet she enjoyed the show, or she certainly wouldn’t keep coming back for more. Justin fucks very well. But I’m thinking”—she slid her hand up to his neck—“you would do the job so much better.” Pete slowly removed her hand, picking it off his chest like a hot coal. He didn’t really want to offend her, because she was obviously very lonely, but this was getting out of hand. “I’m sorry, Candace. You’re very

attractive, but I’m not interested. I love my wife. I would never cheat on her.” Candace tsked. “You don’t have to lie to me.” She leaned in close to him and whispered, “I’ve seen in your windows. Your wife is not the only one who gets nosy when they hear people making loud noises. Noises that sound like delicious groans of pleasure.” “Really, Candace, I’m sure what you think you saw wasn’t—” All of a sudden she was kissing him, her hands grasping either side of his face, her red nails digging in. He sputtered, but before he could break away, he heard a door opening, followed by, “I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?” * * * The utter surprise, coupled with disgust, in Pete’s expression as Emma caught him and Candace in a clench was almost comical. But Emma kept a stern look on her face, crossing her arms and jutting her hip out to make it look convincing. She couldn’t believe a perfect opportunity to implement Piper’s advice had presented itself already. After a great dinner, and more chatting, Emma had come to some amazing realizations about herself, and the beginning of a plan to change up her marriage had formulated. She hadn’t thought an opportunity would

materialize so soon, but this was as good a time as any to begin to shake things up with Pete. Let him know that everything in her world wasn’t always calm and go-withthe-flow. Emma knew without being told that Candace had come into the house unannounced, hoping to seduce her husband into bed. Emma was no fool. It had been only a matter of time, the way Emma saw it, before Candace would try to make her play. It was a very unshocking scenario, and little did Candace know, Pete fucked women all the time with Emma’s permission. But that was all about to change. At the sound of Emma’s voice, Pete had taken a huge step backward to get away from the interloping trophy wife, but Candace had attached herself to him so thoroughly she’d lurched forward with him, forcing Pete to catch her, lest she fall to the floor. That wouldn’t have been entirely unwelcome, but this was just as good. Emma watched the antics, biting her lip so she wouldn’t laugh, as Pete tried to detach himself from Candace as their limbs intertwined. “This is not what it looks like,” Pete started. “I can explain—” Emma held up her hand. “Don’t start. I clearly saw you two kissing.” If Pete was smart, he’d keep quiet. He did. Once settled, Candace reached up to fix her hair, not daring enough to look Emma in the eyes yet. “Well, yes.”

Candace cleared her throat as she glanced at the counter, and then at the floor. “I know this looks bad, but”—she seemed to become a little bolder as she went—“it’s not nearly as bad as you watching something intimate between me and another person through a garage window like a Peeping Tom.” She lifted her chin, finally meeting Emma’s gaze, daring Emma to say otherwise. Emma dared. Dropping her arms, Emma waltzed up to Candace, getting right in her face—something she might not have done if Piper’s voice had not been ringing loudly in her ears right this second, urging her to take control of her life. “You listen to me, Candace. My husband is off-limits. Do you understand? For now and forever. As for you and your boy toy—I would strongly suggest in the future that if you don’t want anyone to know about your indiscretions, you take your fucking elsewhere. Either hole up inside your house or go someplace discreet. Your moans are loud enough to wake the entire neighborhood. The Dwyers can hear them without their hearing aids—which we know is your intent. You love that we know, and tonight you were hoping my husband would be your new fuck buddy.” Emma gave her neighbor a sneer for good measure. “How’d that work out for you? Justin’s twenty-two-year-old dick is no match for what Pete could give you without even trying too hard. He’s a stellar lay. But you’re never going to find out because that dream is shot, Candace. Now go back home with your empty wine glass and your tail firmly tucked

between your legs, because that’s the only thing that’s going between them tonight.” Candace opened and shut her mouth twice before she sputtered, “You can’t…you can’t take that tone with me! I know you two are into dirty things. You’re like two rutting animals—” “Shut the hell up, Candace!” Emma snapped. “I don’t want to hear it. You came here looking to get laid, and you’re leaving with nothing. And if you don’t start moving your ass toward that door, I’m going to toss you out myself.” Candace had been slowly backing up as Emma had been talking. Pete had remained quiet and gotten out of the way, which was exactly what Emma had wanted. She didn’t dare glance at her husband, because she would likely break character. His look of utter surprise might be enough to derail her act. This was a side of her she was certain he’d never seen. In fact, it was a side of her she wasn’t sure she’d seen herself, until this very moment. It was liberating! Pete was going to have to buckle his seat belt from here on out. “I’m going. There’s no need to get violent.” Candace scrambled toward the glass doors. As she slid the door open, she tossed her hair back and tried to regain some dignity. “I hope you two deviants are happy. When I’m done, the entire neighborhood is going to know you two are

sex addicts!” With that, she disappeared into the night. Very calmly, Emma walked over to the door and called, “Do that, Candace, and your entire bridge club will know you’re fucking the son of your good friend and bridge partner, Shannon Patton!” Emma slammed the door closed with a loud bang, without waiting for Candace to reply. Emma knew she’d heard every word, and the woman wouldn’t say anything to anyone. Once the door was locked, Emma turned but refused to meet Pete’s gaze as she headed out of the room. She could hear Pete following her. “I don’t understand why you’re so angry,” Pete said to her retreating back. “Candace came in here unannounced, and before I knew what was happening, she was all over me! I had nothing to do with it.” “Of course you had something to do with it!” Emma said in an exasperated tone as she kept walking. “I just found you kissing another woman behind my back in my own kitchen.” “I wasn’t kissing her! She was kissing me. I want nothing to do with her.” “It didn’t look like it to me.” Emma kept walking, staring straight ahead. “Emma,” Pete said evenly, “we invite people into our bedroom all the time. Why would this be an issue for you now, especially when you know I don’t want Candace?” “We have rules about sex with other people, including no intimacy, and certainly no contact while the other spouse is away. I shouldn’t have to remind you of that.”

When Emma reached the bottom of the staircase, she spun around, surprising her increasingly distraught husband. “I only need to know one thing from you.” She held up a single index finger in front of his face. “One thing.” “Anything,” he said, putting his hands up. “I’ll tell you whatever you want to know. I have nothing to hide.” “Is this the first time you’ve kissed another woman without my permission?” Her face was set. Even though she was milking the role of angry wife, this question was a big deal to her. Emma knew tonight was all on Candace and her husband would never take that woman to bed, but their entire marriage had been based on a very strict nosneaking-around rule. Period. If Pete had ever messed around with another woman behind her back, it would be devastating news—news that would change her life forever. Trust and honesty were the two things that had kept their marriage rock solid throughout the years, even though they lived an open lifestyle. If Pete had cheated, it would be a game changer. “Yes, of course it’s the first time!” Pete practically shouted his response, even though they were a foot apart. “You have to know me better than that. I love you. I would never cheat on you! We have rules on purpose. I swear to you I’ve never gone behind your back with another woman in my life. Why would I?” When she didn’t answer immediately, his face changed to open pleading. “Em, you have to believe me. I didn’t do anything to lead Candace

on! She came on her own.” He really believed the root of the issue was Candace. Why wouldn’t he think it was about Candace? Emma thought selfishly. It wasn’t about Candace. It was that Pete expected her to brush this off like it was nothing, to be her normal, affable self and soothe his ruffled feathers. Even though she felt peevish about that right now, she was relieved because she believed Pete hadn’t cheated on her. Piper should become a full-time therapist. The advice she’d given Emma tonight had been spot-on. Emma now knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that she needed to feel empowered in her marriage again. She needed to know she mattered to Pete—first. That he would choose to put her ahead of their lifestyle, ahead of sex, ahead of his own pleasure. Right now, she was pretty sure he didn’t. And the only way to change those things would be to make Pete realize it for himself, and it wasn’t something she could just tell him. He had to discover it on his own. She turned her back and headed up the stairs without another word. “Wait!” he called, coming after her. “You can’t just say nothing. Can’t you at least acknowledge that this has nothing to do with me cheating on you? Emma!” She stopped midway up and whirled around. “What I saw was you kissing Candace. I know she came here sniffing around in hopes of a quick fuck, but what I didn’t see was you trying to get away from her.”

“I didn’t have time,” Pete argued. “You walked in the second she kissed me. Believe me, I wanted her off me—” “Pete, I want to believe you, I do. But I’m tired. I had a long day, and I want to go to sleep.” She turned and started up the steps again. “I mean, we fuck other people,” she tossed casually over her shoulder. “Why wouldn’t you feel like you could just fuck Candace if you wanted to? I think maybe our rules have blurred over the years and it’s time for some new ones.” “What are you talking about? Our rules haven’t blurred at all!” Pete’s voice was frustrated. “This isn’t on me. I didn’t ask Candace to come over. She came with her own agenda!” At the top of the stairs, Emma turned one last time, placing a hand on Pete’s chest before he could reach the top of the landing. “Just know,” she told him in a low tone, “if you get to kiss other people behind my back, I can do the same.” With that, she spun around and headed to their bedroom, trying not to smile at Pete’s shocked expression. She would never cheat on him in a million years. But it might be high time for him to think she would.

4 __________________________ ____________

Pete hadn’t been able to get Emma to continue the Candace conversation and he was going nuts. He’d talked in vain until she’d fallen asleep, trying to get her to see things from his viewpoint—that Candace wasn’t a threat to their marriage, and their rules of sex had not changed. But Emma hadn’t responded. Pete was having a hard time recognizing this Emma, and it was alarming. What he did recognize, however, was he was in deep shit, and he had to find a way to dig himself out. As he drove into Madison for work the next morning, he slapped the wheel in frustration. He had no idea what to do. A few more miles and Pete pulled onto the parking ramp attached to his building. He worked for an ad agency, just like Piper Collins. Their companies were similar, but barely ever competed for the same business. Pete’s firm was more specialized in providing branding for the movie industry. It was big business. He loved his job, which made the thirty-minute commute worthwhile. Once in his office, he tossed his briefcase on his desk right as his cell phone rang. He pulled it out, hoping it was

Emma. Instead, the name on the front read Michael Collins. That was unusual. Pete hadn’t talked to him in over a year, even though their wives had started hanging out together on a regular basis. Pete accepted the call. “Hello, this is Pete Slater.” “Hey, Pete, it’s Michael Collins. How are you?” Michael’s voice was relaxed and cordial. “I’m doing well,” Pete said as he sat down. “What’s up?” There was a reason behind the call, and small talk wasn’t Pete’s forte. “I’m calling to invite you out for a drink tomorrow night with Jason Stratton, Brad Harrison, and me. Our wives are meeting regularly now, and us guys have slowly gotten on board. I think the ladies are heading out to your place tomorrow, so I figured you might be looking for something to do. We’re meeting at Johnny Q’s after work around six thirty. It’s a sports bar. Do you know it?” “I do,” Pete said. “That’s nice of you to offer, but—” “To be totally honest with you, I’m doing this at Piper’s request. It’s not that I didn’t want you to join us, but it didn’t occur to me to ask.” He chuckled goodnaturedly over the line. Pete took no offense. “Typical guy brain. But Piper met up with your wife last night, and she thought you might like to go out with us. We talk about the lifestyle on occasion, among other things.” Pete cleared his throat. “She did, huh?” Pete’s brain raced. Emma had probably confided in Piper what was

bothering her, and maybe Piper had given Michael some insight on how he could fix it. It was worth a try. Plus, he liked all those guys, even though he hadn’t seen them for a while. “Okay, you convinced me. I’ll be there.” “Great, see you then.” Michael clicked off. Pete sat there for a few minutes, thinking about his wife and what had shifted in their relationship, but he was at a complete loss. There hadn’t been any major upsets or fights—Candace notwithstanding—that had occurred in the last few months. They hadn’t done much swapping lately, but they’d been busy, which wasn’t unusual. The only thing he could think of was the vacation. Emma had wanted to go somewhere where they could be alone. He’d pushed for his agenda and won. But now she seemed genuinely excited to go. So what was it? Pete wondered idly if it was too late to get their deposit back after all. Maybe he could surprise her and book another hotel on a bigger island instead. He ran his hands through his hair. This thing with his wife was worrisome. She was clearly unhappy, and he was going to have to fix that. Whatever it took. * * * Emma buzzed around the kitchen, finishing up all the last-minute prepping. Not only had she made appetizers for

the ladies, but she’d also made a potluck contribution for the block party. The neighborhood event was fairly lowkey, as she and Pete lived on a street that turned into a culde-sac that had only ten homes total. Their house was the one right before the cul-de-sac began. Pete was going out with the guys, which had been a nice surprise. She was glad he was meeting up with them. Piper had given her a heads-up about Michael inviting him, and Emma had been thrilled. Once the girls arrived, Emma planned on bringing them out to the block party for shits and giggles, but then they were going to come back here for the “travel shower” Caroline had insisted on throwing her. It felt like an overindulgence, but secretly Emma was touched. She hadn’t had girlfriends like this since grade school. In high school she’d been so focused on dancing, she’d missed out on a lot of opportunities to build lasting friendships, so she was beyond happy to have these ladies in her life right now. They made it brighter. Her phone beeped on the counter. It was Piper. ON OUR WAY. NEED ANYTHING?

She typed back. NOPE. ALL SET.

Piper replied. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE ROCKIN’ BLOCK PARTY IN ACTION!

Emma hadn’t told anyone about the Candace incident yet. She wanted to tell all the girls at once. She couldn’t

wait. Emma texted Piper back. ME TOO. SEE YOU IN A FEW!

Piper and Caroline were riding together, and Gillian was coming separately. Emma hoped Gillian had some juicy gossip to share about her interlude with someone famous here in town. Gillian and her husband, Brad, had hooked up with someone at the orgy they’d attended with Piper and Michael, but Gillian had been sworn to secrecy. They were all dying to know who it was. The girls would arrive in about twenty minutes if there was no traffic. Emma put the last cookie sheet in the oven. She’d made cheese tarts with caramelized onions. Emma had taken a half day off today so she’d have enough time to prepare. Right as she shut the oven door, her phone rang. She wiped off her hands and picked it up. It was Pete. She smiled like she always did when he called. He preferred calls to texts, and she loved that. “Hello,” she said. “Hey, how are you?” Pete asked. “I wanted to touch base before each of our nights began.” “I’m great. Just finishing all the last touches before the girls get here. It should be fun. Are you bummed you’re missing the block party?” she joked. “Hell no.” He chuckled. “I wonder if Candace will have the balls to attend,” Emma said. “I hope she does. The girls need to meet her.”

“I don’t care if she does, and I hope I never lay eyes on her again. Are you sure you don’t need anything? I can swing home first if you need me to pick something up.” “Nope, I’m good. Have fun tonight with the guys.” “I will. I’m actually looking forward to it,” Pete said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a guys’ night out. Michael mentioned that they talk about the lifestyle once in a while. It’ll be nice to be relaxed and chat.” That’s what Emma was hoping for. Piper was a genius. “I hope you have fun. Take your time.” “I will. And Emma?” There was a tentative note in his voice. “Yes?” “I love you.” “I love you, too.” Emma had remained adamant in her refusal to discuss the Candace incident each time Pete had brought it up, but mostly because she didn’t want to crack her façade. Ensuring that he knew she still wasn’t happy about the entire thing would go a long way. But she wasn’t going to lie to her husband over the phone. She loved him like crazy. “Okay, I’ll see you later.” He sounded relieved, and Emma felt a little pang. She’d make it up to him tonight. She wouldn’t talk about Candace, but having some hot sex wouldn’t hurt. “Bye.” She hung up. Emma set the phone down. Then she smiled. In only a few days she’d felt a shift in things between them—for the

better. Pete seemed more attentive, and that felt like a step in the right direction. Emma hummed as she finished cleaning and took the tarts out of the oven. She was fixing her hair when the doorbell chimed. Before she could get downstairs, Piper’s voice rang out, “We’re here! Damn, I forget how beautiful this house is.” Emma walked down the steps to greet them. “Thank you! I love it. But if you asked me if I’d be living in the suburbs by choice a few years ago, I would’ve told you hell to the no. Come on in.” She gave both Piper and Caroline hugs in greeting, and they followed her into the kitchen, both of them carrying gifts. “Your sense of style is totally on point,” Caroline commented as she pulled out a barstool and sat, placing a very nicely wrapped present next to her on the island. “I might have to hire you if we do any more remodeling.” “It’s off the hook,” Piper agreed. “I’d never be ballsy enough to go with browns and greens, but this totally works.” Piper took the stool next to Caroline, setting her gift bag on the floor. Emma placed a few platters of finger foods in front of them. “Thanks, I appreciate that,” she said. “What can I get you ladies to drink?” As Emma walked over to the bar, she heard what sounded like a motorcycle pull into her driveway. It must be Gillian. Emma didn’t know if she had a bike, but it wouldn’t be surprising. “Does Gillian have a motorcycle?”

“I’ll take a gin and tonic,” Caroline said. “And I have no idea if she does. But it wouldn’t shock me.” “Yep, that’s her,” Piper said. “A gin and tonic sounds good. I’ll take one, too.” “Two gin and tonics coming up.” A few moments later there was a knock at the front door. “Come on in!” Emma called over her shoulder. “It’s open!” Emma finished up the drinks right as Gillian walked into the kitchen. “Hiya,” Gillian greeted them as she entered, glancing around. “I always forget how nice this place is.” “I just said the same thing!” Piper said. “It’s shocking.” Emma chuckled as she set the drinks in front of Caroline and Piper. “Thanks, guys. What can I get you to drink, Gillian?” Gillian had on full leathers—pants, jacket, the whole nine yards. She set a big leather satchel on the end of the island. “I’ll take a beer. Whatever you have is fine. I can only have one or two tonight. I’m very careful when I take the bike.” Caroline said, “Gillian, you’re a total badass. I could never ride a motorcycle. I wouldn’t even know where to start.” Gillian slid onto the last barstool, next to Piper, as Emma set a beer bottle in front of her. “Don’t get too excited.” Gillian smiled. “It’s a small bike. I’ve tried to drive Brad’s big Harley, but I don’t have enough lowerbody strength to keep that bad boy up.” She shrugged. “When your husband rides, you either ride, or you spend a

lot of time at home alone. I prefer having my own bike. Otherwise, I’m just a hanger-on, and that’s no fun. We’d been looking for a while, but I finally found one I can handle about a year ago. It’s been super fun.” She picked up her beer. “I’m certain I couldn’t drive it, no matter how small,” Caroline said. “But I admire you for it.” “Okay, ladies.” Emma clapped once, her excitement at the forefront. “I have something to tell you before we head out to the block party, and it’s pretty juicy!” “Juicier than Gillian hooking up with a celebrity?” Piper joked as she turned to Gillian. “I hope you’re planning on spilling some details tonight. It’s been two weeks, and we are dying. Dy-ing.” Caroline added, “Yes! We can’t wait to hear who it is.” Emma chuckled. “My gossip isn’t that good, but it does involve my neighbor trying to seduce my husband right here in this very kitchen.” “No way!” Piper exclaimed. “That is a great runner-up. I’m totally kidding. Gillian’s sexcapades can wait. Neighborhood scandal right in your own kitchen wins the night. When did this happen?” “The night we met for drinks,” Emma answered. She turned to the other girls to explain. “I asked Piper to meet me for a drink because I was having some issues with my marriage, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was exactly, so I didn’t want to make it a big deal before I figured it out. Piper was incredible, as you can all

imagine.” She grinned at her friend. “You really should be a therapist, you know. I came home feeling completely energized and ready to tackle my life—and walked in right as Candace was trying to tackle my husband.” “I can’t believe that!” Caroline exclaimed. “That’s so ballsy. Right in your own house? I would’ve been in a white-hot rage.” “It’s not that ballsy for this neighborhood, let me tell you,” Emma said. “Candace regularly bangs a twenty-twoyear-old in her garage, and she apparently discovered that we live an extracurricular sex life, most likely from spying through our windows, and came here looking for some action.” “Was Pete into it?” Gillian asked. “That doesn’t seem like it would be his style.” “No, of course not!” Emma said. “But I let him think I was pissed about it. Well, I was pissed, but I wasn’t as mad as I portrayed. Nobody wants to catch their husband kissing someone else.” She nodded at Piper. “That was because you empowered me to not gloss over everything and try to make everyone feel good. I saw my opportunity and took it.” Emma proceeded to give the girls all the juicy tidbits about what happened. “So, in the end, Pete was upset he’d made me mad, and that’s unusual for us. My usual is to make everything fine at all costs. By doing it this way, I’m trying to coax him into seeing me again. Our life has become predictable, but I have high hopes for this vacation. Thanks to Piper’s advice, I’ll be doing some

strutting.” Gillian asked, “So are we going to get to see this interloper Candace at the block party? Because that would be awesome.” Emma said, “I certainly hope so. It won’t be as fun if she doesn’t show.”

5 __________________________ ____________

Pete strode into the packed bar. He was a little late. His workload for the week had been heavy, so he’d worked longer than expected. He spotted the guys at a high-top and made his way over. “Hey, Pete,” Michael said, holding his hand out. “Nice to see you again.” Pete shook it and nodded to the two other guys as he took his seat. “Thanks for the invite. It was nice to get the call. Who would’ve thought we’d see each other out socially after our interactions together?” “I know,” Michael said. “It’s strange as hell, but oddly it works. We all share a pretty hard-core component of our lives, which doesn’t tend to come up a lot in everyday conversation with other people.” Brad nodded. “I don’t talk about my life ever. Most people at work think I’m socially awkward because I never talk.” He chuckled. “But they can think whatever the fuck they want to. It’s nice to be able to slam back a beer and feel comfortable for once.” “I agree,” Pete said, nodding. “This was unexpected, but welcome. And if anyone can use a drink, I can. I’ve had

a shitty week.” He nodded across the table at Jace. “It’s nice to see you again, man. I hope all is well with you and yours.” “Things are going great,” Jace said. “In part, thanks to you and your wife. What we did at your house managed to break some kind of a seal for Caroline, and our sex life has never been better.” “Glad to hear it,” Pete said. The waiter came, and Pete gave him his order. “Piper mentioned something about Emma being unhappy?” Michael said. Pete raised his eyebrows. “Emma hasn’t said anything to me directly about being unhappy, but her actions certainly point in that direction.” He shook his head. “She’s done a complete turnaround from her normal temperament, and I can’t figure it out. Nothing big has changed in our lives. We haven’t swapped with any couples in a long time. Not because we’re not into it anymore, but we’ve just been busy, and all of you”—he gestured around the table—“have left the lifestyle as far as I know, at least for now.” “We haven’t left,” Michael said, shaking his head. “We’re just experimenting with something new. It was time for a change, and it’s been a doozy. Have you ever heard of the Sexual Underground?” “No,” Pete said. “Can’t say I have.” “It’s fairly new, from what I know. It’s basically a well-organized orgy. We’ve been twice now, and it’s

fucking amazing—literally,” Michael told him. “But I’m only with Piper now, so that piece has changed. We’ve had our own metamorphosis, so to speak, and we’ve found that we work the best being exclusive but in a highly charged atmosphere.” “We’re not out of the lifestyle either,” Brad added. “Gillian is in the process of setting up these soft BDSM parties. She’s planning one a month. Similar to the orgy we attended with them”—he gestured at Michael—“but more controlled, and on a much smaller scale. But we’ve been derailed a bit.” He lowered his voice. “Do you guys know Tyler Blackstone?” “The baseball player who just got traded to the Brewers?” Jace said, his eyebrows shooting up. “Of course we know him. There was a big question on whether or not they would land him. He’s a hell of a player and came with a hell of a price tag.” Brad replied, “Well, let’s just say we’ve met up with him and his escort a few times and it’s pretty hot. Gillian wants to set something up with him on a regular basis.” “Is that who you guys hooked up with the night of the orgy?” Michael asked. “No fucking way.” Brad nodded. “But that stays between us right here.” He circled his hand around the table. “I can’t go into a lot of detail, because the guy pretty much made us swear we wouldn’t talk about it. If he could’ve made us sign a nondisclosure agreement, he would’ve. But I don’t really buy into that shit. If you’re in the lifestyle, so be it. But I

guess this guy has a right to his privacy, since he’s in the public eye. Anyway, it was crazy. He’s so rich he’s got everything in spades. He even has this huge decked-out fuck room above the warehouse, and let me tell you, he likes it hard.” Brad shook his head as his voice trailed off, and he took a sip of his beer. “You can’t leave us hanging like that. Go on,” Michael urged. “We have to hear the rest. We’re a bunch of horny motherfuckers, or haven’t you noticed?” Brad shrugged. “I can’t, man. Not so much for Tyler, but for Gillian. I promised her I wouldn’t say anything. She’s already going to kill me for telling you his name. I’m in trouble, but I’ll take my licks.” “Is he a switch hitter?” Jace asked. “No,” Brad said. “It’s all girl and guy, and completely regimented. It’s right up Gillian’s alley. My wife has never had an issue with this lifestyle a day in her life. She thrives on it, and seeing her hot is what gets me going, so I’m going along with it for now. We’ll see in the future.” “I wish I could say the same about Emma,” Pete lamented. “If you would’ve asked me a month ago, I would’ve said Emma felt the same way—and had no issue with the lifestyle at all. I would’ve told you she thrived on it. We’ve been in it for years with no complaints. But now I have no idea. She actually told me that if I was sneaking around with people, she could, too. What does that even mean?” “Are you sneaking around with other people?” Michael

asked. “Of course not. I love my wife. But Emma caught the woman next door, a fortysomething cougar, kissing me. This woman hijacked me in my own kitchen. She came on strong with no provocation on my part, but I couldn’t shake her in time. Emma walked in on us and freaked out. She had to know nothing was going on, but she was bent out of shape anyway. She knows I’d never take Candace to bed. It isn’t even in the realm of possibilities.” “Man, that’s rough,” Brad commented. “I feel your pain. So what are you going to do now?” Pete made a face. “I have no idea. We’re going on this big vacation in a few days. We’re hitting the Bahamas. I’m hoping we can work it out while we’re there. Some time alone would be a good thing right now.” “Caroline mentioned something about that,” Jace said. “She was shopping for your wife. I guess they’re throwing her some kind of vacation shower? I don’t know, I don’t get women stuff. Aren’t you guys going to some kind of secret sex resort?” “Yep,” Pete answered. “This resort is way under the radar. You actually have to get a referral to book a suite. They only have twenty villas. We were lucky to get accepted and that they had space available. So we jumped on the dates they gave us. But now, the more I’m thinking about it, maybe I should reschedule until things get back to normal. I don’t want to screw up this vacation.” “Nah, I think it’s a perfect time to go,” Michael said.

“What better backdrop to make your wife fall in love with you all over again than white-sand beaches and palm trees?” “Fall in love again?” Pete balked. “I hope she hasn’t fallen out of love with me. Jesus.” He ran a hand around the back of his neck. “I don’t think she’s literally fallen out of love with you, but it sounds like she could use some serious wooing again. Was it her idea to go there or yours?” “Mine.” The waiter dropped his beer off, and Pete took a long drink. He set it down. “But my wife loves watching people have sex. She says there’s art in it, and I agree with her. The place we’re going is ridiculously expensive and exclusive. It doesn’t even have an official name. The guy I know just calls it Paradise. What better place to watch the art of sex than in paradise? I don’t know. I thought it was a good idea at the time.” “I think she’ll enjoy it,” Michael said. “But from what I know about women, it’s going to take some work on your part to make sure she does. You’re going to have to learn to appreciate her all over again, just like I did with Piper. That means no fucking other women while you’re there, even if Emma says it’s okay. All your attention should be focused on her. Her wants and needs, not yours.” “That won’t be hard,” Pete said. “She’s all I can think about since we’ve been fighting. I’ve never seen her act like this, and it’s gotten under my skin. If we can’t fix this, it’s going to make me crazy. Sex is sex. But love is

something different. I’ve chosen one woman to be with forever, and that’s Emma. Period.” “Then just make sure she knows that, and you’re all set.” Michael held up his beer. “To the women we love even though they make us crazy.” All the guys raised their beers. “Amen,” Brad said as he clinked his glass against the others’ and took a drink. * * * Emma had to cover her mouth and look away so she didn’t laugh out loud. Bringing the girls to the block party had been purely for entertainment purposes, which Emma loved in so many ways, but they were all having so much fun they stayed longer than she’d anticipated. It was way past dark, and they were all settled around a bonfire in a neighbor’s yard two doors down. All the folks who were at the fire were the most interesting characters—including Candace, who had slunk over fifteen minutes prior. Gillian currently had her arm draped around The Cougar’s shoulders, and Candace was as uncomfortable as Emma had ever seen her. It was hilarious. Emma hadn’t had this much fun in a long time. When Candace had first joined the group, Gillian had gotten Emma’s attention and made a face, inclining her head slightly in Candace’s direction, and Emma had

nodded. It had been the Is this the bitch? look. And Emma’s reply had answered, Why, yes, yes, it is. Piper elbowed Emma and leaned over. “I haven’t had this much fun at a block party in ever. These people are nuts! The guy next to me just admitted he wanted to try ‘something edgy’ and would I be interested in seeing his glass art collection. Dude, I feel like if I went with him, he’d slice me up and pack me away in his freezer. Since when is glass art edgy?” Emma laughed, peering over Piper’s left shoulder. “That’s Steve. He’s fairly harmless as far as I know. He lives at the end of the block. I’ve only met him a handful of times. I don’t think he’s ever been married, and I’ve never seen another car parked out front. So who knows? He could be an ax murderer. My advice is to not go.” “Have no fear. It isn’t even a long-shot option. Pigs would literally have to start flying through the air, and the only protection would be his house because all the other ones blew up before we could find a safe haven.” Caroline stuck her head into the conversation from Emma’s right. “You guys, Gillian is killing me over there. Look—” All three of their heads snapped toward Gillian, who appeared to be giving Candace some much-needed advice in the form of a lengthy oration. Every once in a while she’d slap Candace on the shoulder, and then she’d grip the woman and shake her. It was hard not to feel bad for Candace, but instead,

Emma felt absolutely gleeful. “I wonder what she’s telling her. I hope it’s how not to be a dirty slut.” Emma pressed her palm over her mouth so she didn’t snort-laugh. She didn’t want to offend people she had to see daily. “We should really get out of here,” she said to the girls once she calmed down. “It’s getting late, and I never anticipated we’d stay for so long. Things are getting weirder by the hour.” “We can go anytime, but I have to tell you, I loved being here,” Caroline said. “Your elderly neighbors, the Dwyers, were so sweet to talk to. But the woman who was just sitting next to me is a stone-cold drunk.” Caroline uttered the word drunk like someone else might say the name of a dreadful disease. “She’s got her own monogrammed flask, for heaven’s sake!” Caroline started to laugh, but kept her voice low. “She seems to think it’s normal to have one and told me how she brings it to all her kids’ sporting events. Honestly, it’s so brazen! Who would do that? And who would tell that to someone they just met?” Emma nodded. “That’s Tracy.” She said the rest under her breath. “She’s been to rehab twice. She thinks she’s fooling her husband, and us, but we all know. She’s not allowed to drive their kids around anymore.” “Oh no, that’s so sad!” Caroline said, gasping, covering her mouth. “Now I feel bad for talking about her!” “Don’t worry about it.” Emma patted Caroline’s leg.

“She hires these guys who she calls her ‘workmen’ to come over to ‘work on her house.’” Emma winked. “If they’re not male escorts, then I’m the one who’s drunk. How many workmen look like Chippendale dancers? The answer is maybe two.” Emma held up two fingers and chuckled. “There are a few, but they’re rare. Candace is just completely unhappy and always has been. She got married to appease her family. My guess is she gets divorced in the next year or two and moves to someplace like Costa Rica, ditches the alcohol, and becomes a yoga instructor on the beach.” “On that note,” Piper interjected, “let’s blow this pop stand. We have presents to open and sex to talk about.” Piper stood, gesturing across the bonfire to Gillian to wrap it up. She glanced down at Emma. “But this was totally fun. Our block parties are few and far between, and never this interesting.” Emma stood and waved to the Lincolns, whose yard they’d been in. They were an older couple who traveled a lot. They were the most fun and normal of the group—if you call tax evasion normal. Emma had found out that they’d been audited twice for it and had been forced to either pay huge fines or do jail time. “Thanks for hosting this, Sandy!” Emma called. “We’re taking off.” Everyone said their good-byes. Gillian got up last, wagging a finger and smiling at Candace as she went. They all heard her say, “If you’re ever looking for a pick-me-up, just give me a call. Emma

has my number.” Piper linked arms with Gillian and Emma as they walked back to Emma’s house. Caroline was ahead of them, carrying the empty bowl and the extra beers Emma had brought to the bonfire. “What the hell were you saying to Candace the Cougar? It looked intense,” Piper asked Gillian. “Well, after I lit into her about coming on to married men who aren’t asking for it,” Gillian told them, “I discovered that she’s just this incredibly lost, unhappy soul. So my inner helper came out. Because, you know, that’s how I roll.” Emma laughed. “Really? Your inner helper? And this for the woman who tried to seduce my husband?” “Hey, I’m an equal opportunity gal,” Gillian joked. “Candace hinted that she knows you guys are swingers, but, just so you know, I shot her down. I made up something about you guys building playsets in your basement. Apparently, you’re not the only one who snoops in windows around here.” “I’m sure I’m not,” Emma agreed. “It’s pretty much the standard pastime in this neck of the woods. When everyone knows when you’re coming or going, it’s easy to snoop.” “You know who else is easy?” Piper said. “Me. Now let’s get in there and open these presents. I can’t wait to see the look on your face when you open mine!”

