WHATEMMACRAVES

PushingtheBoundaries:

BookThree

AMANDAABBOTT

IttookalotforPeteSlatertoconvincehiswife,

Emma,tomovetothesuburbs.Butonceshearrived,she
foundithadadeliciouslysteamyunderbelly.Her
neighborhoodisfilledwithhook-ups,affairs,andscandal.
It’sbetterthananyrealityTVshow.

ButEmmaisn’tsatisfiedanymore.Afterwatchingher

friendsPiperandMichaelCollinsbecomeadventurousin
theirmarriageagain,it’smadeEmmarealizethat’swhat
shewantsinherownlife.Shecravestobenoticedagain.
Inordertotryandfindwhat’smissing,sheandPetedecide
tobookavacation.

Theirdestinationisasuperexclusiveresortsituatedon

atinyislandwhereanythingandeverythingcanhappen.
Whentheymeetayoungcoupleattheairport,whoendup
inthesuitenexttotheirs,thingsgofromfuntoincredibly
steamyfast.EmmadrivesPetecrazyflirting,anditpays
off.Forthefirsttimeintheirmarriageherhusbandis
jealousofanotherman.WhatPetedoestowinherback
turnsouttobeexactlywhatEmmacraves.

*Thisbookisoffthechartshot.Itcontains:explicit

sex,groupsex,andvoyeurism.**Thereisnocheatingin
anyofmybooks,everythingisconsensualbetweenall
participants.

WHATEMMACRAVES

PushingtheBoundaries:BookThree

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced

inanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,including
informationstorageandretrievalsystems—exceptinthecaseof
briefquotationsembodiedincriticalarticlesorreviews—without
permissioninwritingfromtheauthor.

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thecharacters,events,and

placesportrayedinthisbookareproductsoftheauthor’s
imaginationandareeitherfictitiousorareusedfictitiously.Any
similaritytorealpersons,livingordead,ispurelycoincidental
andnotintendedbytheauthor.

ISBN:978-0-9903928-6-6

Email:

amanda@authoramandaabbott.com

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__________________________

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mmaduckeddownintothebushesasthecardrove

downthestreet.Shepeekedoutofherhidingspotandsaw
itwastheDwyers,anelderlycouplewholivedthree
doorsdownfromherandPete,drivingtheirdatedblack
Cadillac.Theywerecominghomefromchurch,asusual.
Emmawascrouchedinaveryunladylikeposition,butthe
waitwouldbewellworthit.Shewassituateddirectly
undertheMcCrays’garagewindow,waitingfortheshow
tobegin.

IthappenedwithoutfaileveryWednesdaynightatten

thirty-seven,whenCandacearrivedhomeafterherweekly
hotyogaclass.

Whenshecould,Emmaalwayssnaggedafront-row

seat.

Anothercarcamedownthestreet,likeclockwork.A

secondlatertheMcCraygaragedoorengaged,rollingup
smoothly,thevibrationsshakingEmma’sshoulderwhere
sheleanedagainstthesiding.Emmastoodandwatchedas
CandacepulledherleasedAudiRS5intothespotright
nexttothewindow.

Emmaknewitwasleased,becauseCandacewasan

avidtalker.Candacewasaforty-one-year-oldunhappily
marriedstepmothertothreeolderchildren.Sheenjoyed
herboxedChardonnay,andovertheyearsshe’dfilled
Emma’searswithmorethanEmmahadeverneededto
knowabouther,includinghowstretchedsheandher
husbandwerefinanciallytomaintainthelifestyletheyfelt
theydeserved.

The“lifestyle,”accordingtoCandace,wasexpensive

cars,lavishvacations,anddiamondjewelryglittering
aroundherneck.Theunhappinessthataccompanieditwas
consideredatypicalsideeffectandhadbecomean
acceptedsacrifice.

ToEmma,however,livingthelifestylewerenightslike

this,whenCandacestoleamomentofpleasureallto
herself.Candacejustdidn’trealizethatshewasactually
involvedinadifferentkindof“lifestyle”altogether—the
sexualkind.

Mostpeopledidn’t.
Instead,theyrefusedtonameit,becausethatwould

makeitreal.Sotheyengagedinaffairsandsneakedaround
insteadofchoosingtobeopenwiththeirsexualdesires.

EmmaneverbegrudgedCandaceforstealingatiny

sliceofhappinesswhereshecould.Ifthiswastheonly
placeshecouldgetit,sobeit.Plus,itwasentertainingas
helltowatch.Candacewasabeautifulwoman,tall,curvy,
withlongblondehair.Shehadtobegorgeous,sinceshe
wasKyleMcCray’strophywife.Kylewasafifty-five-
year-oldmisogynisticassholewhotraveledmorethanhe

waseverathome.

Andwhenhewasaround,hewastryingtoscrew

everythinghecouldgethismeatyhandson.He’dcomeon
toEmmaseveraltimesovertheyears,butshe’dalways
fobbedhimofflikeapro,insultinghimsointelligentlyhe
neverquiteknewhowbrutallyhewasgettingthebrush-off.

EmmawatchedasCandaceemergedfromhercar.The

womancarefullysetherpurseandkeysonasmallshelfby
thedoorandwenttostandinfrontofthefenderofhercar.
Amomentlater,therewasasmallnoiseasthesidedoor
openedandclosed.

JustinwalkedtowardCandacelikehewasinneedofa

mealandhadn’teatenforweeks.

ItwasthesameeverysingleWednesday.
Theydidn’tembraceortoucheachotheraffectionately.
Theyneverdid.Justinhadhisdickoutbeforehe

reachedCandace,whohadleanedoverthehoodofthe
Audi,bracingherpalmsonthehood.Emmaalways
ponderedwhetherthecarhoodwashotornot,butitdidn’t
botherCandaceintheleast.

Justincameupbehindherandpeeledheryogapants

downwithonehand.

EmmacouldseethatCandacewasstillsweaty.Most

ofthetimeshewas—shemustpreferitthatway.Justin
pushedhiscockintoherwithlittlepreambleandbegana
poundingrhythmthatsenttheAudirockingintandemtohis
thrusts.

Candacetriedtokeephermoansquiet,butEmma

couldhearthemthroughtheglass.EmmaknewCandace
lovedeveryminuteofthisandcraveditlikenothingelsein
herlife.

Emmaknewthefeeling.
EverytimeEmma’shusband,Pete,touchedher,shefelt

arushlikethat.Shecouldn’tgetenough.

JustinwasatwentysomethingfriendofCandace’s

oldeststepson.Heworkedasawaiteratarestaurant
nearby.Althoughhewasontheskinnyside,hewastalland
knewhowtousehiscock.Emmaknewwhereheworked
onlybecauseshe’dspottedhimattherestaurantonafew
occasions.CandacehadmentionedJustinonceinpassing
aboutayearago,andEmmahadgottenthedriftthat
CandaceknewJustin’smother—andthattheymighteven
bebridgepartners.

Oh,thescandalofitall!
That’swhatEmmaadoredthemost.
Therewastitillationinwatchingtheseacts,nodoubt

aboutit,butitwasthenaughtinessandthesecretsthatgave
hertheultimateenjoyment.Thesuburbs—aplaceshe’d
never,everthoughtshe’dlive—wereabsolutelyteeming
withadultery,scandal,andsexualmayhem!Itwasbetter
thananyrealityTVshe’deverwatched.Probablybecause
itwasalllive.

Butstill.
It’dbecomeaweeklyritualtofindoutwhatnaughty

activitiesweregoingonintheneighborhoodandseekthem
out.She’dwatchedasmarriedwivessoughteachother

out,aswellascoedsboredonsummerbreakwithnothing
bettertodothantotrytoseducewaywardhusbands.

EmmawatchedasJustincontinuedhisrelentless

poundinguntilCandace’svoicebrokeonastifledcry.As
shecame,herfingerscurledintothecarhood,herass
bobbingbacktopressontoJustin’scocktoholdhimsteady
forafewpreciousmoments.

Thatwastheonlytouchingsheallowed.
Afewsecondslater,Justinpulledoutandjuttedhis

comealloverCandace’sbareass.

Thatmustbetheiragreement.
Italwaysplayedoutthesameway.
Emmahadbeenwatchingforafewmonthsnow,and

Candacewouldswitchituponoccasion—butonlyasfar
asbendingoversomethingelseinthegarage,likethe
worktable.

Oncehewasdone,Justintuckedhimselfbackinhis

pantsandwalkedovertoashelfthatheldastackof
towels.HebroughtonebackforCandace,whichshetook
readily,andheimmediatelyheadedtowardthedoor.Once
there,heglancedoverhisshoulderandwinkedatEmma.

Justinknewshewatched.Candaceshewasn’tsure

about.

ThatwasEmma’scuetoskedaddle.
JustinoftentriedtocatchEmmatotalk—he’deven

triedtoconvincehertojointheminathreesome.She
dodgedhimasquicklyasshecould.Shefounditwas
easiertodisappearbeforehecouldmakehiswayaround

thegarage,andsinceshelivednextdoor,thatwasaneasy
thingtodo.

Emmasprintedbackintoheryard,headingaroundthe

backofherhouse.

NoneofherneighborsknewsheandPetewereinthe

lifestyle.Andthat’showshewantedtokeepit.She’dhung
aroundwithCandaceenoughtoknowthatifCandaceknew
EmmawaswatchingherandJustin,shewouldn’tcare.She
wouldonlywantEmmatoassurehershelookedawesome
asthetwentysomethingfuckedherfrombehind.

***

Peteglancedupashiswifeenteredthekitchenfromthe

slidingglassdoorsoffthedeck.Hewasstretchedouton
thesofa.“DidCandacecomebigtonight?”hejoked.

“Yep,”Emmaansweredassheslidthedoorsclosed

andwalkedovertothecupboard.Shetookoutabagof
potatochipsandaglass,thenhitthefridgeforwater.

Petesmiled.Hiswifehadapenchantforjunkfood.

“Comesitbyme.”Hepattedthecouchnexttohim.“Iwas
justabouttogotobed,butIhaven’tseenyoumuchtoday.”

Emmakickedoffhershoesandpaddedover,settlingin

nexttohim.

Heleanedoverandkissedthetopofherhead.He

thoughtitwascutethatshesnoopedontheircrazy
neighborsonceinawhile.He’dgonewithherafewtimes,
butitwasn’thisthing.Helikedtoparticipatewhenhe

watchedsex.Tohim,watchingwasn’texcitingiftherewas
noreturn.

“Don’tforget,”sheremindedhim,“thegirlsare

comingoverherenextThursdayfortheblockparty.After,
we’rehangingouthere.They’rethrowingmea‘travel
shower’tocelebrateourtriptotheBahamas.It’ssosweet
ofthem.”

HeandEmmawereleavingonamuch-neededvacation

inlessthantwoweeks.Petewaspumped.Theyhadn’t
beenonatripinalongtime.They’dbookedavillaona
super-exclusiveislandwhereopensexwasencouraged.
He’dheardstoriesaboutthesekindsofsexyresortsand
hadalwayswantedtotryone,butthey’dneverhada
chance—orenoughmoney—beforenow.Hewashopingit
wasgoingtobeawildride.“Doyouwantmetofind
somethingelsetodowhilethey’rehere?OrcanIstay
upstairs?Ihavenodesiretoattendtheblockparty.”

“Youneverwanttogo.”Sheelbowedhim,smiling.“I

adoreseeingeveryoneoutoftheirfishbowlsandlove
tryingtofigureoutwhat’sgoingonbehindcloseddoors.
Butitdoesn’tmatter.”Sheuncurledthebagofchips.
“Whateveryouwanttodoisfine.”

Hedrapedhisarmaroundthebackofthecouch.“How

wasworktoday?Havefunteachinglittlegirlshowto
dance?”

“Littlegirlsandboys.I’msohappytoseemoreboys

enrolled.Anditwasgood,”shesaid,poppingachipinto
hermouth.“Sameasusual.”

“Areyoulookingforwardtoourvacation?”
“Iam,”shereplied.
Petesighed.Theseshort,clippedanswerswerewhat

he’dbeendealingwithforthepastfewweeks.Theywere
unlikehiswife—whowasnormallysweetandbubbly,
alwaysreadytotalk.Hecouldn’tfigureoutwhatwas
botheringher.Hethoughtmaybeitwasbecausehe’d
pressedtheideaofgoingtoasexyresortwhenshe’d
originallywantedtogotoanice,upscaleresortwherethe
twoofthemcould“re-couple,”asshe’dputit.Hehadno
ideawhat“re-coupling”meantandhadarguedforthe
exclusiveresortinstead.

Iftheyweregoingtogoonaspendytrip,hewantedto

goall-out.Whynot?They’dendedupdebatingitforafew
days,buteventuallyshe’dgivenin.

Justlikethat.Likeaswitchhadbeenflipped.
Petehadbeenpuzzled,butsatisfied.Now,hewasn’tso

sure.Hetriedagain.“Wehaven’tchattedmuchthisweek.
What’sgoingonwithyou?”

Sheangledherheadup.“Nothingmuch.Sameoldstuff.

Butdon’tworry,thevacationisgoingtobegreat.I’m
reallyexcited.TheBahamaslookwonderful.”

“I’vetriedtodoalittleresearchontheresort,butit’s

reallysecretive.Ican’tfindmuch.”Hewrappedanarm
aroundEmma’sshoulderandnuzzledthetopofherhead.
“ButfromwhatJimsaid,itshouldberightupouralley.I
trusthim.”

“Yep,Isawthee-mailhesent,andthepictures.LikeI

said,italllooksamazing.I’msold.I’msurewe’llfindlots
todo.Andpeopletodoitwith.”

Petedetectedahintofsomethinginhervoicehe

couldn’tidentify.“Areyousureyou’reokaywiththis?”He
frowned.“Idon’twanttogoifyou’reupset.Wecanbook
somethingelse.Wecanprobablygetourdepositback,or
atleastsomeofit,ifwebackoutnow.”

Shesighed.Petehearditclearly.“No,Itoldyou.I

wanttogo.I’mexcitedtovisittheBahamas.Itwasn’tmy
firstchoice,butI’mfinewithitnow.We’repayingso
muchforit,Ican’timagineitwillbeanythinglessthan
amazing.”Shepattedhislegandpoppedanotherchipinto
hermouth.“Youneedtorelax.I’mfine.”

PetehatedthatEmmawasobviouslybotheredabout

something,buthedecidedtoletitgo.Shewouldtalkto
himwhenshewasready.

Emmarolledupthetopofthechipbagandstood.“I’m

goingtoheaduptobed.I’llseeyouwhenyougetup
there.”

Petewatchedhiswifeputawaythefoodandwalkout

ofthekitchen.HetriedtothinkbacktoatimewhenEmma
hadeverbeenthiswithdrawn,andhecouldn’tthinkofa
singleone.Helovedhiswifemorethananything.Petehad
fallenforherthefirstmomenthe’deverlaideyesonher.
Butshewasapeoplepleaser.Itwasinhernaturetobe
soothingandaffectionate.That’swhysheexcelledat
teachingchildren.Soherattitudenowbaffledhim.

HeroseoffthecouchandturnedofftheTV,thenlocked

upthehouseandmadehiswayupstairs.Bythetimehegot
totheirbedroom,thelightswereoutandEmmawas
alreadycurledupintheirbed.

Heknewshewasn’tasleepyet.
Peteheadedintothebathroomandbrushedhisteeth,

droppinghisclothesonthefloor.Healwayssleptnaked.
Hecrawledunderthecoversandimmediatelygathered
Emmaintohisarms,tugginghergentlytohischest.Then
helickedthecolumnofherneck.

Sheshudderedinhisarms.
Hiswifelovedsex,possiblyevenmorethanhedid.

Plus,shehadtobeturnedonfromseeingCandaceand
Justinfuckinginthegarage.

Silently,Emmaturnedinhisarms,facinghim,herhand

slidingdowntostrokehiscockasherlipsmethischest.
Shedidn’tspeakasshespreadherlegs,drapingoneleg
highoverhisthigh,easinghisalreadyharddickinsideof
her.

Sheundulatedherhips,moaningsoftlyintohisneckas

shefuckedhim.

Petewasstruckbytheemotionhefelt.Justlike

everythingelsethisweek,thiswasn’ttheirtypical
interaction.

Heclosedhiseyes,revelinginherbody,warmand

sweet,asitrockedagainsthis.Mostoftheirsexual
interactionsinvolvedtimeandplanning,evenwhenthey
werealone.Theypreferredtomakeitexplosiveifthey
couldandalmostalwaysusedthebasementbecausethere

wassomuchstimulationandthingstochoosefromdown
there.

Spontaneoussexwasrare.
Petefeltaneedforherlikeheneverhadbefore.Itwas

likeEmmawastryingtotellhimsomethinghecouldn’t
quitegrasp.Hischestfelttight.Heroseup,rollingher
ontoherback,takinghermouth,andbegantothrustdeeply.
Hepumpedhard.Afteramomenthebrokethekissand
flexedhisarmssohehoveredaboveher,spreadingher
legswidersohiscockfittightlyagainsthercorewith
everythrust.

Hewantedeverypartofhimselfinsideher.
Shemoanedbeneathhim,hernailsbitingintohisass,

forcinghimtogofaster.Butshedidn’tsayaword,herface
angledawayfromhis.

Hersilenceaffectedhim.Shewasalwaystender

duringtheirlovemaking,whisperingsweetwordsinhis
ear.

“Iloveyou,”hetoldher.“Youknowthat,don’tyou?”
Inanswer,shethreadedherfingersthroughhishairand

criedouthisnameasshecame.

__________________________

____________

“T

hat’sfantastic,Miranda!Ifyoukeeppracticingthat,

you’llbereadyfortheshowinnotime.I’llseeyounext
week.”Emmawavedtothelastchildasthelittlegirlleft
thestudiowithhermother.

Emmawastired,butshefeltinvigorated.Teaching

alwaysmadeherfeelthatway.Dancingwasherlife,and
Emmalovedherjob.Beingabletoteachgrade-school
childrenhadbecomeherpassion.

Shewalkedtowardadoorontheothersideofthe

studioandenteredheroffice,whichdoubledasthe
wardroberoomwhentheyhadperformances,amongother
things.Shesatdownonabenchandbegantounlaceher
danceshoessoshecouldchangeintoherstreetclothes.
Sheglancedattheclockonthewall.Shewasontimeto
meetPiperforadrink.Emmahadtextedherthisweekend
andaskedhertomeetaheadoftheblockpartyhappyhour,
whichwasintwodays.Piperhadgraciouslyagreed.

Emmareadiedherselfquicklyandslungherpurseover

hershoulder.Asshelockedup,shethoughtaboutallthe
thingsshewantedtotalktoPiperabout.Emmaneededher
advice.She’dbeenhappywhenPiperhadagreedtomeet

herwithouttheothergirls.Emmawantedtotalkprivately
first,beforeshesharedherissueswiththegroup.She
absolutelylovedbeingincludedinPiper’sinnercircle.
TheSTDhappyhours,whichstoodforSexualTherapyfor
Deviants,weretheabsolutebest.Thegirlsgottogether
regularlyanddiscussedsex,andsubsequentlylaugheduntil
theirsideshurt.Thesemeetingswereoneofthebestthings
tohappentoEmmainalongtime.Theywereablessing,
really.SheknewCarolineandGillianwouldbeeagerto
contributetheirownadvice,andEmmawaslooking
forwardtoit.

Whenyouchosetoliveinthe“lifestyle,”itwas

isolating.Thetopicnevercameupincasualconversation
withanyone.

Forobviousreasons.
Ifparentsofherstudentseverfoundoutshewasa

“swinger,”forlackofabetterterm,shecouldloseher
businessinaheartbeat.Thislifestyle,tolotsoffolks,was
consideredperverted.ManywouldthinkthatEmma’s
“sexualdeviation”wouldsomehowtrickledowntotheir
childrenthroughsomekindofunseenosmosis.Itwasa
completelyuneducatedviewofsex,andloveasawhole,
buttherewasnothingEmmacoulddoaboutitexceptkeep
quietaroundanyonebutherfriends.

Emmahadembracedherselfandherchoiceslongago,

andhadlivedinthelifestylehappilyuntilrecently.Being
abletotalktoPiper,Caroline,andGillianabouthernew
indecisionswaslikebreathinginnewair.

ShemadethequickdriveovertoTheBrickHouse,a

localbarthatservedspecialtypizza.Piperhadsuggested
it,andEmmahadreadilyagreed.Pizzawasoneofher
faves.

WhenshepulledinshespottedPiper’scaralready

parkedinthelotandsmiled.Emmagotout,lockinghercar
asshewentwiththehandyfob,andheadedtowardthe
entrance.

Piperwasseatedatahightableinthebarwithtwo

drinksalreadyinfrontofher.Sheslidoffherstool,giving
Emmaaquickhug.“Dude,it’stwo-for-oneforthenext
fifteenminutes.Youhavetogetyourorderin.”Piper
effortlesslyhoppedbackonherbarstool.“Beerandrails.I
tookthelibertyoforderingusasmalldeep-dishpizzaand
somecheesygarlicbread.Theywerebothonthehappy-
hourmenu,andthewaitresssaidthepizzawaskiller.”

“Anythingisfinewithme.Thatsoundsperfect.”Emma

tookherseat,loopingherpursearoundthehookonthe
wallnexttoher.“I’msogladyoucouldmeetmetonight.
Thanksforcomingonsuchshortnotice.”

“Ofcourse,”Piperanswered,herfacehappyand

radiantasusual.“Yousoundedkindofdistressed,soI
madeitatoppriority.”

“Youpickedthatupovertexts?”Emmachuckled.

“That’sfairlyintuitiveofyou.”

“Itwasn’tthathard.Youmust’vesaid‘please’and

‘thankyou’fourdifferenttimesinasmanytexts.What’s
up?”Piperaskedasshepickedupherglass.

“Nothingandeverything,”Emmasaid,tryingnotto

soundtoomiserable.“It’sprobablyjustmegoingthrough
somePMSthing,butI’mfeelingunhappyanduncertainin
mysexlife.Seeingyousoutterlytransformyour
relationshipwithMichaelhasbeenanamazingthingto
witness,andsubsequentlyit’scausedmetodoalotofsoul
searchinginmyownmarriage—inagoodway.It’s
highlightedthepositives,butalsothenegatives.”

“Sowe’reheretodiscussthosenegatives?”Piperset

herglassdown.“You’vehintedatbeingunhappybefore.
AndIwasrighttherewithyou,notsolongago.I
understandwhereyou’reat,evenwithouthearingallthe
details,andIcantellyourightnow,I’madvocatingforyou
tochangethingsup.Ifyoucan,thepayoffwillbesweeter
thanyouknow.Thislifestyleisahardacttobalance,and
wedon’talwayswantthestatusquo,andit’sokayto
changeourminds.Sometimeswe’rejustsearchingfora
differentflavor.Oracookieinsteadofacracker.That’s
myfavoriteanalogytodate.Abig,fatDoubleStufOreo
insteadofadrywheatcracker.”

“That’sjustit.”Emmaleanedforward,herhands

grippingtheedgeofthetable.“Idon’tknowwhatIwantor
howtoshakethingsup.That’swhyI’mhere.I’mkindofin
thiswallowingstage.IknowI’munhappy,butIdon’t
exactlyknowwhy.PeteandIhavebeendoingthesame
thingsforyears,andit’sneverbotheredmebefore—”

“CanIaskyousomething?”Piperinterrupted.“Doyou

lovePete?”

“Yes!OfcourseIdo!”Emmafeltalmosttakenaback

bythequestion.“He’smyperson,there’snoquestionabout
it.He’smytall,blondsurferboy.IsalivateeverytimeI
seehim.That’swhythisissohard!Ilovehimwithallmy
heartandIwanttostaymarried.Ienjoyourlifetogether—
yetlatelythere’ssomethinglacking.Butit’sthatsomething
Ican’tputmyfingeron.That’swhyIwantedtotalktoyou
aboutitfirst,beforeIshareitwitheveryoneelse.Iknow
theothergirlsaregoingtobeeagertohelp,andI’msure
they’llgivemegreatadvice.ButwhenIcan’teven
articulatewhatIneed,itdoesn’tmakesensetoshareit
withthegroup.I’djustsoundlikeabiggerbumblingidiot
thanIdorightnow.”

“You’renotanidiot.”Piperpickedupherdrinkand

swirledit.“Fromwhatyoujustsaid,decisionnumberone
isaneasyone:StaymarriedtoPeteatallcosts.Thathelps
thedirectionyouneedtoheadin.Ifyouweren’thappy
withPete,andwantedtoexploreotheravenues,thiswould
beamuchdifferentconversation.AndItotallygetwanting
totalktomealone.You’reaprivateperson,Emma.
There’snothingwrongwiththat.Butinorderforyouto
figureoutwhatyouneed,you’regoingtohavetostepout
ofyourcomfortzonealittlebitanddosomemoresoul
searching.Ipredictyou’renotgoingtoloveeverythingyou
find.Doyouthinkyou’rereadyforthat?”

“Yes,I’mveryready.”Emmaarchedherbrow.“But

howareyousosureIwon’tlikewhatIfind?”

Piperrestedherelbowsonthetable.“It’snotsomuch

thatyouwon’tlikeit,butyoumighthavetogooutside
what’snormalandcomfortableforyoutofixit,whichcan
bescary.Iknowthatfirsthand.Yougavemegreatinsight
nottoolongago.YousawMichaelandmefromanoutside
perspective,andbecauseofthat,youwereabletobreak
thingsdown,includingtheshockerthatmyhusbandwasn’t
reallyintoourpreviousswapgatherings.Well,Icandothe
sameforyounow.It’smucheasiertoanalyzesomeone
elseratherthantakeagoodlookatyourself,don’tyou
think?”

Emmanodded.“Itotallyagree.Sowhatdoyousee?”

Emmawaseagertohear.

“BeforeIstart,IhavetotellyouthatIbelieveyou’re

totallyPete’sperson,too.Sodon’tbeworriedaboutthat.
Everytimewe’veeverbeenwithyouguys,thewayhe
looksatyou,andbringsupyourdancing,andtouchesyou,
andeverythingelse—Icanclearlyseehe’stotallyinlove
withyou.Let’sgetthatoutofthewayfirst.”

“It’sgoodtoknowthatourloveisapparent.”Emma

smiled.ShealreadyknewPetelovedher.

“Theinterestingthingaboutyouhasalwaysbeenyour

willingnesstopleasehimandeveryoneelsearoundyou.
Yougooutofyourwaytomakesureeveryoneis
comfortableandfullysatisfiedwhentheyleave.”Piper
winked.“Idon’thavetogointodetailabouthowyoudo
that,becauseyoualreadyknow,butyou’reextremely
talentedatgivingandmakingsureeveryoneisalways
happy.”

Emmablushedasthewaitresscameuptothetable.

“CanIgetyouanything?It’slastcallforhappyhour.”

“Whateverlightbeeryouhaveontapisfine,”Emma

toldher.

“Gotit,”thewaitresssaid.“Doyouguyswanttoorder

anymorefoodbeforethehappy-hourmenuends?”

“No,we’regood,”Piperanswered.Thewaitressleft,

andPiperpickedupwheresheleftoff.“Whatyouhaveis
anaturalgiftforpeoplepleasing,andthat’slikelyutterly
gorgeous.”

“Oh,please,”Emmasaid,swishingherhand.“You

guysarethebeautifulones.Well,Peteisgorgeous,atleast
tome,withhisblueeyesanddimpledsmile.ButI’m
average.”

“Dude,haveyoulookedinthemirrorlately?”Piper

gasped.“Youcan’tseriouslythinkyou’reaverage.That
creamy,perfectskincoupledwiththathair?You’reafine-
lookingwoman.But,honestly”—hervoicedroppedasthe
waitresspassedby—“I’veneverseenyouusewhatyou’ve
got.Notinallthetimeswe’vebeenwithyou.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Emmasaid.
“Imeanyoudon’tstrut,”Pipersaid,hervoicefirm.
“Strut?”
“Yes.Strut.Like,showoff,wiggleyourass,flaunt

whatyou’vegot.You’realwaysverydemureandput
together.You’renevercocky.Youneverputonthe‘Iknow
youwanttofuckme’airs.Whyisthat?You’retotally
beautiful.Youcouldifyouwantedto.”

Emmawasgenuinelypuzzled.“Um,Ihavenoidea?I

guessit’sjustnotmypersonality.”Shegavea
noncommittalshrug.

“It’snotyou,ornotPete?”Pipercockedherhead.
Emmathoughtaboutitasthewaitresssetdownhertwo

beers.Shepickedoneupandtookalongswallow,going
overitinhermind.

Piperscootedherchaircloser,thelegsscrapingthe

floor,herfaceanimated.“Tellmethis.Howoldwereyou
whenyoumetPete?”

“Twenty-one.”
“Washeyourfirstlove?”
“Oh,yes,”Emmaansweredreadily.“I’dhadother

relationshipsbeforehim,butwhenImetPeteitwaslike
worldscollidedandIsawstars.Itwasloveatfirstsight
forme.Iknowhowcornythatsounds,butthat’showI
felt.”

Pipernodded.“Thatmakessomuchsense.Andyou

weresoyoung.Howoldareyounow,twenty-six?”

“Justturnedtwenty-seven.”
“BeforePete,didyoueverstrut?”
Emmathoughtbackonit.“Yes,IguessIdid.I

definitelystruttedtotrytocatchPete’seye.Itotally
rememberthat!”Shegiggled.“Imust’vewalkedbyhima
milliontimestossingmyhairandwigglingmyass.The
veryfirsttimeIsawhimwasinabar,andthereweregirls
alloverhim.Ihadtoworkhardtogethimtonoticeme.”

“Andhowelsedidyougethisattention,besides

tossingyourhairandwigglingyourass?”

“Honestly,IdideverythingIcouldthinkof,”Emma

replied.“Ihadnoshame.Ibasicallyclawedmyway
throughtheothergirlstostandnexttohim.Iboughthim
drinks.IworetheskimpiestclothesIcouldfind.Iwasn’t
abovetryinganything.”

“See?”Pipersaidexcitedly.“Nowwe’regetting

somewhere.WhydoyouthinkPeteultimatelychoseyou
overtheothergirls?”

“BecauseIwaspersistent?”
“Bullshit.”Piperchortled.“ExcusemyFrench,butI’d

betmyhouseyouweremoregenuineandsweeterthanany
ofhisusualhangers-on.Hepickedyoubecauseyou’re
you!Beautifulandkind.”

Emmalookedskeptical.“Maybe,ormaybebecausehe

knewIwouldn’tgiveupuntilheaskedmeout,sohe
finallygavein?”

“Yeah,right.Onarelatednote,whydidyoustopbeing

thatgirl?Theonewhowouldstopatnothingtogetaman
tolookather?Mostwomenkeeppreening,especiallyfor
theirgirlfriends—whichiswhymostofusstilldressup
oncewe’remarried.”

Emmaglancedaround,surveyingtheotherwomenin

theroom,thenglanceddownathersimpleoutfitofjeans
andawhiteT-shirt.“IguessIhadn’trealizedI’dstopped.”
ShemetPiper’sgaze.“Damn,youshouldchargebythe
hour.Thisisintense.”Shepickedupherbeer.

“Well,you’retheonewhowantedtogettothebottom

ofit,anddude,Ithinkwe’realmostthere.Seriously,why
didyoustopwantingpeopletonoticeyou?”

Emmashookherhead.“IthinkIstoppedbecauseonce

wewereapairIdidn’twantPetetogetjealousifother
mennoticedme.Iamapleaseratheart.Peteandour
relationshipbecamemytoppriorityveryquickly,soeven
withouthisaskingImust’vetoneditdown.Butontheflip
side,itneverbotheredme,norwasIreallyawareIwas
doingit.Ijustwantedusbothtobeblissfullyhappy
together.”

“Petecouldn’treallybethejealoustypeifyouguys

ultimatelydecidedtoshareyourbedwithothers.”

“Wediddecidetoshareit,”Emmaadmitted,“butit’s

alwaysbeenincontrolledsituationswithfirmrulesin
place,sotherewasnorealroomforjealousy.”

“Controlledbywho?ByPete?”
“Inthebeginning,Ithink.”Shehesitated,settingher

drinkdown.“It’shardtorememberexactly.Butwhatwe
donowiscompletelymutual.Iwouldn’tstaywith
someonewhotriedtocontrolormanipulateme.Heloves
me,andweareinthisasateam.”

“I’mnotsayingyouwould.Youhaveaverystrong

backbone.”Pipersmiled.“Maybe‘controlled’isthe
wrongword.Idon’tmeantoimplythatPeteisabusivein
anyway.Let’strythisadifferentway.Whoseideawasit
toinviteanotherpersonintoyourbedroomthefirsttime?”

Emmabitherlip.“ItwasPete.”
“Andyouwerefinewithit?”

“Iwashesitantatfirst,butoncewedidit,Ithoughtit

wasgreat.Everyonehadsuchagoodtime,andthehazeof
reallygoodsexlastedfordays.IknowyouknowwhatI’m
talkingabout.Wewereblissedoutfordays,hornyand
satisfiedallatthesametime.Wecouldn’tgetenoughof
eachother.”

“Idoknowthatfeeling,andI’msureeveryonehada

blast.I’malsosureitwasbecauseyouhelpedfacilitateit
bybeingyournice,generousself.”Piperchuckled.“Ican
almostimaginethescene.Twoyoung,nubiletwenty-one-
year-oldsinthequestforextremepleasure.”

“Thatmightbetrue.Imight’vekeptthebalanceand

madeeveryonefeelgood.Butthat’salsowhenIrealized
mysexualtriggerwastheartofsex.Thesexactisso
sensualandbeautiful.Iadoreseeingitperformedon
everyone,andwatchingeveryoneenjoythestarkpleasure
ofitallgivesmegoosebumps.”Sherubbedherarms.“It’s
mything.”

“Iknowitis,but,”Piperpointedout,“youguysdon’t

attendorgies.Frommynowintimateexperience”—she
cockedaneyebrowandwhistledoutofthesideofher
mouth,makingEmmagiggle—“that’stheheightof
witnessingthesexact.Everyoneistheretoseekultimate
pleasure.Whyhaven’tyouguysevergonetoone?”

Emmawasataloss.“Idon’tknow.”Shethoughtback

todiscussionsshe’dhadwithPeteandcameupshort.
“We’vealwayslikedbeingincontrol,soorgieshave
neverbeenourthing.”

“Aha!”Piperannouncedinamocksardonictone,

holdingupherfinger.“We’rebacktothecontrolissue
again.Butyou’reabouttochangeallthat.Yourealizethat,
right?”

“Howso?”
“Thisisthecomfort-zonethingIwastalkingabout.

YourtriptotheBahamasistheperfectplacetostart.The
timingcouldn’tbebetter.”

“I’mnotgettingit.Whatdoyoumean?”
“Emma,you’regoingtolearntostrutagain.You’re

goingtowigglethatbeautifulassandmovethose
incrediblehipsuntileveryonethere—includingrandom
folkswhomightstrollbyonthebeach—wanttofuckyou
threewaysfromSaturday.”

“Okay.”Emmahesitated,suppressingagigglethatwas

bubblingup.“AndwhyamIgoingtodothat?”

Piperleanedforward.“Becauseyou’regoingtoshake

Peteupforallhe’sworth.”

Emmanoddedalong.“Okay,Icanseewhereyou’re

heading.Youwantmetostartmakingmyhusbandjealous.”

“Yes,exactly.BecauseajealousPetewillbeadoting

Pete.Yourmanisgoingtorediscovertheamazingprizehe
hasrightinfrontofhim—theonehe’sinadvertentlytaken
forgrantedfortoolong.That’swhatyou’remissing,
Emma.”Shesetherhandsonthetable.“You’remissing
yourself-worth.”

__________________________

____________

etearrivedhometoanemptyhouse.He’dbeen

lookingforwardtoseeingEmmaandhavinganicedinner
together.Hewasstillreelingalittlefromtheirsexual
encounterlastweek.Hecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutit.But
EmmahadtextedhimthatshewasmeetingPiperfor
dinner.Soinsteadhe’dworkedlateandpickedupChinese
takeoutonthewayhome.

Itwasnineforty-five.Hesetthefoodonthecounter

andtookaplateoutofthecupboard,alongwithsome
spoonsfromthedrawertodisheverythingout.Beforehe
coulddigin,therewasaknockontheslidingglassdoors.

HeglancedupandsawCandacestandingonthedeck.
Shegavehimasmallwave.
Petegesturedtoher.“Comeonin,”hecalled.“It’s

open.”Overtheyears,Candacehadstoppedbyonafew
occasions,butusuallyonlywhenEmmawashome.

“Hithere,”shechirpedasshecamein.“IhopeI’mnot

disturbingyou.IjustsawyoudriveupandthoughtI’d
comebyandsayhi.”

Petetriedtokeephispuzzlementtohimself.“I’mjust

abouttoeatdinner.Chinesetakeout.Wouldyoucarefor

any?Ihavemorethanenough.”

“No.”Sheshookherhead.“I’mstuffed.Iatealate

dinnermyself.”Shestrolledtotheislandandperchedona
stool.Forthefirsttime,Petesawsheheldaglassofwine
inherhand.

ShemustthinkEmmawashome.“Emma’snothereat

themoment.I’mnotsurewhenshe’llbeback,”Petesaid.
“Butyou’rewelcometowaitforher.”

“Oh,that’sokay,”sheansweredsmoothly.“I’mnot

hereforher.”Shegavehimasaucysmileandtookalong
swallowofherwine.

ThistimeitwassurprisePetetriedtokeepoffhisface.
Thiswassooutoftheblue.
Candacewasagood-lookingfortysomething,butno

onehe’deverconsiderinvitingintohisandEmma’s
bedroom.PeteknewEmmafeltthesameway.Hewas
positiveEmmahadneversharedtheirlifestylechoicewith
Candaceeither,soitwouldbealmostimpossibleforherto
havefiguredoutwhattheydidbehindcloseddoors.

Petedecidednottotouchtheinsinuation.Instead,he

asked,“HowareKyleandthekids?Ihaven’tseenthem
aroundinawhile.”

Candacetookanotherlongdrinkofherwine.“Kyle’s

beengoneforalmostthreeweeks.”Shesettheglassdown
slowly.“He’ssupposedtobecominghomeThursday,in
timefortheblockparty,butwe’llseeifheshows.The
kidshavebeenspendingmostofthetimeattheirmother’s.
Shejustmovedbackintotheneighborhood,afterwinning

anotherlawsuitformorespousalsupport.”Shemumbled
thenextbitunderherbreath.“Becausenowthebitchcan
affordit.”SheglancedupatPeteandplasteredasmile
backonherface.“Shesaysit’ssothekidscaneasilygetto
ourhouseandschoolfromherhouse,butIknowher,she
relishesthefactshetookKyleformoremoneyandwon.
Shecelebrateswithabigpartyeverytimeshewins.”

Peteclearedhisthroatandtriedtolookbusyscooping

foodontohisplateandputtingthefoodcontainersinthe
fridge,wishingthatCandacewasanywherebutinhis
kitchen.Hecouldn’tcarelessaboutanyofthem—not
Kyle,norhisfirstwife,ortheirlegalstruggles.

Howhadthiswomangottenintohishouseagain?
WhenPeteturnedbackaftershuttingthefridge,

Candacewasgrinningathimseductively,pressinghernow
emptywineglassintoherbottomlip.Beforehecouldthink
ofanythingtosay,shesaid,“Iknowyourwifewatchesus
havesex.”

Withouthesitation,Petereplied,“Ihavenoideawhat

you’retalkingabout.”

“Oh,Ithinkyoudo,”shesuggestedcoyly,settingher

glassontheislandandtracingthebottomwithasingle
finger.“Iknowyouguysexperiment,sodon’tplaymefora
fool.Ihadahunchshewaswatching,butafterJustin
finishedfuckingmelastweek,Ifoundhimhangingaround
mygaragelikealostpuppy.Sincenooneishomeatmy
houseexceptme,Iwentoutsidetoaskhimwhatthehellhe
wasdoing,andhetoldmehewashopingyourwifewould

comebackout.”ShecockedherheadtowardPete,anda
cascadeofchemicallytreatedhairfelloverhershoulder.
“Ithinkyoudeservetoknowthatyourwifemightbe
headingintoanaffair.Justiniscertainlyreadyandwilling
tooblige.Heeventoldmehe’saskedhertojoinus.”
Candaceslowlygotoffthestoolandeasedaroundthe
island.“It’salittlepervertedthatshelikestowatch,
wouldn’tyouagree?”

Petewantedtobackupasshemovedtowardhim,but

heheldhisground.Hecouldn’tshowfearinasituation
likethisorTheCougarwouldstrike.“Candace,Ican
assureyounooneischeatingorthinkingaboutcheating.
And,yes,Emmahaswatchedyouafewtimesforfun,but
shefoundoutaboutyourlittletrystsveryinnocently.You
weremoaningloudly,andwebothheardyoufromour
deck.Emmawenttoinvestigatetomakesureyouwere
okay.”

Candacesetanopenpalm,herfingernailspainted

brightred,onhischest.“Howverynobleofher.”She
leanedintoopenlyscenthim,hernostrilsflaring.“Ibet
sheenjoyedtheshow,orshecertainlywouldn’tkeep
comingbackformore.Justinfucksverywell.ButI’m
thinking”—sheslidherhanduptohisneck—“youwould
dothejobsomuchbetter.”

Peteslowlyremovedherhand,pickingitoffhischest

likeahotcoal.Hedidn’treallywanttooffendher,
becauseshewasobviouslyverylonely,butthiswas
gettingoutofhand.“I’msorry,Candace.You’revery

attractive,butI’mnotinterested.Ilovemywife.Iwould
nevercheatonher.”

Candacetsked.“Youdon’thavetolietome.”She

leanedinclosetohimandwhispered,“I’veseeninyour
windows.Yourwifeisnottheonlyonewhogetsnosy
whentheyhearpeoplemakingloudnoises.Noisesthat
soundlikedeliciousgroansofpleasure.”

“Really,Candace,I’msurewhatyouthinkyousaw

wasn’t—”

Allofasuddenshewaskissinghim,herhands

graspingeithersideofhisface,herrednailsdiggingin.

Hesputtered,butbeforehecouldbreakaway,heheard

adooropening,followedby,“I’msorry,amIinterrupting
something?”

***

Theuttersurprise,coupledwithdisgust,inPete’s

expressionasEmmacaughthimandCandaceinaclench
wasalmostcomical.ButEmmakeptasternlookonher
face,crossingherarmsandjuttingherhipouttomakeit
lookconvincing.

Shecouldn’tbelieveaperfectopportunityto

implementPiper’sadvicehadpresenteditselfalready.

Afteragreatdinner,andmorechatting,Emmahad

cometosomeamazingrealizationsaboutherself,andthe
beginningofaplantochangeuphermarriagehad
formulated.Shehadn’tthoughtanopportunitywould

materializesosoon,butthiswasasgoodatimeasanyto
begintoshakethingsupwithPete.Lethimknowthat
everythinginherworldwasn’talwayscalmandgo-with-
the-flow.

EmmaknewwithoutbeingtoldthatCandacehadcome

intothehouseunannounced,hopingtoseduceherhusband
intobed.Emmawasnofool.Ithadbeenonlyamatterof
time,thewayEmmasawit,beforeCandacewouldtryto
makeherplay.Itwasaveryunshockingscenario,andlittle
didCandaceknow,Petefuckedwomenallthetimewith
Emma’spermission.

Butthatwasallabouttochange.
AtthesoundofEmma’svoice,Petehadtakenahuge

stepbackwardtogetawayfromtheinterlopingtrophy
wife,butCandacehadattachedherselftohimso
thoroughlyshe’dlurchedforwardwithhim,forcingPeteto
catchher,lestshefalltothefloor.Thatwouldn’thavebeen
entirelyunwelcome,butthiswasjustasgood.

Emmawatchedtheantics,bitingherlipsoshe

wouldn’tlaugh,asPetetriedtodetachhimselffrom
Candaceastheirlimbsintertwined.

“Thisisnotwhatitlookslike,”Petestarted.“Ican

explain—”

Emmaheldupherhand.“Don’tstart.Iclearlysawyou

twokissing.”IfPetewassmart,he’dkeepquiet.

Hedid.
Oncesettled,Candacereacheduptofixherhair,not

daringenoughtolookEmmaintheeyesyet.“Well,yes.”

Candaceclearedherthroatassheglancedatthecounter,
andthenatthefloor.“Iknowthislooksbad,but”—she
seemedtobecomealittlebolderasshewent—“it’snot
nearlyasbadasyouwatchingsomethingintimatebetween
meandanotherpersonthroughagaragewindowlikea
PeepingTom.”Sheliftedherchin,finallymeetingEmma’s
gaze,daringEmmatosayotherwise.

Emmadared.
Droppingherarms,EmmawaltzeduptoCandace,

gettingrightinherface—somethingshemightnothave
doneifPiper’svoicehadnotbeenringingloudlyinher
earsrightthissecond,urginghertotakecontrolofherlife.
“Youlistentome,Candace.Myhusbandisoff-limits.Do
youunderstand?Fornowandforever.Asforyouandyour
boytoy—Iwouldstronglysuggestinthefuturethatifyou
don’twantanyonetoknowaboutyourindiscretions,you
takeyourfuckingelsewhere.Eitherholeupinsideyour
houseorgosomeplacediscreet.Yourmoansareloud
enoughtowaketheentireneighborhood.TheDwyerscan
hearthemwithouttheirhearingaids—whichweknowis
yourintent.Youlovethatweknow,andtonightyouwere
hopingmyhusbandwouldbeyournewfuckbuddy.”Emma
gaveherneighborasneerforgoodmeasure.“How’dthat
workoutforyou?Justin’stwenty-two-year-olddickisno
matchforwhatPetecouldgiveyouwithouteventryingtoo
hard.He’sastellarlay.Butyou’renevergoingtofindout
becausethatdreamisshot,Candace.Nowgobackhome
withyouremptywineglassandyourtailfirmlytucked

betweenyourlegs,becausethat’stheonlythingthat’s
goingbetweenthemtonight.”

Candaceopenedandshuthermouthtwicebeforeshe

sputtered,“Youcan’t…youcan’ttakethattonewithme!I
knowyoutwoareintodirtythings.You’reliketworutting
animals—”

“Shutthehellup,Candace!”Emmasnapped.“Idon’t

wanttohearit.Youcameherelookingtogetlaid,and
you’releavingwithnothing.Andifyoudon’tstartmoving
yourasstowardthatdoor,I’mgoingtotossyouout
myself.”

CandacehadbeenslowlybackingupasEmmahad

beentalking.Petehadremainedquietandgottenoutofthe
way,whichwasexactlywhatEmmahadwanted.She
didn’tdareglanceatherhusband,becauseshewould
likelybreakcharacter.Hislookofuttersurprisemightbe
enoughtoderailheract.

Thiswasasideofhershewascertainhe’dneverseen.

Infact,itwasasideofhershewasn’tsureshe’dseen
herself,untilthisverymoment.

Itwasliberating!
Petewasgoingtohavetobucklehisseatbeltfrom

hereonout.

“I’mgoing.There’snoneedtogetviolent.”Candace

scrambledtowardtheglassdoors.Assheslidthedoor
open,shetossedherhairbackandtriedtoregainsome
dignity.“Ihopeyoutwodeviantsarehappy.WhenI’m
done,theentireneighborhoodisgoingtoknowyoutwoare

sexaddicts!”Withthat,shedisappearedintothenight.

Verycalmly,Emmawalkedovertothedoorand

called,“Dothat,Candace,andyourentirebridgeclubwill
knowyou’refuckingthesonofyourgoodfriendandbridge
partner,ShannonPatton!”Emmaslammedthedoorclosed
withaloudbang,withoutwaitingforCandacetoreply.
Emmaknewshe’dheardeveryword,andthewoman
wouldn’tsayanythingtoanyone.

Oncethedoorwaslocked,Emmaturnedbutrefusedto

meetPete’sgazeassheheadedoutoftheroom.Shecould
hearPetefollowingher.“Idon’tunderstandwhyyou’reso
angry,”Petesaidtoherretreatingback.“Candacecamein
hereunannounced,andbeforeIknewwhatwashappening,
shewasalloverme!Ihadnothingtodowithit.”

“Ofcourseyouhadsomethingtodowithit!”Emma

saidinanexasperatedtoneasshekeptwalking.“Ijust
foundyoukissinganotherwomanbehindmybackinmy
ownkitchen.”

“Iwasn’tkissingher!Shewaskissingme.Iwant

nothingtodowithher.”

“Itdidn’tlooklikeittome.”Emmakeptwalking,

staringstraightahead.

“Emma,”Petesaidevenly,“weinvitepeopleintoour

bedroomallthetime.Whywouldthisbeanissueforyou
now,especiallywhenyouknowIdon’twantCandace?”

“Wehaverulesaboutsexwithotherpeople,including

nointimacy,andcertainlynocontactwhiletheother
spouseisaway.Ishouldn’thavetoremindyouofthat.”

WhenEmmareachedthebottomofthestaircase,shespun
around,surprisingherincreasinglydistraughthusband.“I
onlyneedtoknowonethingfromyou.”Sheheldupa
singleindexfingerinfrontofhisface.“Onething.”

“Anything,”hesaid,puttinghishandsup.“I’lltellyou

whateveryouwanttoknow.Ihavenothingtohide.”

“Isthisthefirsttimeyou’vekissedanotherwoman

withoutmypermission?”Herfacewasset.Eventhough
shewasmilkingtheroleofangrywife,thisquestionwasa
bigdealtoher.EmmaknewtonightwasallonCandace
andherhusbandwouldnevertakethatwomantobed,but
theirentiremarriagehadbeenbasedonaverystrictno-
sneaking-aroundrule.

