Coming Together

"Get that down you," Suzi said, "and tell me all about it."

Linda took a long swig of the chardonnay, and sighed. Where to begin? The trouble was she had so much going on, and none of it was really a problem, on its own. There were no real money problems to speak of. Yes, she was doing two jobs - part-time at the school, and these occasional PR events with Suzi - but that was more for her self-esteem and some pocket money; they didn't need it to keep afloat. Iain, her husband, had a well-paid job in the city as a financial software consultant for some of the bigger banks. But it did keep him away for long hours.

"I'm just... I dunno. Unfulfilled. Unsatisfied. I'm a fat frumpy mid-thirties housewife who has no real life. It wasn't supposed to be like this. I want to live a bit before I die, you know?"

"Frumpy? Fuck, Linda, you've got a great body that men drool over. I see them! Sure, you've had a couple of kids but you keep trim; and besides, having those kids is what gave you those tits and hips! Look at me, I'm a fucking flat-arsed beanpole!"

"Flat?" Linda laughed. "What the fuck are those then?" she said, gesturing to Suzi's rather generous chest.

"Ha! Richard's Christmas presents to himself. Although I admit 'the girls' do help with the PR gigs. Much as we hate it, you have to admit - sex sells. But this isn't about me, this is your night. I don't get it. You've got it all - a great job, a comfortable life, a loving family. It's all a bit first-world-problems, isn't it?"

"Maybe. It's just the combination of things, getting on top of me."

"Speaking of which," Suzi smirked, "how is Iain?"

Linda slapped her with the cocktail menu, playfully, and chucked. "Oh, same old. Men." She rolled her eyes. "Babe, I wish he'd just hug me and be there with me without trying to, you know." The last thing Linda wanted after a long, exhausting day was to be mauled by her husband. She just wanted to curl up, feel safe, and get what sleep she could before the next day rolled around. Besides, on those rare days she felt any desire at all, she was usually horny in the mornings... when Iain would have already left for work, and the boys were waking up.

"But everything's, like, okay between you?" Suzi prompted.

"I think so," Linda replied. Truth was, she wasn't sure. They were friendly enough, but they rarely talked - there just wasn't the time, what with Iain's long hours at work, the kids' clubs, visiting friends and family at the weekends. Linda knew that Iain tried hard to help around the house, but he was only around for a limited amount of time; and frankly sometime Linda could and did do a better job of it herself. And not just the housework.

"Sounds like you need a break - as a couple," Suzi said. "Get away for a spa weekend, or something."

"As if we could afford that! We don't quite live the high life like you and Richard. And besides, what about the boys? They aren't old enough to be left on their own yet."

"Can't you dump them on your parents for the weekend? Surely that's what grandparents are for." Suzi knocked back the last of her glass, and rose to go get them another bottle. "You can come to our place. We've got loads of room; we can hang round by the pool and just do a load of nothing all weekend - in grown-up company without having to be Mummy. It'll be good for you!"

"Hmmm, maybe..." Linda replied. It did sound nice, and she'd wanted to get up to Suzi's place for ages for a nose around. She'd made it sound like a castle out there on the cliffs behind the wood. They could go trekking perhaps and catch the views. And as long as they didn't talk incessantly about the kids - a tendency on date nights with Iain - maybe they could relax and reconnect, and find themselves again. Maybe get back to how they were, before everything got so stressful. "Yeah, why not. Are you sure Richard won't mind?"

Suzi smiled. "I know Richard. He'd love to see you."

///

Iain didn't resent the time alone, exactly. He realised that his wife worked so hard and bore the brunt of the work at home, he could hardly begrudge her some time out with her friends. And it gave him time on his own, once the kids were asleep, to do whatever he wanted,

The trouble was, he didn't know what that was. Which meant that he ended up scrolling endlessly through social media, looking at how much better everyone else's life was. The more he scrolled, the worse he felt. And as he scrolled, he'd start glossing over real-world stuff and start noticing the fantasy stuff. Reality TV stars in shock expose pieces. Hot young girl bands using their sex appeal to shift records. And from there, soft-core galleries were just a clickbait link away... Until he'd find himself browsing porn sites for free videos.