6 __________________________ ____________

Once the girls were all situated in the den, Caroline carried her and Piper’s gifts and set them in front of Emma. Caroline’s was the size of a small shirt box and was wrapped in white paper and topped with a silver bow. “You didn’t have to go this crazy,” Emma told Caroline as she bent down and lifted the box onto her lap. “But I appreciate it.” As she began to unwrap the gift, she felt a little wistful. “You know, I never had a wedding shower, so it delights me that I’m getting a chance to do it now.” “What?” Caroline gasped as she sat on the couch across from Emma. Piper sat next to her, and Gillian took her place on a stuffed chair across from them. “I had about ten showers. Where I come from, it’s practically a requirement to make sure every single relative on both sides can attend at least one shower. I had a shower for my grade-school friends, my prep-school girls, my college sisters, and my grandma Betsy’s United Daughters of the Confederacy group had one for me. Goodness, come to think about it, it was much too much! But I’m beyond happy we get to do this for you. That makes it all the sweeter. Now I wish I would’ve bought you even more.”

“Nonsense,” Emma said, waving a hand in dismissal. “This is more than enough.” She tore the paper off and balled it up, setting it next to her on the floor. “Why didn’t you have a shower?” Piper asked. “I only had two. I didn’t even want one, but Michael’s sisters insisted. Then my mom ended up swooping into town on her broom a week before we got married. It was right before my parents moved to warmer climes, and she insisted on putting together one for her side of the family. I think about ten people attended. It was arduous as hell.” Emma kept the box on her lap, wanting to savor the unveiling of what was inside for a few minutes longer. “I’d just turned twenty-two when Pete asked me to marry him. We were only engaged for two months before we tied the knot. My entire family and friends were all in Kansas. They were too far away, and we wanted to get married in Chicago. It had become our real home very quickly. We were married in a simple ceremony at the courthouse with one of Pete’s friends and his girlfriend as our witnesses. I’ve never regretted a single day since.” She glanced down at the gift, running her fingers along the top of the box. “But it’s so nice of you guys to do this now. If Pete and I had just met, you three would totally be my bridesmaids.” “That would be so fun!” Caroline said. “You would be mine, too. I had ten. Yes, ten. It was a circus. I would do it much differently now. Me and Jace, you three, some kind of sunset backdrop. It would be elegant and simple.” “If it makes you feel any better, I never had a shower

either,” Gillian told them. “Brad and I dated for about six months, and then we eloped to Vegas.” “And you were married by an Elvis impersonator, right?” Piper said. “Of course we were,” Gillian replied, reclining on the chair, settling a leg over the armrest. Gillian had arresting features. Her hair was black, cut long over her blue eyes, short in the back. With her tattoos, she fit the glam biker chick to a T. “Did you think for a second someone else would’ve married us?” “Nope,” Piper said. “Gillian, I seriously adore you. Now, while Emma opens her gifts, you’re going to have to spill some details about your recent adventures. And before you tell us you can’t, we’re all willing to swear an oath right now that we won’t breathe a word to anyone. It would break the sacred STD trust if we did.” Piper placed a hand over her heart, her face striving for earnest. Emma added, “Please, Gillian. Gifts and juicy gossip would make this the best shower ever. I’m with Piper. It won’t go further than this room. I won’t even tell Pete. You have my word.” “Yes!” Caroline nodded her agreement. “Gillian, I’ve never taken you for someone who would shy away from details about your sex life. If this mystery guy, or girl, or people, of yours opted into the lifestyle, they should be well aware that there will be talk in certain circles. If you don’t share, we’re all going to assume they have some hold over you.”

“No one has anything over me,” Gillian replied casually. “When I’m asked to be discreet, I am. I’d do the same for any of you.” She swept her arm out in front of her. “If you didn’t want me to talk about something, my mouth would be a steel trap.” “Yes, but we’re your girlfriends,” Piper urged. “Rules get bent for us. That’s just the way it is. And, honestly, who would we tell?” Piper glanced around the group. “We’re the only ones we talk to about this lifestyle. Plus, whoever you met up with was at the orgy—people have to know who they are if they’re members. Michael and I have been twice now, and we’ve met quite a few folks who love to gossip. I’d rather hear it from the horse’s mouth—you being said horse—instead of the rumor mill.” “Okay, fine,” Gillian answered coyly. “This horse will confirm that he’s a member of the Underground, but he’s what they call an ‘anonymous member,’ so your threat of the rumor mill has no cred. Most people don’t know about him at all.” “He! It’s a he!” Piper exclaimed, rubbing her hands together. “Now we’re getting somewhere. More, please.” “Well, it’s actually a they,” she corrected. “He always has a submissive with him. He’s the dominant force, though. He has his own suite upstairs in the warehouse. Only the elite members get those, and they cost a fortune.” “He must be filthy rich then,” Caroline breathed. “Piper told us the annual dues are outrageous.” “They are,” Piper agreed, nodding. “It’s like

remortgaging-the-house expensive to join. But there are different levels. If you want to host parties, like we do, it costs a lot more. We still haven’t officially joined yet. We get a few more ‘experimental’ passes, so we’re taking them before we decide how much we want to spend.” “What I want to know,” Emma said, “is how in the world did they find you and Brad out of all those people? Piper said you and Brad were there one minute, gone the next.” Gillian sat up in her chair and grabbed a water bottle she’d set next to her. They’d all stopped drinking a while ago. It was a long drive back for everyone to the city. “Brad and I have a mutual friend in common with this guy. One who happened to be at the orgy. When the action started in the main room, she caught my attention and waved us over. She asked if we would be interested in going upstairs to meet the mystery man, and we said yes. That’s it.” “That’s so not it!” Piper interjected. “You’re making it sound like you went out and had a casual dinner with them. When we saw you later that week at my house, you raved about it being one of the hottest thing you’ve ever done. So at least spill something about the sex if you won’t say who it is. We need to know why it was so hot. Dude, we’re dying on the vine here.” “Emma, continue opening your gifts,” Caroline urged, swishing her wrist, “while Gillian keeps talking. We all need to hear this, but you deserve to keep opening.”

“Fine,” Gillian said, crossing her arms. “I’ll talk about some of the particulars, but not the people.” “We will be mollified with that for now,” Piper said. “Please continue.” Emma had her hands on Caroline’s gift box, but she didn’t want Gillian to stop talking, so she waited. It was obvious Gillian was uncomfortable divulging information she’d promised to keep secret, but she began, “Our mutual friend took us up a staircase at the very back of the warehouse. It was kind of cloak-and-dagger, which I’m not always a fan of, but this time I was curious. Mostly because my friend was almost jumping up and down because she was so excited for us to meet him. She told us she knew right away that this was going to be a great match.” Gillian stopped her story and gestured to Emma. “Aren’t you going to open that thing up? Come on, I want to see what Caroline got you.” Emma nodded once, shaking herself out of the story. “Okay, but you’re using this as a stall tactic,” Emma told her as she finally lifted the lid. Setting it aside, she parted the white tissue paper. The first thing she saw was a beautiful teddy. It was creamy silk with a delicate lace pattern edging the top. She drew it carefully out of the box by the straps. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she exclaimed. “Caroline, is this real silk?” “Yes,” Caroline answered excitedly. “I couldn’t help myself. I went with cream because it reminded me of your perfectly flawless skin. If you’d like it in another color, it’s

no problem. They have greens and reds—” “No, of course not,” Emma said, shaking her head. “I love it! It’s absolutely perfect. I can’t wait to wear it.” Very carefully she laid it over the arm of the sofa. Next were a few small bottles with red labels. She took one out. “Edible body oil?” “And lube!” Caroline squealed, clapping. “I’m sure you’ve tried things like this many times, or maybe you even have some, but these are imported, and they actually taste good. I found them on a website with rave reviews, and I can vouch for them myself. Don’t hesitate to use them on Pete. They’ll make blowing him an extra welcome experience. I got you strawberry and passion fruit, which are my two faves. There’s one more thing in the box, and then Gillian can continue.” She glanced over at Gillian. “You’re not off the hook. We still need to hear what went down once you got upstairs.” Piper gave Caroline a look of disbelief as she shook her head. “You are constantly surprising me. Imported edible lube? You are a total sex ninja.” Caroline shrugged. “Hey, the Internet makes it easy. Jace constantly wants to try new things, and I happily oblige. It’s kind of fun, actually. I usually have lunch at my desk while reading about edible panties and the newest in battery-operated vibrators. Did you know they make them this tiny?” She spread her fingers about an inch apart. Gillian laughed. “You are a sex ninja, and it’s so funny, because you look just the opposite. I love that about you.”

“Well, thank you,” Caroline said. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Emma lifted up the last of the tissue and picked up a red velvet cloth bag, cinched at the top with a red ribbon. She felt around the outside, giggling. “Do I really want to know what’s in here, Sex Ninja?” She untied the handles and emptied the object out onto the palm of her hand. It was a small plastic cord with three balls attached. Emma knew exactly what it was. “Anal beads!” “Not just any kind of anal beads. They’re travel size!” Caroline exclaimed as everyone in the room rocked with laughter. “Hey, you can’t knock it until you try it. They’re usually on a much longer, bulkier cord. But I found those —” “Let me guess,” Gillian interrupted, chortling, “on the Internet?” “Why, yes!” Caroline laughed. “Those Scandinavian countries really have a knack for toys, I’m telling you. They’re a much better quality than anything made here.” “Maybe you should incorporate imported sex toys into your stationery business,” Piper suggested. “I bet you’d get ten times as many customers.” “I’ve actually considered it. I’m not joking,” Caroline said. “Why not be a distributor for high-end toys you can’t find here? But right now I’m too swamped with the cards. But maybe I’ll do it someday. I like the idea of empowering women. Females take much longer to orgasm —and some can’t come during intercourse alone. This

would open up a whole new world for them.” “Wow,” Piper commented. “I’m so impressed by that.” “Me, too,” Emma agreed. “Caroline, you’re so selfless. I love that about you, and I absolutely love all the gifts. They’re perfect and generous, just like you, and I can’t wait to use them.” Emma set everything back in the box, folding the beautiful teddy nicely and resting it on top. “Have you tried anal beads before?” Caroline asked. “Yes, but it was a long time ago,” Emma replied as she bent over and grabbed Piper’s gift, which was lightweight. It was decorative, with white pinstripes, and had “shower” printed in block letters on the side. Piper had used a magic marker to write the word “travel” above that and had drawn a cute little sun and a boat next to it. It was so Piper. “We were young and inexperienced, however. I’m sure this go-around will be much better.” “The trick is to put them in a while before the action.” Caroline winked. “It gets you all jazzed up. Then put on the teddy, reach for the lube, and you’ll have a beautiful evening in paradise!” “I’m sure I will.” Emma giggled. “You’ve thought of it all.” “My gift will help facilitate your everyday experience,” Piper said. “I know the place you’re going is clothing optional, but I figured you can’t go wrong with these—and it gives the watcher something intriguing to look at.” “Well, now I’m intrigued,” Emma said, setting the bag

on the ground and moving the tissue paper aside. “They’re all wrapped up individually,” Piper told her. “There are three small bundles.” Emma grabbed the three bundles and set them on her lap. She unrolled the first one. “Oh, my!” She held up a tiny scrap of material. It was the smallest bikini bottom she’d ever seen. This one was pure white, with small silver buckles holding the almost nonexistent straps together on the sides. There was a tiny triangle of fabric in the front and only strings in the back. “I only got you the bottoms,” Piper chuckled, “because you’re not going to need the tops. I picked out the sexiest ones I could find. I figured when you’re on the beach in front of the resort, having them on will only accentuate your beautiful body and make folks look at you, which is what we want. Lots of looking and pining and yearning.” She made a growling noise and pretended to stroke her imaginary penis. “We want all those potbellied rich guys to have stiffies for you.” “Gross!” Emma squealed, laughing. But Piper was right. The plan was to make Pete jealous of the attention she received from others, so he would notice her more, and these bottoms would do the trick. “I love it. They are ridiculously sexy.” She set the first pair down and unrolled the next bundle. “No, dude, it’s you who is sexy,” Piper said. “Don’t forget it. The bikini bottoms only accentuate that. Your

body is ridiculous from all that dancing. You’re going to turn heads like your ass is on fire, and guys and girls alike will be lined up waiting to put the flames out.” Emma held the next pair up, and Gillian whistled low. This pair was jet black, with tiny rhinestones decorating the fabric in front. The thong in back was so small, it almost disappeared. “Wow!” Emma exclaimed. “I can’t wait to try these on. I’m usually conservative in my swim attire. This is a whole new world for me.” “I think Piper’s right,” Caroline said. “These are definitely going to turn heads. When everyone else is naked, this gives them something to look at.” “Seriously,” Gillian said. “They are totally hot. It makes me want to get a few pairs.” Emma unrolled the last one. It was bright scarlet. The back contained a little more fabric than the other two had. “When it’s on,” Piper told her, “it’s supposed to look like there’s a heart nestled right above your ass. In front, there’s barely enough material to call it a bathing suit.” “It’s incredible,” Emma said. “I’m in awe. I can’t wait to wear them all. Truly. Thank you for your generosity.” Piper swished her hand. “I had fun picking them out, but you better take some sexy pictures when you’re in them. We all want to see you in action.” Gillian got off her chair and walked over to her saddlebag, which was still on the island. She drew out a small, nicely wrapped box and tossed it to Emma as she strode back. Emma caught it like a pro. “This is just a little

something from me,” Gillian said. “But I think you’ll enjoy it.” Emma was beyond curious as to what Gillian would pick out for her. “Once I’m done with this, it’s your turn, you know,” Emma told Gillian. “We haven’t forgotten that you effectively derailed the conversation. You’re going to have to give us something about your night, deal?” “Deal,” Gillian agreed as she sat back down. Emma unwrapped the package and pulled a soft leather harness out of the box. She held it up, and it looked like an X, with buckles on all four ends. “I know you’re not into BDSM, but that”—Gillian gestured—“is hot. It binds you just enough, and if you’re willing to try it, it will give you tons of pleasure and a huge orgasm.” “How do you use it?” Emma asked, shifting it around to examine it. “I’ve never seen anything like it.” “How about I show you instead?” Gillian grinned as she stood. “Okay.” Emma rose off the couch. She was in a sundress, her feet bare. “Kneel down,” Gillian ordered as she took the harness out of Emma’s hands. Emma did as she was told. “Put your arms behind your back.” Emma complied. Gillian’s voice had a commanding effect. Even if she wasn’t trying to sound like a Domme, she did. She felt Gillian’s hands on her ankles first and then her wrists. “Wow,” Emma said. She tried to move her

wrists, but they were secured to her legs, which made it impossible. “This is intense.” “Do you like it?” Gillian asked as she moved to stand in front of Emma. “Yes,” Emma replied. “I think I do.” “For what it’s worth, I think it’s hot,” Piper said. “Now what do you do?” “It’s purely for control,” Gillian told them. “Emma can’t really move, but she’s comfortably confined. Pete can bend you backward or frontward and fuck you. You are forced to submit. But I’m thinking this would also be very hot for Pete to watch if you, say, wanted to fuck someone else in front of him. You told us how much of your time is spent on making sure Pete is happy, right?” “Right,” Emma said a little hesitantly. “So when you hit the Bahamas,” Gillian said, “make sure it’s your happy time. Do whatever you want and have a little fun. This”—she motioned to the harness—“is about as fun as you can get.” “She’s right about that,” Caroline added. “You need to focus on you this trip. But I’m totally agreeing with everyone else.” She gestured to the harness. “That thing is completely sexy. I can imagine you in one of those bikini bottoms and Pete watching someone peel them off of you. I might just have to get one for myself. I’m getting hot and bothered just thinking about it.” Piper laughed as she looked over at Caroline. “You’re such a horndog.”

Caroline nodded. “I carry that mantle with pride. I love trying new things. Emma, you’re going to have such a great time! I can see that already. Just remember, above all, have fun.” “I will,” Emma replied. “I need this vacation. We need this. I want to shake things up, and what better way than trying something new?” She tried to move her arms again, to no avail. “This harness definitely qualifies as new. Gillian, I really do love it. It feels so…sexy. My adrenaline started racing the second the first cuff went on. You know”—she grinned at the girls—“I might not wait until vacation to use this one. I was a little tough on Pete the other night, and surprising him with this tonight when he gets home might be the perfect way to start our vacation out right.” “That’s a great idea,” Piper said, then she focused on Gillian. “Okay, unbuckle her, and while you’re at it, tell us one sexy tidbit from your tryst.” Gillian bent over to release Emma from the restraints. When she was done, she glanced up, grinning. “Here’s your tidbit. The sex was so good, I came ten times.”

7 __________________________ ____________

“Emma!” Pete called as he walked into the kitchen from the garage. It was only eleven thirty. He’d thought the girls might be here still, but when he’d pulled up, there had been no cars parked outside. The house was quiet and had already been cleaned up. “Downstairs!” she answered. His eyebrows shot up. Downstairs contained their Pleasure Palace and little else. She was either cleaning up because the girls had gone down there, or she was waiting for him. “Should I come down?” he said from the top of the steps. “Or are you coming up?” “I’ll be up,” she said, “but not until I finish coming down here.” He was hard instantly. “I’ll be right down!” He shed his clothes in about seven seconds flat and walked down the carpeted stairs, stroking his cock. The anticipation of what she was up to made him shiver. The lights had been turned down low. “Glad you could make it.” Emma was situated in the middle of the room.

His mouth fell open. She knelt on one of the platforms, totally naked, her hands behind her back. “Are you hooked into something?” he asked as he approached. “I am,” she said. “It’s a new toy, given to me tonight by Gillian. She says it’s a control thing, and I wanted to try it out.” “How long have you been strapped in?” He circled her slowly, grinning like a fool. “It was a little tough getting the hands done myself, but Gillian showed me a trick before she left. I heard the garage door open, and that was my cue to buckle in.” She smiled coyly. “So are you going to come on here with me or what?” “Oh, I’m going to come all over here. There’s no question about it.” Pete was mildly surprised at his wife’s demeanor change, but he wasn’t about to complain. He was going to take whatever he could get. “You look delectable kneeling there. How does this thing work?” He reached over and fingered the leather cuffs at her wrists as he climbed on the platform. “I’m supposed to take it however you want to give it to me. It’s mild BDSM, but it’s working for me. My nipples have been aching since I buckled myself in,” she said. “Well, then, I’m certainly going to start there.” They were on a circular piece of foam about the size of a twin bed but not as long. Pete gazed at Emma, his eyes roaming her body. She was perfection. Her skin was radiant, her

breasts perfectly round with rosy nipples that jutted out deliciously, begging to be sucked. He leaned over, placing his lips close, almost touching one of the pert pink tips. Instead of closing his mouth around it, he exhaled like he was blowing out a birthday candle. “Oh,” Emma moaned, closing her eyes. “I think I’m going to like this. A lot. Not being able to move is making me wet.” Pete glanced up. “So you’re telling me you want me to keep teasing you?” “Yes, please,” she answered, her head tilting back toward the ceiling, her eyes still closed. “It’ll be my absolute pleasure.” Pete leaned in again, this time placing the tip of his tongue on a nipple, lightly flicking, but refraining from lapping and sucking like he wanted to. He felt Emma humming with need. After a minute or so, he moved to the other one and did the same thing. “Goodness.” Emma tried in vain to push her breasts closer to his mouth, but she could move forward only so much. “This is so intense. I just want you to suck them so bad!” Pete lifted his head and saw her eyes pinned on him, the desire unmistakable. “Just wait until I do this to your sweet clit,” he murmured, deliberately teasing her some more. “Oh, you wouldn’t do that to me.” Her breath came in

short bursts. “That would be torture.” “Yes, and that’s exactly what you signed up for when you buckled yourself into this harness. There’s no backing out now.” He adjusted his position, turning so he was on his back. Emma was on her knees and couldn’t move, so he lined his head up beneath her delectable pussy. Once he was in place, he used his fingers to carefully part her folds so he could see how wet she was. “Holy shit, you weren’t kidding.” His dick throbbed in anticipation of sinking into her wetness. He licked the end of one of his fingers and placed the fingertip on her swollen bud, knowing it would be cool to the touch. Emma bucked above him, her hips jerking. “Pete!” She panted, “I can’t…you have to put your tongue in there. I can’t stand it! Please. Eat me, suck me, fuck me, but do something! This is too much!” Her hips were rocking. Pete chuckled. “It completely turns me on that you’re at your limit already.” This was new territory for both of them. They’d never really done any kind of BDSM before. But he couldn’t say he hated it. All the waiting was making his dick ache more than it ever had. Then when he was done torturing her for a while, he was going to relish fucking her even more. He did as she asked, however, and ran his tongue over her core, flicking it back and forth over her wet clit. “Ah!” Emma cried, her hips lowering, searching for his mouth. “More, more! I’m so close already. If you tongue me a little more, I can come.”

“Like this?” Pete ran his tongue in circles, one hand on his cock, stroking. Surprisingly, he was as close as she was. “Yes!” she screamed as she ground down on his mouth, coming hard. “Fuck, yes!” * * * The orgasm had been big, even though there had barely been any touching. Emma was floored. How could that be? “Holy fuck,” Pete said from beneath her, where he’d just licked every last drop of her dry. “I can’t believe you just came that hard from just the tip of my tongue. This is fantastic.” “I can’t believe it either,” she said, still trying to calm down. Her thighs were quaking from the adrenaline rush. She still couldn’t move her legs or arms, and the ache in her nipples had morphed into full-on pain. She needed them sucked. And Emma wasn’t done coming. Not by a long shot. If she was this turned on, she usually had no problem coming multiple times, and tonight was definitely going to be one of those nights. “Pete, I need you to suck my aching nipples and fuck me, in that order.” Pete edged out from under her. “You’re not supposed to be the one giving the orders, remember?” he chided her. “But after that orgasm, I’m up for whatever you say.” He

grinned. “I’m going to come just as hard. I can feel it already. And when I do, your pussy is going to be clenching again all over my cock.” “Okay.” Emma nodded. “That’s a deal. But let’s get to the sucking part. My nipples ache so much I am about to explode from need.” Pete came at her on his knees, his erection jutting out ahead of him. She knew his cock felt the same way her breasts did. She wanted to put her mouth around it, but she wanted him to suck her more. The moment Pete’s lips covered one of her sensitive peaks and drew it into his mouth, she bent backward and nearly screamed. She wished like crazy her hands were free so she could plow them through his hair and force him closer. He unlatched from one, and she cried out, but his lips quickly covered the other one, and she jerked from his touch. “You taste so good,” he murmured, pulling and sucking. “What if I touch you right here while I’m doing this?” His hand slid down and breached her folds, a finger circling her clit dead-on. Aftershocks she had no idea were at the forefront swept through her, making her legs buckle and rock. “God! Press harder!” She jerked her pelvis into his hand. “That feels so fucking good.” Pete didn’t stop the suction on her breast for a moment, his mouth hungry as he complied, grinding the palm of his hand against her clit as she rocked on it, trying in vain to

fuck it. “Jesus, Emma.” He let go of a nipple and kissed his way up to her neck. His hand was still pressed against her. “Seeing you like this makes me go wild. We definitely need to try this kind of thing more often.” “I agree.” She was panting hard. “But for now let’s enjoy this one to the fullest. I’m not sure how you’re going to fuck me with this thing on, but I want to do it now.” “Oh, I think I can figure out something,” he said. “We’re going to do it right here while you’re on your knees.” Emma’s breath hitched. “Will that work?” “We’re about to find out.” Pete stroked his cock as he lowered his hips, so he and Emma were aligned. Then he wrapped both hands around her, gripping her ass tightly. He edged forward, positioning his cock tip right at her entrance. “What if I just stay here for a second or two?” he teased, rocking gently, his tip entering her briefly and then sliding right back out. “Pete,” she moaned, “you can’t do that! I want it too much.” Her body wiggled as she tried to get closer to him. “These restraints are starting to hurt, but is it wrong that I like how that feels?” “Not at all,” he whispered into her neck. “I love it when you’re this horny. If you don’t want me to keep teasing you, then how do you want it? Like this?” He dug his fingers into her ass while yanking her toward him, thrusting deeply. He pulled out, panting. “Or like this?” He

slid into her again and locked her onto his shaft as he rocked his pelvis against her clit, fully seated inside her. The pressure of him being so deep inside her at this angle was amazing. “Yes, like that,” she replied. “More.” “I’m going to make you come again,” he told her. “But when I do, it’s going to be because my cock teases it out of you.” He began to draw in and out of her in long pulls, fucking her as they knelt together, his hands prodding her ass to the point of pain. It was incredible, and he was right, she was going to come again hard. With each thrust, she got a little closer. She tipped her head back and let herself go. Pete kept pounding, but when his lips took more than her nipple in his mouth, she broke, her body spasming around his cock. “Ahh!” “Emma!” Pete shouted as he came. His cock pulsed inside of her as he rocked into her, bracing her tightly against his chest with his arms. “Oh, my,” Emma panted, her eyes closed. She wanted to clutch his shoulders, but she was going to have to settle for kissing his neck. “That was fantastic,” she sighed as she laid her head on his shoulder as he held her, still coming down from his own release. “You know how to fuck, that’s for sure.” “It’s only this good when I’m fucking you.”

8 __________________________ ____________

“Are you sure you have everything?” Pete asked Emma for the fourth time. “You only have one bag.” It was four in the morning, and they were on their way to the airport. “I only have one bag because we’re going to a clothing-optional resort,” Emma joked. “Don’t worry. It’s a big bag, and I have everything I need. Come on, the taxi’s waiting.” Pete picked up both their bags and headed outside. It was still dark, the sun not ready to rise for a good hour or more. They got into the cab after the luggage was loaded. They were about thirty minutes from the airport. Pete rested his hand on Emma’s thigh. He was ready for a vacation and looking forward to this break. After that explosive night in the basement, he and Emma had had a good few days together. Things seemed more relaxed between them, and Pete was happy. “Are you excited?” he asked her. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this place is all about.” “Absolutely,” Emma replied. “I can’t wait to walk on the white sand and soak up some sunshine.”

Pete leaned over. “I can’t wait to see your ass in the sun. That is going to be a beautiful thing.” Emma snorted. “It won’t be in the sun long. Have you seen my complexion? I’ve brought plenty of sunscreen, but I’m not going to make it a point to sit out. That would be a bad sunburn waiting to happen.” His wife had beautiful skin. Paired with her red hair, she was one of those breathtaking women who looked like she was made of porcelain. Pete had been smitten from the first moment he’d laid eyes on her. “That ass in the shade will be just as amazing, and we have our own dip pool on a deck facing the ocean.” “It’s so weird we’re heading to a place we’ve never really seen before. It does make it exciting, however, like a grand adventure. I love that.” “The Butlers have raved about this place for years. When I called Jim to get the info, he reassured me that we would be absolutely blown away.” “I hope he’s right. For the amount of money we’re spending, I’m expecting nothing less than a perfect paradise.” “I think that’s why they call it Paradise.” The cab ride went smoothly, and so did the check-in for their flight. They were there the full two hours early. Once they arrived at the gate, Emma took out a book to read and Pete tried to get some sleep. Pete woke up some time later to the sound of Emma’s laughter, a sound he loved. “So are you guys going to the

Bahamas, too?” she asked. “Yep,” a man’s voice answered in a low baritone. “We love it there.” Pete opened his eyes and glanced over to see a young couple sitting on the other side of his wife. The guy was good-looking and had dark hair and light brown skin. The girl was fit and attractive, with long wavy brown hair and a nice smile. Emma asked, “Where are you staying?” Pete watched the girl bite her lip as the guy answered, “Oh, it’s just this tiny resort on a small outer island.” Then he bent over and took a business magazine out of his bag and flipped open the pages. Emma nodded. As always, his wife was her pleasant self. “We’re going to a small island, too. We’ve been told it’s an absolute paradise. We’re taking a small plane the resort arranged. It’s all kind of crazy, but we’re looking forward to it!” The guy glanced up from his magazine. He wore an expensive watch and nice shoes. “We might be heading to the same place. You never know.” He grinned, flashing straight white teeth and a killer smile. “By the way, my name is Antonio, and this is Charlotte.” He reached his hand out to Emma. “I’m Emma,” she said politely, shaking his hand. She turned to Pete. “This is my husband, Pete.” Pete gave them a small salute and rearranged himself in his uncomfortable seat. “Nice to meet you both,” he said,

leaning forward around his wife to shake Antonio’s proffered hand. “I hope we’re getting on this plane soon. It feels like we’ve been here for a long time.” Emma nodded. “They announced it a few minutes ago. We’re boarding soon.” Charlotte stood up first, and Antonio followed, each of them grabbing their respective bags. “We’re going to head to the bathroom before we board.” Antonio waved as he walked away. “It was nice meeting you both. Hope to see you again.” He winked. “Maybe on the island.” “I hope we see you guys, too!” Emma called to him, affection in her tone. The guy must’ve made an impression on her in a short amount of time. After they left, she turned to Pete and said, “Wouldn’t that be funny if we were really going to the same place together?” Normally, Pete would’ve agreed. But he’d seen the way Antonio had looked at his wife. He’d been enamored of her. Pete knew those kinds of looks, and that wink had been suggestive. For the first time in a very long time, Pete felt a little spark of jealousy flare in his chest. Emma had seemed so happy to talk to them. Her tone had been free and unguarded, making him realize she hadn’t sounded like that with him for a while. “I actually wouldn’t be that surprised if we see them there,” Pete commented. “They were both confident and had that vibe.” Over the years, he and Emma had gotten very good at spotting couples who were in the lifestyle.

That’s how they’d found Michael and Piper. They had seen the Collinses interacting at a party and picked up on their body language. “I was thinking the same thing,” Emma commented. “We’re not wrong about a lot of people. My bet is we’re going to the same place.” The attendant called for their boarding group. Emma and Pete took their spots in line and boarded the plane. They weren’t in first class. Neither traveled very much, and shelling out a ton of money for sitting up front seemed wasteful. But as Pete tried to fit his long legs into the space in front of the seat without spilling into the aisle, he was second-guessing his choice. “Maybe we should’ve paid for first class. I don’t fit in regular seats anymore. They pack them in so tightly now, they’re not made for anyone over six feet tall.” “Maybe we can try to upgrade on the way home,” Emma suggested. “Hey, there’s Antonio and Charlotte,” Pete said as he readjusted his legs for the fourth time. “They’re in first class. I wouldn’t have pegged them for that. They look too young to have a lot of extra cash. But if they’re going to the same paradise we are, they must have it.” Emma craned her head from the middle seat to glance up the aisle. Their seats weren’t too far back from first class. Antonio caught their gazes and gave them a little wave. Pete watched his wife’s face light up.

“They seem super nice,” Emma said, sitting back in her seat and pulling a fashion magazine out of her bag. “He’s totally cute, too.” Pete couldn’t reply, because at that moment the person assigned to the window seat next to Emma walked up. “So sorry, but I have to get in there.” The older woman was maybe in her sixties. Pete got up and helped her stow her bag overhead. “Thank you,” she said sweetly as she made her way to her seat. Emma and she immediately began to exchange niceties. Pete closed his eyes. It was six thirty in the morning. He wanted to sleep as much as he could before they got there, because once they landed, the fun would begin. * * * The scenery was stunningly beautiful, the blue of the Caribbean being the clearest Emma had ever seen. She was in awe. The second flight flew directly over the aquablue waters, and the sight was absolutely breathtaking. They’d landed from the States and made the connection to the small plane with no complications. But Antonio and Charlotte hadn’t joined them. Emma tried not to be too disappointed. They would’ve been an interesting couple to hang out with, but it wasn’t meant to be. The second plane landed on the small island after a

very short flight. A car was waiting for them. They’d been the only ones on the six-seater airplane. The driver welcomed them, but wasn’t overly talkative. In the backseat, Pete leaned toward Emma. “I can’t believe how small this island really is. It looked tiny from the air, and I only saw one resort. I hope we like this place, because it doesn’t look like there’s anywhere else to go.” “I’m sure we’ll love it. No worries.” She patted his leg. “We can always hang out by the pool and do some relaxing. That never gets old. The color of the ocean is so clear. I can’t believe my eyes. I feel like pinching myself. We’ve been a lot of places, but this one might take the cake.” “I agree. The vegetation isn’t lush, but the blue of the ocean more than makes up for it.” A short time later, the driver pulled into the start of a long driveway. As soon as he passed through the gates, the scenery changed dramatically. “We might have to amend that observation,” Emma said, sitting up in her seat. “Look at all the beautiful flowers and trees.” As the driveway wound up toward a small whitewashed building, the foliage they passed continued to be thick and lush. There wasn’t another soul around that Emma could see. The driver pulled to a stop in front of a small wood building with quaint shutters. It was very unassuming. “There’s no parking lot,” Pete commented as he turned to look out the window. “I don’t see any other cars.”