Period.
IfPetehadevermessedaroundwithanotherwoman

behindherback,itwouldbedevastatingnews—newsthat
wouldchangeherlifeforever.Trustandhonestywerethe
twothingsthathadkepttheirmarriagerocksolid
throughouttheyears,eventhoughtheylivedanopen
lifestyle.IfPetehadcheated,itwouldbeagamechanger.

“Yes,ofcourseit’sthefirsttime!”Petepractically

shoutedhisresponse,eventhoughtheywereafootapart.
“Youhavetoknowmebetterthanthat.Iloveyou.Iwould
nevercheatonyou!Wehaverulesonpurpose.Iswearto
youI’venevergonebehindyourbackwithanotherwoman
inmylife.WhywouldI?”Whenshedidn’tanswer
immediately,hisfacechangedtoopenpleading.“Em,you
havetobelieveme.Ididn’tdoanythingtoleadCandace

on!Shecameonherown.”

HereallybelievedtherootoftheissuewasCandace.
Whywouldn’thethinkitwasaboutCandace?Emma

thoughtselfishly.Itwasn’taboutCandace.ItwasthatPete
expectedhertobrushthisofflikeitwasnothing,tobeher
normal,affableselfandsoothehisruffledfeathers.Even
thoughshefeltpeevishaboutthatrightnow,shewas
relievedbecauseshebelievedPetehadn’tcheatedonher.

Pipershouldbecomeafull-timetherapist.Theadvice

she’dgivenEmmatonighthadbeenspot-on.Emmanow
knew,beyondashadowofadoubt,thatsheneededtofeel
empoweredinhermarriageagain.Sheneededtoknowshe
matteredtoPete—first.

Thathewouldchoosetoputheraheadoftheir

lifestyle,aheadofsex,aheadofhisownpleasure.

Rightnow,shewasprettysurehedidn’t.
Andtheonlywaytochangethosethingswouldbeto

makePeterealizeitforhimself,anditwasn’tsomething
shecouldjusttellhim.Hehadtodiscoveritonhisown.

Sheturnedherbackandheadedupthestairswithout

anotherword.

“Wait!”hecalled,comingafterher.“Youcan’tjustsay

nothing.Can’tyouatleastacknowledgethatthishas
nothingtodowithmecheatingonyou?Emma!”

Shestoppedmidwayupandwhirledaround.“WhatI

sawwasyoukissingCandace.Iknowshecamehere
sniffingaroundinhopesofaquickfuck,butwhatIdidn’t
seewasyoutryingtogetawayfromher.”

“Ididn’thavetime,”Peteargued.“Youwalkedinthe

secondshekissedme.Believeme,Iwantedheroffme—”

“Pete,Iwanttobelieveyou,Ido.ButI’mtired.Ihada

longday,andIwanttogotosleep.”Sheturnedandstarted
upthestepsagain.“Imean,wefuckotherpeople,”she
tossedcasuallyoverhershoulder.“Whywouldn’tyoufeel
likeyoucouldjustfuckCandaceifyouwantedto?Ithink
maybeourruleshaveblurredovertheyearsandit’stime
forsomenewones.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Ourruleshaven’tblurred

atall!”Pete’svoicewasfrustrated.“Thisisn’tonme.I
didn’taskCandacetocomeover.Shecamewithherown
agenda!”

Atthetopofthestairs,Emmaturnedonelasttime,

placingahandonPete’schestbeforehecouldreachthe
topofthelanding.“Justknow,”shetoldhiminalowtone,
“ifyougettokissotherpeoplebehindmyback,Icando
thesame.”Withthat,shespunaroundandheadedtotheir
bedroom,tryingnottosmileatPete’sshockedexpression.

Shewouldnevercheatonhiminamillionyears.
Butitmightbehightimeforhimtothinkshewould.

__________________________

____________

etehadn’tbeenabletogetEmmatocontinuethe

Candaceconversationandhewasgoingnuts.He’dtalked
invainuntilshe’dfallenasleep,tryingtogethertosee
thingsfromhisviewpoint—thatCandacewasn’tathreatto
theirmarriage,andtheirrulesofsexhadnotchanged.But
Emmahadn’tresponded.

PetewashavingahardtimerecognizingthisEmma,

anditwasalarming.Whathedidrecognize,however,was
hewasindeepshit,andhehadtofindawaytodighimself
out.

AshedroveintoMadisonforworkthenextmorning,

heslappedthewheelinfrustration.Hehadnoideawhatto
do.AfewmoremilesandPetepulledontotheparking
rampattachedtohisbuilding.Heworkedforanadagency,
justlikePiperCollins.Theircompaniesweresimilar,but
barelyevercompetedforthesamebusiness.Pete’sfirm
wasmorespecializedinprovidingbrandingforthemovie
industry.Itwasbigbusiness.Helovedhisjob,which
madethethirty-minutecommuteworthwhile.

Onceinhisoffice,hetossedhisbriefcaseonhisdesk

rightashiscellphonerang.Hepulleditout,hopingitwas

Emma.

Instead,thenameonthefrontreadMichaelCollins.

Thatwasunusual.Petehadn’ttalkedtohiminoverayear,
eventhoughtheirwiveshadstartedhangingouttogetheron
aregularbasis.

Peteacceptedthecall.“Hello,thisisPeteSlater.”
“Hey,Pete,it’sMichaelCollins.Howareyou?”

Michael’svoicewasrelaxedandcordial.

“I’mdoingwell,”Petesaidashesatdown.“What’s

up?”Therewasareasonbehindthecall,andsmalltalk
wasn’tPete’sforte.

“I’mcallingtoinviteyououtforadrinktomorrow

nightwithJasonStratton,BradHarrison,andme.Our
wivesaremeetingregularlynow,andusguyshaveslowly
gottenonboard.Ithinktheladiesareheadingouttoyour
placetomorrow,soIfiguredyoumightbelookingfor
somethingtodo.We’remeetingatJohnnyQ’safterwork
aroundsixthirty.It’sasportsbar.Doyouknowit?”

“Ido,”Petesaid.“That’sniceofyoutooffer,but—”
“Tobetotallyhonestwithyou,I’mdoingthisat

Piper’srequest.It’snotthatIdidn’twantyoutojoinus,
butitdidn’toccurtometoask.”Hechuckledgood-
naturedlyovertheline.Petetooknooffense.“Typicalguy
brain.ButPipermetupwithyourwifelastnight,andshe
thoughtyoumightliketogooutwithus.Wetalkaboutthe
lifestyleonoccasion,amongotherthings.”

Peteclearedhisthroat.“Shedid,huh?”Pete’sbrain

raced.EmmahadprobablyconfidedinPiperwhatwas

botheringher,andmaybePiperhadgivenMichaelsome
insightonhowhecouldfixit.Itwasworthatry.Plus,he
likedallthoseguys,eventhoughhehadn’tseenthemfora
while.“Okay,youconvincedme.I’llbethere.”

“Great,seeyouthen.”Michaelclickedoff.
Petesatthereforafewminutes,thinkingabouthiswife

andwhathadshiftedintheirrelationship,buthewasata
completeloss.Therehadn’tbeenanymajorupsetsor
fights—Candacenotwithstanding—thathadoccurredinthe
lastfewmonths.Theyhadn’tdonemuchswappinglately,
butthey’dbeenbusy,whichwasn’tunusual.

Theonlythinghecouldthinkofwasthevacation.

Emmahadwantedtogosomewherewheretheycouldbe
alone.

He’dpushedforhisagendaandwon.Butnowshe

seemedgenuinelyexcitedtogo.Sowhatwasit?Pete
wonderedidlyifitwastoolatetogettheirdepositback
afterall.Maybehecouldsurpriseherandbookanother
hotelonabiggerislandinstead.

Heranhishandsthroughhishair.
Thisthingwithhiswifewasworrisome.Shewas

clearlyunhappy,andhewasgoingtohavetofixthat.

Whateverittook.

***

Emmabuzzedaroundthekitchen,finishingupallthe

last-minuteprepping.Notonlyhadshemadeappetizersfor

theladies,butshe’dalsomadeapotluckcontributionfor
theblockparty.Theneighborhoodeventwasfairlylow-
key,assheandPetelivedonastreetthatturnedintoacul-
de-sacthathadonlytenhomestotal.Theirhousewasthe
onerightbeforethecul-de-sacbegan.

Petewasgoingoutwiththeguys,whichhadbeena

nicesurprise.Shewasgladhewasmeetingupwiththem.
Piperhadgivenheraheads-upaboutMichaelinvitinghim,
andEmmahadbeenthrilled.

Oncethegirlsarrived,Emmaplannedonbringingthem

outtotheblockpartyforshitsandgiggles,butthenthey
weregoingtocomebackhereforthe“travelshower”
Carolinehadinsistedonthrowingher.

Itfeltlikeanoverindulgence,butsecretlyEmmawas

touched.Shehadn’thadgirlfriendslikethissincegrade
school.Inhighschoolshe’dbeensofocusedondancing,
she’dmissedoutonalotofopportunitiestobuildlasting
friendships,soshewasbeyondhappytohavetheseladies
inherliferightnow.Theymadeitbrighter.

Herphonebeepedonthecounter.ItwasPiper.

ONOURWAY.NEEDANYTHING?

Shetypedback.

NOPE.ALLSET.

Piperreplied.

CAN’TWAITTOSEETHEROCKIN’BLOCKPARTYIN

ACTION!

Emmahadn’ttoldanyoneabouttheCandaceincident

yet.Shewantedtotellallthegirlsatonce.Shecouldn’t

wait.

EmmatextedPiperback.

METOO.SEEYOUINAFEW!

PiperandCarolinewereridingtogether,andGillian

wascomingseparately.EmmahopedGillianhadsome
juicygossiptoshareaboutherinterludewithsomeone
famoushereintown.Gillianandherhusband,Brad,had
hookedupwithsomeoneattheorgythey’dattendedwith
PiperandMichael,butGillianhadbeensworntosecrecy.
Theywerealldyingtoknowwhoitwas.

Thegirlswouldarriveinabouttwentyminutesifthere

wasnotraffic.Emmaputthelastcookiesheetintheoven.
She’dmadecheesetartswithcaramelizedonions.Emma
hadtakenahalfdayofftodaysoshe’dhaveenoughtimeto
prepare.

Rightassheshuttheovendoor,herphonerang.
Shewipedoffherhandsandpickeditup.ItwasPete.

Shesmiledlikeshealwaysdidwhenhecalled.He
preferredcallstotexts,andshelovedthat.

“Hello,”shesaid.
“Hey,howareyou?”Peteasked.“Iwantedtotouch

basebeforeeachofournightsbegan.”

“I’mgreat.Justfinishingallthelasttouchesbeforethe

girlsgethere.Itshouldbefun.Areyoubummedyou’re
missingtheblockparty?”shejoked.

“Hellno.”Hechuckled.
“IwonderifCandacewillhavetheballstoattend,”

Emmasaid.“Ihopeshedoes.Thegirlsneedtomeether.”

“Idon’tcareifshedoes,andIhopeIneverlayeyeson

heragain.Areyousureyoudon’tneedanything?Ican
swinghomefirstifyouneedmetopicksomethingup.”

“Nope,I’mgood.Havefuntonightwiththeguys.”
“Iwill.I’mactuallylookingforwardtoit,”Petesaid.

“It’sbeenawhilesinceI’vehadaguys’nightout.Michael
mentionedthattheytalkaboutthelifestyleonceinawhile.
It’llbenicetoberelaxedandchat.”

That’swhatEmmawashopingfor.Piperwasagenius.

“Ihopeyouhavefun.Takeyourtime.”

“Iwill.AndEmma?”Therewasatentativenoteinhis

voice.

“Yes?”
“Iloveyou.”
“Iloveyou,too.”Emmahadremainedadamantinher

refusaltodiscusstheCandaceincidenteachtimePetehad
broughtitup,butmostlybecauseshedidn’twanttocrack
herfaçade.Ensuringthatheknewshestillwasn’thappy
abouttheentirethingwouldgoalongway.Butshewasn’t
goingtolietoherhusbandoverthephone.

Shelovedhimlikecrazy.
“Okay,I’llseeyoulater.”Hesoundedrelieved,and

Emmafeltalittlepang.

She’dmakeituptohimtonight.Shewouldn’ttalk

aboutCandace,buthavingsomehotsexwouldn’thurt.

“Bye.”Shehungup.
Emmasetthephonedown.Thenshesmiled.Inonlya

fewdaysshe’dfeltashiftinthingsbetweenthem—forthe

better.Peteseemedmoreattentive,andthatfeltlikeastep
intherightdirection.

Emmahummedasshefinishedcleaningandtookthe

tartsoutoftheoven.Shewasfixingherhairwhenthe
doorbellchimed.Beforeshecouldgetdownstairs,Piper’s
voicerangout,“We’rehere!Damn,Iforgethowbeautiful
thishouseis.”

Emmawalkeddownthestepstogreetthem.“Thank

you!Iloveit.ButifyouaskedmeifI’dbelivinginthe
suburbsbychoiceafewyearsago,Iwould’vetoldyou
helltotheno.Comeonin.”ShegavebothPiperand
Carolinehugsingreeting,andtheyfollowedherintothe
kitchen,bothofthemcarryinggifts.

“Yoursenseofstyleistotallyonpoint,”Caroline

commentedasshepulledoutabarstoolandsat,placinga
verynicelywrappedpresentnexttoherontheisland.“I
mighthavetohireyouifwedoanymoreremodeling.”

“It’soffthehook,”Piperagreed.“I’dneverbeballsy

enoughtogowithbrownsandgreens,butthistotally
works.”PipertookthestoolnexttoCaroline,settingher
giftbagonthefloor.

Emmaplacedafewplattersoffingerfoodsinfrontof

them.“Thanks,Iappreciatethat,”shesaid.“WhatcanIget
youladiestodrink?”AsEmmawalkedovertothebar,she
heardwhatsoundedlikeamotorcyclepullintoher
driveway.ItmustbeGillian.Emmadidn’tknowifshehad
abike,butitwouldn’tbesurprising.“DoesGillianhavea
motorcycle?”

“I’lltakeaginandtonic,”Carolinesaid.“AndIhave

noideaifshedoes.Butitwouldn’tshockme.”

“Yep,that’sher,”Pipersaid.“Aginandtonicsounds

good.I’lltakeone,too.”

“Twoginandtonicscomingup.”Afewmomentslater

therewasaknockatthefrontdoor.“Comeonin!”Emma
calledoverhershoulder.“It’sopen!”Emmafinishedup
thedrinksrightasGillianwalkedintothekitchen.

“Hiya,”Gilliangreetedthemassheentered,glancing

around.“Ialwaysforgethownicethisplaceis.”

“Ijustsaidthesamething!”Pipersaid.“It’sshocking.”
Emmachuckledasshesetthedrinksinfrontof

CarolineandPiper.“Thanks,guys.WhatcanIgetyouto
drink,Gillian?”

Gillianhadonfullleathers—pants,jacket,thewhole

nineyards.Shesetabigleathersatchelontheendofthe
island.“I’lltakeabeer.Whateveryouhaveisfine.Ican
onlyhaveoneortwotonight.I’mverycarefulwhenItake
thebike.”

Carolinesaid,“Gillian,you’reatotalbadass.Icould

neverrideamotorcycle.Iwouldn’tevenknowwhereto
start.”

Gillianslidontothelastbarstool,nexttoPiper,as

Emmasetabeerbottleinfrontofher.“Don’tgettoo
excited.”Gilliansmiled.“It’sasmallbike.I’vetriedto
driveBrad’sbigHarley,butIdon’thaveenoughlower-
bodystrengthtokeepthatbadboyup.”Sheshrugged.
“Whenyourhusbandrides,youeitherride,oryouspenda

lotoftimeathomealone.Ipreferhavingmyownbike.
Otherwise,I’mjustahanger-on,andthat’snofun.We’d
beenlookingforawhile,butIfinallyfoundoneIcan
handleaboutayearago.It’sbeensuperfun.”Shepicked
upherbeer.

“I’mcertainIcouldn’tdriveit,nomatterhowsmall,”

Carolinesaid.“ButIadmireyouforit.”

“Okay,ladies.”Emmaclappedonce,herexcitementat

theforefront.“Ihavesomethingtotellyoubeforewehead
outtotheblockparty,andit’sprettyjuicy!”

“JuicierthanGillianhookingupwithacelebrity?”

PiperjokedassheturnedtoGillian.“Ihopeyou’re
planningonspillingsomedetailstonight.It’sbeentwo
weeks,andwearedying.Dy-ing.”

Carolineadded,“Yes!Wecan’twaittohearwhoitis.”
Emmachuckled.“Mygossipisn’tthatgood,butitdoes

involvemyneighbortryingtoseducemyhusbandright
hereinthisverykitchen.”

“Noway!”Piperexclaimed.“Thatisagreatrunner-up.

I’mtotallykidding.Gillian’ssexcapadescanwait.
Neighborhoodscandalrightinyourownkitchenwinsthe
night.Whendidthishappen?”

“Thenightwemetfordrinks,”Emmaanswered.She

turnedtotheothergirlstoexplain.“IaskedPipertomeet
meforadrinkbecauseIwashavingsomeissueswithmy
marriage,butIcouldn’tputmyfingeronwhatitwas
exactly,soIdidn’twanttomakeitabigdealbeforeI
figureditout.Piperwasincredible,asyoucanall

imagine.”Shegrinnedatherfriend.“Youreallyshouldbe
atherapist,youknow.Icamehomefeelingcompletely
energizedandreadytotacklemylife—andwalkedinright
asCandacewastryingtotacklemyhusband.”

“Ican’tbelievethat!”Carolineexclaimed.“That’sso

ballsy.Rightinyourownhouse?Iwould’vebeenina
white-hotrage.”

“It’snotthatballsyforthisneighborhood,letmetell

you,”Emmasaid.“Candaceregularlybangsatwenty-two-
year-oldinhergarage,andsheapparentlydiscoveredthat
weliveanextracurricularsexlife,mostlikelyfromspying
throughourwindows,andcameherelookingforsome
action.”

“WasPeteintoit?”Gillianasked.“Thatdoesn’tseem

likeitwouldbehisstyle.”

“No,ofcoursenot!”Emmasaid.“ButIlethimthinkI

waspissedaboutit.Well,Iwaspissed,butIwasn’tas
madasIportrayed.Nobodywantstocatchtheirhusband
kissingsomeoneelse.”ShenoddedatPiper.“Thatwas
becauseyouempoweredmetonotglossovereverything
andtrytomakeeveryonefeelgood.Isawmyopportunity
andtookit.”Emmaproceededtogivethegirlsallthejuicy
tidbitsaboutwhathappened.“So,intheend,Petewas
upsethe’dmadememad,andthat’sunusualforus.My
usualistomakeeverythingfineatallcosts.Bydoingit
thisway,I’mtryingtocoaxhimintoseeingmeagain.Our
lifehasbecomepredictable,butIhavehighhopesforthis
vacation.ThankstoPiper’sadvice,I’llbedoingsome

strutting.”

Gillianasked,“Soarewegoingtogettoseethis

interloperCandaceattheblockparty?Becausethatwould
beawesome.”

Emmasaid,“Icertainlyhopeso.Itwon’tbeasfunif

shedoesn’tshow.”

__________________________

____________

etestrodeintothepackedbar.Hewasalittlelate.

Hisworkloadfortheweekhadbeenheavy,sohe’d
workedlongerthanexpected.Hespottedtheguysata
high-topandmadehiswayover.

“Hey,Pete,”Michaelsaid,holdinghishandout.“Nice

toseeyouagain.”

Peteshookitandnoddedtothetwootherguysashe

tookhisseat.“Thanksfortheinvite.Itwasnicetogetthe
call.Whowould’vethoughtwe’dseeeachotherout
sociallyafterourinteractionstogether?”

“Iknow,”Michaelsaid.“It’sstrangeashell,butoddly

itworks.Weallshareaprettyhard-corecomponentofour
lives,whichdoesn’ttendtocomeupalotineveryday
conversationwithotherpeople.”

Bradnodded.“Idon’ttalkaboutmylifeever.Most

peopleatworkthinkI’msociallyawkwardbecauseI
nevertalk.”Hechuckled.“Buttheycanthinkwhateverthe
fucktheywantto.It’snicetobeabletoslambackabeer
andfeelcomfortableforonce.”

“Iagree,”Petesaid,nodding.“Thiswasunexpected,

butwelcome.Andifanyonecanuseadrink,Ican.I’vehad

ashittyweek.”HenoddedacrossthetableatJace.“It’s
nicetoseeyouagain,man.Ihopealliswellwithyouand
yours.”

“Thingsaregoinggreat,”Jacesaid.“Inpart,thanksto

youandyourwife.Whatwedidatyourhousemanagedto
breaksomekindofasealforCaroline,andoursexlifehas
neverbeenbetter.”

“Gladtohearit,”Petesaid.
Thewaitercame,andPetegavehimhisorder.
“PipermentionedsomethingaboutEmmabeing

unhappy?”Michaelsaid.

Peteraisedhiseyebrows.“Emmahasn’tsaidanything

tomedirectlyaboutbeingunhappy,butheractions
certainlypointinthatdirection.”Heshookhishead.
“She’sdoneacompleteturnaroundfromhernormal
temperament,andIcan’tfigureitout.Nothingbighas
changedinourlives.Wehaven’tswappedwithany
couplesinalongtime.Notbecausewe’renotintoit
anymore,butwe’vejustbeenbusy,andallofyou”—he
gesturedaroundthetable—“haveleftthelifestyleasfaras
Iknow,atleastfornow.”

“Wehaven’tleft,”Michaelsaid,shakinghishead.

“We’rejustexperimentingwithsomethingnew.Itwastime
forachange,andit’sbeenadoozy.Haveyoueverheardof
theSexualUnderground?”

“No,”Petesaid.“Can’tsayIhave.”
“It’sfairlynew,fromwhatIknow.It’sbasicallya

well-organizedorgy.We’vebeentwicenow,andit’s

fuckingamazing—literally,”Michaeltoldhim.“ButI’m
onlywithPipernow,sothatpiecehaschanged.We’vehad
ourownmetamorphosis,sotospeak,andwe’vefoundthat
weworkthebestbeingexclusivebutinahighlycharged
atmosphere.”

“We’renotoutofthelifestyleeither,”Bradadded.

“GillianisintheprocessofsettingupthesesoftBDSM
parties.She’splanningoneamonth.Similartotheorgywe
attendedwiththem”—hegesturedatMichael—“butmore
controlled,andonamuchsmallerscale.Butwe’vebeen
derailedabit.”Heloweredhisvoice.“Doyouguysknow
TylerBlackstone?”

“Thebaseballplayerwhojustgottradedtothe

Brewers?”Jacesaid,hiseyebrowsshootingup.“Of
courseweknowhim.Therewasabigquestiononwhether
ornottheywouldlandhim.He’sahellofaplayerand
camewithahellofapricetag.”

Bradreplied,“Well,let’sjustsaywe’vemetupwith

himandhisescortafewtimesandit’sprettyhot.Gillian
wantstosetsomethingupwithhimonaregularbasis.”

“Isthatwhoyouguyshookedupwiththenightofthe

orgy?”Michaelasked.“Nofuckingway.”

Bradnodded.“Butthatstaysbetweenusrighthere.”

Hecircledhishandaroundthetable.“Ican’tgointoalot
ofdetail,becausetheguyprettymuchmadeusswearwe
wouldn’ttalkaboutit.Ifhecould’vemadeussigna
nondisclosureagreement,hewould’ve.ButIdon’treally
buyintothatshit.Ifyou’reinthelifestyle,sobeit.ButI

guessthisguyhasarighttohisprivacy,sincehe’sinthe
publiceye.Anyway,itwascrazy.He’ssorichhe’sgot
everythinginspades.Heevenhasthishugedecked-out
fuckroomabovethewarehouse,andletmetellyou,he
likesithard.”Bradshookhisheadashisvoicetrailedoff,
andhetookasipofhisbeer.

“Youcan’tleaveushanginglikethat.Goon,”Michael

urged.“Wehavetoheartherest.We’reabunchofhorny
motherfuckers,orhaven’tyounoticed?”

Bradshrugged.“Ican’t,man.NotsomuchforTyler,

butforGillian.IpromisedherIwouldn’tsayanything.
She’salreadygoingtokillmefortellingyouhisname.I’m
introuble,butI’lltakemylicks.”

“Isheaswitchhitter?”Jaceasked.
“No,”Bradsaid.“It’sallgirlandguy,andcompletely

regimented.It’srightupGillian’salley.Mywifehasnever
hadanissuewiththislifestyleadayinherlife.Shethrives
onit,andseeingherhotiswhatgetsmegoing,soI’m
goingalongwithitfornow.We’llseeinthefuture.”

“IwishIcouldsaythesameaboutEmma,”Pete

lamented.“Ifyouwould’veaskedmeamonthago,I
would’vesaidEmmafeltthesameway—andhadnoissue
withthelifestyleatall.Iwould’vetoldyoushethrivedon
it.We’vebeeninitforyearswithnocomplaints.ButnowI
havenoidea.SheactuallytoldmethatifIwassneaking
aroundwithpeople,shecould,too.Whatdoesthateven
mean?”

“Areyousneakingaroundwithotherpeople?”Michael

asked.

“Ofcoursenot.Ilovemywife.ButEmmacaughtthe

womannextdoor,afortysomethingcougar,kissingme.
Thiswomanhijackedmeinmyownkitchen.Shecameon
strongwithnoprovocationonmypart,butIcouldn’tshake
herintime.Emmawalkedinonusandfreakedout.She
hadtoknownothingwasgoingon,butshewasbentoutof
shapeanyway.SheknowsI’dnevertakeCandacetobed.It
isn’tevenintherealmofpossibilities.”

“Man,that’srough,”Bradcommented.“Ifeelyour

pain.Sowhatareyougoingtodonow?”

Petemadeaface.“Ihavenoidea.We’regoingonthis

bigvacationinafewdays.We’rehittingtheBahamas.I’m
hopingwecanworkitoutwhilewe’rethere.Sometime
alonewouldbeagoodthingrightnow.”

“Carolinementionedsomethingaboutthat,”Jacesaid.

“Shewasshoppingforyourwife.Iguessthey’rethrowing
hersomekindofvacationshower?Idon’tknow,Idon’t
getwomenstuff.Aren’tyouguysgoingtosomekindof
secretsexresort?”

“Yep,”Peteanswered.“Thisresortiswayunderthe

radar.Youactuallyhavetogetareferraltobookasuite.
Theyonlyhavetwentyvillas.Wewereluckytoget
acceptedandthattheyhadspaceavailable.Sowejumped
onthedatestheygaveus.Butnow,themoreI’mthinking
aboutit,maybeIshouldrescheduleuntilthingsgetbackto
normal.Idon’twanttoscrewupthisvacation.”

“Nah,Ithinkit’saperfecttimetogo,”Michaelsaid.

“Whatbetterbackdroptomakeyourwifefallinlovewith
youalloveragainthanwhite-sandbeachesandpalm
trees?”

“Fallinloveagain?”Petebalked.“Ihopeshehasn’t

fallenoutoflovewithme.Jesus.”Heranahandaround
thebackofhisneck.

“Idon’tthinkshe’sliterallyfallenoutoflovewithyou,

butitsoundslikeshecouldusesomeseriouswooing
again.Wasitherideatogothereoryours?”

“Mine.”Thewaiterdroppedhisbeeroff,andPetetook

alongdrink.Hesetitdown.“Butmywifeloveswatching
peoplehavesex.Shesaysthere’sartinit,andIagreewith
her.Theplacewe’regoingisridiculouslyexpensiveand
exclusive.Itdoesn’tevenhaveanofficialname.TheguyI
knowjustcallsitParadise.Whatbetterplacetowatchthe
artofsexthaninparadise?Idon’tknow.Ithoughtitwasa
goodideaatthetime.”

“Ithinkshe’llenjoyit,”Michaelsaid.“ButfromwhatI

knowaboutwomen,it’sgoingtotakesomeworkonyour
parttomakesureshedoes.You’regoingtohavetolearnto
appreciateheralloveragain,justlikeIdidwithPiper.
Thatmeansnofuckingotherwomenwhileyou’rethere,
evenifEmmasaysit’sokay.Allyourattentionshouldbe
focusedonher.Herwantsandneeds,notyours.”

“Thatwon’tbehard,”Petesaid.“She’sallIcanthink

aboutsincewe’vebeenfighting.I’veneverseenheract
likethis,andit’sgottenundermyskin.Ifwecan’tfixthis,
it’sgoingtomakemecrazy.Sexissex.Butloveis

somethingdifferent.I’vechosenonewomantobewith
forever,andthat’sEmma.Period.”

“Thenjustmakesuresheknowsthat,andyou’reall

set.”Michaelhelduphisbeer.“Tothewomenwelove
eventhoughtheymakeuscrazy.”

Alltheguysraisedtheirbeers.
“Amen,”Bradsaidasheclinkedhisglassagainstthe

others’andtookadrink.

***

Emmahadtocoverhermouthandlookawaysoshe

didn’tlaughoutloud.Bringingthegirlstotheblockparty
hadbeenpurelyforentertainmentpurposes,whichEmma
lovedinsomanyways,buttheywereallhavingsomuch
funtheystayedlongerthanshe’danticipated.Itwasway
pastdark,andtheywereallsettledaroundabonfireina
neighbor’syardtwodoorsdown.Allthefolkswhowere
atthefirewerethemostinterestingcharacters—including
Candace,whohadslunkoverfifteenminutesprior.Gillian
currentlyhadherarmdrapedaroundTheCougar’s
shoulders,andCandacewasasuncomfortableasEmma
hadeverseenher.

Itwashilarious.Emmahadn’thadthismuchfunina

longtime.

WhenCandacehadfirstjoinedthegroup,Gillianhad

gottenEmma’sattentionandmadeaface,incliningher
headslightlyinCandace’sdirection,andEmmahad

nodded.IthadbeentheIsthisthebitch?look.And
Emma’sreplyhadanswered,Why,yes,yes,itis.

PiperelbowedEmmaandleanedover.“Ihaven’thad

thismuchfunatablockpartyinever.Thesepeopleare
nuts!Theguynexttomejustadmittedhewantedtotry
‘somethingedgy’andwouldIbeinterestedinseeinghis
glassartcollection.Dude,IfeellikeifIwentwithhim,
he’dslicemeupandpackmeawayinhisfreezer.Since
whenisglassartedgy?”

Emmalaughed,peeringoverPiper’sleftshoulder.

“That’sSteve.He’sfairlyharmlessasfarasIknow.He
livesattheendoftheblock.I’veonlymethimahandfulof
times.Idon’tthinkhe’severbeenmarried,andI’venever
seenanothercarparkedoutfront.Sowhoknows?He
couldbeanaxmurderer.Myadviceistonotgo.”

“Havenofear.Itisn’tevenalong-shotoption.Pigs

wouldliterallyhavetostartflyingthroughtheair,andthe
onlyprotectionwouldbehishousebecausealltheother
onesblewupbeforewecouldfindasafehaven.”

Carolinestuckherheadintotheconversationfrom

Emma’sright.“Youguys,Gillianiskillingmeoverthere.
Look—”

AllthreeoftheirheadssnappedtowardGillian,who

appearedtobegivingCandacesomemuch-neededadvice
intheformofalengthyoration.Everyonceinawhile
she’dslapCandaceontheshoulder,andthenshe’dgripthe
womanandshakeher.

ItwashardnottofeelbadforCandace,butinstead,

Emmafeltabsolutelygleeful.“Iwonderwhatshe’stelling
her.Ihopeit’shownottobeadirtyslut.”Emmapressed
herpalmoverhermouthsoshedidn’tsnort-laugh.She
didn’twanttooffendpeopleshehadtoseedaily.“We
shouldreallygetoutofhere,”shesaidtothegirlsonceshe
calmeddown.“It’sgettinglate,andIneveranticipated
we’dstayforsolong.Thingsaregettingweirderbythe
hour.”

“Wecangoanytime,butIhavetotellyou,Iloved

beinghere,”Carolinesaid.“Yourelderlyneighbors,the
Dwyers,weresosweettotalkto.Butthewomanwhowas
justsittingnexttomeisastone-colddrunk.”Caroline
utteredtheworddrunklikesomeoneelsemightsaythe
nameofadreadfuldisease.“She’sgotherown
monogrammedflask,forheaven’ssake!”Carolinestarted
tolaugh,butkepthervoicelow.“Sheseemstothinkit’s
normaltohaveoneandtoldmehowshebringsittoallher
kids’sportingevents.Honestly,it’ssobrazen!Whowould
dothat?Andwhowouldtellthattosomeonetheyjust
met?”

Emmanodded.“That’sTracy.”Shesaidtherestunder

herbreath.“She’sbeentorehabtwice.Shethinksshe’s
foolingherhusband,andus,butweallknow.She’snot
allowedtodrivetheirkidsaroundanymore.”

“Ohno,that’ssosad!”Carolinesaid,gasping,

coveringhermouth.“NowIfeelbadfortalkingabout
her!”

“Don’tworryaboutit.”EmmapattedCaroline’sleg.

“Shehirestheseguyswhoshecallsher‘workmen’to
comeoverto‘workonherhouse.’”Emmawinked.“If
they’renotmaleescorts,thenI’mtheonewho’sdrunk.
HowmanyworkmenlooklikeChippendaledancers?The
answerismaybetwo.”Emmahelduptwofingersand
chuckled.“Thereareafew,butthey’rerare.Candaceis
justcompletelyunhappyandalwayshasbeen.Shegot
marriedtoappeaseherfamily.Myguessisshegets
divorcedinthenextyearortwoandmovestosomeplace
likeCostaRica,ditchesthealcohol,andbecomesayoga
instructoronthebeach.”

“Onthatnote,”Piperinterjected,“let’sblowthispop

stand.Wehavepresentstoopenandsextotalkabout.”
Piperstood,gesturingacrossthebonfiretoGilliantowrap
itup.SheglanceddownatEmma.“Butthiswastotallyfun.
Ourblockpartiesarefewandfarbetween,andneverthis
interesting.”

EmmastoodandwavedtotheLincolns,whoseyard

they’dbeenin.Theywereanoldercouplewhotraveleda
lot.Theywerethemostfunandnormalofthegroup—if
youcalltaxevasionnormal.Emmahadfoundoutthat
they’dbeenauditedtwiceforitandhadbeenforcedto
eitherpayhugefinesordojailtime.“Thanksforhosting
this,Sandy!”Emmacalled.“We’retakingoff.”

Everyonesaidtheirgood-byes.
Gilliangotuplast,waggingafingerandsmilingat

Candaceasshewent.Theyallheardhersay,“Ifyou’re
everlookingforapick-me-up,justgivemeacall.Emma

hasmynumber.”

PiperlinkedarmswithGillianandEmmaasthey

walkedbacktoEmma’shouse.Carolinewasaheadof
them,carryingtheemptybowlandtheextrabeersEmma
hadbroughttothebonfire.

“WhatthehellwereyousayingtoCandacethe

Cougar?Itlookedintense,”PiperaskedGillian.

“Well,afterIlitintoheraboutcomingontomarried

menwhoaren’taskingforit,”Gilliantoldthem,“I
discoveredthatshe’sjustthisincrediblylost,unhappy
soul.Somyinnerhelpercameout.Because,youknow,
that’showIroll.”

Emmalaughed.“Really?Yourinnerhelper?Andthis

forthewomanwhotriedtoseducemyhusband?”

“Hey,I’manequalopportunitygal,”Gillianjoked.

“Candacehintedthatsheknowsyouguysareswingers,
but,justsoyouknow,Ishotherdown.Imadeup
somethingaboutyouguysbuildingplaysetsinyour
basement.Apparently,you’renottheonlyonewhosnoops
inwindowsaroundhere.”

“I’msureI’mnot,”Emmaagreed.“It’sprettymuchthe

standardpastimeinthisneckofthewoods.Wheneveryone
knowswhenyou’recomingorgoing,it’seasytosnoop.”

“Youknowwhoelseiseasy?”Pipersaid.“Me.Now

let’sgetinthereandopenthesepresents.Ican’twaitto
seethelookonyourfacewhenyouopenmine!”

__________________________

____________

ncethegirlswereallsituatedintheden,Caroline

carriedherandPiper’sgiftsandsettheminfrontofEmma.
Caroline’swasthesizeofasmallshirtboxandwas
wrappedinwhitepaperandtoppedwithasilverbow.

“Youdidn’thavetogothiscrazy,”EmmatoldCaroline

asshebentdownandliftedtheboxontoherlap.“ButI
appreciateit.”Asshebegantounwrapthegift,shefelta
littlewistful.“Youknow,Ineverhadaweddingshower,
soitdelightsmethatI’mgettingachancetodoitnow.”

“What?”Carolinegaspedasshesatonthecouch

acrossfromEmma.Pipersatnexttoher,andGilliantook
herplaceonastuffedchairacrossfromthem.“Ihadabout
tenshowers.WhereIcomefrom,it’spracticallya
requirementtomakesureeverysinglerelativeonboth
sidescanattendatleastoneshower.Ihadashowerformy
grade-schoolfriends,myprep-schoolgirls,mycollege
sisters,andmygrandmaBetsy’sUnitedDaughtersofthe
Confederacygrouphadoneforme.Goodness,cometo
thinkaboutit,itwasmuchtoomuch!ButI’mbeyondhappy
wegettodothisforyou.Thatmakesitallthesweeter.
NowIwishIwould’veboughtyouevenmore.”

“Nonsense,”Emmasaid,wavingahandindismissal.

“Thisismorethanenough.”Shetorethepaperoffand
balleditup,settingitnexttoheronthefloor.

“Whydidn’tyouhaveashower?”Piperasked.“Ionly

hadtwo.Ididn’tevenwantone,butMichael’ssisters
insisted.Thenmymomendedupswoopingintotownon
herbroomaweekbeforewegotmarried.Itwasright
beforemyparentsmovedtowarmerclimes,andshe
insistedonputtingtogetheroneforhersideofthefamily.I
thinkabouttenpeopleattended.Itwasarduousashell.”

Emmakepttheboxonherlap,wantingtosavorthe

unveilingofwhatwasinsideforafewminuteslonger.“I’d
justturnedtwenty-twowhenPeteaskedmetomarryhim.
Wewereonlyengagedfortwomonthsbeforewetiedthe
knot.MyentirefamilyandfriendswereallinKansas.
Theyweretoofaraway,andwewantedtogetmarriedin
Chicago.Ithadbecomeourrealhomeveryquickly.We
weremarriedinasimpleceremonyatthecourthousewith
oneofPete’sfriendsandhisgirlfriendasourwitnesses.
I’veneverregrettedasingledaysince.”Sheglanceddown
atthegift,runningherfingersalongthetopofthebox.“But
it’ssoniceofyouguystodothisnow.IfPeteandIhadjust
met,youthreewouldtotallybemybridesmaids.”

“Thatwouldbesofun!”Carolinesaid.“Youwouldbe

mine,too.Ihadten.Yes,ten.Itwasacircus.Iwoulddoit
muchdifferentlynow.MeandJace,youthree,somekind
ofsunsetbackdrop.Itwouldbeelegantandsimple.”

“Ifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,Ineverhadashower

either,”Gilliantoldthem.“BradandIdatedforaboutsix
months,andthenweelopedtoVegas.”

“AndyouweremarriedbyanElvisimpersonator,

right?”Pipersaid.

“Ofcoursewewere,”Gillianreplied,recliningonthe

chair,settlingalegoverthearmrest.Gillianhadarresting
features.Herhairwasblack,cutlongoverherblueeyes,
shortintheback.Withhertattoos,shefittheglambiker
chicktoaT.“Didyouthinkforasecondsomeoneelse
would’vemarriedus?”

“Nope,”Pipersaid.“Gillian,Iseriouslyadoreyou.

Now,whileEmmaopenshergifts,you’regoingtohaveto
spillsomedetailsaboutyourrecentadventures.And
beforeyoutellusyoucan’t,we’reallwillingtoswearan
oathrightnowthatwewon’tbreatheawordtoanyone.It
wouldbreakthesacredSTDtrustifwedid.”Piperplaced
ahandoverherheart,herfacestrivingforearnest.

Emmaadded,“Please,Gillian.Giftsandjuicygossip

wouldmakethisthebestshowerever.I’mwithPiper.It
won’tgofurtherthanthisroom.Iwon’teventellPete.You
havemyword.”

“Yes!”Carolinenoddedheragreement.“Gillian,I’ve

nevertakenyouforsomeonewhowouldshyawayfrom
detailsaboutyoursexlife.Ifthismysteryguy,orgirl,or
people,ofyoursoptedintothelifestyle,theyshouldbe
wellawarethattherewillbetalkincertaincircles.Ifyou
don’tshare,we’reallgoingtoassumetheyhavesomehold
overyou.”

“Noonehasanythingoverme,”Gillianreplied

casually.“WhenI’maskedtobediscreet,Iam.I’ddothe
sameforanyofyou.”Shesweptherarmoutinfrontofher.
“Ifyoudidn’twantmetotalkaboutsomething,mymouth
wouldbeasteeltrap.”

“Yes,butwe’reyourgirlfriends,”Piperurged.“Rules

getbentforus.That’sjustthewayitis.And,honestly,who
wouldwetell?”Piperglancedaroundthegroup.“We’re
theonlyoneswetalktoaboutthislifestyle.Plus,whoever
youmetupwithwasattheorgy—peoplehavetoknow
whotheyareifthey’remembers.MichaelandIhavebeen
twicenow,andwe’vemetquiteafewfolkswholoveto
gossip.I’dratherhearitfromthehorse’smouth—you
beingsaidhorse—insteadoftherumormill.”

“Okay,fine,”Gillianansweredcoyly.“Thishorsewill

confirmthathe’samemberoftheUnderground,buthe’s
whattheycallan‘anonymousmember,’soyourthreatof
therumormillhasnocred.Mostpeopledon’tknowabout
himatall.”

“He!It’sahe!”Piperexclaimed,rubbingherhands

together.“Nowwe’regettingsomewhere.More,please.”

“Well,it’sactuallyathey,”shecorrected.“Healways

hasasubmissivewithhim.He’sthedominantforce,
though.Hehashisownsuiteupstairsinthewarehouse.
Onlytheelitemembersgetthose,andtheycostafortune.”

“Hemustbefilthyrichthen,”Carolinebreathed.

“Pipertoldustheannualduesareoutrageous.”

“Theyare,”Piperagreed,nodding.“It’slike

remortgaging-the-houseexpensivetojoin.Butthereare
differentlevels.Ifyouwanttohostparties,likewedo,it
costsalotmore.Westillhaven’tofficiallyjoinedyet.We
getafewmore‘experimental’passes,sowe’retaking
thembeforewedecidehowmuchwewanttospend.”

“WhatIwanttoknow,”Emmasaid,“ishowinthe

worlddidtheyfindyouandBradoutofallthosepeople?
PipersaidyouandBradwerethereoneminute,gonethe
next.”

Gilliansatupinherchairandgrabbedawaterbottle

she’dsetnexttoher.They’dallstoppeddrinkingawhile
ago.Itwasalongdrivebackforeveryonetothecity.
“BradandIhaveamutualfriendincommonwiththisguy.
Onewhohappenedtobeattheorgy.Whentheaction
startedinthemainroom,shecaughtmyattentionand
wavedusover.Sheaskedifwewouldbeinterestedin
goingupstairstomeetthemysteryman,andwesaidyes.
That’sit.”

“That’ssonotit!”Piperinterjected.“You’remakingit

soundlikeyouwentoutandhadacasualdinnerwiththem.
Whenwesawyoulaterthatweekatmyhouse,youraved
aboutitbeingoneofthehottestthingyou’veeverdone.So
atleastspillsomethingaboutthesexifyouwon’tsaywho
itis.Weneedtoknowwhyitwassohot.Dude,we’re
dyingonthevinehere.”

“Emma,continueopeningyourgifts,”Carolineurged,

swishingherwrist,“whileGilliankeepstalking.Weall
needtohearthis,butyoudeservetokeepopening.”

“Fine,”Gilliansaid,crossingherarms.“I’lltalkabout

someoftheparticulars,butnotthepeople.”

“Wewillbemollifiedwiththatfornow,”Pipersaid.

“Pleasecontinue.”

EmmahadherhandsonCaroline’sgiftbox,butshe

didn’twantGilliantostoptalking,soshewaited.Itwas
obviousGillianwasuncomfortabledivulginginformation
she’dpromisedtokeepsecret,butshebegan,“Ourmutual
friendtookusupastaircaseattheverybackofthe
warehouse.Itwaskindofcloak-and-dagger,whichI’mnot
alwaysafanof,butthistimeIwascurious.Mostly
becausemyfriendwasalmostjumpingupanddown
becauseshewassoexcitedforustomeethim.Shetoldus
sheknewrightawaythatthiswasgoingtobeagreat
match.”GillianstoppedherstoryandgesturedtoEmma.
“Aren’tyougoingtoopenthatthingup?Comeon,Iwantto
seewhatCarolinegotyou.”

Emmanoddedonce,shakingherselfoutofthestory.

“Okay,butyou’reusingthisasastalltactic,”Emmatold
herasshefinallyliftedthelid.Settingitaside,sheparted
thewhitetissuepaper.Thefirstthingshesawwasa
beautifulteddy.Itwascreamysilkwithadelicatelace
patternedgingthetop.Shedrewitcarefullyoutofthebox
bythestraps.“Oh,it’sbeautiful!”sheexclaimed.
“Caroline,isthisrealsilk?”

“Yes,”Carolineansweredexcitedly.“Icouldn’thelp

myself.Iwentwithcreambecauseitremindedmeofyour
perfectlyflawlessskin.Ifyou’dlikeitinanothercolor,it’s

noproblem.Theyhavegreensandreds—”

“No,ofcoursenot,”Emmasaid,shakingherhead.“I

loveit!It’sabsolutelyperfect.Ican’twaittowearit.”
Verycarefullyshelaiditoverthearmofthesofa.Next
wereafewsmallbottleswithredlabels.Shetookoneout.
“Ediblebodyoil?”

“Andlube!”Carolinesquealed,clapping.“I’msure

you’vetriedthingslikethismanytimes,ormaybeyoueven
havesome,buttheseareimported,andtheyactuallytaste
good.Ifoundthemonawebsitewithravereviews,andI
canvouchforthemmyself.Don’thesitatetousethemon
Pete.They’llmakeblowinghimanextrawelcome
experience.Igotyoustrawberryandpassionfruit,which
aremytwofaves.There’sonemorethinginthebox,and
thenGilliancancontinue.”SheglancedoveratGillian.
“You’renotoffthehook.Westillneedtohearwhatwent
downonceyougotupstairs.”

PipergaveCarolinealookofdisbeliefassheshook

herhead.“Youareconstantlysurprisingme.Imported
ediblelube?Youareatotalsexninja.”

Carolineshrugged.“Hey,theInternetmakesiteasy.

Jaceconstantlywantstotrynewthings,andIhappily
oblige.It’skindoffun,actually.Iusuallyhavelunchatmy
deskwhilereadingaboutediblepantiesandthenewestin
battery-operatedvibrators.Didyouknowtheymakethem
thistiny?”Shespreadherfingersaboutaninchapart.

Gillianlaughed.“Youareasexninja,andit’ssofunny,

becauseyoulookjusttheopposite.Ilovethataboutyou.”

“Well,thankyou,”Carolinesaid.“I’lltakethatasa

compliment.”

Emmaliftedupthelastofthetissueandpickedupa

redvelvetclothbag,cinchedatthetopwitharedribbon.
Shefeltaroundtheoutside,giggling.“DoIreallywantto
knowwhat’sinhere,SexNinja?”Sheuntiedthehandles
andemptiedtheobjectoutontothepalmofherhand.It
wasasmallplasticcordwiththreeballsattached.Emma
knewexactlywhatitwas.“Analbeads!”

“Notjustanykindofanalbeads.They’retravelsize!”

Carolineexclaimedaseveryoneintheroomrockedwith
laughter.“Hey,youcan’tknockituntilyoutryit.They’re
usuallyonamuchlonger,bulkiercord.ButIfoundthose
—”

“Letmeguess,”Gillianinterrupted,chortling,“onthe

Internet?”

“Why,yes!”Carolinelaughed.“ThoseScandinavian

countriesreallyhaveaknackfortoys,I’mtellingyou.
They’reamuchbetterqualitythananythingmadehere.”

“Maybeyoushouldincorporateimportedsextoysinto

yourstationerybusiness,”Pipersuggested.“Ibetyou’dget
tentimesasmanycustomers.”

“I’veactuallyconsideredit.I’mnotjoking,”Caroline

said.“Whynotbeadistributorforhigh-endtoysyoucan’t
findhere?ButrightnowI’mtooswampedwiththecards.
ButmaybeI’lldoitsomeday.Iliketheideaof
empoweringwomen.Femalestakemuchlongertoorgasm
—andsomecan’tcomeduringintercoursealone.This

wouldopenupawholenewworldforthem.”

“Wow,”Pipercommented.“I’msoimpressedbythat.”
“Me,too,”Emmaagreed.“Caroline,you’reso

selfless.Ilovethataboutyou,andIabsolutelyloveallthe
gifts.They’reperfectandgenerous,justlikeyou,andI
can’twaittousethem.”Emmaseteverythingbackinthe
box,foldingthebeautifulteddynicelyandrestingitontop.