Iain had always had a higher sex drive than Linda, but in the last few years her interest had dropped off completely. Iain couldn't work out what he'd done. His love - his desire - for her had grown, not diminished, over the years. Did she not love him anymore? Getting rejected, night after night, was taking its toll on his psyche. Whatever happened to the teenager that gave him a blowjob in the back of the car while her parents were driving them back from the lake? The girlfriend who dragged him into the back alleys on their way home from school, wearing a short loose skirt so they could have a quick fuck against the fence before getting home before anyone noticed they were missing? The woman who'd screamed in pleasure with her hands lashed to the bedposts with cable ties he'd brought back from work? The fiancée who woke him by taking him in her mouth, then rode him slowly as dawn broke over the ocean and bathed their hotel room with warm light?

Lost in memories, eyes glazed and brain numbed from watching fake sex, release finally came - and with it guilt, and more despair. Something had to change. But how?

///

FRIDAY EVENING

The security gates closed behind them as Iain drove the convertible up the long gravel drive towards Suzi and Richard's house. More like a mansion, he thought, or a country estate. He'd known Richard was doing well for himself, a successful businessman. A little twinge of jealousy perhaps, but Iain was satisfied with what he had, and had no intention of working himself to the bone - or to have to lie, cheat and deceive others - to try to win this kind of lifestyle.

Suzi and Richard were waiting for them at the front steps. Richard appraised them as the car stopped and they stepped out. Iain, lanky and nerdy, with messed hair, jeans and a good shirt. Quality stuff, but no real fashion sense, he thought. He dismissed him as irrelevant, not a threat. But Linda - wow. Blonde bombshell, a little gone to seed but still a damn fine babe. Undeniably the same person as the hot-as-fuck college girl from Suzi's photos; an hourglass figure, and those nice wide hips meant great booty. And there was no hiding those impressive breasts, whatever she wore. Age had added a few pounds, but mostly in the right place. Get that girl a corset, he thought, and she'd be devastating.

"You did good," he said to Suzi. "We're gonna have some fun this weekend." He started down the steps to his guests. "Let me take those bags for you," he offered, "and Suzi will get you something to drink."

"He's a charmer," Iain said. A bit of a man's man, he thought - tall and well-built, broad-shouldered and snake-hipped, he probably worked out each day. Suzi looked as fetching as ever in a light summer dress. Short on the leg, with spaghetti straps and daringly low cut, it managed to float over her figure yet cling to it at the same time. Precisely the kind of thing Linda would - could - never wear.

Offering them a glass of something bubbly, Suzi gave them a tour of the reception rooms. The marbled hallway with sweeping staircase led through to a wood-panelled dining hall. Beyond that a library with a pool table, and behind that a well-equipped kitchen. Patio doors at the far side of the kitchen looked out onto decking and a pool area with a sunken spa, and then out across the acres of lawn to a pond - almost a lake - and the rise to the woodland beyond. Across on the other side of the hall was a lounge with a projected TV over a brick-lined fireplace, and three Chesterfields around an acre of white fur rug. Fresh flower bouquets were arranged in every room.

"Very nice," he thought. Certainly not ones to hide their wealth, but it was far from tasteless. And, while tidy, it was clearly lived-in. This was a home, not a hotel.

Suzi led them up the sweeping staircase to the upper floor, and showed them to the guest room. "You're probably tired after the journey. Dinner is set for eight in the dining room. I'll leave you to freshen up., there's an ensuite to the side. Use whatever you wish, and call me if you need help with anything."

Richard had placed their bags on the bed already. They unpacked - some of the wardrobes wouldn't open but there was plenty of space in the others to hang their things. The ensuite turned out to have a shower cubicle and an impressive sunken spa-bath suitable for two.

"No time for that now, honey, " Linda sad, looking at her husband's lustful gaze at the bath. "We can make use of that later."

"Sounds like a promise, I'll hold you to that." They kissed briefly, then prepared for dinner. Linda showered first as Iain knew he'd take no time at all to get ready. Sure enough, he'd soon showered, dried and donned his smart trousers and shirt while Linda was still wrapped in towels choosing outfits. Eventually she went for a black flowing skirt and - not wanting to be out-done by Suzi - a balconette-style bra and knickers set, over which she draped a matching coloured loose-knit jumper that covered everything but hid nothing. "Wow, you look..."

"Eyes up here, Tex," she admonished, chuckling. "Well, it is supposed to be a dirty weekend, isn't it? I need to make the most of not having the kids around." She gave a twirl. "Does this say 'mummy' to you?"