The driver nodded, hearing Pete’s comment as he opened Emma’s door for her. “There’s a utility road that leads to the parking lot,” he told them. “A car is not necessary on the island, nor can you rent one. We provide golf carts complimentary with your stay, but most things are within walking or biking distance. All the villas are right on the water, and the restaurants are very close by.” Emma and Pete got out of the car and walked into the building. It had high, lofted ceilings and a huge fan slowly oscillating in the middle. “Welcome.” A woman who had been sitting at a desk stood. “We’re happy to have you.” She held out her hand. “You must be the Slaters. I’m Mona. I run things here. Come, have a seat.” She gestured at two open chairs on the other side of the desk. Emma and Pete shook her hand and took a seat. The room wasn’t much bigger than their living room at home, and other than the desk, there were a few potted plants and not much else. Mona sat back down. “Your luggage is being taken to your villa as we speak. Once we finish the check-in process, I’ll have one of our staff show you to your room. It’s always tiring after a long day of travel, and I promise to be brief.” “We are a little tired, thank you,” Emma said. “Your resort looks beautiful.” The woman’s laugh sounded like tinkling chimes. “Why, thank you. This island is very special to me. It has

belonged in my family for over a hundred years. This is just the intake area, and we keep it very small on purpose. You’ll find that the rest of the resort is much more generous in its style and accommodations. This keeps prying eyes out, so to speak.” She winked. “Is your resort always full?” Pete asked. “Not always,” she said as she shuffled some paperwork. “As you know, we were able to get you in on short notice. You came highly recommended, which helps. The time of year also makes a difference. But we cater to a very small group of individuals, so it’s never been an issue.” She separated some papers out of the group she was holding. “Here are some information sheets for you to go over once you get to your villa.” She handed them to Emma. “Each suite has its own private dipping pool, two showers, one outdoors and one inside, and as Henry was telling you, you have access to a golf cart anytime you wish. Simply call the front desk, and one will be delivered here to this location. There are some beaches on the other side of the island that are worth seeing, and they are very private. You can also bike anywhere you wish. We have a full fleet of bikes and a small paved path that leads around most of the island. The island itself is only five miles long and two miles wide.” She handed Pete a key card and a few more papers. “Thank you,” Pete said. “We’ll go over everything once we get to the room.” “We only have a few rules here,” she said

conversationally as she folded her hands on the desk. “But we make sure they are upheld utterly and completely. The entire island is clothing optional, except the restaurants. We have one formal dining room, one casual restaurant with a bar, and one beach bar, which serves breakfast and lunch only. Clothing is mandatory at every meal. The beach bar is located by the communal swimming pool, and that’s where you’ll find most of the clientele who wish to socialize. The pool area is always clothing optional, and the beach bar is after five p.m. when we stop serving lunch. The bar is the main spot for mingling, especially in the evening hours after the sun sets. You need not make any reservations at any of our restaurants. There are twenty tables, as we have twenty rooms. Nonpaying guests are never allowed on the grounds at any time. If you don’t feel like dressing up, you can easily order room service. Our menu is extensive, and anything can be made, at any time of the day or night, and delivered to your door free of charge. We are semi-all-inclusive. You are allotted three meals a day. The formal restaurant is only open for dinner. Anything above and beyond that is set at a reasonable price. All water, soda, and juice are free at all times. Alcohol is extra, but we charge wholesale prices.” Emma nodded along. She was getting excited. This sounded like their kind of vacation. Sexy and relaxed. Mona continued, “Beach towels are provided. They are in your rooms and at the pool. Feel free to take as many as you’d like. Leave them outside your front door, and

housekeeping will pick them up. Housekeeping will only clean your room if you leave the card on the door handle. If you don’t, they will leave fresh towels and toiletries on a shelf outside. That means you’ll never have housekeeping knocking on your door. If you know ahead of time you won’t want your room cleaned the entire stay, we can make a note of it.” “Thank you,” Emma said. “I’m sure we’ll want it cleaned, but we’ll play it by ear.” “The last rule is no sex in the staff areas of the resort or restaurants, except the beach bar after ten p.m.,” Mona said. “There are many places to meet up, including the main pool at any time. Anything on your own balcony is fine. You are also free to have sex anywhere on the island, just as long as you’re not on the grounds of the resort. The delineation is our carefully manicured lawns. We have this rule to cater to the staff here who we hire from some of the bigger islands. Not everyone wants to stand witness to another’s sexual act, so we hope you understand.” She stood. “Everything else is in order. We have your credit card on file. I hope you enjoy your stay. Welcome to Paradise.” Mona gestured toward the door. “Henry should be waiting outside. He will see you to your villa.”

9 __________________________ ____________

The grounds were just as lush as they were on the drive in. Everywhere Pete looked there were flowers, bushes, trees, and grass. The salty ocean breeze felt cool on his face and tempered the humidity nicely. They could hear waves crashing into the shore as they moved along a path closer to the villas. Pete couldn’t believe how nice it was. And it was extremely private. The wooden footpath they’d been walking on wove through the resort, vegetation on both sides. It was made of some kind of dark teakwood. They saw some out buildings, but had yet to see a villa. Pete and Emma had never had extra funds to spend on something extravagant like this. They’d been building a house, among other things. The opening to come here came at the right time. Both Pete and Emma had gotten bonuses last winter, and Pete had gotten a promotion six months ago. Emma clasped his upper arm, leaning in. “I feel like we’re in a dream,” she murmured. “This might be the most romantic thing we’ve ever done.” “I agree. It’s too good to be true.” Henry turned down another path, and they followed.

This time it led to a door made out of dark wood. It was huge. Big bushes bracketed either side of the entryway to give it privacy. The shelf Mona had mentioned sat to the right. “This is your villa.” Pete noted the number seven hanging beside the door. “Everything is inside already,” Henry said. “I saw to it myself.” Pete tried to give him a tip, but he waved it away. “No, we’re paid well and don’t accept tips. Everything is covered in your room rate. No worries from here on out. Just enjoy yourself.” He bowed once and then turned and left. Pete took the key card out and smiled at Emma. “Are you ready?” he asked. “It’s all been built up so much. I hope we’re not going to be disappointed.” “We won’t be. There’s no way. Hurry up!” she urged. “I can’t wait another second.” There was no slot to put the card in. Pete waved the card in front of the metal plate, and they heard a pop. “This is more high-tech than I’d thought an island this small could get.” He turned the lever and opened the door, ushering Emma in first. The villa did not disappoint. “Oh, my,” Emma commented as she walked in. “It’s all so sleek and modern!” They walked through a short hallway and emerged into a small living area. All the furniture was dark leather with cream accents. The floor was green slate. All the art and knickknacks were modern,

most of them silver. Everything had its place. The living room opened up to a bedroom on the left. The king-size bed was covered in a crisp white duvet cover, with big white pillows and tons of throw pillows accented in dark geometric designs. The lamps on either side of the bed had big, white shades and dark bases. A rectangle of glass was set into the wall above the bed as an obvious architectural feature, palm fronds waving back and forth outside, bringing the perfect amount of green into the room. It was all perfect and well done. They walked into the bedroom. “Holy shit!” Pete said. “Check out the bathroom. It’s open to the bedroom.” Enough space separated the two, but a huge modern white soaking tub was set in the middle of the floor about twenty feet from the bed. The bather would have a perfect view out the sliding glass doors in the bedroom to the deck and the ocean beyond. Emma walked toward the bathroom while Pete went to the doors. “Look at this!” Emma exclaimed. “The shower is right out in the open.” Pete turned. The shower was inset along the left wall with glass running from floor to ceiling. On the very back wall was a double granite countertop running the entire length of the room with matching sinks and mirrors. Pete watched as Emma walked between the shower and the sinks. “There’s a door set in the wall over here for

the toilet,” she called. “I’m happy there’s a teeny bit of privacy, but I love how open it is. It’s so luxurious!” Pete turned back to the ocean view and tugged the door open and stuck his head out. The strong scent of salt filtered into the room. “You’ve got to see this.” Pete motioned Emma over. “Look at those lounge chairs.” He stepped outside. Emma joined him on the deck. The same dark teak that covered the walkways made up the decking. Small slats ran the entire length of the villa. Then it dropped down two steps, to the level of the infinity pool. The pool was about fifteen feet long—bigger than Pete had expected. Plenty of room to relax. Two huge chaise lounge chairs covered in thick, white cushions sat beside it. To the right of where they stood, in front of the glass doors on the living room side, was a table with four chairs, covered by a large umbrella. In front of them, the backdrop of everything was the white-sand beach and turquoise water as far as the eye could see. “It’s already worth every penny we spent on it,” Pete commented, “and we haven’t even seen anything else.” “Look, there are steps around the corner,” Emma said, moving that way. “Oh, my. Pete, you have to see this shower!” Mona had mentioned there was an outdoor shower. Pete followed Emma around the corner. It was big enough for at least four people and had two

rectangular rain heads pointing directly down. It was tiled in all natural stone and totally open to the elements on either side, but it was still private, because it was tucked into the dense vegetation on all sides. Pete had no idea where the neighboring villas were, because the bushes, flowers, and trees were so thick on either side, their villa was masked in total privacy. “There’s a stone path leading down to the beach right there. Should we go check it out?” Pete asked. “No, let’s unpack first,” Emma suggested. “I’d like to put on something breezier and maybe a swimsuit. Plus, I need to get these tennis shoes off and find my sandals.” “Okay, let’s do that. Our luggage is already in the closet,” Pete said. “I opened up the doors already to check.” “They didn’t put anything away, did they?” Emma asked as they headed back through the sliding glass doors. “No, everything is still in the suitcases.” “Good.” She chuckled. “There are quite a few toys in there. That would’ve been embarrassing. But I’m sure they know that, this being an open resort and all.” Once they were inside, Pete slid the screen shut and walked over and wrapped his arms around his wife from behind. This was going to be a fantastic vacation. He could feel it. She turned, weaving her hands around his neck, beaming up at him. “So this was a good idea, huh?” he asked as he ran his lips over her collarbone. “I can see you’re happy.”

“I’m so happy. This place has a magical feel about it. It’s like we’ve entered some kind of fifth dimension. I hadn’t realized how badly I needed a break from real life. This is already wonderful and calming.” “Agreed. And it will be even more wonderful when you slip into your swimming suit and feel the water on your toes. Then you and I are going to make use of that plunge pool.” He gave her a lingering kiss. “You’re on.” She smiled. * * * Emma felt her body relax by huge degrees as she changed into her beach clothes. Along with Piper’s wonderful swimsuit bottoms, Emma had packed a few swimsuits of her own. Just in case. She had a very sexy white one-piece that came high on the sides and plunged low in front. As she tugged it on, followed by a white gauzy sundress and her large white wide-brimmed hat with a cream band, she couldn’t help feeling like the stress had melted away. Maybe this was all she needed to feel content. A simple week of relaxation with zero stress. Maybe the problem wasn’t Pete. Maybe she’d just been feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders for too long. “Are you ready?” Pete called from the living room. “They have a full bar in the corner and a TV that opens and closes into the wall. This place rocks.”

Emma walked into the living room. “I’m ready. Let’s hit the beach. By the time we get back, we’ll be starving. It’s just about dusk now. How about we order room service tonight?” she said, giving him a saucy wink. “And then have a little fun time on our own.” “Sounds great to me. After our walk, I’d like to duck into the beach bar and have one drink, just to check the place out. Then we can come back here and order room service,” he said. “That will give us a chance to see the grounds a little first. I’m curious to see the main pool.” “Okay, that works,” Emma replied. Pete took her hand. “We don’t have to stay long.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Just one drink.” They headed out to the deck and walked by the outdoor shower to reach the path that led to the beach. Once they cleared their villa, they stepped onto fine white sand, and the beach opened up before them like a dream. “Oh, my goodness,” Emma exclaimed as they walked. “Is that what I think it is?” Situated under a perfect palm tree right in front of their deck was a canopied lounger built for two. It looked exactly like a bed with four wooden posts, but the mattress was thinner and covered in a blue and white striped fabric. “Look,” Emma said as they got closer. “It has a white cloth canopy on top and mosquito netting tied to the sides! We can come down and cuddle under the stars after our swim. I love it!” Pete grinned as he sat on the edge and bounced up and

down. “I don’t think cuddling is what this thing is meant for. But it’s way more comfortable than you think.” He patted the space next to him. “Come give it a try.” She went over and sat next to him. It was comfortable. They both enjoyed the view over the beautiful gently rolling waves. “We must be in an alcove of some kind,” Pete commented. “These waves are fairly small. I’m curious to see where we are. As much as I want to try this thing out”—he patted the mattress—“let’s go investigate.” He got up and offered his hand to Emma. She took it, and they headed down to the beach. In order to get to the wave break, they had to descend a small incline. Once the ocean hit her toes, Emma let out a long sigh. The water felt wonderful. Just warm enough. Emma turned back around to see the resort laid out in front of them. The villas were all stand-alone. “Look,” she said. “They’re all in a row.” They stood directly in front of number seven. Three sat to the right, and six to the left. “The decks are built on stilts, so all you can really see are the edges of the pools.” “They do a superb job of providing privacy,” Pete commented next to her. “They all have the double loungers in front, too, but there’s enough trees in between to hide them. It’s brilliant. The perfect escape.” Pete tugged Emma farther down the beach to the right. “There’s a curve up ahead. I bet the rest of the resort faces that direction.” As they passed the remaining villas, which must be numbered eight, nine, and ten, they reached the curve.

There was a break in the vegetation after the last villa, and the top of a thatched roof became visible. “I bet that’s the beach bar,” Emma said. “The main pool is somewhere by it. We should’ve checked out a resort map. That was dumb.” “This place is so small, I’m sure we’ll get the lay of the land very soon. I’m psyched to see what everything looks like. If our villa is any indication, it’s going to be nice. Let’s walk along the water a little longer, then we’ll come back. The sun is almost down. If we make it around this curve, we can catch it setting.” They walked hand in hand, the warm water crashing lightly, the tide rushing up and over their feet. Emma had to pull up the hem of her sundress a few times, but it was glorious. “I know I’ve said it already, but I’ve never seen water this blue,” she said. “It’s almost like the water and sky have become one. It’s magical.” The vegetation began to thicken once they passed the pool and bar, and more villa roofs popped into view. Emma glanced behind her. The two beaches that were separated by the curve were identical. Pete was right. They must be in a larger sheltered cove of some kind. They continued to walk as the sun set. They stopped to watch it as it dipped below the horizon, Pete’s arm around her waist. They hadn’t encountered another soul the entire walk. Once the sun had made its exit, Pete whispered, “At some point, I’m going to fuck you on this beach.” He

pressed his lips against the top of her head. “We’re going to explore every inch of this place.” Emma murmured, “I can’t wait. I have a feeling this island is going to be full of surprises.”

10 __________________________ ____________

Pete guided Emma up the incline toward the beach bar. Now that the sun had set, lights twinkled in the form of several strands of bulbs strung over small bushes and railings surrounding the bar. The bar was built on the same teak decking material. It was open and airy with a large thatched roof covering not only the main bar, but several sitting areas. It had an exotic feel to it, but with modern furnishings, just like the villa. “Looks like there are some people here,” Pete said. “Maybe this is the place to gather this time of night.” “I don’t thinks so. People want to watch the sun go down. This faces east, same as our villa,” Emma said. “Maybe the formal dining room or the other restaurant faces west? I bet that’s where the majority of the people are. Nobody likes to miss a sunset if they can help it. Tomorrow we’re going to get the sunrise right out our front door. I can’t wait! I think I’ll go on a sunrise jog. I’m always up early the first day on vacation anyway.” “I might be tempted to join you if you can get me up,” Pete joked, wrapping his arm around her tighter as they walked up a short flight of steps from the beach.

“Yeah, right.” Emma thumped his chest. “You’re like a rock in the morning. There’s no way I’m getting you up at the crack of dawn.” Pete immediately recognized that he and Emma had on more clothing than most of the attendees. “I think they take the clothing-optional thing seriously here,” he whispered. “We’re a little overdressed, but I think they’ll excuse us since we just arrived.” “I’m sure they will. Wow,” Emma said, her voice low so no one could overhear, “everyone looks fairly young from here.” “It’s a young, hip crowd,” Pete said. “I much prefer that to old retirees.” “I agree.” The bar was long and curved around to the back, its wood shined to a high gloss. A few barstools were occupied by guests. There were a few lounge areas with small tables and comfortable-looking chairs, as well as a few love seats scattered around with brightly colored cushions in reds, oranges, and yellows. Three of the areas were occupied by couples, and one by a group of four. All the others were empty. “Welcome!” a guy on a barstool announced in a booming voice as they walked up. He looked to be midthirties. He had blond hair, balding on top. “Is this your first time in Paradise?” The guy picked up his drink and swung around on his stool. “I’m Harry, but I’m not really that hairy, as you can plainly see.” He winked, pointing to

his head. “This is my wife, Jennifer. It’s our third time on the island, and it only gets better each time we visit.” The guy was naked except for an extremely small bright blue Speedo. He stretched out his hand, and Pete shook it. “I’m Pete, and this is my wife, Emma. Yes, this is our first time.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Emma added, nodding to Jennifer, who was naked from the waist up. Her breasts hung like two long pendulums. She gave Emma a small smile. “Come on and join us,” Harry said, sliding a barstool closer to him and patting the seat. “Get to know the natives. We can let you know what’s what around here. Lots to do and explore.” Pete hesitated. His arm was still wrapped firmly around his wife’s waist. He knew Emma’s first choice would not be to sit with these people, but being rude wouldn’t start them off on the right foot here either. It was a small resort, and Pete was curious about the rules and the culture. Besides, if he snubbed them now, they would end up running into them daily, guaranteed. He glanced down at Emma before he answered. She gave him a slight nod. “We can stay for one drink,” Pete said as he ushered Emma to the stool farther away from Harry. “We just got here and we’re tired from a long day of travel, so we’re going to get room service once we get back.” “What are you guys drinking? The first round is on

me,” Harry announced. The bartender was washing glasses nearby. “Paul, get these guys whatever they want,” he said, “and put it on my tab.” Paul glanced at Pete. “I’ll take a Heineken if you have one,” Pete said. “If not, anything’s fine.” “That’s very kind of you,” Emma told Harry. “I’ll have a piña colada.” Paul nodded and left to get the drinks. “Getting into the island groove, huh?” Harry grinned at Emma. “I like it. Jen, come over this way, so we can talk in a group.” They watched as Jennifer maneuvered off her barstool slowly, and Harry manhandled the chair so it was now in front of him. Jennifer was very curvy and wore a blue thong bikini bottom, similar in hue to her husband’s. “Were you guys at the pool before this?” Pete asked, trying to be cordial. “Yep, did some laps, spent some time under the waterfall,” Harry replied. “Good times. The pool is my favorite spot here. Nothing beats it.” “Waterfall?” Emma asked. “They have a waterfall at the pool?” “Oh, you haven’t been yet?” Jennifer said softly. “It’s right down that path over there.” She gestured in the direction behind the bar. “It’s really amazing. A big waterfall separates three parts of the pool. There’s even seating underneath. Everything here is world-class, but the pool is the best. It’s surrounded by flowers and greenery. It

feels like you’re in an oasis. That’s where we spend most of every day.” Harry nodded along. “They have those double loungers set up all over, some with curtains and some without, get my meaning?” He leaned over and elbowed Pete. Unfortunately, Pete got his meaning. The guy meant well, but he was annoying as hell. Pete knew his type: the loud, overcompensating entertainer. There was no way he and Emma would be hooking up with him and Jennifer. Next time they ran into them, however, Pete would give their excuses and move on. But while they were here, Pete was going to pump him for as much information as he could. “So are you guys regulars? Do you vacation here often?” Pete asked. “We’ve covered the pool, but what about the rest? How are the restaurants? What about the island in general?” “The restaurants are all killer,” Harry said. “The main one, The Chalet, serves five-course dinners. The Mayfair is a cross between a seafood restaurant and sports bar. I know, it’s weird, but it works. They have TVs with sports on and HGTV for the ladies.” He winked. “At The Mayfair, you can get a lobster roll or a burger. Both restaurants are on the other side of the resort, facing west. One is down by area A, and the other is by area B.” “The resort is divided into areas, then?” Pete asked. “Didn’t look at your maps, huh? The resort is basically divided in two by where we’re sitting now. Area A is that

way”—he gestured toward where Pete and Emma’s villa was located—“then you’ve got your area B over this way.” Pete prayed that Harry and Jen were in area B. “The Mayfair is in area A. The Chalet is in area B.” “Can you see the sunset from both restaurants?” Emma asked. Before Harry could respond, Jennifer replied, “Yes. The Chalet has a huge glass wall and chairs on the balcony where you can have drinks and watch the sun set. The Mayfair has a deck as well. Most of the guests try to hit at least one of those places for sunset.” “Thanks for letting us know,” Emma said. “We’re going to have to find our map. We were just too excited to get out and explore once we got here.” “Understandable,” Harry agreed jovially. “Once you get settled, you’re going to have to take a golf cart out.” “What’s the best place to go first?” Pete asked. “There are a lot of nooks and crannies on this island where you can steal away with no prying eyes. Hit us up tomorrow. We’d be happy to show them to you,” he guffawed. “We know them all.” He winked. “Thanks for the offer,” Pete said, “but we made a promise not to have any set plans for the first few days. We’re just going to see where the mood takes us day by day.” “I saw that a mile away,” Harry said. “You two look like a couple of free spirits if I ever saw any.”

* * * Emma began to fidget after Harry insisted on ordering them another drink. She knew Pete wanted to go as badly as she did, but Harry kept talking, filling them in on the resort. Jennifer had added a few things here and there, but otherwise had remained quiet. “So there are nightly events?” Pete asked, taking his second Heineken in hand. “A few. They’re having a big pool party on Saturday. They do it once a month. Some of the couples host events, but they aren’t formally organized by the resort,” Harry told them. “The owners take a very low-key approach. If someone is hosting something, it’s a word-of-mouth kind of thing.” Emma set her hand on Pete’s arm, letting him know she was ready to leave. In response, Pete draped his arm around her shoulders. “Well, I think it’s time for us to head out. Thanks so much for the drinks.” Pete held up his beer. “Emma and I are going to take a stroll around the pool to see the waterfall, and then head back to our room. We’re starving and will probably be asleep before ten.” “You can put an order for food in with Paul right now,” Jennifer said. “By the time you get to your room, it should be there. We do that a lot.” “That’s perfect.” Emma smiled at her. “We’ll do that.” She waved the bartender over. “Hi, Paul, do you have a room-service menu we can look at?”

“Of course,” he said, setting a leather-bound menu in front of her. “The first items are from The Mayfair, the next are from The Chalet. You can order from either,” he told them. “There is a chef on duty twenty-four hours a day here. If you order a full meal from The Chalet, they ask for thirty minutes. The Mayfair, which is mostly burgers and sandwiches, runs about ten to fifteen.” Emma nodded as she opened the menu. “Wow, everything looks delicious.” “It is, believe me.” Paul grinned at her. He was about twenty-five, if that, with short brown hair and a pair of cute dimples. He was obviously from the States. “We are a full five-star resort, with benefits. You shouldn’t want for anything while you’re here. Just wave me over when you’re ready.” Emma blushed as she glanced over the menu, wondering if the staff shared the same lifestyle preferences. She decided what she wanted and handed the menu to Pete, who had been reading it over her shoulder. Once he was done deciding, Emma waved the bartender back. “I’m going to have the crab cake appetizer from The Mayfair,” Emma told him, “along with the spinach and goat cheese salad.” “Excellent choices,” Paul said. “And for you, sir?” “I’ll have the lobster roll with a side of sweet potato fries,” Pete said. “Thanks.” “Anything for dessert?” he asked. “The mixed-berry

torte is exceptional, as is the raspberry chocolate cake. We also have a variety of chocolate-covered fruit, which goes nicely with the bottle of champagne already in your room. It’s a great way to start off your holiday.” “Yep, you gotta try that fruit. I’d never had a chocolatecovered kiwi before,” Harry said. “But it’s something outta this world.” He took a draw of his beer. “Honestly, at this point, it’s what can’t they do here, you know?” “That sounds lovely,” Emma said. “We’ll take the chocolate-covered fruit.” Once they were done ordering, Emma and Pete made their good-byes and headed toward the pool. They passed a few couples, most of them dressed like Harry and Jennifer, having just come from the pool for a drink. The women were topless, and the guys wore something small, a few of them wrapped only in a beach towel. They all seemed comfortable and happy. Emma didn’t want to seem rude and stare too long, but they all nodded as she and Pete passed by. Once they were out of earshot, Pete grabbed her around the waist and murmured in her ear, “Hot damn! I thought that guy would never shut up. He was beyond annoying.” “He was annoying, but he was nice. Jennifer was sweet. I think they must be a Dom relationship of some kind. She barely spoke, and when she did, her voice never rose above a whisper.” “Good, then that’s how we can avoid them in the future. We’ll tell them BDSM is not our thing.”

Emma was going to respond, but they emerged from the walkway into a breathtaking sight. It was right out of a fantasy. The backdrop behind the pool was more trees and flowers, but the pool itself was what you’d expect to see someplace in real life while out for a hike. It had what looked to be real boulders around the edges. The main area was shaped organically with several curves, so it resembled an amoeba. At the far end from where they were standing was the waterfall Harry and Jen had mentioned. It was about fifteen feet high with cool water tumbling over the top in a rush. As they began to walk around the pool, they could see there were more pools situated behind the waterfall, one on the right and one on the left. They walked around the pool. The first small pool was open. It was a good size, round, with a small ledge running underwater, presumably so people could sit and relax with a drink. The path led them around to the second pool, but they couldn’t see it from the walkway. There was too much vegetation blocking the view. It was meant to be private. “If you sat in there, it would feel like you were someplace out in the wild,” Emma said. “That’s incredible.” They heard splashing, followed by laughter. “People are in there,” Pete said. “I wonder what they’re doing.” He chuckled. They both knew what they were doing. “Let’s keep going. Maybe we can get a glimpse from the other side.” Emma held on to his arm for a moment, holding him back. “I don’t want to interrupt. That would be invasive.

This pool is supposed to be private.” “Honey, they wouldn’t pick the public pool if they were worried about being seen. That’s what this entire place is about. Come on,” he said. “I’m getting hornier and hornier by the second. The main pool has a bunch of those canopy loungers. We have about ten minutes before our food comes.” “Fine, but walk fast. I don’t want to be obvious about it.” As they passed, they could see three bodies through the foliage, but there were no gaping holes allowing a good look. “Looks like two women and a guy,” Pete whispered. “That must be the playtime pool. Dang, we should’ve read the info Mona gave us. I wonder if that’s the only one or if there are more.” They made their way back to the main pool, where there were a number of loungers, all covered in blue and white pinstripes. They were spaced about ten feet apart, which didn’t seem like enough room to Emma. Pete sat down on one and pulled Emma onto his lap. She laughed at his eagerness, swatting him playfully. “Someone will see us, and we just got here,” she said. “I’m not having sex with you out in the open until we know the rules. All the rules!” “But look,” Pete teased as he nuzzled her neck, “there are curtains to shield us if we want.” He tugged on one end of a rope, and a thick drape of white fabric fell from the

top, blocking one side. The light wind ruffled it back and forth. “There’s no way that material is going to stay in place,” Emma said as she kissed him. She was losing her fight to resist with each passing moment. “It will if I have anything to say about it.” He flipped her on her back before she could protest. Emma loved it when Pete was like this. It had been a while. An intensity was there that hadn’t been before, and Emma relished it. He kissed her, his tongue lashing hers as he began to tug off her dress. Who cared if the rest of the resort could see? Right? She was going to enjoy this. She plowed her hands through his hair. “I want this,” she whispered. He groaned, “I can’t wait to taste you.” They lost each other in a heated embrace until someone outside the lounger cleared their throat. A second later, a female voice interrupted, “Mind if I join you?”

11 __________________________ ____________

Both Pete and Emma startled at the sound of someone so close. Pete sprang into a sitting position, and Emma scooted back, covering her bare breasts with her arm. “Sorry,” said the woman standing in front of the open side of the lounger, lifting her hands. “I didn’t mean to scare you. But it looked like you guys were about to get busy. If you don’t mind, I’d love to join you. You two are totally sexy, even partially clothed, and I’m still horny as hell.” The woman was totally naked and dripping wet, fresh out of the pool. Pete’s brain scattered for a moment. He was pretty sure he recognized her. She was a model —a famous one. He’d seen her before. She was tall and willowy, with just enough curve. Even soaking wet, she was stunning. “By the way, my name is Mallory,” she said. “You guys must be new to Paradise. I haven’t seen you around before.” Pete found his voice quickly, glancing at Emma to gauge her reaction to the newcomer. Emma appeared to be

as stunned as he was. She was discreetly trying to cover herself. Pete had gotten her dress off in seconds, and her swimsuit was down around her waist. Pete was bare-chested. He cleared his throat. “Yes, we’re new. We just arrived on the island a few hours ago.” He didn’t want to be rude, but he had to ask, “Is this normal?” When her face answered with a question, he waved his arm between her and them. “You know, to have a threesome right here? Out in the open?” She tilted her head back and gave a throaty laugh. “Yes, this is perfectly normal. In certain areas. But after dark by the pool is expected. I wouldn’t have interrupted you so brazenly without a proper introduction first, but I was just with another couple in the small pool, and the guy finished early, if you know what I mean. I’m still turned on, which I guess makes me a little bolder than I normally would be. But that’s not saying much, because I’m pretty bold all the time. If you guys aren’t into it, that’s totally fine. I can head to my villa. I have plenty of vibrators, and I’m perfectly capable of making myself very happy.” She gave another throaty laugh. Emma made a sound in the back of her throat, and Pete turned. She shrugged herself up on an elbow and asked, “Are you Mallory Baldwin? The supermodel? That Mallory?” “If you two don’t mind, can I sit down?” Mallory asked as she moved closer. “I’m starting to get chilly, and the

bugs are out. And yes, I’m that Mallory Baldwin.” She sat on the edge of the lounger. “But I’m not a supermodel quite yet. You have to be paid big bucks for that title. But because I’m readily recognized—thanks to a photograph that went viral a few years ago of my boobs falling out of this ridiculous dress made of twine on a runway in Paris— I get referred to as a supermodel all the time. I have no issue answering to it. I actually have a contract negotiation with a major brand next month, and if I land that, then my lot in life will change. But, listen, we have plenty of time to discuss jobs. Are you guys in or out for this? If you’re out, I need to grab a towel and move on.” She looked at Pete for an answer. Her breasts were utter, pure perfection. His mouth felt dry. “Sure, I guess…I mean, why not? That’s what we’re here for, right?” he stammered. He and Emma were fully immersed in the lifestyle and had threesomes all the time, but their partners were always carefully vetted and their encounters planned ahead of time. They’d never had a threesome with a stranger, and never spontaneously. He turned to Emma. “Are you okay with it?” Emma appeared flustered. “I…I think so.” How did they say no to a supermodel? “I’ll make it easy on you newbies.” Mallory chuckled. “No kissing and no penetration. Let’s just have some light fun, shall we?” She crawled onto the bed on all fours. She went to one end and dropped another curtain. “Let’s close this thing up. Then you guys won’t feel so exposed. But I

have to tell you”—she moved to the next tie and undid it —“in Paradise, there’s a lot of fucking to be had by all. It’s expected. The only time we’re civilized is at meals. That’s why I love it here so much. It’s a kind of freedom like no other on earth, and it’s addicting.” After the curtains were down, and Pete and Emma fully undressed, they rearranged themselves on the bed, Mallory somehow managing to settle herself between them. It was clear this model was used to getting what she wanted. Pete had a moment of hesitation. Both he and Emma were hungry and tired from a long day of traveling. He knew this impromptu meet-up was likely not what Emma had in mind for their evening together. But his hard-on was so painful now it was distracting. Pete knew he wasn’t going to make it back to the room without getting off somehow. Then Mallory leaned in and closed her lips over his pec, tracing his nipple with her tongue, one hand caressing his outer thigh, while her mouth moved down his stomach. He groaned. It wouldn’t hurt to partake a little. This was what the lifestyle was all about. The advice the guys had given him about not having sex with anyone but his wife raced through his head, but he and Mallory weren’t technically going to have sex. She had set up the parameters, and he had no trouble following them. He glanced over at Emma one more time. “Are you sure you’re up for this?” he asked

her, his jaw clenched as Mallory darted her tongue along his abs. Emma seemed to shake herself. “Doesn’t seem like there’s much of a choice at this point.” Mallory heard them and turned to Emma. “No worries, I’m an equal opportunity girl. Do you swing both ways?” she asked his wife. “Not exactly, but I don’t shy away from much either,” Emma replied. “I love sex, so if there’s pleasure involved, I’m usually in, male or female. But I don’t crave a female touch.” “Pleasure like this?” Mallory cupped Emma’s breast, bringing it to her lips, slowly capturing the nipple, and then drawing it into her mouth for a long suck. When Emma moaned, Pete nearly lost it right there. As his wife lay back on the bed, Pete knew staying was the right choice. They’d both agreed to come here and knew this was what they would find. * * * Emma cried out, her orgasm building as Mallory’s fingers circled her clit. The moment Mallory had joined them intimately, the intensity of need had changed for Emma. The need for pleasure had become carnal, which was usual for Emma when she and Pete were with others. That’s why she enjoyed the lifestyle so much, and why she and Pete had been in it for so long.

“Yes, more,” Mallory panted. “I’m almost there.” “Fuck,” Pete groaned, repositioning himself. Emma lifted her head. Pete had been between Mallory’s legs with his tongue, while Mallory was stroking and licking Emma. It was something she and Pete had done many times before, but this time, as she watched him, a burst of uncertainty ran through her. She didn’t have any clear rationale as to why, but she was fairly certain this wasn’t what she wanted anymore. But the pleasure was too intense and it made her hazy. Maybe it was what she wanted? She was going to come hard, and that was a good thing. Before she could focus on it more, Mallory started to buck. “Yes, yes, yes.” As she orgasmed, her lips found Emma’s nipple again, taking it hard. Emma’s own orgasm was close to a fever point. As Mallory writhed in pleasure, and Emma watched as Pete sat up in front of the model, his eyes hooded with lust, his hand fisting his cock. A few strokes later, he came, pumping it all over Mallory’s stomach. “Goddamn,” he uttered with closed eyes, his head tipped back. A second later, Mallory surprised her by whispering in her ear, “I’m going to make you come, just like this.” She inserted her finger into Emma’s core, and as she slid it back out, she rubbed Emma’s G-spot perfectly, moving both fingers in a slow circle. Emma cried out, her body clenching.