“Haveyoutriedanalbeadsbefore?”Carolineasked.
“Yes,butitwasalongtimeago,”Emmarepliedasshe

bentoverandgrabbedPiper’sgift,whichwaslightweight.
Itwasdecorative,withwhitepinstripes,andhad“shower”
printedinblocklettersontheside.Piperhadusedamagic
markertowritetheword“travel”abovethatandhad
drawnacutelittlesunandaboatnexttoit.ItwassoPiper.
“Wewereyoungandinexperienced,however.I’msurethis
go-aroundwillbemuchbetter.”

“Thetrickistoputtheminawhilebeforetheaction.”

Carolinewinked.“Itgetsyoualljazzedup.Thenputonthe
teddy,reachforthelube,andyou’llhaveabeautiful
eveninginparadise!”

“I’msureIwill.”Emmagiggled.“You’vethoughtofit

all.”

“Mygiftwillhelpfacilitateyoureveryday

experience,”Pipersaid.“Iknowtheplaceyou’regoingis
clothingoptional,butIfiguredyoucan’tgowrongwith
these—anditgivesthewatchersomethingintriguingto
lookat.”

“Well,nowI’mintrigued,”Emmasaid,settingthebag

onthegroundandmovingthetissuepaperaside.

“They’reallwrappedupindividually,”Pipertoldher.

“Therearethreesmallbundles.”

Emmagrabbedthethreebundlesandsetthemonher

lap.Sheunrolledthefirstone.“Oh,my!”Sheheldupa
tinyscrapofmaterial.

Itwasthesmallestbikinibottomshe’deverseen.
Thisonewaspurewhite,withsmallsilverbuckles

holdingthealmostnonexistentstrapstogetheronthesides.
Therewasatinytriangleoffabricinthefrontandonly
stringsintheback.

“Ionlygotyouthebottoms,”Piperchuckled,“because

you’renotgoingtoneedthetops.Ipickedoutthesexiest
onesIcouldfind.Ifiguredwhenyou’reonthebeachin
frontoftheresort,havingthemonwillonlyaccentuate
yourbeautifulbodyandmakefolkslookatyou,whichis
whatwewant.Lotsoflookingandpiningandyearning.”
Shemadeagrowlingnoiseandpretendedtostrokeher
imaginarypenis.“Wewantallthosepotbelliedrichguysto
havestiffiesforyou.”

“Gross!”Emmasquealed,laughing.ButPiperwas

right.TheplanwastomakePetejealousoftheattention
shereceivedfromothers,sohewouldnoticehermore,and
thesebottomswoulddothetrick.“Iloveit.Theyare
ridiculouslysexy.”Shesetthefirstpairdownandunrolled
thenextbundle.

“No,dude,it’syouwhoissexy,”Pipersaid.“Don’t

forgetit.Thebikinibottomsonlyaccentuatethat.Your

bodyisridiculousfromallthatdancing.You’regoingto
turnheadslikeyourassisonfire,andguysandgirlsalike
willbelinedupwaitingtoputtheflamesout.”

Emmaheldthenextpairup,andGillianwhistledlow.
Thispairwasjetblack,withtinyrhinestones

decoratingthefabricinfront.Thethonginbackwasso
small,italmostdisappeared.“Wow!”Emmaexclaimed.“I
can’twaittotrytheseon.I’musuallyconservativeinmy
swimattire.Thisisawholenewworldforme.”

“IthinkPiper’sright,”Carolinesaid.“Theseare

definitelygoingtoturnheads.Wheneveryoneelseis
naked,thisgivesthemsomethingtolookat.”

“Seriously,”Gilliansaid.“Theyaretotallyhot.It

makesmewanttogetafewpairs.”

Emmaunrolledthelastone.Itwasbrightscarlet.The

backcontainedalittlemorefabricthantheothertwohad.

“Whenit’son,”Pipertoldher,“it’ssupposedtolook

likethere’saheartnestledrightaboveyourass.Infront,
there’sbarelyenoughmaterialtocallitabathingsuit.”

“It’sincredible,”Emmasaid.“I’minawe.Ican’twait

towearthemall.Truly.Thankyouforyourgenerosity.”

Piperswishedherhand.“Ihadfunpickingthemout,

butyoubettertakesomesexypictureswhenyou’rein
them.Weallwanttoseeyouinaction.”

Gilliangotoffherchairandwalkedovertoher

saddlebag,whichwasstillontheisland.Shedrewouta
small,nicelywrappedboxandtossedittoEmmaasshe
strodeback.Emmacaughtitlikeapro.“Thisisjustalittle

somethingfromme,”Gilliansaid.“ButIthinkyou’llenjoy
it.”

EmmawasbeyondcuriousastowhatGillianwould

pickoutforher.“OnceI’mdonewiththis,it’syourturn,
youknow,”EmmatoldGillian.“Wehaven’tforgottenthat
youeffectivelyderailedtheconversation.You’regoingto
havetogiveussomethingaboutyournight,deal?”

“Deal,”Gillianagreedasshesatbackdown.
Emmaunwrappedthepackageandpulledasoftleather

harnessoutofthebox.Shehelditup,anditlookedlikean
X,withbucklesonallfourends.

“Iknowyou’renotintoBDSM,butthat”—Gillian

gestured—“ishot.Itbindsyoujustenough,andifyou’re
willingtotryit,itwillgiveyoutonsofpleasureanda
hugeorgasm.”

“Howdoyouuseit?”Emmaasked,shiftingitaround

toexamineit.“I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.”

“HowaboutIshowyouinstead?”Gilliangrinnedas

shestood.

“Okay.”Emmaroseoffthecouch.Shewasina

sundress,herfeetbare.

“Kneeldown,”Gillianorderedasshetooktheharness

outofEmma’shands.Emmadidasshewastold.“Putyour
armsbehindyourback.”

Emmacomplied.Gillian’svoicehadacommanding

effect.Evenifshewasn’ttryingtosoundlikeaDomme,
shedid.ShefeltGillian’shandsonheranklesfirstand
thenherwrists.“Wow,”Emmasaid.Shetriedtomoveher

wrists,buttheyweresecuredtoherlegs,whichmadeit
impossible.“Thisisintense.”

“Doyoulikeit?”Gillianaskedasshemovedtostand

infrontofEmma.

“Yes,”Emmareplied.“IthinkIdo.”
“Forwhatit’sworth,Ithinkit’shot,”Pipersaid.“Now

whatdoyoudo?”

“It’spurelyforcontrol,”Gilliantoldthem.“Emma

can’treallymove,butshe’scomfortablyconfined.Petecan
bendyoubackwardorfrontwardandfuckyou.Youare
forcedtosubmit.ButI’mthinkingthiswouldalsobevery
hotforPetetowatchifyou,say,wantedtofucksomeone
elseinfrontofhim.Youtoldushowmuchofyourtimeis
spentonmakingsurePeteishappy,right?”

“Right,”Emmasaidalittlehesitantly.
“SowhenyouhittheBahamas,”Gilliansaid,“make

sureit’syourhappytime.Dowhateveryouwantandhave
alittlefun.This”—shemotionedtotheharness—“isabout
asfunasyoucanget.”

“She’srightaboutthat,”Carolineadded.“Youneedto

focusonyouthistrip.ButI’mtotallyagreeingwith
everyoneelse.”Shegesturedtotheharness.“Thatthingis
completelysexy.Icanimagineyouinoneofthosebikini
bottomsandPetewatchingsomeonepeelthemoffofyou.I
mightjusthavetogetoneformyself.I’mgettinghotand
botheredjustthinkingaboutit.”

PiperlaughedasshelookedoveratCaroline.“You’re

suchahorndog.”

Carolinenodded.“Icarrythatmantlewithpride.Ilove

tryingnewthings.Emma,you’regoingtohavesuchagreat
time!Icanseethatalready.Justremember,aboveall,have
fun.”

“Iwill,”Emmareplied.“Ineedthisvacation.Weneed

this.Iwanttoshakethingsup,andwhatbetterwaythan
tryingsomethingnew?”Shetriedtomoveherarmsagain,
tonoavail.“Thisharnessdefinitelyqualifiesasnew.
Gillian,Ireallydoloveit.Itfeelsso…sexy.My
adrenalinestartedracingthesecondthefirstcuffwenton.
Youknow”—shegrinnedatthegirls—“Imightnotwait
untilvacationtousethisone.IwasalittletoughonPete
theothernight,andsurprisinghimwiththistonightwhen
hegetshomemightbetheperfectwaytostartourvacation
outright.”

“That’sagreatidea,”Pipersaid,thenshefocusedon

Gillian.“Okay,unbuckleher,andwhileyou’reatit,tellus
onesexytidbitfromyourtryst.”

GillianbentovertoreleaseEmmafromtherestraints.

Whenshewasdone,sheglancedup,grinning.“Here’s
yourtidbit.Thesexwassogood,Icametentimes.”

__________________________

____________

“E

mma!”Petecalledashewalkedintothekitchen

fromthegarage.Itwasonlyeleventhirty.He’dthoughtthe
girlsmightbeherestill,butwhenhe’dpulledup,therehad
beennocarsparkedoutside.Thehousewasquietandhad
alreadybeencleanedup.

“Downstairs!”sheanswered.
Hiseyebrowsshotup.Downstairscontainedtheir

PleasurePalaceandlittleelse.Shewaseithercleaningup
becausethegirlshadgonedownthere,orshewaswaiting
forhim.“ShouldIcomedown?”hesaidfromthetopofthe
steps.“Orareyoucomingup?”

“I’llbeup,”shesaid,“butnotuntilIfinishcoming

downhere.”

Hewashardinstantly.
“I’llberightdown!”Heshedhisclothesinabout

sevensecondsflatandwalkeddownthecarpetedstairs,
strokinghiscock.Theanticipationofwhatshewasupto
madehimshiver.

Thelightshadbeenturneddownlow.
“Gladyoucouldmakeit.”Emmawassituatedinthe

middleoftheroom.

Hismouthfellopen.
Shekneltononeoftheplatforms,totallynaked,her

handsbehindherback.“Areyouhookedintosomething?”
heaskedasheapproached.

“Iam,”shesaid.“It’sanewtoy,giventometonightby

Gillian.Shesaysit’sacontrolthing,andIwantedtotryit
out.”

“Howlonghaveyoubeenstrappedin?”Hecircledher

slowly,grinninglikeafool.

“Itwasalittletoughgettingthehandsdonemyself,but

Gillianshowedmeatrickbeforesheleft.Iheardthe
garagedooropen,andthatwasmycuetobucklein.”She
smiledcoyly.“Soareyougoingtocomeonherewithme
orwhat?”

“Oh,I’mgoingtocomealloverhere.There’sno

questionaboutit.”Petewasmildlysurprisedathiswife’s
demeanorchange,buthewasn’tabouttocomplain.Hewas
goingtotakewhateverhecouldget.“Youlookdelectable
kneelingthere.Howdoesthisthingwork?”Hereached
overandfingeredtheleathercuffsatherwristsashe
climbedontheplatform.

“I’msupposedtotakeithoweveryouwanttogiveitto

me.It’smildBDSM,butit’sworkingforme.Mynipples
havebeenachingsinceIbuckledmyselfin,”shesaid.

“Well,then,I’mcertainlygoingtostartthere.”They

wereonacircularpieceoffoamaboutthesizeofatwin
bedbutnotaslong.PetegazedatEmma,hiseyesroaming
herbody.Shewasperfection.Herskinwasradiant,her

breastsperfectlyroundwithrosynipplesthatjuttedout
deliciously,beggingtobesucked.

Heleanedover,placinghislipsclose,almosttouching

oneofthepertpinktips.Insteadofclosinghismouth
aroundit,heexhaledlikehewasblowingoutabirthday
candle.

“Oh,”Emmamoaned,closinghereyes.“IthinkI’m

goingtolikethis.Alot.Notbeingabletomoveismaking
mewet.”

Peteglancedup.“Soyou’retellingmeyouwantmeto

keepteasingyou?”

“Yes,please,”sheanswered,herheadtiltingback

towardtheceiling,hereyesstillclosed.

“It’llbemyabsolutepleasure.”Peteleanedinagain,

thistimeplacingthetipofhistongueonanipple,lightly
flicking,butrefrainingfromlappingandsuckinglikehe
wantedto.HefeltEmmahummingwithneed.Aftera
minuteorso,hemovedtotheotheroneanddidthesame
thing.

“Goodness.”Emmatriedinvaintopushherbreasts

closertohismouth,butshecouldmoveforwardonlyso
much.“Thisissointense.Ijustwantyoutosuckthemso
bad!”

Peteliftedhisheadandsawhereyespinnedonhim,

thedesireunmistakable.“JustwaituntilIdothistoyour
sweetclit,”hemurmured,deliberatelyteasinghersome
more.

“Oh,youwouldn’tdothattome.”Herbreathcamein

shortbursts.“Thatwouldbetorture.”

“Yes,andthat’sexactlywhatyousignedupforwhen

youbuckledyourselfintothisharness.There’snobacking
outnow.”Headjustedhisposition,turningsohewason
hisback.Emmawasonherkneesandcouldn’tmove,sohe
linedhisheadupbeneathherdelectablepussy.Oncehe
wasinplace,heusedhisfingerstocarefullypartherfolds
sohecouldseehowwetshewas.“Holyshit,youweren’t
kidding.”Hisdickthrobbedinanticipationofsinkinginto
herwetness.Helickedtheendofoneofhisfingersand
placedthefingertiponherswollenbud,knowingitwould
becooltothetouch.

Emmabuckedabovehim,herhipsjerking.“Pete!”She

panted,“Ican’t…youhavetoputyourtongueinthere.I
can’tstandit!Please.Eatme,suckme,fuckme,butdo
something!Thisistoomuch!”Herhipswererocking.

Petechuckled.“Itcompletelyturnsmeonthatyou’reat

yourlimitalready.”Thiswasnewterritoryforbothof
them.They’dneverreallydoneanykindofBDSMbefore.
Buthecouldn’tsayhehatedit.Allthewaitingwasmaking
hisdickachemorethaniteverhad.Thenwhenhewas
donetorturingherforawhile,hewasgoingtorelish
fuckingherevenmore.

Hedidassheasked,however,andranhistongueover

hercore,flickingitbackandforthoverherwetclit.

“Ah!”Emmacried,herhipslowering,searchingforhis

mouth.“More,more!I’msoclosealready.Ifyoutongue
mealittlemore,Icancome.”

“Likethis?”Peteranhistongueincircles,onehandon

hiscock,stroking.Surprisingly,hewasascloseasshe
was.

“Yes!”shescreamedasshegrounddownonhismouth,

cominghard.“Fuck,yes!”

***

Theorgasmhadbeenbig,eventhoughtherehadbarely

beenanytouching.Emmawasfloored.Howcouldthatbe?

“Holyfuck,”Petesaidfrombeneathher,wherehe’d

justlickedeverylastdropofherdry.“Ican’tbelieveyou
justcamethathardfromjustthetipofmytongue.Thisis
fantastic.”

“Ican’tbelieveiteither,”shesaid,stilltryingtocalm

down.Herthighswerequakingfromtheadrenalinerush.
Shestillcouldn’tmoveherlegsorarms,andtheachein
hernippleshadmorphedintofull-onpain.

Sheneededthemsucked.
AndEmmawasn’tdonecoming.
Notbyalongshot.
Ifshewasthisturnedon,sheusuallyhadnoproblem

comingmultipletimes,andtonightwasdefinitelygoingto
beoneofthosenights.“Pete,Ineedyoutosuckmyaching
nipplesandfuckme,inthatorder.”

Peteedgedoutfromunderher.“You’renotsupposedto

betheonegivingtheorders,remember?”hechidedher.
“Butafterthatorgasm,I’mupforwhateveryousay.”He

grinned.“I’mgoingtocomejustashard.Icanfeelit
already.AndwhenIdo,yourpussyisgoingtobe
clenchingagainallovermycock.”

“Okay.”Emmanodded.“That’sadeal.Butlet’sgetto

thesuckingpart.MynipplesachesomuchIamaboutto
explodefromneed.”

Petecameatheronhisknees,hiserectionjuttingout

aheadofhim.Sheknewhiscockfeltthesamewayher
breastsdid.Shewantedtoputhermoutharoundit,butshe
wantedhimtosuckhermore.

ThemomentPete’slipscoveredoneofhersensitive

peaksanddrewitintohismouth,shebentbackwardand
nearlyscreamed.Shewishedlikecrazyherhandswere
freesoshecouldplowthemthroughhishairandforcehim
closer.Heunlatchedfromone,andshecriedout,buthis
lipsquicklycoveredtheotherone,andshejerkedfromhis
touch.

“Youtastesogood,”hemurmured,pullingandsucking.

“WhatifItouchyourightherewhileI’mdoingthis?”His
handsliddownandbreachedherfolds,afingercircling
herclitdead-on.

Aftershocksshehadnoideawereattheforefront

sweptthroughher,makingherlegsbuckleandrock.“God!
Pressharder!”Shejerkedherpelvisintohishand.“That
feelssofuckinggood.”

Petedidn’tstopthesuctiononherbreastforamoment,

hismouthhungryashecomplied,grindingthepalmofhis
handagainstherclitassherockedonit,tryinginvainto

fuckit.

“Jesus,Emma.”Heletgoofanippleandkissedhis

wayuptoherneck.Hishandwasstillpressedagainsther.
“Seeingyoulikethismakesmegowild.Wedefinitely
needtotrythiskindofthingmoreoften.”

“Iagree.”Shewaspantinghard.“Butfornowlet’s

enjoythisonetothefullest.I’mnotsurehowyou’regoing
tofuckmewiththisthingon,butIwanttodoitnow.”

“Oh,IthinkIcanfigureoutsomething,”hesaid.

“We’regoingtodoitrightherewhileyou’reonyour
knees.”

Emma’sbreathhitched.“Willthatwork?”
“We’reabouttofindout.”Petestrokedhiscockashe

loweredhiships,soheandEmmawerealigned.Thenhe
wrappedbothhandsaroundher,grippingherasstightly.
Heedgedforward,positioninghiscocktiprightather
entrance.“WhatifIjuststayhereforasecondortwo?”he
teased,rockinggently,histipenteringherbrieflyandthen
slidingrightbackout.

“Pete,”shemoaned,“youcan’tdothat!Iwantittoo

much.”Herbodywiggledasshetriedtogetclosertohim.
“Theserestraintsarestartingtohurt,butisitwrongthatI
likehowthatfeels?”

“Notatall,”hewhisperedintoherneck.“Iloveit

whenyou’rethishorny.Ifyoudon’twantmetokeep
teasingyou,thenhowdoyouwantit?Likethis?”Hedug
hisfingersintoherasswhileyankinghertowardhim,
thrustingdeeply.Hepulledout,panting.“Orlikethis?”He

slidintoheragainandlockedherontohisshaftashe
rockedhispelvisagainstherclit,fullyseatedinsideher.

Thepressureofhimbeingsodeepinsideheratthis

anglewasamazing.“Yes,likethat,”shereplied.“More.”

“I’mgoingtomakeyoucomeagain,”hetoldher.“But

whenIdo,it’sgoingtobebecausemycockteasesitoutof
you.”Hebegantodrawinandoutofherinlongpulls,
fuckingherastheyknelttogether,hishandsproddingher
asstothepointofpain.

Itwasincredible,andhewasright,shewasgoingto

comeagainhard.

Witheachthrust,shegotalittlecloser.
Shetippedherheadbackandletherselfgo.Petekept

pounding,butwhenhislipstookmorethanhernipplein
hismouth,shebroke,herbodyspasmingaroundhiscock.
“Ahh!”

“Emma!”Peteshoutedashecame.Hiscockpulsed

insideofherasherockedintoher,bracinghertightly
againsthischestwithhisarms.

“Oh,my,”Emmapanted,hereyesclosed.Shewanted

toclutchhisshoulders,butshewasgoingtohavetosettle
forkissinghisneck.“Thatwasfantastic,”shesighedas
shelaidherheadonhisshoulderasheheldher,still
comingdownfromhisownrelease.“Youknowhowto
fuck,that’sforsure.”

“It’sonlythisgoodwhenI’mfuckingyou.”

__________________________

____________

“A

reyousureyouhaveeverything?”Peteasked

Emmaforthefourthtime.“Youonlyhaveonebag.”Itwas
fourinthemorning,andtheywereontheirwaytothe
airport.

“Ionlyhaveonebagbecausewe’regoingtoa

clothing-optionalresort,”Emmajoked.“Don’tworry.It’s
abigbag,andIhaveeverythingIneed.Comeon,thetaxi’s
waiting.”

Petepickedupboththeirbagsandheadedoutside.It

wasstilldark,thesunnotreadytoriseforagoodhouror
more.Theygotintothecabaftertheluggagewasloaded.
Theywereaboutthirtyminutesfromtheairport.Pete
restedhishandonEmma’sthigh.Hewasreadyfora
vacationandlookingforwardtothisbreak.

Afterthatexplosivenightinthebasement,heand

Emmahadhadagoodfewdaystogether.Thingsseemed
morerelaxedbetweenthem,andPetewashappy.“Areyou
excited?”heaskedher.“I’mlookingforwardtoseeing
whatthisplaceisallabout.”

“Absolutely,”Emmareplied.“Ican’twaittowalkon

thewhitesandandsoakupsomesunshine.”

Peteleanedover.“Ican’twaittoseeyourassinthe

sun.Thatisgoingtobeabeautifulthing.”

Emmasnorted.“Itwon’tbeinthesunlong.Haveyou

seenmycomplexion?I’vebroughtplentyofsunscreen,but
I’mnotgoingtomakeitapointtositout.Thatwouldbea
badsunburnwaitingtohappen.”

Hiswifehadbeautifulskin.Pairedwithherredhair,

shewasoneofthosebreathtakingwomenwholookedlike
shewasmadeofporcelain.Petehadbeensmittenfromthe
firstmomenthe’dlaideyesonher.“Thatassintheshade
willbejustasamazing,andwehaveourowndippoolon
adeckfacingtheocean.”

“It’ssoweirdwe’reheadingtoaplacewe’venever

reallyseenbefore.Itdoesmakeitexciting,however,likea
grandadventure.Ilovethat.”

“TheButlershaveravedaboutthisplaceforyears.

WhenIcalledJimtogettheinfo,hereassuredmethatwe
wouldbeabsolutelyblownaway.”

“Ihopehe’sright.Fortheamountofmoneywe’re

spending,I’mexpectingnothinglessthanaperfect
paradise.”

“Ithinkthat’swhytheycallitParadise.”
Thecabridewentsmoothly,andsodidthecheck-in

fortheirflight.Theyweretherethefulltwohoursearly.
Oncetheyarrivedatthegate,Emmatookoutabookto
readandPetetriedtogetsomesleep.

PetewokeupsometimelatertothesoundofEmma’s

laughter,asoundheloved.“Soareyouguysgoingtothe

Bahamas,too?”sheasked.

“Yep,”aman’svoiceansweredinalowbaritone.“We

loveitthere.”

Peteopenedhiseyesandglancedovertoseeayoung

couplesittingontheothersideofhiswife.Theguywas
good-lookingandhaddarkhairandlightbrownskin.The
girlwasfitandattractive,withlongwavybrownhairand
anicesmile.

Emmaasked,“Whereareyoustaying?”
Petewatchedthegirlbiteherlipastheguyanswered,

“Oh,it’sjustthistinyresortonasmallouterisland.”Then
hebentoverandtookabusinessmagazineoutofhisbag
andflippedopenthepages.

Emmanodded.Asalways,hiswifewasherpleasant

self.“We’regoingtoasmallisland,too.We’vebeentold
it’sanabsoluteparadise.We’retakingasmallplanethe
resortarranged.It’sallkindofcrazy,butwe’relooking
forwardtoit!”

Theguyglancedupfromhismagazine.Heworean

expensivewatchandniceshoes.“Wemightbeheadingto
thesameplace.Youneverknow.”Hegrinned,flashing
straightwhiteteethandakillersmile.“Bytheway,my
nameisAntonio,andthisisCharlotte.”Hereachedhis
handouttoEmma.

“I’mEmma,”shesaidpolitely,shakinghishand.She

turnedtoPete.“Thisismyhusband,Pete.”

Petegavethemasmallsaluteandrearrangedhimselfin

hisuncomfortableseat.“Nicetomeetyouboth,”hesaid,

leaningforwardaroundhiswifetoshakeAntonio’s
profferedhand.“Ihopewe’regettingonthisplanesoon.It
feelslikewe’vebeenhereforalongtime.”

Emmanodded.“Theyannounceditafewminutesago.

We’reboardingsoon.”

Charlottestoodupfirst,andAntoniofollowed,eachof

themgrabbingtheirrespectivebags.“We’regoingtohead
tothebathroombeforeweboard.”Antoniowavedashe
walkedaway.“Itwasnicemeetingyouboth.Hopetosee
youagain.”Hewinked.“Maybeontheisland.”

“Ihopeweseeyouguys,too!”Emmacalledtohim,

affectioninhertone.Theguymust’vemadeanimpression
onherinashortamountoftime.Aftertheyleft,sheturned
toPeteandsaid,“Wouldn’tthatbefunnyifwewerereally
goingtothesameplacetogether?”

Normally,Petewould’veagreed.
Buthe’dseenthewayAntoniohadlookedathiswife.

He’dbeenenamoredofher.Peteknewthosekindsof
looks,andthatwinkhadbeensuggestive.

Forthefirsttimeinaverylongtime,Petefeltalittle

sparkofjealousyflareinhischest.Emmahadseemedso
happytotalktothem.Hertonehadbeenfreeand
unguarded,makinghimrealizeshehadn’tsoundedlikethat
withhimforawhile.

“Iactuallywouldn’tbethatsurprisedifweseethem

there,”Petecommented.“Theywerebothconfidentand
hadthatvibe.”Overtheyears,heandEmmahadgotten
verygoodatspottingcoupleswhowereinthelifestyle.

That’showthey’dfoundMichaelandPiper.Theyhadseen
theCollinsesinteractingatapartyandpickedupontheir
bodylanguage.

“Iwasthinkingthesamething,”Emmacommented.

“We’renotwrongaboutalotofpeople.Mybetiswe’re
goingtothesameplace.”

Theattendantcalledfortheirboardinggroup.
EmmaandPetetooktheirspotsinlineandboardedthe

plane.Theyweren’tinfirstclass.Neithertraveledvery
much,andshellingoutatonofmoneyforsittingupfront
seemedwasteful.ButasPetetriedtofithislonglegsinto
thespaceinfrontoftheseatwithoutspillingintotheaisle,
hewassecond-guessinghischoice.“Maybeweshould’ve
paidforfirstclass.Idon’tfitinregularseatsanymore.
Theypacktheminsotightlynow,they’renotmadefor
anyoneoversixfeettall.”

“Maybewecantrytoupgradeonthewayhome,”

Emmasuggested.

“Hey,there’sAntonioandCharlotte,”Petesaidashe

readjustedhislegsforthefourthtime.“They’reinfirst
class.Iwouldn’thavepeggedthemforthat.Theylooktoo
youngtohavealotofextracash.Butifthey’regoingtothe
sameparadiseweare,theymusthaveit.”

Emmacranedherheadfromthemiddleseattoglance

uptheaisle.Theirseatsweren’ttoofarbackfromfirst
class.Antoniocaughttheirgazesandgavethemalittle
wave.

Petewatchedhiswife’sfacelightup.

“Theyseemsupernice,”Emmasaid,sittingbackinher

seatandpullingafashionmagazineoutofherbag.“He’s
totallycute,too.”

Petecouldn’treply,becauseatthatmomenttheperson

assignedtothewindowseatnexttoEmmawalkedup.

“Sosorry,butIhavetogetinthere.”Theolderwoman

wasmaybeinhersixties.Petegotupandhelpedherstow
herbagoverhead.

“Thankyou,”shesaidsweetlyasshemadeherwayto

herseat.

Emmaandsheimmediatelybegantoexchangeniceties.

Peteclosedhiseyes.Itwassixthirtyinthemorning.He
wantedtosleepasmuchashecouldbeforetheygotthere,
becauseoncetheylanded,thefunwouldbegin.

***

Thescenerywasstunninglybeautiful,theblueofthe

CaribbeanbeingtheclearestEmmahadeverseen.She
wasinawe.Thesecondflightflewdirectlyovertheaqua-
bluewaters,andthesightwasabsolutelybreathtaking.

They’dlandedfromtheStatesandmadetheconnection

tothesmallplanewithnocomplications.ButAntonioand
Charlottehadn’tjoinedthem.

Emmatriednottobetoodisappointed.Theywould’ve

beenaninterestingcoupletohangoutwith,butitwasn’t
meanttobe.

Thesecondplanelandedonthesmallislandaftera

veryshortflight.Acarwaswaitingforthem.They’dbeen
theonlyonesonthesix-seaterairplane.Thedriver
welcomedthem,butwasn’toverlytalkative.

Inthebackseat,PeteleanedtowardEmma.“Ican’t

believehowsmallthisislandreallyis.Itlookedtinyfrom
theair,andIonlysawoneresort.Ihopewelikethisplace,
becauseitdoesn’tlooklikethere’sanywhereelsetogo.”

“I’msurewe’llloveit.Noworries.”Shepattedhis

leg.“Wecanalwayshangoutbythepoolanddosome
relaxing.Thatnevergetsold.Thecoloroftheoceanisso
clear.Ican’tbelievemyeyes.Ifeellikepinchingmyself.
We’vebeenalotofplaces,butthisonemighttakethe
cake.”

“Iagree.Thevegetationisn’tlush,buttheblueofthe

oceanmorethanmakesupforit.”

Ashorttimelater,thedriverpulledintothestartofa

longdriveway.Assoonashepassedthroughthegates,the
scenerychangeddramatically.

“Wemighthavetoamendthatobservation,”Emma

said,sittingupinherseat.“Lookatallthebeautiful
flowersandtrees.”Asthedrivewaywounduptowarda
smallwhitewashedbuilding,thefoliagetheypassed
continuedtobethickandlush.

Therewasn’tanothersoularoundthatEmmacouldsee.
Thedriverpulledtoastopinfrontofasmallwood

buildingwithquaintshutters.Itwasveryunassuming.

“There’snoparkinglot,”Petecommentedasheturned

tolookoutthewindow.“Idon’tseeanyothercars.”

Thedrivernodded,hearingPete’scommentashe

openedEmma’sdoorforher.“There’sautilityroadthat
leadstotheparkinglot,”hetoldthem.“Acarisnot
necessaryontheisland,norcanyourentone.Weprovide
golfcartscomplimentarywithyourstay,butmostthings
arewithinwalkingorbikingdistance.Allthevillasare
rightonthewater,andtherestaurantsareverycloseby.”

EmmaandPetegotoutofthecarandwalkedintothe

building.Ithadhigh,loftedceilingsandahugefanslowly
oscillatinginthemiddle.

“Welcome.”Awomanwhohadbeensittingatadesk

stood.“We’rehappytohaveyou.”Sheheldoutherhand.
“YoumustbetheSlaters.I’mMona.Irunthingshere.
Come,haveaseat.”Shegesturedattwoopenchairsonthe
othersideofthedesk.

EmmaandPeteshookherhandandtookaseat.The

roomwasn’tmuchbiggerthantheirlivingroomathome,
andotherthanthedesk,therewereafewpottedplantsand
notmuchelse.

Monasatbackdown.“Yourluggageisbeingtakento

yourvillaaswespeak.Oncewefinishthecheck-in
process,I’llhaveoneofourstaffshowyoutoyourroom.
It’salwaystiringafteralongdayoftravel,andIpromise
tobebrief.”

“Wearealittletired,thankyou,”Emmasaid.“Your

resortlooksbeautiful.”

Thewoman’slaughsoundedliketinklingchimes.

“Why,thankyou.Thisislandisveryspecialtome.Ithas

belongedinmyfamilyforoverahundredyears.Thisis
justtheintakearea,andwekeepitverysmallonpurpose.
You’llfindthattherestoftheresortismuchmoregenerous
initsstyleandaccommodations.Thiskeepspryingeyes
out,sotospeak.”Shewinked.

“Isyourresortalwaysfull?”Peteasked.
“Notalways,”shesaidassheshuffledsome

paperwork.“Asyouknow,wewereabletogetyouinon
shortnotice.Youcamehighlyrecommended,whichhelps.
Thetimeofyearalsomakesadifference.Butwecatertoa
verysmallgroupofindividuals,soit’sneverbeenan
issue.”Sheseparatedsomepapersoutofthegroupshe
washolding.“Herearesomeinformationsheetsforyouto
gooveronceyougettoyourvilla.”Shehandedthemto
Emma.“Eachsuitehasitsownprivatedippingpool,two
showers,oneoutdoorsandoneinside,andasHenrywas
tellingyou,youhaveaccesstoagolfcartanytimeyou
wish.Simplycallthefrontdesk,andonewillbedelivered
heretothislocation.Therearesomebeachesontheother
sideoftheislandthatareworthseeing,andtheyarevery
private.Youcanalsobikeanywhereyouwish.Wehavea
fullfleetofbikesandasmallpavedpaththatleadsaround
mostoftheisland.Theislanditselfisonlyfivemileslong
andtwomileswide.”ShehandedPeteakeycardanda
fewmorepapers.

“Thankyou,”Petesaid.“We’llgoovereverything

oncewegettotheroom.”

“Weonlyhaveafewruleshere,”shesaid

conversationallyasshefoldedherhandsonthedesk.“But
wemakesuretheyareupheldutterlyandcompletely.The
entireislandisclothingoptional,excepttherestaurants.
Wehaveoneformaldiningroom,onecasualrestaurant
withabar,andonebeachbar,whichservesbreakfastand
lunchonly.Clothingismandatoryateverymeal.Thebeach
barislocatedbythecommunalswimmingpool,andthat’s
whereyou’llfindmostoftheclientelewhowishto
socialize.Thepoolareaisalwaysclothingoptional,and
thebeachbarisafterfivep.m.whenwestopserving
lunch.Thebaristhemainspotformingling,especiallyin
theeveninghoursafterthesunsets.Youneednotmakeany
reservationsatanyofourrestaurants.Therearetwenty
tables,aswehavetwentyrooms.Nonpayingguestsare
neverallowedonthegroundsatanytime.Ifyoudon’tfeel
likedressingup,youcaneasilyorderroomservice.Our
menuisextensive,andanythingcanbemade,atanytimeof
thedayornight,anddeliveredtoyourdoorfreeofcharge.
Wearesemi-all-inclusive.Youareallottedthreemealsa
day.Theformalrestaurantisonlyopenfordinner.
Anythingaboveandbeyondthatissetatareasonable
price.Allwater,soda,andjuicearefreeatalltimes.
Alcoholisextra,butwechargewholesaleprices.”

Emmanoddedalong.Shewasgettingexcited.This

soundedliketheirkindofvacation.Sexyandrelaxed.

Monacontinued,“Beachtowelsareprovided.They

areinyourroomsandatthepool.Feelfreetotakeasmany
asyou’dlike.Leavethemoutsideyourfrontdoor,and

housekeepingwillpickthemup.Housekeepingwillonly
cleanyourroomifyouleavethecardonthedoorhandle.If
youdon’t,theywillleavefreshtowelsandtoiletriesona
shelfoutside.Thatmeansyou’llneverhavehousekeeping
knockingonyourdoor.Ifyouknowaheadoftimeyou
won’twantyourroomcleanedtheentirestay,wecanmake
anoteofit.”

“Thankyou,”Emmasaid.“I’msurewe’llwantit

cleaned,butwe’llplayitbyear.”

“Thelastruleisnosexinthestaffareasoftheresort

orrestaurants,exceptthebeachbaraftertenp.m.,”Mona
said.“Therearemanyplacestomeetup,includingthe
mainpoolatanytime.Anythingonyourownbalconyis
fine.Youarealsofreetohavesexanywhereontheisland,
justaslongasyou’renotonthegroundsoftheresort.The
delineationisourcarefullymanicuredlawns.Wehavethis
ruletocatertothestaffherewhowehirefromsomeofthe
biggerislands.Noteveryonewantstostandwitnessto
another’ssexualact,sowehopeyouunderstand.”She
stood.“Everythingelseisinorder.Wehaveyourcredit
cardonfile.Ihopeyouenjoyyourstay.Welcometo
Paradise.”Monagesturedtowardthedoor.“Henryshould
bewaitingoutside.Hewillseeyoutoyourvilla.”

__________________________

____________

hegroundswerejustaslushastheywereonthe

drivein.EverywherePetelookedtherewereflowers,
bushes,trees,andgrass.Thesaltyoceanbreezefeltcool
onhisfaceandtemperedthehumiditynicely.Theycould
hearwavescrashingintotheshoreastheymovedalonga
pathclosertothevillas.Petecouldn’tbelievehowniceit
was.Anditwasextremelyprivate.Thewoodenfootpath
they’dbeenwalkingonwovethroughtheresort,vegetation
onbothsides.Itwasmadeofsomekindofdarkteakwood.
Theysawsomeoutbuildings,buthadyettoseeavilla.

PeteandEmmahadneverhadextrafundstospendon

somethingextravagantlikethis.They’dbeenbuildinga
house,amongotherthings.Theopeningtocomeherecame
attherighttime.BothPeteandEmmahadgottenbonuses
lastwinter,andPetehadgottenapromotionsixmonths
ago.

Emmaclaspedhisupperarm,leaningin.“Ifeellike

we’reinadream,”shemurmured.“Thismightbethemost
romanticthingwe’veeverdone.”

“Iagree.It’stoogoodtobetrue.”
Henryturneddownanotherpath,andtheyfollowed.

Thistimeitledtoadoormadeoutofdarkwood.Itwas
huge.Bigbushesbracketedeithersideoftheentrywayto
giveitprivacy.TheshelfMonahadmentionedsattothe
right.

“Thisisyourvilla.”
Petenotedthenumbersevenhangingbesidethedoor.
“Everythingisinsidealready,”Henrysaid.“Isawtoit

myself.”Petetriedtogivehimatip,buthewaveditaway.
“No,we’repaidwellanddon’taccepttips.Everythingis
coveredinyourroomrate.Noworriesfromhereonout.
Justenjoyyourself.”Hebowedonceandthenturnedand
left.

PetetookthekeycardoutandsmiledatEmma.“Are

youready?”heasked.“It’sallbeenbuiltupsomuch.I
hopewe’renotgoingtobedisappointed.”

“Wewon’tbe.There’snoway.Hurryup!”sheurged.

“Ican’twaitanothersecond.”

Therewasnoslottoputthecardin.
Petewavedthecardinfrontofthemetalplate,and

theyheardapop.“Thisismorehigh-techthanI’dthought
anislandthissmallcouldget.”Heturnedtheleverand
openedthedoor,usheringEmmainfirst.

Thevilladidnotdisappoint.
“Oh,my,”Emmacommentedasshewalkedin.“It’sall

sosleekandmodern!”Theywalkedthroughashort
hallwayandemergedintoasmalllivingarea.Allthe
furniturewasdarkleatherwithcreamaccents.Thefloor
wasgreenslate.Alltheartandknickknacksweremodern,

mostofthemsilver.Everythinghaditsplace.

Thelivingroomopeneduptoabedroomontheleft.
Theking-sizebedwascoveredinacrispwhiteduvet

cover,withbigwhitepillowsandtonsofthrowpillows
accentedindarkgeometricdesigns.Thelampsoneither
sideofthebedhadbig,whiteshadesanddarkbases.A
rectangleofglasswassetintothewallabovethebedasan
obviousarchitecturalfeature,palmfrondswavingback
andforthoutside,bringingtheperfectamountofgreeninto
theroom.

Itwasallperfectandwelldone.
Theywalkedintothebedroom.“Holyshit!”Petesaid.

“Checkoutthebathroom.It’sopentothebedroom.”

Enoughspaceseparatedthetwo,butahugemodern

whitesoakingtubwassetinthemiddleofthefloorabout
twentyfeetfromthebed.Thebatherwouldhaveaperfect
viewouttheslidingglassdoorsinthebedroomtothedeck
andtheoceanbeyond.

EmmawalkedtowardthebathroomwhilePetewentto

thedoors.

“Lookatthis!”Emmaexclaimed.“Theshowerisright

outintheopen.”

Peteturned.Theshowerwasinsetalongtheleftwall

withglassrunningfromfloortoceiling.Ontheveryback
wallwasadoublegranitecountertoprunningtheentire
lengthoftheroomwithmatchingsinksandmirrors.

PetewatchedasEmmawalkedbetweentheshower

andthesinks.“There’sadoorsetinthewalloverherefor

thetoilet,”shecalled.“I’mhappythere’sateenybitof
privacy,butIlovehowopenitis.It’ssoluxurious!”

Peteturnedbacktotheoceanviewandtuggedthedoor

openandstuckhisheadout.Thestrongscentofsalt
filteredintotheroom.“You’vegottoseethis.”Pete
motionedEmmaover.“Lookatthoseloungechairs.”He
steppedoutside.

Emmajoinedhimonthedeck.
Thesamedarkteakthatcoveredthewalkwaysmade

upthedecking.Smallslatsrantheentirelengthofthevilla.
Thenitdroppeddowntwosteps,totheleveloftheinfinity
pool.Thepoolwasaboutfifteenfeetlong—biggerthan
Petehadexpected.Plentyofroomtorelax.Twohuge
chaiseloungechairscoveredinthick,whitecushionssat
besideit.

Totherightofwheretheystood,infrontoftheglass

doorsonthelivingroomside,wasatablewithfourchairs,
coveredbyalargeumbrella.Infrontofthem,thebackdrop
ofeverythingwasthewhite-sandbeachandturquoise
waterasfarastheeyecouldsee.

“It’salreadywortheverypennywespentonit,”Pete

commented,“andwehaven’tevenseenanythingelse.”

“Look,therearestepsaroundthecorner,”Emmasaid,

movingthatway.“Oh,my.Pete,youhavetoseethis
shower!”

Monahadmentionedtherewasanoutdoorshower.

PetefollowedEmmaaroundthecorner.

Itwasbigenoughforatleastfourpeopleandhadtwo

rectangularrainheadspointingdirectlydown.Itwastiled
inallnaturalstoneandtotallyopentotheelementson
eitherside,butitwasstillprivate,becauseitwastucked
intothedensevegetationonallsides.Petehadnoidea
wheretheneighboringvillaswere,becausethebushes,
flowers,andtreesweresothickoneitherside,theirvilla
wasmaskedintotalprivacy.

“There’sastonepathleadingdowntothebeachright

there.Shouldwegocheckitout?”Peteasked.

“No,let’sunpackfirst,”Emmasuggested.“I’dliketo

putonsomethingbreezierandmaybeaswimsuit.Plus,I
needtogetthesetennisshoesoffandfindmysandals.”

“Okay,let’sdothat.Ourluggageisalreadyinthe

closet,”Petesaid.“Iopenedupthedoorsalreadyto
check.”

“Theydidn’tputanythingaway,didthey?”Emma

askedastheyheadedbackthroughtheslidingglassdoors.

“No,everythingisstillinthesuitcases.”
“Good.”Shechuckled.“Therearequiteafewtoysin

there.Thatwould’vebeenembarrassing.ButI’msurethey
knowthat,thisbeinganopenresortandall.”

Oncetheywereinside,Peteslidthescreenshutand

walkedoverandwrappedhisarmsaroundhiswifefrom
behind.Thiswasgoingtobeafantasticvacation.Hecould
feelit.Sheturned,weavingherhandsaroundhisneck,
beamingupathim.

“Sothiswasagoodidea,huh?”heaskedasheranhis

lipsoverhercollarbone.“Icanseeyou’rehappy.”

“I’msohappy.Thisplacehasamagicalfeelaboutit.

It’slikewe’veenteredsomekindoffifthdimension.I
hadn’trealizedhowbadlyIneededabreakfromreallife.
Thisisalreadywonderfulandcalming.”

“Agreed.Anditwillbeevenmorewonderfulwhen

youslipintoyourswimmingsuitandfeelthewateronyour
toes.ThenyouandIaregoingtomakeuseofthatplunge
pool.”Hegaveheralingeringkiss.

“You’reon.”Shesmiled.

***

Emmafeltherbodyrelaxbyhugedegreesasshe

changedintoherbeachclothes.AlongwithPiper’s
wonderfulswimsuitbottoms,Emmahadpackedafew
swimsuitsofherown.Justincase.Shehadaverysexy
whiteone-piecethatcamehighonthesidesandplunged
lowinfront.Asshetuggediton,followedbyawhite
gauzysundressandherlargewhitewide-brimmedhatwith
acreamband,shecouldn’thelpfeelinglikethestresshad
meltedaway.

Maybethiswasallsheneededtofeelcontent.A

simpleweekofrelaxationwithzerostress.Maybethe
problemwasn’tPete.Maybeshe’djustbeenfeelingthe
weightoftheworldonhershouldersfortoolong.

“Areyouready?”Petecalledfromthelivingroom.

“TheyhaveafullbarinthecornerandaTVthatopensand
closesintothewall.Thisplacerocks.”

Emmawalkedintothelivingroom.“I’mready.Let’s

hitthebeach.Bythetimewegetback,we’llbestarving.
It’sjustaboutdusknow.Howaboutweorderroom
servicetonight?”shesaid,givinghimasaucywink.“And
thenhavealittlefuntimeonourown.”

“Soundsgreattome.Afterourwalk,I’dliketoduck

intothebeachbarandhaveonedrink,justtocheckthe
placeout.Thenwecancomebackhereandorderroom
service,”hesaid.“Thatwillgiveusachancetoseethe
groundsalittlefirst.I’mcurioustoseethemainpool.”

“Okay,thatworks,”Emmareplied.
Petetookherhand.“Wedon’thavetostaylong.”He

leanedoverandkissedhercheek.“Justonedrink.”

Theyheadedouttothedeckandwalkedbytheoutdoor

showertoreachthepaththatledtothebeach.Oncethey
clearedtheirvilla,theysteppedontofinewhitesand,and
thebeachopenedupbeforethemlikeadream.

“Oh,mygoodness,”Emmaexclaimedastheywalked.

“IsthatwhatIthinkitis?”

Situatedunderaperfectpalmtreerightinfrontoftheir

deckwasacanopiedloungerbuiltfortwo.Itlooked
exactlylikeabedwithfourwoodenposts,butthemattress
wasthinnerandcoveredinablueandwhitestripedfabric.
“Look,”Emmasaidastheygotcloser.“Ithasawhitecloth
canopyontopandmosquitonettingtiedtothesides!We
cancomedownandcuddleunderthestarsafterourswim.
Iloveit!”

Petegrinnedashesatontheedgeandbouncedupand

down.“Idon’tthinkcuddlingiswhatthisthingismeant
for.Butit’swaymorecomfortablethanyouthink.”He
pattedthespacenexttohim.“Comegiveitatry.”

Shewentoverandsatnexttohim.
Itwascomfortable.Theybothenjoyedtheviewover

thebeautifulgentlyrollingwaves.“Wemustbeinan
alcoveofsomekind,”Petecommented.“Thesewavesare
fairlysmall.I’mcurioustoseewhereweare.AsmuchasI
wanttotrythisthingout”—hepattedthemattress—“let’s
goinvestigate.”HegotupandofferedhishandtoEmma.
Shetookit,andtheyheadeddowntothebeach.

Inordertogettothewavebreak,theyhadtodescenda

smallincline.Oncetheoceanhithertoes,Emmaletouta
longsigh.Thewaterfeltwonderful.Justwarmenough.
Emmaturnedbackaroundtoseetheresortlaidoutinfront
ofthem.Thevillaswereallstand-alone.“Look,”shesaid.
“They’reallinarow.”Theystooddirectlyinfrontof
numberseven.Threesattotheright,andsixtotheleft.
“Thedecksarebuiltonstilts,soallyoucanreallyseeare
theedgesofthepools.”

“Theydoasuperbjobofprovidingprivacy,”Pete

commentednexttoher.“Theyallhavethedoubleloungers
infront,too,butthere’senoughtreesinbetweentohide
them.It’sbrilliant.Theperfectescape.”PetetuggedEmma
fartherdownthebeachtotheright.“There’sacurveup
ahead.Ibettherestoftheresortfacesthatdirection.”

Astheypassedtheremainingvillas,whichmustbe

numberedeight,nine,andten,theyreachedthecurve.

Therewasabreakinthevegetationafterthelastvilla,and
thetopofathatchedroofbecamevisible.

“Ibetthat’sthebeachbar,”Emmasaid.“Themain

poolissomewherebyit.Weshould’vecheckedouta
resortmap.Thatwasdumb.”

“Thisplaceissosmall,I’msurewe’llgetthelayof

thelandverysoon.I’mpsychedtoseewhateverything
lookslike.Ifourvillaisanyindication,it’sgoingtobe
nice.Let’swalkalongthewateralittlelonger,thenwe’ll
comeback.Thesunisalmostdown.Ifwemakeitaround
thiscurve,wecancatchitsetting.”

Theywalkedhandinhand,thewarmwatercrashing

lightly,thetiderushingupandovertheirfeet.

Emmahadtopullupthehemofhersundressafew

times,butitwasglorious.“IknowI’vesaiditalready,but
I’veneverseenwaterthisblue,”shesaid.“It’salmostlike
thewaterandskyhavebecomeone.It’smagical.”

Thevegetationbegantothickenoncetheypassedthe

poolandbar,andmorevillaroofspoppedintoview.

Emmaglancedbehindher.Thetwobeachesthatwere

separatedbythecurvewereidentical.Petewasright.They
mustbeinalargershelteredcoveofsomekind.

Theycontinuedtowalkasthesunset.Theystoppedto

watchitasitdippedbelowthehorizon,Pete’sarmaround
herwaist.