Iain reached for her boobs. "Mama! Mama!"

Linda laughed, slapped playfully at him, and made for the door. "If you want me to stay like this, don't give me a complex about it. Now let's go before I lose my nerve." A quick kiss, and they headed down to meet their hosts.

Richard was closing the door as they descended the stairs - Iain saw a catering van driving away - and he directed them through to the dining room. The lights were dimmed, and candelabra on the sideboards added to the atmosphere. Soft classical music played in the background. Several shiny tureens were placed on the round table. Iain took a seat, and Linda made her way to one beside. Richard pulled her chair out for her. "What a gentleman," she said, looking at Iain in gentle admonishment. But Iain was looking at Richard, who was clearly using this as an opportunity to check out his wife's ample bosom from a higher vantage point. No, Iain thought, he's no gentleman; he's a rogue playing dress-up.

Suzi entered the dining room, and both men stood. Iain made himself look at her face first. Eyes made up like an Egyptian princess, and large gold hooped earrings and her short hair swept up into a clip, emphasising a long, strong neckline. A purple corset, off the shoulders and ribbed and edged with black lace, presented rather than covered her breasts, and several strands of pearls rose and fell over her décolletage. The outfit was completed by black leather trousers that surely were just painted on, and stilettos that must have been six inches tall.

"You look beautiful, my dear," Richard said, helping her to the seat opposite Iain. She surely does, Iain thought; he'd never seen her look lovelier. The high life suited her, it seemed.

Dinner was served. A beef consommé with spring onion and noodles set the tone for a delightful meal. They talked politics, current affairs, set the world to rights. Not always of like mind, but the conversation flowed freely and without rancour. Several times Iain caught himself staring, though thankfully not drooling, at the sight opposite him. He hoped Linda hadn't noticed, but was sure that she would have. He'd not seen Suzi since the surgery. He made a point of addressing more of his conversation towards his wife. Linda was beautiful too. He loved her, unconditionally and completely. But that didn't make him blind.

Dinner over, they adjourned to the lounge. Richard handed out small glasses of port, and they laid back on the Chesterfields and watched the log fire. The music changed, a popular upbeat number came on. "Oh, I love this song," Suzi declared, "come on sister!" and dragged Linda to her feet. The women danced in the firelight, and the men looked on. Competitive to the last, and cast in their minds back to their college days, they started to see who could get the best reaction from their men. Snake-hips turned to slut-drops, and then when Suzi was twerking on Richard's lap he got to his feet, grabbed her derriere and they pirouetted around the lounge, laughing and dancing effortlessly. Linda dragged Iain reluctantly to his feet, and they swayed slightly awkwardly together. The dance turned to a jive, and Iain held his own for a little while - running her out and pulling her back, a few spins and such. He was actually starting to enjoy himself.

"Mind if I cut in," Richard asked, but before Iain could answer, Richard had swept Linda off to the other side of the room, leaving him standing rather awkwardly next to the beautiful Suzi. The dancing had left her slightly out of breath, and her chest rose and fell quite spectacularly. Iain broke his gaze to pour her a cool glass of white, which she drank two thirds of in one go.

"Our turn," she said, and grabbed Iain's hands. He let her lead, and she took him slowly and with many a stumble through a few simple steps. Iain watched Richard and Linda seamlessly transition from dance to dance, jealous of how well Richard moved and pained by how much pleasure Linda was getting from someone else. This was supposed to be his weekend, dammit! But jealousy was an old demon, and he packed it away tightly. Linda laughed, and her face lit up, and she was more beautiful and real than the woman beside him.

The music changed again, slowed to something more romantic. Richard pulled Linda close, his hand respectfully on the small of her back, their other hands clasped together, as they rocked and span. Linda blew Iain a kiss across the lounge; "I love you," she mouthed.

"Love you too," he murmured.

"Come on Romeo, don't leave a girl hanging," said Suzi, and took his hands again. Iain started to dance slowly with his wife's best friend, keeping a respectful distance between them. But Suzi was having none of it. "That's not how you need to hold me," she said, but as she stepped a little closer he stepped back. Suzi grabbed him by the arse and pulled them close together. Iain could feel the whole of her pressed against the length of him - their legs entwined, her breasts soft against his chest, and her hip pressing against his manhood. There was no way of hiding how he felt about the situation. As Suzi rocked them slowly with the music, it rubbed him against his trousers. Iain looked over at his wife, hoping she would tell him with a glance that this was okay, but she was giggling at something Richard said, not noticing her husband at all.