As Emma came, Mallory’s fingers continued to rub the sensitive area, literally wringing out every ounce of pleasure she could. Emma’s body curled in on itself as sensations pinged through her like lightning bursts going off all over her skin. After a few moments, Mallory sat up. “Well, thanks for that, guys. It was fun. I’m sure I’ll see you around. I’m at the pool a lot.” She parted the curtain and climbed out of the lounger. “And just so you know, you guys are sexy as hell. See you later!” Then she was gone. It took Emma a full minute to come back down to earth, and go over in her mind what had just happened. Had they really just been with Mallory Baldwin? Or had that been a dream? “Wow, that was incredible,” Pete said, moving over to gather Emma into his arms. Before he could embrace her, Emma sat up and began to put her clothes on, skipping the bathing suit and going right for the sundress. Her hat had fallen over the side, so she leaned over to grab it. “Did you enjoy yourself?” Pete asked, locating his bathing suit. It was full dark now, and even though there was soft light coming from the pool, it was hard to see, especially since the curtains were still down. “I’m going to head back to the villa. Our food is probably cold.” Emma hopped off the lounger and began walking.

“Wait a minute!” Pete called. “Emma, stop! I’m not dressed yet.” Emma slowed down, but didn’t stop walking, her mind a riot of thoughts. She needed time to think by herself. “I’m just going to go on ahead,” she said. “I’ll see you there.” Emma brushed away an errant tear that had formed in the corner of her eye as she began to move again. She had no idea how to get back, since they’d taken the beach, but she knew there had to be pathways from the pool back to their suite. She strode around the pool in the direction she thought was the right one. There were several walkways on the other side of the pool. She cursed herself for not looking at a map before they’d taken their beach excursion. She chose the one that seemed to head toward the beach in the direction of the villas. The path meandered for a while, lit up on either side by solar lights tucked low into the ground. There was finally a break in the bushes up ahead, and she spotted a small arrow that said Villa 10 and a new path leading toward it. She walked past two more and finally found the arrow pointing to Villa 7. She didn’t have the card key, but they’d left the sliding doors open in front. In a place like this, there wasn’t much need to lock up. She walked around the side, passing by the outdoor shower. She was tempted to jump in, as it was warm outside, but Mallory had been right. The bugs were out.

She swatted at them as she climbed up on the deck and went in through the bedroom door. It was dark, but the moon was out, so she could see well enough. Once she was inside, she clicked on a bedside lamp and continued on to the bathroom. She opened the door to the ultra-modern shower and reached in to turn it on. So many things raced through her mind that she was having a hard time narrowing in on what had made her the most unsettled. It hadn’t been the sex. They’d been in threesomes for years. It was different. Once the shower was hot enough, she yanked her sundress over her head and stepped in. It wasn’t ideal that Pete would be coming in so soon. She could use more time to sort out her feelings. She was scattered. She’d left the pool abruptly, so when Pete arrived back at the villa, he was going to want to talk immediately. But she didn’t have any answers for him yet. She just felt unhappy. She’d had an orgasm, but there had been nothing attached to it. No feelings at all. In the beginning, when they’d started this life, she’d felt so much! The love she’d shared with Pete, the adventure, the happiness when everyone was fulfilled, it brought her the highest of highs. Now there was nothing. There was a void with no feelings attached. The hot water rushed over her body.

It felt good to cleanse the day away. She’d forgotten to grab the soap and shampoo, but it didn’t matter. A few minutes later, Emma heard Pete come in. Emma didn’t open her eyes. She just continued to let the water course over her, trying to figure out what the right words would be to explain to Pete how she felt. There was a tap at the shower door. Emma’s eyes popped open. Pete was holding two small bottles, one shampoo, one conditioner, and a bar of soap in his hands. “I saw you didn’t take these in there. Would you like them?” he asked. She opened the glass door and took the proffered items. “Yes, thank you. I’ll be out in a minute.” “Take your time,” he told her. “I’m going to go rinse off in the outdoor shower. We’ll talk when you get out.” There was concern in his voice, but he wasn’t going to push it. She appreciated that. Emma feared she wouldn’t be able to make him understand—or even worse, maybe he wouldn’t want the same things she wanted. Not a great way to start their vacation. She made a decision as she turned off the water that if he didn’t see her point of view—when she figured out what it was—she wasn’t going to turn it into a huge fight. This resort was amazing, and Emma was a very positive person by nature. She refused to spend the entire trip upset or fighting. They had their whole lives to figure out the next phase

of their marriage. She would explain to Pete as best she could. After that, she’d let it go until they got home. She opened the shower door. Pete had laid a towel out for her on a hook. He wasn’t back inside yet, so after she dried off, she padded over to the closet. She opened the door to get to her luggage, her stomach rumbling loudly. “The food!” she cried. She’d forgotten all about it! Emma hadn’t spotted anything by the door when she’d come back. She turned from the closet and rushed into the living area, but there was no cart sitting there. The phone was blinking, which was easy to see in the darkened room. She walked over and picked it up and held it to her ear. “You have one new message,” a prerecorded voice said. “Press pound and the number two to hear your message.” She did as asked. A smooth male voice sounded on the other end. “Mr. and Mrs. Slater, this is Matteo in the kitchen. Your food was delivered, but when we found you were not in, we brought it back to the kitchen. Please give us a call, and we will happily make you fresh dishes and send them right over. Thank you.” Emma hung up and punched the button marked Room Service. A woman answered on the first ring. “Hello,” Emma said. “This is villa number seven. We’re back now and would love to have our room-service order delivered

now.” “Of course. We were waiting on your call. It will arrive in ten minutes.” “That’s wonderful. Thank you!” She hung up right as Pete walked in. He stood in the living room with a towel cinched around his waist. He moved toward her, kissing her on the temple and said, “We need to talk.”

12 __________________________ ____________

Their food came exactly ten minutes later. Pete was starving. Both he and Emma were dressed in PJs, deciding to wait to have their discussion until after they’d eaten. Pete had on a pair of light cotton pajama pants, and Emma wore a sleeveless nightgown in a buttery yellow. She looked radiant. Pete watched her as she ate. Even when she was distressed, she looked beautiful. “This food is amazing,” Emma said around her last bite of crab cake. “How are we going to afford to come back here every year? We’re going to be so spoiled rotten by the time we leave, we won’t want to go anyplace else.” “The food is definitely good,” Pete agreed, finishing up his lobster roll. “From what we’ve seen so far, they do everything right.” He picked up a glass of water and took a swallow. They’d decided not to open up a bottle of wine, since they were both too exhausted to enjoy it. They were going to save it for another night. Pete hoped there would be something to celebrate on this trip. He stood up and walked his empty plate back to the cart they’d wheeled in. He set it down, grabbed the tray of chocolate-covered fruit, and brought it back to the table in

front of the couch. There was a nice array of strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple covered in chocolate and fanned out with a chocolate-covered cherry in the middle. He set it in front of his wife and sat back down, leaning forward, resting his forearms on his thighs. “Okay,” he started, “now we need to talk about what happened back at the pool. We’ve always upheld the rule of if we both say yes there is no guilt or jealousy afterward. I don’t understand why you’re upset.” Emma set her fork down on her empty plate and sat back, giving him a long appraising look before she answered. “I’m not angry.” “Then what are you? I’m having a hard time understanding and trying to decipher what’s going on with you these last few weeks. I know what we just did with Mallory was unexpected, and maybe we should’ve talked about it more before we jumped in, but this is what the island is all about. And it’s not like we’re strangers to the lifestyle. We’ve done what happened back there more than a hundred times before with zero issues. We love pleasure, excitement, and adventure in our bedroom, and I can’t figure out why you’re unhappy. This is what our marriage is all about.” Emma picked up a piece of kiwi artfully half-dipped in chocolate. She took a bite. “I think that’s exactly the problem for me. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to articulate this very well, because what I’m feeling hasn’t been easy to pin down in my mind, but what you just said

is the main issue for me. Sex with others is what our marriage has become, in totality.” She held her hand up before he could interject. “But that’s not how it started. When we decided to invite others into our bedroom, we were deeply in love and we wanted to explore ultimate pleasure together. The joy we both felt after an episode gave us an emotional high and a connection. It bound us together. That fed into our everyday life, and it made us full. Now, sex, at least for me, has become solely about the act, getting off, and then finding the next episode to feed the machine. It’s not about raw emotions anymore, and it doesn’t enrich our everyday life. It’s become this separate entity to feed a craving, void of any emotion, nothing more.” Pete took it all in, trying to understand what his wife was telling him. “I’m not following everything you’re saying, though I’m trying,” he said. “Are you ultimately telling me you don’t want to be in the lifestyle anymore?” “I’m not sure,” Emma said. “I told you what I’m feeling is complicated. Ultimately, I’m fine with continuing to invite others into our bedroom, but only if we can find the emotional connection that went missing first.” She moved her hand in the space between them. “We’re the part that’s broken. You and me.” “I hear you, but I have to admit I’m at a loss, because I don’t feel like there’s anything missing between us,” Pete said. “What happened to make you feel this way? Was there a big change? Or did I do something specific?”

“No,” Emma said, rubbing her forehead. “You didn’t do anything specific. I think it’s just been an erosion of our relationship over time. It’s like we”—she gestured between them again—“have lost the connection between love and sex somewhere along the way. We have sex, but there’s no love attached. I want to feel that love again. I need to feel it. I crave that connection with you.” “I love you, Emma. I always have,” he said emphatically. “I’m not sure how I can prove that to you any differently than I have been, and that worries me.” The things Emma was saying weren’t things that could be fixed with roses or a night out on the town. Plus, Pete didn’t feel like their emotional connection had eroded. To him, nothing had changed between them. “I know you love me. That’s not the issue,” Emma said. “And I love you. Like I said, it’s the connection we lost, that strong bond that makes us crazy for each other. That’s what’s missing. Like with Mallory just now. We both got off, but afterward, it felt hollow. You were in your own little world when you came. You didn’t even look over to meet my gaze, and I was in mine. There was no spark between us.” “But you aren’t mad we did it, right?” Pete said. “That’s not what this is about.” “No, I’m not mad we did it. I’m just tired of it. Technically, at the moment I orgasmed, I was elated. I enjoy pleasure. I always have. But what I didn’t like was that you didn’t seem to notice me once we got going, and

that’s because you were wrapped up in the act of your own singular pleasure. Sex used to be about us, and I want that back.” “Okay.” Pete rose and started to pace. “I kind of understand what you’re saying, but I still don’t feel the same. To me, sex has always been the same. We have fun, and we both end the night with orgasms. I don’t see how what we did with Mallory was any different, other than it being spontaneous from what we normally do.” Emma ran a hand through her long red hair. “Unfortunately, I can’t snap my fingers and make you feel what I’m feeling. It’s going to take us some time to figure out. I just wanted to let you know that something is missing for me. I know you love me, that’s never been in question. Because of that, I’m certain we’ll find a way to solve it.” Her voice sounded weary. “I’m okay with tabling the discussion for now. We’re both tired and travel-logged. We had a big day, and there’s so much more to do and explore on the island. I don’t want this to ruin our trip.” “Are you sure you want to table it?” Pete asked, turning by the doors to face her. “I’m sure.” Emma stood. “I’m exhausted. If we find another time to talk, we will. But let’s just try to enjoy ourselves.” “Does this mean you don’t want to get involved sexually with anyone else while we’re here?” Pete asked, coming to stand in front of her. “I don’t know. Can we just play it by ear?” Emma

started for the bedroom. “I think we’ll know if it’s right or not when and if it happens.” Pete followed her into the bedroom, his mind spinning. His wife wasn’t happy, and even after discussing it, he had no clue what he could do better. The sex with Mallory had been hot and erotic, even though there’d been no penetration. He was on board with that. But he didn’t understand what Emma was talking about when it came to the lack of emotion. He’d felt the same way he always did when they’d finished tonight, satisfied and content. As he crawled into bed beside her, he wondered how the trip was going to go after all. He tossed and turned all night. * * * Emma was up before dawn. She’d slept terribly, but she needed to shake it off. She was glad she’d packed her running shoes. As a dancer who worked out almost every day, keeping her body in shape was a must. Running was as much a part of her life as dancing. As she laced up her shoes, she shoved last night’s conversation with her husband out of her mind. She had to let it go or it would eat at her. She stood and quietly went to the sliding glass doors in the living room so she wouldn’t wake Pete, who was snoring. Emma hadn’t figured out how to avoid getting sand in her shoes yet, but

the plan was to run on the partially compacted sand near the water. She wanted to be on the beach and watch the sun rise. After that, she’d find a path or just stay on the beach. Emma made a mental note as she slid the door closed behind her to make sure she and Pete checked out the maps of the island before breakfast. No more guessing what this place looked like. She headed down to the beach. The sky was lighter than when she’d awoken fifteen minutes ago. The sun would rise any minute now. Once she hit the dry sand, she took huge, wide steps to avoid getting it in her shoes. It kind of worked, but it was comical. She was glad it was so early and nobody else seemed to be up. At the shoreline, just before the wave break, she bent down to stretch. She did several leg lunges and squats. When she stood, the sun was just making its appearance over the horizon. It was stunning. The bright yellow orb slowly lifted above the waves, turning the background of reds and oranges into pale blues as it went. Emma took a deep breath. This was going to be a good day. She took off down the beach, the water to her left, the villas to her right. She moved at a good clip, the sand feeling good and firm under her feet. It was packed just enough, but the extra effort it took to push off felt good, working her calf muscles. As she passed by all the villas, she noticed that they all looked the same. When she reached the last one, the

vegetation changed dramatically. It went from lush and manicured to sparse and scrubby, like a line had been drawn in the sand, literally. She continued to run, following the contour of the beach. After about half a mile, she spotted a rock outcropping. She wasn’t going to be able to run over it. So she’d either have to climb to the top and scout it out, turn inland, try to find a path, or turn back the way she’d come. Emma chose to explore the rocks. They weren’t that tall, maybe ten to fifteen feet, and looked climbable. She began to pick her way to the top. It didn’t take her long. Once there, she gazed out over the water. It was truly majestic. The color, now that the sun was a little higher in the sky, was a warm blue. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. She turned and glanced the way she’d come. From her vantage point, she could see that the resort ran back inland fairly far, judging by the trees and other rooflines— probably employee housing—she spotted. Then she glanced the other way and saw there was a cove with a half-moon beach. It looked about a mile long, and at the other end was another set of rocks. Making up her mind, she made her way down the other side and took off down the next beach. Halfway into her run, she spotted a sea turtle swimming in the surf and she smiled. The turtle seemed to be keeping pace with her. Retiring to someplace like this was beginning to sound good. She could get used to this. When she reached the next outcropping of rocks,

instead of climbing up, she decided to turn back. She’d been running for about a half hour, and the day was starting to heat up. She was covered in sweat and was looking forward to jumping into the pool when she got back. She waved at the turtle as she passed by again. Emma made her way back and up and over the first bunch of rocks. When she landed back on her beach, she could see movement and people walking and driving golf carts behind the resort. The resort was rising for the day. As she jogged down the beach toward her own villa, she counted the roofs so she would know which one was hers. She was dreaming of how good it was going to feel to douse herself in the water, so she didn’t register the shout the first time. “Emma!” the voice called louder. She stopped, turning. It was coming from the villa next to hers. A man stood waving at her from the deck. She walked closer, shielding her eyes with her hand. “Antonio?” she said. Then she laughed. “I didn’t think we’d see you guys here when you weren’t on the plane!” “I’m coming down to the beach!” he called. “I can’t hear you from here.” He disappeared from view, and a moment later, he came around the side to meet her. He was bare-chested, wearing gym shorts that hung loosely at his waist. He was unbelievably fit and had contours running along every plane of his body, including that coveted V that pointed straight downward.

Emma averted her eyes for a moment and swallowed. Her libido had spiked seeing him, and she was a little embarrassed about it. “Come sit with me over here.” He waved her over to the double lounger that was nestled in the trees below his deck. She paused for a second, thinking that she really should be getting back to Pete so they could figure out breakfast. But then she chastised herself. It was only seven in the morning, if that, and chatting with Antonio wasn’t a crime. “How are you?” he asked jovially as she took a seat next to him. “Isn’t this wonderful?” He gestured out toward the ocean and the sun, which was still near the horizon, coloring the sky in warm tones. “Yes, it truly is. I’m in awe. It’s perfection, really. I wasn’t expecting it to be so lovely.” “This resort has quickly become one of my favorite places in the whole wide world to visit. The best part about it is that most people have no idea it exists, and I find that enchanting.” Emma asked, “How come we didn’t see you guys at the airport to catch the connection over here? I thought I dropped a big enough hint that this was our final destination. Did you end up taking a later plane?” He laughed. It was a deep, throaty sound, and it made Emma swallow. The guy was instantly magnetic, there was no denying it. “You did drop some hints, but I wasn’t sure if you were really coming here or not. There are so many

islands in the Bahamas with small resorts. This place is secret for a reason, and I like to keep its integrity. And, no, we weren’t on a later plane. We came by boat.” “Boat?” she commented. “I didn’t know you could charter something here. I should’ve thought of that. I bet it was a pretty ride.” He laughed again. “It was a gorgeous ride, but I didn’t charter a boat. I used my own. I have a slip near the airport on Nassau. When I come to the Bahamas, I visit islands and travel by boat. My dream is to actually make it to Cuba someday. My mother is Cuban. My father’s an Irishman from Detroit.” “Wow,” Emma said. “Having your own boat sounds amazing. What do you do for a living, if you don’t mind my asking?” “I own my own company.” It was her turn to laugh. “Yes, I figured that. I’m assuming your boat is actually a yacht, not a schooner. What does your company do?” He turned and gazed at her. His eyes were a very light amber, and striking, especially with the sunlight directly on them. “My company started as an evolution, like many do. I designed my first rocket when I was in college. I’d always had a passion for all things aerospace, and somehow that process morphed into a satellite-launching business. Now we resupply space stations. It’s a very lucrative business.” “It sounds like it.” Emma nodded. “That’s very impressive. Doing something you love and being able to

experience the world on your own terms is a wonderful thing.” “I think so, too.” He gave her a broad smile. “The world is a beautiful place to explore. Hey, do you guys want to join us for breakfast? We usually eat something at The Mayfair, since it’s on the other side of the resort near the marina, and then we head out on the boat.” “They have a marina here?” Emma said. “Damn, I really need to take a look at a map.” “They do,” he said. “It’s tiny, not more than ten slips. It’s mostly for boats that bring in supplies, but guests can also reserve a space for the time they’re here. A few of the regular guests have boats, but not many that I know of. Come on, have breakfast with us, and then I’ll take you and your husband for a ride. What is his name again?” “Pete,” she said, standing. “And I really should be getting back. He’s probably up by now. I’ll talk to him and see what he wants to do. What time are you thinking?” “How about eight thirty?” “Okay, if you see us, you see us!” Emma said as she began to walk back to her villa. “I’m sure I’ll see you, even if I don’t see you!” he called. “The island’s not that big.”

13 __________________________ ____________

Pete and Emma walked into The Mayfair at eight twenty-five. Meeting the guy and girl they’d run into at the airport for breakfast hadn’t been Pete’s first choice this morning, but Emma wanted to do it, so he was game. After their discussion last night, he was happy Emma had been in a good mood after her run and had wanted to interact with others. It wouldn’t hurt to get to know some people here. “This is so cute,” Emma said as they entered the restaurant. The place looked like a café on the outside, whitewashed wood like the intake area, with shuttered windows open to the elements, but once inside it had a sports bar vibe. There was a big bar separating the two spaces. To the left were booths and various TVs mounted on the walls. To the right there were small, cozy round tables with lazy ceiling fans oscillating overhead. Big double doors were open to a covered veranda, which continued the café feel. Most of the patrons were on the deck having breakfast. “We’re out here!” a voice called. “They’re on the porch,” Pete said as he placed his hand

on the small of Emma’s back and steered her toward the doors. A few couples were seated around tables inside, but the restaurant wasn’t full by any means. Once they reached the table, Emma pulled out a chair. “Thanks for inviting us,” she said as she sat. “This is lovely. The view is fantastic.” Pete sat in the other chair. Antonio reached over to shake his hand. “Nice to see you, man,” Antonio said. “Glad you guys could make it.” “It’s good to see you guys, too,” Pete said as he gazed out over the railing. Docks and a little marina sat about thirty feet from the restaurant. Right next to it was the beach. “This place is ridiculously nice.” “Right here is the tip of the island, and the resort takes advantage of all the angles,” Antonio told them. “How was your first night here? Did you guys sleep well?” Charlotte asked. Emma cleared her throat. “I did. The beds are so comfortable, I almost didn’t get up for my run this morning.” “We got in late last night,” Antonio said as he leaned back, draping his arm over the back of Charlotte’s chair. “So we’re a little tired. But I’m a natural early riser. No matter what time I go to bed, I always get up close to dawn.” “He does.” Charlotte nodded. “And I’m just the opposite. I could sleep all day.” “And sometimes you do,” Antonio kidded.

“How long have you two been together?” Emma asked. “If you don’t mind my asking.” “We’ve been dating about eight months,” Antonio replied. “Give or take.” “Yeah, this dude is hard to pin down.” Charlotte gestured at Antonio with her thumb. “He goes through his share of women, let me tell you. I’m hoping to last for a few more months, at least, but we shall see.” She laughed, her voice easy and content. “I’m enjoying the ride while I can. Isn’t that right, Tiger?” Antonio laughed along with her, both of them seeming at ease with their relationship. Pete was astounded. He appraised Charlotte. She was beautiful, more so than he’d thought at the airport when he was half-asleep. She had long brown hair with gold accents, eyes rimmed with naturally dark lashes, and an easy smile. She appeared to be athletic, and if he had to guess he’d venture to say she was a volleyball player, having met more than his fair share growing up in Southern California. It was clear she was confident, which he appreciated. But knowing her relationship with Antonio was short-lived had to suck, no matter how confident you were. Antonio grinned. “Just to be clear, so you two don’t think I’m a heartless asshole, Charlotte knew I wasn’t in for a serious relationship, so she’s painting me a little dark. But I’ll forgive her. We’ve been friends for many, many years. Dating me has a lot of perks, so it’s not too

much of a hardship on her.” “Indeed, it’s not a hardship,” Charlotte replied playfully. “But he’s right. I knew exactly what I was getting into. It was hard to pass this up”—she waved an arm out toward the marina—“especially since I’d been after him for years. He’s fabulous in bed, by the way, and has scads of money he spends generously. The bottom line is he’s a really nice guy. What more could a girl ask for?” There was a wistful tone in her voice. “I wish there was a way to snare him for life, but since there’s not, I’m happy to take what I can get.” Antonio seemed very comfortable and matter-of-fact with the direction the conversation was going, nodding along to what Charlotte had been saying. “Yes, I’ve found it hard to find women who are open to living the lifestyle, so I date very sporadically. But Charlotte and I have worked the longest, so who knows?” He shrugged. “Maybe this relationship will stand the test of time. I’m up for anything. How about you two? How long have you been together?” Before either of them could answer, the waitress showed up with menus for Pete and Emma. “Can I bring you coffee, tea, or juice?” she asked. “I’d love a grapefruit juice,” Emma said. “I’d like one, too,” Antonio added. “Coffee for me,” Pete said, “along with an orange juice.” “A mimosa for me,” Charlotte replied. “We gotta start

this party off right.” “Got it,” the waitress answered. “I’ll be back soon to take your order.” They picked up their menus. “So what’s good here?” Pete asked conversationally. “The food we had last night was fantastic. I’m assuming breakfast will be just as delicious.” “Just about everything is superb,” Antonio said. “You really can’t go wrong. They have two very coveted chefs from the States here. They come out to the pool once in a while, so we’ve gotten to chat with them. Any place in New York would kill to have these two. But they get paid extremely well here. Plus, they get free plane rides anywhere they want on their days off. It’s hard to argue with that.” Pete set his menu down, deciding to go with the special, which was some kind of egg hash concoction. “So Emma tells me you’ve been to the island a few times before,” Pete said, addressing Antonio. “That’s right.” Antonio nodded. “The first time was about two years ago. A friend recommended it—and me. I’d come back more often, but leaving my company for too long is hard.” “I can imagine,” Pete commented. “What do you guys do for a living?” Antonio asked. “I’m a creative director at an ad agency, and Emma is a dancer.” Antonio’s eyebrows shot up as his gazed snapped to

her. “You dance?” Emma took a sip of her water, dabbing her napkin against her lips, appearing a little embarrassed. “I only teach dance now, but I will always consider myself a dancer. It was my life for many years. All through high school, college, and a few years after.” “Ballet?” he asked. “All kinds, but yes, ballet was my main passion. I danced with a troupe in Chicago up until Pete and I were married.” “Why did you quit?” Antonio asked, leaning forward. Pete noticed Antonio’s gaze was extremely focused on his wife. Emma laughed, her voice clear and high. “Because I was getting older. My joints and muscles weren’t cooperating well either. I kept getting stress fractures. Plus, I’d always wanted to teach. That had always been my end goal.” She glanced over at Pete and smiled, setting her hand on top of his. “And that someday came at exactly the right time, if you ask me.” “I love ballet. Going to the theater is a passion of mine,” Antonio said. “It’s so majestic and beautiful. I’d love to see you dance someday.” He sat back, assuming his casual pose. Pete cleared his throat. Antonio was too focused on Emma, so it was time to change the subject. “Emma tells me you have a boat.” “I do,” he answered. “It’s a Marquis 660 Sport. You

can’t see it from this table, but it’s out in the marina. It was a huge splurge, but I adore it. I keep it parked down here most of the time. I’m a novice captain, but I’m learning fast.” “Is your company headquartered in Madison, then?” Pete asked, hoping like hell it wasn’t. “You flew out of there, so I was just wondering.” “No, I live in California. I was just in town visiting my mother.” Antonio grinned. “My parents divorced when I was eighteen. I grew up in Detroit. My mom moved to Madison about a year ago when she realized she wasn’t getting grandkids anytime soon. It’s a nice town, and we have extended family there. I’m actually thinking of investing in some local businesses. If I’m going to be spending time visiting my family, it makes sense I would mix it with business.” At that moment, the waitress came to take their order. Pete sat back, crossing his arms, studying Antonio. This was going to be a very interesting day. * * * The yacht was absolutely stunning. It was like nothing Emma had ever seen before—at least not up close. The girls at home were going to die when she told them where she’d been and what she’d done. “This is the main deck,” Antonio announced, ushering them through the boat on a tour. “This is where the helm is

located, where we entertain. I drive in here if the weather sucks. Above us is the flybridge. That’s where we’ll spend most of the day, and the lower deck houses a small living room and three bedrooms.” “Three bedrooms?” Emma asked. “Wow.” “Actually, there are two bedrooms, a master and a guest, and then a small bunk room in the back.” The main deck was covered in gray, highly polished wood that gleamed in the morning sun. There were three immaculate, white leather couches, a big-screen TV, a built-in bar, and an area where you could lounge next to the captain as he drove. It was the epitome of luxury. Pete gave a low whistle. “This is killer. Very nice.” “Let’s head up top to the flybridge, then we can be on our way.” Antonio led them up an interior staircase by a small galley kitchen, which was decked out with top-ofthe-line appliances made to fit the small space. “The roof is partly open, so there will be shade or sunshine, whichever you prefer.” As they climbed the steps, Emma asked, “Why bother renting a villa? Why don’t you just stay on the boat?” “Can’t. It’s against the resort rules. People come to socialize with other couples here, and they want to make sure everyone is entitled to the same amenities. But that’s fine. I love the villas. They are done perfectly, and it’s easy to get to meals and head to the beach.” The flybridge was just as beautiful as the main deck,

with the same wood floor. The couches were sleek and stylish. A partial cover on top looked to be a rolling canvas skylight. There were two different tables to sit at, one with chairs and one with a couch. “This is so amazing,” Emma commented. “Thank you for inviting us to join you. We feel very pampered.” Before Antonio could answer, there was a loud “Hello!” from below. “Am I too late to catch the wind in my hair?” Mallory’s head popped into view as she ascended the stairs. Emma was surprised to see her, but it wasn’t unwelcome. Emma had no hard feelings about last night’s interactions with the beautiful model. In fact, Mallory had been likable, down-to-earth, and accommodating. There was nothing not to like. “Not at all. You’re just in time,” Antonio said jovially, walking over to greet her with a kiss on each cheek. “We weren’t sure if we were going to see you today or not.” “I wouldn’t miss this for the world. You know I love seeing you and your swanky-ass yacht.” Mallory leaned around his shoulder. “And I see you’ve already found the hottest couple on the island to bring along with you. Man, you’re fast,” Mallory teased. She was dressed in a flowing, gauzy cover-up with nothing much underneath, big sunglasses, several bracelets and adornments, and a big pink floppy hat. She looked like a movie star, or the supermodel she was soon to become. Antonio grinned. “So you guys have already met, then?

I’m not surprised in the least. It seems you work quicker than I do, my dear. Shall we go?” He leaned over the side and called to Charlotte, who had stayed below. “Untie us. We’re all set!” Then he sat in the captain’s chair and turned on the engine. Within a few moments, they were motoring out into the clear blue waters. Emma and Pete sat on one of the long couches near the back, Mallory sat across from them at the table, and Charlotte was sprawled on the couch next to Antonio. Everyone was relaxed. Emma took in the sights with Pete’s arm slung casually around her shoulders. The greenery around the resort was very lush, but as the yacht made its way along the coastline, the vegetation was sparse, just like she’d seen on the other side. But the white sand and crystal-blue water were out of this world, something out of a fantasy. After a while, Emma stood and walked to the railing, loving the feel of the wind and trying to spot some sea creatures in the rolling waves. “We’re coming up to what I like to call Private Beach,” Antonio called. “It’s a small, sheltered cove that you can only get to by boat.” He swiveled around to face them as Emma walked back to the couch where Pete was sitting. “Do you guys want to anchor for a while?” “Sure,” Mallory answered first. “I want to catch some sun on the bow. I only do morning sun. Once it’s past noon, I’m out.” She smiled affably at Emma and Pete. “I get to

see the sun, mostly because I get hired for that natural, sporty look, but also because I’m a rebel. Some models are like mole people and never let a ray of sunshine hit them, and if it does they bitch and moan to high heaven. Those are the haute-couture girls. I figure if I get hired for couture at this point, they can just Photoshop the hell out of me and make me as pasty white as they want to.” Emma chortled at Malloy’s open honesty. “Well, it’s not just couture models. If I laid out in the sun with you, I’d be a lobster in about three minutes. I lathered on a bottle of sunscreen this morning, but it wouldn’t matter. I’m too neon white. A beacon to the burn.” “At least you have a good reason,” Mallory said. “It’s a digital age, and these women need to shut the hell up. One freckle will not keep them out of work.” Antonio slowed the boat and cut the motor. Mallory got out of her seat. “And, darling, lemme tell you, if I had your coloring, I’d be the Nicole Kidman of the model world. You have something very few have—flawless skin paired with beauty. Most redheads I know have one or the other. Most of them have freckles all over. You have this many.” She formed a circle with her fingers. “Zippo. You have that thing models kill for. If you were a little taller, I guarantee you would’ve been recruited by some hungry shark a long time ago. But be thankful you avoided this life. This job sucks out your soul and spits it out like a big loogie.” Antonio came up behind them, followed by Charlotte. “I parked close enough to swim to shore if that’s what we

want to do. It’s already hot enough to take a plunge. I have snorkel gear, floatation devices, and just about anything you want downstairs. There’s plenty of food on board, so we can have lunch when we’re done. How does that sound?” “Lovely,” Emma said. “This is really wonderful. Thank you again.” “I’m heading to the bow now for some sun, if anyone wants to join me.” Mallory winked at the group as she set her hat and glasses on the table. Then she dropped her cover-up to the ground and sauntered down the stairs, totally naked.