Theyhadn’tencounteredanothersoultheentirewalk.
Oncethesunhadmadeitsexit,Petewhispered,“At

somepoint,I’mgoingtofuckyouonthisbeach.”He

pressedhislipsagainstthetopofherhead.“We’regoing
toexploreeveryinchofthisplace.”

Emmamurmured,“Ican’twait.Ihaveafeelingthis

islandisgoingtobefullofsurprises.”

__________________________

____________

eteguidedEmmauptheinclinetowardthebeachbar.

Nowthatthesunhadset,lightstwinkledintheformof
severalstrandsofbulbsstrungoversmallbushesand
railingssurroundingthebar.

Thebarwasbuiltonthesameteakdeckingmaterial.It

wasopenandairywithalargethatchedroofcoveringnot
onlythemainbar,butseveralsittingareas.Ithadanexotic
feeltoit,butwithmodernfurnishings,justlikethevilla.

“Looksliketherearesomepeoplehere,”Petesaid.

“Maybethisistheplacetogatherthistimeofnight.”

“Idon’tthinksso.Peoplewanttowatchthesungo

down.Thisfaceseast,sameasourvilla,”Emmasaid.
“Maybetheformaldiningroomortheotherrestaurant
faceswest?Ibetthat’swherethemajorityofthepeople
are.Nobodylikestomissasunsetiftheycanhelpit.
Tomorrowwe’regoingtogetthesunriserightoutourfront
door.Ican’twait!IthinkI’llgoonasunrisejog.I’m
alwaysupearlythefirstdayonvacationanyway.”

“Imightbetemptedtojoinyouifyoucangetmeup,”

Petejoked,wrappinghisarmaroundhertighterasthey
walkedupashortflightofstepsfromthebeach.

“Yeah,right.”Emmathumpedhischest.“You’relikea

rockinthemorning.There’snowayI’mgettingyouupat
thecrackofdawn.”

PeteimmediatelyrecognizedthatheandEmmahadon

moreclothingthanmostoftheattendees.“Ithinktheytake
theclothing-optionalthingseriouslyhere,”hewhispered.
“We’realittleoverdressed,butIthinkthey’llexcuseus
sincewejustarrived.”

“I’msuretheywill.Wow,”Emmasaid,hervoicelow

sonoonecouldoverhear,“everyonelooksfairlyyoung
fromhere.”

“It’sayoung,hipcrowd,”Petesaid.“Imuchprefer

thattooldretirees.”

“Iagree.”
Thebarwaslongandcurvedaroundtotheback,its

woodshinedtoahighgloss.Afewbarstoolswere
occupiedbyguests.Therewereafewloungeareaswith
smalltablesandcomfortable-lookingchairs,aswellasa
fewloveseatsscatteredaroundwithbrightlycolored
cushionsinreds,oranges,andyellows.Threeoftheareas
wereoccupiedbycouples,andonebyagroupoffour.All
theotherswereempty.

“Welcome!”aguyonabarstoolannouncedina

boomingvoiceastheywalkedup.Helookedtobemid-
thirties.Hehadblondhair,baldingontop.“Isthisyour
firsttimeinParadise?”Theguypickeduphisdrinkand
swungaroundonhisstool.“I’mHarry,butI’mnotreally
thathairy,asyoucanplainlysee.”Hewinked,pointingto

hishead.“Thisismywife,Jennifer.It’sourthirdtimeon
theisland,anditonlygetsbettereachtimewevisit.”

Theguywasnakedexceptforanextremelysmall

brightblueSpeedo.

Hestretchedouthishand,andPeteshookit.“I’mPete,

andthisismywife,Emma.Yes,thisisourfirsttime.”

“It’sapleasuretomeetyouboth,”Emmaadded,

noddingtoJennifer,whowasnakedfromthewaistup.Her
breastshungliketwolongpendulums.ShegaveEmmaa
smallsmile.

“Comeonandjoinus,”Harrysaid,slidingabarstool

closertohimandpattingtheseat.“Gettoknowthenatives.
Wecanletyouknowwhat’swhataroundhere.Lotstodo
andexplore.”

Petehesitated.Hisarmwasstillwrappedfirmly

aroundhiswife’swaist.HeknewEmma’sfirstchoice
wouldnotbetositwiththesepeople,butbeingrude
wouldn’tstartthemoffontherightfoothereeither.Itwas
asmallresort,andPetewascuriousabouttherulesandthe
culture.Besides,ifhesnubbedthemnow,theywouldend
uprunningintothemdaily,guaranteed.

HeglanceddownatEmmabeforeheanswered.
Shegavehimaslightnod.
“Wecanstayforonedrink,”Petesaidasheushered

EmmatothestoolfartherawayfromHarry.“Wejustgot
hereandwe’retiredfromalongdayoftravel,sowe’re
goingtogetroomserviceoncewegetback.”

“Whatareyouguysdrinking?Thefirstroundison

me,”Harryannounced.Thebartenderwaswashingglasses
nearby.“Paul,gettheseguyswhatevertheywant,”hesaid,
“andputitonmytab.”

PaulglancedatPete.“I’lltakeaHeinekenifyouhave

one,”Petesaid.“Ifnot,anything’sfine.”

“That’sverykindofyou,”EmmatoldHarry.“I’llhave

apiñacolada.”

Paulnoddedandlefttogetthedrinks.
“Gettingintotheislandgroove,huh?”Harrygrinnedat

Emma.“Ilikeit.Jen,comeoverthisway,sowecantalkin
agroup.”

TheywatchedasJennifermaneuveredoffherbarstool

slowly,andHarrymanhandledthechairsoitwasnowin
frontofhim.Jenniferwasverycurvyandworeablue
thongbikinibottom,similarinhuetoherhusband’s.

“Wereyouguysatthepoolbeforethis?”Peteasked,

tryingtobecordial.

“Yep,didsomelaps,spentsometimeunderthe

waterfall,”Harryreplied.“Goodtimes.Thepoolismy
favoritespothere.Nothingbeatsit.”

“Waterfall?”Emmaasked.“Theyhaveawaterfallat

thepool?”

“Oh,youhaven’tbeenyet?”Jennifersaidsoftly.“It’s

rightdownthatpathoverthere.”Shegesturedinthe
directionbehindthebar.“It’sreallyamazing.Abig
waterfallseparatesthreepartsofthepool.There’seven
seatingunderneath.Everythinghereisworld-class,butthe
poolisthebest.It’ssurroundedbyflowersandgreenery.It

feelslikeyou’reinanoasis.That’swherewespendmost
ofeveryday.”

Harrynoddedalong.“Theyhavethosedoubleloungers

setupallover,somewithcurtainsandsomewithout,get
mymeaning?”HeleanedoverandelbowedPete.

Unfortunately,Petegothismeaning.
Theguymeantwell,buthewasannoyingashell.Pete

knewhistype:theloud,overcompensatingentertainer.
TherewasnowayheandEmmawouldbehookingupwith
himandJennifer.Nexttimetheyranintothem,however,
Petewouldgivetheirexcusesandmoveon.Butwhilethey
werehere,Petewasgoingtopumphimforasmuch
informationashecould.

“Soareyouguysregulars?Doyouvacationhere

often?”Peteasked.“We’vecoveredthepool,butwhat
abouttherest?Howaretherestaurants?Whataboutthe
islandingeneral?”

“Therestaurantsareallkiller,”Harrysaid.“Themain

one,TheChalet,servesfive-coursedinners.TheMayfair
isacrossbetweenaseafoodrestaurantandsportsbar.I
know,it’sweird,butitworks.TheyhaveTVswithsports
onandHGTVfortheladies.”Hewinked.“AtThe
Mayfair,youcangetalobsterrolloraburger.Both
restaurantsareontheothersideoftheresort,facingwest.
OneisdownbyareaA,andtheotherisbyareaB.”

“Theresortisdividedintoareas,then?”Peteasked.
“Didn’tlookatyourmaps,huh?Theresortisbasically

dividedintwobywherewe’resittingnow.AreaAisthat

way”—hegesturedtowardwherePeteandEmma’svilla
waslocated—“thenyou’vegotyourareaBoverthisway.”
PeteprayedthatHarryandJenwereinareaB.“The
MayfairisinareaA.TheChaletisinareaB.”

“Canyouseethesunsetfrombothrestaurants?”Emma

asked.

BeforeHarrycouldrespond,Jenniferreplied,“Yes.

TheChalethasahugeglasswallandchairsonthebalcony
whereyoucanhavedrinksandwatchthesunset.The
Mayfairhasadeckaswell.Mostofthegueststrytohitat
leastoneofthoseplacesforsunset.”

“Thanksforlettingusknow,”Emmasaid.“We’regoing

tohavetofindourmap.Wewerejusttooexcitedtogetout
andexploreoncewegothere.”

“Understandable,”Harryagreedjovially.“Onceyou

getsettled,you’regoingtohavetotakeagolfcartout.”

“What’sthebestplacetogofirst?”Peteasked.
“Therearealotofnooksandcranniesonthisisland

whereyoucanstealawaywithnopryingeyes.Hitusup
tomorrow.We’dbehappytoshowthemtoyou,”he
guffawed.“Weknowthemall.”Hewinked.

“Thanksfortheoffer,”Petesaid,“butwemadea

promisenottohaveanysetplansforthefirstfewdays.
We’rejustgoingtoseewherethemoodtakesusdayby
day.”

“Isawthatamileaway,”Harrysaid.“Youtwolook

likeacoupleoffreespiritsifIeversawany.”

***

EmmabegantofidgetafterHarryinsistedonordering

themanotherdrink.SheknewPetewantedtogoasbadly
asshedid,butHarrykepttalking,fillingtheminonthe
resort.Jenniferhadaddedafewthingshereandthere,but
otherwisehadremainedquiet.

“Sotherearenightlyevents?”Peteasked,takinghis

secondHeinekeninhand.

“Afew.They’rehavingabigpoolpartyonSaturday.

Theydoitonceamonth.Someofthecoupleshostevents,
buttheyaren’tformallyorganizedbytheresort,”Harry
toldthem.“Theownerstakeaverylow-keyapproach.If
someoneishostingsomething,it’saword-of-mouthkindof
thing.”

EmmasetherhandonPete’sarm,lettinghimknowshe

wasreadytoleave.Inresponse,Petedrapedhisarm
aroundhershoulders.“Well,Ithinkit’stimeforustohead
out.Thankssomuchforthedrinks.”Petehelduphisbeer.
“EmmaandIaregoingtotakeastrollaroundthepoolto
seethewaterfall,andthenheadbacktoourroom.We’re
starvingandwillprobablybeasleepbeforeten.”

“YoucanputanorderforfoodinwithPaulrightnow,”

Jennifersaid.“Bythetimeyougettoyourroom,itshould
bethere.Wedothatalot.”

“That’sperfect.”Emmasmiledather.“We’lldothat.”

Shewavedthebartenderover.“Hi,Paul,doyouhavea
room-servicemenuwecanlookat?”

“Ofcourse,”hesaid,settingaleather-boundmenuin

frontofher.“ThefirstitemsarefromTheMayfair,thenext
arefromTheChalet.Youcanorderfromeither,”hetold
them.“Thereisachefondutytwenty-fourhoursaday
here.IfyouorderafullmealfromTheChalet,theyaskfor
thirtyminutes.TheMayfair,whichismostlyburgersand
sandwiches,runsabouttentofifteen.”

Emmanoddedassheopenedthemenu.“Wow,

everythinglooksdelicious.”

“Itis,believeme.”Paulgrinnedather.Hewasabout

twenty-five,ifthat,withshortbrownhairandapairof
cutedimples.HewasobviouslyfromtheStates.“Wearea
fullfive-starresort,withbenefits.Youshouldn’twantfor
anythingwhileyou’rehere.Justwavemeoverwhen
you’reready.”

Emmablushedassheglancedoverthemenu,

wonderingifthestaffsharedthesamelifestyle
preferences.Shedecidedwhatshewantedandhandedthe
menutoPete,whohadbeenreadingitoverhershoulder.
Oncehewasdonedeciding,Emmawavedthebartender
back.

“I’mgoingtohavethecrabcakeappetizerfromThe

Mayfair,”Emmatoldhim,“alongwiththespinachandgoat
cheesesalad.”

“Excellentchoices,”Paulsaid.“Andforyou,sir?”
“I’llhavethelobsterrollwithasideofsweetpotato

fries,”Petesaid.“Thanks.”

“Anythingfordessert?”heasked.“Themixed-berry

torteisexceptional,asistheraspberrychocolatecake.We
alsohaveavarietyofchocolate-coveredfruit,whichgoes
nicelywiththebottleofchampagnealreadyinyourroom.
It’sagreatwaytostartoffyourholiday.”

“Yep,yougottatrythatfruit.I’dneverhadachocolate-

coveredkiwibefore,”Harrysaid.“Butit’ssomethingoutta
thisworld.”Hetookadrawofhisbeer.“Honestly,atthis
point,it’swhatcan’ttheydohere,youknow?”

“Thatsoundslovely,”Emmasaid.“We’lltakethe

chocolate-coveredfruit.”

Oncetheyweredoneordering,EmmaandPetemade

theirgood-byesandheadedtowardthepool.Theypassed
afewcouples,mostofthemdressedlikeHarryand
Jennifer,havingjustcomefromthepoolforadrink.The
womenweretopless,andtheguysworesomethingsmall,a
fewofthemwrappedonlyinabeachtowel.Theyall
seemedcomfortableandhappy.Emmadidn’twanttoseem
rudeandstaretoolong,buttheyallnoddedassheandPete
passedby.

Oncetheywereoutofearshot,Petegrabbedheraround

thewaistandmurmuredinherear,“Hotdamn!Ithought
thatguywouldnevershutup.Hewasbeyondannoying.”

“Hewasannoying,buthewasnice.Jenniferwas

sweet.IthinktheymustbeaDomrelationshipofsome
kind.Shebarelyspoke,andwhenshedid,hervoicenever
roseaboveawhisper.”

“Good,thenthat’showwecanavoidtheminthefuture.

We’lltellthemBDSMisnotourthing.”

Emmawasgoingtorespond,buttheyemergedfromthe

walkwayintoabreathtakingsight.Itwasrightoutofa
fantasy.Thebackdropbehindthepoolwasmoretreesand
flowers,butthepoolitselfwaswhatyou’dexpecttosee
someplaceinreallifewhileoutforahike.Ithadwhat
lookedtoberealbouldersaroundtheedges.Themainarea
wasshapedorganicallywithseveralcurves,soit
resembledanamoeba.Atthefarendfromwheretheywere
standingwasthewaterfallHarryandJenhadmentioned.It
wasaboutfifteenfeethighwithcoolwatertumblingover
thetopinarush.Astheybegantowalkaroundthepool,
theycouldseethereweremorepoolssituatedbehindthe
waterfall,oneontherightandoneontheleft.

Theywalkedaroundthepool.Thefirstsmallpoolwas

open.Itwasagoodsize,round,withasmallledgerunning
underwater,presumablysopeoplecouldsitandrelaxwith
adrink.Thepathledthemaroundtothesecondpool,but
theycouldn’tseeitfromthewalkway.Therewastoomuch
vegetationblockingtheview.Itwasmeanttobeprivate.
“Ifyousatinthere,itwouldfeellikeyouweresomeplace
outinthewild,”Emmasaid.“That’sincredible.”

Theyheardsplashing,followedbylaughter.
“Peopleareinthere,”Petesaid.“Iwonderwhat

they’redoing.”Hechuckled.Theybothknewwhatthey
weredoing.“Let’skeepgoing.Maybewecangeta
glimpsefromtheotherside.”

Emmaheldontohisarmforamoment,holdinghim

back.“Idon’twanttointerrupt.Thatwouldbeinvasive.

Thispoolissupposedtobeprivate.”

“Honey,theywouldn’tpickthepublicpoolifthey

wereworriedaboutbeingseen.That’swhatthisentire
placeisabout.Comeon,”hesaid.“I’mgettinghornierand
hornierbythesecond.Themainpoolhasabunchofthose
canopyloungers.Wehaveabouttenminutesbeforeour
foodcomes.”

“Fine,butwalkfast.Idon’twanttobeobviousabout

it.”

Astheypassed,theycouldseethreebodiesthroughthe

foliage,buttherewerenogapingholesallowingagood
look.

“Looksliketwowomenandaguy,”Petewhispered.

“Thatmustbetheplaytimepool.Dang,weshould’veread
theinfoMonagaveus.Iwonderifthat’stheonlyoneorif
therearemore.”

Theymadetheirwaybacktothemainpool,where

therewereanumberofloungers,allcoveredinblueand
whitepinstripes.Theywerespacedabouttenfeetapart,
whichdidn’tseemlikeenoughroomtoEmma.

PetesatdownononeandpulledEmmaontohislap.
Shelaughedathiseagerness,swattinghimplayfully.

“Someonewillseeus,andwejustgothere,”shesaid.
“I’mnothavingsexwithyououtintheopenuntilweknow
therules.Alltherules!”

“Butlook,”Peteteasedashenuzzledherneck,“there

arecurtainstoshieldusifwewant.”Hetuggedononeend
ofarope,andathickdrapeofwhitefabricfellfromthe

top,blockingoneside.Thelightwindruffleditbackand
forth.

“There’snowaythatmaterialisgoingtostayin

place,”Emmasaidasshekissedhim.Shewaslosingher
fighttoresistwitheachpassingmoment.

“ItwillifIhaveanythingtosayaboutit.”Heflipped

heronherbackbeforeshecouldprotest.Emmalovedit
whenPetewaslikethis.Ithadbeenawhile.

Anintensitywastherethathadn’tbeenbefore,and

Emmarelishedit.

Hekissedher,histonguelashinghersashebeganto

tugoffherdress.Whocarediftherestoftheresortcould
see?Right?Shewasgoingtoenjoythis.Sheplowedher
handsthroughhishair.“Iwantthis,”shewhispered.

Hegroaned,“Ican’twaittotasteyou.”
Theylosteachotherinaheatedembraceuntilsomeone

outsidetheloungerclearedtheirthroat.

Asecondlater,afemalevoiceinterrupted,“MindifI

joinyou?”

__________________________

____________

othPeteandEmmastartledatthesoundofsomeone

soclose.Petesprangintoasittingposition,andEmma
scootedback,coveringherbarebreastswithherarm.

“Sorry,”saidthewomanstandinginfrontoftheopen

sideofthelounger,liftingherhands.“Ididn’tmeanto
scareyou.Butitlookedlikeyouguyswereabouttoget
busy.Ifyoudon’tmind,I’dlovetojoinyou.Youtwoare
totallysexy,evenpartiallyclothed,andI’mstillhornyas
hell.”

Thewomanwastotallynakedanddrippingwet,fresh

outofthepool.

Pete’sbrainscatteredforamoment.
Hewasprettysureherecognizedher.Shewasamodel

—afamousone.He’dseenherbefore.Shewastalland
willowy,withjustenoughcurve.Evensoakingwet,she
wasstunning.

“Bytheway,mynameisMallory,”shesaid.“Youguys

mustbenewtoParadise.Ihaven’tseenyouaround
before.”

Petefoundhisvoicequickly,glancingatEmmato

gaugeherreactiontothenewcomer.Emmaappearedtobe

asstunnedashewas.Shewasdiscreetlytryingtocover
herself.Petehadgottenherdressoffinseconds,andher
swimsuitwasdownaroundherwaist.

Petewasbare-chested.
Heclearedhisthroat.“Yes,we’renew.Wejust

arrivedontheislandafewhoursago.”Hedidn’twantto
berude,buthehadtoask,“Isthisnormal?”Whenherface
answeredwithaquestion,hewavedhisarmbetweenher
andthem.“Youknow,tohaveathreesomerighthere?Out
intheopen?”

Shetiltedherheadbackandgaveathroatylaugh.“Yes,

thisisperfectlynormal.Incertainareas.Butafterdarkby
thepoolisexpected.Iwouldn’thaveinterruptedyouso
brazenlywithoutaproperintroductionfirst,butIwasjust
withanothercoupleinthesmallpool,andtheguyfinished
early,ifyouknowwhatImean.I’mstillturnedon,whichI
guessmakesmealittlebolderthanInormallywouldbe.
Butthat’snotsayingmuch,becauseI’mprettyboldallthe
time.Ifyouguysaren’tintoit,that’stotallyfine.Icanhead
tomyvilla.Ihaveplentyofvibrators,andI’mperfectly
capableofmakingmyselfveryhappy.”Shegaveanother
throatylaugh.

Emmamadeasoundinthebackofherthroat,andPete

turned.Sheshruggedherselfuponanelbowandasked,
“AreyouMalloryBaldwin?Thesupermodel?That
Mallory?”

“Ifyoutwodon’tmind,canIsitdown?”Malloryasked

asshemovedcloser.“I’mstartingtogetchilly,andthe

bugsareout.Andyes,I’mthatMalloryBaldwin.”Shesat
ontheedgeofthelounger.“ButI’mnotasupermodelquite
yet.Youhavetobepaidbigbucksforthattitle.But
becauseI’mreadilyrecognized—thankstoaphotograph
thatwentviralafewyearsagoofmyboobsfallingoutof
thisridiculousdressmadeoftwineonarunwayinParis—
Igetreferredtoasasupermodelallthetime.Ihaveno
issueansweringtoit.Iactuallyhaveacontractnegotiation
withamajorbrandnextmonth,andifIlandthat,thenmy
lotinlifewillchange.But,listen,wehaveplentyoftime
todiscussjobs.Areyouguysinoroutforthis?Ifyou’re
out,Ineedtograbatowelandmoveon.”

ShelookedatPeteforananswer.
Herbreastswereutter,pureperfection.Hismouthfelt

dry.“Sure,Iguess…Imean,whynot?That’swhatwe’re
herefor,right?”hestammered.HeandEmmawerefully
immersedinthelifestyleandhadthreesomesallthetime,
buttheirpartnerswerealwayscarefullyvettedandtheir
encountersplannedaheadoftime.They’dneverhada
threesomewithastranger,andneverspontaneously.He
turnedtoEmma.“Areyouokaywithit?”

Emmaappearedflustered.“I…Ithinkso.”
Howdidtheysaynotoasupermodel?
“I’llmakeiteasyonyounewbies.”Mallorychuckled.

“Nokissingandnopenetration.Let’sjusthavesomelight
fun,shallwe?”Shecrawledontothebedonallfours.She
wenttooneendanddroppedanothercurtain.“Let’sclose
thisthingup.Thenyouguyswon’tfeelsoexposed.ButI

havetotellyou”—shemovedtothenexttieandundidit
—“inParadise,there’salotoffuckingtobehadbyall.It’s
expected.Theonlytimewe’recivilizedisatmeals.That’s
whyIloveitheresomuch.It’sakindoffreedomlikeno
otheronearth,andit’saddicting.”

Afterthecurtainsweredown,andPeteandEmmafully

undressed,theyrearrangedthemselvesonthebed,Mallory
somehowmanagingtosettleherselfbetweenthem.

Itwasclearthismodelwasusedtogettingwhatshe

wanted.

Petehadamomentofhesitation.BothheandEmma

werehungryandtiredfromalongdayoftraveling.He
knewthisimpromptumeet-upwaslikelynotwhatEmma
hadinmindfortheireveningtogether.Buthishard-onwas
sopainfulnowitwasdistracting.Peteknewhewasn’t
goingtomakeitbacktotheroomwithoutgettingoff
somehow.

ThenMalloryleanedinandclosedherlipsoverhis

pec,tracinghisnipplewithhertongue,onehandcaressing
hisouterthigh,whilehermouthmoveddownhisstomach.

Hegroaned.
Itwouldn’thurttopartakealittle.Thiswaswhatthe

lifestylewasallabout.Theadvicetheguyshadgivenhim
aboutnothavingsexwithanyonebuthiswiferaced
throughhishead,butheandMalloryweren’ttechnically
goingtohavesex.Shehadsetuptheparameters,andhe
hadnotroublefollowingthem.HeglancedoveratEmma
onemoretime.“Areyousureyou’reupforthis?”heasked

her,hisjawclenchedasMallorydartedhertonguealong
hisabs.

Emmaseemedtoshakeherself.“Doesn’tseemlike

there’smuchofachoiceatthispoint.”

MalloryheardthemandturnedtoEmma.“Noworries,

I’manequalopportunitygirl.Doyouswingbothways?”
sheaskedhiswife.

“Notexactly,butIdon’tshyawayfrommucheither,”

Emmareplied.“Ilovesex,soifthere’spleasureinvolved,
I’musuallyin,maleorfemale.ButIdon’tcraveafemale
touch.”

“Pleasurelikethis?”MallorycuppedEmma’sbreast,

bringingittoherlips,slowlycapturingthenipple,andthen
drawingitintohermouthforalongsuck.

WhenEmmamoaned,Petenearlylostitrightthere.
Ashiswifelaybackonthebed,Peteknewstayingwas

therightchoice.They’dbothagreedtocomehereand
knewthiswaswhattheywouldfind.

***

Emmacriedout,herorgasmbuildingasMallory’s

fingerscircledherclit.ThemomentMalloryhadjoined
themintimately,theintensityofneedhadchangedfor
Emma.Theneedforpleasurehadbecomecarnal,which
wasusualforEmmawhensheandPetewerewithothers.
That’swhysheenjoyedthelifestylesomuch,andwhyshe
andPetehadbeeninitforsolong.

“Yes,more,”Mallorypanted.“I’malmostthere.”
“Fuck,”Petegroaned,repositioninghimself.
Emmaliftedherhead.Petehadbeenbetween

Mallory’slegswithhistongue,whileMallorywas
strokingandlickingEmma.ItwassomethingsheandPete
haddonemanytimesbefore,butthistime,asshewatched
him,aburstofuncertaintyranthroughher.Shedidn’thave
anyclearrationaleastowhy,butshewasfairlycertain
thiswasn’twhatshewantedanymore.Butthepleasure
wastoointenseanditmadeherhazy.

Maybeitwaswhatshewanted?Shewasgoingtocome

hard,andthatwasagoodthing.

Beforeshecouldfocusonitmore,Mallorystartedto

buck.“Yes,yes,yes.”Assheorgasmed,herlipsfound
Emma’snippleagain,takingithard.

Emma’sownorgasmwasclosetoafeverpoint.As

Mallorywrithedinpleasure,andEmmawatchedasPete
satupinfrontofthemodel,hiseyeshoodedwithlust,his
handfistinghiscock.Afewstrokeslater,hecame,
pumpingitalloverMallory’sstomach.

“Goddamn,”heutteredwithclosedeyes,hishead

tippedback.

Asecondlater,Mallorysurprisedherbywhisperingin

herear,“I’mgoingtomakeyoucome,justlikethis.”She
insertedherfingerintoEmma’score,andassheslidit
backout,sherubbedEmma’sG-spotperfectly,moving
bothfingersinaslowcircle.

Emmacriedout,herbodyclenching.

AsEmmacame,Mallory’sfingerscontinuedtorubthe

sensitivearea,literallywringingouteveryounceof
pleasureshecould.Emma’sbodycurledinonitselfas
sensationspingedthroughherlikelightningburstsgoingoff
alloverherskin.

Afterafewmoments,Mallorysatup.“Well,thanksfor

that,guys.Itwasfun.I’msureI’llseeyouaround.I’mat
thepoolalot.”Shepartedthecurtainandclimbedoutof
thelounger.“Andjustsoyouknow,youguysaresexyas
hell.Seeyoulater!”

Thenshewasgone.
IttookEmmaafullminutetocomebackdowntoearth,

andgooverinhermindwhathadjusthappened.Hadthey
reallyjustbeenwithMalloryBaldwin?Orhadthatbeena
dream?

“Wow,thatwasincredible,”Petesaid,movingoverto

gatherEmmaintohisarms.

Beforehecouldembraceher,Emmasatupandbegan

toputherclotheson,skippingthebathingsuitandgoing
rightforthesundress.Herhathadfallenovertheside,so
sheleanedovertograbit.

“Didyouenjoyyourself?”Peteasked,locatinghis

bathingsuit.Itwasfulldarknow,andeventhoughthere
wassoftlightcomingfromthepool,itwashardtosee,
especiallysincethecurtainswerestilldown.

“I’mgoingtoheadbacktothevilla.Ourfoodis

probablycold.”Emmahoppedofftheloungerandbegan
walking.

“Waitaminute!”Petecalled.“Emma,stop!I’mnot

dressedyet.”

Emmasloweddown,butdidn’tstopwalking,hermind

ariotofthoughts.Sheneededtimetothinkbyherself.“I’m
justgoingtogoonahead,”shesaid.“I’llseeyouthere.”
Emmabrushedawayanerranttearthathadformedinthe
cornerofhereyeasshebegantomoveagain.Shehadno
ideahowtogetback,sincethey’dtakenthebeach,butshe
knewtherehadtobepathwaysfromthepoolbacktotheir
suite.Shestrodearoundthepoolinthedirectionshe
thoughtwastherightone.

Therewereseveralwalkwaysontheothersideofthe

pool.

Shecursedherselffornotlookingatamapbefore

they’dtakentheirbeachexcursion.Shechosetheonethat
seemedtoheadtowardthebeachinthedirectionofthe
villas.

Thepathmeanderedforawhile,lituponeitherside

bysolarlightstuckedlowintotheground.Therewas
finallyabreakinthebushesupahead,andshespotteda
smallarrowthatsaidVilla10andanewpathleading
towardit.Shewalkedpasttwomoreandfinallyfoundthe
arrowpointingtoVilla7.Shedidn’thavethecardkey,but
they’dlefttheslidingdoorsopeninfront.

Inaplacelikethis,therewasn’tmuchneedtolockup.
Shewalkedaroundtheside,passingbytheoutdoor

shower.Shewastemptedtojumpin,asitwaswarm
outside,butMalloryhadbeenright.Thebugswereout.

Sheswattedatthemassheclimbeduponthedeckand
wentinthroughthebedroomdoor.Itwasdark,butthe
moonwasout,soshecouldseewellenough.

Onceshewasinside,sheclickedonabedsidelamp

andcontinuedontothebathroom.Sheopenedthedoorto
theultra-modernshowerandreachedintoturniton.So
manythingsracedthroughhermindthatshewashavinga
hardtimenarrowinginonwhathadmadeherthemost
unsettled.

Ithadn’tbeenthesex.
They’dbeeninthreesomesforyears.
Itwasdifferent.
Oncetheshowerwashotenough,sheyankedher

sundressoverherheadandsteppedin.Itwasn’tidealthat
Petewouldbecominginsosoon.Shecouldusemoretime
tosortoutherfeelings.Shewasscattered.She’dleftthe
poolabruptly,sowhenPetearrivedbackatthevilla,he
wasgoingtowanttotalkimmediately.

Butshedidn’thaveanyanswersforhimyet.
Shejustfeltunhappy.
She’dhadanorgasm,buttherehadbeennothing

attachedtoit.Nofeelingsatall.Inthebeginning,when
they’dstartedthislife,she’dfeltsomuch!Theloveshe’d
sharedwithPete,theadventure,thehappinesswhen
everyonewasfulfilled,itbroughtherthehighestofhighs.

Nowtherewasnothing.Therewasavoidwithno

feelingsattached.

Thehotwaterrushedoverherbody.

Itfeltgoodtocleansethedayaway.She’dforgottento

grabthesoapandshampoo,butitdidn’tmatter.

Afewminuteslater,EmmaheardPetecomein.
Emmadidn’topenhereyes.Shejustcontinuedtolet

thewatercourseoverher,tryingtofigureoutwhattheright
wordswouldbetoexplaintoPetehowshefelt.

Therewasatapattheshowerdoor.
Emma’seyespoppedopen.Petewasholdingtwo

smallbottles,oneshampoo,oneconditioner,andabarof
soapinhishands.“Isawyoudidn’ttaketheseinthere.
Wouldyoulikethem?”heasked.

Sheopenedtheglassdoorandtooktheproffereditems.

“Yes,thankyou.I’llbeoutinaminute.”

“Takeyourtime,”hetoldher.“I’mgoingtogorinseoff

intheoutdoorshower.We’lltalkwhenyougetout.”There
wasconcerninhisvoice,buthewasn’tgoingtopushit.

Sheappreciatedthat.
Emmafearedshewouldn’tbeabletomakehim

understand—orevenworse,maybehewouldn’twantthe
samethingsshewanted.

Notagreatwaytostarttheirvacation.
Shemadeadecisionassheturnedoffthewaterthatif

hedidn’tseeherpointofview—whenshefiguredout
whatitwas—shewasn’tgoingtoturnitintoahugefight.
Thisresortwasamazing,andEmmawasaverypositive
personbynature.Sherefusedtospendtheentiretripupset
orfighting.

Theyhadtheirwholelivestofigureoutthenextphase

oftheirmarriage.

ShewouldexplaintoPeteasbestshecould.Afterthat,

she’dletitgountiltheygothome.Sheopenedtheshower
door.Petehadlaidatoweloutforheronahook.He
wasn’tbackinsideyet,soaftershedriedoff,shepadded
overtothecloset.Sheopenedthedoortogettoher
luggage,herstomachrumblingloudly.“Thefood!”she
cried.

She’dforgottenallaboutit!
Emmahadn’tspottedanythingbythedoorwhenshe’d

comeback.Sheturnedfromtheclosetandrushedintothe
livingarea,buttherewasnocartsittingthere.

Thephonewasblinking,whichwaseasytoseeinthe

darkenedroom.

Shewalkedoverandpickeditupandheldittoherear.

“Youhaveonenewmessage,”aprerecordedvoicesaid.
“Presspoundandthenumbertwotohearyourmessage.”

Shedidasasked.
Asmoothmalevoicesoundedontheotherend.“Mr.

andMrs.Slater,thisisMatteointhekitchen.Yourfood
wasdelivered,butwhenwefoundyouwerenotin,we
broughtitbacktothekitchen.Pleasegiveusacall,andwe
willhappilymakeyoufreshdishesandsendthemright
over.Thankyou.”

EmmahungupandpunchedthebuttonmarkedRoom

Service.Awomanansweredonthefirstring.“Hello,”
Emmasaid.“Thisisvillanumberseven.We’rebacknow
andwouldlovetohaveourroom-serviceorderdelivered

now.”

“Ofcourse.Wewerewaitingonyourcall.Itwill

arriveintenminutes.”

“That’swonderful.Thankyou!”Shehunguprightas

Petewalkedin.

Hestoodinthelivingroomwithatowelcinched

aroundhiswaist.Hemovedtowardher,kissingheronthe
templeandsaid,“Weneedtotalk.”

__________________________

____________

heirfoodcameexactlytenminuteslater.Petewas

starving.BothheandEmmaweredressedinPJs,deciding
towaittohavetheirdiscussionuntilafterthey’deaten.
Petehadonapairoflightcottonpajamapants,andEmma
woreasleevelessnightgowninabutteryyellow.She
lookedradiant.Petewatchedherassheate.Evenwhen
shewasdistressed,shelookedbeautiful.

“Thisfoodisamazing,”Emmasaidaroundherlastbite

ofcrabcake.“Howarewegoingtoaffordtocomeback
hereeveryyear?We’regoingtobesospoiledrottenbythe
timeweleave,wewon’twanttogoanyplaceelse.”

“Thefoodisdefinitelygood,”Peteagreed,finishingup

hislobsterroll.“Fromwhatwe’veseensofar,theydo
everythingright.”Hepickedupaglassofwaterandtooka
swallow.They’ddecidednottoopenupabottleofwine,
sincetheywerebothtooexhaustedtoenjoyit.Theywere
goingtosaveitforanothernight.Petehopedtherewould
besomethingtocelebrateonthistrip.

Hestoodupandwalkedhisemptyplatebacktothe

cartthey’dwheeledin.Hesetitdown,grabbedthetrayof
chocolate-coveredfruit,andbroughtitbacktothetablein

frontofthecouch.Therewasanicearrayofstrawberries,
kiwi,andpineapplecoveredinchocolateandfannedout
withachocolate-coveredcherryinthemiddle.

Hesetitinfrontofhiswifeandsatbackdown,leaning

forward,restinghisforearmsonhisthighs.“Okay,”he
started,“nowweneedtotalkaboutwhathappenedbackat
thepool.We’vealwaysupheldtheruleofifwebothsay
yesthereisnoguiltorjealousyafterward.Idon’t
understandwhyyou’reupset.”

Emmasetherforkdownonheremptyplateandsat

back,givinghimalongappraisinglookbeforeshe
answered.“I’mnotangry.”

“Thenwhatareyou?I’mhavingahardtime

understandingandtryingtodecipherwhat’sgoingonwith
youtheselastfewweeks.Iknowwhatwejustdidwith
Mallorywasunexpected,andmaybeweshould’vetalked
aboutitmorebeforewejumpedin,butthisiswhatthe
islandisallabout.Andit’snotlikewe’restrangerstothe
lifestyle.We’vedonewhathappenedbacktheremorethan
ahundredtimesbeforewithzeroissues.Welovepleasure,
excitement,andadventureinourbedroom,andIcan’t
figureoutwhyyou’reunhappy.Thisiswhatourmarriage
isallabout.”

Emmapickedupapieceofkiwiartfullyhalf-dippedin

chocolate.Shetookabite.“Ithinkthat’sexactlythe
problemforme.I’mnotsureI’mgoingtobeableto
articulatethisverywell,becausewhatI’mfeelinghasn’t
beeneasytopindowninmymind,butwhatyoujustsaid

isthemainissueforme.Sexwithothersiswhatour
marriagehasbecome,intotality.”Sheheldherhandup
beforehecouldinterject.“Butthat’snothowitstarted.
Whenwedecidedtoinviteothersintoourbedroom,we
weredeeplyinloveandwewantedtoexploreultimate
pleasuretogether.Thejoywebothfeltafteranepisode
gaveusanemotionalhighandaconnection.Itboundus
together.Thatfedintooureverydaylife,anditmadeus
full.Now,sex,atleastforme,hasbecomesolelyaboutthe
act,gettingoff,andthenfindingthenextepisodetofeedthe
machine.It’snotaboutrawemotionsanymore,andit
doesn’tenrichoureverydaylife.It’sbecomethisseparate
entitytofeedacraving,voidofanyemotion,nothing
more.”

Petetookitallin,tryingtounderstandwhathiswife

wastellinghim.“I’mnotfollowingeverythingyou’re
saying,thoughI’mtrying,”hesaid.“Areyouultimately
tellingmeyoudon’twanttobeinthelifestyleanymore?”

“I’mnotsure,”Emmasaid.“ItoldyouwhatI’mfeeling

iscomplicated.Ultimately,I’mfinewithcontinuingto
inviteothersintoourbedroom,butonlyifwecanfindthe
emotionalconnectionthatwentmissingfirst.”Shemoved
herhandinthespacebetweenthem.“We’rethepartthat’s
broken.Youandme.”

“Ihearyou,butIhavetoadmitI’mataloss,becauseI

don’tfeellikethere’sanythingmissingbetweenus,”Pete
said.“Whathappenedtomakeyoufeelthisway?Was
thereabigchange?OrdidIdosomethingspecific?”

“No,”Emmasaid,rubbingherforehead.“Youdidn’t

doanythingspecific.Ithinkit’sjustbeenanerosionofour
relationshipovertime.It’slikewe”—shegestured
betweenthemagain—“havelosttheconnectionbetween
loveandsexsomewherealongtheway.Wehavesex,but
there’snoloveattached.Iwanttofeelthatloveagain.I
needtofeelit.Icravethatconnectionwithyou.”

“Iloveyou,Emma.Ialwayshave,”hesaid

emphatically.“I’mnotsurehowIcanprovethattoyouany
differentlythanIhavebeen,andthatworriesme.”The
thingsEmmawassayingweren’tthingsthatcouldbefixed
withrosesoranightoutonthetown.Plus,Petedidn’tfeel
liketheiremotionalconnectionhaderoded.

Tohim,nothinghadchangedbetweenthem.
“Iknowyouloveme.That’snottheissue,”Emmasaid.

“AndIloveyou.LikeIsaid,it’stheconnectionwelost,
thatstrongbondthatmakesuscrazyforeachother.That’s
what’smissing.LikewithMalloryjustnow.Webothgot
off,butafterward,itfelthollow.Youwereinyourown
littleworldwhenyoucame.Youdidn’tevenlookoverto
meetmygaze,andIwasinmine.Therewasnospark
betweenus.”

“Butyouaren’tmadwedidit,right?”Petesaid.

“That’snotwhatthisisabout.”

“No,I’mnotmadwedidit.I’mjusttiredofit.

Technically,atthemomentIorgasmed,Iwaselated.I
enjoypleasure.Ialwayshave.ButwhatIdidn’tlikewas
thatyoudidn’tseemtonoticemeoncewegotgoing,and

that’sbecauseyouwerewrappedupintheactofyourown
singularpleasure.Sexusedtobeaboutus,andIwantthat
back.”

“Okay.”Peteroseandstartedtopace.“Ikindof

understandwhatyou’resaying,butIstilldon’tfeelthe
same.Tome,sexhasalwaysbeenthesame.Wehavefun,
andwebothendthenightwithorgasms.Idon’tseehow
whatwedidwithMallorywasanydifferent,otherthanit
beingspontaneousfromwhatwenormallydo.”

Emmaranahandthroughherlongredhair.

“Unfortunately,Ican’tsnapmyfingersandmakeyoufeel
whatI’mfeeling.It’sgoingtotakeussometimetofigure
out.Ijustwantedtoletyouknowthatsomethingismissing
forme.Iknowyouloveme,that’sneverbeeninquestion.
Becauseofthat,I’mcertainwe’llfindawaytosolveit.”
Hervoicesoundedweary.“I’mokaywithtablingthe
discussionfornow.We’rebothtiredandtravel-logged.We
hadabigday,andthere’ssomuchmoretodoandexplore
ontheisland.Idon’twantthistoruinourtrip.”

“Areyousureyouwanttotableit?”Peteasked,turning

bythedoorstofaceher.

“I’msure.”Emmastood.“I’mexhausted.Ifwefind

anothertimetotalk,wewill.Butlet’sjusttrytoenjoy
ourselves.”

“Doesthismeanyoudon’twanttogetinvolved

sexuallywithanyoneelsewhilewe’rehere?”Peteasked,
comingtostandinfrontofher.

“Idon’tknow.Canwejustplayitbyear?”Emma

startedforthebedroom.“Ithinkwe’llknowifit’srightor
notwhenandifithappens.”

Petefollowedherintothebedroom,hismindspinning.

Hiswifewasn’thappy,andevenafterdiscussingit,hehad
nocluewhathecoulddobetter.ThesexwithMalloryhad
beenhotanderotic,eventhoughthere’dbeenno
penetration.Hewasonboardwiththat.Buthedidn’t
understandwhatEmmawastalkingaboutwhenitcameto
thelackofemotion.He’dfeltthesamewayhealwaysdid
whenthey’dfinishedtonight,satisfiedandcontent.

Ashecrawledintobedbesideher,hewonderedhow

thetripwasgoingtogoafterall.

Hetossedandturnedallnight.

***

Emmawasupbeforedawn.
She’dsleptterribly,butsheneededtoshakeitoff.She

wasgladshe’dpackedherrunningshoes.Asadancerwho
workedoutalmosteveryday,keepingherbodyinshape
wasamust.Runningwasasmuchapartofherlifeas
dancing.

Asshelaceduphershoes,sheshovedlastnight’s

conversationwithherhusbandoutofhermind.Shehadto
letitgooritwouldeatather.Shestoodandquietlywent
totheslidingglassdoorsinthelivingroomsoshe
wouldn’twakePete,whowassnoring.Emmahadn’t
figuredouthowtoavoidgettingsandinhershoesyet,but

theplanwastorunonthepartiallycompactedsandnear
thewater.Shewantedtobeonthebeachandwatchthesun
rise.Afterthat,she’dfindapathorjuststayonthebeach.

Emmamadeamentalnoteassheslidthedoorclosed

behindhertomakesuresheandPetecheckedoutthemaps
oftheislandbeforebreakfast.Nomoreguessingwhatthis
placelookedlike.

Sheheadeddowntothebeach.Theskywaslighter

thanwhenshe’dawokenfifteenminutesago.Thesun
wouldriseanyminutenow.Onceshehitthedrysand,she
tookhuge,widestepstoavoidgettingitinhershoes.It
kindofworked,butitwascomical.Shewasgladitwasso
earlyandnobodyelseseemedtobeup.

Attheshoreline,justbeforethewavebreak,shebent

downtostretch.Shedidseveralleglungesandsquats.
Whenshestood,thesunwasjustmakingitsappearance
overthehorizon.Itwasstunning.

Thebrightyelloworbslowlyliftedabovethewaves,

turningthebackgroundofredsandorangesintopaleblues
asitwent.Emmatookadeepbreath.Thiswasgoingtobe
agoodday.

Shetookoffdownthebeach,thewatertoherleft,the

villastoherright.Shemovedatagoodclip,thesand
feelinggoodandfirmunderherfeet.Itwaspackedjust
enough,buttheextraeffortittooktopushofffeltgood,
workinghercalfmuscles.

Asshepassedbyallthevillas,shenoticedthattheyall

lookedthesame.Whenshereachedthelastone,the

vegetationchangeddramatically.Itwentfromlushand
manicuredtosparseandscrubby,likealinehadbeen
drawninthesand,literally.Shecontinuedtorun,
followingthecontourofthebeach.Afterabouthalfamile,
shespottedarockoutcropping.

Shewasn’tgoingtobeabletorunoverit.Soshe’d

eitherhavetoclimbtothetopandscoutitout,turninland,
trytofindapath,orturnbackthewayshe’dcome.

Emmachosetoexploretherocks.Theyweren’tthat

tall,maybetentofifteenfeet,andlookedclimbable.She
begantopickherwaytothetop.Itdidn’ttakeherlong.
Oncethere,shegazedoutoverthewater.Itwastruly
majestic.Thecolor,nowthatthesunwasalittlehigherin
thesky,wasawarmblue.Therewasn’tacloudinthesky.
Sheturnedandglancedthewayshe’dcome.Fromher
vantagepoint,shecouldseethattheresortranbackinland
fairlyfar,judgingbythetreesandotherrooflines—
probablyemployeehousing—shespotted.

Thensheglancedtheotherwayandsawtherewasa

covewithahalf-moonbeach.Itlookedaboutamilelong,
andattheotherendwasanothersetofrocks.Makingup
hermind,shemadeherwaydowntheothersideandtook
offdownthenextbeach.

Halfwayintoherrun,shespottedaseaturtle

swimminginthesurfandshesmiled.Theturtleseemedto
bekeepingpacewithher.Retiringtosomeplacelikethis
wasbeginningtosoundgood.Shecouldgetusedtothis.

Whenshereachedthenextoutcroppingofrocks,

insteadofclimbingup,shedecidedtoturnback.She’d
beenrunningforaboutahalfhour,andthedaywasstarting
toheatup.Shewascoveredinsweatandwaslooking
forwardtojumpingintothepoolwhenshegotback.She
wavedattheturtleasshepassedbyagain.

Emmamadeherwaybackandupandoverthefirst

bunchofrocks.Whenshelandedbackonherbeach,she
couldseemovementandpeoplewalkinganddrivinggolf
cartsbehindtheresort.

Theresortwasrisingfortheday.
Asshejoggeddownthebeachtowardherownvilla,

shecountedtheroofssoshewouldknowwhichonewas
hers.Shewasdreamingofhowgooditwasgoingtofeelto
douseherselfinthewater,soshedidn’tregistertheshout
thefirsttime.

“Emma!”thevoicecalledlouder.
Shestopped,turning.Itwascomingfromthevillanext

tohers.Amanstoodwavingatherfromthedeck.She
walkedcloser,shieldinghereyeswithherhand.
“Antonio?”shesaid.Thenshelaughed.“Ididn’tthink
we’dseeyouguysherewhenyouweren’tontheplane!”

“I’mcomingdowntothebeach!”hecalled.“Ican’t

hearyoufromhere.”Hedisappearedfromview,anda
momentlater,hecamearoundthesidetomeether.

Hewasbare-chested,wearinggymshortsthathung

looselyathiswaist.Hewasunbelievablyfitandhad
contoursrunningalongeveryplaneofhisbody,including
thatcovetedVthatpointedstraightdownward.

Emmaavertedhereyesforamomentandswallowed.

Herlibidohadspikedseeinghim,andshewasalittle
embarrassedaboutit.

“Comesitwithmeoverhere.”Hewavedheroverto

thedoubleloungerthatwasnestledinthetreesbelowhis
deck.

Shepausedforasecond,thinkingthatshereallyshould

begettingbacktoPetesotheycouldfigureoutbreakfast.
Butthenshechastisedherself.Itwasonlyseveninthe
morning,ifthat,andchattingwithAntoniowasn’tacrime.

“Howareyou?”heaskedjoviallyasshetookaseat

nexttohim.“Isn’tthiswonderful?”Hegesturedouttoward
theoceanandthesun,whichwasstillnearthehorizon,
coloringtheskyinwarmtones.

“Yes,ittrulyis.I’minawe.It’sperfection,really.I

wasn’texpectingittobesolovely.”

“Thisresorthasquicklybecomeoneofmyfavorite

placesinthewholewideworldtovisit.Thebestpart
aboutitisthatmostpeoplehavenoideaitexists,andI
findthatenchanting.”

Emmaasked,“Howcomewedidn’tseeyouguysatthe

airporttocatchtheconnectionoverhere?IthoughtI
droppedabigenoughhintthatthiswasourfinal
destination.Didyouenduptakingalaterplane?”