"No, I'm sorry, I can't," Iain said, and he sat back down and nursed his port. Suzi tried to encourage him back to his feet, but Iain would not be moved. So, she rose and went to dance with the others, leaving Iain alone with his thoughts.

///

It was the early hours of the morning before they all headed up to bed. They said their goodnights - Suzi and Richard skipping giggling off to the main bedroom; Iain leading a somewhat weary Linda back to the guest suite.

"Shall I run you a bath?" he asked, as she fell onto the bed.

"Please," she replied.

Iain stepped into the bathroom and turned on the taps. Hot water cascaded into the tub, steaming up the room. Iain looked about for some bubble bath and found it over on the counter-top and poured in a generous amount. He looked at himself in the mirror and rubbed his chin. Linda didn't like stubble, so if he was going to get lucky tonight... "Just gonna have a shave", he called back to the bedroom. If there was a reply, he didn't hear it over the noise of the water. Better get on with it, he thought, before the mirrors steamed up.

A few minutes later, smooth as a baby's behind, he stepped out to help Linda into the bath. But she was sound asleep on the bed. Iain returned to the bathroom and turned off the taps. Then he spooned onto the bed beside her and put his arms around her. He couldn't help but brush his hand over her breast, but Linda stirred and moved his hand aside.

"Sorry honey, not now, I'm just so tired. Long day at work."

"Don't worry."

"We've got all weekend. I'll make it up to you tomorrow, I promise." And she turned back over and fell back to sleep.

Iain rolled onto his back and lay in the darkness, frustrated. He'd had many nights like this - revved up through the evening, only to be disappointed when they turned in. This seemed worse though; they'd come away for the weekend, without the kids, and only had two nights alone together, and now one of those was going to pass by with no sex, just like normal.

Iain tried to rest, tried not to overthink. But his erection was stubborn, and his mind kept returning to the feeling of Suzi pressed against him. Did she know what she was doing, rubbing her hip and nearly bringing him off? She must have known. What did she want from him? He didn't want her. No, that wasn't true. He couldn't have her. He didn't want to upset his wife. Didn't want to know what would happen if he did take advantage. Didn't want to lose Linda for the sake of momentary fleeting lust and pleasure. Yes, he'd forgiven Linda for her own past indiscretions, but that was all before they were married. For better, for worse; to the exclusion of all others. Iain took his vows seriously.

///

He and Linda were in the lounge. The only light came from the fireplace, still lit even though everyone was in bed. Linda pulled the jumper over her head and threw it onto one sofa, then unclipped the bra. She giggled and pulled him towards the rug in front of the fireplace.

Iain looked down at her, naked in the firelight. He was naked, too. Linda reached for him, and he went to his knees between her legs. "Make love to me," she said. He looked at her skin - the light flesh contrasting with the white fluffy fur rug, large brown nipples and areolae, and dark hair between her legs. He was inside her, and they moved together, became one. Raised on his arms, he watched her breasts ripple in soft waves as they made love to each other. He kissed the flesh, and her nipple, and she gasped. She ran her hands softly down his back. They kissed deeply, tongues exploring, matching the rhythm of their bodies. He laid across her, felt her soft skin along his whole body. They were made for each other.

Iain saw Richard and Suzi, dancing behind the sofa. Richard was dressed in torn combats with a gun at his hip; Suzi in just a gold thong and the 6-inch stilettos. They danced face to face, so all Iain could see was his smug face and her pert backside.

"Now," Linda sighed, and then "yes... yes..."

Now Suzi was gone, but Richard was on the sofa, watching them, idly stroking his cock with an impatient air, almost as if he were waiting his turn.

"Seven!" shouted Len Goodman, implausibly sat at the other end of the Chesterfield, dressed in full black tie. Bruno was waving his arms about, saying "Wonderful darling, such passion, like a wild stallion!", but Craig "found it rather limp and disappointing, actually". The walls of the lounge had gone, replaced by the Strictly Come Dancing audience, who are mostly pointing and laughing at Iain, standing there naked on live TV.