14 __________________________ ____________

As Mallory passed Pete, she curled her index finger in front of her. The universal sign for come with me. Pete glanced at Emma, who was having an animated chat with Charlotte. Antonio had already gone to drop the anchor. Pete couldn’t believe how ritzy this yacht was. It must’ve set back Antonio by at least two million. Pete waited for a moment to catch Emma’s eye to tell her where he was going, but Emma was still wrapped up in her conversation. After a few moments, he decided Emma could join them when she was done. What else were they going to do? He headed down the stairs and took a path along the side of the boat to get to the front. He’d spotted the large cushions on the bow during the tour. When he rounded the corner, Mallory was already spread out, one knee up, her hair fanned out around her. She patted the lounger next to her without even looking up. She’d known he’d come after her. This beauty wasn’t used to being denied much, and coming to sit with her fed into that, but as he looked out over the clear water and their surroundings, and her more-

than-beautiful body, he found he didn’t care too much. This was a dream vacation, and he was going to enjoy it. Pete hoped Emma joined them before Mallory got too horny. But it wasn’t like they were going to have sex right here, so he pushed it out of his mind. “Let’s have sex,” Mallory announced, giving him a lazy grin as she circled one of her areolas. Pete was so taken aback, he nearly lost his balance, and he was sitting. But there was no place for him to escape now that he was there. “I’m sorry, what?” She belly-laughed at his reaction. It sounded like a genuine laugh, unlike what he’d heard from her so far. “Relax, I’m just fucking with you.” She turned on her side to face him, a finger tracing the seam on the cushion. “You know, I can’t figure you and your wife out. I’ve been trying all morning. You seem into each other. There’s love there. I mean, it’s written all over your faces. You checked with your wife twice before agreeing to be with me last night. That’s not typical in my world. Most people, including couples, are selfish motherfuckers. All the time. They’re out for their own pleasure and will tromp on anyone to get it. So what gives?” “What do you mean, what gives?” Pete relaxed a little, knowing Mallory wasn’t going to jump on his already hard dick. “The lifestyle. How do you juggle it? It seems like it would rip a loving couple like you two apart. I’m curious, if you fucked me right now, without her permission, would

Emma divorce you?” The question was so personal, Pete didn’t know exactly how to answer it, so he just went with real. “Yes, most likely.” “Then explain it to me.” She turned on her stomach and went up on her elbows. “Most swingers I meet are selfish and would take the fuck any day, especially with someone like me. So make me understand why you’re different.” “I don’t know,” Pete said, rubbing the back of his neck. “The first reason is we aren’t real swingers in that sense. We call it swapping, and when we do it, it’s very controlled. We meet a couple ahead of time, everyone is on board, and we know roughly how the night is going to go from beginning to end. Everyone is amped, and we have a good time. When they go home, it’s over.” “Then what?” “What do you mean?” “Then do you and Emma fuck by yourselves, or what? What’s the payoff after a swap for the two of you? From what I saw last night, the payoff was you coming. You came hard and were totally lost in the moment. But what’s the payoff for your beautiful, porcelain wife? She didn’t appear to get off on it as much as you did.” Pete was stymied for a moment. How could she know that after being with them for a total of twenty minutes? “Well, when we first started doing it, the payoff always came after. The two of us were charged for weeks after we were with another couple, and our sex together was

explosive.” “And now?” “Now?” he said. “Now, I’m not sure…” He trailed off, his mind whirling. “In my opinion, it’s time for you to reevaluate that crap. Your wife is hot and completely sexy. You’re a very lucky man. If you want to keep that for yourself, you’re going to have to work a little harder than you have in the past.” She leaned over to whisper, “I can tell you right now, Antonio is going to give you a run for your money on this trip.” She reached over and patted his chest, dragging a single fingernail down to his abs. A throat cleared from the flybridge. Pete glanced up to see Emma’s head over the railing. “Um, I’m going to go swimming,” she called. “I just wanted to let you know.” “Okay!” he answered. “I’ll be there soon.” “Don’t rush,” she said simply. “Enjoy the sun.” Then she was gone. Mallory started to giggle, laughing harder as she rolled over onto her back. “Let the games begin. Strike one for the husband!” “What do you mean? Do you think she was upset?” Pete asked. “She didn’t sound upset.” “Oh, I’m certain she wasn’t thrilled we were sitting here together after what happened last night,” Mallory answered. “You are fairly clueless about women, you know that?”

“I’m not clueless,” Pete said, his voice irritated. “We weren’t doing anything wrong. She has no reason to be upset.” “Keep telling yourself that, man,” Mallory said, still laughing. “My advice to you is to get your ass back there and get in that water, because Antonio is already in there. He’s the shark you have to watch out for.” * * * Emma didn’t know whether to be angry or sad when she saw Pete cozied up to Mallory and that he’d chosen to go sit with her rather than wait to see what she’d wanted to do. What she did know was that she wasn’t going to let it ruin her day. She walked down the stairs by the stern and onto a platform made up of thin wood planks stained a dark red. There was a partially covered area at the very end of the boat with a large table and another amazing couch to relax on. She heard a splash and headed around the table to find Antonio already in the water. Charlotte sat on the edge, her feet dangling in the water. She was completely naked and very comfortable with herself. “Come on in,” Antonio called. He had a snorkel and mask on his head. “I always dive down and check the anchor. There’s no way I’m leaving my boat unless I know

it’s secure.” Emma was pretty sure Antonio was naked as well. When in Rome. Emma took off her hat and set it on a bench. Then, in one motion, she lifted her sundress, this one a marigold color, over her head. “Holy shit,” Antonio sputtered from the water. “Damn, girl, you have a kickin’ body,” Charlotte said, appraising her. “Is that a six-pack? Do you actually have a freakin’ six-pack?” Emma blushed. She wasn’t totally naked. She wore the skimpy white bikini bottoms Piper had given her—the ones with the tiny buckles on the sides and a small scrap of fabric in front and almost nothing else. She chose to wear them, not because she was embarrassed about being naked in front of others, but because she knew they accentuated everything she had. Piper was a genius. “I got lucky with my body type,” Emma said. “Bullshit,” Charlotte said. “Turn around. We need to get a good look at the back.” “I don’t think I need to—” “Zip it!” Charlotte snapped her hand in front of her mouth. “Everyone here wants to enjoy your body, now give us a little show. I’m certain Antonio is already hard”—she gave him a knowing look—“but let’s not make it easy on him. We want him to ache a little bit before he gets his release.”

“You don’t have to—” Antonio stopped mid-sentence when she turned, and shouted, “Fucking A!” Emma was embarrassed, but pleased she’d made that kind of impact. Without waiting to hear any more, she jumped feet first off the platform, shrieking as she went. The water was the perfect temperature. It felt wonderful. Her head bobbed up, and she gasped for a breath. The first thing she heard was Antonio’s laugher. “Char, throw us a foam mattress.” “On it, Master,” Charlotte chirped, and headed to a bench, lifting up the lid. Emma cleared the water out of her eyes as Antonio swam closer. “How do you like the Bahamas now?” he asked. “Pretty spectacular, huh?” “It is.” Emma began to tread water. “I’ve been to a lot of places, but this is one of the best. I get lost in the color of the water every time I look. But I don’t see any fish.” She glanced down into the water. Antonio pulled his snorkel and mask off and handed them to her. “Here, take a look using these. There aren’t many fish, since there are no big rocks or coral around, but you’ll see a few and maybe even a sea turtle. I’ll keep you steady.” Emma took the proffered items while Antonio grasped on to her waist. His body was so close, she could feel his warmth. She was incredibly aware she was topless, with very little separating their bodies. She began

to slip the mask over her head, as he leaned over and said in her ear, “It’s not going to fit you because it’s adjusted to me, but push it up to your face and press on it with both hands. I’ve got you. Then dunk your head under the water.” She did what he said, her hands shaking lightly. She was acutely aware of him. As she bent her head into the water, her backside came in contact with his abs. She heard him let out a slow breath. She knew he was hard, but was trying to keep her mind off of it while she glanced under water. There were several fish, but none close. The sandy bottom wasn’t very far down, about ten feet. She would have loved to dive, but the mask was already leaking seawater. As she turned, she caught a glimpse of Antonio’s cock. She had to brace herself so she didn’t gulp in any water. It was huge and very erect. She flushed as she brought her head up and took the mask off. She tried to act like nothing was amiss, but she was incredibly turned on. “So pretty down there.” She coughed politely, handing the equipment back to him. “I’m going to have to get some snorkeling gear that works. I’d love to explore down there.” “I have more snorkels on the boat.” He had let go of her once she’d emerged, but was staring intently at her as they both tread water. His gaze was smoldering. Heat filtered through her body. This man wanted her. Really wanted her.

It felt like forever since a man had been that predatory toward her. A loud splash jolted her out of her mini-reverie. Emma glanced over to see Pete surface five feet from them. Mallory stood on the platform of the boat, holding a thin foam air mattress. She was laughing and nodding at Charlotte, who had two air mattresses under her arms. Charlotte tossed one out into the water, and then jumped in with the other. Then Pete was next to her, his arms encircling her waist. Emma had inadvertently kicked away from Antonio when Pete had entered the water, so they weren’t as close as they’d been before. Guilt began to creep in. She had been totally turned on that another man wanted her, and it had nothing to do with the lifestyle. “What’re you guys doing?” Pete asked. “Antonio lent me his mask so I could see the fish. There aren’t many, but it’s gorgeous down there. Do you want to swim to the beach? It’s not too far.” Antonio grabbed the air mattress Charlotte had thrown. He leaned over the middle and kicked toward them. The other two ladies were already in the water on theirs. “We’ll paddle after you!” Mallory called. “Don’t worry about us.” “Come on,” Pete said in her ear. “I’ll race you.” Emma chuckled. “That’s not going to work. You have the supreme body of an athlete,” she told her husband.

“There’s no way I’m beating you.” “I’ll give you a head start,” he said playfully. “That way I get to watch your ass in the water. It’s a win-win.” Emma glanced at Antonio for a split second. His eyes were full of mischief. Emma wondered what he had up his sleeve. She turned back to Pete. “You’re on. I’ll see you there.” She darted under the water and began to swim. But all she could think about as she stroked toward the shoreline were those brief few moments she’d just had with Antonio and that knowing look in his eyes. She couldn’t stop. That look was what it meant to be wanted more than anything in the world. That’s what Emma craved.

15 __________________________ ____________

Pete was right behind Emma. He’d let her take a big lead. He’d been unnerved to find her so close to Antonio in the water. He hadn’t wanted to admit that what Mallory alluded to on the boat could be true, but by the looks of it, she was right. Antonio had been too close for comfort. He knew his wife, and just like him spending time with Mallory, it was innocent. But seeing them together in the water had caused a pang of jealousy so fierce it had ripped through his abdomen. It still plagued him as he swam. It was a feeling he wasn’t used to having. In fact, he couldn’t ever remember a time he’d been this jealous. He was overreacting. Mallory’s I-told-you-so laughter as he’d dived into the water had made him edgy, and he couldn’t do anything about it now anyway. He wasn’t going to be confrontational. That would ruin his wife’s vacation. Emma reached the beach ahead of him and walked out of the surf. Pete almost swallowed a mouthful of salt water. Holy shit! He’d never seen her in that swimsuit. If you could even call it a swimsuit. From the back, it looked like a few pieces of white framing her perfect ass. Her long red hair

was slicked back, forming a perfect V pointing right to the strings. A flicker of sunlight bounced off her, and Pete realized the thing had buckles on the sides. All he could think about as he swam was undoing them with his teeth. He was rock hard. Pete heard a noise behind him and saw that Antonio was watching his wife as well, and was pretty much having the same reaction he had. That bastard. Anger lashed at him. He pushed it away. It didn’t matter. Emma was his. He didn’t have to prove it to anyone. As he climbed out of the water, his wife began to twirl on the beach, doing a few dance poses as she made her way across the sand. Her face was radiant. She was incredibly happy and had no idea what she’d caused in her wake. “I won!” she crowed, pointing upward. “Look, it’s our own private cove.” Pete glanced up at the curved rock formation bracketing the beach. She was right. They were out of sight from any bystanders on land. Emma continued pirouetting down the beach, her beautiful, long legs kicking out as she spun, her breasts bouncing deliciously. She was oblivious to the effect she was having on everyone. “Hey, sexy lady!” Mallory called. “You can stop the interpretive dance now that we’re all horned-up out of our minds.” Pete glanced back at the water as the other three

paddled in on their mattresses. There were barely any waves on this side of the island, so it was easy. “Hey, surfer dude,” Mallory yelled to him. “If you manhandle yourself any harder, you’re going to come early and miss the party that’s brewing thanks to your agile wife.” Pete glanced down, almost stunned to find he was stroking his cock with long, hard pulls. He let go, embarrassed. “Damn, man,” Charlotte said. “You’re huge. I might orgasm just by looking at you.” “Yeah,” he said absentmindedly as he started off down the beach toward his wife. “I get that a lot.” Emma saw Pete coming toward her and stopped dancing. She was still smiling brightly. “Well, you’re certainly having a good time,” she kidded, nodding at his hard-on. “I didn’t realize you were naked. Do you think I should take my bottoms off? Everyone else here is naked.” “Hell no!” he barked, breaking it off at the end so it didn’t sound so needy. “Those bottoms are the sexiest things any of us have ever seen. You’ve managed to get us all hot, and it isn’t even lunchtime.” “Really?” She glanced around his shoulder as the others climbed out of the surf. “Yes, really,” he said as he came closer, encircling her waist, pressing her close. She was his. “We’re going to have sex on this beach. Right now. There’s no avoiding it. How do you want to do it? We can make it a party, or we

can do it just the two of us. It’s up to you.” “I don’t know,” she answered, biting her bottom lip. “What do you want to do? I saw you with Mallory before. I think she’s interested in you.” “I was only talking to her,” Pete said gruffly. “What I want is you.” Emma’s eyes turned questioning. “Are you sure? That’s not our typical—” He silenced her with a kiss. The jealousy in his stomach made him feel lightheaded, or maybe that was the blood rushing in his ears. How could she not know she was what he wanted? Sex was sex with other people, but he loved only her. Hadn’t he been clear about that before? “Hey, lovebirds!” Mallory shouted. “Want to bring that party over here? We’re going to set up shop on these air mattresses.” Pete broke the kiss. Emma appeared a little stunned by his intensity. Without waiting for her to respond, he took her hand, leading her to the group. “We can be next to them,” he said over his shoulder, “but the only cock you’re getting is mine.” * * * Emma allowed Pete to tug her down the beach toward the others. She was a little shell-shocked by his attitude, but she wasn’t going to argue. She could see he was all

riled up about something. The others were getting situated on the mattresses, seemingly turned on, but she didn’t think she was the one who’d done it. Both Mallory and Charlotte were gorgeous, and they were both stark naked. She had bottoms on. “That was quite a show,” Charlotte announced as they came up. Pete sat down on an air mattress and eased Emma on his lap. “You’re incredibly limber. Anyone ever tell you that before?” Emma giggled. “Yes, all the time, actually.” “I have an idea,” Mallory announced. “Why don’t we watch Emma and Pete fuck? Like, really fuck. Then we can see how flexible she really is. Then we all fuck. Sound like a plan?” Emma snorted. She couldn’t help it. Mallory was like a younger, more jaded version of Piper. The modeling industry plus wealth, it seemed, had made her almost oblivious to the world around her. She lived in her own reality. Emma thought it was kind of refreshing. It was difficult not to enjoy the beauty. She was the life of the party. “How old are you, Mallory?” Emma asked, suddenly curious. Mallory’s face was flawless and nubile, just like most models she’d seen. It was impossible to tell. “I’ll be twenty-three in a month.” Emma nodded. “I thought so.” “What? Is my age showing?” Mallory quipped. “I was modeling overseas at age thirteen. My mother practically

sold me into the biz the first time a scout came sniffing around. In model years, I’m like a hundred and five. It’s actually amazing I’m still alive. But it’s only because I prefer sex to cocaine as my drug of choice.” “Your age is not showing,” Emma corrected her. “I actually would’ve guessed older, not because of your face, which looks angelic and young, but because of your mouth. But you remind me of a friend of mine who I love dearly. You’d adore her. Piper tells it like it is.” “Well, too bad she’s not here,” Mallory said, “because having one more person on deck would be handy right about now. My nipples aren’t going to suck themselves.” Emma laughed. “No, they won’t. But Piper doesn’t swap anymore. She and her husband have changed the way they do things, but they do frequent orgies. If you ever come to visit, I’ll have to introduce you to them and have them take you along to one.” “Orgies, huh? Where do you live?” Mallory asked. “Madison, Wisconsin.” Mallory tipped her head back and chortled. “Can’t say I’ve ever been to Wisconsin, but if I happen by there on a shoot, I’ll give you a call. So are you two going to fuck or what?” As Mallory and Emma had been talking, Antonio had started kissing Charlotte. It had started out soft, but now they were getting into it. Emma couldn’t look away. She wanted to, but suddenly all she could imagine was

Antonio kissing her like that. Then she felt horrified. Pete had just acted like a jealous lover, which was what she’d wanted all along. Wasn’t that enough? She shook her head to clear it. “Is that a no?” Mallory asked. “Is that why you’re shaking your head?” “Um, what?” Emma said. “No, it’s a yes. We have no problem having sex in front of anyone. I am feeling a little on the spot, however, but I’m sure we can power through. Are you ready, babe?” she asked Pete. In answer, Pete rubbed his erection along her ass, his mouth tracing the contour of her back. “I’m just waiting on you,” he murmured, “and I think I can help with the powering.” His hands snaked up the front of her stomach, cradling her breasts, an index finger and thumb lightly twisting each nipple. Her body relaxed by a great degree, her head falling back onto his shoulder. Pete continued to rub her breasts as Mallory joined Antonio and Charlotte. Mallory lay down on one of the mattresses, and Charlotte got on all fours over her, bending down to grab a nipple between her lips. “Yes, that’s what I like,” Mallory moaned. Seeing them all together spiked Emma’s need. This was sexy, and felt very naughty. The fact they were all outside doing this together was intense. Emma began to move her hips on Pete’s lap. He slid

one of his hands down to her core, shifting her bikini bottoms to one side. When his finger hit her wetness, she called out. Mallory’s head came up. “Everyone here wants to see those hips move. Keep it coming. Literally.” Emma glanced over at Mallory, her eyes hooded. “You want to see me move, huh? I can do that.” Antonio had gotten up and repositioned himself behind Charlotte, his eyes riveted on Emma. She felt them like a scald on her skin. The girls were busy, Charlotte focused on Mallory, Mallory waiting for Pete to fuck Emma. Pete was behind Emma, kissing her back. No one could see the look Antonio was giving her, and Emma couldn’t force herself to look away. Emma was wet and ready, and she lifted herself up over Pete, tilting her hips. Pete’s cock was big. Very big. She had to make sure her body was at the right angle to get over the tip. She wanted everyone to see the entire act, because it was sensual, and that’s what she loved. She hovered over the top of Pete’s dick, rolling her hips in a circle independently of her body. “Jesus, woman!” Mallory cried. “Put us out of our misery already and impale yourself! You should take this tour to Vegas. You’d have an entire audience orgasming in their seats.” Very slowly, she eased herself down, taking his shaft like a belly dancer lowering herself to the ground.

Everyone moaned, including her husband, who clutched her hips tightly. “Fuuuck,” Pete ground out. “You feel crazy insane. You’re so wet.” Once she was fully seated, she leaned forward, grabbing on to Pete’s thighs, and began to work him over, jutting her ass backward, and then flowing forward, her abs clenching and unclenching as she went, fucking him senseless. “That’s how you get those abs,” Charlotte murmured. Emma went faster. “Holy shit, that’s hot!” Mallory exclaimed. All the talk began to simmer into the background as the climax began to build. And throughout it all Emma’s eyes were pinned on Antonio. She couldn’t break the connection, even if she’d wanted to. Emma felt guilty, knowing her husband was the one she was with, but the need to be noticed the way Antonio was noticing her was too much. It won over everything else. Panting, she rocked faster. A sheen of sweat broke out across her skin. She couldn’t stop, and she was going to come hard. “Emma, slow down, you’re going to make me come too fast,” Pete said, his voice nothing more than completely breathless, his fingers biting into her hips.

But she couldn’t stop. She didn’t want to. This orgasm was going to be shattering, and she felt somehow like she’d earned it. Antonio seemed to sense her urgency. He fisted his cock, which was not small by any means, and not breaking eye contact with her, he bent over Charlotte and entered her in one thrust. Emma closed her eyes. It was almost too much. Her hips rolled of their own accord, the pace incredible. It was like a hula dance on steroids. “Emma, I’m coming! I can’t hold it back any longer—” Pete tried to pin her ass in place as he came, but she moved through his orgasm. Feeling his pleasure and his cock pulsing inside of her sent her skyrocketing. He cried out, “Goddamn it!” She was a few pulls from her own release. Antonio had matched her rhythm as he pounded into Charlotte, his eyes still locked on her. Charlotte cried out, her body clenching back into Antonio’s. “I’m coming, you beautiful bastard!” That was Emma’s undoing. The massive orgasm swept through her body full force, like a cyclone of pleasure whipping through each and every cell. Emma stopped, her torso bending, her hips buckling. She yelled incoherent words, her hands fisting, as wave

after wave hit her. It felt so damn good. She realized, through her blissful haze, that she hadn’t had a powerful orgasm like this in much too long. When it was finally over, she was panting hard, and her body had broken out in goose bumps. Why hadn’t she and Pete been having sex like this? Mind-blowing, incredible, orgasmic sex? Before she could analyze it any more, Mallory broke the silence. “Okay, kiddos, this is totally not fair. Who’s going to fuck me now?”

16 __________________________ ____________

Pete lay back in the sand, recovering. His body felt limp after coming so hard, and his blood was pumping so fast his heart felt like it might jump out of his chest. Emma was next to him, catching her breath. The sex between them had been something altogether different. Emma had ridden him unrelentingly, and he’d released explosively because of it. But that hadn’t been the only reason. It had felt different. Like the sex they’d had when they’d first met. Needy, hungry, feverish, and wild. Pete had had no idea they’d been missing that kind of coupling before right this minute. Sex always felt good to him, and he always came. But not like that. Pete was breathless and weak, like he’d just sprinted a 5K, running for his life. He leaned over and glanced at his wife. Her eyes were closed. This must’ve been what Emma had been trying to tell him before. That their sex had changed over the years. Now wasn’t the time to have an in-depth discussion about it with others around.

But, holy fuck! They could never go back to the same now. This sex had left him dazed and hungry for more. “Seriously, guys,” Mallory whined, sitting up on her elbows. “Who’s going to get me off? That was heartless. All four of you had major blowouts. Charlotte’s eyes even rolled back in her head. Who’s up for making me come? In my world, me begging for such a thing is like spotting a yeti in the wild. It just doesn’t happen. People clamor for the pretty ones.” No one responded. “Come on, guys! I’m not kidding. It’s my turn!” Charlotte rolled over. “Fine, I’ll do it, you big, needy supermodel. Who can resist an invitation like that? ‘Do me because I’m prettier than you are.’ That really gets my juices flowing.” Mallory lay back down. “I have no shame. Have you met me? I’ll use whatever it takes.” Pete closed his eyes, draping an arm over his face. Charlotte was busy getting Mallory off, but he was focused on Emma, who was fidgeting next to him. Finally, she sat up. “I think I’m going to go for a swim. I’m full of sand, and I can’t sit here in the sun anymore. You okay to stay here?” she asked Pete. “I’m just going to walk down the beach a bit.” Pete rose. “Do you want me to come with you?” “No, that’s okay. A little time alone is what I need right now. I won’t go far.” She stood. Pete watched her walk away, looking absolutely

stunning in her bikini bottom. He hoped she never took it off. Imagining her in those bottoms would keep him hard for weeks on end. Pete heard a noise. He turned to see Antonio get up. If he followed Emma down the beach, it was going be a problem for Pete. Instead, Antonio made for the water in front of them. “I’m going to check on the boat,” he called over his shoulder as he waded in. “One of you guys can use my air mattress to get back if you need it.” He dived in and made his way back to the boat. By Pete’s estimation, the boat was only about twenty yards away. Pete turned and watched Emma wade into the water on the far side of the beach. She’d found some shade under the craggy overhang. He wished he knew what was running through her mind. It wasn’t like her to be so aloof, especially after great sex like that. Before he could ponder more, there was a low moan to his left. He glanced over to see Mallory coming. It was hard to believe he’d rather watch his wife take a dip in the ocean than watch a stunning supermodel have an orgasm right in front of him. When she was done, Mallory stared up at the sky and said with finality, “Well, that was not like having a big dick in me, but thanks, Char. If I hadn’t gotten a release quick, I would’ve exploded and taken the lot of you with me.”

Charlotte chuckled. “Yeah, right. What was this, your third orgasm of the day? I bet you wake up every morning and reach right for your dildo.” “My fourth.” Mallory shrugged as she sat up. “But who’s counting? Hey, Pete,” she said, “can you help me up?” She held out her hand. Pete reluctantly stood and hoisted Mallory up. She was only a few inches shorter than he was. “How tall are you?” he asked as he brushed the sticky sand off his chest and legs. “Almost six feet.” She walked past him, grabbing his hand. “Come down to the water with me and help me wash off.” He followed her, but he didn’t really know why. While they walked, he kept an eye on Emma, who was now bobbing on her back in the water. Once they were waist-deep, Mallory turned and said, “Can you splash off my back? Pretend you’re really into it, so we can get ready for the show.” “What show?” he asked, splashing water on her. “Antonio covertly meeting up with your wife.” “What?” Pete said, craning his head around toward Emma. She was alone. “What are you talking about? He’s on the boat, and she’s in the water near shore.” “Just watch and learn, boy. Damn, you are thickheaded.” She turned, splashing water onto her own chest, the droplets gleaming in the sun. “I’m not thickheaded,” he retorted. “And I have no idea

what you’re talking about. I’m beginning to think you love to make shit up.” “I’m not making anything up. Just watch and learn.” Charlotte joined them with a splash as she jumped in. She had an air mattress under one arm. Mallory nodded at Charlotte. “Pete here doesn’t think Antonio is going to seek Emma out at his first opportunity. What’s your bet?” Charlotte snorted, shaking the water from her hair. “A thousand to one he’s going to dive off the back of that yacht like he’s just going to take a leisurely swim, but he’ll slowly make his way over like a piranha scenting blood. If he doesn’t, I’ll happily eat this air mattress.” She shook it. Pete was stunned. “Doesn’t it bother you that he wants my wife? He’s supposed to be your boyfriend.” “It would only bother me if I thought I had a chance to be with Antonio forever. But as you heard this morning, that isn’t happening. He’s a total player. I knew that going in. He wants what he can’t have, and currently that’s your beautiful, flexible, limber-as-all-hell wife, so you better be careful. Antonio has charisma coming out of his ass. Add filthy wealth into that equation, and all bets are off. This wouldn’t be the first time he’s broken up a marriage either. One of these times, he’s going to pick The One and it’s going to stick.” Before Pete knew what was happening, his hands were being moved upward while Mallory gave a throaty laugh, loud enough for Emma to hear. His hands landed on her breasts as she squealed, “Oh, you’re SUCH a naughty boy!

That feels so good.” “What the hell are you doing?” he said through clenched teeth, trying to pull his hands away. Mallory was surprisingly strong and kept them locked in place. “I’m helping you, you big lunkheaded dummy.” “Helping me how? By trying to make my wife jealous?” “You hit the nail on the head. You and Emma deserve to be together. The sex you just had was hot, and it’s clear you two have a connection. Being a little jealous goes a long way on both sides. Follow my lead, and you can win her back,” Mallory told him with assuredness in her voice. “I don’t need to win her back. She’s already mine—” There was a big splash. They all turned to look. Antonio was in the water, and he was headed straight toward Emma. * * * Emma stood, her feet digging into the soft white sand. She heard Mallory’s laugh, and she frowned as she watched. Pete’s hands were all over her. At the sound of a splash, Emma turned in time to see Antonio’s head bob to the surface. He was swimming toward her. She glanced back toward Pete, but his back was to her. He seemed to be in an animated conversation, his hands flying in the air, and Charlotte was laughing. As Antonio swam closer, Emma shivered. She crossed

her arms in front of her, suddenly feeling exposed. She both wanted him to come to her and didn’t. Emma bit her lip as she glanced back over at Pete. She had no idea what to do. She knew she and Antonio had had a moment on the beach, and for a second she wished she could take it back. It’d been much too intimate a look to share with a stranger, even though they hadn’t touched each other. Emma was no fool when it came to men. She’d invited that interaction, and Antonio had accepted the challenge. Now she felt cheap. But also thrilled. She didn’t know what to do. She was trapped with an empty beach behind her and a wide-open ocean in front of her. For a brief moment she was pissed that Pete was ignoring her. He’d asked to join her, and she’d told him no, but if he’d really wanted to, he could’ve. But instead he was frolicking in the surf with a supermodel. Antonio made it to her in a few more strokes. “Just making sure you’re okay,” he said, grinning as he stood. The water was chest-deep. “By the way, that was incredible back there.” He brought his nicely defined arms up and whipped the water away from his face. He was undeniably gorgeous. He had the tall, dark, and handsome thing all going on. Emma’s heart sped up. The fact that she had his attention was a little daunting.

This guy could have whoever he wanted. “Yes, it was good.” She cleared her throat politely. “I love sex. I feel like I’m a bit of a broken record when it comes to talking about the art of the act, but there you have it. Pete and I don’t normally do impromptu gatherings like this with more than one couple, but I have to admit it was thrilling. But we don’t usually encourage feelings and—” “Attachment from others,” he finished. “Exactly.” They both eased themselves down into the water, bobbing in silence. “Can I ask you something?” he asked after a while. “Sure.” “Are you happy with Pete? I mean, the life you’re living with Pete in Madison? Is that the life you envisioned for yourself?” Emma had to take a moment to formulate her thoughts. “That’s a tough question with no easy answer. Before I met Pete, I had no idea what I wanted. I’d never been a girl who dreamt of fairy-tale weddings or had fantasies of picket fences with kids running through the yard. When I met Pete, things just clicked, and my life became our life.” “If you could change it, would you? Like, if I handed you a million dollars today, would you choose to do something different? Go back to dancing? Travel the world? Move to Madagascar? Join the Peace Corps?” Emma laughed. She had to. Antonio was a smooth operator. But she knew what he was doing. He was trying to get her to imagine a life that didn’t include her husband.

But, honestly, would she change anything if she could magically alter her path right this minute? “Wow, you don’t mess around,” she commented. “These are hard-hitting questions. Questions that I could only really answer if that cool million was actually put in my hand. But, you know, I’m pretty sure I’d stay where I am. I really love my life. I love teaching. I love my home. I love my friends. And, most of all, I love my husband. The life I have now is the one I created for myself, and I’m proud of it. I’d probably drive a nicer car, however.” She giggled. “And maybe travel more. But, ultimately, I’d stick with what I have. I’m content.” “I’m impressed,” he said. “When I ask others that same question, the answers usually reflect their wish to drastically change something in their lives. If you polled the majority, you’d find them an unhappy lot, eager to get a do-over at any cost.” “Well, I guess I’m in the happy minority.” Antonio suddenly turned onto his stomach and swam closer to her. “You’re a total catch, Emma. I hope Pete understands what he’s got, because if he doesn’t, I can show you a whole world you never knew existed—” They were interrupted by Mallory and Charlotte splashing their way over. “Hey, you guys, let’s play Marco Polo!” Mallory called. “Pete’s going to play Marco first. I used to love this game as a kid. But this one includes groping once you find your target. It’s more fun that way. The raunchier, the better. Like, total boob grabs are

allowed.” “Then let’s go eat lunch,” Charlotte added. “I’m starving. We all had a workout back there, and I burned off my morning granola in about seven minutes.” “You guys go ahead and play, and I’ll go back and get lunch started,” Antonio said. “I’ll see you in a few.” “Emma, you up for it?” Mallory asked. “Sure,” Emma said. “I haven’t played in years.” “Pete, are you ready?” Mallory called behind her. “Yep!” he called. “Be sure to close your eyes,” she ordered. “They’re closed!” Emma thought she heard a little grumble behind Pete’s words, and she smiled inwardly. Her husband didn’t love games unless they were played on a field with a ball. It was kind of cute to see him close his eyes and walk forward with his arms out. “Marco!” he called. “Polo!” all three girls yelled at once. Pete immediately turned toward Emma as they all tried to move quietly away, which was impossible in the water. “Marco!” “Polo!” they all cried. Pete made a beeline for her, and Emma shrieked as she tried to run, but of course she couldn’t get any traction, and her husband was much faster than she was. A few splashes later, he scooped her up. She laughed, running her hands along his broad shoulders. “Okay, you

got me!” He opened his eyes. They were gleaming as he grinned. “Damn straight I do.”

17 __________________________ ____________

Pete wrapped a towel around his waist as he emerged from the shower. “You know, we don’t have to meet them for dinner.” It was a casual suggestion he hoped his wife would consider. “We can just order room service.” “We did that last night,” Emma said from her spot by the closet. “Plus, I’m dying to see the formal dining room and watch the sunset. Hurry up, we only have twenty minutes at most to get there. We told them we’d meet for drinks on the patio first, and the sun is setting in less than a half hour.” Pete wanted to grumble, but kept it to himself. After they’d lunched on the yacht, Antonio had tried to persuade them all to go to another island to snorkel, but Pete had successfully swayed Emma to come back to the villa, with the promise that they’d meet them for dinner later. Emma and Pete had taken a dip in their pool, and then had a long nap. They’d both been exhausted from traveling the day before and rising early. It had been a nice afternoon together, but they hadn’t talked once about their encounter with the group on the beach. Pete had been hesitant to bring

it up after what Mallory and Charlotte had told him. If Antonio was really after his wife, arguing with Emma wasn’t the answer. The guy had it all. He could build Emma the mansion of her dreams, take her on trips around the world, and shower her with gifts. Antonio had the means Pete did not. The girls had persuaded him to play it cool and go along with what Emma wanted for now. If he pushed back, they’d said, she could fall right into Antonio’s waiting arms. He wasn’t sure he believed them. His instinct was to stalk over, knock the guy out, and take Emma over his shoulder like a caveman. When he’d seen Antonio swim up to his wife, he’d almost done it, too. When the girls pushed the game of Marco Polo on him, he’d thought they’d been out of their minds. But it’d worked. Antonio left, and Pete had made his wife happy. Once they returned to the yacht, Pete had made sure that Emma sat next to him. Mallory had helped in the galley with the food, and since it was so small, there was no room for anyone else. Antonio putting the moves on Emma still rankled him, but he was keeping it to himself. For now. If Pete insisted on breaking their dinner plans, he would look like a complete asshole. “It’ll be fun,” Emma said. “You’ll see.” Pete balked as Emma closed the closet doors and turned toward him. “Are you wearing that dress without a bra?”