Helaughed.Itwasadeep,throatysound,anditmade

Emmaswallow.Theguywasinstantlymagnetic,therewas
nodenyingit.“Youdiddropsomehints,butIwasn’tsure
ifyouwerereallycominghereornot.Therearesomany

islandsintheBahamaswithsmallresorts.Thisplaceis
secretforareason,andIliketokeepitsintegrity.And,no,
weweren’tonalaterplane.Wecamebyboat.”

“Boat?”shecommented.“Ididn’tknowyoucould

chartersomethinghere.Ishould’vethoughtofthat.Ibetit
wasaprettyride.”

Helaughedagain.“Itwasagorgeousride,butIdidn’t

charteraboat.Iusedmyown.Ihaveaslipneartheairport
onNassau.WhenIcometotheBahamas,Ivisitislands
andtravelbyboat.MydreamistoactuallymakeittoCuba
someday.MymotherisCuban.Myfather’sanIrishman
fromDetroit.”

“Wow,”Emmasaid.“Havingyourownboatsounds

amazing.Whatdoyoudoforaliving,ifyoudon’tmindmy
asking?”

“Iownmyowncompany.”
Itwasherturntolaugh.“Yes,Ifiguredthat.I’m

assumingyourboatisactuallyayacht,notaschooner.
Whatdoesyourcompanydo?”

Heturnedandgazedather.Hiseyeswereaverylight

amber,andstriking,especiallywiththesunlightdirectlyon
them.“Mycompanystartedasanevolution,likemanydo.I
designedmyfirstrocketwhenIwasincollege.I’dalways
hadapassionforallthingsaerospace,andsomehowthat
processmorphedintoasatellite-launchingbusiness.Now
weresupplyspacestations.It’saverylucrativebusiness.”

“Itsoundslikeit.”Emmanodded.“That’svery

impressive.Doingsomethingyouloveandbeingableto

experiencetheworldonyourowntermsisawonderful
thing.”

“Ithinkso,too.”Hegaveherabroadsmile.“The

worldisabeautifulplacetoexplore.Hey,doyouguys
wanttojoinusforbreakfast?Weusuallyeatsomethingat
TheMayfair,sinceit’sontheothersideoftheresortnear
themarina,andthenweheadoutontheboat.”

“Theyhaveamarinahere?”Emmasaid.“Damn,I

reallyneedtotakealookatamap.”

“Theydo,”hesaid.“It’stiny,notmorethantenslips.

It’smostlyforboatsthatbringinsupplies,butguestscan
alsoreserveaspaceforthetimethey’rehere.Afewofthe
regularguestshaveboats,butnotmanythatIknowof.
Comeon,havebreakfastwithus,andthenI’lltakeyouand
yourhusbandforaride.Whatishisnameagain?”

“Pete,”shesaid,standing.“AndIreallyshouldbe

gettingback.He’sprobablyupbynow.I’lltalktohimand
seewhathewantstodo.Whattimeareyouthinking?”

“Howabouteightthirty?”
“Okay,ifyouseeus,youseeus!”Emmasaidasshe

begantowalkbacktohervilla.

“I’msureI’llseeyou,evenifIdon’tseeyou!”he

called.“Theisland’snotthatbig.”

__________________________

____________

eteandEmmawalkedintoTheMayfairateight

twenty-five.Meetingtheguyandgirlthey’drunintoatthe
airportforbreakfasthadn’tbeenPete’sfirstchoicethis
morning,butEmmawantedtodoit,sohewasgame.After
theirdiscussionlastnight,hewashappyEmmahadbeenin
agoodmoodafterherrunandhadwantedtointeractwith
others.Itwouldn’thurttogettoknowsomepeoplehere.

“Thisissocute,”Emmasaidastheyenteredthe

restaurant.

Theplacelookedlikeacaféontheoutside,

whitewashedwoodliketheintakearea,withshuttered
windowsopentotheelements,butonceinsideithada
sportsbarvibe.Therewasabigbarseparatingthetwo
spaces.TotheleftwereboothsandvariousTVsmounted
onthewalls.Totherightthereweresmall,cozyround
tableswithlazyceilingfansoscillatingoverhead.Big
doubledoorswereopentoacoveredveranda,which
continuedthecaféfeel.

Mostofthepatronswereonthedeckhavingbreakfast.
“We’reouthere!”avoicecalled.
“They’reontheporch,”Petesaidasheplacedhishand

onthesmallofEmma’sbackandsteeredhertowardthe
doors.Afewcoupleswereseatedaroundtablesinside,but
therestaurantwasn’tfullbyanymeans.

Oncetheyreachedthetable,Emmapulledoutachair.

“Thanksforinvitingus,”shesaidasshesat.“Thisis
lovely.Theviewisfantastic.”

Petesatintheotherchair.Antonioreachedoverto

shakehishand.“Nicetoseeyou,man,”Antoniosaid.
“Gladyouguyscouldmakeit.”

“It’sgoodtoseeyouguys,too,”Petesaidashegazed

outovertherailing.Docksandalittlemarinasatabout
thirtyfeetfromtherestaurant.Rightnexttoitwasthe
beach.“Thisplaceisridiculouslynice.”

“Righthereisthetipoftheisland,andtheresorttakes

advantageofalltheangles,”Antoniotoldthem.

“Howwasyourfirstnighthere?Didyouguyssleep

well?”Charlotteasked.

Emmaclearedherthroat.“Idid.Thebedsareso

comfortable,Ialmostdidn’tgetupformyrunthis
morning.”

“Wegotinlatelastnight,”Antoniosaidasheleaned

back,drapinghisarmoverthebackofCharlotte’schair.
“Sowe’realittletired.ButI’manaturalearlyriser.No
matterwhattimeIgotobed,Ialwaysgetupcloseto
dawn.”

“Hedoes.”Charlottenodded.“AndI’mjustthe

opposite.Icouldsleepallday.”

“Andsometimesyoudo,”Antoniokidded.

“Howlonghaveyoutwobeentogether?”Emmaasked.

“Ifyoudon’tmindmyasking.”

“We’vebeendatingabouteightmonths,”Antonio

replied.“Giveortake.”

“Yeah,thisdudeishardtopindown.”Charlotte

gesturedatAntoniowithherthumb.“Hegoesthroughhis
shareofwomen,letmetellyou.I’mhopingtolastfora
fewmoremonths,atleast,butweshallsee.”Shelaughed,
hervoiceeasyandcontent.“I’menjoyingtheridewhileI
can.Isn’tthatright,Tiger?”

Antoniolaughedalongwithher,bothofthemseeming

ateasewiththeirrelationship.

Petewasastounded.HeappraisedCharlotte.Shewas

beautiful,moresothanhe’dthoughtattheairportwhenhe
washalf-asleep.Shehadlongbrownhairwithgold
accents,eyesrimmedwithnaturallydarklashes,andan
easysmile.Sheappearedtobeathletic,andifhehadto
guesshe’dventuretosayshewasavolleyballplayer,
havingmetmorethanhisfairsharegrowingupinSouthern
California.Itwasclearshewasconfident,whichhe
appreciated.ButknowingherrelationshipwithAntonio
wasshort-livedhadtosuck,nomatterhowconfidentyou
were.

Antoniogrinned.“Justtobeclear,soyoutwodon’t

thinkI’maheartlessasshole,CharlotteknewIwasn’tin
foraseriousrelationship,soshe’spaintingmealittle
dark.ButI’llforgiveher.We’vebeenfriendsformany,
manyyears.Datingmehasalotofperks,soit’snottoo

muchofahardshiponher.”

“Indeed,it’snotahardship,”Charlottereplied

playfully.“Buthe’sright.IknewexactlywhatIwasgetting
into.Itwashardtopassthisup”—shewavedanarmout
towardthemarina—“especiallysinceI’dbeenafterhim
foryears.He’sfabulousinbed,bytheway,andhasscads
ofmoneyhespendsgenerously.Thebottomlineishe’sa
reallyniceguy.Whatmorecouldagirlaskfor?”There
wasawistfultoneinhervoice.“Iwishtherewasawayto
snarehimforlife,butsincethere’snot,I’mhappytotake
whatIcanget.”

Antonioseemedverycomfortableandmatter-of-fact

withthedirectiontheconversationwasgoing,nodding
alongtowhatCharlottehadbeensaying.“Yes,I’vefound
ithardtofindwomenwhoareopentolivingthelifestyle,
soIdateverysporadically.ButCharlotteandIhave
workedthelongest,sowhoknows?”Heshrugged.“Maybe
thisrelationshipwillstandthetestoftime.I’mupfor
anything.Howaboutyoutwo?Howlonghaveyoubeen
together?”

Beforeeitherofthemcouldanswer,thewaitress

showedupwithmenusforPeteandEmma.“CanIbring
youcoffee,tea,orjuice?”sheasked.

“I’dloveagrapefruitjuice,”Emmasaid.
“I’dlikeone,too,”Antonioadded.
“Coffeeforme,”Petesaid,“alongwithanorange

juice.”

“Amimosaforme,”Charlottereplied.“Wegottastart

thispartyoffright.”

“Gotit,”thewaitressanswered.“I’llbebacksoonto

takeyourorder.”

Theypickeduptheirmenus.“Sowhat’sgoodhere?”

Peteaskedconversationally.“Thefoodwehadlastnight
wasfantastic.I’massumingbreakfastwillbejustas
delicious.”

“Justabouteverythingissuperb,”Antoniosaid.“You

reallycan’tgowrong.Theyhavetwoverycovetedchefs
fromtheStateshere.Theycomeouttothepoolonceina
while,sowe’vegottentochatwiththem.Anyplacein
NewYorkwouldkilltohavethesetwo.Buttheygetpaid
extremelywellhere.Plus,theygetfreeplanerides
anywheretheywantontheirdaysoff.It’shardtoargue
withthat.”

Petesethismenudown,decidingtogowiththe

special,whichwassomekindofegghashconcoction.“So
Emmatellsmeyou’vebeentotheislandafewtimes
before,”Petesaid,addressingAntonio.

“That’sright.”Antonionodded.“Thefirsttimewas

abouttwoyearsago.Afriendrecommendedit—andme.
I’dcomebackmoreoften,butleavingmycompanyfortoo
longishard.”

“Icanimagine,”Petecommented.
“Whatdoyouguysdoforaliving?”Antonioasked.
“I’macreativedirectoratanadagency,andEmmaisa

dancer.”

Antonio’seyebrowsshotupashisgazedsnappedto

her.“Youdance?”

Emmatookasipofherwater,dabbinghernapkin

againstherlips,appearingalittleembarrassed.“Ionly
teachdancenow,butIwillalwaysconsidermyselfa
dancer.Itwasmylifeformanyyears.Allthroughhigh
school,college,andafewyearsafter.”

“Ballet?”heasked.
“Allkinds,butyes,balletwasmymainpassion.I

dancedwithatroupeinChicagoupuntilPeteandIwere
married.”

“Whydidyouquit?”Antonioasked,leaningforward.
PetenoticedAntonio’sgazewasextremelyfocusedon

hiswife.

Emmalaughed,hervoiceclearandhigh.“BecauseI

wasgettingolder.Myjointsandmusclesweren’t
cooperatingwelleither.Ikeptgettingstressfractures.Plus,
I’dalwayswantedtoteach.Thathadalwaysbeenmyend
goal.”SheglancedoveratPeteandsmiled,settingher
handontopofhis.“Andthatsomedaycameatexactlythe
righttime,ifyouaskme.”

“Iloveballet.Goingtothetheaterisapassionof

mine,”Antoniosaid.“It’ssomajesticandbeautiful.I’d
lovetoseeyoudancesomeday.”Hesatback,assuminghis
casualpose.

Peteclearedhisthroat.Antoniowastoofocusedon

Emma,soitwastimetochangethesubject.“Emmatells
meyouhaveaboat.”

“Ido,”heanswered.“It’saMarquis660Sport.You

can’tseeitfromthistable,butit’soutinthemarina.Itwas
ahugesplurge,butIadoreit.Ikeepitparkeddownhere
mostofthetime.I’manovicecaptain,butI’mlearning
fast.”

“IsyourcompanyheadquarteredinMadison,then?”

Peteasked,hopinglikehellitwasn’t.“Youflewoutof
there,soIwasjustwondering.”

“No,IliveinCalifornia.Iwasjustintownvisitingmy

mother.”Antoniogrinned.“MyparentsdivorcedwhenI
waseighteen.IgrewupinDetroit.Mymommovedto
Madisonaboutayearagowhensherealizedshewasn’t
gettinggrandkidsanytimesoon.It’sanicetown,andwe
haveextendedfamilythere.I’mactuallythinkingof
investinginsomelocalbusinesses.IfI’mgoingtobe
spendingtimevisitingmyfamily,itmakessenseIwould
mixitwithbusiness.”

Atthatmoment,thewaitresscametotaketheirorder.
Petesatback,crossinghisarms,studyingAntonio.
Thiswasgoingtobeaveryinterestingday.

***

Theyachtwasabsolutelystunning.Itwaslikenothing

Emmahadeverseenbefore—atleastnotupclose.The
girlsathomeweregoingtodiewhenshetoldthemwhere
she’dbeenandwhatshe’ddone.

“Thisisthemaindeck,”Antonioannounced,ushering

themthroughtheboatonatour.“Thisiswherethehelmis

located,whereweentertain.Idriveinhereiftheweather
sucks.Aboveusistheflybridge.That’swherewe’llspend
mostoftheday,andthelowerdeckhousesasmallliving
roomandthreebedrooms.”

“Threebedrooms?”Emmaasked.“Wow.”
“Actually,therearetwobedrooms,amasteranda

guest,andthenasmallbunkroomintheback.”

Themaindeckwascoveredingray,highlypolished

woodthatgleamedinthemorningsun.Therewerethree
immaculate,whiteleathercouches,abig-screenTV,a
built-inbar,andanareawhereyoucouldloungenexttothe
captainashedrove.

Itwastheepitomeofluxury.
Petegavealowwhistle.“Thisiskiller.Verynice.”
“Let’sheaduptoptotheflybridge,thenwecanbeon

ourway.”Antonioledthemupaninteriorstaircasebya
smallgalleykitchen,whichwasdeckedoutwithtop-of-
the-lineappliancesmadetofitthesmallspace.“Theroof
ispartlyopen,sotherewillbeshadeorsunshine,
whicheveryouprefer.”

Astheyclimbedthesteps,Emmaasked,“Whybother

rentingavilla?Whydon’tyoujuststayontheboat?”

“Can’t.It’sagainsttheresortrules.Peoplecometo

socializewithothercoupleshere,andtheywanttomake
sureeveryoneisentitledtothesameamenities.Butthat’s
fine.Ilovethevillas.Theyaredoneperfectly,andit’s
easytogettomealsandheadtothebeach.”

Theflybridgewasjustasbeautifulasthemaindeck,

withthesamewoodfloor.Thecouchesweresleekand
stylish.Apartialcoverontoplookedtobearolling
canvasskylight.Thereweretwodifferenttablestositat,
onewithchairsandonewithacouch.

“Thisissoamazing,”Emmacommented.“Thankyou

forinvitingustojoinyou.Wefeelverypampered.”

BeforeAntoniocouldanswer,therewasaloud

“Hello!”frombelow.“AmItoolatetocatchthewindin
myhair?”Mallory’sheadpoppedintoviewasshe
ascendedthestairs.

Emmawassurprisedtoseeher,butitwasn’t

unwelcome.Emmahadnohardfeelingsaboutlastnight’s
interactionswiththebeautifulmodel.Infact,Malloryhad
beenlikable,down-to-earth,andaccommodating.There
wasnothingnottolike.

“Notatall.You’rejustintime,”Antoniosaidjovially,

walkingovertogreetherwithakissoneachcheek.“We
weren’tsureifweweregoingtoseeyoutodayornot.”

“Iwouldn’tmissthisfortheworld.YouknowIlove

seeingyouandyourswanky-assyacht.”Malloryleaned
aroundhisshoulder.“AndIseeyou’vealreadyfoundthe
hottestcoupleontheislandtobringalongwithyou.Man,
you’refast,”Malloryteased.Shewasdressedina
flowing,gauzycover-upwithnothingmuchunderneath,big
sunglasses,severalbraceletsandadornments,andabig
pinkfloppyhat.Shelookedlikeamoviestar,orthe
supermodelshewassoontobecome.

Antoniogrinned.“Soyouguyshavealreadymet,then?

I’mnotsurprisedintheleast.Itseemsyouworkquicker
thanIdo,mydear.Shallwego?”Heleanedovertheside
andcalledtoCharlotte,whohadstayedbelow.“Untieus.
We’reallset!”Thenhesatinthecaptain’schairandturned
ontheengine.

Withinafewmoments,theyweremotoringoutintothe

clearbluewaters.

EmmaandPetesatononeofthelongcouchesnearthe

back,Mallorysatacrossfromthematthetable,and
CharlottewassprawledonthecouchnexttoAntonio.

Everyonewasrelaxed.
EmmatookinthesightswithPete’sarmslungcasually

aroundhershoulders.Thegreeneryaroundtheresortwas
verylush,butastheyachtmadeitswayalongthe
coastline,thevegetationwassparse,justlikeshe’dseen
ontheotherside.Butthewhitesandandcrystal-bluewater
wereoutofthisworld,somethingoutofafantasy.Aftera
while,Emmastoodandwalkedtotherailing,lovingthe
feelofthewindandtryingtospotsomeseacreaturesinthe
rollingwaves.

“We’recominguptowhatIliketocallPrivateBeach,”

Antoniocalled.“It’sasmall,shelteredcovethatyoucan
onlygettobyboat.”Heswiveledaroundtofacethemas
EmmawalkedbacktothecouchwherePetewassitting.
“Doyouguyswanttoanchorforawhile?”

“Sure,”Malloryansweredfirst.“Iwanttocatchsome

sunonthebow.Ionlydomorningsun.Onceit’spastnoon,
I’mout.”ShesmiledaffablyatEmmaandPete.“Igetto

seethesun,mostlybecauseIgethiredforthatnatural,
sportylook,butalsobecauseI’marebel.Somemodelsare
likemolepeopleandneverletarayofsunshinehitthem,
andifitdoestheybitchandmoantohighheaven.Those
arethehaute-couturegirls.IfigureifIgethiredforcouture
atthispoint,theycanjustPhotoshopthehelloutofmeand
makemeaspastywhiteastheywantto.”

EmmachortledatMalloy’sopenhonesty.“Well,it’s

notjustcouturemodels.IfIlaidoutinthesunwithyou,I’d
bealobsterinaboutthreeminutes.Ilatheredonabottleof
sunscreenthismorning,butitwouldn’tmatter.I’mtooneon
white.Abeacontotheburn.”

“Atleastyouhaveagoodreason,”Mallorysaid.“It’s

adigitalage,andthesewomenneedtoshutthehellup.
Onefrecklewillnotkeepthemoutofwork.”Antonio
slowedtheboatandcutthemotor.Mallorygotoutofher
seat.“And,darling,lemmetellyou,ifIhadyourcoloring,
I’dbetheNicoleKidmanofthemodelworld.Youhave
somethingveryfewhave—flawlessskinpairedwith
beauty.MostredheadsIknowhaveoneortheother.Most
ofthemhavefrecklesallover.Youhavethismany.”She
formedacirclewithherfingers.“Zippo.Youhavethat
thingmodelskillfor.Ifyouwerealittletaller,Iguarantee
youwould’vebeenrecruitedbysomehungrysharkalong
timeago.Butbethankfulyouavoidedthislife.Thisjob
sucksoutyoursoulandspitsitoutlikeabigloogie.”

Antoniocameupbehindthem,followedbyCharlotte.

“Iparkedcloseenoughtoswimtoshoreifthat’swhatwe

wanttodo.It’salreadyhotenoughtotakeaplunge.Ihave
snorkelgear,floatationdevices,andjustaboutanything
youwantdownstairs.There’splentyoffoodonboard,so
wecanhavelunchwhenwe’redone.Howdoesthat
sound?”

“Lovely,”Emmasaid.“Thisisreallywonderful.Thank

youagain.”

“I’mheadingtothebownowforsomesun,ifanyone

wantstojoinme.”Mallorywinkedatthegroupassheset
herhatandglassesonthetable.Thenshedroppedher
cover-uptothegroundandsauntereddownthestairs,
totallynaked.

__________________________

____________

sMallorypassedPete,shecurledherindexfingerin

frontofher.Theuniversalsignforcomewithme.Pete
glancedatEmma,whowashavingananimatedchatwith
Charlotte.Antoniohadalreadygonetodroptheanchor.

Petecouldn’tbelievehowritzythisyachtwas.It

must’vesetbackAntoniobyatleasttwomillion.Pete
waitedforamomenttocatchEmma’seyetotellherwhere
hewasgoing,butEmmawasstillwrappedupinher
conversation.Afterafewmoments,hedecidedEmma
couldjointhemwhenshewasdone.Whatelsewerethey
goingtodo?

Heheadeddownthestairsandtookapathalongthe

sideoftheboattogettothefront.He’dspottedthelarge
cushionsonthebowduringthetour.

Whenheroundedthecorner,Mallorywasalready

spreadout,onekneeup,herhairfannedoutaroundher.
Shepattedtheloungernexttoherwithoutevenlookingup.

She’dknownhe’dcomeafterher.
Thisbeautywasn’tusedtobeingdeniedmuch,and

comingtositwithherfedintothat,butashelookedout
overtheclearwaterandtheirsurroundings,andhermore-

than-beautifulbody,hefoundhedidn’tcaretoomuch.This
wasadreamvacation,andhewasgoingtoenjoyit.

PetehopedEmmajoinedthembeforeMallorygottoo

horny.Butitwasn’tliketheyweregoingtohavesexright
here,sohepusheditoutofhismind.

“Let’shavesex,”Malloryannounced,givinghimalazy

grinasshecircledoneofherareolas.

Petewassotakenaback,henearlylosthisbalance,

andhewassitting.Buttherewasnoplaceforhimto
escapenowthathewasthere.“I’msorry,what?”

Shebelly-laughedathisreaction.
Itsoundedlikeagenuinelaugh,unlikewhathe’dheard

fromhersofar.“Relax,I’mjustfuckingwithyou.”She
turnedonhersidetofacehim,afingertracingtheseamon
thecushion.“Youknow,Ican’tfigureyouandyourwife
out.I’vebeentryingallmorning.Youseemintoeachother.
There’slovethere.Imean,it’swrittenalloveryourfaces.
Youcheckedwithyourwifetwicebeforeagreeingtobe
withmelastnight.That’snottypicalinmyworld.Most
people,includingcouples,areselfishmotherfuckers.All
thetime.They’reoutfortheirownpleasureandwilltromp
onanyonetogetit.Sowhatgives?”

“Whatdoyoumean,whatgives?”Peterelaxedalittle,

knowingMallorywasn’tgoingtojumponhisalreadyhard
dick.

“Thelifestyle.Howdoyoujuggleit?Itseemslikeit

wouldripalovingcouplelikeyoutwoapart.I’mcurious,
ifyoufuckedmerightnow,withoutherpermission,would

Emmadivorceyou?”

Thequestionwassopersonal,Petedidn’tknow

exactlyhowtoanswerit,sohejustwentwithreal.“Yes,
mostlikely.”

“Thenexplainittome.”Sheturnedonherstomachand

wentuponherelbows.“MostswingersImeetareselfish
andwouldtakethefuckanyday,especiallywithsomeone
likeme.Somakemeunderstandwhyyou’redifferent.”

“Idon’tknow,”Petesaid,rubbingthebackofhisneck.

“Thefirstreasoniswearen’trealswingersinthatsense.
Wecallitswapping,andwhenwedoit,it’svery
controlled.Wemeetacoupleaheadoftime,everyoneison
board,andweknowroughlyhowthenightisgoingtogo
frombeginningtoend.Everyoneisamped,andwehavea
goodtime.Whentheygohome,it’sover.”

“Thenwhat?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“ThendoyouandEmmafuckbyyourselves,orwhat?

What’sthepayoffafteraswapforthetwoofyou?From
whatIsawlastnight,thepayoffwasyoucoming.You
camehardandweretotallylostinthemoment.Butwhat’s
thepayoffforyourbeautiful,porcelainwife?Shedidn’t
appeartogetoffonitasmuchasyoudid.”

Petewasstymiedforamoment.Howcouldsheknow

thatafterbeingwiththemforatotaloftwentyminutes?
“Well,whenwefirststarteddoingit,thepayoffalways
cameafter.Thetwoofuswerechargedforweeksafterwe
werewithanothercouple,andoursextogetherwas

explosive.”

“Andnow?”
“Now?”hesaid.“Now,I’mnotsure…”Hetrailedoff,

hismindwhirling.

“Inmyopinion,it’stimeforyoutoreevaluatethatcrap.

Yourwifeishotandcompletelysexy.You’reaverylucky
man.Ifyouwanttokeepthatforyourself,you’regoingto
havetoworkalittleharderthanyouhaveinthepast.”She
leanedovertowhisper,“Icantellyourightnow,Antonio
isgoingtogiveyouarunforyourmoneyonthistrip.”She
reachedoverandpattedhischest,draggingasingle
fingernaildowntohisabs.

Athroatclearedfromtheflybridge.
PeteglanceduptoseeEmma’sheadovertherailing.

“Um,I’mgoingtogoswimming,”shecalled.“Ijust
wantedtoletyouknow.”

“Okay!”heanswered.“I’llbetheresoon.”
“Don’trush,”shesaidsimply.“Enjoythesun.”
Thenshewasgone.
Mallorystartedtogiggle,laughingharderassherolled

overontoherback.“Letthegamesbegin.Strikeoneforthe
husband!”

“Whatdoyoumean?Doyouthinkshewasupset?”

Peteasked.“Shedidn’tsoundupset.”

“Oh,I’mcertainshewasn’tthrilledweweresitting

heretogetherafterwhathappenedlastnight,”Mallory
answered.“Youarefairlycluelessaboutwomen,you
knowthat?”

“I’mnotclueless,”Petesaid,hisvoiceirritated.“We

weren’tdoinganythingwrong.Shehasnoreasontobe
upset.”

“Keeptellingyourselfthat,man,”Mallorysaid,still

laughing.“Myadvicetoyouistogetyourassbackthere
andgetinthatwater,becauseAntonioisalreadyinthere.
He’sthesharkyouhavetowatchoutfor.”

***

Emmadidn’tknowwhethertobeangryorsadwhen

shesawPetecozieduptoMalloryandthathe’dchosento
gositwithherratherthanwaittoseewhatshe’dwantedto
do.

Whatshedidknowwasthatshewasn’tgoingtoletit

ruinherday.

Shewalkeddownthestairsbythesternandontoa

platformmadeupofthinwoodplanksstainedadarkred.
Therewasapartiallycoveredareaattheveryendofthe
boatwithalargetableandanotheramazingcouchtorelax
on.

Sheheardasplashandheadedaroundthetabletofind

Antonioalreadyinthewater.Charlottesatontheedge,her
feetdanglinginthewater.Shewascompletelynakedand
verycomfortablewithherself.

“Comeonin,”Antoniocalled.Hehadasnorkeland

maskonhishead.“Ialwaysdivedownandcheckthe
anchor.There’snowayI’mleavingmyboatunlessIknow

it’ssecure.”

EmmawasprettysureAntoniowasnakedaswell.
WheninRome.
Emmatookoffherhatandsetitonabench.Then,in

onemotion,sheliftedhersundress,thisoneamarigold
color,overherhead.

“Holyshit,”Antoniosputteredfromthewater.
“Damn,girl,youhaveakickin’body,”Charlottesaid,

appraisingher.“Isthatasix-pack?Doyouactuallyhavea
freakin’six-pack?”

Emmablushed.Shewasn’ttotallynaked.Sheworethe

skimpywhitebikinibottomsPiperhadgivenher—theones
withthetinybucklesonthesidesandasmallscrapof
fabricinfrontandalmostnothingelse.Shechosetowear
them,notbecauseshewasembarrassedaboutbeingnaked
infrontofothers,butbecausesheknewtheyaccentuated
everythingshehad.

Piperwasagenius.
“Igotluckywithmybodytype,”Emmasaid.
“Bullshit,”Charlottesaid.“Turnaround.Weneedto

getagoodlookattheback.”

“Idon’tthinkIneedto—”
“Zipit!”Charlottesnappedherhandinfrontofher

mouth.“Everyoneherewantstoenjoyyourbody,nowgive
usalittleshow.I’mcertainAntonioisalreadyhard”—she
gavehimaknowinglook—“butlet’snotmakeiteasyon
him.Wewanthimtoachealittlebitbeforehegetshis
release.”

“Youdon’thaveto—”Antoniostoppedmid-sentence

whensheturned,andshouted,“FuckingA!”

Emmawasembarrassed,butpleasedshe’dmadethat

kindofimpact.

Withoutwaitingtohearanymore,shejumpedfeetfirst

offtheplatform,shriekingasshewent.Thewaterwasthe
perfecttemperature.Itfeltwonderful.Herheadbobbedup,
andshegaspedforabreath.Thefirstthingsheheardwas
Antonio’slaugher.

“Char,throwusafoammattress.”
“Onit,Master,”Charlottechirped,andheadedtoa

bench,liftingupthelid.

EmmaclearedthewateroutofhereyesasAntonio

swamcloser.

“HowdoyouliketheBahamasnow?”heasked.

“Prettyspectacular,huh?”

“Itis.”Emmabegantotreadwater.“I’vebeentoalot

ofplaces,butthisisoneofthebest.Igetlostinthecolor
ofthewatereverytimeIlook.ButIdon’tseeanyfish.”
Sheglanceddownintothewater.

Antoniopulledhissnorkelandmaskoffandhanded

themtoher.“Here,takealookusingthese.Therearen’t
manyfish,sincetherearenobigrocksorcoralaround,but
you’llseeafewandmaybeevenaseaturtle.I’llkeepyou
steady.”EmmatooktheproffereditemswhileAntonio
graspedontoherwaist.Hisbodywassoclose,shecould
feelhiswarmth.Shewasincrediblyawareshewas
topless,withverylittleseparatingtheirbodies.Shebegan

toslipthemaskoverherhead,asheleanedoverandsaid
inherear,“It’snotgoingtofityoubecauseit’sadjustedto
me,butpushituptoyourfaceandpressonitwithboth
hands.I’vegotyou.Thendunkyourheadunderthewater.”

Shedidwhathesaid,herhandsshakinglightly.She

wasacutelyawareofhim.Asshebentherheadintothe
water,herbacksidecameincontactwithhisabs.She
heardhimletoutaslowbreath.Sheknewhewashard,but
wastryingtokeephermindoffofitwhilesheglanced
underwater.

Therewereseveralfish,butnoneclose.Thesandy

bottomwasn’tveryfardown,abouttenfeet.Shewould
havelovedtodive,butthemaskwasalreadyleaking
seawater.

Assheturned,shecaughtaglimpseofAntonio’scock.
Shehadtobraceherselfsoshedidn’tgulpinany

water.Itwashugeandveryerect.Sheflushedasshe
broughtherheadupandtookthemaskoff.Shetriedtoact
likenothingwasamiss,butshewasincrediblyturnedon.

“Soprettydownthere.”Shecoughedpolitely,handing

theequipmentbacktohim.“I’mgoingtohavetogetsome
snorkelinggearthatworks.I’dlovetoexploredown
there.”

“Ihavemoresnorkelsontheboat.”Hehadletgoof

heronceshe’demerged,butwasstaringintentlyatheras
theybothtreadwater.Hisgazewassmoldering.Heat
filteredthroughherbody.Thismanwantedher.

Reallywantedher.

Itfeltlikeforeversinceamanhadbeenthatpredatory

towardher.

Aloudsplashjoltedheroutofhermini-reverie.Emma

glancedovertoseePetesurfacefivefeetfromthem.
Mallorystoodontheplatformoftheboat,holdingathin
foamairmattress.Shewaslaughingandnoddingat
Charlotte,whohadtwoairmattressesunderherarms.
Charlottetossedoneoutintothewater,andthenjumpedin
withtheother.

ThenPetewasnexttoher,hisarmsencirclingher

waist.

EmmahadinadvertentlykickedawayfromAntonio

whenPetehadenteredthewater,sotheyweren’tasclose
asthey’dbeenbefore.Guiltbegantocreepin.Shehad
beentotallyturnedonthatanothermanwantedher,andit
hadnothingtodowiththelifestyle.

“What’reyouguysdoing?”Peteasked.
“AntoniolentmehismasksoIcouldseethefish.

Therearen’tmany,butit’sgorgeousdownthere.Doyou
wanttoswimtothebeach?It’snottoofar.”

AntoniograbbedtheairmattressCharlottehadthrown.

Heleanedoverthemiddleandkickedtowardthem.The
othertwoladieswerealreadyinthewaterontheirs.

“We’llpaddleafteryou!”Mallorycalled.“Don’t

worryaboutus.”

“Comeon,”Petesaidinherear.“I’llraceyou.”
Emmachuckled.“That’snotgoingtowork.Youhave

thesupremebodyofanathlete,”shetoldherhusband.

“There’snowayI’mbeatingyou.”

“I’llgiveyouaheadstart,”hesaidplayfully.“That

wayIgettowatchyourassinthewater.It’sawin-win.”

EmmaglancedatAntonioforasplitsecond.Hiseyes

werefullofmischief.Emmawonderedwhathehaduphis
sleeve.

SheturnedbacktoPete.“You’reon.I’llseeyou

there.”Shedartedunderthewaterandbegantoswim.But
allshecouldthinkaboutasshestrokedtowardthe
shorelinewerethosebrieffewmomentsshe’djusthad
withAntonioandthatknowinglookinhiseyes.

Shecouldn’tstop.
Thatlookwaswhatitmeanttobewantedmorethan

anythingintheworld.

That’swhatEmmacraved.

__________________________

____________

etewasrightbehindEmma.He’dlethertakeabig

lead.He’dbeenunnervedtofindhersoclosetoAntonioin
thewater.Hehadn’twantedtoadmitthatwhatMallory
alludedtoontheboatcouldbetrue,butbythelooksofit,
shewasright.Antoniohadbeentoocloseforcomfort.

Heknewhiswife,andjustlikehimspendingtimewith

Mallory,itwasinnocent.Butseeingthemtogetherinthe
waterhadcausedapangofjealousysofierceithadripped
throughhisabdomen.Itstillplaguedhimasheswam.

Itwasafeelinghewasn’tusedtohaving.Infact,he

couldn’teverrememberatimehe’dbeenthisjealous.

Hewasoverreacting.Mallory’sI-told-you-solaughter

ashe’ddivedintothewaterhadmadehimedgy,andhe
couldn’tdoanythingaboutitnowanyway.Hewasn’tgoing
tobeconfrontational.Thatwouldruinhiswife’svacation.
Emmareachedthebeachaheadofhimandwalkedoutof
thesurf.Petealmostswallowedamouthfulofsaltwater.

Holyshit!
He’dneverseenherinthatswimsuit.Ifyoucouldeven

callitaswimsuit.Fromtheback,itlookedlikeafew
piecesofwhiteframingherperfectass.Herlongredhair

wasslickedback,formingaperfectVpointingrighttothe
strings.Aflickerofsunlightbouncedoffher,andPete
realizedthethinghadbucklesonthesides.Allhecould
thinkaboutasheswamwasundoingthemwithhisteeth.

Hewasrockhard.
PeteheardanoisebehindhimandsawthatAntonio

waswatchinghiswifeaswell,andwasprettymuch
havingthesamereactionhehad.Thatbastard.

Angerlashedathim.Hepusheditaway.
Itdidn’tmatter.Emmawashis.Hedidn’thaveto

proveittoanyone.Asheclimbedoutofthewater,hiswife
begantotwirlonthebeach,doingafewdanceposesas
shemadeherwayacrossthesand.Herfacewasradiant.
Shewasincrediblyhappyandhadnoideawhatshe’d
causedinherwake.

“Iwon!”shecrowed,pointingupward.“Look,it’sour

ownprivatecove.”

Peteglancedupatthecurvedrockformation

bracketingthebeach.Shewasright.Theywereoutofsight
fromanybystandersonland.Emmacontinuedpirouetting
downthebeach,herbeautiful,longlegskickingoutasshe
spun,herbreastsbouncingdeliciously.

Shewasoblivioustotheeffectshewashavingon

everyone.

“Hey,sexylady!”Mallorycalled.“Youcanstopthe

interpretivedancenowthatwe’reallhorned-upoutofour
minds.”

Peteglancedbackatthewaterastheotherthree

paddledinontheirmattresses.Therewerebarelyany
wavesonthissideoftheisland,soitwaseasy.

“Hey,surferdude,”Malloryyelledtohim.“Ifyou

manhandleyourselfanyharder,you’regoingtocomeearly
andmissthepartythat’sbrewingthankstoyouragile
wife.”

Peteglanceddown,almoststunnedtofindhewas

strokinghiscockwithlong,hardpulls.

Heletgo,embarrassed.
“Damn,man,”Charlottesaid.“You’rehuge.Imight

orgasmjustbylookingatyou.”

“Yeah,”hesaidabsentmindedlyashestartedoffdown

thebeachtowardhiswife.“Igetthatalot.”

EmmasawPetecomingtowardherandstopped

dancing.Shewasstillsmilingbrightly.“Well,you’re
certainlyhavingagoodtime,”shekidded,noddingathis
hard-on.“Ididn’trealizeyouwerenaked.DoyouthinkI
shouldtakemybottomsoff?Everyoneelsehereisnaked.”

“Hellno!”hebarked,breakingitoffattheendsoit

didn’tsoundsoneedy.“Thosebottomsarethesexiest
thingsanyofushaveeverseen.You’vemanagedtogetus
allhot,anditisn’tevenlunchtime.”

“Really?”Sheglancedaroundhisshoulderasthe

othersclimbedoutofthesurf.

“Yes,really,”hesaidashecamecloser,encirclingher

waist,pressingherclose.Shewashis.“We’regoingto
havesexonthisbeach.Rightnow.There’snoavoidingit.
Howdoyouwanttodoit?Wecanmakeitaparty,orwe

candoitjustthetwoofus.It’suptoyou.”

“Idon’tknow,”sheanswered,bitingherbottomlip.

“Whatdoyouwanttodo?IsawyouwithMallorybefore.I
thinkshe’sinterestedinyou.”

“Iwasonlytalkingtoher,”Petesaidgruffly.“WhatI

wantisyou.”

Emma’seyesturnedquestioning.“Areyousure?That’s

notourtypical—”

Hesilencedherwithakiss.
Thejealousyinhisstomachmadehimfeellightheaded,

ormaybethatwasthebloodrushinginhisears.How
couldshenotknowshewaswhathewanted?Sexwassex
withotherpeople,buthelovedonlyher.

Hadn’thebeenclearaboutthatbefore?
“Hey,lovebirds!”Malloryshouted.“Wanttobringthat

partyoverhere?We’regoingtosetupshopontheseair
mattresses.”

Petebrokethekiss.Emmaappearedalittlestunnedby

hisintensity.Withoutwaitingforhertorespond,hetook
herhand,leadinghertothegroup.“Wecanbenextto
them,”hesaidoverhisshoulder,“buttheonlycockyou’re
gettingismine.”

***

EmmaallowedPetetotugherdownthebeachtoward

theothers.Shewasalittleshell-shockedbyhisattitude,
butshewasn’tgoingtoargue.Shecouldseehewasall

riledupaboutsomething.Theothersweregettingsituated
onthemattresses,seeminglyturnedon,butshedidn’tthink
shewastheonewho’ddoneit.

BothMalloryandCharlotteweregorgeous,andthey

werebothstarknaked.Shehadbottomson.

“Thatwasquiteashow,”Charlotteannouncedasthey

cameup.PetesatdownonanairmattressandeasedEmma
onhislap.“You’reincrediblylimber.Anyoneevertellyou
thatbefore?”

Emmagiggled.“Yes,allthetime,actually.”
“Ihaveanidea,”Malloryannounced.“Whydon’twe

watchEmmaandPetefuck?Like,reallyfuck.Thenwecan
seehowflexibleshereallyis.Thenweallfuck.Sound
likeaplan?”

Emmasnorted.Shecouldn’thelpit.Mallorywaslikea

younger,morejadedversionofPiper.Themodeling
industrypluswealth,itseemed,hadmadeheralmost
oblivioustotheworldaroundher.Shelivedinherown
reality.Emmathoughtitwaskindofrefreshing.Itwas
difficultnottoenjoythebeauty.Shewasthelifeofthe
party.

“Howoldareyou,Mallory?”Emmaasked,suddenly

curious.Mallory’sfacewasflawlessandnubile,justlike
mostmodelsshe’dseen.Itwasimpossibletotell.

“I’llbetwenty-threeinamonth.”
Emmanodded.“Ithoughtso.”
“What?Ismyageshowing?”Malloryquipped.“Iwas

modelingoverseasatagethirteen.Mymotherpractically

soldmeintothebizthefirsttimeascoutcamesniffing
around.Inmodelyears,I’mlikeahundredandfive.It’s
actuallyamazingI’mstillalive.Butit’sonlybecauseI
prefersextococaineasmydrugofchoice.”

“Yourageisnotshowing,”Emmacorrectedher.“I

actuallywould’veguessedolder,notbecauseofyourface,
whichlooksangelicandyoung,butbecauseofyourmouth.
ButyouremindmeofafriendofminewhoIlovedearly.
You’dadoreher.Pipertellsitlikeitis.”

“Well,toobadshe’snothere,”Mallorysaid,“because

havingonemorepersonondeckwouldbehandyright
aboutnow.Mynipplesaren’tgoingtosuckthemselves.”

Emmalaughed.“No,theywon’t.ButPiperdoesn’t

swapanymore.Sheandherhusbandhavechangedtheway
theydothings,buttheydofrequentorgies.Ifyouever
cometovisit,I’llhavetointroduceyoutothemandhave
themtakeyoualongtoone.”

“Orgies,huh?Wheredoyoulive?”Malloryasked.
“Madison,Wisconsin.”
Mallorytippedherheadbackandchortled.“Can’tsay

I’veeverbeentoWisconsin,butifIhappenbythereona
shoot,I’llgiveyouacall.Soareyoutwogoingtofuckor
what?”

AsMalloryandEmmahadbeentalking,Antoniohad

startedkissingCharlotte.Ithadstartedoutsoft,butnow
theyweregettingintoit.

Emmacouldn’tlookaway.
Shewantedto,butsuddenlyallshecouldimaginewas

Antoniokissingherlikethat.Thenshefelthorrified.Pete
hadjustactedlikeajealouslover,whichwaswhatshe’d
wantedallalong.Wasn’tthatenough?

Sheshookherheadtoclearit.
“Isthatano?”Malloryasked.“Isthatwhyyou’re

shakingyourhead?”

“Um,what?”Emmasaid.“No,it’sayes.Wehaveno

problemhavingsexinfrontofanyone.Iamfeelingalittle
onthespot,however,butI’msurewecanpowerthrough.
Areyouready,babe?”sheaskedPete.

Inanswer,Peterubbedhiserectionalongherass,his

mouthtracingthecontourofherback.“I’mjustwaitingon
you,”hemurmured,“andIthinkIcanhelpwiththe
powering.”

Hishandssnakedupthefrontofherstomach,cradling

herbreasts,anindexfingerandthumblightlytwistingeach
nipple.

Herbodyrelaxedbyagreatdegree,herheadfalling

backontohisshoulder.

PetecontinuedtorubherbreastsasMalloryjoined

AntonioandCharlotte.Mallorylaydownononeofthe
mattresses,andCharlottegotonallfoursoverher,bending
downtograbanipplebetweenherlips.

“Yes,that’swhatIlike,”Mallorymoaned.
SeeingthemalltogetherspikedEmma’sneed.
Thiswassexy,andfeltverynaughty.Thefactthey

werealloutsidedoingthistogetherwasintense.

EmmabegantomoveherhipsonPete’slap.Heslid

oneofhishandsdowntohercore,shiftingherbikini
bottomstooneside.Whenhisfingerhitherwetness,she
calledout.

Mallory’sheadcameup.“Everyoneherewantstosee

thosehipsmove.Keepitcoming.Literally.”

EmmaglancedoveratMallory,hereyeshooded.“You

wanttoseememove,huh?Icandothat.”

Antoniohadgottenupandrepositionedhimselfbehind

Charlotte,hiseyesrivetedonEmma.

Shefeltthemlikeascaldonherskin.
Thegirlswerebusy,CharlottefocusedonMallory,

MallorywaitingforPetetofuckEmma.Petewasbehind
Emma,kissingherback.

NoonecouldseethelookAntoniowasgivingher,and

Emmacouldn’tforceherselftolookaway.

Emmawaswetandready,andsheliftedherselfup

overPete,tiltingherhips.Pete’scockwasbig.Verybig.
Shehadtomakesureherbodywasattherightangletoget
overthetip.Shewantedeveryonetoseetheentireact,
becauseitwassensual,andthat’swhatsheloved.

ShehoveredoverthetopofPete’sdick,rollingher

hipsinacircleindependentlyofherbody.

“Jesus,woman!”Mallorycried.“Putusoutofour

miseryalreadyandimpaleyourself!Youshouldtakethis
tourtoVegas.You’dhaveanentireaudienceorgasmingin
theirseats.”

Veryslowly,sheeasedherselfdown,takinghisshaft

likeabellydancerloweringherselftotheground.

Everyonemoaned,includingherhusband,who

clutchedherhipstightly.

“Fuuuck,”Petegroundout.“Youfeelcrazyinsane.

You’resowet.”

Onceshewasfullyseated,sheleanedforward,

grabbingontoPete’sthighs,andbegantoworkhimover,
juttingherassbackward,andthenflowingforward,her
absclenchingandunclenchingasshewent,fuckinghim
senseless.

“That’showyougetthoseabs,”Charlottemurmured.
Emmawentfaster.
“Holyshit,that’shot!”Malloryexclaimed.
Allthetalkbegantosimmerintothebackgroundasthe

climaxbegantobuild.

AndthroughoutitallEmma’seyeswerepinnedon

Antonio.

Shecouldn’tbreaktheconnection,evenifshe’d

wantedto.

Emmafeltguilty,knowingherhusbandwastheoneshe

waswith,buttheneedtobenoticedthewayAntoniowas
noticingherwastoomuch.

Itwonovereverythingelse.
Panting,sherockedfaster.Asheenofsweatbrokeout

acrossherskin.Shecouldn’tstop,andshewasgoingto
comehard.

“Emma,slowdown,you’regoingtomakemecometoo

fast,”Petesaid,hisvoicenothingmorethancompletely
breathless,hisfingersbitingintoherhips.

Butshecouldn’tstop.
Shedidn’twantto.
Thisorgasmwasgoingtobeshattering,andshefelt

somehowlikeshe’dearnedit.

Antonioseemedtosenseherurgency.Hefistedhis

cock,whichwasnotsmallbyanymeans,andnotbreaking
eyecontactwithher,hebentoverCharlotteandentered
herinonethrust.

Emmaclosedhereyes.
Itwasalmosttoomuch.
Herhipsrolledoftheirownaccord,thepace

incredible.Itwaslikeahuladanceonsteroids.

“Emma,I’mcoming!Ican’tholditbackanylonger—”

Petetriedtopinherassinplaceashecame,butshe
movedthroughhisorgasm.Feelinghispleasureandhis
cockpulsinginsideofhersentherskyrocketing.Hecried
out,“Goddamnit!”

Shewasafewpullsfromherownrelease.
Antoniohadmatchedherrhythmashepoundedinto

Charlotte,hiseyesstilllockedonher.Charlottecriedout,
herbodyclenchingbackintoAntonio’s.“I’mcoming,you
beautifulbastard!”

ThatwasEmma’sundoing.
Themassiveorgasmsweptthroughherbodyfullforce,

likeacycloneofpleasurewhippingthrougheachand
everycell.

Emmastopped,hertorsobending,herhipsbuckling.

Sheyelledincoherentwords,herhandsfisting,aswave

afterwavehither.Itfeltsodamngood.Sherealized,
throughherblissfulhaze,thatshehadn’thadapowerful
orgasmlikethisinmuchtoolong.

Whenitwasfinallyover,shewaspantinghard,andher

bodyhadbrokenoutingoosebumps.

Whyhadn’tsheandPetebeenhavingsexlikethis?

Mind-blowing,incredible,orgasmicsex?

Beforeshecouldanalyzeitanymore,Mallorybroke

thesilence.“Okay,kiddos,thisistotallynotfair.Who’s
goingtofuckmenow?”

__________________________

____________

etelaybackinthesand,recovering.Hisbodyfelt

limpaftercomingsohard,andhisbloodwaspumpingso
fasthisheartfeltlikeitmightjumpoutofhischest.Emma
wasnexttohim,catchingherbreath.Thesexbetweenthem
hadbeensomethingaltogetherdifferent.Emmahadridden
himunrelentingly,andhe’dreleasedexplosivelybecause
ofit.

Butthathadn’tbeentheonlyreason.
Ithadfeltdifferent.
Likethesexthey’dhadwhenthey’dfirstmet.Needy,

hungry,feverish,andwild.Petehadhadnoideathey’d
beenmissingthatkindofcouplingbeforerightthisminute.
Sexalwaysfeltgoodtohim,andhealwayscame.

Butnotlikethat.
Petewasbreathlessandweak,likehe’djustsprinteda

5K,runningforhislife.

Heleanedoverandglancedathiswife.Hereyeswere

closed.Thismust’vebeenwhatEmmahadbeentryingto
tellhimbefore.Thattheirsexhadchangedovertheyears.
Nowwasn’tthetimetohaveanin-depthdiscussionabout
itwithothersaround.

But,holyfuck!
Theycouldnevergobacktothesamenow.Thissex

hadlefthimdazedandhungryformore.