The dress was a frothy peach color and completely see-through. It made her areolas stand out like they’d been painted with a rose-colored paintbrush. “Yes, I am.” Emma set her hands on her hips. “Charlotte said people come to dinner dressed, but always very provocatively. Women routinely wear skimpy outfits with no panties or bra, so I’m just playing along. We are at a swinger resort, Pete, which you know better than anyone. And it was your idea to come here, not mine.” “Emma, every guy in there is going to have a hard-on the moment you come in. Nobody is going to be able to eat their dinner. Turn around.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Your ass is visible. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it looks as good as it did in those bikini bottoms. The peach color makes it sort of…glow.” Emma chuckled. “Now you’re just being silly. We’re having dinner with a supermodel. No one is going to notice me.” “Emma, have you looked in the mirror lately?” “Why are you being so complimentary all of a sudden? You see me every single day, and you never comment on how I look. Come on, let’s go.” She walked her amazing backside over to the sliding glass door. “I want to take the beach to get there.” Pete had no choice but to follow her out. Was she right? Did he never compliment her at home? That would have to change. His wife always looked fantastic, and he’d apparently been taking that for granted

—assuming she always knew he thought she looked beautiful. They walked along the water until they arrived at the beach bar. “Antonio said to walk up by the pool and take the path immediately across. That one leads to the formal dining room.” Pete had studied the map after their nap, but as with anything, seeing it visually put it all in perspective. They made their way up to the bar, and as soon as they stepped on the first stair tread, they spotted Harry sitting on the exact same barstool he’d occupied yesterday, his wife next to him. When he saw them, he waved and gave a big whoop of laughter. “They return to the scene of the crime!” he bellowed. “Did you guys have a good day today enjoying the sights? This place will wear you out if you let it.” Once again, he was wearing a skimpy Speedo, this one red, and his wife was topless. “We had a very nice day, thanks for asking,” Emma answered politely. “The island is majestic.” “Well, pull up a seat and join us! Drinks on me for the second time.” He grabbed the stool next to him and slid it forward. “Thanks for your offer,” Pete said, “but we’re on our way to The Chalet to watch the sunset and have dinner.” “Oh, the ol’ Chalet, huh?” Harry said. “That’s too fancy schmancy for us farmers.” He snorted. “We like it nice and simple, but come on by after, and we can have a little party

of our own. Get my drift?” He winked. Oh, Pete got his drift all right and that wasn’t happening. “We’re going to see where the night takes us,” Pete replied noncommittally, placing his hand on Emma’s lower back and guiding her around the bar. “You guys have a nice night.” He waved as they walked past. Once they were out of earshot, Emma leaned in. “I think that’s why very few people are at the bar. Those people suck the life out of the atmosphere around them.” “Can you imagine being intimate with them?” Pete said. “He would be talking about God knows what the entire time.” They looped around the pool. One couple was making use of a cabana, but other than that the pool was quiet. “I think this is the right path.” Emma pointed to a break in the bushes. Once they got closer, they saw a small sign that read The Chalet with an arrow. They took the path, and like all the other pathways that wound through the resort, this one had thick bushes and trees on either side. At times it felt like they were in a rain forest. The resort didn’t skimp on the greenery, that was for sure. The walkway led to a beautiful white building with big double glass doors. Tables were set nicely inside, and the entire wall on the ocean side was glass. Pete opened one of the doors and ushered Emma in ahead of him. The place was elegant, with circular tables dressed to the nines with

all-white settings, including the tablecloth, napkins, and dinner plates. There were generous wine goblets and tall, skinny water glasses. “Wow,” Emma said. “Very nice.” “Yes,” Pete agreed. “Like everything else around here.” A greeter met them at the podium. “Welcome. Two this evening?” she asked. She was dressed in a long white gown, her hair done up in a coif. “We’re actually meeting people here. They said they’d be out on the patio.” “Of course, right this way.” She led them through the restaurant and slightly to the left to another set of large glass doors. They followed her out onto the deck, and the first thing Pete spotted was Antonio, dressed all in white, holding two glasses of champagne, one of which he immediately held out to Emma as they arrived. * * * The sunset was beyond breathtaking. The entire patio of The Chalet was built right over the water, so nothing impeded the view as the sun hit the horizon. The seating areas were all dark wicker with white cushions, a lit hurricane candle in the middle of every table. Many of the tables had a standing ice bucket with a bottle of champagne, just like theirs.

Emma was on her second glass. The five of them sat around the small table as the sky grew duskier, none of them wanting to head in too soon. The weather was perfect, just warm enough, but not sweltering. “I think we need to find a single guy here who can join this party of five,” Mallory complained. “Or maybe a single girl? Either way. I can’t be the only single person who comes here. Right? Please tell me it’s not true.” “What you need is a steady boyfriend,” Antonio said. “And I have a plan to set you up with one.” “Oh, really?” Mallory arched an eyebrow at him. “How are you planning to do that? Snap your rocket-fueled fingers and one is going to appear in front of me? Okay, I’m in.” She grabbed her champagne glass from the table and took a swallow. She was wearing a beautiful white silk halter dress. It looked like it cost a fortune. No bra. The outlines of her nipples showed through every time she moved. Her hair was swept up in a loose knot, and her long chandelier earrings caught the candlelight perfectly. Honestly, the woman was ridiculously stunning. How could anyone look at anything, or anyone, but her? “Do you know how long I’ve been searching for Mr. Right? Since I was thirteen years old and I became my mom’s bankroll, that’s how long. I have big dreams of finding The Guy, and he will gallantly sweep me off my feet and whisk me away from all the bullshit. But I’m quickly coming to the conclusion, in my advanced age, that all guys are atrocious

and only out for themselves. At least in my world, they are. I’m thinking of giving up the quest completely and just moving here permanently. Life would be abundantly easier.” Antonio chuckled. “I’m not going to snap my fingers, but I’m going to do one better. I’m sending you on vacation.” Mallory made a face. “I’m on vacation right now. What can be better than this?” She lifted her glass toward the ocean. “It’s perfect here.” “How about a private Tahitian island? With one of those suites over the water?” “I’m listening,” she said, setting down her glass. They were all listening. Antonio was totally relaxed, resting back in his chair, one ankle propped over the opposite knee. Emma felt guilty every time she looked at him, but she couldn’t keep from doing it. She adjusted the top of her dress, feeling a little self-conscious that everyone could see her nipples, but a little turned on as well. “I just invested in a unique business venture,” he told the group. “One of the original backers dropped out at the last minute. It’s an out-of-the-box experience, but I think it has huge potential with the young, rich, single crowd. The resort will be ready to take on clients in less than six weeks. We’re booking the first week as a test. Each of the partners is gifting a stay to six lucky individuals, three women and three men, and I want to send you.”

“What kind of out-of-the-box experience are we talking about here?” Mallory asked. “I love sex, but I’m not into freaky.” “Think Tinder meets Tahiti,” Antonio answered slyly. He uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, his face animated. “The setup is a beautiful, private island, and everyone there is fuckable and single. Forty-five men and forty-five women. You all get your own villa and a private phone with our app downloaded when you arrive. It mimics Tinder up to a point, but it’s much sexier. We have real-time video embedded in the app for live sexting.” “That sounds…interesting,” Mallory said, nodding once. “I accept.” “Just like that?” Antonio laughed, sitting back in his chair. “You don’t want any more info or need to check dates?” “Nope, surprise me. If I have something booked that week, I’ll reschedule.” She crossed her legs demurely, flattening out the folds of her dress. “It sounds too good to be true, and with you as my fairy godfather, I can’t lose.” Emma was intrigued. “That sounds like a really interesting concept,” she said. “How much does a stay on the island cost?” “Fifty thousand a week,” Antonio answered. “But it’s insanely upscale. There are spas, multiple pools and hot tubs, a nightclub, seven bars, three restaurants, it’s loaded. And the setting is beyond beautiful. They flew me out last month, and I signed on to be a partner the first day. It blew

me away.” Emma whistled. “That’s some serious cash. Your only clients will be the wealthiest one percent.” “That’s the idea,” Antonio said. “Bringing together wealthy hipsters is what it’s all about. There are a lot of under-thirty millionaires these days.” “What’s the island called?” Pete asked. “We’re still trying to come up with a killer slogan, but right now we’re referring to it as Hookup Island.” “Why not just call it Fuck Me Island?” Mallory said. “That’s what’s going to be happening there, and it’s the only possible reason anyone would pay that much. To fuck, and fuck a lot.” “Why not Marry Me Island?” Emma said. “That’s what all the attendees are hoping to find—love.” “You have such a sweet heart, Emma,” Charlotte said. “It’s like you’re a Disney princess with really nice tits, firm abs, and a killer ass. It’s like if Ariel became human and we got to see her walk around naked.” “Come on, I can’t be that far off! If I spent that kind of money to go to an island like that,” Emma sputtered, “it would be to find my perfect match!” “Yeah, right,” Mallory snorted. “The chances of me finding Mr. Right on that Tahitian island are the same as the bachelorette finding an actual, non-asshole husband on network television. If I were in charge of those roses, I’d toss them on the ground and crush them beneath the heel of my Jimmy Choo, then I’d invite all the guys to do me at

once, no strings attached. All the guys there just want to fuck and be on TV.” “I can totally envision that.” Charlotte giggled. “It would make for hella good TV. But, hey, it happened to one of the bachelorettes, so it can happen for you, too, right?” Charlotte turned to Antonio. “I call dibs on the next test crowd, Tonio. After you dump me, it’s the least you can do to mend my broken heart.” She smiled sweetly and held up her drink. “Cheers to amicable breakups and hot island hookups, now fill me up.” Antonio picked up the champagne and refilled her glass. “No one is breaking up with anyone tonight. So on that note, let’s head in and eat. What do you guys say?” He stood. “They have a table waiting for us.” They followed him in. Emma was directly behind Antonio. At the table he turned, smiled at her, and pulled out the chair next to him. “Won’t you have a seat?” She sat.

18 __________________________ ____________

Pete was seated across the table from Emma. He watched her laugh and have a good time next to Antonio the entire meal. If it hadn’t been for Mallory distracting him, he would’ve overturned the table and hauled her out of there after the first five minutes. Mallory leaned in, whispering, “Your frowny face is scaring the staff. Snap out of it. We’re almost done. Then it’s time for the real fun to begin.” “The only fun Emma and I are having is back in our room,” Pete commented. “I’m taking her home right after dinner.” Mallory laughed. “Yeah, right. If Antonio has anything to say about it, we’ll all be fucking on his villa deck before the night is over, his cock firmly embedded in your wife.” “Over my dead body,” Pete replied gruffly. “This is all coming along so nicely,” Mallory said. “You are definitely a predictable man.” She set her hand on his chest and drew a nail downward. “It’s too bad you’re taken, because we could’ve totally had some fun. You’re a guy’s guy, and I like that. The caveman type. But totally loyal. I need to clone you.” A curtain of hair fell over one

eye as she leaned forward, blocking Pete’s view of the other side of the table. Then, unexpectedly, she nibbled his earlobe. When he jerked back, she held him steady by the shoulders, saying, “Hold tight, cowboy. This is all part of the plan.” “What fucking plan?” Pete hissed. He was having trouble keeping his voice below a yell. He was sick of it all. “To make Emma jealous, of course,” Mallory replied sweetly. She patted his chest. “Dude, you need to wake up and smell the Cuban. You’re going to need to make your wife want you more than she wants the shiny new treat who’s showering her with attention and affection and expensive-as-hell champagne. And she’s going to want you all the more when she thinks I want you. Capisce?” “No, it’s not capisce at all—” “Are you two all right?” Emma asked from the other side of the table. Pete’s head snapped up. He hadn’t realized that he’d basically been in a huddle with Mallory. “We’re fine—I’m fine. Just ready to head out.” “Oh, where are you two going?” Emma’s face was inscrutable. “No, we’re going.” He gestured between the two of them, trying not to sound too frustrated. “You and I. Back to the villa.” Emma’s eyebrows rose as she glanced between him

and Mallory. “Antonio and Charlotte are having a bonfire in front of their villa. They’ve invited some other couples to join them. It’s going to be fun, and I’d like to go.” Pete was about to say there was no way in hell that was happening, but Mallory reached under the table and pinched his leg. “Fine,” he ground out. “We can do it if you want.” Antonio heard every word and grinned ear to ear like he’d just won a contest. Pete wanted to punch the smile off his face. His fists curled in his lap. “I think everyone is finished.” Antonio set his napkin on the table. “Shall we go?” Once again, they all stood and followed him out. He was like the Pied Piper of Paradise. Pete could see no other choice but to follow. But it made him sick to be one of this guy’s ducklings. How had this happened so fast? They’d only been there a day. Once outside they took the wood path. After a few hundred feet, Pete couldn’t take it anymore. He had to get away for a few minutes, or he was going to go bonkers. He decided to take the beach the rest of the way back to clear his head. “Does anyone know if this path is the one that heads to the beach?” he called, stopping at an intersection everyone else had already passed. Charlotte turned. “Yep, that one goes out to the beach in front of area B.” “Great,” Pete said. “I’m going to go this way. I’ll meet

you guys back at the villa.” Emma turned. She was in front, walking with Antonio. “Okay,” she said, her face hard to read in the darkness. “We’ll see you back at the villas.” Villas? Plural. Mallory made a move to go with him, but he shook his head, tamping down the snarl that was rising in his throat. She took his meaning, or maybe his face, to heart and kept walking with the others. “We’ll see you later, surfer dude,” she called over her shoulder. “And I, for one, can’t wait.” Then she blew him a loud, smacking kiss. Pete turned, angry at how this night had turned out. He fisted his hands as he walked. His muscles were beginning to ache because of all the clenching and unclenching. His brain was moving in eighty different directions. This was brand new territory for him. Emma had always been doting —first as a doting girlfriend, and then as a doting wife. She’d never given him any reason to doubt her love for him. Now? He had no idea what was going on. It was making his chest ache all the damn time, a dull thudding pounding continuously against his ribs. The trouble was, he had no idea what it meant. He’d never experienced any sort of emotion like this before. It sounded lame, but he’d never loved anyone like Emma. And she’d never given him any reason to feel like this. After a few twists and turns, Pete made it out to the

beach. He’d exited onto the sand at the very far end of the resort. It was dark, but the moon was out. He was wearing light linen pants that Emma had bought him especially for the trip. He stopped to roll up his pant legs before he hit the water. For a moment, he wished like hell this island had a good wave break. Surfing had been his life growing up in California. He’d attended USC, and when he hadn’t been playing baseball, he’d spent most of his time in the water. Mallory hadn’t been far from the truth when she called him a surfer. He looked like a surfer, and he certainly identified with the lifestyle. Choosing to move to Chicago, and then to Madison, had taken him far from what he loved to do, but being with Emma made him happier. As he walked up the beach toward their villa, he thought about his life with Emma. She’d been happy with him all these years, hadn’t she? They’d gotten married fairly young, but lots of people did. Originally, she hadn’t wanted to move to the suburbs, but once they’d found their neighborhood, she’d seemed content. Their house was something they were both proud of. They’d each put their blood, sweat, and tears into it. Their neighbors were a little eye-roll-inducing, but whose weren’t? He ran a hand through his hair. How had things gotten to this point? That was the question he kept going back to. He and Emma had been happy. They’d been living the perfect life. Now all of a sudden she was unhappy, and he was miserable. The problem was, her unhappiness could drive

her into the arms of another man—a man with millions of dollars and a tantalizing lifestyle Pete couldn’t compete with. Emma could leave him and the suburbs behind forever with a snap of her fingers. “Damn,” he muttered. “How did things get so jacked so fast? I am so fucked.” * * * Emma absentmindedly stroked the stem of her wine glass. Pete hadn’t arrived yet, and neither had Mallory. She had no idea what was going on, but she was heartsick. At that very moment, she was trying to scrub visions of them together out of her mind. She wanted to enjoy the night, but she couldn’t. “Why such the long face?” Charlotte asked as she sat down beside her on the deck. Antonio was down on the beach, getting the bonfire started. “Oh, just thinking about stuff,” Emma mumbled. “Nothing too exciting. It’s so beautiful here, it’s a wonder that doesn’t cure all ills.” “What stuff are you thinking about? The fact your hunk of a husband hasn’t shown up?” Emma darted a glance at Charlotte. “Why, do you know where he is?” “No, but I can promise you he’s not with Mallory.” “How do you know that?” Emma questioned. “He

could be. They were all over each other at dinner.” “I know because Mallory went to her villa alone. I escorted her there myself. Your hubby just needed to get some fresh air, and I don’t really blame him. He’s competing with a lot right now. A lesser man would’ve packed up and gone home already.” “Competing? How do you mean?” Emma asked. “Come on, you seriously don’t know?” Charlotte raised her eyebrows. “I find that hard to believe.” Emma blushed. “No, I don’t know. He’s my husband. He doesn’t have to compete with anyone.” “Really? Is that why you were eye-fucking Antonio on the beach today? You totally got off on him watching you, and it wasn’t too bad for him either. I was a recipient of that intensity, and it was terrific.” “You saw that?” Emma felt terrible. She bowed her head. “I’m so sorry. I honestly don’t know what’s gotten into me. This is not my normal behavior, I can promise you that.” “I know what’s gotten into you, and he’s a tall, Cuban drink of water. That man is charisma personified. He draws you into his web very easily, like giving a child a lollipop. Then you add in the ridiculous amount of money, all the flashy things like yachts and expensive champagne, and most women don’t stand a chance.” Emma politely snorted. “I’d like to think I’m not most women. To tell you the truth”—she turned toward Charlotte, crossing her legs—“I’ve always been head over

heels in love with my husband, since the first time I ever laid eyes on him. Done, finished, met my soul mate, in love. But very recently things have changed. I’m tired of doing the same things over and over again. For such a long time, our relationship has been about pleasing others…I don’t know,” she said miserably. “I’m just craving attention, I think. I need to feel noticed. I guess Antonio is filling that need for me right now, but I can assure you I don’t want him. I want Pete. But I’m so sorry for earlier this afternoon. I really am. I was incredibly turned on, and Antonio is your boyfriend. I crossed a line. Please forgive me.” “Are you kidding?” Charlotte hooted, tipping her head back. “Antonio is far from mine. And thank goodness I know that, or I’d be one heartbroken woman. What I told you guys today was the truth. I’m his girlfriend until he decides otherwise. I haven’t let myself fall too deeply in love with him for that very reason, and by doing so, I’ve managed to protect my heart as well as I can. I’m always truthful with myself. If it wasn’t you on the beach, it would’ve been someone else. I get that. He’s the kind of guy who is always searching for that next thing to excite him. I guess that’s what makes him such a successful businessman. Who knows?” Charlotte shrugged. “But your husband is super gorgeous and clearly very much in love with you. He’s miserable witnessing Antonio showering you with so much attention, knowing that if you wanted to become the new girlfriend of the filthy-rich bachelor, you

could. You guys have gotten off track a bit, but I believe it’s fixable.” “It’s not fixable if he chooses to be with Mallory,” Emma said. “I’ve seen them with their heads together, and they’d actually make a beautiful couple. It’s the same way Pete feels about Antonio. I can’t compete with a rich supermodel.” “Now you’re talking crazy! You are totally gorgeous, and besides that, Mallory doesn’t want Pete. She’s only trying to help him.” “Help him?” Emma said, her mouth gaping open. “What do you mean?” “Yes, help him. You thinking Mallory is interested in him makes him a little more desirable and you a little jealous, yes?” “I guess,” Emma admitted. “But I hate games like that.” Charlotte shook her head, clucking her tongue. “Tell me if I’m right. When you first met Pete, he was the guy at a bar who got all the attention. Beautiful girls draped themselves all over him. He never had to want for any attention his entire life, because it always came looking for him. Does that sound like your husband?” “Yes…pretty much,” Emma said. “But he’s not one of those asshole guys with an attitude about it.” “I didn’t think he was,” Charlotte assured her. “But sometimes the guys who have to work the least are the most clueless when it comes to this stuff. Pete’s likely never had his heart broken, or felt the kind of jealous rage

that grabs hold of you and won’t let go. He’s probably processing a ton of emotions right now and doesn’t even know what they are. The ache has to be totally foreign to him. He has no idea what to do. Not to mention, he’s been forced into this game because you started playing it first,” she pointed out. “You were craving this kind of attention, and you weren’t getting it from him, so you searched it out from someone else.” Emma nodded. “You could be right, and it makes me ashamed. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting Pete to know what to do. I’m tired of him not getting it. I feel exhausted.” “Ah, the ever-present battle between the girl brain and the guy brain. Unfortunately for us, most guys don’t have the faculties to figure it out unless we lead them by the nose to what we want. We’re like aliens to them. But, for what it’s worth, I don’t blame you. All my married friends have gone through that itchy phase, and each time they come to me—their token single friend—and spout the same things. They just want their husbands to understand them. Not all of them make it, but I’m certain you and Pete will. You’re both super hot for each other.” She patted Emma’s leg. “Now I’m going to go help my as-of-right-now boyfriend with the fire. Apparently, the Gavins are coming tonight, so it should get mighty entertaining around here pretty quick. That couple does it all and doesn’t care who’s watching. The pope could be in attendance, and they’d still get down and dirty.”

Charlotte left Emma to her thoughts. Emma wanted to believe that there was nothing going on between Pete and Mallory, but she was having a hard time digesting all the emotions. If Pete was jealous of her interactions with Antonio, why wasn’t he doing something about it? On the beach today, he’d been a little possessive, but then he’d gone right back to flirting with Mallory. Emma felt torn. She wanted more. She craved more. She didn’t really want Antonio, but she loved feeling appreciated and admired. That attention was like a drug. It’d been too long since she’d felt like that. Piper had been right. Her self-worth had been gone for too long, and now that it was back, she felt empowered. No way was she going to lose that. Emma heard voices down on the beach. She stood. It was time for her to go see what the night had in store for her. No more wallowing. She would see for herself who her husband wanted.

19 __________________________ ____________

Pete watched his wife walk out onto the beach. Her dress flowed around her, her hair swayed in the breeze. She was incredibly beautiful, and his chest seized. He rubbed at it absently as she headed in the direction of the bonfire. He’d just come up to the villa from his walk. He’d ended up sitting in the sand and contemplating their situation for a long time. What he’d come up with was there was no way in hell Antonio was going to steal his wife. He didn’t understand everything that was going on with Emma, but maybe he didn’t have to. Maybe he just had to make her see that he was the only one for her. No more games, no more Mallory trying to make her jealous. It was going to be him winning his wife. Pete walked purposefully toward her when someone grabbed hold of his hand. An unfamiliar female voice sounded in his ear. “Where you going in such a hurry, big fella?” He whirled around to see a blonde bombshell standing next to him. She had the biggest breasts he’d ever seen, and he’d witnessed many. She wore a barely there bikini on top

that had no more than a square of material covering her nipples. Why bother? “Um, to find my wife,” he said, pulling his hand back. “I’m Cheri Gavin, and my husband, Frankie, is around here someplace. But that never matters here, does it?” She placed the tip of her index finger in her mouth and sucked. Before he could say what was on his mind, like get the fuck away from me, Mallory came bounding up. “Ah, so I see you’ve met the illustrious Cheri. Down, girl,” she scolded the buxom blonde. “This one’s taken, and he doesn’t do three of a kind.” Pete quirked his eyes at Mallory. They’d had a threesome yesterday. “Damn, Mallory, you always get to the good ones first,” Cheri whined. “But after he sees me deep-throat Frankie, I’m certain he’ll come looking for a little adventure. Won’t you, big fella?” She brought her palm up to his pec, and it was all he could do to not swat it away like a fly buzzing too close. “I’m standing right here, ladies,” he interjected. “I can speak for myself. Cheri, I won’t be coming to find—” Another woman walked up, joining the group, her sundress cut deeply down the front. “Who’s this tall glass of hunky water?” the brunette with a bob asked. “This is Pete Slater,” Mallory said. “You’re going to have to wait in line, Becky. He’s taken.” “By you?” the woman said in a haughty tone. “In all the

time I’ve known you, Mallory, you haven’t stuck around longer than four minutes after the big O. You’re gone before your partner can even catch their breath. He looks to me like he’s got enough stamina for more than one round anyway.” This was getting ridiculous. “Sorry to disappoint you, ladies,” Pete said, “but I’m not with—” Mallory clamped on to his arm and began to drag him away. “Time to go!” she announced, turning to the ladies behind her as she continued to pull him along. “See you gals later.” “Where are you taking me?” Pete asked, his jaw tight. “I’m not amused, Mallory. I’m not playing any more games. I want to find Emma and figure this out with her once and for all.” “No, you don’t.” “What do you mean ‘no, I don’t’? I do. Like, right fucking now.” Mallory had managed to half-pull, half-drag him down the beach, stopping behind a palm tree. “I’m done with this,” he told her. “I’m not playing these games anymore. I’ve thought about it, and I just have to let Emma know how I feel.” “You can’t right now.” “What do you mean I can’t right now?” He tried to look around the tree, but Mallory placed a hand on either side of his face to stop him.

“I wouldn’t look if I were you.” He ripped out of her grasp and stomped around the trunk. Just in time to see Antonio pull back from kissing someone. Pete’s heart sped up. He couldn’t see who was standing in front of him. Then Antonio stepped to the side. A beat later, Emma’s red hair came into view. She was laughing as she placed a hand on Antonio’s chest. Pete felt like he’d been punched in the gut. The pain was physical. He almost doubled over from the intensity. This couldn’t be happening. Rage cascaded over his eyes, and before he knew what he was doing, he was headed in their direction, Mallory holding on to his arm, trying to keep him back. That wasn’t going to happen. Emma was his. Fuck everyone else. * * * “That was the lamest truth or dare anyone’s ever come up with.” Emma batted Antonio away, smacking him in the chest. She knew he was making up games as a ploy to try to kiss her. She had to admit she was flattered that he was trying so hard, but she wasn’t falling for it. After seeing Pete surrounded by a group of women, not even glancing her way, and then running off with Mallory,

it was all she could do to keep it together. If it hadn’t been for Antonio keeping her attention, she would’ve been crying. There was a loud noise, and then Mallory yelled, “No!” Emma couldn’t see around Antonio, but something was going on. All of a sudden, Antonio was being yanked backward. Emma was surprised to see her husband, angrier than she’d ever seen him, gripping Antonio by the shirt, yelling, “What the fuck is going on? That’s my wife!” Pete was furious. Emma was floored. Antonio mocked putting his hands up in surrender. “Hey, man, no worries. We were just having a little fun while you were—” Pete dragged Antonio closer, almost yanking him off his feet. Pete was taller by a good five or six inches, but Antonio was stocky. “I said, ‘That’s my wife,’” Pete said right into his face. “Do you understand? She’s mine. If you don’t keep your hands to yourself, I’m going to break them.” Emma stepped between them, putting her hand on Pete’s arm, pleading, “Pete, it’s fine. There was nothing going on! We were just playing a dumb game of truth or dare, and Antonio dared me to rub noses with him. Please don’t make a scene.” “Rub noses with you?” Her husband looked like he’d

bitten into a lemon. His head snapped to her. “What the hell are you talking about?” “Yes, I was touching her nose,” Antonio replied. “So you can let go now. No harm, no foul.” Pete let go, flinging him back. Antonio stumbled back a few steps, but regained his footing easily. “Your wife was playing along with my banter very nicely, but she would only agree to give me an Eskimo kiss, when what I really wanted to do was take her inside and fuck her.” Emma’s mouth fell open. She couldn’t believe Antonio had just admitted that out loud. Pete seemed unfazed by the news, which also surprised Emma. “Well, at least you have the balls to admit you’re trying to seduce my wife.” A buxom blonde Emma hadn’t been introduced to yet started clapping. “That was incredible!” she said. “It was right out of a movie where two hot guys get into a fight over a woman! I’m so turned on right now. Frankie, come here right this minute! I need a big cock in my mouth!” Emma made a face. The woman was over the top in the worst way. Why would Antonio ever invite her? Frankie dutifully walked over to his wife, his dick out, and she took the entire thing into her mouth in one pull. That was why. Before Emma could figure out what to do, Pete was dragging her away from the group, his arm gripped tightly around her waist. He didn’t stop until they were in front of

their own villa next door. He sat on the double lounger, pulling her down onto his lap, his mouth covering hers, his tongue entering her mouth swiftly and furiously. She plowed her hands through his hair and fell into the kiss. He growled into her mouth, needy and hot, “You’re mine.” “Yes,” she breathed. He laid her on her back, his mouth still sealed over hers, his lips searching, his tongue plunging in over and over again. Emma was already wet with need. Her husband wanted her more than anything or anyone else in the world. He was hungry for her and couldn’t get enough. Pete pulled her sheer dress over her head. “I’ve been wanting to suck those nipples all night,” he said, his voice husky. “I can’t get my pants off fast enough.” He knelt over her, yanking them off. A button popped and rolled off the bed. He was out of them in the next instant. Once they were both naked, he didn’t hesitate. He entered her fast and deep, bending forward so he could capture her hard peak in his mouth while he thrust into her. Her hips arched up, her head tilting up to the stars, her fingernails raking his back. “Yes!” she called. He kissed his way up to her neck, his lips open, his tongue stroking her pulse point. “Antonio doesn’t get to fuck you,” he grated, moving his lips to her ear as his cock

pounded in and out of her. “The only one who gets this is me.” He sank himself to the hilt, rocking against her to punctuate his point, making them both moan. Shivers raced through her. His intensity was boiled over. His need electrified her. “Yes, only you,” she murmured in his ear, one hand stroking the back of his head. “It’s always been you.” Pete rose up on his arms, his hips pumping against her, possession written all over his face. She loved that look and hadn’t seen it in too long. Emma didn’t care if anyone was watching. She was with her husband and it was divine. Pete pulled out, his breathing heavy. “I need more, Emma. I can’t…control it. Turn over and get on your knees.” She scrambled up, wanting this as much as he did. She braced herself with one hand on the wooden post as her husband grabbed on to her hips and plunged himself inside. He was big, and at this angle, he hit her sweet spot perfectly. She called out, “God, Pete! Yes.” He jerked her hips back with his hands as he plowed forward. He was on fire, and Emma was going to come hard. Pete ran his hands all over her ass, touching and kneading. “This has always been mine, since the first time I ever laid eyes on you. You have the perfect ass, and don’t think for a moment I’m not going to fuck it. Just not right now. This feels too good to stop.” “I don’t want you to stop,” Emma panted. “I’m close.

It’s going to be a big one.” “I want you to come first,” Pete said. “I want to feel you come all over my cock.” Emma drew in quick breaths. Pete set a relentless pace. She bowed her head, each thrust bringing her closer to her pinnacle. He grasped her ankles, driving into her, and she yelled, pinning her ass to him, exploding. As she came, her fingers scrabbled at the edge of the cushion, trying to find something to hold on to as sensations flooded through her, starting from her toes and sweeping quickly through her body. Her thighs clenched a second before her insides begin to pulse. “That’s it!” Pete called, bucking into her. “Come hard all over my cock!” He held on to her hips, locking her against him as he ground himself against her clit. Pete knew how to draw every last drop out of her. As he rubbed against her, she came again, her body quivering as it spasmed. She shook her head, which was still bowed. “Damn, you do that so well,” she murmured. “You hit it every time.” “We’re not finished either. I haven’t come yet,” he told her. “We’re going to wait a few minutes, while I calm down, and then we’re going to do this all over again. This time, I want you on top. I know you can come again and again, Emma.” His voice was commanding, and Emma’s toes curled. Pete pulled out of her slowly, and she shuddered. He

lay back on the bed. “Come to me.” His hands guided her down, and she straddled his hips. Her clit was still swollen and throbbing. She grabbed hold of his cock, angling him up, stroking it lightly. “You’re so hard,” she mused. “I bet this is killing you to wait. What if I tease you just a little—” Pete thrust up through her hand, diving into her wetness. As he entered, he rubbed perfectly along her Gspot, and she came apart again. She grabbed on to his chest, bucking as she tipped her head back and shouted out her happiness.

20 __________________________ ____________

After Emma came for the third time, Pete was ready for his release. His hands firmly gripped Emma’s hips as she undulated on his cock. He’d felt all her contractions and had watched with a heated gaze as her abs clenched and unclenched. When she’d settled down enough, he raised her up off of him. She went willingly, nodding. She knew what he wanted. He positioned his tip at the entrance of her tight ass. “Yes, Pete,” she moaned. “This is going to make me come again.” Emma usually had the biggest orgasm when he took her this way. “I know, babe,” he said. “That’s what I’m aiming for.” He gritted his teeth as he broke her seal. His cock was already drenched from being inside her, and it went in smoothly. He savored every single moment, the beginning was the best part. Emma began to move her hips in a slow circle, taking all the sensations and making them extreme. “Stop moving,” he groaned. “I want to be in there for more than five seconds before I come. You feel way too good.” “I’m trying to control myself,” she panted. “But I can’t

help it. This is so electric.” His hands slid up to cup her breasts, his thumbs brushing the tips. She tossed her head back, her mane of hair flowing down her back. He was a breast man. He wished he could suck them right now, but the angle wasn’t right and being inside her tightness felt too good. She began to move on top of him slowly, sliding up and down on his shaft. His jaw was set as he managed, “We’re going to come together.” He moved his index finger to her core. “I’m so close, I’m barely holding on.” “Yes, together,” she agreed. “Touch me.” His finger found her enflamed bud. He circled it three times before she let out a long gasp and her hips started to buck. The tightness around his cock was incredible. He came instantly, his body exploding as he arched up at the waist, his hands grasping Emma, locking her on his cock. He yelled, not caring who the fuck heard. This was what heaven felt like. “Goddamn,” he groaned as he poured every last drop into her. Before Emma could move, he wound his hand around her neck, leaning in to kiss her, long and hard. When he broke the embrace, they were both gasping. It was dark, but the moon was full. For the first time, Pete noticed that the resort had lit tiki torches on the beach. Pete braced his wife around the waist with both arms and sat up. He lifted her off the bed and eased out of her, carrying her directly down to the ocean. The water would

feel wonderful. “Where are we going?” Emma entwined her arms around his neck. “For a swim. It’s a beautiful night.” He made it to the edge and waded in. “Ah, it’s the perfect temperature, and it’s so calm.” “This is nice,” Emma said, as he walked out until the water was waist-deep then eased them both in. They were hot and sweaty after their interlude, so it felt extra good. Once the water was chest-high, he changed Emma’s position in his arms so she could wrap her legs around his waist, which she did happily. She immediately lay back in the water, her hair fanning. She looked like a mermaid in the moonlight. “The salt is so buoyant. I don’t even have to do anything but lie here.” She moved her arms lazily in a circle. “Amazing.” “What’s amazing is you. I could watch you all night long. Your breasts are like two perfect globes,” he said. “The view has never been better.” Emma came up out of the water and hugged him, whispering in his ear, “We needed that. I’m so happy.” “Yes, we did,” he said, holding her tight. “I had no idea we were missing that. When I saw you with Antonio, something inside me broke. I’ve been struggling with these feelings all day, not knowing what to do. The girls were giving me all this advice, but nothing felt right. Then when I thought he was kissing you, it was the last straw for me.”