“Seriously,guys,”Mallorywhined,sittinguponher

elbows.“Who’sgoingtogetmeoff?Thatwasheartless.
Allfourofyouhadmajorblowouts.Charlotte’seyeseven
rolledbackinherhead.Who’supformakingmecome?In
myworld,mebeggingforsuchathingislikespottinga
yetiinthewild.Itjustdoesn’thappen.Peopleclamorfor
theprettyones.”Nooneresponded.“Comeon,guys!I’m
notkidding.It’smyturn!”

Charlotterolledover.“Fine,I’lldoit,youbig,needy

supermodel.Whocanresistaninvitationlikethat?‘Dome
becauseI’mprettierthanyouare.’Thatreallygetsmy
juicesflowing.”

Mallorylaybackdown.“Ihavenoshame.Haveyou

metme?I’llusewhateverittakes.”

Peteclosedhiseyes,drapinganarmoverhisface.

CharlottewasbusygettingMalloryoff,buthewasfocused
onEmma,whowasfidgetingnexttohim.

Finally,shesatup.“IthinkI’mgoingtogoforaswim.

I’mfullofsand,andIcan’tsithereinthesunanymore.
Youokaytostayhere?”sheaskedPete.“I’mjustgoingto
walkdownthebeachabit.”

Peterose.“Doyouwantmetocomewithyou?”
“No,that’sokay.AlittletimealoneiswhatIneedright

now.Iwon’tgofar.”Shestood.

Petewatchedherwalkaway,lookingabsolutely

stunninginherbikinibottom.

Hehopedshenevertookitoff.
Imaginingherinthosebottomswouldkeephimhard

forweeksonend.

Peteheardanoise.HeturnedtoseeAntoniogetup.If

hefollowedEmmadownthebeach,itwasgoingbea
problemforPete.

Instead,Antoniomadeforthewaterinfrontofthem.

“I’mgoingtocheckontheboat,”hecalledoverhis
shoulderashewadedin.“Oneofyouguyscanusemyair
mattresstogetbackifyouneedit.”Hedivedinandmade
hiswaybacktotheboat.ByPete’sestimation,theboat
wasonlyabouttwentyyardsaway.

PeteturnedandwatchedEmmawadeintothewateron

thefarsideofthebeach.She’dfoundsomeshadeunderthe
craggyoverhang.Hewishedheknewwhatwasrunning
throughhermind.Itwasn’tlikehertobesoaloof,
especiallyaftergreatsexlikethat.

Beforehecouldpondermore,therewasalowmoanto

hisleft.HeglancedovertoseeMallorycoming.Itwas
hardtobelievehe’dratherwatchhiswifetakeadipinthe
oceanthanwatchastunningsupermodelhaveanorgasm
rightinfrontofhim.

Whenshewasdone,Mallorystaredupattheskyand

saidwithfinality,“Well,thatwasnotlikehavingabig
dickinme,butthanks,Char.IfIhadn’tgottenarelease
quick,Iwould’veexplodedandtakenthelotofyouwith
me.”

Charlottechuckled.“Yeah,right.Whatwasthis,your

thirdorgasmoftheday?Ibetyouwakeupeverymorning
andreachrightforyourdildo.”

“Myfourth.”Malloryshruggedasshesatup.“But

who’scounting?Hey,Pete,”shesaid,“canyouhelpme
up?”Sheheldoutherhand.

PetereluctantlystoodandhoistedMalloryup.Shewas

onlyafewinchesshorterthanhewas.“Howtallareyou?”
heaskedashebrushedthestickysandoffhischestand
legs.

“Almostsixfeet.”Shewalkedpasthim,grabbinghis

hand.“Comedowntothewaterwithmeandhelpmewash
off.”

Hefollowedher,buthedidn’treallyknowwhy.
Whiletheywalked,hekeptaneyeonEmma,whowas

nowbobbingonherbackinthewater.

Oncetheywerewaist-deep,Malloryturnedandsaid,

“Canyousplashoffmyback?Pretendyou’rereallyintoit,
sowecangetreadyfortheshow.”

“Whatshow?”heasked,splashingwateronher.
“Antoniocovertlymeetingupwithyourwife.”
“What?”Petesaid,craninghisheadaroundtoward

Emma.Shewasalone.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?He’s
ontheboat,andshe’sinthewaternearshore.”

“Justwatchandlearn,boy.Damn,youare

thickheaded.”Sheturned,splashingwaterontoherown
chest,thedropletsgleaminginthesun.

“I’mnotthickheaded,”heretorted.“AndIhavenoidea

whatyou’retalkingabout.I’mbeginningtothinkyoulove
tomakeshitup.”

“I’mnotmakinganythingup.Justwatchandlearn.”

Charlottejoinedthemwithasplashasshejumpedin.She
hadanairmattressunderonearm.Mallorynoddedat
Charlotte.“Peteheredoesn’tthinkAntonioisgoingtoseek
Emmaoutathisfirstopportunity.What’syourbet?”

Charlottesnorted,shakingthewaterfromherhair.“A

thousandtoonehe’sgoingtodiveoffthebackofthatyacht
likehe’sjustgoingtotakealeisurelyswim,buthe’ll
slowlymakehiswayoverlikeapiranhascentingblood.If
hedoesn’t,I’llhappilyeatthisairmattress.”Sheshookit.

Petewasstunned.“Doesn’titbotheryouthathewants

mywife?He’ssupposedtobeyourboyfriend.”

“ItwouldonlybothermeifIthoughtIhadachanceto

bewithAntonioforever.Butasyouheardthismorning,
thatisn’thappening.He’satotalplayer.Iknewthatgoing
in.Hewantswhathecan’thave,andcurrentlythat’syour
beautiful,flexible,limber-as-all-hellwife,soyoubetterbe
careful.Antoniohascharismacomingoutofhisass.Add
filthywealthintothatequation,andallbetsareoff.This
wouldn’tbethefirsttimehe’sbrokenupamarriageeither.
Oneofthesetimes,he’sgoingtopickTheOneandit’s
goingtostick.”

BeforePeteknewwhatwashappening,hishandswere

beingmovedupwardwhileMallorygaveathroatylaugh,
loudenoughforEmmatohear.Hishandslandedonher
breastsasshesquealed,“Oh,you’reSUCHanaughtyboy!

Thatfeelssogood.”

“Whatthehellareyoudoing?”hesaidthrough

clenchedteeth,tryingtopullhishandsaway.Mallorywas
surprisinglystrongandkeptthemlockedinplace.

“I’mhelpingyou,youbiglunkheadeddummy.”
“Helpingmehow?Bytryingtomakemywife

jealous?”

“Youhitthenailonthehead.YouandEmmadeserveto

betogether.Thesexyoujusthadwashot,andit’sclear
youtwohaveaconnection.Beingalittlejealousgoesa
longwayonbothsides.Followmylead,andyoucanwin
herback,”Mallorytoldhimwithassurednessinhervoice.

“Idon’tneedtowinherback.She’salreadymine—”
Therewasabigsplash.
Theyallturnedtolook.Antoniowasinthewater,and

hewasheadedstraighttowardEmma.

***

Emmastood,herfeetdiggingintothesoftwhitesand.

SheheardMallory’slaugh,andshefrownedasshe
watched.Pete’shandswerealloverher.Atthesoundofa
splash,EmmaturnedintimetoseeAntonio’sheadbobto
thesurface.Hewasswimmingtowardher.

SheglancedbacktowardPete,buthisbackwastoher.

Heseemedtobeinananimatedconversation,hishands
flyingintheair,andCharlottewaslaughing.

AsAntonioswamcloser,Emmashivered.Shecrossed

herarmsinfrontofher,suddenlyfeelingexposed.

Shebothwantedhimtocometoheranddidn’t.
EmmabitherlipassheglancedbackoveratPete.She

hadnoideawhattodo.SheknewsheandAntoniohadhad
amomentonthebeach,andforasecondshewishedshe
couldtakeitback.It’dbeenmuchtoointimatealookto
sharewithastranger,eventhoughtheyhadn’ttouchedeach
other.

Emmawasnofoolwhenitcametomen.She’dinvited

thatinteraction,andAntoniohadacceptedthechallenge.

Nowshefeltcheap.
Butalsothrilled.
Shedidn’tknowwhattodo.Shewastrappedwithan

emptybeachbehindherandawide-openoceaninfrontof
her.

ForabriefmomentshewaspissedthatPetewas

ignoringher.He’daskedtojoinher,andshe’dtoldhimno,
butifhe’dreallywantedto,hecould’ve.Butinsteadhe
wasfrolickinginthesurfwithasupermodel.

Antoniomadeittoherinafewmorestrokes.“Just

makingsureyou’reokay,”hesaid,grinningashestood.
Thewaterwaschest-deep.“Bytheway,thatwas
incrediblebackthere.”Hebroughthisnicelydefinedarms
upandwhippedthewaterawayfromhisface.

Hewasundeniablygorgeous.Hehadthetall,dark,and

handsomethingallgoingon.

Emma’sheartspedup.Thefactthatshehadhis

attentionwasalittledaunting.

Thisguycouldhavewhoeverhewanted.
“Yes,itwasgood.”Sheclearedherthroatpolitely.“I

lovesex.IfeellikeI’mabitofabrokenrecordwhenit
comestotalkingabouttheartoftheact,butthereyouhave
it.PeteandIdon’tnormallydoimpromptugatheringslike
thiswithmorethanonecouple,butIhavetoadmititwas
thrilling.Butwedon’tusuallyencouragefeelingsand—”

“Attachmentfromothers,”hefinished.
“Exactly.”Theybotheasedthemselvesdownintothe

water,bobbinginsilence.

“CanIaskyousomething?”heaskedafterawhile.
“Sure.”
“AreyouhappywithPete?Imean,thelifeyou’re

livingwithPeteinMadison?Isthatthelifeyouenvisioned
foryourself?”

Emmahadtotakeamomenttoformulateherthoughts.

“That’satoughquestionwithnoeasyanswer.BeforeImet
Pete,IhadnoideawhatIwanted.I’dneverbeenagirl
whodreamtoffairy-taleweddingsorhadfantasiesof
picketfenceswithkidsrunningthroughtheyard.WhenI
metPete,thingsjustclicked,andmylifebecameourlife.”

“Ifyoucouldchangeit,wouldyou?Like,ifIhanded

youamilliondollarstoday,wouldyouchoosetodo
somethingdifferent?Gobacktodancing?Travelthe
world?MovetoMadagascar?JointhePeaceCorps?”

Emmalaughed.Shehadto.Antoniowasasmooth

operator.Butsheknewwhathewasdoing.Hewastrying
togethertoimaginealifethatdidn’tincludeherhusband.

But,honestly,wouldshechangeanythingifshecould

magicallyalterherpathrightthisminute?“Wow,youdon’t
messaround,”shecommented.“Thesearehard-hitting
questions.QuestionsthatIcouldonlyreallyanswerifthat
coolmillionwasactuallyputinmyhand.But,youknow,
I’mprettysureI’dstaywhereIam.Ireallylovemylife.I
loveteaching.Ilovemyhome.Ilovemyfriends.And,
mostofall,Ilovemyhusband.ThelifeIhavenowisthe
oneIcreatedformyself,andI’mproudofit.I’dprobably
driveanicercar,however.”Shegiggled.“Andmaybe
travelmore.But,ultimately,I’dstickwithwhatIhave.I’m
content.”

“I’mimpressed,”hesaid.“WhenIaskothersthatsame

question,theanswersusuallyreflecttheirwishto
drasticallychangesomethingintheirlives.Ifyoupolled
themajority,you’dfindthemanunhappylot,eagertogeta
do-overatanycost.”

“Well,IguessI’minthehappyminority.”
Antoniosuddenlyturnedontohisstomachandswam

closertoher.“You’reatotalcatch,Emma.IhopePete
understandswhathe’sgot,becauseifhedoesn’t,Ican
showyouawholeworldyouneverknewexisted—”

TheywereinterruptedbyMalloryandCharlotte

splashingtheirwayover.“Hey,youguys,let’splayMarco
Polo!”Mallorycalled.“Pete’sgoingtoplayMarcofirst.I
usedtolovethisgameasakid.Butthisoneincludes
gropingonceyoufindyourtarget.It’smorefunthatway.
Theraunchier,thebetter.Like,totalboobgrabsare

allowed.”

“Thenlet’sgoeatlunch,”Charlotteadded.“I’m

starving.Weallhadaworkoutbackthere,andIburnedoff
mymorninggranolainaboutsevenminutes.”

“Youguysgoaheadandplay,andI’llgobackandget

lunchstarted,”Antoniosaid.“I’llseeyouinafew.”

“Emma,youupforit?”Malloryasked.
“Sure,”Emmasaid.“Ihaven’tplayedinyears.”
“Pete,areyouready?”Mallorycalledbehindher.
“Yep!”hecalled.
“Besuretocloseyoureyes,”sheordered.
“They’reclosed!”
EmmathoughtsheheardalittlegrumblebehindPete’s

words,andshesmiledinwardly.Herhusbanddidn’tlove
gamesunlesstheywereplayedonafieldwithaball.It
waskindofcutetoseehimclosehiseyesandwalk
forwardwithhisarmsout.

“Marco!”hecalled.
“Polo!”allthreegirlsyelledatonce.
PeteimmediatelyturnedtowardEmmaastheyalltried

tomovequietlyaway,whichwasimpossibleinthewater.

“Marco!”
“Polo!”theyallcried.
Petemadeabeelineforher,andEmmashriekedasshe

triedtorun,butofcourseshecouldn’tgetanytraction,and
herhusbandwasmuchfasterthanshewas.

Afewsplasheslater,hescoopedherup.Shelaughed,

runningherhandsalonghisbroadshoulders.“Okay,you

gotme!”

Heopenedhiseyes.Theyweregleamingashegrinned.

“DamnstraightIdo.”

__________________________

____________

etewrappedatowelaroundhiswaistasheemerged

fromtheshower.“Youknow,wedon’thavetomeetthem
fordinner.”Itwasacasualsuggestionhehopedhiswife
wouldconsider.“Wecanjustorderroomservice.”

“Wedidthatlastnight,”Emmasaidfromherspotby

thecloset.“Plus,I’mdyingtoseetheformaldiningroom
andwatchthesunset.Hurryup,weonlyhavetwenty
minutesatmosttogetthere.Wetoldthemwe’dmeetfor
drinksonthepatiofirst,andthesunissettinginlessthana
halfhour.”

Petewantedtogrumble,butkeptittohimself.
Afterthey’dlunchedontheyacht,Antoniohadtriedto

persuadethemalltogotoanotherislandtosnorkel,but
PetehadsuccessfullyswayedEmmatocomebacktothe
villa,withthepromisethatthey’dmeetthemfordinner
later.

EmmaandPetehadtakenadipintheirpool,andthen

hadalongnap.They’dbothbeenexhaustedfromtraveling
thedaybeforeandrisingearly.Ithadbeenaniceafternoon
together,buttheyhadn’ttalkedonceabouttheirencounter
withthegrouponthebeach.Petehadbeenhesitanttobring

itupafterwhatMalloryandCharlottehadtoldhim.

IfAntoniowasreallyafterhiswife,arguingwith

Emmawasn’ttheanswer.Theguyhaditall.Hecould
buildEmmathemansionofherdreams,takeherontrips
aroundtheworld,andshowerherwithgifts.Antoniohad
themeansPetedidnot.Thegirlshadpersuadedhimto
playitcoolandgoalongwithwhatEmmawantedfornow.
Ifhepushedback,they’dsaid,shecouldfallrightinto
Antonio’swaitingarms.

Hewasn’tsurehebelievedthem.
Hisinstinctwastostalkover,knocktheguyout,and

takeEmmaoverhisshoulderlikeacaveman.

Whenhe’dseenAntonioswimuptohiswife,he’d

almostdoneit,too.

WhenthegirlspushedthegameofMarcoPoloonhim,

he’dthoughtthey’dbeenoutoftheirminds.Butit’d
worked.Antonioleft,andPetehadmadehiswifehappy.

Oncetheyreturnedtotheyacht,Petehadmadesurethat

Emmasatnexttohim.Malloryhadhelpedinthegalley
withthefood,andsinceitwassosmall,therewasno
roomforanyoneelse.

AntonioputtingthemovesonEmmastillrankledhim,

buthewaskeepingittohimself.Fornow.IfPeteinsisted
onbreakingtheirdinnerplans,hewouldlooklikea
completeasshole.

“It’llbefun,”Emmasaid.“You’llsee.”Petebalkedas

Emmaclosedtheclosetdoorsandturnedtowardhim.

“Areyouwearingthatdresswithoutabra?”

Thedresswasafrothypeachcolorandcompletely

see-through.Itmadeherareolasstandoutlikethey’dbeen
paintedwitharose-coloredpaintbrush.

“Yes,Iam.”Emmasetherhandsonherhips.

“Charlottesaidpeoplecometodinnerdressed,butalways
veryprovocatively.Womenroutinelywearskimpyoutfits
withnopantiesorbra,soI’mjustplayingalong.Weareat
aswingerresort,Pete,whichyouknowbetterthananyone.
Anditwasyourideatocomehere,notmine.”

“Emma,everyguyinthereisgoingtohaveahard-on

themomentyoucomein.Nobodyisgoingtobeabletoeat
theirdinner.Turnaround.”Hescrubbedahandoverhis
face.“Yourassisvisible.Ican’tbelieveI’msayingthis,
butitlooksasgoodasitdidinthosebikinibottoms.The
peachcolormakesitsortof…glow.”

Emmachuckled.“Nowyou’rejustbeingsilly.We’re

havingdinnerwithasupermodel.Nooneisgoingtonotice
me.”

“Emma,haveyoulookedinthemirrorlately?”
“Whyareyoubeingsocomplimentaryallofasudden?

Youseemeeverysingleday,andyounevercommenton
howIlook.Comeon,let’sgo.”Shewalkedheramazing
backsideovertotheslidingglassdoor.“Iwanttotakethe
beachtogetthere.”

Petehadnochoicebuttofollowherout.
Wassheright?Didhenevercomplimentherathome?

Thatwouldhavetochange.Hiswifealwayslooked
fantastic,andhe’dapparentlybeentakingthatforgranted

—assumingshealwaysknewhethoughtshelooked
beautiful.

Theywalkedalongthewateruntiltheyarrivedatthe

beachbar.“Antoniosaidtowalkupbythepoolandtake
thepathimmediatelyacross.Thatoneleadstotheformal
diningroom.”

Petehadstudiedthemapaftertheirnap,butaswith

anything,seeingitvisuallyputitallinperspective.They
madetheirwayuptothebar,andassoonastheystepped
onthefirststairtread,theyspottedHarrysittingonthe
exactsamebarstoolhe’doccupiedyesterday,hiswifenext
tohim.

Whenhesawthem,hewavedandgaveabigwhoopof

laughter.“Theyreturntothesceneofthecrime!”he
bellowed.“Didyouguyshaveagooddaytodayenjoying
thesights?Thisplacewillwearyououtifyouletit.”Once
again,hewaswearingaskimpySpeedo,thisonered,and
hiswifewastopless.

“Wehadaveryniceday,thanksforasking,”Emma

answeredpolitely.“Theislandismajestic.”

“Well,pullupaseatandjoinus!Drinksonmeforthe

secondtime.”Hegrabbedthestoolnexttohimandslidit
forward.

“Thanksforyouroffer,”Petesaid,“butwe’reonour

waytoTheChalettowatchthesunsetandhavedinner.”

“Oh,theol’Chalet,huh?”Harrysaid.“That’stoofancy

schmancyforusfarmers.”Hesnorted.“Welikeitniceand
simple,butcomeonbyafter,andwecanhavealittleparty

ofourown.Getmydrift?”Hewinked.

Oh,Petegothisdriftallrightandthatwasn’t

happening.

“We’regoingtoseewherethenighttakesus,”Pete

repliednoncommittally,placinghishandonEmma’slower
backandguidingheraroundthebar.“Youguyshaveanice
night.”Hewavedastheywalkedpast.

Oncetheywereoutofearshot,Emmaleanedin.“I

thinkthat’swhyveryfewpeopleareatthebar.Those
peoplesuckthelifeoutoftheatmospherearoundthem.”

“Canyouimaginebeingintimatewiththem?”Pete

said.“HewouldbetalkingaboutGodknowswhatthe
entiretime.”

Theyloopedaroundthepool.Onecouplewasmaking

useofacabana,butotherthanthatthepoolwasquiet.

“Ithinkthisistherightpath.”Emmapointedtoabreak

inthebushes.

Oncetheygotcloser,theysawasmallsignthatread

TheChaletwithanarrow.Theytookthepath,andlikeall
theotherpathwaysthatwoundthroughtheresort,thisone
hadthickbushesandtreesoneitherside.Attimesitfelt
liketheywereinarainforest.Theresortdidn’tskimpon
thegreenery,thatwasforsure.

Thewalkwayledtoabeautifulwhitebuildingwithbig

doubleglassdoors.Tablesweresetnicelyinside,andthe
entirewallontheoceansidewasglass.Peteopenedone
ofthedoorsandusheredEmmainaheadofhim.Theplace
waselegant,withcirculartablesdressedtothenineswith

all-whitesettings,includingthetablecloth,napkins,and
dinnerplates.Thereweregenerouswinegobletsandtall,
skinnywaterglasses.

“Wow,”Emmasaid.“Verynice.”
“Yes,”Peteagreed.“Likeeverythingelsearound

here.”

Agreetermetthematthepodium.“Welcome.Twothis

evening?”sheasked.Shewasdressedinalongwhite
gown,herhairdoneupinacoif.

“We’reactuallymeetingpeoplehere.Theysaidthey’d

beoutonthepatio.”

“Ofcourse,rightthisway.”Sheledthemthroughthe

restaurantandslightlytothelefttoanothersetoflarge
glassdoors.

Theyfollowedheroutontothedeck,andthefirstthing

PetespottedwasAntonio,dressedallinwhite,holding
twoglassesofchampagne,oneofwhichheimmediately
heldouttoEmmaastheyarrived.

***

Thesunsetwasbeyondbreathtaking.Theentirepatio

ofTheChaletwasbuiltrightoverthewater,sonothing
impededtheviewasthesunhitthehorizon.Theseating
areaswerealldarkwickerwithwhitecushions,alit
hurricanecandleinthemiddleofeverytable.Manyofthe
tableshadastandingicebucketwithabottleof
champagne,justliketheirs.

Emmawasonhersecondglass.
Thefiveofthemsataroundthesmalltableasthesky

grewduskier,noneofthemwantingtoheadintoosoon.
Theweatherwasperfect,justwarmenough,butnot
sweltering.

“Ithinkweneedtofindasingleguyherewhocanjoin

thispartyoffive,”Mallorycomplained.“Ormaybea
singlegirl?Eitherway.Ican’tbetheonlysingleperson
whocomeshere.Right?Pleasetellmeit’snottrue.”

“Whatyouneedisasteadyboyfriend,”Antoniosaid.

“AndIhaveaplantosetyouupwithone.”

“Oh,really?”Malloryarchedaneyebrowathim.

“Howareyouplanningtodothat?Snapyourrocket-fueled
fingersandoneisgoingtoappearinfrontofme?Okay,
I’min.”Shegrabbedherchampagneglassfromthetable
andtookaswallow.Shewaswearingabeautifulwhite
silkhalterdress.Itlookedlikeitcostafortune.Nobra.
Theoutlinesofhernipplesshowedthrougheverytimeshe
moved.Herhairwassweptupinalooseknot,andher
longchandelierearringscaughtthecandlelightperfectly.
Honestly,thewomanwasridiculouslystunning.How
couldanyonelookatanything,oranyone,buther?“Doyou
knowhowlongI’vebeensearchingforMr.Right?SinceI
wasthirteenyearsoldandIbecamemymom’sbankroll,
that’showlong.IhavebigdreamsoffindingTheGuy,and
hewillgallantlysweepmeoffmyfeetandwhiskmeaway
fromallthebullshit.ButI’mquicklycomingtothe
conclusion,inmyadvancedage,thatallguysareatrocious

andonlyoutforthemselves.Atleastinmyworld,theyare.
I’mthinkingofgivingupthequestcompletelyandjust
movingherepermanently.Lifewouldbeabundantly
easier.”

Antoniochuckled.“I’mnotgoingtosnapmyfingers,

butI’mgoingtodoonebetter.I’msendingyouon
vacation.”

Mallorymadeaface.“I’monvacationrightnow.What

canbebetterthanthis?”Sheliftedherglasstowardthe
ocean.“It’sperfecthere.”

“HowaboutaprivateTahitianisland?Withoneof

thosesuitesoverthewater?”

“I’mlistening,”shesaid,settingdownherglass.
Theywerealllistening.
Antoniowastotallyrelaxed,restingbackinhischair,

oneankleproppedovertheoppositeknee.

Emmafeltguiltyeverytimeshelookedathim,butshe

couldn’tkeepfromdoingit.Sheadjustedthetopofher
dress,feelingalittleself-consciousthateveryonecould
seehernipples,butalittleturnedonaswell.

“Ijustinvestedinauniquebusinessventure,”hetold

thegroup.“Oneoftheoriginalbackersdroppedoutatthe
lastminute.It’sanout-of-the-boxexperience,butIthinkit
hashugepotentialwiththeyoung,rich,singlecrowd.The
resortwillbereadytotakeonclientsinlessthansix
weeks.We’rebookingthefirstweekasatest.Eachofthe
partnersisgiftingastaytosixluckyindividuals,three
womenandthreemen,andIwanttosendyou.”

“Whatkindofout-of-the-boxexperiencearewetalking

abouthere?”Malloryasked.“Ilovesex,butI’mnotinto
freaky.”

“ThinkTindermeetsTahiti,”Antonioansweredslyly.

Heuncrossedhislegsandleanedforward,hisface
animated.“Thesetupisabeautiful,privateisland,and
everyonethereisfuckableandsingle.Forty-fivemenand
forty-fivewomen.Youallgetyourownvillaandaprivate
phonewithourappdownloadedwhenyouarrive.It
mimicsTinderuptoapoint,butit’smuchsexier.Wehave
real-timevideoembeddedintheappforlivesexting.”

“Thatsounds…interesting,”Mallorysaid,nodding

once.“Iaccept.”

“Justlikethat?”Antoniolaughed,sittingbackinhis

chair.“Youdon’twantanymoreinfoorneedtocheck
dates?”

“Nope,surpriseme.IfIhavesomethingbookedthat

week,I’llreschedule.”Shecrossedherlegsdemurely,
flatteningoutthefoldsofherdress.“Itsoundstoogoodto
betrue,andwithyouasmyfairygodfather,Ican’tlose.”

Emmawasintrigued.“Thatsoundslikeareally

interestingconcept,”shesaid.“Howmuchdoesastayon
theislandcost?”

“Fiftythousandaweek,”Antonioanswered.“Butit’s

insanelyupscale.Therearespas,multiplepoolsandhot
tubs,anightclub,sevenbars,threerestaurants,it’sloaded.
Andthesettingisbeyondbeautiful.Theyflewmeoutlast
month,andIsignedontobeapartnerthefirstday.Itblew

meaway.”

Emmawhistled.“That’ssomeseriouscash.Youronly

clientswillbethewealthiestonepercent.”

“That’stheidea,”Antoniosaid.“Bringingtogether

wealthyhipstersiswhatit’sallabout.Therearealotof
under-thirtymillionairesthesedays.”

“What’stheislandcalled?”Peteasked.
“We’restilltryingtocomeupwithakillerslogan,but

rightnowwe’rereferringtoitasHookupIsland.”

“WhynotjustcallitFuckMeIsland?”Mallorysaid.

“That’swhat’sgoingtobehappeningthere,andit’sthe
onlypossiblereasonanyonewouldpaythatmuch.Tofuck,
andfuckalot.”

“WhynotMarryMeIsland?”Emmasaid.“That’swhat

alltheattendeesarehopingtofind—love.”

“Youhavesuchasweetheart,Emma,”Charlottesaid.

“It’slikeyou’reaDisneyprincesswithreallynicetits,
firmabs,andakillerass.It’slikeifArielbecamehuman
andwegottoseeherwalkaroundnaked.”

“Comeon,Ican’tbethatfaroff!IfIspentthatkindof

moneytogotoanislandlikethat,”Emmasputtered,“it
wouldbetofindmyperfectmatch!”

“Yeah,right,”Mallorysnorted.“Thechancesofme

findingMr.RightonthatTahitianislandarethesameasthe
bachelorettefindinganactual,non-assholehusbandon
networktelevision.IfIwereinchargeofthoseroses,I’d
tossthemonthegroundandcrushthembeneaththeheelof
myJimmyChoo,thenI’dinvitealltheguystodomeat

once,nostringsattached.Alltheguystherejustwantto
fuckandbeonTV.”

“Icantotallyenvisionthat.”Charlottegiggled.“It

wouldmakeforhellagoodTV.But,hey,ithappenedtoone
ofthebachelorettes,soitcanhappenforyou,too,right?”
CharlotteturnedtoAntonio.“Icalldibsonthenexttest
crowd,Tonio.Afteryoudumpme,it’stheleastyoucando
tomendmybrokenheart.”Shesmiledsweetlyandheldup
herdrink.“Cheerstoamicablebreakupsandhotisland
hookups,nowfillmeup.”

Antoniopickedupthechampagneandrefilledher

glass.“Nooneisbreakingupwithanyonetonight.Soon
thatnote,let’sheadinandeat.Whatdoyouguyssay?”He
stood.“Theyhaveatablewaitingforus.”

Theyfollowedhimin.
EmmawasdirectlybehindAntonio.Atthetablehe

turned,smiledather,andpulledoutthechairnexttohim.
“Won’tyouhaveaseat?”

Shesat.

__________________________

____________

etewasseatedacrossthetablefromEmma.He

watchedherlaughandhaveagoodtimenexttoAntonio
theentiremeal.Ifithadn’tbeenforMallorydistracting
him,hewould’veoverturnedthetableandhauledherout
ofthereafterthefirstfiveminutes.

Malloryleanedin,whispering,“Yourfrownyfaceis

scaringthestaff.Snapoutofit.We’realmostdone.Then
it’stimefortherealfuntobegin.”

“TheonlyfunEmmaandIarehavingisbackinour

room,”Petecommented.“I’mtakingherhomerightafter
dinner.”

Mallorylaughed.“Yeah,right.IfAntoniohasanything

tosayaboutit,we’llallbefuckingonhisvilladeckbefore
thenightisover,hiscockfirmlyembeddedinyourwife.”

“Overmydeadbody,”Peterepliedgruffly.
“Thisisallcomingalongsonicely,”Mallorysaid.

“Youaredefinitelyapredictableman.”Shesetherhandon
hischestanddrewanaildownward.“It’stoobadyou’re
taken,becausewecould’vetotallyhadsomefun.You’rea
guy’sguy,andIlikethat.Thecavemantype.Buttotally
loyal.Ineedtocloneyou.”Acurtainofhairfelloverone

eyeassheleanedforward,blockingPete’sviewofthe
othersideofthetable.Then,unexpectedly,shenibbledhis
earlobe.Whenhejerkedback,sheheldhimsteadybythe
shoulders,saying,“Holdtight,cowboy.Thisisallpartof
theplan.”

“Whatfuckingplan?”Petehissed.Hewashaving

troublekeepinghisvoicebelowayell.

Hewassickofitall.
“TomakeEmmajealous,ofcourse,”Malloryreplied

sweetly.Shepattedhischest.“Dude,youneedtowakeup
andsmelltheCuban.You’regoingtoneedtomakeyour
wifewantyoumorethanshewantstheshinynewtreat
who’sshoweringherwithattentionandaffectionand
expensive-as-hellchampagne.Andshe’sgoingtowantyou
allthemorewhenshethinksIwantyou.Capisce?”

“No,it’snotcapisceatall—”
“Areyoutwoallright?”Emmaaskedfromtheother

sideofthetable.

Pete’sheadsnappedup.
Hehadn’trealizedthathe’dbasicallybeeninahuddle

withMallory.“We’refine—I’mfine.Justreadytohead
out.”

“Oh,whereareyoutwogoing?”Emma’sfacewas

inscrutable.

“No,we’regoing.”Hegesturedbetweenthetwoof

them,tryingnottosoundtoofrustrated.“YouandI.Backto
thevilla.”

Emma’seyebrowsroseassheglancedbetweenhim

andMallory.“AntonioandCharlottearehavingabonfire
infrontoftheirvilla.They’veinvitedsomeothercouples
tojointhem.It’sgoingtobefun,andI’dliketogo.”

Petewasabouttosaytherewasnowayinhellthat

washappening,butMalloryreachedunderthetableand
pinchedhisleg.“Fine,”hegroundout.“Wecandoitifyou
want.”

Antonioheardeverywordandgrinnedeartoearlike

he’djustwonacontest.Petewantedtopunchthesmileoff
hisface.Hisfistscurledinhislap.

“Ithinkeveryoneisfinished.”Antoniosethisnapkin

onthetable.“Shallwego?”

Onceagain,theyallstoodandfollowedhimout.He

waslikethePiedPiperofParadise.Petecouldseeno
otherchoicebuttofollow.Butitmadehimsicktobeone
ofthisguy’sducklings.

Howhadthishappenedsofast?They’donlybeenthere

aday.

Onceoutsidetheytookthewoodpath.Afterafew

hundredfeet,Petecouldn’ttakeitanymore.Hehadtoget
awayforafewminutes,orhewasgoingtogobonkers.He
decidedtotakethebeachtherestofthewaybacktoclear
hishead.“Doesanyoneknowifthispathistheonethat
headstothebeach?”hecalled,stoppingatanintersection
everyoneelsehadalreadypassed.

Charlotteturned.“Yep,thatonegoesouttothebeachin

frontofareaB.”

“Great,”Petesaid.“I’mgoingtogothisway.I’llmeet

youguysbackatthevilla.”

Emmaturned.Shewasinfront,walkingwithAntonio.

“Okay,”shesaid,herfacehardtoreadinthedarkness.
“We’llseeyoubackatthevillas.”

Villas?Plural.
Mallorymadeamovetogowithhim,butheshookhis

head,tampingdownthesnarlthatwasrisinginhisthroat.
Shetookhismeaning,ormaybehisface,toheartandkept
walkingwiththeothers.

“We’llseeyoulater,surferdude,”shecalledoverher

shoulder.“AndI,forone,can’twait.”Thensheblewhima
loud,smackingkiss.

Peteturned,angryathowthisnighthadturnedout.He

fistedhishandsashewalked.Hismuscleswerebeginning
toachebecauseofalltheclenchingandunclenching.His
brainwasmovingineightydifferentdirections.Thiswas
brandnewterritoryforhim.Emmahadalwaysbeendoting
—firstasadotinggirlfriend,andthenasadotingwife.
She’dnevergivenhimanyreasontodoubtherlovefor
him.Now?Hehadnoideawhatwasgoingon.Itwas
makinghischestacheallthedamntime,adullthudding
poundingcontinuouslyagainsthisribs.

Thetroublewas,hehadnoideawhatitmeant.
He’dneverexperiencedanysortofemotionlikethis

before.Itsoundedlame,buthe’dneverlovedanyonelike
Emma.Andshe’dnevergivenhimanyreasontofeellike
this.

Afterafewtwistsandturns,Petemadeitouttothe

beach.He’dexitedontothesandattheveryfarendofthe
resort.Itwasdark,butthemoonwasout.Hewaswearing
lightlinenpantsthatEmmahadboughthimespeciallyfor
thetrip.Hestoppedtorolluphispantlegsbeforehehit
thewater.Foramoment,hewishedlikehellthisisland
hadagoodwavebreak.Surfinghadbeenhislifegrowing
upinCalifornia.He’dattendedUSC,andwhenhehadn’t
beenplayingbaseball,he’dspentmostofhistimeinthe
water.Malloryhadn’tbeenfarfromthetruthwhenshe
calledhimasurfer.Helookedlikeasurfer,andhe
certainlyidentifiedwiththelifestyle.Choosingtomoveto
Chicago,andthentoMadison,hadtakenhimfarfromwhat
helovedtodo,butbeingwithEmmamadehimhappier.

Ashewalkedupthebeachtowardtheirvilla,he

thoughtabouthislifewithEmma.She’dbeenhappywith
himalltheseyears,hadn’tshe?They’dgottenmarried
fairlyyoung,butlotsofpeopledid.Originally,shehadn’t
wantedtomovetothesuburbs,butoncethey’dfoundtheir
neighborhood,she’dseemedcontent.Theirhousewas
somethingtheywerebothproudof.They’deachputtheir
blood,sweat,andtearsintoit.Theirneighborswerea
littleeye-roll-inducing,butwhoseweren’t?

Heranahandthroughhishair.
Howhadthingsgottentothispoint?
Thatwasthequestionhekeptgoingbackto.Heand

Emmahadbeenhappy.They’dbeenlivingtheperfectlife.
Nowallofasuddenshewasunhappy,andhewas
miserable.Theproblemwas,herunhappinesscoulddrive

herintothearmsofanotherman—amanwithmillionsof
dollarsandatantalizinglifestylePetecouldn’tcompete
with.Emmacouldleavehimandthesuburbsbehind
foreverwithasnapofherfingers.

“Damn,”hemuttered.“Howdidthingsgetsojackedso

fast?Iamsofucked.”

***

Emmaabsentmindedlystrokedthestemofherwine

glass.Petehadn’tarrivedyet,andneitherhadMallory.She
hadnoideawhatwasgoingon,butshewasheartsick.At
thatverymoment,shewastryingtoscrubvisionsofthem
togetheroutofhermind.Shewantedtoenjoythenight,but
shecouldn’t.

“Whysuchthelongface?”Charlotteaskedasshesat

downbesideheronthedeck.

Antoniowasdownonthebeach,gettingthebonfire

started.

“Oh,justthinkingaboutstuff,”Emmamumbled.

“Nothingtooexciting.It’ssobeautifulhere,it’sawonder
thatdoesn’tcureallills.”

“Whatstuffareyouthinkingabout?Thefactyourhunk

ofahusbandhasn’tshownup?”

EmmadartedaglanceatCharlotte.“Why,doyouknow

whereheis?”

“No,butIcanpromiseyouhe’snotwithMallory.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”Emmaquestioned.“He

couldbe.Theywereallovereachotheratdinner.”

“IknowbecauseMallorywenttohervillaalone.I

escortedhertheremyself.Yourhubbyjustneededtoget
somefreshair,andIdon’treallyblamehim.He’s
competingwithalotrightnow.Alessermanwould’ve
packedupandgonehomealready.”

“Competing?Howdoyoumean?”Emmaasked.
“Comeon,youseriouslydon’tknow?”Charlotte

raisedhereyebrows.“Ifindthathardtobelieve.”

Emmablushed.“No,Idon’tknow.He’smyhusband.

Hedoesn’thavetocompetewithanyone.”

“Really?Isthatwhyyouwereeye-fuckingAntonioon

thebeachtoday?Youtotallygotoffonhimwatchingyou,
anditwasn’ttoobadforhimeither.Iwasarecipientof
thatintensity,anditwasterrific.”

“Yousawthat?”Emmafeltterrible.Shebowedher

head.“I’msosorry.Ihonestlydon’tknowwhat’sgotten
intome.Thisisnotmynormalbehavior,Icanpromiseyou
that.”

“Iknowwhat’sgottenintoyou,andhe’satall,Cuban

drinkofwater.Thatmanischarismapersonified.He
drawsyouintohiswebveryeasily,likegivingachilda
lollipop.Thenyouaddintheridiculousamountofmoney,
alltheflashythingslikeyachtsandexpensivechampagne,
andmostwomendon’tstandachance.”

Emmapolitelysnorted.“I’dliketothinkI’mnotmost

women.Totellyouthetruth”—sheturnedtoward
Charlotte,crossingherlegs—“I’vealwaysbeenheadover

heelsinlovewithmyhusband,sincethefirsttimeIever
laideyesonhim.Done,finished,metmysoulmate,in
love.Butveryrecentlythingshavechanged.I’mtiredof
doingthesamethingsoverandoveragain.Forsuchalong
time,ourrelationshiphasbeenaboutpleasingothers…I
don’tknow,”shesaidmiserably.“I’mjustcraving
attention,Ithink.Ineedtofeelnoticed.IguessAntoniois
fillingthatneedformerightnow,butIcanassureyouI
don’twanthim.IwantPete.ButI’msosorryforearlier
thisafternoon.Ireallyam.Iwasincrediblyturnedon,and
Antonioisyourboyfriend.Icrossedaline.Pleaseforgive
me.”

“Areyoukidding?”Charlottehooted,tippingherhead

back.“Antonioisfarfrommine.AndthankgoodnessI
knowthat,orI’dbeoneheartbrokenwoman.WhatItold
youguystodaywasthetruth.I’mhisgirlfrienduntilhe
decidesotherwise.Ihaven’tletmyselffalltoodeeplyin
lovewithhimforthatveryreason,andbydoingso,I’ve
managedtoprotectmyheartaswellasIcan.I’malways
truthfulwithmyself.Ifitwasn’tyouonthebeach,it
would’vebeensomeoneelse.Igetthat.He’sthekindof
guywhoisalwayssearchingforthatnextthingtoexcite
him.Iguessthat’swhatmakeshimsuchasuccessful
businessman.Whoknows?”Charlotteshrugged.“Butyour
husbandissupergorgeousandclearlyverymuchinlove
withyou.He’smiserablewitnessingAntonioshowering
youwithsomuchattention,knowingthatifyouwantedto
becomethenewgirlfriendofthefilthy-richbachelor,you

could.Youguyshavegottenofftrackabit,butIbelieve
it’sfixable.”

“It’snotfixableifhechoosestobewithMallory,”

Emmasaid.“I’veseenthemwiththeirheadstogether,and
they’dactuallymakeabeautifulcouple.It’sthesameway
PetefeelsaboutAntonio.Ican’tcompetewitharich
supermodel.”

“Nowyou’retalkingcrazy!Youaretotallygorgeous,

andbesidesthat,Mallorydoesn’twantPete.She’sonly
tryingtohelphim.”

“Helphim?”Emmasaid,hermouthgapingopen.

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Yes,helphim.YouthinkingMalloryisinterestedin

himmakeshimalittlemoredesirableandyoualittle
jealous,yes?”

“Iguess,”Emmaadmitted.“ButIhategameslikethat.”
Charlotteshookherhead,cluckinghertongue.“Tellme

ifI’mright.WhenyoufirstmetPete,hewastheguyata
barwhogotalltheattention.Beautifulgirlsdraped
themselvesalloverhim.Heneverhadtowantforany
attentionhisentirelife,becauseitalwayscamelookingfor
him.Doesthatsoundlikeyourhusband?”

“Yes…prettymuch,”Emmasaid.“Buthe’snotoneof

thoseassholeguyswithanattitudeaboutit.”

“Ididn’tthinkhewas,”Charlotteassuredher.“But

sometimestheguyswhohavetoworktheleastarethe
mostcluelesswhenitcomestothisstuff.Pete’slikely
neverhadhisheartbroken,orfeltthekindofjealousrage

thatgrabsholdofyouandwon’tletgo.He’sprobably
processingatonofemotionsrightnowanddoesn’teven
knowwhattheyare.Theachehastobetotallyforeignto
him.Hehasnoideawhattodo.Nottomention,he’sbeen
forcedintothisgamebecauseyoustartedplayingitfirst,”
shepointedout.“Youwerecravingthiskindofattention,
andyouweren’tgettingitfromhim,soyousearcheditout
fromsomeoneelse.”

Emmanodded.“Youcouldberight,anditmakesme

ashamed.Butthatdoesn’tstopmefromwantingPeteto
knowwhattodo.I’mtiredofhimnotgettingit.Ifeel
exhausted.”

“Ah,theever-presentbattlebetweenthegirlbrainand

theguybrain.Unfortunatelyforus,mostguysdon’thave
thefacultiestofigureitoutunlessweleadthembythe
nosetowhatwewant.We’relikealienstothem.But,for
whatit’sworth,Idon’tblameyou.Allmymarriedfriends
havegonethroughthatitchyphase,andeachtimethey
cometome—theirtokensinglefriend—andspoutthesame
things.Theyjustwanttheirhusbandstounderstandthem.
Notallofthemmakeit,butI’mcertainyouandPetewill.
You’rebothsuperhotforeachother.”ShepattedEmma’s
leg.“NowI’mgoingtogohelpmyas-of-right-now
boyfriendwiththefire.Apparently,theGavinsarecoming
tonight,soitshouldgetmightyentertainingaroundhere
prettyquick.Thatcoupledoesitallanddoesn’tcare
who’swatching.Thepopecouldbeinattendance,and
they’dstillgetdownanddirty.”

CharlotteleftEmmatoherthoughts.
Emmawantedtobelievethattherewasnothinggoing

onbetweenPeteandMallory,butshewashavingahard
timedigestingalltheemotions.IfPetewasjealousofher
interactionswithAntonio,whywasn’thedoingsomething
aboutit?Onthebeachtoday,he’dbeenalittlepossessive,
butthenhe’dgonerightbacktoflirtingwithMallory.

Emmafelttorn.Shewantedmore.Shecravedmore.

Shedidn’treallywantAntonio,butshelovedfeeling
appreciatedandadmired.Thatattentionwaslikeadrug.
It’dbeentoolongsinceshe’dfeltlikethat.Piperhadbeen
right.Herself-worthhadbeengonefortoolong,andnow
thatitwasback,shefeltempowered.Nowaywasshe
goingtolosethat.

Emmaheardvoicesdownonthebeach.Shestood.It

wastimeforhertogoseewhatthenighthadinstorefor
her.Nomorewallowing.

Shewouldseeforherselfwhoherhusbandwanted.

__________________________

____________

etewatchedhiswifewalkoutontothebeach.Her

dressflowedaroundher,herhairswayedinthebreeze.
Shewasincrediblybeautiful,andhischestseized.

Herubbedatitabsentlyassheheadedinthedirection

ofthebonfire.

He’djustcomeuptothevillafromhiswalk.He’d

endedupsittinginthesandandcontemplatingtheir
situationforalongtime.Whathe’dcomeupwithwas
therewasnowayinhellAntoniowasgoingtostealhis
wife.Hedidn’tunderstandeverythingthatwasgoingon
withEmma,butmaybehedidn’thaveto.Maybehejust
hadtomakeherseethathewastheonlyoneforher.No
moregames,nomoreMallorytryingtomakeherjealous.It
wasgoingtobehimwinninghiswife.

Petewalkedpurposefullytowardherwhensomeone

grabbedholdofhishand.

Anunfamiliarfemalevoicesoundedinhisear.“Where

yougoinginsuchahurry,bigfella?”

Hewhirledaroundtoseeablondebombshellstanding

nexttohim.Shehadthebiggestbreastshe’deverseen,and
he’dwitnessedmany.Sheworeabarelytherebikiniontop

thathadnomorethanasquareofmaterialcoveringher
nipples.

Whybother?
“Um,tofindmywife,”hesaid,pullinghishandback.
“I’mCheriGavin,andmyhusband,Frankie,isaround

heresomeplace.Butthatnevermattershere,doesit?”She
placedthetipofherindexfingerinhermouthandsucked.

Beforehecouldsaywhatwasonhismind,likegetthe

fuckawayfromme,Mallorycameboundingup.“Ah,soI
seeyou’vemettheillustriousCheri.Down,girl,”she
scoldedthebuxomblonde.“Thisone’staken,andhe
doesn’tdothreeofakind.”

PetequirkedhiseyesatMallory.They’dhada

threesomeyesterday.

“Damn,Mallory,youalwaysgettothegoodones

first,”Cheriwhined.“Butafterheseesmedeep-throat
Frankie,I’mcertainhe’llcomelookingforalittle
adventure.Won’tyou,bigfella?”Shebroughtherpalmup
tohispec,anditwasallhecoulddotonotswatitaway
likeaflybuzzingtooclose.

“I’mstandingrighthere,ladies,”heinterjected.“Ican

speakformyself.Cheri,Iwon’tbecomingtofind—”

Anotherwomanwalkedup,joiningthegroup,her

sundresscutdeeplydownthefront.“Who’sthistallglass
ofhunkywater?”thebrunettewithabobasked.

“ThisisPeteSlater,”Mallorysaid.“You’regoingto

havetowaitinline,Becky.He’staken.”

“Byyou?”thewomansaidinahaughtytone.“Inallthe

timeI’veknownyou,Mallory,youhaven’tstuckaround
longerthanfourminutesafterthebigO.You’regone
beforeyourpartnercanevencatchtheirbreath.Helooks
tomelikehe’sgotenoughstaminaformorethanoneround
anyway.”

Thiswasgettingridiculous.
“Sorrytodisappointyou,ladies,”Petesaid,“butI’m

notwith—”

Malloryclampedontohisarmandbegantodraghim

away.“Timetogo!”sheannounced,turningtotheladies
behindherasshecontinuedtopullhimalong.“Seeyou
galslater.”

“Whereareyoutakingme?”Peteasked,hisjawtight.

“I’mnotamused,Mallory.I’mnotplayinganymoregames.
IwanttofindEmmaandfigurethisoutwithheronceand
forall.”

“No,youdon’t.”
“Whatdoyoumean‘no,Idon’t’?Ido.Like,right

fuckingnow.”

Malloryhadmanagedtohalf-pull,half-draghimdown

thebeach,stoppingbehindapalmtree.

“I’mdonewiththis,”hetoldher.“I’mnotplayingthese

gamesanymore.I’vethoughtaboutit,andIjusthavetolet
EmmaknowhowIfeel.”