“It’s going to take more than this to get us back on track, but I know this is where we need to be,” she said. “I just want to mean more to you than anyone else in the entire world. It’s not something I could’ve ordered you to do. You had to see it—and want it—for yourself. But I’m glad you did. You’re all I want.” He bobbed down in the water, still holding on to her. “You’re all I want, too. I never meant to be pigheaded about this, but I didn’t get it. Like I said, these feelings are new to me. I did a lot of thinking on the way back from dinner. That’s why I was late. In the end, losing you is not an option. I will keep fighting for you, whatever it takes.” “You were never going to lose me.” She assured him with a lingering kiss. “We were just stalled. I admit I enjoyed the attention Antonio poured on, even invited it, but only because it made me feel appreciated. I felt coveted, and women need to feel that sometimes. We need that reassurance—or at least I do. Knowing that I’m the one who turned you on that much a few moments ago, and that you can’t live without me, makes me feel happy.” “If you ask me, Antonio appreciated you too much,” Pete growled. “But if he hadn’t, I might still be knocking my head against the wall trying to figure this out.” They heard splashes behind them, and Pete turned them around. Mallory and Charlotte were giggling as they halfswam, half-splashed over. “I see you lovebirds are back on track,” Mallory said,

stopping a few feet from them, then sinking back in the water, kicking out her feet and arms. Both girls were totally naked, as usual. “That was some hella good sex, boys and girls,” Charlotte said. “I applaud your gangster efforts.” “Did you watch us the entire time?” Emma asked, her arms still around Pete’s neck. “Nah,” Charlotte said. “It was too hard to see in the dark, but by the sounds of it, you got the goods more than a few times. You drove Cheri nearly out of her mind. Her boobs were heaving like I’ve never seen before. We had Frankie and Jay double-time her so she’d shut up already.” “I have no idea why Antonio invites them,” Mallory said, shaking her head. “They are the epitome of lowclass.” “He’s amused by her extra-large breasts,” Charlotte answered, “and the fact she’ll do anything—and I mean anything—to get her fix. I’m saying a Dirty Sanchez is not out of the question for her.” “Gross!” Mallory gasped. “Everyone has to draw a line somewhere. Mine is way before that. I do have some morals, even if they’re sometimes hard to find.” “I don’t know what a Dirty Sanchez is,” Emma commented. “And from the sounds of it, I don’t think I want to know.” “No, no, you don’t,” Mallory agreed. “It’s disgusting, and if I had to guess, totally made-up. I don’t know of one person in the entire world who would say okay to anything

that has to do with shit during sex. And I mean actual shit. Even for all of Cheri’s bravado, I don’t think she’d do it.” “Well, ladies,” Pete said, clearing his throat, “on that note, I’m going to take my beautiful wife home for the evening. We plan to stay holed up for a while, ordering room service and having great sex, so don’t be alarmed when you don’t see us. I’m sure we’ll resurface eventually.” Pete swept Emma out of the water without looking back. She held on to him, kicking out her feet and giggling as he carried her to their villa. * * * Emma stretched out in bed. She was relaxed and content. It was one o’clock in the afternoon. It’d been three days since they’d seen anyone else for more than a passing moment. They’d ordered all their meals in, and other than going out on the beach in front of their villa, or taking a few runs, they hadn’t ventured farther than their deck. Their pool had been amazing. Emma could float in there all day long, as it had shade from a few palm trees. The past few days had been exactly what Emma had needed and hoped for on this trip. A full reconnection of body and soul. She felt rejuvenated. This morning she’d gone on an early morning run. She had been out the door before sunrise, and by the time she

arrived back to the villa, Pete had been up and ready for some fun. They’d spent the better part of the morning having sex, and then she’d taken a nap. “I’m going to be so spoiled now,” Emma said, rolling over, bringing her hands over her head to stretch. “I’m not going to be able to re-adapt to normal life. All I’m going to want is for you to feed me chocolate-covered fruit and massage my back for hours at a time.” Pete strode toward her as he towel-dried his hair. “I’m ready to give you another treatment as soon as you’re up for it.” He gyrated his hips, displaying his prominent erection. “This one will massage you on the inside.” “I can’t believe how often you’re hard,” Emma said with wonder in her voice. “What’s gotten into you? It’s like you’ve morphed into a sex machine.” Pete crawled onto the bed with her, grinning as he tossed the towel to the floor. “You’ve gotten into me, or is it I’ve gotten into you?” He placed his lips on her bare stomach. “You’re so enticing I can’t get enough.” He nipped her stomach. She swatted his shoulder. “Now I know you’re making things up!” She laughed. “You just like sex. Plain and simple.” “I love sex, but sex with you is driving me insane.” He moved up her body and took a pert nipple into his mouth. “It’s like when we just met. I can’t get enough.” “Me either.” She wound her hands into his hair, loving the feel and the texture of it. He had thick blond hair that

curled at his neck. It’d always been a turn-on for her. “Remember when we holed up in your apartment for an entire week? That was pure bliss.” “I remember that all too well,” he murmured, taking the other nipple in his mouth as Emma groaned. “That’s when I realized how incredibly flexible you are.” He chuckled. “My dick couldn’t get enough. But I knew I was never going to let you go after our week together. I was already figuring out how I was going to propose.” “I knew I was going to marry you, too.” Pete propped himself up on an elbow, gazing down at her, his eyes heated. “I’m sorry we stumbled, but I want to make sure the rest of our years together are amazing like this. We’ll just have to make sure we keep finding our way back to this feeling and talking about it when things feel off.” “I agree—” The glass door to their bedroom suddenly slid open, and Mallory, followed by Charlotte, tumbled in. They were both dressed in sheer bathing suit cover-ups with nothing on underneath. “Okay, kiddies, I’m officially here to tell you your selfappointed hibernation is over!” Mallory announced as she draped herself on the bed. “The yacht hasn’t been the same without you, and I’m bored out of my mind. They really need to advertise this place to singles.” Emma giggled as she pulled a sheet around her and Pete. She wasn’t being modest, she just wanted privacy. “I

don’t know,” Emma answered. “We’re having a pretty good time alone. The only thing missing for me is my junk food and a ballet barre so I can stretch my aching muscles and get in a good workout.” “They have a small convenience store here,” Mallory said. “They can deliver whatever you want, sans the barre. But that’s beside the point! We miss you guys. And it’s my last night. I fly out with the dawn tomorrow morning.” Charlotte had gone into the living room and was tugging a chair in. She sat by the bed, resting her feet on the mattress. “Plus, tonight is the monthly Saturday pool party,” Charlotte added. “You guys have to come. We want to have dinner on the yacht first. Antonio is already arranging it. He’s having the restaurant cater some specialty items for us and deliver them piping hot, and that man gets what he wants. Then it’s pool party time. You can’t miss it. It’s the bomb.” “What happens at the pool party?” Pete asked, pulling Emma into his arms as he reclined against the headboard. She snuggled in, loving the attention. “Don’t you guys read the fine print? What doesn’t happen at Pool Party Saturday?” Mallory said. “It’s a freefor-all, and it’s my favorite night to be here. They don’t schedule many activities, but this one happens on the second Saturday of every month, rain or shine. They do it up. They bring in a DJ, string up more lights, and host a full bar at the pool’s edge. There’s a lot of drinking and a lot of fucking to be had by all. It’s a great time. It’s one of the

only times almost everyone shows up.” “And if it makes you feel any better, Antonio is totally repentant,” Charlotte said. “In fact, it’s been awesome for me, since I’m back to being his number one fuck buddy. He really wants you guys to join us tonight. He told us to tell you he admires Pete’s gumption—his word, not mine—and would hire him at his company in a heartbeat. He also said to tell Emma that she’s breathtakingly beautiful, but he will respect both your wishes to keep his dick out of it. Of course, if those wishes should ever change, and Emma wants to have sex, he’s open to that as well,” Charlotte chortled. “Leave it to the Cuban to keep all avenues open. I have to say, that man loves the chase. But once you’re caught, it gets stale fast, so in my opinion you dodged a bullet.” Emma glanced up at Pete to gauge his reaction. “It’s up to you,” she told him. “I can go either way.” “A catered dinner on the yacht is a hard invitation to pass up,” Pete said. “And the pool party sounds intriguing, so I say we go.” “You heard the man,” Emma said to the girls. “What time should we be ready?” “We’re going to meet at the marina at seven,” Mallory said, pulling herself off the bed dramatically, arching her back, yawning, raising her arms above her head. “We’re going to head out now and let you guys get back to your regularly scheduled romp. Unless, of course, you want company?” She looked hopeful. “Then, by all means, we’ll

stay.” Emma chuckled. “We’re not ready for company yet,” she informed the supermodel. It was hard to believe Emma was going to turn this beauty away. “But we’ll keep you posted. Who knows what the night will bring?” “I like the sound of that,” Mallory said as she stood and turned toward the door. “Come on, Char. Let’s hit the beach bar and liquor up. I saw the cute new guy head in that direction a little while ago.” Charlotte got up and followed her out. “That guy wasn’t a guest. He was a new staff member, and he was going to his new position as bartender.” “Whatever,” Mallory said, flicking her arm behind her. “If he’s single and wants to fuck me, who am I to turn him away?” Charlotte shook her head. “You are the horniest girl I’ve ever met. Are you sure you’re not a guy?” They continued their banter as they left the villa. Emma snuggled into Pete more, basking in contentment. “Are you sure you want to go on Antonio’s boat?” she asked, drawing a circle around his belly button. “We can still do the party and not eat on the boat.” Pete shrugged. “It’s fine. He’s not a bad guy, and he has great taste in women. If this were a regular resort, I would’ve laid him out. But this is a resort where that kind of behavior is expected, to a degree. I can only fault him to a point. Plus, it’s a free dinner on a yacht. I’m not going to complain.”

“What do you think the pool party will be like? We should probably talk about our expectations before we go.” Emma was a little hesitant about attending. She didn’t want to take a step backward when they’d had three perfect days together. “I’m not sure we’re ready to jump back into the lifestyle full force.” “How about we decide that tonight is going to be about us and our pleasure, and leave it at that?” “Sounds perfect to me.”

21 __________________________ ____________

“The food here is to die for,” Emma announced to the table. “I never want to leave. When we get back home, it will feel hollow and cold, I know it will.” She popped another delicious shrimp into her mouth. The yacht was anchored fairly close to shore, bobbing on small waves. The sun was going to set very soon. “They do everything perfectly right here,” Antonio agreed. “I’ve tried to inquire about becoming a partner, but they shut me out every time. There’s no interest. It’s a family-run business. But they have all this acreage.” He gestured to shore. “They could expand and make a lot more money.” “Maybe for once it’s not about the money,” Mallory said. “Maybe they just enjoy living here, and that’s enough. I think it’s very American to want more, more, more. We can’t seem to get enough of anything. We want more money, sex, power, fame, you name it. It’s tiring as hell. I envy them for this island and the simple life.” Charlotte nodded her agreement. The girls were all dressed casually in sundresses, the guys in linen pants and T-shirts. It felt like a normal night

out, and Emma was enjoying it immensely. “I totally agree with Mallory,” Emma commented. “We are a society of we-can’t-possibly-get-enough, and I love that this resort is so small. It feels intimate. If it was any bigger, it would feel like a commercial spot.” “Maybe so,” Antonio said, “but I can tell you there’s more island this resort can utilize without taking away its integrity. Have you guys explored the beaches around the island?” He addressed Pete and Emma specifically. “No,” Emma answered sheepishly, “but we plan to. I’ve only been out on a few runs, but I think we’ll ride the bikes tomorrow.” “If you head toward the opposite end, on the resort side, you’ll come to this beautiful horseshoe beach. They could build a few villas over there for folks who really wanted to be secluded, like us”—he gestured around the table—“who like to vacation together, but would like it to be exclusive.” Mallory snorted. “I do agree with that. I’d book out a private beach just for me and my crew.” “See, that’s what I’m talking about.” Antonio nodded. “I’m going to leave them my info again, along with a proposal before we go. Why not? It’s a missed opportunity.” “When are you guys leaving?” Emma asked Antonio. “Mallory leaves tomorrow. Are you guys staying a full week?” “No, we’re leaving day after tomorrow. We’re taking

the yacht to another island before we fly out,” Antonio answered. “You guys are welcome to join us if you’d like.” He smiled. “That’s a nice offer,” Pete replied. “But we’re enjoying the villa and the island. Emma and I will likely stay holed up for the rest of our vacation, only venturing out when we have to.” Emma added, “We love not doing anything or having to be anywhere. The last three days have been heaven. I’ve read an entire book already! It would normally take me weeks to finish because I’m always so busy and worn out after a long workweek. We also have no desire to meet up with the Cheris and Harrys of the resort. You guys are an exception, not the norm.” “Yes,” Charlotte agreed. “There’s a mixed bag here for sure. But there are some normal couples, as you’ll see tonight. They keep to themselves, or only meet up for small gatherings. The pool party is where the real fun is. People tend to come out of their shells. I mean, why spend all the cashola if you can’t indulge once in a while?” “Let’s skinny-dip as the sun sets,” Mallory said. “That’s my last night’s request to you guys. Remind me to get your e-mails before the party so I can keep you informed about Fuck Me Island.” She laughed as she stood, stripping off her dress in one motion. She tossed it aside without a care in the world. “Antonio, I’m holding you to your promise that you’re still sending me.” She waltzed down the stairs, beckoning back to the table with a curled

finger. “Come on, you guys! Last one in has to make me come hard tonight, no backsies.” Everyone glanced around. “Let’s go,” Charlotte said, standing. “That girl is hot enough to make me bi, I’m telling you.” Emma got up from the table and peeled her dress off, discarding it on the railing as she followed everyone down. Pete was just ahead of her, but his hand reached back to clasp hers. She smiled. This was going to be a great night. * * * “Damn!” Pete exclaimed as they walked into the pool area. “I don’t even recognize it.” “I know,” Mallory replied. “I told you they do it up.” “It looks like a dream,” Emma said. Not only were more lights strung from the trees, but pieces of fabric were interlaced above them. The entire place had been transformed into an exotic tented harem. Pete could get into this. There was a bar set up at the far end of the pool, the bartenders all bare-chested. “Let’s get a drink,” Charlotte announced, leading the group that way. Music was playing. It was an old rock ballad. Pete spotted the DJ on the other side of the pool. He was also naked from the waist up. The staff who worked the pool

party must be accepting of the lifestyle. No one seemed to be the least bit bothered. Several couples were in the pool and some on the double loungers. Pete couldn’t see the two smaller pools past the waterfall because of their angle. He followed everyone to the bar. When it was his turn to order, he said, “I’ll take a beer, whatever you have is fine. Thanks.” After everyone had been served their drinks, Mallory motioned. “Come over here. There are some cabanas open.” On the far side of the pool, Pete spotted a few tent structures set up. Inside, there were several couches with a long table in the middle. It was meant to be cozy, and it worked. “This seems like a lot of work for just one party,” Pete commented as they sat. “Do they really do this once a month?” “They have this place down to a science, so I don’t think it takes them that much time,” Antonio answered. “They do this party monthly, but they also cater special events and throw parties and theme gatherings during the year. I’d actually love to spend New Year’s here, but it’s booked out several years already.” Emma sat down next to him. Pete was oddly anticipatory about how the night was going to turn out. It could go a number of ways, but he’d been serious when he told Emma that he wanted it to be about them. Thinking that she might change her mind and want to be with someone

else made his chest feel tight again. He hated that feeling, but at least now he understood what it meant. He couldn’t believe it had taken so many years for him to feel anything like it, but he couldn’t fault Emma for being the perfect companion. She had spoiled him in a way he could now be thankful for and appreciate. She was the only girl he’d ever loved. Emma stroked his thigh. “So are people going to be fucking all over like they do at an orgy?” she asked the group. “Pretty much,” Mallory answered. “The pool is the main draw. Next are the loungers where I found you two the first night. I say we meander to the pool after we finish these drinks.” She held her cocktail aloft. “I don’t know about you guys, but I plan to come a few times tonight. Who knows when I’ll be on the receiving end of human touch once I get home? If I don’t come by my own hand, there’s not a lot of coming to be had for me in New York. It’s a sad state of affairs. I think feeling sorry for me is in order.” “That’s why the dating island Antonio is sending you to will be perfect,” Emma said. “I’m sure you’re going to find someone there! I’m excited for you.” “Don’t hold your breath. You’re much too lovely to perish in such a way,” Mallory said. “I’m not at all optimistic, but that’s okay. I plan to enjoy myself to the fullest, stock up on orgasms, and drink like a fish. That will tide me over until the next time I come here. Antonio,”

she called, “so when are you sending me on this adventure anyway?” “Oh, so now you want the details?” He chuckled. “Nope, not details. Just merely interested in the roundabout timetables.” “If all goes well, we’ll be ready for clients at the beginning of next month. I have your e-mail, and if you haven’t changed your address, we’re good. That’s how my secretary will get a hold of you. She’ll be setting it up.” “Sure,” Mallory said, “when we’re here, we’re all friends and exchange sexual favors. But when we’re home, it’s all secretaries and official business.” Antonio arched a look at her. “I’m assuming my secretary will be going through your publicist, correct?” Mallory shrugged. “Well, yeah, okay, but so? It’s all so impersonal! I remember the days when people talked on the phone and were real friends, not fake ones.” “Chickie,” Charlotte said. “You’re barely twenty-three. I’m pretty sure most people had cell phones and were connected to the Internet before you were six. You probably grew up only texting.” “Stop harshing my mellow,” Mallory complained. “I’m just sad to be leaving all you guys tomorrow. If you must know, my real life totally sucks. There’s no one who’s real in it. Here, I feel like I used to when I was younger. Relaxed and happy.” She glanced at Emma. “If you guys decide to come down here again, I’ll hop on a plane and meet you if there’s an opening.” She glanced around the

group. “In fact, we should all do this again over the same week. This was one of my best trips here.” Charlotte shook her head sadly. “I likely won’t be back any time soon, but I’m hoping your private island trip works out, because when Antonio dumps me for a different flavor, I’m making him send me. Maybe while I’m there, I can find another guy who can afford to bring me back here, because on my salary, it’s not happening.” Antonio cleared his throat. “You need to stop talking like that,” he told her. “We’re doing great together. I like what we have. Let’s not spoil it.” “I like it, too,” Charlotte said, smiling sweetly as she took a sip of her drink. “But let’s face it, we’ve known each other for years. I know who you are. And I want you to make a promise right now in front of everyone that, to soften the blow of breaking my heart, you will be sending me to Fuck Me Island when you’re done with me.” “Fine,” he said. “I’ll send you, but that’s a long way off, so let’s just enjoy the rest of the week on the boat, shall we?” “We shall.” Charlotte nudged a toe against Mallory’s leg. “I’m giving you my e-mail. Keep me posted. And if Tonio backs out of his offer, you’re my key witness.” “I’ve got your back, girlie,” Mallory said as she stood up. “Now let’s have some fun. Everyone done with their drinks?” She rattled her empty glass. “I think we need another.” Before anyone could respond, there was a shriek,

followed by a high-pitched squeal. “Here you guys are! I’ve been looking all over for you. Now we can start this party!” Cheri stood in front of the cabana totally naked, her huge boobs hard and unmoving, even though she’d been waving her arms around. Frankie, her husband, stood right behind her like a hulking shadow. Pete heard Emma’s soft groan. He felt the same way. The only thing that could be worse was if Harry showed up — “Hey there, gang!” Harry exclaimed, waltzing up with his wife, Jennifer, a beer in hand. The guy had on a Speedo, his usual attire, which Pete was pretty sure was a thong in the back. Honestly, Pete and Emma might be better off going back to the villa at this point. “Haven’t seen you two around, but now I know why.” Harry winked at them. “Hanging out with the elite crowd, I see. But you guys have come to the right place. This is the pool party of the century. It can get pretty darn wild here. It’s my favorite day of the month.” Mallory had already been standing. “I’m just heading to the pool now. Can’t wait. See you all later!” She waved as she made a beeline out of the cabana, presumably to the bar for another drink. Pete wished he could beam himself to the pool just so he wouldn’t have to deal. “Aw, come on, you guys, don’t leave yet!” Cheri cried as Emma stood up, Pete right behind her. “The party is just getting started.” She jiggled her chest, her boobs moving only a teensy bit.

Emma rocked her empty drink in front of Cheri. “We’re just going to go get a refresh,” she said, grabbing Pete’s hand and tugging him along. “I’m sure we’ll be back in a jiffy.” Pete had to almost run to catch up with his wife. Emma had her hand over her mouth, stifling giggles. “Back in a jiffy?” Pete said. “When pigs fly.” “Oh, my,” Emma said, choking back her laughter. “I would’ve said anything to get out of there. If that’s who we have to party with tonight, this is going to be a long night. I can’t manufacture sexiness with just anyone. It has to happen organically.” “You don’t have to do any manufacturing.” Mallory turned from her spot by the bar with a fresh drink in hand. “There are a lot of great couples. Lucky for us, the Cheris and the Harrys here are few and far between. I’ve actually vacationed with Cheri and her gigantic knockers only one other time. Harry and Jen are pretty harmless. They keep to themselves. But there’s a great couple in the secluded pool, which is called Lovers’ Pool. Antonio told us to head in. Come on, and I’ll introduce you.” Mallory stripped off her dress, draped it over the railing that ran around the makeshift tiki bar, and stepped into the pool. “We need a drink first!” Emma called to her retreating back. “Then we’ll join you.” “Sounds good!” Mallory tossed over her shoulder.

22 __________________________ ____________

The pool was like a dream. Once they were handed their new drinks, Emma disrobed, draping her sundress next to Mallory’s. Instead of being completely naked, Emma had worn the scarlet bikini bottoms Piper had purchased for her. “Holy fuck!” Pete gasped. “Can you warn me ahead of time when you’re going to wear one of those things? And is that a heart above your ass?” Emma twisted around to look. Since she was more flexible than most, she could easily see the small swath of material shaped like a heart right above her thong line. She gave her husband a smoky look. “Yes, it is. These were a gift from Piper. I’d say that woman knows sexy better than anyone.” “Damn.” Pete scrubbed both hands down his face. Then he shook his head. “How am I supposed to strip naked with a full erection?” He glanced around the pool. “Going in there with a boner is going to make me look like a pervert.” Emma chuckled. “I think just about every guy here has a boner, and you’re allowed to do whatever you want. But

I’m going in just like this, with my bikini bottoms on.” She tossed her hair over her shoulder, knowing her husband was watching her like a lion hunting prey, and she loved it. Emma took her time sashaying to the edge of the pool. Her ankle hit the warm water, and there was a soft whistle to her left. “Jesus, woman, are you trying to kill us again?” Charlotte’s voice carried as she strode around the pool. “That body of yours is killer. I know I’m a broken record, but wowza, I need to get a pair of those bottoms, stat. Even though my ass won’t look half as kickin’ as yours does.” Antonio was right behind Charlotte, and Emma could see the lusty look in his eyes. His gazed darted down her body. He’d have sex with her in a heartbeat if she wanted to, there was no question. But he nodded politely to her and placed his hand on the small of Charlotte’s back. “We’re getting new drinks,” he called. “We’ll meet you in the small pool.” The pool water was the perfect temperature. Not too warm or cold. There were dim underwater lights, but they hardly shed much light. Emma didn’t see Mallory, so she must have gone through the waterfall already. Several couples and one foursome were in the main pool. They each had their own spot a respectable distance away from each other. Emma made her way down the middle, chest-deep, toward the waterfall. She wasn’t sure how she was going to get her drink through without filling it with water, but if

Mallory had found a way, she would, too. She heard splashing behind her and turned as Pete surfaced, his hair slicked back. His arms grasped her around the waist as he stood. He leaned in, kissing her neck. “I’m going to fuck you hard in here. The lighting is just bright enough to see, but not enough to tell who’s who unless you’re right next to them. The perfect place for me to bury myself inside you.” Emma’s hand snaked down under the water. “I see you decided to take your suit off after all.” She stroked his cock. “I’m glad.” “Hey, lovebirds,” Charlotte said, coming up behind them. “You can stay and do it here, but the small pool is much cozier. Follow me if you want to have an even better time. Antonio is coming with our drinks.” As she passed by, Pete kissed Emma, his mouth hungry. When he broke the kiss, she licked her lips. “Let’s follow her to the smaller pool,” she said. “I’m ready to get this party started.” She looped her arm around his waist, and they walked together. “This is how you get your drink through,” Charlotte told her. “There’s just enough space for your arm to slide through the gap between the water and the wall, but go quick.” Emma held her drink to the side as she headed under the falling stream. A little water splashed into it, but it wasn’t bad. Once they all emerged from under the downspout, there were two ways to go. Left was the open

pool they’d seen when they’d first arrived. Right was the way to the small Lovers’ Pool, which was covered on all sides by vegetation so casual onlookers couldn’t see in. They were obviously going right, following their friends. Emma heard laughter ahead as they rounded the corner to nirvana. “Wow,” she breathed. “This is so lush in here. A secluded oasis.” Pete was right behind her, his hands on her shoulders. “Yeah, why isn’t everyone back here? Why stay in the main pool when this little gem is right behind the waterfall?” The lighting was lower back here. The pool had one main light, situated low under the water. The bushes overhead had some twinkling lights, but they didn’t shed much more than a glow. Antonio chuckled as he came up behind them. “The rest of the guests aren’t back here because I rented this pool out,” he told them as he walked by, continuing on to a ledge where he sat. “This pool comes with its own bartender as well, so when we need refills, we don’t have to get out.” “You rented the entire pool?” Emma asked. “Only this part.” He motioned in a circle with his hand to indicate Lovers’ Pool. Another couple was already there. The guy was nicelooking, and the woman was perched on his lap in the water. For the first time, Emma noticed the ledges above the pool, running along the sides, were covered in long white cushions.

This pool was designed for group fucking. “It was very nice of you to include us,” Emma told him. “Thank you.” Antonio smiled. “Of course. I usually rent it out, so it’s not an issue. I actually invite quite a few people back here to make it a party.” “Did you include Cheri and Frankie?” Emma joked. But in case he had, she wanted to be well warned. “No, and just for the record, Cheri invited herself to the bonfire,” Antonio answered. “She saw me earlier in the day and asked what we were doing, so I told her. But I have to admit, she does amuse the teenager in me who watched a lot of adult TV when he was younger. She has that perfect porn quality to her. When she asked if they could stop by, I said okay. I’m not a horrible person, just choosy when I want to be.” The sound of splashing to Emma’s right drew her attention as she set her drink down. She glanced over to see the new couple climb out of the pool onto the ledge. The woman was totally naked and had beautiful tattoos all over her back. The man lay on one of the cushions, but instead of straddling him like Emma thought the woman would, she positioned her head over his cock, taking it into her mouth while lowering her pussy onto his waiting tongue. A perfect sixty-nine. The moment she took him deep, Emma’s nipples tightened.

* * * Watching the new couple go at it with gusto made everyone in the pool exceedingly horny, including Pete. When Mallory joined them, it went past hot and on to explosive. Some splashing preceded another couple who swam into the area. “Hey, Johnsons!” Antonio called. “Glad you could make it.” He held his glass up. “We wouldn’t have missed it,” the guy answered. “Once we knew it was you, we were all-in.” “Yes, thanks for the invite,” the woman said. “I think it’s been at least a year since we’ve seen you last.” “It has,” Antonio said. “I missed you last time.” Pete leaned over Emma’s shoulder. He was sitting on an underwater bench, and she was on his lap. “Antonio gets around.” “I think once people who like each other meet,” Emma said under her breath, “they make a conscious effort to come back at the same time.” “That makes sense,” Pete said. “This resort has limited clientele, so people must always have to choose the same weeks because they’re the ones free. If we come back, we’ll have to keep that in mind.” “Yes,” Emma answered, “and we’re so coming back. For sure with Mallory, and I hope her new beau. That would be exciting. But even if we don’t meet up with anyone, we have to come back. I adore it here.”

The newcomers didn’t waste any time getting romantic. The woman had huge breasts, and the guy lifted her out of the water and immediately spread her legs, dipping his tongue in between while fondling her nipples. “This is on its way to a full-on orgy,” Pete said. “I think you’re right,” Emma replied. “How do you want to play it?” he asked. “I’m not sure. How do you want to?” “Can you feel this?” He slid his wife over his erection. She still had her sexy bikini bottoms on, and just thinking about parting them to the side made him ache. “I’ve felt that since I sat down.” She laughed. “But are we doing this alone or separate?” “I just want you,” he said. “But I don’t mind watching the show.” “Me either. It’s sexy.” The new couple sat about ten feet away from the other couple who were still engrossed in their sixty-nine. Emma let out a sharp breath, and Pete turned to see Antonio and Charlotte joining the sixty-nine couple, while Mallory migrated over to the new couple. Antonio positioned himself behind the woman, who was still getting eaten out by her partner, and rubbed his hard cock along her ass. Charlotte positioned herself down by the guy, lying on her stomach to help his wife give some attention to his hard-on. Antonio had the decency this time not to look at Pete’s wife, even though Pete knew he was probably dying to.

“Oh, my,” Emma gasped. “I think he’s going to fuck—” Antonio poured some pool water over his dick and teased her back end with the head of his cock. The woman stopped sucking her partner and lifted her head, bucking her ass toward Antonio. “Yes,” she crooned. “You know I love it there.” Antonio groaned as he slid in. He gripped the sides of her ass and pushed himself deep. Then he immediately began pumping, taking nice, long strokes. Pete had grabbed on to Emma’s hips and had been rubbing her along his erection in the water without even realizing it. He stopped, bringing his hands up to cup her breasts. She faced away from him, reverse cowgirl. “Are you ready?” he murmured into her ear. “I want to join the party.” “Yes, so ready,” she answered. “I don’t know who to watch, it’s all so stimulating.” The new couple had shifted from him giving his partner his tongue at the edge of the pool to both of them pleasuring Mallory, who was now fully horizontal. The woman sucked Malloy’s breasts, and the guy was about to bury himself deep, Mallory’s long legs up in the air. Everyone was lost to the passion. “I don’t want to take these bottoms off,” Pete whispered to Emma. “They’re way too sexy. I want to see your scarlet heart-shaped ass while my cock is inside you.”

“That sounds good to me,” Emma said. Pete was already in the process of pulling her bikini bottoms to the side. He wanted her in this position first, then they’d figure out how to finish. She eased up to allow him access, and he plunged a finger into her, moving it in a slow circle. “Ah,” Emma cried, coming down on his hand, undulating her hips. “Keep your hand there while you enter me.” He withdrew his finger and fisted his cock. Emma arched up, and he positioned himself at her core, making sure a finger stayed on her clit. She slid down, her head back, her wet hair cascading down over his shoulders. Once he was in, she began to move, and Pete rubbed her in slow circles in time with her movements. In front of them, Mallory turned, moving onto all fours. The man took her from behind, pumping hard. The woman lay under Mallory, sucking her nipples. It seemed the supermodel had finally found a couple willing to give her ultimate pleasure on her last night here. Bravo for her. Beside them, Antonio had pulled out, and he was stroking his cock quickly, obviously ready to explode. “Watch him come, Emma,” Pete murmured in her ear. “He’s going to spray it all over her ass.” Emma took in a sharp breath. They both watched as Antonio pumped his come all over the woman’s backside as he arched back, not a care in the world. His pleasure was written all over his face.

“She didn’t get off,” Emma said breathlessly. “The woman hasn’t come yet. You’d think he’d wait for her to climax first.” “No,” Pete answered, his hands sliding to Emma’s hips to increase their pace. “Are you surprised? When it boils down to it, Antonio is out for Antonio.” “You’re right,” Emma said. “But I don’t care about them, I care about us. I want it faster.” Emma braced a foot against the pool wall, using it to propel herself up and down at a quicker pace. It was the best reverse cowgirl they’d had in a long time. Water splashed around them as they moved faster. “Emma, I want to fuck you out of the pool, too. Let’s switch it up.” “Okay,” she panted. He lifted her off his aching cock, and she scrambled onto a cushion. They were close to where Mallory was still going at it with the mystery couple. Mallory spotted them and called, “Emma, face me! I want to watch.” Emma obliged, going on all fours in front of Mallory, Pete behind her. “Oh, yeah,” Mallory said. “That’s fantastic! We’re so going to come together.” Pete didn’t waste any time. He took his dick in hand and parted Emma’s sweet folds, easing in, savoring the feeling of her out of the water, but dripping wet. It was a totally different feeling. He gripped her hips, nailing his

cock into her in one motion. Emma moaned. “I’m close,” Mallory announced. “Watching you two is like a supersize vibrator right on my clit.” Pete bent over, reaching around to his wife’s enflamed bud. He circled it, matching the rhythm to his thrusts. “Yes!” Emma called. She pushed her ass back into him, rocking it up and down. The woman was talented, and if she wasn’t careful, Pete was going to come first. “Emma, you have to slow down,” he warned her. “That kind of movement is going to make me come too fast.” “I’ll give that a hearty second,” Mallory said, almost breathless. Pete kept one finger on her clit, but slid one hand up to her breast. The moment he rolled her nipple between his fingers, Emma came hard, crying out her release. Mallory came a second later, giving a throaty yell. As Emma clenched around him, Pete gave in to what he’d been holding back. As he pumped into her, he gasped. After it was over, they both needed a minute to recover. Around them, all the couples were finishing up their interludes, most of them crying out in pleasure. He had no idea what their names were and had no intention of learning them. All he wanted to do now was carry his wife back to their villa immediately and take a nice, long bath with her, then curl up and go to sleep. He was over other people.