“Youcan’trightnow.”
“WhatdoyoumeanIcan’trightnow?”Hetriedtolook

aroundthetree,butMalloryplacedahandoneithersideof
hisfacetostophim.

“Iwouldn’tlookifIwereyou.”
Herippedoutofhergraspandstompedaroundthe

trunk.JustintimetoseeAntoniopullbackfromkissing
someone.Pete’sheartspedup.Hecouldn’tseewhowas
standinginfrontofhim.

ThenAntoniosteppedtotheside.
Abeatlater,Emma’sredhaircameintoview.Shewas

laughingassheplacedahandonAntonio’schest.

Petefeltlikehe’dbeenpunchedinthegut.
Thepainwasphysical.
Healmostdoubledoverfromtheintensity.This

couldn’tbehappening.Ragecascadedoverhiseyes,and
beforeheknewwhathewasdoing,hewasheadedintheir
direction,Malloryholdingontohisarm,tryingtokeephim
back.

Thatwasn’tgoingtohappen.
Emmawashis.
Fuckeveryoneelse.

***

“Thatwasthelamesttruthordareanyone’severcome

upwith.”EmmabattedAntonioaway,smackinghiminthe
chest.Sheknewhewasmakingupgamesasaploytotryto
kissher.Shehadtoadmitshewasflatteredthathewas
tryingsohard,butshewasn’tfallingforit.

AfterseeingPetesurroundedbyagroupofwomen,not

evenglancingherway,andthenrunningoffwithMallory,

itwasallshecoulddotokeepittogether.

Ifithadn’tbeenforAntoniokeepingherattention,she

would’vebeencrying.

Therewasaloudnoise,andthenMalloryyelled,

“No!”

Emmacouldn’tseearoundAntonio,butsomethingwas

goingon.

Allofasudden,Antoniowasbeingyankedbackward.

Emmawassurprisedtoseeherhusband,angrierthanshe’d
everseenhim,grippingAntoniobytheshirt,yelling,
“Whatthefuckisgoingon?That’smywife!”

Petewasfurious.
Emmawasfloored.
Antoniomockedputtinghishandsupinsurrender.

“Hey,man,noworries.Wewerejusthavingalittlefun
whileyouwere—”

PetedraggedAntoniocloser,almostyankinghimoff

hisfeet.Petewastallerbyagoodfiveorsixinches,but
Antoniowasstocky.“Isaid,‘That’smywife,’”Petesaid
rightintohisface.“Doyouunderstand?She’smine.Ifyou
don’tkeepyourhandstoyourself,I’mgoingtobreak
them.”

Emmasteppedbetweenthem,puttingherhandon

Pete’sarm,pleading,“Pete,it’sfine.Therewasnothing
goingon!Wewerejustplayingadumbgameoftruthor
dare,andAntoniodaredmetorubnoseswithhim.Please
don’tmakeascene.”

“Rubnoseswithyou?”Herhusbandlookedlikehe’d

bittenintoalemon.Hisheadsnappedtoher.“Whatthe
hellareyoutalkingabout?”

“Yes,Iwastouchinghernose,”Antonioreplied.“So

youcanletgonow.Noharm,nofoul.”

Peteletgo,flinginghimback.
Antoniostumbledbackafewsteps,butregainedhis

footingeasily.“Yourwifewasplayingalongwithmy
banterverynicely,butshewouldonlyagreetogivemean
Eskimokiss,whenwhatIreallywantedtodowastakeher
insideandfuckher.”

Emma’smouthfellopen.Shecouldn’tbelieveAntonio

hadjustadmittedthatoutloud.

Peteseemedunfazedbythenews,whichalsosurprised

Emma.“Well,atleastyouhavetheballstoadmityou’re
tryingtoseducemywife.”

AbuxomblondeEmmahadn’tbeenintroducedtoyet

startedclapping.“Thatwasincredible!”shesaid.“Itwas
rightoutofamoviewheretwohotguysgetintoafight
overawoman!I’msoturnedonrightnow.Frankie,come
hererightthisminute!Ineedabigcockinmymouth!”

Emmamadeaface.Thewomanwasoverthetopinthe

worstway.WhywouldAntonioeverinviteher?Frankie
dutifullywalkedovertohiswife,hisdickout,andshe
tooktheentirethingintohermouthinonepull.

Thatwaswhy.
BeforeEmmacouldfigureoutwhattodo,Petewas

draggingherawayfromthegroup,hisarmgrippedtightly
aroundherwaist.Hedidn’tstopuntiltheywereinfrontof

theirownvillanextdoor.Hesatonthedoublelounger,
pullingherdownontohislap,hismouthcoveringhers,his
tongueenteringhermouthswiftlyandfuriously.

Sheplowedherhandsthroughhishairandfellintothe

kiss.

Hegrowledintohermouth,needyandhot,“You’re

mine.”

“Yes,”shebreathed.
Helaidheronherback,hismouthstillsealedover

hers,hislipssearching,histongueplunginginoverand
overagain.

Emmawasalreadywetwithneed.
Herhusbandwantedhermorethananythingoranyone

elseintheworld.Hewashungryforherandcouldn’tget
enough.

Petepulledhersheerdressoverherhead.“I’vebeen

wantingtosuckthosenipplesallnight,”hesaid,hisvoice
husky.“Ican’tgetmypantsofffastenough.”Hekneltover
her,yankingthemoff.Abuttonpoppedandrolledoffthe
bed.Hewasoutoftheminthenextinstant.

Oncetheywerebothnaked,hedidn’thesitate.He

enteredherfastanddeep,bendingforwardsohecould
captureherhardpeakinhismouthwhilehethrustintoher.

Herhipsarchedup,herheadtiltinguptothestars,her

fingernailsrakinghisback.“Yes!”shecalled.

Hekissedhiswayuptoherneck,hislipsopen,his

tonguestrokingherpulsepoint.“Antoniodoesn’tgetto
fuckyou,”hegrated,movinghislipstoherearashiscock

poundedinandoutofher.“Theonlyonewhogetsthisis
me.”Hesankhimselftothehilt,rockingagainstherto
punctuatehispoint,makingthembothmoan.

Shiversracedthroughher.
Hisintensitywasboiledover.Hisneedelectrifiedher.
“Yes,onlyyou,”shemurmuredinhisear,onehand

strokingthebackofhishead.“It’salwaysbeenyou.”

Peteroseuponhisarms,hishipspumpingagainsther,

possessionwrittenalloverhisface.Shelovedthatlook
andhadn’tseenitintoolong.Emmadidn’tcareifanyone
waswatching.Shewaswithherhusbandanditwas
divine.

Petepulledout,hisbreathingheavy.“Ineedmore,

Emma.Ican’t…controlit.Turnoverandgetonyour
knees.”

Shescrambledup,wantingthisasmuchashedid.She

bracedherselfwithonehandonthewoodenpostasher
husbandgrabbedontoherhipsandplungedhimselfinside.
Hewasbig,andatthisangle,hehithersweetspot
perfectly.Shecalledout,“God,Pete!Yes.”

Hejerkedherhipsbackwithhishandsasheplowed

forward.Hewasonfire,andEmmawasgoingtocome
hard.Peteranhishandsalloverherass,touchingand
kneading.“Thishasalwaysbeenmine,sincethefirsttimeI
everlaideyesonyou.Youhavetheperfectass,anddon’t
thinkforamomentI’mnotgoingtofuckit.Justnotright
now.Thisfeelstoogoodtostop.”

“Idon’twantyoutostop,”Emmapanted.“I’mclose.

It’sgoingtobeabigone.”

“Iwantyoutocomefirst,”Petesaid.“Iwanttofeel

youcomeallovermycock.”

Emmadrewinquickbreaths.
Petesetarelentlesspace.Shebowedherhead,each

thrustbringingherclosertoherpinnacle.Hegraspedher
ankles,drivingintoher,andsheyelled,pinningherassto
him,exploding.

Asshecame,herfingersscrabbledattheedgeofthe

cushion,tryingtofindsomethingtoholdontoassensations
floodedthroughher,startingfromhertoesandsweeping
quicklythroughherbody.Herthighsclenchedasecond
beforeherinsidesbegintopulse.

“That’sit!”Petecalled,buckingintoher.“Comehard

allovermycock!”Heheldontoherhips,lockingher
againsthimashegroundhimselfagainstherclit.

Peteknewhowtodraweverylastdropoutofher.
Asherubbedagainsther,shecameagain,herbody

quiveringasitspasmed.Sheshookherhead,whichwas
stillbowed.“Damn,youdothatsowell,”shemurmured.
“Youhititeverytime.”

“We’renotfinishedeither.Ihaven’tcomeyet,”hetold

her.“We’regoingtowaitafewminutes,whileIcalm
down,andthenwe’regoingtodothisalloveragain.This
time,Iwantyouontop.Iknowyoucancomeagainand
again,Emma.”

Hisvoicewascommanding,andEmma’stoescurled.
Petepulledoutofherslowly,andsheshuddered.He

laybackonthebed.“Cometome.”Hishandsguidedher
down,andshestraddledhiships.Herclitwasstill
swollenandthrobbing.

Shegrabbedholdofhiscock,anglinghimup,stroking

itlightly.“You’resohard,”shemused.“Ibetthisiskilling
youtowait.WhatifIteaseyoujustalittle—”

Petethrustupthroughherhand,divingintoher

wetness.Asheentered,herubbedperfectlyalongherG-
spot,andshecameapartagain.Shegrabbedontohis
chest,buckingasshetippedherheadbackandshoutedout
herhappiness.

__________________________

____________

fterEmmacameforthethirdtime,Petewasready

forhisrelease.HishandsfirmlygrippedEmma’shipsas
sheundulatedonhiscock.He’dfeltallhercontractions
andhadwatchedwithaheatedgazeasherabsclenched
andunclenched.Whenshe’dsettleddownenough,he
raisedherupoffofhim.Shewentwillingly,nodding.

Sheknewwhathewanted.
Hepositionedhistipattheentranceofhertightass.
“Yes,Pete,”shemoaned.“Thisisgoingtomakeme

comeagain.”

Emmausuallyhadthebiggestorgasmwhenhetookher

thisway.

“Iknow,babe,”hesaid.“That’swhatI’maimingfor.”

Hegrittedhisteethashebrokeherseal.Hiscockwas
alreadydrenchedfrombeinginsideher,anditwentin
smoothly.Hesavoredeverysinglemoment,thebeginning
wasthebestpart.Emmabegantomoveherhipsinaslow
circle,takingallthesensationsandmakingthemextreme.
“Stopmoving,”hegroaned.“Iwanttobeinthereformore
thanfivesecondsbeforeIcome.Youfeelwaytoogood.”

“I’mtryingtocontrolmyself,”shepanted.“ButIcan’t

helpit.Thisissoelectric.”

Hishandssliduptocupherbreasts,histhumbs

brushingthetips.Shetossedherheadback,hermaneof
hairflowingdownherback.Hewasabreastman.He
wishedhecouldsuckthemrightnow,buttheanglewasn’t
rightandbeinginsidehertightnessfelttoogood.

Shebegantomoveontopofhimslowly,slidingupand

downonhisshaft.Hisjawwassetashemanaged,“We’re
goingtocometogether.”Hemovedhisindexfingertoher
core.“I’msoclose,I’mbarelyholdingon.”

“Yes,together,”sheagreed.“Touchme.”
Hisfingerfoundherenflamedbud.Hecircleditthree

timesbeforesheletoutalonggaspandherhipsstartedto
buck.

Thetightnessaroundhiscockwasincredible.
Hecameinstantly,hisbodyexplodingashearchedup

atthewaist,hishandsgraspingEmma,lockingheronhis
cock.Heyelled,notcaringwhothefuckheard.

Thiswaswhatheavenfeltlike.
“Goddamn,”hegroanedashepouredeverylastdrop

intoher.BeforeEmmacouldmove,hewoundhishand
aroundherneck,leaningintokissher,longandhard.

Whenhebroketheembrace,theywerebothgasping.
Itwasdark,butthemoonwasfull.Forthefirsttime,

Petenoticedthattheresorthadlittikitorchesonthebeach.
Petebracedhiswifearoundthewaistwithbotharmsand
satup.Heliftedheroffthebedandeasedoutofher,
carryingherdirectlydowntotheocean.Thewaterwould

feelwonderful.

“Wherearewegoing?”Emmaentwinedherarms

aroundhisneck.

“Foraswim.It’sabeautifulnight.”Hemadeittothe

edgeandwadedin.“Ah,it’stheperfecttemperature,and
it’ssocalm.”

“Thisisnice,”Emmasaid,ashewalkedoutuntilthe

waterwaswaist-deeptheneasedthembothin.

Theywerehotandsweatyaftertheirinterlude,soit

feltextragood.

Oncethewaterwaschest-high,hechangedEmma’s

positioninhisarmssoshecouldwrapherlegsaroundhis
waist,whichshedidhappily.Sheimmediatelylaybackin
thewater,herhairfanning.Shelookedlikeamermaidin
themoonlight.“Thesaltissobuoyant.Idon’tevenhaveto
doanythingbutliehere.”Shemovedherarmslazilyina
circle.“Amazing.”

“What’samazingisyou.Icouldwatchyouallnight

long.Yourbreastsareliketwoperfectglobes,”hesaid.
“Theviewhasneverbeenbetter.”

Emmacameupoutofthewaterandhuggedhim,

whisperinginhisear,“Weneededthat.I’msohappy.”

“Yes,wedid,”hesaid,holdinghertight.“Ihadnoidea

weweremissingthat.WhenIsawyouwithAntonio,
somethinginsidemebroke.I’vebeenstrugglingwiththese
feelingsallday,notknowingwhattodo.Thegirlswere
givingmeallthisadvice,butnothingfeltright.Thenwhen
Ithoughthewaskissingyou,itwasthelaststrawforme.”

“It’sgoingtotakemorethanthistogetusbackon

track,butIknowthisiswhereweneedtobe,”shesaid.“I
justwanttomeanmoretoyouthananyoneelseintheentire
world.It’snotsomethingIcould’veorderedyoutodo.
Youhadtoseeit—andwantit—foryourself.ButI’mglad
youdid.You’reallIwant.”

Hebobbeddowninthewater,stillholdingontoher.

“You’reallIwant,too.Inevermeanttobepigheaded
aboutthis,butIdidn’tgetit.LikeIsaid,thesefeelingsare
newtome.Ididalotofthinkingonthewaybackfrom
dinner.That’swhyIwaslate.Intheend,losingyouisnot
anoption.Iwillkeepfightingforyou,whateverittakes.”

“Youwerenevergoingtoloseme.”Sheassuredhim

withalingeringkiss.“Wewerejuststalled.IadmitI
enjoyedtheattentionAntoniopouredon,eveninvitedit,
butonlybecauseitmademefeelappreciated.Ifelt
coveted,andwomenneedtofeelthatsometimes.Weneed
thatreassurance—oratleastIdo.KnowingthatI’mthe
onewhoturnedyouonthatmuchafewmomentsago,and
thatyoucan’tlivewithoutme,makesmefeelhappy.”

“Ifyouaskme,Antonioappreciatedyoutoomuch,”

Petegrowled.“Butifhehadn’t,Imightstillbeknocking
myheadagainstthewalltryingtofigurethisout.”

Theyheardsplashesbehindthem,andPeteturnedthem

around.

MalloryandCharlotteweregigglingastheyhalf-

swam,half-splashedover.

“Iseeyoulovebirdsarebackontrack,”Mallorysaid,

stoppingafewfeetfromthem,thensinkingbackinthe
water,kickingoutherfeetandarms.

Bothgirlsweretotallynaked,asusual.
“Thatwassomehellagoodsex,boysandgirls,”

Charlottesaid.“Iapplaudyourgangsterefforts.”

“Didyouwatchustheentiretime?”Emmaasked,her

armsstillaroundPete’sneck.

“Nah,”Charlottesaid.“Itwastoohardtoseeinthe

dark,butbythesoundsofit,yougotthegoodsmorethana
fewtimes.YoudroveCherinearlyoutofhermind.Her
boobswereheavinglikeI’veneverseenbefore.Wehad
FrankieandJaydouble-timehersoshe’dshutupalready.”

“IhavenoideawhyAntonioinvitesthem,”Mallory

said,shakingherhead.“Theyaretheepitomeoflow-
class.”

“He’samusedbyherextra-largebreasts,”Charlotte

answered,“andthefactshe’lldoanything—andImean
anything—togetherfix.I’msayingaDirtySanchezisnot
outofthequestionforher.”

“Gross!”Mallorygasped.“Everyonehastodrawa

linesomewhere.Mineiswaybeforethat.Idohavesome
morals,evenifthey’resometimeshardtofind.”

“Idon’tknowwhataDirtySanchezis,”Emma

commented.“Andfromthesoundsofit,Idon’tthinkIwant
toknow.”

“No,no,youdon’t,”Malloryagreed.“It’sdisgusting,

andifIhadtoguess,totallymade-up.Idon’tknowofone
personintheentireworldwhowouldsayokaytoanything

thathastodowithshitduringsex.AndImeanactualshit.
EvenforallofCheri’sbravado,Idon’tthinkshe’ddoit.”

“Well,ladies,”Petesaid,clearinghisthroat,“onthat

note,I’mgoingtotakemybeautifulwifehomeforthe
evening.Weplantostayholedupforawhile,ordering
roomserviceandhavinggreatsex,sodon’tbealarmed
whenyoudon’tseeus.I’msurewe’llresurface
eventually.”

PetesweptEmmaoutofthewaterwithoutlooking

back.

Sheheldontohim,kickingoutherfeetandgigglingas

hecarriedhertotheirvilla.

***

Emmastretchedoutinbed.Shewasrelaxedand

content.Itwasoneo’clockintheafternoon.It’dbeenthree
dayssincethey’dseenanyoneelseformorethanapassing
moment.They’dorderedalltheirmealsin,andotherthan
goingoutonthebeachinfrontoftheirvilla,ortakinga
fewruns,theyhadn’tventuredfartherthantheirdeck.Their
poolhadbeenamazing.Emmacouldfloatinthereallday
long,asithadshadefromafewpalmtrees.

ThepastfewdayshadbeenexactlywhatEmmahad

neededandhopedforonthistrip.Afullreconnectionof
bodyandsoul.Shefeltrejuvenated.

Thismorningshe’dgoneonanearlymorningrun.She

hadbeenoutthedoorbeforesunrise,andbythetimeshe

arrivedbacktothevilla,Petehadbeenupandreadyfor
somefun.They’dspentthebetterpartofthemorning
havingsex,andthenshe’dtakenanap.

“I’mgoingtobesospoilednow,”Emmasaid,rolling

over,bringingherhandsoverherheadtostretch.“I’mnot
goingtobeabletore-adapttonormallife.AllI’mgoingto
wantisforyoutofeedmechocolate-coveredfruitand
massagemybackforhoursatatime.”

Petestrodetowardherashetowel-driedhishair.“I’m

readytogiveyouanothertreatmentassoonasyou’reup
forit.”Hegyratedhiships,displayinghisprominent
erection.“Thisonewillmassageyouontheinside.”

“Ican’tbelievehowoftenyou’rehard,”Emmasaid

withwonderinhervoice.“What’sgottenintoyou?It’slike
you’vemorphedintoasexmachine.”

Petecrawledontothebedwithher,grinningashe

tossedthetoweltothefloor.“You’vegottenintome,oris
itI’vegottenintoyou?”Heplacedhislipsonherbare
stomach.“You’resoenticingIcan’tgetenough.”He
nippedherstomach.

Sheswattedhisshoulder.“NowIknowyou’remaking

thingsup!”Shelaughed.“Youjustlikesex.Plainand
simple.”

“Ilovesex,butsexwithyouisdrivingmeinsane.”He

movedupherbodyandtookapertnippleintohismouth.
“It’slikewhenwejustmet.Ican’tgetenough.”

“Meeither.”Shewoundherhandsintohishair,loving

thefeelandthetextureofit.Hehadthickblondhairthat

curledathisneck.It’dalwaysbeenaturn-onforher.
“Rememberwhenweholedupinyourapartmentforan
entireweek?Thatwaspurebliss.”

“Irememberthatalltoowell,”hemurmured,takingthe

othernippleinhismouthasEmmagroaned.“That’swhenI
realizedhowincrediblyflexibleyouare.”Hechuckled.
“Mydickcouldn’tgetenough.ButIknewIwasnever
goingtoletyougoafterourweektogether.Iwasalready
figuringouthowIwasgoingtopropose.”

“IknewIwasgoingtomarryyou,too.”
Peteproppedhimselfuponanelbow,gazingdownat

her,hiseyesheated.“I’msorrywestumbled,butIwantto
makesuretherestofouryearstogetherareamazinglike
this.We’lljusthavetomakesurewekeepfindingourway
backtothisfeelingandtalkingaboutitwhenthingsfeel
off.”

“Iagree—”
Theglassdoortotheirbedroomsuddenlyslidopen,

andMallory,followedbyCharlotte,tumbledin.Theywere
bothdressedinsheerbathingsuitcover-upswithnothing
onunderneath.

“Okay,kiddies,I’mofficiallyheretotellyouyourself-

appointedhibernationisover!”Malloryannouncedasshe
drapedherselfonthebed.“Theyachthasn’tbeenthesame
withoutyou,andI’mboredoutofmymind.Theyreally
needtoadvertisethisplacetosingles.”

Emmagiggledasshepulledasheetaroundherand

Pete.Shewasn’tbeingmodest,shejustwantedprivacy.“I

don’tknow,”Emmaanswered.“We’rehavingapretty
goodtimealone.Theonlythingmissingformeismyjunk
foodandaballetbarresoIcanstretchmyachingmuscles
andgetinagoodworkout.”

“Theyhaveasmallconveniencestorehere,”Mallory

said.“Theycandeliverwhateveryouwant,sansthebarre.
Butthat’sbesidethepoint!Wemissyouguys.Andit’smy
lastnight.Iflyoutwiththedawntomorrowmorning.”

Charlottehadgoneintothelivingroomandwas

tuggingachairin.Shesatbythebed,restingherfeetonthe
mattress.“Plus,tonightisthemonthlySaturdaypool
party,”Charlotteadded.“Youguyshavetocome.Wewant
tohavedinnerontheyachtfirst.Antonioisalready
arrangingit.He’shavingtherestaurantcatersome
specialtyitemsforusanddeliverthempipinghot,andthat
mangetswhathewants.Thenit’spoolpartytime.You
can’tmissit.It’sthebomb.”

“Whathappensatthepoolparty?”Peteasked,pulling

Emmaintohisarmsashereclinedagainsttheheadboard.
Shesnuggledin,lovingtheattention.

“Don’tyouguysreadthefineprint?Whatdoesn’t

happenatPoolPartySaturday?”Mallorysaid.“It’safree-
for-all,andit’smyfavoritenighttobehere.Theydon’t
schedulemanyactivities,butthisonehappensonthe
secondSaturdayofeverymonth,rainorshine.Theydoit
up.TheybringinaDJ,stringupmorelights,andhostafull
baratthepool’sedge.There’salotofdrinkingandalotof
fuckingtobehadbyall.It’sagreattime.It’soneofthe

onlytimesalmosteveryoneshowsup.”

“Andifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,Antonioistotally

repentant,”Charlottesaid.“Infact,it’sbeenawesomefor
me,sinceI’mbacktobeinghisnumberonefuckbuddy.He
reallywantsyouguystojoinustonight.Hetoldustotell
youheadmiresPete’sgumption—hisword,notmine—and
wouldhirehimathiscompanyinaheartbeat.Healsosaid
totellEmmathatshe’sbreathtakinglybeautiful,buthewill
respectbothyourwishestokeephisdickoutofit.Of
course,ifthosewishesshouldeverchange,andEmma
wantstohavesex,he’sopentothataswell,”Charlotte
chortled.“LeaveittotheCubantokeepallavenuesopen.I
havetosay,thatmanlovesthechase.Butonceyou’re
caught,itgetsstalefast,soinmyopinionyoudodgeda
bullet.”

EmmaglancedupatPetetogaugehisreaction.“It’sup

toyou,”shetoldhim.“Icangoeitherway.”

“Acatereddinnerontheyachtisahardinvitationto

passup,”Petesaid.“Andthepoolpartysoundsintriguing,
soIsaywego.”

“Youheardtheman,”Emmasaidtothegirls.“What

timeshouldwebeready?”

“We’regoingtomeetatthemarinaatseven,”Mallory

said,pullingherselfoffthebeddramatically,archingher
back,yawning,raisingherarmsaboveherhead.“We’re
goingtoheadoutnowandletyouguysgetbacktoyour
regularlyscheduledromp.Unless,ofcourse,youwant
company?”Shelookedhopeful.“Then,byallmeans,we’ll

stay.”

Emmachuckled.“We’renotreadyforcompanyyet,”

sheinformedthesupermodel.ItwashardtobelieveEmma
wasgoingtoturnthisbeautyaway.“Butwe’llkeepyou
posted.Whoknowswhatthenightwillbring?”

“Ilikethesoundofthat,”Mallorysaidasshestood

andturnedtowardthedoor.“Comeon,Char.Let’shitthe
beachbarandliquorup.Isawthecutenewguyheadin
thatdirectionalittlewhileago.”

Charlottegotupandfollowedherout.“Thatguy

wasn’taguest.Hewasanewstaffmember,andhewas
goingtohisnewpositionasbartender.”

“Whatever,”Mallorysaid,flickingherarmbehindher.

“Ifhe’ssingleandwantstofuckme,whoamItoturnhim
away?”

Charlotteshookherhead.“Youarethehorniestgirl

I’veevermet.Areyousureyou’renotaguy?”

Theycontinuedtheirbanterastheyleftthevilla.
EmmasnuggledintoPetemore,baskingincontentment.

“AreyousureyouwanttogoonAntonio’sboat?”she
asked,drawingacirclearoundhisbellybutton.“Wecan
stilldothepartyandnoteatontheboat.”

Peteshrugged.“It’sfine.He’snotabadguy,andhehas

greattasteinwomen.Ifthiswerearegularresort,I
would’velaidhimout.Butthisisaresortwherethatkind
ofbehaviorisexpected,toadegree.Icanonlyfaulthimto
apoint.Plus,it’safreedinneronayacht.I’mnotgoingto
complain.”

“Whatdoyouthinkthepoolpartywillbelike?We

shouldprobablytalkaboutourexpectationsbeforewego.”
Emmawasalittlehesitantaboutattending.Shedidn’twant
totakeastepbackwardwhenthey’dhadthreeperfectdays
together.“I’mnotsurewe’rereadytojumpbackintothe
lifestylefullforce.”

“Howaboutwedecidethattonightisgoingtobeabout

usandourpleasure,andleaveitatthat?”

“Soundsperfecttome.”

__________________________

____________

“T

hefoodhereistodiefor,”Emmaannouncedtothe

table.“Ineverwanttoleave.Whenwegetbackhome,it
willfeelhollowandcold,Iknowitwill.”Shepopped
anotherdeliciousshrimpintohermouth.Theyachtwas
anchoredfairlyclosetoshore,bobbingonsmallwaves.

Thesunwasgoingtosetverysoon.
“Theydoeverythingperfectlyrighthere,”Antonio

agreed.“I’vetriedtoinquireaboutbecomingapartner,but
theyshutmeouteverytime.There’snointerest.It’sa
family-runbusiness.Buttheyhaveallthisacreage.”He
gesturedtoshore.“Theycouldexpandandmakealotmore
money.”

“Maybeforonceit’snotaboutthemoney,”Mallory

said.“Maybetheyjustenjoylivinghere,andthat’senough.
Ithinkit’sveryAmericantowantmore,more,more.We
can’tseemtogetenoughofanything.Wewantmoremoney,
sex,power,fame,younameit.It’stiringashell.Ienvy
themforthisislandandthesimplelife.”

Charlottenoddedheragreement.
Thegirlswerealldressedcasuallyinsundresses,the

guysinlinenpantsandT-shirts.Itfeltlikeanormalnight

out,andEmmawasenjoyingitimmensely.“Itotallyagree
withMallory,”Emmacommented.“Weareasocietyof
we-can’t-possibly-get-enough,andIlovethatthisresortis
sosmall.Itfeelsintimate.Ifitwasanybigger,itwould
feellikeacommercialspot.”

“Maybeso,”Antoniosaid,“butIcantellyouthere’s

moreislandthisresortcanutilizewithouttakingawayits
integrity.Haveyouguysexploredthebeachesaroundthe
island?”HeaddressedPeteandEmmaspecifically.

“No,”Emmaansweredsheepishly,“butweplanto.

I’veonlybeenoutonafewruns,butIthinkwe’llridethe
bikestomorrow.”

“Ifyouheadtowardtheoppositeend,ontheresort

side,you’llcometothisbeautifulhorseshoebeach.They
couldbuildafewvillasoverthereforfolkswhoreally
wantedtobesecluded,likeus”—hegesturedaroundthe
table—“wholiketovacationtogether,butwouldlikeitto
beexclusive.”

Mallorysnorted.“Idoagreewiththat.I’dbookouta

privatebeachjustformeandmycrew.”

“See,that’swhatI’mtalkingabout.”Antonionodded.

“I’mgoingtoleavethemmyinfoagain,alongwitha
proposalbeforewego.Whynot?It’samissed
opportunity.”

“Whenareyouguysleaving?”EmmaaskedAntonio.

“Malloryleavestomorrow.Areyouguysstayingafull
week?”

“No,we’releavingdayaftertomorrow.We’retaking

theyachttoanotherislandbeforeweflyout,”Antonio
answered.“Youguysarewelcometojoinusifyou’dlike.”
Hesmiled.

“That’saniceoffer,”Petereplied.“Butwe’reenjoying

thevillaandtheisland.EmmaandIwilllikelystayholed
upfortherestofourvacation,onlyventuringoutwhenwe
haveto.”

Emmaadded,“Welovenotdoinganythingorhavingto

beanywhere.Thelastthreedayshavebeenheaven.I’ve
readanentirebookalready!Itwouldnormallytakeme
weekstofinishbecauseI’malwayssobusyandwornout
afteralongworkweek.Wealsohavenodesiretomeetup
withtheCherisandHarrysoftheresort.Youguysarean
exception,notthenorm.”

“Yes,”Charlotteagreed.“There’samixedbagherefor

sure.Buttherearesomenormalcouples,asyou’llsee
tonight.Theykeeptothemselves,oronlymeetupforsmall
gatherings.Thepoolpartyiswheretherealfunis.People
tendtocomeoutoftheirshells.Imean,whyspendallthe
casholaifyoucan’tindulgeonceinawhile?”

“Let’sskinny-dipasthesunsets,”Mallorysaid.

“That’smylastnight’srequesttoyouguys.Remindmeto
getyoure-mailsbeforethepartysoIcankeepyou
informedaboutFuckMeIsland.”Shelaughedasshestood,
strippingoffherdressinonemotion.Shetosseditaside
withoutacareintheworld.“Antonio,I’mholdingyouto
yourpromisethatyou’restillsendingme.”Shewaltzed
downthestairs,beckoningbacktothetablewithacurled

finger.“Comeon,youguys!Lastoneinhastomakeme
comehardtonight,nobacksies.”

Everyoneglancedaround.
“Let’sgo,”Charlottesaid,standing.“Thatgirlishot

enoughtomakemebi,I’mtellingyou.”

Emmagotupfromthetableandpeeledherdressoff,

discardingitontherailingasshefollowedeveryone
down.Petewasjustaheadofher,buthishandreached
backtoclasphers.

Shesmiled.
Thiswasgoingtobeagreatnight.

***

“Damn!”Peteexclaimedastheywalkedintothepool

area.“Idon’tevenrecognizeit.”

“Iknow,”Malloryreplied.“Itoldyoutheydoitup.”
“Itlookslikeadream,”Emmasaid.
Notonlyweremorelightsstrungfromthetrees,but

piecesoffabricwereinterlacedabovethem.Theentire
placehadbeentransformedintoanexotictentedharem.
Petecouldgetintothis.Therewasabarsetupatthefar
endofthepool,thebartendersallbare-chested.

“Let’sgetadrink,”Charlotteannounced,leadingthe

groupthatway.

Musicwasplaying.Itwasanoldrockballad.Pete

spottedtheDJontheothersideofthepool.Hewasalso
nakedfromthewaistup.Thestaffwhoworkedthepool

partymustbeacceptingofthelifestyle.Nooneseemedto
betheleastbitbothered.

Severalcoupleswereinthepoolandsomeonthe

doubleloungers.Petecouldn’tseethetwosmallerpools
pastthewaterfallbecauseoftheirangle.

Hefollowedeveryonetothebar.Whenitwashisturn

toorder,hesaid,“I’lltakeabeer,whateveryouhaveis
fine.Thanks.”

Aftereveryonehadbeenservedtheirdrinks,Mallory

motioned.“Comeoverhere.Therearesomecabanas
open.”Onthefarsideofthepool,Petespottedafewtent
structuressetup.Inside,therewereseveralcoucheswitha
longtableinthemiddle.Itwasmeanttobecozy,andit
worked.

“Thisseemslikealotofworkforjustoneparty,”Pete

commentedastheysat.“Dotheyreallydothisoncea
month?”

“Theyhavethisplacedowntoascience,soIdon’t

thinkittakesthemthatmuchtime,”Antonioanswered.
“Theydothispartymonthly,buttheyalsocaterspecial
eventsandthrowpartiesandthemegatheringsduringthe
year.I’dactuallylovetospendNewYear’shere,butit’s
bookedoutseveralyearsalready.”

Emmasatdownnexttohim.Petewasoddly

anticipatoryabouthowthenightwasgoingtoturnout.It
couldgoanumberofways,buthe’dbeenseriouswhenhe
toldEmmathathewantedittobeaboutthem.Thinkingthat
shemightchangehermindandwanttobewithsomeone

elsemadehischestfeeltightagain.Hehatedthatfeeling,
butatleastnowheunderstoodwhatitmeant.

Hecouldn’tbelieveithadtakensomanyyearsforhim

tofeelanythinglikeit,buthecouldn’tfaultEmmafor
beingtheperfectcompanion.Shehadspoiledhiminaway
hecouldnowbethankfulforandappreciate.

Shewastheonlygirlhe’deverloved.
Emmastrokedhisthigh.“Soarepeoplegoingtobe

fuckingalloverliketheydoatanorgy?”sheaskedthe
group.

“Prettymuch,”Malloryanswered.“Thepoolisthe

maindraw.NextaretheloungerswhereIfoundyoutwo
thefirstnight.Isaywemeandertothepoolafterwefinish
thesedrinks.”Sheheldhercocktailaloft.“Idon’tknow
aboutyouguys,butIplantocomeafewtimestonight.
WhoknowswhenI’llbeonthereceivingendofhuman
touchonceIgethome?IfIdon’tcomebymyownhand,
there’snotalotofcomingtobehadformeinNewYork.
It’sasadstateofaffairs.Ithinkfeelingsorryformeisin
order.”

“That’swhythedatingislandAntonioissendingyouto

willbeperfect,”Emmasaid.“I’msureyou’regoingtofind
someonethere!I’mexcitedforyou.”

“Don’tholdyourbreath.You’remuchtoolovelyto

perishinsuchaway,”Mallorysaid.“I’mnotatall
optimistic,butthat’sokay.Iplantoenjoymyselftothe
fullest,stockuponorgasms,anddrinklikeafish.That
willtidemeoveruntilthenexttimeIcomehere.Antonio,”

shecalled,“sowhenareyousendingmeonthisadventure
anyway?”

“Oh,sonowyouwantthedetails?”Hechuckled.
“Nope,notdetails.Justmerelyinterestedinthe

roundabouttimetables.”

“Ifallgoeswell,we’llbereadyforclientsatthe

beginningofnextmonth.Ihaveyoure-mail,andifyou
haven’tchangedyouraddress,we’regood.That’showmy
secretarywillgetaholdofyou.She’llbesettingitup.”

“Sure,”Mallorysaid,“whenwe’rehere,we’reall

friendsandexchangesexualfavors.Butwhenwe’rehome,
it’sallsecretariesandofficialbusiness.”

Antonioarchedalookather.“I’massumingmy

secretarywillbegoingthroughyourpublicist,correct?”

Malloryshrugged.“Well,yeah,okay,butso?It’sallso

impersonal!Irememberthedayswhenpeopletalkedon
thephoneandwererealfriends,notfakeones.”

“Chickie,”Charlottesaid.“You’rebarelytwenty-three.

I’mprettysuremostpeoplehadcellphonesandwere
connectedtotheInternetbeforeyouweresix.You
probablygrewuponlytexting.”

“Stopharshingmymellow,”Mallorycomplained.“I’m

justsadtobeleavingallyouguystomorrow.Ifyoumust
know,myreallifetotallysucks.There’snoonewho’sreal
init.Here,IfeellikeIusedtowhenIwasyounger.
Relaxedandhappy.”SheglancedatEmma.“Ifyouguys
decidetocomedownhereagain,I’llhoponaplaneand
meetyouifthere’sanopening.”Sheglancedaroundthe

group.“Infact,weshouldalldothisagainoverthesame
week.Thiswasoneofmybesttripshere.”

Charlotteshookherheadsadly.“Ilikelywon’tbeback

anytimesoon,butI’mhopingyourprivateislandtrip
worksout,becausewhenAntoniodumpsmeforadifferent
flavor,I’mmakinghimsendme.MaybewhileI’mthere,I
canfindanotherguywhocanaffordtobringmebackhere,
becauseonmysalary,it’snothappening.”

Antonioclearedhisthroat.“Youneedtostoptalking

likethat,”hetoldher.“We’redoinggreattogether.Ilike
whatwehave.Let’snotspoilit.”

“Ilikeit,too,”Charlottesaid,smilingsweetlyasshe

tookasipofherdrink.“Butlet’sfaceit,we’veknown
eachotherforyears.Iknowwhoyouare.AndIwantyou
tomakeapromiserightnowinfrontofeveryonethat,to
softentheblowofbreakingmyheart,youwillbesending
metoFuckMeIslandwhenyou’redonewithme.”

“Fine,”hesaid.“I’llsendyou,butthat’salongway

off,solet’sjustenjoytherestoftheweekontheboat,shall
we?”

“Weshall.”CharlottenudgedatoeagainstMallory’s

leg.“I’mgivingyoumye-mail.Keepmeposted.Andif
Toniobacksoutofhisoffer,you’remykeywitness.”

“I’vegotyourback,girlie,”Mallorysaidasshestood

up.“Nowlet’shavesomefun.Everyonedonewiththeir
drinks?”Sherattledheremptyglass.“Ithinkweneed
another.”

Beforeanyonecouldrespond,therewasashriek,

followedbyahigh-pitchedsqueal.“Hereyouguysare!
I’vebeenlookingalloverforyou.Nowwecanstartthis
party!”Cheristoodinfrontofthecabanatotallynaked,her
hugeboobshardandunmoving,eventhoughshe’dbeen
wavingherarmsaround.Frankie,herhusband,stoodright
behindherlikeahulkingshadow.

PeteheardEmma’ssoftgroan.Hefeltthesameway.

TheonlythingthatcouldbeworsewasifHarryshowedup
—

“Heythere,gang!”Harryexclaimed,waltzingupwith

hiswife,Jennifer,abeerinhand.Theguyhadona
Speedo,hisusualattire,whichPetewasprettysurewasa
thongintheback.Honestly,PeteandEmmamightbebetter
offgoingbacktothevillaatthispoint.“Haven’tseenyou
twoaround,butnowIknowwhy.”Harrywinkedatthem.
“Hangingoutwiththeelitecrowd,Isee.Butyouguyshave
cometotherightplace.Thisisthepoolpartyofthe
century.Itcangetprettydarnwildhere.It’smyfavorite
dayofthemonth.”

Malloryhadalreadybeenstanding.“I’mjustheading

tothepoolnow.Can’twait.Seeyoualllater!”Shewaved
asshemadeabeelineoutofthecabana,presumablytothe
barforanotherdrink.Petewishedhecouldbeamhimself
tothepooljustsohewouldn’thavetodeal.

“Aw,comeon,youguys,don’tleaveyet!”Chericried

asEmmastoodup,Peterightbehindher.“Thepartyisjust
gettingstarted.”Shejiggledherchest,herboobsmoving
onlyateensybit.

EmmarockedheremptydrinkinfrontofCheri.“We’re

justgoingtogogetarefresh,”shesaid,grabbingPete’s
handandtugginghimalong.“I’msurewe’llbebackina
jiffy.”

Petehadtoalmostruntocatchupwithhiswife.Emma

hadherhandoverhermouth,stiflinggiggles.“Backina
jiffy?”Petesaid.“Whenpigsfly.”

“Oh,my,”Emmasaid,chokingbackherlaughter.“I

would’vesaidanythingtogetoutofthere.Ifthat’swhowe
havetopartywithtonight,thisisgoingtobealongnight.I
can’tmanufacturesexinesswithjustanyone.Ithasto
happenorganically.”

“Youdon’thavetodoanymanufacturing.”Mallory

turnedfromherspotbythebarwithafreshdrinkinhand.
“Therearealotofgreatcouples.Luckyforus,theCheris
andtheHarrysherearefewandfarbetween.I’veactually
vacationedwithCheriandhergiganticknockersonlyone
othertime.HarryandJenareprettyharmless.Theykeepto
themselves.Butthere’sagreatcoupleinthesecludedpool,
whichiscalledLovers’Pool.Antoniotoldustoheadin.
Comeon,andI’llintroduceyou.”Mallorystrippedoffher
dress,drapeditovertherailingthatranaroundthe
makeshifttikibar,andsteppedintothepool.

“Weneedadrinkfirst!”Emmacalledtoherretreating

back.“Thenwe’lljoinyou.”

“Soundsgood!”Mallorytossedoverhershoulder.

__________________________

____________

hepoolwaslikeadream.Oncetheywerehanded

theirnewdrinks,Emmadisrobed,drapinghersundress
nexttoMallory’s.Insteadofbeingcompletelynaked,
EmmahadwornthescarletbikinibottomsPiperhad
purchasedforher.

“Holyfuck!”Petegasped.“Canyouwarnmeaheadof

timewhenyou’regoingtowearoneofthosethings?Andis
thataheartaboveyourass?”

Emmatwistedaroundtolook.
Sinceshewasmoreflexiblethanmost,shecould

easilyseethesmallswathofmaterialshapedlikeaheart
rightaboveherthongline.Shegaveherhusbandasmoky
look.“Yes,itis.ThesewereagiftfromPiper.I’dsaythat
womanknowssexybetterthananyone.”

“Damn.”Petescrubbedbothhandsdownhisface.

Thenheshookhishead.“HowamIsupposedtostrip
nakedwithafullerection?”Heglancedaroundthepool.
“Goingintherewithabonerisgoingtomakemelooklike
apervert.”

Emmachuckled.“Ithinkjustabouteveryguyherehas

aboner,andyou’reallowedtodowhateveryouwant.But

I’mgoinginjustlikethis,withmybikinibottomson.”She
tossedherhairoverhershoulder,knowingherhusband
waswatchingherlikealionhuntingprey,andshelovedit.

Emmatookhertimesashayingtotheedgeofthepool.
Heranklehitthewarmwater,andtherewasasoft

whistletoherleft.

“Jesus,woman,areyoutryingtokillusagain?”

Charlotte’svoicecarriedasshestrodearoundthepool.
“Thatbodyofyoursiskiller.IknowI’mabrokenrecord,
butwowza,Ineedtogetapairofthosebottoms,stat.Even
thoughmyasswon’tlookhalfaskickin’asyoursdoes.”

AntoniowasrightbehindCharlotte,andEmmacould

seethelustylookinhiseyes.Hisgazeddarteddownher
body.He’dhavesexwithherinaheartbeatifshewanted
to,therewasnoquestion.Buthenoddedpolitelytoher
andplacedhishandonthesmallofCharlotte’sback.
“We’regettingnewdrinks,”hecalled.“We’llmeetyouin
thesmallpool.”

Thepoolwaterwastheperfecttemperature.Nottoo

warmorcold.Thereweredimunderwaterlights,butthey
hardlyshedmuchlight.Emmadidn’tseeMallory,soshe
musthavegonethroughthewaterfallalready.

Severalcouplesandonefoursomewereinthemain

pool.Theyeachhadtheirownspotarespectabledistance
awayfromeachother.

Emmamadeherwaydownthemiddle,chest-deep,

towardthewaterfall.Shewasn’tsurehowshewasgoing
togetherdrinkthroughwithoutfillingitwithwater,butif

Malloryhadfoundaway,shewould,too.Sheheard
splashingbehindherandturnedasPetesurfaced,hishair
slickedback.Hisarmsgraspedheraroundthewaistashe
stood.

Heleanedin,kissingherneck.“I’mgoingtofuckyou

hardinhere.Thelightingisjustbrightenoughtosee,but
notenoughtotellwho’swhounlessyou’rerightnextto
them.Theperfectplaceformetoburymyselfinsideyou.”

Emma’shandsnakeddownunderthewater.“Iseeyou

decidedtotakeyoursuitoffafterall.”Shestrokedhis
cock.“I’mglad.”

“Hey,lovebirds,”Charlottesaid,comingupbehind

them.“Youcanstayanddoithere,butthesmallpoolis
muchcozier.Followmeifyouwanttohaveanevenbetter
time.Antonioiscomingwithourdrinks.”

Asshepassedby,PetekissedEmma,hismouthhungry.

Whenhebrokethekiss,shelickedherlips.“Let’sfollow
hertothesmallerpool,”shesaid.“I’mreadytogetthis
partystarted.”Sheloopedherarmaroundhiswaist,and
theywalkedtogether.

“Thisishowyougetyourdrinkthrough,”Charlotte

toldher.“There’sjustenoughspaceforyourarmtoslide
throughthegapbetweenthewaterandthewall,butgo
quick.”

Emmaheldherdrinktothesideassheheadedunder

thefallingstream.Alittlewatersplashedintoit,butit
wasn’tbad.Oncetheyallemergedfromunderthe
downspout,thereweretwowaystogo.Leftwastheopen

poolthey’dseenwhenthey’dfirstarrived.Rightwasthe
waytothesmallLovers’Pool,whichwascoveredonall
sidesbyvegetationsocasualonlookerscouldn’tseein.

Theywereobviouslygoingright,followingtheir

friends.

Emmaheardlaughteraheadastheyroundedthecorner

tonirvana.“Wow,”shebreathed.“Thisissolushinhere.
Asecludedoasis.”

Petewasrightbehindher,hishandsonhershoulders.

“Yeah,whyisn’teveryonebackhere?Whystayinthemain
poolwhenthislittlegemisrightbehindthewaterfall?”

Thelightingwaslowerbackhere.Thepoolhadone

mainlight,situatedlowunderthewater.Thebushes
overheadhadsometwinklinglights,buttheydidn’tshed
muchmorethanaglow.

Antoniochuckledashecameupbehindthem.“Therest

oftheguestsaren’tbackherebecauseIrentedthispool
out,”hetoldthemashewalkedby,continuingontoaledge
wherehesat.“Thispoolcomeswithitsownbartenderas
well,sowhenweneedrefills,wedon’thavetogetout.”

“Yourentedtheentirepool?”Emmaasked.
“Onlythispart.”Hemotionedinacirclewithhishand

toindicateLovers’Pool.

Anothercouplewasalreadythere.Theguywasnice-

looking,andthewomanwasperchedonhislapinthe
water.Forthefirsttime,Emmanoticedtheledgesabove
thepool,runningalongthesides,werecoveredinlong
whitecushions.

Thispoolwasdesignedforgroupfucking.
“Itwasveryniceofyoutoincludeus,”Emmatoldhim.

“Thankyou.”

Antoniosmiled.“Ofcourse.Iusuallyrentitout,soit’s

notanissue.Iactuallyinvitequiteafewpeoplebackhere
tomakeitaparty.”

“DidyouincludeCheriandFrankie?”Emmajoked.

Butincasehehad,shewantedtobewellwarned.

“No,andjustfortherecord,Cheriinvitedherselfto

thebonfire,”Antonioanswered.“Shesawmeearlierinthe
dayandaskedwhatweweredoing,soItoldher.ButI
havetoadmit,shedoesamusetheteenagerinmewho
watchedalotofadultTVwhenhewasyounger.Shehas
thatperfectpornqualitytoher.Whensheaskedifthey
couldstopby,Isaidokay.I’mnotahorribleperson,just
choosywhenIwanttobe.”

ThesoundofsplashingtoEmma’srightdrewher

attentionasshesetherdrinkdown.Sheglancedoverto
seethenewcoupleclimboutofthepoolontotheledge.
Thewomanwastotallynakedandhadbeautifultattoosall
overherback.Themanlayononeofthecushions,but
insteadofstraddlinghimlikeEmmathoughtthewoman
would,shepositionedherheadoverhiscock,takingitinto
hermouthwhileloweringherpussyontohiswaiting
tongue.Aperfectsixty-nine.

Themomentshetookhimdeep,Emma’snipples

tightened.

***

Watchingthenewcouplegoatitwithgustomade

everyoneinthepoolexceedinglyhorny,includingPete.
WhenMalloryjoinedthem,itwentpasthotandonto
explosive.Somesplashingprecededanothercouplewho
swamintothearea.

“Hey,Johnsons!”Antoniocalled.“Gladyoucould

makeit.”Heheldhisglassup.

“Wewouldn’thavemissedit,”theguyanswered.

“Onceweknewitwasyou,wewereall-in.”

“Yes,thanksfortheinvite,”thewomansaid.“Ithink

it’sbeenatleastayearsincewe’veseenyoulast.”

“Ithas,”Antoniosaid.“Imissedyoulasttime.”
PeteleanedoverEmma’sshoulder.Hewassittingon

anunderwaterbench,andshewasonhislap.“Antonio
getsaround.”

“Ithinkoncepeoplewholikeeachothermeet,”Emma

saidunderherbreath,“theymakeaconsciouseffortto
comebackatthesametime.”

“Thatmakessense,”Petesaid.“Thisresorthaslimited

clientele,sopeoplemustalwayshavetochoosethesame
weeksbecausethey’retheonesfree.Ifwecomeback,
we’llhavetokeepthatinmind.”

“Yes,”Emmaanswered,“andwe’resocomingback.

ForsurewithMallory,andIhopehernewbeau.That
wouldbeexciting.Butevenifwedon’tmeetupwith
anyone,wehavetocomeback.Iadoreithere.”

Thenewcomersdidn’twasteanytimegettingromantic.
Thewomanhadhugebreasts,andtheguyliftedherout

ofthewaterandimmediatelyspreadherlegs,dippinghis
tongueinbetweenwhilefondlinghernipples.

“Thisisonitswaytoafull-onorgy,”Petesaid.
“Ithinkyou’reright,”Emmareplied.
“Howdoyouwanttoplayit?”heasked.
“I’mnotsure.Howdoyouwantto?”
“Canyoufeelthis?”Heslidhiswifeoverhiserection.

Shestillhadhersexybikinibottomson,andjustthinking
aboutpartingthemtothesidemadehimache.

“I’vefeltthatsinceIsatdown.”Shelaughed.“Butare

wedoingthisaloneorseparate?”

“Ijustwantyou,”hesaid.“ButIdon’tmindwatching

theshow.”

“Meeither.It’ssexy.”
Thenewcouplesatabouttenfeetawayfromtheother

couplewhowerestillengrossedintheirsixty-nine.

Emmaletoutasharpbreath,andPeteturnedtosee

AntonioandCharlottejoiningthesixty-ninecouple,while
Mallorymigratedovertothenewcouple.Antonio
positionedhimselfbehindthewoman,whowasstill
gettingeatenoutbyherpartner,andrubbedhishardcock
alongherass.Charlottepositionedherselfdownbythe
guy,lyingonherstomachtohelphiswifegivesome
attentiontohishard-on.

AntoniohadthedecencythistimenottolookatPete’s

wife,eventhoughPeteknewhewasprobablydyingto.

“Oh,my,”Emmagasped.“Ithinkhe’sgoingtofuck—”
Antoniopouredsomepoolwateroverhisdickand

teasedherbackendwiththeheadofhiscock.Thewoman
stoppedsuckingherpartnerandliftedherhead,bucking
herasstowardAntonio.“Yes,”shecrooned.“YouknowI
loveitthere.”

Antoniogroanedasheslidin.
Hegrippedthesidesofherassandpushedhimself

deep.Thenheimmediatelybeganpumping,takingnice,
longstrokes.

PetehadgrabbedontoEmma’shipsandhadbeen

rubbingheralonghiserectioninthewaterwithouteven
realizingit.Hestopped,bringinghishandsuptocupher
breasts.Shefacedawayfromhim,reversecowgirl.“Are
youready?”hemurmuredintoherear.“Iwanttojointhe
party.”

“Yes,soready,”sheanswered.“Idon’tknowwhoto

watch,it’sallsostimulating.”

Thenewcouplehadshiftedfromhimgivinghispartner

histongueattheedgeofthepooltobothofthempleasuring
Mallory,whowasnowfullyhorizontal.Thewoman
suckedMalloy’sbreasts,andtheguywasabouttobury
himselfdeep,Mallory’slonglegsupintheair.

Everyonewaslosttothepassion.
“Idon’twanttotakethesebottomsoff,”Pete

whisperedtoEmma.“They’rewaytoosexy.Iwanttosee
yourscarletheart-shapedasswhilemycockisinside
you.”

“Thatsoundsgoodtome,”Emmasaid.
Petewasalreadyintheprocessofpullingherbikini

bottomstotheside.Hewantedherinthispositionfirst,
thenthey’dfigureouthowtofinish.Sheeaseduptoallow
himaccess,andheplungedafingerintoher,movingitina
slowcircle.

“Ah,”Emmacried,comingdownonhishand,

undulatingherhips.“Keepyourhandtherewhileyouenter
me.”

Hewithdrewhisfingerandfistedhiscock.Emma

archedup,andhepositionedhimselfathercore,making
sureafingerstayedonherclit.Shesliddown,herhead
back,herwethaircascadingdownoverhisshoulders.
Oncehewasin,shebegantomove,andPeterubbedherin
slowcirclesintimewithhermovements.

Infrontofthem,Malloryturned,movingontoallfours.

Themantookherfrombehind,pumpinghard.Thewoman
layunderMallory,suckinghernipples.Itseemedthe
supermodelhadfinallyfoundacouplewillingtogiveher
ultimatepleasureonherlastnighthere.Bravoforher.

Besidethem,Antoniohadpulledout,andhewas

strokinghiscockquickly,obviouslyreadytoexplode.

“Watchhimcome,Emma,”Petemurmuredinherear.

“He’sgoingtosprayitalloverherass.”

Emmatookinasharpbreath.
TheybothwatchedasAntoniopumpedhiscomeall

overthewoman’sbacksideashearchedback,notacarein
theworld.Hispleasurewaswrittenalloverhisface.

“Shedidn’tgetoff,”Emmasaidbreathlessly.“The

womanhasn’tcomeyet.You’dthinkhe’dwaitforherto
climaxfirst.”

“No,”Peteanswered,hishandsslidingtoEmma’ships

toincreasetheirpace.“Areyousurprised?Whenitboils
downtoit,AntonioisoutforAntonio.”

“You’reright,”Emmasaid.“ButIdon’tcareabout

them,Icareaboutus.Iwantitfaster.”Emmabracedafoot
againstthepoolwall,usingittopropelherselfupand
downataquickerpace.

Itwasthebestreversecowgirlthey’dhadinalong

time.

Watersplashedaroundthemastheymovedfaster.

“Emma,Iwanttofuckyououtofthepool,too.Let’s
switchitup.”

“Okay,”shepanted.
Heliftedheroffhisachingcock,andshescrambled

ontoacushion.TheywereclosetowhereMallorywas
stillgoingatitwiththemysterycouple.Malloryspotted
themandcalled,“Emma,faceme!Iwanttowatch.”

Emmaobliged,goingonallfoursinfrontofMallory,

Petebehindher.

“Oh,yeah,”Mallorysaid.“That’sfantastic!We’reso

goingtocometogether.”

Petedidn’twasteanytime.Hetookhisdickinhand

andpartedEmma’ssweetfolds,easingin,savoringthe
feelingofheroutofthewater,butdrippingwet.Itwasa
totallydifferentfeeling.Hegrippedherhips,nailinghis

cockintoherinonemotion.

Emmamoaned.
“I’mclose,”Malloryannounced.“Watchingyoutwois

likeasupersizevibratorrightonmyclit.”

Petebentover,reachingaroundtohiswife’senflamed

bud.Hecircledit,matchingtherhythmtohisthrusts.

“Yes!”Emmacalled.Shepushedherassbackintohim,

rockingitupanddown.

Thewomanwastalented,andifshewasn’tcareful,

Petewasgoingtocomefirst.“Emma,youhavetoslow
down,”hewarnedher.“Thatkindofmovementisgoingto
makemecometoofast.”

“I’llgivethataheartysecond,”Mallorysaid,almost

breathless.

Petekeptonefingeronherclit,butslidonehandupto

herbreast.Themomentherolledhernipplebetweenhis
fingers,Emmacamehard,cryingoutherrelease.

Mallorycameasecondlater,givingathroatyyell.
AsEmmaclenchedaroundhim,Petegaveintowhat

he’dbeenholdingback.Ashepumpedintoher,hegasped.

Afteritwasover,theybothneededaminutetorecover.
Aroundthem,allthecoupleswerefinishinguptheir

interludes,mostofthemcryingoutinpleasure.Hehadno
ideawhattheirnameswereandhadnointentionof
learningthem.Allhewantedtodonowwascarryhiswife
backtotheirvillaimmediatelyandtakeanice,longbath
withher,thencurlupandgotosleep.

Hewasoverotherpeople.

He’dneverthoughthe’dfeellikethisinamillion

years,butallhewantedwashiswifewithnointerference
fromanyoneelse.

“Well,thatwasagoodtimehadbyall,”Mallorysaid

assheeasedintothepool.“I’mcontent.Atleastforthe
nexttenminutes.”

Antoniosatontheotherside.Charlottehadjust

orgasmed,thankstotheothercouple.Everyoneseemed
happyandcheerful.

EmmaglancedatPeteandsmiled.“Thatwasnice,”

shesaid,turningtositontheedge.“Whatdoyouwantto
donow?”Hervoicewaslowered,soonlyhecouldhear.

“Honestly?Ijustwanttogobacktoourvilla.Iwantto

takeabathorshowerwithyou,maybesitunderthestars
onthebeach,thencurlupandgotosleep.”

“Oh,thankGod!”shewhispered,graspinghisforearm.

“That’swhatIwanttodo,too!”

“Let’sgiveourgood-byes,then,”hesuggested.“Iwant

togetoutofthispoolasfastaspossible.Theybetterhave
astellarfiltrationsystemhere.”

“Iknow,Iwasjustthinkingthat.I’mnotsureifwecan

bustoutofthevegetationornot.Doyouseeanopening?”
Sheglancedaround.

“Whywouldyoubustout?”Malloryasked,coming

over,chest-deepinthepool.“Youcangetoutattheother
smallpool,butnotthisone.Anddon’tbetoogrossedout.
Theyhavelikefivefiltrationsystems,atleasttwointhis
onepool,andmorethanadozenfresh-waterpumps.It’s

totallysafe.Thispoolwasdesignedforlotsoffucking.”

“I’msupertired.”Emmagaveaniceshowofayawn,

andPetewantedtokissherforit.“Ithinkwe’regoingto
headout.”

“Bummer!”Mallorysaid.“Thepartyisjustgetting

started.ButIgetit.Youlovebirdswantout.IfIhadaman
here,I’dduckout,too.Comeoverandgivemeahuggood-
byefirst,though.IrarelymeetanyoneIlikeandI’mgoing
tomissyou.”

Emmaeasedherselfintothewaterandembracedthe

supermodel.“Itwassonicemeetingyou,”Emmatoldher.
“I’mgoingtomissyou,too.”

“Iwilltotallye-mailyou,”Mallorysaid,huggingher

back.“Iknoweveryonesaysthatshit,butifIsayit,Imean
it.You’reasupersweetchick,andtheydon’tmakethem
likeyouanymore.Idon’tmeetmanygenuinepeopleinmy
lineofwork,sowhenIdo,Iholdonfordearlife.”They
separated.MalloryglancedupatPete,whowassittingon
theedgeofthepoolwithhislegsinthewater.“I’mgoing
toskiphuggingyou,”shetoldhim,waggingherfinger,“but
onlybecausewe’renakedandI’mkindofinlovewith
yourwife.Don’tbestrangers,youtwo.”

“Wewon’tbe,”Emmaassuredher.“Ican’twaitto

hearwhathappensontheisland.Pleasekeepmeposted.”

“Itotallywill.Itshouldbeanexperienceanywayyou

sliceit.”SheleanedoverandkissedEmmaonthecheek
rightasCharlottecameupbehindthem.

“Areyouguysleaving?”Charlotteasked.“Aw,

shucks!”

“Weare,”Emmaanswered.“Butitwasgreattomeet

youguys.Thetripwouldn’thavebeenthesamehadwe
not.”

Antoniostoodandwalkedaroundtheoutsideledgeof

thepooltowardthem.“Youtakingoff?”

“Yes,”Peteanswered.“We’recallingitanight.”
“Well,ifwedon’tseeyouguysbeforeweleave,take

care,”Antoniosaid.“Itwasfantasticmeetingyouboth.”
HestoppednexttoPeteandheldouthishand.

Petereachedovertoshakeit.“Itwasinteresting

meetingyou,man.Youtaughtmealotinaveryshort
amountoftime.Ihatetosaythis,butIthinkIoweyouat
leastabeer.”

Antoniolaughedashesteppedback.“Nah,youdon’t

owemeanything.Butholdontothatlady.She’sthereal
deal.”

“Don’tIknowit.”Peteshookhisheadashewatched

hiswifehugCharlottegood-bye.

__________________________

____________

twastheirlastnightinParadise,andEmmawantedit

tobeperfect.PetehadruntothestoreMalloryhadtold
themaboutearliertopickupsomefood,andwhilehewas
gone,Emmarushedaroundandreadiedeverything.

ShewasdressedinthesilkteddyCarolinehadgiven

herandhadsettheediblelubeonthebedsidetablewithin
easyreach.Itwasdarkoutside,andthey’dhada
wonderfullastmealatTheChaletafterthey’dwatchedthe
sunset.

Ithadbeenromanticandtotallyperfect.
Theentirevacationhadbeenadream.
They’dexploredtheisland,riddenbikes,swumat

secludebeaches,andthoroughlyreconnected.They’dgone
outtoeatandhadevenplayedunderthewaterfallagain,
butthey’dkepttothemselves.

Emmaplannedtomaketonightasmemorableasshe

possiblycould.She’dlitanumberofcandlesaroundthe
roomandnowsatinthemiddleofthebed,waitingforPete
toreturn.

Fiveminuteslater,thedoorlockpoppedopen,and

Petewalkedin,carryingasmallbag.Whenhearrivedat

thedoubledoorsthatledintothebedroom,hestoppedand
smiled.“Iwashopingtofindyoulikethis.”

“I’msureitwasn’tabigsurprise,”shereplied.“I

prettymuchmauledyoubeforeyouleft,andthenpushed
yououtthedoorsoIcouldgettheplaceready.”

“Wouldyoulikemetohand-feedyoubarbecuepotato

chipswhilewehavesex?”hejokedashepulledthechips
outofthebagandshooktheminfrontofher.“Honestly,
I’mupforwhateveryouwanttodo.Icouldbreakthem
apartandlickthemoffyourbreasts.Ithinkfoodandsexis
arealfetish.”Hegaveheracageylook.“Barbecueand
sweatturnmeon.”

Emmachortled.“No,justsetthemdown.Theycanbe

ourafter-sexsnack.Ijustneededyououtofmyhairforten
minuteswhileIchangedandgotready.Nowcomeover
heresoIcankissyou.”

Petesetthechipsandbagonthedresserandbeganto

disrobe.Hewasnakedinlessthantenseconds.“Youlook
beautifulinthatoutfit,bytheway.Ihaven’tseenthaton
youbefore.”

Sheglanceddownatherteddy.“You’regoingtohave

tothankCarolineforthisone.Shehasimpeccabletaste.
Andarealaffectionforkink.Sheboughtmethisbeautiful
teddyandgiftedmeediblelube.”Shegesturedtothe
nightstand.“Ithinkit’ssupposedtogoonacondom,but
sincewedon’thaveanyofthose,I’mthinkingwecanfind
anotheruseforit.”Shegrinnedslyly.

“Idon’tthinkthatwillbeanissueatall.”Petecame

towardheronthebed,uponhisknees.“Icancounta
dozenplacesI’dliketolickitoffyourightnow.”

“Ihaveanothersurpriseforyou,”shesaid,hervoice

dippingseductively.“I’mnotsurehowmuchthiswill
exciteyou,butI’malsocurrentlyusingCaroline’slast
gift.”

Peteraisedhiseyebrows.“Andwhatmightthatbe?”
“Analbeads.”
Heclosedhiseyesandtookadeepbreath.
Whenheopenedthem,hesaid,“Thatjustmademe

evenharder.Wehaven’tusedthoseinalongtime.”

“Iknow,”Emmasaid.“AndifIremembercorrectly,

thelasttimewetried,itwasabitofafiasco,butthatwas
manyyearsago.”

“Itwon’tbethistime”—hecamecloser,cuppingher

faceashekissedher—“becausewe’remuchsmarterthan
ouroldselves.Butit’sahugeturn-onthatyoualreadyhave
themin.It’sgoingtobelikeunwrappingapresent.”

Emmashivered.“Ifwetimeitright,itmightbethebest

dessertI’llhaveforawhile.”

“Oh,Iplantotimeitjustright,butthatalsomeansI’m

goingtomakeyoucomefirstwithmytongueandmy
fingers,andthenrightafteryourclimax,I’mgoingtoplow
mycockintoyourpussyandmilkitformore.”

Emmalickedherlips.
Shecouldfeelthepressureofthebeadsinsideheras

sheshiftedpositionsonthebed.PicturingwhatPetewas
sayingmadeherantsy.Sheactuallylikedthefeelofthe

beads.Itwasstrange,butnotunwelcome.

Petegentlylaidherbackonthebed,settlingnextto

her,hisfingersmovingtothestrapofherteddy.Heslid
onestringdownherarm,kissinghershoulder.“Youlook
beautifulinthis.”

“Thankyou,”shesaid,reachinguptostrokehisface.
“Thiswasafantastictrip,”hetoldher.“Itcouldn’t

havebeenbetter,inmyopinion,Antonioandall.Itshook
meup,butitwasworthit.”

“Iagree,”shesaid.“Wegottogethersoyoung,Ithink

it’stobeexpectedthatwe’dhaveafewgrowingpains
alongtheway.Iactuallythinkit’sgreatthatittookusthis
longtohitaroadblock.Hopefully,thenextgrowthspurt
won’thappenforalongtime.”

“Ithinkweshouldplanonanice,longvacationevery

sixmonthsorso,”hetoldher.“Thenmaybethatwaywe
canstayaheadofourissues.”

“That’sagoodidea.”Emmanodded.“Butthebest

thingwecandoisbehonestwitheachotherandourselves
everyday.”

Petegrinned.“IthinkthebestthingIcandorightnow

isrunmytongueoveryourclit.”

Emmamoaned.Peteknewhowtopushherbuttons.
Heeasedup,givingheralingeringkissonthelips,

workinghiswaydownherchest,nudgingtheteddyaway
fromabreast,andtakinganippleintohismouth.Ashe
sucked,sheranherhandsthroughhishair.Shefistedhis
locksanddirectedhimtoherotherbreast.Hewent

willingly,groaningashewrestedherothernipplefreeof
thefabric.

AsEmmamoved,shecouldfeelthebeadspressing

againsther,givingherdeliciousfrictionandstimulation.
Shesquirmedmore,panting,lovingthefeelingofher
husband’smouthonherbody.

“You’resobeautiful,”hemurmured,anglinghishead

uptokissheragainonthelips,thenhedraggedtheteddy
uptoherwaist.

“ShouldItakeitoff?”sheasked.“Doyouwantme

naked?”

“No,”hesaid,positioninghimselfbetweenherlegs,

settingathighovereachshoulder.“Ilikeseeingyour
puckeredbreaststhroughthefabric.”

Whenhistonguetouchedhercore,Emmaarchedher

back.

Herhandsfoundtheirwaydowntohisheadagain.Her

fingertipspressedintohim,urginghimon.Buthedidn’t
needanyurging.Helappedathergreedily,thetipofhis
tongueflickingoverhersensitivenubagainandagain.

Heshiftedherlegsslightly,andwithoutbreakinghis

rhythm,heenteredafingerslowlyintohersheath.She
clenchedaroundit,thebeadsshiftinginherass,causing
hertocryout.“Ah!Thisfeelssowonderfulanddifferent,”
shemoaned.“Iloveit.”

Heglancedup,grinning.“Passmethelube.”
Shegrabbeditoffthebedstandwithonearmand

handedittohim.

Themomentthecoolliquidhithersensitiveparts,she

nearlyorgasmedimmediately.

“Oh!”shecried.“That’sso—”
Histonguewasbackonher,moreintenselythistimeas

hesuckedandlickedherwithrecklessabandon,allwhile
hisfingermadelazycirclesonherG-spot.

“I’mnotgoingtolastlong,”shepanted.“Itfeelstoo

fuckinggood.”

“That’stheidea,babe,”hesaidbetweenlicks.“Iwant

youtocomehardformesoIcansinkmycockindeep.”

Hiswordsmadehernipplestighten,andshebeganto

rockherpelvisagainsthismouth.Everythingwasbeyond
fantastic.Assheundulated,thebeadsshiftedmore,andher
orgasmbegantobuildfaster.Thetinglingstarteddeepin
herthighsandwounditswayup.“I’malmostthere.”She
wiggledagainsthismouth,causinghistonguetopress
againstherharder.

Peteeasedanotherfingerinsideherandbegantothrust

theminandout.“Comeforme,”hetoldherashe
quickenedthepace.

Afterafewmorelicksfromhistalentedtongue,she

calledhisnameandeverythingaroundherdissolvedinto
blissfulsensationsassheorgasmed.

Peteeasedback,keepinghisfingersinsideher,andas

sheorgasmed,heusedhisotherhandtoslowlypullthe
beadsout,onebyone.

Aseachonecameout,Emma’sorgasmintensified,

rocketingpleasurethroughherbody,causingintense

aftershocks.“That’ssogood,”shemoaned.“Oh!”

Oncetheywereout,Petetossedthemontoatowel,

gatheredherlegs,androlledherup,spreadingherthighs
apart.“I’mnotwaitingonemoresecond.”Hepositioned
hiscockatheropening,teasingthetipupanddownagainst
herclit,makinghermoan.

“Yes,now,”shepleaded.“Please.Iwanttofeelyou

inside.”

Heseatedhimself,rockingintoher.
Sheclosedhereyes,clutchingthecoversinherhands,

buckingherhipsintohim,assheexplodedagain.

Thiswasbyfarthebestwayshecould’vehopedto

endthisvacation.

***

AsPetesankhimselfintoherwetness,hetriednotto

comeinstantlyasEmmaclenchedaroundhim,coming
again.Hewantedtolastafewpreciousmomentsandenjoy
it.Thiswastheirlastnightattheresort,andsavoringit
wasinorder.“Sowet,”hemanaged.“I’msoclose.”

Hestilledinsideherandshelockedherlegsaroundhis

hips.

Afewmomentslater,sheopenedhereyes,grinningat

him.“Tryingnottocome,huh?”shesaid.“Icanfixthat.”
Shebegantofuckhim,slidingoffandonhiscocklikea
piston.“Damn,Ilovethatyou’resobig.It’ssoeasyto
come—”Shearchedherheadbackintothecovers,her

breathhitchingandherbreastsheavingassheorgasmed
again.

Peteclosedhiseyesandgrittedhisteeth.
Itfeltsogood,buthedidn’twanttohavehisrelease

justyet.“You’reatotaltease,youknowthat?”Hestilled
herbyreachingaroundandgrippingherbareass,pinning
ittohimwithhishands.“I’mnotgoingtocomeuntilI’m
goodandready.Understood?”

Shegavealow,throatylaugh.“Maybeyoushouldget

thebarbecuechips.I’mgettinghungryafterallthese
orgasms.Wecanhaveaquicksnack,andyoucantakea
break.”

Hebentover,grabbedhiswifebythewaist,and

hauledherup.“Therewillbenobreakingandnochipsin
thisbed.Theonlythingthat’shappeninghereisfucking.”

Shecameupgracefully,stayingfullylockedonhim,

herarmswindingaroundtogriphisshoulders.Hecupped
herassinhislap,andEmmaimmediatelybegantolift
herselfupanddown.Helovedthisposition,bothofthem
sitting.Heangledhiscockuptomeether,andthemattress
begantorock.

“Ilikebeingontop,”shepurredintohisneckwhile

shearcheduponhim.“Thecontrolisdivine.”

“I’mtheoneincontrol,”heanswered,almostneeding

tobitetheinsideofhischeekbecauseitfeltsogood,“so
don’tforgetit.”Todemonstrate,hethrustuphardasshe
camedown,causinghertomoanastheirbodiesmetwitha
loudclap.

“Iforgotyouwereincharge,”shewhisperedtohim

wryly.“ProbablybecauseIcandothis.”Shearchedback,
armsoverherhead,hershouldershittingthemattress,and
begantopumpontohiscockwithherhipslikeshewas
ridingajoystick.

“Jesus!Youwin!I’mgoingtocome,”hecalled.
Heexplodedinsideher,grindingagainsther.She

pressedherpelvisintohimashecame,rubbingherclit
againsthisbody.Sheyelledassheorgasmedagain.

Whenhecamedowntoearth,hedraggedhislimpwife

backintohisarms.Hestrokedherback,murmuringinher
ear,“Thatwasaperfectwaytoendourvacation.”

“Itwaswonderful.I’msohappy.Andtired.”She

buriedherfaceinhisneck,breathinghard.

“Doyouwantthechipsnow?”Hechuckled.“Ican

feedthemtoyouCleopatrastyle.”

“Yes,please.”

__________________________

____________

“I

twasforcertainthemostamazingplaceI’veever

visited,”Emmatoldthegirls.“Thebeacheswere
spectacular,andtheaccommodationsratedmorethanfive
stars,ifthat’spossible.”Theywereallseatedarounda
tableatIke’s,agreatbarwithspecialtybeerandburgers.
Emmahadbeenbackforonlyasingleday,butshe’dbeen
dyingtofilleveryonein,andthegirlshadallwantedto
hearhowitwent.“Itfarexceededmyexpectationsgoing
in.Ifanyofyouwanttogo,we’rehappytogiveyoua
glowingreference.Buttheverybestpart?”Sheglanced
aroundatthelooksofinterest.“PeteandIarebackon
track,andI’mecstatic.Hereallymannedup.Ithinkhe
realizedfortheveryfirsttimewhatitmightbelikewithout
me,andhedidn’tlikewhathesaw.”

“That’sfantastic!”Carolinewasthefirsttoreply.“I’m

sohappyforyou,andtheresortsoundscrazybeautiful.I’m
goingtotalktoJaceaboutittonight.Iwouldlovetogo.”

“Oh,andyou’renevergoingtoguesswhowemet

there!”Emmaalmostclapped.Shecouldn’twaittotell
them.

“Who?”Piperasked,settingherarmsonthetable.

“Tellus!Yourexcitementispalpable.”

“Mallory”—Emmapausedtogiveitthefulleffect

—“Baldwin.”

“Thesupermodel?”Gilliansaid,pickingupherbeer.

“You’reshittingus.She’sunbelievablygorgeous,and
young,ifIremembercorrectly.”

“Yes,she’sonlytwenty-two—almosttwenty-three.I’m

notkidding,andwebecamefriends!Itwaslikeshewas
justoneofthegrouptheentiretime.But,honestly,whenI
gothome,IGoogledher,andallIcansayisholywow!
Thatwomancantakeakillerpicture.She’sbreathtakingin
person,butevenmoresointhephotographs.She’sfairly
down-to-earth—andalittlejaded,butthat’snotsaying
muchconsideringthebusinessshe’sin.”

“Whowasshetherewith?”Carolineasked.“Didthey

doanyswapping?Ican’tstandthatyoumether!That’sso
cool.”

Emmaleanedinasthewaitresswalkedby.“Shewas

therealoneandshevisitsallthetime.Apparently,shegot
intomodelingatareallyyoungage,andinherwords,sex
isherdrugofchoice.ButI’mnotsurehowlongshe’llbe
single.Ihavehighhopesforher.”

“Howwouldyouknowthat?Didshemeetsomeone

there?”Piperasked.“Thisissosurreal.”

“No,butthismillionairebusinessmanwemetis

sendinghertoaprivatedatingisland!Iknow,”shesaid,
respondingtoallthelooksofdisbelief,“itsoundsso
insane.Itcostsfiftythousandaweek!He’sanewpartner,

andhe’ssendingherforfreeasatestclientthefirstweek
itopens.”

Piperslappedherhandonthetable,chortling.“What?

You’regoingtohavetostartatthebeginningwiththisone,
sister.Whatmillionaire?Whatisland?Thisisbetterthan
anymovieI’veseeninages.Icannotbelieveallthis
happenedonyourtrip.”

Emmanodded.“Thereissomuchtotell!Wemetthis

richentrepreneur,Antonio,andhisgirlfriendattheairport
hereinMadison,andthentheyendedupinthevillanext
doortoours.Wegottoknowthem,andheinvitedusonhis
yachtthefirstday—”

“Ayacht!Noway!”Carolinehooted.“Wasit

fabulous?”

“Itwasridiculouslynice,”Emmatoldher.“Like,

whateveryou’reimagining,timesitbyahundred—white
couches,stainlesssteelaccents,gleamingwoodfloors.It
wastotallyamazing.Antonioinventedarocketincollege
andnowherunsacompanythatlaunchessatellitesinto
spaceorsomethinglikethat.”

“AntonioRafferty?Theaerospaceguy?”Pipersaid,

hervoiceincredulous.“Areyoutalkingaboutthe
billionairewho’sinthenewsallthetime?ThatAntonio?”

Emmaplacedahandoverherheart.“Idon’tknow,

maybe?”Sheglancedaroundthetable,herexpression
stunned.“IGoogledMallory,butIdidn’tthinktosearch
forhimbecausewenevercaughthislastname.Weknew
hewasrich,forcertainamillionaire,butIhadnoideahe

wasabillionaire!Thatmakessense,though.Hewasina
differentstratosphere,evenfromMallory,whomusthave
tonsofmoneyherself.Hecarriedhimselfwithcomplete
assuredness.”

“Ofcourseitmakessense,”Gilliansnorted.“Theguy

hasayachtandaprivateisland!”

“He’sactuallyonlypartowneroftheisland,fromhow

heexplainedit,”Emmasaidsheepishly.“Iwasn’taboutto
askhimhowrichheis,andit’snotlikehewasshouting
howmuchmoneyhehas.”Shelaughed.“Idon’twatchthe
newsthatmuch,andhisfirstnamedidn’tringanybells.
NowIfeelsilly.”

Piperswishedherhand.“It’snotabigdealatall.You

justmetandpartiedwithoneofonlyahandfulof
billionairesundertheageofthirty.Wedothatkindofstuff
allthetimearoundhere!Madisonisahotbedforattracting
thosefilthy-richtypes,”Piperjoked.“But,seriously,no
worries.Thenexttimeyoutakeatrip,I’mgivingyoua
notebookfilledwithmugshotsoftherichandfamous,
alongwiththeirnames,birthdates,andnetworth.”

Emmastartedtolaughinearnest.Shehadtocoverher

mouthtostop.

Whenshefinallyquieteddown,shesputtered,“Pete

almosttookAntoniooutbecausehewantedtohavesex
withme!AndIdon’tthinkhewantedtojustfuckme—he
actuallywantedme.Atleast,that’sthevibehegaveoff.It
wasenoughforPetetofeelthreatened,anditwasactually
thebestthingthatcould’vehappenedtous.Petehasnever

hadhisheartbrokenbeforeandhasnevergonethroughan
agonizingbreakuporloss.Thatexplainedalottome.But
hefigureditoutquickly,andfromthenonout,itwas
totallywonderful.”

“I’mgladyouandPeteworkeditout,”Pipersaid.

“Pete’sagoodguy.Hejustdidn’tknowwhathehaduntilit
could’vebeenyachtedoutfromunderhim.”Shesnorted.
“I’msurethestruttinghelpedthingsalong.”

“Ittotallydid,”Emmasaid.“Iworethewhitebikini

bottomsforthefirsttimeontheyacht,andPetenearlyleapt
outofhisskin,sothanksforthat.Infact,allofthebottoms
hadsimilareffects.Theyweresosexy.”Emmaturnedto
Caroline.“Andwehadanincrediblelastnight,thanksto
you.Thatteddypairedwiththelube,andthe…um…
beads.”Sheblushed.“Ican’teventellyou.Itwasanight
I’llneverforget.”ThenshenoddedtoGillian.“Iusedthe
harnessthenightyougaveittome,andweneedtotalk
later.Itwastotallyincredible,andI’dliketolookinto
morethingslikethatasasurpriseforPete.”

“Gladitworkedforyou,”Gilliansaid.“There’salot

ofpleasuretobehadifyoulearntolikecontrol.”

“Nokidding.”Emmatookalongdrinkofhermartini.

“ItwassomeofthemostintensepleasureI’veever
experienced.”

“I’msuperhappyforyou,too,butcanwegetbackto

thescenariowhereMalloryBaldwinfindsthemanofher
dreams?”Piperasked.“Istilldon’tgetthedatingisland.
Howdoesitwork?AndcanIjustinterjecthereandsay

thatforaverybrief,teensymomentmyblackheartwished
Iwassingleagain.Goingtoaprivateislandtofindaman
soundslikerealityTVonsteroidschasedwithlotsof
tequila.”

“Itotallyagree.Eventobeaflyonthewallinsucha

place!MallorydeemeditFuckMeIsland,andshe’snotoff
base.”Emmagiggled.“Idon’tknowalot,butIexchanged
e-mailaddresseswithherandshe’spromisedtoupdate
me.She’ssupposedtobegoingnextmonth.Fromhow
Antonioexplainedit,it’slikeTindermeetsTahitiforthe
richandfamous.Allguestsontheislandaretheretohook
upandaregivenphoneswithaTinder-likeappwithallthe
guests’infoonit.”Emmashrugged.“Everyonethereisa
potentialfuckbuddy,they’reallfilthyrich,andeveryoneis
hopingtofindthepersonoftheirdreams.I’mrootingfor
Mallorytofindwhatshe’slookingfor.Underitall,she’sa
sweetgirlanddeservestofindhappiness.Shedidn’tdish
toodeepaboutherbackground,butshementionedhermom
‘selling’herintothemodelingatayoungageandthat
must’vebeenrough.”

“Thatdoessoundsharsh,”Carolineagreed.“Ihopeshe

findsit,too.And,wow,whatanexperienceyouhad!I’m
floored.ItrulyhopeMallorykeepsyouintheloop,
becausewe’reallgoingtowanttohearhowitgoes!”

“I’msureshe’llkeepmeposted.Ialreadyhadthreee-

mailsfromherbythetimeIarrivedhome.”Emmalaughed.
“She’shopingtofindoutaboutabigendorsementdeal
verysoon.”

“That’ssocrazyincredible!”Piperexclaimed.“But

I’mnotsurprisedshefellinlovewithyou.You’reeasyto
fallfor.You’relikeifridiculouslycharmingandsuper
sweethadababyandnamedherEmma.”

“Aw,that’ssoniceofyoutosay,”Emmasaid.“Thank

you.MallorywasactuallyinstrumentalinhelpingPetesee
thelight.Ithoughttheywantedtobetogether,becausetheir
headswerealwaystogether,butwhenIfoundoutshewas
tryingtohelpus,itendearedmetoher.We’veforgeda
tightbond.”

Piperclearedherthroat.“Okay,Emmadished.”She

turnedpointedlytowardGillian.“Nowit’syourturn.We
haven’tseenyousinceEmma’stravelshower.You’veboth
beenonvacation,itseems.Canyoushareanynewswith
us?Youkindoflooklikeyou’reglowing.Isthattheinner
lightofhappinessseepingout?”

Gillianchuckled.“That’sprobablyjustmynewink

sparklinginthelighting.”ShepulleddownherT-shirtto
exposeanewtattooonhercollarbone.Itwasasmall
baseballwithredstitching.

“Bullshit,”Pipersaid.“Spillit.We’realldyingto

knowwhat’sbeengoingonwithyou.Pleasedon’tholdout
onus!”

“Wereallyaredying,”Carolineaddedhopefully.“It’s

beenafewweeks.”

Gillianarchedaneyebrowaroundthetable.“What,

likeyouguysdon’talreadyknowwhoitis!Brad
confessedheletthenameslip,andifIknowyourhusbands

likeIknowmine,youalreadyallknowwhoitis.”

Emmawassurprised.
Petehadn’tsaidaword.
SheglancedatCaroline,wholookedsheepishasshe

pickedupherglassandtookagulpofherwine.“Well,I,
forone,don’tknow,”Emmasaid.“Petehasn’tmentioned
anything.Butthenagain,hefoundmenakedintheharness,
sothatmight’vebeendistracting.Sowhat’sup?Whoisit?
Ican’tstandnotknowing!”

“Okay,”Piperadmitted.“Therestofusdoknowit’s

TylerBlackstone,butweknownothingelse!Ipromise!”

“TylerBlackstone,thebaseballplayer?”Emmagaped.
Pipergaveheralook.“YouknowTylerBlackstoneby

name,butnotAntonioRafferty?”sheteased.

“Peteplayedbaseballincollege,andit’soneofhis

biggestpassionsnexttosurfing,socoverageisalways
on,”Emmaanswered.“That’showIknowhisname.He’s
alsodrop-deadgorgeous,sowhentheydraftedhimforour
team,Iwasallears,oreyes?”Shegiggled.“ButI’m
surprisedPetedidn’tsayanythingtomeaboutit.Itmust
haveslippedhismind.”

“YouwereonabeautifulbeachintheBahamas,”Piper

saidhelpfully.“Thatwouldstripanyone’smemory.”

EmmaturnedtoGillian,whowasnexttoher.“Ifyou

guysarewithTylerBlackstone,nowonderhewantedyou
tokeepitquiet.That’shugenews,anditcouldharmhis
reputationandanyendorsementdealshemayormaynot
have.IsheaDom?”WhenGilliandidn’treadilyanswer,

Emmaprodded,“Comeon,youhavetogiveussomething!
Wepromisetokeepourlipssealed.”

“Okay,I’llslipyousomedetails,butonlybecauseI’m

takingpityonyoursouls.”Gillianstarted,“Butyouhaveto
givemethegirlfriendswear-on-your-lifepromisethis
doesn’tleavethistable.Noteventoyourhusbands,atleast
notrightnow.”

PiperwasthefirsttoraiseherhandinaGirlScout

salute,placingherotherhandoverherheart.“Isolemnly
sweartokeepmymouthshutormayIbestruckdownby
roguelightningthemomentIstepoutofthisbar.”

“I’lldoonebetter,”Carolinesaid.“Isweartothe

Almightyabove.”Sheglancedupattheceiling.“MayHe
strikemedownifIsomuchasthinkaboutwhatyoutellme
onceIleavehere.”Herfacewasintent,likeshemeantit,
eventhoughtheyallknewCarolinewouldbethinking
aboutitmorethananyofthem.

Emmanoddedalong.“AndIswearonmygoodnameI

won’tbreatheawordtoanyone,includingPete.Icankeep
asecrettothegrave.Tothisday,I’vekeptthingsquietthat
mybestfriendinkindergartenbeggedmetoneverreveal.
Truestory.”

Piperchortled,archingalookather.“Okay,well,now

you’regoingtohavetotelluswhatitwas.Whathappened
inkindergartenthatwassoearthshatteringyoukeptit
secretalltheseyears?”

Emmamimedzippingherlipswithherfingers.“Nope.

Carlahadfaithinmethen,andIwillnotdivulgeasingle

word.But,ifIremembercorrectly,ithadsomethingtodo
withherpenchantforglueanditswonderfultaste.”

“Ew!”Pipersnorted.“Okay,pointtaken.”Sheleveled

hergazebackonGillian.“We’veallsworn.Wepromise
onourgoodnameswewon’ttell.Nowletusinonwhat’s
goingon.”

Gillianleanedforward,andtheyallwentwithher,

movingdrinksoutofthewaytomakealittlesemicircle.
“Okay,firstoff,thishasbeenanincrediblefewweeks.
Thisguyisoff-the-chartshot,”shewhispered.“Wemeet
withhimandhissubonceaweek.Alwaysatthe
warehousesuite.Thesexisverycontrolled.Sofar,there’s
beennocoupleswap.It’sjustBradandme,and
occasionallyTyler’ssub,withhimcallingtheshots.He
controlsthebondage.Ican’treallyexplainit,becauseout
louditdoesn’tsoundthatsexy,butI’veneverexperienced
anythinglikeit.I’musuallyintheDommeposition,but
beinghissubhasopenedmyeyestoanentirelynewway
ofhavingsex.”Hervoicedroppedevenlower,andEmma
struggledtohear.“Butthere’sbeenasmallsnag.Hewants
toswapnow.Ithinkhe’sbeenleadinguptothisallalong,
butthere’soneproblem.”Shesatbackandpickedupher
drink,takingasip.Noonesaidaword.Aftershesetit
down,shecontinued,“Braddoesn’twantto.He’snever
hadanissuewithanythingwe’vedonebefore,buthe’s
adamant.Andfrankly,Idon’tknowwhattodo.”

Emma’seyebrowsshotup.“Youmeanhedoesn’twant

toparticipateatall?Orhedoesn’twantyoutoparticipate

withthesportsstar?”

“Both,”sheanswered.“Hewantstocallittotallyoff.

I’vetriedtoreasonwithhim,buthewon’ttalkaboutit.I
don’tknowwhattodo.Thishasneverhappenedinour
entiremarriage.He’salwaysbeenonboardwith
everything.Hewon’tgivemeasolidexplanation.”

“Sowhatareyougoingtodo?”Piperasked.“That’sa

toughone.”

“Ihaven’tmadeupmymind,”sheadmitted.“Bradtold

meifIhadtodoit,sobeit,buthewouldn’tbejoiningme.
Hedidn’tsayhe’dleaveme,buthedidn’tsayhewouldn’t
either.”Gillianlookedmiserable.“Ilovemyhusband,but
thesexwhenwe’rewithTylerissoexplosive.It’slike”—
sheshookherhead,atalossforwords—“hehasbroken
somethingopeninsidemeandletoutthistideofecstasy.I
knowitdoesn’tsoundcoherent,butthethrillIfeelislikea
dozenhighs,andIdon’tknowifIcangiveitup.”

“Wow.Intheend,you’regoingtohavetogowithyour

heartonthis,”Emmacounseledher.“Ifitwasme,I
wouldn’tbeabletodoitifPetedidn’twantto,butthat’s
justme.IknowyouandBradhaveadifferentrelationship,
andamoreopenone.Myadviceistotreadslowlyand
don’tmakearashdecision.”

“IagreewithEmma.Iwouldn’tbeabletodoiteither,”

Carolineadded.“ButI’msureeveryoneatthistableknows
that.Whenisthenextdatesetup?”

“Nextweek,”Gilliansaid,rubbinghertemple.“I’m

goingtohavetomakeupmymindbeforethen.”

“Letusknowwhatyoudecide,”Pipersaid.“We’llbe

hereforyou,andwewillsupportyou,nomatterwhat.
Thisakillerchoice.IknowyouloveBrad,butsexhas
alwaysbeenoneofthebiggestthingsinyourlife,andhe
knewthatgoingin.Unlikeallofus,youstartedwithan
openrelationship.”

“Iknow.IneverthoughtI’dfindmyselfinthisposition.

Thanks,everyone.Idon’tknowwhatI’ddowithoutyou
guys.Seriously,”Gilliansaid.“I’veneverbeenmuchofa
girlfriendgal,butnowI’mfindingmaybeitwasamistake
nottohaveinvestedtimeintothesekindsofrelationships.
I’llbesuretokeepyouguysposted.”

“We’llbehere,”Emmapromised.“Idon’tenvyyour

choice,butweknowyou’lldowhat’srightforyou,and
we’llbeheretohelpyoupickupthepieces.”

***

Thehouselookedperfect.Petewasproudofhis

efforts.Emmawasoutwithherfriends.Itwasthefirst
nighttheyhadn’tbeentogethersincerightbeforethetrip,
andhewantedhercominghometobespecial.

Peteneededhiswifetounderstandthathedidn’t

appreciateheronlyonvacation.

Thebasementwaslitwithcandles,andsoftmusic

playedinthebackground.

He’dcalledallovertowntofindaplacethatwould

dipkiwiandpineappleinchocolateforhim.Ithadn’tbeen

easy,buthe’dhadsuccess.

Emmatextedhimtwentyminutesagototellhimshe

wasonherway.

Hegrinned,thinkingaboutherexpressionwhenshe

foundhiminthebasement.Heheardthegaragedoor
rumblingasitwentup.Aminutelater,thedoorclosed,and
Emmacalled,“I’mhome!”

“I’minthebasement!”hecalledback.
Heheardherfootstepsacrossthekitchenfloorandthe

noiseofherpursebeingsetonthecounter.“I’mcoming!”
shesaid.Whenshearrivedatthebottomofthesteps,he
enjoyedherlookofcompleteanduttersurprise.“What’s
allthis?Candles,music?IsitouranniversaryandI’ve
forgotten?”Shemovedtowardhim.Shestillhadn’tnoticed
whathewore.Whenshefinallysawhim,shestopped
walkingandhermouthdroppedopen.“Isthat…areyou
wearingaharness?”

“Imightbe,”heansweredcoyly.
“Oh,my,”shesaid.Thenshenoticedthechocolate-

coveredfruitonthetableandsheletoutagasp.“Youdid
thisallforme?”

“Ofcourse,”hereplied.“Ishould’vebeendoingitall

along,butIcanonlymoveforward,notback.Iwokeup
thismorningwishingwewerestillintheBahamas,but
thenIthought,whynotjustbringalittleoftheisland
here?”

Shecameoverandfingeredthestrapsaroundhischest.

“Wow.Thesearesubstantial.Howdoesitwork?”She

steppedbacktoexaminehim.“Yourhandsandlegsaren’t
bound,youcanmovefreely.”

Hefingeredtheloopsthatwereattachedtohiswaist

andgrinned.“Yourlegsfitinhere,”hetoldher.“SoIcan
fuckyoustandingup.”

“Oh.”Hermouthwasaperfectcircle.
“Butbeforewedothat,let’shavesomechocolate-

coveredfruitandhaveaglassofchampagne.”Heledher
tothecouch.Hesat,andshesnuggledagainsthim.“Iloved
watchingyoueatthisfruiteverynight.That’swhyI
ordereditwitheverymeal,”hetoldherasheleanedover
andpickedupthetray.

Emmatookaprofferedmorselandmadeanoiseinher

throatasshetookabite.“Mm,it’sjustasgoodasonthe
island.Thankyousomuchfortakingthetimetogetitfor
me.”Sheranahanddownhischest,fingeringtheblack
leatherandthenmovingherhanddowntohishard-on.
“Thisissexyashell.Doesitlooparoundyourass?I
didn’tgettoseetheback.”

“Itloopsaroundmythighs,sobydefaultitcupsmy

ass.”Hegrinned.“There’sacockringoption,butitlooked
likeithurt,soIdidn’tattachit.Allwe’reinterestedinis
thefun,notthepain—”

Emmabentover,andashermouthcoveredhiscock,he

grittedhisteeth,archingbackonthecouch.Hersilkylips
ranupanddown,hertongueflickingthetip.Heranhis
fingersthroughherhair,cuppingthesidesofherface.
“Thatfeelssogood.YouknowIloveitwhenyougiveme

head.”

Shebobbedup.“I’msoturnedonrightnow,Idon’t

thinkI’mgoingtolastverylongoncewegetgoing.”

“Meeither.Let’sgetyounakedfirst.”Theybothstood,

andPetestrippedhiswifeofherclothes,kissingher
shouldersandneckashewent.

“SoI’mjustsupposedtoslidemylegsintheholes,and

thenwestartfucking?”Emmaasked,hervoiceheavywith
arousal.

“Yes,butafterIdothis.”Peteleanedoverandcupped

abreast,takinghersweetpeakintohismouth.

Hiscockjumped.
Emmagrabbedontohishairanddraggedhimtothe

otherone.“YouandIbothlovethesucking,”shemurmured
inhisear.“Butlet’sgettothefucking.”

Hebrokethesealonhernippleandglancedup,

grinning.Withoutgivingheranywarning,heliftedherby
herwaist.Sheimmediatelywrappedherarmsaroundhis
shouldersandplacedoneofherlegsthroughaloop.“This
wouldn’tworknearlyaswellifyouweren’tsolimber,”he
toldherashenippedherneck.

Shetuggedherotherlegthrough,andheguidedher

downtowardhiswaitingcock.

“I’msowet,”shewhispered.“Thiswassuchagreat

surprise.”

“Ilovesurprises,”hetoldher.“Wiggleyourhipsfor

meandbraceyourbodywithyourarmsonmyshoulders.”

Shedidasheasked.Sinceshewasintheharnesswith

him,hishandswerefree.Hegrabbedholdofhisdick,the
tipalreadymilky,assheedgedcloser.Oncehiscockbroke
herseal,theybothexhaled.

“Thatfeelsamazing,”Emmacroonedinhisearasshe

wiggledherhips,glovinghimallthewaytothehilt.

Heslidhishandsunderherass,grippingithardashe

spreadherwider,rockingintoher.Shemovedbacklikea
pendulum,usingherlegswrappedaroundhiswaistasan
anchor.

Heincreasedthemotion,usinghisarms,untilthey

couldhearthesoundsoftheircouplingthroughoutthe
room.

“More,”Emmawhispered.“Ineeditharderwithmore

friction.”

Petestrodetowardawall.Itwascoveredinvelvet

drapes,soitwassoftagainstEmma’sback.Onceshewas
againstit,hepoundedintoher.Herhandstightenedaround
hisshoulders.

“Isthishowyouwantit?”Hisvoicewasrough,thick

withpassion.“Mepoundinginandoutofyourpussy?”He
movedlikeapiston,eachtimejarringherharderagainst
thewall.

“Oh,yes!”shemoaned.
Petewasbreathingheavily,grippingherasstightly.

“I’mclose.Howaboutyou?”

“Almostthere,”sheanswered.
Peteangledhisfaceintoherneck,murmuringinher

ear,“ThisiswhatIwantforever.YouandIdoingthis.”

“That’swhatIwant,too,”Emmasaid,holdingonto

himtightly,herbodybeginningtoquake.

Afewmorethrusts,andshebrokeapartinhisarms,

herthighscompressinghiswaist,hersheathgrippinghis
cock.

Ashespilledintoher,hewhispered,“Iloveyou,

Emma.”

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