He’d never thought he’d feel like this in a million years, but all he wanted was his wife with no interference from anyone else. “Well, that was a good time had by all,” Mallory said as she eased into the pool. “I’m content. At least for the next ten minutes.” Antonio sat on the other side. Charlotte had just orgasmed, thanks to the other couple. Everyone seemed happy and cheerful. Emma glanced at Pete and smiled. “That was nice,” she said, turning to sit on the edge. “What do you want to do now?” Her voice was lowered, so only he could hear. “Honestly? I just want to go back to our villa. I want to take a bath or shower with you, maybe sit under the stars on the beach, then curl up and go to sleep.” “Oh, thank God!” she whispered, grasping his forearm. “That’s what I want to do, too!” “Let’s give our good-byes, then,” he suggested. “I want to get out of this pool as fast as possible. They better have a stellar filtration system here.” “I know, I was just thinking that. I’m not sure if we can bust out of the vegetation or not. Do you see an opening?” She glanced around. “Why would you bust out?” Mallory asked, coming over, chest-deep in the pool. “You can get out at the other small pool, but not this one. And don’t be too grossed out. They have like five filtration systems, at least two in this one pool, and more than a dozen fresh-water pumps. It’s

totally safe. This pool was designed for lots of fucking.” “I’m super tired.” Emma gave a nice show of a yawn, and Pete wanted to kiss her for it. “I think we’re going to head out.” “Bummer!” Mallory said. “The party is just getting started. But I get it. You lovebirds want out. If I had a man here, I’d duck out, too. Come over and give me a hug goodbye first, though. I rarely meet anyone I like and I’m going to miss you.” Emma eased herself into the water and embraced the supermodel. “It was so nice meeting you,” Emma told her. “I’m going to miss you, too.” “I will totally e-mail you,” Mallory said, hugging her back. “I know everyone says that shit, but if I say it, I mean it. You’re a supersweet chick, and they don’t make them like you anymore. I don’t meet many genuine people in my line of work, so when I do, I hold on for dear life.” They separated. Mallory glanced up at Pete, who was sitting on the edge of the pool with his legs in the water. “I’m going to skip hugging you,” she told him, wagging her finger, “but only because we’re naked and I’m kind of in love with your wife. Don’t be strangers, you two.” “We won’t be,” Emma assured her. “I can’t wait to hear what happens on the island. Please keep me posted.” “I totally will. It should be an experience any way you slice it.” She leaned over and kissed Emma on the cheek right as Charlotte came up behind them. “Are you guys leaving?” Charlotte asked. “Aw,

shucks!” “We are,” Emma answered. “But it was great to meet you guys. The trip wouldn’t have been the same had we not.” Antonio stood and walked around the outside ledge of the pool toward them. “You taking off?” “Yes,” Pete answered. “We’re calling it a night.” “Well, if we don’t see you guys before we leave, take care,” Antonio said. “It was fantastic meeting you both.” He stopped next to Pete and held out his hand. Pete reached over to shake it. “It was interesting meeting you, man. You taught me a lot in a very short amount of time. I hate to say this, but I think I owe you at least a beer.” Antonio laughed as he stepped back. “Nah, you don’t owe me anything. But hold on to that lady. She’s the real deal.” “Don’t I know it.” Pete shook his head as he watched his wife hug Charlotte good-bye.

23 __________________________ ____________

It was their last night in Paradise, and Emma wanted it to be perfect. Pete had run to the store Mallory had told them about earlier to pick up some food, and while he was gone, Emma rushed around and readied everything. She was dressed in the silk teddy Caroline had given her and had set the edible lube on the bedside table within easy reach. It was dark outside, and they’d had a wonderful last meal at The Chalet after they’d watched the sun set. It had been romantic and totally perfect. The entire vacation had been a dream. They’d explored the island, ridden bikes, swum at seclude beaches, and thoroughly reconnected. They’d gone out to eat and had even played under the waterfall again, but they’d kept to themselves. Emma planned to make tonight as memorable as she possibly could. She’d lit a number of candles around the room and now sat in the middle of the bed, waiting for Pete to return. Five minutes later, the door lock popped open, and Pete walked in, carrying a small bag. When he arrived at

the double doors that led into the bedroom, he stopped and smiled. “I was hoping to find you like this.” “I’m sure it wasn’t a big surprise,” she replied. “I pretty much mauled you before you left, and then pushed you out the door so I could get the place ready.” “Would you like me to hand-feed you barbecue potato chips while we have sex?” he joked as he pulled the chips out of the bag and shook them in front of her. “Honestly, I’m up for whatever you want to do. I could break them apart and lick them off your breasts. I think food and sex is a real fetish.” He gave her a cagey look. “Barbecue and sweat turn me on.” Emma chortled. “No, just set them down. They can be our after-sex snack. I just needed you out of my hair for ten minutes while I changed and got ready. Now come over here so I can kiss you.” Pete set the chips and bag on the dresser and began to disrobe. He was naked in less than ten seconds. “You look beautiful in that outfit, by the way. I haven’t seen that on you before.” She glanced down at her teddy. “You’re going to have to thank Caroline for this one. She has impeccable taste. And a real affection for kink. She bought me this beautiful teddy and gifted me edible lube.” She gestured to the nightstand. “I think it’s supposed to go on a condom, but since we don’t have any of those, I’m thinking we can find another use for it.” She grinned slyly. “I don’t think that will be an issue at all.” Pete came

toward her on the bed, up on his knees. “I can count a dozen places I’d like to lick it off you right now.” “I have another surprise for you,” she said, her voice dipping seductively. “I’m not sure how much this will excite you, but I’m also currently using Caroline’s last gift.” Pete raised his eyebrows. “And what might that be?” “Anal beads.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, he said, “That just made me even harder. We haven’t used those in a long time.” “I know,” Emma said. “And if I remember correctly, the last time we tried, it was a bit of a fiasco, but that was many years ago.” “It won’t be this time”—he came closer, cupping her face as he kissed her—“because we’re much smarter than our old selves. But it’s a huge turn-on that you already have them in. It’s going to be like unwrapping a present.” Emma shivered. “If we time it right, it might be the best dessert I’ll have for a while.” “Oh, I plan to time it just right, but that also means I’m going to make you come first with my tongue and my fingers, and then right after your climax, I’m going to plow my cock into your pussy and milk it for more.” Emma licked her lips. She could feel the pressure of the beads inside her as she shifted positions on the bed. Picturing what Pete was saying made her antsy. She actually liked the feel of the

beads. It was strange, but not unwelcome. Pete gently laid her back on the bed, settling next to her, his fingers moving to the strap of her teddy. He slid one string down her arm, kissing her shoulder. “You look beautiful in this.” “Thank you,” she said, reaching up to stroke his face. “This was a fantastic trip,” he told her. “It couldn’t have been better, in my opinion, Antonio and all. It shook me up, but it was worth it.” “I agree,” she said. “We got together so young, I think it’s to be expected that we’d have a few growing pains along the way. I actually think it’s great that it took us this long to hit a roadblock. Hopefully, the next growth spurt won’t happen for a long time.” “I think we should plan on a nice, long vacation every six months or so,” he told her. “Then maybe that way we can stay ahead of our issues.” “That’s a good idea.” Emma nodded. “But the best thing we can do is be honest with each other and ourselves every day.” Pete grinned. “I think the best thing I can do right now is run my tongue over your clit.” Emma moaned. Pete knew how to push her buttons. He eased up, giving her a lingering kiss on the lips, working his way down her chest, nudging the teddy away from a breast, and taking a nipple into his mouth. As he sucked, she ran her hands through his hair. She fisted his locks and directed him to her other breast. He went

willingly, groaning as he wrested her other nipple free of the fabric. As Emma moved, she could feel the beads pressing against her, giving her delicious friction and stimulation. She squirmed more, panting, loving the feeling of her husband’s mouth on her body. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured, angling his head up to kiss her again on the lips, then he dragged the teddy up to her waist. “Should I take it off?” she asked. “Do you want me naked?” “No,” he said, positioning himself between her legs, setting a thigh over each shoulder. “I like seeing your puckered breasts through the fabric.” When his tongue touched her core, Emma arched her back. Her hands found their way down to his head again. Her fingertips pressed into him, urging him on. But he didn’t need any urging. He lapped at her greedily, the tip of his tongue flicking over her sensitive nub again and again. He shifted her legs slightly, and without breaking his rhythm, he entered a finger slowly into her sheath. She clenched around it, the beads shifting in her ass, causing her to cry out. “Ah! This feels so wonderful and different,” she moaned. “I love it.” He glanced up, grinning. “Pass me the lube.” She grabbed it off the bed stand with one arm and handed it to him.

The moment the cool liquid hit her sensitive parts, she nearly orgasmed immediately. “Oh!” she cried. “That’s so—” His tongue was back on her, more intensely this time as he sucked and licked her with reckless abandon, all while his finger made lazy circles on her G-spot. “I’m not going to last long,” she panted. “It feels too fucking good.” “That’s the idea, babe,” he said between licks. “I want you to come hard for me so I can sink my cock in deep.” His words made her nipples tighten, and she began to rock her pelvis against his mouth. Everything was beyond fantastic. As she undulated, the beads shifted more, and her orgasm began to build faster. The tingling started deep in her thighs and wound its way up. “I’m almost there.” She wiggled against his mouth, causing his tongue to press against her harder. Pete eased another finger inside her and began to thrust them in and out. “Come for me,” he told her as he quickened the pace. After a few more licks from his talented tongue, she called his name and everything around her dissolved into blissful sensations as she orgasmed. Pete eased back, keeping his fingers inside her, and as she orgasmed, he used his other hand to slowly pull the beads out, one by one. As each one came out, Emma’s orgasm intensified, rocketing pleasure through her body, causing intense

aftershocks. “That’s so good,” she moaned. “Oh!” Once they were out, Pete tossed them onto a towel, gathered her legs, and rolled her up, spreading her thighs apart. “I’m not waiting one more second.” He positioned his cock at her opening, teasing the tip up and down against her clit, making her moan. “Yes, now,” she pleaded. “Please. I want to feel you inside.” He seated himself, rocking into her. She closed her eyes, clutching the covers in her hands, bucking her hips into him, as she exploded again. This was by far the best way she could’ve hoped to end this vacation. * * * As Pete sank himself into her wetness, he tried not to come instantly as Emma clenched around him, coming again. He wanted to last a few precious moments and enjoy it. This was their last night at the resort, and savoring it was in order. “So wet,” he managed. “I’m so close.” He stilled inside her and she locked her legs around his hips. A few moments later, she opened her eyes, grinning at him. “Trying not to come, huh?” she said. “I can fix that.” She began to fuck him, sliding off and on his cock like a piston. “Damn, I love that you’re so big. It’s so easy to come—” She arched her head back into the covers, her

breath hitching and her breasts heaving as she orgasmed again. Pete closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. It felt so good, but he didn’t want to have his release just yet. “You’re a total tease, you know that?” He stilled her by reaching around and gripping her bare ass, pinning it to him with his hands. “I’m not going to come until I’m good and ready. Understood?” She gave a low, throaty laugh. “Maybe you should get the barbecue chips. I’m getting hungry after all these orgasms. We can have a quick snack, and you can take a break.” He bent over, grabbed his wife by the waist, and hauled her up. “There will be no breaking and no chips in this bed. The only thing that’s happening here is fucking.” She came up gracefully, staying fully locked on him, her arms winding around to grip his shoulders. He cupped her ass in his lap, and Emma immediately began to lift herself up and down. He loved this position, both of them sitting. He angled his cock up to meet her, and the mattress began to rock. “I like being on top,” she purred into his neck while she arched up on him. “The control is divine.” “I’m the one in control,” he answered, almost needing to bite the inside of his cheek because it felt so good, “so don’t forget it.” To demonstrate, he thrust up hard as she came down, causing her to moan as their bodies met with a loud clap.

“I forgot you were in charge,” she whispered to him wryly. “Probably because I can do this.” She arched back, arms over her head, her shoulders hitting the mattress, and began to pump onto his cock with her hips like she was riding a joystick. “Jesus! You win! I’m going to come,” he called. He exploded inside her, grinding against her. She pressed her pelvis into him as he came, rubbing her clit against his body. She yelled as she orgasmed again. When he came down to earth, he dragged his limp wife back into his arms. He stroked her back, murmuring in her ear, “That was a perfect way to end our vacation.” “It was wonderful. I’m so happy. And tired.” She buried her face in his neck, breathing hard. “Do you want the chips now?” He chuckled. “I can feed them to you Cleopatra style.” “Yes, please.”

24 __________________________ ____________

“It was for certain the most amazing place I’ve ever visited,” Emma told the girls. “The beaches were spectacular, and the accommodations rated more than five stars, if that’s possible.” They were all seated around a table at Ike’s, a great bar with specialty beer and burgers. Emma had been back for only a single day, but she’d been dying to fill everyone in, and the girls had all wanted to hear how it went. “It far exceeded my expectations going in. If any of you want to go, we’re happy to give you a glowing reference. But the very best part?” She glanced around at the looks of interest. “Pete and I are back on track, and I’m ecstatic. He really manned up. I think he realized for the very first time what it might be like without me, and he didn’t like what he saw.” “That’s fantastic!” Caroline was the first to reply. “I’m so happy for you, and the resort sounds crazy beautiful. I’m going to talk to Jace about it tonight. I would love to go.” “Oh, and you’re never going to guess who we met there!” Emma almost clapped. She couldn’t wait to tell them. “Who?” Piper asked, setting her arms on the table.

“Tell us! Your excitement is palpable.” “Mallory”—Emma paused to give it the full effect —“Baldwin.” “The supermodel?” Gillian said, picking up her beer. “You’re shitting us. She’s unbelievably gorgeous, and young, if I remember correctly.” “Yes, she’s only twenty-two—almost twenty-three. I’m not kidding, and we became friends! It was like she was just one of the group the entire time. But, honestly, when I got home, I Googled her, and all I can say is holy wow! That woman can take a killer picture. She’s breathtaking in person, but even more so in the photographs. She’s fairly down-to-earth—and a little jaded, but that’s not saying much considering the business she’s in.” “Who was she there with?” Caroline asked. “Did they do any swapping? I can’t stand that you met her! That’s so cool.” Emma leaned in as the waitress walked by. “She was there alone and she visits all the time. Apparently, she got into modeling at a really young age, and in her words, sex is her drug of choice. But I’m not sure how long she’ll be single. I have high hopes for her.” “How would you know that? Did she meet someone there?” Piper asked. “This is so surreal.” “No, but this millionaire businessman we met is sending her to a private dating island! I know,” she said, responding to all the looks of disbelief, “it sounds so insane. It costs fifty thousand a week! He’s a new partner,

and he’s sending her for free as a test client the first week it opens.” Piper slapped her hand on the table, chortling. “What? You’re going to have to start at the beginning with this one, sister. What millionaire? What island? This is better than any movie I’ve seen in ages. I cannot believe all this happened on your trip.” Emma nodded. “There is so much to tell! We met this rich entrepreneur, Antonio, and his girlfriend at the airport here in Madison, and then they ended up in the villa next door to ours. We got to know them, and he invited us on his yacht the first day—” “A yacht! No way!” Caroline hooted. “Was it fabulous?” “It was ridiculously nice,” Emma told her. “Like, whatever you’re imagining, times it by a hundred—white couches, stainless steel accents, gleaming wood floors. It was totally amazing. Antonio invented a rocket in college and now he runs a company that launches satellites into space or something like that.” “Antonio Rafferty? The aerospace guy?” Piper said, her voice incredulous. “Are you talking about the billionaire who’s in the news all the time? That Antonio?” Emma placed a hand over her heart. “I don’t know, maybe?” She glanced around the table, her expression stunned. “I Googled Mallory, but I didn’t think to search for him because we never caught his last name. We knew he was rich, for certain a millionaire, but I had no idea he

was a billionaire! That makes sense, though. He was in a different stratosphere, even from Mallory, who must have tons of money herself. He carried himself with complete assuredness.” “Of course it makes sense,” Gillian snorted. “The guy has a yacht and a private island!” “He’s actually only part owner of the island, from how he explained it,” Emma said sheepishly. “I wasn’t about to ask him how rich he is, and it’s not like he was shouting how much money he has.” She laughed. “I don’t watch the news that much, and his first name didn’t ring any bells. Now I feel silly.” Piper swished her hand. “It’s not a big deal at all. You just met and partied with one of only a handful of billionaires under the age of thirty. We do that kind of stuff all the time around here! Madison is a hotbed for attracting those filthy-rich types,” Piper joked. “But, seriously, no worries. The next time you take a trip, I’m giving you a notebook filled with mugshots of the rich and famous, along with their names, birth dates, and net worth.” Emma started to laugh in earnest. She had to cover her mouth to stop. When she finally quieted down, she sputtered, “Pete almost took Antonio out because he wanted to have sex with me! And I don’t think he wanted to just fuck me—he actually wanted me. At least, that’s the vibe he gave off. It was enough for Pete to feel threatened, and it was actually the best thing that could’ve happened to us. Pete has never

had his heart broken before and has never gone through an agonizing breakup or loss. That explained a lot to me. But he figured it out quickly, and from then on out, it was totally wonderful.” “I’m glad you and Pete worked it out,” Piper said. “Pete’s a good guy. He just didn’t know what he had until it could’ve been yachted out from under him.” She snorted. “I’m sure the strutting helped things along.” “It totally did,” Emma said. “I wore the white bikini bottoms for the first time on the yacht, and Pete nearly leapt out of his skin, so thanks for that. In fact, all of the bottoms had similar effects. They were so sexy.” Emma turned to Caroline. “And we had an incredible last night, thanks to you. That teddy paired with the lube, and the…um… beads.” She blushed. “I can’t even tell you. It was a night I’ll never forget.” Then she nodded to Gillian. “I used the harness the night you gave it to me, and we need to talk later. It was totally incredible, and I’d like to look into more things like that as a surprise for Pete.” “Glad it worked for you,” Gillian said. “There’s a lot of pleasure to be had if you learn to like control.” “No kidding.” Emma took a long drink of her martini. “It was some of the most intense pleasure I’ve ever experienced.” “I’m super happy for you, too, but can we get back to the scenario where Mallory Baldwin finds the man of her dreams?” Piper asked. “I still don’t get the dating island. How does it work? And can I just interject here and say

that for a very brief, teensy moment my black heart wished I was single again. Going to a private island to find a man sounds like reality TV on steroids chased with lots of tequila.” “I totally agree. Even to be a fly on the wall in such a place! Mallory deemed it Fuck Me Island, and she’s not off base.” Emma giggled. “I don’t know a lot, but I exchanged e-mail addresses with her and she’s promised to update me. She’s supposed to be going next month. From how Antonio explained it, it’s like Tinder meets Tahiti for the rich and famous. All guests on the island are there to hook up and are given phones with a Tinder-like app with all the guests’ info on it.” Emma shrugged. “Everyone there is a potential fuck buddy, they’re all filthy rich, and everyone is hoping to find the person of their dreams. I’m rooting for Mallory to find what she’s looking for. Under it all, she’s a sweet girl and deserves to find happiness. She didn’t dish too deep about her background, but she mentioned her mom ‘selling’ her into the modeling at a young age and that must’ve been rough.” “That does sounds harsh,” Caroline agreed. “I hope she finds it, too. And, wow, what an experience you had! I’m floored. I truly hope Mallory keeps you in the loop, because we’re all going to want to hear how it goes!” “I’m sure she’ll keep me posted. I already had three emails from her by the time I arrived home.” Emma laughed. “She’s hoping to find out about a big endorsement deal very soon.”

“That’s so crazy incredible!” Piper exclaimed. “But I’m not surprised she fell in love with you. You’re easy to fall for. You’re like if ridiculously charming and super sweet had a baby and named her Emma.” “Aw, that’s so nice of you to say,” Emma said. “Thank you. Mallory was actually instrumental in helping Pete see the light. I thought they wanted to be together, because their heads were always together, but when I found out she was trying to help us, it endeared me to her. We’ve forged a tight bond.” Piper cleared her throat. “Okay, Emma dished.” She turned pointedly toward Gillian. “Now it’s your turn. We haven’t seen you since Emma’s travel shower. You’ve both been on vacation, it seems. Can you share any news with us? You kind of look like you’re glowing. Is that the inner light of happiness seeping out?” Gillian chuckled. “That’s probably just my new ink sparkling in the lighting.” She pulled down her T-shirt to expose a new tattoo on her collarbone. It was a small baseball with red stitching. “Bullshit,” Piper said. “Spill it. We’re all dying to know what’s been going on with you. Please don’t hold out on us!” “We really are dying,” Caroline added hopefully. “It’s been a few weeks.” Gillian arched an eyebrow around the table. “What, like you guys don’t already know who it is! Brad confessed he let the name slip, and if I know your husbands

like I know mine, you already all know who it is.” Emma was surprised. Pete hadn’t said a word. She glanced at Caroline, who looked sheepish as she picked up her glass and took a gulp of her wine. “Well, I, for one, don’t know,” Emma said. “Pete hasn’t mentioned anything. But then again, he found me naked in the harness, so that might’ve been distracting. So what’s up? Who is it? I can’t stand not knowing!” “Okay,” Piper admitted. “The rest of us do know it’s Tyler Blackstone, but we know nothing else! I promise!” “Tyler Blackstone, the baseball player?” Emma gaped. Piper gave her a look. “You know Tyler Blackstone by name, but not Antonio Rafferty?” she teased. “Pete played baseball in college, and it’s one of his biggest passions next to surfing, so coverage is always on,” Emma answered. “That’s how I know his name. He’s also drop-dead gorgeous, so when they drafted him for our team, I was all ears, or eyes?” She giggled. “But I’m surprised Pete didn’t say anything to me about it. It must have slipped his mind.” “You were on a beautiful beach in the Bahamas,” Piper said helpfully. “That would strip anyone’s memory.” Emma turned to Gillian, who was next to her. “If you guys are with Tyler Blackstone, no wonder he wanted you to keep it quiet. That’s huge news, and it could harm his reputation and any endorsement deals he may or may not have. Is he a Dom?” When Gillian didn’t readily answer,

Emma prodded, “Come on, you have to give us something! We promise to keep our lips sealed.” “Okay, I’ll slip you some details, but only because I’m taking pity on your souls.” Gillian started, “But you have to give me the girlfriend swear-on-your-life promise this doesn’t leave this table. Not even to your husbands, at least not right now.” Piper was the first to raise her hand in a Girl Scout salute, placing her other hand over her heart. “I solemnly swear to keep my mouth shut or may I be struck down by rogue lightning the moment I step out of this bar.” “I’ll do one better,” Caroline said. “I swear to the Almighty above.” She glanced up at the ceiling. “May He strike me down if I so much as think about what you tell me once I leave here.” Her face was intent, like she meant it, even though they all knew Caroline would be thinking about it more than any of them. Emma nodded along. “And I swear on my good name I won’t breathe a word to anyone, including Pete. I can keep a secret to the grave. To this day, I’ve kept things quiet that my best friend in kindergarten begged me to never reveal. True story.” Piper chortled, arching a look at her. “Okay, well, now you’re going to have to tell us what it was. What happened in kindergarten that was so earthshattering you kept it secret all these years?” Emma mimed zipping her lips with her fingers. “Nope. Carla had faith in me then, and I will not divulge a single

word. But, if I remember correctly, it had something to do with her penchant for glue and its wonderful taste.” “Ew!” Piper snorted. “Okay, point taken.” She leveled her gaze back on Gillian. “We’ve all sworn. We promise on our good names we won’t tell. Now let us in on what’s going on.” Gillian leaned forward, and they all went with her, moving drinks out of the way to make a little semicircle. “Okay, first off, this has been an incredible few weeks. This guy is off-the-charts hot,” she whispered. “We meet with him and his sub once a week. Always at the warehouse suite. The sex is very controlled. So far, there’s been no couple swap. It’s just Brad and me, and occasionally Tyler’s sub, with him calling the shots. He controls the bondage. I can’t really explain it, because out loud it doesn’t sound that sexy, but I’ve never experienced anything like it. I’m usually in the Domme position, but being his sub has opened my eyes to an entirely new way of having sex.” Her voice dropped even lower, and Emma struggled to hear. “But there’s been a small snag. He wants to swap now. I think he’s been leading up to this all along, but there’s one problem.” She sat back and picked up her drink, taking a sip. No one said a word. After she set it down, she continued, “Brad doesn’t want to. He’s never had an issue with anything we’ve done before, but he’s adamant. And frankly, I don’t know what to do.” Emma’s eyebrows shot up. “You mean he doesn’t want to participate at all? Or he doesn’t want you to participate

with the sports star?” “Both,” she answered. “He wants to call it totally off. I’ve tried to reason with him, but he won’t talk about it. I don’t know what to do. This has never happened in our entire marriage. He’s always been on board with everything. He won’t give me a solid explanation.” “So what are you going to do?” Piper asked. “That’s a tough one.” “I haven’t made up my mind,” she admitted. “Brad told me if I had to do it, so be it, but he wouldn’t be joining me. He didn’t say he’d leave me, but he didn’t say he wouldn’t either.” Gillian looked miserable. “I love my husband, but the sex when we’re with Tyler is so explosive. It’s like”— she shook her head, at a loss for words—“he has broken something open inside me and let out this tide of ecstasy. I know it doesn’t sound coherent, but the thrill I feel is like a dozen highs, and I don’t know if I can give it up.” “Wow. In the end, you’re going to have to go with your heart on this,” Emma counseled her. “If it was me, I wouldn’t be able to do it if Pete didn’t want to, but that’s just me. I know you and Brad have a different relationship, and a more open one. My advice is to tread slowly and don’t make a rash decision.” “I agree with Emma. I wouldn’t be able to do it either,” Caroline added. “But I’m sure everyone at this table knows that. When is the next date set up?” “Next week,” Gillian said, rubbing her temple. “I’m going to have to make up my mind before then.”

“Let us know what you decide,” Piper said. “We’ll be here for you, and we will support you, no matter what. This a killer choice. I know you love Brad, but sex has always been one of the biggest things in your life, and he knew that going in. Unlike all of us, you started with an open relationship.” “I know. I never thought I’d find myself in this position. Thanks, everyone. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys. Seriously,” Gillian said. “I’ve never been much of a girlfriend gal, but now I’m finding maybe it was a mistake not to have invested time into these kinds of relationships. I’ll be sure to keep you guys posted.” “We’ll be here,” Emma promised. “I don’t envy your choice, but we know you’ll do what’s right for you, and we’ll be here to help you pick up the pieces.” * * * The house looked perfect. Pete was proud of his efforts. Emma was out with her friends. It was the first night they hadn’t been together since right before the trip, and he wanted her coming home to be special. Pete needed his wife to understand that he didn’t appreciate her only on vacation. The basement was lit with candles, and soft music played in the background. He’d called all over town to find a place that would dip kiwi and pineapple in chocolate for him. It hadn’t been

easy, but he’d had success. Emma texted him twenty minutes ago to tell him she was on her way. He grinned, thinking about her expression when she found him in the basement. He heard the garage door rumbling as it went up. A minute later, the door closed, and Emma called, “I’m home!” “I’m in the basement!” he called back. He heard her footsteps across the kitchen floor and the noise of her purse being set on the counter. “I’m coming!” she said. When she arrived at the bottom of the steps, he enjoyed her look of complete and utter surprise. “What’s all this? Candles, music? Is it our anniversary and I’ve forgotten?” She moved toward him. She still hadn’t noticed what he wore. When she finally saw him, she stopped walking and her mouth dropped open. “Is that…are you wearing a harness?” “I might be,” he answered coyly. “Oh, my,” she said. Then she noticed the chocolatecovered fruit on the table and she let out a gasp. “You did this all for me?” “Of course,” he replied. “I should’ve been doing it all along, but I can only move forward, not back. I woke up this morning wishing we were still in the Bahamas, but then I thought, why not just bring a little of the island here?” She came over and fingered the straps around his chest. “Wow. These are substantial. How does it work?” She

stepped back to examine him. “Your hands and legs aren’t bound, you can move freely.” He fingered the loops that were attached to his waist and grinned. “Your legs fit in here,” he told her. “So I can fuck you standing up.” “Oh.” Her mouth was a perfect circle. “But before we do that, let’s have some chocolatecovered fruit and have a glass of champagne.” He led her to the couch. He sat, and she snuggled against him. “I loved watching you eat this fruit every night. That’s why I ordered it with every meal,” he told her as he leaned over and picked up the tray. Emma took a proffered morsel and made a noise in her throat as she took a bite. “Mm, it’s just as good as on the island. Thank you so much for taking the time to get it for me.” She ran a hand down his chest, fingering the black leather and then moving her hand down to his hard-on. “This is sexy as hell. Does it loop around your ass? I didn’t get to see the back.” “It loops around my thighs, so by default it cups my ass.” He grinned. “There’s a cock ring option, but it looked like it hurt, so I didn’t attach it. All we’re interested in is the fun, not the pain—” Emma bent over, and as her mouth covered his cock, he gritted his teeth, arching back on the couch. Her silky lips ran up and down, her tongue flicking the tip. He ran his fingers through her hair, cupping the sides of her face. “That feels so good. You know I love it when you give me

head.” She bobbed up. “I’m so turned on right now, I don’t think I’m going to last very long once we get going.” “Me either. Let’s get you naked first.” They both stood, and Pete stripped his wife of her clothes, kissing her shoulders and neck as he went. “So I’m just supposed to slide my legs in the holes, and then we start fucking?” Emma asked, her voice heavy with arousal. “Yes, but after I do this.” Pete leaned over and cupped a breast, taking her sweet peak into his mouth. His cock jumped. Emma grabbed on to his hair and dragged him to the other one. “You and I both love the sucking,” she murmured in his ear. “But let’s get to the fucking.” He broke the seal on her nipple and glanced up, grinning. Without giving her any warning, he lifted her by her waist. She immediately wrapped her arms around his shoulders and placed one of her legs through a loop. “This wouldn’t work nearly as well if you weren’t so limber,” he told her as he nipped her neck. She tugged her other leg through, and he guided her down toward his waiting cock. “I’m so wet,” she whispered. “This was such a great surprise.” “I love surprises,” he told her. “Wiggle your hips for me and brace your body with your arms on my shoulders.” She did as he asked. Since she was in the harness with

him, his hands were free. He grabbed hold of his dick, the tip already milky, as she edged closer. Once his cock broke her seal, they both exhaled. “That feels amazing,” Emma crooned in his ear as she wiggled her hips, gloving him all the way to the hilt. He slid his hands under her ass, gripping it hard as he spread her wider, rocking into her. She moved back like a pendulum, using her legs wrapped around his waist as an anchor. He increased the motion, using his arms, until they could hear the sounds of their coupling throughout the room. “More,” Emma whispered. “I need it harder with more friction.” Pete strode toward a wall. It was covered in velvet drapes, so it was soft against Emma’s back. Once she was against it, he pounded into her. Her hands tightened around his shoulders. “Is this how you want it?” His voice was rough, thick with passion. “Me pounding in and out of your pussy?” He moved like a piston, each time jarring her harder against the wall. “Oh, yes!” she moaned. Pete was breathing heavily, gripping her ass tightly. “I’m close. How about you?” “Almost there,” she answered. Pete angled his face into her neck, murmuring in her ear, “This is what I want forever. You and I doing this.”

“That’s what I want, too,” Emma said, holding on to him tightly, her body beginning to quake. A few more thrusts, and she broke apart in his arms, her thighs compressing his waist, her sheath gripping his cock. As he spilled into her, he whispered, “I love you, Emma.”

If you’ve loved my previous bonus scenes, head to my website: www.authoramandaabbott.com and sign-up for my newsletter! Or Click here: NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP The next bonus scene will ONLY be in my newsletter, and it will be the 1st chapter of my new spinoff series:

SUNKISSED Pushing the Boundaries, Sexy Singles, Book One

Don’t miss out!

New Series Alert! COMING FALL 2015 Pushing the Boundaries, Sexy Singles, Book One

SUNKISSED Mallory Baldwin is a model on the cusp of superstardom. Patrick Conrad is an NFL player who’s been sidelined. They meet on an exclusive dating island. The beach never looked so good.

AND… COMING WINTER 2015! Pushing the Boundaries, Book Four

WHAT GILLIAN DESIRES Gillian must choose between pleasure and love. And only one will win. To find information about me and all my books head to: www.authoramandaabbott.com

About the Author Amanda Abbott lives in the Midwest. She’s the author of many books, both on her own and some published in New York. She loves traveling, seeing the world, and above all she loves to write. These stories have blossomed out of her pure love of all kinds of romance, but especially humor + sexy combined. Taking the question of “what if” and making it real was an absolute thrill to write. And there’s more where that came from! To keep up with new series and new releases, be sure to visit www.authoramandaabbott.com and sign-up for her newsletter.

Other books by Amanda Abbott What Caroline Wants What Piper Needs

Nothing is created without a great team. My thanks to: Cover design: Clarissa Yeo/Yocla Designs Digital and print formatting: Author E.M.S Copyedits/proofs: Joyce Lamb Final Proofing: Marlene Engel

Table of Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Link to BONUS SCENE

NEW SERIES ALERT About the Author